Zepher

OoC: Purpearl has voiced an interest in also getting a say in things. So I will wait about 8 hours before updating, and then move forward. If she wants to retro-actively have her say, that'd be fine as well, though I imagine that won't be quite as fun.

Thanks for your incredible patience. Things are settling down now - updates will be rolling in!

I'm really really sorry everyone. I'm filming my senior thesis this whole week, and it has turned out to be more exhausting than I thought. It's all exteriors, so I've been standing outside in 20 degree weather for eight hours a day. I will be done Friday, but right now my body isn't so perfect. Will try to update tomorrow if I can.

"This was not my plan at the start. Lord Chauncey fears for what the world will become without my brother. When he approached with the plan, however, it was difficult to say no. I understand that you have grown, and I mean no slight to those with such short lives, but if you live thousands upon thousands of years, more than you can count, you learn what you are willing to give up, and what you are not. I would not actively have tried to get my brother back, but if given the chance... and it cannot be argued that he is necessary in some ways. We who have long been forgotten are once more being yanked back into history. That cannot be for no reason." "Ya got it wrong, missy. It ain't as easy as that. See, if you want to turn any of the gems into etherial gems, and even those extras I've gotten around aren't etherial quite yet, you're gonna have to work for it. It's tiring stuff, and I'm in the harvesting season at the moment. I'm willing to guide you and give you a hand, but I can't just turn them all lickity split like that. Which one is most important to you to get started on?" "I will come to his defense there. The Master of Regret never makes anyone do anything. We had our chance to guide history, and we did poorly. Worse than poorly. Upon surviving, we all swore to never again attempt to shape the fate of mortals, to act only within the confines of what would be achievable by our brothers and sisters on Olegaia. And though The Master of Regret perhaps offers more than he should, he has never coerced anyone into taking him up on his offer." "It's true. Aventine and I sought him out, not the other way around." "When our people fell, we had to tamper the flow of certain emotions. The one we are responsible for is the one that we feed on, and it has shaped us. With Hope, I cannot help but look towards the future... and forget, often, the past. Perhaps that is why my answers are not as helpful as my brothers' would be. But no, Matthias does not bare the same shame we do, nor the same responsibility. I'm sure he will find his own purpose one day as well, though." "This isn't a vote. You can try to stop us, or choose to wash your hands of this. But I'm going to try to bring Passion back. If anything this talk has confirmed what I feared. There is something lurking out there. When Passion died, The Master of Regret fled Uland for a while. And the Witches have returned in more force than ever. And someone else knows, for the first time in a long time, something about the Old Gods. We need to get ourselves up to speed." "That I actually can answer. We have done research as far as the artifacts and resurrection go - they are not so lost to time. This is not some measly necromancy. That is a body without it's former soul. Here we will simply be anchoring a soul to a new body. That is what these artifacts together can do. Create and destroy a mortal." "I know I'm hardly the one you want to be hearing this from. You can hold a grudge better than Purpearl. But because there is a clear and present danger, and without him, we don't know what it is, and don't know how to prepare for it. There is no guarantee he'll understand any better than the rest of us, but there's a guarantee that we don't understand at the moment." "I can see this bothers you, all of you, greatly. Perhaps it is the mantle of hero that weighs so heavily on you. But don't think for a moment that I have forgotten my friends, and my city. This is a risk, sure. And there is a danger, as Chauncey speaks of. I'd like to avenge the death of Lord Hughes, a friend and colleague much younger than I, and to protect those who I leave behind. But as the others have said, it's also a bit of a whim. Everyone else is pretending it's some master plan, and it is, but it's also an adventure. Every time you set out from port you risk the weather, but without the weather it's hardly a noteworthy journey." "You don't have to convince the whole council. You just have to be ready for what they throw at you." Amarcolm grins. "I'm Amarcolm. Chaomancer, member of the Council, bored participant of this meeting. You all have a shit ton of morals for murderers and thieves." "It will be years before you truly start to see how you have changed." "You all act like there's only repercussions if you act. Don't you know that inaction is just as much an action as anything else?" "The world has dealt with him for the last countless hundreds of years. If you're really that concerned about him, you should be investigating the effects he had on your grandpa and father." "Chauncey." Guffington turns to Guts, and then the rest of the heroes. "This is my dying wish, for a friend. Lord Chauncey has convinced me of the importance of this mission, and of the exploration that we can garner from it. From the adventure of it, if we're going to boil down. And Doc Daneeka stands behind him. Neither of them has lead me wrong before, but neither have you. So we will put it to a vote. There are already two yeses. So where do you fall?"

