>>> One day, a long long time ago... Just after the events chronicled in "Adventures in Acadia"...

[ Human ] Meitham the Life Searcher
[ Elf ] Onyd the Protector of the Chestnut Tree
[ Human ] <PK> (QUEEN) [KNIGHT] Dame Rhoa the Executor of Valour, Sun's Embrace
[50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical
[ Human ] Eowug the Companion
[ Dwarf ] <PK> [KNIGHT] Dame Lumubella Stoutheart the Touch of Serendipity, Archon of Valour
Players found: 6
[KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms.
There are 6 characters on; the most on this past month was 18.

Lumubella tells you 'I have found an extremely interesting diary.'
You tell Lumubella 'Oh?'
You tell Lumubella 'What does it contain?'
Lumubella tells you 'Indeed, written by someone named Nara.'
You tell Lumubella 'Ah! The works of Nara Serptius!'
You tell Lumubella 'Yes, her works are ... most disturbing.'
Lumubella tells you 'I cannot reconcile what I be readin' with what I be knowin' o' her.'
You tell Lumubella 'Did you know her?'
Lumubella tells you 'In a way, the guild be teachin' much o' her.'
Lumubella tells you 'And that crazy man Polik.'
Lumubella tells you 'Very, very dark shades o' writin' fer a healer.'
You tell Lumubella 'Yes... it chilled me when I read it. I could not bring myself to read it a second time.'
Lumubella tells you 'Who was this man Equient?'
You tell Lumubella 'I do not know.'
Lumubella tells you 'She seemed to love him very much.'
You tell Lumubella 'If I recall, it seemed to drive her mad.'
Lumubella tells you 'Have you e'er met one o' yer tribe to go so mad?'
Lumubella tells you 'An unlikely thing that.'
Lumubella tells you 'And unsettling.'
You tell Lumubella 'I must confess I have not spent much time with my own kind. I was a found child.'
Lumubella tells you 'Ah, I be seein''
You tell Lumubella 'It was not until I began my adventures in Serin that I sought them out, but they are still somewhat foreign to me.'
Lumubella tells you 'Nara was reknown for her peaceful ways, and her ability to solve conflict without the use of violence.'
Lumubella tells you 'And as for Polik, he sought to recruit others to serve Myria beside him, I believe.'
You tell Lumubella 'Ahh, indeed.'
Lumubella tells you 'He was of a more militant sort.'
You tell Lumubella 'Troubling that she could have changed so much. I wondered while I was researching there whether she had something to do with the vampires in the chapel.'
Lumubella tells you 'This Equient is the key... a mysterious name.'
Lumubella tells you 'He lived during the same time as they, I believe... perhaps there are some records in previous publications?'
You tell Lumubella 'I shall search.'
Lumubella tells you 'I do not believe he belonged to the same tribe as they.'
Lumubella tells you 'A mage of some sort... perhaps an avian?'
You tell Lumubella 'I have not found any mention of Nara, Polik or Equient in the Mystique. Perhaps they predate the earliest records.'
Lumubella tells you 'A possibility.'
Lumubella tells you 'Quite literally Ancient History.'
You tell Lumubella 'It is utterly fascinating.'
Lumubella tells you 'I be agreein''
You tell Lumubella 'I understand several of the new Scholars have begun to delve into the lores of Serin as well. I shall ask them all to keep an eye out if they should stumble across such a name.'

>>> Serra tries to seek out aid, but no one has heard of him.

<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'I was speaking with Lumubella earlier about some historical artifacts we found. I wonder if you have ever come across the name Equient in any of your research?'
<MYSTIC> (Annotator) Ocelia: 'That does not ring any bells.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Hmm.'

>>> Report back.

You say 'I asked Ocelia whether she has heard of that Equient fellow but she has not found anything either.'
Lumubella nods.
Lumubella says 'There bein' few true historians knowin' of that period.'
Lumubella says 'A failure of the heralds, that.'
You say 'If it predates the Heralds, it is truly ancient indeed.'
Lumubella says 'Predatin' the heralds?'
Lumubella sits down and thinks deeply.
Lumubella says 'A possibility.'
You say 'Though it is possible they simply missed the writing of it.'
Lumubella says 'But the Mystics did exist.'
You say 'Ah, did they?'
Lumubella says 'Bunch o' mushroom munchers.'
You let out a hearty laugh.

>>> Serra goes to explore the Graveyard south of Timaran.

A Gloomy Graveyard
o | Many withering trees and ancient graves can be seen through
| | a thick mist that seems to have settled here permanently. A
o-f-o | simple tombstone surrounded by wilted flowers tilts slightly
| | | to one side before you. Hideous smells radiate from somewhere
o-o-@-o-f| below you.
| | |
o-o |
| |
o |
---------+

[Exits: east west]

A grey marble tombstone is here tilting slightly to one side, perhaps
from an unsettling of the earth below it. You can barely make out the
letters E and n in the inscription which has been long faded by time.

You say 'Ah!'

>>> Serra starts looking around everywhere. But that tombstone is all there is. Hmmmmmm...

The Pulpit
* | As you stand behind this tall wooden pulpit you feel as if
| | you have incredible authority. You can see the whole sanctuary
* | from here, every pew and every window all the way to the front
| | doors. A large book with a brown leather cover rests in the
@ | middle of the pulpit. You can tell where the book has been
| recently opened and moved because of lines in the thick dust
| that seems to be everywhere in this temple. You notice a door
| beside the pulpit which must lead to another section of this
| church.
---------+

[Exits: north (east)]
(Translucent) A tall vampire glares at you and cackles hungrily.
(Translucent) A tall vampire glares at you and cackles hungrily.

After opening the book you see ancient text which says: Diary of Nara
Serptius. In my seclusion I have found power. In my most bitter and
hateful moment, I killed my soul so that it would no longer feel the pain.
I had control of myself for the first time since Equient killed himself.
The power I discovered was in this new control, the power of complete
domination through total spiritual and emotional death. I am now alone, but
I have the power to conquer the world in my new knowledge. Since the light
would not unite through my love and acceptance they will now be forced to
unite under my wrath. My soul is undead, my body is immortal and I seek to
gain infinite power and no longer be the fool I have been for so long. It
is impossible for me to elucidate the infinite amount of emotions and
thoughts I have at every moment, so I will give you a journal of my
thoughts, a diary of sorts. You may do what you wish with my thoughts, but
I do wish them to be known, as it is a way for me to spread my wrath in all
who would not accept me.

Nara Serptius the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Infinite Wrath of Rejection

You can see many additional chapters, waiting to be read:

I. Love
II. Luck
III. Loyalty
IV. Possessions
V. Death
VI. Soul
VII. Emotions
VIII. Law
IX. Evil
X. Neutral
XI. Good
XII. Chaos
XIII. Immortals
XIV. Honor
XV. Kindness
XVI. Friendship
XVII. Rejection

You say 'Hmm.'
You say 'Could it be someone else?'

