Secrets of the Crystal Web (Reserved)

[folix]

Currently Allowed:
-->Studley Destiny

Intro:

After a long time searching, you wonder in a cave following up on one of your last leads. After looking for the key for the last ten years, all seemed hopeless. Yet… up ahead, a fait glimmer of fire light reflected off a back wall. You made your way deeper into the cave. From here, there was no way to see the entrance. “What’s that?” A wooden door was built into the side of the rock face.

Reaching out, you push the door, allowing it to swing open gently. It creaked. As the door opened, you could see that several more candles and torches were lit inside the room. The room was empty except for one man and his belongings. He had his back to you. Using this opportunity, you move forward, crossing half of the small room.

“So… you’ve finally come...” stated the man, still not turning around.

Could this be it I wondered, “I’m here for the key!” I stated. The man didn’t reply, so I repeated myself, “I’m here to clam the key, that Light bane used to in the last great battle”

“Ah… your here to learn the secret.” The man turned away from his desk and faces you. He’s a slim man in his late twenties and you see a fait shinny glimmer coming from his palms.

Eagerly, “What was Lightbane’s great secret?”

“Sorry to say… but you will be disappointed. The key that many believe gave Lightbane his vast power is a myth, or at least it’s never been found. If it exists, it will be in the desert where the grate fortress fell. However, I warn you, your suicide if you’re going to search out there.”

After a brief conservation, it was clear that this young man didn’t’ know anything. It was another dead end. This man was too young to have the information I seek. The war happened over thirty years ago. Disappointed, you leave the cave, heading to the grate desert to find your prize.

<Change of viewpoint>
I watched the figure leave my room. The door closed and I turned to return to my work. I opened my book to where I had left it and continued to write my life story. I put ink to paper, “and that’s when Lightbane made me apart of his plans… “I wrote. I reclined back into my chair remembering the past….

Looking down within my mind, I could see a continent and a moving dot. The moving dot was a flying city fortified with 800 foot thick antimonite walls, that conquest across the world. It was Lightbane’s city. I zoomed in with my mind. I was remembering the grate battle…

It was here, the last hours before Lightbane fell… when he lost control of the key and the crystal web fell. It was I that caused his downfall. Lightbane had so much power that he was becoming a god. He power was so great that the celestial planes and the gates to the underworld opened. They allied, sending all their warriors to destroy Lightbane’s force.

Zooming in further into my image, I could see a great pool that was a part of the city. There I was, under the healing powers of the waters, not needing to eat or sleep. I was catalyst for power. I was channeling, power from everyone that our conquest had touched and feeding it into Lightbane. I even managed communications through my web. If Lightbane wanted to talk to anyone in the empire, he could, as long as they were connected. This gave him a great advantage when commanding his armies. After all who’s going to disobey someone who has gotten into your head?

Some may wonder how I managed all this… I was chosen by the crystal gem when I was a child. I was deemed with the task, of stopping the magic disturbance that was Lightbane. I as the host of the gem could see out from within my mind. I am a puppeteer. I control what my outer self believes is true. It’s only from my inner world; filled with forests, rivers, and the past chosen, where I am able to manage such power from within my castle. Being the chosen, I am king over my lands and when my time comes, I will be absorbed into the crystal where I will live forever more in the world that is the gem.

<Time change, to the past>

Within my castle, I was deep in concentration. Sure by body, would be safe, but managing the power that Lightbane demanded was becoming difficult with such a limited stock. Lightbane was demanding more power, as this was to be his grate battle. As for the power demands, It wasn’t a difficult task to give him the power, It was difficult to only take so much from someone else they would die, or fall ill.

It was at this time, my life was through an unexpected twist.

[Studley Destiny]

Floating

Yellow

A spark here

Green

A quasar there

Violet

I am better

Plaid

A darkness swallowing all that comes in range

Red

A planet breaking up into atoms

Paisley

A sun forming, burning bright, and slowly dying

Blue

It is time, he is ready to be whole once again. Pulling his constituent essence back into a coherent whole, he departs the realm of Chaos.

Stepping across the boundaries of realities, he steps into a quiet dessert canyon. He waves to the rock formation at the end of the canyon that looks like his old friend Coyote. This is his place, but he allows me to use it. He is a good friend of mine, and it is sad that so few follow him anymore. He has much wisdom to share, and knows where all the really fun shrubs grow when one wants to smoke a pipe.

Walking a ways down the canyon, he comes to a bend. It looks normal enough to the average person, but those with the power can see otherwise. This is a place that most fear, for few can safely use it to traverse the multiverse. The large black and grey wolf stands and contemplates the myriad colorful threads that shift and dance in this rare nexus point. He remembers when he 'first' learned how to travel between the dimensions. His friends thought they were playing such a grand joke on him, expecting to drop him into some random location and then to have to find him. They had no clue they were unlocking powers and abilities he'd forgotten eons before. Now he looked fondly on the dancing colors as his memory of that time flashed through his thoughts.

There! Something different. He was sure he'd seen it. Now he concentrated, looking for that unusual thread, the one in 100,000,000,000 that stood out. There, he saw it again. Now he could concentrate on it. Yes, it was there, follow, follow, grab! With a speed no mortal could follow, he reached into the seething vortex and grabbed that one special strand that was so different. It was larger, it throbbed with energy. Something was happening there, something unusual, something that called to him, triggered his curiosity. Something new in the multiverse seemed to be happening, and as always, he wanted to watch, maybe participate, maybe be destroyed so he could reform once more.

Grabbing the thread in both paws, he violently rips it apart and steps through the portal that is formed between the pieces of the strand.

He is now floating in water, there is a form floating near him. It is channeling nearly immeasurable amounts of power. The water itself is healing, life sustaining. The form in the water seems to sense him, it attempts to draw power from him. He refuses. Until he knows what is happening, he will not participate. He could feel the countless lives giving of themselves through this creature. Some of them giving their all, their last.

He floats waiting for this entity to acknowledge him, to address him, to show some sign that it has a life of it's own and is sentient. His actions will depend on what happens in the next few minutes.

[folix]

I was looking out onto a rolling grass field with one large tree that I remembered taking refuge on my journey here. Something in the vast Crystal labyrinth had changed. I closed my eyes and opened them. I had appeared in a dark chamber. A few moments later, torches spring to life, reviling a 3 foot deep pool of water. The pool was large and its true purpose allowed me to view my world and my channeling powers in different ways.

There was a large power in close near me. I blinked and my eyes in the real world sprung open. A faint blue glow flooded out from them illuminating the water. In my world, "What’s that?” A figure was in front of me and it was radiating power. I gazed upon it with my vision. I had gained the ability to see magic when I first became the gem's host. The figure, it wasn't normal. Usually I see a dominate color, for example, blue for healing magic. But this was different; the tendrils of magic preformed a multi colored light show in front of my eyes.

