Aoide - Level 30 Bard Review

August 15, 8PM System Time. Log by Aoide.

Pre-Event Chatter

> hide
It is awfully hard to hide when you are glowing.

Crunch arrives from the west.

Tes arrives from the west.

Crunch is so excited that he cheers just for the hell of it.

Tes says (in common), 'Steak!'.
Tes throws back his head and cackles with insane glee!

Sagan says (in common), 'He was a wonderf... well, no. He was a kin... hm, nope not that either. '.

Crunch says (in common), 'no!'.

Crunch bows before Cordir.
Tes drinks water from a magical spring.

Tes gets steak made from Troy.
Tes eats steak made from Troy.
Tes licks his lips and smiles.

Crunch drools all over Tes.
Crunch rests.

Tes rests.

Ink arrives from the west.

Crunch showers you with confetti!

Cordir says, 'Hello, Initiate'.

Ink bows before Cordir.
Ink says (in sahuagin), 'Hello!'.

Ink says, 'Aaaaaughibbrgubugbugrguburgle!'.
Ink coughs.
Ink gargles a bit of salt water and tries again.
Ink utters the words, 'haiojzg'.

As the sound of ocean waves crashing touches your ears, a darkness falls.
Inky black waves appear from nothing, crashing through the area.
The waves subside to reveal the Swish, Wyld's Acolyte, standing before you.

Crunch eyes Aoide's toez.

Sagan stands up.
Sagan is now guarding you.

Crunch scolds Sagan.

Sagan pokes Crunch in the ribs.

Ink is now guarding you.

You say (in common), 'Ink, perhaps you could be a little less...'.

Crunch snickers softly.

Tes looks at you.

You say (in common), 'vocal during this?'.

Cordir says, 'Ink, I would ask that you suspend your tongues triggers.'.

Ink says (in sahuagin), '...'.
Ink says (in sahuagin), 'I was spoken to'.

Natilena arrives in a hail of stardust.

Crunch licks Natilena.

You say (in common), 'many thanks, fellows. I'm sure Crunch was just admiring my bare feet.'.

Ghostly flames of black swirl up, flowing over the ground like mist.
The fires dance with joy at the presence of the Wyldess.
They swirl around her in a column of black light, welcoming her.
The sound of a hound baying in the distance heralds their departure.

You say (in common), 'not actually considering a snack'.

Tes rubs dust from his eyes.

Crunch nods in recognition to you.

You curtsey to Natilena.

Mutex bows before you.

Crunch hangs his head and sighs shamefully.

Sagan rests.

Natilena grins happily at you.

Aoide fiddles with the keys of her clarinet.

Crunch bows before Katrana.

You say (in common), 'Is it time?'.

Ink utters the words, 'hfjz gzzuio'.

The Storytelling Amphitheater

[Exits: west]
You are in a small amphitheater. Several rows of curved marble benches
curl comfortably around a raised dais. The high ceiling and polished
stone walls are shaped to reflect the voice of the speaker at the dais,
letting them be heard throughout the room. An open archway to the west
leads out into a small courtyard.
(Token magic) A magical spring flows from the ground here.
( 2) A delicious magic mushroom is here.
(Light Red Aura) Mutex is here.
(Intense Dark Blue Aura) Natilena is here.
(Intense Light Red Aura) [GS] Katrana is here.
(Light Red Aura) (White Aura) Ink is here.
(Light Red Aura) Tes is resting here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Crunch, The Past Finder Adept, is resting here.
(Intense Dark Purple Aura) DarkClaw is here.
(Light Red Aura) Sarai is resting here.
(Invis) (Light Red Aura) Sagan is resting here.
(Invis) (Light Red Aura) Doc is here.
(Invis) (Dark Cyan Aura) Soloban is resting here.
(Intense Light Cyan Aura) Cordir is here.

Cordir says, 'if I may, Bard?'.

You nod.
You say (in common), 'Yes, please'.

Cordir says, 'During this performance, I ask that you please refrain from eating or drinking'.

Tynian appears through a rift in the universe.

Cordir says, 'please disable spell triggers'.

Aoide looks down at her feet, blushing.

You curtsey to Tynian.

Crunch bows before Tynian.

Mutex bows before Tynian.

Cordir curtseys gracefully to Tynian.

Tynian smiles at you.

DarkClaw beams a smile at Tynian.

Ink bows before Tynian.

Katrana smiles happily.

