Crown pt 1: Olave POV

[The Crossing, Clanthew Boulevard]

A side entrance to the Academy, in the form of a low, bronze gate, stands here. Students and faculty come and go through it, since it provides convenient access to the inns and eateries clustered to the north and east of Elanthia's most renowned seat of learning and research. Several blocks to the east looms the dome of the Champions' Arena, which also houses the Barbarians' Guild and farther north, both within and without the sheltering walls of town, lie various other Guilds.

Also here: Neighbor Talmoon.

Obvious paths: north, east, west.

Arcane Researcher Tirost just arrived.

You notice as a storm-grey cat with gold-flecked crystal blue eyes prances into the area.

Tirost smiles at you.

You grin at Tirost.

You ask Tirost, "How are you?"

Grenhart flails his arms about.

Tirost says, "Pretty good. Think I found something worthwhile."

You tilt your head to one side.

You ask, "Do you want to talk about it here, or should we go inside?"

Tirost says, "I was hoping to meet here, though we should probalby sweep the areas nearby, and make sure no one's waiting for us elsewhere."

You say, "Sounds good."

Tirost bows to Karthor.

You say, "I'm at your disposal."

You flash a quick grin at Tirost.

Karthor raises his hand in a quick salute.

Tirost says to Karthor, "Good too see you, Karthor. Been a while."

Karthor asks Tirost, "Aye, I trust yer doin' well?"

Tirost nods to Karthor.

Tirost says, "For the most part, yes."

Karthor nods.

Karthor says, "Good, good."

Pfanston just arrived, leading his group.

Tirost bows to Pfanston.

Ruven leans on Tirost.

Tirost grins at Ruven.

Karthor says, "There's a bunch o' folks 'round the corner, not sure if they're lookin' fer yer meetin'."

Ehrendyl gives Tirost a studious look, as if committing him to memory.

Ruven says, "Hiya, ya big galoot."

Ehrendyl hugs you, and you give him a smile in return.

You hug Pfanston. A faint scent of cedar clings to his skin.

You beam!

Pfanston grins.

A Elothean citizen quietly walks into view.

Pfanston exclaims, "SO what wurms we going to steop on this time!"

You giggle.

Karthor grins.

Tirost laughs!

A Elothean citizen gazes about the area with an intent look, watching the goings on.

Karthor peers at a Elothean citizen over the rim of his spectacles.

Talmoon quietly says, "A presentable Bard in his usual pink..."

Ruven says, "Ummm pfanny pants is tellin me to go that way."

Gigondas says, "Hey."

You beam at Gigondas!

(Gigondas hands you a small baggy.)

Xixist asks, "Here?"

Gigondas says, "Funny."

Ruven says, "Well ive heard conflictin stories x."

Ruven says, "Some say one spot, others say here."

Xixist says, "I'm not hard to confuse'."

Gigondas says, "I just walked all thrugh the Academy, twice, nothing going on in there."

Karthor says, "That's the trouble with havin' two entrances I s'pose."

Ruven says, "That aint no lie x."

Talmoon quietly asks, "Is there a second one?"

Tirost says, "Greetings, everyone, and thank you all for coming."

Karthor says, "Aha, here they are."

Tirost says, "I was hoping to get some help some help with identifying an artifact I dug out of a cave just south of Arthe Dale."

Qiyan says to Ruven, "Yer breakable."

Rze says, "I thought this was like the side entrance."

Vykanthiss says, "Star, ruven. Uh oh."

Ruven exclaims, "AM NOT!"

Grenhart peers quizzically at Tirost.

Maltris says to Ruven, "I had this spare remember? Please take it make a full set."

Tirost says, "I found it following the directions in a notebook that was given to me, which I now believe was written by the Prydean Lasika Priskorya."

Ruven exclaims, "Oh!"

Ruven says, "Sure."

Pfanston says, "Let ruven touch it he will touch anything."

Tirost gets a compact journal filled with lined writing paper from inside his storyteller's bag.

Tirost says, "This is the journal."

You narrow your eyes.

Tirost holds a compact journal filled with lined writing paper high into the air for all to see.

Xixist tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Navesi gazes at Tirost.

Vykanthiss peers quizzically at Tirost.

Navesi asks Tirost, "Have you had it examined by a Bard yet?"

Tirost offers you a compact journal filled with lined writing paper. Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

You accept Tirost's offer and are now holding a compact journal filled with lined writing paper.

Tirost says to you, "Please take this, and flip through if you like. You can pass it to anyone who's interested."

Mazrian says, "Mmm..."

Tirost shakes his head.

You unlatch and open your compact journal.

You read page 1 of your compact journal...

