>>> You can blame twerpalina for yet another boring scholar rp log! >>> In this long-delayed episode, Serra seeks assistance in her research into the tomb of Nara Serptius. This episode picks up some weeks after Threads of Life 4.
An Amateur Kitchen | This room, while ostensibly a kitchen, seems more like a | hopeless novice's laboratory. Flour, spices and batter are * | spattered all over the counter, walls and floor. A small | | window to the north provides a view of a wind-swept meadow. @-* | A small window-box hangs outside in which several varieties | of herbs are wilting. A large furnace is placed against | the west wall which provides the entire abode with blasting | heat when stoked. Above it are a set of simple shelves bearing | all sorts of ingredients and miscellaneous items. A set ---------+ of windchimes hangs from the window outside, tinkling with an occasional breeze.
[Exits: east] An herb grinder is here, grinding away. A large flower pot is here. A simple set of wooden shelves lines the west wall. (Charmed) (Translucent) An enormous old alsatian is here, peering at you warily.
Lumubella tells you 'How have yer been doin?'
[ ] [ Dwarf ] <PK> [KNIGHT] Dame Lumubella Stoutheart the Touch of Serendipity, Archon of Valour [50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical [ Human ] <PK> Duke Eowug the Holy Knight [ Human ] Xhaou Kan the Seeker of Knowledge Players found: 4 [KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms. There are 4 characters on; the most on this past month was 14.
Players near you in A Large Lodge: <PK> Lumubella Terra Firma, near A Windswept Meadow <PK> Serra An Amateur Kitchen, near A Windswept Meadow
Terra Firma | This bedroom is simply but elegantly adorned, with harmonic | earthen tones on walls and trim, and cinnabar curtains framing | the windows to the north and west. Against the western wall | a beautiful desk sits facing the window, furnished with @-* | a stack of neat, blank parchments and a quill made from | a golden eagle feather. A large bearskin rug covers the | center of the floor, providing warmth and comfort. A sweeping | view of the familiar, colossal silhouette of Storm Hill | is framed by the western window, along with the twisting ---------+ paths below. Beyond, the emerald isle of Asdanter can be seen surrounded by a cerulean ocean. Far to the northwest, a hazy shimmer marks the edges of Demea Bay. A wide expansive meadow stretches north of the house. The borders of it are hidden by a curious white mist, as if a cloud sits upon the horizon.
[Exits: east] A luxurious bearskin rug covers the floor. A white wooden chair sits next to the bearskin rug. A stone bed laden with furs rests against the south wall. A blossoming red tulip is on a desk carved of blue marble. A desk is here carved of blue marble, reminiscent of the sea. An acacia wood cabinet rests in the northeast corner. (White Aura) Lumubella is sitting at a desk carved of blue marble. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian walks in.
You chortle mischieviously at Lumubella. You rest.
Lumubella wiggles her bottom toward Wiggles the enormous old alsatian. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian wiggles its bottom. You pat Wiggles the enormous old alsatian on its head.
You say 'I've been exploring a new pattern for a hearth!' You say 'Are you writing something?' Lumubella says 'I have finished, now.' Lumubella stands up.
You smile happily.
Lumubella closes the desk drawer carefully.
You say 'I have to fetch some huge stone clubs.' You let out a hearty laugh.
Lumubella says 'Hmm?' Lumubella says 'Why?'
You say 'Building a hearth!'
Lumubella says 'With clubs?'
You agree absolutely. You invite Lumubella to join your group.
Lumubella now follows you. Lumubella joins the group.
An Amateur Kitchen | This room, while ostensibly a kitchen, seems more like a | hopeless novice's laboratory. Flour, spices and batter are * | spattered all over the counter, walls and floor. A small | | window to the north provides a view of a wind-swept meadow. @-* | A small window-box hangs outside in which several varieties | of herbs are wilting. A large furnace is placed against | the west wall which provides the entire abode with blasting | heat when stoked. Above it are a set of simple shelves bearing | all sorts of ingredients and miscellaneous items. A set ---------+ of windchimes hangs from the window outside, tinkling with an occasional breeze.
[Exits: east] An herb grinder is here, grinding away. A large flower pot is here. A simple set of wooden shelves lines the west wall. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian walks in. Lumubella flies in.
You get a pattern for a hearth from a set of wooden shelves.
Object 'hearth pattern' is type pattern, material paper. Extra flags: none. Made to be held. Weight is 1 lb, value is 55, level is 1. Learnable for lair workbenches. Creates a hearth, constructed from: - 3 of a HUGE stone club
You show the results of your identify spell to Lumubella instead. You find yourself most agreeable.
Lumubella lets out a hearty laugh.
You put a pattern for a hearth in a set of wooden shelves. You say 'I just saw it in Yarbok's shop and had to experiment.' Heh.
Lumubella sits down and thinks deeply. Lumubella flies east.
A Small Hillock | A beautiful green hillock presents itself before you, | covered in wintery flowers and fallen leaves. On the *-*| air is the fresh scent of the many wild plants that have || grown in this area, almost overpopulating it with their @-o *| sheer magnitude. From dandelions to buttercups, the grassy | || soil has been blanketed by a multitude of plants and o-o-+-+| even weeds. It has been allowed to go free without being | || touched by the forces of mankind for quite some time. *-o *| A strange chanting sound is carried in by a sudden gust ---------+ of wind from the east, making you wonder what may be ahead.
[Exits: east south] A big, mean, rough looking man is here. A big, mean, rough looking man is here. (Translucent) (White Aura) Lumubella the Touch of Serendipity, Archon of Valour is here. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian walks in.
Lumubella closes her eyes momentarily. A mountain barbarian arrives suddenly.
You boggle at the concept. You say 'Oh.' You say 'That works.'
Lumubella says 'Efficient, at least.'
>>> Some barbarian butchering later...
You build a large stone hearth. Heh. You find yourself most agreeable.
Lumubella gives you a round of applause. You MUST'VE done something good!
You say 'What were you writing about?' Serra nosily noses about.
Lumubella chortles mischieviously. Lumubella says 'Things.' Lumubella nods sagely. Lumubella says 'Sometimes I find it easier ter be expressin' myself on paper, than vocally.' Lumubella says 'It somehow be more eloquent.'
You say 'I do as well, most of the time.' You let out a hearty laugh. You say 'One has more time to think and reflect.'
>>> "MOST of the time"... [ 21]: 27295:Immortal: [BUG] Why the heck is the stuffed dolphin 15k gold and 100 pounds? Mon Mar 29 01:32:59 2021 To: Serra Immortal Assigned to: UnknownPlayer Status: Open Value: 0 (Pointless), Effort: 0 (Trivial) Bug reported by Serra in Sharky's Underwater Adventures (room 14135): 'Why the heck is the stuffed dolphin 15k gold and 100 pounds?'
Thank you for trying to improve the quality of our game.
-Resatimm commented at Mon Mar 29 1:33:29 2021 Dolphins are big? Stuffed with bannanas? Made out of gold?
-Olyn commented at Mon Mar 29 12:16:26 2021 Seems about right if it's life sized. Slap a secret on it for buying it.
-Resatimm commented at Mon Mar 29 23:18:31 2021 You've purchased the most useless thing ever.
-Serra commented at Mon Mar 29 23:34:52 2021 Yuuup
Lumubella says 'Yer've made a very cozy home.'
Lumubella flies north. You follow Lumubella. A Secret Garden | A small, lush paradise of vegetation surrounds you suddenly | as you exit the back door of the lodge. Strange, unfamiliar | plants grow here, with leaves formed like whorls and swirls | that unfurl in fractal patterns up towards the sky. Among @ | them are several mushrooms of a variety never before seen | | in Serin. Small, strange, winged creatures flit here and there, *-* | flickering into and out of existence as if dipping into and | out of a bowl of water - only the water is this earthly plane. | The garden is walled in by a row of protective hedges which ---------+ tremble as if sentient as you approach. The sky opens up in an endless expanse above, stretching far north across the windswept meadows. The gleaming walls, buildings and monuments of the city of Valour can be seen to the northeast and beyond it, a haze of curious white mist.
[Exits: south] A squashy looking goat stands here looking depressed. A large flower pot is here. A metal chest sits here. A summoning stone of Wrath is on a mushroom bench. A summoning stone of Vanity is on a mushroom bench. A summoning stone of Lust is on a mushroom bench. A summoning stone of Sloth is on a mushroom bench. A summoning stone of Avarice is on a mushroom bench. A huge, iridescent purple mushroom looks almost like a bench. A holy beacon of light illuminates the ground here. (Translucent) (White Aura) Lumubella the Touch of Serendipity, Archon of Valour is here. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian walks in.
You smile happily.
Lumubella sits on a mushroom bench. A squashy goat lets out a bloodcurdling scream.
You let out a hearty laugh. You say 'Goat, don't be silly.'
You sit on a squashy goat. A squashy goat screams at you as you sit on it.
Lumubella says 'I DIDN'T EVEN SIT ON YOU.' Lumubella threatens a squashy goat, trying to get it to do what she wants.