14 players.
Elf [    Ra:30 Ma:30    ] Mutex Hunt
Dwa [      Founder      ] Tynian is a stranger in a strange land.
Dwa [    Sh:30 Th:30    ] Doc Demento, Hooligan of the Nashite Magi -LLU-
Hum [    Triat Weaver   ] Cordir: Ebon Goddess, Patroness of Bards. [Abe]
Ogr [    Wa:18 Sh:25    ] Crunch, Charred Ebrithil Master of Disaster of Lost
Hum [ Th: 6 Ra:25 Ma:25 ] Soloban, Professional Cartographer *Nexus*
Sah [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] Ink: Triat Initiate
Hum [    Wa: 4 Sh:18    ] Tes'er!
Hel [ Th:27 Ra:30 Ma:30 ] Sarai Half-Elf maiden of Hunt
Elf [    Gr8er Goddez   ] Natilena: teh gr8er goddez of f00d
Dwa [     The Hound     ] Sagan puts on his robe and wizard hat.
Elf [ Bard:  30  30  29 ] Aoide Mathwin, Triat Initiate. [HUNT]
Gno [  Lesser  Goddess  ] [GS] Katrana, Wyldess of the Hunt
Hum [    Demigoddess    ] DarkClaw: Lost Cause, Newbie Helper  -= Belgarion =-

Katrana grins Wyldly.

Tynian smiles happily.

Natilena whispers, 'slowpoke!'

Cordir utters the words, 'stxabrae'.

Ink tells you (in sahuagin), 'You've got quite the audience here. I'm impressed!'.

Cordir nods in recognition to you.

A will-o-the-wisp appears, dancing about the Bard.

You say (in common), 'Well, I wasn't nervous'.
You say (in common), 'until you all showed up'.
You say (in common), 'but thank you, still the same'.
You say (in common), 'I should begin with a disclaimer, however'.
You say (in common), 'there is no treasure at the end of this performance'.

Sagan sighs loudly.
Sagan stands up.

Tynian frowns.
Tynian steps through a rift in the universe, and disappears.

Ink snickers softly.

Cordir giggles.

You say (in common), 'unlike the previous level 50 review'.
You wink suggestively at Sarai.

Katrana smirks.

Sagan rests.

You say (in common), 'so, if you all would like to stay anyway.. thank you'.
You say (in common), 'and MANY thanks to those who have helped me prepare for tonight and in general'.

Cordir looks at you.

You say (in common), 'I am eternally grateful'.

Aoide clears her throat.

Cordir tells you, 'LOG!!!'.

You tell Cordir (in common), 'nod'.

You say (in common), 'Bards wander the realm beside you,'.
You say (in common), 'Their feet where yours also go.'.

Katrana smiles happily.

You say (in common), 'But the world they see is quite different'.
You say (in common), 'Than the one you’ve always known.'.
You say (in common), 'A small feat for you may be impossible for me'.

Tes hugs Cordir.

You say (in common), '(They laugh mercilessly and I run away)'.
You say (in common), 'But I hear melodies of battle from legends of old--'.
You say (in common), 'Ghost-whispered sagas from those in decay.'.
You say (in common), 'You wield power to conjure, as you please, on a whim'.

You say (in common), 'You strike fear in the souls of your foes'.
You say (in common), 'But my magic has limits - I must hoard, I must choose'.
You say (in common), 'I earn ascension from chorus and prose'.
You say (in common), 'There are, however, arcana unique to a bard'.
You say (in common), 'I twist magics in ways never dreamt'.
You say (in common), 'And each from my hoard has been given a name'.
You say (in common), 'And each name from true history lent.'.
You say (in common), 'So sit back, close your eyes'.
You say (in common), 'let your senses be filled.'.
You say (in common), 'A web of imagery spun from my verse'.
You say (in common), 'Of the days of Maurice when a Bargain was made.'.
You say (in common), 'It begins with a plea and curse'.

The whispered chanting of ghosts fills your ears and grows increasingly louder.
The room around you spins into darkness.

Mutex disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Doc disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Crunch disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Soloban disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Ink disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Tes disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sarai disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sagan disappears in a mushroom cloud.

Cordir has transferred you.

An Austere Bedroom

[Exits: up down]
You are in a small, tidy bedroom. A neatly-made bed stands against
the southern wall, with a wardrobe at its foot. There is no hint
of coziness, as though this room were rarely used. In the northeast
corner of the room a stairwell leads both up and down. In the east
wall, an oaken door leads to another room.
(Light Red Aura) Sagan is here.
(Light Red Aura) Sarai is here.
(Light Red Aura) Tes is here.
(Light Red Aura) Ink is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Soloban is here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Crunch, The Past Finder Adept, is here.
(Light Red Aura) Doc is here.
(Light Red Aura) Mutex is here.
The memory of a baby is here, burning with a fever.
(Light Red Aura) The memory of a young mother is here, praying.
(Intense Dark Red Aura) A ghostly vision of Lord Maurice fills you with unease.

Katrana arrives from a puff of smoke.
DarkClaw arrives from a puff of smoke.

Cordir fades into existence, wreathed in ebon flame and sable shadow.
Natilena arrives in a hail of stardust.