"Yo," says Bobby in his new hissing voice. "If I'm being real, it seems best that the stones be taken out of this situation entirely. The Elves and Fenarians are just looking to destroy each other with them, you know? So, like, why not like knock them down a notch. That seems like the best possible thing. And like, the elves were without the blue stone for years, because Elnath had it. So it can't be that much of a biggie. But like, maybe I don't really get what the snakes are up to, because like, my head is in three pieces at least." And it's true. The wailing still hasn't stopped, and Bobby can barely hear what the Hel anyone else is saying.

Guys I'm so sorry I've been ridiculously busy/sick and still don't have time to update. Tomorrow for sure.

Boomingham also passes Sarge his gold.

Hope's beak tightens. "That which the gnome saw is from a long time ago. The darkness, as you call it, was destroyed then. If it is coming back, then we will have to deal with it." She drills her paws on her side nervously. "But those are things that happened long ago, and I have chosen to forget about them. They are hazy to me, and purposely so. It is not the sort of things we are meant to know about." "The Master of Regret makes poor impressions on just about everyone, it seems," laughs the Mother. "He truly is not as vile as you all seem to think he is. We don't get along as me and Passion, that's true, but he's just like anyone else - he has good days, and bad days good traits and bad traits. Sometimes I want to strangle him, sometimes I miss him desperately. You have to understand that he took on a great burden when he became responsible for Regret. In many ways, he was the strongest of the three of us." She sighs. "The city of the clouds. Yes, that is where my brothers and I are from. We are the last of our race, though you can tell we are not truly all one. In fact, we have a new god with us today." She indicates Matthias. "He hasn't had the same time to learn and grow, but he is the same as us," she smiles kindly at the gnome. "One day you will find yourself woven through more history than you know what to do with. And there will be so many legends about you that you'll hardly be able to recall which ones are true and which are just rumors." "As I said, I have forgotten much that happened then. It is not for us. The darkness then was vanquished." The Mother grows further agitated, trying hard to remember. "I've been on this island for so many years, it is hard to recall. But the darkness was then vanquished. And we vowed to stop it from returning. That is when we became Passion, Regret, Hope." "Who told you about the Ice Room?" chuckles Melquiades, totally failing to use the fancy-pantsy dragon mind speak. "I don't know what's in there, but it's not anyone's business. I know it ain't good, whatever it is, and until we figure out what it is it's off limits." "If there's something dangerous in Etheria-" "It is important to remember that not all of Etheria is actually on this island. Any of the rooms that are linked and locked are considered Etheria. While we think that most of them physically reside here, there's no proof that they're all here. Strange Beach, for example, seems impossible to be on this island, and the Crystal Hall has to be deep underground somewhere. The Ice Room likewise isn't likely anywhere near here. So we've locked it down, and that's that." "I promised you a final adventure, didn't I?" grins Guffington roguishly. "I guess I should really be the one pitching all this. When it comes down for it, for me, I've always taken gambles and they've always paid off. And I've always bet on what I didn't know." He gestures around. "What in the world is all of this?! An island that is here and not here, hasn't got anyone to get around but a Selkreeth who takes you the Void? Why not bring back an Old God? It's not like anything else makes any more sense. Besides, I've seen everything else." "I like this one." "I'm glad I get the chance to make a good first impression on at least one of you." She smiles. "And yes, the Old Gods are just like any other mortals, except for our life span. It's just that name." She clucks with mirth. "I promise, I didn't have anything to do with it. It was the other mortals that gave us that name, when they started to get wise. They treated us like Gods, but we weren't anything of the sort. But at a certain point you just stop arguing." She shrugs. "It is an unfortunate misnomer. If you'd prefer to call us by our true names, you can call us The First Mortals. Though that's of course not strictly true either." "Yes, the Sky Serpent was our ally in those days, and he did indeed assist us in freeing the artifacts from our island. I can remember that. And the Aoi that you speak of, and the dragons. Yes, that was one of the duties back of the First Mortals, to enlighten the other races. We flew across the world, nurturing certain races, using the very artifacts that you now hold in your hands." "As for the Witches, perhaps they are more deserving of the name the First Mortals. They outdate even I." "As we've tried to convey, we are almost as lost as you are, heroes. Our studies have ground to a halt. The Witches, the flying city's fate, and now these visions - this is why we seek answers. Because we don't have them yet." OoC: Apologies for missing that! "I'm sorry, my prices are non-negotionable! But I'd be more than happy to sell you those scrolls!" ----- "I apologize for our secrecy. As Guts and Hybros can attest, attempts have been made on my life for, we believe, an interest in the Old Gods. If anyone knew of our true intention, I was afraid I'd be putting our lives in jeopardy. I came clear with my own party as soon as I felt it was safe. If Daneeka withheld our true intentions, it was because he felt that you were potentially in danger until you arrived in Etheria." "What'd you do to him?" Amarcolm asks Chauncey, a bemused grin on his face. "And now I've squandered my other chance at a first impression. As I have said, you are as much an Old God as I am at this point, give or take a few hundred lifetimes. Soon you will forget more than you can remember." She shuts her eyes. "I will try my best. I fear my brother has scarred you. So allow me to do what I hope always to do, heal and move forth. The Old Gods, as I explained, is a misnomer. We are mortals, or were until we all drank from the Fountain. Then we became known at Gods, for better or worse. The artifacts, and the darkness, were all given to me. I cannot remember what the darkness was. I know only that it predated us, was safe for a long time, and then it wasn't. And that we did everything in our power to contain it. And that we succeeded, but at a great cost." "And you are correct, Matthias. My body will serve as the vessel. As I told Guts and Hybros back in Eubric - and you will have to forgive me some more secrecy - I am not long for this world. Why not allow someone else a shot?" "Hrm." He growls. "Haven't seen you around before. I'm the Forge Master. I'm the only one on this island who can forge Etherial Gems. Gives them a lil' extra kick. But it ain't an easy job. Topaz is in season, but I've always got reserves, or we could try to rework one of your own gems, if you've got some. What are you after?"