It was a wonderful sight, but I had seen it many times before. I glanced down at the pool, seeing the unclean magic I pulled in through my web. They looked very similar.... to similar... the magic’s were compatible.

"This is bad!” I was watching over my pool seeing both my channeling and that creature’s magic. The magic had an affinity for each other, causing some of the magic tendrils from the creature to be absorbed into my channeling stream. It was only starting to happen, but it’s like pulling a vacuum, the longer the figure stays there, the greater the suction toward the stream will become.

I didn’t' know what this figure was, but I knew he couldn't stay here. To connect something to my channeling power, I or someone else who is in the chain, creates a close proximity to a target, then I connect . Here I wanted to do something opposite. Rather than pulling this impure source of magic into my channeling power, I wanted to expel it.

In my world, I gazed on to the pool in a trance; I reached out and grabbed the leaking magic tendrils of magic, spinning them up into a cord using tendrils of bright white magic thread. I was impressed, this was a strong minded creature, any lesser of a mind, may have given into the stream by now.

I used some of my refined pure magic and spun it around the figure, giving this figure a bright white magic cloak. Of course, this was in the realm of pure magic and only someone who could see magic would see the light of the cloak. The created the cloak for two reason. First to keep this contamination at bay... second, It would improve my powers on this creature, if things go bad.

The robe had an unexpected side effect, the impure magic of the creature slowly absorbed energy from the robe, and thus the web.

I reached out and called out with my shielded mind. My mental voice spoke from the cloak itself, "Who are you and why are you here... your magic is impure...” My real eyes closed, but the waters still stayed illuminated for anyone who could see magic. The cloak was very bright.

[Studley Destiny]

At first, there is only a gentle sucking sensation as the entity tries to add my energies to those it is already channeling. As much as it can draw, tiny amounts of my energies are drawn in. This is the first time I have experienced anything strong enough to touch me when I refuse. However, even as the suction grows stronger, I alter myself to control and resist it. It is only drawing simple life force and magic, it probably does not even sense my true essence. And now that I am looking closer, I realize that this is the physical manifestation, but that the true mind and essence are else where. I can wait, I have time.

I watched, fascinated, as the entity exercised some significant control over the magics it was channeling and attempted to rope in the energies it was drawing from me. It seemed to be attempting to stop it's own absorption of the energies it was drawing from me. This entity had good control, even if only over a limited scope of the full energy spectrum.

Next the entity created a shield around me, a various obvious one at that. Is it trying to control me, or protect itself from me? Very well, I'll play along. I begin taking energy from the shield it has created. Not a lot, just enough to let it know that I too can control energies and turn them to my will. I silently laugh to myself, the last thing I needed or wanted was another source of energy that I could tap. Still, the amount that was being channeled was incredible. I was also becoming curious as to where this energy was going, I could see that it was coming in as millions of tiny, weak threads and being funneled out as a single massive flow.

At last it communicated with me. I had to laugh at this; it was trying to disguise its location by using the shield as the communication device. But that simple attempt allowed me to instantly follow it back to the source. And now that I looked, I could see the connection between the entities physical body, it's disembodied life essence, and the shield. I had to admit to myself that I'd not really looked before, being so fascinated with the energy channeling itself. I examined the place where the essence was. Since it wished to communicate, and had made no real attempt to harm me, I decided that it might be a good idea to visit with this essence. With a thought, I leave behind the physical realm where this entities body is, and appear in the realm of its essence, taking my physical body with me, as I do not want to disturb the channeling, at least not yet. I find myself in a wondrous room lit by torches with a large scrying pool in the center.

"I am Studley. I am here because the energy flows in this universe caught my interest. My magic is both as pure as magic can exist, and impure because there is no such thing as pure magic. Nothing is pure unless you are in the realm of absolute Order, and that is the one place I will never go."

I now got my first look at what this creature conceived of itself as. I waited to see what it's response would be. Its reaction would determine how our future unfolded, and whether or not it would survive. I could see the futures, all of them, and because of free will, until I knew someone very, very well, I could not select which future that person would create. This had a certain advantage, as it kept existence interesting. Knowing the future makes it a very boring place.

[folix]

I probed the creature with my mind and then he breached my shield. The figure appeared in the room, along the wall walkway that boarded the pool.

"NO! ...” I commanded. The room blurred I was taking the creature and I to a location that I knew well. We appeared under the tree that I was viewing earlier today. I was annoyed and impressed at the same time. I continued my sentience, "... you used my own trick agents me. For that, you have proved yourself worthy for an audience. “I was a human in his late twenties, fully clothed in casual king’s appeal. “ You’re the first guest that has visited these realms since the early time. So I ask you, a... sir ... why have you... "I was interrupted. A squirrel jumped down from the tree, turning into a bear.

The bear spoke, "Who’s he, you know its agent the rules to bring..."

I cut the bear off, "I didn't bring, he came". I exchanged some redundant questioning from the bear...

[Studley Destiny]

I chuckle. I get a good look at the scrying room and then I'm teleported to a lightly forested area. Looking around, I note that there is much life here, and some of it is sentient.

"Ho ho. I came to the scrying room. You choose to bring me here. And I've proven myself worthy for an audience. My my, it has been a long time since anyone was brash enough to expect me to prove myself."

Turning to the bear. "Please, relax. I mean no one any harm. And rules are for those with insufficient power to make the rules. Do not blame him, he seemed to think that bringing me here was less dangerous then having me in the scrying room. Although I do not know why just yet."

Turning back to the boy, "I used no tricks, the mind is a tool, and I am a master of using it. Like magic, chaos, reality, and so many other manifestations of chaos and order, it's just another tool to be used, another energy to be directed."

"Now, it seems that introductions are in order. My name is Studley, I am currently in the form of an anthropomorphic were-wolf. It is a form that I find pleasing. I am also a Chaos Lord. And you are?"

[folix]

"My name is Baltostar and I....” the bear interrupted.

"This is no place for a Chaos Lord, you destabilize...” stated the bear.

I cut him off, so that I could answer the creature’s question. To the bear, “I am king here, aren’t I?” A galloping could be heard coming across a nearby bridge.

A centaur joined up with the group. "Who do we have here?"

The bear was frustrated that he was being ignored. The bear transformed into a buck and pranced out of sight.

I spoke up, "Like I was saying my name is Baltostar and I am the ruler and guardian of these...” It started to rain, "... of these lands. That’s odd, it doesn't rain here. Well this is" I was about to introduce the centaur but he got ahead of me.

The centaur spoke, "Hi, I am a centaur, do you want an apple?” he reached down into a bag strapped around his side and pulled out an apple tossing it to the creature. The ground gave a slight tremor.

[Studley Destiny]

I watched and listened, rather entertained by the whole episode.

