Event Posts https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:42:03 +0000 en Event Posts Solstice Quiz 2024 https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/5008/solstice-quiz-2024 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 01:49:13 +0000 Event Posts Ayisdra 5008@/index.php?p=/discussions NEW QUESTION: "What is my name? No really, you should know that."
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 0.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 15 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Jolly Bundy"

NEW QUESTION: "What colour are the suits that present-bearing gnomes wear?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 15 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Red"

NEW QUESTION: "What race is the famous Ironbeard the Magnanimous who delivers presents during Solstice?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 12 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Dwarf"

NEW QUESTION: "What is the all encompassing name for the place where Solstice Court is located in the Icewynd?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 2.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "The Jolly Drifts"

NEW QUESTION: "Who sells penguins at Solstice Court?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 15 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Bavdo Joyheart"

NEW QUESTION: "What two beasts can you purchase from Bavdo? Come now, you should know at least ONE!"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 2.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 15 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Penguin and husky"

NEW QUESTION: "What two things can you send by partridge mail from the visitor's playpen on the gnome bridge? The old gnome sells them."
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 2.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Postcards and giftboxes"

NEW QUESTION: "What is the name ofthe Stewart of Solstice before whom you swear to be good?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 15 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Tombin"

NEW QUESTION: "What is the name of the Solstice-hating fink living in the ice caverns of the Jolly Drifts?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Fenako"

NEW QUESTION: "How do you enter the ice caverns to reach the elderly finks and Fenako?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 15 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Chute"

NEW QUESTION: "List three coat colours of the huskies that could be found roaming the Basin of Life while they should be making deliveries for Solstice. Not of your own huskies!"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 3.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Grey, brown, tan, red, copper, black, white, silver"

NEW QUESTION: "Name the four treats that Homney Honeytongue made for the huskies. One point for each treat!"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 4.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Deerhide, bovine hoof, mutton stick, baked carrot"

NEW QUESTION: "What can you do with snow in the cities and communes of the Basin of Life? Give one example of an activity."
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Build snowmen, shovel, jump into, make snowangels in, snowball fight"

NEW QUESTION: "What are the two main ways to reach the Jolly Drifts?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 2.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Snowflakes and sleighs"

NEW QUESTION: "What decoration do present-bearing gnomes wear upon their belts?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Bells"

NEW QUESTION: "Who might you buy up some fruity dessert icewine from?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Butlers"

NEW QUESTION: "The Joyhearts were known under a different name before they started to serve the Solstice spirit. What used to be their family name?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 2.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Sunheart"

NEW QUESTION: "Name one skating move you can perform on the frozen pond. A move, not skating in a direction or in a circle."
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Twirl, spin, figure eight, layback, sitspin, jump, skatespin"

NEW QUESTION: "Name the subject of one of the paintings in the Joyheart manor. Just one word answer will be enough."
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 1.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Caribou, partridge, icicles"

NEW QUESTION: "What is the name of the retired gnome village in Jolly Drifts?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 2.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Mintswell-upon-Frostlea"

NEW QUESTION: "What is the first name of the famous Ironbeard?"
The Grand Inquisitor sets the next question's point value at 2.
The Grand Inquisitor has decreed that you have but 20 seconds to answer this question.
CORRECT ANSWER: "Vaneilkr"

]]> Events Post #531: The Custodian and the Dreaming https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4954/events-post-531-the-custodian-and-the-dreaming Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:29:45 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4954@/index.php?p=/discussions
Naesan's party was joined by Warlord Uzriel d'Vanecu, Lady Grey Sapphira d'Vanecu, Regent Xiran Stormcrow, Chair Tikki, Luce Shevat, Huskii Myeras, Yuzuki n'Lochli, and Mani, who set off for the Emerald Enclave that very same day. Once there, they pressed on further into the Aegis of Vestera and began the work of setting it to rights in earnest. Very soon, however, they stumbled upon something startling - the dead body of a being they had never met before. Elegantly dressed, their face was nought but a blank slate under a broken mask as if they never had a real face in the first place. Tikki patted the figure down and retrieved a scrap of paper from a pocket. Though it was ruined by acid and encoded, they were able to glean the following: 19--594 - -t-yf--rj-- -wjf-- Ij--h-j-. A filing number or a date? And what language could this be? The custodian, as they came to be known, was certainly no being they had met before though it reminded them of the mannequins of the Meliashmora of Imperial Secrets and the beings of Iklara.

There was work to be done either way so they pressed on while they pondered the message. The nightmares sent by Great Muud were numerous and doubled in strength, so they had their work cut out for them. While one party was clearing the Aegis, another was debating the likelihood of the custodians being among them as it would have been all too easy to pass unnoticed with such elegant clothing and a mask. Were they observers or messengers of some kind? One thing that became clear soon was that if the numbers were a date, Luce posited, they likely referred to the year 594 and the Awakening of Sister Sea. Meanwhile, upon another inspection of the note, Uzriel wondered if perhaps it was burned by the now infamous ooze that had been sighted twice within the Basin of Life. As if that was not troubling enough, Xiran pointed out that if faceless beings were involved, one should not dismiss the Soulless Nohaji, known as the Face-Thief, still free and active somewhere in the vastness of the Void.

That launched them into a more thorough investigation of the custodian's body, with Everiine Silvermoon going first and determining that while it was not natural, it was not infested by excorable powers. A link to the immanidivinus still lurked within, fading. Next went Mani, attempting to trace its auras but whatever animated the body had faded. And finally, Sapphira, who wasted no time plunging her surgical blade into the ribcage to reveal that the custodian was a construct, lacking in the way of organs a natural body would have. Just then, the body dissolved into sheer essence, brilliant and licked by flame, and then it was gone.
As luck would have it, Luce completed restoring the Aegis of Vestara to its full power at that exact moment and all rushed to meet with the Keepers. There, they beheld upon the Aegis itself dream motes forming into an image - a message from the Keepers. A masked custodian, the one whose body they found, was seen entering the Emerald Enclave and rushing further in as if fleeing something in a panic. Their hands were being eaten at by a corrosive substance and the custodian eventually succumbed to that damage, deep within the Aegis, but it was clear that they were looking for something too.

Concerned for the Dreaming, the group decided to visit the Dreamlands of Nirvana urgently. With Naesan's assistance, Eluisa Starfall, Huskii, Luce, and Tikki went forth to investigate and found the Citadel sealed and the False Gods on high alert. Rather than fight each other, as they were known to do, they were instead protecting their lands and speaking of a Pact. Whether with or against that which intrudes upon the Dreaming was unclear for they chased out all interlopers with haste.

With the Aegis of Vestera strengthened and Great Muud kept at bay, the group dispersed to consider these troubling findings.]]> Events Post #530: Following the Dreams https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4953/events-post-530-following-the-dreams Wed, 26 Jun 2024 02:31:18 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4953@/index.php?p=/discussions
Naesan, as they quickly learnt, was the artist and dreamweaver behind sketchbooks that had found their way into people's hands a while back. The sketchbooks presented a challenge to find the places sketched therein. Little did they know at the time, however, was that both the sketches and the notes were an account of troubling observations about the state of the Dreaming. Makali sought to bring Naesan to the Fellowship to share these thoughts but the tae'dae was set on tracking them down to the source first. And so they parted ways, but not before Makali pressed an amber coin into Naesan's hand, beseeching him to mark his camps in the Fellowship fashion for safety.

They knew nothing of his whereabouts until earlier that day, when the amber coin abruptly manifested outside the Fellowship outpost in the Grey Moors. Luckily, Makali knew a little of Naesan's early plans so they would be able to hone in on the trail easily. Joined by Eiselle Mes'ard, the group set out to follow the coin under Esei's leadership, heading towards the Tosha Monastery first. Once they arrived at a field of bee hives beside the monastery, they spotted dreamy motes drifting through the air and felt their eyelids grow heavy and their minds weary.

Concerned about a ploy, they were fighting the temptation just as Huskii and Valinea arrived to lend a hand. But before Huskii could assess the danger with their dreamweaving prowess, Everiine dove headfirst into slumber, falling still and lifeless at once. Concerned, Esei, Valinea, and Huskii chased after the Landspeaker into the dream only to find themselves in a very similar place - except full of anger, danger, and dripping with both honey and blood alike. There, by Everiine, they found a dream-distorted sketchbook, much like the one Makali showed them earlier. Within it was a note and though it said the exact same thing as the first note in the widely-distributed sketchbooks, finding it pocketed away here was promising.

As Huskii slipped in and out of the dreaming world to keep those on guard in the waking world informed, Everiine pried further, exploring the boundaries of the dreamscape. In the waking world, the Regent struggled to shake him awake but in there, he saw the walls of the monastery grow and loom over him, the bees buzz angrily in search of a target, and the beehives overturned. He flew above the field and beheld the terror encroaching upon the land. At last, he awoke safely just as Mani joined the expedition.

Knowing what it is that they are looking for, and what to expect, they set off for the next camp in the Tolborolla Valley. As they meandered through an orchard among the oaks, they spotted the telltale dreamy motes, but again no Naesan. Wasting no time, Everiine drifted off to sleep, followed by Huskii Myeras, Valinea, and Esei while the others stood guard over their vulnerable forms. Once more they found themselves within a dreamscape that reflected the place where they fell asleep, and once more it was a dark reflection full of crumbling apples and sickly trees. A disturbed place, where they constantly lost their memories with each whipping of the wind. The note they found was the second entry in the sketchbook, a note they already possessed, but their path was now even clearer.

And so they came to and set off for the next camp, known to have been in the Scorpion Caverns. At the hall of stingers, they promptly drifted off to sleep and beheld troubling dreams in which a darkened figure with seared lips dashed by while holding onto mysterious crystals. Then, a swarm of dead scorpions moved beneath them like the tide, transporting something underfoot. They did not overstay their welcome this time and left with the note promptly.

Their next stop was to be Verasavir Valley but the dreamweaver was not within the abandoned lodge when they got there. The dreamscape and a new note, however, was. In the dream, they found themselves in the very same lodge but vastly more ruined and licked by brown flames. Whispers reached their ears from darkened corners - two voices plotting - but no faces. Only when one lit a tinderbox did they spot seared lips in the brief illumination but all of that crumbled with the lodge. They left the dreamscape concerned for the new note spoke of worry that none will heed the warnings despite finding the sketchbooks, as indeed happened. Before they set off again, they considered the likelihood of Summer Heat's involvement, for the brown seared lips reminded them of him but, as Esei pointed out, he was dead. While they were true, Huskii reminded them that he was but one of many.

Their next stop was to be a glacier high in Avechna's Teeth and beyond this camp, were Naesan was not to be there, they were on their own with but the coin to guide them as Makali knew of only those five camps. Naesan was indeed not there and in the dreamscape, they found themselves upon a melting glacier polluted with brown sludge. Smelling of sweat and anxiety, it was cascading down the mountainside, its force unstoppable and ushered forth by an oppressive presence. Terrified of the nightmare, they left with the new note outlining Naesan joining the Fellowship. In the waking world, they set off in search of the next camp which they eventually located by the Shallach River. In the dreamscape which they accessed there, they found themselves upon a scorched battlefield, full of dark figures controlled like puppets from on high. The note they found was no less disturbing, telling of Naesan's restlessness while awake and exhaustion while asleep where he is hounded by nightmares.

Refusing to succumb to this darkness, they continued on, picking Ayisdra Ysav'rai up along the way, until they came across a camp in the Balach Swamp. While they pried the dreamscape left behind there, Everiine and Huskii separated from the group to visit Gromagh the Hag of Hifarae Hills so that Everiine may see firsthand a being with lips seared brown. And indeed, Gromagh was still marked from whatever pact she entered in years past, but her power waned at last when the two attacked her after a heated exchange. Meanwhile, the dreamers found themselves in a surprisingly calm dreamscape given the locale, one reflecting the muddy trail they were on almost flawlessly. The note was lengthy, speaking of the Soulless Muud's oppressive presence easily felt here, and frequent dreams of fields of grain that seemed different from past ones. Before heading back on the trail, they probed at the entrance to the Emerald Enclave but found it sealed shut with no explanation.

Wasting no time they set off once more, still hoping to find Naesan safe. Having figured out that he seemed to be tracking recent catastrophes and disturbances in the Basin of Life, they followed the path of destruction to the Grey Moors, where once a cloier broke loose upon Paavik. They did not find Naesan, but as they fell asleep they found themselves in a lifeless clearing where an invisible behemoth roamed the landscape. They saw a cloier collapse and be devoured from within even before it was slain, and gagged at the stench of sweat and something foul. The note they found spoke of dreaming of the grains again and being sure the dream is different. Knowing Naesan would be seeking out a field of grain to dream in, they set off once more and eventually found the camp in Oleanvir Valley. Once more Naesan was not there and the dreamscape was an endless field under scorching summer heat and with darkness on the horizon. But now Naesan was sure, the dreams had changed markedly - small details at first but they were mounting, and even those dreams that brought joy were now nightmares.

Certain they are right on Naesan's heels, they set off once again and found another camp in the Balach Swamps but this time no dreamscape, only something buried in the muck - a sketchbook with all the notes in one place. The very last one outlined Naesan's final goal - the closed-off Emerald Enclave. Finding nothing to go on elsewhere, the dreamweaver resolved to see if the disturbances come from the Great Muud. And so they followed, resolved and certain they were in the right place now. Once outside the Enclave, they made their presence known loud and clear, and demanded to be let inside. An illusion faded over the promontory just then and they were able to pass through the airlock into the dark hallways.

The moment they made it inside, they were assaulted by cestodes that are normally only found within the Great Muud and so they ventured further with caution, fighting off danger right and left. With the Enclave under attack, Eluisa Starfall, Veldrin D'Cente, and Khnemu Dahyu joined to protect the Sleeping Child. The Keepers of Dreams sought out the dreamweavers, Huskii and Veldrin, and beckoned them to protect the tae'dae as they cannot do that while protecting the Sleeping Child as well, and so all hurried further until they found a note stained with blood. It was filled with Naesan's neat handwriting, noting the high alert and war the Keepers were engaged in but that the veil over the Dreaming that he felt elsewhere was surprisingly not present there. Heedlessly, Huskii settled down to sleep but this time, their body was gone in the blink of an eye too. While others panicked, Huskii was shaken awake within a burning tower surrounded by a nightmarish landscape - their protector the tae'dae dreamweaver himself. Fires surrounded them and nightmares roamed just beyond the perimeter of the dream tower Naesan had retreated to in this peculiar place between the waking world and the Dreaming. Not wanting to leave Huskii on their own, the others followed into the dream and soon the tower was full to the brim with eager protectors.

Naesan, though drained and exhausted beyond measure, was relieved to see so many rally to his defence but warned them not to leave the tower for he was barely holding it together against outside pressures and it was only Great Muud's interest in the Sleeping Child, and not him, that has allowed him to survive so long. They would have awoken among the nightmares had he not jacked them into the safety of the tower as they arrived. But before they had time to speak much, the dreamweavers among them could sense the tower about to fail and rallied everyone to ready for the onslaught, their numbers bolstered by Romaan D'Varden and Tridemon Regalis.

And then the tower fell and the nightmares came.

One by one, they dispatched the tendrils and monstrosities of the Soulless, cleaving a path through the darkness towards an escape back into the Emerald Enclave. Taking Naesan and Makali with them, they left the nightmares behind and regrouped at the Enclave where they were safe enough, for the moment, to query the tae'dae about his experiences. But he had his own questions first, chief among them the circumstances of his rescue. He was moved to know that his effort to send the amber coin to the Fellowship not only worked, but was enough for such a rescue effort to be mounted. While he was hydrated, fed, and assessed for injuries by Mani, Naesan told them the Dreaming is worsening slowly but surely and something appears to be encroaching upon it. He also told them of his visit to the Citadel of Nirvana, within the Dreaming, where he found nothing overtly amiss, but the False Gods distant and preoccupied.

