*** VALENAL & LIRAXES LOOK & POW ***

* Valenal joins the adventure.
* Steward of Recursion Liraxes joins the adventure.

Steward of Recursion Liraxes just arrived.

Rotating chunks of blue crystal begin to appear from nowhere, growing, spinning and merging into one another until they eventually assemble into a form vaguely resembling a male humanoid.

You see Steward of Recursion Liraxes, Warden of Adaptation, a being of pure probability.
Liraxes is composed of fractal blue crystal that twists and arcs in lattices into a form vaguely resembling a male humanoid.  Impossible geometry forms in only vaguely symmetrical patterns across the body of this being, extruding into a jagged network of fragmented spines.  A translucent face approximates what one would expect of a Human, only without a clear definition; it adjusts between varying expression of approximation of emotion, appearing noticeably similar but entirely alien.
Liraxes is of indeterminate age.
He is in good shape.

He is wearing a raiment of fractal crystals.

>pow lirax
You perceive Lunar magic clinging to Liraxes.
The following magic is on Liraxes:
  Lay Ward (which should last about five roisaen)
  Elision (which should last for a while)
  Piercing Gaze (which should last for a while)
  Psychic Shield
  Artificer's Eye (which should last for a while)
  Nonchalance (which should last for a while)
  Finesse (which should last for a while)
  Last Gift of Vithwok IV (which should last for a while)
  Turmar Illumination (which should last for a while)
  Noumena (which should last for a while)
  Aura Sight (which should last for a while)
  Iridius Rod
Liraxes has no spell prepared.
Roundtime: 3 sec.

Valenal just arrived.

You see Valenal, Elemental Conduit of Elanthia, a Human.
Valenal has a round face, savant milky white eyes and a small nose.  He has cropped snow-white-streaked red-gold hair, with weathered skin and an athletic build.
He is average height for a Human.
He appears to be young.
He has a thin sparse mustache on his upper lip and a thin patchy beard.
He is in good shape.

He is wearing a deeply-hooded burlap cloak, a heavily scarred arcanist's belt, some rugged black leather boots weathered with scorch-marks, some conjured armor of raw segmented metal plates and some faded pants.

>pow valenal
In the blink of an eye, Sarugar disappears into his surroundings.
You perceive Elemental magic clinging to Valenal.
The following magic is on Valenal:
  Redeemer's Pride (which should last for a while)
  Sure Footing (which should last for a while)
  Echoes of Aether (which should last for a while)
  Aura of Tongues (which should last for a while)
  Substratum (which should last for a while)
  Y'ntrel Sechra (which should last for a while)
  Whispers of the Muse (which should last for a while)
  Swirling Winds (which should last for a while)
Valenal has no spell prepared.
Roundtime: 3 sec.

	*** LIRAXES ANSWERS QUESTIONS ***
Liraxes tonelessly says, "An interesting series of events. This does seem conducive to maintaining Balance."
Valenal glances at Liraxes.
Tirost asks Liraxes, "Please let me ask again: what events, specifically are not conducive to balance?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Tirost, "The ritual in which you have all engaged appears to be helpful toward that goal. The probability of an acceptable outcome has risen by 0.145 percent."

Aislynn quietly asks Liraxes, "Well, drat. You're not several spiderlings stacked together under those crystals, are you?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Aislynn, "There are no spiders as part of this structure."
Valenal exclaims to Liraxes, "And yet, if you look at it the right level of generality, everything here is basically a spider!"

Rileos asks Liraxes, "Any update on those calculations?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Rileos, "At present, I calculate a 67.38294736 percent chance that these mana events are not the result of intentional activities. However, there is an 86.98237236 percent chance that they are now being taken advantage of by intelligent entities."
Rejind says to Liraxes, "So it is likely that the cause wasn't malicious, but now entities are taking advantage of the situation that has arisen."
Liraxes tonelessly says to Rejind, "That appears to be likely, based on current available data."
Rileos asks Liraxes, "What are the most likely entities taking advantage of this?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Rileos, "Calculations are less precise there. At present, the highest probabilities would include the beings known as the Heralds, followed by demonic entities, other types of entities from outside of known space, and the beings known as the Immortals, in that order."

Valenal asks Liraxes, "Imagine you are an entity that solves crimes.  A crime has been committed that could only happen through super-magic, and only one entity can do super-magic.  Who would you posit is the perpetrator?"
Valenal says, "Also, discard for the moment that super magic is not a thing."
Liraxes tonelessly asks Valenal, "Does super-magic include the ability to change events which occurred in the past?"
Valenal exclaims to Liraxes, "It might!"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Valenal, "Identification of the being responsible would likely then result in the identity of the being responsible being changed, making any answer unviable."

Rileos says to Liraxes, "How would one go about opening a rift to a location out of phase with the plane but coterminous with it?  The current planar location is a known quantity."
Liraxes tonelessly says to Rileos, "That task would likely require a sorcerous pattern of some nature, the specifics of which are not part of available data."

