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1Binadas says, "Hello."
2You say, "Bout time."
3You say, "'only been standing here forever."
4You say to Binadas, "Teach me target."
5Binadas says, "I thought we'd become infested with mites."
6You say, "Not quite a mite."
7Binadas says, "Definitely not."
8You say, "Thanks."
9You say, "Cupcake bingo."
10Talinel says, "Greetings everyone."
11Nyralen says, "It was dumb, but the snacks were good."
12You say, "The buffet table I found in Shard in one of the taverns has lovely things on it always."
13You say, "Cakes, truffles, cupcake."
14Nyralen says, "Shard has good food, I miss it."
15You say, "They really do. I sneak in now and then."
16Nyralen asks, "So...what's new?"
17You say, "Might be some murdering later."
18Nyralen asks, "Oh yeah?"
19You say, "Still need to track down Hammerfist."
20Nyralen says, "He's a jerk, hope you do."
21Talinel says, "Yeah, he needs a good stabing or ten."
22You say, "Mortifer told him he wanted to have a chat with him, but he hasn't answered Mort yet."
23Talinel says, "We should all be ready for anything as well, last meeting we had like this, Islander attacked."
24Nyralen says, "Welp, I know a quick way to make him come out if you wanna jump him."
25You say, "Well I did not make a zombie but I do have orbs on hand."
26You say, "And I always have dirt."
27You say, "But if you know a quick way to get Hammerfist to show later, that might be a good thing."
28Nyralen says to Zharen, "He really doesn't like that much, yanno."
29Xzean says, "Greetings everyone."
30Zadrix flatly says, "Not at all."
31Nyralen says to Zadrix, "Hi hi."
32Zadrix quietly asks Nyralen, "Skinning course?"
33Mortifer says, "Greetings all."
34Destren says, "Greetings everyone."
35Zadrix says to Mortifer, "Good morning."
36You ask, "Yes?"
37Zharen says, "...hi."
38You say to Zharen, "Boo."
39Xzean says to you, "That is why I don't smoke."
40Mortifer says to you, "You know, these will make your black lungs.. black."
41Nyralen says, "S'ok, she's probably got spares in her jar."
42You ask Destren, "Did you bring me anything?"
43Destren says, "Anyone else hungry? I'm out of veg.. just meat."
44Gnickia says, "I'm on a cake only diet."
45Destren says to Nyralen, "Good choice."
46Nyralen says, "Cheese group, berry group, cake group, all set."
47Mortifer asks, "Where is the wine group?"
48Mortifer says, "I want part of that one."
49You say, "I always have booze."
50Gnickia says, "Part of the berry group."
51Xzean says to Nahvani, "I was wondering if you would actually come."
52Mortifer says, "I see."
53Gnickia says, "Wine is made from berries."
54You say to Destren, "We need to get me some of these."
55Nahvani says to Xzean, "How could I ignore such a meeting as this? Xerasyth did say the Knives would come and with the research Book has been doing, I had little choice."
56Mortifer says, "As long as there some some really rotten feet stomping the grapes, that will be wonderful."
57Nyralen says to Mortifer, "Eww."
58Xzean says to Nahvani, "There is always a choice."
59Nahvani says, ""."
60Nahvani says to Xzean, "You say that, but you know very well that there isn't."
61Xzean says, "I believe you see a lack of options, yes."
62Binadas says, "Greetings Jhien."
63Jhien says, "Whooooooie."
64Jhien says, "Look at this gathering of individuals."
65Mortifer says, "Hiya Jhien."
66Nyralen says, "Heyas meeting guy."
67Jhien says to Nyralen, "Allo painter."
68Nyralen exclaims, "Oh fancy!"
69Nahvani asks, "Are the cigarettes a new affectation of the guilds?"
70Mortifer says, "It helps change the flavor of the blood in my mouth."
71Nyralen asks, "Nasty foot wine and a mouth full of blood...have you considered changing your diet?"
72You say, "I saw someone laying in the road on my way here, so I ate him."
73Destren asks Mortifer, "Breakfast?"
74Nahvani says to Mortifer, "I find that taste exhilirating though."
75Mortifer asks Nyralen, "Is there another diet?"
76Xzean says to Nahvani, "Mortifer and you are much alike, honestly."
77Gnickia says to Mortifer, "Cake."
78Nyralen says, "Oh sure! Tons of options."
79Nahvani says to Xzean, "Interesting, there should be more like me."
80Mortifer says, "I guess I eat what I kill."
81Nahvani says, "Nothing wrong with that, Mortifer."
82Mortifer says, "Thats right."
83Xzean says to Gallifreius, "Try not to drip in the monestary."
84Gallifreius quietly says to Xzean, "Cheers."
85Zadrix teasingly says to Nyralen, "Were."
86Nyralen says, "Am."
87Xzean says to Jhien, "Now this is a turn out for a meeting."
88Jhien says, "Far more interesting than listening to me babble."
89Nahvani says, "Perhaps not everyone wishes to leave these sanctified halls to travel to Xerasyth's hut/."
90Jhien says, "Oh, I was thinking the next thing we discuss could be combat strategems. How to make the insides of others be their outsides."
91Gnickia asks Jhien, "Are those mites your pets?"