The deluge ceases suddenly and a small room solidifies around you.
Your soul feels heavy and screams for release.

The woman timidly raises her eyes.
The woman whispers, Please, lord, help my son. The healers say he will die before winters end. I beg of you, spare him.

Lord Maurice peers at the woman dispassionately.
Lord Maurice says, 'Yes?'

Mutex looks at Lord Maurice.

The woman says, 'Please. My son is sick. Isn’t there something that can be done?'

Lord Maurice says, Saving a life is costly, and not an original request at that. Quickly, for this is not an engaging conversation.

Cordir looks at the baby.

Lord Maurice barely glances at the sleeping child.

Cordir looks at the mother.
Cordir looks at Lord Maurice.

Mutex looks at the baby.

The woman whispers, 'Take my life instead, then.'

Sagan disappears into the void.

Mutex looks at the mother.

Sagan has returned from the void.

Lord Maurice says, 'Yes, yes, your life for his. Very well, but I will still require payment for my willingness to make the exchange.'
Lord Maurices eyes flick around the bare room, as if seeking for a suitable payment.

The woman says, 'My devotion, then, will be yours.'

Lord Maurice chuckles.
Lord Maurice says, 'What is your devotion to me? I will have that for nothing more than saving his life, will I not?'
Lord Maurice turns and appraises the child.
Lord Maurice says, His. I will take his devotion. That is a more novel prize, seeing as he will not have the choice to refuse.

The woman shudders.

Doc looks at Lord Maurice.

The woman shudders. The woman says, 'I am ready, then.'

Lord Maurice says, Ready? To die!? No, I think not. That is far too easy. No, you will take each of his pains throughout his life.
Lord Maurice says, He will never fall sick and will seem to miraculously avoid injury. I cannot have my acolyte a weakling now can I?
Lord Maurice says, Instead, those ills and those wounds will be yours three-fold.
Lord Maurice says, But remember, he must always be loyal to me, and me alone, or it will be undone. That is our Bargain.

The woman promises repeatedly to raise the child to be the most devout of all his worshippers.

Lord Maurice says, 'We will see.'

Lord Maurice causes a black pit to appear in the ground. Maurice leaves down.

The scene shimmers like the last light of day and fades, slipping into darkness.

You say (in common), 'For ten years he grew well and strong'.
You say (in common), 'and never one drop of blood shed'.
You say (in common), 'While she grew ill and weak with time'.
You say (in common), 'suffering it all in his stead.'.
You say (in common), 'One fateful morning, unknown to her'.
You say (in common), 'the boy overheard part of the curse,'.
You say (in common), 'but tragically mistook its meaning'.
You say (in common), 'and by seeking amends, made things worse.'.

Mutex disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Doc disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Crunch disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Soloban disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Ink disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Tes disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sarai disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sagan disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Cordir has transferred you.

An Earthen Basement

[Exits: none]
You are in a small basement, dug out of the soft earth. A ladder leads
up out of the basement. The walls are lined with shelves, filled with
magical looking implements.
An iron-bound chest sits here.
A barrel is here.
(Light Red Aura) Sagan is here.
(Light Red Aura) Sarai is here.
(Light Red Aura) Tes is here.
(Light Red Aura) Ink is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Soloban is here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Crunch, The Past Finder Adept, is here.
(Light Red Aura) Doc is here.
(Light Red Aura) Mutex is here.
(Light Red Aura) A shade of a young boy looks around the room curiously.
Katrana arrives from a puff of smoke.
DarkClaw arrives from a puff of smoke.

Cordir fades into existence, wreathed in ebon flame and sable shadow.

A gust of wind and the whisper of dry leaves chases away the darkness.
The smell of damp earth surrounds you.

Crunch looks at a young boy.
Mutex looks at a young boy.
Cordir looks at a young boy.

> Look Boy
This small boy looks like a healthy, mischievous ten year old.
Other than a stubborn patch of hair in the back that won't quite
lay down, he looks very well cared for.
A young boy is in perfect health.

Doc looks at a young boy.

The muffled sound of two women talking from the room above is barely audible.

A small boy looks around the room curiously.

The boy reaches an arm out to touch a small skull.

Soloban looks at a young boy.

The hag says from above, Watch your reach, boy, dragon skulls are hard to come by these days.

A boy pulls his hand back quickly. His eyes glitter with curiosity.

Amidst the muffled conversation you are able to make out a small portion:
Well? Is it still there?
The mark of death lingers on the boy, fresh as the day he was born.
...But then, you know that. If it did not, you would not be here begging my medicines.

The conversation blurs again as you focus intently on the boy.

He slowly sneaks up to the top rung of the ladder and concentrates on intercepting some of the secret conversation.

As it falls silent you hear a bit more.

'A curse is a curse. Why do you always ask as if it will have disappeared?'
'Have you any fear that the Bargain will fail?'
'If his obedience to Maurice ever wanes...'

