Puddleby is abuzz today with some unexpected good news: the return of Super Chicken. Super Chicken has spent the past few months travelling in a foreign land, disguised as something that looks very much like a Thoom. He reports that even though the sights there were spectacular, life there lacked a certain challenge, and that he is glad to be back in Puddleby.
In his journal entry for 31 Autumn 551, Azriel discusses studying Giayl's Guide, visiting Gatsby's vineyard, and observing the mysterious attaches who wander through Puddleby.
The Winds of Dawn is hosting a special Newbielympics event: a Creative Falling Contest open to all exiles below Lord/Lady status. This event is designed to allow folks from all time zones to participate. All submissions will be done via visionstone, and entries must be received by 1pm Pacific time (GMT -7) on October 11, 2003. For more details see the Newbielympics Creative Falling Contest Scroll!
Why does Hor need to be killed? Find out in his latest journal entry.
Ruen has updated her journal entry for Summer 551 with pictures of Wild Wednesday, news of recent Lily Pond adventures, and getting some sympathy from an unexpected source.
Dandelion sent this report on Pog Loyt to TMN:
"So here's da ting ... it's bigger'n we first tought! Not only will Pog not sell me a ledger, he now tinks Slyph an' WormTounge an' Serra Lorne aren't skilled 'nuff eider! Dey can still train folx wit deir ledgers, but Pog's givin' 'em da same line 'e's givin' me, 'bout how 'e'll gladly sell 'em a ledger when dey're skilled 'nuff t'teach, an' how first dey gotter learn all dere is from 'is colleagues. But'cept he already sold 'em all ledgers an' dey can use 'em!
Some teories:
Mebbe onna da exiles I learned a langauage from hasn't turned inna marks to da school yet.
Mebbe Pog's gone an' got all uppity, talkin' to uvver trainers an' has decided to raise da bar fer teachin' languages an' now I'll hafta learn t'speak dat stinky language da 'Brions speak, or mebbe even T'rool!
Mebbe Pog's lost 'is mind.
Mebbe Pog's jealous 'cuz 'e can't teach any languages an' isn't takin' test results from Frrinakin an' Babelle Lyrn an' Lana Garaka an' Par Troon an' Sporrin an' Vor'harn.
Actions taken, so far:
Manx came t'talk some sense into Pog an' glared at 'im.
Slyph came t'talk some sense into Pog an' glared at' im. Gave 'im a good talkin' to, too, even treatenin' some drastic actions!
Drablak enlisted to give Pog 'is rully potent right-eye glare.
Taryn enlisted to glare at Pog.
WormTounge an' Serra Lorne bote spoke wit Pog about 'is attitude.
Natas' suggestion of punchin' 'im, den cussin' 'im out in six languages is bein' considered.
Dat's all I've got, so far. An' dere's a shot of Slyph glarin' at 'im."
Discussion of the portals continues at Clan Lord Sentinel. Just click on the "Portal Politics" link to join the discussion.
Mani's latest journal entry includes an account of a trip to Melabrion's Island and a subsequent rescue involving Mani, Kani, Ogh, Garpy, Maquiladora, Daimoth, Dongle, Pacifico, Solas, Charlos, Omega, Natas, and Great Pumpkin
TMN received the following message from Fundin:
"Details of our recent successful Foothills trip can be found here. I'm no great writer though, I just drink a lot."
http://fundin.puddleby.info/fh_previous_trips_1.html
Poesy has updated her journal for 89 Summer 551 with an account of her recent visit to Gatsby.
Aravir reports on Darshak in town and a trip to the passes in his latest journal entries.
Fundin sent TMN the following news about a new Foothills trip:
Another hunt to the Foothills will take place, led by Yor. I'll be organizing and recruiting, he'll be leading, just as before.
Please feel free to tell other exiles who'd like to come, there won't be any restrictions on exiles. However, we were short of boosting mystics as the 2 that I had lined up had to drop out, so any booster feel free to come along (lots of shares!)
This time we will be going to the Foothills via the Grotto Trainers for those who wanted to go last trip and couldn't.
I do understand that many US clanners want to go on a big Foothills trip so...
I'm currently talking with a few exiles and trying to sort a more US-friendly weekend hunt time. Please bear with me more news soon, but this trip is at a time best for Euro clanners. There will be more news about a US trip on my site and TMN soon.
Read more at:
General Site - http://fundin.puddleby.info/
Foothills Index - http://fundin.puddleby.info/fh_index.html
Next Trip Date - http://fundin.puddleby.info/fh_next_trip.html
Fundin
I have put a link to the OpenGL Clan Lord Client on the right-hand side of TMN. Please be aware that it is beta software, and the user assumes all risk. Also, as with any volunteer effort, there's no guarantee it will always be available. Many clanners use it and are quite happy with it.
Night in QuickDraw (traditional) client vs. night in OpenGL client
Better Living Through Fast Feet has returned. The link on the right-hand side of TMN has been updated to reflect the new address.
Clan Lord Sentinel now has a room specifically designed to continue the portal discussion. Messages are already being posted there. Just click on the "Portal Politics" link to join the discussion. I will continue to post news items with links to this room on Clan Lord Sentinel:
Norm reports on his Gossimer training and recent adventures in his journal entry for 1 Autumn 551 (9/22/03).
Aravir has a report in his latest journal entry about some jade arachnoids in East Field.
More discussion on the portals.
Comments box here now closed to new comments.
To leave more comments, please join the Portal Politics forum on Clan Lord Sentinel.
There are so many other unanswered questions, I've decided to open a new entry and new comments field.
A question of time: if exiles agree to allow Pogue Mahone to monitor the use of the portal, and move it when they see what they determine to be abuse, how will they manage to enforce this policy? Time will be a complication. I think it's fair to say that in every given 4 day period (IC), Pogue Mahone and Friends are only around for about 1-2 days. (OOC: 12 hours out of every 24 hours.) Who will monitor portal use during the other half of the time? Will it go unmonitored? Will that amount to a discriminatory policy? (OOC: For North Americans, PM enforces portal policy, while for the rest of the world it goes unmonitored?) Is Pogue Mahone going to appoint other monitors to keep an eye on portal use for those times they are not in the lands?