>>> Serra hunts all over the graveyard for more clues.

A Gloomy Grave
o-f-o | A looming darkness dominates everything here, searching and
| | | enveloping you, as if it is trying to seep through your skin
o-o-o-o-o| and into your bones. You can see nothing through the gloom
| | | | except an ancient gothic tombstone glowing in a peculiar
+ o-@ | light.
| | |
+ o |
| | |
* o |
---------+

[Exits: north south west down]
A black marble tombstone glistens evilly here.

You see a menacing tombstone made of polished black marble here. You can
see the words 'His death shall be vindicated' engraved at the top of the
stone.

You say '...whose?'

A Hero's Monument
o-o | The worn path broadens into a large field encircled by many
| | trees which can be identified as foreign by their slender
o | trunks and ash grey leaves. In several places around the
| | field ruined works of stone can be seen toppled over, yet
@ | they still hold a grace which is rarely seen in the graveyards
| of humans. Centering the field is a single marble pillar,
| only slightly worn, and topped by a large sword made of pure
| white marble.
|
---------+

[Exits: north]

The monument is inscribed:

"Here lie the heroes who fearlessly gave their lives in defense of Timaran
from the forces of Chaos."

[ Duerg ] Auhla the Mistress of Poison
[ Beast ] Mariku the Learned of the Fletched Arrow
[50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical
[ Jotun ] Etirath the Pikeman
[ Dwarf ] <PK> Gwevym Sunov'Gwym the Holy Knight
[ Human ] Myrina the Mistress of Dragons
Players found: 6
[KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms.
There are 6 characters on; the most on this past month was 18.

You say 'Let us see.'

>>> Serra obtains a bird of paradise flower from Escimir and returns to the worn grave.

You eat a bird of paradise flower.
You slowly fade out of existence.
You can already see invisible objects.

A Gloomy Graveyard
o | Many withering trees and ancient graves can be seen through
| | a thick mist that seems to have settled here permanently. A
o-f-o | simple tombstone surrounded by wilted flowers tilts slightly
| | | to one side before you. Hideous smells radiate from somewhere
o-o-@-o-f| below you.
| | |
o-o |
| |
o |
---------+

[Exits: east west]

You rest.

From: <SCHOLAR> Serra
To: Lumubella
Subject: A clue
Content:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Lumubella,

I have found a clue. A simple tombstone rests in the graveyard south of
Timaran. It bears the letters "E__n" and an indecipherable inscription.
Perhaps it could be the tomb of Equient? Even more intriguingly, there are
wilted flowers there, as if someone has recently but not frequently attended
it.

I have maintained a twenty-four-hour vigil there, invisible, and seen no
one. It is uncertain if there are any threads that may lead from here, but
at least the existence of this grave gives me the hope that there is more to
uncover.

I will continue my pursuit.

Warmly,
Serra

Journal #9: Yet another wheel's turn
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Day of the Fall of Thalos, 19th Renewal of the Celestial of Tyranny

It has been only a few renewals since my return from Acadia.

A great many things have happened in these lands while I was gone, of which
I am still only piecing together scraps. Lumubella spoke to me briefly of a
great tension that arose between the Justices and the Knights, seeming to do
with my friend Ilromie and a conflict she had with a drow Justice by the
name of Chul. I do not recall seeing this fellow, although perhaps I was
simply too preoccupied before my journey. At any rate, something he did -
and something Commander Solmundi approved - inflamed the sensitivities of
Ilromie and along with them, her lover Kali, and the entire Castle.

I have not yet seen her since my return, though I sent her a missive of
greetings and I met Kali who spoke of meeting her recently. This news - the
descriptions Lumubella gave me, Kali's talk of repeatedly being broken on
the Justices' wheel, as well as the disapproval from Ocelia, a young pixie
illusionist who has progressed to Annotator of the Mystics in my absence,
leads me to worry greatly for her. Perhaps I should have brought Ilromie on
my journey and saved her from this fate.

I have also received the sorrowful news that my old friends, Darvaz and
Sevrin, have perished in my absence. There is something utterly inadequate
and almost offputting about reading a friend's obituary when it comes in the
form of a limerick. A brilliant life full of triumphs and dreams, all
dismissed in the span of five lines. I recall Ilromie writing them when I
was younger and having no feelings on the matter. Back then, I had not
known personal loss. But perhaps now I am being too harsh, and it is rather
a mode of coping with the loss: to laugh, rather than cry. There were so
many names mentioned in the latest obituaries that they flooded over into
the next issue. Taking on such a task must be monumental.

Again, I find myself between chapters. As I open a new leaf, so too does
life introduce me to new, bright faces. New faces I have met include
Valindra, a most talented poet, fortune-telling witch and goblin (such an
unlikely combination!); Mirtolda, a strangely polite and talkative
necromancer; Eowug, a fresh young freelancer who has found his path as a
Paladin; and Myrina, former accountant and excitable young Warlord with a
heart of fire and glory.

And, in the midst of it all, I have slowly begun pursuing my research in the
lands of Serin again. With more members in the Consortium, including
Ocelia, Valindra, and a new bard named Villidan taking up work on the
Mystique, I feel released to pursue my own niche interests as they arise.
The first two threads I chase are the names of Equient and Nevahana - though
they are unlikely to cross, each has begun in a most fascinating way and I
am eager to follow them to their ends.

How I have missed you, Serin!

>>> Many days go by. The events detailed in the Curse of the Stone of Wrath take place. Then...

[ Drow ] Miseris Atax the Apprentice of Endurance
[50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical
[ Fire ] Groushtar the Man-at-Arms
Players found: 3
[KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms.
There are 3 characters on; the most on this past month was 18.

A Gloomy Graveyard
o | Many withering trees and ancient graves can be seen through
| | a thick mist that seems to have settled here permanently. A
o-f-o | simple tombstone surrounded by wilted flowers tilts slightly
| | | to one side before you. Hideous smells radiate from somewhere
o-o-@-o-f| below you.
| | |
o-o |
| |
o |
---------+

[Exits: east west]

A grey marble tombstone is here tilting slightly to one side, perhaps
from an unsettling of the earth below it. You can barely make out the
letters E and n in the inscription which has been long faded by time.

A grave holds:
(Unidentified) a handful of coins
(Unidentified) a pile of bones

You ponder the question.
You get a handful of coins from a grave.
You retrieve 92 gold coins.
You get a pile of bones from a grave.

A pile of bones lies scattered here, such disrespect for the dead.
It is a trash made of bones and weighs 5 lbs.

You frown disapprovingly.
You put a pile of bones in a grave.

Among the wilted flowers, a single fresh bud has begun to open. <-- Hmm, curious.

A flower bud holds:
(Unidentified) a crimson flower petal

You get a crimson flower petal from a flower bud.

A flower petal rests here, red as blood.
It is a trash made of plant and weighs 0 lbs.

