Role
A vivid dream
Added Mon May 9 13:56:16 2022 at level 6:
By the Earth I greet you, holy Soothsayer.
"Yes, yes, come in. No need to be so formal. How can I assist you?"
Oh, I .. erh .. I had this dream, it felt so real. Like I was living it.
Or maybe, as if I am going to live it.
"Interesting, what was it about?"
I was galopping around aimlessly, just following my nose as usual,
until I crossed paths with a silver fox.
It looked at me with eyes of unfathomable wisdom. Intensily it's gaze was fixed on me,
as if I was being measured. As if that fox could stare straight into my soul.
Then suddenly, without a warning it bolted into the brush.
It felt clear I was supposed to follow it. I did ...
But then I woke up. What could it mean?
"So, the time has finally come. You must find this fox.
It is vital that you do, for you will find much more."
"That is all I can tell you. You must figure out the rest yourself."
"But be mindful of all you see, all you encounter."
Innocence lost
Added Tue May 10 14:43:40 2022 at level 8:
After weeks of scouting around for recognizable features in the landscape,
Telian finally stumbled upon familiar scenery. Once that was established
it was fairly easy to find the area in the forest where according to his
dream he would encounter the fox. Alas that did not quite happen the way
Telian expected. In shock he returns to the Soothsayer.
"Oi there boy! I did not expect you back so soon!"
Noticing the dread in Telian's eyes it becomes clear something is not as
it should be.
"I found the fox! But it was dead! It's body was filled with arrows,
but not the type we make. The tips were of steel and the finishing
wasn't as neat as how we would produce them."
"Strangely I could not however discern any tracks or other signs of who
could have done this atrocious act."
"What else did you see? You do remember I instructed you to be observant?"
Telian nods vigorously and continuous:
"I saw the blood, it was flowing profusely, as if it had just happened.
It was everywhere, but the fur that I could see was still clear and
brightly white."
"In what direction did the blood flow?"
"North. Due north."
Taking in the consequence of what Telian observed,
the Soothsayer asks her next question:
"Did you see any of its entrails?"
"Nay, I did not. If not for the arrows and the blood the fox could
just have been sleeping."
"Did you see the eyes? Were they open?"
"Yes, yes! They were! What does all of this mean?"
After a bit of mumbling to herself the Soothsayer comes to a conclusion:
"It is clear to me now. You must leave this place! Prepare for the journey,
but do not linger!"
"A hidden danger lurks. It is an ancient evil. A villain we have met before,
yet currently unknown to us. It is too well hidden. But if you linger, it will
find you."
"This evil ... it is cunning, clever. It is well beyond you know, though you
must face it in time. And you must overcome it."
"But that day is not today. You must make your way north. Through the
mountains and the plains. You will find a great lake, go around it and head
into the ancient hills. Always heading northward."
"Once you have cleared those hills you must travel a little further still, but
not too far. You will have come near the Emerald Forest."
"Ask the folk there and they will guide you to Hoisunt, Master of the Grove."
"He will take you in, he knows me. Give him this amulet of mine."
"Seek the Master and let him train you. Grow strong and confident, so you
may be ready when the evil finds you. I hope there is enough time."
"Go, go now. Go! Do not hesitate!"
The Mother
Added Thu Jun 9 14:37:02 2022 at level 41:
Mother Earth cares for all of her Children. She will feed and protect them
unconditionally. Eager to forgive and slow to anger, maybe she loves too much.
However, if you do betray her, there is no fury that matches hers. Nowhere to
run, the Mother shall swallow you whole and chew on you. Such an embrace you
will not endure.
But rejoice, for now you are able to run freely, able to smell the odors of
the forest, feel the wet morning grass, carried and sheltered by the Mother.
We all are her children, she is lenient and forgiving, so should we be.
The Father
Added Thu Jun 9 14:49:58 2022 at level 41:
Of frivolous and carefree temperament, the Father rules from above. In union
with the Mother he provides us with the Light, so we may walk upon the Earth
joyfully. While seemingly carefree he is however very diligent to his duties
and a strict mentor to his Children. Easy to anger, the misstep equally easily
forgotten.
