The Spider's Mark
(This log is from Aoide's perspective and has been edited heavily to remove distractions.)
A spider crawls over your arm.
You wake and stand up.
The arachnid regards you from a short distance away.
You say (in common), 'hi little guy'.
Aoide looks around for the lady.
who
10 players.
Elf [ Ma: 4 ] Kylanae the Elf Hum [ Sh:24 Ra:15 ] Spooky the boogieman *HUNT* Gno [ Th:21 Cl:20 Wa:18 ] Dimwit the Flathead of the Nexus Hum [ Wa: 5 Sh:12 ] Hern Falstaff. Have Rift, Will Travel Elf [ Ma:27 Th:25 ] Lessien. Hum [ Ra: 1 Cl: 9 ] Tagnik'Zur, Avatar of the Hunt Hel [ Ma:12 ] FlamingoMan the mute Half-Elf Princess Dwa [ Founder ] Tynian: 'Like' our FB page; I win steak knives Elf [ Bard: 11 8 8 ] Aoide Mathwin seeks the Phantom. *HUNT* Gno [ Demigoddess ] [GS] Katrana is the Huntress and you are the game. <Inv 71>
>Shiver
Brrrrrrrrr.
The spider crawls closer.
Aoide holds out her slightly quivering hand.
You say (in common), 'come here'.
It creeps closer, then onto your extended hand.
Aoide examines the spider.
You say (in common), 'what are you doing here, little guy?'.
The spider settles onto your hand, then bites your palm.. Hard.
You say (in common), 'you need to be careful here, you might get stepped on'.
You say (in common), 'ouch!'.
Aoide shakes her hand.
With one horrible movement, it crawls INTO your flesh.
You blink.
Aoide stares at her palm, disbelieving.
Aoide prods the wound, checking for infection or pain.
The creature disappears into your flesh, reforming on the surface of your flesh in indigo ink.
Aoide examines the ink closely.
Aoide furrows her borws, looking for a pattern.
Aoide stokes the ink absentmindedly, thinking of another time she had seen something that color.
A perfectly formed spider in indigo appears on your palm.
You ponder the question.
Aoide open and closes her palm.
A Midnight Garden
[Exits: none]
The breathtaking loveliness of a midnight shadowed garden embraces you. The
night sky is filled with stars... no, not stars, but strands of light which
shimmer at the edges of sight. The soft call of unseen birds provides sweet
melody to please the ear and the low hoot of an owl echoes out of the trees,
only to be answered by the harsh, mocking scream of a carrion crow. A thick
tangle of web-shrouded crimson briar roses marks the boundaries of the area
and every conceivable variety of flower blooms within, despite the darkness.
At the center of the garden lies an ornate multi-tiered fountain, ebon fire
lighting the cascades from within. Benches have been placed invitingly in a
semi-circle around the stone basin of the fountain, set just inside a thick
band of mithril.
(Intense Dark Red Aura) Cordir is here.
(White Aura) A distressingly large, shiny black spider weaves webs here.
The shadows recede, leaving a bewildered bard in their wake.
You curtsey to her.
Aoide holds on out left hand, palm up, for you to see. Her hand is quivering.
Cordir regards you quietly.
You say (in common), 'I was bitten.'.
You say (in common), 'and then the spider...*gulp* burrowed into my palm.'.
Cordir cups your hand within her own.
Cordir examines the mark.
You say (in common), 'and the mark remained.'.
Cordir glances over at Guardian reproachfully.
You say (in common), 'it was a much smaller spider'.
You giggle.
You say (in common), 'but it did seem to behave strangely'.
The Guardian Spider makes a gesture with two legs that could almost be taken as a shrug.
The Guardian Spider says (in old-common), 'She is Yours. As much as the Wyldess'.'
Cordir glances at you sharply.
Cordir frowns slightly, making a slight gesture of refusal.
Aoide pales slightly.
Cordir says quietly, 'I have no more people.'
The Guardian Spider says (in old-common), 'She is Yours. I have Seen it.'
Aoide looks at her feet nervously.