92Xzean says, "I remember when many of us used to use the space here for teaching and learning."
93Jhien says, "I swear those things..."
94Zharen says, "Who calls for a meeting at dawn? I should be sleeping."
95Xzean says to Jhien, "That sounds like an excellent idea."
96Jhien says, "Bloody diseased parasitic mud gooped up in my clothes.."
97Xzean says to Jhien, "The meeting, not the mites."
98Nahvani says to Jhien, "How do you get yourself in such a state? Plenty of things to consume."
99Jhien says, "I dont bathe enough evidently."
100Nahvani says, "And I do believe that would be an excellent topic for the next meeting."
101Destren says to Jhien, "If I wasn't down to one soap I'd give you one."
102Gnickia asks Nahvani, "Bathing?"
103Jhien says, "Mountain streams are clean."
104Gallifreius hesitantly says, "I'd rather something less messy, personally. Insides on the out is a bit much."
105Nahvani says to Gnickia, "No, how best to kill people."
106You say, "You never let them see you coming is the best way."
107Jhien says, "Yeah, next discussion may be strategies for our tools."
108Gnickia says, "Smash em in the knee until they fall over, then smash em in the face..."
109Xzean says, "We keep learning new things to share, just last eve we figured out a new tactic."
110Xzean says to Briaen, "Good to see you my friend."
111Gnickia says, "I suppose some of you could go straight for the face, but I can't reach that high on most folk."
112Nahvani says to Briaen, "It is good to see you."
113Zadrix softly says to Briaen, "It's been some time since I've last seen you."
114You say to Jhien, "Maltris and I have a fight planned, no interference, no hunting grounds, one on one."
115Jhien says, "Good."
116Gnickia asks, "Meeting is in the cathedral right?"
117Jhien says, "We were told the commons, I believe."
118Gallifreius matter-of-factly says, "The cathedral is quite nice, it should be said."
119Nahvani says, "I would wonder why we would use the Cathedral when others can come into such a place."
120Jhien says, "They can only come if invited."
121Jhien says, "Or rather, if the meeting is set to public."
122Jhien asks, "Or... maybe invited too?"
123Gallifreius calmly says, "Which has it's merit."
124Xzean says, "They must always be invited I believe."
125You say, "Well we know who not to invite anymore."
126Xzean says, "{irdul Good to see you again."
127Nahvani says to Irdul, "It would seem that both Knives have once again blessed us with their presence."
128Zadrix says, "Good to see you both."
129Irdul says, "Functional grouping.  I see word spread."
130Arja says, "Greetings."
131Zadrix matter-of-factly says, "Master Jhien and Zehira stay in our thoughts..."
132Zadrix says, "Hard to avoid."
133You say, "Indeed."
134Jhien says, "Unavoidable, one could say."
135Nahvani asks, "How could we not rush to such a meeting when often many of us crave the scraps we get?"
136Irdul says, "And as to the question of where here, that is because everyone knows how to get here."
137Irdul says, "And the church isn't looking to burn it down just yet."
138Xzean says, "Not for lack of certain cats trying."
139Arja says, "Yes, there seems to have been an incident with a certain meeting area..."
140Nahvani says, "I am sure after the incurssion of certain elements that it will be soon enough."
141You say, "Yes that incident...needs to be cleared."
142Irdul says to Nahvani, "Incursion?  There is no 'incursion'."
143Nahvani says to Irdul, "Your right, someone foolishly invited someone who shouldn't have been here, into the halls of Book's meeting area."
144Jhien says, "I say let them pound on the doors and shout at the walls. Let them look the fool."
145Irdul says, "And the incident is already handled.  As long as the lot of you can manage to not spout off when this place is accused of being a place we gather."
146Nahvani says, "Agreed."
147Arja says, "Honestly, it's inevitable that something of that sort would happen.  We are rather lucky that the temple is very jaded from too many people screaming 'necromancer' whenever they see shadows."
148Irdul says, "There will be certain sacrifices, of course, but these things were planned for when the rooms were added."
149Jhien asks, "Its such a lovely cathedral I say. Welcoming, expansive. Nothing more, right?"
150Xzean asks Arja, "The screaming never seems to stop, does it?"
151Gallifreius hesitantly says, "The Order of Inquiry itself seems to have avoided direct attention, at least."
152Nahvani asks Irdul, "So, shall we get to the reason for this meeting?"
153Arja says to Xzean, "It does stop when they find something legitimate to complain about, and then they try to ignore it."
154Irdul says to Gallifreius, "Hardly.  They shall come."
155Nahvani says, "I am anxious to know what Book will share with us this time."
156Irdul says, "But we have time yet."
157Irdul says to Nahvani, "We'll get to it when we feel we wish to.  What we speak of is always 'it'."
158Xzean says to Irdul, "Most of those of us who I have seen in the past months are here.  There may not be more coming."
159Irdul asks Arja, "Do you wish to start?"
160Arja says to Irdul, "All right."
161Arja says, "As most of you know, Zamidren Book has been away from this place for a long time.  Too long, now.  However, his return is inevitable now."
162Arja says, "He knows that he has been away for too long, but circumstances had made it so that he could not return until now.  He has... changed, since last you saw him."
163Xzean says, "Xerasyth hinted at such."