The Mother was born out of the void of Time the first, but only when the union
with the Father was complete did Creation reach its full potential.
Look lively, for we may bask in the light, feel the chill breeze on our faces
and be refreshed from the rains.
Time, always and everlasting
Added Thu Jun 9 15:05:03 2022 at level 41:
The void was not empty, for there was Time. First and ever present. Firstborn
of the void came The Mother, after The Father followed. Uneasy at first,
different as they are, the prime Children came closer to one another and
finally formed a union that solidified the whole of Creation and magnificent
it was!
Well beyond mortal concerns they still are ruled by the truths of Eternity.
Time is the master of all, and ultimately the void awaits. But do not despair,
Time always was and ever shall be.
Live in harmony with Creation and you shall be blessed, no matter your
personal goals. That is, unless you seek to destroy. To destroy is to tear
apart the fabric of Creation. No mortal shoud interfere with the machinations
of Time and it's two prime Children. Do so at your peril, for if the void is
what you seek, you shall find it. When the void has you, you shall be erased
from existence.
Much rather, embrace the blessings bestowed upon you and live out the time
that was given to you. In harmony with The Mother and The Father, and all it's
Children.
Eternal Weavers of Destiny
Added Thu Jun 9 15:22:05 2022 at level 41:
By design of Time, the everlasting, the Mother and Father weave the threads of
Destiny. One for each of the Children, a fate and purpose laid upon them. To
seek your path in life is to find your purpose. To go against this is to fight
the machinations of Time and that can only lead to misery.
Feel the light in you, embrace life. Explore and find your path. Close your
eyes and feel what is natural to you.
A trinket from the past
Added Sun Jul 10 08:15:17 2022 at level 51:
On a dreary rainy and windswept night leather boots leave tiny footsteps in
the mud. After passing the Redhorn Gate the figure is halted by the Maran
Tara'bal.
After a while the voice of the Maran reaches the Elder Prophet: "I have this
shabby looking pixie of a man saying he has a package for you. Could you
please come over and fetch it? He has been muttering and cursing the entire
time about having to walk all the way here from the Emerald Forest."
At the gate Telian sees the Maran and a little figure he recognizes as Reage,
cook at the Emerald Forest.
Oi Reage! What are you doing all the way here?
"Don't remind me! It's a total scandal!" mutters the little man. "The pixies
threatened to spray rose dust all over my food if I didn't go." "That horrible
smell would be everywhere!"
I was told you have a package for me? says Telian, fondly remembering the
cooks antiques.
"That I do, here you go" The man hands a parcel made of neatly woven leaves to
the Prophet.
"Can I go now?" the little man utters, after which the Prophet confirms that
and sends him off, waving. As the little cook turns towards the Redhorn Gate
he continues his muttering.
With a smile Telian turns towards to inner courtyard and finds a spot to rest.
Untying the vines around the package, he notices a dried and well preserved
paw, white as snow. And a small parchment, containing writings.
"Telian,
I went to find the body of the silver fox. It had turned black, as the deepest
depth of the void. I created the trinket you now have in your hand from it.
Overtime the paw has turned completely white. It is your actions that have
made it so. Indeed your thread has always been one of promise. I am glad to
notice you seem to have embraced it.
Whatever happens, do not lose the trinket.
I will call upon you soon, you must come to me. You will know when.
Mother bless you,
Your loving grandmother"
Essence 'Essence of the Mother Spell' 'Spell Essence of the Mother'
Added Wed Aug 3 11:52:14 2022 at level 51:
Syntax: cast 'essence of the mother' <self>
As the Everpresent weaves his threads, each is enfused with a light and
vibrant vigor by the Father. Each thread represents an entity. A spectral
being of energy and consciousness. According to the grand design, the Mother
may tie such an entity to the physical world and make it corporal. Each
creature that walks on Thera has a dual existence, one physical, one in the
spirit realm.
As the physical world is far more tangible, us beings tend to focus on the
physical. Thus we are largely unaware of this duality. However, with great
focus and introspection it is possible to focus solely on the inner and
transport your consciousness to the spirit realm.