A question of qualifications: if exiles do agree that some sort of portal policy-enforcing organization is desirable and necessary, who will be selected? Why should Pogue Mahone be in charge of determining portal policy? And are they the clan or organization best suited for the job? Has Pogue Mahone satisfactorily convinced exiles that they are qualified for this position? I do not think it is an exaggeration when I point out that Pogue Mahone has traditionally been a clan that does not like to associate with other clans, and does not want to work together with other exiles. Yet now they seem to be claiming for themselves a position that will require diplomatic and administrative skills. Has Pogue Mahone shown exiles they have those sort of skills? Are there other clans with much more experience with working with others and organizing events, like Sun Dragon Clan or Winds of Dawn? Which of these clans do you think would more fairly and wisely monitor portal use? Does it need to be monitored?
Comments are open. Exiles are invited to comment, and PMF members are invited to present their qualifications for the position they are claiming.
Comments box here is now closed, and a new one is opened.
Sabbit submitted the following report to TMN:
"Recently, one of the portals was moved to the south Kismia's Island hut. A group of hunters (Tara, Kani, Sa'wrap, Garpy, and Naferu) decided to poke around on KI for a short period of time. They soon found themselves stranded. Naferu said, "We entered about a quarter way through (IC) the night...PM asked how long we planned to stay and I said until the night ended. Malkor poofed the portal then and said he would be back later. Klur said we could leave if we vowed never to use the portal to 'avoid doors' again." Malkor, Klur, Althea, Mad Mark and Angela were spotted around the portals. Needless to say, Klur's terms were not accepted. With the help of NightBird, Connie, Mablum, Sephroth, Kishi and Drue the group was able to make it off the isle."
Because of the high volume of comments, I'm going to close this message to new comments and open a new entry for more comments very shortly. Thanks!
Sagramor sent TMN these images from the Foothills expedition.
Many chained
Raising the army
An assembled army
Oooga
Drax has obtained a Darkus ledger and is now available for training.
Aravir reports in a recent journal entry on boats in town center and some unusual issues with people from Agratis coming into town via portal.
He also reports on a recent rescue on the cloud, when he chained the fallens back to town.
Wangah Rah has updated his journal for 81 Summer 551 with news of a recent trip to the bear caves.
Azriel has a new journal entry reporting on the trip to the Foothills.
Hor has a full report on the recent trip to the Foothills. Recommended reading!
ClanLord Chat is a new room in the library where folks can hang out to chat when not in the lands. For information on finding the ClanLord Chat Room, go to http://www.windsofdawn.org/irc.html.
Sagramor filed this report with TMN on today's Foothills Expedition:
"Success! Thanks to Zorton's magic, a large party of around 50 exiles quickly made it to the pitch caverns. Despite a promising start, things gradually fell apart, until only about 20 were surviving. They didn't give up, however, and slowly but surely grabbed and healed almost everyone over a few hours. Finally, after about 5 hours, we decided to send out a decoy while the pathfinders (all 25 or so!) ran for the book. Kalian kindly decoyed, and almost all pathfinders safely got to the book and started training! Many thanks to Fundin for putting the trip together, Yor for leading most of it, and Zorton for the jumpstart!"
A new builder near the brewery is collecting materials for a vintnery.
Gatsby seems to be involved in grape farming. He grows grapes on the Eth'lenns' farm. Thanks to Lundar and Sagramor for Gatsby pictures.
Lorikeet has posted detailed accounts with plenty of pictures of the recent PMF Portal Challenge.
Drablak led a recent PTF trip to the ethereal plane tower and some of the crystal rooms.
Chaos Storm #303 has swept the Lok'Groton island chain. Please post any changes you have observed and wish to share with others in the comments. If you don't want to read possible spoilers, please do not read the comments.
Mani's latest journal entry concerns a recent rescue on the Cloud.
Slyph has a new journal, The Book of Slyph. Check it out, and tell Slyph that the ThoomCare Media Network sent you.
Algernon's Keeper reports that the Algycam has returned. See things through Algernon's eyes with a look through the Algycam. I've added the Algycam to the list of links on the right-hand side of TMN.
Drakes (or at least the sounds of drakes) have become more common in Puddleby lately, and no one knows entirely why. Here's a report from CJ Parker on a drake event in town that slipped through the cracks and did not get posted earlier to TMN. It refers to this attack, mentioned earlier in a report from Baff.
"Today I was hunting on Melabrion's Island with a little group and we heard that a drake was roaming in town. As the lands had few exiles available (our groupmade up one half of the population) we decided to go back and help.
"Upon arriving back in town, we found the drake had got itself trapped by our library. It penned itself in, basically. We proceeded to set up and attack it, as it had already proven hostile by flaming people who passed nearby. We thought we had all the time in the world to kill it because it seemed trapped. Things were going well until it felled many of the best fighters. It then broke free. In fact, it must have been luring us to attack it. We couldn't get in attacks from behind where it was trapped. As it broke free, it grabbed K'pyn, Arod, Lightbringer and Ffodor. We tried to heal them, but the drake flew too high.
"As we followed it, it headed to Devil's Island. A force gathered outside, now increased substantially, and we headed in, through the McBolie Cavern to the drake's den. We found three young drakes and the mother. All were dealt with accordingly, and the exiles were raised. However, it seems to us that the drake who took them from town wasn't the one in the den as many of our fine exiles had trouble even hitting the town drake, and the ones in the den were disposed of with relative ease.
"Perhaps the father drake wasn't at home when we entered!"
More images from Wild Wednesday! Thanks to Baff and Baffette.