Written in charcoal are the words "Sqffcicgxrzm hggv okrgt wf kx cxid wt ywtg iwxrkcxs sykzz vgjjzg-zcag gees, wt "Fkgtcg vwhs", odcid oczz dkrid gpgtm rdcth kxhq wx rdg dwrrgsr hkm, tgekthzgss wf sgkswx. Rdgsg dkrid cxrw fkgtcgzcxes kxh htcfr kcyzgsszm qxrcz krrtkirgh jm k zcpcxe wtekxcsy, odgtgqvwx rdgm fggh wx rdg fzgsd wf rdg xwsg, ywqrd, kxh gkts, ykcxzm. Rdgm zkm sykzz odcrg iwiwwxs cxschg rdg jwhm odcid zggid wff rdg svctcr, ykacxe rdgct pcircys sqsigvrcjzg rw xgitwykxrci cxfzqgxig."

Tirost says, "I would very much appreicate a bard's thoughts on its contents."

Grenhart says, "Have ya smelled it yet."

A Elf commoner walks into the area.

Gigondas says, "I'll look if it's pictures only."

Tirost chuckles.

Tirost nods to Grenhart.

Tirost says, "It smells horrible."

Deimeter raises an eyebrow.

You say, "It's code."

Tirost says, "Lasika is very intelligent, but she suffers from persistent and intense bouts of madness. To make matters worse, the journal is encoded in some kind of cypher, and it looks like someone else got a hold of it and made their own notes as well."

Navesi says, "Just as a public service announcement, since I learned recently that many are not aware of my guild's focus, but we Bards specialize in the past and in evoking images of such from artifacts and locations."

Tirost nods to you.

Grenhart says, "Get a touch of the last owner."

Oscearo nods to Navesi.

You nod.

You turn to page 2 in your compact journal.

You read page 2 of your compact journal...

Written in charcoal are the words "Yhjuxzlysdj dygarhyjh idtwalnt lt ljrsh adtsahttyhtt xu, xwwxtdsh sedt, dyshyth gxjrt xy l sltb. Whugxuzdyf uhwhsdsdqh ljsdxyt pdsexrs lyn xrsplui dyidjlsxu xg jxytjdxrtyhtt dt seh zldy tnzwsxz. Sehth suldst tsuhyfsehy dy seh qdjsdz pehy waljhi yhlu xsehu lggadjshi xuflydtzt. Seh xyan jruh dt jxzwahsh kxin uhaxjlsdxy seuxrfe exan zhlyt, lgshu seh kxin dt kahtthi kn l jahudj, pedje dt sx tln, tljudgdjh."

Tirost says to Grenhart, "I haven't been able to, unfortunately."

Rze asks, "Can I see it?"

Oscearo folds her arms across her chest.

Vykanthiss jots down some notes.

Tirost says, "A few people here are even mentioned in it."

Gigondas asks Tirost, "Where and how'd you find it?"

Tirost says, "Navesi and Perune..."

Qiyan says to Tirost, "Commendable of you to see it to the right hands."

Deimeter asks, "Why the street party?"

Tirost runs his fingers through his hair.

Tirost smiles at Qiyan.

Tirost says, "But the journal did lead me to something, which I believe may be a piece of the crown that Vorclaf wore when fell in battle against Lyras."

You frown and look up from the journal. "Sorry, who was asking to see it?"

Pfanston says, "I keep trying to teach bards proper ranger investigation techniques but they are a bit dense."

Oscearo says to Deimeter, "Because somebody did not know the front of the Academy from the side."

Rze says, "Tirost claiming he found info about Vorclaf's crown."

Tirost nods to Rze.

Tirost says, "The evidence is... thin."

Rafano leans on his skefne.

Tirost says, "But I hope you'll hear me out."

Tirost says, "I've found one piece, but I think there are two other pieces as well, and I'm working with Olave to try and find out where they might be."

Mazrian nods to Tirost.

Navesi says to you, "As a True Bard, I would attempt to examine it."

You nod politely to Navesi.

Tirost says, "Are there any here who can tell us a bit about Vorclaf? He died a few years before I was born, but I heard about him from my friend Malzard as a boy, and I spoke with Mazrian about his death recently, though I feel I still have much to learn."

You offer your compact journal to Navesi, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

Mazrian asks, "Do we have refreshment?"

Navesi has accepted your offer and is now holding a compact journal filled with lined writing paper.

You grin at Mazrian.

Tirost says to Mazrian, "No, sorry."

Talmoon grins at Mazrian.

Vykanthiss asks, "Are we all gonna die?"

Navesi reads her compact journal.

Qiyan fidgets nervously.

Navesi says, "Hm."

Vykanthiss rubs his head.

Tirost asks, "Does anyone know the manner in which Vorclaf came to be Prince of Zoluren?"

Navesi says, "That is quite the cypher."

Deimeter says, "Eventually."

Xixist says, "I knew the Prince quite closely."

Rze says, "Naw, probably just most of us."

Tirost nods at Navesi, obviously agreeing with her views.

Ghust says to Vykanthiss, "Ah thought ya like that sorta thing."

Pfanston says, "Rangers are immune to death so never fear I will be able to drag you to a cleric."

Tirost gazes at Xixist.