No mortal can achieve this without the aid of a spirit guide.
Tamazin. Musings on a talk with an abomination and its aspirations
Added Wed Aug 3 14:02:42 2022 at level 51:
I cannot fathom the hurt that must be inflicted on one as Tamazin to seek to
sever yourself from the thread that was woven for you by the Everpresent. He
sets all of us on a path, our goal in life is to find out what that is and
stay on it, as best as we can.
What Tamazin has done is brutally shatter his thread. I have seen his, it is a
tattered wreck, hardly reminiscend of the original thread. All color pours out
of it, aimlessly, leaving only the lifeless darkness of the void for him.
He claims he seeks to craft a purpose of his own. A higher aspiration of
seeking some sort of family. Sadly these designs seem selfish and foolish.
He has placed himself outside of the bounds of creation, a state of unlife.
Stuck in the void. No longer living in the spirit world, as he has forced his
spirit into the physical realm. That process has forced Tamazin to take on a
most dreadful anti-form.
No longer loved by the Mother, he had to craft a form of his own. Knowing only
dread, death and ugliness, that is the shape he took. A foul abomination of
energy made corporal.
I hope there may be a way to undo the damage he has wrought. He believes
himself powerful, purposeful. He wishes to leave behind a memory. To go out
with a bang.
But all he has done is set himself on a path towards oblivion. He shall fizzle
and fade. No longer present in the spirit realm, unlife in the physical. Once
his form perishes he shall be no more. Nothing but dust under the boots of
those that pass by.
As the world itself fades and is reborn, as all children of the Mother do,
all shall have forgotten him.
A Lich and his folly.
Soothsayer Saga 1 - A long trek into old memories
Added Wed Aug 3 14:41:24 2022 at level 51:
After many days of travel, Telian arrives at a glade, covered with fresh green
grass, herbs and flowers. Deeply hidden within a massive and ancient forest it
shelters a dwelling. Of simple design, it seems rather unremarkable, but
purposefully so. A place out of the wind, a basic repose for those with
restless wanderlust.
As Telian enters the dwelling he is greeted by an elderly Centaur woman. Her
pose is of confidence, self-assured thrust in the power of the mind and the
knowledge it holds. However it is clear that physically she is no longer able
to match this strength.
As the two approach each other, Telian politely embraces her and says
'Soothsayer'. With a smile the elderly Centaur responds 'We are well beyond
such formalities Telian'. I called for you as Soothsayer, but I stand before
you as your grandmother. Nothing more, nothing less.
'You know why I call for you, right?'
Telian dryly replies 'You have seen your death'.
Eyes briefly closed the woman acknowledges that: 'Indeed I have'.
Now looking at Telian, she seems proud: 'You always where strong. You achieved
so much'. She adds 'Surprised us too. Elder Prophet even!' with a chuckle.
Her eyes now focused on Telian's neck, she continuous: 'So Reage has
succeeded. He needed proper prodding, as always, but I knew I saw something in
him. Good'. Holding an open right hand towards the paw, she says 'We shall
begin. You must become the new Soothsayer'. With that the paw lifts upwards
and glows with a silver sheen.
Soothsayer Saga 2 - Calling upon the Essence of the Mother
Added Wed Aug 3 15:17:31 2022 at level 51:
The elderly Soothsayer addresses Telian: 'Say the words, as I taught them.
But, casually, you should not invoke its true meaning. Not yet.'
Eyes closed, a deep focused on his face Telian breaths in deeply. Softly and
deliberately without intonation, he utters:
'Zggziqz ay hpz Wahpzf'
For a very brief instance a silver sheen envelops the Centaur. But it fizzles
out immediatelly, without real effect.
Nodding softly, the woman says 'Very good. You seem to have achieved true
understanding.' She continues: 'We will see' and she verbalizes the same
phrase. A fierce silver light surrounding her.
As Telian does the same, the find each other once more. But now in spectral
form. Their surroundings seem familiar, but completely different to the
scenery they left. With the exception of that simple shelter. Here it now
stands as well, a bridge between the physical and the spirit world.