Valenal asks Liraxes, "In a multiverse of branching possibilities, what is the minimum number of dimensions needed to represent a being that can affect all possible outcomes?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Valenal, "Processing that question."
Valenal nods in agreement.
Valenal exclaims, "Liraxes will crunch through that one in no time!"
Valenal asks himself, "Umm...good job, genius.  What do we do now?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Valenal, "Ending recursive thought process. Refining answer based on partial data."
Liraxes tonelessly says to Valenal, "All of them."

Rileos asks Liraxes, "How good are you at hypotheticals?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Rileos, "The answer depends on available data in relation to the hypothetical scenario."
Rileos asks Liraxes, "This is why this is a hypothetical.  Hypothetically, what would -you- ask?"
Liraxes tonelessly asks Rileos, "Most likely outcome, "How can we save our friends?"
Crobin asks, "If you were us Liraxes...what would you do?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Crobin, "Engage in unefficient biological processes, primarily."
Rileos asks Liraxes, "Alright then, if you were me, what would you ask you that we haven't asked you yet?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Rileos, "Your brains are chaotic systems, and outside of Liraxes's directives."

Madigan says, "Liraxes, I have two questions."
Madigan asks, "First, who do you bloody serve?"
Madigan asks, "Second, what happens if I kill you?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Madigan, "Balance. And your second question is not applicable."

Sarugar asks Liraxes, "Do you know what entities attended the Balance on this plane prior to the arrival of external influences?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Sarugar, "Exact identities unknown. There is a complicated system of homeostasis which attempts to keep things from running too far off balance."
Liraxes tonelessly says, "At present, use of allostasis, acting with intent to preserve the systems has been determined to be necessary."
You ask Liraxes, "What entity is enforcing the Allostasis?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to you, "Liraxes, with assistance from as many entities as possible."
You ask Liraxes, "Are you responsble for the cessation of magic for a brief minute or two?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to you, "No."

Rileos says to Liraxes, "When you first showed yourself to us and were asked to define balance, you showed up a lot of math.  Please show it again."
Glowing symbols appear around Liraxes again, forming into complicated systems of equations. Symbols are included that aren't part of any known mathematical system, and some of the equations appear to be written in three dimensions. Many of the numbers flicker and change over time at various speeds.
(Rileos begins furiously copying what Liraxes is displaying into his notebook, his eyes darting back and forth rapidly to keep up.)

Illiya asks Liraxes, "What happens to us and this plane if Balance is not maintained?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Illiya, "High probability of dissolution."
Valenal nods at Liraxes, obviously agreeing with his views.
Illiya asks Liraxes, "Dissolution of.. the Plane of Abiding?"

You ask Liraxes, "Query: What advice would you give us regarding what to do about representatives of the Heralds?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to you, "Unless they are actively impeding activities designed to restore Balance, their presence does not seem to be an issue."

Rileos asks Liraxes, "What was your designation prior to Liraxes?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Rileos, "Liraxes is the entity designated as Liraxes."
Rileos asks Liraxes, "Before that.  What came before you?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Rileos, "Balance."
Rileos says, "The lady in the hat said its going by Liraxes now and I can't figure out how to ask it beyond that."
Zersha asks Liraxes, "Do you remember anything from before you were Liraxes?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Zersha, "Liraxes is Liraxes."

Sammee says to Liraxes, "Are you able to share plans of this device so we may better understand it? This will do much to ease people's distrust and be rather helpful to you."
Liraxes tonelessly says to Sammee, "Providing useful schematics in a form you would be able to understand and interpret is not currently viable."

You say, "All the clues do point to the Heralds, don't they."
Liraxes tonelessly says to you, "The Heralds are the highest probability of involvement at present."



	*** LIRAXES ASKS FOR SMALL RODS & MECHANISMS TO BUILD A DEVICE ***

Urbaj asks Liraxes, "Repeating my query: have you been able to make any progress on determining which concrete steps we can take to restore balance?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Urbaj, "Yes. A great deal of data has been acquired, and enough parameters identified that steps can be taken. A first step will be to further refine the available tools to improve the accuracy of determining further steps."
Valenal says to Liraxes, "Unless there is only one being in the five dimensional probability space that fits the criteria.  In which case he would have to wear a mustache and glasses, but wouldn't fool anybody."
Eyst asks Liraxes, "What are the available tools? Do you mean yourself?"
Liraxes tonelessly says, "To that end, Liraxes can make use of materials from this plane for constructing a device more attuned to this phase. Any contribution of small rods or mechanisms made from materials from this plane will be helpful in this regard."

Melindrha offers Liraxes a huge bronze bar.
Liraxes tonelessly says to Melindrha, "A more processed form will be better suited to this task."

Ezerak offers Liraxes a large sack.
Liraxes accepts Ezerak's sack.
Ezerak asks Liraxes, "Will these work?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Ezerak, "Yes, these will be helpful."

Allye offers Liraxes an alabaster rod.
Liraxes accepts Allye's rod.
Liraxes puts his rod in his sack.

Kerennya shows Liraxes her steel mechanisms.
Kerennya asks Liraxes, "Like these?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Kerennya, "Yes, correct."

The crystal rod floating behind Liraxes implodes into a lime-hued point.