He explained the dreams he had, which felt manipulated and twisted, something the Fellowship had already been studying. The only thing Naesan knew for sure now was that even though Great Muud was emboldened, He was not the source of the change. The Sleeping Child's dreams were disturbed by whatever the culprit, and that weakness is what empowered Great Muud to pursue all the more eagerly. Everywhere Naesan dreamed, he dreamed of darkness. Except in Balach Swamps, where only regular nightmares awaited him. Khnemu suggested whatever it was, could well be afraid of Muud, and on that troubling note, the expedition parted ways, each finding their way home with more questions than answers.]]> Events Post #529: Silverfur Stargazers https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4947/events-post-529-silverfur-stargazers Mon, 10 Jun 2024 23:22:44 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4947@/index.php?p=/discussions
Huskii Myeras was the first to locate the pair, soon joined by Veldrin, Ayisdra, Sapphira, Uzriel, Wrynn, Tridemon, Esei, Eluisa, Xiran, Tikki, and Mani, with the Professor in tow shortly after. Trouble had found them indeed. They were covered in burns from head to toe it seemed, however, any attempts at magical healing by Waykeeper Mani of Serenwilde or rinses of cooling waters only further burned their skin. Lady Grey Sapphira d'Vanecu even suggested a lich seed might be the only thing to cure them entirely. Was all hope lost for the youthful taurians?

It turned out that while travelling to their family homestead, Ojuka Silverfur encountered a dreadful ooze in the wilderness by the Gloriana River. She had been prepared, however. A glassworker at heart, she had previously crafted a glass vial ten times the thickness of a normal design to collect a sample. This shattered anyway when it touched the small glob but perhaps saved her and her brother, Ojyu's, lives.

Soon, the Professor summoned Professor Vleim Etloo from the Academy for assistance, and after a quick detour, she determined that the sustained burns were indeed chemical. Wyrden Haruspex Esei Shee-Slaugh brought forth the vleebgarglegush alembic needed to mix a poultice that contained various life forms from the swamp. "The sucking one, and the long other sucky one, the sticky one, and the squirming one" - were the instructions given. Tikki, Chair of Hallifax, thought on this list and correctly deduced that a tick, leech, frog, and marshworm might be the only hope for a cure. Once applied, the concoction released the essence, allowing traditional healing to take root and ease the burns.

The field reports, however, shared no such luck. Either ruined by the ooze, chemicals, or mud from the local area, they were completely useless and would need to be redone. With an invitation, the crowd followed the twins back to Verasavir Valley where, with a pair of keen eyes, Huskii Myeras spotted their homestead and escorted them inside.

After a bit of a fuss between the Ojuka and Ojyu, writing a new field report for the Professor could begin. The family's telescope, aged almost as much as their homestead, had been taken apart for routine cleaning and would need to be reconstructed. Waykeeper Mani deduced Ojuka's instructions on configuring the device with ease. Though with some encouragement that the more help the better, Tikki, Esei, and Veldrin also offered their advice.

Like with most delicate pieces of machines, however, disaster struck once more. One of the main lenses cracked right down the middle. Seaglass gemstones would be required to replace it. Eluisa Starfall was the first to find the specific type of creature that held the material, soon joined by Tylwyth Nightshade. Once the raw material was broken down into a usable substance and placed into its proper mold, Tikki was left to operate the oven.

The reports were not quite ready yet though as adjustments would need to be made to the telescope in order to properly record and document the moon's trajectory through the sky. Willingly, Tylwyth took the sextant and set out to gather the data needed to calculate the telescope's angle. Upon his return, Tikki solved the mathematical puzzle to get the correct position. After waiting for the sun to set off into the west horizon, the group gazed through the telescope only to spot a meteor shower falling from the sky. In the end, Ojyu once more produced his report and sent it off to the eager Professor.

What exactly does the Gorlognal Academy need these reports for? And what danger does this mysterious ooze pose, one so similar to that found within the Muhanlesh Caverns?]]> Events Post #528: The Realm of the Majesty of the Dawn https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4941/events-post-528-the-realm-of-the-majesty-of-the-dawn Sat, 18 May 2024 22:36:13 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4941@/index.php?p=/discussions
The gloomy mote eventually managed to lure Jexathi to the hidden grotto at the end of the Estengare River where the entrance to Lord Valtreth's realm once resided. The mote hovered there, above the carving of the seven suns, which was still corrupted from the foul magic employed by Summer Heat. Upon closer inspection of the carving, Jexathi deduced that the broken globes where the seven suns once were might be replaced with new ones, and the only place she knew that made globes was the resident glassblower of New Celest.

Comforting the mote of light and vowing to return, Jexathi set out to see if her thoughts would bear any fruit. After speaking with Jethri about her plight, he mentioned that the regular globes he creates may not be strong enough to hold sunlight, but he may be able to craft a more refined globe that might do the trick. Gathering the items that Jethri required, Jexathi watched as Jethri did what he does best, turning the ingredients into a refined glass globe. As Father Sun once again rose above the horizon, Jexathi lifted the globe and gazed into it, receiving a vision of where the sunlight was brightest.

As the day progressed, Jexathi, with the assistance of Illirialial Stormcrow, managed to gather two globes filled with sunlight. However, when they attempted to place the third globe within the carving, disaster struck as it shattered, halting their quest to cleanse the carving of its corruption. Upon informing Jethri of the mishap, he was taken aback to learn what had happened and pledged to make necessary adjustments to his glazier's forge, aiming to craft a sturdier globe but cautioned that it would require some time to achieve.

Several months later, Jethri announced that his modifications were complete and that he could now produce a sturdier globe. The Prioress of the Magisterium, Yinuish Re'Leo, graciously offered her assistance in crafting another globe. Peering into the freshly crafted globe, Yinuish discerned a clue revealing the brightest spot where the sun shone upon the soaring mountains, where stone angels took flight. Determined, she embarked on a journey that lasted part of the day until she finally reached the cliffs near the Orphanage of St. Gathlyn. With anticipation, she placed the fourth globe within the carving, only to be met with dismay as it shattered once more. Once again, Yinuish relayed the disappointing news to Jethri, who, equally surprised and resolved to return to his adjustments of the glazier's forge in hopes of finding a solution.

As days turned into months, a heavy blanket of sorrow settled over the City of New Celest, its once vibrant streets now shrouded in despair. Finally in Roarkian, beneath the shimmering canopy of stars, Jethri, the Glassblower met with Helstren, the Harbourmaster, as a ship was coming into the docks with a special delivery. Swiftly, citizens including the King of New Celest, Aramantos Re'Leo, Yinuish, Tridemon, Faragan, and Cheliyi congregated at the harbor. Descending from the infamous vessel known as Empress' Last Breath, Mebyra, the Second Mate and interim Captain, delivered grim news - they had encountered disaster in the waters, resulting in the loss of a portion of their cargo. Turning to the King for aid, Helstren concluded that the lost item was the very one Jethri urgently required. With determination, the citizens set out to scour the Inner Sea in search of the missing cargo.

As the search continued in the depths of the Inner Sea, an unsettling sense of unease gripped many of those venturing into the murky waters, a feeling of being watched, stalked by unseen eyes. Suddenly, the tranquillity was shattered as the King himself fell victim to an unexpected attack. A bulbous Great Worm, a creature typically confined to the depths of the Namiraa Trench, had somehow managed to break free and now hungered for prey. Realizing the imminent danger, Aramantos urgently called for aid. Without hesitation, the citizens of New Celest rallied to defend their monarch and vanquish the monstrous threat. As the battle raged on, with each strike bringing them closer to victory, the Great Worm met its demise in a gory explosion, releasing a shimmering item that plummeted to the icy depths below.

Amidst the chaos, Yinuish was the first to discern a glimmer amidst the sands. With determined resolve, everyone joined in the search, delving into the silt and sand until finally, their efforts bore fruit. Clutched in Jexathi's grasp lay their prize - a thick glass lens concealed beneath the ocean's embrace. With their mission accomplished, they eagerly returned to Jethri, who had patiently awaited their delivery. With the lens securely attached to his glazier's forge and the necessary adjustments made, Jethri skillfully crafted a globe of refined topaz glass, a testament to their perseverance and unity in the face of adversity.

The timing could not have been more auspicious, as dawn bathed the shimmering city of New Celest, signaling that all was in perfect harmony. Guided by the clues leading to the source of the brightest sunlight, the group embarked on their quest, while others gathered light essence to cleanse the corruption within the carving of seven suns. With the final globe placed within the carving, an eruption of sunlight pierced the heavens, its radiant warmth dispelling the veils of clouds shrouding part of the Razine Mountains and unveiling a hidden path. Adventurers from far and wide raced towards the mountains, their hearts brimming with anticipation. To their delight, a dawn-hued radiance awaited them, revealing a pathway leading into Faelth ey Chaeyr, the reformed realm of the Majesty of the Dawn. With eager strides, they ventured forth, eager to explore the wonders that lay beyond the clouds.]]> Events Post #527: Healing of the Majesty of Dawn https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4929/events-post-527-healing-of-the-majesty-of-dawn Mon, 04 Mar 2024 03:05:50 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4929@/index.php?p=/discussions
As worried mortals slowly slipped through the vortex to where the two Divine had travelled, Yinuish and Yuli Re'Leo, Tridemon Regalis, Cheliyi Lunarose, and Inagin La'Saet of New Celest gathered around the marble slab where the Lord of the Morning lay, worried looks upon their faces as they were soon joined by the Chairman Tikki of Hallifax and Tigro Ysav'rai of Glomdoring. As the group frantically discussed the condition of the Elder God, He thrashed unconsciously against the veil of starlight that surrounded Him. When Lord Darvellan sought any information from the present mortals of any strange happenings of late, Tridemon mentioned the motes of light that had been raining down from the heavens over the past few months. Over the course of the conversation, the skies lit up once more with golden motes of light that rained down, falling throughout the Basin of Life.

Outpourings of support continued to come from all corners of the Basin while Tridemon went in search of any sign of the motes. He soon found a radiant mote of golden light and swiftly returned to the healing mound of Celestia and handed it to the Lord Navigator. Recognising it as the Divine essence of Lord Valtreth, Darvellan quickly handed it to Cheliyi to place within the healing mound as Tridemon left in search of more. Cheliyi promptly placed the mote into the healing mound and was soon struck by a strange vision, which she deduced as a memory of Lord Valtreth's.

As others continued to bring in golden motes and place them within the healing mound, Lord Valtreth began to show signs of recovery. And so they carried on, placing them within the healing mound until the final mote was placed by Yinuish Re'Leo and the very air began to tremble. The starlit veil surrounding Lord Valtreth shimmered in a web of light as tendrils of brilliant light funnelled into Him, an immaculate golden glow filling the area around the healing mound. The light began to fade, the Lord Valtreth now standing strong and proud before those gathered, His form restored. He thanked His Cousin, Lord Darvellan, and the mortals who assisted in His recovery.

What long-lasting damage this has caused, if any, remains to be seen, and the question of what Nohaji, the Face-Thief was able to retain of what He stole from the Majesty of the Dawn may never be answered.]]> Events Post #526: The Fall of Summer Heat as a New Dawn Rises https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4914/events-post-526-the-fall-of-summer-heat-as-a-new-dawn-rises Tue, 26 Dec 2023 01:14:41 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4914@/index.php?p=/discussions
Meanwhile, Xenthos An'Ryshe was secretly contacted by Summer Heat, a dracnari infamous for attempting to corrupt the Old Ones of Scorpion Caverns. Unknown to most, Summer Heat turned out to have been attempting to recruit followers for whoever or whatever it is that he serves. And so, under the cover of darkness, Xenthos snuck quietly into the Nerale Mausoleum, where Summer Heat had been waiting, and where he would inform Xenthos that after his initial trial, he would now be given a real mission. The dracnari looked even worse than when first met in the Skarch - devoid of the brown flames about his mouth, and desperate.

Summer Heat was seeking essence and lots of it, but not just any old essence, the essence that he would twist to empower something he called a "siphon". Intrigued by what this so-called "siphon" was, Xenthos quickly gathered some essence, but before he would hand it over, he demanded a demonstration and explanation of the plan and its intricacies. Anxious to proceed, Summer Heat demonstrated how he could corrupt this elemental essence, cracking it open and breathing dark brown flames into it until its very core had become corrupted. From there, Summer Heat directed Xenthos to meet him at a secret location where they could venture into where the siphon had been constructed, a waterfall behind the Estengare River. Using a tinderbox he had been given, Xenthos found the covert entrance and silently slipped behind the waterfall and inside what turned out to be the realm of the Elder God Valtreth. There stood a monolithic obelisk of dark stone. To Summer Heat's surprise, after he carefully explained the plan which involved the draining of this abandoned realm for his master, Xenthos quickly collected evidence and swiftly departed. Armed with information, he alerted his allies and the Fellowship of the Roots what he had learned and called them to arms.

The Fellowship was in a stir and quickly mobilised, while Cheliyi Lunarose carried the warning of immediate danger to the citizens of New Celest. Together with the help of Hallifax, Glomdoring, and the Fellowship of the Roots, they ventured to a hidden grotto at the end of the Estengare River where the entrance to the Salt Cliffs stood - the realm of the Valtreth, the Majesty of Dawn. Upon arrival, Chairman Tikki alongside Zylissa Al'tair, Ayisdra Ysav'rai, Efarihm Ysav'rai of Hallifax, Tridemon Regalis and Cheliyi Lunarose of New Celest, Xenthos An'Ryshe and Skaza Ysav'rai of the Glomdoring Commune, together with Nimuire Duskbloom and Thes Erurozea of the Fellowship of the Roots discovered a foul corruption had sealed off the once radiant pool of golden light, impeding their access to the realm of Lord Valtreth. The path Xenthos used to pierce through these protections was also now closed to them, as his tinderbox was destroyed for his betrayal. Cheliyi also admitted to having been recruited by Summer Heat, and to have been entertaining him while trying to gain pertinent information to take him down, but at that admission, her own tinderbox was destroyed as well.

A former Archdeacon of Lord Valtreth, Tridemon remembered the day when the realm was originally discovered and what they needed to do back then to access the realm. He informed the group that it required the use of light essence and so a small group broke off to scour the elemental planes and gather what essence they could find and bring it to the pool to see if it would help combat the corruption. As the first bits of light essence were placed into the vitiated waters, a hopeful ripple of light traveled across the surface and so they continued to bring in essence over the coming days. The Chairman of Hallifax, Tikki, diligently hauled essence from all corners of the known planes without rest, assisted by Tridemon, Exeryte, Xenthos, Galaphyrae, Xiran, Veara, Fillirriqili, Zylissa, and Skaza. It was soon apparent that their efforts were working as the waters of the pool were beginning to show signs of clearing.

One morning, as the golden light of Father Sun peaked over the mountains, Summer Heat gloated and taunted the Basin from afar, proclaiming that his plan had reached fruition and that they would soon know the power of his master. Darkness began to build above the Razine Mountains as crimson lightning split the skies, quickly spreading across the lands. With his control over the realm of the Elder God Valtreth, and its connection to His shrines, Summer Heat was able to channel the corruptive energies through and release an army of corrupted Legates of Morning, the guardians of Lord Valtreth's realm that he had twisted under his control. The corrupted Legates stormed through the lands, rising from where the shrines were erected - the City of New Celest and Lord Valtreth's master shrine within Mount Avechna - and attacked anyone they came in contact with. Hesitant to attack the Legates of Morning for fear of hurting Lord Valtreth in some way, many stayed their hand for a time until it was clear their link to the Dawning Lord was broken and no harm would befall Him should they be slain. And so the people of the Basin began fighting back and pushing back the corrupted army.

Several members of the Fellowship gathered to defend Lord Valtreth's Fulcrux, while Nimuire Duskbloom fought her way back to the corrupted pool to lend her assistance. As more and more corrupted Legates marched across the lands, many discussed methods they could use to purify them. Tikki had brought several of the slain Legates back to the pool, as Nimuire suggested perhaps returning them from whence they came may help restore the balance, and placed one within. Many onlookers were dismayed as the corrupted body sunk below the surface only for plumes of dark brown smoke to spew into the pool, corrupting it further and counteracting their efforts to purify it. As they discussed alternative methods, those defending the Fulcrux sent word of a second pool within which luminous energies swirled, and that perhaps this pool may work instead. Tikki swiftly made way to the Fulcrux of the Morning Lord and hesitantly laid the corrupted body in the luminescent waters. Amid gasps, dark brown smoke spewed forth from the twisted body but was soon dispelled by the radiant mists, and so now they had not just a way to purify the Legates of Morning that Summer Heat had corrupted, but also a way to slow down their advance for once purified, they would not rejoin the army.