164Arja says, "Much of his time away was spent battling with the lich Jeihrem, who I have to warn you against seeking out.  That lich is more than a match for any individual."
165Jhien says, "Spoiled milk and seawater."
166Irdul says, "You may often hear him referred to as 'the Islander'."
167Arja says, "But more than that, Zamidren has been diving deeper into the Philosophy and the Great Work."
168Gallifreius quietly says, "Some things never change."
169Arja says, "Now... There is little else to say about his return that he will not share himself when he gets here."
170Arja says, "I would urge the rest of you to practice discretion."
171Arja says, "Especially among those that are not Philosophers."
172Irdul says, "And little to say that would speak louder than what you will see upon his arrival, anyway."
173Xzean asks Arja, "Years ago you told us he would be returning soon.  Will he actually be returning this time?"
174Irdul says to Xzean, "Years ago was before the Islander began to regain his power."
175Xzean says, "Ah."
176Arja says, "Yes.  His return is inevitable."
177Nahvani asks Arja, "And it will be him, this time? Not one of his creations that come back?"
178Irdul says, "I suppose you'd have preferred he let the world be consumed by demons, though, as long as he came to give you what you wanted when you wanted it."
179Ogondoga gruffly says, "I think he b'here already. I spoke wit him briefly b'fer comin inta d'meetin'."
180Jhien says, "Absolutely not, and some of us have made that abundantly clear."
181Irdul says to Ogondoga, "No.  You did not."
182Xzean says to Irdul, "If we knew what was happening, we might have been able to help.  Or at least not hinder."
183Jhien says, "False goal, cheap solution, dead end."
184Arja says to Nahvani, "I believe he is going to keep his puppet around for emergencies but he will be doing the teaching himself, once again."
185Arja says, "He is rather fond of his puppets, after all."
186Jhien says, "I wish I could be in more than one place at a time."
187Nahvani says, "Oh, I know..."
188Gallifreius hesitantly says, "Don't open the stairs up to his study."
189You say to Jhien, "Maybe soon you can be."
190Arja says, "I believe those are pets, not puppets."
191Mortifer asks, "Is there anything more we can do in preparation for his return?"
192Nahvani asks, "Or any other information you can provide us about the Islander? Any measures we can take to prepare ourselves for what appears to be a battle coming?"
193Irdul asks Arja, "Should we?"
194Arja says to Irdul, "I suppose."
195Ogondoga gruffly says to Irdul, "D'man dat b'callin himself Book, welcomed me inta d'order, and b'teachin me things is not actually Book, den. Stranger things, I reckon, and it b'smart t'have yerself a proxy when in his position."
196Irdul says, "There was an auction, several years back now."
197Arja says, "I cannot be sure of it but I believe an inquisition on the monastery is inevitable.  It would be best if the lot of you were to stay out of it."
198Xzean asks Irdul, "The kobold hand, the cloak and the axe you mean?"
199Irdul says to Arja, "That as well."
200Irdul says to Xzean, "Yes."
201Jhien asks, "Book is relocating then? Upon his return?"
202Gallifreius hesitantly says, "I'd hate to see this place abandoned."
203Gallifreius quietly says, "Or worse."
204Irdul says, "No, there will be no relocation.  There will be an investigation, and there will be sacrifices, like I said before."
205Irdul says, "Giving yourself time away is likely a good idea if one does not wish to be amongst those sacrifices."
206Arja says, "Sometimes the best defense against the Temple is to give them exactly what they want."
207Irdul says, "We don't know exactly when they will come, but it will be rather soon.  We have agents on standby to tell us when it begins."
208Gnickia says, "Well... I've always wanted to visit shard..."
209Jhien asks, "Does this include the creature in Books study right now?"
210Xzean says to Gnickia, "There are many of us down there."
211Arja says to Jhien, "I doubt it."
212Irdul says to Jhien, "It won't be an issue for the puppets.  We have plans in place."
213Arja says, "Anyway, back to the auction."
214Mortifer asks, "Will we be made aware of these events in advance?"
215Irdul says, "As I was saying."
216Nahvani says to Mortifer, "They did mention agents were in place in order to provide some advance warning."
217Irdul says to Xzean, "Yes, that auction."
218Mortifer says to Nahvani, "I was unclear as to if that included us or perhaps others."
219Irdul says, "Those of you who were around at the time will remember that there originaly was another item to be auctioned, and that it never was seen."
220Irdul says, "That is because Zamidren took it."
221Irdul says, "Well, we took it for him, but details."
222Xzean says, "They should have never been sold in the first place."
223Jhien asks, "I was never fond of auction halls... uh, what was the item?"
224Irdul says to Jhien, "Frown all you want, but that artifact is what kept the Islander at bay."
225Gallifreius hesitantly asks, "Artifact?"
226Irdul says to Xzean, "No, selling those items was maybe the smartest thing T has ever done, actually."
227Xzean says to Irdul, "Oh?  I do not follow your logic."
228Irdul says, "Then let me speak, and you might."
229Xzean says, "My apologies, please continue."
230Irdul says, "For those of you not around at the time, a man known as T, oft a merchant, and absolutely a Necromancer of some... reputation..."
231Arja says, "A bit of a wildcard."
232Irdul says, "He's a doofus."