Hanryu offers Liraxes a deed for some nickel mechanisms.
Liraxes accepts Hanryu's mechanisms deed.
Liraxes puts his deed in his sack.

Kerennya offers Liraxes some steel mechanisms.
Liraxes accepts Kerennya's steel mechanisms.
Liraxes shows Sukidesu his steel mechanisms.
Liraxes puts his mechanisms in his sack.

Parkons says to Liraxes, "Please accept these mechanisms and let me know if they are more or less helpful that what you have received so far."
Parkons offers Liraxes some icesteel mechanisms.
Liraxes accepts Parkons's icesteel mechanisms.
Liraxes puts his mechanisms in his sack.

Harsh offers Liraxes a rough ebony block.
[Liraxes did not accept]

Aaiyaah asks, "Liraxes, can you tell us more about the device more attuned to this phase that we need to construct?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Aaiyaah, "Liraxes will construct the device, using materials acquired on this plane. Submission of materials will accelerate this process."
Liraxes tonelessly says, "The purpose of this device is to refine requests for additional tasks."
Liraxes tonelessly says, "An array of materials with different properties will be helpful, as well."
Aerilia asks Liraxes, "Is there somewhere these materials can be left for you, after you have departed from this space?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Aerilia, "There will be another opportunity to provide them before long."

Tirost says to Liraxes, "List all necessary materials and desired quantities."
A number of glowing symbols appear in the air around Liraxes, forming into words and eventually a long list of types of metal, stone, and wood.

Aaiyaah asks, "I want to understand more about the device you wish to construct Liraxes. What will it do exactly? Will it allow us to bring our friends back here?"
Liraxes tonelessly says, "The device is an observational instrument, allowing for more precise measurements of parameters in this plane by using local materials."
Illiya asks Liraxes, "What is your reason for observing and measuring the parameters of this plane?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Illiya, "Refinement of the process for determing the best course of actions for maintaining a timeline which results in the Balance being maintained."
Eyst asks Liraxes, "Have you already begun building this device. Is it somewhere we might visit and examine?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Eyst, "Construction has not yet begun. Material gathering is still in process."
Liraxes tonelessly says, "In addition, current calculations indicate that timelines in which the Balance is maintained will also result in a timeline in which the missing individuals are returned. Construction of the device will help improve the accuracy of achieving those outcomes."
Lexxa asks, "So where is the construction on the device being held?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Lexxa, "Wherever Liraxes is at the time of the construction."

Saragos says to Liraxes, "Do you make bargains?  Deals?  Might be willing to help you, if there were a concrete bargain in place.  Not otherwise."
Liraxes tonelessly asks Saragos, "What deal are you proposing?"
Saragos says to Liraxes, "You're asking for something - help in preparing your mechanism.  You want that, we need to know exactly what's being done, and have a clear contract.  If you could bring back our missing, whole, safe, of sound mind, I would be willing to bargain for that as well."
Liraxes tonelessly says to Saragos, "The device is a tool for assistance in the overall process of maintaining Balance. It is not strictly necessary, but will improve efficiency."
Liraxes tonelessly says, "The return of your missing people is also not necessary to the maintenance of Balance. However, current projections indicate a high probability that doing so will also result in a timeline in which they are returned."
Saragos says to Liraxes, "I don't care.  I work on getting my people back first, and then I work on solving the other problems.  That's not negotiable."
Liraxes tonelessly says, "Recalibrating response."
Valenal says, "Liraxes, update model with the understanding that human and demi-human actors attach utility to friends and relations, and therefore may be more prone to help if retrieving their loved ones is included as a success condition."
Liraxes tonelessly says, "Liraxes proposes tasks which will help to increase the probability of moving toward a timeline in which Balance is maintained, and it remains possible for life to exist on this plane. Liraxes does not have access to a specific method for retrieving your missing people, but can provide direction on achieving a timeline in which you are reunited, magic use continues, and life remains possible."
Liraxes tonelessly says, "The device is for the purposes of improving accuracy of calculations leading to the previously mentioned outcome, but does not cause it to happen."

Parkons asks Liraxes, "Are you willing to entertain it if we propose a formal contract?"
Parkons asks Liraxes, "Would you even consider being bound by a deal?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Parkons, "Attempts to maintain the Balance will proceed regardless of your involvement, but as assistance will be helpful, a contract can be considered."

Liraxes tonelessly says, "At present, sufficient materials have been provided to begin construction, though more will be required to achieve functionality and optimal performance."

Liraxes tonelessly says to Saragos, "For the purpose of the agreement you seek, recall that additional tasks will be required beyond material collection, for the purpose of achieving an outcome of Balance."
Saragos says to Liraxes, "I'm aware.  But I need specifics and a deal.  I'm not just giving you things because I like the dulcet tones of your voice."
Saragos says to Liraxes, "Something you should include in your calculations: I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get those people back.  The more help I get, the easier it is, the more likely that process goes smoothly for the Balance.  We start getting desperate, we start looking for increasingly dangerous and esoteric w."
Liraxes tonelessly says to Saragos, "Understood."