In response to the centaur's question, I catch the apple, bow and respond, "I am Studley, a visitor to these realms."

Noting the 'unexpected' rain, and the earth tremor, I reach out with my vast array of senses looking for the cause, as the actions of my host and his subjects make them seem somewhat unusual. Shortly, I find the cause.

"Baltostar, it seems you have a subject that is not very enthused with you, and is taking this opportunity while you have a visiting dignitary to make trouble. There is a dragon, far away in the hills, that has begun dabbling in chaos magic. He has been following you and listening in on your conversations using that same magic, which you have not yet learned to detect. He is taking this opportunity, while you have an unusual and unexpected guest, to make trouble and allowing you and your other subjects to believe that my presence here is the cause. Rest assured, I do not 'leak chaos', I am not a destabilizing force unless I choose to be. He, however, also does not know the full capabilities of a true Chaos Lord, nor what else I myself am capable of. For instance, he does not know that I have spotted him and can, at your behest, bring him here for you to question, examine, and punish should you choose. I could just as easily cause his next attempt to use chaos backfire and make a rather loud and messy explosion."

[folix]

"Studley ... what you say ... it just doesn’t seem feasible. This world, was born out of order, chaos isn't tolerated here. So I believe your senses are mistaken. As for the rain and quake, can't you tell?” I asked mildly amused, "this is the bear’s domain. He's showing his disapproval. It’s a shame; this is one of my favorite locations."

The centaur used this time to speak up, "Why don't we head to my place, I'll cook us up some food."

I turned toward the centaur and answered him, "That sounds like a good idea. I'll let you take our gust here... I'm going to change and meet you there.” Baltostar disappeared and re appeared some ware in deep within the castle.

The centaur took charge, "Follow me, it’s not far.” The centaur turned and walked down the path toward a bridge that crossed a large gorge. On the sides of the bridge, were tall think doors embedded with symbols of snakes. The door looked warn and vegetation grew underneath its gaps indicated that it hasn't been used in years time.

[Studley Destiny]

With a sigh, Studley follows the centaur. It seems that Baltostar has much to learn about how things work. Pausing in his thoughts, he chuckles. He could teach Baltostar much, question was, would Baltostar be able to open his mind to a new view of the multiverse?

"I'm sorry, I did not catch your name sir."

After crossing the bridge, "I'm curious about the doors we just passed. Where do they lead and why have they not been used in such a long time? Additionally, what do you know of a red dragon in the hills far to the south of here?"

[folix]

"Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Eston Rendo. I am a warrior of the castle. It was my job to guide travelers heading to the castle and to keep the serpent at bay.” Seeing the immediate question, the centaur continued. "The serpent hunted during the night and thinned the forest of life. During the day it bared the gates preventing all access to the castle. The serpent was an immortal, I've killed the beast many times in the past, however the creature would always awake.

You asked about toughs gates we passed. The serpent use to guard them, but they have remained open ever since Baltostar donned the vest and accepted the pow.... that’s not important. What is important is that the serpent will no longer bother us... meaning I don't have a job, but its better this way."

After crossing the bridge, the path seemed to end. There was grass on both sides. The centaur continued to walk in the direction the path was headed.

When Studley stepped off the end of the path, he found himself again on a path, but now bordering the trail was a large dense forest. "See, up ahead, my home.” He gestured toward a large single story building. It was a sized to accommodate the centaur’s size comfortably.

The centaur was caught up is his story and forgot about the question of the dragon.

[Studley Destiny]

Studley found the story both interesting and somewhat insightful. There was much to be learned reading between the lines.

"So Baltostar accepted the powers of the king when he took the office, and through either power of will or power of arms, slew the serpent and has prevented it's return to this day. Interesting."

As he stepped off the end of the path and the world around him suddenly changed, he had to look back. Behind him he could see the dense forest and no sign of the bridge. Stepping back, he returned to the Bear's realm. Looking forward, the grassy plains stretched away into the distance. Stepping forward once again, and quickly catching up with Eston, he continued on to the centaur's home.

Now the senses he had used to locate the dragon made more sense, and he wondered if the dragon had any relationship to the serpent. This was an interesting world indeed, or confluence of worlds. He had just passed through one of the best-done dimensional portals he'd ever encountered.

"I presume that we left the Bears realm after crossing the bridge. Nicely done. How long do you think it will be till Baltostar returns?"

[folix]

"Not sure... he's been rather busy at late, but I suspect that he is waiting for us. ... And don't continue down the path past my home... there’s nothing there that needs to be seen...” The centaur opened the door to his home.

He led the Studley inside. In the one large room home, was the kitchen on the left with a basket of apples. In the back left corner, Baltostar was sitting on a bed staring at a chest that was next to it. As you entered, he turned his focus toward Studley. In the right side of the room, was a soft bed of grasses. Between the kitchen and the back left bed area, was a high table, with plates out for seating three. Directly across from the front door in the back wall was the rear door to the home. It was slightly ajar.

Baltostar got up. He was wearing a loose shirt and long leather pants. The shirt was covering something. It was evident because small bumps pushed into the shirt whenever it became tight as he got up and greeted Studley. "Welcome, sorry I'm late, but there are many things to do. Here, "Grabbing two chairs, I pulled them up to the table. When Baltostar let go of the chairs, for a brief moment, sparkles could be seen coming from his palms.

"Well, I hope you enjoyed your journey here. Would you mind answering some questions while we eat? The bear wasn't too happy with me, but I told him that I will keep him informed.” Sitting down at the table, “So what’s there to eat?"

The centaur replied, "Well that depends, do you like dear or apples?"

[Studley Destiny]

Taking the proffered chair, I respond to Eston first, "Venison and apples are both excellent, thank you for the hospitality kind sir. Allow me to offer a bottle of most excellent mead to go with those items." He reaches out and as his hand positions over the table, a bottle of amber colored liquid materializes and he sets it down on the table.

Turning to Baltostar, "It was a most enlightening walk. I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have, but beware, as you might not like the answers. But first, I'd like to comment on something you said as you left earlier. You mentioned that this world was 'born out of order, chaos isn't tolerated here.' If there is free will here, and if the choices that will be made are not known with certainty in advance, then there is chaos here. Only at the most opposite extreme ends of all creation do pure Order and pure Chaos exist. And even they are tainted. It is the tiniest amounts of Order that creep into Chaos that allows entities such as my self to come into existence, and we are few and far between, it is the tiniest amounts of chaos that creep into Order that allows that realm to move through time. All other realms in between are a mixture of both Order and Chaos, or they could not exist. The amount of each in a realm determines how well various forces work. Magic is more rooted in Chaos, and Technology is more rooted in Order. And there are many other types of energies through out the multiverse that are a mix of the two."

He reaches out and takes a very ornate goblet from nowhere and pours some mead into it. Two other identical goblets appear at the same time.

