Appearing Characters: Anice Erona, Arthak Saurfang, Dabu, Gramgun Laughingeye, Kilnar Goldensword, Levia Blackflight, Nallorath Evershield, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Runas, Selentia, Sol'chi, Tae'shara Bloodwatcher, Thalyssra Dusklily, Vaerux, Velameestra Windrunner (Simulacrum), Zar'Kaa, Zug
November 30th
As the group caught their breath, Thalyssra leaned against the stone wall and clutched at her wound, which was very poorly bandaged. Zar’Kaa rapidly approached to do mundane first aid as Rak’Symma prepared her healing magic. The magic knit the wound together with a stream of healing wind, and the worst of the pain faded away. Thalyssra appeared surprised to have been greeted with such powerful magic.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: You have my thanks. Running around for a week with a severe stab wound wasn’t the wisest course of action.
Rak’Symma awkwardly walked over, and Thalyssra pulled her hand away so that Zar’Kaa could get a better look at what remained of the wound. It looked like it had started to get infected, but the powerful healing magic had fended off the onset of the disease.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I should be thankful that my liberators are not simply possessed of powerful magic, but of first aid training as well. Thank you. Both of you.
It looked like Thalyssra also had some poor bandages on her knees and half-healed injursies on her hands and likewise, which implied that she had likely fallen a fair distance. It appeared she had a sprained ankle. Nyxxa also approached.
Zar'Kaa says: We should get you off your feet sooner than later. Zar’Kaa by the way. Nice to meet you.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Thalyssra Dusklily, though seeing you found me, you have me at a disadvantage.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: We represent the Legionfall Coalition. A group seeking to expunge the Legion.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I suppose it’s beneficial that you found me. I was starting to get nervous no one would find my messages, especially once the Grand Magistrix’s men started looking. But please, who do I owe my thanks?
Introductions were done, and Kilnar also introduced her people.
Kilnar Goldensword says: I believe we have much to speak of in the future. These are my adjutants, Anice Erona and Tae’shara Bloodwatcher, and our guards, Nallorath, Zug, and Dabu. This is Velameestra Windrunner as well… who I didn’t expect to see here. She’s another of my assistants.
Vel nodded in acknowledgement, though her eyes were focused down the tunnel.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Did you encounter the leader? Erasmus Moonblade?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: A bit close for comfort, but we were able to talk our way out of it.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: He’s the Second Blade of the Magistrix. I’m glad to have slipped him. A shame he survived, but I suppose that’s an adversary for another day. I’m in no condition to face him. I suppose I was rather reckless today.
Rak’Symma asked how far she fell, and Thalyssra said it had been about three stories. She looked faint, and she opened her flask, but realized there was nothing in it. However, Runas stepped forward and offered some mana crystals. She drained them and thanked him.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Runas you said?
Runas says: The very same!
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Was there not a smuggler that was banished several decades ago by the same name?
Runas says: Yes! I am a bit of a… survivor!
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I’m in your debt. I found myself ill equipped for survival in the city.
Runas says: I’d be glad to show you the ropes! I’ve been doing this for a while after all!
Thalyssra thanked him again and then started to explain what happened. Her people, the nightborne, were the people of Suramar, which still stood. Before the Sundering, it was the jewel of the empire. The Queen, Azshara, betrayed them and damned the world to destruction. When the end was nigh, Thalyssra and others who led the council came to a desperate choice to conjure a powerful shield: a mythal to protect their city and save it from the demons and treachery, and hide them. It worked. Millenia passed without any light, and to survive, they had come to rely on the Nightwell, which was the font of magic at the center of the city and the epicenter of the shield. It changed their people, and in time they grew reliant on it and the arcwine it produced. She believed that was what drew the Legion to them again.
Zar’Kaa asked how recent the contact was with the Legion, and Thalyssra said it was only a few weeks ago. They had reached out to them via a demon named Shaspira. She had confronted the Grand Magistrix and offered a bargain that was thinly veiled coercion: she wanted the Nightwell in exchange for their lives. Elisande made the decision to lower the gate and allow the Legion in. She believed it was the only course of action to be done. Thalyssra and like minds disagreed, so they attempted to overturn the decision Elisande had made. However, they had failed, and Thalyssra was damned to wither away as her city burned.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: But now you’re here… so perhaps there is hope.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: The Legion is intending on opening a portal, and we intend to stop that.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I intend to help you. If this concordance you speak of, this Legionfall… if it can save my people, you have my support for what little it may count for.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I think it counts for plenty.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I intend to make it count for much, but first we need to figure out where we are. I presume this is the location my dear friend Arcanist Kel’danath spoke of.