Haha I don't know if that's how Bobby would react to that. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what direction to take him. Certainly a different one, but I don't think he's weak enough in fortitude or smart enough in deviousness to be too radically changed.

Boomingham pumps the Scorpion Knight's hand, and then gives Rex a big ol' fashion hug. He salutes the aunties they're leaving behind, in particular Pilar and Padridian, who he wished he had more time to chat with. "Please do give us a visit," he says to Rex. "I owe you a drink and more. You're a good man." Then to Rhiannon: "Look after him, alright?" He gives Peri a quick and very respectful peck on the cheek. "Glad I got to know you. Remember what I promised. If you ever need help, Peg Leg and I will be there. Just send word." He bows to Zelda as well. "I'll see you back in Eubric. It was a pleasure to hold council with you once more. We ought to catch a drink some time." Stepping aboard, Boomingham claps Sarge on the back. "We've got some plans to make on the way back, alright Peg Leg?" And he points to Eric. "And you and I are going to have a serious drink when we're back in the Hall."

Bobby's head continue to feel like it's in a thousand pieces, and he barely recognizes his old companions through the fog. "Yo!" he manages to get out when he sees Na'im making talk with them. "Sup?"

OoC: Hey all, I'm so sorry, I have been very busy this last week and the next week and a half I will be equally if not more busy. I am going to continue to try my very best to keep to the 24 hour guidelines! You've all been so great and understanding throughout various delays, I'm trying to not put you through another one, so I'm still going to do one update a day even if they're not exactly 24 hours. "Hm, yes, have taken in a lot of crystal balls today, and many that were better than this one, if you don't mind me saying! I'd give you 97 gold for it!" OoC: This is my stand in picture, until I can find the pieces I want. Still incredibly angry at myself for that misplacement... "Gems, hm..." the Forge Master assesses Purpearl. "Out of town, hm? Where'd you hear about this place anyway?" "Hm? Oh yes of course! We don't deal with weapons here often, outside of our staffs of course... those of us who need them, not me! I have the energy coursing through my very veins! But the Forge Master can fiddle with your weapons just fine, though I don't know if he has too many tricks up his sleeves besides forging etherial gems! If you want them joined with a weapon, though, he'd be your guy." <His lips are as sealed as the room. He says that there is a 'bad energy'. Bunch of bull crap. If you ask me, he's just trying to prevent us from getting any stronger. Bunch of power hungry monsters on this island, and he's one of them, make no mistake.> OoC: 10 Level-UP Mushrooms seems unfair to me. I don't want to not allow you to profit, but also don't want to allow an abuse of the system. Please forgive my interpretation of what might be fair. "Hm, ten mushrooms?" Zeus roots around in his chest. "That is too much, my friend. I have suppliers just like anyone else, and just because we can warp things to each other doesn't mean they magically appear haha! So I'm afraid, if I'm hoping to maintain relations with other potential customers, the most I can give you is four!" The electrical elemental does whatever his equivalent of blushing is once more. "But for such a loyal customer, and for one I have to disappoint, I will gladly throw a fifth in for free. And the Mail should be no trouble what-so-ever." OoC: I am going to move everyone in the City Center (which is everyone excluding Purpearl) to the Mother's Room for the time being. Guts and Matthias, if you'd like to retro-actively conclude any transactions, that's a-okay. Melquiades arrives in the City Center and assesses all the heroes, who are all prepared to go and have a little group pow wow. He smirks at them, Elba, U'Or, and Daneeka. "Starting then? Okay. Let's go." "Where are you headed?" asks Bombast curiously. "Matthias, Arthur, I hope you'll both come talk to me soon about your potential future controlling the weather of this very planet that we-" "Sure thing, Bombast! Great talk. Now everyone join hands." And then the heroes are gone, warping through time and space, picking up Lady Felix from a room they have so little time to look at they can't even identify, and finally landing in an enormous room. Amarcolm, Chauncey, Guffington and a winged creature wait for them. "Amarcolm, if you wouldn't mind..." "Lord Chauncey has asked me to stay." "Of course. How foolish of me. Melquiades, if you wouldn't mind warding the room?" "No problem, madam." Melquiades leans against one of the walls, chanting quietly to himself. The other members of the expedition draw