Notes: Abrecan's Plight

* Prior

- He sent me a note indicating some urgency.
- "X, Please seek me out whenever you are available, I have urgent matters to discuss with you that require immediate attention."
- I managed to find him on the Motley.

* Once Found

- Abrecan wanted to know my throughts on the 'encounter' with Her.
- I did not say much.
- Note: It seems all of them have some very vehemant distate in Her presence, so I imagine anything short of shared distaste would be problematic. I didn't lie, however. I said it was interesting. I was curious, though, if she had done something to either him or Donari during that time that I was unaware of.
- He asked if I had heard of his predicament.
- I had not. So he told me.

The Predicament

* Thinks that I am the one who may be able to help him.

- I don't know how good a thought this is.
- But I'll try anyway.
- If I don't have to lose any limbs, lose my Choices, deal with minds, or have anything to do with the Dream. Among other things.

* Has "A severe allergic reaction to magic"

- [blot]
- Note: I have no idea if this is even possible. Well it may be possible, but extremely improbable. I wonder if he knows what he's talking about. I wonder if I know what I'm talking about.
- Note: This is also terrifying. If it is possible, which I really hope it isn't, what would happen if magic is attached to you, like it is for almost everyone, and this happens? Would you just.. just destroy yourself by existing? I mean, obviously not, if Abrecan is still existing. I've met those unproficient in magic before, but not completely lacking it.[blot] Nevermind that magic is in everything all over the place, like air and water and earth. The elements themselves. Life itself. The things we can't see, and the forces we only see the effects of. I don't know, but this is troubling to think about. It sounds terrible.

* How he deals with it

- "I have a pill, than an asuran friend of mine makes, that allows my body to tolerate it. It might have been developed in Orr, as it wasn't always as such. But I figured if anybody knows about this, it could very well be you, as you seem to be extremely adept at all of your magical studies and... tentacles."
- Note: I don't know what tentacles have to do with anything. But apparently they are a convincing factor towards my knowledge. Interesting. Perhape he can tell how much energy is in them?
- I am unsure if the pill developed in Orr
- I am curious about the asuran friend.

* Abrecan's Goal

- To be rid of the 'disease'
- Wondered if the Stone could help him.
- Note: It is possible. If what She said was true, then the properties of Denial could potentially deny the 'disease' from him. Though how to utilize those properties would be the question, and if that is even a potential solution is too.
- Abrecan didn't pay much attention to the Queen
- Thus, I explained my thoughts on why it were possible.

* Notes that he will 'pitch in however he can'

- that he MUST be cured.

* What I am waiting for

- He should write up for me everything he can about this affliction.
- What he takes for it
- how much
- how long between
- what it feels like
- if it reacts more strongly to some magics than others
- everything he can think of
- I noted I have never heard of such a thing
- Information may clarify if it is even an illness at all.

* He doesn't seem to know if it is either.
* Clarifies that he obtained the affliction in Orr

- said it may have been "all the magic in the air or something"
- "Maybe my body just went on overload, and just had way too much of it."
- Note: That is unlikely.

* Abrecan on the Pills

- doesn't know what's in it
- didn't ask
- did as he was told, and it's been working.

* Mentioned Jatszinonos

- Abrecan hasn't seen him in months
- kept getting the pills.
- Note: Assumeing that this may be the asuran supplier? Creator?
- Didn't question him, trusted him a lot
- Abrecan was in the Vigil at the time
- Note: Might Jatszinonos also be in the Vigil? Perhaps that would be a way to track him down.

* Pills Taken

- He takes one a day, in the morning after waking.
- Typically packs of 30.

* I took the container

- The Chaos was 'pulled' by it a little.
- And when I paid attention, it was also pulled a little by Abrecan.
- Theory: The pills absorb magical energy. Taking them allow for Abrecan to be, perhaps, unaffected by the energy around him, as they absorb it all within his body and small radius perhaps? That still seems [blot] strange, considering how it is all about, and in those like myself... it cannot possibly absorb all my magic. However, I do feel that is what it's doing to the Chaos. Perhaps it converts the energy into something else? Considering asura, perhaps whoever had created these is somehow using them to utilize the energy while helping Abrecan at the same time. [blot]
- Theory: If it is converting energy, perhaps it is taking magic and converting it to Life Force of sorts. For which, I will likely need a necromancer present to determine if it is so.