Zar’Kaa had pulled out a map to show her the region, and Thalyssra said she hadn’t found much about the place. Kel’danath was an acquaintance of hers she was searching for before she had to hide from the Grand Magistrix’s men, though she believed he resided near the ruins of Ambervale. She found some of his writings, but they were incomplete.
Zar'Kaa says: Is this Kel’danath someone we can still trust?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: The Grand Magistrix threw him out of the city months ago. He was found in contempt of direct order. He had an interest in the withered, one that bordered on obsession with their condition. The Council ordered him to abandon the research and dispose of his subjects, but he refused, so he was banished.
Zar'Kaa says: What was he interested in?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I can’t say for certain. I believe he wanted to understand them. Find if there was a way to communicate with them. Perchance even find a way to reverse their condition, but having withered in the city limits was against the edicts of the city. When they were discovered, he was reprimanded.
Zar'Kaa says: It’s funny you mention that. We’ve been looking into that ourselves. But for now, this Kel’danath… would you guess he’s still alive?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I’m not sure. I hope to find out. But…
At that moment, a few of the group heard the distinctive sound of a blade quietly leaving its sheath. One of Gramgun’s blades was slipping from its sheath, and it suddenly flew through the air toward Thalyssra. Nyxxa caught the blade and heard an ear-piercing scream.
Haunted Voice screams: LEAVE! BEGONE FROM THIS PLACE!
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Place is haunted. I thought so.
Gramgun paled.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I knew this place was bad news.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Should we handle that?
Velameestra Windrunner says: This is their domain. So, if we are planning on staying here, we will need to contend with their presence.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Do you think diplomacy would work?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Depends on how lost they are.
Rak'Symma says: Forcing them to leave would be rude, yes?
Velameestra Windrunner says: You can’t force them if they are attached to this place. Any such measures would simply be temporary. Even if their manifestations are dispersed into the ethereal plane, they will regain the power to remanifest in time unless they are put to rest, and if the ground is hallowed they will simply be trapped in the ethereal plane in its vicinity.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Well, if this place is haunted, that may be our only course of action until we can find a way to get them to move on. You seem to be an expert on this particular subject.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s a focus of my expertise, yes.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I suppose the only thing left is to go deeper.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Many spirits are capable of possessing people. Tread with caution.
Thalyssra stood up.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: We can speak more once this place is secure. I don’t believe it would be wise to do so until then.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Given this is elven territory, also be ready to cover your ears. They are likely banshees.
Zar'Kaa says: Wonderful.
Zar’Kaa took out his spear and drew a thin line with the tip of it. He attached the string of energy to Arthak and himself as he used [Protection from Good and Evil].
Levia Blackflight says: Hmph. Me thinking we wouldn’t be dealing with ghosts until the next place. Let me figure something out.
The group started to head deeper into the tunnel. Arthak took the lead along with Nyxxa, and Rak’Symma brought up the rear. The passage went mostly straight forward for the first bit.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: This almost looks like one of the old ley stations, but I don’t recall there being one in this region.
Zar'Kaa says: A new one perhaps?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: There’s nothing new about this place. I don’t know… perhaps more information will lay deeper within.
Nyxxa conjured some [Dancing Lights] to shed some light, and Sol also pulled out his lantern. They saw old collapsed tunnels, and others that had not collapsed. Nyxxa saw the lingering essence and energy of the spirit world, and she was able to track the strongest passage of the ghost with her true sight.
They walked for only a few minutes before they entered a tall chamber that opened into spiraling stairwells. Parts of it were crumbling, but the walkway made a multi-tiered atrium. At the center of the room was a filigree, fenced area that had fallen apart, and at the very middle was the stump of a tree with dull white bark.
Arthak and Nyxxa started to approach, but the moment they touched the bridge, they heard another echoing voice.