233Xzean says, "Staying with Kaluto, last I heard."
234Nahvani says, "He was fascinating."
235Irdul says, "An interesting doofus, but a doofus."
236Arja says, "I'm pretty sure Kaluto's kicked him out by now."
237Irdul says, "Anyway, T got himself a bevy of necromantic artifacts."
238Irdul says, "He did this by having their carrier murdered."
239Irdul asks, "You might have heard of the man they called Terald?"
240Irdul says, "Yeah, so T had him slain, and the artifacts stolen.  Terald didn't know what he had, really."
241Irdul says, "Turns out that for all of T's doofusness, he did in fact manage to uncover a thing or two in his years."
242Irdul says, "And a box with no openings was one of them."
243Irdul says, "T has himself a bizarre Risen, and it seems the creature is good with its hands, as it were."
244Xzean asks, "The surgeon who was at the spider?"
245Irdul says, "So when T learned that Terald had uncovered the box -- No.  And let. me. finish."
246Arja says to Irdul, "Don't blame them, they're excited."
247Irdul says to Arja, "Fine.  For you."
248Nahvani says to Irdul, "I believe many of us are simply anxious for information and not these...dribbles."
249Gallifreius distantly says, "The cathedral has a podium."
250Irdul says to Nahvani, "Then let me give information.  Or you can dribble your way out and read a condensed version that someone more literate than yourself managed to pull together."
251Ogondoga gruffly says to Nahvani, "Tid d'journey dat b'countin, not d'destination. Enjoy d'ride a'long ye can, and d'climax be more potent."
252Irdul says, "T got the box.  His Risen opened it.  The items came from inside, save for the cloak and a vial that were unrelated."
253Irdul says, "Point being, the artifacts inside of the box were all once in possession of the Islander."
254Irdul says, "Oh, not the hand either.  That was Nisheko's doing."
255Irdul says, "It was a set of armor, an axe, and one other thing..."
256Irdul says, "The other thing T kept for himself."
257Irdul says, "The armor is what we took from T and gave to the Triumphant when it became apparent what having such items in the same location could do."
258Irdul says, "The box, you see, was a warding device."
259Irdul says, "It dampened the taint of the Islander's artifacts."
260Irdul says, "So that the Islander could not use them as proxies for his power."
261Irdul says, "When they are together, they allow him, or well, his masters, really, a bit of a direct foothold."
262Irdul says, "The more of the trio that is together, the stronger the foothold is."
263Irdul says to Xzean, "And that is why the auction was the smartest thing T has ever managed."
264Jhien says, "Scatter the items."
265Irdul says, "He dispersed the axe."
266Irdul says, "And we took the armor."
267Arja says, "I highly doubt it was deliberate on his part."
268Irdul says, "Leaving only the device in T's posession, effectively weakening the impact that the ward's destruction would have had."
269Irdul says, "Since then, part of what Arja and I have been working on is the study of the armor."
270Irdul says, "So that we could find a way to use the connection between those items and the Islander as a weapon."
271Irdul says, "Instead of his benefit."
272Arja says, "To reiterate... the Islander is impossible to kill.  Well, no, that's not true.  He can be *killed*."
273Arja says, "But he's just going to stand back up again."
274Irdul says, "It just doesn't matter."
275You say, "He's a very nasty sort."
276Zadrix carefully asks, "And, your research... was it fruitful?"
277Irdul says, "So then, you asked what could be done."
278Irdul says, "You can find the axe."
279Irdul says to Zadrix, "Yes.  We think so."
280Irdul says, "There will be more later, once Book returns."
281Arja says to Mortifer, "Be very careful with that."
282Irdul says, "Oh, how lucky."
283Mortifer asks, "This one?"
284Nahvani says, "Success."
285Nahvani says, "Hooray."
286Irdul says, "Stay very far away from T.  Or Rext, or whatever he's calling himself this week."
287Nyralen says, "Oh hey, an axe."
288You say to Mortifer, "I remember you have that."
289Irdul asks Mortifer, "Did you bond with it?"
290Mortifer says, "Ah.. yes."
291Mortifer says, "I can fix that."
292Jhien says, "Phenomenal cosmic danger.... Right here in his backpack."
293Irdul says to Mortifer, "No you --."
294Xzean says to Jhien, "If it was anyone, it would be Mortifer."
295Irdul says, "Not the bonding potions."
296Mortifer says, "Aside from that, no."
297Irdul asks Mortifer, "Did you make the bond with the demon taint?"
298Irdul asks, "Does the axe call you master?"
299Mortifer says, "I've not ever tested this. It has been handy for chopping trees."
300Irdul says to Arja, "I am going to need a drink."
301You say to Mortifer, "Oh by all means I"ll take it then."
302Arja says to Mortifer, "She's more or less asking if you've doomed yourself or not."
303Mortifer says, "I've been doomed for ages."
304Arja says to Irdul, "You can do that after this, not before."
305Mortifer says, "But not by this axe."
306Irdul says, "Moreso, I'm asking him if we'll need to murder him to make use of the foothold."
307Gnickia says, "Couldn't hurt..."
308Irdul says, "Or if we can simply manipulate it as with the armor."
309You say to Gnickia, "Good luck with that."
310Gnickia says to you, "I wasn't saying I was gonna do it.  I can barely kill a rock troll."