Cordir raises one eyebrow.
The Guardian Spider says (in old-common), 'There will be Geasa. And some day... Mastery.'
The other brow raises.
You say (in common), 'my lady, I am confused.'.
Cordir says, 'as am I.'.
Cordir says, 'Yet Guardian seems fairly certain that you were meant to be of the Weaver.'.
You say (in common), 'and is Guardian always...correct?'.
Cordir glances at the spider, the very corners of Her mouth twitching. She murmurs, 'That depends on whom you ask.'
You snicker softly.
You say (in common), 'I must admit that I am slightly afraid'.
Cordir tilts her head to one side, Her empty eyes fixing upon yours. Quietly: "you should be."
You say (in common), 'I am worried that I am not worthy, I *know* I am not ready'.
You say (in common), 'perhaps what Guardian has seen is in the distant future'.
Cordir shrugs slightly. 'Yesterday is now. Tomorrow is now.'
Aoide nods slowly.
You say (in common), 'I have been studying the Triat when I can find those willing to teach me'.
Cordir says, 'Corri can speak of the nows.'.
Cordir says, 'Though she always worries when now is not now.'.
You say (in common), 'I will ask her..I must admit that it hurts my head a little to work out that
last option'.
You laugh at yourself. I would, too.
You say (in common), 'does the prospect of my attachment to the Weaver...displease you?'.
Cordir says slowly, Her brow furrowing. 'There have been times, that the past was now. But now.. was not now. She was worried. She will be worried again.'
Cordir says, 'It does not.'.
Cordir says, 'I have Seen some of what Guardian speaks of.'.
You say (in common), 'that calms me somewhat'.
Cordir says, 'My Mark would not be upon you, if I was displeased.'.
Cordir says, 'Even if I am, perhaps, surprised that it came so soon.'.
You smile happily.
You say (in common), 'I was comforted by the mark'.
You say (in common), 'if confused'.
You say (in common), 'my first thought, when the spider behaved strangely, was that there was a
connection'.
You say (in common), 'but then when it bit me I felt alarm'.
You say (in common), 'with the indigo mark, however, I was certain there was a connection'.
The Weaver's lips twitch slightly. 'With the path of the Weaver, there is always sacrifice and pain.
You nod.
Cordir says, 'Wyldess could have told you this.'.
You say (in common), 'she has alluded to it'.
You say (in common), 'though she prefers things less solemn'.
You say (in common), 'it seems'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'Though, let her not fool you. Katrana knows well the value of ritae.'.
You nod.
You say (in common), 'is there anything that you would have me do?'.
You say (in common), 'I do not wish to carry this mark lightly.'.
Cordir says quietly, Her tone almost.. curious. 'Have you spoken to the Phantom? Has he admitted his lies?
You shake your head.
You say (in common), 'I have not'.
Cordir utters the words, 'qcandusahz yaae'. A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.
Cordir utters the words, 'qcandusahz yaae'. A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.
Cordir utters the words, 'qcandusahz yaae'. A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.
You say (in common), 'many thanks, lady'.
You get a Magic Mushroom.
You get a Magic Mushroom.
You get a Magic Mushroom.
You eat a Magic Mushroom. You are no longer hungry.
Cordir nods, frowning.
You say (in common), 'I have not'.
You say (in common), 'the last I spoke to the Phantom, he denied nothing, claiming no lies'.
You say (in common), 'but I have not been able to find him these last many days'.
Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively.
You say (in common), 'he is proving...true to his name.'.
Cordir says, 'so.. since you and I spoke... '.
Cordir says, 'you have talked to him?'.
Cordir says, 'and he swore the truth of his past words?'.
You say (in common), 'just once, briefly'.
You say (in common), 'his words were that he recanted nothing'.
You say (in common), 'I would ask him more pointedly, coming at the issue many directions to catch him in a falsehood again'.
You say (in common), 'but he has been elusive'.
You say (in common), 'I also asked him about the Nashite spell mind blank'.
Your cheeks are burning.
