Moon Mage Meeting

Miskton says, "Thank you all for coming. There's clearly been a great deal of activity in the Web of Fate of late, and it's having a more direct impact than we're used to."

Navesi nods in agreement.
>
Marcul nods to Navesi.

[Moon Mage Guild, Aviary]
Rare and exotic plants and trees stretch up from the soft loam of the aviary, nesting-places for tropical birds imported to the guild from many lands.  They soar from tree to tree and wheel through the air beneath the crystal skylights above, their bodies hued in every color of the rainbow.  You also see a grumpy Shadow Servant and a pool of black shadows.
Also here: Zoluren's Herald Navesi, High Priestess Khaelyn who is emanating a bright holy aura, Observer Savahri, Giosaffat, Hunter Hssanh, Perune, Flayra, Fate's Fury Arimane, Sea Priestess Whiteburn who is emanating a malevolent holy aura, Troupe Cast Member Vetair who is sitting, Lightwielder Marcul and Visionist Miskton.
Obvious exits: north, east, south, west.

Fenasta Sveton Aliselyn just arrived.

Aliselyn nods to Navesi.

Aliselyn nods to Perune.

Aliselyn nods to Marcul.

Miskton says, "With all of that going on, some of the recent visions have become fairly clear... It would seem a number of them were warnings about the arrival of the zenzics and starcrashers. That being the case, I'll review the visions that seemed to be directly related to them, first."

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Whiteburn gazes at Miskton.

A shimmering mirror of shadows appears momentarily in the air above, briefly revealing Tressoth's face.

Miskton gazes upward.

Perune nods to Aliselyn.

Whiteburn gazes upward.

Miskton says, "...A moment."

Savahri tilts her head to one side.

Miskton turns his gaze heavenward and traces a series of lunar sigils in the air.

Navesi whispers something to Miskton.

Miskton gestures.

Navesi says, "If you have something to say, watcher, say it now, for shortly your vision will be blocked."

Whiteburn's tail cautiously lifts into a kind of "U" shape.

Perune gazes upward.

The music takes hold, manifesting as a dome of faintly shimmering light.

Navesi says, "There. That should prevent clairvoyance."

Navesi's voice grows deeper, hovering at the edge of her register.  As she completes each phrase the notes hang on the air, blending together in a wraith-like array of sound.
The music takes hold, manifesting as a large dome of shimmering light.

Whiteburn slowly lowers her tail to the ground.

Navesi says, "And now, some forms of hiding and invisibility. Still, be watchful."

Navesi searches around for a moment.

Miskton says, "I am generally in favor of the spread of knowledge, but it makes me uneasy being watched by someone of that nature."

Navesi nods in agreement.

Perune says, "You could always convince him that the rift in Mistwood is very interesting and he should definitely enter it."

A blinding purple explosion of shadows appears momentarily in the air above, briefly revealing Tressoth's face.

Navesi frowns.

Sounds of chirping and tittering fill the air, leaves rustling overhead as the aviary birds swoop from perch to perch.

Miskton says, "Well, that's new."

Whiteburn scowls.

Navesi says, "He's broken my ward."

Savahri angles her ears forward in curiosity.

Perune says, "By sorcerous means, no doubt."

Navesi says, "That's not terribly kind, sir."

Navesi says, "Purple is the color of sorcery, no doubt about it."

Navesi scoffs.

Miskton says, "Well... if all he wishes to do is watch, it is knowledge that I would want spread anyway."

Miskton gazes upward.

Marcul mutters to himself.

The music takes hold, manifesting as a large dome of bright light.

The black shadows fade somewhat.

Navesi says, "Next time I'll enhance the ward further. Maybe you'll get a better challenge then."

Perune asks, "Perhaps we could watch him in return. Who is watching the watchers?"

As each feathery note falls from her's lips, Navesi weaves it into a tapestry of subtle harmonics that support a line of melody in a minor key, forming the complex measures of the Sanctuary enchante.

Hssanh coughs.

Navesi nods to Perune.

Miskton says, "Though if he'd care to elaborate on what he's doing with that anathema on a pedestal in return, that would be of interest."

Hssanh chants a few words in a low voice, gesturing at the shadows.
A shimmering eye appears out of nothingness, but quickly fades.

A shimmering eye briefly flickers into being, then vanishes.

Whiteburn growls low in the back of her throat.

Perune says, "Perhaps he knows who stabilized the rift."

Navesi asks Miskton, "Can you mirror him?"

Miskton gestures.
A soft crackle briefly comes from Miskton's direction.

As Navesi nears to the end of her enchante, she gently lets the line of melody dwindle, fading into silence.
The dome of light extinguishes as the final notes of music die away.

Miskton says, "Well, I suppose we can continue with the discussion. We should just all keep in mind that we're being observed."

Arimane ponders.

Khaelyn shudders.