311Mortifer asks, "Shall I hadn this to you Irdul?"
312Arja says to Irdul, "Perhaps we should move on from this and perhaps come back to it later.  People asked about Jeihrem himself."
313Irdul says to Arja, "You can talk on it.  I'm ascertaining the truth."
314Gnickia says, "Why do I invision Mortifer chasing after Irdul holding the axe out now..."
315Gallifreius quietly exclaims, "Timber!"
316Arja says, "Very well.  The Islander is... more beast than man.  He is deeply in league with demons, perhaps including the Hunger."
317Mortifer says to Gallifreius, "It chops a tree very well.. it really does."
318Arja says, "Zamidren Book's ultimate goal has been to imprison him on his ruined island, where he can do as little harm as possible."
319Arja says, "He is the same type of undead that Lyras was, more or less, when she was still trapped behind the Barrier."
320Irdul says, "Before she became just a shell."
321Nahvani asks, "So he has some free will?"
322Irdul says, "In as much as he can act on his own impulse, yes."
323Arja says, "Correct, he is in charge of himself, though he serves the will of his demonic masters."
324Irdul says, "In as much as that impulse exists at the pleasure of his masters, well..."
325Nahvani asks, "I assume, by choice?"
326Irdul says, "It can hardly be called a 'choice' at this point, but I would think orginally it was."
327Arja says, "So far Jeihrem also doesn't seem to have plans on turning the entire world into undead, but that doesn't make him any less of a threat.  He was specifically targeting Philosophers, which is why Book went after him the way he did."
328Jhien says, "Carrots."
329Arja says, "One can choose to become a slave, but that doesn't make them any less of a slave."
330Nahvani asks, "What would cause him to focus solely upon the Philosophers? Is there some reason for this? Did Book anger him or something else?"
331Nahvani asks Jhien, "Did you enjoy Erillethe's book?"
332Irdul says, "And once the choice is made, there is no longer a choice to back out should one regret it later."
333Jhien says to Nahvani, "It had good points."
334Zharen asks, "No backing out once you make the choice?"
335Arja says, "I believe that the Islander saw an opportunity in more people than usual now are now exploring the Great Work, under the guidance of Book, and could thus be swayed to serve him instead."
336Jhien says, "Empty path, quick solution, static state."
337Irdul says to Zharen, "Once a lich, there is no coming back from it, no.  You are in servitude."
338Nahvani says, "Once a lich, always a lich."
339Irdul says, "Until you are destroyed."
340Jhien says, "Only one soul to lose."
341Arja says, "True destruction of a lich is nearly impossible.  But a lich is undead and can never really live again either."
342Jhien says, "It took a lot of coordination to bring down Lyras."
343You say to Jhien, "Yet you ask me why.."
344Irdul says, "There is nothing more left.  You are static, frozen.  All that you can do is lose more and more."
345Zharen asks, "But it has been concluded that lichdom means servitude?"
346Irdul says, "Until you are only a shell for a demon."
347Gallifreius hesitantly says, "That seems to be the trend."
348Arja says, "A lich is essentially a spirit possessing its own corpse."
349Arja says, "If the spirit leaves... well, something else can take over."
350Irdul says, "An aside."
351Arja says, "Jeihrem also commands an army of followers.  Terrified followers at that."
352Arja says to Irdul, "Go ahead, yes."
353Irdul says to Mortifer, "You are partially linked to the demonic force."
354You say to Jhien, "I told you he had an army."
355Mortifer says, "I see."
356Mortifer asks, "Because of the axe?"
357Irdul asks Mortifer, "We shall need your blood.  Do you intend to give it willingly?"
358Nefis quietly says, "I apologize, I must go."
359Irdul says to Mortifer, "Yes, of course the axe, that was what I was talking about."
360Mortifer asks, "Will I get dinner first.. a long walk throught the forest too?"
361Nahvani says to Mortifer, "I could give you more."
362Irdul says, "No.  But you can give it to us, or we can take it."
363Irdul says, "I always prefer to ask first, though."
364Mortifer says, "Please let the powers above know I am quite willing."
365Mortifer says to Arja, "Put in a good word for me."
366Irdul says, "Okaaaay.  I'll take that as a yes then."
367Arja says to Mortifer, "All right, thank you.  We'll collect it after we're done speaking to everyone, then."
368Mortifer says, "Very well."
369Irdul says to Arja, "Do continue."
370Mortifer says to Jhien, "I don't even get dinner."
371Arja says, "At this poin,t I'm willing to take questions.  One at a time though."
372Jhien says to Mortifer, "We'll get you some snacks after."
373Irdul says, "I will even answer questions now, as the information we have to present has been given."
374Nahvani asks Arja, "Xerasyth spoke to a few here, and said that one of the things that Book has been working on is how to make Risen available widely...any further information on a standardized ritual or how will we stumble into it ourselves?"
375Nahvani says, "I know many here are anxious, yet have no idea how to stumble, fumble, or experiment in creating such puppets for our own use."
376Arja says, "It will be taught in the monastery.  I do not know yet if Kaluto, Nisheko, or Xerasyth will teach it as well, though I highly doubt that Xerasyth would be teaching it."
