The Clan Lord Sentinel

A small group recently met with Lugubrion to discuss weaknesses in the ether.

I promised him that I'd ask exiles to immediately halt their use of EPSs. He thinks they may be the problem.

I also asked him to hold our hand through a Kyuem construction and want to make good on my word so he feels more inclined to do this.

That's the potted summary. Here's the full transcript:



Measle says, "Hello"
Xepel says, "Greetings Lugubrion. Glad you could make it."
Lugubrion asks, "What have you been doing?"
MaryJane says, "Hello Sir"
Measle says, "All hail your wetness"
Lugubrion is a Sylvan, is male, is a Fighter, and is not wearing the symbol of any clan.
He is holding an ethereal portal stone and a wooden shield, and he is wearing a sunstone and an Ethereal Amulet.
MaryJane says, "We had an ethereal storm a couple days ago"
MaryJane says, "nothing major otherwise"
MaryJane says, "some normal exile business"
To'rac says, "My Master is pleased the Armor Deal has been completed."
Measle says, "Whoever is manipulating the the ether, it's not us"
Raul says, "many rifts were opened across puddleby"
Indigo thinks, "Astral plane and pentagram at the Dark Temple are nai affected."
Xepel says, "It was a fairly major storm, though."
(Lugubrion grumbles.)
Xepel says, "Lots of etherael creatures to dispatch."
Lugubrion says, ""Not you?""
Measle says, "Not us"
MaryJane says, "No Sir"
Measle says, "I'm 80% sure"
MaryJane asks, "have you been doing experiments or one of your brothers?"
Xepel says, "Unless you're talking about ethereal portals. We make those. But we haven't linked them to ethereal problems."
MaryJane asks, "Perhaps Tennebrion?"
To'rac says, "My Master is working on a big project. Please keep your voices down."
Lugubrion asks, "Recklessly opening rifts between the planes does not cause problems?"
MaryJane says, "We don't open them recklessly"
(Lugubrion glares.)
Xepel says, "..."
Xepel says, "I'd say we open them more often than we should."
FourWinged thinks, "I'm trying to get my fell blade out of storage, but Storoenna hates me, someone help"
Lugubrion says, "I must return to the plane, before you bring the whole thing down on us."
Measle says, "Perhaps more Portal Island keys would help reduce it, if that's the problem"
Xepel yells, "Anything w can do to help?"
Largo is no longer sharing experiences with you.
Pun'isher thinks, "she was wearing the i hate four winged yesterday"
(Lugubrion sighs.)
MaryJane says, "Sir"
MaryJane says, "if I may"
Measle says, "We are willing to serve"
Diana D'Fey is now Clanning.
Lugubrion says, "Stop doing whatever it is you are doing."
Measle says, "We want not disrupt the fabric of the planes as much as you"
Xepel says, "It's also true - were there more portal island keys, we wouldn't have to use disruptive portals to get to the EP"
MaryJane says, "or more pass keys in general"
FourWinged thinks, "I want to punch her in the nose, she needs to give me my fell blade"
Xepel says, "The portal was built so that we had a solid, safe way to go between the planes."
Smeester thinks, "DC seems normal"
Xepel says, "Unfortunately, it is locked away, so it is hard to get to."
To'rac says, "Nasty beasts are still in the mines."
Measle says, "yet few have acces to it and have been using the stones"
Lugubrion says, "Perhaps you should ask my brother for such favors."
MaryJane says, "Well, your brother is as hard to reach as you are"
Xepel says, "We do not see your brothers often."
Measle asks, "Gladly. can you help us find him?"
Xepel says, "And by often, I mean almost never."
To'rac says, "Nasty beasts are still in the mines."
Lugubrion says, "We've been busy trying to mend the boundary between the planes. It started weakening suddenly."
MaryJane says, "I think that those of us with access to the forge should be able to make a key there"
Xepel says, "If it was sudden, the portal stones probably don't have much to do about it, then."
MaryJane says, "Yes I have noticed"
ShadowD exclaims, "I Blame Bartok!"
Raul asks, "when did it start weakening?"
Xepel says, "The portal stones have been in use for a long time without problems."
MaryJane says, "Since last nights Storm Raul"
Measle asks, "An srtefact broken in pieces has been recovered recently. Could that help reseal the problem if it was mended?"