Mazrian says to Tirost, "In the usual way, as far as I know. Not violently."

Tirost ponders.

Navesi says, "Unfortunately I sense no imprint of the past upon this object. But I will record the cypher and work on it."

Xixist says, "My unit was his guard."

Navesi turns the page of her compact journal.

Tirost nods to Navesi.

Navesi reads her compact journal.

Tirost says to Navesi, "Please do."

Ghust says, "Ah read about th' prince, but didn know him."

Vykanthiss asks, "Yes, what's it say?"

Tirost nods to Ghust.

Grenhart says to Pfanston, "I musta missed that lesson."

Tirost says, "It's... full of all sorts of strange things... and I haven't decoded it all."

Tirost says, "But the cave it mentioned did have a piece of a silver crown."

Rze asks, "Is it a shift cypher?"

Xixist glances at Tirost.

Oscearo asks, "Which cave was that?"

Vykanthiss asks, "Cave?"

Oscearo peers quizzically at Tirost.

Navesi says to Rze, "Uncertain at a glance."

Ghust asks Tirost, "Could certain sections be written in a language we don't know?"

Tirost says, "I found the cave just south of Arthe Dale. I could show you later, if you wish."

Rze says, "I didn't know there were caves near Arthe Dale."

Iskra exclaims, "Is the cave under the academy? That's what I heard people saying at the Half Pint!"

Iskra says, "Oh..."

Oscearo says to Tirost, "I would surely like to see it."

Grenhart says, "Heck ya."

Tirost says, "Yes. That's certainly possible."

Grenhart says, "I love caves."

Tirost asks Mazrian, "Can you tell everyone a little about how Vorclaf fell?"

Rze asks, "He tripped?"

Vykanthiss snickers.

Tirost grins at Rze.

Grenhart grumbles.

Vykanthiss says, "And he couldn't get back up."

Xixist says, "Should we all join with someone?think to tyx were on Clanthou blvd."

Pfanston says, "Stabbed through the heart when he fell and landed on his crown."

Tirost says, "From what I understand, he was killed fighting Lyras, while being... influenced by Meraud."

Navesi says, "Seems I've reached the end."

Navesi offers Rze a compact journal filled with lined writing paper.

Rze accepts Navesi's compact journal.

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".

Azurinna exclaims, "Hiya!"

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

Mazrian ponders.

Ghust asks Navesi, "Nothin new that you aint figured out or ya can't read it at all?"

(Navesi begins writing furiously in her volume.)

Mazrian says, "I can tell what I know."

Tirost thoughtfully says, "My guess is that Lasika was interested in Vorclaf because of her obsession with the Merelew."

Navesi says to Ghust, "It is almost entirely unreadable."

Talmoon ponders.

Oscearo frowns faintly.

Ghust ponders.

Navesi says, "Completely encrypted. We must crack the code."

Tirost says, "From what I understand, Princess Arilana Lasa'Sorvendig - wife of Vorclaf, and mother to Prince Belirendrick IV - was born a Merelew, and was transformed into an elf by some form of magic."

Rze says, "Wold take me time to decode it."

Navesi nods to Tirost.

(Emryn suddenly looks visibly upset.)

Rze asks, "Anyone else?"

Mazrian asks, "As the war drug on, Lyras advanced and the Hunger became more powerful. Vorclaf began to exhibit signs of divine...habitation?"

Oscearo says, "I would to see it."

Oscearo says, "Like to, that is."

Tirost nods to Mazrian.

Emryn frowns.

Mazrian says, "He became our light in the darkness. A vessel for Meraud to speak through."

You gaze at a Elothean citizen.

Rze offers Oscearo a compact journal filled with lined writing paper.

Oscearo accepts Rze's compact journal.

Rze says, "It's on page 2."

Oscearo nods to Rze.

Mazrian says, "Eventually he mustered us to make a push against Lyras and her horde, and we formed up on him and went to battle."

Iskra exclaims, "Are the pages bumpy? I've been learning to read bumps on pages. It's a good way to hide things!"

Tirost glances at Emryn.

Oscearo reads her compact journal.

Tirost says, "When I did my own research in Throne City on the life of Vorclaf, I was surprised to hear that he executed his uncle, Sirolarn, a suspected necromancer."

Navesi says to Iskra, "No bumps I'm afraid."

Oscearo furrows her brow.

Perune asks Iskra, "Like food?"

Iskra's ears droop for a moment.

Tirost frowns.

Mazrian says, "We fought, finally Lyras and Vorclaf came face to face and the confrontation was titanc."

Vykanthiss gets a small booklet stenciled with "Notes" in black across the front from inside his traveler's satchel.

Xixist asks, "No water marks?"

Tirost says, "Necromancers are notorious for their ability to cheat death, and so I sought answers to how he might have managed to finally kill Sirolarn."

Vykanthiss gets a sleek writing quill with a polished kertig nib from inside his crafter's toolbox.