"I'm sorry, I've been rambling. Please, ask your questions, and we will see if I can answer them to your satisfaction."

[folix]

Unsurprised, I reached out and took a goblet but do not drink from it. I looked at Studley, eying him up and determining how to respond. "You ask a very difficult question.” The centaur had his back to us but now decided to turn around. He had two plates in his hands. The smell of fresh food suddenly became apparent. One plate was adorned with a venison stake, boarded with slices of apples and topped with a seasoned souse. The other was more plane. It had a smaller stake without any toppings and a larger pile of apples to offset the smaller stake.

He reaches out toward the table holding the fancy plate and after brief glance at Baltostar, places the plate in front of Studley. "Here you go, enjoy."

He then placed the second plate in front of Baltostar, his king. Baltostar looked at his plate and then at Studley’s dish. He didn’t comment, but did take a sip from the goblet.

The centaur turned round again, brining a dish with several of cut apples and stake dip. The centaur came up to the high table and grabbed his fork and knife. "I'm famished." He started eating.
I then answered Studley’s question, however my eyes weren’t focused on him, but rather some unseen distant object to his side. “I’ll put this into terms according to your multiverse statement. This place…. It was born out of order, and brought to this existence through chaos. The two became one… … when ….and now, they coexist, a core of order boarder by chaos… we live on the border realms...” Then I seemed to snap out of my trance, “What’s wrong, don’t you like your food?”

[Studley Destiny]

More and more there are undercurrents of events happening that concern these people, and I am something of a distraction, and a worry to them. They are being pleasant enough, but I can see from Baltostar's actions that something is amiss. His connection to his physical self and control of the energies that he is channeling is at times being tested. And there are energies here in this place that he has no clue exist. I can easily see how his description of this place fits his worldview perfectly. It is an artificial world, lovely and well built, but something that I could do in my sleep. It had small imperfections, imperfections that if taken advantage of could destroy it. Or if mistreated accidentally, could also result in it’s destruction. There was a certain fragility to it, not obvious, but there just the same. I was already considering how to fix these flaws, for this was potentially a realm worth saving.

"Please, this plate is fit for a king. While I appreciate Eston's generosity, this should by all rights be yours. I am naught but a simple were-wolf, it would not be appropriate for me to eat a kings meal. Besides, I eat for the joy of eating, not for the nourishment it provides. I long ago passed beyond the need for food as a survival mechanism. I can enjoy simple foods as thoroughly as complex ones." He reaches out and swaps his plate with Baltostar's.

"I do not believe I asked a question, but offered to answer yours. Thank you for explaining how you perceive your realm, it does help me understand your belief structure and how you expect the energies you wield to operate. However, since you bring up the question of questions, I do have two. What became of the serpent that you subdued? And what do you know of the dragon in the realm to the south? He is dabbling in things he does not understand, and it poses a danger to you."

[folix]

When Studley swapped the plates, I found the situation humorous. "I don't think you quite understand, we all eat for enjoyment and this is mine. “ I reach out and swap the plates. I placed my hand above the plate and rub my figures together. From the angle, Studley could see a black stone embedded in the palm of my right hand. From my finger tips, a think brown liquid flowed down, covering my plate. "I like to dip my apples in caramel."

Studley continued to speak and was thanking me for explaining how I perceive the realm. I waited for him to finish, "Thanking me for explaining the realm? We haven’t yet discussed such matters, we've only just started eating. .... “The centaur injected, "you don't remember?" I replied, "Remember what?"

A few moments later, "ah... I see now... looks like I did..." Changing the subject, "You asked about the serpent... let’s say that the serpent won’t have enough energy to regenerate for a long time.” Remembering something about the south, I looked worried, "too the south... that’s odd... sorry, but I can't travel back down that path..." There was fear in my eyes; even though I tried to hide it. The flow stopped from my fingers, and I watched the tail of it fall to the plate. I reached down, grabbing an apple slice, dipping it in the caramel, before eating it slowly. I had many things on my mind.

[Studley Destiny]

With a slight chuckle, Studley picked up a fork and knife then cuts himself a bite of venison, and places it in his muzzle. Taking a moment to savor it as he chews it slowly, he finally swallows it. Looking at Eston, "Sir, you are a most accomplished chef, this is excellent."

Turning back to Baltostar, "Hmm, interesting. You need lessons in multitasking. Memory loss, confusion, time replay issues. Please, allow me to assist you somewhat."

The air next to Studley shimmers for a moment, and Studley appears standing next to the seated Studley. To every sense you can use, they are identical, all the way to the molecular level even. They are identical twins.

The standing Studley waves jauntily to you, "Well, I'm going south and see what I can see. What ever your problems there are, rest assured that they will be solved very soon." He waves to Eston, "Thank you for your hospitality" then turns and walks out the door, taking the path southward, inexorably heading towards the dragon and his machinations in the south.

Without a pause or second thought, seated Studley continues to eat the marvelous venison steak that Eston prepared. "So, please tell me about how you became the king, and what kinds of devices and powers you inherited with that title. My senses are still telling me many and conflicting things as someone has gone to extreme measures to obfuscate what is really happening here. The simple fact that I do not yet have it all figured out yet attests to the abilities of the designer, and I'm guessing that I will eventually find out I know the designer." He takes a sip of his mead and then laughs; I can already imagine several potential candidates. However, your channeling ability is not part of their calculations or design. Your very nature may be more destabilizing on this realm then anything else that could happen here. Anyway, your highness, please, tell me about yourself." He takes another bite of venison and awaits your story.

[folix]

<The Studley heading south:
He walks down the path about 2 miles and then the path disappeared into a stone ground. Stepping onto the stone, your world view changes, and you have to stop because you were right next to a cliff edge. Looking down, you see an oval shape valley below. The air is silent and the entire valley is an image of grayed out dead trees and grass. Nothing was alive. You feel a magical energy coming from a circle stone at the base of the cliff.>

<The Studley in the house:
"I don't want to talk about my past..... its painfull...." changing the subject, "This world, this entity... they are designed for the channeling abliltiy... or at least thats what the oldest ones beleive... Before I answer any more of your questions, I first want to know how you found me.... and where you came from. You mentioned that you are a chaos lord, I would like some more detail on what that means...">

[Studley Destiny]

<Studley South>
It was a pleasant walk through the forest. There seemed to be plenty of life everywhere, and the only thing that seemed unusual was the overgrowth on the path making it slightly challenging to follow after he left Eston's home. Now that he was attuned to the portals used here, he sensed the next one several steps before he came to it. Slowing down, he stepped through slowly. And on the other side he was shocked. A dead world! So very different from those he had just left. And this was the type of death that only a god could wreak! There was not so much as a microbe alive. No wonder there was dead vegetation as opposed to just bare soil. Even now, he could feel the world attempting to drain away his essence and destroy him. A simple adjustment and it no longer had any affect on him, but he could immediately see why Baltostar could not come here, and potentially why his memories of this place eluded him. The path continued along the top of the cliff to the south, but the stone circle below fascinated him. Stepping off the cliff, he drifted slowly down to the bottom of the valley, using his telekinesis to control his descent by pushing against the valley floor. He could still sense the dragon, further south in yet another world, but even his influence here was diminished.