Eldon dispenses costumes in town center
Landsharks
Malkor paints with portals
Malkor trapped
Penguin attack
A trip to the Foothills attempting to reach the pathfinding trainer will be taking place on Thursday, September 18. For more details, go to http://fundin.puddleby.info/orga_trip.html
In his journal entry for 54 Summer 551 (9/13/03), Norm the Dwarf reports on gathering ingredients for a chigger bite antidote, and that the Zouclougeist Alliance has announced the ascension of the new Emperor Duck. Norm also reports that Geraldus is still not a wizard.
Mani reports on a trip to Melabrion's Island in his latest journal entry.
Aravir reports on a rescue of Taryn, Artesia, and Connie Crete at the Lily Pond in his latest journal entry.
Hor and friends spent some time underground on Kismia's Island. Things got a little hot. Read more about it in Hor's latest journal entry.
PMF's Portal Challenge Competition is today.
* 12:00 noon PDT* -- Exile Portal Search (2000c winner)
* 8:00 PM PDT* -- Exile Portal Search and Assault (2000c winner)
* 11:00 PM PDT*-- Awards Ceremony (food, drink, and entertainment)
For more information, visit the Portal Challenge Competition Web page.
Sielk has a new journal entry describing a recent CoNGA trip to the ethereal plain and his most recent attempt to pass the 6th circle test.
Aravir reports on a megamouth attack in his latest journal entry.
Azriel has passed the sixth circle fighters' test. On other news, he reports on a pathway between the Northwest Forest and the Myrm Highlands. He also reports that Kojiro has become a champion. Read more in his latest journal entry.
Sagramor reported to TMN that Bailey Barno wandered into town to announce the departure of the carnival.
PMF is sponsoring the Portal Challenge Competition. Held on Saturday, September 13, 2003, the Portal Challenge Competition features three events:
* 12:00 noon PDT* -- Exile Portal Search (2000c winner)
* 8:00 PM PDT* -- Exile Portal Search and Assault (2000c winner)
* 11:00 PM PDT*-- Awards Ceremony (food, drink, and entertainment)
For more information, visit the Portal Challenge Competition Web page.
Malkor has opened four portals in Mai's Garden. Many exiles report that Pogue Mahone is having a drunken hunt in the Ethereal Plane to celebrate Frozen Shade joining their clan.
I'm going to create an archive of information about the burning of the Nox Sorora Chapterhouse here in this entry. If you have other material to be included, please send it to me. If you don't know much about why there's a burned-out building in the northeast corner of Puddleby, well then, read on.
I can't seem to find any pictures yet. Anyone have some?
From Firebird:
from dunilsar@yahoogroups.com mailing list (October 11, 2001)
Dear great clans of Dun'ilsar,
I come to you today with grave news. The Nox Sorora chapterhouse has been
burnt to the ground. We all may have our differences of opinion on the
Nox Sorora themselves, but such a crime is not something any should take
lightly. Imagine if it had been the dwelling on another clan. Where will
these rivalrys lead next?
It is in this manner that I bring forth that the clan Hunter has shown
activity leading up to this event. This respectible clan has been
negotiating in secret with the people that commit these acts. It is
possible that they have even provided these people with the means to this
destruction. Once again, I ask you all. What if it was your dwelling?
Many people almost died in the fire. It was a horrible sight.
This is why I call for the suspension of Hunter from Dun'ilsar pending an
investigation into their involvements in this act.
Thank you all,
-Firebird
---
Nox Sorora Chapterhouse Fire Reports in Fishwrap Magazine
from Fishwrap #45 (November 22, 2001)
Jeanne's news entry and 4 exile reports:
NOX SORORA CHAPTERHOUSE BURNT DOWN
Never before have exiles had the power to destroy a building under
construction but that all changed when Polgara literally blew up the
Nox Sorora Chapter house.
Over the past few weeks, mysterious colored rocks were discovered
(and continue to be found) all over these lands. It turns out that a
traitor Darshak Sage was able to combine one of each colored rock into
a potion that, once lit, explodes and burns anything nearby. Both
Polgara and the Hunter clan managed to obtain not only stones of each
of the five colors but a meeting with the Darshak Sage to make the
potion. While the Hunter clan deliberated on what to do with the potion
and got both sides of the story (Darshak and Nox Sorora), Polgara had
her mind made up already. While Jo Ma'ril was talking to the Nox
Sorora, Polgara quickly slipped behind the chapter house and lit the
fuse. Several exiles that were near the chapter house fell due to the
immense heat but were quickly raised. Naamah and Lacrima then pulled
out their bloodblades and pretended to fight each other which was
really quite silly.
There is a lot of misinformation about but this is what I
understand from my reading on the subject. The Nox Sorora are enemies
of the Darshak who are enemies of Puddleby. So far, you'd think we'd be
best buddies but the Nox Sorora have some strange powers as well as an
allegiance with the Undine. Or maybe just Lilit has an allegiance with
the Undine and the other Nox Sorora either agree with her work or
haven't said anything against it publicly. In addition, there isn't a
definitive explanation of what the Nox Sorora really want to do. Those
loyal to the Nox Sorora mock the rest of us for ignorance but ignorant
simply beans "lacking knowledge and education in general or in a
specific subject." Maybe if the Nox Sorora was more forthcoming with
their beliefs and their future course of actions, exiles wouldn't be
afraid of them. Maybe if the Nox Sorora shows us what their powers are
and how they came from them and what they plan to do with them, exiles
wouldn't be afraid of them. Maybe some fear that the Nox Sorora would
do anything to defeat the Darshak, even if it harms Puddleby and exiles
in the process.
The best way for fear and ignorance to stop is for the Nox Sorora
to be more forthright with who they are. Of course, I could be wrong
too. So many people around here do love keeping secrets.
1) From MrFancyPants, as dictated by Jo Ma'ril.
Paramedic,
Here's my account of the events surrounding the burning of the Nox
Sorora Chapterhouse.