Navesi says, "Maybe he'll have something intelligent to contribute."
>
Miskton says, "As I was saying... I'll begin with the visions that seem to be directly related to the appearances of the zenzics and starcrashers."

Miskton says, "On my left shoulder sat a lovely caterpillar, and on my right an even lovelier starfish. They whispered conspiratorially to me, waxing poetic about absurdities -- starlit polynomials and razor-sharp square roots and high-energy planar vacuums and wroth stars..."

Arimane asks, "We are practitioners of clairvoyance.  Let us celebrate the art, not diminish it.  What are we discussing the requires secrecy?"

Miskton says, "The zenzics have an appearance similar to that of a caterpillar. While the starcrashers are... vaguely like a starfish mixed with a spider."

Miskton says, "And the things they were whispering may not seem to make much sense to most listeners, the nature of the plane of probability is just... difficult to understand."

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Savahri flicks one ear back as though listening for something.

Miskton says, "A little rainbow spider reared up and began scrabbling at the air, doing a silly dance. In response, a sky-high rogue Moongate screamed into existence, filled with ghosts of chaotic imagery which I could not remember afterward."

Whiteburn's eyes darken with thought, and her tail grows very still.

Miskton says, "That one, I think anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of being up close during an attack by a starlight harbinger has a good understanding of."

Aviary birds wheel through the air beneath the crystal dome, crimson and deep blue bodies gleaming.

Miskton says, "The next one could be related to the starcrashers and harbingers, or could be related to Harawep. They both can take on arachnid appearances."

Miskton says, "I barely glimpsed an arachnid hallucination skulking by my side before it disappeared."

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Miskton says, "The next vision seemed like it took place from the perspective of one of the creatures, a very interesting experience."

Miskton says, "I felt a sharp, sudden pain rip through me coupled with a cacophony that was as if Fate itself were screaming in rage within my mind. The world disintegrated, and I was left jagged, torn."

Miskton says, "My angles no longer met, my selves multiplied until there was no meaning. The agony compelled me forward, though, and so forward I went, the burning waves of dissolution all that there was left for me. And for them."

Hunter Hanryu just arrived.

Miskton says, "Thinking of the zenzics and starcrashers as individual creatures that can really be 'killed' may not be strictly accurate. The nature of beings not native to this plane doesn't necessarily fall in line with what we think of as 'life'."

Aliselyn ponders.

Revolutionary Zharyn just arrived.

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Miskton says, "A composite intellect of some sort subjected me to preternatural calculation and scrutiny. It seemed  maddened."

Whiteburn gravely says, "Such is sorcery's affliction. A hideous curse upon those who revel in it."

Perune nods to Navesi.

Miskton says, "The open spaces around me stuttered, disjointed, then shifted over one another as a malevolent unreal contrivance. My mind was caught where those improbabilities intersected, and I was racked with phantom pain from the limbs I was going to lose in the future. Slowly, the world clicked back unto wholeness in soul-grating succession."

Navesi gazes thoughtfully at Perune.

Miskton says, "That one did turn out to be quite an accurate prediction."

Miskton rubs his left leg.

Navesi whispers something to Perune.

A sleek midnight-blue bird darts through the trees above, leaves rustling in its wake.

Arimane nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hanryu winces.

Hanryu says, "I had a few amputations at thier... hands... myself. It's not as fun as it sounds."

Savahri softly says, "I don't believe amputations are meant to be enjoyable..."

Miskton says, "And I'm sure many of us have seen how something seems to be driving these creatures into a frenzy, which could be calmed by uncursing them. Though it seems that's not always entirely sufficient to get them to leave."

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Miskton says, "The next one was fairly disturbing."

Miskton exclaims, "Somewhere dark, I found myself fixated on a chilling, singsong mantra in an old man's voice. I finally spotted him: an amputee who was lying down, limbless and larval. Through a mouthful of broken glass he chanted, "Zenzic  zenzic  zenzizenzic  Oh gods, zenzizenzizenzic!"

Savahri winces.

Savahri twitches an ear nervously.

Miskton asks, "I wasn't sure what to make of that, other than that the zenzics seem to like targeting limbs, but what of the chanting?"

Miskton says, "Though the thought occurs to me now to wonder if that was part of someone's experiment."

Miskton gazes upward.

Khaelyn says, "I'm rather fond of my limbs."

Aliselyn shifts her weight.

Hanryu says to Khaelyn, "They come in handy."

Hanryu coughs.

Perune chuckles.

Hanryu says, "Sorry."

Whiteburn fixes Hanryu with a cold, reptilian stare.

Hssanh crisply says, "A cantrip..maybe."

Aliselyn glances at Navesi.

Arimane snickers at Hanryu.

Savahri's cloak flutters softly in the breeze.

Miskton says, "Another vision, which was similar to the experience of standing near one of those rifts that have been opening up about the place..."