Iskra says, "Notes! There was a whole naughty song in one of the moon mage guild's textbooks..."

Tirost says, "Mazrian pointed out to me that necromancy in the time of Sirolarn was different from the way we think of it now, which certainly makes sense."

Mazrian asks, "Who knows how organized it was, at the time?"

Mazrian looks at Tirost and shrugs.

Tirost nods to Mazrian.

Grenhart nods to Mazrian.

Tirost says, "But I was also forced to consider the possibility that Vorclaf possessed something that allowed him to dispell the profane aegis - the name which necromancers use to describe their ability to ressurect themselves."

Pfanston says, "It was a great battle."

Pfanston grins.

Tirost nods to Pfanston.

Ghust nods.

Mazrian says, "Anyway, long story short....the duel between Lyras and Vorclaf became instead a fight between the Hunger and Meraud."

Xixist nods to Tirost.

You gaze thoughtfully at Tirost.

Tirost says to Pfanston, "Legendary by all accounts."

Talmoon ponders.

Tirost nods to Mazrian.

Mazrian says, "And I could not begin to tell you what THAT entailed, except that Meraud apparantly lost."

Your shadow exclaims, "Bihogoteema totimo yo!"

Grenhart says, "Aye."

Navesi says to Tirost, "Awfully busy place to study a journal."

Your shadow exclaims, "Maragee!"

Tirost says to Navesi, "Apologies..."

Mazrian says, "But before the Hunger could devour his soul, Meraud spirited it away."

Qiyan nods to Navesi.

Ghust asks Navesi, "Um, isn't there a bard spell that understands all spoken languages?"

Tirost says, "I had also heard of an artifact that was once in possession of the Inquistion with properites that could destroy necromancers - but there are vary accounts of what became of it, and I have had trouble finding much information on it at all."

Qiyan says, "Its as if ya wanted this meetin to be seen."

Emryn fidgets nervously.

Qiyan says, "By all."

Navesi says, "When the journal is free, I'd like it again so that I may make a copy."

Tirost says, "The crown I found has a strange, clear gem in it, however, and it was wrapped in an oil cloth note, along with a piece of paper."

Rze says, "I copied the first page."

Tirost gets a sheet of beige paper with browned deckle edges from inside his storyteller's bag.

Tirost offers you a sheet of beige paper with browned deckle edges. Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

You accept Tirost's offer and are now holding a sheet of beige paper with browned deckle edges.

The paper reads: Pom ri ierna sa dinnum, li aev ai zelka san num.

Grenhart glares at a Elf commoner.

Tirost says, "I'll pass this paper around, but it seems to be a message in Gamgweth."

(Oscearo gives the journal a look of perfect bafflement.)

Xixist says, "That could be the Zoluren diamond."

You say, "... huh."

Tirost says, "It says in Gamgweth..."

Xixist says, "I thought the crown was with the sand elves all this time."

Oscearo says, "It is not any less confusing when you can read the words."

The paper reads: Pom ri ierna sa dinnum, li aev ai zelka san num.

Navesi asks Tirost, "Perhaps I missed it. You found a crown?"

Tirost says something in Gamgweth.

Rze says, "I'm thinking maybe k is t."

Tirost nods to Navesi.

You offer your beige paper to Navesi, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

Navesi says, "What to nature is perverse, the eye of light will yet reverse."

Navesi says, "A translation."

Tirost says, "Or in common: What to nature is perverse, the eye of light will yet reverse."

Navesi has accepted your offer and is now holding a sheet of beige paper with browned deckle edges.

Ghust asks, "Ain't there a spell that can make all spoken languages understandable to th' caster?"

Navesi reads her paper.

Tirost says, "When I attempted to focus my magical senses on the gem... it was a strange sensation."

Tirost frowns.

Navesi nods to Ghust.

Qiyan says, "This ain't bout spoken word."

Xixist says, "Hmmmm."

Tirost says, "Rather than a pattern, or familiar type of magical energy, it felt rather like the absence of magical energy..."

Rze says, "Spoken maybe, not written."

Navesi offers Rze a sheet of beige paper with browned deckle edges.

Tirost gets a silver crown from inside his storyteller's bag.

Tirost says, "This is the crown."

Emryn slowly empties her lungs.

Tirost shows you a silver crown.

Rze reads her paper.

Vykanthiss gazes at Tirost.

Ghust asks Navesi, "So, does it stand that maybe if someone cast that spell, an someone else tried ta speak th' words in th' journal, we could understand whats written?"

Navesi says to Ghust, "The journal is not in a foreign language. It's a cypher."

Ehrendyl says, "Just need a bard to cast aura of tongues and we'd all understand it."

Ghust says, "Oh."

Silvery sigils on the backs of Nefis's leather gauntlets glow with an intensely bright sickly brown light, causing him to be revealed.

Nefis gets a tightly rolled scroll of blackened paper from inside his linen sack.

Nefis points a tightly rolled scroll of blackened paper at Tirost.