The boy leans forward to hear more clearly, and almost knocks a strange looking device off the shelf in the process.

He rights the device and leans in to listen again.

...and I would not survive it.

An intense look of confusion sets upon the boys face briefly before he suddenly bursts act through the door and runs out of the hut.

The basement dims and the wind picks up again, carrying away these whispers of the past.

You say (in common), 'He ran from that spot until strength gave out'.
You say (in common), 'and curled up in a heap in the glade'.
You say (in common), 'He vowed to himself with the ardor of youth'.
You say (in common), 'to keep all women away.'.
You say (in common), 'For to his young ears, the curse sounded thus:'.
You say (in common), 'the end of his mother’s life'.
You say (in common), 'if ever his love strayed from his lord Maurice'.
You say (in common), 'and took a woman to wife'.
You say (in common), 'But years later he did fall in love'.
You say (in common), 'though he tried to deny it at first'.
You say (in common), 'But like wine, a new love breeds courage '.
You say (in common), 'even for one thus accursed.'.

Mutex disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Doc disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Crunch disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Soloban disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Ink disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Tes disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sarai disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sagan disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Cordir has transferred you.

Under a Large Tree in the Midgaard Park

[Exits: north south (west) up]
You are in the park. Wild flowers grow around expertly pruned trees making
the entire scene beautiful to behold. A large tree grows here and towers
high above you, providing shade for an extire section of the park.
The sky is cloudy and a cold northern gust blows.
(Light Red Aura) Sagan is here.
(Light Red Aura) Sarai is here.
(Light Red Aura) Tes is here.
(Light Red Aura) Ink is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Soloban is here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Crunch, The Past Finder Adept, is here.
(Light Red Aura) Doc is here.
(Light Red Aura) Mutex is here.
(Light Blue Aura) A shimmering reflection of a young woman is here, smiling.
(Light Red Aura) A shimmering reflection of a young man grins happily.
Katrana arrives from a puff of smoke.
DarkClaw arrives from a puff of smoke.

Cordir fades into existence, wreathed in ebon flame and sable shadow.

The cheerful chirp of a robin dispels the darkness.

Natilena arrives in a hail of stardust.

Cordir looks at the young woman.
Cordir looks at the young man.

Soloban looks at the young man.
Soloban looks at the young woman.

Mutex looks at the young woman.
Mutex looks at the young man.

Ink looks at the young woman.
Ink looks at the young man.

> Look Woman
This fair-haired young woman gazes fondly at the young man by her side.
The young woman is in perfect health.

>look man
Suppressing a grin, this young man winks at the young woman with him.
The young man is in perfect health.

Katrana looks at the young man.
Katrana looks at the young woman.

Doc looks at the young woman.
Doc looks at the young man.

A young woman says, 'So...what did you bring for me this time?'

Cordir tells you, 'perhaps a pause for food?'.
Cordir tells you, 'after this scene?'.
You tell Cordir (in common), 'yep'.

A young man feigns innocence. 'Bring you? Why would I bring you anything?'

Sagan looks at the young man.
Sagan looks at the young woman.

A young woman rolls her eyes. 'Now don’t tease! You’ve brought me gifts from your last three trading trips. So...what is it?'

A young man gives some fried worms to a young woman.

A young woman wrinkles her nose.
A young woman says unenthusiastically, 'Thanks?'

A young man laughs heartily.
A young man says, 'Dont be silly.'

A young man gives a shiny piece of glass to a young woman.

A young woman looks at the piece of glass.
A young woman raises an eyebrow at a young man.
A young woman says, 'Broken glass?'
A young woman giggles.

A young man says, 'The Aarakocra treasure these shiny objects. They line their nests with them.'
A young man looks slightly sheepish.
A young man says, 'to reflect the light and the blue of the sky...to bring beauty in to their homes.'

A young woman gazes at the sky's reflection in the glass.
A young woman carefully places the glass in a pouch at her waist.
A young woman says, 'its lovely.'

A young man kisses a young woman on the cheek.

Your wizard mark fades.

A young man says, 'Lovely as you.'

Your eye follows a small bird as it bursts into flight, winging off to the west.
Your immediate surroundings fade gradually as you watch the bird get smaller and smaller in the distance.

You say (in common), 'Please, while we are in this safe place, refresh yourselves'.
You say (in common), 'no better spot for a picnic than the park'.

(Food making and eating snipped)

Cordir gossips, 'Better. Bardic performance.'.

Pharuin gossips (in common), 'better? pft'.

Sagan's whip *** DEMOLISHES *** the duck!
The duck is DEAD!!
You hear the duck's death cry.
Sagan gets 5 gold coins from the corpse of the duck.

Sagan coughs.