[134]: <SCHOLAR> Serra: Reflections
Sun Mar 21 18:03:56 2021
To: Ilromie
Dear Ilromie,

I was hurt by your words then. I have reflected upon the events aloud twice
since, with Kali and now with Valindra. In the tranquility of the cabin by
the sea I was able to see how it fit within the tapestry of my experiences.
The paths of the Physical, the Arcane, and History have all led me to
different forms of destruction. Forms that caused deaths of innocents and
endangered many more, beyond my intent. The writing of Lores in Armageddon
Sanctuary led to both our deaths and nearly unleashed annihilation upon
Serin. The arcane introduced me to Acadia, destroyed civilizations there
and nearly ended my existence. And now, following the innocuous thread of
History has also led to the death of a friend.

I question whether I am right to pursue research. In my preparations, I
have always tried to ensure that I would be able to keep those in my company
safe. But it seems I am not powerful enough, and the secrets I seek are too
dangerous. Yet I am drawn to the unknowns like a moth to the flame and
cannot deny the passion they instill within me.

I will not write of the Isles and the curse there which has claimed us, too,
as its victims. Instead I will pursue the other thread which Lumubella set
before me. I will undertake it alone, and will travel alone, until I have
found the end of it. May it bring enlightenment, and new purpose.

Serra

>>> Some time passes.

[50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical
[ H-Elf ] <PK> [KNIGHT] Sir Alkas Tyrzaphir the Cynosure of Spirit, Archon of Valour
[ H-Elf ] <PK> [JUSTICE] Llloyied Levanadel the Grand Spectre of Beguilement
[ Pixie ] Qryll the Composer
[ Human ] <PK> Eowug the Slayer of Infidels
Players found: 5
[KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms.
There are 5 characters on; the most on this past month was 18.

From: <SCHOLAR> Serra
To: Serra
Subject: Nara Serptius
Content:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polik, citizen of Seringale, a storm giant devoted to Myria and seeks followers to the New Order. Looks for Nara.
Says he will kill himself in Winter if he can't find her. So she's not in Winter.

You say 'Hmm.'
You say 'The New Order.'
You stand up.

>>> Might as well do some on-site research.

The altar of Myria
+ | Tightly knit vines enclose the area, looming above a large
| | altar made of wood and leaves. The strong presence of nature
+-+ | itself can be felt thriving through the room. You now see the
| | source of the faint white light, as it bursts through ancient
+ *-@ | carvings on the altar. Various birds, hidden within the trees,
| | | sing a constant praise to Myria and her blessings.
+-o |
| |
+-f |
---------+

[Exits: west]
A wooden altar is here, engraved with mystical symbols.
(White Aura) An adept of Myria is here, preparing a grand offering.

Myria, Goddess of Earth

Elements: Earth
Rival Elements: Air
Alliances: Vanisse, Phostan, Sarich, Sedgwick, Diocletian, Esivole
Rivalries: Vevier, Zafrin, Rodyn

Goddess Myria was born in faraway lands which she traveled from in hopes of
reaching Seringale to return home with an honorable husband. Once arriving
within the proximity of Seringale, the grip of battle called her against the
darkness, and her search for marriage became deafened. Myria joined the
guild of warriors in the name of faith and Goddess Ariella. Having learned
the ways of an elven warrior left her often ridiculed from her guild mates.
Her friends were few and far between, but those she had were dear to her.
As Myria became more pure and spread faith, Ariella noticed this and gave to
her most devoted the opportunity of immortality. Myria embodied a purity of
faith and truth, and sought to instill such within others. In later years
to come, a tragedy happened with the return of an ancient evil, resulting in
the sudden death of Azonere, Carain, Khade, Myria, and Vamana. The favored
weapon of Myria is a blade tipped feather. The altar of Myria lies within
Armageddon Sanctuary.

Followers of Myria are known for their stoic devotion to their causes. Like
an oak tree caught in a gale, they are known for their refusal to back down
from their beliefs, even when they are facing the strongest opposition.
This pluckiness often wins them the admiration of the Immortals, but may
also lead to them being swept away by forces much greater than themselves.
Examples of Myria's disciples are the original race of humans that became
werebeasts.

You say 'The return of an ancient evil.'

>>> A brief interruption by Serra's old friend, Llloyied.

Llloyied tells you 'Hello.'
You tell Llloyied 'Greetings, sir.'
Llloyied tells you 'I have some stuff for you.'
You tell Llloyied 'I do not need anything, sir.' <- Indeed not. Serra is a bag lady.
Llloyied tells you 'Surely a nice staff.'
You tell Llloyied 'I have a suitable one already, but it is very kind of you to think of me. Thank you.'
(Llloyied babbles more about the staff's amazing properties.)
You tell Llloyied 'Why do you not keep it, sir?'
Llloyied tells you 'I have fallen short in my duties.'
You tell Llloyied 'I am sure my Lord Kedaleam would be forgiving.'
Llloyied tells you 'Indeed, but if I am not using the items, then they should be helping others.'
You tell Llloyied 'Ah... I understand.'
You tell Llloyied 'I will hold it for you then, until you can wield it again.'
Llloyied tells you 'I don't want to burden, but if you can use them, they are yours.'
You tell Llloyied 'It is no burden. My shoulders are still strong enough.'
Llloyied tells you 'Where you at?'
You tell Llloyied 'I am studying the altar of Myria.'
Llloyied tells you 'Also Eowug could use some guidance if you see him about.'
You tell Llloyied 'Ah, I know of him. I helped him as a very young lad, he has advanced swiftly.'
You tell Llloyied 'I will keep an eye out for him.'
Llloyied tells you 'I helped enchant his blade but new to enchanting.'
You tell Llloyied 'Wonderful!'

Llloyied walks in.
Llloyied bows deeply.
You bow deeply.

Llloyied utters the words, 'uoculoihuyl'.
Object 'black staff ancient magic' is type weapon, material energy.
Extra flags: glow hum invis magic enchanted.
Made to be wielded.
Weight is 4 lbs, value is 3, level is 49.
Weapon type is staff.
Inflicts 10 to 40 degrees of smash (average 25).
Two-handed weapon.
Modifies hitroll by 5.
Modifies damroll by 5.
Modifies health by 50.
Rare item.

You say 'Very nicely done, sir.'
Llloyied gives you the black staff of ancient magic.
You say 'Will you be gone very long?'
Llloyied says 'Not sure.'
Llloyied says 'If the enchanting did not go so well it would be no loss.'
You chuckle politely.
Llloyied says 'Well thank you.'
Llloyied bows before you.
You say 'I wish you a swift and pleasant journey!'
You say 'And look forward to your return.'
You smile at him.
Llloyied says 'Same to you.'
Llloyied must like you a great deal to beam at you so broadly!
Llloyied has left the realms.