Tirost takes on an ill, brooding countenance.

He drops to his knees before Nefis, shaking with hesitance.

Ghust asks, "Whats a cypher?"

Rze asks, "Is this paper for me to keep?"

Nefis's cambrinth manacle emits a loud *snap*.

Cuts and tears appear all over Tirost's right arm, creating a thin red mist in the general vicinity.

Tirost is lightly stunned!

Mazrian begins to advance on Nefis.

Navesi says, "I am a Bard and I have cast Aura of Tongues. It is a mystery."

Mazrian gestures at Nefis.

A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Nefis!

Nefis slips and falls forward, slamming his face on the ice.

Mazrian closes to pole weapon range on someone.

Grenhart asks Tirost, "A no magic crown?"

Qiyan moves over to guard Tirost.

Tirost screams!

Mazrian closes to melee range on someone.

Mazrian grabs hold of Nefis in a tight grip.

Vykanthiss frowns.

Tirost stands up.

Navesi frowns.

Arcane Researcher Tirost drifts north, leading his group.

You hear the sound of someone growling ferociously!

Druid Vrallux treks west.

Ghust asks, "Where'd he go?"

(Oscearo jerks her head up from the journal in startlement.)

Nefis gasps and regains control of his breathing.

You hear a voice say, "You cannmot keep that."

Iskra flicks one ear back as though listening for something.

Arcane Researcher Tirost just arrived.

Rze asks, "Is this paper for me to keep or pass around?"

Mazrian points at Nefis, ruining his hiding place.

Mazrian gestures at Nefis with a casual flick of his wrists.

The air around Nefis solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and intercepts the attack with a shower of coruscating light.

Nefis's round sipar jerks around as a gale blows past it.

Nefis is struck by a violent wind that lands a glancing strike to his right leg!

Nefis struggles to stand with Mazrian but fails.

Talinel reveals himself.

Talinel makes a sweeping gesture with one arm, bringing it up from the sky down towards the ground.

With a slurping sound, a massive torrent of viscous red and green goo rains from above!

"Burn him! Burn him!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Talinel a wide berth!

Perune gestures at Nefis.

Bands of opaque iridescence appear around Nefis in a concentric hexad. Each begins to revolve along a different axis, soon collectively fading into a colored blur that obscures him for several moments.

Nefis twitches several times as the ridges encompassing his form recede and vanish.

Bellatristezza moves over to guard Tirost.

Navesi says to Rze, "Pass around."

Qiyan rests her hand on Tirost's arm with a soft smile.

Iskra cowers in fear.

Ghust says, "Somethin.......scary is in hidin."

Talinel traces a careful sigil in the air.

Tirost mumbles something unprintable.

Qiyan scowls.

Nefis stands, pulling Mazrian up with him.

Talinel reveals himself.

Talinel gestures at Mazrian.

Mazrian suddenly freezes in place!

"Burn him! Burn him!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Talinel a wide berth!

Xixist begins to advance on Nefis.

Perune gestures at Talinel.

Bands of opaque iridescence appear around Talinel in a concentric hexad. Each begins to revolve along a different axis, soon collectively fading into a colored blur that obscures him for several moments.

The air around Talinel shimmers with a weak yellow light that quickly disperses.

Talinel twitches several times as the ridges encompassing his form recede and vanish.

Xixist closes to pole weapon range on Nefis.

Kaelie draws a complex shape in the air, using her finger to etch illusory glowing lines that linger for several seconds.

Tirost angrily says to himself, "Saragos specifically warned me..."

Jhien throws his weight into it and shoves Mazrian clean off his feet and onto his back.

Xixist gets a massive senci war maul with a mikkhalbamar haft mounted with a sunset garnet from inside his weapon harness.

Kaelie rests her hand on Mazrian's arm with a soft smile.

Qiyan says, "Oh fer cryin out loud."

Tirost scowls and appears to be upset about something.

Mazrian no longer seems petrified.

You scowl.

Jhien shoves Perune with tremendous force, knocking him into a sprawling heap.

Kaelie holds out her arms, then brings them down evenly.

Kaelie's actions quickly stir up a ruckus in the area, as annoyed citizens quickly move out of the way. One mentions to his friend that he's off to report Kaelie for disturbing the peace.

Emryn frowns at Tirost.

Azurinna says, "Whoa."

Talinel reveals himself.

Talinel gestures at Mazrian.

Mazrian suddenly freezes in place!

"Burn him! Burn him!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Talinel a wide berth!

Jhien shoves Mazrian away.

Pfanston says, "Necros."

You hear a voice say, "You fools. You let them get away."

Qiyan says, "Everywhere."

Iskra inhales a great swallow of air.

Sibilant jets of vile acid spout from around Nefis, dyeing the vicinity an obscene shade of green!

The wave lightly pits Xixist's left arm as it blasts across him.

A sudden shout of "The man's dangerous!" heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards.

"Burn him! Burn him!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Nefis a wide berth!