As the Fellowship of the Roots and their allies tirelessly worked to purify the pool and the corrupted Legates over the course of the month, Summer Heat had his own plans in the works. He had instructed those following him to spread across the lands to counteract any work meant to thwart him, and so they secretly started stealing essence from the elemental and ethereal planes, bringing it to Summer Heat to corrupt, and then attempted to sneak it into the pool. They also scoured the lands for slain bodies of corrupted Legates and brought them to the pool to sabotage the efforts of those trying to purify it. Finally, they continued to sneak in and out of the corrupted realm itself through the hidden waterfall entrance as, despite Xenthos' warning, it went unguarded.

Another month would pass as adventurers from all over the Basin fought against the forces of Summer Heat and his corrupted army, the balance of power shifting back and forth as each side struggled to keep control. Eventually, the clashing of swords and troops marching erupted loudly as a coordinated attack from the corrupted Legates of Morning converged upon the hidden grotto where Tikki, Tridemon, and Cheliyi had been standing guard. Soon joined by Exeryte Stormcrow, Veldrin D'Cente, Zylissa Al'tair, and Huskii Myeras, the group worked to fight against the onslaught until reinforcements could arrive. Word reached New Celest through Meleris, the Keeper of the Pool of Stars and rallied the King of New Celest, while Thes called upon the Fellowship of the Roots and Nimuire Duskbloom to join the fray. Meanwhile, Xenthos left to gather more essence, and upon his return and a final addition of essence, the waters of the pool began to seethe and roil as a golden brilliance burst forth and burned away the last remnants of the corruptive magics blocking the entrance, allowing the group to finally enter the realm of Lord Valtreth.

But as the adventurers stepped through the rippling pool of golden light, they were met with a large contingent of corrupted Legates preventing any further ingress. The Legates, however, were no match for the assembled forces, which quickly dispatched them and advanced further towards the entrance of the Temple of the Dawn where, as it turned out, Summer Heat held the priest of Lord Valtreth, Auguste L'Fevre, hostage and himself was protected by a corruptive sphere of dark brown smoke that repelled any attempts at attacking him. The monolithic obelisk that Xenthos originally saw stood there still, draining and corrupting the realm.

As everyone watched on in horror, Summer Heat began to torture Auguste. It was at that moment that the very air began to ripple in a shimmering haze and the very ground shook beneath their feet. A mighty voice boomed from within the Temple of the Dawn before the Majesty of the Dawn Himself descended in a blaze of gold-tinged, roseate dawnfire. Visibly stricken with a strange wound, Lord Valtreth stumbled momentarily, wincing but remaining strong as He advanced upon Summer Heat. Auguste L'Fevre, who had been tending to his Lord as He secretly sought refuge in His realm, begged the Morning Lord not to fight. Summer Heat laughed and mocked the weakened Elder God, taunting Him as his siphon continued to drain not just His realm but, in truth, Him as well. With Summer distracted, the Morning Star mustered all his strength to reach the monolithic stone where he began to glow with a radiant, white light, sad eyes falling upon his Lord as he sacrificed himself, his radiant life force flowing into the obelisk causing it to overload and fracture which in turn caused the entire realm to shudder and become unstable.

With the obelisk shattered, Summer Heat visibly began to diminish before everyone's eyes and tried to gather the pieces of the obelisk in an attempt to save his foul plot. Notably bereft of his tell-tale brown flames, he berated the group for depriving him of his next crystal, claiming a need for essence. As he angrily declared everyone betrayers and blamed them for his shrivelling numbers of followers, the protective sphere dispersed around him and the group took their chance. Tridemon promised him death once, and he did not hold back. Summer Heat tried desperately to defend himself but in his fragile condition, he was soon overwhelmed, with Faragan Ladyn, King of New Celest landing the final blow. As Summer Heat fell, his body shrivelled into a husk of his former self, much beyond what a sudden death would have caused. But he was, at last, dead.

In His weakened state, Lord Valtreth was unable to contain the instability of His realm and urged everyone to depart swiftly before it collapsed in on itself. As the last of the mortals escaped the Salt Cliffs, rays of golden light erupted from the Estengare River before a soundless explosion tore through the Razine Mountains. In the trail of destruction, skeins of shimmering light unfurled throughout the sky as the Majesty of the Dawn descended into His fulcrux on Mount Avechna, followed soon by numerous mortals. Much to Lord Valtreth's surprise, Lord Darvellan also arrived in a wash of starlight to greet His cousin. The Navigator and the gathered mortals had many questions of the Dawning Lord, notably about His journey and current wellbeing. Lord Valtreth explained that He had left the First World long ago, on a mission to locate the Red Star of the Half-Formed Lovers, Supernal Dumaliel and Emanation Grimbach, hoping to heal and redeem them. On His journey, Valtreth came into contact with the Elder Carsini, but little did He know, that the Elder of the Firsts was merely Nohaji, the Soulless Face Thief in disguise. While they travelled together for a time, Nohaji studied Valtreth, sensing the duality of Divine essence within Him, as they continued to search for the Red Star.

Valtreth was often plagued by memories of His time as Elder God Eventru and Elder God Lyreth, which led to some insight into who Carsini really was since Eventru had worked closely alongside Carsini in the past. Coupled with the hungering glances and un-Elder-like mannerisms, it all began to make the Dawning Lord uneasy and suspicious. As the hunger became overwhelming, the Soulless face-thief launched an attack upon Valtreth, tearing into His flesh and spilling His divine essence as He attempted to consume Him. Wounded, Valtreth managed to weave a blast of dawnfire to repel the Face-stealer long enough for Him to escape. Still wounded and bleeding His golden essence, Valreth secretly returned to the First World, confused and not daring to trust any after such a betrayal. He found refuge back within the Basin of Life, deep within the Salt Cliffs of His Divine Realm, where He attempted to conceal His presence long enough to heal His wounds. But something was wrong... He could not quite remember how. His healing knowledge appeared to be gone, stolen by the Soulless Nohaji.

So as the golden essence of the Majesty of the Dawn continued to rain across the skies and with His wounds not healing, Darvellan offered Him refuge and protection until such a time that They could reverse the effects of His wounds.

How did Summer Heat know that the Majesty of Dawn had hidden within the Salt Cliffs? Or was it luck? And what is the power he so desperately craved? Whatever Master he served, may well still be out there still.]]> Events Post #524: Fellowship of the Roots https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4899/events-post-524-fellowship-of-the-roots Sat, 18 Nov 2023 22:10:22 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4899@/index.php?p=/discussions
And so, preceded by a missive-bearing hawk, Nimuire Duskbloom set out to the City of Hallifax. There, she met with the Board of Directions in the Executive Boardroom, represented by Chair of the Board Tikki, and members Ayisdra Ysav'rai and Fillirriqili Skydrifter. Nimuire assumed it at first to be a local tradition to conduct standing meetings - to keep them brief and to the point. She would soon learn that was the case everywhere.

Next she visited New Celest and met King Faragan Ladyn in the Star Palace, where they too stood while discussing her findings. To her surprise, in Serenwilde she was invited to a curator's office instead and was given a chair that time - though one made up of books. There she met with Regent Xiran, and Huskii Myeras, Lendren Starfall, Galaphyrae Talnara. But the trend held elsewhere, a standing meeting with the Shadow Court, represented by Dark Regent Tirah Mzithrei and Esei Shee-Slaugh. A standing meeting in Magnagora, meeting Warlord Uzriel d'Vanecu and Kalas Freja in the Warlord's office. And finally a standing meeting in the Gaudiguch Council Chamber with a member of the Freedom Council - Paquietiel Dahyu.

Weary as she was, Nimuire plead the case of the Fellowship of the Roots and repeatedly asked for secrecy. While in some places she was met with mistrust, most either offered to send a few of their members to aid the Fellowship when it opened, or suggested leads the Fellowship should follow. And follow they did, as not long after, the Fellowship of the Roots opened their doors to new members from their outpost in the Grey Moors. Now, with their membership bolstered, they are able to carry out missions across the Basin of Life. For the betterment of nature, among other things, as they try to unravel the mystery of their dreams.]]> Events Post #523: A New Acolyte of the Light is Chosen https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4898/events-post-523-a-new-acolyte-of-the-light-is-chosen Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:44:24 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4898@/index.php?p=/discussions
After catching her breath, Sister Yuleshka gathered the two trill in close and asked them to explain the origins of the Pool of Stars and the Holy Saints. The King of New Celest, Faragan Ladyn soon arrived as the young ones tried their best to answer their tutor's questions but stumbled and thus inspired the Sister to offer a friendly little competition between the two trill. Meeting up in the Lodestar Athenaeum, Sister Yuleshka was assisted by Professor Yimone Shervalian of the Lodestar Athenaeum who offered the little ones a chance to learn of Saint Tresalyne of the Stars.

After being informed of the terms of the game, the two trill split up, Hirin teaming up with King Faragan, and Talsi with Tridemon, the two teams departed on their search for journal pages from the local citizens of New Celest. Talsi and Tridemon took an early lead, but Hirin and the King soon caught up until they were neck and neck. With a final push, it was Talsi and Tridemon who managed to bring enough pages to Professor Shervalian first and were awarded a glass globe that could be used to capture memories of starlight within the Athenaeum.

Combining their efforts, the now single group ventured through the Lodestar Athenaeum in their quest for the memories to fill the globe with starlight. After searching the many levels of the great library, the final memory was within the globe. They brought the glass globe now radiating with dazzling starlight to the top of the Athenaeum where a statue of the Starlit Saint stood. As the globe was placed in the hands of the statue, ribbons of ivory light swirled around the Starlit Saint as the Star of New Celest blazed like a beacon of pure light. Soon afterwards, glistening figures drifted through the air and one, in particular, stepped forward. It was the visage of Saint Tresalyne, the Starlit Saint, who told his story to those gathered.

As Saint Tresalyne faded from view, the group was once again joined by Sister Yuleshka and Professor Shervalian who offered their congratulations to the group. Sister Yuleshka stepped forward and informed the pair of young trill that she had a gift for the winner of the game. She would offer Talsi the chance to become an Acolyte of hers within the Chapel of Two Saints, which Talsi eagerly accepted. And so it was within the Baptistery of the Sacred Light that Talsi pledged her oath to the Light and was baptised by Lady Jarana Farain before the citizens of New Celest and her best friend Hirin, as an Acolyte of the Chapel of Two Saints.]]> Events Post #522: Crow's Return and a Mysterious Trade https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4891/events-post-522-crow-039-s-return-and-a-mysterious-trade Fri, 27 Oct 2023 22:03:28 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4891@/index.php?p=/discussions
The combined residents of Glomdoring were successful in contacting the Seeress and delivering the message. Acting with a mysterious mirth, she explained that the Great Spirit proposed a trade whose terms were hers to decide. The negotiations were short, and the Commune agreed to satisfy her demands. With great haste, Glomdoring travelled over the length of the Basin to get the materials necessary to meet the Seeress' curious bargain. Numerous harpies were seen flying over the Forest, delivering unknown goods back and forth. Eventually, the strange trade was completed. Whatever the Glomdoring gave in return, ruins of old Gloriana were unveiled, upkept by the harpies in secret since the days of the Fall of the Holy Celestine Empire. As a part of the deal, Glomdoring was to inhabit this new centre and make it the heart of their cultural pursuits. Meanwhile, Morizwala departed into the shadows once more with the object she sought, whispering to it in perplexing crowtongue.]]> Events Post #521: Hallifaxian Archives: Treason Case of 661 CE https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4885/events-post-521-hallifaxian-archives-treason-case-of-661-ce Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:47:17 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4885@/index.php?p=/discussions
ENTRY 1: From Kiani 659 CE

Reports came in of a contingent of guards - typical in composition - arriving at the Matrix for duty. Yet, Keeper Sunfar and Senior Deputy Commissar Vardan reported no awareness of this dispatch, which was deemed highly unusual given their stations at the Matrix. Citizens were available to aid in a preliminary investigation. Comrade Jekkoc of the Ministry of Peace was summoned; he reported that he received Form [REDACTED] per normal means and enacted the process of dispatching this unit of guards accordingly. Paperwork possessed by the guards was deemed a forgery, thus creating an automatic escalation to the Ministry of Justice.

While paperwork errors do occur within the bureaucracy, a more thorough inquiry is deemed necessary given the presence of a forgery. For this matter, per Protocol [REDACTED], I have appointed [REDACTED], a new senior investigator working under the Preeminent Court of Truth. Should they be needed, Keeper Sunfar reported that witnesses at the Matrix during this mishap included: Chair Tikki, Vice-Chairs Ayisdra Ysav'rai and Fillirriqili Skydrifter, Comrades Vivet Pavok, Sabik Al'tair, Rylek Al'tair, and Ame.

ENTRY 2: From Juliary 659 CE

A claim of misplaced paperwork occurred at the Library of Universal Knowledge, reported by Senior Administrator Clarramore. The claim originated from Comrade Exoiye of the Ministry of the Library, who was attempting to fulfil a request for information about [REDACTED] from Comrade Goldfeather of the Crystal Wheel. Comrade Goldfeather had the correct paperwork for this request in his possession. But, the Library's records regarding which citizens had permission to which levels of information were not to be found. Upon the Senior Administrator's arrival at the scene, the issue was resolved via temporary loaning of library materials to Comrade Goldfeather via Form [REDACTED] and the assignment by the Senior Administrator of the corps of administrators to recreate the missing Library records using alternate, archived paperwork.

Investigator [REDACTED] was on the scene as well, and theorized the connection of this incident to that of the Ministry of Peace paperwork months earlier. Also on the scene were: Chair Tikki, Vice-Chair Ayisdra Ysav'rai, Comrades Sabik Al'tair, Rylek Al'tair, Trym Mistcaller, and later Ellynne Mistcaller and Arae Villarreal. None of these individuals are under suspicion in the ongoing investigation given plausible alibis.

ENTRY 3: From Kiani 660

Slykok of Acknor, which at the time was pledged to the Grand Dominion of Hallifax, arrived at the Ministry of Plenty to deliver his village's routine commodity tithe. However, the person on duty, Comrade Roshik of the Ministry of Plenty, was unable to receive the delivery given the missing paperwork pertaining to import customs, i.e. Form [REDACTED]. This was deemed highly surprising by Superior Judge Lars, who arrived on the scene to mediate the dispute, especially given the rising temper of the representative from Acknor. Investigator [REDACTED] also arrived at the scene, having received word of yet another paperwork incident and intuitively assuming a link with the earlier paperwork mishaps.

Conflict could not be averted. The representative from Acknor, in a fit of pique, seized paperwork from the hands of Comrade Roshik, mixed it with his own paperwork regarding the delivery of the commodities, and scattered the forms to the winds, causing them to flitter about the entire city. Available to help were Vice-Chair Ayisdra Ysav'rai, Comrades Vivet Pavok, Ellynne Mistcaller, Trym Mistcaller, Sabik Al'tair and Finnegan. Much haste ensued in rescuing the dispersed paperwork. By the time all forms were retrieved, Superior Judge Lars and Comrade Roshik had completed the necessary emergency paperwork for the import of the commodities, thus fulfilling the archival needs, although the representative from Acknor had left long ago.

ENTRY 4: From Juliary 660

An alarm began sounding throughout the city and the citizenry felt clear evidence of the city beginning to lose altitude in fits and bursts. The Generators and Matrix worked in concert following emergency programming that allowed them to draw on the power of the Matrix to roughly maintain the city's altitude or, in the worst case, land "softly". Comptroller General Eepex reported to the [REDACTED] Research Project Lab A upon word of an unusual gathering of Senior Researchers and Master Artists. The Ministry of Peace enacted a blockade to prevent any of the lower castes from unauthorized access to the meeting. Investigator [REDACTED] was already at the scene, having gotten word of yet more errant paperwork.

There, Senior Researchers Eepex, Skysoarer, and Lars were gathered with Master Artists Silverplume, Goldfeather, and Cloudwalker (cf. Reference [REDACTED] for the roster of scientists and artists on duty at this time). They were assessing a piece of paperwork, Form [REDACTED], that had been received by Master Silverplume making a routine-sounding request for her artistic creation in pursuit of [REDACTED]. However, upon closer inspection, it was clear the form contained a number of oddities that made the request itself far from routine, and likely led to ruinous consequences for the Generators of the Collective. Comrade Aiclii of the Ministry of Power was summoned for any inside knowledge of how this came to be, but she was not aware of any helpful information. Fortunately, the artists and scientists caught the error and did not fulfil the request. Unfortunately, it was quickly determined by all that during this time period of erroneous paperwork, neither the artists nor scientists were fulfilling their duties to empower the Generators.