String so far:
-==========================================================================-
1. Polik, citizen of Seringale, a storm giant devoted to Myria and seeks
2. followers to the New Order. Looks for Nara. Says he will kill himself in
3. Winter if he can't find her. So she's not in Winter.
4.
5. Myria's altar lies in the Armageddon Sanctuary. She herself was a warrior
6. (was she an elf, or simply trained as one?) with few but dear friends. She
7. followed the Goddess Ariella. The rise of an "ancient evil" led to the
8. death of Azonere, Carain, Khade, Myria and Vamana.
>

You say 'Vamana.'
You say 'Where have I heard that name before?'

'AZONERE'

Azonere is a gnome god of magic. He favors pure neutrality, in both
ethos and alignment. He was known by many as the Guide of Ether. Azonere
frowns upon those who hoard fancy equipment, and those that follow him
barely hold such. All guilds of mages pay respect to him in some way, but
he is most revered by the fighters and rogues of the true neutral alignment.
His weapon of choice is a simple sceptre decorated with a few gems. The
shrine of Azonere is within the Lightning Bay.

'VAMANA'

Vamana is Neutral Good and represents the Lady of the Sun. Her title is the
Shining One. She promotes Honesty, Trust, and Virtue. She is associated
with the domains of Lightness and Valour. She is followed by healers, the
pure of heart, and religious priests. Her preferred weapon is a mace of pure
light. Her arch-enemy is Tyrone. The shrine of Vamana lies within the
town of Liberty.

Darkhan, God of Trickery

Elements: Trickery
Rival Elements: Law
Alliances: Davairus, Resatimm, Thorgoth, Vhrael, Rodyn, Sakuragi, Zylenier, Nycticora, Lodur
Rivalries: Kedaleam, Sarich, Sedgwick, Aberdour, Soluminus, Odoacer, Eloret

Darkhan was the mysterious Dark Lord behind the scenes of all evil doings.
He is also known to whisper dark, corrupting suggestions into the ears of
mortals. He manifested eventually as the Shadow Dragon during the Taekir
War. The manipulations of promising absolute power to Rodyn that led to
the assassination of Queen Victoria and eventually oust Rodyn in favour for
Sakuragi as the Legion Forsaken. When he knew his powers waned, he
impregnated a whore to bare him a son, a successor, Zanzabar. Before his
passing, he trapped his lover Carain in a gem and eventually destroyed her
forever. The altar of Darkhan lies within the Keep of D'al Kadar.

Followers of Darkhan are obsessed with evil and seek to further spread its
corruption. Not content with mere power as an end, they prove that nothing
is sacred, nothing holy enough that it cannot be tainted and defiled into
something of evil. They provide the antithesis to the Knights of Valour,
and on the battlefield are often their most formidable opponents. However,
due to his subterfuge, he manages to hide his presence and often the
other gods will get the blame for things that are for his doing. There
are plenty of Serins that believe the Dark Lord has been destroyed - they
are very gravely mistaken about that.

You boggle at the concept.
You say 'Carain - Darkhan! Of course.'

'DARK AGES'

The realms emptied and started anew, it should have been a rich time in the
heavens, a period of sloth as the old was replaced by the new. Yet, it was
not. For as each change made to the lands was found, the badly thought out
errs started to show up. Before long, a deep, unforgiving feud erupted
between the most powerful, fatal in its nature. As soon as he had arrived,
to finally destroy the Dark Lord, Rodyn was angered by the rest and left,
considering the plane unfit for hispresence. As Stryth's legendary rage
stoked, even he let his mind known to his companions, that they lazed while
he and Zafrin toiled, and their efforts were now lacking, and thus Denadlyr
and Virgil, two of the three remaining ancients, left with Sarich for
different pastures. The heavens lay near purged themselves, and emptied
even further, when a long battlewith Diocletian and Odoacer led to the
Warlord immortal's demise.

The saga of the heavens dried up for the time being, the attention of Stryth
now turned back upon his mortals, for their strife echoed much of his own,
but without the burden of life everlasting to live with it. He remembered
the cabals, the many battles they fought, and saw that they seemed to enjoy
its conflict. In his wisdom, he decided to craft a new cabal, one that
would be supported by the efforts of its members, rather than by items.

Thus the Herald cabal was formed. Put into the hands of his newly advanced
immortal Carain, parallel to the New Order movement of another new immortal,
Myria, he decided it was now his time to leave. Having bestowed the full
extent of his power upon Odoacer, his ever trustworthy immortal servant, he
left the realms with Zafrin, to seek a new purpose. The realms, headed by
Odoacer, aided by Zandar, Myria and Carain, moved forward without him. For
many years, nothing either bad or good happened to the realms, and a lack of
true presence was felt. Even the return of Khade, the Shadow of the Past,
to run the cabal of Assassin fails to provoke interest.

>>> Much reading ensues. One interesting entry...

HISTORY

Like other fateful tales, the Chronicle of the Coming begins with a
prophecy. In times past when clerics worshipped together within the same
guild, before the Schism came to divide them, there was one such priest
who was known as Rodyn. He communed farther into the Darkness than any
had dared to, and felt the stirrings of plans being prepared. In his
unholy acts, he made prophecies of the rise of the shadows, and he
continued to probe the Darkness for the truth... until unexpectedly, he
stumbled upon something truly Ancient, something not meant for mortal
souls to behold. He vanished from Serin entirely.

As was prophesized, the Legion of Darkness rose, driven by a Dark Lord who
watched from the shadows. While the Knights fought them, other cabals
organized around their common beliefs. As time passed during this time of
conflict, another prophet came into power in Serin, and in his eyes he saw
Doom. The Legion was weak in numbers, while the Knights grew rich and
fearful of their personal wealth. The Mystics bickered with each other
about their differences. The Warlords found turmoil and inner fighting in
their leadership, while the Justices were corrupted by the lure of
profiting from their duties. It was the worst of times, and the second
prophet spread tidings of the ill things that have yet to come. Soon
enough, Serin shook when the Coming fell upon the land.

From where he returned no one will know, but Rodyn's wrath was a terror to
behold. Tapping into some great source of power, his power was Immortal,
and into the heavens did his charge lead. Strife and fighting filled the
land when the gods abandoned their watch of the mortals as they clashed.
The Dark Lord himself was felled by a word of power from Rodyn, and from
the unholy corpse Rodyn spawned countless demons to spread terror into the
now panicked populace. From the turmoil Zafrin drew upon immensely as the
Nexus of Chaos, while Rodyn fed on the power released by the dying. Even
the lesser gods hid themselves or fled from Serin, and abandoned the
mortals to their fate.

It was then that Stryth returned to rid the land of the corruption in
Serin -- through utter destruction. With power reminiscent of the original
Omnipotents, he purged the land of all mortal life. By force of will,
mountains were torn asunder so that new earth might flow from these
wounds, and oceans were vaporized to be filled once again with rain.
Serin was planted again with the seeds of races, and life sprung from the
land. The gods were reassembled, and they knew of the perilous balance of
their existence, and the terrible cost of abandonment...