* Abrecan

- Doesn't seem to realize he likely has magic within him as well.
- Also is not adverse to necromancers as Rahvin is.

* Effects of magic on Abrecan

- Sick stomach
- Clammy
- Takes a long while to recover.

* Theory on problem

- It may be a curse. I am not entirely sure what sort or how, but in Orr, it seems it would be possible. From my knowledge of the wars there, magical energy transference played an important role in the research, as well as potentially corrupting magic to be taken in by Zhaitan. It is [blot] conceivable that such a thing happened to Abrecan there, by coming in contact with artifacts or [blot] something they were testing. It's also possible that it may have been from some of the more powerful, casting Risen. [a few spots] My.. knowledge of Orr is not the greatest, so this will require research.
- I don't think that this is naturally occurring. It seems like something to be placed on someone to do a great deal of harm, or something that may have happened by accident.

* If Accidental Theory is followed

- Ask Abrecan if he was the only one that experienced this, or if others he was out in Orr with had similar problems. Some of the most useful data may be knowing if anyone else has encountered this problem, and bringing threads of information together.
- If he is the only one, it may be that he was off somewhere alone, which would explain it.
- Or if he was the only one, he may have been targeted by someone, or encountered something himself.

Currently

* Abrecan suggested an experiment

- He will go without medication for as long as is safe and tolerable
- Will record the effects without the pills
- Thus I can see / read of the problems he is facing, to get a better idea of what it is.
- Note: I am no doctor, especially not of other races, but I think this may be useful to know so long as he is willing.

* Is willing to have another look at his issue as well.

- Note: I will ask Lafey about this. Since she is working with a doctor, and I believe that a necromancer would be a grand addition, not only in matters of Life Force, but also in curses.. We could certainly use her help. I will give her the information he writes for me, as well as will perhaps bring her to see the results of these tests.

Notes: Meeting with Her

Those Present

* Xsaiavlairnn
* Donari Mal Di Bette of The Sun
* Abrecan
* Sphae
* Her

Prior to the Trip

* I had asked if I might join the pair.

- Abrecan went to discuss it with Donari.
- I waited, and meanwhile, prepared several foci for immediate portal transportation if necessary.
- Considering how dangerous She sounded, I thought it would be wise to have an escape plan.

* Portal

- Type: Foci central
- Duration: Single use
- Restrictions: Only those holding the prepared foci would be able to safely traverse; none without a designated foci would be able to cross without being taken by the In-Between. The portal would only remain open for a short duration.
- Range: Far
- Location Chosen: Svanir's Dome in the Wayfarer Foothills.

About Her

* Wields powers of the mind and lightning
* Fast and nimble

- moreso than Donari

* Loves

- fear
- pain
- deceit

* Protection necessary
* Able to Possess
* Mind attacks were painful
* If something goes wrong, escape.
* Donari thought she was imprisoned

- Seems not.

Searching

* I looked into the In-Between, and with some guidance, was able to find Her presence.

- I only looked in short bursts to reduce the chance of prolonged blindness in this reality, and other 'taken' parts of myself.
- We eventually narrowed the search to Lion's Arch.
- [blot] This blind wandering was not without running into several objects and a cliffside, though the collisions were not severe. Perhaps I should have told them I would be blinded while looking for her. [blot] Next time.

* She was inside a cave

- The cave was unremarkable and small.
- Looked more like a place for Silence.
- At least from what could be seen.

Meeting with Her

* Appearance

- Dark skin
- Light hair
- Places of blue, that almost looked like energy
- She almost had the appearance of a Largos
- Wings of energy
- Quite tall

* She did not seem very interested in us.

- However, She did hold our conversation.

Conversation

* She seemed fairly confident in her standing.

- Donari attempted some vague threat, it sounded like, of '(The pleasantness of this conversation) depends on you. For I'm sure you'd find it pleasant to remain out in the world.'
- She felt she was assured in that freedom, regardless of Donari's projection.