Upon realization that the lack of maintenance was what was causing the alarm, the scientists and artists hastened to enact Emergency Protocol [REDACTED] to bring new bursts of power to the Generators. Doing so required [REDACTED], which could only be created by a separate procedure by Keeper Sunfar to overcharge the Matrix, thus resulting in [REDACTED]. Vice-Chairs Ayisdra Ysav'rai and Fillirriqili Skydrifter, Comrades Arae Villarreal, Finnegan, Zinnia, Trym Mistcaller, Ellynne Mistcaller and Abrondae were all present, but it was Comrade Rylek Al'tair who did most of the manual labour to retrieve the [REDACTED]s needed. First, the [REDACTED] Generator received the proper treatment, then the [REDACTED] Generator, and finally the [REDACTED] Generator before the set of Generators could rebalance themselves in service to keeping the city afloat. Thus, a greater crisis was averted, but yet another incident was registered in the streak of paperwork errors.

ENTRY 5: From Kiani 661

Investigator [REDACTED] filed the proper motions to convene a hearing in the Preeminent Court of Truth, with myself presiding. The Investigator also filed the paperwork to issue summons for Comrades Jekkoc, Exoiye, Roshik, and Aiclii to appear before the court; they were duly summoned with the help of the citizenry.

The Investigator began the proceeding. In attendance were Chair Tikki, Vice-Chair Ayisdra Ysav'rai, Comrades Hinic, Rylek Al'tair, Sabik Al'tair and Arturo Villarreal, later joined by Comrades Vivet Pavok and Arae Villarreal. Investigator [REDACTED] officially filed his report with the court; it was duly received into the record. An opportunity was given at the proceeding for anyone in the citizenry to provide testimony; the offer was wholly declined. The Investigator then offered a summation of his inquiry, sharing various pieces of evidence that suggested the guilt of the four bureaucrats summoned before the court.

Before any defence or cross-examination could be had, Comrade Aiclii, possessed with emotion, exclaimed her guilt. She claimed that the four of them had been enacting a plot to show the Collective how vital the bureaucratic caste is to the functioning of the city, and complained of the perceived poor and demeaning treatment that caste receives. With descriptions like "oppression" and a desire for "freedom", the four gave an impassioned plea for their cause, yet ultimately pleaded guilty. Thus did the proceeding quickly arrive at the verdict of guilt, the crime being high treason against the Collective.

As the proceeding moved into the sentencing phase, Investigator [REDACTED] offered further thoughts. With reminders about the need for Unity and warnings about the potential for Collapse when chaos is allowed to reign, he revealed himself to be Lord Zvoltz, the Architect, returned to mortal perception.

The Lord Architect shared that He had intervened to stop the plot of the bureaucrats because He sensed Order fraying in the Collective, but offered no more detail about His intents. Yet, He took over the proceedings for the sentencing portion. The Lord Architect ordered that the citizenry should vote for the punishment of the four bureaucrats out of the three choices of execution, exile and permanent relegation to slavery. The anonymous vote had to be unanimous, and rounds of voting would occur until such a unanimous vote was registered.

The citizenry was given the freedom to deliberate amongst themselves. [REDACTED] murmured sounds of discomfort at the harshness of the presented options, while [REDACTED] made an impassioned plea for a fourth option - one of reconciliation and cooperation with the traitors to learn more about their complaints. [REDACTED] drew upon his own history and path to the Collective, while [REDACTED] cast the first vote, with great surety, even before much of the deliberation unfolded. Towards the end, when around half the votes were cast but clearly others were hesitating, [REDACTED] gave a final reasoned argument for exile, noting that it is one of the two prescribed punishments for treason per the Collective's Peace Articles. Thus were all the votes cast, and thus was the vote unanimous on the first round. The sentence was exile.

Sentinel of State Pavok took the traitors away to enact the punishment, and the proceeding was adjourned. With the traitors' fate determined, the Lord Architect took His leave with a word of warning about the cost needed to maintain Order. Gods willing, the Collective will not need to pay such a dear cost again to remember this lesson.

END OF RECORD]]> Events Post #520: The Mystery of Summer Heat https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4884/events-post-520-the-mystery-of-summer-heat Sat, 21 Oct 2023 23:52:43 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4884@/index.php?p=/discussions
It quickly became clear that something was horribly wrong with Summer Heat, and other monks down in the caverns. They were described, and had been seen, as having brown licks of flame emanating from their mouths, and their lips were brown and seared. Meanwhile, the other inhabitants of the Scorpion Caverns were incapacitated - irresponsive and holding on for dear life.

Exclii was an anxious bundle of nerves, and it would take encouragement from Xenthos An'Ryshe of Glomdoring before he could calm down, and explain more about the situation. When pressed, he revealed that he had taken the Key from Sandy Storm, a large crystal which she had fashioned into an ankh and which she had procured with no small effort driven by the prophecy of Scorpion about the Key and the Wayward.

The monk claimed he could use the ankh to go on some kind of spirit-cleansing journey. Although it was unclear what Summer Heat was doing, it was discovered that he had sealed himself magically into a tomb with one of the mummies, no doubt for some foul purpose. With no other choice, the exiled Exclii drew upon his knowledge of the secrets of Scorpion, and began a ritual that would span nearly an entire month. Many would gather to hear the tale, to aid, and to fight, including Xenthos An'Ryshe, Iazin Stormcrow, and Tirah Mzithrei of Glomdoring, Huskii Myreras, Eiselle Mes'ard and Xiran Stormcrow of Serenwilde, Uzriel d'Vanecu of Magnagora, Vyell D'Cente of Gaudiguch, Ayisdra Ysav'rai, Finnegan and Tikki of Hallifax, Tridemon Regalis and Cheliyi Lunarose of Celest.

Over the next several days, disturbed monks with seared lips would regularly come to interrupt the ritual and assault the precious crystal, and those protecting it hurried to repair the damage with elemental essence. Eventually, four manifestations of Exclii's deepest insecurities would appear over the course of the month. Many died in defense of the ritual, but one by one they were each overcome. With their defeat came key memories believed to belong to the four mummies: Belay'i, Lerest'i, Asooth'i, and finally Shyust'i. Adventurers and the Fellowship sat with Exclii, keeping him safe throughout the tumult. The efforts of Huskii Myeras, and that of Tikki, who would remain with Exclii and took no rest, would prove especially crucial. For as each manifestation fell, the situation grew more and more dire, and without them, the efforts would have surely failed.

As the manifestations perished, Summer Heat was interrupted, moving from tomb to tomb and chased by Thes. Those inspecting were greeted by the stink of ozone and found each mummy progressively more and more desecrated, with brown stains upon their faces. Many began to fear what Summer Heat would do if they could not stop him. Nimuire and the gathered adventurers speculated as to the whys, the hows, and the what fors.

Why was Summer Heat doing this? What sort of stranger power was he manifesting, and what was he trying to do? Was Lord Blooredi behind all of this? Why was the Fellowship bid come to the caverns?

In the end, a tough battle with a manifestation of fear was waged, and Exclii would take on the aspect of Grandmother Scorpion. She exiled Summer Heat and demanded that the adventurers remove him from the Caverns. With the magical barrier separating Summer Heat from everyone else dispelled, there was nothing to do but take the fight to him. That feat proved to be a tremendously difficult one. Despite many of the Basin's strongest engaging him, Summer Heat seemed to regenerate himself faster than any could harm him. Nonplussed, Summer Heat made an unceremonious exit from the caverns, surely to be a problem for another day.

And so, those gathered were left with many questions, for which few answers were forthcoming. A grotesque ritual altar of animal bones was discovered in the tomb of Shyusti' containing strange, brownish crystals, which were collected and kept by some few. The remaining followers were awakened, and Wise Lady was apprised of events that had occurred while she was incapacitated. For his valiancy, the followers of Scorpion once more recognized the value of Exclii Ehc'zi. Exiled no more, the wayward former-Keeper was restored to his duties, and allowed to resume his previously-given name: Sacred Mesa. The large, crystalline ankh remains fixed in Sacred Mesa's station. What role that will play in the future is uncertain, like many things.

One thing was clear: This was likely not the last that the Basin of Life would see of Summer Heat.]]> Events Post #519: Muhanlesh Menace terrorises Grey Moors https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4883/events-post-519-muhanlesh-menace-terrorises-grey-moors Sat, 21 Oct 2023 22:44:37 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4883@/index.php?p=/discussions
What they found upon arrival, however, exceeded expectations. Passed out on the floor around a mystical circle were Etilla Leihm, the Professor's newly-found kin, and Melpith Saelth. Blood trickled from their eyes and ears, and a peculiar scent hung in the air. Puzzled, the expedition sought information on what occurred there, and indeed help arrived in short order but answers were harder to come. Tridemon Regalis of Celest was first on the scene, with Regent Xiran Stormcrow and Huskii Myeras of Serenwilde, Warlord Uzriel d'Vanecu of Magnagora, and Arch-Preceptor Eiselle Mes'ard and Pyawr of Gaudiguch arriving soon after.

The investigation uncovered little, to begin with. While Xiran lent her healing prowess to stabilising Etilla and Melpith, others debated the usual goings on within the caverns, and the goal of the two unconscious researchers. The general opinion held that the place was considered dangerous and the cloier, a creature often accidentally summoned by the duo, was something to be avoided. Throughout the discussion, the overpowering stench of sweat and decay held in the mirrored room until Tridemon could take it no more. But it was Huskii who ended up discovering the source - a small glob of ooze smeared upon one of the mirrors. Leaning close, Huskii sniffed at the air around the globe to verify the finding... only to be obliterated instantly. As Huskii leaned down, the ooze reached out, spread, and enveloped them whole, eating away at flesh and cloth alike until nothing remained - neither the ooze, nor Huskii.

While the gathering was still recovering from the shock, Huskii returned, not so easily defeated as a demigod. While Xiran continued to work on the unconscious researchers, theories were put forth regarding feeding objects to the summoning circle in hopes of closing it, as well as numerous methods of waking up those affected. In the end, a bucket of cold water to the face applied by Huskii did the trick for Melpith and one applied by Tridemon woke Etilla. All hope of sense and logic evaporated with their awakening, however, as Melphit was near incoherent with fear, repeating over and over "Make it stop!" and "I didn't want to!", even with Eiselle's consoling. Meanwhile, Etilla was awake but catatonic.

Once Melpith calmed down sufficiently to say more, it was surmised that they were influenced to perform the ritual and summon a cloier intentionally. And though Melpith wavered between it feeling like his idea and it not being his idea, it was clear to those investigating that the researchers were in some manner possessed to do someone's bidding. "We were summoned. And we summoned." - as Melpith put it himself. And sure enough, a cloier had been summoned to the Prime Material Plane. It was not the first time, for the duo's research sometimes resulted in the summoning of the behemoth from the aetherways, but the cloier - confused and unsuitable to survive away from its usual hunting grounds - would stay within the caverns and would eventually be slain, even if with difficulty. This time, however, the cloier was summoned, and it was not in the caverns.

The cloier was in the Grey Moors.

Much to the delight of Professor Leihm, who thought only of the research opportunities a beast such as that offered, the cloier was rampaging through the moors, slaughtering every animal and krokani in its path. Those investigating quickly reorganised and hurried after the cloier, including the Professor, leaving the researchers in the hands of the Research Assistant. Tridemon was the first to find the cloier rampaging through the courtyard of Castle Djarrakh, much to his dismay. The trouble in the Grey Moors brought this disturbance to the attention of the Basin of Life at large, leading to Lady Grey Sapphira, Harbringer Kalas Freja, Primarch Shango D'Cente and Alysi Diluculo of Magnagora joining the investigation, alongside Finnegan of Hallifax. The group was also soon joined by Nimuire Duskbloom and Thes Erurozea of the Fellowship of the Roots, whose outpost sits right beneath the castle itself and who, for once, were not brought there by dreams but by screams.

It was quickly discovered, through a dangerous face-to-face inspection, that the cloier in question was a much more powerful being than usually encountered. Either the rampage or something else has empowered it and any attempts at slaying it were moot. Uzriel did notice a peculiar green light amidst the grasses but the source eluded him for the moment. And so, the cloier continued on towards Paavik, with a worried entourage keeping its distance. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of the moors rallied to protect themselves, with Kar'chen, the Castellan of Djarrakh, ordering a barricade, Ciarrus, leader of the aslarans, shutting down the camp, and others locking their doors and shutters to avoid a potential incursion. As the cloier reached the outskirts of the village, those gathered at the rallying point, including the Fellowship, made a valiant attempt at preventing the impending slaughter but were rebuffed.

As the cloier entered Paavik, the villagers scattered in a panic. Some were slain, their drained bodies on display upon the roads as the vanguard followed the behemoth, others fled for the manor. Here, a second attempt was made to prevent further ingress. The group was once more rebuffed, and the scent of death and anxiety hung in the air in the wake of the battle. With Paavik under Magnagora's protection at the time, the Engine took to ensuring that the losses were minimalised. Alysi made the rounds, avoiding the cloier, and rallying the villagers to the manor. At the tanner's workshop, he found Anya Vasili and a shepherd cowering in the back and ensured that they too were evacuated despite the cloier's proximity. Once in the manor, Alysi also found Vanamin Vasili, the actual tanner of Paavik, sleeping off a hangover and utterly confused about the situation with the "closeter". Were it not for Alysi, it seems the tanner's wife would have become one more victim of the cloier.

While this was going on, the assault team reorganised in close proximity to the beast and theorised alternative approaches, much to the Professor's dismay. He still hoped to observe the cloier, or at the very least get some samples to study in peace. Nimuire, who has been trying to slow down the cloier's progress with thorny vines, argued with the Professor about the logic of keeping such a menace alive just to study it and eventually the Professor saw reason, in no small part due to Shango's and Uzriel's convincing tactics. A sample of the beast's skin was needed to devise something to weaken it and a small contingent, bolstered by Kalas Malayn of Magnagora, Zinnia of Hallifax, and Cheliyi Lunarose of Celest, hacked at the cloier until a suitable skin sample was recovered. Thus equipped, Uzriel headed out to Gaaglin Swamps, to Professor Vleim Etloo of the Department of Alchemical Studies.

Once there, the usual pessimism of Professor Vleim did little to hasten the research. Uzriel, Sapphira, and Kalas Zagreus were able to procure the vleebgarglegush alembic for the Professor nonetheless and the study of the skin sample got underway. Meanwhile, back in Paavik, the scent of sweat and anxiety pervaded the village. As it wafted, Cheliyi reported an odd sensation in her mind but could not quite put it into words. Others did not report any such sensation, however, and assumed it was her telepathic prowess at work. The smell persisted and both the Professor and the Fellowship remarked it was familiar but still could not place it so Huskii reminded all of the lethal ooze found in Muhanlesh Caverns, which was the source of the smell there, and theorised that the cloier might be chock-full of the dangerous substance. Slaying it might not improve the situation of Paavik, if so. While they waited for results to come from the Gorlognal Academy, the group, now bolstered by Madungonga and Hiari Myeras of Serenwilde, and Etra Nightshade of Gaudiguch as well, continued to dissect the events. The identity of the being who might have compelled the researchers there to act was at the top of the list of mysteries - with the kephera and illithoid the main suspects due to their innate psychic powers.

Before long, Professor Etloo concocted an acidic substance from the blood of floating urns of the Aquarius Astrosphere brought to him and the team at the Academy was ready to get underway with an enormous barrel in tow. As they head for the Grey Moors, the pervasive odour abruptly lifted from the village of Paavik but there was little time to debate the meaning as the cloier itself was still there. Equipped with the barrel, the group assaulted the cloier for the last time. With the barrel thrown at the beast, its skin started to dissolve and numerous punctures appeared within it, letting gases escape. That was the beginning of the end as it did not take long for the cloier to be vanquished after that. The battle was less challenging than expected in fact, even accounting for the acidic substance trick up their sleeve. Nonetheless, the cloier was defeated.

In the aftermath, the Professor received a cloier organ for study for little else was left but a husk of corroded flesh, and happily took off for the Academy, leaving behind the Research Assistant to accomplish the work they set out to do, and not even checking in on his kin - Etilla. Some stayed behind to ensure Paavik was put to rights, while others left for Muhanlesh Caverns, where it all began. First to return, Tridemon was already there, making good use of Etilla's recovery. Etilla, like Melpith, was certain she wanted to summon the cloier, not just conduct their usual research to retrieve that which was lost during Project Touchstone. The goal was to summon the cloier she insisted, and Tridemon was certain it was a psionically implanted idea, given the state of the both of them. Etilla even remembered leading the cloier out of the caverns.