Awhile back, I found a odd, crumbly black rock on Devil's Island. After
finding it, I went to town and showed it around, to see if anyone knew
what to do with it. I was approached by a member of clan Hunter, who
told me that their clan was gathering the stones, in the hopes of
finding what they do. I agreed to help with their research, but not to
give them my stone, as I didn't want them to make any decisions that
might harm anyone.
Time went by, we tried many different things with the stones, but
nothing seemed to have any affect. We were approached by a woman named
Agrath, and a woman named Lacrima about the stones. They both claimed
the rocks could be used in an enchantment to stop a great evil. Since I
generally dislike evil, this sounded like something I'd be interested
in! Agrath seemed more...friendly, though, and so I agreed to meet with
her at a later date.
Several members of Hunter, I, and various others who were nearby
gathered in Bumgal's hut to hear what these stones could do. Agrath
claimed the stones had the power to weaken the followers of the Night,
in particular the Nox Sorora. Moreover, she claimed that the stones had
no other purpose than this. I, however, didn't think this was true - I
thought there might be another use for them, and wanted to do more
research. However, she did make me suspicious about the Nox Sorora. Why
did they need a chapterhouse in town? It made me wonder...Agrath said
she didn't know how to use the stones herself, but she had a friend who
did, and would take him to us. Upon further questioning, it was
revealed that we didn't actually have to use the enchantment against
the Nox. After the enchantment was made, it would be given to us, and
the final decision on wether to use it or not would come from us.
Because of this I felt that I would be able to discover the uses of the
stones, and not harm anyone unless they deserved it. But did the Nox
deserve to lose their chapterhouse? I had to find out on my own.
So a few days later, I questioned some friends of mine who are in the
Nox, about their chapterhouse, their beliefs, etc. Much to my chagrin,
they were very secretive about the affair, and I felt they were hiding
something important from me. Because of this, I agreed to go along with
Hunter and Agrath and use the stones, but not to use the enchantment
without careful thought.
A few days ago, the scheduled meeting took place. A small escort of
mostly Hunter followed Agrath to Ash Island. We entered the campfire,
and slipped through a hidden passage into a section of the outpost we
had never seen before. Agrath told the escort to wait outside, while
D'Noma, Rel'lim and I entered a hut where the fellow we were meeting
was waiting.
To our shock, he was a Darshak priest! Rel'lim and I almost struck him
down on the spot, but D'Noma and Agrath stopped us before we acted
rashly. There was much debate, we weren't sure wether to trust the
Darshak or not. However, we felt that nothing potentially bad would
happen unless we used the enchantment against the Nox. In fact, the
Darshak fellow seemed nervous when I asked him if the enchantment could
be used against the Darshak. I sensed a great opportunity to strike at
the Darshak here, and decided to hand over my stones, as did Rel'lim.
The Darshak fellow performed some Alchemy, and handed D'Noma a flask.
He said to pull the string and run near the chapterhouse, and it would
do its job. We headed back to town and started discussing whether or
not to use it. At this point I decided it was time to hear the Nox's
view as well, and I strolled over to their chapterhouse, sat down, and
asked them some questions.
In the midst of my asking, Polgara, whom I haven't seen since long
before the Ripture War, ran up out of nowhere and dropped a flask just
like ours next to the chapterhouse and ran. It promptly exploded and
the chapterhouse burned to the ground, while Nox members threw
themselves upon it trying to put out the flames. Rel'lim came running
as soon as he heard the news, and showed me the Flask was indeed still
in his hands, he had not used it nor given it to Polgara. This leads me
to one of two conclusions: either Agrath had a deal with another party
(Polgara's party), or there was enough mixture left after our flask was
made for a second flask, and Agrath gave that to Polgara.
It seems the Darshak tricked me, and I am very sorry for the sorrow it
has caused. My intentions were not to harm your chapterhouse, as you
can see, but only to find a weapon that could be used against
Puddleby's enemies.
-MrFancyPants, as dictated by Jo Ma'ril.
2) From Arod of Clan Hunter:
Hunter Clan and the Nox Chapterhouse's Destruction
Some months ago Clan Hunter was approached by an exile who warned of
dire things that would happen if the Nox Chapterhouse was completed.
Over the last several months some members of Hunter have worked hard on
a project suggested by this stranger. Just the other day, the Nox
Chapterhouse under construction in the northeast corner of Puddleby was
destroyed at the very moment we Hunters discussed whether to do that
very thing.
I speak here for myself, and my views may not concur with those of my
clanmates.
First, I will always fight against the dark powers that are behind the
foul undine, the walking dead and the spirits of the dead given form
that have troubled us and the Empire back home for years beyond number.
Unfortunately, Nox Sorora dabbles with these powers: I therefore stand
against them. It is also true that many in Nox know little or nothing
of the Nox's involvement with these dark powers, and to these fine
folks I say: think carefully of what your fellow Sororans do when it
comes to the undine, an implacable enemy of the living. If you do not
agree that the undine are evil and must be fought with all our
strength, then you will naturally not agree with anything else I say.
So be it. Please note I have taken the time to learn what the Nox say
about themselves, and I trust the evidence of my own eyes as well.
Second, when the stranger approached us, we Hunters were extremely
skeptical. We viewed the claims the stranger made with suspicion, and
pursued the quest offered by the stranger with a great deal of caution.
On a recent night [10/11/01], the quest was completed, and the stranger
bid us to take the next step. This we did; I for one freely admit it,
for as I have mentioned I stand firmly against the dark powers that are
involved with the undine.
Third, it became clear to me (and this is a matter of conjecture) that
as the plan came together, and no trickery was revealed, that we indeed
had a weapon that would destroy the chapterhouse. It became equally
clear that the Darshak Sage who made this weapon wanted the
chapterhouse destroyed for his and the Darshak's own reasons, and that
we were being recruited to aid them. As the enemy of one's enemy is not
always your friend, I was willing to consider this blow against the
dark powers I saw gathering within our town's very walls. Better to
help an enemy a little by helping it eliminate a rival dark power in
our midst than allowing the growth of dark powers within our town, went
my thinking.