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Miskton says, "A rising sense of foreboding grew within me, although nothing else in my environment appeared to change. As the feeling within me reached a swell, an unnatural tear in reality erupted before me to extend infinitely skyward. A wave of frigid heat washed through the area as every living thing stood frozen and devoid of color, finally crumbling at the next passing breeze."

Aviary birds wheel through the air beneath the crystal dome, crimson and deep blue bodies gleaming.

Miskton says, "That experience has not been that... extreme. But the rifts have also not been that large."

The grey shadows are now too faint to be seen.

Hanryu asks, "What about the big one near Rossmans maybe?"

Miskton says, "It's dangerous to be near, but not to that point... yet."

Hanryu nods.

You ask, "Did anyone see a vision of a kobold?"

Aliselyn says, "The smaller rifts let off waves of heat and cold, just as the Elemental rifts can."

Isthu'rath'a Saar'adu Elizzibiana just arrived.

Miskton says, "There's another vision which seemed similar to the effect caused by the attack from the starcrashers, where they throw large masses of crystal about."

Hanryu asks, "I went and tried to break it but couldn't. Is that the general impression of that thing? It's not quite like the others right?"

Miskton says, "Mere moments stretched to minutes as I watched a distant, slow-motion spectacle of bright points with luminous tails crashing to the ground, like falling stars."

Miskton nods to Hanryu.

Miskton says to you, "I've not seen one recently with a kobold."

You say, "My friend Beerf, who wasn't able to come, asked me to relay a vision he had."

A brilliant orb of rippling cerulean light spins slowly through the air, orbiting your body like a miniature, luminous moon.

You say, "A mumbling voice tickles its way into your awareness, murmuring incantations.  A small kobold, brown and leathery, scampers into view, looking around and blinking at the sudden light with beady black eyes.  Catching your eye, he begins to advance upon you, waving his arms dramatically.  A greasy black mist emanates from the kobold, but he vanishes just as it completely envelops him, leaving only a few faint sparkles of red and purple that quickly fade away."

Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Miskton says, "No, I've not seen that one myself."

Navesi glances at Whiteburn.

Whiteburn looks cautiously at Tozu, curling the tip of her tail.

Navesi asks Whiteburn, "See?"

Miskton nods politely to Tozu.

Tozu nods to Miskton.

Miskton says to Tozu, "Good evening."

Tozu says to Miskton, "Sorry I'm late.  It's been, busy."

Tozu snickers at Miskton.

Miskton says to Tozu, "I can imagine."

Navesi says to Tozu, "You should be aware that we have an uninvited watcher. He appears to be a lunar sorcerer."

Miskton nods to Tozu.

Tozu rolls his eyes.

Tozu gazes upward.

Tozu asks, "Tressoth again?"

Miskton says, "As there's nothing particularly secret about these discussions, I decided to go ahead with it anyway."

Vetair nods to Tozu.

Tozu says, "He's been following my moves as best he can.  I'm not surprised he was curious about this meeting."

Perune asks, "Why is he trailing you?"

Tozu loudly says, "They're as inconsequential as ever and all of this is just an excuse for a show.  Ignore him, unless we can use him."

Tozu gazes upward.

Navesi says to Tozu, "He was able to break through my ward within minutes. I apologize for the inconvenience."

War Wizard Woten just arrived.

Tozu says, "We need to stay focused on why you've come here."

Tozu nods to Miskton.

Tozu asks, "Where were you?"

Aliselyn nods to Woten.

Woten asks, "Me?"

Khaelyn smiles.

Perune blinks.

Perune says, "Excuse me."

Miskton says, "I was just discussing the visions that seemed to be directly related to the appearances of the zenzics and starcrashers."

Perune goes south.

Miskton says, "Then moving on to some that seem to involve the stars."

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Miskton says, "The firmament rippled overhead like a spangled tapestry in a night wind. One by one, all of the stars melted into dulcet white lines that worked a graceful, breathtaking calligraphy from horizon to horizon."

Whiteburn reverently says, "Her Web."

Miskton says, "Having been through the rift near Rossman's, the sky in some areas looks somewhat similar to what I described there."

Woten ponders.

Miskton says, "And there's another vision that seems related."

Miskton exclaims, "I gazed up toward the darkening heavens, noticing elegant patterns created by the celestial bodies that had heretofore escaped my attention. As I stood transfixed at the tapestry of lights, a sudden wave of nausea overwhelmed me and a sense of building pressure pervaded the air around me. Disjointed and confused, I circled about fruitlessly to scan the area for the source of the effect. Looking back to the sky once again, the multitude of patterns now formed a single crystalline latticework that was growing larger due to rapid descent!"

Wanderer Kelneth just arrived.

Navesi frowns.

Navesi says, "The sky is literally falling."

Miskton nods to Navesi.

Navesi nods to Tozu.