Walking around the stone circle, he began to examine it, looking for clues to its builders and their purpose.

~~~~~~~~~~

<Studley w/the King>
Taking a slice of apple, I chew it thoughtfully. "Let me start by saying that none of the titles I'm about to give you are royalty. They are descriptive of classes of abilities that I have. And all of them together do not define what I am capable of, only a small portion of it."

I take another bite of venison and chew it thoughtfully, then another sip of mead. "First and foremost, I am a Chaos Lord, and that is the source of my birth. My mother is Chaos, and I am of her flesh and birthed from her womb. My father is Order, and he gave me coherence and cognitive abilities. I have no mortal parents, and I have no ability to die. I can be either a constructive or destructive force, and randomity is one of my strongest weapons."

I pause to let Baltostar digest this tidbit, one again sipping my mead. Continuing, "I am also a High Lord. ((TORG Roleplaying the Possibility Wars by West End Games circa 1990)) I can control, change, and feed on the conversion of one reality to another. But I am not limited to one reality like other High Lords, and I am my own Darkness Device, freely creating stelae at will to extend my influence and converting those of other High Lords to my own purposes."

I enjoy another bite of venison before continuing, "I am a Lord. ((Roger Zelazny's Amber series, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber_(fictional_realm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber_%28fictional_realm)) )) I can use an existing pattern, create and or destroy them, and freely draw energy from one. I am also a master of creating trump cards for individuals to use in association with a pattern. And I know that there are many patterns, unlike most Lords."

I look at Baltostar, and I can see that this is causing him some discomfort. I can guess at his thoughts without reading them directly. What kind of creature has wondered into my realms? Is he truly what he claims? Can he really wield so many powers and abilities? What can I do to save my realms should he decide to attack? However, he asked, so I shall answer. He can state his disbelief once I am done if he chooses. He can test me if he likes. But I have no reason to lie. Nothing is to be gained my taking what is his from him.

Another sip of mead, "I am a Beastmaster. ((The Beastmaster circa 1982 is the overall idea, although it's more encompassing and works with anthros as well as true animals.)) I am an Immortal ((Immortal The Invisible War by Precedence Publishing circa 1994)). I am a Time Lord ((sorry, I don't recall if this was based on a specific game system, or if it was a locally created campaign idea)). I have other titles that I cannot remember at the moment."

Taking another bite of venison, I sit back and wait for Baltostar's reaction. Will he even care how I found him after that?

[folix]

<South:
When descending you see a path that goes from the stone to the south and into a cave. When looking at the circle you find two indents in the shape of small 1 inch half circles. One was colored red and the other black. You can feel that the stone wants to absorb your energy but you had already adapted to the effect before descending.>

<Centaur House:
"You say a great many things," spoke Baltostar. "All of which could be true or a lie. As you made it here, you've already shown great ability and this matches your story's implications... so, I will believe you if you can pass my test... are you interested?" I smiled, awaiting an answer.

[Studley Destiny]

<Centaur House:
I finish my mead, then refill my goblet. "I am also a god, and since I can not die, I'll gladly take your test. The worst that can happen is that I somehow fail. But there is a saying that I love curiosity killed the cat. It was curiosity that brought me here, and so how can I resist?"

[folix]

<Centaur House:
"Well, you seem to have a slight advantage so .... the test is .... Answer me this, how old am I?"

[Studley Destiny]

<Centaur House:
"There, you see, randomness in the universe. You have free will and I cannot predict your actions. Never let anyone tell you differently, there is no such thing as a totally omniscient god. And you have grasped one of the variables of the multiverse as an excellent way of trapping me. Since age is normally a measure of elapsed time passage against a physical body, or a soul in some cases, and the fact that time can move differently between universes, I'm left with attempting to deduce your age based on your apparent appearance and what little I know of your actions and attitudes. I am disadvantaged as I will not rape your mind to get it from you directly, and your physical age may be inaccurate due to how this body is constructed. Additionally, since this is not your real physical body, I cannot read it to get your actual age. On the other hand, none of those methods would tell you my age either." He laughs and takes another drink of mead. "Come to think of it, there is no way to find my age at all. So, short of time tripping all over hell-a-gone and back, or raping your mind, I'm left with a piss poor educated guess of 24-26. You have a lot to learn about being a king. Then again, I'm not sure how long you can last channeling that much energy."

[folix]

My grin went away..., "hmmm.... sorry to say, but your answer is wrong.... I was born only 12 years ago." There was a long pause as I let the fact he guessed wrong to sink in. "However, you passed my test. I was prepared for any attempt to read my mind. It would have been harmful to you in one way or another... As I recall, you havn't yet told me how you found me."

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
Becoming insubstantial (non-corporeal, dematerialized, dephased, or what have you), he proceeds to check out the stone form all angles, checking for both physical and mystical connections from this stone to other locations. Where do the energies that this edifice collects go? He seeks for an answer.

<Centaur House:
He calmly eats another slice of apple, takes a drink of his mead, then finally replies, "Well I suspected that the channeling might have an affect, but I did not suspect it would have that much. Ah well, it is rare to get the correct answer with a trick question anyway."

Sipping more mead, "As for finding you, that was accidental. I spotted your universe. You see, there are weak points in the fabric of many realities where those with the sight can see the confluence of many universes. We call such a place a nexus. There are many that can see them, some that can draw power from them, but most that are sensitive to them in any way avoid them, because the are very dangerous. If you cannot sense them, they cannot hurt you, but if you can, it is a nearly sure way to end up dead, with your component atoms scattered across a billion different universes. To a very, very few, they look a little like gigantic ever shifting collections of colorful fibers. I am one of only a handful that can actually read each of those threads and tell what kind of universe it is. I can actually reach in and grab a specific thread, then use it to travel to that universe. I often sit and gaze into a nexus for hours, just to see if anything interesting catches my eye. That is how I found you. The massive energy that you are channeling affected the look of the thread and caught my interest. When I entered your universe, I ended up at the source of the very power that caught my attention. And you know the rest from there."

He takes another bite of venison, then "So, why do you channel so much energy? Who is getting it? Why do they want/need it? What to you get out of helping them?"

[folix]

<South:
When examining the stone from all angles, you find that the energy it is absorbing is channeled to its base and into some kind of rune. When you look closer at the rune, your energy starts to activate it. The stone momentary elevates and then descends as you back away. Then you again realize that a path ends at the stone and starts up again at the top of the cliff. You realize that this rune seems to be very inefficient and that the energy required to operate it would be enormous.>

<Centaur's House:

I dipped another apple and ate it, finishing off my plate. "Eston, thank you for the meal."
Eston accepts the comment, happily, "Thank you, you should stop by more often." He bows his head as Baltostar gets up and leaves, motioning for Studley to follow.