Doc comforts the duck.
The duck grovels before Doc.
Katrana scolds Sagan.

Crunch says (in common), 'uh'.

Cordir frowns at what Sagan did.

Crunch says (in common), 'this isnt a safe place!'.

Sagan says (in common), 'It was coming straight for me!'.

The duck leaves south.

Soloban says (in common), 'didn't think it was safe either'.

You say (in common), 'Is everyone refreshed?'.

A large boom echos from nearby.

The sun rises in the east.

Sagan nods.

A large boom echos from nearby.

Crunch nods.

Katrana says, 'Hound, try to tame your Wyld nature for a few.'.

Sagan pouts.

Katrana says, 'I know it's difficult for me as well.'.
Katrana nods in recognition to you.

You say (in common), 'Very well..let us rejoin our couple.'.
You say (in common), 'And so he could no longer deny his love.'.
You say (in common), 'Desperately torn, unsure what to do'.

DarkClaw looks at the young man.
DarkClaw looks at the young woman.

You say (in common), 'Could he risk the life of the mother he loved,'.
You say (in common), 'if the words of the curse spoke true?'.

Mutex disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Doc disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Crunch disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Soloban disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Ink disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Tes disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sarai disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sagan disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Cordir has transferred you.

A Garden of Black Roses

[Exits: none]
You are surrounded by black, fragrant roses. The scent is familiar,
reminding you of a long, rainy night spent making love in a cemetary with
someone you didn't like. Rare albino shadowcats stalk with quiet ease
other insubstantial creatures amongst the flowers, and ebon skinned nymphs
tend each individual dark bud. There are paths amongst the roses, but
you feel content, and safe, at this spot.
(Light Red Aura) Sagan is here.
(Light Red Aura) Sarai is here.
(Light Red Aura) Tes is here.
(Light Red Aura) Ink is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Soloban is here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Crunch, The Past Finder Adept, is here.
(Light Red Aura) Doc is here.
(Light Red Aura) Mutex is here.
(Light Red Aura) A memory of a young man is here, pleading his cause.
(Intense Dark Red Aura) A ghostly vision of Lord Maurice fills you with unease.
Katrana arrives from a puff of smoke.
DarkClaw arrives from a puff of smoke.

Cordir fades into existence, wreathed in ebon flame and sable shadow.
Natilena arrives in a hail of stardust.

The darkness collects into the shape of shadowcats prowling the edge of your vision.
The cats grow dimmer until they all but disappear and a dim light illuminates a garden of black roses.

Dezmond arrives from a puff of smoke.

>Look Young
This young man has a nervous expression, as if he wishes he could be
pacing the floor. Instead, he stands very, very still, hands clasped tightly.
The young man is in perfect health.

Ink looks at Lord Maurice.

>look Maurice
This ghostly vision of one of the Founders fills you with a profound sense of
unease and disquiet. His form is massive and powerful - obviously sculpted by
combat and battle - that of one who was once a Paladin. His travels to other
planes changed his sacred calling and shattered his mind, corrupting his soul
to embody and inspire all that is Evil.
Lord Maurice could sell you the Bog and you would thank him.
Lord Maurice is in perfect health.

Dezmond bows deeply.

Cordir looks at Lord Maurice.
Soloban looks at Lord Maurice.
Katrana looks at the young man.
Katrana looks at Lord Maurice.
Tes looks at Lord Maurice.
DarkClaw looks at the young man.
Cordir looks at the young man.
DarkClaw looks at Lord Maurice.
Dezmond looks at Lord Maurice.
Doc looks at Lord Maurice.
Mutex looks at Lord Maurice.

Katrana eyes the black roses about her.

A young man says, 'M..my lord?'

Silence hangs heavy in the air.

A young man clears his throat.
A young man says, 'M'lord, I have come to ask for mercy. I beg of you to remove my curse.'

Lord Maurice raises an eyebrow.
Lord Maurice says, 'Your curse?'

A young man says, 'Yes, the curse placed on me in my infancy. If the curse affected me alone, I could surely bear it.'
A young man says, 'But this curse will be my mother’s death if I ever promise my life to another.'

Lord Maurice smirks.
Lord Maurice says, 'What a particularly twisted arrangement.'

A young man pauses and takes a deep breath.
A young man says, 'I've fallen in love. I wish to marry. My dedication to you is no less strong, but I cannot live without my heart.'
A young man says, 'And yet, if I allow myself this love, my mother will die. Surely you could remove the curse and bless our union?'

Lord Maurice says, 'You come asking me to help you marry an infidel? You ask a lot, boy.'

A young man says, 'I have spent my life serving you. I have brought riches and fame to your altar.'
A young man says, 'Surely I have earned this small favor. Please, if there is any reward for my faith, let it be this.'

Lord Maurice smiles a cruel smile.

Tes shivers uncomfortably.