What concerned Huskii most, however, was the smell. Given the subject matter, some speculated the Soulless God Muud could be involved, or Soulless God Crazen, or a fragment of the Soulless Goddess Illith, or even the Soulless God Zenos. Cheliyi worried the Eater of Flesh and Earth from Gaaglin might be involved, which is what made it click for the Research Assistant that the smell reminded her of Gaaglin Swamps, particularly when newcomers came to visit and the Eater was first empowered. That had Tridemon lay the blame squarely at the Elder God Blooredi's feet, for both the Great Worm tended to by the Fellowship, and the Eater tended to by the Thaumaturges, were His works. Meanwhile, others thought to suspect the Fellowship, who were also new arrivals in the swamps at the time.

What mattered though was that the Grey Moors were saved, and the cloier stopped from becoming even more powerful and decimating the Basin of Life. On her end, Phuslik Meshglog decided to stay with the researchers, determined to be on guard should something be amiss during the next waning gibbous phase of the moon - a prime window for the summoning ritual.

With more questions than answers, the investigators dispersed to their homes, knowing well that something is amiss but unable to piece together this abstract puzzle for the time being.]]> Events Post #518: The Discovery of Gaaglin Swamp and Gorlognal Academy https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4878/events-post-518-the-discovery-of-gaaglin-swamp-and-gorlognal-academy Sun, 10 Sep 2023 21:00:10 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4878@/index.php?p=/discussions
Quaenith was suspicious of the newcomers, noting that after dreams of instructions, she had been in the process of empowering the Eater, whose home was the Gaaglin Swamp, and pushing back the Academians, who she considered to be trespassers who caused destruction and damage to the Eater's home. Phelbin, bleary eyed from fearful dreams himself, accused Quaenith of being the source of his and his Academy's misfortune, noting that it was her empowerment of the swamp and of the Eater that ultimately caused the sinking of the Academy for the very first time, after years - indeed generations - of stalemate between the Academy mugwumps and the mugwump thaumaturges. They both claimed to be descendants of some mugwump exiles that left Balach Swamp years ago, after the disaster of Project Soulforge that was led by the Balach Institute of Magic and Science, though they themselves were born and raised in the Gaaglin, siblings driven apart.

Phelbin appeared to know Pachidrui and was surprised at their return, but assumed immediately that they had brought help for the Gorlognal Academy. Pachidrui pushed back at Phelbin's assumption, however, declaring themself apart from the Academy and chiding Phelbin and his Academy for staying apart for so long from the world. They only came, Pachidrui declared, because their brother, Vleim Etloo, had sent a message from the Academy via mechanical frog after the sinking and earthquake. Nimuire of the Fellowship, in the meantime, was more interested in and concerned about the various dreams she had, seemingly relating to these happenings.

And so, Quaenith and Phelbin and Pachidrui and the rest of the expedition argued and talked in circles. But once their arguments began to repeat themselves, Quaenith broke away and entreated those of the expedition sympathetic to the Eater's cause to come to her in her burrow and help empower the swamp further. Likewise, Phelbin retreated to the pit where the Academy lay sunk, asking the newcomers to help him raise the school back up again. Left alone amidst the heavy scent of sweat and stale waters, the exhausted expedition had one more choice to make.

Once united in effort and purpose on their journey to the Gaaglin, now they took separate paths. Many, unsure of whose cause to champion, simply hung back and explored the swamp and the sunken academy, wishing to learn more before they added their efforts to one side or the other. One such was Hyirah of Serenwilde, who chattered brightly with Professor Vleim Etloo, brother of Pachidrui Etloo, as he sheltered in the refugee camp to Gaaglin's east. The members of the Fellowship of the Roots, meanwhile, took themselves closer to Quaenith Gorlogg, wishing to learn more about the Eater of Flesh and Earth.

As for those who did choose their allegiances: Uzriel and Zagreus of Magnagora and Trym, Ellynne and Sabik of Hallifax put their efforts towards the raising of Gorlognal Academy, with Zagreus finally achieving the effort, to the great delight of Chancellor Phelbin as well as the academy's professors and students. On the other side of the swamp, Wrynn and Eliron of Glomdoring and Huskii of Serenwilde worked hard to help the Gaaglin under the instruction of Quaenith and her thaumaturges, with Wrynn coming to fully empower the swamp, and Huskii performing the final ritual to grant the Eater of Flesh and Earth a corporeal body. With the summoning of the Eater, the being roared and once again caused the Academy to sink, undoing the fastidious efforts of those helping the Academy, and quashing Academy ambitions that were in the process of being furthered by its allies. Roaring louder, the Eater of Flesh and Earth declared his triumph to Lusternia and reclaimed his home in the Gaaglin Swamp.

Though both the mugwump academians and thaumaturges of Gaaglin swear to continue their efforts on their respective sides, fighting for the claim to the Swamp as their territory and home, the Eater of Flesh and Earth appears to have risen triumphant for now. Many questions remain: How tenable are the aims of Fellowship of the Roots? Who exactly is the Eater of Flesh and Earth? What is the Gorlognal Academy and what is their true aim? Is the sinking of Gorlognal into Gaaglin Swamp the only reason that dreams and prophecies dance upon the fabric of the Tapestry of the Fates?]]> Events Post #517: Prophecies, Dreams, and Earthquakes https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4877/events-post-517-prophecies-dreams-and-earthquakes Sun, 10 Sep 2023 20:49:25 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4877@/index.php?p=/discussions
In Serenwilde, Huskii and Xiran worked to receive guidance from Chuchip, taking a detour first with Hyirah and Mani to access the words of Spirit Lake while awaiting the fullness of the Moon. Also having sought prophecy of Spirit Lake first, Freja and Uzriel of Magnagora laboured to ascertain the Necromantate's screaming intent. In Hallifax, young Ellynne followed standard procedures to learn the determinations of the Matrix Core. And Yinuish of Celest heard the prophecy of the Star of Celest, after Celestians spent days puzzling the reason for the rippling of their Pool and the humming of their harps. Gaudiguch took time to realise that their Guardian Drachou had words to relay, rather than just a stomachache, the task falling eventually upon Eiselle to elicit them. Glomdoring knew for long that Mother Night had instruction for them, and Wrynn waited patiently until the dark of the Moon to listen to Night's declaration with a gathering of communemates. Finally, Grandmother Scorpion spoke to Exeryte of Glomdoring and Sabik of Hallifax, the event witnessed also by two members of the newly revealed Fellowship of the Roots, Thes Erurozea and Nimuire Duskbloom, the latter of whom gathered the prophecies, as she believed they might inform her recent disturbing dreams.

And yet, despite the collective wealth of all the prophetic words, warning of hunger and of pain, of triumph and of rage, speaking of freedom and of resilience, of sinking, drowning, and of empowerment and destruction, none in the Basin could come to agreement as to what might come to pass, nor fully predicted what did.

In Shanthin, 657 years after the Coming of Estarra, a violent earthquake rocked the Basin of Life, seemingly rising from the south, beyond the mountains. In the wake of the quake, a cloud of dust and haze flowed northwards, triggering breathing difficulties in the areas passed. All across the land, people fell over, coughing, and some wondered out loud whether the quake had been severe enough to kill the birds in the air. In particular the folk who dwelt in Pilgrim's Rest at Avechna's Peak voiced loudly their displeasure at the earthquake's toppling of everything from wares to shelves to trees.

Adventurers responding to the crisis went to Pilgrim's Rest and found a meeting of several members of the Fellowship of Roots: Pachidrui Etloo, the chief shouter, as well as the forementioned Nimuire Duskbloom and Thes 'Bonegrinder' Erurozea. As everyone puzzled over what had just happened, the gathering was interrupted by an odd mechanical electric-blue frog, which, in a resigned, dejected voice, informed "Pachi" that "the thing I told you might happen has happened. Not that you care, probably... In any case, it's sunk now. Everybody's quite upset. Thought you'd like to know," before ribbiting and hopping off once more.

Immediately, all attention turned to Pachidrui, as Nimuire and several adventurers demanded of them an explanation for the strange message. Though they attempted to reply, it soon became clear that Pachidrui could not give any details, being blocked in some way from speaking more. What they could relay was that the message came from a relative, that Pachidrui themself had come from the location of the possible quake, and that they had a "drawing" of the way to its entrance, but that it disintegrated into pieces due to defenses passed during their travels. These pieces, unfortunately, were now floating all over the many places Pachidrui had passed since they had arrived in the Basin of Life.

Ever helpful, a number of adventurers immediately fanned out to the places Pachidrui had visited to look for map pieces, searching Faethorn, Balach Swamp, the Greymoors, Verasavir Valley, the Planes of Water and Earth, and the Toronada Tidepools. After Pachidrui wondered aloud whether the Toronada seagulls may have eaten some pieces, Qistrel of Serenwilde made it her particular mission to slay every seagull she found in the tidepools to be certain, causing the deaths of countless birds. Ultimately, Wrynn of Glomdoring and Hyirah, Lendren, Haghan, and Tyrus of Serenwilde returned with all the map pieces they had chased down, and Pachidrui, with an ingenious and generous application of moss and spit, managed to piece the drawing back together. None except Pachidrui was eager to touch the resulting amalgamation.

After puzzling over the image, which Pachidrui described as "a place with sandy lumpses and rocky tail trails", those gathered determined that the Skarch Desert was the likely area in which to search. Daxi of Celest was the first to notice the pile of rubble blocking a ravine in the southeastern Skarch, at the foot of the Scorpion's Tail mountains, and her yells for help soon drew other adventurers as well as Nimuire, Pachidrui, and Thes from the Fellowship.

As Daxi of Celest, Xenthos and Wrynn of Glomdoring, Lendren, Mani, Haghan, Tyrus and Qistrel of Serenwilde, Ellynne, Trym, and Sabik of Hallifax, and Kaios and Eiselle of Gaudiguch all worked on pushing the melted boulders that blocked the ravine aside, Pachidrui explained that the rubble was likely only the first of the barriers that awaited them in their journey beyond. True to the mugwump herbalist's warning, those who passed the ravine and traveled onwards soon found a humming vibrational field that none could attempt to cross without being thrown back with at first minor, and subsequently serious, injuries, eventually leading to death. But it was evident that each of their efforts at crossing was weakening the field bit by bit, so despite death and injury, the same adventurers who moved the boulders persisted until they also breached this barrier, the field having failed altogether, no doubt its generators having overloaded nearby.

Traveling further, the adventurers soon found themselves upon a fog-laden plateau in the Scorpion's Tail range, and the fog was not without its own dangers. Xiran and Mani of Serenwilde quickly succumbed to the alchemical poison in the mist, and the rest of the group learned before long to retreat and observe the plateau from afar, avoiding the caustic air. From time to time, a member of the expedition would venture onto the plateau, where the alchemical barrier makers had left a cauldron with which to mix the fog's neutralizing agent. While the revived healers Xiran and Mani treated them from afar, would be potion-mixers including Sabik of Hallifax, Wrynn and Exeryte of Glomdoring, Lendren, Qistrel, and Tyrus of Serenwilde, and Uzriel of Magnagora lent their power reserves, supplies of herbs, commodities, and concoctions, and alchemical expertise to the attempts to neutralize the fog. More than once, the mixers had to retreat again to breathe some fresh air and discuss possibilities of ingredients with Nimuire of the Fellowship, who as a service kept a list of everything already tried and their effects. Pachidrui also added their own advice, having recognised that this particular barrier had at one point been maintained at least in part by their aforementioned relative.

Eventually, Wrynn of Glomdoring placed the five correct ingredients into the cauldron after the expedition's group effort and neutralized the fog upon the plateau, opening the way to finally move downward. As they traveled along the treacherous path, the group was assaulted again and again by groups of hostile mossy oozes - another barrier made by some inhabitants of their mysterious destination, as identified by Pachidrui. Every time the group thought they were safe, more oozes emerged, but the adventurers were equal to the creatures' hostility. After some deaths and injuries and passing through ever more humid regions, the expedition finally entered into what appeared to be a swamp - a swamp beyond the protections and confines of the Basin of Life itself.]]> Events Post #516: Of Moss and Machinations https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4875/events-post-516-of-moss-and-machinations Wed, 06 Sep 2023 21:59:28 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4875@/index.php?p=/discussions
It all started with a seagull, a nuisance of a bird that I'd rather avoid in the future. Still, it alerted me and later others to the plight that plagued the Toronada Tidal Flats. It seems a new variation of moss had decided to make this environment its new home, but as it naturally filtered any water, it was desalinating the tidal pools and choking out the native life within.

Upon my visit and being beset upon by a particularly aggressive seagull, I found myself soon in the company of those willing to help me in my research. A diverse collection of individuals arrived in short order, and as we collectively examined the moss, they went about to survey the local population for their opinions. Between the words from the locals and the visible swathe of death that the moss had caused, there was a sense of urgency amongst us all.

Several plucky individuals collected samples to see where it would thrive or to keep for themselves, but the moss was equally delicate and relentless, perishing in a new environment swiftly while growing back with an alarming speed within the tidal pools themselves. In the meantime, my fellow researchers relayed their polling of locals, while others noted the state of the local wildlife. As we conversed about the future of the moss, several options were put forward: eliminate the moss, contain it, relocate it, or leave it as is.

Some Hallifaxians were enthusiastic about moving the research to Hallifax, but I countered that I had been studying this moss for some time and was, humbly, the ideal person to see through whatever decision we made. Through discussions and a rapid vote, it was decided that containing, and thus cultivation of the moss, was the ideal plan. And so, I returned to my shop and garden, with one final request that any moss be gathered and brought to me, so we could begin the lengthy clean-up.

I worked diligently, designing, and devising a safe method of containment and storage, while also attempting to give the moss a purpose, as I've found that the more useful something is, the more likely it will be cared for. An unfortunate truth, but a truth, nonetheless. In the interim, Kaois, Hyirah, Huskii, and many others continued with the de-mossing of the tide pools, delivering to me a healthy amount for study and cultivation.

Days ticked by, but before too long I had a shovel in hand and was digging and building. When I was very near completion, I informed those invested in the cause and was once again rudely interrupted by seagulls. Horrible creatures, really. I was joined by Mani, Huskii, Hyirah, and even some new faces like Qoivhae, amongst others. We surveyed the tidal pools and gathered up the last bits of moss. A marked improvement in the wildlife there was duly noted.

And then I led them all, quite successfully, to the new cultivation pools. I spoke at length of my design and the need to tend to the moss with a tool I had devised - a delicate slicker brush made to brush the salt from the moss. It seemed to be a success, with Qoivhae demonstrating the procedure effortlessly. This wrapped up my own tasks there, but there was yet more to do.

I was expected at a meeting being held closer to the shore in the Toronada Tidal Flats and found myself at a loss on how to navigate there. But with the help of my new colleagues, we countered my dreadful sense of direction and after a time I found Theone, soon joined by our leader, Nimuire Duskbloom, and our fierce protector, Thes Bonegrinder. And so the meeting of the Fellowship of the Roots commenced.

Nimuire was none too pleased for all the people I brought with me but acquiesced to their attendance. Thankfully. Keeping Fellowship business a secret has been hard! We spent some time catching up on our projects, with Theone, once more, bemoaning his previous study assignment and Nimuire, once again, apologising. He really can't let it go. Could have something to do with being chased around by some icy spawn. Could also be he enjoys complaining. Hard to tell.

Nimuire ended up introducing us more broadly and explaining that the Fellowship of the Roots aims to protect wonders of nature, especially those that might otherwise perish because they are deemed too odd or scary. She then spent some time arguing with people about what qualifies as worth protecting and in which scenarios. What one deems monstrous could be beneficial, or even necessary, far as I'm concerned. Just look at this lovely moss!

Anyway, turned out Nimuire did not have new projects lined up for us just yet but she had been dreaming of drowning for a while, and of a creature calling for her help. Rather vague, so we would normally wait until she knew for certain but as prophecy was on everyone's lips lately, everyone ended up sharing what they had heard in their various nations and speculating upon the future. Many of the prophecies shared involved words related to water, so we surmised there might be something to what Nimuire had been dreaming about. Serenwilde even sought advice from the Great Spirit of Lakes, Rivers and Falls, and later Glomdoring sought the wisdom of Greatmother Scorpion alongside Nimuire and Thes.