One of the mechanisms provided to Liraxes rises up into the air, and blue crystal begins forming around it. Others follow, being linked together by additional crystal growths. Even the deed that was handed over rises up, rolling up into a tube before becoming part of the construction. Some of the forming device then begins to twist in space, parts of it appearing to move through one another. Then the entire thing shudders for a moment before vanishing with a faint pop.

Liraxes tonelessly says, "Sufficient pieces have not yet been obtained for functionality, but construction has begun."
Liraxes tonelessly says, "Liraxes will return in the near future, to collect any additional materials that have been prepared, as well as to potentially review the proposed contract. By that time, even without completion of the device, first steps to improve the probability of an acceptable outcome will also be prepared."

The air around Liraxes shimmers and distorts, and its crystalline form seems to recede into the distance without actually moving.  In just a moment it has taken the appearance of a tiny dot, at which point the distortion of the air vanishes with a faint pop.

Liraxes steps into a shadow and is simply gone!



	*** VALENAL (ELEMENTAL) TALKS ABOUT SPIDERS & FOOD ***

Rileos says, "That's weird."
Valenal cheerfully exclaims, "Yes, quite strange!"
You ask Valenal, "What brings you here, friend?"
Valenal slowly says, "I am having a bit of sensory overload.  Please bear with... us."

Aislynn quietly asks Liraxes, "Well, drat. You're not several spiderlings stacked together under those crystals, are you?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Aislynn, "There are no spiders as part of this structure."
Valenal exclaims to Liraxes, "And yet, if you look at it the right level of generality, everything here is basically a spider!"
Zersha says, "I am not a spider."
Rileos says to Valenal, "That makes no sense at all."
Valenal exclaims to Zersha, "You basically are!"
Aerhys says, "I'm pretty sure I only have two legs.."
Valenal says to Aerhys, "See...has legs.  That's spider stuff."
Valenal folds his arms across his chest.

Valenal hesitantly asks Golameth, "Oh.  Um... do you have a sandwhich?"
Aislynn offers Valenal a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze.
Valenal accepts Aislynn's fish-shaped pastry.
Valenal sniffs at a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze.
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "Waffle-tsann."
Valenal says to Aislynn, "Oh!  That is very unique!  Also basically a spider."
Valenal nods to Aislynn.
Golameth offers Valenal a gooey grilled four-cheese sandwich on perfectly toasted buttery bread.
Valenal takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.
Valenal accepts Golameth's four-cheese sandwich.
Valenal beams at Golameth!
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "And also not."
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.
Valenal takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.
Valenal takes a big bite of his sandwich and oozing cheese threatens to escape from him!
Valenal takes a bite of the pastry.
Valenal exclaims to Aislynn, "I know!  This is amazing!!"
Aislynn beams at Valenal!
Aerhys asks Valenal, "D-do you know what spiders actually are?"
Valenal hesitantly asks Aerhys, "They're... sort of a thing with legs and eyes, aren't they?"
Valenal takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.
Aerhys grins at Valenal, his dimples flashing into view.
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.
Valenal takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.
Valenal takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.
Aislynn shows her flower spider to Valenal.
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.
Valenal flops down into the water with a loud *SMACK*!
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "Spider."
Valenal lays on the ground, rubbing his belly.
Illiya splashes water all over Valenal!
Valynn gazes at Valenal.
Aerhys quietly says to Valenal, "Famously eight legs and many eyes."

Rileos asks Liraxes, "What are the most likely entities taking advantage of this?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Rileos, "Calculations are less precise there. At present, the highest probabilities would include the beings known as the Heralds, followed by demonic entities, other types of entities from outside of known space, and the beings known as the Immortals, in that order."
Valenal says to Liraxes, "If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a spider.  Your math is too fancy."
Zersha says to Valenal, "I'm not sure you know what a duck is..."
Aerhys quietly says to Valenal, "Ducks only have the two legs."
Valenal triumphantly asks Zersha, "Legs and eyes, right?"
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "The number of legs and eyes is important."
Liraxes tonelessly says to Valenal, "Available references do not include any spider duck hybrids."
Zersha says to Valenal, "Yes, they both have legs and eyes, but a different amount.  Different coverings too."
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "Has a big impact on how we see and move."
Aislynn quietly says, "Please don't make spider-ducks."
Aerhys quietly says to Valenal, "It's very important the amount of eyes and legs a thing has."
Aislynn fidgets nervously.
Valenal cautiously asks, "They each have more than two?"
Aerhys shakes his head at Valenal.
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "But we have two, and they have eight. Plus, ducks have wings."
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "Which... most of us do not."

Valenal asks Liraxes, "Imagine you are an entity that solves crimes.  A crime has been committed that could only happen through super-magic, and only one entity can do super-magic.  Who would you posit is the perpetrator?"
Valenal says, "Also, discard for the moment that super magic is not a thing."
Liraxes tonelessly asks Valenal, "Does super-magic include the ability to change events which occurred in the past?"
Valenal exclaims to Liraxes, "It might!"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Valenal, "Identification of the being responsible would likely then result in the identity of the being responsible being changed, making any answer unviable."