Smeester thinks, "come on in"
MaryJane says, "we had two storms in the last 10 days Sir"
Lugubrion asks, "An artifact?"
(Measle nods)
To'rac says, "Nasty beasts are still in the mines."
Measle says, "Darkstone shards"
You just received good karma from MaryJane, you shouldn't have mentioned that
Lugubrion says, "I've never heard of them."
Xepel says, "Weren't those found by darshak, though? Darshak don't have much to do with the ether."
(Measle shrugs)
Raul asks, "are our planes about to collide?"
Measle says, "Worth a shot"
MaryJane says, "Sir.."
(Xepel nods)
MaryJane says, "Honestly I don't think our stones have anything to do with this weakness"
MaryJane says, "I am well versued in the ethereal ways"
Chance thinks, "fallingsf"
Nyla is no longer Clanning.
Chance has fallen to an Artak Cougar.
MaryJane says, "and I notice that soemthing is going on"
Xepel says, "We don't have the power to disturb the planes, anyway."
Lassair thinks, "headed sf"
Measle says, "Nonetheless, I will ask for a moritorium on all interplanar travel until the ituation is remedied"
MaryJane says, "but I don't think our stones started it"
Chance is no longer sharing experiences with you.
Pun'isher thinks, "me too"
Xepel says, "Only one of you or your brother's magnitude could do such a thing."
Lugubrion says, "You have far too much power."
Measle says, "I can't gaurantee I'll be listened to but I will try"
MaryJane says, "We don't have the power you have Sir"
Lugubrion says, "We are not careless enough to do that."
Xepel asks, "What can we do? To help, to not hurt?"
BlackHand is now Clanning.
MaryJane says, "nor are we"
Lugubrion says, "We have power, and the knowledge to use it wisely."
MaryJane says, "So do we Sir"
MaryJane says, "those of us with the knowledge"
Raul says, "we lack the power.."
Lugubrion says, "Whatever you are doing to cause the shift in boundaries. Stop it."
Super Chicken is no longer Clanning.
MaryJane says, "I am saying we aren't doing it"
Xepel says, "We dont' have that much knowledge, MaryJane. Just what the Sarir's teach."
Measle says, "And that is only by your brother's leave"
Lugubrion says, "One of you has already said that they are to blame."
FourWinged is no longer Clanning.
Raul asks, "what are.. to blame?"
Xepel says, "Portals."
Xepel says, "Possibly."
To'rac says, "My Master is pleased the Armor Deal has been completed."
Diomedes is now Clanning.
MaryJane asks, "and how much time has that person spent training and studying the ethereal ways?"
Xepel says, "Partially."
Lugubrion says, "We will do our best to mend the planes."
(Lugubrion cringes.)
Measle asks, "Any materials you need?"
Lugubrion says, "We are well supplied."
MaryJane ponders, "yes we gave them plenty"
MaryJane says, "Sir"
MaryJane asks, "How are we to know it's not your own studies taht you are trying to blame on us?"
Illora Mone is no longer Clanning.
Stonehand is no longer Clanning.
Lugubrion asks, "What would I have to gain from that?"
MaryJane mutters in the Dwarven language.
Lugubrion says, "I prefer solitude. You have broken it."
Xepel says, "Mary, common please."
Lugubrion says, "If you don't have any information to give me I must return to my work."
Measle says, "We apologise unreservedly for any offence we may have inadvertantly caused"
MaryJane says, "Very well"
Measle says, "One more piece"
Xepel asks, "Will you inform us of how it goes?"
Raul asks, "is there any information you can give us?"
Measle says, "One that touches on your sphere of magic"
Measle says, "Another artefact has been recivered"
Measle says, "A tme of water magic"
Xepel says, "Nautical Knowledge."
Measle says, "Perhaps it was taken from another plane. i know not"
(Lugubrion's eyelid raises.)
Rhys is no longer Clanning.
Xepel says, "I believe it was a book entitled, "Nautical Knowledge""
Chance thinks, "I'm saved by Tip'ii, Lassair, Pun'isher and Maximus!"
Xepel says, "Not exactly water magic, if you're talking about the same thing."
Measle says, "I haven't seen it myself. I only know it by reputation"
Andarius is no longer Clanning.
(Lugubrion looks dissapointed.)
Xepel asks, "Wangah?"
Measle says, "Wangah rah knows"
(Xepel nods)
Lugubrion says, "I have no use for that."
Xepel says, "That's the book."
Lugubrion says, "I suggest you be wary of the Ethereal Plane."