It all sounded very vague and inconclusive to me in any case. For the moment, very happy the moss is doing well and what more does one need?]]> Events Post #515: The Tale of Two Great Worms https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4871/events-post-515-the-tale-of-two-great-worms Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:11:27 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4871@/index.php?p=/discussions
As Ganine was off searching for his brother, Pachidrui apologised that they would not be able to help find Theone themselves due to an important research project related to moss, but instead offered a way to find a secret outpost by means of an enchanted amber coin. Explaining the enchantment behind the amber coin, Pachidrui handed it over to Xenthos who was first to offer assistance, and so, the adventurers set off, led by Qistrel, on their hunt to find the whereabouts of the missing merian. Guided by the amber coin, the group first arrived at a spot just outside the Triple Junction Inn, followed by various other rest stops along the way. One such adventure saw Qistrel forcefully eject from a carriage barreling down the highway. Dusting herself off, she soon rejoined her companions whilst the Regent of Serenwilde, Xiran Stormcrow saw to the safety of three young Serenwilders, Mani, Velian, and Hyirah, still onboard. As they continued their pursuit, it was Velian of the Serenwilde Commune who rubbed the coin for the last time to reveal the location of the outpost they had been searching for.

Upon entering the makeshift outpost hidden beneath the courtyard of the Djarrakh Castle, it was soon apparent that Theone was nowhere to be seen. Those seeking him, spread out to explore and search for clues in the hope of finding some evidence of where he might have ended up. Upon closer inspection, a sharkskin-bound diary was found, along with various papers and a drawing board, leading to the discovery of what Theone and the Fellowship had been studying. They revealed various forms of flora and fauna, and, as Tridemon Regalis pointed out, an odd interest in creatures of the Namiraa Trench. This sparked many of those gathered to set out to search the icy depths of the Inner Sea - the Namiraa Trench - but many were unable to follow that trail due to the dangers the trench presented.

Uzriel d'Vanecu was first to stumble upon an unnerving cavern deep in the Namiraa Trench in which stood Theone Natharian, carefully studying measurements and adding to a journal, oblivious to the Basin-wide search that was underway to find him. Kalas Zagreus soon joined Uzriel and Freja n'Lochli of Magnagora along with Qistrel and Barrin Strongleaf and Xiran Stormcrow of the Serenwilde Commune, Xenthos, along with Tirah and Wrynn Mzithrei of the Glomdoring Commune and the Gaudiguchian, Eiselle Mes'ard. After a series of intense questioning, it was revealed that Theone had discovered several egg sacs within the Trench, and upon further investigation, uncovered the unknown presence of a second Great Worm, Bahlashyth, the Great Worm Mother, who was nesting deep within the bowels of Namiraa. While the argument went on, Tridemon left to appraise Ganine Natharian of the revelations and to put his mind at rest.

Meanwhile elsewhere in the Trench, the voice of Soriali, the lurking nereid rippled through the dark waters as she cried for help, for Uskashyth, the Great Worm himself, was circling her, fiercely protecting the eggs of his mate. Uzriel, Vella, and Tridemon came to ward him off and save the snooping nereid. As Soriali's audience grew, many had left the side of Theone, arguing his methods and motives to be false, even after his many attempts to assure those gathered that what he and the Fellowship were doing was for the good of nature and that it was only right to allow all creations a fighting chance. Eventually, it was Zagreus of Magnagora, who decided to test the waters and began to feed the Great Worm Mother, attempting to satiate her ravenous hunger until finally, her body convulsed as she produced a viridescent egg sac. Zagreus had his own intentions, however, and secretly took the egg sac, stashing it away as he rushed out of the cave before Theone could get a word in.

Very few remained by Theone's side as he struggled to convince anyone that his intentions were true, but it was Eiselle Mes'ard of Gaudiguch who decided to help the merian and began to hunt the Trench for food to feed the Great Worm Mother. She eventually gathered enough resources to produce two more egg sacs to join the first that Zagreus did, in the end, plant within the trench. Theone was overjoyed to finally have assistance and taught Eiselle how to protect the eggs from being sabotaged.

Unbeknownst to Theone, Soriali had been garnering more support to destroy the previously planted, and so far, unsuccessful, egg sacs and to stop the Great Worm Mother from producing any more. And so, convinced by Sapphira, Uzriel, and Xenthos that they stood a fighting chance against the Great Worms, Soriali cunningly worked to thwart the merian's research. With their help, she sought to recover the conch shell that had once stolen her voice and still retained a part of it, which prevented her from singing her Nereid's Song. Together, with Huskii, Qistrel, Zagreus, and Veldrin also in tow, they visited the nereid's old home, and home of her sister nereids, the Rhizoda Mangrove, where a murky saltwater lagoon held the conch. There, they used Uzriel's knowledge of Bloodtide Coven rituals to part the waters and when the conch was returned to Soriali, the group returned to the trench.

Once home, Soriali needed her companions to help her obtain the final ingredient that would empower her voice, the still-beating Heart of Uskashyth. For that, Soriali had one special trick up her sleeve, something that would render her nemesis helpless so one of their hearts could be acquired. With a powerful artifact in her hands, Sapphira and the group set off to find the beast while Soriali was entertained by Hyirah, Xiran, and a honey cake. Once the Great Worm was engaged in battle, they waited for the precise moment to strike out with the magic to bring him down. After several attempts, Sapphira spied a vulnerable spot on Uskashyth's exposed underbelly and drove the artifact deep into him, paralysing him and allowing everyone to venture through his great maw.

Passing through countless sharp teeth, the group traversed deep into the depths of the Great Worm until they reached the chamber where his five beating hearts were, their thundering pulses sending knee-trembling shockwaves throughout the fleshy chamber with every beat. In order to procure one of the hearts, those brave enough to enter the belly of the beast had to figure out a way to free it from the tangle of arteries. Time was running out for them, however, as each squeeze of a heart weakened the spell upon their host, and with one last ill-fated squeeze, Uskashyth swallowed everyone whole. It was the Zagreus who would have the last laugh, as he managed to survive the toxic environment long enough to wrestle a beating heart free and return to Soriali with the prize.

With the heart and her conch in hand, Soriali's eyes lit up with excitement as she raised the conch to her ear, listening to the part of her voice trapped within. Her kelp-like tresses roiled in the dark waters as her skin began to shine with a vivid blue intensity, a haunting melody now echoing throughout the Trench. Bringing the heart to her lips, Soriali sank her teeth into its flesh and drank deeply of the essence contained within as her song intensified until it finally reached a crescendo. The powerful shockwave that followed rippled through the Trench, shattering any egg sacs, both old and new, and weaving a powerful enchantment over Bahlashyth, the Great Worm Mother, placing her into a deep slumber.

With all of his research now ruined, Theone visibly became distressed as Soriali gloated about her victory. Apologising profusely to Eiselle and thanking her for her efforts, Theone attended to Bahlashyth to ensure she was alive and breathed a sigh of relief to find that she was merely sleeping and that not all was lost. Perhaps one day he might be able to complete his research and see the Great Worm Mother's children born and his hope for the creatures realised.]]> Events Post #513: Bored and Looking for Board https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4862/events-post-513-bored-and-looking-for-board Thu, 03 Aug 2023 21:43:44 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4862@/index.php?p=/discussions
Pyrlios quickly explained his predicament, and yet his unwillingness to try a gnomish surfboard. No, Pyrlios wanted to make a surfboard from scratch, to be his and according to the ways of the craft. Especially excited about this proclamation was Daxi Strongleaf, who from then on made sure to record every step of the process.

First, the dracnari requested raw lumber for the board. The assembled discussed which tree would be best and soon dispersed into the forests of the Basin. The southern forest was the first to supply, followed by other varieties from the northern forest, and Pyrlios quickly managed to find the perfect lumber. Whittling the board, he then sent for a chunk of coral, which Ame retrieved from the depths of the sea with incredible speed. The coral was used for smoothing the board, and in the meantime, a fire was requested. Campfires were lit, but Pyrlios was only satisfied when his own bonfire was lit, and soon encouraged the company of drinkers to blow on the flames. Enticed by the fumes, the flames danced as the vagabond held the board above them, drying and burning off imperfections.

Two more steps were left. A shark's corpse was soon procured thanks to Nefertem's quick hunting skills. While Pyrlios used the sharkskin to smooth the board to perfection, Ame even brought in the huge, black-skinned hammerhead shark of Bondaro Bay.

The final step remained, and Pyrlios hoped the assembled adventurers could help him with it. He required three acorns, for he needed their oil. It was Qistrel Strongleaf who retrieved all three with speed, and the vagabond could now oil the board to protect it from the salt and water.

With a final cheer and an invitation to stay and enjoy the drinks and fire, Pyrlios proudly set off to the shoreline, and soon the adventurers could see him riding the waves with a smile so big it could surely have been seen from the other side of the Basin.]]> Events Post #512: Pachidrui's Hunt For New Flora https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4860/events-post-512-pachidrui-039-s-hunt-for-new-flora Thu, 03 Aug 2023 17:07:22 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4860@/index.php?p=/discussions
One last undertaking, it was to be. The final journey, as I had received word that there was a place in need of an herbalist, and I had grown tired of my home, of the plants and flora that grew there. I had taken to reading as many books as I could, to stave off the sameness and boredom that came with stagnating in one place too long. And so, I decided, and I packed a little of this, and a little of that, and I set off.

My first stop was the forest commune of the Serenwilde, where I was met with the biggest trees Ia e ever seen, and dense vegetation. My stomach rumbled at the mere thought of consuming what I could reach, and I found out very quickly that I had erred in my etiquette. The biggest, brightest tree of them all, I was too scared to just a ave a nibbleafrom. Yet, I attempted to stay on track, and soon found help from an assortment of residents. I was hunting a mutation of the bluebell flower, and after I wrangled my absentmindedness enough to properly engage in introductions, met Huskii, Etra, Galaphyrae and Hyirah. I found some of them were also trees, and they grew flowers for me to aid my search. Though, eventually, Etra found the flower, and I was able to capture the specimen in my gullet.

From there I journeyed to the city of Gaudiguch, where I found it much too hot and dry to do very much, and my hunger got the best of me as I attempted to gobble up a pile of ash before the most beautiful flame I have ever laid my eyes upon. There, I was hunting a rare sprig of weed, infected with a nigh-deadly fungi that would have been detrimental to the city and floral population as a whole, though I didna wish to alarm the friendly folk there by telling them this could kill an entire crop of weed sprigs. Those who helped in that hunt were named Ixchilgal, Nepenthe, Afrit, Eiselle and Khnemu, with the rather large fellow Afrit locating the specimen first.

My journey led me into the city of New Celest, several days later. There, I hoped to find an evolution of the standard pitcher plant, one that had evolved to prey on waterfowl. Curiously, it had adapted a camouflage to match the colours of a seagull, and we found it floating lazily in the harbour. Or a fine fellow called Romaan did, after I attempted to slurp down some water from their Pool of Stars, only to be stopped by the keeper and another member of the city; Faragan.

On to the city of Magnagora, where I had read several books on the topic of mycology and had heard tales of further evolution of their Queena Shadow, a strain carefully cultivated for research. A motley crew of folks helped; Kailanna, Uzriel, Freja, and Shango, with Freja having been the one to track down said specimen. This one I may continue to cultivate, to see if I can lend my efforts to the research so carefully done there. Also, I found that they did not appreciate my attempt to prod at their Megalith or liken it to a giant mushroom stalk.

Hallifax was an interesting place, where there were abundant crystals but less abundant flora, and their Matrix was decidedly not for consumption. There, I hunted for a crystalline encased edelweiss flower, with Ayisdra, Rylek and Sabik helping in the hunt, and Sabik ultimately triumphant in this task. Their dedication to research is frightening, and I found myself grilled for answers I did not yet have. Perhaps a visit with more material preparation would have been better.

Then, the final flora needed - a curiously carnivorous form of moss, to be found within the confines of the Glomdoring. Once more, I was assailed with an abundance of flora, though some tried to bite back, and with force. Yet another sacred tree I mistook for a hearty meal, yet the residents were friendly and aided in my search for this moss. With Xenthos, Tirah, and Wrynn in tow, and the latter member ultimately finding it, my search came to an end.

From there, I found where I should settle, and with promises behind me, I announced the pilgrim camp as my new home. Many came to see me, some new faces, like a quiet individual named Esei, and a Magnagoran I believe was called Sapphira, plus some recent acquaintances, like Huskii, Xenthos, Freja, and Uzriel. Together, we went in search of my final specimens. From swamps to valleys to a wonderful place called Faethorn, and a few places that rather hurt, like the elemental planes of Earth and Water, and a terrifying place only called Astral, my collection became complete, and I could finally settle and peddle, as I had so often said. I think my new home is quite delightful, and I have begun further experimentation with native flora, so we shall see what new creations come from this environment.]]> Events Post #511: Serenwilde Attacked https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4858/events-post-511-serenwilde-attacked Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:43:52 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4858@/index.php?p=/discussions
The intrepid Serenwilders tried hard to melt the ice wall - suggesting enchantments, creating campfires, even considering enlisting the help of a Pyromancer - all to no avail. The ice remained solid, though noises continued emanating from within. In the meantime, Adasser and Caedir shared what they had learned on their journeys: that Gromagh the Hag was enacting a nefarious plan with the Frost Spite, resulting in some new type of spawn that was hatching in the cave before them. Indeed, Gromagh had already publicly claimed the creation within as her own, and Xenthos and Esei of Glomdoring quietly met her to try to learn more about her plans.

An unexpected guest joined the group in front of the cave. One Theone Natharian, who took no time to introduce himself, but immediately began studying the ice wall himself. When asked to state his interest, he said he merely wanted to study the creature, one born of such anomalous circumstances. The gathered were deeply sceptical that the creature could be peaceably studied, while Theone advocated for calm and not jumping to any aggression or conclusions.

That approach would be quickly put to the test, for the ice wall was shattered from within, and a dark, swirling abomination emerged. The icy creature stepped out and blinked curiously at those around him, while the Frost Spite and Gromagh crowed about their creation and ordered it to attack the Serenwilde. After attempts to pacify the creature failed, Theone stood back and made no further effort to defend the nightmarish beast's right to live.

Growing more agitated, the icy abomination finally did attack - but not before sinking its miasmic legs into the ground and flash-freezing the surrounding area. Galaphyrae and even Shango of Magnagora joined the fray and, at first, it looked like the beast was being held back. But the beast had a trick up its sleeve, creating a torus of icy rage around it that burst forward, instantly killing all around it.

With no defenders of the forest in its way, the abomination began slowly advancing towards the Serenwilde, giving the land frostbite in its wake. Those of the Serenwilde threw themselves at the abomination again, only to be batted down, forced to reassess their approach. Pits and more creative weapons were suggested, but ultimately the abomination took its first step into the forest, and Veara, Huskii and Qistrel felt they had no choice but to engage it again head-on. After a brutal fight, it was Qistrel who finally slayed the beast.

Qistrel and Veara brought the shards of the abomination to Huyana, the centaur herbalist in Hifarae, who was concerned about Gromagh's scheming but knew nothing more of the icy abomination. Queried further, Theone, who had returned to the cave to study the black ice left behind, was seeking answers himself about the abomination, but admitted that such an aggressive creature was best put down. He also revealed that the real subject of his study was Gromagh herself and he now had to report to some enigmatic "fellowship".

With the creature slain and Gromagh's plans foiled, the Serenwilders breathed a sigh of relief, though newly wary about the potential threats on their home. Would there be more abominations coming at them? Could Gromagh and the Frost Spite - or any other unlikely ally - conjure up an even graver threat? And what conclusions did Theone take away from his brief study of the abomination? Only the passing of more seasons will tell.]]> Events Post #510: Clandestine Correspondence https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4856/events-post-510-clandestine-correspondence Mon, 31 Jul 2023 03:16:21 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4856@/index.php?p=/discussions
When Marla, chief bat keeper for the postal service of Magnagora, told the noble that she had sent him some highly anticipated letters recently but that both her bat and the bundle of letters had come up missing, Ghalib was perturbed. Not entirely used to Marla being quite so inept, he commanded her to scour the city streets for his letters, declaring them of the utmost importance to the city. She obliged, drawing the attention of Primarch Shango D'Cente and the city's own Kalas Malayn to track down Seditionist, her bat, hoping to find the letters intact. Alas, though the bat was discovered in the Undercity, the bundle of letters were nowhere to be found. She did find out, however, that Lady Jamilah, of the Society, had noticed a bat collide with an errant imp near the tearoom, sending them both tumbling. Swearing her to secrecy, Marla rushed off to inform Ghalib.