Fourth, once we had this weapon, we were urged forward by the stranger,
but Hunter took the time to really examine the question. Though all had
seemed on the "up and up" so far, there was no telling what this weapon
would really do, once used. Naturally, we gave careful thought to the
question of whether it was proper for Hunter to take unilateral action
in this matter. Not all Hunters see the darker side of the Nox in the
same light I do, for example, while others worried how such an action
might rebound upon our entire clan.
Fifth, while we discussed this question, someone else destroyed the
chapterhouse, using, we imagine, a weapon much like the one we still
hold. When some of us emerged from our discussion to view the ruins,
some began to say we Hunters were responsible. Although I was for
destroying the house, and some Hunters agreed with me, _we Hunters did
not do this thing_. Others argue that by going to the Darshak to have
the weapon made we enabled another to be made secretly, and it was this
second weapon that was used. This is unlikely, since Oak'm's beard
trimmer suggests that, simply enough, someone else completed the
necessary quest to gain such a weapon...and then used it.
Sixth, after the chapterhouse was destroyed and Hunter was
(incorrectly) linked to the act, a number of exiles made shrill, hasty
statements about having Hunter banned from dunilsar, being
excommunicated from something called Makros, and so on. I hope that in
the warm light of day these suggestions will be given more thought.
Hate me, if you will, for my views, but Hunter gave special and
painstaking attention to the question of using the weapon--so much
attention that in the end the question became moot.
Seventh, we have opened a very interesting chapter in Puddleby
politics. It will be interesting to see where all this takes us. No
matter what happens, you can rely on Lord Arod of Hunter to tell you
how it is (or keep his mouth shut). If you'd like to complain to me
directly, I have a post office box in Puddleby.
--Lord Arod, a Founder of Hunter and betrothed to the Lady D'Noma
Thornapple
3) By Shepherd
My friends, I am almost at a loss for words. The Nox Sorora
chapterhouse has been destroyed, and Lacrima is dead. I will try to
recount the horrible events as best as I can recall them.
I left the library that fateful day at the urgent callings of my
Priestess and my Brothers and Sisters. They seemed to be fearful that
the chapterhouse was in danger. There had been rumors circulating about
some colored stones, but I had paid them no heed. Even my clanmate
Forey warned me of a danger to our sanctuary. My Goddess, I did not
listen! I was so foolish!
Many, many members of the Sisterhood were gathered about the
chapterhouse. You can see most of them in my sketches. We did not know
the nature of the danger, as the word was that clan Hunter had the
means to cast a ward against us upon our chapterhouse. If only that
were the extent of the danger! We gathered about it, attempting to
protect it from any attack. Lacrima was skulking about, but I knew
trouble was brewing because the Matre was also there. Those two have
never met, and both are very powerful. As you can see, the Matre was
cloaked in darkness, due to some sort of rite of protection that she
had cast in the days before the attack. The other Sisters - Indigo,
Anaeka, Luna - were casting various incantations to protect those in
their circles.
The Gens Dea Drenn was there, looking very ill. So was Urgelt, who was
urging peace and empathy. Lacrima's weakness, he said, was that she
could feel no empathy, and thus could not anticipate the actions of her
opponents. I believe him, for I know that Lacrima is a creature devoid
of feeling. Yet, deep inside her, there is an innocence...
I know Lacrima was involved in this terrible destruction because she
paid Crius to request the stones that made the incendiary. Babajaga
seems to indicate that the Darshak are involved, as well... she says
that a Darshak Sage was consulted to convert the stones into the Ward.
There is also a woman, Agrath, who is quite hateful to my Sisterhood...
and clan Hunter.
When I arrived on this scene, as I understood, clan Hunter was debating
what to do with the Ward, while Lacrima came to taunt us. She quickly
left, however, fearful for her life... had she been wiser, she would
have remained away.
At this point, I lost consciousness briefly, and when I awoke, I forgot
to continue making sketches of what I saw. I will fill in the rest of
the story in more detail when I obtain detail from others who were
there.
Clan Hunter arrived to ask us some questions about the chapterhouse.
They were fearful, it seemed, that it would be used to unleash an army
of undine against the town. The Matre assured them that the
chapterhouse would only be used to glorify Her presence, and that it
would be a place of study and reflection. I believe her wording was,
"It will be used to bring the blessing of Night to Puddleby". Hunter,
represented by Lord Arod, was doubtful of the benevolent protection
that Mother Night offers to this town, thus their quest to obtain means
to destroy our chapterhouse.
While they debated, a long-lost exile named Polgara arrived with a
flask similar to the one Hunter obtained! Despite our ring around the
chapterhouse, she cast it at its base, and next I knew, there was fire
all around! Oh, it was horrible, the screams of burning exiles, and our
years of effort going up in flames like so many of the Sisters who have
been persecuted on the mainland! Never have I seen such a blast, not
from Orga Warlocks, not from Fire Walkers, not even from Umbrion. I do
not recall much from this period, as all was fire and smoke as I tried
to heal my comrades and pull the wounded from the inferno. Truly it was
the most terrible thing I have ever witnessed, far more tragic than the
death of my father at the hands of my home village.
The Matre was enraged! She drew the Nox Calamus and charged at Lacrima,
who had come to gloat and perhaps stick her dagger into those who might
have survived the blaze. But Lacrima had a blade, too, one I had not
heard of- but it was evident that these two blades were like Night and
Day. Whenever they clashed, the air crackled, and it was if the world
was shaking. Lacrima's blows against the Matre seemed to bounce off a
dark cloak, which I presume was Agate, Handmaiden of Night, whose
protection Matre Naamah had called for in her earlier Rite.