377Irdul says to Arja, "He doesn't really like that sort of extended house guest."
378Arja says, "A lot of it you will have to practice on your own, however."
379Jhien asks, "You said Book has changed, and while we throw around the word Transcendence, its somewhat ephemerally defined, perhaps? Can you shed some light on how the armor helped him become whatever he has become, and how it relates to... it... all...?"
380Irdul says, "The armor has nothing to do with that."
381Irdul says, "It was used by Zamidren to help to continue to fight the Islander this whole time."
382Jhien says, "Ah, I miunderstood."
383Irdul says, "It is what has been keeping you all non-demonic chew toys."
384Irdul says, "Or rather, its use as a weapon has."
385Irdul asks Arja, "If you wish to speak to the other portion?"
386Arja says, "I will admit I don't understand Transcendence very much.  It seems to be some sort of an awakening to new abilities, something that redefines a person's very being."
387Irdul asks, "You have all met Xerasyth, correct?"
388Arja says, "You can tell it easily when you look at him, though."
389You say, "Some of us did yes."
390You say, "He spoke with a few of us when he returned."
391Irdul says, "He is partially Transcended."
392You say, "He was grouchy."
393Nahvani asks, "Only partially so?"
394Irdul says, "He has been for quite some time."
395Irdul says, "Well of course."
396Jhien says, "That is... fascinatingly confusing and exciting."
397Arja says, "I'm not sure we can really even define it in terms of full or partial transcendence, either."
398Xzean says, "So it is a path to be walked, not something to be achieved and done with."
399Irdul says to Arja, "Not really, no, but it is the closest term I could think of."
400Gnickia asks, "Is there anything that we should be doing... or in the case of the Zaulfang Stones, NOT doing to help out?"
401Irdul says, "Ensure he bleeds for us when we conclude."
402You say, "Yea not going to the stones."
403Irdul says, "But yes.  There is."
404Arja says, "Honestly, the Zaulfang Stones are a bit irrelevent."
405Gnickia says to you, "Had to learn that the hard way."
406Nahvani says, "He has spoken to others beyond the influence of the stones."
407Irdul says, "They are more of just a convenient soft space, as it were."
408Nahvani says, "I thought as much."
409Jhien exclaims, "Soft space weak space!"
410Arja says, "From what I understand, Maelshyve is very old, very cranky, and just wants to be left alone for the msot part."
411Irdul says, "But really, the thing you can do is be resolute."
412Gnickia asks, "Are there any other places we should be avoiding? What of the Abbey?"
413Irdul says, "If the scratching in your mind comes, the brine and blood and spoiled milk, the convergences of thoughts not your own but yet somehow also yours."
414Irdul says, "Do not fall prey.  Do not give in."
415Irdul says, "Do not attempt to 'converse' or 'bargin' or any such nonsense."
416Jhien says, "It meddles, but it is blunt and obvious."
417Xzean says to Jhien, "Maybe that wasn't just spoiled milk in the cabin."
418Gnickia says, "The Abbey I'm speaking of us the one near Dirge of course, moon mages have been recieving visions about it that they think is related to The Great Work."
419Nahvani asks, "How does that even occur? Is there some way that we might inadvertantly call attention to ourselves?"
420Jhien asks Xzean, "What else?"
421Irdul says, "Being a willing pawn tends to get his attention."
422Irdul says, "Seeking out the demonic, seeking out lichdom, showing yourself to be pliant."
423Arja says, "Don't think of places like the Zaulfang Stones and the like as places where demonic influence is strong.  Rather, they are just places where the Immortals are weak.  Sometimes things take advantage of that."
424Irdul says, "But sometimes he just strikes."
425Xzean asks, "But Zamidren was successful in confining him?"
426Irdul says, "Spaces where planes touch, spaces where significant corruption has occurred."
427Arja says, "Yes."
428Irdul says, "These all make it easier for any entity to reach through."
429Gnickia says, "You know the Story of Misenor's Abbey? I'd say that qualifies as a place great corruption has occured."
430Irdul says, "The Islander just likes to exploit such things for his own means as well."
431You say, "He's very good at it."
432Irdul says, "He's also good at exploiting your ego."
433You say, "Me ego...never."
434Jhien says, "He meddles, but he isnt subtle."
435Irdul says, "Your desires, your lust for easy power, easy answers."
436Jhien says, "Transparant. Desperate."
437Irdul says, "Your fears.  Your weaknesses."
438Gnickia says to you, "So if a stranger offers you a cupcake, just say no."
439Irdul says, "As I said, be resolute."
440Arja says, "Well, it depends on the stranger."
441Irdul says to Gnickia, "If a stranger offers you a cupcake remember that there is always a catch."
442You say, "I'm smarter than you give me credit for."
443Nahvani says, "But cupcakes can be tasty and delicious...."
444You say, "I am not just a killing machine."
445Gnickia says, "I'm just saying... we all know you have a weakness for cupcakes.."
446Irdul asks Nahvani, "It's not a temptation if it isn't, no?"
447You say to Gnickia, "But I have others as well that only one person knows."
448Irdul asks, "Why offer something the pawn would not want?"
449Arja says, "All right, next question."
450Irdul says, "Be resolute."
451You ask, "Can I continue to collect elf parts in case I can figure out how to do what Xerasyth did?"