near. "How caught up are they?" "Decently enough, though they don't like what they know." "The fear of the future is innate in most mortals. It is one of the greatest follies. Well, who will make sure we're all on the same page. Surely you've assigned someone, Chancey?" "U'Or?" "Ah, yes..." the U'Kin shuffles through papers. "As you've all become well aware at this point you're all well aware- ehem, excuse me, a little nervous. We're hoping to bring back to life, with the help of the artifacts that you've gathered, the Old God Passion. Now, I understand that some of the heroes I have travelled with are rather reticent of the idea..." "And some of mine as well. They fear what he will bring with him." "But the objections are pointless. They betray only a prejudice, and besides, our path is clear. If it is Gerald's last wish." "Last favor, my friend, and no objections can be swept under the rug. The unknown is frightening for us all, especially those who must face it soon. Exciting, but frightening." "Enough babble." The Mother turns to the heroes. "I understand your fears. I understand that most of you have met at least one of my brothers, if not both. So let me assuage any of your final fears before we move forward. I am the Mother of Hope, the Third and Final of the Old Gods. What do you still fear about bringing my brother Passion back from the other side? Hoke? Guts? Dyric? What questions do you still have?"

"Absolutely any time, Mr. Rone!" "Heh heh, it's not a true democracy, it's a free island. I know that you in Eubric Free Port purport to be free, heh heh, but here the peoples are truly free. It is not as if Piglina has chosen to expel us from those rooms. She cannot get us there, and Melqiuades is free to refuse his services, and to ask his fellow Void Masters to honor his wishes. Of course, if we were to offer good enough incentive, Melqiuades or one of his fellow Void Masters may be swayed. We haven't stumbled upon it quite yet, though." "The Memory Keeper and I are usually the best of friends, as you might expect with my position, heh heh. He's a good man, and the second oldest inhabitant on the island, after The Mother. But he's fiercely loyal to her, even more than he is to me. So you'd be hard pressed to get him to give up the skulls with the information I need. That being said, anyone can be coerced. I don't know with what, but that much must be obvious, or else we wouldn't be having this conversation." "Remedy it? Allowing others their free will is not a disease. It just means we have to be more cunning." "The Council should be able to order the opening of the rooms! You know that if Melqiuades was really asked by all of them he'd allow us entrance! They just need to stand behind Iceborn!" She turns to the heroes. "If you can get me into that room, I have a few Etherial Opals I'd be willing to part with." "Hm," he take the Cyrstal Ball and appraises it. "Not nearly as nice as your friends. I'll give you 398 for it." He holds the Ball in one hand as Guts considers his offer, but chuckles as Guts refers to hidden stores. "Speaking to another merchant, am I? Of course, I keep my best wares hidden far and away, for myself and friends. Can't let the rabble get their hands on just anything! Hm, didn't know you were a fellow merchant. I guess you saw right through my ruse with this Ball, no? I'll give you 401 gold for it. How's that sound?" "The scroll will be 200 gold, the Greaves... another Shadeaux ware... hm... I'd say a good 400 gold. I apologize for their steep price, but the Shadeaux do not train many dragoons, and most they have trained are still using their greaves. And a single Adamanite Shard, by doing simple math... 1500 gold!" Zeus assesses the gnome. "I'm sorry about that race snafu, we don't get many gnomes nor dwarves in here. Mostly not magicians, and those that are stay within their caves as far as I can tell. But it is indeed a pleasure to meet one, Matthias! And a ether user no less. Have you ever considered studying the casting of spells? Having lightning at your disposal would be a huge benefit!" ------ OoC: Very sorry, Purpearl, I will have to move you on without pictures for the moment. Will edit them in tomorrow. Cannot find the pieces I intended to use for the room, it's a little absurd! Can't imagine where I put them, I had them all aside in a little bin that I've misplaced... somewhere. Purpearl arrives at her destination, and for once Melqiuades sticks around for a little bit. The room is dark and vast, but everywhere in the darkness crystals glow. Sure as can be, most of them are topazes, but a few others are sprinkled in. Purpearl is so taken by the sight she fails to recognize the host of the room. A strange orange creature with a mask on turns to face her. "Can I help you?" he rasps out gutturally.