Haunted Voice screams: LEAVE THIS PLACE! Interlopers… You defile this sanctum! Have the… arcan’dor…
The voice faded into silence. Nyxxa looked around, and she didn’t see any figures, but a spiritual shroud of magic started to cloud the room with a presence of malice and anger.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Seems like a guardian spirit of some sort, for weal or woe.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Do you think it’s worth talking to her?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Hard to say. It depends on how clouded her emotions are.
Arthak removed his arms and left them at the entrance to try and respectfully approach further. Nyxxa spoke up.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Guardian, we mean you no harm. We are here seeking succor. We were guided here.
As Arthak approached the tree stump, a spirit manifested out of the dais of the tree. She was a night elven woman with long, green hair that flowed behind her as if it was in water. Her robes were ancient and tattered. She was a banshee.
She looked at Arthak, and her eyes flared with wrath.
Keeper Selentia says: Leave this place! It is not for you! It is not for the eyes of the surface… there’s no succor to be found here. Leave. Leave us in our misery. Our failure.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Who is this for then?
Keeper Selentia says: It is for no one.
Arthak Saurfang says: I was guided to this place. There is a reason we are here.
Wrath flared in the banshee’s eyes.
Keeper Selentia shrieks: THERE IS NO REASON FOR YOU TO BE HERE! This place… is a sanctum of our failure… there is nothing to be found here but misery and sorrow. The keepers have fallen. Only I remain. We remain. In vigilance to our failure. A path that could never be followed. Our own… inadequacies. Spoiled and rotten. SPOILED AND ROTTEN. There’s nothing for you here but SPOIL AND ROT.
Arthak Saurfang says: Could I show you?
Keeper Selentia says: There’s nothing to show. There’s nothing to see. Leave this place.
Those that could see into the ethereal plane could see the spiritual presence of other spirits that had started to focus upon the place.
Rak'Symma says: Nothing stays rotten forever.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: If you could tell us what is rotten, perhaps we may help. We wish to know and understand.
Arthak Saurfang says: If those of the honored dead present would be willing, I can show you why we’re here. What led me here. Zar’Kaa, if you wouldn’t mind dropping your protection.
Keeper Selentia says: Nothing you can show me will be worth the suffering you’ll experience if you remain here. LEAVE NOW.
Zar'Kaa says: Is it any less worth suffering than the pain you feel now. The pain you and your comrades have felt for a long time. If you are truly damned to this fate, what do you have to lose?
Arthak Saurfang says: I know suffering, spirit. I know it well. I know failure. Perhaps we might compare scars and both learn.
Keeper Selentia says: If you will not leave, then that is the only way.
The banshee, Keeper Selentia, released a horrifying scream, and more ancient spirits of the kaldorei emerged from the walls and ceilings. The errant magic that coursed through the place leaped from the ancient stones and raw, ley energy came to life. Six of the keepers focused their magic to the center, and the stump started to glow with energy. A phantom tree spread outwards, dangling sparkling weeping willow vines. The magic around the tree started to swarm around the leader of the banshees.
Thalyssra stepped forward, but Kilnar stepped in front of her.
Kilnar Goldensword says: You’re in no condition to fight, First Arcanist, stay behind us. Warchief! Can we count on your warband to take care of the leader?
Arthak nodded and then rushed back to grab his weapons. Rak’Symma summoned her magic to conjure a [Spiritual Weapon], but the errant counterspell zapped the magic from her claws. Rak’Symma grabbed the shreds of her magic and used [Shield of Faith] on Nyxxa. She then tried to use [Jolt] at a nearby banshee, but the aura of magic caused the spell to fizzle.
Keeper Selentia conjured her magic and used [Chain Lightning], which Levia tried to counter. But then the counterspell fizzled.
Levia Blackflight says: Oh, that’s not supposed to happen.
A runic shield of kaldorei origin materialized, and it became evident that she had an anti-magic shell around her. The lightning crackled around Selentia’s hands and it coursed through Levia, Nyxxa, Zar’Kaa, Rak’Symma, and Arthak.
Another of the banshees started to wail, and a physical ripple of magic careened toward Nyxxa. She was able to dodge, and the sound waves crashed into the stone. Arthak charged toward the stump of the phantom tree. He drove his sword into the stump. He realized the tree was paper thin and it was a husk of what it was supposed to be, and the stump collapsed into shards of bark.