Maltris loads his battle bow with a basilisk arrow.

Mazrian says, "Jump on in any time, people."

Tirost draws forth a haralun bastard sword.

Jhien slams his hands against Mazrian forcefully, staggering him backward.

Tirost begins to advance on Nefis.

Perune gestures at Nefis.

A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Nefis!

Nefis slips and falls forward, slamming his face on the ice.

Vykanthiss begins to advance on Nefis.

Alternating waves of hot and cold swirl through the area in abnormal patterns as greenish acid falls in a horizontal rain all around Nefis!

The wave lightly pits Vykanthiss's neck as it blasts across him.

The wave melts nearly the entirety of Tirost's chest as it blasts across him, leaving areas where white bone is visible underneath.

Tirost is dealt a vicious stun!

The wave lightly pits Xixist's left leg as it blasts across him.

Perune gestures at Nefis with a casual flick of his wrists.

Nefis's round sipar jerks around as a gale blows past it.

Nefis is struck by a violent wind that lands a heavy strike to his back, sending a sharp chill through the area.

Nefis is lightly stunned!

Mazrian gestures at Nefis with a casual flick of his wrists.

Nefis's round sipar jerks around as a gale blows past it.

Nefis is struck by a violent wind that lands an earth-shaking strike to his chest!

 * Nefis is slain before your eyes!

[General] Your mind hears Pfanston thinking, "necros invading near asemath "

The body of Nefis suddenly slides west.

Tirost asks, "Where's the crown?"

Rze says, "I can't tell who is who."

Karthor lays his hand on Tirost's arm.

Tirost looks healthier and Karthor appears to weaken.

Perune asks Tirost, "Why are they after you?"

Oscearo sighs sharply.

Tirost frowns.

Pfanston says, "They are necros."

Ghust says to Tirost, "Yer healed."

Collain searches around for a moment.

Mazrian searches around for a moment.

Perune says, "Well that I know."

Xixist says, "They want the crown."

Navesi reproachfully says to Tirost, "Honestly, you could have chosen a safer location."

Talinel is revealed.

Sibilant jets of vile acid spout from around Talinel, dyeing the vicinity an obscene shade of green!

The wave lightly pits Talmoon's abdomen as it blasts across him.

A sudden shout of "The man's dangerous!" heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards.

The wave lightly pits Xixist's chest as it blasts across him.

The wave lightly pits Zymi's right leg as it blasts across her.

The wave melts nearly the entirety of Ehrendyl's left arm as it blasts across him, leaving areas where white bone is visible underneath.

Ehrendyl is severely stunned!

"Burn him! Burn him!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Talinel a wide berth!

Perune gestures at Talinel with a casual flick of his wrists.

Talinel's glaes buckler jerks around as a gale blows past it.

Talinel is struck by a violent wind that lands a good strike to his left arm!

[General] Your mind hears Nefis thinking, "An item of that rumored power should not be in your hands!"

Mazrian grabs hold of Talinel in a tight grip.

Rze begins to advance on Talinel.

Sibilant jets of vile acid spout from around Talinel, dyeing the vicinity an obscene shade of green!

The wave melts nearly the entirety of Ehrendyl's back as it blasts across him, leaving areas where white bone is visible underneath.

A sudden shout of "The man's dangerous!" heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards.

The wave lightly pits Navesi's abdomen as it blasts across her.

The wave completely engulfs Bellatristezza's left leg as it passes by, erasing it down to bleached bones that clatter down to the ground.

 * Bellatristezza is slain before your eyes!

The wave melts large portions of Rze's neck as it blasts across her.

Rze falls down!

Rze's in shock and dying!

Rze is knocked completely senseless!

The wave lightly pits Oscearo's abdomen as it blasts across her.

Oscearo is lightly stunned!

Mazrian gestures at Talinel.

A bolt of bluish lightning blazes out of the sky toward Talinel!

The lightning bolt tears into his chest like a blast from Firulf's staff.

 * Talinel is slain before your eyes!

Something pops in Talinel's eye and discharges a sickly lime-yellow fluid that runs down his face.

You notice Iskra trying to remain hidden while speaking.

The town guard discovers Iskra, ruining her hiding place!

Iskra exclaims, "Yes! Please choose a safer location!"

Navesi works carefully at tending Rze's wounded neck.

You hear the ghostly voice of Talinel say, "Pitiful fools."

Tirost grabs Bellatristezza's body and drags it east with him.

Pfanston says, "Hes dead."

[General] Your mind hears Vrallux thinking, "I'm taking it some place safe."

Talinel's corpse begins to shake violently, sprouting new mass to replace its lost organs. The convulsions reach a fevered pitch and then abruptly stop when Talinel's eyes snap open! He drags himself upright, wracked with pain and gasping for air, but clearly alive.

"Burn him! Burn him!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Talinel a wide berth!

Grenhart glances at Talinel.

Butcher Talinel ducks east.

Pfanston says, "Nefis is also evil nail him if ya see em."