* Abrecan and I were introduced by Donari

- I was a 'mighty scholar'.
- Abrecan was a 'brave warrior'.
- Donari also added 'A microcosm of that which took you down before. Yet, as I said, we are here to converse.'
- Note: Donari seems to be attempting to lay subtle threat all about. Does this actually work? Does She care for hollow pride? If it were I, I would be amused by the assertion of this 'solid' knowledge, of such confidence over another's capabilities, and would be tempted to show them how much they Do Not Know. [blot] But it was said that she loves fear, perhaps She respects those who attempt to instill it. Or simply had no interest in such games; it is quite obvious that, given her presence in the In-Between, that She is incredibly powerful. Interesting.

* She spoke of Abaddon.

- "Really, Donari. If I was not expecting you, you wouldn't have gotten to my cave. Such are the ways of Abaddon."
- Note: I cannot help but wonder if she, too, sees into the In-Between. [blot] I would be incredibly curious if so. It is nothing common, and certainly nothing meant to be the case; all I've known to use it often save myself have been mad. Though, I suppose, perhaps I am as well to others. And certainly I can't claim by any means that I know of all who can. [a few spots] I am still curious.

* Donari asked for the page with the runes on it.

- I gave it to him.
- He took it to Her.
- She looked it over.

* She

- "Where did you find this?"
- She looked concerned.

* Donari

- "In a place far from here. Yet the inscriptions seemed of your sort, so here we are."

* She

- Laughed.
- "You come to me? For information! On such an old thing..."

* Donari

- "One antiquity might explain another."

* She

- Laughed again, seeming more amused.
- "Well, I suppose you are... well in seeking me out. I have your answers."
- Caused the page to float.

Information Obtained

* "What you have on your notes, is the ancient diagram of the old magics..."
* Center

- Archstone.
- The one bloodstone cast out from the volcano it came from.
- Binds the bloodstones.
- This is the Triangle within the Starburst Circle.

* "My god, Abaddon, gave the world magic when the bloodstone was whole. A chaotic thing. We knew all of the schools..."

* [a diagram of a sigil]

- Aggression

* [ another sigil ]

- Destruction

* [ a third sigil ]

- Preservation

* [ yet one more sigil ]

- Denial

* "Abaddon gave us magic in its entirety. It is why humans conquered much of the known world. But, ancient King Doric pleaded with the rest of the human gods to stop the chaos... and so, the war with Abaddon ensued, and thus, the gods split the stone into 5 parts, casting them into the Ring of Fire."

* Volcano

- Abaddon's Mouth
- Erupted
- Threw the stones across Tyria
- Thus born the magic schools known today

* All our magic tied to the 'original paths'
* Stones

- apparently broken
- still work

* She wants to know where we found this diagram.

* Donari

-" I'd need a very strong reason to tell you more than 'we saw them written.' You've handled matters poorly in the past."
- Note: Odd way with words. I'd have thought it could have been called a Secret, and perhaps She may respect it, being of Abaddon.

* She

-" Your people have not drawn these accurately for nearly a hundred years. I have never seen these sigils drawn so well, since the days the chosen were sacraficed to the White Mantle's cult. So there are only a few explanations."
- Donari mentioned the Mantle.
- She: "You think the White Mantle of today know the intricacies as they did 250 years ago? HAH. The White Mantle are nothing but riff raff compared to the White Mantle... when they had the Mursaat on their side."
- Note: May the 'soulbattery' that the Knights had.. speculated we'd found had connection to this? I remember researching such matters, that the Mursaat were involved in creating such a powerful artifact. And that artifact [blot] went to the Priory. Phooka was going to study it further. Are these somehow connected, I wonder? It was said to be very old magic, possibly. . . [blot]

* She

-" You have seen a blood stone. That much is certain. You must tell me all, or I cannot tell you all."
- She noted me.
- "You. The magic... yes. It's seeping off of you. You... have.. one of these stones... or something like it... Yes.. I sense... Denial. What did the stone look like? Tell me so."
- Both indicated I say nothing.
- I never intended to, it is a Secret~

* I spoke

-" Denial of reality? Of what is? Of the Rules? I have seen quite a bit of that, but not from a stone~ You mentioned it being unlikely to encounter a competant White Mantle, hm?"