Lord Maurice says, 'You would wish your reward for your service to be this girl, not even one of my own?'

A young man nods.

Lord Maurice says, 'Then there shall be a wedding! I myself will perform the ceremony.'
Lord Maurice says, 'As for this curse, your mother will live a long time yet. Consider this, as you say, your 'reward'.'

A young man says, 'Thank you! Thank you!'

Pharuin tells you (in common), 'Bards suck'.

A young man rushes out into the night.

The surrounding garden grows gradually darker until all that remains is the heady scent of black roses.

You tell Pharuin (in common), 'I love you too'.
Pharuin tells you (in common), ':)'.

You say (in common), 'He laughed with joy, she sighed with relief'.
You say (in common), 'how brightly their eager love shone.'.
You say (in common), 'But hed misunderstood the bargain.'.
You say (in common), 'The life on the line was his own.'.

You say (in common), 'The morning was bright the flowers abloom,'.
You say (in common), 'the altar surrounded by curious eyes.'.
You say (in common), 'For each wanted a peek of this golden-haired girl,'.
You say (in common), 'the foreigner hed brought home for a bride.'.

Dezmond disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Mutex disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Doc disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Crunch disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Soloban disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Ink disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Tes disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sarai disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sagan disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Cordir has transferred you.

The Shattered Altar

[Exits: east south west]
This must have once been the most powerful center of worship in the realms.
Now, the altar lies shattered, looking as if a huge bolt of lightning smote it,
melting the gold, silver, and mithral inlay, and shattering all else. A faint,
flickering light plays over the remains of this altar, proof of the power that
once coursed through it.
(Light Red Aura) Sagan is here.
(Light Red Aura) Sarai is here.
(Light Red Aura) Tes is here.
(Light Red Aura) Ink is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Soloban is here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Crunch, The Past Finder Adept, is here.
(Light Red Aura) Doc is here.
(Light Red Aura) Mutex is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Dezmond is here.
(Intense Dark Red Aura) A ghostly vision of Lord Maurice fills you with unease.
(Light Blue Aura) A ghostly vision of a young woman is here, dressed in bridal finery.
(Light Red Aura) A ghostly vision of a young man is here, dressed in wedding finery.
(Light Red Aura) A ghostly vision of a large crowd is gathered here.
(Light Red Aura) (White Aura) The ghost of the priest is floating here, reliving the horrid past.

Katrana arrives from a puff of smoke.
DarkClaw arrives from a puff of smoke.
Cordir fades into existence, wreathed in ebon flame and sable shadow.
Natilena arrives in a hail of stardust.

A faint flickering light grows until the entire room is illuminated.
An illusion of the room in its original state shimmers here like a memory.

Mutex looks at the ghost of the priest.
Cordir looks at the ghost of the priest.
Cordir looks at the beaming bride-to-be.
DarkClaw looks at the proud groom-to-be.
Cordir looks at the proud groom-to-be.
DarkClaw looks at the beaming bride-to-be.
You do not see that here.

>Look Bride
Garbed in exquisite finery, this young woman looks absolutely
radiant as she gazes joyfully at her beloved.
The beaming bride-to-be is in perfect health.
The beaming bride-to-be is using:
<used as light> (Token magic) the glow of love
<worn around neck> (Moderate magic) a choker of perfect pearls
<worn on body> (Moderate magic) a beaded white silk floor length gown
<worn on head> (Moderate magic) veil hanging from a circlet of rosebuds

Katrana looks at the crowd.

>Look Groom:
The young man looks elated, almost beside himself with joy. He is
all smiles and laughs. His proper wool suit is cut in the latest
style, and his bearing is proud as he gazes at his love.
The proud groom-to-be is in perfect health.
The proud groom-to-be is using:
<used as light> (Token magic) the glow of love
<worn on body> a black wool suit of elegant cut
<worn on head> (Moderate magic) a simple silver circlet
<worn on legs> (Moderate magic) a pair of black wool trousers

Cordir looks at the crowd.

Cresom arrives from a puff of smoke.
Cresom utters the words, 'qcandusahz yaae'. A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.

>look Crowd
It seems that the whole village has come out to see the wedding.
People of all ages gather around, straining to catch a glimpse of
the engaged couple. Some seem happy at their joy, but others look
grim and angry.
The crowd has a special twinkle in its eye.
The crowd is in perfect health.

Cresom bows deeply.
Cresom rests.

The ghost of the priest gets a Magic Mushroom.

Tes looks at the crowd.
DarkClaw looks at the crowd.
DarkClaw looks at the ghost of the priest.

Cordir gives a Magic Mushroom to Cresom.
Cresom eats a Magic Mushroom.

Doc looks at the crowd.

Lord Maurice says, 'And now, I declare you husband and wife, joined through your devotion to each other.'
The word devotion hangs heavy in the air.