Boomingham nods. "I'd stay myself if I could, but I fear that Eubric is in more dire need of my help. I'd be happy knowing that we left the city in the right hands for a change. Between you and the Scorpion Knight, I think you'd have a chance to sure up some defenses." Boomingham turns to the Scorpion Knight. "I trust it that the Snake Priest lives? I'm glad he proved loyal."

OoC: Purpearl, I'm sorry, I'll be moving you onto the Forge Master tomorrow, I've been very busy lately. Just need to photograph that set with light! "Sure thing! That'll just be 444 gold, and your name. I don't like to do business with people who don't introduce themselves!" "You didn't introduce yourself." "Yes, but they already knew my name!" "Yes, that is exactly what we are hoping to do. Piece together some sort of coherent answer. Your fellow heroes seemed more than disappointed that I didn't have an answer for them yet, but equally afraid of seeking answers on our own. They would make poor scientists two times over." The were bat clears his throat uncomfortably. "I'm sorry. You weren't meant to hear that." He glances nervously at Bombast and clears his throat again. "It is hardly the Council's fault, what we're complaining about." "No, I'm glad they overheard." "But truly, it is not the Council's fault." The were bat offers a claw to Hybros. "My name is Luis Sophocles, and I am the Head of the Historical Society here in Etheria. Just as there is much to be learned about the future of magic, there are many things to be uncovered in the past." Daneeka, overhearing the conversation, also draws closer. "The collective memories of the island are stored in skulls in the Room of Dreams. They are protected by the Memory Keeper. But he won't allow me access to some of the oldest skulls, some complaints about them being too old and delicate to handle. It's a lie, of course. He's just trying to protect the secrets they hold - heavens knows why. Maybe he just wants them for himself. The Council won't intercede on my behalf. They claim that is not in their purview, which is true enough, but they could twist his arm if they wanted. Especially the Mother. Which is why I think she has purposely left those skulls alone. But truth be told, that's her business." "Don't turn cowardly now, Luis." She turns to the heroes. "That's not the only thing that the Council keeps hidden. There are a number of rooms throughout the island that we are not allowed access to." "But again, that's not the Council but the Void Masters, who would decide that..." "Stuff it, Luis. It's the same situation. Melqiuades has banned all travel to the Frozen Room in the last few years, and he won't even let us know why." "But that's different all together. He won't even allow Iceborn in there anymore." "It used to be a place where the Ice Mages and Necromancers of the Island could train and improve our skills the most, but now he's all haughty and tight-lipped about it. Bah!" "As I said to your friend, I'd require a name first!" Zeus chuckles and flares as he searches through his chest. "The scrolls would be 600 gold total. A full Adamantite Ore would cost you 6000 gold. Things of the earth are also not exactly my speciality, I must apologize. You'd do better to ask your dwarves friend!" Zeus indicates Matthias.

OoC: Is there a reason some of the loot wasn't dropped? Boomingham puts a hand on Zarissa's shoulder to ensure she is alright before approaching the newest Reverend Aunt to see if she was still clinging to life or not. He glances at some of the other sister's he'd befriended over the course of the week, equally worried about how they might be feeling.

Hey Sandy, when are we going to find out what the faction events really meant for the game?