There were wrathful wails from all of the banshees as they rounded to look at him with rage. Selentia turned around with a screech.
Keeper Selentia shrieks: DEFILER!
She reached out to grab Arthak’s throat, but he deflected her claw.
Arthak Saurfang says: I defiled nothing, I cauterized a wound.
Meanwhile, Nyxxa and Rak’Symma had intrinsically connected with the grief in the moment due to the influences of the sanctum. Two female kaldorei had superimposed over them, actively weeping. They wore pristine versions of the robes the banshees wore.
An arcane, ghostly anomaly suddenly split off from the errant counterspell, creating a duplicate of the entity.
Another banshee shrieked and released an anguished wail over Arthak. One of her fellows also wailed in the vicinity of Zar’Kaa, Rak’Symma, Levia, and Nyxxa. Zar’Kaa, Rak’Symma, and Nyxxa were able to resist as the voice washed over them, but Levia collapsed. She was just barely able to remain standing as her death ward triggered. However, the banshee’s voice echoed out toward Levia again. The rune on Arthak’s eyepatch flared as he used his runic shield to allow her to evade.
Keeper Selentia shrieked, her mouth extending wide.open as the tendons of her jaw expanded. Her grief overcame Nyxxa, whose body fully froze as she dropped to the ground in abject horror. In that moment, she fully believed she was one of the spirits present, and she had just witnessed her life’s work crumble before her.
Selentia then used [Hold Person] on Arthak and Zar’Kaa. Zar’Kaa was able to resist, but Arthak was restrained by spectral vines and forced to the ground.
An errant arcane missile blasted Rak’Symma, and Keeper Selentia rounded on Arthak with [Inflict Wounds]. Zar’Kaa raced at Keeper Selentia.
Zar'Kaa says: The undead have yet to take me, and they aren’t going to do it today!
He put his hexblade’s curse on Selentia, and then swung in with Rokul Kaz. However, he felt his weapon impact a shield, and he did no damage. It appeared that she was actively channeling the magic being channeled by the other banshees into the phantom tree. Zar’Kaa pivoted to the nearest banshee and hurled his spear at her instead. The spear impacted her, and he teleported to the banshee. He flourished his other spear around and struck at her again.
Nyxxa struggled against the sorrow, but she was able to break free as Vaerux’s voice broke her out of it. However, the errant dispel magic managed to dispel her death ward and true sight.
Arthak was hit by the baleful voice of another banshee, and another banshee wailed loudly. Levia fell to the ground.
Sol ran over to Levia and twin spelled a [Heal] on Nyxxa and Levia. They were both fully healed.
More errant arcane missiles started to go off. Levia took off into the air and enhanced a [Lesser Restoration] to free Arthak from the paralysis.
An errant counterspell flashed with arcane magic, but was blasted with ice from Sol’s ice barrier while more errant arcane missiles fired off their spells.
Arthak Saurfang says: Please, we can end this now and repair the damage done here. This tree was a damaged part, but we have wizards and priests. You just need to give us that chance.
Keeper Selentia says: My failure… OUR FAILURE.
It seems that Selentia’s mental state had started to deteriorate. Arthak tried to speak to her again, but she had started to do nothing but wail.
Another banshee rushed at Rak’Symma and tried to move into her body in an attempt to possess her. However, Symma steeled herself and forced her out. Another banshee tried to possess Zar’Kaa, but was completely unable to pass through his protections.
Selentia let out another scream, and the other banshees joined their voices to hers.
Rak’Symma flew to the center of the room and used her turn undead ability. The banshees pushed through the ability, but three of their connections to the phantom tree, and Keeper Selentia, were severed.
Rak’Symma conjured a [Chain Lightning] that raced through the errant spells and one of the banshees. Several of the errant spills dissipated. She looked over her shoulder at Selentia apologetically.
Levia used [Holy Fire] on one of the injured banshees. It erupted in a conflagration of black light and fire.
Zar’Kaa swung around at the injured banshee next to him, and she promptly dissipated. He then raced at one of the other banshees that was hovering over the drop around the central platform. As he drove his spear through her, he hurled Rokul Kaz back to the platform so he was able to teleport back to safety.