Golameth asks Valenal, "You said something interesting last night about the Heralds needing to steal energy, could you recap it?"
Valenal hesitantly asks Golameth, "I...did?  Ahh...could you remind me?"
Golameth says to Valenal, "Someone is stealing magic like the heralds and brekaing all the rules, and you don't know who would do that, but its scary."
Valenal says to Golameth, "Oh!  That does sound scary."
Valenal flounders about in the water.

Zersha asks Valenal, "This is going to come across very rude, but what are you?"
Valenal frowns.
Zersha cocks her head at Valenal.
Valenal swims back up into a vertical position.
Valenal splashes water all over Zersha!
Zersha blinks at Valenal.
Aerhys quietly says to Zersha, "They call that a 'human', I believe."
Zersha says, "I don't think he is."
Valenal says to Zersha, "What a question!  I am clearly a human warrior mage!  I have eyes and legs."
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "You could be a spider."
Zersha says to Valenal, "A Human wouldn't need to define themselves that way."
Valenal fidgets nervously.
Valenal hesitantly asks Zersha, "Are you sure?"
Zersha says to Valenal, "Fairly, yes, I'm an Elf and I grew up knowing I was an Elf."
Valenal asks Aislynn, "Hey!!! Are...um...you have two eyes and four limbs...spider?"
Valynn quietly says to Valenal, "Your statement to Zersha does not preclude you being a shape shifter."
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "I wish! Alas, I am S'Kra."
Valenal appears to be poking himself.
Valenal quietly says to himself, "Can we shapeshift?  That would be awesome."
Aislynn quietly asks Valenal, "Can't know until you try, right?"
Sofina shows Valenal her harvester spider.
Sofina says to Valenal, "Thats a spider. Ish."
Zersha asks Valenal, "Do you not know what you are?"
Valenal says to Zersha, "That is a complicated sort of question."
Zersha says to Valenal, "It can be, but I think it's important in this instance."
Merilwen says to Valenal, "I like your boots."
Valenal beams at Merilwen!
Valenal beams at Merilwen for a moment that stretches into awkwardness.  Perhaps he isn't sure what part is the boots?

Valenal asks Liraxes, "In a multiverse of branching possibilities, what is the minimum number of dimensions needed to represent a being that can affect all possible outcomes?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Valenal, "Processing that question."
Valenal nods in agreement.
Valenal exclaims, "Liraxes will crunch through that one in no time!"
Valenal asks himself, "Umm...good job, genius.  What do we do now?"
Liraxes tonelessly says to Valenal, "Ending recursive thought process. Refining answer based on partial data."
Liraxes tonelessly says to Valenal, "All of them."

You ask Valenal, "Youv'e mentioned 5 dimensional space multiple times ... which 5 dimensions are you referring to?"
Valenal says, "Well."
Valenal says, "It's the same number of dimensions as I have fingers."
Valenal nods.
Valenal raises one hand, displaying five well-formed fingers.
Zersha says to Valenal, "You have ten fingers.  Or eight if you don't count thumbs."
Eyst asks Valenal, "Are you not counting the other hand?"
Valenal blinks at Eyst.
Valenal asks, "Oh, wow...wow.... then there might be 8 or even 10 dimensions?"
Casari says to Valenal, "Consider toes."
Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "Don't forget toes."
Valenal says, "Solving this caper is going to be complicated."
Golameth asks Valenal, "Does it have to be complicated for their enjoyment? could it be simple?"



*** VALENAL (HUMAN) REGAINS CONTROL, DISCUSSES 5TH DIMENSION ***

Valenal quietly says to Golameth, "Could you repeat a phrase to me, please?  "It has been a lovely party but someone is at the door."
Golameth says, "It has been a lovely party but someone is at the door."
Valenal suddenly sags as if in relief.  He mops a hand across his face and suddenly looks much more focused.
Valenal says to Golameth, "Thank you.  We have managed a certain amount of...ahh... call it understanding of boundaries."
Valenal dusts himself off.
Valenal says, "And that phrase signals at least some of the elementals that they need a human's intervention."
Valenal says, "I am not sure how much time I have, but I wll help as much as I may."

Aislynn politely says to Valenal, "May I touch you? It helps me to understand your current physical existance."
Valenal asks Aislynn, "Please do?"
Aislynn rests her hand on Valenal's arm with a soft smile.
Leilanie lays her hand on Valenal's arm.
Illiya lays her hand on Valenal's arm.
An almost visible connection between Aislynn and Valenal seems to thrum through the air.

Aislynn quietly asks Valenal, "You mentioned five dimensions. And didn't want to explain. Can you now?"
Valenal asks, "Yes.  Five dimensions.  Three spatial dimensions.  Length, width, heighth, if you like.  One temporal dimension.  So far, so good?"
Valenal says, "But the universe is not a single world-line, advancing into the future."
Valenal says, "There are multiple branching timelines that must be represented in a fifth dimension."
Valenal says, "A being able to move along the timelines would need to exist in five dimensions."