Miskton says, "Seeing patterns in the stars is nothing new to visions, of course, but the patterns taking a solid form isn't something that I think I've seen before. And crystal, again. Many visions involving crystal, and then the magic used by the starcrashers..."

Navesi says, "That planar distortion... it is a place of solid shadow and light. I never thought to see anything like it."

Navesi says, "Crystal also, in places."

Miskton nods.

Miskton says, "The crystals are growing, as well."

Tozu says, "And the issue is we see it -here-."

Navesi asks Tozu, "What do you mean?"

Tozu says, "I mean it's not a portal to some other plane.  It's literally a part of the Plane of Abiding being..changed."

Tozu frowns.

Miskton nods.

Khaelyn ponders.

Miskton says, "There's still ground in some places, where it hasn't been replaced by shadow."

Navesi gazes thoughtfully at Tozu.

Aliselyn peers quizzically at Tozu.

Sounds of chirping and tittering fill the air, leaves rustling overhead as the aviary birds swoop from perch to perch.

Tozu says, "It's fascinating, if not, you know, pretty much horrific."

Whiteburn gravely says, "The damage must be undone."

Miskton says, "Still some birds surviving, as well, though their songs are taking physical form, turning to floating crystal which is joining the larger pieces."

Navesi slowly says, "I see."

Tozu chuckes nervously.

Miskton says, "The light and shadow and crystal, I can understand... I don't know what to make of the writhing red and green tubes, though..."

Navesi says, "Red and green together are often necromantic colors, not that that is necessarily the case here."

Whiteburn says to Miskton, "Perhaps that is the corruption... as Navesi said."

Tozu says to Miskton, "The merging of two disperate Planes.  It wouldn't just be a meld or one takes over the other.  Entirely new laws of nature or physical manifestations could be created."

Navesi shifts her weight.

Navesi gets a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald" from inside her black coat.

Navesi carefully opens a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald".

Navesi gets a pristine goose feather quill from inside her black coat.

Woten asks, "What do you suppose it means that the farther into the rift you go, the more corrupt the surroundings become?"

Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume.

Hanryu asks, "Is this merging a side effect of sorcery or a goal?"

Miskton says, "The creatures in the area have made it too dangerous for me to spend much time on observation. And the fish swimming through light in the sky and birds singing out crystal make me worry about the effects of sustained exposure."

Tozu nods to Miskton.

Tozu says, "We need to be worried about mass exposure, because if this keeps growing..."

Khaelyn frets.

Navesi says, "Unfortunately I was unable to spend much time there either. I tried to evoke visions of the past but found nothing in the short time I was able to stay."

Miskton says to Woten, "Closer to the original point of incursion, perhaps."

Hanryu ponders.

Tozu says, "Anyway I said I wasn't here to get you off track and now I'm practically Doomsaying."

Tozu rolls his eyes.

Hanryu asks, "Speaking of growing, Are the number of rifts the priestesses are reporting staying about the same? Growing? shrinking? Are we making a dent with all the anathema clensing and various critter killing?"

Miskton asks, "Ah, yes, where was I...?"

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Miskton says, "Ah, right."

Whiteburn says to Hanryu, "If there are are sorcerers and Necromancers actively working to undo what we strive purify, then all our work may end up for naught."

A sleek midnight-blue bird darts through the trees above, leaves rustling in its wake.

Miskton says, "With all of the crystal, and complex patterns in the stars taking on crystalline form, I wonder if something is building itself, possibly using the planar distortion to get a foothold on this plane."

Navesi says to Hanryu, "I'm not certain, but every time I've checked the total number seems around the same."

Miskton says, "I saw an arcane mosaic of crystalline tesserae which spiralled ceaselessly in precise telekinetic trajectories, conforming to some kind of abstract symmetry. Surrounding the crystals was a clockwork of nothing more than spun glass and refracted light. Thinly tangled loops and thorns and recurved spires whirred along without any immediately obvious purpose."

Woten ponders.

Miskton says, ""No", the machine thought to me, not unkindly. "You aren't part of the agreement, Miskton."

Navesi scoffs.

Hanryu says, "What agreement I wonder..."

Woten says, "Makes sense to me. If these things are just manifestations of underlying mathematic principles, it only stands to reason that they can join up to make more sophisticated 'proofs' if you will."

Miskton says, "Those denizens of the plane of probability that are capable of speech are generally quite powerful, so something to be concerned about."

Woten nods.

Miskton says, "I didn't get a feeling of hostility, which is a pleasant change, but doesn't necessarily mean that's true."

Tozu grins at Miskton.

Tozu asks, "Isn't it sad that 'neutral' is interpreted as 'overwhelmingly positive' in our line of work?"

Miskton grins wryly.

Woten says, "This isn't the first time we've had strange planar events though. Let's not forget about the whole 'Town Gray' thing from some years back."

Woten says, "That always felt pretty demonic to me."