Sol'chi says: Keeper, end this here! We want to right this failure! We can help you. This is turning our way. Don’t be so stuck on your failures that you ensure they come to pass.
Selentia looked back at Sol, and rage and sorrow and grief roiled in her eyes as she screamed. Nyxxa also stepped forward.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Daughter of Elune, our mother cares not for our failures. She only cares that we move forward.
Selentia had prepared to release all her grief over the group, but her eyes fell on Nyxxa, who was still disguised as a night elf.
Rak'Symma says: How can a mother not hear when her children are weeping? She would not wish you to feel this much pain.
Rak’Symma offered Nyxxa a [Guidance]. The ripple of Selentia’s voice started to ripple outward, but then it died in a quiet whimper. The forcefield around her was dispelled, which pushed outward and dispersed the remaining errant magic. The phantom tree wilted and faded.
Keeper Selentia says: After all of this time… do you really think… that there is a hope for the arcan’dor? That our life’s work… our life’s work can do good? Can bring… light to the world? To change it for the better?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Even failure allows you to move forward. It allows you to learn so that next time it can be better.
Keeper Selentia says: Next time… it will be better.
The remaining banshees dispersed into the ethereal plane one by one. Nyxxa walked toward Selentia as she reached out to touch the phantom stump of the tree. Nyxxa put her hand on top of her’s.
Keeper Selentia says: Next time… next time will be better.
Selentia also faded away. Her presence was still there, but they had collectively been calmed for the time being.
Nyxxa exhaled.
Zar'Kaa says: Well done, Nyxxa.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Thank you Sol. And Arthak.
Sol hugged Nyxxa.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I felt their pain.
Sol'chi says: It looked like it was a deep one.
Levia landed and looked over at Arthak.
Levia Blackflight says: I don’t think we would have tried if you had given up. So good work.
Sol'chi says: Is everyone that started alive still alive?
Runas says: Somehow!
Gramgun was pale as a sheet.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: I’m getting paid double for this, right?
Sol'chi says: You get paid?
Zar'Kaa says: It may not be permanent, but at least they have peace for now.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It appears their resolution is in whatever they started here.
Arthak Saurfang says: The tree that was here seems to have been some sort of arcane infrastructure. The tree was a broken part.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: An arcan’dor is what the spirit called it. I’ve never heard of such a thing.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Wasn’t the druid here before? Perhaps he might know more, or he was involved in this.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: It’s possible… it just doesn’t make sense. I presume that by druidism you mean some sort of naturalist?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: After the Sundering… our people forbade the use of arcane magic in place of life magic and that of Elune.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I had heard of people who can use magic like that during the Sundering. I know Malfurion Stormrage was one. He opposed the legion with a small rebellion, and clearly won. I’m not an expect of architecture, but this place is ancient. I don’t know of any druidic orders or naturalists before the Sundering… but I do not know everything. If this druid might know more, perhaps he will be integral in unraveling this place and finding the purpose of it. And putting these spirits to rest.
Rak'Symma says: I would be surprised if there were not followers of the wild spirits that walked the lands before.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: It’s possible. The world is vast, I don’t know everything. But this chamber is… it is the reason the withered avoid it, I think. I don’t know why, but it’s a blessing we should use. However… it could certainly use a bit of light.
She conjured magic, and ancient torches all over the room started to light with an ambient, warm light.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Much better. I suppose we should explore and see what we can find. If we’re going to be turning it into our base of operations, knowing what we have at stake could be useful.
Zar'Kaa says: I wager there’s more than one secret here.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Plus there may be answers here about what the arcan’dor was.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: But, beyond all that, thank you. All of you. If I stumbled here alone, I wouldn’t be walking out. Let it be known Thalyssra Dusklily does not forget those that have helped her.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: We’re in this together. We all want the same thing.
Thalyssra looked at Levia.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: You remind me of some of the Grand Magistrix’s new allies.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah. I guess you and I have a lot in common.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Understood. Well, far be it for me to judge those who would rebel against an unjust regime. If you oppose those who threaten my city, I will not judge you.
Sol'chi says: Good, I don’t like wearing this.