You ask Valenal, "So it's possible our friends are in an alternate time line?"
Valenal ponders.
Valenal cautiously says, "There is probably a set of your friends trapped in another timeline, yes."

Aislynn quietly asks Valenal, "Ahh. So while time is a discrete dimension, multiple timelines are a seperate dimension altogether? And it's possible to... move across them?"
Valenal says to Aislynn, "You are moving among the timelines every moment, if you think about it.  You just mostly do it in one direction at a time."
You ask Valenal, "Do you think the Heralds are capable of moving along this 5th dimension? Or would it be another entity?"
Valenal ponders.
Valenal says to you, "The Heralds are the only entities I can think of who would have such power."
Golameth asks Valenal, "Could Liraxes help you figure out another one, a scary one thats breaks the rules?"
Valenal says to Golameth, "It is possible."

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.
Valenal stands near Golameth.
Heat briefly radiates from Valenal.

You ask Valenal, "If Heralds can move along 5 dimensions ... surely they would analyze all possible outcomes and choose the best one for themselves. Is that right?"
Valenal says to you, "I would think so.  I am hardly an expert, of course."
Valenal says, "They would attempt to manipulate the set of probable timepaths to limit them to just the most advantageous ones, I would think."
You ask Valenal, "The current timepath being them stealing as much energy as possible, huh?"
Valenal nods to you.
Valenal says, "As much as they think they need, perhaps."

Aislynn quietly says to Valenal, "I... You're interesting. We should talk more. Here, have more waffle-tsann. I need to go."
Aislynn offers Valenal a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze.
Valenal accepts Aislynn's fish-shaped pastry.

You ask Valenal, "What could a Herald possibly fear?"
Valenal says to you, "That is an excellent question.  I would suggest you attempt to contact one of the Immortals."

You say, "But Liraxes believes the Heralds didn't intentionally engineer this outcome, but took advantage of it."
Valenal ponders.
Valenal says to you, "I could not call him wrong.  I believe they would not desire the specific set of outcomes we are experiencing right now.  But their options may have been limited."

Valenal takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.
Valenal says to Golameth, "This really is good pastry.  I am so glad you lot always seem to have something around to eat."
Golameth beams at Valenal!
Golameth says to Valenal, "We try to have good snacks on hand so no one gets hangry."
Valenal takes a bite of the pastry.
Valenal takes a bite of the pastry.
Valenal takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.
Malorna offers Valenal a slice of chocolate cake.
Valenal accepts Malorna's chocolate cake.
Valenal beams at Malorna!
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.

You ask Valenal, "By the way ... the elementals that you serve as a conduit for ... is it for all 6 elemental planes?"
Valenal says to you, "Yes."

Eyst asks Valenal, "Are you here for the same reason Liraxes is? To preserve this concept of balance?"
Valenal thoughtfully says to Eyst, "In my line of work, questions about motivation and understanding are...ahh...understandably complex.  I imagine Liraxes and I would differ in our perception of the end we're working toward, but I suspect it is the same."
Valenal says, "We both desire that the system be returned to energetic balance, and that the dangerous destabalization being provoked by the theft of energy be ended."
Eyst asks Valenal, "I see. And what way are you working towards this? I don't suppose you're looking for some rods and mechanisms of your own, are you?"
Valenal quietly says to Eyst, "I am first and foremost an interpreter for beings that, unfortunately, have very little frame of reference in common for understanding the Plane of Abiding."
Valenal says to Eyst, "I have, thus far, mostly spoken to you adventurers and eaten food, while trying to describe for my hosts what is going wrong."
Valenal slowly empties his lungs.
Valenal quietly says to Eyst, "But I believe I have formulated a possible way forward."

Eyst says to Valenal, "I see. If your err... people had a government I believe we might call you their ambassador."
Valenal says to Eyst, "That is incorrect in almost every way, but...also the most correct thing I've heard so far.  It sounds better than "interface", so I'll take it."

Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Valenal says to Malorna, "That was very good."
Valenal wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
Valenal glances at Golameth.
Valenal glances at Eyst.
Valenal glances at Illiya.

Aerilia quietly asks Valenal, "Are your elemental remora assisting you in any way, or would you be able to.. perform better as your former self?"
Valenal ponders.
Valenal says to Aerilia, "They do help, in their way.  They are not...malicious.  Just curious.  And they know nothing of the Plane of Abiding or how it works."
Aerilia says to Valenal, "Provided they aren't murdering people to experience new things, eh?  Well, good luck keeping it all in order."
Valenal sighs.
Valenal says to Aerilia, "They can be dangerous, yes.  They don't UNDERSTAND things like death."

Elizzibiana gestures.
Elizzibiana's red glass flame shudders and sways as if buffeted by an invisible wind.
An instant rush of black and blue fire explodes into being, consuming Elizzibiana's right hand and turning it into ash!
Valenal says, "Well done on her...tell her keep up the good work."