"Studley", I called, "rather then answering your question directly.... I thought I could just show you." When Studley follows, I begin waking toward the castle.

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
Examining the rune from below, I begin to deconstruct it layer by layer to uncover what it does. This is a fun exercise that involves identifying each and every motion and phrase that went into it's construction, all without activating or breaking the existing rune. The process takes from several hours to several months, but time is of no concern. At least it's something interesting to do, and when I'm done, I can build a replacement that will be many times more efficient to do the job.

<Centaur's House:
Finishing off the venison, I bow to Eston, "My compliments to the chef, a most excellent repast. Thank you for your hospitality."

Getting up I follow Baltostar. "You do realize it's just possible that you will show me something that I will have to interfere with? Of course it's not likely, but hey, I do tend to be unhappy with destruction of the universe types. It means one less place for me to play."

[folix]

<South:
In this dead area,
Over a given time period, you discover that this stone levitates off the ground with a ratio of inputted energy. So the higher it is, the more energy it takes to maintain that elevation. The stone only moves vertically. The rune is badly inefficient and you suspect that when levitating at the top of the cliff and extra ordinary amount of energy would be required. You find that the half circle indents are shunts for energy.

<Centaur's House:
We leave the centaur's house and walked to about the bridge when I turn to Studley. "I believe you can probe ones mind... If you would like to visit mine, just ask my permission and I will allow you entry... you may find it interesting. Would you like to do this now or later?"

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
Shaking his head, he deactivates the run entirely. Then constructs a new one. This new one does the exact same thing as the original, but uses no energy at all unless the stone is in motion. And at that only uses a very tiny amount. Stepping onto the stone, he activates it and enjoys a smooth ride to the top. He then monitors to be sure the energy drain is gone, then continues on his way south. He wonders if there are other such drains in this realm, and makes a mental note to look for them when he comes back.

<Going to the Castle (was Centaur's house):
"I'm not really into probing peoples minds. It's sort of the ultimate invasion of privacy. I typically limit it to reading surface thoughts. Besides, I'd rather hear it in your words, as that will also tell me things about you, as well as things about what is going on that might prove usefull."

[folix]

<South: There is a cave at that the path goes into, a faint light reflection from deep reviles an exit. If you journey through the cave, you fill find that the other end is guarded by a tiger. It is staring at you and as you look at it, you start to see images of repressed memories being forced to the surface. If you cant resist, then you won't be able to move or your movements will be sluggish. The tiger turns teeth baring, as it approaches to strike down its meal with its black eyes transfixed on you.

<Going to the Castle:
I exhale, having to deal with this. I look into Studley eyes, then turned around to continue toward the castle. "... this world doesn't operate on standard rules of the realm. I was inviting you into my mind as a short cut. You see, you would never truly be able to probe my mind, because... well, if you come in to my mind now, you will save us a long walk." I continued waking waiting for Studley reply.

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
As I walk into the cave and approach the end, I can feel something attempting to probe into areas of my memory that I have not accessed in eons. Since this might prove useful in on ongoing quest to learn about myself, I split, then hide my mind and monitor what happens to my other self. As I watch and read myself, I recover a number of old memories and prior life experiences. I note that the undefended me is moving ever slower until he is virtually standing still. I watch the tiger with fascination as he prepare to attack the affected me. He seems totally oblivious to my existence. Since undefended me has served his purpose, I glean what I can at the end as the tiger attacks and kills me. As my thought fade away and the tiger begins to eat, I walk out of the cave and into the light.

<Going to the Castle:
"I was afraid you were going to say that. These worlds, like the body you are using, are an artificial construct. And you are already at your limits maintaining them and channeling all that energy. Very well, since there seems to be no other alternative then to wander through your thoughts, I will do so. Rest assured that I'll open no doors in your mind that do not open themselves." Without further ado, he begins his investigations into the mind of his host.

[folix]

<South:
You see the tiger jump, then bites you around your neck, and pulls you to the ground. With its prey on the ground, it doesn't eat. It instead looks toward the walking Studley. It begins to repeat its past actions, staring at you.

<Mind Quest:
I felt Studley begin to prob my mind. I allowed him entry, pulling him in. You open your eyes and your standing in a long torch lit hallway. There are many doors on both sides and branching hallways every 30 feet or so. The walls and floors appear to have been build like the stonework of the castle. Realizing your self, you discover your on the ground. I reach out a hand to help you up, "You need some help?". After he got to his feat, "Now wasn't this quicker then a long walk." It was a rhetorical question so I continued, "You should know that my channeling ability causes me very little mental strain." With your magical vision, you scene energy running through the walls."

"If you would of probed my mind earlier, you would have ended up here and wouldn't be able to escape unless you left this world and returned. For now, your here as my guest, I can show you an exit when you wish to leave." I move to a door and open it, motioning for you to take a look, "I thought you may find this interesting." As you look in, you see a another long hallway, identical to this one. I waited to judge your reaction.

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
I ignore the tiger utterly as I proceed out of the cave. It cannot affect my mind, because I choose not to let it do so. It cannot touch me, because I've put up a force field across the cave entrance that it cannot sense. If it bounds after me it will get a hell of a headache. The force field will dissipate in about 15 minutes, but till then, the tiger is not leaving the cave. I've seen what it can do, I've learned what I wanted from it, as well as picking up another bit of my own past, and now I am continuing my travels in search of the dragon to the south, and any mysteries that these realms choose to show me.

<Mind Quest (was Going to the Castle):
Baltostar is mildly disappointed by Studley's reaction. He does not seem so much surprised as curious about the specifics of what he is seeing. "At what point do the doors actually lead somewhere? I've seen variations on compartmentalization, and this is similar. I'm guessing that in some small way this is a part of the channeling, as I can see the energy flows in the walls, ceiling and floor. Does each individual you draw from lie behind some door? With each door off the main corridor being a world, and each major section of a world being another door, and so on till you get to the individuals? Or is the energy flowing here to maintain this setup, and eventually behind some end door you have a world or realm where you have some sway?"

[folix]

<South:
Leaving the cave, you enter a Pine Woods. As you walk the trees seem to get taller, allowing you easy walking room under them. After about 6 or so minuets something almost completely transparent walked out from a near by tree. It was a figure of an old man. He was watching you, and after he realized that you could see him, he spoke with ghostly tones. "YOU DON'T BELONG HERE, LEAVE AT ONCE!" He then dispersed, loosing all form and vanished.>

<Mind Quest:
I looked at Studley, "looks like I've shown you too much.... " I close the door and open it again. When I do, light from outside pours into the room. "As for your questions... I.... we.... don't believe that I should tell you any more... I've created a way out, it will put you just outside the castle doors. I suggest you take it... " I appear to be looking past you at something to your side, "right... yes.... I'll take care of it..." I walk through the door vanishing before hitting the other side.