Maurice turns to face the crowd of onlookers.
Lord Maurice whispers to the young man, 'You misunderstood boy. It was never your mother’s life at risk.'
Lord Maurice whispers, 'Your soul is mine...it has been since your birth. It was unwise to choose another.'

A young man falls to the ground...dead!

Dezmond blinks.
Tes bursts into tears.

The pink aura around you fades away.

Ink throws back his head and cackles with insane glee!
Dezmond sighs loudly.
Cordir frowns at what Ink did.

Lord Maurice says, 'Tell me, is this girl one of My children?'

A voice from the crowd cries, No!

Many other voices murmur.

Lord Maurice says, 'Then she, and all those like her shall die.'

A young woman falls to the ground...dead!

The scene is suddenly swept away by inky blackness, roaring up like angry ebon flames.

You say (in common), 'All that’s left of Maurice is his legacy now'.
You say (in common), 'and many histories buried with years'.
You say (in common), 'But bards have retained his wicked vow:'.
You say (in common), 'a twisted Bargain wrought in tears.'.

You say (in common), 'But there are power in words, a magic in song'.
You say (in common), 'And so the spirits have begged for release.'.
You say (in common), 'In walking these paths and telling their tale'.
You say (in common), 'we unbind them and offer them peace.'.
The image of the spirits fade.

Cresom disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Dezmond disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Mutex disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Doc disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Crunch disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Soloban disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Ink disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Tes disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sarai disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Sagan disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Cordir has transferred you.

The Storytelling Amphitheater

[Exits: west]
You are in a small amphitheater. Several rows of curved marble benches
curl comfortably around a raised dais. The high ceiling and polished
stone walls are shaped to reflect the voice of the speaker at the dais,
letting them be heard throughout the room. An open archway to the west
leads out into a small courtyard.
(Light Red Aura) Sagan is here.
(Light Red Aura) Sarai is here.
(Light Red Aura) Tes is here.
(Light Red Aura) Ink is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Soloban is here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Crunch, The Past Finder Adept, is here.
(Light Red Aura) Doc is here.
(Light Red Aura) Mutex is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Dezmond is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Cresom is here.
Katrana arrives from a puff of smoke.
DarkClaw arrives from a puff of smoke.

Cordir fades into existence, wreathed in ebon flame and sable shadow.

A pinprick of light grows larger and larger until the natural light of the realm fills the room.

Natilena arrives in a hail of stardust.

You bow deeply.

Cordir shows her approval by clapping her hands together.

Doc gives you a round of applause. You MUST'VE done something good!

Cordir shows her approval by clapping her hands together.
Katrana smiles happily.

Ink is so excited that he cheers just for the hell of it.

Crunch claps at your performance.

Mutex shows his approval by clapping his hands together.

Sagan shows his approval by clapping his hands together.

Dezmond shows his approval by clapping his hands together.

Mutex gives you a round of applause. You MUST'VE done something good!

Ink shows his approval by clapping his hands together.

Cresom cheers you on, confident that you will win.

Katrana stands and applauds.

DarkClaw claps at your performance.

Soloban shows his approval by clapping his hands together.

Cresom claps at your performance.

Natilena claps at your performance.

DarkClaw says, 'Very well done, Aoide.'.

Sagan tells you (in common), 'impressive :D'.

Tynian smiles at you.

DarkClaw smiles at you.

You say (in common), 'Thank you very much! And special thanks to Nati and Cordir for the beautful mobs.'.

Cordir claps at Natilena's performance.

Doc enthusiastically cheers Cordir to victory.

Cresom enthusiastically cheers Natilena to victory.

Doc enthusiastically cheers Natilena to victory.

Ink whistles appreciatively.

Cresom enthusiastically cheers Cordir to victory.

DarkClaw enthusiastically cheers Cordir to victory.
DarkClaw enthusiastically cheers Natilena to victory.
DarkClaw cheers you on, confident that you will win.

Katrana grins Wyldly, 'Excellent work, m....our Ebon Bardling.'
Katrana glances to her Sister.

You curtsey to her.

Cresom utters the words, 'oculoinfra uizug'.

Cordir pauses a moment, tilting her head to one side, and thinks.

Natilena utters the words, 'fido'.
You feel righteous.

Doc looks around.

Soloban raises his hand.

Cordir lays a light hand on Aoide's shoulder.
Cordir gazes at Her bard with a smile.
Cordir says, 'I honor your work, and the tale you have wrought.'.

Cordir says, 'I find it pleasing, and acknowledge your task for Triat Mastery to have met the requirements given.'.

You received Bards' Council approval for level 30 at 2012-08-15 18:35:42.

Dezmond cheers you on, confident that you will win.
Dezmond says (in common), 'grats'.

You bow deeply.