Miskton says, "I'll take what we can get, I suppose. But if it is something building itself a form on this plane via the distortion, it may not need to be actively hostile to be a problem."

Whiteburn frowns at Woten.

Tozu says, "But that's just it, that was some other place.  There were portals and we went there."

Navesi peers quizzically at Woten.

Navesi asks Woten, "Town Gray?"

Tozu says to Woten, "This time there are incursions and we go...here."

Whiteburn says to Woten, "That was the work of Lord Huldah and was certainly not demonic in any way."

Woten says, "I don't see it as a material difference, only one of degrees."

Savahri smirks.

Miskton says, "That bit about not being part of the agreement makes me think the next vision might also be related to this topic."

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Miskton says, "A tiny cube rested on my palm, almost perfectly transparent to the point of ephemerality, like crystallized thought rather than anything natural. Upon closer inspection, I noticed its surfaces engraved with even tinier script, some I knew to be numerals."

Miskton says, "Light was drawn and concentrated to a geometric point inside the crystal. As the point became a bright white bolus, I began to feel the psychic thrum of an enchantment's activation. However, the tessera flickered and vanished the moment it identified me."

You yawn.

Miskton says, "I'm not sure exactly what that might mean, but perhaps that magical device is related to the crystal intelligence from the earlier vision. And I'm not permitted to use... whatever it is."

Hanryu asks, "This scribing and engraving you saw, could it be similar to what my aunt does when making enchantments?"

Navesi nods to Miskton.

Navesi says, "Makes me wonder with whom this agreement is being made."

Miskton says to Hanryu, "Could very well be."

Miskton nods to Navesi.

Miskton gazes upward.

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Miskton says, "The next vision is fairly straightforward, especially if you've been listening to the priestesses asking for assistance in sealing the rifts and dealing with the invading creatures."

Miskton says, "Something brushed against the back of my neck, though when I reached back to brush it away, there was nothing there."

Miskton says, "The tickling sensation at the back of my neck returned as I drew my hand away, and I turned to see what it could be."

Navesi nods to Whiteburn.

Miskton says, "A single ragged strand of silk swung slowly back and forth before me, smoke rising from the end as it slowly burned to ash and disappeared."

Miskton says, "There have been visions for some time that seemed to indicate damage coming to the Web of Fate, and it would seem those interpretations were probably correct."

Miskton says, "Those are most of the visions that seem to be directly related to current events, though there was one more that I was struck by shortly before another invasion by zenzics and starcrashers."

Miskton says, "A loud clattering echoed in my mind and a vision formed of some blued steel plate armor collapsing to the ground as if abandoned abruptly by its inhabitant. While I focused on this, a pair of manacles hurtled into sight, crashing into the pile of metal. An other-worldly shriek faded as the world I know returned."

Woten squints.

Miskton says, "The timing is likely important, but I'm not sure what to make of that one."

Miskton says, "The remaining visions are also a bit less straightforward... Well, except for one, I think."

Navesi says to Miskton, "Perhaps some armored person or creature escaped its armor... and manacles? Very puzzling."

Miskton says, "The sound of footsteps on metal and blasts of steam rang in my ears as I observed a pair of heavy-set Gnomes plodding onerously through a complex network of corridors, unlocking and throwing open every door and archway as the passed."

Miskton says, "That one certainly seems like preparations for the return of the mechanical spider."

Woten asks, "Except it's not mechanical any more, right?"

Savahri flicks one ear back as though listening for something.

Whiteburn says, "It is well that the mechanical spider is making a return. Captain Kurmin, Mistress Harawep's Chosen, prophecied these happenings many years ago. Perhaps he will show us what must be done to cleanse the Web."

Navesi says, "Bio-mechanical would be a more appropriate term, I would say."

Tozu asks Whiteburn, "Let's not put all our eggs in that one basket, don't you think?"

Woten nods.

Miskton says, "The next one..."

Miskton ponders.

Miskton says, "A trio of young women made their way toward a vast market plaza, and I overheard them discussing the merits of gold versus platinum in the setting of exotic jewels. One woman, noticing a speck of dirt on her well-heeled sandal, bent low to sweep it away. As she did so a passing cockroach caught her attention. Without a second thought she immediately rose to full height and brought down her massive bogwood heel to crush the unsuspecting bug with a sickening *CRUNCH*."

Woten shakes his head.

Hanryu says, "I sympathize with that cockroach whenevern I'm around a harbinger."

Whiteburn blinks.

Woten pats you on the back.

Miskton says, "There are various interpretations that could be thrown on that, but without some stronger symbolism they'd mostly seem to be stretches."

Navesi says, "I have no clue on the one. Why a woman killing a cockroach is important is beyond me."

Miskton says to Hanryu, "It could be that they represent something well beyond our abilities, like that."

Miskton shrugs.

Woten says, "Maybe it was symbolic of the priestess and their response to this mess. Or who knows."