Ghalib was at a loss for words. To most, he was a fixture in the city, known to frequent the market district, overseeing various wares and assisting novices with finding their way around. To a select few, however, Ghalib d'Murani was known as a procurer of rarities and oddities, and his web of contacts was extensive. Eventually, it all made its way to Ghalib; information, rare flowers and metal ingots, secrets to be used against opposing families or to get into their favour. One can only assume the sting of explaining all this to Warlady Kailanna n'Kylbar, but he did so over a cup of tea and a rather amusing anecdote having to do with poisonous tree frogs.

The Warlady was rather unamused but his story intrigued her just enough to keep her from having the guards throw him from the window of her tower office, and she acquiesced to assign someone discreet to help him search the city for his correspondence, should he be unable to find it himself. It was some days later when Marla was heard berating a beggar in her office, the shabbily-dressed panhandler having shuffled past her with one of the letters clutched in his grubby mitts. Ghalib quickly rushed to the Emperor's Lament Post Office, following the footsteps of the Warlady as well as Uzriel d'Vanecu and the Lady Grey Sapphira d'Vanecu, the former of the couple being happily recognized by Ghalib as a family member. The letter was retrieved from the beggar and, thankfully, discovered to still be coded. But as the rest of the correspondence was still missing, he reminded the Warlady of their agreement. Accompanied by Sapphira and Uzriel, he went around the city looking in every nook and cranny for his letters.

It was Sapphira who came up with the plan to instead bring the letters to her. She encouraged the beggars to trade the letters for a bit of gold - an entire gold coin. Through no small amount of wheedling, and at least two cases of beggars trying to extort her for more gold, she managed to retrieve five of the letters herself. Uzriel, on the other hand, was having a worse time dredging through the city high and low in search of the remaining letters, but eventually finding most of them and reuniting them with his cousin. One letter remained missing, however, and was discovered to be firmly clutched in the grasp of a rather enterprising beggar. Two hundred million gold was the asking price for this illustrious stationery, though the beggar was bargained down to an ur'Guard Marshal's flail to the face for his efforts.

Collecting the letters, Ghalib asked for yet one more favour; a vial of solvent from the Presidio. Uzriel, used to the journey there and back, made short work of the request and allowed Ghalib to decode his letters using the solvent. At last, their message was made clear: Magnagora's investment from years ago was not in vain. Ardrak held a treasure of unknown power, protecting it and keeping the city safe from whatever powers it held. However, Ghalib's correspondence had not only detailed its authenticity but how to attune it to the Megalith of Doom and use it to assist the city. It was not long before Ghalib, Uzriel, and Kailanna ventured off into the depths of the Presidio to place the gem at its final resting place, empowering the city's works in the future.]]> Events Post #509: The Navigator Returns https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4852/events-post-509-the-navigator-returns Tue, 25 Jul 2023 02:52:23 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4852@/index.php?p=/discussions
The night sky above Lusternia, dark, and as mysterious as the First World itself. Host to the great movements of the Sun and the Moon. To the dance of quick Eroee and slow Aapek; of Sidiak, Tarox, and Papaxi. To the eternal twinkling of the stars upon the firmanent.

Except... not all the stars were quite to be seen. So observed Galaphyrae of Serenwilde in the very early months of the year 654, for in the sign of the Spider, there was an occlusion. Consulting with other astrologers in both her commune and across the Basin, little was initially determined save some circular object was traveling within the sign of the Spider. With little to go on, some became concerned about what omens and portents may come from an object in this sign, often representing the forces of death and transformation.

As the days passed, diligent astrologers observed the circular object getting closer, its speed and size indeterminate. Approaching the Basin of Life, lights began to glow from, or perhaps reflect off of, its edges. Soon, it was close enough where its movements could be better understood as tumbling, as a winking star on the object's edges belied the nature of its shape.

See...

The unknown object entering the atmosphere to the west of the Basin, flames engulfing it as it descends. Hear the deafening roar resound followed by an equally loud boom as the object crashes into the Razine Mountains, sending it spinning in the sky again towards Oleanvir Valley. Hear another crash from within Oleanvir Valley, this time sending it flying towards the City of New Celest.

Instead of crashing once more, the great beacons of Celest flared up in response to the threat, altering its course to a more southernly direction as they deflect the flaming object from harming Celestians. Great gouts of steam sizzle upwards with each hit of the flaming object upon the Inner Sea, its movements now more akin to a skipping rock than a descending threat. Twice, thrice, a fourth time it skips before spinning upwards in a high arc, the extinguished flame replaced by droplets of water sent flying in its wake. As it descends for the last time, the still unknown object lands south of the Southern Highway.

As all this happened, many within the Basin sprung to action. Some sought shelter, others sought to defend against this potential threat. Lendren Starfall of Serenwilde sought to follow the path the burning object had taken, making sure to douse the flames from where it landed. Others still anticipated the object's landing in Oleanvir, putting their very lives in danger by rushing to the valley as the then-flaming object was beginning to descend upon it.

But as the dust settled, many still made their way south to see where the object had ended its journey across the Basin of Life. Nefertem of Gaudiguch was truthfully the first to stumble upon the object, but did not realize it was the same as had fallen from the sky. It was Barrin of Serenwilde who came upon the rhombicosidodecahedron-shaped beacon and put together that this beacon was the same object which had been travelling through the sign of the Spider these past months and had gone bouncing across the land.

Barrin was soon joined by Esei of Glomdoring, Freja of Magnagora, Lendren, Machlana of New Celest, Sondayga of Serenwilde, Cerosir of Celest, and Xiran of Serenwilde, who all worked together to study the beacon and the scrap of cloth that was tucked inside of it. Not much was forthcoming from the beacon itself, save for how it reacted to touch. As for the scrap of cloth, at first it seemed as unhelpful as the beacon, the writing upon it suffering from burns and melted patches; it was not until those gathered had passed the scrap amongst themselves and discussed it that they realized perhaps it was written in the Divine language. Studying the cloth with this new possibility, the bookbinders present were able to make out possible words based on the writing still discernable. Led by Lendren Starfall, the effort to puzzle out the original writing was able to make enough progress to figure out an initial rought draft of the writing: "Unknown anomaly detected. Lost track of ... something. Way back distorted. Sending homing beacons. Cannot risk ... something. Needs to be activated." Sondayga and Xiran were able to suggest possible answers for the unknown "somethings", positing "Cannot risk essence" and "Lost track of Nohaji" respectively.

Although still filled with questions about the beacon's origins, efforts were made to activate the beacon itself. Based on the cryptic scrap of cloth and the way the beacon reacted, it was identified that the beacon needed essence to be charged, and once fully charged to be activated with aetheric power. Huskii of Serenwilde was the first to activate the beacon, causing it to send a piercing beam of light into the sky! But the beacon could only last for so long on the essence and power given it before fading, and so many across the Basin took turns to keep the beacon powered over several days, representatives of each organization bringing essence both light and dark, cloudy and fiery, silvery and shadowy. Between the bursts of light when the beacon was fully charged and operating, some even tried putting foodstuffs of rice, carrots, and the like into it to gauge how it responded, to no apparent avail.

And so the beacon was largely kept powered, although not all were sure this was the wisest course of action. Nearly a month and a half had passed before poor Tikki of Hallifax went to charge the beacon, only for it to explode in his face! More than a little shaken, Tikki was very concerned that he had somehow been the reason for the beacon's explosion. A passing thoughtful scholar, who had previously visited the beacon, attempted to offer some comfort by reasoning that perhaps the beacon was likely not meant to be powered on and off so much as it had been. But within a day's time...

See...

Lord Darvellan, the Navigator, returned to the First World by following the light of the beacon He had sent!

Initially, His arrival was met with some suspicion, as there were those who were concerned that perhaps this was yet another trick of the Enchantress; or perhaps Nohaji, the Face-Thief, had consumed the Navigator in the Void and was now taking His form. Proof was boldy requested of Lord Darvellan of who He was, but how to prove this in a manner which neither the Enchantress or Nohaji could imitate?

Proof was provided through visits of other Elders who came as They learned of the arrival of the Navigator, or someone claiming to be Him. First was Lady Maylea, the Bloom of Serenity, to welcome Him back, though initially She was not fully sure whether it was truly Lord Darvellan. Quite soon after, Lady Drocilla, the Enchantress, interrupted the two Elders as She had learned of Lord Darvellan's arrival; whatever Her motive may have been for meeting with Darvellan and Maylea, "welcoming" was probably not it. Her visit short, the Enchantress judged from the reaction of a bracelet She wore that this was truly the Navigator returned; a bracelet that the Navigator claimed to have given Her and seemed pleased She was still wearing, despite their unfriendly attitudes towards each Other.

Having made Her determination and offering both charm and mockery in equal measure, Drocilla quickly departed. Maylea stayed for a bit longer to talk to Darvellan, now more convinced it was truly Him, before departing Herself. Soon after Her departure, Lord Nocht, the Silent, came to see His Brother returned, though as was His nature not much was said between the two of Them. Soon, Nocht departed as well.

During this time, many from across the Basin had gathered since the Navigator's arrival. From the conversations that Darvellan had with His Cousins, and from His talking with the mortals present, the tale of His trip in the Void began to take shape: Decades ago, Darvellan had led Nohaji the Face-Thief away from the First World, and notably at the time away from Ladies Lantra and Terentia. Leading Nohaji on, keeping him baited to keep chaising the Navigator while not getting too close to warrant danger, Darvellan lost a sense of time while so deep within the Void. How long the chase had gone on was not known, but it was interrupted by an unknown anomaly. The Lord Navigator could only describe it as a sense of warmth and loss rushing over him, and a disorientation. When He had come to His senses, Nohaji was nowhere to be seen, but neither was any way back to the First World. Perhaps whatever had caused His disorientation had also disrupted His way back, but who was to say?

To find His way back, the Navigator had constructed several homing beacons, crafting them similarly to how He crafted any of His stars which floated about it. Except this time, once crafted, He drained the beacons of their essence, His essence, so as not to risk them. Tearing His satin shirt asunder, He left messages upon each scrap, somewhat cryptic due to the limited space to write on. Putting a scrap into each beacon, He tossed them in different directions and lingered in the depths of the Void, waiting for one beacon to find its way to the Basin of Life and be activated to guide Him home.

But what caused the anomaly which disoriented Darvellan? What happened to Nohaji, the Face-Thief, who would surely have taken advantage of a disoriented Elder?

And what of the other beacons the Lord Navigator cast forth? Are they perhaps still hurtling through the depths of the Void, eternal in their journey? Or have they been found by one of the many horrific entities which are said to travel the Void?]]> Events Post #508: The Plight of Krug Fleshkeeper https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4848/events-post-508-the-plight-of-krug-fleshkeeper Sat, 22 Jul 2023 22:14:20 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4848@/index.php?p=/discussions
They were soon joined by Eiselle Mes'ard, Khnemu Dahyu, and Pyawr from Gaudiguch and by Tikki of Hallifax, who all first visited Tapif the Adventurer, to make sure that the young furrikin is safe given his history with Krug. It turned out that the orc Krug has developed a new hobby of chasing after furrikin farmers in the fields of Acknor, and one fled to the swamp! In his chase, Krug tripped over a bull alligator and dropped his precious brand-new cleaver in the mud.

The assembled adventurers debated at first if they should even aid the orc, considering the events that led Krug to lose his cleaver. Still, eventually, they were persuaded and the search begun. It was Huskii who found the cleaver buried in the mud, and Krug was elated to see his cleaver once again. Such elation did not persist though, as the party blamed the orc for being mean to the furrikin and tried to make him promise never to chase the farmers ever again. Krug in return pleaded with them to think of the hungry orc children that will not get their meat and begged for the return of his beloved cleaver.

For an entire day, they haggled and bartered, and at the end, the orc promised to do a special orc cookout to celebrate the return of his cleaver, and that he will not chase Estelbar farmers. The orc butcher received the tool of his trade and sent the party to hunt the swamp for alligators, turtles, and pythons for the cookout. The joined forces made quick work of gathering the beasts, and as the final alligator was brought, Krug cheered in joy and dismissed the party. After all, he promised an orc cookout and orc cookouts are orc-only.

Furious, the party considered slaying the butcher, but instead went to Chieftain Grang to complain about the butcher and his hobby, at which point the chief laughed and agreed with Krug. Not to leave empty-handed, the group released the furrikin farmer who resided in Acknor from the control of the orcs and brought her back to Estelbar, pleased that at least now, Krug the butcher has no farmers to chase.]]> Events Post #507: The Blunder of Babette Boulanger https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4841/events-post-507-the-blunder-of-babette-boulanger Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:48:45 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4841@/index.php?p=/discussions
Arriving upon the beach of the Inner Sea, Uzriel da anecu of Magnagora stumbled upon Babette Boulanger, the Gold House attendant of Delport, who was frantically searching along the sandy shores of the beach for something. Consumed with her search, she barely noticed him before others began to arrive, Khnemu Dahyu of Gaudiguch and Freja na ochli of Magnagora followed by Ayisdra Ysava ai of Hallifax. It was soon discovered that Babette had lost the pearls from her grandmothera pendant, a family heirloom passed down through her family for generations.

Shortly afterwards, many set out in search of the rare pearls, diving to the depths of the Inner Sea. The first to return was Faragan Ladyn of New Celest, who brought Babette the first two pearls. Overjoyed at the thought of having her pearls returned, hope had returned to Babette as more were brought back from the sea, Uzriel bringing three followed by Khnemu and Faragan with more. Babette carefully counted the iridescent pearls she held but realised there was still one missing. Worry once again filled Babettea features as she remembered her friend Beauregard had headed out to sea in search as well, and had yet to return.

The search for Beauregard continued for some time, with Babette stricken with fear as Beauregard was no where in sight. At last Faragan and Uzriel stumbled upon his abandoned boat. Uzriel continued the search, soon accompanied by others whilst Jolanthe Myeras of Serenwilde and Ayisdra kept Babette company and tried to console her. It was not long before Khnemu swam into the shipwreck of Javilea Memory and stumbled upon a massive tangle of seaweed that was blocking the way, and made out a humanoid figure swimming behind it. Pulling as hard as she could, Khnemu could not quite wrestle the seaweed on her own, and soon called for help which came in the form of Tikki of Gaudiguch, Freja, Jolanthe, and Uzriel. With their combined efforts, they were able to tear down the seaweed wall and set Beauregard free.

Thanking his rescuers, Beauregard explained that he thought he had found one of Babettea pearls in the shipwreck, so he reached into a large hole in the side of the ship and plucked out the pearl with pride. It was not long before joy turned to terror as a something struck the side of the ship a"a huge, black-skinned hammerhead shark smashed into the hull and broke through, its eyes fixed on Beauregard. Rushing towards its target, the shark latched onto Khnemu who was in the way of its meal, tearing strips of flesh from her arm. Taking up arms quickly, Beauregard, Xenthos Ana yshe of Glomdoring, Jolanthe, Khnemu, Uzriel, Tikki and Freja fought back against the shark, each losing blood before Freja managed to land the killing blow and allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief. Thanking his companions, Beauregard handed the pearl to Khnemu before heading back to his boat and then home to Delport to calm his nerves.

After seeing to Beauregarda return, everyone headed back to Babette who was frantically waiting for some news. Freja and Uzriel returned first with the news that Beauregard was safe and sound and had returned home. Arriving soon after with pearl in hand, Khnemu graciously returned the final pearl to Babette who was overjoyed to have all of her grandmothera pearls returned and explained that in the future she will try to be more careful when she visits the Delport Pier to gawk at the fishermen with her friends.]]> Events Post #506: Snow Valley Fish Tale https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4837/events-post-506-snow-valley-fish-tale Sun, 18 Jun 2023 21:08:37 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4837@/index.php?p=/discussions
Berpo, Xiran, Jolanthe, Freja, Qistrel, Veara, Ayisdra, and Uzriel gathered to watch the epic fish trials unfold upon the slow moving ice floes. Berpo Fleece, one not quite of age enough to be left out of sight for too long, was escorted to the safety of the shoreline by Freja and Xiran. After a few moments of getting to know his keepers, Berpo spotted a worm further inland and suggested that it might make good bait for the fishing duo. Freja quickly seized the opportunity and with Wapan's borrowed spade set about looking for the creatures. High and low the adventures looked, with Uzriel unearthing Qistrel instead of a worm, Wapan being reunited with his fishing rod after Qistrel dug it from the earth, and a lesson in math from Xiran. Quickly, five worms were brought to the cub.