* She

- "Denial comes in many forms. Denial of magic. Denial of casting. Denial of physical harm. ... Denial. Mesmers are good at it, if I'm not mistaken. Denial is in much of my magic as well. Some of it. For example..."
- She created a field of stones.
- "This denies me from harm."

* Donari and Abrecan

- both reacted hastily to the rock field, as though she may attack us.
- She did say that we would see no harm, though I suppose that could always be a deception. It simply looked a shield to me.

* I spoke

- "Indeed~ I don't doubt I am connected to it in a number of ways as well, from what has been spoken..~"

* She

- "Yes. You have the stone of denial. Lies do not hide your secrets. Really... God of secrets? You shouldn't be so tight lipped."
- Note: I didn't think I had spoken any lies; does this mean that she sees others Secrets? I felt nothing tempt my mind, nor even try to get in. My defenses were untouched. Perhaps she got it from the others.

* Donari

- "The other stones remain in the world, then."

* She

- "What you have in your possession is a very curious thing. The Flame Seeker Prophecies. Yes..."

* Donari

- "Prophecy is ever an uncertain undertaking."

* She

- "Do you know know your own history?"
- Speaks the following information

* 250 years ago

- Ascalon was sundered
- Abaddon imprisoned in the realm of Torment
- White Mantle appeared.
- Lead by Saul'd Olessio, a Krytan
- Mursaat lead him.
- Brought Kryta under their rule.

* Mursaat

- scared of many things
- particularly a prophecy told by the dragon, Glint
- their race would be wiped out by the Chosen
- who would open the gate to the Realm of Torment
- thus releasing the Titans
- decided to change fate
- gathered those with potential to become Chosen
- took these magical individuals and slaughtered them on the bloodstone of Denial.

* Titans

- a creation
- would burn Tyria to cinders

* Mursaat

- Used the slaughtered Chosen souls to keep the gate into the realm of Torment from breaking.
- Note: This [blot] if accurate, may have been what the thing we found was. Or may be what a 'soul battery' is. One of those. Perhaps I should tell Phooka of these things.
- Feared death beyond all else.

* Despite this

- Chosen did escape.
- They are likely the humans' ancestors.

* Bloodstones

- Especially Denial
- played a large part in the Mursaat / Human war.
- react strangely to humans
- particularly humans of Chosen blood, no matter how faint.
- It denies them magic. Denies them healing. They find themselves at a loss of talents.

* Donari

- asked if it would deny them licking it.
- She supposes it would.
- Note: I wonder if it would, in fact, deny their tongue from existence.

* Glint's Prophesy

- was fulfilled
- Mursaat dead
- Titans destroyed
- Gate to Torment closed.

* Stone

- meant to be in Maguuma Wilds
- Bloodstone Fen
- She says it is very dangerous
- mentioned the Flame Seeker Prophesies starting again.

* We left not long after.

- She left first.

* Donari noted

- "Be glad she does not hold your names."

* Note

- She was interesting, though I am uncertain if she would hold any company willingly who may be curious of her god. She was also quite powerful, and from what I have heard, apparently not very friendly at times. I am uncertain how wise it would be to seek her out for questions, though [blot] perhaps.. sometime.

Notes: Of the Stone and Her

The Stone: Those Present

* Xsaiavlairnn
* Sphae
* Rahvin
* Donari Mal Di Bette of The Sun
* Abrecan
* Selda
* Selda's dog
* Zaree of Many Titles

The Stone: Preparation

* Rahvin had the stone in a pouch.
* Donari made specific note that we have made claim of the stone.

- Rahvin mentioned it may have laid claim to us (likely joking, but possible)

* We are not testing the stone on Selda's dog.
* May later have a charr touch it.
* Mention that the stone may not like humans.
* Explanation of the first experiment.
* Mention of it possibly exploding.

- Note: It didn't. Yet.

* Selda blames Rahvin for any misfortunes.

- Notes Ravin rigged it if it's rigged.
- Donari notes it would have been done to "enhance our gains".

* Sphae confused this explanation with the one checking for deception wards.

- Note: The experiment where I bend reality did not take place. Yet.