452Irdul says to you, "Sure.  We all need hobbies."
453Arja says to you, "You can do what you want."
454You say, "Hobbies keep me...sane."
455Nahvani says, "We are the master race, after all."
456Gnickia asks, "The moon mages have been recieving lots of visions about the Misoner Abbey, and they believe it may be related to The Great Work.  Is there any knowledge that you have towards that end?"
457Mortifer says to Nahvani, "You just have funny ears."
458Nahvani says to Mortifer, "If you say so."
459Irdul says, "Moon Mages see all sorts of things."
460Arja says, "I would caution against reading too much into anything that moon mages have to say."
461You say, "Yes my sister is one and she never makes sense."
462Irdul asks, "They're terribly wrong about us, now, aren't they?"
463Arja says, "Like what happened the other day, people are far too over-eager to scream 'necromancer'."
464Arja says, "Book doesn't even like the term 'necromancer'.  We are Philosophers."
465Gnickia says, "Well I was once a moon mage, so I tend to pay attention to their visions a bit more than others."
466Irdul says, "Well, hopefully we are all Philosphers."
467Nahvani says, "Of course."
468Irdul says to Gnickia, "Seeing and understanding are two very different things."
469Gnickia says, "But when you mentioned corrupted places, it sprang to mind the Abbey as being a place where the demons might have found a foot hold.  Especially if the Moon mages are receiving constant visions relating to it, as they tread close to that plane as well."
470Arja says, "But in short... I would doubt that it is related to us.  There is necromancy, undead, and other related things out there that do not really concern the guild."
471Arja says, "It's worth investigating, if you wish to, but try not to relate things that aren't related."
472Arja asks, "Are there any other questions?"
473Mortifer says, "Thank you both for coming and sharing what you were able to with us."
474Xzean asks, "How soon should we expect Zamidren's return?"
475Zadrix quietly says, "Soon."
476Arja says, "It will be when he finishes his current task.  And he has nearly completed it."
477Irdul says, "Days now, I would think."
478Xzean says, "Excellent."
479Jhien asks, "Ive... so many questions... Uh, will we be seeing you two again for more?"
480Nahvani asks, "This task, is the one you spoke of, in reference to the Islander? And his attempts to isolate him?"
481Irdul says to Jhien, "Unless we are sent on assignment, it is likely."
482Arja says to Jhien, "You may also ask your questions now, if you like."
483Irdul says to Nahvani, "It is part of the larger plan there, yes."
484Arja says to Nahvani, "I believe his current task has nothing to do with the Islander."
485Irdul says to Arja, "But that one piece..."
486Nahvani says to Arja, "Does that mean his transformation isn't complete? Or is there another task..."
487Arja says to Irdul, "Well, yes."
488Arja says, "It's complicated."
489Jhien says, "Where did these artifacts come from and how do they both act as a foothold for the demonic and a weapon against the Islander, if a Risen has no soul how are we different from that which controls a Lich, if the Islander is tempting us does that imply he is currently weaker than he could be, would it be useful to seek out other artifacts like the first to fight him, are there any others we can seek help from to challenge the Islander..."
490Nyralen exclaims to Jhien, "Breathe!"
491Irdul says to Jhien, "Three, not both."
492Irdul says, "I'll take the first question in that."
493Irdul says to Jhien, "There are three items.  The axe, the device, the armor."
494Arja says, "I'll take the second."
495Jhien says, "That was a pared down set too..."
496Nahvani says, "I believe he meant how are they both a weapon and a foothold, not simply both artifacts."
497Irdul says, "They are all tainted by the Islanders rituals to his masters."
498Irdul says to Nahvani, "You can get quiet again.  Thanks."
499Briaen says, "As it stands we do not know their effectiveness as weapons against this Islander, so much as the aim is to see if their connection to the demonic can be manipulated towards that end."
500Gnickia asks, "So what happens if the islander get's his hands on the Device?"
501Irdul says, "Or I could just not finish and you can keep asking questions on top of me."
502Irdul says, "Good then."
503Jhien says, "Ill settle on answers to the first few."
504Jhien says, "Or... be grateful, I mean."
505Irdul says, "As I was saying, there are the three artificats, and they are all tainted by the Islander's rituals to his masters."
506Irdul says, "They are linked to his ... well obviously not soul."
507Irdul says, "But to him, his mind, his power."
508Arja says, "Creating a Risen is the study of how a once living creature works, how they're knit together, and how it can be made to serve again.  Liches are in control of themselves until they are not, at which point they are inhabited by something else.  Risen are more of a puppet that dances on a string."
509Jhien says to Arja, "Huuuuuuuhh... huh."
510You ask, "Will our fetish ritual come into play with Risen?"
511Arja says, "The way a Risen works is somewhat similar to reanimating a creature after slaying it, which is the easiest way to create one.  The problem with that is that you cannot really customize it to be more useful for anything than normal combat."
512Arja says to you, "Yes."
513Arja says to Irdul, "I interrupted you, I am sorry."
514Irdul says to Briaen, "And no, we do know.  That is what Arja and I worked on."
515Irdul says to Arja, "I was content to let you deal with the assault of question upon question."
516Irdul says, "But fine, I guess I'll finish."