Where the Soothsayer stood a bright silver figure hovers, a ghostly
hummingbird. Tiny in stature, but clearly immensily powerful. It's flight fast
and swift, filled with purpose.
Telian however has not changed shape, other than the ethereal aspect of his
form. Not silver, his form is of purest white.
The voice of the Soothsayer pierces the overwhelming silence 'Quite surprising
indeed. This will be interesting.'
Seemingly stripped of all physical endowments, Telian looks at himself.
Distressed, he discovers there is no sign of the white paw.
As if she read his mind, the hummingbird states: 'Focus your mind. Reflect on
where it is. As in the physical world, it shall be your guide'. With that
Telian feels compelled to close his hands. The hummingbird softly says 'Open
your hands once more. Look upon them'.
As Telian does that, he can see the white paw lying in his palms. Not
spectral, but seemingly physical. As it was when he last saw it.
'... but how can this be!?' Telian stutters.
The voice of the hummingbird replies 'It is a vision. A vision from here into
the physical realm. It is like our shelter, a bridge between the two worlds'.
With a sense of gravity in her voice she continues 'Do you know its purpose?'
Telian responds 'It is a conduit, a guide that helps me reach the spirit world
with my mind'.
Acknowledingly the hummingbird answers 'Yes. But more importantly, it is what
shall help you go back.'
Sight 'Spectral Sight' 'Spell Spectral Sight'
Added Sun Aug 7 03:21:07 2022 at level 51:
Syntax: cast 'spectral sight' <self>
All children of the Mother, with the exception of those made undead, share a
bond with both the spirit realm and the physical world. Most are unaware of
this and at least consciously are aware only of what they perceive and feel in
the physical world. However, with the help of a spirit guide it is possible to
attune yourself to the spirit realm and also detect what occurs there.
This allows the caster to consult with their spirit guide and learn knowledge
about the great design of the Everpresent. However, while always truth, the
information can be cryptic and hard to decipher.
Ground 'Ground Spirit Spell' 'Spell Ground Spirit'
Added Sun Aug 7 06:57:51 2022 at level 51:
Syntax: cast 'ground spirit' <self>
After Essence of the Mother has been cast to transport your mind to the spirit
realm you need to find a way back. This is done by grounding yourself to an
aid you need to wear in the physical world. Carrying a token of your spirit
guide makes this far easier than any mundane item, though it is still possible
with the latter. Especially if you are attached to it somehow.
By grounding yourself, you are forcing a way back for your mind to the
physical world, after which you will exist as normal.
Soothsayer Saga 3 - Deeper into the spirit realm
Added Sun Aug 7 06:59:53 2022 at level 51:
Walking along with the Soothsayer through the spirit realm for some time now,
Telian can't shake the feeling of uncanny similarity with the physical world.
The landscapes seem similar, but also very much off. Sensing Telian's feeling
of unease, the Soothsayer says 'You must shake off any anxious feelings. It
will make you appear as someone who does not belong here and not all spirits
like outsiders.'
As if on cue, spectral figures appear out of nowhere and attack the two
Centaur. For Telian it is a tough fight, but the Soothsayer whirls and dances
around, causing a lot of damage to the assailants.
After they have gathered their breath, the Soothsayer remarks 'Well that was
bound to happen. Let us return to the physical world as I thought you.'
Telian nods acknowledgingly and utters the words:
'Ofajie Gsufuh'.
With that the paw flares a bright white and Telian awakens once more, now
fully grounded to the physical world once more.
Soothsayer Saga 4 - The true nature of the spirit guide
Added Sun Aug 7 14:00:48 2022 at level 51:
After a full week of regular visits to the spirit realm, followed by long
meditation and breathing exercises, Telian finally arrives at a state where he
feels at ease. No attacks have happened anymore and with renewed exploration
the realm has become more familiar and known.
The Soothsayer, in her hummingbird spectral form, acknowledges this 'You have
come a long way, Telian. You are now at one with the spirit realm'.
After a pause 'However, there is one more thing you need to learn before we
can start your true training as Soothsayer'.