Hanryu shrugs.

Hanryu nods.

Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal.

Miskton says, "Another one..."

Hanryu says, "In the end can we draw any actionable clues from the visions as to what we should be doing? I mean more than what we're currently doing for the priestesess and defending our cities."

Miskton says, "Reality faded as a different setting formed around me. I found myself in a crowd of friends and neighbors gathered around a village well. While some stood in line patiently waiting to take their turn to fill a bucket of water, others approached with soggy canvas sacks, heavy with mounds of household refuse, and turned them over into the well. Everyone moved about their routines and I was overcome with a sense of being disturbingly unfazed by the scene."

Whiteburn bursts out in a sudden snort of laughter.

Tozu says to Hanryu, "Not always, but more often in retrospect, at some point, you'll realize you should have."

Miskton says to Hanryu, "Unfortunately, in this instance they mostly serve to impress the seriousness of what the priestesses are talking about."

Miskton nods at Tozu, obviously agreeing with his views.

Miskton says, "The general concept of people polluting the well while the people using it don't seem to care could, perhaps, have something to do with sorcery."

Whiteburn nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views.

Flayra nods to Miskton.

Navesi says, "Yes, refuse is an apt symbol for sorcery."

Miskton says, "There's another vision that is perhaps related. It might take place at the bottom of the well."

Miskton says, "The world grew around me as my perspective shifted. I found myself scurrying about on four tiny paws in dank surroundings. A nearby *PLOP*  caught my attention and I instinctively looked toward the sound to find a slightly rotten apple core floating in a pool of water. After a daunting swim, I took the soft fruit in my teeth and hauled it away with great effort, removing it to a pile of garbage in an isolated tunnel nearby."

(Navesi sends an irritated glance toward the sky.)

Woten glances outside a moment.

You snore.

Navesi glances at you.

***** You just received 1 PIRP point.  Way to go! *****
Type RPA to get more information on the PIRP system.

Arimane just left.

Miskton says, "If we take the first vision to have something to do with sorcery, perhaps someone is taking advantage of the damage being caused by sorcery. Or the willingness of people to use it."

Navesi pointedly says, "Someone."

Navesi gazes upward.

Woten glances at Navesi.

Woten asks, "What of the reports that high sorcery is effective in combatting the maddened invaders?"

Woten says, "I'll admit to being confused by how that would work, if sorcery is what is corrupting them."

Navesi says, "I've found no one willing to reveal their own tainted nature to me to prove it, except for that one warrior mage who was arguing with Father Soraent."

Miskton says, "I've heard rumors, but I've not seen what the actual effect of sorcery on the creatures is."

Woten chuckles.

Whiteburn frowns and rolls her good eye heavensward.

Navesi says, "However, just because sorcery may have an effect on the creatures by no means proves that it is 'good' or that it had nothing to do with their creation."

Aliselyn says, "It could be as an opposing force: similar, but different enough to hurt."

Aliselyn shrugs.

Miskton says, "And I should note, I'm not sure what small creature I was taking the perspective of in that last vision. A rat is the first thing that comes to mind... but could have been a shrew, perhaps."

Navesi says, "More than likely, the corruption that caused them to spill into our plane is simply also related to them in a way that allows for manipulating them in some way. Although again, I haven't seen any proof of this actually happening."

Woten says, "A fight fire with fire kind of thing? Interesting theory."

Miskton gazes upward.

Miskton asks, "Any thoughts to share on the subject?"

Tozu says, "I've confirmed some of the high sorcery spells can break the protection they have in their maddended state."

Navesi raises an eyebrow in Tozu's direction.

Whiteburn glances at Tozu.

Aviary birds wheel through the air beneath the crystal dome, crimson and deep blue bodies gleaming.

Navesi asks Tozu, "Teleologic sorcery?"

Woten says, "Nothing specific, but I have seen its effectiveness in combat and I wanted to see if anyone had any ideas."

Tozu says to Navesi, "Among others."

Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Navesi frowns.

Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume.

Aliselyn ponders.

Tozu says, "Not that anyone should be deploying the tactic, but the knowledge may be important."

Woten says, "The 'shared nature allows for interaction' is interesting to be sure."

Navesi asks Tozu, "Would you care to make a statement on the use of sorcery and its relation to the corruption of the Web?"

Tozu says, "Uncurse would be the safest way I've found to end the state."

Whiteburn nods emphatically.

Tozu gets a crescentic shard of blue-black anathema from inside his enchanter's satchel.

Tozu says, "I think anyone with sense can see it's part of the problem here."

Tozu snorts, loudly.

Navesi nods in agreement.

Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume.

Miskton nods.

Navesi gazes upward.

Tozu says, "The anathema demonstrates curious structural properties, both physically and magically, when subjected to proper scrutiny."

Navesi says, "When I examined it, I noticed clear sorcerous corruption."