"Hand to the gods, it's just that he's petty. But he doesn't have any sway with the Council... he may, but he wouldn't use it for this. I'd hope. You'll just have to not let him know where the amethyst is going! You wouldn't believe how sore he still is with me, so I guess it's possible. The Council won't be angry with you for getting me the amethyst, that I can swear to you." "The Forge Master can be found in the Room of Crystals. Topaz's are in season last time I checked, but he'll have some amethysts stored away if you just ask. Getting him talking shouldn't be difficult - everyone on this island is all too happy to speak about themselves." Arthur flips through the pages of his new book, but it looks too complex to read right now (it's purpose will be revealed later). "Hm... oh hello! More travelers! Allow me to welcome you to the home of the mages!" Zeus flips open his trunk and begins to mess around in it. "A Quickdraw Quiver... hm... not as easy to get as one may hope... it'd be a good 2700 gold, unfortunately." "It seems you've been briefed better than I'd hoped. But there appears to still be much confusion in your companions." Daneeka strolls over to Hybros and nods to him in greeting as well. "I have grown tired through the journey of pig-headed stubbornness and thick skulls. It seems the best thing to do right now would be to find somewhere that we can all speak and formulate a final plan, as well as clear up any lingering confusion of what we are here to accomplish, what we know, what we don't, et cetera." "Lord Chauncey and Lord Guffington are currently meeting with the Mother. She would be willing to loan us her office, I imagine she'd be willing to loan us her office." "Excellant. I was hoping to meet her as well." He turns to the heroes. "Shall we begin the end of our journey?"

Doc Daneeka, Bombast, Hoke, Torc, U'Or, Elba, and then (as I will tell Matthias in my reply to his post) a pale Norn, a were bat, and a electric elemental. And now Arthur and Miirym. Arthur and Miirym arrive back in the City Center and are greeted with the missing half of their party. Matthias glances around the room as Arthur and Miirym arrive. He spots Daneeka, U'Or and Elba catching up in one corner. In another corner, a Norn and a were bat discuss things. Standing behind a golden chest is an electrical elemental, and beside him a skull also sizzling with electrical power. Finally, still in front of him and the party he arrived with is Bombast, Hoke, and Torc. "Oh sure! The Council is a flexible number, so almost anyone can join unless there's a big how-to-do about it! The only reason it has so few members is that it's a sort of thankless job, you understand? But in theory anyone and everyone could be on the Council." "No. You must not let the Forge Master know it was me who sent you. Like I said, I used to be his shadow until I struck out on my own. And he's still pissed at me about that. No one in the Guild will go behind his back and give me an amethyst, but it won't matter if tourists do it. You're not going to have to deal with his ire for the next however many years."