You roll on the floor, laughing hysterically.
<MYSTIC> Glorwinda the Psi-Ascetic: 'The winds welcome your return, Ocelia the Grand Spectre of Beguilement, Annotator of Fundamental.'
You say 'He has been traumatized by someone...' Yuck, try to cover your mouth next time! You stand up.
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Greetings, miss!'
<MYSTIC> (Annotator) Ocelia: 'Hello, Serra!'
Lumubella says 'It look like we be openin' a portal to some sin filled land.'
You say 'Oh dear.'
Lumubella skips an idle stone.
You say 'We could fetch another one.' You bat your eyelashes.
Lumubella says 'Yer could be usin' them as actin' tools.'
You say 'Acting tools?'
Lumubella says 'Say yer wanted to put on a production.' Lumubella nods.
You say 'Summoning stone puppets?'
Lumubella gets a summoning stone of Vanity from a mushroom bench. Lumubella gives you a summoning stone of Vanity. Lumubella says 'Alright, now yer have to act vain.' Lumubella says 'Action!'
You bat your eyelashes.
Lumubella waits patiently.
You ponder the question. Serra pretends to stare into a mirror.
Lumubella says 'Too little.'
Serra stares into the spring at her reflection, obsessively.
Lumubella says 'Alright, now put it back.'
You put a summoning stone of Vanity on a mushroom bench.
Lumubella gets a summoning stone of Sloth from a mushroom bench. Lumubella goes to sleep.
You let out a hearty laugh.
Lumubella snores loudly.
You tell your group 'Too easy!'
Lumubella wakes and stands up. Lumubella puts a summoning stone of Sloth on a mushroom bench. Lumubella gets a summoning stone of Lust from a mushroom bench. Lumubella gives you a summoning stone of Lust.
You peer intently at Lumubella.
Lumubella shuffles her feet sheepishly.
You wrestle Lumubella to the floor and pin her there. You kiss her. Have you got something in your eye?
Lumubella blushes.
Serra stands up.
Lumubella says 'You're a bit better with that one.'
You put a summoning stone of Lust on a mushroom bench. You bat your eyelashes.
Lumubella says 'O'erall, it were a terrible idea.'
You roll on the floor, laughing hysterically.
Lumubella says 'But terrible ideas be where good ideas come from.'
You say 'One pearl in a mountain of pebbles?'
Lumubella nods. Lumubella says 'Also, a lot o' work to be earnin' a kiss.' Lumubella boggles at the concept.
You let out a hearty laugh.
Lumubella glares icily at a squashy goat. Lumubella stares directly at the goat. Lumubella sits on a mushroom bench. A squashy goat lets out a bloodcurdling scream.
You let out a hearty laugh.
Lumubella sighs.
You say 'I'll remove the goat. He is scaring the fuzzars.' You wave at a squashy goat.
a squashy goat disintegrates into dust.
Lumubella says 'No it be fine.' Lumubella says 'I just won't be sittin' out here.' Lumubella stands up.
You let out a hearty laugh.
Lumubella glares icily at a dragonblood goat-hide wristlet.
You say 'He's gone.' You smile happily.
Lumubella says 'I can still smell him, from my wristlets.' Lumubella says 'Akyua had the right idea.' Lumubella says 'Goathide.'
You say 'Maybe that was why he was screaming.' You peer intently at Lumubella. You say '"Aaah! Someone wearing my cousin is sitting on me!" in goat-speak.'
Lumubella says 'Or innocently sittin' on a nearby bench.'
Heh.
Lumubella says 'I think he bein' a pervert, and upset when he not be seein' bottoms.' Lumubella says 'But I not be accusin' 'im.'
You say 'Hmmm.'
<MYSTIC> (Annotator) Ocelia: 'I think I made another discovery within the Graveyard.'
Lumubella sighs. Lumubella says 'I have ter go fer a bit.' Lumubella nuzzles her face against your neck.
You smile at her. You say 'I'll see you later then.'
Lumubella nods. Lumubella says 'Perhaps we can plan a bit o' adventure.'
You agree absolutely.
Lumubella says 'Yer bein' a good leader fer such things.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Hmm?'
Lumubella tickles you - ho ho ho. Lumubella kisses you. Lumubella goes to sleep on a stone bed laden with furs.
Lumubella stops following you. You stop following Lumubella. Lumubella has left the realms. Lumubella has left the group.
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Oh! The flower petals?'
<MYSTIC> (Annotator) Ocelia: 'I was looking around, and I noticed one of the coffins was open and it had a bloody pillow and a corner of a page within it.' <MYSTIC> (Annotator) Ocelia: 'No.'
<MYSTIC> (Annotator) Ocelia: 'A corner of one, aye.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Does it have anything written on it?'
<MYSTIC> (Annotator) Ocelia: 'I did find the journal behind the painting, too.' <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'A journal!'
<MYSTIC> (Annotator) Ocelia: 'I cannot tell yet because the grinning vampires attacked me.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'What does it say?' <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Oh.'
<MYSTIC> (Annotator) Ocelia: 'And would not let me disturb the coffin.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Hmm.' <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'I can come help!' <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Just a moment.'
Meadow Lane F + | You are close to the south gate, where travellers are walking | | | and riding in and out of the city. A large park area stands +-+-+ | to the east, beautifully crafted by whatever skilled gardeners | | | the city has. Entering it would appear to be accomplished F *-@-+-*| through the small building situated in that direction. To | || the west is a smaller garden, but no less exquisitely designed + o| than the larger park. A few torches stand at the sides of | | the road, providing light for people to carry on their business * | in the darkness of night. The south gate of the city lies ---------+ close by, and the road heads north towards the city centre.
[Exits: north east south west] (Charmed) An illusion of a marine guards its master. (Charmed) A blurry illusion of a marine guards its master. (Charmed) An illusion of a marine guards its master. (Translucent) Ocelia the Grand Spectre of Beguilement, Annotator of Fundamental is here. Cyril the gardener is here, admiring his hard work. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian walks in.
You dazzle Ocelia with your smile.
Ocelia has invited you to join their group. You may accept or decline this invitation.
You now follow Ocelia. You join Ocelia's group.
Ocelia walks south. You follow Ocelia. Vestibule of the Chapel + | You stand in a dim light just inside the doors of the chapel. | | Several candles standing on a small table burn brightly, + | as if just recently lit. The stale air in this place suggests | | nothing living has dwelled here for quite some time. You @ | can leave this forsaken place to the north, or challenge | | its dwellers to the south. * | | | * | ---------+
[Exits: north south] (Translucent) (White Aura) Ocelia the Grand Spectre of Beguilement, Annotator of Fundamental is here. (Translucent) A tall vampire glares at you and cackles hungrily. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian walks in. An illusion of a marine walks in. An illusion of a marine walks in. An illusion of a marine walks in.
857hp 901m 181mv 21060tnl 2114g no opponent no opponent calm inside (indoors) [##########] A grinning vampire yells 'Time to die, Ocelia!'
857hp 901m 181mv 21060tnl 2114g no opponent no opponent calm inside (indoors) [##########] A grinning vampire is surrounded by a pink outline. Your prayer has been disrupted. You block a grinning vampire's attack with your shield. A grinning vampire's acidic bite injures you. A grinning vampire is in excellent condition.
A grinning vampire's acidic bite injures you. You parry a grinning vampire's acidic bite with an easy flourish. Your wrath DISMEMBERS a grinning vampire! Ocelia's claw decimates a grinning vampire! An illusion of a marine's smash MASSACRES a grinning vampire! An illusion of a marine's smash MASSACRES a grinning vampire! An illusion of a marine's smash DISMEMBERS a grinning vampire! An illusion of a marine's smash DISEMBOWELS a grinning vampire! An illusion of a marine's smash MASSACRES a grinning vampire! An illusion of a marine's smash MASSACRES a grinning vampire! A grinning vampire has some small wounds and bruises.
826hp 944m 235mv 21060tnl 2114g none mob active inside (indoors) [##########] You are protected by the wrath of the gods. A grinning vampire has some small wounds and bruises.
826hp 869m 235mv 21060tnl 2114g none mob active inside (indoors) [##########] A grinning vampire's acidic bite injures you. You parry a grinning vampire's acidic bite. Your divine retribution MASSACRES a grinning vampire! A grinning vampire dodges your wrath. Ocelia's claw mauls a grinning vampire. An illusion of a marine's smash DISMEMBERS a grinning vampire! An illusion of a marine's smash DISEMBOWELS a grinning vampire! An illusion of a marine's smash DISEMBOWELS a grinning vampire! An illusion of a marine's smash MASSACRES a grinning vampire! A grinning vampire has quite a few wounds.
811hp 869m 235mv 21060tnl 2114g none mob active inside (indoors) [##########] You brandish your holy symbol and utter words of divine power! A grinning vampire disintegrates into a pile of smoldering ashes! A grinning vampire is SLAIN!! You hear a grinning vampire's death cry. A grinning vampire's body disintegrates into dust.