And so begins the Second Age in Serin. Although the gods have preserved
the lore and traditions of the First Age, the world has been reforged
anew. Magic works in different and wondrous ways. Guilds have risen
around newly discovered talents and professions, and strange new creatures
and adventuring races roam the lands. The great city of Seringale has
been rebuilt, and Assassins stalk the crowds for their prey. New souls
are born into Serin every day, to breathe life into the faces of heroes
and villains. And history awaits to be written -- once again.

- as recorded by Burzuk the Second, Prophet of Doom

You say 'Ah... I see... Serin itself has been purged before.'
Brrrrrrrrr.
You say 'A different sort. Not compartmentalized, like Acadia.'

From: <SCHOLAR> Serra
To: Serra
Subject: Nara Serptius
Content:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polik, citizen of Seringale, a storm giant devoted to Myria and seeks
followers to the New Order. Looks for Nara. Says he will kill himself in
Winter if he can't find her. So she's not in Winter.

Myria's altar lies in the Armageddon Sanctuary. She herself was a warrior
(was she an elf, or simply trained as one?) with few but dear friends. She
followed the Goddess Ariella. The rise of an "ancient evil" led to the
death of Azonere, Carain, Khade, Myria and Vamana.

Was this ancient evil Darkhan? Or was he just a symptom of it?

>>> Serra catches up with Ilromie and shares some of her findings.

A Comfortable Lounge
| The lighting is dim with the window shades drawn tight,
| making it difficult to tell if it's day or night. There
| is a fireplace in one corner adding warmth and welcome
| to the room. Big overstuffed chairs surround the cheerful
@-*-*| hearth, beckoning those who enter to curl up and relax.
| | Soft music plays in the background, but the source is
*-*| not known. The scent of apples and spices fills the air
| adding to the sense of well-being. This is a place to
| escape one's worries and rejuvenate the spirit.
---------+

[Exits: east]
A leather chair and ottoman sit against the wall.
An overstuffed armchair sits beside the fire.
A large, comfortable looking suite sits here.
Ilromie the Sage of Arcane Power, Polymath of History is here.
(Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here.
(Charmed) A calf is here, grudgingly following its master.

[50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical
[ Dwarf ] Brarfrar Ambertusk the Mighty
[ Half ] <PK> Sissell the Unseen
[ Human ] Eowug the Templar Colonel
[ Elf ] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Polymath) Duchess Ilromie Illistarre the Sage of Arcane Power, Polymath of History
[ Human ] Mirtolda the Bringer of the Ghouls
Players found: 6
[KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms.
There are 6 characters on; the most on this past month was 18.

Ilromie says 'The Lady Vanisse was kind enough to allow me to change my dedications.'
You say 'Oh!'
Ilromie says 'I shall henceforth rely on you for the approval of lores.'
You say 'Good gracious.'
You say 'What do you study now?'
Ilromie says 'History, Arcana, and...'
Ilromie grins evilly.
Ilromie says 'Warfare.'
You say 'That is quite exciting.'
Ilromie says 'I have a bevy of experience to bring to such pillar, now that has emptied.'
You chuckle politely.
You say 'Indeed.'
You say 'I have felt myself drawn more towards history recently.'
You say 'I discovered a few most interesting threads of exploration.'
You say 'Ocelia appears to be very persistent with lores, so she may make her name with it and free me to ... more eclectic studies.'
Heh.
Ilromie grins evilly.
Ilromie says 'What did you have in mind?'
You say 'Ah!'
You say 'Well, let me show you.'

The Pulpit
* | As you stand behind this tall wooden pulpit you feel as if
| | you have incredible authority. You can see the whole sanctuary
* | from here, every pew and every window all the way to the front
| | doors. A large book with a brown leather cover rests in the
@ | middle of the pulpit. You can tell where the book has been
| recently opened and moved because of lines in the thick dust
| that seems to be everywhere in this temple. You notice a door
| beside the pulpit which must lead to another section of this
| church.
---------+

[Exits: north (east)]
A calf walks in.

You say 'Here is the first clue I found.'
You say 'A most disturbing book, which I read in my youth.'
Sissell tells you 'Do you adventure?'
You tell Sissell 'In the academic sense, indeed!'
You say 'When I first read it, the darkness of it shook me, and I swore I would not read it again lest the darkness within it overcome me.'
Ilromie steps up to the pulpit to read the open page of the book.
You say 'I was young then, and quite malleable.'
You say 'I am much more set in my ways now.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
Ilromie says 'A turned healer.'
You say 'When I returned from Acadia, Lumubella reached out to me. It turns out she had also stumbled upon it.'
You nod.
You say 'I do believe she found it as fascinating and appalling as I did.'
You say 'But she picked up on a clue I had overlooked - this man, Equient.'
You say 'The only name other than Nara's scribed within it.'
You say 'Perhaps a clue... to someone important.'
Ilromie sits down and thinks deeply.
You say 'For days afterward, I searched across the lands. I even asked Ocelia if she had come across any mention of him in her research.'
You say 'All came up empty, until one day...'
Ilromie says 'I recognize the name not.'
Ilromie leans in, listening.

A Gloomy Graveyard
o | Many withering trees and ancient graves can be seen through
| | a thick mist that seems to have settled here permanently. A
o-f-o | simple tombstone surrounded by wilted flowers tilts slightly
| | | to one side before you. Hideous smells radiate from somewhere
o-o-@-o-f| below you.
| | |
o-o |
| |
o |
---------+

[Exits: east west]
A calf walks in.

You say 'I returned to the Graveyard to explore.'
You say 'And here lies this Tombstone... with certain placed letters.'
You say 'Perhaps the resting place of this Equient?'

A grey marble tombstone is here tilting slightly to one side, perhaps
from an unsettling of the earth below it. You can barely make out the
letters E and n in the inscription which has been long faded by time.