OoC: I'll post updated stats tomorrow! <Don't worry so much! No one on the island is looking to do your companion harm. Not yet, at least. We'll see what sort of trouble he gets into. But even then heroes should be able to protect themselves.> "I can't say I can think of anything at the moment that would prompt me to assist. As I said, I am fond of Chauncey, especially now that he's killed off my other pupil and given me no one else to pride myself in, but at the end of the day, as a Chaomancer, which side I pick usually doesn't matter. Things always go down the tubes no matter what I do, which is exactly how I like it." His eyes spark. "Tell you what. If you feel prepared, later, to move forward with this, come back and give me one gold coin, and I'll maybe help you. How does that sound?" "Yes! That is exactly the point I am making! You and I recognize the intelligence in the animals, but everyone else refers to them only as dumb beasts! What if we could figure out a way that we all could communicate?" "The more support I have on the island, the more likely the Council is to honor my request. If worse comes to worse, of course, I'll simply attempt to join the Council and push forward my own research. I don't know if they'll approve me, but I don't think they'd stand in my way either, if I'm on the council..." "Captain Iceborn is one of the oldest members of the Council. He hails from Vartland originally, I understand, and was a necromancer and raider serving Helvetia. He's an old fashioned sod, conservative as all Hel. Far as I can tell, the rest of the Council can't stand him, but they can't get rid of him. He's got this weird pet thing for the Cold Circles too. Ugh." Beast scratches his rear end. "But he's not the worst guy, if you just go talk to him. And without him and the Mother the Council would devolve pretty quickly, if you ask me. He's pompous as any of them, but at least he doesn't have the showboating of Pignlina and Bombast." "You can try. But I won't be responsible in advising you to seek those treasures. No one has ever come back." The Shadows Merchant drifts to the right, and then to the left, sizing up Purpearl. "Aha! Sent by the Electrical Emperor, yes? He's always sending ambassadors for his cause. What is so wrong about the free market? Just because I can undersell him and his friends." "But to stop the hounding, maybe I should give up my quest for freedom and tether myself to something or other." The Shadow merchant rubs his/her wispy hands together. "Especially if you help me. You see, I've been having an issue getting Etherial Amethysts. The Forge Master has been angry with me ever since I struck out on my own. As if not having a shadow is the worst fate in the world! But if you travelers go there and obtain one for me, I'd be ever so thankful, and I'd even be willing to join the Guild if that's what you want. Like I said, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world." "...absolutely absurd. And when I go to the Council they refuse to do anything about it!" "Make no mistake! There is more than one answer that the Council keeps from the rest of Etheria. I've spoken to Amarcolm about it many times and he refuses to do anything." "It is always the same. They have no authority! They cannot control the Void Masters-" "Or the Memory Keeper! Though Ethereth knows he's really under Hope's thumb. Or claw... or whatever." Before Hoke can react to them, a few familiar faces tumble forth. "It's very rare to meet another Selkreeth. Where was it that you said you-" "Ah, heroes! Welcome to Etheria! It is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have a little something that I would absolutely love to-" "Bombast, don't you have somewhere to be?" "Yes they're right here." "Welcome to Etheria, her-" "Damn it, Amarcolm, this is my group!" "Arthur Ziegfried," he says in introduction, "and my companion Miirym." Miirym dips her head in acknowledgement. "I hear that Amarcolm has a deep history with Chaos. I'd like to discuss with him the events of a particularly Chaotic night, and the...consequences of it, which have led my employer and our party here. But, forgive me, it is a discussion better suited for a more private environment." The other time disappears, and Doc Daneeka, Matthias, Guts and Dyric are deposited in the City Center, where Bombast, Hoke, U'Or and Elba wait for them. "Welcome to Etheria, heroes!" OoC: Hoke, the Norn and were bat are still there if you'd like to approach them!

"Not inconvenient! A necessity!" cries the mage. "You would be well aware, if you had ever been invited into the Zeigfried Manor, that places with high magical potency have a bit of a mind of their own. They rearrange themselves constantly. Building doors and hallways would soon result in a bunch of doors that open up to walls and hallways that are dead ends." "You will find most of the merchants in the city set up shop every once in a while in the city center. So that'd be your best bet if you're looking to do any shopping." "Oh yes, of course, a student of Orrik!" Bombast doesn't seem deterred by this revelation. "All the Gods are worshipped in part here on Etheria - they all helped create the world after all. Do not think that we hold only Ethereth in high regard!" "If you have any interest in any field of magic, we at Etheria can train you in it. I in particular command the weather on the island. I'm always looking for new pupils." He glances over his shoulder as he other two prepare to disappear to the city center. "But perhaps we should follow your friends. I'm afraid that the ignoramus will get into trouble on an island such as this without some sort of guide. Melqiuades! City Center!" The heroes are whisked away to the City Center.... OoC: Just give me a minute to get up the link.

Boomingham repeats from the back row, and Rex repeats from the front. Zarissa targets the Mob from the back row with an ice spell.

"Well you speak well," grins Amarcolm. "I don't see how it matters to me either way. But I do have a soft spot for Chauncey, and I am interested in what the Hel will happen with that Passion fellow. Everyone does seem mighty worried without him. Besides, it's all the better when all the sides are even, huh? More cataclysmic that way." Amarcolm scratches his chin. "For now, rest easy that I won't hinder you, but don't expect my help either. Unless you can sweeten the deal, that is." "But a piece of advice, Chaos. Of the whole Council, I'm going to be your easiest sell. Well, besides the Alt, but if I had to guess it's partially at her bidding that Lord Chauncey has taken on their endeavor. Bombast, Piglina and Iceborn are going to tell you that whatever the Hel your trying to do is dangerous or unnatural, or, heavens forbid it, too chaotic. Sarl tirno. You will have to buy them off. And do not think that this island will not fight itself. We have a history of avoiding outward violence, but conflicts in here are mostly settled by who is the most powerful. And that's the way it should be, right? Whoever is the most powerful is technically right." He chuckles gruffly. "Oh, what all the merchants of Etheria sell. We are an island of mages, and most of our visitors are mages as well, so we all sell magical wares." "As for Strange Beach..." the Shadow Merchant gestures around. "Does it really need to be stranger than this? I suppose if you really want to know something strange about it, it doesn't seem to end anywhere. And there's a certain point where the Void Masters can't hear you anymore. We've lost a few brave souls who climbed down looking for the bottom and never returned." Hybros quickly realizes that the Bugbear is actually enormous for it's race, at least as large as the average Pongcanis. "Yes," says the mutated Bugbear. "Thank you! That is exactly what I was saying to the Shadow Merchant!" The Bugbear begins to pace as it pontificates. "Our magic for years has and a major effect on the creatures of the world. I myself came to this island as a normal Bugbear, and through a series of freak magical experiments and accidents ended up with my enormous stature and my intelligence. And she'll never tell you this, though it would help my cause enormously, but Piglina arrived at this island a normal pig meant to be turned into bacon for a feast. She and her brother both ran awry of some foul magic, and were spared." "I am currently seeking approval from the Council to develop a ethical exploration of how magic may improve the lives of my fellow beings of 'lesser intelligence' and perhaps help them all evolve to our own levels of cognition. But I need a certain number of signatures, and I'm having difficulty procuring them. Amarcolm laughed me out of his office and told me he enjoyed meat too much, and Iceborn told me it was unnatural... as if he cares about things like that." The City Center has died down a little, but Hoke catches sight of a wingless werebat and a dangerously page Nôrn locked in deep conversation.