Cresom cheers you on, confident that you will win.
Cresom says (in common), 'GRATZ'.

You say (in common), 'Thank you.'.

DarkClaw cheers you on, confident that you will win.
DarkClaw says, 'Grats!'.

Katrana grins Wyldly.
Katrana giggles.

Cordir tells you, 'levelcheck :)'.

Crunch showers you with confetti!

Katrana squeezes you fondly.

Doc looks around.

Mutex says (in common), 'WOOO, Grats!'.

Ink is so excited that he cheers just for the hell of it.

>levelcheck
You need 90683 experience points to level your 1st class.
Your magical class must not surpass your combat class.
You have met the skills requirement.
You have passed Bards' Council review.
Your gain is: 1/606 hp, 0/397 m, 6/667 mv, 0/0 prac, 0/0 trn.

Cordir tells you, 'Congratulations on your Ascension.'.

Ink is so excited that he cheers just for the hell of it.
Ink is so excited that he cheers just for the hell of it.

Sagan cheers you on, confident that you will win.

Cresom gossips (in common), 'GRATZ Aoide'.

Ink throws confetti in the air!

Tynian gossips, 'Congrats, Aoide!'.

Cordir gossips, 'Congratulations, My Bard, on your Final Ascension!'.

Natilena claps at your performance.

Sagan gossips (in common), 'Congrats on 50! :)'.

Tes says (in common), 'HUZZAH!'.

Ink gossips (in sahuagin), 'grats!!'.

Crunch gossips (in common), 'Congrats!'.

Cordir gossips, 'May the Three ever bless your efforts - and may that not be the last time we hear your voice raised in song and prose!'.

Katrana gossips, 'Congrats Aoide! The Third 50th level Bard within the realm!'.

Tes shouts (in common), 'CONGRAZT AOIDE!!!!!'.

Doc gossips (in common), 'Congrats!'.

Dezmond gossips (in common), '3rd?'.

Aoide looks down at her feet, blushing.
You say (in common), 'Thank you all very much'.

Pharuin gossips (in common), 'wow! what a waste of coding you achieved'.

Doc showers you with confetti!

You nod in recognition to Dezmond.

Pharuin gossips (in common), 'ilu though'.

Dezmond says (in common), 'Cadee,Aoide...and?'.

Cordir says, 'Eathor'.

Dezmond says (in common), 'ooo'.
Dezmond says (in common), 'never knew that'.

(Snipped: Pharuin’s death)

Soloban says (in common), 'has there ever been an immortal bard?'.

Cordir says, '... sort of.'.

Dezmond points at Cordir accusingly.
Tes points at Cordir accusingly.

Katrana smiles happily.

Crunch says (in common), 'Jerald?'.
Crunch sits down and thinks deeply.

DarkClaw shudders at the mention of Jerald.

Crunch laughs at DarkClaw mercilessly.

Natilena curtseys gracefully for you.
Natilena says, 'excellent work'.

Cresom bows before Natilena.
Cresom bows before Katrana.
Cresom bows before Cordir.

Natilena tickles you and disappears into a cloud of stardust.

Tynian says, 'Congratulations again, Aoide'.

You say (in common), 'Thank you.'.

Tynian smiles at you.

You say (in common), 'and thank you for coming'.
You say (in common), 'it was my honor'.

DarkClaw says, 'That was amazing, Aoide.'.
DarkClaw smiles at you.

Zarathos disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Lestat disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Mutex disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Crunch disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Soloban disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Ink disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Tes disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Cordir has transferred you.

After Party: Room of Records

[Exits: east]
This simple room has many plaques hung on its walls. With just a quick
glance you recognize names and events that have made history and inspired
many to even greater deeds so that their names would also be inscribed
here. It's possible, given valiant effort, great deeds, and a (in)famous
reputation, that your name might be added here.

A book on a lectern provides an index to all the different plaques.
(Light Red Aura) Tes is here.
(Light Red Aura) Ink is here.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Soloban is here.
(Dark Purple Aura) (White Aura) Crunch, The Past Finder Adept, is here.
(Light Red Aura) Mutex is here.
(Light Red Aura) Lestat is here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Zarathos is here.
Katrana arrives from a puff of smoke.
DarkClaw arrives from a puff of smoke.

Cordir fades into existence, wreathed in ebon flame and sable shadow.

Cordir says, 'Aoide... I'm enormously proud of you.'.
Cordir says, 'that was beautiful.'.

DarkClaw gossips, 'Yay, express air!'.

You say (in common), 'thank you, Lady Weaver'.

Cordir says, 'and I could not have imagined a more fitting tale to honor your Trial.'.
Cordir says, 'Ghostly, indeed.'.

Katrana says, 'Agreed.'.
Katrana grins Wyldly.
Katrana says, 'And with a touch of Wyld nature...'.

You nod in recognition to her.