Ilromie says 'Quite likely, I would say.'
You say 'And moreover, flowers still rest upon the grave. As if someone has visited not too long ago.'
You say 'Even though Nara was an ancient healer, from so long ago she did not appear in any of the Herald works.'
You say 'Polik, in Seringale, still speaks of her...'
You ponder the question.
Ilromie says 'She was turned, she may yet persist in this world.'
You say 'It makes me wonder if our forebears simply missed these people in their records, or if they predate the annals of the Mystique.'
Ilromie says 'Perhaps they felt she was unworthy of a record.'
You ponder the question.
You say 'Perhaps.'
You say 'History is a strange thing.'
Ilromie agrees absolutely.
You say 'We hold so much power in our quills and do not realize it most of the time.'
Ilromie says 'It is within our power now to exemplify those who will inspire the next generations.'
You say 'We are fortunate to live in a time with so many examples.'
Ilromie smiles happily.
Ilromie nods.
Ilromie says 'Speaking of such examples, will you be present for the planned discussion of the Mystique?'
You say 'I count you among them. You are leading the Consortium brilliantly.'
Ilromie turns slightly pink.
Ilromie says 'Quite a generous compliment, my friend.'
You say 'How many storms away is it?'
Ilromie says 'Not even one.'
You say 'Oh.'
Yuck, try to cover your mouth next time!
Ilromie says 'A few days.'
You say 'Yes!'
Ilromie beams broadly!
Ilromie says 'I am currently considering if there is anything I might use to serve food and drink upon during the discussion.'
You say 'A picnic blanket?'
You let out a hearty laugh.
Ilromie says 'Though I can locate neither tray nor suitable platter.'
Ilromie lets out a hearty laugh.
You say 'Or I can attempt to carry a table.'
You say 'The other thread I have found runs from Storm Hill to the Illusory Isles.'
Ilromie says 'In support of this inquiry?'
You say 'But we can explore that when you are not preparing.'
You shake your head.
Ilromie glances at the tombstone.
You say 'It is a different one.'
You say 'I think.'
You say 'I would be greatly surprised if they connected, although anything is possible.'
You say 'Let us prepare for your grand event!'

>>> Some time passes, during which the events of the Serin Mystique Discussion and the terrible Curse of the Stone of Wrath take place. As she promised Llloyied, Serra does take Eowug under her wing, and is accompanying him as he explores Cloud Castle.

Reading Niche
| This room seems to have miraculously escaped disaster.
| Pads line the benches set beneath the window, but even
| as the moonlight shines in, it seems to be swallowed by
| the darkness that has fallen. Even the colorful spines
*-*-@ | of the books that line the shelves seem muted and dreary.
v | | A ruined hallway lies to the west.
=*>*-*-*|
| ^ , |
*-*-* |
---------+

[Exits: west]
Eowug the Slayer of Infidels is here.

Ocelia tells you 'If you don't mind, I would like to talk with you alone when you get the chance.'
You tell Ocelia 'Of course, miss.'
You say 'I must speak with Ocelia about some matters. Will you explore here on your own?'
Eowug says 'Yes.'
You nod.
You say 'Be well sir!'
You have left Serra's group.
You stop following Eowug.
Eowug stops following you.

Beyond the Diamond Gate
f | The branch you are standing on curves away from beneath your
| | feet, though the slope is easy enough that you have no fear
f-f-f| of falling. As you step out into the narrower part of the
| | branch, all of southern Serin seems to be spread before you.
@ | People are passing by on the ground but they seem to be no
| bigger than insects. Behind you stands a large gate that has
| been inlaid with diamonds that must be worth a dragon's hoard.
| A thick branch has been ripped away, though you can see how
| it would have once provided a gentle slope down towards the
---------+ ground.

[Exits: north]

You rest.

Ocelia walks in.
A red wyvern flies in.

Ocelia says 'Ah, this should do.'
You smile at her.
You say 'Very good, miss.'
You say 'What would you like to discuss?'
Ocelia says 'Well, I thought I might mention a few things.'
Ocelia says 'All did not turn out as I expected after joining.'
Ocelia says 'I had intended merely to work on the lore and ended up getting dragged into Ilromie's conflicts.'
You chuckle politely.
Ocelia says 'Naturally, I am not happy about that.'
You say 'You do not need to join her on her crusades.'
Ocelia says 'True.'
Ocelia says 'But furthermore, what shocked me was hearing she had been given permission by Phostan to strike her own members... Until Lady Vanisse forebade her from doing so.'
You say 'Is that so?'
You frown disapprovingly.
Ocelia says 'Aye, that's what I heard.'
Ocelia says 'I cannot say I have always been faultless, or indeed, am such.'
Ocelia says 'But I trust Lady Vanisse to do the right thing.'
Ocelia says 'Ilromie, not so much.'
You say 'In my youth, Lord Phostan paid me little mind.'
You say 'Perhaps he was closer with Ilromie.'
You chuckle politely.
Ocelia says 'She seems too blinded by her prejudices.'
Ocelia says 'It's no wonder Kali likes her, peas of a pod they are.'
Ocelia spits in utter disgust!
Ocelia says 'The Mystique took too long to come out.'
You say 'It is sad to hear this, and sadder to feel the same. I do not know what caused her to become like this.'
Ocelia says 'Vanisse commented on that openly at one point.'
Ocelia says 'And it still took a while before everything was finished.'
Ocelia says 'And I don't know either.'
You say 'I saw many, many works within the latest issue.'
Ocelia says 'She seems to have gotten worse with age.'
Ocelia says 'Hasn't improved, like wine does.'
Ocelia chuckles politely.
Ocelia says 'If anything, the same faults are coming more to light over time, and becoming more pronounced.'
You say 'Something has soured her.'
Ocelia says 'Aye.'
You say 'I only wish I knew the source, and could heal her.'
You sigh.
You say 'But I was not taught how to heal a mind, only a body.'
Ocelia says 'I suspect she is not far from leaving Serin permanently, given how the records speak of how many times she has fallen.'
Ocelia says 'Still has some times to die yet, but not a huge number.'
You say 'I dearly hope she does not before she has found a way back to the light.'
Ocelia says 'Aye.'

>>> Ocelia and Serra proceed to discuss a number of Consortium-related matters.