"Terrible manners. Hardly surprising from someone from Eubric." The man offers Guts his hand. "Hello Guts Holla. I am Bombast Bombast, Official Weather Mage of Etheria anda member of the Ruling Council here. I believe that your companions have already dispersed all over the island - I saw quite a few of them in the city center, but that was minutes ago, so who knows when or where they are now." "Before you disappear into the island, I will need to tell you how to navigate. This man next to me is called Melqiaudes, and he is one of our Void Masters. Etheria is an island unstuck in both space and time, and because of this incredible phenomena it is impossible to travel from one room into another without a Void Master to teleport you there. Put more simply, Etheria's different chambers don't have windows or doors." "Transportation is easy. Simply call out Melqiaudes' name, and then where you'd like to be. And of course if you have any questions, I would be happy to chat with you." Bombast walks over towards Matthias and peers down at the gnome and his anvil. "That's quite a nifty anvil you have there," he says with a leering smile. "Maybe I could get a chance to study it some time. What is your name? You are the only member of your party who I can sense any sort of ethereal prowess emanating from. It is good that you've come - anyone with the ability to utilize ether should stop by Etheria and be trained by the mages here." Daneeka, meanwhile, approaches the Selkreeth. "Doctor Daneeka," he says in way of introduction. "It is a pleasure. I am more than excited to finally arrive in Etheria. I have heard tales for many years. Could you perhaps conduct me to my employer, Lord Gerald Guffington, or any of his guests - U'Or, Elba, or Lord Chauncey? I will also have to insist on seeing your library at some point." "Which one was Guffington again? Oldie, youngie, or U'Kin?"

"Yes, Chauncey has already told me of your designs." Amarcolm goes and sits down behind his desk, rubbing his hands together. "Chauncey and his ilk are always looking for things like balance. But striving for balance presupposes that things are meant to be balanced. You and I know better than that." He smiles crookedly, revealing dangerously filed teeth. "But I'm a sucker for throwing something new into the mix. Tell me, what makes you think that reviving Passion is any better than whatever is coming should we let him rest?" Amarcolm appraises the dragoon as he reveals his real nature. "Etheria is host to a number of strange creatures - so while I can say confidently that I have never seen something quite like you, I can't say I'm shocked. Your nature is your nature. Ask anyone on Etheria and they will tell you the same." Amarcolm lifts the Daunlet Index and feels its balance. "This was crafted by an ancient beast of order." He places it down. "You're not going to like my answer, but its the solution. Don't worry so much. You are what you are. Look at Olegaia. Look at my own field of study. What should I to say when schools are ripped out of their proper place, when empires fall? People demand answers, want chaos to be kept in the wings, but chaos is the whole world. In what ways are you different than any other mortal? Malcontent with your form? If I could be born not an Orc, fine, I'd take the deal. What do you mean by a normal human? What do we mean by a normal world?" The two break off their conversation and face the new comers. "Well perceived," says the Shadow Merchant in a voice that is impossible to assign a gender, age, or species. "I am afraid I am not selling wares at the moment. Strange Beach is a place of relaxation and release, no place for business. As I was just reminding The Beast." "Hey! That wasn't business. Just a nice chat."