Her brow furrows and Her lips tighten to a narrow line of anger.
You say (in common), 'but he claimed no knowledge of it'.
You say (in common), 'I hope I did not over reach'.
You say (in common), 'I feel very ignorant but am compelled to find out more'.
You say (in common), 'but I never wish to bring you displeasure'.
Cordir says, 'Life is a Mystery. Seeking answers is holy.'.
You say (in common), 'my Goddess has bid me keep seeking as well, but encouraged caution'.
Cordir blinks slowly. 'WYLDESS suggests caution?' She chuckles slightly.
You giggle.
You say (in common), 'yes, well'.
You say (in common), 'as she can'.
You say (in common), 'Guardian mentioned Geasa and someday Mastery'.
Cordir nods.
You say (in common), 'what is gaesa?'.
You say (in common), 'I have heard it mentioned'.
Cordir blinks slowly.
You say (in common), 'but never found a satisfactory response'.
Cordir says, 'Geasa are the vows that all Chosen of Fate bound themselves with.'.
You say (in common), 'it is..a sacrifice of some sort?'.
Cordir says, 'I, Myself, bore them.'.
Cordir says, 'They are oaths, unique to each, requiring or forbidding a specific action.'.
Cordir looks thoughtful.
Cordir says, 'Mine... were centered around the Chosen. . . and thus, no longer applicable.'.
You nod.
You say (in common), 'there is a power in vows. Have you felt their lack?'.
The Guardian Spider nods. She says, (in Old-Common) 'Lady, it is past time You revisited Geasa.'
Cordir looks at Guardian, surprised.
Cordir says, 'I stand admonished.'.
You say (in common), 'I assume there are three, considering the power in the number'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'Though My Shadow and My brother, Saran, had nine.'.
Cordir says, 'Tirayel took nine as well.'.
You say (in common), 'that is quite a few'.
You say (in common), 'how did they choose? did you choose them?'.
Cordir says, 'I do not choose Geasa.'.
Cordir says, 'I have advised some, when they had difficulty choosing.'.
Cordir says, 'Though most learned that Geasa I recommended tended to be a bit more difficult.'.
You laugh.
You say (in common), 'but then perhaps more powerful'.
Cordir says, 'For example, My Shadow never spoke his own name.'.
Cordir says, 'others, never entered midgaard.'.
Cordir says, 'there were literally hundreds of Geasa taken over the years.'.
Cordir says, 'Guardian would weave them into the Tapestry.'.
You nod.
You say (in common), 'thank you'.
You say (in common), 'that fits with what I have heard'.
You say (in common), 'I take it, then, that Guardian sees me taking Geasa'.
Cordir tilts Her head to one side, regarding you. 'Do you feel it appropriate?'
You say (in common), 'I just assumed that was meant. When I heard it, I did not reject the idea.'.
You say (in common), 'though I wonder if I am ready'.
Cordir says, 'It is a powerful thing, to take Geasa.'.
Cordir says, 'They are mighty oaths.'.
You say (in common), 'or to what I would vow. I am not a Chosen...'.
Aoide glances at her hand.
You say (in common), 'or, a Chosen of Fate, rather'.
Cordir says, 'No, you serve the Triat under Wyldess.'.
Cordir says, 'But I think that She would not take offense at Geasa.'.
Cordir says, 'There are others in the world who still hold to their Geasa.'.
You say (in common), 'I wonder also, my lady, if you will be taking Geasa..or if that is again not for me to wonder'.
Cordir says, 'Wistom. Avatarr. Others.'.
Cordir says, 'I shall.'.
You ponder the question.
Cordir says, 'It isn't .. safe... for the world, otherwise.'.
Cordir smiles ever so slightly.
You say (in common), 'when I sought entrance into the Hunt, the Wyldess gave me a quest'.
You say (in common), 'one portion for each aspect of the Triat'.
You say (in common), 'I suppose that when I do take Geasa, I will follow that example'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'many follow that path.'.
You eat a Magic Mushroom. You are no longer hungry.
Cordir says, 'Some chose one prohibition, one required action, and one act of service.'.