Sol dropped his own disguise, and Nyxxa dropped her’s as well. Thalyssra chuckled.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I suppose I’m now eating my words.
Sol joked about how everyone else could drop their disguises as well.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Well, if you oppose the demons that stalk my city, you may consider me a friend.
She then looked over at Rak’Symma and asked if she was a harpy. Symma nodded.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I read about your kind, but I never encountered one. Thank you for healing my injuries. I did not know the spirits of the wild were walking amongst mortals now, but much has likely changed in this outside world.
Rak’Symma chuffed and shook her head.
Rak'Symma says: I’m as mortal as you. The harpies have been a people on these Isles since before the Sundering.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Well, it’s an honor to meet a neighbor.
Rak’Symma bowed to her.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Lets take a look around, shall we?
As they poked around the tunnels, they found old living quarters. It appeared the place had housed a fairly decent population before it was abandoned. Whoever was formerly in this place likely lived there with their families, and Zar’Kaa noted there seemed to be evidence, in fact, of a druidic culture amongst what had been left behind.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Curious it seems that there are both arcane magics and druidic in that case.
Zar'Kaa says: Maybe there were both druids and arcanists here.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Or they all were practitioners of both.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Before the Sundering, the kaldorei people mixed arcane magic with everything.
Zar'Kaa says: Interesting. I didn’t think such a thing was possible. What I know so far doesn’t really align with that theory. But this was a long time ago.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: From what I understand, the arcane mixes well with most everything. Even its opposite.
She looked at the mages for clarification.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Generally speaking. It is an ordered magic, thus it tries to order that which it touches. That also means it’s fairly stable.
Sol'chi says: That makes sense. It seems, Nyxxa, your people use a lot of nature magic and trees in what they do. So if they weren’t adverse to the arcane at that point, using it together would make sense.
Zar'Kaa says: I don’t know. From what I know about wild gods they don’t like people trying to control their magic. They just want you to use it. Or channel it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: How many wild gods have you spoken to?
Zar’Kaa shot a somewhat cross look at her, but was unable to conjure a response.
Zar'Kaa says: …Anyway.
Thalyssa called to them that she had found some old telemancy beacons, and if they could get them up and running it could help with logistics. However, she was no expect in telemancy and conjuration.
Kilnar Goldensword says: Well certainly someone amongst your city must have known how to maintain these.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I can think of one man that could get it put back together. Our former chief telemancer. His name is Oculeth. I don’t know what happened to him. He helped me with our rebellion, but I lost track of him. If he’s still alive, I’d hope we could find them. I need to find allies if anyone else is out here. If we could put our minds together we could work towards a common goal.
Zar'Kaa says: From what I’ve seen of your people is they’re resourceful. Runas is a great example, I imagine a number are still out here.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Oculeth is especially resourceful. Lets see what else we could find.
Some people went downstairs and they found even more alcoves that lead to other things people might need. There were sewer systems and other infrastructures that were needed. Thalyssra said it resembled a ley station that was transformed into a bunker. In the intricate patterns beneath the waste station, there appeared to be a magic circle.
Zar’Kaa could tell the magic appeared to be some sort of nexus point to harness magic that was sent to it. Vel could also tell that, not only was it a nexus of leylines, it was also artificially drawing leylines to it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: They were redirecting ley lines… is that something your people do, First Arcanist?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: It is something the ley stations have been doing for millennia. But to do it on a scale of this size… I wish Valtrois was here.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Which whatever the tree was seemed to have been the central point it was being drawn to.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Whatever this arcan’dor tree was supposed to be… must have been incredibly powerful. The keepers that watched over it, my heart breaks thinking how long they have been here. I can only imagine what tragedy led to what happened here.
Rak’Symma was staring at the magic circle as she sang quietly, and other voices seemed to echo in chorus as the place was still very haunted, but then she realized it wasn’t just a magic circle.
Rak'Symma says: It’s a map.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Do you mean a map of the leylines?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: By the Nightwell, you’re right. But if this is this location…
Thalyssra looked around at the other circles.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Then the nexus points may be the ley stations, connected by the leylines. I have not considered that. You have a keen eye, Miss Rak’Symma!
Zar'Kaa says: Symma, how could you even tell?
Rak’Symma shrugged.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Good intuition.