The Stone: Experiment 1, Reality Bending

* I looked into the In-Between as noted, and down to the stone.

- I held it in my hands ungloved to no adverse effect, still.

* Results

- I heard whispering, magical echoes.
- Note: they were not a call. I imagine they could only be 'heard' if close to the stone itself, and feel it is less of a beacon and more of a risidual effect of some sort, given the magic. Perhaps sometime I can sit with it longer, listening to it through the In-Between, to see if they can be further discerned.
- The stone has a strong presence in the In-Between.
- Thus it does not follow the normal Rules.
- It is incredibly powerful.

Additional Notes

* Selda mentioned someone named Arianna having a theory

- "It's a part of an ancient stone that limits magic or something. That's what she thought it was then I told her about it in Dry Top."
- "She thinks it has something to do with human blood too."

* Donari mentioned possibly tracing the connections and 'whispers' to see where they lead in the In-Between, if anywhere.

- Note: This would take some concentration and a bit of time, depending on how far they go. Also, it may leave me blind and deaf in 'normal reality' for a little while; if this is to be done, I would like it to be somewhere safe, and be able to have time for rest afterwards.

* Mention of a man named Sydney

- Left for the Priory.
- An early member.

* No tongues were lost in the course of these experiments.

- Yet.

The Stone: Experiment 2, Magic Determination

* The experiment was set up.

- The Stone was in the center.
- The foci were placed in equal distances around the Stone.
- Sphae provided foci for the 4 elements.
- I provided foci for other sorts of magic.
- Zaree helped set up the foci.

* Once set, the modified Null Field was placed around the Stone
* Results

- The Field itself was repelled and dispelled powerfully.
- It sent all the foci set up around it spinning away in a spiral, and then across the floor away from the stone.
- The stone is a powerful source of magic, strong enough to completely dispel the field which was tied to an area.
- Note: The stone itself is not magically repellant, which would be the other explanation. Instead, its power overwhelmed what was trying to counter it.

Additional Notes

* Rahvin thought we may be doing the 'wrong tests'.

- Note: I am not entirely sure what the 'wrong tests' are, if we know nothing of something and are testing its properties for any more information than we have, but perhaps I will ask later if she has particular suggestions.

* Donari mentioned using it in circus acts, or as a trampoline.

- Note: I think that, while amusing and possible, is a terrible waste of potential, and might possibly be dangerous to those doing so for any number of untold reasons. The magic from this source might be able to be redirected into many magical trampolines, and much more.

* Theory was mentioned of them being, fragmented from, or connected to the Bloodstones.

- Note: I am uncertain how protected the Bloodstones were, but for some reason, I highly doubt that one would simply be placed in a chest, unwarded, that can simply be broken with no reprocussions, and thrown into a cave. Perhaps there are a manner of circumstances for that, but it seems highly doubtful. I have no proof for this thought, however.
- Note: I will need further research on the Bloodstones. While they are a known example of a 'source' of magic, I do not know if they are the only one. It's also possible that the Bloodstones were being replicated somehow, that this isn't actually one of them, and instead something with similar (though expertly done) properties.

* Abrecan mentioned destroying it.

- I will do all I can to see this does not happen; it could be catastrophic in a large number of ways to attempt.
- This suggestion, thankfully, was turned down.

* There was mention of the Priory taking the stone by Selda.

- Donari turned this down, the Jesters will remain holders of the stone.

* There were questions of why it was locked away.

- Why in a chest?
- Who did so?
- Is someone returning for it?
- Note: I should ask where Rahvin acquired the map.
- Note: I should also write up more experiments, and do as Donari suggested, as far as tracing any connections it may have from the In-Between. See if it is 'calling' or if it can be 'heard'.

* Donari mentioned using the stone.

- Not selling it, thank the Winds.
- Utilizing for some schemes.

* Zaree asked if it were a krait shard.

* Mention of it being a weapon.

- mostly disregarded.

* I began to explain the final experiment.

The Stone: Exeperiment 3, Sight Unseen (Incomplete)

* I gave summary of the experiment.
* Rahvin mentioned she is not educated in runes.

- Though she only saw them when the runes touched her skin.
- It sounds as though the stone changed then.