Cordir utters the words, 'qcandusahz yaae'. A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.
Cordir utters the words, 'qcandusahz yaae'. A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.
You smile happily.
You get a Magic Mushroom.
You get a Magic Mushroom.
Aoide nods gratefully.
You say (in common), 'although perhaps each should be an aspect of the Weaver I would do well to strengthen'.
You say (in common), 'I do not understand what Guardian meant, but I wish to be prepared'.
Cordir says, 'That is for you and the Wyldess to discuss...I do not wish to tread upon Her mantle.'.
Cordir glances over at the spider.
You say (in common), 'I will ask her'.
Cordir says, 'She seems to think that upon your Final Ascension..'.
Cordir says, 'that you will seek Triat Mastery.'.
You say (in common), 'she has alluded that to me as well'.
You say (in common), 'so I have been studying the Mastery'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'each are unique.'.
You say (in common), 'but am daunted. Then again, I have many Ascensions remaining.'.
Cordir says, 'Many have failed.'.
Cordir says, 'Solaron, beloved of the Wyldess, failed.'.
Cordir says, 'Tranquility, My Handmaiden, failed.'.
Cordir says, 'Gregar, Adso, DarkClaw..'.
Cordir says, 'One saw the quest and dared not undertake Weaver's Sacrifice.'.
You nod.
You say (in common), 'then I am rightfully awed'.
Cordir says, 'Katrana was successful.'.
Cordir says, 'As was I. The Shadow. The Nachtwacht. The Dryad.'.
Cordir says, 'Some others.'.
Cordir says, 'Typhon. MissFit. Ivarr. Pestis.'.
You say (in common), 'that is encouraging'.
You say (in common), 'though there is less shame in failing than never attempting, I would assume'.
Cordir nods.
You say (in common), 'depending on the reason'.
Cordir says, 'indeed.'.
Cordir says, 'Even those who failed, undertook something that most dare not.'.
You nod.
You say (in common), 'I have much to consider'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'shall I send you back?'.
You say (in common), 'would you care to see the artifacts I discovered, my lady? Or would they be better for another time?'.
Cordir looks wary.
Cordir shakes Her head.
You nod.
Cordir says, 'I... I dare not.'.
You say (in common), 'then I will continue my search'.
Cordir nods.
You say (in common), 'thank you for helping explain this'.
Aoide turns her hand palm up.
You realize that the tattoo has moved from your palm, to the pulse-point at your wrist.
You blink.
Aoide touches her wrist carefully with just a single finger.
The skin feels warm.
You say (in common), 'yes, lady, I have much to consider'.
Cordir nods.
You say (in common), 'I will do it best out, experiencing perhaps'.
You say (in common), 'something...mindless'.
Cordir says, 'something wyld.'.
who
13 players.
Hel [ Ma:25 Ra:20 ] Cresom monk
Sah [ Ma: 9 ] Meowol Mix I-ams Purr-in-a way like a Frisky catfish
Elf [ Demigod ] Boromir is the Master of the Nexus
Dwa [ Wa:18 Cl:23 ] Pitic is a dwarf of the Hunt
Gno [ Lesser God ] Lycron, One with the Crimson Sun
Elf [ Cl:13 Ra:13 ] Elletheran, Dark Monk of the Nashite Magi
Hum [ Ra:17 Ma:20 ] Tenko bat'Kael, i<3neXus, i<3mummy
Hum [ Ra: 8 Cl: 9 ] Tagnik'Zur, Avatar of the Hunt
Hum [ Ra:12 Th:10 Ma:16 ] Gwyrdain follows where his Lord wills. [NASH]
Elf [ Bard: 12 8 8 ] Aoide Mathwin seeks the Phantom. *HUNT*
Hel [ Ma:17 ] FlamingoMan the mute Half-Elf Princess
Hum [ Triat Weaver ] Cordir: Ebon Goddess [fiftythousandtearsivecried]
Hum [ Cl:28 Ra:25 ] Borgh will Nexify you. Resistance is futile...