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
I watched the apparition with interest. It was not unusual for me to receive warnings, and as was also not unusual, I simply became more alert and ignored the warning. He was of course right, I did not belong here, hell, I didn't belong anywhere really. But I also refused to be bullied or goaded into leaving, after all, this probably meant I was getting close to something of import. I simply continued along the path, enjoying the nice spring day, and waiting for the next transition, or something else of interest.

<Mind Quest:
looks like I've show you to much… In other words, I'm too close to some truth he would rather I not know. Which only piques my interest all the more. He opens his little mind-game portal to the outside with As for your questions... I.... we.... don't believe that I should tell you any more... Oh yes, I've scared him now. Next is he tries to ditch me. And I'm really not in a mood for that at this point.

As he steps into the doorway, I put my paw on his shoulder. Stepping through with him, we find ourselves standing in a formless swirling mist. There is nothing to be seen in any direction but this grayness. While it feels like we are standing, there is nothing below us, any more then there is anything on any side or above us.

"Now Baltostar, as you can see, I too can play games with where we go and how we get there. I have told you everything you have asked, as completely as possible, and as truthfully as possible. I've hidden nothing. I'm an honorable entity, and I expect nothing less from you. I came here only out of curiosity, and with no ill will. But I must warn you, if you trifle with me, it could end poorly. The energy that you are channeling, I can do that with my little finger. And I have whole universes at my disposal if I choose to tap them. You may be channeling energy form large numbers of individuals, I can tap as many universes as you can individuals."

"So, how about if we go take care of whatever is distracting you, and then you can tell me more about what you are, what you do, and who you do it for?"

With that, he opens a door in front of Baltostar that goes exactly where Baltostar had planned on going without him. He then waits for Baltostar's reaction and answer.

[folix]

<South:
the forest exits to the south, reviling a large grassy expanse. You see a few trees on the other side in the distance, there isn't a path anymore.

<Mind Quest:
[paused when in your dark world]
When you pull me into your pocket world, I start shrinking, my facial features becoming more childish, "The voices... their gone..." I say in surprise, completely oblivious to the fact that he was talking to me.

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
Standing on the plane and looking around, he could see some mountains in the far distance. There was something subtly different about this world now. So, while he can still sense the dragon to the south, it must be in this realm, as this seems to be the end of the line. As a result of studying the gates so far, I can now spot the gates between realms, even though they are well hidden. And reaching to the limits of this one, there is only the one behind me. So, this construct has limits, and its secrets are here to be found, I just have not found them yet. So, it is time to take this more seriously. Splitting myself one again, I continue to the south and the mountains, I have a date with a dragon.

<North:
Turning around, I head north, to more thoroughly investigate the realms I've passed through, as well as those I've not yet seen.

<Mind Quest:
Realizing that Baltostar is not hearing him, and seeing the change begin, he decides on an unusual course of action. With his hand still on Baltostar's shoulder, the two of them continue to Baltostar's original destination. Once they arrive and Baltostar has a chance to return to normal, he looks to the king, "You know, that's a dangerous thing to do, running out on a guest. Now, maybe you could answer my questions?"

<The Golden Griffin Inn, Loripathen: At the same time, the two of them disappear from the grey mists and appear in a large, semi-medieval looking bar. Quickly finding a table, he get them both seated, flags the waitress, and orders two mugs of ale. "Please put it on my tab my dear, thank you." Turning to Baltostar, "So, now that you don't hear the voices, maybe you can tell me about yourself and what's really going on."

[folix]

<South:
After you pass the grass field, you find small clearing in bordered by a clump of trees. Just past it you see the last boarder that leads into the gray mountains. In the center of the clearing is a small half circle indent.

<North:
You start heading north toward the forest.

<Mind Quest:
I appeared in the crystal world again. We were standing in a thrown room that was completely empty. Glass work above shun multi-colored lights around the room.
I look at my hands, now becoming more adult again . I quickly faced the him, " Take me back NOW! "

<The Golden Griffin Inn, Loripathen: I looked at my hands as they shunk. My form was becomming that of a 13teen year old again. I was out of it as I looked content, then my head swayed and I fell down off the seat to the ground.

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
I examine the clearing and the half circle. Looking deep, and seeing no harm, I look into the past, at least as it's envisioned in this unreal world. Here is the beginning, the start of a long journey, one that has not ended yet. Looking further south, looking deep into the fabric of this place, I realize that it should end here. Or begin here to be more correct. The dragon to the south is an invader of this realm, it's purpose is dark, but not fully realized or recognized. While I may not understand my new friend, I do understand something that is out of place, much like me. Continuing south, I am determined to do something about the dragon, before it destroys something that might be important to my friend.

<North:
Reaching out across all time and space, we update ourselves. We share what each of us has learned individually, update the collective I. Now the picture begins to form, as I begin to travel this path in the correct direction, it begins to make sense. With an internal shrug, I realize I must fix that which I have altered, for to change it is to break the training that this path creates. It will be an interesting traversal, to see these places in the proper order, to understand what has happened to form and train Baltostar. Let the journey begin…

<Mind Quest:
As I watch you age, and I update myself, I can only look at you sadly. "I can not. Or more correctly, I will not. That would destroy you, who you are, what you have become. What you will one day become. I can however tell you that you have a second chance. A chance to become you without all of this." He gestures around the throne room with his arm. "And I'm betting that in very short order, that chance will miss the many others that share their lives and experience with him, just as you at this moment want them gone again. Cheer up, this is a special and unique place, and you have many untapped abilities, abilities that I can see plainly and that those that use you have no clue exist. If you wish, I can help you access those abilities, learn to use them, learn to be in control of your life instead of a tool to be used and discarded. Eventually, I will be able to tell you what the crystal is and why it's important to you."

<The Golden Griffin Inn:
Getting out of my chair, I gently pick Baltostar up off the floor. He's alive and breathing, just exhausted. With a wave to the barkeep, I take him upstairs to my private room. Putting him in the bed, I scan the bookcase with my journals. Scanning the hundreds of them that have been filled over the years, I take the most recent one down, open it to an empty page, and begin putting my thoughts into it. On of the simple tricks is to think what I want written on the pages and have it appear. I sit quietly as Baltostar sleeps and fill the journal. Putting a label on the spine, I take another empty one, and continue recording. I so rarely come here to rest and contemplate, and record. I will enjoy this time as I wait for my young friend.

[folix]

<Mind Quest:
The collective of voices and intelligence returned as I again received the burden of the Crystal host. I looked at Studley, "That I can agree to... but first, I'm being summoned, it would seem that Light Bane wants more energy." I sighed, "You can follow me and watch if you like." I went to the side of the hall and opened a small door. The room inside contained one large shallow pool and a small pit of water. The room is the same one that you were in momentarily in the past. I went along the wall, the torches above lit the walk way that bordered the pool. I gazed in the water and little white lights appeared and lines formed between them. I worked with my hands in the air gesturing at lights that would either brighten or dim. The hand movement wasn't needed but it felt natural. "I'm cycling the energies so that the stock won't burn out."

<The Golden Griffin Inn:
I stirred and stretched as I let out a yawn, before fully opening my eyes. I peered around, my eyes still foggy with sleep, "what’s going on... where am I" I was speaking more to myself, but when being alone for a long time, One sometimes voices thoughts out loud.

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
As I continue south, the terrain becomes more rugged. At first the only obstacles are the terrain itself, but as I proceed, there is a malignance that seems to fill the very air around me. Whatever is here does not want me to come closer, and is now expending energies to try to stop me. At first, its only rocks that give way as I climb over them, then it rocks descending from further up the mountains as I begin to climb.

<North:
Entering the Pine Woods once again, I walk more slowly, taking in not only the surroundings but also the feelings and images of the past that this land has buried in it. I am hopeful that I may actually learn something from the ghost this time, if I am lucky enough to encounter him again.

<Mind Quest:
I followed and watched. Now I was curious as to who this Light Bane was, and why would Baltostar channel all of this energy to him. I watched quietly as he worked, following the lines of energy being made, broken, expanded, or contracted. I could completely understand what he was doing, although it was something that I could and would never do in this manner. Then again, I could never act as an energy conduit for another, much less go through the work involved in creating such an intricate web of connections. I'm basically lazy, and allow others to willingly give me their energy. This has the added benefit that I will never have the burden of knowing that I inadvertently destroyed some one by taking more then they could afford to give. And the weight of the worlds I had drained to death was no burden, as those worlds and earned their reward with their actions.

When he was done, "So, who is this Light Bane, why do you channel all this energy to him, and what does he do with it?"

<The Golden Griffin Inn:
"Welcome back my friend. It seems the stress of your separation from your training friends took a bit of a toll on you. You're in my room at the Golden Griffin Inn. If you're up to it, when don't we go back down to the bar and get something to eat and drink while you get used to being alone in your own mind eh?"

[folix]

<North: The ghost appeared faintly from behind a tree and walked into view, "Sleep here.....make..to the north.. cold night." It was a shadow of the past, the message had warn away. However looking into the past you see that this was only a stop and resting point for Baltostar.

<Mind Quest: I looked at him and casually answered his question, "Well Light Bane is the one I'm so pose to stop. He is currently in a battle with the warriors of the underworld and the immortal realms. He the one... " 'that killed my parents and burned my village' I thought. "that found me... " 'captured me on a hill, tortured to learn about my abilities' "and now I work for him, managing a chain of power that fuels his conquest. I plan to cut off his power source when the main battle starts. He should be defeated and hopefully that will be enough to set the magical balance right again for this world."

<The Golden Griffin Inn: I looked at him as I moved my mussels around and gave a soft groan to them being sore. "It feels like I was hit by a cart.." I put my hand up to my forehead, "I seem to have a head ache, but it’s going away. At this moment in time all the voices and memories had yet to return to me, I was alone in my mind and couldn't' remember what had happened for most of the day I melded with the gem. "Yes, I'd like some food mister, but my parents will be upset if I'm home late, I'm so pose to be at the caves..." Then some more realization hit, "who did you say you were? I'm told not to talk to outsiders"

[Studley Destiny]

<South:
The malignance grows stronger as I climb, throwing ever-larger objects my way. So far however, avoiding them is easy using little other then my extreme agility and dexterity. The longer I can delay using any of my real abilities the better. I do not wish to give the enemy of my friend any more information then necessary. I could easily bypass this whole mountain range, but this way I am a distraction, and I am forcing my adversary to use time and energy attempting to dissuade me from my path. I may also learn something of my opponent before meeting them, and knowledge is a valuable weapon.

<North:
Choosing to follow Baltostar's path as closely as possible, I opt to spend the night here after review the entire message. This will give me a better feel for what he has gone through, and how he has been trained. Already I am getting a sense that this was not something of his own choosing. I hope to learn far more from myself at the Inn within a few days. I also hope to have information to share with myself by then.

<Mind Quest:
While I will not invade Baltostar's mind, I will listen to the surface thoughts. His demeanor as well as his thoughts reveals to me that Light Bane is a malignant force set to destroy solely for his own gain. I begin to realize that by stopping him myself, I can save uncounted innocent lives. Why must the underworld and immortal realms sacrifice to stop this maniac when I can do it? I will learn more, but already he has earned my dislike. In part because he reminds me of what I was millennia ago, before being taken down myself. He has one significant disadvantage however, he has yet to become so powerful that he can not be destroyed.

<The Golden Griffon Inn:
This section is being spun off to its own thread at http://www.furrytofurry.com/furry/showthread.php?t=67400

[folix]

<South: As he approaches the top of the mountain, the ground starts shaking and he feels a surge of power at work. Reaching the peak, he finds that the other side isn't there, it was replaced with a cliff. The drop was nearly 700 feet and the other half of the mountain was about 500 away.

<North: He wakes up and the forest is strangely quite, however there are some sounds, but they where distant. They are in the direction of the cave and from your past knowledge, you can reason that the sounds are that of the animal guarding the cave.

<Mind Quest: *looks at Studley* "So, does that answer your question? There are also a few others in there group, but its Light Bane that I'm here to stop."

[Studley Destiny]

<South: Seeing the new chasm, dust still rising from it, I ponder my options. How much do I let this malignance know of me and how much do I keep hidden? I decide that I can handle this with little effort unless I am actively blocked. After a few moments delay, I walk through the air towards the other side using telekinesis to push my weight up from the ground at the bottom of the canyon, and against the mountain I just stepped off of to move myself forward. The range of my TK is such that these distances are little different from 7 feet and 5 feet.

<North: Standing and stretching, wiping the sand of sleep from my eyes, I listen to the sounds to the north, knowing that I will once again have to deal with the creature in the cave. But this time, I will be going in the proper direction and will learn the same lessons that Baltostar did. As I begin walking again, I pause here and there to pluck edible berries and plants so that I have no hunger to interfere with what is to come.

<Mind Quest: "Your actions and your thoughts have answered most of my questions, yes. I have two very specific additional ones however. Why have you provided him with energy these many years knowing what he is and how destructive he is? And why wait for so many from the underworld and the immortals realms to die before stopping him? I believe that we could stop him now, and save countless additional lives.