Rak'Symma says: If that’s the case… then the lines must be paths to somewhere.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: It could be the leylines themselves. Perhaps they were here originally… they could have been siphoning the magic from all the ley stations.
Sol'chi says: Who do you think would have been in charge of a project like this?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I don’t know.
Zar'Kaa says: Do you think Kel’danath could have created this?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: No, if he had, I would have known. As the First Arcanist, I would have been informed. The only reason I wouldn’t know is if it was an order from the Grand Magistrix herself, or more likely, a group of renegades. A faction working on the project under the table.
Rak'Symma says: Recontouring the world is…
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Prideful?
Rak'Symma says: That’s a good word.
Arthak Saurfang says: Ambitious certainly.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: The nightborne are everything and more when it comes to arrogance, I’m afraid.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Have people… been being exiled since it was cut off during the Sundering?
Thalyssra nodded.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: They have. It is not a punishment I enjoyed doling out, but… until later, it was believed nothing was beyond the city. Many of the people in it believe there is nothing but danger.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: And people, once exiled, need mana, right?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: As we grew to depend on the Nightwell for sustenance… to fuel out addiction to magic which became a dependence. Exile was a slow and agonizing death sentence. It was so easy to kick them from the city. Cleaner than an execution. But it was no more nor less than that. That people have survived as long as you, Runas, is a testament to your willpower and your ingenuity.
Rak'Symma says: What crimes denote a slow and withering death?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Disobeying the Grand Magistrix and the ruling council. Theft. In some cases murder, though exile was inefficient for such crimes. Peace and order of the state requires a heavy hand. The Grand Magistrix has always been one to govern with a heavy hand. But this… this has gone too far. Perhaps it was too far eons ago, and I’m only now just realizing it.
Zar'Kaa says: You don’t realize what’s happening until you lived it.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: It is done. And all that can be done is to try to repair it.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: And it’s like you said to the spirits, we cannot wallow in grief and guilt, we can only move forward and continue working. I was never one to be pious, but even I can respect that view.
Arthak Saurfang says: We can choose to be better.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: We will be. But we need allies. We need to start rebuilding the infrastructure. I believe I’m starting to see a vision. We need experts. People who can help me put this place together and turn it into a refuge. Until we can take the city back. We need Oculeth. He was the high telemancer. He could teleport a pin 100,000 miles away to a precise location. He could get the telemancy network back, and we can set up a network to your base of operations. Even for those without magic. We would need resources and supplies… but perhaps we can set them up elsewhere. I can’t make promises, but Oculeth could. There’s also these ley stations… the purpose of this place. If we’re going to stabilize it and get it working again, for whatever purpose it breeds, there’s one person I think we can ask for help with that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We can also just ask the dead.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: If you have a way of doing that, and you believe their testimony would be valuable, I give you more than enough leave to do so. But Valtrois was a dear friend of mine. She was my Second Arcanist and one of my most gifted students. She aided me in the rebellion. We were separated. I presume she has been exiled or has fled. She can help us get the ley stations back up and running. And there’s of course Arcanist Kel’danath. He’s another of my confidantes. He was the Second Arcanist before Valtrois. Like I said, I have reason to believe he’s in Ambervale. If any of his information could help us understand the withered, then he could maybe help us stem off the withering. It’s been several months since he was exiled… but if his research is there, we need to find it.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: So three people who have been exiled.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Then there’s this druid. This naturalist that left that message.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Is it possibly Farodin?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I do not know that name.
Velameestra Windrunner says: He was a man the harpies referenced. A hermit in the Ambervale region.
Rak'Symma says: The birds know where to find him.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: If you have contacts with local harpies… if you can find Kel’danath and this Farodin, perhaps you can extend a hand to them as well.
Zar'Kaa says: I think we could enlist the help of the Hidden Path. They may be able to help.
Kilnar Goldensword says: We can track down your telemancer and arcanist. If you know where Valtrois and Oculeth may be, we can find them, while you all find this Farodin and Kel’danath.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Time is of the essence. Especially if they may regress.
Zar'Kaa says: Or be captured.
Sol'chi says: How are we looking? Are we good to go out today, or…?