Tyx says, "Did i miss it."

Mazrian asks, "Where is Tirost?"

Perune says, "He fled, I believe."

Azettie says, "To the east."

Perune says, "There he is."

Mazrian asks, "You alright, Tirost?"

Tirost nods to Mazrian.

Oscearo frowns at Tirost.

Tirost says, "Thanks to Karthor."

The guard searches the area with a wary eye.

"Gotcha!" the guard crows with glee.

The town guard, along with a group of others, surround what appears to be empty air! Suddenly, Jhien is dragged from a hiding place, wrestled to the ground, bound in chains, then finally dragged off to jail.

Ghust says, "Ehrendyl is raisable."

Tirost says, "I... I'm sorry..."

Oscearo furrows her brow.

Tirost says, "I didn't think they could have found out so quickly."

Ghust says to Tirost, "If yer bein hunted, we need ta get ya outta here."

Mazrian asks, "A bit surprising. Why would they be so interested in this?"

Kaelie asks Tirost, "Is it safe?"

Tirost says to Ghust, "I think they were after the crown."

Pfanston says, "SEe ehrendyl they were all aiming a me and well Im just immune."

Collain says to Mazrian, "On the Lyras side of things."

Tirost asks, "Does someone have the journal?"

Ghust says to Tirost, "Yeah but they think you have it."

Tirost frowns.

Oscearo says to Tirost, "I do, still."

Tirost nods to Oscearo.

Kaelie praises Oscearo.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Mazrian rubs his head.

Oscearo fixes Tirost with a frank, even stare.

Tirost asks, "Does anyone have the crown?"

(Tirost's eyes hold a bit of panic.)

Oscearo blinks.

Ghust asks, "Where is it?"

Navesi says, "I have nothing."

Azettie asks Talmoon, "Is it me or do you seem to have a face that people just want to punch today?"

Tirost mumbles something unprintable.

Navesi says, "Except for what I have copied down from the journal."

Oscearo says, "I did not even see it."

Qiyan rests her hand on Navesi's arm with a soft smile.

Navesi nods to Qiyan.

Ghust asks, "What was that other guy?"

Pfanston says, "Nefis and talinel."

Tirost quietly says, "I'll do my best to track it down."

Tirost frowns.

Mazrian says, "Jhien was helping out, too."

Ghust says, "Nefis...yeah him."

Ghust asks, "Who is he?"

Kaelie asks Tirost, "What is missing?"

Pfanston says, "Jhien too yes."

Tirost says to Kaelie, "The crown piece - with the gem inside..."

Oscearo says to Qiyan, "Thank you."

Qiyan nods politely to Oscearo.

Tirost asks you, "You ok?"

Ghust quietly asks you, "You okay?"

Ruven cracks his knuckles.

Mazrian searches around for a moment.

Tirost asks Mazrian, "Anything lurking?"

Perune asks, "Also, are we to assume they made off with the piece Tirost had?"

Navesi frowns.

Vykanthiss asks, "Where's the crown?"

Oscearo sighs heavily.

Tirost says to Perune, "So far, no one has claimed they have it."

Tirost says to Vykanthiss, "I don't know."

Perune says, "That sounds like a yes."

Azurinna says, "I am sure I do not have it."

Xixist says, "The necros got the crown."

Emryn says, "They have it, its gone."

Ghust mumbles something unprintable.

Tirost asks Xixist, "Are you sure?"

Zymi says, "I thought Vrallux said he was taking it someplace safe. Or is that something else."

Ghust mutters something into the air about stupid necros.

Tirost frowns.

Tyx says, "Put in avault."

Oscearo says, "I did not even lay eyes on the thing."

Tirost says to Navesi, "Thank Meraud."

Kaelie says, "It all happened so fast, I didn't see who had what."

Ghust asks, "Won't they still search fer that journal though?"

Tirost says to Ghust, "They might."

Tirost says to Ghust, "I'm sure it's safe for the time being."

Qiyan asks Tirost, "Why are you sure?"

Tirost quietly says, "This is all my fault..."

Navesi whispers something to Tirost.

(Oscearo looks generally bemused by the entire course of events.)

Ghust asks Tirost, "How so?"

Grenhart says, "Nah."

Vykanthiss pats Tirost on the back.

Tirost fixes Navesi with a frank, even stare.

Azurinna pats Tirost on the back.

Mistanna peers quizzically at Tirost.

Tirost gazes down at the ground.

Mistanna asks, "How do you figure that?"

Navesi gazes at Tirost.

Rafano politely asks Navesi, "Your notes on the text . . . could I get a copy of those when convenient?"

Navesi nods to Rafano.

Rafano nods politely to Navesi.

Navesi says, "I will make copies and publish them."

Rafano gratefully says to Navesi, "Much appreciated."

Ghust says to Tirost, "Ya wanted help with th' journal. An th' crown. That aint yer fault."

Airaman says, "Whats happenin."