Spectral Telian raises an eyebrow, after which the hummingbird continues:
'I feel there is a question burning inside you. You must ask me now'.
Understanding immediatelly what is meant, Telian responds 'Why do you appear
as the hummingbird while I retain my physical form, spectral as it may be?'
Hearing that the hummingbird seems to be pleased. She says 'As a youth you
were tasked to find your spirit. You found the silver fox'.
After a brief wait .. 'Or to be precise, it found you. You were ready to let
it find you'.
'You were told that all people who find their spirit guide have been chosen by
a spirit guardian. A spectral entity willing to aid those worthy of such'.
'While that is true, there is more to it. Your spirit guide is .. you. But the
spirit you.'
'Each living being exists in symbiosis, one part physical, the other
spiritual. It is like two parts of the same whole, intertwined where they
touch'.
'But, the spirit longs for a full union. To become a being that exists both in
the physical and spirit realm. Not as two entities, but one symbionic entity
that exists on both planes'.
'Most folk aren't even aware of this truth'.
Softly continueing, the Soothsayer says 'I have achieved this state, that is
why you see me as my spirit guide. The hummingbird'.
'I believe you too are now ready to form this union'.
Symbionic 'Symbionic Union Spell' 'Spell Symbionic Union'
Added Sun Aug 7 14:20:38 2022 at level 51:
Syntax: cast 'symbionic union' <self>
They say body and soul are one. That is only partially true. They are
intertwined, a symbionic relation, but not a true union. This spell changes
that.
A very difficult and taxing spell to perform, only an experienced Soothsayer
may perform it. It can also no longer be cast, once successful. It's so
desired union complete, the spirit and corporal form are one. A single entity
that exists both in the physical and spirit realm.
Soothsayer Saga 5 - A strong bond
Added Sat Aug 13 13:35:43 2022 at level 51:
After a refreshing nightly rest, Telian and the Soothsayer stand in the
dwelling. Well grounded in the physical world.
Almost softly the old Centaur addresses the younger one:
"You should perform the union now, Telian. But before you do, I must explain a
few things."
"As you will remember, we fought quite a few spirits when you were not yet
familiar with the spirit realm".
"They struck you because they felt you were an outsider, and they didn't like
it. Ultimately, they do not seek any realm harm. They just wish to defend
their territory."
"There's good folk among them as well, but what I want to talk about is the
bad ones".
"They are not like us mortals. They do not have emotions, no feelings, no
ambitions or regrets. All they are is evil."
"It is doubtful there are part of the Everpresent's grand design. They only
seek to destroy, not build. I believe they are the consequence of mortal
actions. Some seem to rebel against the gift of life, against the path they
were set upon. Through this they likely corrupted their spirits beyond
redemption."
"These are not really different from all other spirits we have fought, yet
their actions seem more single minded."
"However, there are some consequences of performing the Symbionic Union."
Listen attentively Telian nods towards the Soothsayer. She continues:
"Casting this union is taxing. Beyond normal reckoning. It will take a long,
long time to complete once initiated. And, you will attract attention while
it's in process."
Almost with a sigh the Soothsayer she says:
"There's the usual spectral attacks, but there will be more. Those evil
spirits will pester you. Even when you are not consciously in the spirit realm
you shall be assaulted with little annoyances or worse."
"But .. you are ready for this. I would not suggest this union if not. Do you
still wish to proceed?"
Without any hesitation Telian responds: "I shall."
With a mix of worry and pride, the Soothsayer says: "Then proceed as we
trained."
Closing his eyes Telian starts to watch his breath. He breaths deeply, slow
... and deep. Until deep concentration is achieved.
After some time a fierce glow surrounds Telian and it seems lines of pure
energy fall down from the sky, only to be absorbed by the Centaur's body.
All of a sudden all the energy seems to simply have gone. Telian reopens his
eyes with new found clarity.
A bond between spirit and corporeal form unlike any other has been performed.
The union is complete.
Soothsayer Saga 6 - Falling to the in-between
Added Thu Aug 18 12:57:32 2022 at level 51:
Telian as the white fox and the Soothsayer as the hummingbird are once more in
the spirit realm.