Ocelia says 'I sense Valindra is doing very well... Perhaps better than me in terms of actually getting things done.'
Ocelia says 'Since I've been slacking a bit.'
Ocelia chuckles politely.
You say 'She has great enthusiasm for many things, and a curious mind.'
Ocelia says 'Aye.'
You say 'I have asked her if she would finish writing about the vampires for me.'
You say 'Since I cannot bring myself to finish the work, and it is a pity to let it lie forgotten.'
Ocelia raises an eyebrow.
Ocelia says 'Vampires?'
You nod.
Ocelia says 'Not the ones in the cathedral south of Timaran?'
Ocelia says 'Or generally.'
You say 'A great misfortune befell my last research expedition.'
Ocelia says 'Ah.'
You say 'I sought to uncover the stories of the vampires in the Isles of Illusion.'
You say 'And unleashed a curse there. I thought by simply defeating it, we would be safe. But perhaps I let it linger in Serin's open air for too long.'
You say 'A good friend, Gwevym, picked up the Summoning Stone of Wrath it carried, and it awakened a tempest in Ilromie.'
Ocelia says 'Ah, him...'
You say 'He lost his life for it.'
Ocelia says 'Ouch.'
You say 'Thus, his blood is on my hands... and that tale... I cannot write of it further.'
Ocelia says 'Ahh.'
You say 'But the story is rich, and perhaps a witch has the powers needed to defend herself from such a curse.'
Ocelia says 'I'm not an illithid, so I'm not capable of probing your mind deeply.'
You chuckle politely.
You say 'Such would be quite disturbing.'
Ocelia says 'What I mean is this...'
Ocelia says 'If I wanted to know what it was like I would need greater means than I possess.'
Ocelia says 'Despite being a mage of the mind.'
You say 'Can you study minds of people?'
Ocelia says 'Only through indirect observation.'
You say 'Ah, I see.'
You say 'No portent of dreams?'
Ocelia says 'Which only tells as much as I observe myself.'
You chuckle politely.
Ocelia says 'I'm not a druid.'
You say 'Ah, indeed.'
You mull over the idea at hand, asking for patience.
Ocelia says 'So I don't have access to the full depths of the dream world.'
You say 'When I was very young, there was a druid who came to me while I slept.'
You say 'Such powers fascinated me.'
Ocelia says 'It is fascinating, I will admit.'
Ocelia says 'Not something I can do. Gates are not the same thing, though there is a similar sort of connection.'
You say 'You mentioned somehow you open yours with sugar.'
Ocelia says 'Yes, I do.'
You say 'Is that something you learned in Acadia?'
Ocelia nods.
Ocelia says 'It is.'
Ocelia says 'And spending too much time with my grandmother's sugar jar!'
Ocelia giggles.
You chuckle politely.
Ocelia says 'Some use dust, or snow... I found sugar worked for me.'
You say 'Hmm, very interesting.'
Ocelia says 'Some of the demonic types even used ashes.'
You say 'I have traveled to Acadia a few times, and the concentration of magic there has always astonished me.'
Ocelia says 'It is more intense there, certainly.'
You say 'I do not know if you have ever read my works on my previous journey.'
Ocelia says 'I may have.'
You say 'There was a dark rift that opened up in one of the forests there, and I was drawn to battle by my former teacher.'
You say 'Though our side fought bravely, we were overwhelmed by a dark force.'
You say 'It was a demon that turned elves into fearsome creatures.'
You say 'When I returned, to my horror I saw it happen here in Serin.'
You say 'My mentor, Markus, almost died, but Lord Kedaleam managed to save his life.'
You say 'Though I have not been able to find a trace of him since.'
You say 'He must be somewhere still in Serin.'
Ocelia nods.
You say 'On this recent journey I returned to discover that Acadia had purged the land where the rift had formed.'
You say 'All of its inhabitants, all of the life there, both good and evil, perished.'
You say 'And were rebuilt, in a different form.'
You shudder at the horror and repress tears.
Ocelia says 'Oh my.'
You say 'I hope it was not anywhere near your family's lands.'
Ocelia shrugs helplessly.
Ocelia says 'I would not have any way of knowing unless I went back, and that would involve more travel than I plan on doing right now.'
You say 'Ah, indeed.'
You say 'I also speak of it because I found an ancient scroll of our history.'
You say 'A great purge occurred in Serin's own past, once, when corruption seized hold.'
Ocelia says 'Hmm... For some reason, I had a terrible thought occur...'
You say 'Only here, the overlords were not so careful and not a stone was left unscathed.'
Ocelia says 'Though it may be of no consequence.'
You say 'Tell me.'

An elfin, wingless humanoid is here. She is no taller than a house cat,
and has twiglike limbs. It is very difficult to make out the digits on her
hands, as they are so tiny. Her body is somewhat like an elf's, only
downsized several categories. She has the pointy ears which elves do, for
sure. She is also long-limbed and has golden-yellow hair cascading in
layers off of her head and over her back. It also appears that her skin is
a color almost like old ivory: it shows hints of pure whiteness underneath
noteworthy patches of yellow on it.
She is an experienced explorer.
Ocelia is in excellent condition.

Ocelia is using:
<pile o' pixie stuff>

Ocelia says 'I knew Chul pretty well as an antagonizer and somebody who was an embodiment of corruption.'
Ocelia says 'And I also was among those who bested Zaikkra here in Serin.'
You say 'Ah, very good.'
Ocelia says 'Perhaps Ilromie's closeness to both events affected her, as she had no prior connection to Acadia?'
You say 'She was there as well?'
Ocelia says 'Aye, though she was in the Sewers, not at the top of Mount Omedan.'
Ocelia says 'Where I was with Toland.'
You mull over the idea at hand, asking for patience.
You say 'It is possible.'
Ocelia says 'She and Gwevym and I think maybe somebody else... Ah yes, Kali... went down there.'
You say 'Ah... I see.'
You say 'Perhaps it was not only the Stone of Wrath.'
Ocelia says 'Perhaps not.'
Ocelia says 'I have noticed two other stones lurking in the Unsiliel Wood.'
Ocelia says 'The stones of Avarice and Lust.'
You say 'I recall, before this journey, we had gathered all seven of them.'
You say 'And they were stored in her manor for safekeeping.'
Ocelia says 'Ah.'
You say 'It was taken by a drow by the name of Chaszmyr, who attempted to release Zaikkra.'
Ocelia says 'Interesting.'
You say 'I saw them in his possession while scrying.'
You chuckle politely.
Ocelia says 'I had heard about a summoning a long time ago from somebody else who was a prolific contributor to the codex.'
Ocelia says 'Karea was her name, apparently she and Conundo summoned him, even cleared Mount Omedan... And he disappeared while Karea was heading up the mountain.'
You say 'Disappeared?'
Ocelia says 'Apparently he left Serin before they had a chance to fight him again at the temple at the top of Mount Omedan.'
Ocelia says 'Zaikkra that is.'
You say 'Oh.'
You say 'You mean he escaped?'
Ocelia shrugs helplessly.
You say 'Good gracious.'
Ocelia says 'I suppose that's a word for it.'
You say 'I think your hypothesis about the effects of Zaikkra's stones is quite possible.'
Ocelia says 'And certainly, I saw some signs of madness or possible possession in Chul.'
You say 'Perhaps long periods of exposure can drive one mad.'
Ocelia says 'True.'
Ocelia says 'Perhaps Ilromie got affected by the same demons that may have possessed Solmundi.'
Ocelia shrugs helplessly.
You say 'Perhaps you might observe those who were present for Zaikkra's release and see if they all exhibit the same symptoms.'
Ocelia says 'Most of them are dead, but you've got a point.'
You say 'They are?'
Ocelia says 'I need to observe Kali more.'
Ocelia says 'I seem to recall Gwevym and Toland being dead.'
You shudder at the horror and repress tears.
Ocelia says 'Toland had his name changed forcefully by the gods, I forget what it was changed to.'
Ocelia says 'Oh yes.'
Ocelia says 'There is a berserker who was with us, too.'
Ocelia says 'Chayvudd is his name.'
You say 'I have seen him before but not spoken much.'
Ocelia says 'He is a neutral sort.'
You nod.
Ocelia says 'He was the one who got to keep Tayku, the voodoo doll Zaikkra carries.'
Ocelia says 'So I will have to watch him, too.'
You chuckle politely.
You nod.
You say 'Yes - but be careful. We do not know what strange powers Zaikkra may have over them.'
Ocelia says 'Aye.'
You say 'I was thinking originally to put some distance between myself and Ilromie for some time. But if she is afflicted by something I cannot simply abandon her to it.'
You mull over the idea at hand, asking for patience.
Ocelia says 'I sense that this will be a problem for both of us, no matter how we handle it.'
You say 'I will try to speak with her gently.'
Ocelia nods.
You say 'Are you close to Kali?'
Ocelia says 'Not especially.'
Ocelia sighs.
You say 'Hmm.'
Ocelia says 'We're basically "acquaintances" for lack of better terms.'
You say 'Ah.'
You say 'Would you feel up to observing him and Chayvudd? I will try to work with Ilromie.'
Ocelia says 'Sure, anything for a friend.'
Ocelia smiles at you.
You say 'And perhaps I will also observe Kali if I can and we can compare notes.'
Heh.
Ocelia nods.
You say 'If all goes well, your worries about the Consortium might be healed in due time.'
Ocelia says 'Aye.'
You say 'I do hope.'