Ghust says, "Besides. Its possible th' necros can't read th' thing eithor."

Ruven says, "Necros attackin and such."

Vykanthiss says, "Storytellin'."

Zymi says, "An intervention for you Airaman. You really need to stop being lame. We are all here to discuss."

Airaman says, "Ache."

Navesi says, "Necromancers are evil, but they aren't stupid. At this point it's a race."

Tirost says to Ghust, "If they find Lasika, they will torture her to find the key."

Perune asks, "Do we know where she is?"

Ghust asks, "Who's Lasika?"

Mazrian asks, "What became of the crown?"

Ghust says, "Not here."

Qiyan says, "Pocketed like a lil trinket."

Azurinna says, "No idea."

Tirost says to Mazrian, "I've been informed that a necromancer named Nefis has it in Ilithi..."

Vykanthiss says, "Someone said the Necros got it."

Tirost frowns.

Azurinna's jaw drops.

Talmoon quietly says, "I saw one of the necromancers slip in and taked it while Tirost was down."

Grenhart grumbles.

You hear the ghostly voice of Rze say, "Necromancers got us all paranoid thinking everyone is one of them."

Azurinna says, "That is not good."

Kaelie asks, "Well they have it and vaulted it so nothing we can do about it?"

Tirost says to Kaelie, "But I can't just leave what might be Vorclaf's crown with a necromancer."

Xixist says, "The necros want it for some reason, im sure."

Ghust says to Tirost, "Ah say we go after em."

Grenhart says, "Yep."

Tirost nods to Xixist.

Lorwryn asks, "Why would they want the crown? Does it have some power?"

Digmo says, "Can't locate Nefis, in a warded area."

Ghust says, "Look at this group. We bring enough empaths an clerics, we kin beat em."

Tirost says to Digmo, "Thanks for trying."

Kaelie asks Tirost, "What are we going to do? Rob the vaults? Bribe them to let us in?"

Iskra says, "Someone said it can maybe kill necromancers..."

You hear the ghostly voice of Rze say, "Probably in the Necro lair."

(Navesi focuses her attention on the volumen in front of her, flipping pages back and forth.)

Tirost says to Kaelie, "I know... I'm not sure what to do..."

Xixist says, "That gem is most unusual."

Tirost nods.

Rafano curiously asks Tirost, "But what they took was just a piece of the crown . . . the other pieces remain hidden . . . is that correct?"

Tirost nods to Rafano.

Grenhart says, "Da ghost has a point."

Tirost says to Rafano, "I haven't been able to fully crack the code yet."

Rafano thoughtfully says to Tirost, "Then potentially the best course is to focus on getting the other pieces, rather than the one they took, forcing a stalemate."

Xixist says, "We should plan an expedition based on any maps or notes."

Iskra says, "But, you know! That one man might be right. Reading the code aloud... even if its a code... well, maybe that'll help figure it out! Put a different perspective on it..."

Azettie laughs!

Xixist asks, "Was that cave searched thourally?"

Kaelie says, "We were talking about the very place out loud. They know where to look as well. And are now a piece ahead of us."

Tirost says to Iskra, "It's definitely possible, but for now, Navesi's right. We need to study the journal in a far safer place."

Kaelie wrinkles her nose.

Tirost nods at Kaelie, obviously agreeing with her views.

Tirost says, "I'm going to do my best to secure the journal. I'll try to reach out to any who are interested for help soon."

Rafano leans on his skefne.

Kaelie nods to Tirost.

Ghust asks, "Um, take th' journal to a place that only people in yer specific guild kin get to?"

Azurinna beams at Tirost!

Navesi says, "I'm busy with this."

You hear the ghostly voice of Rze say, "Yes Navesi I did."

Navesi points at a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald" she has.

You hear the ghostly voice of Rze say, "I copied it."

Navesi says, "Good."

Navesi says, "Give me the copy. I can publish the whole thing then."

Navesi says, "The question is if we should attempt to keep the publication somewhat secret, but it seems the cat's out of the bag at this point."

Tirost nods to Navesi.

Ruven laughs at Navesi.

Oscearo sighs slightly.

Ghust asks, "Who told th' necros there was a meeting here anyway?"

Tirost says, "Thanks to those of you who came to help. I'm sorry I wasn't more careful."

Ruven says, "Not like anyone was bein quiet about it."

Mazrian asks, "So, what's our move from here?"

Xixist says, "Navesi ... do keep safe carrying that thing about."

Navesi frowns.

Vykanthiss says, "Yea, don't want it stolen too."

Tirost says to Mazrian, "For now, I'm going to try and find the other pieces, and then track down Nefis."

Navesi asks Xixist, "Once again do you doubt my ability?"

Ghust says to Tirost, "Ah wanna help."

Ghust nods to Tirost.

Tirost nods to Ghust.

Mazrian nods to Tirost.

Tirost says to Ghust, "Thank you."

Xixist says, "I know you will be a target of their guild."