The Soothsayer starts 'Here we are again. Your union complete, you will find
yourself in adjustment for a long time. However, you already are capable of so
much more now. You are ready to see the threads of fate."
"As you know the Everpresent is the weaver of Fate. A thread is created for
each being in creation, each growing as we walk our path."
"These threads are created from the breath of the Everpresent. It flows out of
the void, bringing existence where there was none before. It is the energy
that fuels us all throughout the planes. It is what gives us life."
After a pause, taking in the importance of what comes next, the Soothsayer
continues "Have you ... ever felt like falling when you are falling asleep?"
"It is your spirit feeling a sudden weakening of the body. To the spirit it
feels as the disconnect of death has happened. Instinctively the spirit will
want to return to the spirit realm, but the confines of your body pulls it
back. You often are not aware of this."
Focusing on what she is saying, the Soothsayer follows with
"The threads exist in the in-between, the place between the void and
creation."
"It can be reached from all planes, but it is incredibly hard to do because of
the visual nature of these planes. These visuals reconfirm to us mortal beings
that the plane we are in is the only true one. It takes an almost impossible
amount of focus and concentration to break this pattern."
"There is however an easier way."
"As you have felt from the first time you have been here, the spirit realm
both is familiar and unfamiliar. You have grown accustomed to it, but this
uncanny nature is what makes it easier to fall through to the in-between."
"We will invoke that feeling of falling I mentioned before and use it to fall
between the cracks of creation into the in-between."
"Unbounded by physical constraints this is far easier to accomplish here."
As surpressed knowledge now awoken, Telian knows this is truth. His new
clarity gained through the bond of his body and spirit has enlightened him and
so he utters:
"I know what needs to be done. I am ready."
With a satisfied smile the Soothsayer says:
"Then let us proceed."
Embracing inner peace, both fox and hummingbird fall between creation and
disappear into the blackness of the in-between.
Soothsayer Saga 7 - The threads of life and a path into oblivion
Added Sun Aug 21 05:02:45 2022 at level 51:
Two visitors hover in a place where the concept of laws of physics are beyond
absurd. Where Life and Death are one and the same. Where the nothingness of
the void is oppressive, yet the feeling of pure Creation has never been so
tangible.
This duality is not lost on Telian. Stretched out before him in all directions
set against the vastness of the void are lines of pure energy and light.
Astonished by this unreal sight very few mortals have and ever will see he can
do naught but to gaze at what surrounds him into eternity.
Finally the soft voice of the Soothsayer breaks the spell "Come, there is one
thread in particular you must see."
While physical movement is impossible, the two figures still manage movement
in some form, the fox guided by the hummingbird. As if mere thought propels
them forward. Having the feeling of not having moved at all, Telian finds
himself with a thread that looks very different from any other.
Contrasted by the divine purity of all the threads they saw earlier, this
particular thread looks a tattered and frayed wreck. Somehow this thread has
been shattered. Whatever ritual caused this, it has had violent effect. A
rainbow of colors shouts out of the thread, not as orderly but in randomly
changing order. Like a dying man's last breath, rushing outwards into the
nothingness.
The Soothsayer says "It is what remains of the thread of the Lich you know as
Tamazin."
A darkness briefly flares in the eyes of the Soothsayer, as she ponders the
importance of what they see. With that she continues "Using energy from the
negative plane he has completed the ritual commonly called 'becoming'".
Sighing with dismay, the bird proceeds to say "Sure, through this process he
has gathered new and immense power. But at a terrible, terrible cost. As you
can see his thread has been broken. He has erased himself from the grand
design of the Everpresent."
"Each mortal lives in synergy with his spirit form, as you now know very well.
When our corporal self perishes the spirit endures and we are reborn by the
grace of the Mother and the eternal plan."
"Through this 'becoming' the Lich has forced his spirit unto the physical
realm. Having detached himself from the grand design, he no longer received a
renewed corporal form."
"However, no spirit can exist in the physical realm by itself. Being of pure
energy, a spirit would dissipate if it would linger too long."