Seeing that her blade was ineffective, Lacrima began to attack Naamah's
mind, but reeled when she encountered the Matre's iron will. You see,
Lacrima has been harassing our Sisterhood for many years now, and has
the ability to cause great pain and injury to the Sisters. But she had
never encountered the Matre, and I suspect that she anticipated the
same abilities and strengths as a Sister. But the Matre is a mystery -
she has no Gens, and what I've read of the Nox Sorora canon seems to
indicate that she was conceived without Leviathan's taint, which means
that she is the daughter of a Matre and none other. While I've always
received guidance and wisdom from our chapter's leader, she is cold...
they say that as a Priestess advances in Her glory, more and more of
her mind is the pure manifestation of Night and less the individual
whose body is the vessel of Her will. I cannot imagine the holiness of
the Honored Matre, who exists far away yet seems to communicate with
Naamah somehow.
Thus the Matre's might and power overcame the Bringer of Tears. I think
Lacrima was stunned by the power she encountered in Naamah's mind, and
that allowed an opening for the Nox Calamus. I wish I had been able to
look Lacrima in the eyes as Naamah twisted the blade in her gut, but I
was trying to extinguish the flames on the chapterhouse and on my
friends. Lacrima has caused us all much pain over the years.
So you see, the burning of the chapterhouse is but a side note to a
greater cusp - the meeting of Lacrima and Naamah and the subsequent
death of Lacrima. Clan Hunter, the Darshak, Polgara, they are all
puppets of this evil mastermind. She has struck a terrible blow to us
this day, and gained a victory for the Darshak, but with thanks to the
Eternal Mother, she will torment us no more. As Lacrima died, she
seemed to disappear into the Nox Calamus, and though I searched the
battleground, I could find no trace of her bright blade.
Afterwards, the healthier members of the Nox Sorora led a raid on Ash
Island. Many Darshak died at Nox Sorora hands that morning, and they
will be joined by many of their brethren. I did not go, I was too
distraught. Jazz has a recount of that raid.
My clanmate, Kira, is caring for Polgara and no doubt hiding her from
the vengeance of my Sisters. Kira says that Polgara is not well, and
seems to have been possessed by something. I know nothing more about
this, but will continue to record here what I learned.
Clan Hunter has issued a statement regarding their participation in
this destruction. They claim innocence by virtue of being beaten to the
punch, but I am not convinced that Polgara did not wield the same flask
that they obtained, passed to her possessed form as a distraction.
Speculation aside, we know these things for sure:
* Lacrima was the architect of this plot, as evidenced by her Crius
announcement and her gloating on the scene.
* Clan Hunter admits that they conspired with the Darshak to obtain
their Ward. Arod and Rel'lim are admitted participants in this plot, I
do not know which other members of the clan are in league with the
Darshak.
* Those guilty will stand in judgement before the Night Mother and no
mortal, the town court may issue what judgement it wishes but the
responsible parties will ultimately answer to Her. Thus I urge no
retaliation from neither my chapter nor any townmember who allows rage
to overrule their mind. Townsfolk who are uncomfortable with having
allies of the Darshak amongst them will likely sanction the traitors as
they see fit, but I urge that it be for Clan Hunter's cooperation with
the Darshak, and not for the crime which they did not commit.
* The Darshak will pay, and Ash Island will burn, in revenge for this
dark act.
4) From Polgara
To: Citizens of Puddleby
As I'm sure you've heard, I blew up the Nox Sorora house. I didn't mean
to.
I talked to Luna (Nox Sorora priestess) and she and Thalion and Anaeka
helped me figure out what had happened - I was really sick and had
forgotten almost everything except for vague memories. Turns out
Lacrima possessed me and made me do this terrible thing.
I apologize to all of citizens of Puddleby for the stress I have caused
you so long after disappearing into the deep recesses of the library.
With the help of the Nox Sorora, I have made certain that this sort of
thing will not happen again. I am sorry for being used to cause
destruction and havoc in my beloved town. Please forgive me.
Solinde ila nak,
Polgara
---
From Charlos:
from dunilsar@yahoogroups.com mailing list (October 12, 2001)
'los,
This is gonna be ooc, so take yer RP hats off. She
who used to click for Polgara has long been unable to
clan, and so gave her account to a friend. She asked
us if we should remove her from the clan, since it
wasn't her anymore. We decided, foolishly as it
turns, to not do so in the hopes that one day the
friend we once knew as Polgara would return to the
game. We didn't know that some chickenshit would take
advantage of this situation to bomb the Noxies. I'm
gonna try and find out what the other characters for
who the hell clicks for Polgie now from the old
Polgie, I have some idea but I'll get to it. Whoever
it is, and or whatever accomplices they've employed in
this matter, is a real slimy turd. We've lost a few
clan members over this and it pisses me off. So, do
me a favor, and save the "OWE should do this" crap for
now.
Thanks,
Charlos
Hor reports on a trip to Dred Passage in his latest journal entry.
Norm's most recent journal update for Fordi, 27 Summer 551 (9/6/03) includes a report on some impressive chaining by Farhope and the departure of several longtime prominent exiles.
Mani reports in his latest journal entry on a trip to the cloud and a hunt in Northwest Forest.
A trip to the Foothills attempting to reach the pathfinding trainer will be taking place on Thursday, September 18. For more details, go to http://fundin.puddleby.info/orga_trip.html
Some say he's a spriggin. Others say he is a refugee from the Sylvan Learning Center. Is he in league with Tenebrion? Who is Malkor anyway? Soon, TMN will run a new interview with this mysterious character. We'll find out more about his hopes, his dreams, and where he keeps all his coins and whatever other funny stuff mystics pack around. For now, please read below for a previous interview with Malkor from the Fishwrap Magazine archives.
"A TMN Classic" (like a summer rerun, only different, somehow)
From Fishwrap #29 (OOC: January 28, 2001)
MALKOR: THE INTERVIEW
(Paramedic looks at Malkor)
Malkor ponders, "Do I owe him coins?"