You stop turning undead. You bat your eyelashes. You giggle.
Ocelia walks north. You follow Ocelia. A Small Living Area | This room, which looks as if it used to be the living area | of monks, has been totally ransacked. Several simple beds | and wooden cabinets lay torn to shreds on the cold stone | floor. Every window has been patched over by anything available * @ * | and in the place of the ancient furniture are two hastily | | | | made coffins, against the back of the room. One of them *-*-*-* | is slightly open. | | | | * * * | ---------+
[Exits: south] (Translucent) (White Aura) Ocelia the Grand Spectre of Beguilement, Annotator of Fundamental is here. Wiggles the enormous old alsatian walks in. An illusion of a marine walks in. An illusion of a marine walks in. An illusion of a marine walks in.
Ocelia looks in a coffin.
The dark wooden coffin appears quite scuffed. The lid on it is open just enough to peep inside. A coffin holds: (Unidentified) a bloody silken pillow (Unidentified) a corner of a page
You gasp in astonishment. You ponder the question. You say 'I cannot seem to take anything out.'
Ocelia says 'Indeed.'
You say 'Strange.'
Ocelia says 'That is odd.'
You say 'So tempting.' Heh.
Ocelia says 'The vampires didn't like me trying to steal from it.'
You say 'What does the book say?' Ocelia gives you a torn and battered journal.
Most of the pages are covered in unintelligible scratchmarks. As you flip toward the end of the journal, a few words here and there become readable.
The last page ends abruptly with a jagged line almost torn through the paper. One corner is missing.
You ponder the question.
Ocelia says 'You'll make as much out of it as me.'
You say 'Well... that's... enlightening.' You give a torn and battered journal to Ocelia.
A grinning vampire disintegrates into a pile of smoldering ashes! A grinning vampire is SLAIN!! A grinning vampire's head is shattered, and his brains splash all over you. A grinning vampire's body disintegrates into dust.
Ocelia says 'I wonder if killing them all will help.' Ocelia says 'Probably not.' Ocelia giggles.
You let out a hearty laugh.
>>> Another day, another adventure...
<HERALD> Odile the Crier: 'The winds welcome your return, Valindra the Sage of Arcane Power, Chronicler of Myth.'
[ Gobln ] <PK> <HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra Skitterwit the Sage of Arcane Power, Chronicler of Myth [50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical [ Human ] Lenel the Student of the Mind [ Elf ] <PK> Cunnadd Wallstomper the Holy Knight Players found: 4 [KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms. There are 4 characters on; the most on this past month was 14.
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'I hope you have been well.'
Cunnadd tells you 'Whats the story with an evil gnome?'
You tell Cunnadd 'She is a goblin!'
<HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra: 'Dusting off some cobwebs. But I have travel reaching the corners.' <HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra: '*clears throat* trouble, trouble.'
Cunnadd tells you 'I see.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Ah, indeed. Perhaps a large gust of wind would help.'
<HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra: 'Though it might knock me right off this desk.'
You tell Cunnadd 'Her life is quite fascinating, if you are curious to speak with her.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Nothing a simple rope cannot fix!'
A chicken tells you 'Pwaaawk, pwaaawk, wauk, wauk, pwaaawk.'
You tell a chicken 'Oh dear sir.'
[ Gobln ] <PK> <HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra Skitterwit the Sage of Arcane Power, Chronicler of Myth [50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical [ Human ] Lenel the Student of the Body [ Chckn ] <PK> Cunnadd Wallstomper the Holy Knight <-- Never gets old Players found: 4 [KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms. There are 4 characters on; the most on this past month was 14.
<HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra: 'Depends on where it's anchored, I think!' <HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra: 'How are you, Doyenne?'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'I have been well, thank you. Many thoughts swirling about lately.'
<HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra: 'Perhaps you will share some with me.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Recently I finished my research into Tyr Unguld, and Ocelia told me a story about the history of Mkatos who dwells within it.'
<HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra: 'How delightful.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Hmm, would you care to come visit my house?'
Lenel NEWBIE chats: 'What is the tumble skill for?' <SCHOLAR> Serra NEWBIE chats: 'It can help you travel quickly toward or away from enemies, I think!' <HERALD> Valindra NEWBIE chats: 'I believe for traveling quickly in one direction.'
<HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra: 'Let us make memories and haste!'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'I have settled just west of Valour.'
<HERALD> (Chronicler) Valindra: 'I shall attend you shortly, Doyenne.'
Lenel NEWBIE chats: 'I get it, thanks.' <HERALD> Valindra NEWBIE chats: 'We shall look forward to your gymnastic feats then.' Lenel NEWBIE chats: 'I guess if xd. I'm still hesitant about learning the skill or saving the practices for later.' <HERALD> Valindra NEWBIE chats: 'Just invest 1, and then learn the rest by tumbling through Serin as I clap my stubby hands in delight!' <SCHOLAR> Serra NEWBIE chats: 'In a Scholar's eyes, it is never a bad thing to experiment.' <HERALD> Valindra NEWBIE chats: 'But please give Serra's eyes back when you are finished.' <SCHOLAR> Serra NEWBIE chats: 'Har.'
A Secluded Field *-*(*| This small field appears to be completely empty. All that | || you see in all directions is nothing but a short mat of fresh o-o *| green grass. Far to the north you think you see a white picket | || fence but you cannot be sure from this great distance. Growing o-@-+-+| inside the grass are small white daisies, their yellow faces | || staring up at the sky. This part of Drakath has been untouched *-o *| by the busy hands of progress and remains even to this day | | in its natural beauty. It seems the perfect place to have +-o | a picnic. ---------+
[Exits: north east west] (Charmed) (Translucent) A tiny wisp hovers here, shedding its essence as it bobs in the air. (Translucent) Valindra the Sage of Arcane Power, Chronicler of Myth is here.
You smile at her.
Valindra now follows you.
You say 'Welcome!'
Valindra smiles, her chins wobbling.
You now trust Valindra completely.
A Small Sitting-room | You find yourself barely avoiding bumping into the furniture | in this small, cramped sitting-room. A cabinet full of * | books is pushed against the eastern wall next to a wide-silled | | window. Upon the windowsill rests an absurdly large and *-@ | cumbersome flower pot which struggles to grow a plant. | | A writing-desk has been shoved into the southeast corner o-o * | to take advantage of the natural sunlight, and is surrounded | | | by crumpled parchments with scribbled-out phrases and o-o-+-+-+| ink stains. A wooden perch is installed in the northwest ---------+ corner. Judging by the swirls of downy feathers and small white splatters and hasty mop marks marring the surrounding floor, it is often used by a bird of some kind. A small water dish and a bowl of what can only be described as desiccated mice sit on a stool nearby. The bowl of offerings lets off a bit of a musty smell. Another set of windows on the south wall frames the entrance to the abode, and looks out upon a wind-swept meadow. A doorway to the west leads to the kitchen, while a set of narrow stairs on the north wall leads up to the second floor. Next to the stairs, a door with a window leads out to a walled garden behind the house.
[Exits: north south west up] A cozy looking fireplace is set into the wall. A scruffy, comfortable couch fills the center of the room. A large flower pot is here. A basket of daisies is on a mantel. A blossoming red tulip is on a mantel. A dozen red roses is on a mantel. A vase of snow poppies is on a mantel. An elegant chalice covered with images of elves is on a mantel. A stone mantel provides space for displaying treasures. A battered cabinet overflowing with books and scrolls rests here. A writing desk covered with crumpled parchment sits in the corner. (Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here. Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
A tiny fey hovers delicately in the air before you, trailing motes of wisp essence behind it like a tail. Prismatic, the creature traps the light as if it were a gem, shining, then evanescing, between shades of white, purple, and green--the latter a color not often seen in the species. The creature caroms through the air like a maniacal hummingbird before alighting on the shoulder of its goblin master. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity is in excellent condition.
You dazzle a tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity with your smile.
A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity darts about the room before landing on Valindra's shoulder.
You say 'A wonderful little friend.' You say 'Perhaps it will like the garden.'
A Secret Garden | A small, lush paradise of vegetation surrounds you suddenly | as you exit the back door of the lodge. Strange, unfamiliar | plants grow here, with leaves formed like whorls and swirls | that unfurl in fractal patterns up towards the sky. Among @ | them are several mushrooms of a variety never before seen | | in Serin. Small, strange, winged creatures flit here and *-* | there, flickering into and out of existence as if dipping | | into and out of a bowl of water - only the water is this o-o | earthly plane. The garden is walled in by a row of protective ---------+ hedges which tremble as if sentient as you approach. The sky opens up in an endless expanse above, stretching far north across the windswept meadows. The gleaming walls, buildings and monuments of the city of Valour can be seen to the northeast and beyond it, a haze of curious white mist.
[Exits: south] A large flower pot is here. A huge, iridescent purple mushroom looks almost like a bench. A metal chest sits here. Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
You sit down and rest on a mushroom bench.
Valindra narrows her tiny, button-sized eyes. Valindra says 'What a lovely home, Serra.'