Thalyssra Dusklily says: There is one other thing that we want to take care of. The city itself… we want to make contacts within it. That can wait until we find some allies. But at some point, we want to make contact with friends in the city. I have at least one ally in the Duskwatch, and another within the nobility. From there, they may be able to direct us. We will not be able to get enough arcwine for everyone, but if we could find some way to secure a trickle… if this is going to be a safe haven, we need to make a pathway for them to get safely, and we need to be able to facilitate their needs. I’m not concerned about food and water, but mana is another story.
Runas says: When it comes to securing goods, you can count on old Runas! I have a friend in the city who can help. His name is Faelin!
Thalyssra Dusklily says: The… fop of an ambassador from Zin-azshari?
Runas says: Yes! He’s a good man! He may seem scatter-brained, but he may be amenable to helping our cause.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: If… you insist. I don’t know if he’s trustworthy, but I at least know he won’t be a threat… we can use all the help we can get. For now, we should find our arcanists and move from there.
Zar'Kaa says: We can keep an eye out for landmarks to set up the underground network for refugees to travel between. I know a thing or two about smuggling myself.
Gramgrun wrapped his arms around Zar’Kaa and Runas.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: We’re going to have a grand ol’ time!
Arthak Saurfang says: This is why I brought you.
Gramgun Laughingeye says: Does this mean I can stay here instead of going with the ghosts? The other ghosts?
Arthak Saurfang says: If you are busy enough with a successful operation, then I won’t take you away from it.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I… have more of a different concern. If the Legion intends on making their base in Suramar, and we know what their end goal is… I’m afraid they’re not actually going to be exiling people.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: You think they’ll use them for their foul magics?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: What they need right now is bodies.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: Then all the more reason to ensure we have somewhere for them to go. Thank you for sharing that, troubling as it is. We won’t know until we get eyes in the city, but I’ll continue formulating a plan. Thank you all for everything, already. I nearly lost hope… but now I realize I was foolish to do so. There’s always hope.
Thalyssra’s eyes teared up.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: You can always get hope back if it wavers.
Zar'Kaa says: You have resolve, Thalyssra.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: And allies. Both of which will be vital. Well, rest up! I’ll give you as much information as I can about Kel’danath so that you may find some evidence of his passing. Night willing, you can bring him back. As for Oculeth and Valtrois, I have a few ideas you can look if you don’t mind speaking, Seeker.
Kilnar smiled.
Kilnar Goldensword says: I’d love to.
Anice Erona says: I’m not a master of illusion, but I should be able to disguise the passageway outside that will make it easier to enter and leave.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: That’s good. I should be able to help you, and Valtrois is a gifted illusionist. Once we find her, we can tighten up our own work.
Anice Erona says: We’ll head to the front and see what we can do.
Thalyssra Dusklily says: I’ll see you there after I speak with Lady Goldensword.
Arthak said he was also interested in speaking about the details of the city so he could start planning the eventual assault on the city. Thalyssra said she was unfortunately not very good with maps, but she could point him toward contacts in the city.
However, as they were talking, Vaerux happened to mention to Nyxxa that she was raised in Suramar, though it appeared she had forgotten. Thalyssra was confused at Nyxxa’s abrupt surprise, and Nyxxa relayed that she just realized she was actually from Suramar. Vaerux said it just never came up.
A bit into the resting, they heard the sound of something running down the corridor. Dabu had raced into the main area, and in front of him was a manasaber, but its armor had been stripped away. It was much faster than Dabu. The manasaber ran straight up to Nyxxa and Rak’Symma and then stopped.
He sat down, chuffed, and leaned its shoulder over, and then told Nyxxa to “take it”. Nyxxa plucked a small pouch from his shoulder, and inside was two pieces of paper. The letter was written in illusory script:
When I was tailing you earlier, you sent harpies after D’Bynn, but they did not use a lethal poison. I want to know why. As a gesture of good faith, I’ve informed the rest of the patrol that those that were slain were done so by wild beasts and withered. They believed me, and we are moving our search elsewhere. I would endeavor for you to respond, and entrust your response to my dear companion. Is the First Arcanist alive? And what really happened? Sincerely, Huntress Syrenne of Suramar.
Nyxxa relayed it to Thalyssra, who expressed they may have more allies in the city than they thought.