Miskton says to Tozu, "Interesting."

Woten gets a pitted chunk of loimic from inside his hunting pack.

Tozu says, "I've been able to spend some time studying it since Captain Cierzen delivered some a while back."

Tozu nods to Navesi.

Woten examines a pitted chunk of loimic.

Woten makes a grunting noise.

Woten puts his loimic in his hunting pack.

Tozu says, "It is the essence of the rifts, and represent the literal boundaries of the planar void weakening as physical laws are violated first."

Navesi nods to Tozu.

Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume.

You snort, loudly.

You sit up.

You rub your right eye.

Tozu says, "After that come the psychic energies, among other things."

Tozu says, "Many guilds have experienced visions and psychic assaults as these energies begin to flow across the void."

Tozu says, "It's not just the Moon Mages."

Navesi raises an eyebrow.

Navesi asks, "What other guilds?"

A sleek midnight-blue bird darts through the trees above, leaves rustling in its wake.

Kelneth says, "Not rangers, unless I missed it."

Tozu says, "Reports of psychic incursions prior to major assaults have come from other Guilds as well."

Miskton jots down some notes.

Woten says, "I will add that there does not appear to be any interaction between an ethereal fissure and one of these new rifts."

Aliselyn nods.

Woten says, "Although I haven't done extensive testing to that effect, just a few quick observations."

Miskton says, "On the subject of the last vision, I must admit that our observer did have a potentially valid interpretation of it. It's possible that the small creature, whatever it is, is cleaning up the mess. As it did seem to be removing garbage from the water and carrying it off elsewhere."

Kelneth says, "Sounds like a rat adding to its stash."

Navesi nods to Miskton.

Vetair nods to Kelneth.

Woten nods at Kelneth, obviously agreeing with his views.

Miskton says to Kelneth, "That does seem more likely, but you never know."

Navesi frowns.

Woten chortles softly at some secret joke.

Whiteburn candidly says, "Cleaning up the mess or perhaps collecting residue for its own use."

Tozu says, "Compared to the anathema the evidence of corruption here is weaker, but still present.  As expected, these physical manifestations are the most resilient but nonetheless ultimately susceptible."

Whiteburn says to Tozu, "I hope you will turn those in to be cleansed by the Priestesses when you are finished with your studies."

Tozu thumbs his hunk of loimic nervously.

Tozu says to Whiteburn, "Sure, I'll do my part."

Vetair gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Tozu says, "We all should."

Woten asks, "It might gain us more to study them farther, rather than discard them immediatly. Do they increase the chance of a rift in the immediate area, for instance?"

Woten says, "Anything that helps correlate a cause and effect helps us with the problem at hand."

Woten shrugs.

Navesi says to Woten, "That kind of experimentation is far too dangerous for the present. We face the looming threat of Harawep burning out our entire plane."

Suddenly, a small flock of birds burst from the tree canopy, singing shrilly as they pinwheel beneath the crystal dome.  The birds scatter, breaking formation to find perches all over the aviary dome.

Miskton says, "I should note that that was the last of the visions I had to discuss this evening, but definitely feel free to continue the current discussion."

Miskton smiles.

Navesi says, "Something even our antagonists should agree is not desired."

Tozu grins at Miskton.

Tozu asks Miskton, "Nothing like planar incursions to throw things off track a little bit?"

Woten nods.

You stand back up.

You feel a bit weak in the knees and find yourself wobbling.

Woten stands up.

Navesi nods at Woten, obviously agreeing with his views.

You nod to Miskton.

Hanryu says, "Thanks so much. It was very enlightening."

Miskton says to Tozu, "Oh, yes! Have you noticed anything odd with moongates lately? We had an odd experience earlier... A wave of semi-solid shadow bursting forth from a moongate that was opened here, similar to one of the effects around that rift near Rossman's."

Navesi asks Tozu, "May I ask your former guild title for inclusion in the Herald?"

Navesi glances at Miskton.

Tozu says to Miskton, "It's not unexpected that the properties of mana could begin to be disturbed."

Tozu looks at Miskton and sighs.

Miskton frowns.

Navesi frowns.

The cerulean orb of light hovering near you pulses, as if alive.

Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume.

Tozu says to Miskton, "We need to shut this thing down."

Miskton says, "That's more or less what I was afraid of."

Navesi asks Tozu, "Do you have any suggestions, beyond what is asked by the priestesses?"

Tozu puts his loimic in his enchanter's satchel.

Woten says, "Well, you can close an elemental rift by opening one to its planar opposite. Maybe we can find a way to do something similiar here."

Woten says, "We'd just need to know where it opens too first."

Aliselyn nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Woten says, "Although that does release quite a bit of energy..."

Miskton ponders.

A scarlet-winged bird flutters past your head, looking at you with an intelligent gleam in its dark eye before soaring back up to the treetops.