You smile happily. You say 'Thank you. It has been a little sanctuary for me.'
Valindra says 'You have earned one, to be sure.'
A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity makes a great show of investigating the garden before returning to her emerald master.
Heh. You say 'These plants and little friends I brought back with me from Acadia.' Serra pokes a fuzzar, who disappears with a giggle.
Valindra coaxes a fuzzar herself with a series of strange clicking noises. Valindra allows the fuzzar to sniff her fingers. Valindra says 'Like calls to like, after all.'
You say 'Hmm, they are quite friendly.' You say 'I stowed a number of summoning stones here, in case they would have less influence on things not originating in Serin.'
Valindra taps her lip thoughtfully.
You say 'We finally rid the house of them last Renewal.'
Valindra says 'I did not feel their . . . corruption.'
You nod. You say 'I am glad of it. Perhaps my hypothesis was correct.'
These hedges look both familiar and strange. They appear to be yew, yet the normally hollow red berries sparkle with some curious light within. The effect makes the hedge look as though it is adorned with little crimson jewels. They seem to whisper and hum as they notice you watching...
Serra pats the hedges which rustle and sparkle at her touch.
Valindra clasps her hands together in apparent delight. Valindra says 'I find a small measure of peace in your garden, Doyenne.'
You say 'Oh, you are welcome to rest here any time you like.' You say 'Although I do have a roommate.' You say 'Well, perhaps two.' You say 'One of them is feathered and has a tendency to erm, relieve itself in the living room.'
Valindra suppresses a giggle in her toad-like mouth.
You say 'I do apologize about that!'
Valindra says 'I can manage a few owl droppings, I think.'
Heh.
Valindra says 'It seems we will soon have a new member.'
You say 'Yes, Wylsin - he is a very wise gnome.'
Valindra says 'Though I am catching up on correspondence, so perhaps as soon as I finish reading!'
You smile happily. You say 'Please, take your time.'
Valindra says 'It seems as though many find themselves preoccupied with the concepts of good and evil.'
You say 'Yes, indeed - my own thoughts were prompted by Lord Davairus's query.' You say 'I am not sure what drives his interest in the question.' You say 'But it is intriguing to consider, academically speaking.' You chortle at your own joke.
Valindra says 'It is a fair question, I think.' Valindra says 'Many of the creatures of Serin defy stereotype or perhaps outdated notions regarding good and evil.'
You agree absolutely.
Valindra says 'I am afraid thoughts of my book have kept me preoccupied. Have you any exciting news to report?'
You say 'Hmm, news.'
Valindra says 'I will settle for gossip and even a little libel.' Valindra rubs her hands together as if tucking into a feast.
You say 'The last we spoke was after my fallout with Ilromie?'
Valindra says 'I know that you two had mended fences, perhaps.'
You nod. You say 'I believe so, though we have not since traveled as closely as we used to.' You say 'Such things take time I suppose.'
Valindra nods to herself, wisps of hair flickering behind her in an unfelt breeze.
You say 'I have made room for another in my life, as well, the Knight Lumubella.'
Valindra says with her head tilted to one side 'OH?'
You say 'She taught me much and has refocused me after that incident.' You chuckle politely.
Valindra says 'I am glad for that then.'
You nod. You say 'It felt right. We were both adrift for most of our lives.' You say 'Caring for her has taught me to view my own safety differently.'
Valindra says 'Is she the roommate of which you spoke?'
You say 'Ah, yes.'
Valindra smiles, perhaps secretively, her little eyes nearly disappearing into folds of flesh.
You chuckle politely. You say 'As part of it, and being friends with those who put themselves in harm's way, I have been drawn into the war brewing in Serin.'
Valindra says as her eyes drift across the garden 'Is this a . . . romantic entanglement?'
Serra says simply, 'I love her.'
Valindra's fingers twitch toward one of the pouches at her waist, but she seems to think better of it. Valindra says 'And she returns these feelings?'
You say 'She does.' You chuckle politely.
Valindra's lips form a perfect circle.
You say 'It is a bit odd, confessing such to you here.' Serra preoccupies herself staring at the fuzzars blinking about.
Valindra says 'I am a bit of a confessor, it would seem.'
You say 'I have only told Ilromie thus far.' You say 'Sometimes I worry that saying it will be some form of weakness.'
Valindra nods thoughtfully, her eyes almost vacant, as if gazing upon an object not actually present. Valindra says 'Love is very rare . . . here.' Valindra gestures somewhat expansively as if to indicate beyond the confines of the garden.
You say 'So it seems.'
Valindra says 'But . . .' Valindra says 'Though it is a weakness, for many would seek to exploit it . . .' Valindra says 'There is a magic there too.'
You say 'It is something unfamiliar to me, almost wholly unknown.'
Valindra shows you a card in her hand, one which she did not draw -- at least when you were watching. Valindra says 'The Lovers.'
Serra examines the card curiously.
Valindra says 'Do you see the serpent coiling behind the tree?'
You say 'I do.'
Valindra points to a sinuous figure behind one of the two females at the forefront of the card. Valindra says 'Long before it was condemned to represent evil, the serpent was a symbol of eternal life, forever shedding its skin to renew itself.' Valindra says 'We speak often of Renewals as a measure of time.'
You say 'Hmm.'
Valindra taps the card with a stubby finger, and the snake seems to slither off into higher branches.
You say 'A curious thought. What caused the serpent to be condemned?'
Valindra says 'It is the way of creatures, monsters, the misunderstood.'
You say 'Ah... indeed.' You say 'Did you read my latest note?'
*** [ 82]: <SCHOLAR> Serra: Thoughts on Good and Evil Sat Apr 3 15:01:10 2021 To: Consortium Knight My dear esteemed colleagues and friends,
I have watched many struggles as a passive observer during my lifetime, and listened to stories of even more. One such tale was told to me today by Ocelia, of events in Serin's past that indicate a certain amount of fluidity not seen in recent years.
This was a story that began with the Prophet of Chaos, Mkatos, who converted the Knight Gaelyn and his sister Vella to the Darkness. Even now, he prowls the depths of Tyr Unguld clutching the decapitated head of Sir Balan, formerly the Hand of Olyn... When I first heard it, I immediately thought of all of the other tales of Light being corrupted that I have witnessed - all of the fallen paladins, and the tainting of Acadia, and the loss of my own mentor, and felt a twinge of despair for all of the good souls lost.
And yet... Ocelia told me of another story, of the drow invoker Morgolta. According to legend, she traveled once in a hunting party with Sir Tuston, the High Priest of Aberdour, and somehow his presence and guidance led her to renouncing her life of shadows and joining the Knights - even advancing as far as becoming a General.
It makes me think, then, that the tendencies of Serinfolk are much more fluid than our preconceptions today may have us believe. Hearts may grow brighter or dimmer driven by those who inspire them. And I suspect it is not by chance that the influential persons involved were adepts of Gods.
Furthermore, the tale of Morgolta indicates that once upon a time, there was more tolerance in Serin, as the Dark and Light could travel together and converse freely without needing to resort to violence. I have endeavored several ventures of this in recent times, but the tremendous disapproval I faced for it seems not to have existed in the time of Sir Tuston. For how else could a Paladin Knight, and Executor, have aided a drow invoker and gained her loyalty, and even love?
I believe the path to peace is to build bridges with those we do not now understand. Serin's cities and citizens have grown apart and friction rises. But it does not need to remain so, for it has not always been so. My brief forays into Serin's history only barely scratch the surface, yet I believe there is a great deal there from which we can learn, which may help to shape our future.
Warmly, Serra ***
Valindra says 'But . . . the subconscious mind in harmony with the Divine feeds the conscious mind. The Lovers are each others' complement. By joining together, they create something harmonious.'
You nod. You say 'I have been slowly learning this.'
Valindra says 'I found it a most intriguing rumination, Doyenne.' Valindra shows you her hands, and the card within them has seemingly evaporated back to whence it came.
Serra studies Valindra's creased palms quietly.
Valindra says 'I wonder about good and evil too.'
You nod. You say 'What are your thoughts on it?'
Valindra says 'I wonder about the gods, those divine children . . . did they find themselves studding the celestial pantheon because of their preoccupations? Or did they simply exist, fully themselves, satiating need without regard to consequence?' Valindra says 'And then we call that . . . good or evil.'
You ponder the question. You say 'I have come to understand that the Gods in Serin were once all mortals.'
Valindra nods. Valindra says 'And the ones who created them?'
You say 'But not all have remained as they were when they walked the earth.' You chuckle politely. You say 'As to the Overlord... who can say?'
Valindra says 'I do find it all quite fascinating.'
You nod. You say 'I posed this question to Lumubella once.' You say 'We were discussing if ever there could truly be peace in Serin.' You say 'And I imagined, wildly, that perhaps if the Gods were once mortals, they might be swayed to accept a world without violence within it.' You say 'As mortals can be swayed.' You say 'But it is, of course, a wild dream.'
Valindra says 'When a drow . . . or say, goblin . . . is born . . . a screaming babe, into this world, does it yet know evil? Is the child innocent or already damned by the soul of its mother?'