(Malkor smiles meekly.)
(Paramedic looks at Malkor)
Paramedic says, "Malkor, some readers of the Fishwrap have been requesting a feature interview with you."
Soulmaster exclaims, "don't do it Malkor!"
Malkor says, "Why me? I'm not very interesting."
Luminary ponders, "ooh! A live Fishwrap interview!"
Paramedic says, "Some exiles are quite intrigued."
Malkor says, "Hrm.""
Malkor asks, "Why don't you interview Luminary?"
Soulmaster exclaims, "or you could interview me!"
Luminary says, "Yeah...I'll dish dirt on Malkie..."
Malkor says, "I know I'd read one with her."
Soulmaster exclaims, "I'm an interesting thing!"
(Paramedic shows Malkor the list of requests with Malkor on top)"
Luminary says, "C'mon Malkor...it's just five questions."
Paramedic asks, "So are you ready for the Malkor interview?"
(Org du Lac wonders whether Paramedic will end up interviewing anyone.)
(Paramedic wonders too.)
(Org du Lac takes a seat.)
Malkor says, "Prolly not, but go right ahead."
Org du Lac ponders, "Thoom"
Paramedic says, "Excellent."
(Sleipnir watches and listens with interest)
Paramedic asks, "1) So, how are your relations with the Spriggins these days?"
(Malkor sighs.)
(Paramedic listens)
(Sleipnir listens too)
Malkor says, "We get along swell, I suppose, but people keep interrupting our get-togethers."
Sleipnir asks, "No sparkling wit, Malkor?"
(Malkor glares at Sleipnir.)
Org du Lac exclaims, "Xepel was seen eating spriggins himself a couple days ago!"
Soulmaster says, "I hope that wasn't a pun, Sleipnir"
Paramedic asks, "Does it bother you when people kill Spriggins?"
Org du Lac exclaims, "And right in town square!"
Luminary ponders, "ugh. The spirit of Kodo has taken over Sir Sleipnir"
Malkor says, "Well, only the ones who owe me coins."
Paramedic asks, "Do you consider yourself a Spriggin, or just someone close to them?"
Malkor says, "Me? Of course I'm a spriggin."
(Sleipnir scoffs quietly)
(Malkor twirls his spriggin stick confidently.)
(Paramedic nods)
(Malkor waves to his friend.)
Eating spriggin bits makes Malkor a little jumpy.
Paramedic asks, "So you just consider yourself a large spriggin?"
Malkor says, "Right. For some reason they don't like to eat as much as I do."
Paramedic says, "Hmm. That makes sense."
Malkor exclaims, "See, that's exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about!"
V'ree asks, "What?"
(Malkor points at Sleipnir.)
Paramedic asks, "That they killed that Spriggin?"
(V'ree was trying to help it escape)
Sleipnir says, "Spriggens are thieves, liars, and cheats."
Malkor says, "That oaf Sleipnir."
Paramedic says, "Hmm"
(Malkor points to the corpse.)
Paramedic says, "Maybe we should move to a new topic."
V'ree exclaims, "But it did not do anything to you, nor was it hurting anything!"
(Sleipnir kills any spriggin he can catch)
Sleipnir says, "True, V'ree. It be a most unfair world."
Malkor says, "Him and his kind feel a need to compensate for their own inadequacies by beating up poor li'l spriggins."
Malkor asks, "Did I mention only ugly people kill spriggins?"
Paramedic says, "No you didn't"
Sleipnir says, "I feel a need to beat up thieves and cheats."
(Malkor makes a high-pitched snarl.)
Sleipnir says, "Continue with the interview, I pray ye."
(Paramedic tries to settle Malkor down a bit)
Sleipnir says, "It be most entertaining."
V'ree says, "That would give everyone else the right to beat up bullies, which would be for the most part, you Sleipnir"
Paramedic asks, "2) What do you say about the rumors you stole a sword from Tenebrion?"
V'ree ponders, "he stole a sword of souls. No denying it"
Malkor asks, "Stole a sword?"
Paramedic says, "Or something"
Malkor says, "Yes, I suppose some people would call it "stealing."…"
Sleipnir ponders, "As I said. Spriggins are thieves."
(Malkor grumbles.)
Paramedic says, "Tell us your side of the story"
Sleipnir asks, "Do we wish to hear it, Paramedic?"
Malkor says, "I'm just doing what I know is right."
Paramedic says, "Yes we do."
Paramedic asks, "So what happened?"
(Sleipnir grumbles)
Malkor says, "Well, Tenebrion contacted me via the sunstone..."
Malkor says, "He asked me to do all sorts of things in exchange for a sword of souls."
Paramedic says, "Mmm-hmm"
Paramedic asks, "and?"
Malkor exclaims, "He wants to turn that mirror in the South Forest into a ripture to the void, you know!"
Paramedic asks, "He does?"
(Malkor nods.)
V'ree says, "Malkor said he was going to trade a purgatory pendant to Tenebrion for the sword. The trade went on, with Tenebrion giving Malkor a sword.. and Malkor ran off, not holding his part of the bargain"
Malkor says, "Oh, pfft."
Paramedic says, "Go on, Malkor"
Malkor exclaims, "You're all a bunch of hypocrites!"
Malkor says, "Para, it's not fair."
Malkor says, "They slaughter innocent spriggins and pilfer coins without giving it a second thought…"
V'ree ponders, "Malkor doesnt want to face the truth..."
(Paramedic listens)
Malkor exclaims, "But when I try the same on a truly evil man, I'm a criminal!"
Paramedic asks, "So do you have a Sword of Souls now?"
Malkor says, "Erm, yeah…"
V'ree says, "Tenebrion is offering an award to get his sword back.... I think"
Paramedic asks, "Have you tried it?"
Hawkthorn says, "he placed a bounty on Malkor."