"So, as part of this ritual of unlife, a Lich absorbs what is around it and
forms a new body by its own design."
"Consumed as they are with negative energy, that image is a representation of
the state of their mind. A being of power and dread, but forever without
hope."
"There can be no hope, for even such a being is still affected by time. When
its moment has come, the Lich will simply lose all semblance of a physical
form and fall apart. All that shall remain is dust and a forgotten memory."
Soothsayer Saga 8 - The Center of Eternity
Added Sun Aug 21 09:06:09 2022 at level 51:
After looking over Tamazin's shattered thread, but never touching, as the
Soothsayer strongly advised, it is time to move on.
It's hard to imagine with a hummingbird, but with a grim expression the
Soothsayer addresses Telian:
"Come. There is one final place we must visit."
"It is unfathomable how a realm of vast eternity can have a center, but that
is where we are going next. Hold on to me."
Not sure what to expect Telian nods and makes contact with the Soothsayer.
Without ever moving, the two arrive at a cobble stone square. No walls or
other boundaries exist, just a cozy square space with nothing but vast
nothingness at its edges.
In the middle a circular staircase rises. Two rings of cobble on top of each
other, at the center of the top one there would be a hole. It is made of utter
nothingness and wherever it would take you can not be discerned.
Some sort of bright mist seems to flow upwards from the well, for that is was
it seems to be. Ever upwards the flow goes, uninterrupted.
With a whisper, as if not to break the solemnity of the place, the Soothsayer
says: "Step closer. But do not touch that energy."
Softly Telian approaches the well. As he approaches the two rings, he sees
runic symbols on them. It has been a very long time since he saw these, but he
remembers being taught the meaning and value of those.
The larger ring closest to the cobble floor reads FATHER. The upper ring reads
MOTHER.
Whispering once more the Soothsayer asks: "Do you now realise what lies beyond
that well?"
Also whispering, after some thought, Telian replies: "The void and it's
master, the Everpresent."
Satisfied the old Centaur nods towards Telian and whispers once more:
"Very well. Now all there is left to do is visit the other side."
Soothsayer Saga 9 - The Demon of Time
Added Sun Aug 21 09:34:08 2022 at level 51:
With a gesture the Soothsayer has Telian grab hold of her. Uncertain how it is
achieved, Telian feels himself fall to the cobble floor and go through it.
Standing upright on the other side, there seems to be no sign of the well at
the other side.
Where just a moment ago they were standing on hard cobbles, they are now
floating in what seems to be clouds. From all sides spectral figures move
towards the center of this strange location. All spirits seem to converge to
this massive figure in the middle.
A monstrously large winged form looms heavily above Telian and the
Soothsayer's spectral figures. Instinctively Telian seems to understand that
although the figure seems solid enough, it is entirely made of energy.
When each of the spectral figures reaches the figure it is consumed whole. As
that has been completed the figure briefly radiates the brightest of light. It
dissipates, until the next is consumed.
Although the nature of this being seems to be very puzzling, its form at least
is something Telian recognizes, it seems to be
"A demon!" Telian shouts, forgetting where he is. A stern "sssh!" follows from
the Soothsayer.
"Indeed it is a demon, but not as you know them. They are well beyond mortal
notions of good and evil." whispers the Soothsayer.
"It is the Demon of Time" the Soothsayer whispers gravely.
After a pause she continues "Whenever a mortal being dies, it spirit will come
here."
"Each spirit is consumed by the Demon to remove any of the taint accumulated
in their mortal life. Once cleansed in such fashion, the now pure spirit is
set free once more. That is that glow you see."
Again the Soothsayer continues "Where they go, no one knows. Once released the
spirits dissolve, transported back to the Everpresent, I presume."
"Whenever appropriate that spirit will take form once more and be reborn
mortal once more."
Soothsayer Saga 10 - FINAL 1 - Messages from Past and Future
Added Sun Aug 21 14:05:34 2022 at level 51:
With a wave the Soothsayer beckons Telian to come forward. She whispers "The
Demon is why we are here. As he eats the spirits he consumes their past and
gains insights into their renewed future. He will utter random sentences,
about past and future. Usually always something about the spirit, but it could
be anything."