You say 'That is a very good question.' You say 'And the answer unfortunately lies in the eyes of the beholder.'
Valindra says 'It is the great question of my life.' Valindra says 'Is evil born, or is it created?'
You say 'I would not damn a babe, but I know several who will condemn simply based on their existence.'
Valindra says 'Is it a virtue of a Knight to dash a babe upon the rocks simply because of its heredity?'
You say 'I believe evil is a reaction born of strife.'
Valindra taps her lip thoughtfully.
You say 'The Knights I know now will offer clemency to those who will take the Oath. So they are not merciless.'
Valindra nods, her chins wobbling in time.
You say 'For example, the story of Groushtar.' You say 'I reviewed it recently. He was not born intent on murder.' You say 'It was torn forth from him.'
Valindra pantomimes wincing, her lips twisted in a rictus.
You say 'Though he would slay me easily given the chance, I yet feel sympathy for him because of this story.'
*** A savage start <><><><><><><> Groushtar was born in the back village of outlaws and common people. You know the one? Just inside the forest to the north east of Timaran. This isn't the best place to raise a young fire giant. Between the little drow and duergar coming to kill the common people or the elf and their ilk coming to kill the fire giants and goblins! It seemed like, he was destined for the wrong end of a sword. Many tried. When he was quite young his mother was taken out by a small raiding party just out looking for an experience. It was tragic and though, fire giants are not especially taken to kindness even amongst themselves, watching his mother get beheaded in front of him made something snap in him. Any kind of civility was lost that day. Thankfully his father was a bit more crafty and avoided the raiding parties after that. They tended to be loud, with many pets and all of them holding very bright lights so it wasn't too difficult. Seeing the change in his offspring and wanting his line to succeed, he trained Groushtar to fight and survive. The best that an uncivilized fire giant could. After a few years though his luck finally ran out in the form of an arrow through his eye socket. Word was starting to spread of a pair of fire giants that was eluding the local authorities and causing mayhem in the forest. Stealing livestock, etc. Watching his father hit the ground took away all the civility they had built up through the years and in a fit of rage, shouting to the heavens and executing a savage charge, he tore them to pieces with his bare hands. Completely caught by surprise at his animosity. Covered in blood, Groushtar headed towards Timaran looking for more. ***
Valindra utters the words, 'qcandusahz yaae'. A cream tart suddenly appears. A cream tart suddenly appears.
Valindra gets a cream tart. Valindra eats a cream tart. Valindra smacks her lips greedily.
Valindra utters the words, 'qcandusahz gsfuio'. A magical spring flows from the ground.
Valindra says with a mouth full of tart 'Aah . . the fire giant.'
You say 'But what of your own background?'
Valindra sits up a little straighter at your mention, her eyes drifting to the wisp on her shoulder.
You nod at a tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity.
*** The Mage's Apprentice <><><><><><><><><><>< The mage's apprentice squished the wisp between her fingers. Giddy, she watched as the creature's essence oozed out of its broken body like a comet tail trailing behind it in the air. She swirled the glittering entrails with her free hand and counted under her breath.
Seven. The magus had demanded his apprentice Valindra capture seven wisps for his latest conjuration, or else she would find herself sleeping in the pig pen again. For a while, Valindra's luck had failed her: few wisps tarried in the wood by the Goblin Village, and those fey she could find flitted through her stubby green fingers when she pounced at them from cover of concealment. Skitterwit goblins typically excelled at three things-- eating, drinking, and magic--and Valindra had nearly resigned herself to bunking in the muck when she finally discovered the portal.
The magical threshold squirmed and shook as if it might implode upon itself at any moment. Valindra had watched it for an hour before the first wisp emerged. The creature seemed disoriented, fluttering like a drunken bee. Valindra struck before it could right itself. That had been four wisps ago, and now the trees whispered of midnight.
The portal's vibrations began to swell with intensity as Valindra crept forward. Such magic did not last forever, and soon all hope for a bed would be lost to the apprentice. Valindra did not quite believe herself as she decided, hurtling forward with as much speed as her sausage legs could muster. Soon, she disappeared through the portal.
Nasty, Brutish, and Short <><><><><><><><><><><><>< Nasty, brutish, and short--an apt description, the old witch thought drily, as the fat little goblin tumbled through her portal. Goblin. Strange. The old witch chased the word through her memory. But memory worked differently in the realm of Acadia. Was that where she was then?
She looked down at her hands, so small as to be infinitesimal. A new body, another life. They did get smaller though. So. A wisp. How many more chances before the old witch disappeared completely? She would not have much time to consider even these thoughts before they began to fade.
"Little goblin," she called, in what she hoped was a common tongue, "you should not be here."
"Little?" The goblin sneered, its chins wobbling. "I could eat you for breakfast. In fact, I might."
"I can help you, you know."
The goblin inched forward in a pathetic display of stealth. "Me? How could you help me?"
"I know you quest for wisps," the old witch said. Funny, now she was one.
The goblin licked its lips greedily. "Come here then. I will not hurt you. My master never told me your kind could speak!"
"I am special," the old witch said. She closed her eyes, and a dozen other wisps drifted toward her from the ether. The goblin gasped in apparent delight.
"I ... I can have them?" The goblin asked, her fat fingers dancing.
"Them, and more. Take me from this realm, and I shall be your familiar. I sense great gifts in you, little goblin, and together we will show them to this master."
The old witch landed on the goblin's shoulder. She whispered something in a much older language into the goblin's ear, thinking to herself that perhaps this form did have its advantages. The goblin looked on vacantly for a moment before startling back to the present.
"I am Valindra, apprentice to the magus of the Skitterwit clan, and I ..." The goblin trailed off as she turned her head to the wisp on her shoulder. "I am not sure how to get back."
Good. More pliable now. The old witch smiled, though she doubted the goblin could discern her expressions at this size. "A simple spell. I will show you."
"What is your name?"
"You could not pronounce it with that tongue, but you may call me ... Hibbadibity."
The goblin giggled at the name's absurdity as the air before them somehow dilated, shimmering with force as a portal formed back to the village. The old witch eyed her new surroundings warily as they crossed over the threshold. On one tiny hand, she hoped the spell worked.
And, on the other, she didn't.
Olgarda's Mysterious Cookie Chalet I <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Olgarda lived alone in a house made of cookies. They simply appeared one day, as mysterious cookies sometimes do, raining from the sky instead of water or blood. Olgarda salvaged as many as she could in the pocket of her apron. She used the cookies to build a chalet, the finest in at least two realms. Olgarda's chalet dwelt in both, sometimes appearing at the outskirts of Serin's Goblin Village. Sometimes elsewhere.
Olgarda loved the cookies and their peculiar magic. They always smelled of hot ovens and whatever spice a nose might crave: a minor charm in most circles but one that worked especially well on children--and Olgarda loved children even more than she loved cookies.
She loved them on toast, suspended on a hook from the ceiling, in her own hot oven, screaming--any which way she could get them, really. The cookies made Olgarda's appetites much easier to manage.
Olgarda did not consider herself a greedy witch. Her chalet appeared in Serin only once every seven years, and she took precautions never to arouse suspicion from the citizens of Seringale. She lured only the forgotten children, orphans of some war or another, those who would not be missed by any save Olgarda.
And miss them, she did, on those lonely stretches of time after she transported her chalet back to Acadia. Opening such a large portal required more magic than Olgarda could muster alone. She spent the years between visits harvesting wisp essence for her next great spell.
Nearly a century after the rain of cookies, Olgarda received another gift. She thought so, anyway, when she spied the little goblin through the crumbs of her chalet window. A wisp sat upon the goblin's shoulder, an omen of good luck.
Olgarda went to answer the door. ***
Valindra says 'I have seen many things, Doyenne, but still . . there is more to be seen, it would seem.'
You ponder the question. You say 'What have you seen?'
Valindra says 'I have seen our lives pebbling the bottom of a great jar, like sand. I have seen fearsome creatures, eaters of magic, and beyond. I have seen my own reflection in the mirror.'
You nod.
Valindra tilts her head to confer silently with Hibbadibbity.
Serra looks curiously at the wisp, then at Valindra.
Valindra says, though it is unclear to whom she is speaking, 'Sometimes I can . . . almost remember . . .'
You say 'What do you remember?'
Valindra gazes upon the magical spring she has created as if it were a scrying glass. Valindra says 'I remember a hot iron shoved into my mouth.'
You say 'Good gracious.'
Valindra says 'I remember . . . taking.' Valindra looks up at you as her attention breaks from the spring. Her eyes have lost their pupils, now only a milky white.
Serra puts her hand on Valindra's wrist lightly. You say 'Miss?'
Valindra's entire body quivers as if jolted by an electric current. Valindra says 'Forgive me, Doyenne. The mind . . . wanders.'
You say 'Are you alright?' Serra peers into Valindra's face anxiously.
Valindra says 'I thought I saw something in the spring, but it is gone now.'
Serra looks into the spring, eyes narrowed. You say 'Hmm.'