517Irdul says, "The artifacts came from, well, his masters I'd imagine."
518Irdul says, "In one form or another."
519You say, "I have one more question when you are finished if I may."
520Irdul says, "But the link to his personhood is what makes them a useful weapon."
521Irdul says, "And one he does not entirely expect we can use."
522Irdul says, "Think of it as so -- you open yourself up when you put yourself into a thing, even just a bit."
523Irdul says, "And if in that putting, you make the doorway constant..."
524Irdul asks, "Well, doors go both ways, no?"
525Irdul says, "What Arja and I learned was how to push the door back in the other direction, as it were."
526Jhien asks, "Incursions to their side?"
527Jhien asks, "Offensively?"
528Zadrix slowly says, "It seems like risky business..."
529Irdul says, "No, no, to the Islander's self."
530Zadrix softly says, "Swinging the door."
531Irdul says to Zadrix, "And it is."
532Jhien says, "Oh... oh striking back with a piece of him."
533Irdul asks Jhien, "Does that answer you question?"
534Jhien says, "As much as I can understand it, yes."
535Jhien says, "Thank you."
536Irdul says to Jhien, "More like..."
537Irdul says, "Like he has a vein connected to each item."
538Irdul says, "He can feed them with it, act through that connection."
539Xzean asks, "When you say establish a foothold, do you mean make another space that is thin like the standing stones?"
540Irdul says, "Or we can shove poison into the item, leaking back into his system."
541Jhien says, "That makes sense."
542Irdul says to Xzean, "No, no."
543Irdul says, "More concentrated than that.  More specific."
544Zadrix carefully says to Arja, "You'd think the Islander would be somewhat aware of your tampering... what with the connection he has to the device, axe, and armor."
545Arja says, "It is a risk we take."
546Irdul says, "If the Islander acts as his master's conduit, of a sort, then the items are a proxy of that."
547You say, "I have a question."
548Arja says, "First, to answer the other questions.... He is weaker than he once was, yes.  There are no other artifacts that we know of that are directly connected to him.  As far as seeking others to challenge him, remember that you are his original targets."
549Arja says, "So be careful.  All right, go ahead."
550Gnickia says, "I have one final question as well after Zehira..."
551Gallifreius hesitantly says, "My hand's been up for ages."
552You say, "As far as Risen go from what I understand they are long term minions, while our zombies and mudmen are short term minions to help us when we need it. Will our short term minions still be readily available if we have a Risen. I"m just a little combat oriented and all."
553Arja says, "Having a risen will not do anything to affect your short term minions."
554You say, "Thank you."
555Arja says to Gallifreius, "I'm sorry that we missed you."
556Arja says, "It's a tad chaotic."
557Jhien says, "Two philosophers in a room, three opinions."
558Gallifreius hesitantly asks, "Zamidren still seeks to complete the Great Work, yes?"
559Arja says, "Yes."
560Gallifreius delicately asks, "What happens if he finds success?"
561Irdul asks, "What happens when any of us do?"
562Gallifreius diplomatically says, "That's the real question, yes."
563You say, "That is the never ending question with no answer."
564Arja says, "True success in the Great Work means that he world stops dying."
565Arja says, "The world."
566Jhien says, "Think bigger! Build more."
567Irdul says, "That suffering can end and the neverending cycle of feeding other creatures so we can have a scrap of existence can die."
568Gnickia asks, "Ok, I'm asking my question on behalf of all the guys here, maybe some of the gals.  I'm assuming they are all just too shy to ask... Are either you single?"
569Irdul says, "That we can control our full destiny."
570Irdul says to Gnickia, "You are adorable."
571Gnickia says, "You know all the guys are wondering it..."
572Gnickia says, "I do my best."
573Zadrix playfully says, "I rather enjoy the fiery one..."
574Arja says, "Sorry.  We are both far too busy for any sort of a relationship."
575Irdul says, "And here I thought they were all wondering how to murder us or shut us up."
576Nahvani says to Gnickia, "I don't think my instructor's wife would approve."
577Jhien says, "Mortal whims and ways arent always a bad thing, if sometimes ill timed."
578You say, "I don't think all the guys were wondering."
579Nahvani says to Irdul, "Why do such? You two provide more information that we can use for our own research than many of the instructors that we call guild leaders."
580Arja says to Irdul, "It seemed more to me that they want to lock us in a room and make us write down everything we know so that they can hoard it."
581Mortifer says to Arja, "Thank you."
582Jhien says to Arja, "Ive considered it."
583Gnickia says, "Plus I figured the question was a good way to lighten the mood a bit."
584Mortifer asks, "This has been all about us and how this will take hold on us.. but what will all of this do to the rest of the world? The .. outsiders?"
585Irdul says to Mortifer, "Excellent question."
586Irdul says, "Demons don't care what attunement you have, or what you do for a living."
587Irdul says, "The Islander simply has his preferences for puppets."
588Irdul says, "What we do to contain him benefits the world at large."
589Irdul says, "Trust in this, while we may be his targets in this matter, his masters are unlikely to just want to collect a particular strain of soul."
590Arja says, "Remember that the beings that call themselves Immortals are just another form of demon that have suckered the majority of the populace into worshiping them."
591Irdul says, "And remember that no demon, no matter affiliation, likes to share."