Abellyith tells you 'Fink greet yus.'
You tell Abellyith 'Greetings, sir.'
Abellyith tells you 'Finkin apologise some fer deh rif meh think made.' <- Oh, that's nice.
Abellyith tells you 'Nonna cause ye any trouble aye aye.'

Ocelia says 'I see the stinkiest of the Warlords has made his entrance.'
Ocelia pinches her nose.
You let out a hearty laugh.

You tell Abellyith 'Ilromie is my oldest friend. I suppose it was high time we had our first disagreement.'
Abellyith tells you 'Ya fink so agreen.'
Abellyith tells you 'Ya ya.'
You tell Abellyith 'Do not worry. I will work it out with her.'
Abellyith tells you 'Fink good.'
Abellyith tells you 'Meh gonna kill er.' <- Oh, never mind.
You tell Abellyith 'What are your arguments with her?'
Abellyith tells you 'She breathe air.'
Abellyith tells you 'Lossa air.'
Abellyith tells you 'To much air.'
Abellyith tells you 'Gotta stops it.'
You tell Abellyith 'So do I. Is it air you are lacking?'
Abellyith tells you 'Only fink yus breathe deh air for purpose.'
Abellyith tells you 'Her use it anna noffin come outta it.'
Abellyith tells you 'Taken non given.'
You tell Abellyith 'She has created a great many things, but has also destroyed many things. Yet... I believe there is a cause to it.'
You tell Abellyith 'A cause she does not perhaps know.'
Abellyith tells you 'I havva kill deh knight.'
Abellyith tells you 'Excuse meh.'
You tell Abellyith 'I will be studying it.'
Abellyith tells you 'Talk later.'

[ H-Elf ] <PK> [KNIGHT] Sir Alkas Tyrzaphir the Cynosure of Spirit, Archon of Valour
[ Duerg ] <PK> [WARLORD] Abellyith the Battlemaster
[ Drow ] Rhaizo the Student of Pressure
[ Human ] Giles the Rogue Knight
[ Pixie ] <PK> <MYSTIC> (Annotator) Duchess Ocelia the Grand Spectre of Beguilement, Annotator of Fundamental
[ Human ] <PK> Eowug the Slayer of Infidels
[50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical
Players found: 7
[KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms.
There are 7 characters on; the most on this past month was 18.

You tell Alkas 'Be careful sir, the Warlord will come for you.'

You say 'He is a curious one.'
Ocelia says 'The duergar?'
You nod.
Ocelia nods.
Ocelia says 'I wouldn't consider him the most intelligent being.'
Ocelia lets out a hearty laugh.
You say 'It seems he wages a singular war against Valour.'
Ocelia says 'Aye.'
Ocelia says 'All because of some wrong Rhoa supposedly committed.'
You say 'Has he fought you too?'
Ocelia shakes her head.
You say 'Hmm.'
You say 'He just informed me he intends to kill Ilromie.'
Ocelia says 'Ah.'
Ocelia says 'I did see her attack him when he had merely guild-issue on him.'
You say 'Ah, that is the source of his rage then.'
Ocelia says 'No surprise, coming from him.'
You say 'What was peculiar was not the declaration, but what preceded it.'
You say 'He was sorry for causing a rift between Ilromie and me.'
You ponder the question.
You say 'I do not know why he would say such a thing.'
You say 'He fights Alkas now, I believe.'
Ocelia says 'And there's Kali.'

[ Human ] Breyer the Brother
[ Elf ] <PK> Kali Windbreeze the Grand Spectre of Beguilement
[ H-Elf ] <PK> [KNIGHT] Sir Alkas Tyrzaphir the Cynosure of Spirit, Archon of Valour
[ Duerg ] <PK> [WARLORD] Abellyith the Battlemaster
[ Drow ] Rhaizo the Student of Pressure
[ Human ] Giles the Rogue Knight
[ Pixie ] <PK> <MYSTIC> (Annotator) Duchess Ocelia the Grand Spectre of Beguilement, Annotator of Fundamental
[50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical
Players found: 8
[KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms.
There are 8 characters on; the most on this past month was 18.

You say 'I will let you to your tasks then. I must plant some seeds and do some more thinking and writing.'
Heh.
Ocelia nods.
You say 'Thank you for the discussion!'
Ocelia says 'Of course.'
A stack of pancakes suddenly appears.
You say 'And have some pancakes!'
Distant crackling is heard as faith and energy is channeled.
Ocelia nods.
A nimbus of white light appears upon the ground.
Ocelia gets a stack of pancakes.
Ocelia eats a stack of pancakes.
The nimbus of light encases you.

>>>POOF<<<

From: <SCHOLAR> Serra
To: Serra
Subject: More notes
Content:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following the path of Myria led me so far nowhere. The current adept did
not show any recognition when I mentioned the name of the New Order.

An ancient scroll of Vamana listed her temple in the town of Liberty, but I
have found no trace of it, only Stryth's temple above the bell tower.

I have through this study, traced the scrolls to the very Timeline of Serin,
which is most fascinating. It describes tumult and upheaval in the
formation of our world. And once the annihilation of all living things by
an Overlord... Much like what happened in Acadia!

Interesting discussion with Ocelia. Zaikkra's stones... Zaikkra himself...
Could he have corrupted Acadia AND Serin? Ocelia says there was once, a
long time ago, that Zaikkra was released and escaped from Serin for a time.
Perhaps... He went to the demons' plane and set a plan in motion then.

More recently, Ilromie kept all seven of the stones in her home for a time -
corrupted by exposure? Chaszmyr, a drow, stole the stones and attempted to
free Zaikkra with Pauwyr and another. He is now dead. Ilromie, Kali,
Gwevym, Toland, Chayvudd, and Ocelia were involved in releasing him again
and this time were able to slay him. Gwevym and Toland are both dead.
Ocelia is perhaps immune due to her Acadian nature. Ilromie and Kali have
been behaving very strangely. Chayvudd is unknown.

Must pursue more investigation. Ocelia will assist me in observations and
gather evidence.