Valindra says 'A little goblin, an old woman, a wisp . . . maiden, mother, crone . . . I am having trouble keeping track.' Valindra seems to tally something on her fingers.
You say 'The rule of three.'
Valindra nods.
You say 'I have seen something like this before.'
>>> Serra takes Valindra to the Cavern of Fates.
The Cavern of the Fates | As you enter this chamber of death, you can't help but get | goosebumps. The cavern is merely a hollowed out rock of the | mountain, but simply knowing that your lifespan was predetermined | in this very place gives you an eerie feeling. There isn't @ | much in here, just a table with some vials on it that are | all dusty. There's also a fire pit in the center of the room, | but nowhere do you see the dreaded spindle and shears that | once decided the length of your life. Those are probably in | the safe keeping of the inhabitants of this rocky abode, the ---------+ much feared Fates themselves.
[Exits: (east)] Atropos the Unbending is here with a set of scales in her hand. Lachesis the Assigner of Lots is here with a scroll in her hand. Clotho the Spinner is here with a spindle in her hand. Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
An old crone stands before you, shrouded in a black robe. The tip of a bony nose and a jutting, slightly hairy chin are all that can be seen of her face from the recesses of her voluminous hood. Despite her bent and gnarled stature, you feel a sense of awe and trepidation overcome your senses. The scales that she holds in her hand will be the ultimate judge of the worthiness of your heart. Atropos the Unbending is in excellent condition.
An old crone stands before you, shrouded in a black robe. The tip of a bony nose and a jutting, slightly hairy chin are all that can be seen of her face from the recesses of her voluminous hood. Despite her bent and gnarled stature, you feel a sense of awe and trepidation overcome your senses. She unfurls a long, yellowed scroll between her hands, covered with ancient runic text. Within those unknown words, predicted before this civilization even came to exist, lies your fate. Lachesis the Assigner of Lots is in excellent condition.
An old crone stands before you, shrouded in a black robe. The tip of a bony nose and a jutting, slightly hairy chin are all that can be seen of her face from the recesses of her voluminous hood. Despite her bent and gnarled stature, you feel a sense of awe and trepidation overcome your senses. She carries a spindle in her clawed fingers, carefully teasing forth a shimmering golden thread. The thread pulses with light, and warmth, and... Could it be?... Consciousness? Clotho the Spinner is in excellent condition.
Clotho the Spinner is using: <worn on hands> (Glowing) (Humming) the threads of life
Valindra says 'The fates.'
You nod.
Valindra peers intently at Clotho the Spinner. Valindra looks at Clotho the Spinner.
Lachesis the Assigner of Lots writes something on her scroll.
Valindra fingers a wart on her chin, tugging at a hair that had not been there moments before. Valindra looks at Atropos the Unbending. Valindra looks at Lachesis the Assigner of Lots.
Clotho the Spinner adjusts her spindle.
Valindra whispers something to Clotho the Spinner.
You hear an intense humming from nearby.
Valindra whispers something to Atropos the Unbending.
Serra shivers slightly.
Valindra whispers something to Lachesis the Assigner of Lots.
The hairs on your skin rise as a static charge ripples through the area. The castle bells toll twelve times as noon approaches.
Valindra nods resolutely, her eyes shining a little brighter than before.
Clotho the Spinner spins some thread of life.
Valindra says 'Thank you for bringing me here, Doyenne.'
You nod. You say 'One does not come here very often.' You chuckle politely.
Valindra says 'I should think not.'
Serra bows respectfully to the Fates as she backs out of the cavern carefully.
The Banquet Hall | You are in the grand hall of the town's castle, where | the king hosts many banquets and other performances. * * *| It is a wide hall with an open roof, letting in light. | | || A raised dias in the centre of the room provides a view + @ +| over the town. Underneath the dias is an enormous trapdoor | | || with a thick iron padlock keeping it firmly closed. The +-+-+-+-+| castle entrance is to the south while northwards leads | | || to a spiral staircase. * + *| ---------+
[Exits: north south (trapdoor down)] An enormous banquet table has been set up here, laden with food. A guest of the castle is here waiting for the feast to begin. A guest of the castle is here waiting for the feast to begin. A guest of the castle is here waiting for the feast to begin. A guest of the castle is here waiting for the feast to begin. Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
You say 'There is another cavern I have seen with sisters three.'
Valindra says 'I too know those sisters.'
You say 'Ah, have you met them?'
Valindra says 'Let us say . . . our paths have crossed before.'
You chuckle politely. You nod.
Valindra says 'And will again. A great circle.'
You say 'Hmm.'
You are carrying: a torn and battered journal *** pile o' healer stuff ***
You say 'This journal is another thing that I have discovered recently.' You say 'Let me show you from the beginning.'
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. A few spatters of dark, dried blood trail from the ---------+ pulpit.
[Exits: north (east)] (Translucent) A tall vampire glares at you and cackles hungrily. (Translucent) A tall vampire glares at you and cackles hungrily. (Translucent) A tall vampire glares at you and cackles hungrily. (Translucent) A tall vampire glares at you and cackles hungrily. (Translucent) A tall vampire glares at you and cackles hungrily. Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
You say 'The book here is the diary of an ancient storm giant healer known as Nara Serptius.'
You say 'Something... perhaps her love torn asunder... caused her to lose all faith in the Light.' You chuckle politely. You say 'I do not know.' You say 'I have never found a clue to my lineage.'
Valindra observes you from her tiny vantage, so many heads and shoulders below your own. She looks solemn.
You say 'The man she loved was named Equient.' You say 'I could not find any mention of him in our historical records, in scrolls or the Mystiques.' You say 'But, nearby, I found this.'
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] Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
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.
Valindra looks at a grave.
You say 'This tombstone... perhaps his?'
Valindra mouths the letters 'E' and 'n' as she examines the stone.
You say 'I began to suspect when I saw the flowers here.'
Among the wilted flowers, a single fresh bud has begun to open.
The crimson bud stands starkly, almost unnaturally full of vigor, among the wilted flowers. A flower bud holds: a crimson flower petal
Valindra looks in a flower bud. Valindra gets a crimson flower petal from a flower bud. Valindra looks at a crimson flower petal. Valindra sniffs the petal tentatively.
You say 'When I first began my research, I waited here, invisible, for a full day without sleeping hoping to see who left the flowers.' You chuckle politely.
Valindra gives you a crimson flower petal.
You say 'All in vain, for no one appeared.' You say 'But this bud grew, and these petals...' You say 'They appear scattered about.'
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. A few crimson flower petals are scattered on the ground, | | | stirring in the wind. + o | | | | * o | ---------+
[Exits: north south west] A black marble tombstone glistens evilly here. Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
Valindra looks at a tombstone.
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 'It sounds like her.' You open the tombstone below you.
A Room in the Crypt | A corrupting evil inhabits this room, feeling like a lurking | ghoul passing right through you. A single burning candle o | bathes the room in a morbid light. This room seems to be | | better decorated than the other rooms in the crypt. A shadowed @-o | painting hangs on the west wall. | | o | | | ---------+
[Exits: east (down)] (White Aura) An evil spirit stands here glaring at you. Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
You see a painting of an entrancing young woman. Her perfect face, pale skin, and black hair seem to draw you into the painting. The red eyes of this woman seem to burn into your soul, like a hot iron poker. The frame of the painting appears to be just slightly ajar.
You say 'And this painting... perhaps is her as well.'
The painting west of you opens.
A filthy, cramped space | You have squeezed into a crawlspace hidden behind the | stone walls of the crypt. The space is filthy, with blood o| and used bandages strewn around on the floor, and a small || charred firepit in the corner. Pieces of broken glass @-o-o| vials and rusted metal chains are also found here. Some || of the chains have bloodied spikes attached, as if they o| were used for some form of torture. A sliding panel on | the east leads back to the crypt. | ---------+
[Exits: east] A battered bronze plate lies here. A pile of rotting hay provides bedding for some unfortunate creature. Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
Valindra looks at a battered bronze plate. Valindra looks at a pile of rotting hay. Valindra looks under a pile of rotting hay.
You say 'This is as far as I have discovered.' You say 'Someone... or something... lives here.'
Valindra gets a torn and battered journal from a pile of rotting hay. Valindra looks in a torn and battered journal.
Valindra gives you a torn and battered journal.
The chains lie in a puddle of dark, sticky, congealing blood. The spikes on them appear to be made from bent nails.
Most of the pages are covered in unintelligible scratchmarks. As you flip toward the end of the journal, a few words here and there become readable.
The last page ends abruptly with a jagged line almost torn through the paper. One corner is missing.
You nod. You say 'What do you think it means?'
A pile of charcoal and white ash smolders in a dirt pit. A charred firepit holds: a smoldering claw
Valindra looks in a charred firepit. Valindra gets a smoldering claw from a charred firepit. Valindra drops a smoldering claw. Valindra says 'What indeed.'
A smoldering, blackened claw with the insignia of a Sun lies here.
You say 'The insignia of the Sun... the Order of Light.' You say 'Ah! Ocelia found this as well.'