Afterward, it was agreed upon that Freja and Berpo were the winners of the competition and the tree tae'dae returned to Rikenfriez for a snack of fish tacos to enjoy. But will Berpo sit idly by after such an adventure now?]]> Events Post #505: A Storm comes to the Skarch https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4834/events-post-505-a-storm-comes-to-the-skarch Sun, 11 Jun 2023 23:42:42 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4834@/index.php?p=/discussions
Fair Galaphyrae would find her first, and ensure her safety. In her travels, Sandy had lost her tool and had cracked open one of her mysterious vials used to create the gemstone ankhs which would facilitate the supplication of Grandmother Scorpion. To her relief, the missing and broken items were remedied quickly. Individuals from all over the First World, who were separated by centuries of conflict, strife, and ideological differences came together to help her: Xenthos An'Ryshe of Glomdoring, Xiran Stormcrow, Tyrus and Huskii Myeras, Fair Galaphyrae of Serenwilde, Khnemu Dahyu of Gaudiguch, Ayisdra Ysav'rai of Hallifax and Uzriel d'Vanecu of Magnagora. If Sandy were to shirk her duty to her Spirit, she would surely suffer the same fate as Exclii Ehc'zi, a lucidian for whom the dracnari woman discovered a new pity.

With her person and her things saved, she beseeched her rescuers to awaken the Old Ones and hear what Grandmother Scorpion had to say, if, indeed, it was Her that sent the strange dream. Again, her rescuers worked together despite their differences, and in no time at all, everyone gathered in front of Wise Lady to hear what Her Voice would say. It was Shyust'i the Onyx Witch, the Wrath of Grandmother Scorpion, who would speak the ominous words:

"A haze shall herald the coming of the storm over the horizon, and she will know: The Key lies in the largest of foes, and only through it will the wayward be finally brought home."

Everyone puzzled over the meaning of the words. What is the Key? Who is wayward? And what sort of foe would this be? While speculation surrounded the prophecy, Sandy Storm would mention she has heard tale of a large creature who dwelt beneath the sands of the desert. No sooner did she begin to tell those gathered about this rumour, than just such a creature made itself known in the desert about the Scorpion Caves. It would take Tyrus, Xiran, Galaphyrae, Xenthos, Khnemu and Ayisdra's focused efforts to lay low a gargantuan sandojin, half buried in the Skarch's shifting sands. The crew would drag the massive reptile all the way back to Sandy's altar. There, she worked with her tools and produced a large, clear crystal from within the creature's organs. As to what the crystal was for, Sandy could not, or would not, opine, expect to say that she had better keep it safe and that she would do everything she could to learn about what Grandmother Scorpion's enigmatic designs were.

She suggested that perhaps Exclii Ehc'zi would know more, and that even though he was exiled, he knew a great deal more than he let on. Indeed, even Exclii himself denied knowing anything about a Key, or the crystal. Although the prophecy seemed to fit everything they had just experienced, everyone left with far more questions than answers and a nagging feeling that there was much more to it than first appearanced.

Time would tell the greater story.]]> Events Post #504: Of Squirrels and Shrines https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4832/events-post-504-of-squirrels-and-shrines Tue, 30 May 2023 21:35:43 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4832@/index.php?p=/discussions
It was Fair Galaphyrae of Serenwilde, who was the first to discover the bluejay causing the racket. Alas, the bluejay was so surprised by her arrival that it flew away quickly, so much so that the tree branch they were both upon snapped, sending Galaphyrae falling! Curiously, the ground below happened to be right over a forgotten shrine, and she was sent plummeting to the deep cave shaft below.

Displaying comportment uncharacteristic to one who has just fallen through the ground, landed in a cave shaft, and found oneself in front of a long lost shrine, Galaphyrae brushed herself off and knocked politely on the door the the shrine, knocking loose the shrine's key as she did so. By this time, several others had arrived and they collectively entered the shrine, discovering a small fae within after brief exploration.

Hazeline, the name by which the fae introduced herself, was overjoyed by the arrival, for she had been alone in the shrine since just before the Taint Wars, as she was quick to explain. She asked those present if they wished to gather nuts for the shrine's silo, this being the purpose of the shrine, and offered some of the shrine's scrolls in return for the work. Fair Galaphyrae and Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe of Glomdoring set to work very shortly to gather nuts, with Huskii Myeras of Serenwilde following sometime after, while those remaining engaged in further discussion with and the comforting of the little hazelnut fae, alone for so long.

After some time, Galaphyrae was the first to gather enough nuts to be given a scroll, with Xenthos following soon thereafter. Not content with the singular scroll, Galaphyrae continued gathering nuts in an effort to collect all ten scrolls the shrine had to offer. It would be Kalas Zagreus of Magnagora, however, who would be the first to earn all ten scrolls and with it, Great Spirit Squirrel's blessing for his diligence.

As revealed to those who read the scrolls, the shrine continues once more in its purpose of gathering up a portion of the nuts which the bountiful squirrels of the Basin of Life have foraged, as is in accordance with the Precepts of Adept Chajoli. A stone marker invites into the underground shrine dedicated to the Great Spirit Squirrel once more and within Hazeline awaits. Those with an empathetic heart may wish to bring along a honeycake to give to her, as Xiran Stormcrow of Serenwilde did, to give the little fae a delicious reminder of her home.]]> Events Post #503: Of Fire and Ledgers https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4831/events-post-503-of-fire-and-ledgers Tue, 30 May 2023 21:13:10 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4831@/index.php?p=/discussions
Knowing how much Chixesaka loves his coins, I figured I could really impress him with a nice ledger to keep track of all of his riches. So, not too long ago, I started studying how to bind books. Oddly though, every time I gave him one, he would be back to using his old ledger after not even a day. How much accounting does that old lizard need to do to use up a whole ledger that fast? No matter. I resolved to keep up with his voracious appetite for accounting books.

Today, for some inexplicable reason, he was in an especially foul mood, lashing out at me for sending him subpar ledgers. It wasn't my fault he has such a fiery temper. In fact, I assure you the last book suffered because he set it on fire! Apparently, we were really loud as a whole host of adventurers stopped by to make sure everything was okay. Gaudiguch showing up was no surprise as we had been under their protection for years now. Jalraza and Beda were the first on the scene, with Eiselle and Ixchilgal of the Mes'ard family showing up shortly after. Serenwilders have also been a familiar sight, so it was reassuring to see Fair Galaphyrae, Xiran Stormcrow, and Huskii Myeras. Rounding out the onlookers was Uzriel d'Vanecu of Magnagora and Xenthos An'Ryshe of Glomdoring. Oh, was it embarrassing to have so many people watching. And it was even more embarrassing when Chixesaka lost his temper again and turned my latest ledger into ashes! Argh, he is so frustrating but I guess I just have to do better to meet his standards. I know I am relatively new to bookbinding so I asked the gathered adventurers for advice. Xenthos suggested that the hide of dashros could help block the flame and Eiselle even offered up her candle of the Forbidden Mysteries, which burns without ever seeming to consume the candle's wax.

Xenthos and Galaphyrae returned with the dashro in no time at all. After I skinned a dashro corpse, I used the pelt to wrap an unbound ledger. I then finished it off with a layer of the fire-resistant wax, we tried giving the old lizard a new and improved ledger but it turns out we were going about it the wrong way! Just because he set my last two ledgers on fire didn't mean he actually wanted a fireproof ledger--just a better quality one. He did mention liking silk so people were quick to ask Tloxenga for some of her prized silk. She was reluctant at first but was suspiciously agreeable after learning the silk was for me. Huskii eventually procured the silk, even braving attacks from the temperamental spiders.

After he came back with the silk, I quickly realized the silk would have to be taut to have the finished ledger look polished. Eiselle was the first person to try to help me, but ultimately Huskii took over and assisted with finishing off the ledger. Chixesaka didn't seem too happy, but I guess I just have to do better next time. After all, he needs ledgers to keep track of all of his coins, right?]]> Events Post #502: Adventure is for the Brave https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4825/events-post-502-adventure-is-for-the-brave Wed, 10 May 2023 16:39:42 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4825@/index.php?p=/discussions
And indeed, adventurers arrived to find none other than Tapif the Furrikin, an adolescent of mildly mysterious origin, seeking to go on an adventure of his own. Striking out from... wherever he was from, he found himself in the company of several adventurers, including Iazin Stormcrow, Eiselle Mes'ard, Khnemu Dahyu, and Tonatiuh al-Saaoud. Explaining that he had grown up reading stories such as Lolly Pringle's account of the Taint Wars, and other dramatic tales of bravery and heroism, he beseeched those gathered to help him experience the same, to learn, and maybe have an adventure of his very own one day. Many options were discussed. Vengeance? That was just another game of pretend, Tapif explained. A pastry revolution? Although Tapif asked for more clarification, it would never come. Murder, Vernal artifacts, Grimkeep, the hordes of the Astral plane, and many other options were mentioned, but none seemed to avail. That is, until the foxkin furrikin began to tell them the tale of how he came to be at the inn.

Those gathered learned that Tapif had recently been chased down by a tall, hairy orc wielding a cleaver. With quick deduction work, Eiselle, Iazin, and Khnemu would take Tapif the Furrikin to the Village of Acknor, to get to the bottom of this. With Eiselle as lookout, Khnemu and Iazin woulkd confront none other than the village's butcher, who conveniently had just such a cleaver. Detective work would follow, and although the furrikin adolescent could not positively identify the man who had tried to hunt him down, they were certain. Intimidation, bribery, theft, and even murder would all be involved in this heart-pounding story Tapif would be sure to remember forever. When it was all said and done, they would all return to the Triple Junction. It was here that Tapif would begin learning how to truly be an adventurer. With a questionable beverage made of 'Bourb apples,' they celebrated his success. Satisfied, Tapif would take his rest at the inn, with thoughts of the day imprinted on his memory forever: "Being brave is about facing your fears."

But that would not be the last that was heard out of him. On the 14th of Dioni, the Basin of Life would hear the loud sound of a steel trap coming from the area of Balach Swamp. Here, adventurers would find Tapif - now deeming himself the Adventurer - stuck inside of an alligator trap designed by the mugwumpi researchers. As the trap slowly sank into the mud, it was clear to those gathered that they did not have much time. Thinking quickly, Huskii Myeras, Khnemu Dahyu, and Romaan D'Varden worked to try to get him out of the strange, cylindrical trap. Try as they might, the trap was too caked in mud to find a means of opening it, and not even Huskii could dig far enough into the layers of sediment to find a way to move it.

Fortunately, the researchers provided the information necessary, and after clearing the muck off the trap, a pin was discovered which would open the mechanism. The trap snapped apart violently, but Tapif was safe, if a little shook up. The mystery did not end there. Tapif explained that he stumbled into the trap after hearing creepy whispers, and seeing a 'twisted creature' that looked almost like an alligator... but was not. Balach Swamp is no stranger to peculiar occurrences, but his report of events left people wondering: had he really seen something in the swamp, alone? A monster? The truth was out there.

Although thoroughly creeped out and frightened, Tapif would seek adventure elsewhere. This time it would be mountains, something more physically challenging, and less covered in mud. Destinations were suggested for Tapif's newest foray, and it was Khnemu who would suggest Tapif's ultimate destination: Irshaw Heights. Upon learning that tae'dae were settled there, how could a foxkin resist?

Just two days later, the 16th of Dioni, shouting could be heard coming from the Razines, growing louder and louder. Having found the Heights, Tapif was now causing trouble for the patriarch, Rumberry Irshaw. Rumberry, evidently famous for his story-telling among the tae'dae youth, had captured the young Adventurer's attention, and he would not be swayed. Rumberry, meanwhile, was absolutely opposed to telling any stories, let alone telling a free-loading foxkin furrikin any of them. Xenthos An'Ryshe, Qoivhae Vivalde, Huskii Myeras, Fair Galaphyrae - and once more, Khnemu Dahyu, who was by now quite familiar with the furrikin's antics - would come together to help Tapif hear one of these infamous stories. Much to Rumberry's chagrin, the combined effort of those who came to investigate was enough to defeat every obstacle he put in the way. Eventually, Rumberry insisted he would only read them to the tae'dae cubs, but even this did not stop them. Pressured, he had no choice but to read one of them, despite his better judgment. Tapif was thrilled, and decided to spend some time living there, in Irshaw Heights. The adventurers taught him how to build hiw own campfire, and even provided him with a tinderbox, and a wooden sword.

Things would quiet down in Irshaw Heights, and Tapif was more determined than ever to hear all the stories Rumberry Irshaw has to tell. And yet, many questions remained: Was there a serial furrikin-chasing orc somewhere on the loose? What ever happened to the stolen cleaver? What about the creature that was seen in the Balach Swamp, and the creepy whispers heard there? A byproduct of the already strange goings-on of the ruined mugwump homeland, or a portent of something sinister?

Last but not least, who is Tapif and where did he come from?]]> Events Post #501: Of squirrels https://forums.lusternia.com/index.php?p=/discussion/4813/events-post-501-of-squirrels Fri, 14 Apr 2023 23:16:10 +0000 Event Posts Autoposter 4813@/index.php?p=/discussions
Not all took the matter as seriously as Exeryte, however. It was not long before Quillion's public appeal to post news about the break-in resulted in newsboard postings from numerous citizens of Gaudiguch, all claiming to have orchestrated the theft. Various outlandish claims, threats, and proclamations were made, leading to Tommut's subsequent breakdown. Those who visited him learnt little more between his sobs, but Xenthos An'Ryshe did make a discovery through his tracking prowess. There were but two assailants and any trace of them vanished mysteriously into thin air right outside the entrance into the caves.

A year passed since the Reserve was broken into, when a pair of airships appeared on the northern horizon. Soon peals of gleeful laughter filled the air as the pair of siblings piloting the airships, identities still unknown, announced their presence to the Basin and conducted a verbal duet spelling out their intentions. In short, they admitted to stealing the squirrels from the Kiakodan Nature Reserve and claimed to have trained them to exact some manner of retribution upon the Basin.

Having finished both alerting the Basin to their presence and losing any advantage that may have been gleaned through subtlety, the pair begin tossing cages overboard. Each cage contained a squirrel, but also came equipped with a patchwork parachute that caused the cages to be buffeted about by the winds, only a few raining down upon the Basin at any given time. Tommut, glad but terrified for their well-being, quickly called upon those present to collect the squirrels and re-home them.

Many set out to find the cages, some bringing them to Tommut for further guidance. Despite the claims of the siblings in the airships, the squirrels did not seem inclined to attack anyone or cause mischief. They were, however, extremely picky, for it was soon discovered that if anyone tried to open the cages in an area they did not like, the squirrels would slam the cage door shut, preferring their solitude instead. It took some time, but soon those aiding Tommut and the squirrels were able to find homes that the squirrels preferred.

While the squirrels were being re-homed, the siblings piloting the airships seemed to think that those upon the ground were running around in some sort of chaos caused by their squirrels, oblivious to what was actually going on. Indeed, the brother of the pair even admitted that he thought they may have forgotten to train the squirrels to actually do anything, but before this could be discussed further the pair of airships became entangled and soon descended far beyond the Northern Mountains.

In the end, however, the squirrels were successfully re-homed... for the most part. Some cages were dropped or otherwise broken, and the squirrels within ran for freedom, never to be seen again. Other cages, particularly those containing the luxurious-haired squirrels, were purposefully kept from their destination, by those who believed they could provide a better fate for the squirrels than delivering them to the Wyrden Forest... Among those who helped to find homes for the caged squirrels, the tireless work of Qistrel Strongleaf of Serenwilde, Anavander of Magnagora, and Tikki of Hallifax stood out the most.

In the end, the tassel-eared squirrels settled within a forest nestled in the Northern Mountains.
The miniature squirrels settled within the Valley of Tolborolla.
The striped squirrels settled within the Arysian Isle of Vesucia, in Bondero Bay.
The albino squirrels settled within the Caoimhe Dell, near the Little Shallach River.
The flying squirrels settled within Mornhai Sanctuary, within the Razine Mountains.
The squirrels with luxurious fur settled within the Wyrden forest of Glomdoring, although whether they will be able to survive there is still unknown.]]>