	*** VALENAL ON HERALD MOTIVATIONS ***

Madigan asks Valenal, "Liraxes here wants to build a device. What do the five voices in your head want to do?"
Valenal says to Madigan, "After some consideration, we suggest you go looking for the enemy of your enemy.  Whoever is doing this is DESPERATE, and we know that because too much more and they are going to destroy everything that is here."
Illiya asks Valenal, "That's what you said yesterday, but how do we determine who the enemy of our enemy is when we don't even know who our enemy is yet?"
Valenal says, "I would not suggest it without a course of action.  I believe you should start by contacting the Immortals, one by one."
Valenal says, "They are inscrutible beings but, on a cosmic scale, closer to us than the Heralds or whatever is stealing energy from the Plane of Abiding."
Valenal says, "And if there is a conflict playing out, they may be "closer" in a way that is useful.  They may even be involved."
Valenal says, "There are not many beings who compete on a relevant stage, if that makes sense."

Valenal asks Madigan, "Does that suit you, sir?"
Madigan says to Valenal, "No one here bloody understands a word you are saying. You need that fire element in you to light a fire to your efforts if you are trying to get a point across."
Valenal takes a bite of the pastry.
Valenal ponders.
Valenal says, "I'll try with smaller words."
Valenal says, "Go talk to the big swinging metaphysical dongles of this Plane and ask them if there is a big fight on, and with who."
Madigan says, "You know. I have been itching for a fight all night."
Madigan draws forth a massive agonite-bladed zweihander balanced by a silver dragon-shaped hilt.
Madigan asks, "What are you even bloody saying?"
Madigan gazes at Valenal.
Valenal rubs his head.
Casari says to Madigan, "He's saying talk to the gods and ask who the enemy is."
Valenal says to Casari, "Yes, that, thank you."
Madigan asks, "What is a dongle?"
Crobin says, "I think like a switch Madigan."
Valenal says to Madigan, " To whome are you closest?  I would address Firulf, were it me."
Madigan asks, "So, go talk to an immortal?"
Valenal nods.
Madigan puts his zweihander in his silverweave tote.
Madigan sheathes his massive zweihander.
Madigan says, "Alright. Thank you."
Madigan snaps to attention and hails Valenal with a crisp hand salute.

Saragos says to Valenal, "Funny story - we did.  Message got burned away by probable Sorcery."
Valenal ponders.
Valenal says to Saragos, "Can you tell me that story?  I have not heard it."
Valenal takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.
Saragos says, "]valenal I wrote a letter for...  some big swinging dongle.  I got a response, send magically.  That response was disrupted partially through by a no-color flash of light, same as we saw when our people were kidnapped."
Valenal says to Saragos, "Well.  Well well well..."
Valenal gazes at Saragos.
Valenal says to Saragos, "I would say, then, that you were probably on the right track."
Valenal says, "If whoever is responsible decided ot interrupt your communications."
Saragos says to Valenal, "You're making sense to me.  I think that means I need to reassess my theories."
Valenal nods to Saragos.

Valenal asks, "What were your friends doing, before they were taken?"
Valenal says, "Perhaps the motive for taking them was similar."
Casari says, "Trying to learn the truth."
Valenal gazes thoughtfully at Casari.
Illiya says to Valenal, "We were researching wild magic."
Valenal says to Casari, "Perhaps they found something."
You say, "A sorcerous fissure by Mazrian I believe was the main thing ... and that Asildu recommended harshly against."
You ask, "It was a ... Plane of Metal fissure or something?"
Valenal says to you, "He should not have done that."
Valenal frowns.
You ask Valenal, "Why's that?"
Valenal says, "Because it is dangeorus, and a practice our guild does not tolerate."
Valenal sighs.
Saragos laughs at Valenal.
Saragos says to Valenal, "Quite a statement, coming from Mr. Sorcery All The Time."
You say to Valenal, "But I thought you were for sorcery."
Valenal says to Saragos, "I am aware of the irony."
You ask Valenal, "What makes a Plane of Metal fissure so dangerous?"
Valenal says to you, "That would take longer than I can tarry to explain.  And in context... perhaps it is a foolish thing to quibble over."

Illiya asks Valenal, "How does it relate to their disappearance and everything that's happening?"
Valenal says to Illiya, "I am not sure exactly what your friends were doing to get them taken.  But if you find out, you will probably identify your perpetrators."
Illiya says to Valenal, "All we know is we were all researching wild magic together and Mazrian summoned a metal domain."

Valenal says to Illiya, "Did they say anything, prior, about who they were investigating."
Illiya says, "Wait, maybe.."
Illiya says, "Mazrian was talking about the Heralds before they were taken."
You say, "He said "Who else? THe Heralds."
Valenal says to Illiya, "Perhaps that is a clue?  No need to silence anyone if they're not on to something."

You say, "All the clues do point to the Heralds, don't they."
Illiya says, "True.. and the Lord of the Void who Saragos wrote to, something happened to him when he was responding about the Heralds."
Casari says, "Ayrell had been talking about the Heralds, too."
Liraxes tonelessly says to you, "The Heralds are the highest probability of involvement at present."