* Mention of the runes potentially being a different old language.
* Also talk about non-humans potentially deciphering the change in runes if they touch the stone.

- Thus Abrecan held it to see what change there was in them.

* Results

- The stone ebbed.
- On a flatter surface, appeared a triangle, radiating out into a burst like a sun, and from there, sigils formed by various connecting curves.
- There is a diagram below:

[ Placeholder for symbols on the stone ]

- The markings were faint.

Additional Notes

* Rahvin seemed to recognize them.

- she appeared disturbed at first.

* Donari suggested several things.

- The Mists
- Her parents.

* Selda said 'something older?' as though it had meaning.

- Note: It seems there is something from a prior incident that may be brought up here.

* Rahvin then went to explain.

Rahvin's Explanation

* Margonites were mentioned.

- Not many knew much of them.
- Mentioned a 'while ago' before shifting thoughts.

* Doesn't know what the sigil means.
* Seems certain that this is a Bloodstone

- or a fragment of one.

* Sigil has something to do with the 4 Schools of Old magic.

- Note: This is something I must look into further myself.

--
An Interesting Conversation

* Donari

- asked if this is knowledge 'She' gave Rahvin.

* Rahvin

- Replied with 'yes, if you want to know what it means, She might have more answers than anyone else may have.'

* Donari

- 'Not if you have to go into that memory. You're free of her.'

* Rahvin

- 'Oh, yes I am.'

* Abrecan

- does not know who she is either.

* Selda

- Doesn't want to talk to her.
- Thinks She is trying to kill her (Selda).

* Rahvin

- States She is alive still.

* Donari

- 'How? She was in the cards.'

* Zaree

- doesn't seem to know either.
- Asked if she was a centaur.

* Selda

- said she isn't.

* Abrecan

- 'Right. So I take it this is a .. bad thing?'

* Donari

- "A demon worshiper of a dead god, who escaped for a time. Into our Rahvin."
- Note: Does this mean Abaddon? Because if so [blot]

* Rahvin and Selda

- Both agree on 'bad'ness.

* Abrecan

- asked about a new sword. Rahvin said she doesn't know.

* Selda

- Refuses to talk to Her.

* Rahvin

- Confirms that it is Abaddon.

* Donari

- "It took all the Jesters together to stop her, and many were badly hurt."
- "I'll talk to her."

* Rahvin

- Expresses hesitation.

* Abrecan

- also volunteers.

* Donari

- "I've dealt with her before. She'll respect that. Or I'll deal with her again."
- He seems quite upset.
- Agreed to let Abrecan come.
- Asked Rahvin where She was.

* Rahvin

- "I don't have any clue. All I know is that she's with Black Shield."

* Abrecan

- Doesn't know what Black Shield is.
- Says they sound like mercenaries.

* Rahvin

- "Another guild. Doing what they do, I guess. I've just heard the name and her associated with it."
- Says she will help with location scouting.
- "If you need to bring anyone else with you, you best get the volunteers. Me and Selda can hand out here and.. not poke the stone. Or lick it."

* Selda

- "I'm not going to go. I'll have even less of a heart."

* Abrecan doesn't know what this means.
* Rahvin

- "Yeah, you're not the only one... less of a mind, for me."

* Donari

- Won't bring everyone.
- Just wants to talk.
- "She held all of us off with ease, anyway, 'twas only the ritual that did her in."
- "We have no magic prison for her now. Thus, our wits will be what we need. I mostly need to make her /think/ I have a magic prison for her if she misbehaves."

* Rahvin

- "She is old. Very old. Though she doesn't look it. She's been around since.. magic was born for humans, basically."

* I mentioned that she must be wise.
* Donari

- "Power mad, vicious, murderous. Not wise."

--
Containment of the Stone

* Rahvin has a doublelock safe.
* I am unsure if the stone would be easily warded, but something containing it could be.

* Selda and Rahvin seem very uneasy.

- they went home together.

* I volunteered to go with them Abrecan and Donari to see this woman of Abaddon.
* Abrecan mentioned he trusted me most with the stone to keep hold of it.

- I am not going to take it with me anywhere, however, should I go elsewhere.