Tozu says to Navesi, "The High Temple seems convinced the gods can help cleanse the corruption.  I'd like to help those assisting in the efforts to stop dying in the course of their work."

Tozu chuckles.

Navesi nods to Tozu.

Elizzibiana chortles softly at some secret joke.

Elizzibiana leans on her staff.

Tozu says, "Hence the information on breaking the maddended state, which provides these creatures too much protection."

Tozu says, "And please use Psychic Shield against that limb severing mathematical-whatever it is nonsense."

Tozu says, "It seems to help."

Giosaffat just left.

Navesi says, "Ah ha."

Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume.

Navesi nods to Whiteburn.

Miskton says, "Very good to know."

Miskton jots down some notes.

Woten says, "Strangely it does, although I haven't found another spell that protects against it."

Tozu says, "Unfortunately early reports of Psychic Shield helping against the starlight harbingers rogue moongates turned out to be baseless."

Navesi says, "I did already spread the word of Uncurse, in my first article, but I was unaware of Psychic Shield's role."

Tozu says, "There is nothing to do but run against the rogue gates."

Miskton says, "It is possible to escape their rogue moongates... if you run very, very fast for cover. And preferably dive behind something very solid."

Tozu nods to Miskton.

Hanryu says, "That is good to know."

The tip of Whiteburn's tail makes lazy circles in the air.

Tozu says, "And the Traders actually appear capable of dealing with the things once they lose their maddened state."

Whiteburn cocks her head.

Tozu says, "Which is, well, fascinating."

Whiteburn asks Tozu, "Truly?"

Miskton says to Tozu, "Really? I thought that was just a wild rumor."

Kelneth says, "That does remind me.. I need to gather up my gem pouches.."

Navesi nods to Tozu.

Vetair asks, "What can the Traders do?"

Navesi asks, "Wait... what? Traders?"

Tozu says, "It took me a while to track down confirmation, but it appears to be true."

Hanryu says, "Well that is something."

Navesi asks, "How exactly do they 'deal' with them? What does that accomplish?"

Woten says, "Maybe their experience keeping track of ledgers and the daily operations of business give them a special affinity to these mathemtical entities."

Woten chuckles.

Tozu says, "They can make a sort of deal with the creatures in exchange for some metal.  It actually settles them briefly."

Navesi raises an eyebrow.

Navesi asks, "So, it merely calms them?"

Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume.

A sleek midnight-blue bird darts through the trees above, leaves rustling in its wake.

Hanryu asks, "Does it make them killable if they make that deal?"

Kelneth grins at Hanryu.

Hanryu says, "The beasts not the traders I mean."

Hanryu grins.

Miskton asks, "What do they do with the metal?"

Tozu says to Hanryu, "It doesn't break the maddness, in fact it can only be accomplished after the maddness has been eradicated."

Hanryu nods to Tozu.

Woten says, "Whenever I have killed one of those creatures they almost always drop some useless chunk of metal."

Woten says, "Maybe they just have an affinity for the stuff. Like a raven hoarding shiny objects."
>
Savahri softly says, "Perhaps it's not so useless..."

Navesi nods to Woten.

Navesi says, "Well, if songbirds sing in crystal in their world... who knows what it means to them."

Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Aliselyn slowly says, "Perhaps it is something of their makeup..."

Tozu says to Navesi, "That's our world."

Tozu frowns.

Tozu says, "Or whatever our world is turning in to."

Navesi asks Tozu, "Well, yes. I understood that. But I assume that it bears some resemblance to theirs -- or am I mistaken?"

Woten says, "It's pretty normal metal from what I've seen, but I'll keep an eye out. Much easier to fight them systematically now that a semi-stable rift is open."

Hanryu says, "Maybe it's like rune stones. Where there needs to be some medium for the pattern and the metal allows the starcrashers and zenzics to stabilize themselves somehow."

Tozu says to Navesi, "Nothing we know about the Plane of Probability to date suggests there are birds singing crystals there."

Navesi nods.

Woten nods to Hanryu.

Kelneth says, "It could happen. Probably."

Navesi says, "So, it is a unique state... interesting."

Tozu says, "This kind of incursion and merging, it can result in something entirely foreign to either Plane invovled."

Kelneth covers his mouth with his hand.

Hanryu grins at Kelneth.

Savahri chuckles.

Navesi says, "Well in that case, I have no idea why they might be interested in metal."

Tozu says, "Which means bad things for all the things that currently exist on either."

Miskton frowns.

Navesi frowns.

Navesi nods.

Hanryu nods.

Navesi jots down some notes.

Woten asks, "Do we know that the plane of probability is where the rift opens to?"

A chorus of birdsong swells up out of nowhere, the air filled with melodic chirping and warbling.

Tozu says to Woten, "The rifts open to distorted areas where the planar void has significantly weakened here on the Plane of Abiding."
>
Woten nods in agreement.