Valenal thoughtfully says, "Perhaps the most straight forward way to free them would be to discover what they were on about and publicize it."
Valenal says, "On the theory that holding them to conceal that information would then be unnecessary."
Valenal says, "And that holding them is more effort than not doing it."
You say, "So if we all become like the 5 of them ... there's no point in holding the 5 of them anymore."
Valenal nods to you.
Sammee sarcastically says, "Yes, let's all just go live in the Null Prison, problem solved."

Saragos says to Valenal, "Alternatively, they were scooped up by the Heralds incidentally, because they can't understand our ways.  They were trying to do something to figure things out, it looked too much like Sorcery to the Heralds, so they put them in Time Out."

You say, "Hopefully ... they do not possess the energy to imprison all of us."
You say, "After all, transporting us to the 5th dimension is likely ... extremely difficult."
Illiya says, "I don't think that the Heralds are vindictive in that way, they could just kill us all whenever they wanted."
Illiya says, "So maybe the fact that they haven't means they need us for something."
You say, "Indeed, why didn't they just kill the 5."
Casari says to Illiya, "People assume they can just do that, you mean."
Illiya asks Casari, "Haven't they done so before to the Sraan Mehath?"
Ezerak says to Illiya, "Perhaps they are usually not, but Asildu mentioned that he could feel their anger, and left the last meeting with him for the safety of everyone."
Valenal asks, "Technically, the Sraan Mehath did it to themselves, did they not?"

Illiya says to Valenal, "So our friends were taken because they were on the route to discovering something that the Heralds did not want to be known. But we don't know what that is yet."
Valenal says, "That seems a likely conclusion, yes."
Valenal nods to Illiya.

Saragos says to Ezerak, "I know how you, and your wife...  and mine feel about certain things.  But I'm getting them back.  It's just a matter of what we have to do.  And I want to remind you that even if we find a way to get them back, we need to make sure they STAY back.  We need a threat, leverage, or a wound against their captors that prevents them from just coming back for more."
Valenal softly says to Saragos, "I, too, have lost much in a long career.  I am sorry for what you are going through."
Saragos says to Valenal, "I'm glad you sympathize.  If, at any point, you think you might have some tools in your toolbag that might make some extraplanar being that took them sit up and take notice...  I'm listening."

Illiya says, "I shall continue to publish our findings in the Herald and perhaps that will help spread the word."
Illiya asks Valenal, "Would you like to make a comment for the Herald? Is there something that you would like Elanthians to know?"
Valenal exclaims to Illiya, "Oh my would I!"
Illiya nods to Valenal.

Valenal says to himself, "Don't you start, now..."
Valenal says to himself, "But you've been at this forEVER."
Valenal slowly empties his lungs.
Valenal quietly says, "I don't suppose anyone has a sausage roll...or similar..."
Malorna offers Valenal a slice of chocolate cake.
Valenal accepts Malorna's chocolate cake.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Dasheek offers Valenal a grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno stuffed with cream cheese and duck.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Valenal takes a bite of the cake.
Malorna offers Valenal a ham and cheese sandwich on dark rye bread.
Valenal accepts Malorna's ham sandwich.
Valenal nods to Malorna.
Golameth offers Valenal a deep-fried boar sausage coated in thick ale batter laced with crispy potato cubes.
Valenal accepts Golameth's boar sausage.
Valenal beams at Golameth!
Valenal says, "Much obliged."
Valenal takes a bite of the sausage.
Valenal takes a bite of the sausage.
Valenal takes a bite of the sausage.
Valenal takes a bite of the sausage.
Valenal takes a bite of the sausage.
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.
Valenal talks through a full mouth, some crumbs falling to the ground "Ok, that ought to hold them..."
Valenal takes a bite of the sausage.
Valenal takes a bite of the sandwich.



	*** VALENAL’S IDEA ON TALKING TO IMMORTALS ***

Valenal mildly asks, "Actually, I have an idea.  You sent a message and received a reply that was intercepted, did you not?"
Illiya says to Valenal, "Saragos did yes.."
Saragos says to Valenal, "That's right."
Valenal says to Saragos, "I am an expert in planar communications.  If you are willing to make the attempt, I could aid you in punching through."
Saragos asks Valenal, "Punching through to our lost?  Or to the Lord of the Void?"
Valenal says to Saragos, "I do not know who I could reach, but an attempt could be made.  I believe the most profitable contact would be one of the Immortals."
Illiya exclaims, "A letter to the immortals!"
Valenal nods to Illiya.
You say to Valenal, "You can  ... communicate with the Immortals? Why didn't you say so from the beginning."
Valenal says to you, "Communicate is a strong word.  But I could aid us in yelling very loudly."
Illiya says, "Nothing to lose, we should try it."
Valenal nods to Illiya.
Saragos says to Valenal, "If you're leaving, I'll prepare a letter and send it to your mailbox, if you're willing to make the attempt."
Valenal nods to Saragos.
Valenal says, "I am willing."

Valenal says, "If you would excuse me.  I need to go, and I quote, "jump off a waterfall."
Valenal sighs.
Ezerak asks Valenal, "Good luck?"
Valenal says to Ezerak, "They like their extreme experiences."
Valenal rubs his head.

Valenal flounders about in the water.
Valenal waves.
Valenal swims south, moving through the still water.