A Small Living Area | This room, which looks as if it used to be the living area | of monks, has been totally ransacked. Several simple beds | and wooden cabinets lay torn to shreds on the cold stone | floor. Every window has been patched over by anything available * @ * | and in the place of the ancient furniture are two hastily | | | | made coffins, against the back of the room. One of them *-*-*-* | is slightly open. | | | | * * * | ---------+
[Exits: south] Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
The dark wooden coffin appears quite scuffed. The lid on it is open just enough to peep inside. A coffin holds: a corner of a page a bloody silken pillow
Valindra gets a corner of a page from a coffin. Valindra looks at a corner of a page.
You give a torn and battered journal to Valindra.
Valindra says 'Is this the torn paper?'
You say 'I think so.'
Valindra puts a corner of a page in a torn and battered journal. Valindra suddenly drops the book as it glows briefly.
Most of the pages are covered in unintelligible scratchmarks. As you flip toward the end of the journal, the last paragraph suddenly focuses sharply.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- I cannot allow the demon's curse to consume me. The beginnings of a change are upon me, but I burn those parts with fire and the dark stuff recoils from my singed flesh. Where I cannot reach, I bleed it, tearing it and myself to shreds. I will not let it spread its evil in Serin! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last page ends abruptly with a jagged line almost torn through the paper. The bottom-right corner has clearly been torn out but binds to the rest of the page with some strange magic. A small rune is inscribed on it in dark blood.
Valindra says 'Do you think this belonged to the storm giant?'
You say 'I do not know.'
Valindra says 'As she fought the vampiric curse?'
You ponder the question.
Valindra gets a bloody silken pillow from a coffin.
You say 'I thought it might be someone else.' You say 'Let me show you why.' You say 'There is a dark being here, which radiates her fury.'
A Narrow Passage | The air in this room, though ancient and old, is not stale | and seems as if it has been recently used. Several bronze | chairs surround a small table which is covered by ancient | manuscripts and scrolls which are written in some uninterpretable o-@ | language. A bright, golden light pours into this room from | an open doorway to the west. | | | ---------+
[Exits: west down] Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
796hp 1066m 417mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] You scan all around. You scan west. *** Range 1 (west) *** A blackened ghost hovers here, very upset that you have interrupted its peace. You scan down.
796hp 1066m 417mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] You are surrounded by a white aura.
796hp 991m 417mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########]
Valindra utters the words, 'gaiqhjabral'. Valindra is surrounded by a white aura.
796hp 991m 417mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] You are affected by the following: Spell: fly : lasts for 34 hours Skill: devote : lasts for 14 hours Spell: armor : modifies armor class by 20 for 14 hours Spell: sanctuary : lasts for 9 hours Spell: bless : modifies save vs spell by 6 for 6 hours : modifies hitroll by 6 for 6 hours Spell: protection : modifies save vs spell by 1 for 1 hours Spell: stone skin : modifies armor class by 40 for 0 hours Spell: detect invis : lasts for 0 hours
796hp 991m 417mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] Your skin feels softer. You no longer see invisible objects.
796hp 1058m 419mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra utters the words, 'uqz gpuzre'. Valindra is surrounded by an icy blue shell.
796hp 1058m 419mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] You create a spirit shield on your arm.
796hp 958m 419mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########]
Valindra utters the words, 'xzasai xabrae'. A jewel-encrusted spatula glows as it is imbued by a weapon ward.
796hp 958m 419mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra utters the words, 'sfainfrauzz gpuzre'. Valindra is surrounded by a protective shell of magic.
796hp 958m 419mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] Your eyes tingle.
796hp 953m 419mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] Your skin turns to stone.
796hp 941m 419mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra scans all around.
796hp 941m 419mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] The Source | A light, bright and blinding, yet darker than the deepest | night shines violently off the well-shined obsidian walls, | and through a small hole in the floor. Several large ebony | chairs face the west wall as if this room has been used @-o | as a place of conference. Towards the west, the black walls | meet at a point, which seems to be the source of the evil | light. | | ---------+
[Exits: east] A blackened ghost hovers here, very upset that you have interrupted its peace. Valindra flies in. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity flies in.
796hp 941m 418mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost's life drain misses Valindra. A blackened ghost's life drain misses Valindra.
796hp 941m 418mv 21060tnl 842g no opponent no opponent calm cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost is surrounded by a pink outline. You awkwardly parry a blackened ghost's life drain with a loud clang. You parry a blackened ghost's life drain with an easy flourish. A blackened ghost is in excellent condition.
796hp 936m 418mv 21060tnl 842g none mob calm cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra utters the words, 'yazfuz yucandus'. You awkwardly parry a blackened ghost's life drain with a loud clang. A blackened ghost's life drain misses you. Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! You swing right through a blackened ghost's blurred image. A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity's flame devastates a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has a few scratches.
796hp 936m 418mv 21060tnl 842g none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] A formless shape, visible only because of the light its body seems to absorb from the air around it, hovers angrily here. All that can be seen of its body are two blazing red eyes which seem to burn with fury at your presence. A blackened ghost has a few scratches.
a blackened ghost is using: <used as light> (Humming) a blackened sphere A blackened ghost has a few scratches.
796hp 936m 418mv 21060tnl 842g none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] You brandish your holy symbol and utter words of divine power! Your turn undead === OBLITERATES === a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost cowers in abject terror! A blackened ghost has a few scratches.
796hp 886m 418mv 21060tnl 842g none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] You parry a blackened ghost's life drain with an easy flourish. You awkwardly parry a blackened ghost's life drain with a loud clang. Your wrath misses a blackened ghost. A blackened ghost parries your wrath. A blackened ghost is unaffected by Valindra's thwack! A blackened ghost has a few scratches.
796hp 886m 418mv 21060tnl 842g none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra utters the words, 'pzrrghcandusaw'. The ground erupts as a blackened ghost is caught in a searing beam of arcane light. Valindra's hellstream >>> ANNIHILATES <<< a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has some small wounds and bruises.
796hp 886m 418mv 21060tnl 842g none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Your turn undead === OBLITERATES === a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has some small wounds and bruises.
796hp 886m 418mv 21060tnl 842g none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] You parry a blackened ghost's life drain. A blackened ghost's life drain misses you. Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity's flame devastates a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost is unaffected by Valindra's thwack! A blackened ghost has some small wounds and bruises.
796hp 886m 418mv 21060tnl 842g none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] You feel less protected. A blackened ghost has some small wounds and bruises.
796hp 945m 419mv 21060tnl 842g none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost utters the words, 'judifgz'. A blackened ghost has some small wounds and bruises.
796hp 945m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 100%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost's life drain misses Valindra. You swing right through a blackened ghost's blurred image. Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity's flame maims a blackened ghost! Your turn undead *** DEVASTATES *** a blackened ghost! You stop turning undead. A blackened ghost has some small wounds and bruises.
796hp 945m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 100%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra looks at a blackened ghost. A blackened ghost has some small wounds and bruises.
Valindra utters the words, 'pzrrghcandusaw'. The ground erupts as a blackened ghost is caught in a searing beam of arcane light. Valindra's hellstream >>> ANNIHILATES <<< a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has quite a few wounds.
796hp 945m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 100%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] You brandish your holy symbol and utter words of divine power! Your turn undead === OBLITERATES === a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has quite a few wounds.
796hp 895m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 100%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost's life drain mauls Valindra. Valindra's ice shield DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity's flame decimates a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost is unaffected by Valindra's thwack! A blackened ghost has quite a few wounds.
796hp 895m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 97%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Your turn undead *** DEVASTATES *** a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has quite a few wounds.
796hp 895m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 97%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra utters the words, 'pzrrghcandusaw'. The ground erupts as a blackened ghost is caught in a searing beam of arcane light. Valindra's hellstream >>> ANNIHILATES <<< a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has quite a few wounds.
796hp 895m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 97%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost's life drain mauls Valindra. Valindra's ice shield MANGLES a blackened ghost! Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost is unaffected by Valindra's thwack! A blackened ghost has quite a few wounds.
796hp 895m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 95%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Your turn undead *** DEVASTATES *** a blackened ghost! You stop turning undead. A blackened ghost has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
796hp 895m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 95%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost utters the words, 'bragspzwl'. A blackened ghost's life drain decimates Valindra! Valindra's ice shield DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! Your wrath misses a blackened ghost. Your wrath DISEMBOWELS a blackened ghost! A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity's flame MUTILATES a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
796hp 895m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] You brandish your holy symbol and utter words of divine power! Your turn undead *** DEVASTATES *** a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
796hp 845m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra utters the words, 'pzrrghcandusaw'. The ground erupts as a blackened ghost is caught in a searing beam of arcane light. Valindra's hellstream *** DEVASTATES *** a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
796hp 845m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] You swing right through a blackened ghost's blurred image. A blackened ghost is unaffected by Valindra's thwack! A blackened ghost is unaffected by Valindra's thwack! A blackened ghost has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
796hp 845m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Your turn undead *** DEVASTATES *** a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
796hp 845m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
796hp 845m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra utters the words, 'pzrrghcandusaw'. The ground erupts as a blackened ghost is caught in a searing beam of arcane light. Valindra's hellstream *** DEMOLISHES *** a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost has some big nasty wounds and scratches.