Sleipnir asks, "Doth he want Malkor's head with it?"
V'ree asks, "What is the bounty, anyway?"
Malkor says, "Yeah, I've got it, Para."
Malkor says, "I don't steal anyone's soul with it, 'coz I'm nice like that."
Malkor says, "Though somedays…"
(Malkor glares at Sleipnir.)
(Sleipnir smiles sweetly)
Paramedic asks, "Has Tenebrion been in contact with you again?"
Malkor says, "Tenebrion? Yeah, he makes lots of threats."
Paramedic asks, "Do you fear him?"
Malkor says, "Well, I don't think he's much more powerful than your run
of the mill Darshak necromancer…"
Paramedic says, "hmmm"
Malkor says, "… but those scare me, too."
Paramedic says, "interesting"
Paramedic asks, "3) What do you think about the Orga Camp Raids? Are
exiles making progress?"
Malkor says, "Slowly."
Malkor says, "The recent death vermine infestation in the fourth camp remains a problem."
(Malkor grumbles.)
Malkor says, "We need more exiles to attend the raids."
Paramedic asks, "Are the stones that exiles are getting really worth all the trouble?"
Malkor exclaims, "Of course!"
Paramedic asks, "Why are they so important?"
(Malkor blinks.)
Malkor asks, "Er, you mean, to non-Mysitcs?"
Paramedic says, "Sure. Give our readers some insight on their value"
Malkor says, "Oh. Well, um…"
Paramedic says, "You don't have to give away secrets"
Paramedic says, "I mean sort of generally"
Malkor says, "Oh, that's easy."
Malkor exclaims, "Giving Mystics stones has subtle but important
impacts on numerous levels!"
Malkor ponders, "I thought everyone knew that."
Luminary ponders, "We interrupt this Fishwrap interview for a special message. Join the next FMOCR, this Friday 1/26, starting around 9pm EST, 6pm PST."
(Paramedic nods)
Paramedic asks, "4) Where are your favorite places to travel, Malkor?
Hunting grounds?"
(Malkor thinks.)
Malkor says, "That's a toughie."
Malkor says, "I'd have to say Purgatory."
Paramedic asks, "Purgatory???"
* You feel mentally enhanced by Wuss Magic...
(Malkor nods.)
Malkor says, "Oh, I know, it doesn't seem like a hunting ground..."
Paramedic says, "Why Purgatory?"
(Paramedic listens)
Org du Lac exclaims, "Paramedic, you know that's the favorite hunting
grounds for all mystics!"
Malkor says, "Now that Tenebrion's amassing undine forces in the plane of Purgatory, I have a reason to stay."
Malkor exclaims, "I can slaughter hundreds of skeletons for hours on
end without ever finding the temple!"
* Your mental enhancement fades.
Paramedic asks, "Do you think we should go to war with Tenebrion to stop him from experimenting with purgatory?"
Malkor says, "Certainly."
Paramedic asks, "Do we have a chance of defeating him?"
Malkor says, "If we act now, perhaps."
Paramedic asks, "So he's getting stronger all the time?"
(Malkor nods!)
Paramedic says, "Hmmm."
Malkor says, "If those pansy diplomats have their way, we'll be knee-deep in Castle Guards by the time he's ready to invade."
Paramedic asks, "What did you think of Tarf's killing of the Tenebrion
ambassador?"
Malkor says, "Eh, he just played into Tenebrion's hands."
Malkor says, "That "ambassador" was a trap."
Paramedic asks, "Ah, just increased tensions as Tenebrion sought?"
Malkor says, "Tenebrion knew what would happen if he sent a clumsy spy into town."
(Malkor nods.)
Paramedic says, "Hmm, interesting."
Paramedic asks, "Ok, 5) Do you have any thoughts on the Dal'Noth/Dew Juice situation?"
Malkor exclaims, "Oh, a trainer who can help us harvest juices needs to be located at once!"
Malkor exclaims, "My tips have been halved in just this past Zodiac, and they're falling still!"
Paramedic asks, "Do you understand what these juices are?"
(Malkor shrugs.)
Malkor says, "I dunno. Maybe it's marketable as an exotic drink."
Paramedic says, "That was my thought."
Paramedic says, "it might be good over ice."
Malkor says, "Aye, a fine addition to Puddleby's brewery."
Paramedic says, "ok, in keeping with Fishwrap interview tradition, you are now allowed to ask the Thoom 1 (ONE) question."
Malkor says, "Oh, hrm..."
Malkor says, "I'm even worse at interviewing than I am at being
interviewed."
Paramedic says, "It's a tricky business."
(Malkor thinks.)
Paramedic says, "I injure myself in interviews all the time."
Malkor says, "I can imagine."
Paramedic says, "Dislocated a flipper last week."
Paramedic says, "But anyway, your question please."
(Malkor nods.)
Malkor asks, "How much do I get paid for this interview?"
Paramedic says, "Special deal today. You receive 5 coins."
(Luminary chuckles)
Malkor exclaims, "Bah!"
You hand Malkor 5 coins. You have 151 remaining.
Org du Lac exclaims, "Think of the fame!"
Sor of the Sun Dragon Clan has started an interesting discussion at the Winds of Dawn Clan Forum about the political systems of the clans of Puddleby.
Ann announced this at Clan Lord Sentinel:
There will be no v302 update. The v303 update is scheduled for September 17.
Mani has two new updates to his journal, covering a trip to the cloud and also some further thoughts on the Edarian connection.
Himitsu reports in her latest journal entry that she has been continuing her ethereal training and working on her updated Bestiary for Eyes of Puddleby.
Drablak has a full report on the recent ill-fated PTF trip to the Foothills.
In Mani's newest journal updates, he speculates about the connections between Puddleby and Edaria and reports on a trip to Melabrion's Island.
Azriel has a full report on a recent large expedition to the Foothills.
Hor ran into some problems in the North Forest. Read more about it in his latest journal entry.