"As the most important servant of the Everpresent the Demon is privy to the
grand design which means he may blurt out fragments of the grand plan."
"However, it will always be very brief and may sound almost nonsensical to us.
Comical even, to us mortals who are not aware of the Everpresent's plan."
Falling almost silent now, the Soothsayer whispers "Now hush, be silent and we
may be close enough to hear it."
...
...
Telian had already heard some utterances originating from the Demon, but he
could not make anything of it. He discarded it as demonic gibberish.
...
Now however, listen attentively he notices that indeed the Demon is saying
understandable sentences as each spirit is consumed and released.
...
"A rose with dull swords shall not soar high."
...
"Hop hop and skip, off and on, but still dead center target."
...
"Ugly does not evil make."
...
And it goes on and on, endlessly. Some sentences sounded somewhat
comprehensible, others very abstract. The truely remarkable thing however as
Telian realizes, is the was able to make out what the Demon was saying. For
now in hindsight, clearly the Demon was not using the common tongue, spoken
among mortals.
As if guessing what Telian has come aware of, the Soothsayer whispers "He
speaks the Eternal Language. While we are at the Center of Eternity we share
in the knowledge of those words."
Soothsayer Saga 10 - FINAL 2 - Messages from Past and Future
Added Sun Aug 21 14:06:13 2022 at level 51:
Now smiling warmly, the Soothsayer specifically looks at Telian and says, no
longer whispering: "That you understood the Demon means you have completed
your training. You are fully attuned to the spirit realm and what lies
beyond."
"My work is done, I can move on."
With that, the old Soothsayer focuses her mind on the token she has around her
neck in the physical realm. Focusing specifically on it, she casts a modified
version of the ground spirit spell:
The Soothsayer whispers 'Yaqjg Ofajieze Gsufuh'.
With that, her token now appears around her neck in the spirit realm. A single
feather of the hummingbird, shining with a very bright metallic sheen. Telian
has seen it before in the physical realm, but never elsewhere. The old
Soothsayer did not need a reminder to ground her again.
Smiling with soft contentment the Soothsayer continues:
"It is done. I have detached myself from the physical realm. I must do what we
have come here to do."
Appearing now in her full spectral form, she resembles a Centaur lady once
more, frail but still proud. On her touch, Telian also transform to his
spectral self.
She comforts the young Centaur, and says: "It was clear from a very young age
that you had ability, but a full focus on the Light and already Elder Prophet
at such an early age. What a Soothsayer you will be!"
And with that the old Centaur moves away and gets in line towards the Demon.
After it was her turn a last sentence is heard:
...
"From the old comes the new. What was build shall diminish. Eternal spark
flikkers but never wanes."
...
Too stunned to realise how comprehensible that was, Telian is overwhelmed by
wanting to be home. With that, and to his surprise, he finds himself back in
the spirit realm. He too now utters the ground sight spell, but the regular
version:
"Ofajie Gsufuh"
And with that he returns to the physical realm.
PK Wins
Aug 4, 2022 |Lv 51|Mount Calandaryl|Thokran vs 5: [51] Telian (6%), [45] Wrafe (0%), [51] Kreste (69%, drowning), [51] Coqui (20%), [51] Ellania (3%)
Aug 5, 2022 |Lv 51|The Redhorn Mountains|Thokran vs 2: [51] Ellania (15%), [51] Telian (84%, entanglement)
Aug 9, 2022 |Lv 51|Ancient Emerald Forest|Thokran vs 4: [51] Javanel (25%), [51] Kormanagon (50%), [51] Telian (2%), [51] Ellania (21%, brilliant radiance)
Aug 12, 2022|Lv 51|Aubade|Thokran vs 4: [51] Telian (24%), [51] Voronwe (10%), [51] Coqui (4%), [51] Ellania (60%, brilliant radiance)
Sep 5, 2022 |Lv 51|Silverwood|Corirander vs 5: [51] Narzinne (2%), [51] Telian (2%), [38] Mrekresh (17%), [41] Vergulm (65%, punch), [38] Orsis (12%)