796hp 845m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Your turn undead *** DEVASTATES *** a blackened ghost! You stop turning undead. A blackened ghost looks pretty hurt.
796hp 845m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost's life drain misses Valindra. Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity's flame MUTILATES a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost is unaffected by Valindra's thwack! A blackened ghost looks pretty hurt.
796hp 845m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] You don't know any spells of that name. A blackened ghost looks pretty hurt.
Valindra utters the words, 'pzrrghcandusaw'. The ground erupts as a blackened ghost is caught in a searing beam of arcane light. Valindra's hellstream === OBLITERATES === a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost looks pretty hurt.
796hp 845m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] You brandish your holy symbol and utter words of divine power! Your turn undead *** DEVASTATES *** a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost looks pretty hurt.
796hp 795m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity's flame devastates a blackened ghost! A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity's flame devastates a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost is unaffected by Valindra's thwack! A blackened ghost is unaffected by Valindra's thwack! A blackened ghost looks pretty hurt.
796hp 795m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Your turn undead *** DEVASTATES *** a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost is in awful condition.
796hp 795m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost's life drain misses Valindra. A blackened ghost's life drain misses Valindra. Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! A tiny wisp named Hibbadibbity's flame devastates a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost is in awful condition.
796hp 795m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 92%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Valindra utters the words, 'pzrrghcandusaw'. The ground erupts as a blackened ghost is caught in a searing beam of arcane light. Valindra's hellstream === OBLITERATES === a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost is in awful condition.
796hp 857m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 93%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] Your turn undead === OBLITERATES === a blackened ghost! You stop turning undead. A blackened ghost is in awful condition.
796hp 857m 419mv 21060tnl 842g Valindra: 93%hp none mob active cave (indoors) [##########] A blackened ghost's life drain misses Valindra. A blackened ghost's life drain misses Valindra. Your wrath DISMEMBERS a blackened ghost! A blackened ghost is SLAIN!! Kedaleam gives you 312 gold coins for your tenacity. You hear a blackened ghost's death cry. A blackened ghost's body disintegrates into dust. You get 666 gold coins. You split 666 gold coins. Your share is 333 gold coins.
The Source | A light, bright and blinding, yet darker than the deepest | night shines violently off the well-shined obsidian walls, | and through a small hole in the floor. Several large ebony | chairs face the west wall as if this room has been used @-o | as a place of conference. Towards the west, the black walls | meet at a point, which seems to be the source of the evil | light. | | ---------+
[Exits: east] A blackened sphere rests here, absorbing all the light around it. A small ivory key rests here. (Charmed) A tiny wisp hovers here, shedding its essence as it bobs in the air. (White Aura) Valindra the Sage of Arcane Power, Chronicler of Myth is here.
Object 'light sphere blackened' is type light, material void. Extra flags: hum nodrop anti_good anti_neutral noremove meltdrop. Made to be worn as a light. Weight is 4 lbs 8 ounces, value is 1, level is 50. Modifies health by 25. Modifies mana by 20. Modifies save vs maledictive by 2. Modifies save vs afflictive by 1. Modifies strength by -1. Unique item.
Valindra looks at a blackened sphere. Valindra gets a blackened sphere.
You say 'It carried that.' You nod. You say 'It might be useful for you.'
Valindra taps her lip again. Valindra says 'Thank you for showing me.' Valindra says 'How curious.'
You say 'Because of these findings, I do not think that journal was written by Nara. And the words sound different as well.' You say 'The trail led me then to Tainted Valley.'
Valindra nods thoughtfully as she surveys the tomb once more.
You say 'But I did not know where to look there.'
Valindra says 'How did it lead you?'
You say 'I guess purely because of the claw.'
Valindra nods. Valindra says 'That makes sense.'
You say 'I have seen blessed claws there.'
Inside the Large Tent z-o-o-z| As you step inside the tent, your eyes skim over the | | | massive table set up in the middle. Surrounding it are o-F | a number of makeshift beds and more than a few pieces | | | of furniture. The table is littered with maps and notes, @ f | in an impressive state of disarray. Gathering that this | | must be the tent of whoever is in charge of this small f-z| army you conclude that perhaps diplomacy should take || precedence here. Especially when you consider the amount z| of armed presence in this room. The entrance flap of ---------+ the tent is north.
[Exits: north] A massive wooden desk rests in the middle of the room. An enormous bed covered with furs is set up in the corner. (Charmed) A tiny wisp hovers here, shedding its essence as it bobs in the air. Valindra the Sage of Arcane Power, Chronicler of Myth is here. A jotun Paladin stands here while resting his warhorse. A Battlemage stands here taking measurements. The Cleric of Light stands here mumbling a prayer. (White Aura) Fredrick the Grand General of Light broods here.
You now follow Valindra. You say 'Perhaps you will have more luck than I in searching.' Heh.
Valindra looks at massive table.
A massive table rests in the middle of the room its surface littered with maps and various notes. A crimson wax seal torn open on one of the letters catches your eye....
It would be possible to view the letter and put it back again carefully without noticing, because the seal upon it has already been broken.
You carefully peek at the letter..
Fredrick,
It has been months since this expedition began, and even I cannot convince the council to expand much more effort on what is being commonly viewed as your personal vendetta. Even though the siege continues, I fear that the lack of any significant victory on our side has swayed the council's fickle and we may have to abandon our cause.
I write this to give you advance warning, as the tide may be turning against us. I will do my utmost here, but I beg you to reconsider what seems to be a futile effort. The tower has stood unbreached for almost a millennium, and its powers have only strengthened since this vile evil claimed the area. Whether you think it or not, the fact that this is a matter most personal to you has been held against us from the beginning. I advise you to make quick progress, as our advantage with the council grows ever weaker....
Ever your friend, Councilor Kharan Naghun
Valindra says 'Have you read this letter?'
You say 'I was just perusing it!' You say 'I suppose it must be old, for they have been stationed here ever as long as I can remember.'
Valindra looks in fredrick's bed. Valindra gets a bag of gold coins from fredrick's bed. Valindra splits 100 gold coins. Your share is 50 gold coins. Valindra gets an Order of Light amulet from fredrick's bed. Valindra quickly drops an Order of Light amulet with a grimace.
You say 'Ah, the Order of Light.'
Valindra says 'Ouch!'
Object 'amulet order light golden sun' is type jewelry, material gold. Extra flags: glow anti_evil anti_neutral. Made to be worn on the neck. Weight is 1 lbs 3 ounces, value is 4, level is 35. Modifies strength by -1. Modifies armor class by 2. Modifies damroll by 1. Modifies hitroll by 1. This item is part of the set 'Fire with Fire'.
You comfort her. You say 'My old mentor once told me he was part of this Order.'
Valindra nods at you in agreement.
You say 'They are extremists - even moreso than the Knights.'
Valindra says 'They have made war a long time, but it seems with little progress.'
You nod. You say 'The Essence of Evil dwells here, and another great evil as well known as the Karakken.'
Valindra nods.
Near the First Obelisk z-z-f-f-f| Foolishly you make your way closer to the strange stone. | | | || Your heart begins to race, and your instincts scream. You z-f-o-f| feel weaker as if some ghostly power was sapping your strength. | | || A sudden deathly silence has fallen over the area. No sound z @-o-z| is heard except for strange low pulsating sound, slowly | | || becoming lower and louder as your legs continue their weak z-o-o-z| pace toward the stone. Looking down within an instance | | | of horror you realize that what seemed like black tainted o-F | grass from a distance is really a carpet of insects, all ---------+ dead. In panic you look around, the shapes that you took for stones are revealed to you for what they truly are, and as shadows begin to reach for you, and your body weakens the mountain walls to the east seem your only hope...
[Exits: east] (Charmed) A tiny wisp hovers here, shedding its essence as it bobs in the air. Valindra the Sage of Arcane Power, Chronicler of Myth is here. An Old cleric turns his blind eyes towards you.
Valindra says 'What a vile presence.'
You say 'The conjunction of their powers, and these obelisks, are most formidable.'
Valindra tuts like a school marm.
You chortle mischieviously at Valindra. You say 'It is what has kept the Order trapped here in an endless battle.'
Valindra says 'What a dark, temporal trap.'
You nod.
Valindra looks distracted as her eyes turn toward the west.
Before you stands the very source of the valley's damnation. The jet black surface of this bastion of evil is glassy and smooth, except for a few marks in its centuries old armor. There is no trace of the enormous energies hurled at the tower by the Battlemages and their machines, nor is there a scratch from the battering rams and other more mundane tools..
Valindra says 'Doyenne, I must depart.'
You nod.
Valindra says 'I hope that we may continue this conversation and exploration -- and soon.'
You say 'Thank you for accompanying me.' You smile at her.