(Measle nods)
MaryJane says, "you always suggest that sir.."
Lugubrion says, "It is in tremendous state of flux. Whether the cause was yours, you are most certainly not helping it."
MaryJane says, "perhaps if you let us forge keys"
Lugubrion says, "I don't deal in trinkets."
Janus thinks, "AMS on MI"
MaryJane says, "Leave it in the forge"
MaryJane says, "we will know what to do"
Xepel asks, "Do you suspect the EP will be more dangerous now?"
Lugubrion says, "It is hard to say."
(Xepel nods)
Lugubrion says, "I believe we can stabilize it."
Lugubrion says, "This time."
Xepel says, "So basically the warning is: Don't make ethereal portals."
MaryJane thinks to you, "please don't share more secrets with the 'brions they aren't our friends"
Xepel asks, "Am I correct on this?"
You concentrate on sending your message to MaryJane.
You think to MaryJane, "They're not our enemies either. And I'm sick of secrets"
Raul asks, "perhaps the orga have something to do with this?"
Lugubrion says, "I am speaking with the one who claims to have caused the...disturbance."
Lugubrion asks, "The orga? They are the makers of those stones, correct?"
Raul asks, "the portal stones?"
You concentrate on sending your message to MaryJane.
You think to MaryJane, "Imagine if the warnings of the invasion of the other day had been kept secret instead of Entil telling everyone"
Lugubrion says, "The teleporting stones."
Raul says, "yes"
Xepel says, "Teleportation stones, yes."
(Lugubrion gasps.)
Xepel thinks, "Janus fallen to a VC, prolly MI, anyone with/on the way?"
Lugubrion says, "Yes. I would avoid portal use."
Yosaku thinks, "kind a"
Xepel says, "One was recovered today, even."
Smeester thinks, "buying iron"
Xepel says, "We do our best to take them out of the Orga's hands."
Lugubrion says, "The fool opened up 30 of them."
Lassair thinks, "You should have been around earlier when I gave an iron away"
Raul asks, "who?"
MaryJane says, "I know Sir"
Xepel asks, "Who did? Someone opened 30 portals?"
Measle asks, "Which fool?"
MaryJane says, "I was about to speak with him"
MaryJane says, "I know who"
Raul says, "I think Malkor did a while ago"
Measle ponders, "Typical"
Lugubrion says, "If you are not careful..."
Lugubrion says, "Very bad things could happen."
Xepel asks, "What about Kyuems? Can they be used to stabilize things?"
Lugubrion says, "Yes, if used properly."
Arbitur is no longer Clanning.
(Xepel nods)
Lugubrion says, "I was attending to the kyuem through this portal."
MaryJane says, "They have yet to be proven useful"
MaryJane says, "to us"
Measle says, "Perhaps you or your brothers could guide us in the construction of one"
Xepel says, "It's true, I don't think I've ever heard of a mystic setting up a kyuem correctly."
Measle says, "We want to do all we can to help"
MaryJane says, "Drablak and a few others have done several Xepel"
Lugubrion says, "Perhaps..."
Panos is now Clanning.
Xepel asks, "Right, but has it done anything, MaryJane?"
Measle says, "Thank, you, your wetness"
Lugubrion says, "I believe my brothers have given you too much power. But maybe we should teach you to clean up your messes."
Measle says, "We would really appreciate that"
Xepel says, "Yes. We will make efforts to correct our misuses of power, if only we knew how."
(Lugubrion sighs.)
MaryJane says, "I would also point out that we have paid great prices for all that your brothers have "given" us"
Lugubrion says, "At the very least, please refrain from using the portals until we fix this current disturbance."
Measle whispers, "Stop antagonisng the all powerful wizard"
(Xepel nods)
Lugubrion is a Sylvan, is male, is a Fighter, and is not wearing the symbol of any clan.
He is holding an ethereal portal stone and a wooden shield, and he is wearing a sunstone and an Ethereal Amulet.
Xepel says, "Whenever you could teach one to teach many on the ways of "cleaning up our messes," it would be good."
MaryJane whispers, "you don't know the relationship this "wizard" has with the guild"
Lugubrion says, "The price you pay is little for what we do to protect you from your own misadventure."
Lugubrion says, "If you will excuse me. I must attend to my work."
MaryJane says, "Very well"
Xepel says, "Good luck"
Xepel says, "No one going to follow? "
Measle says, "Well that seemed to go all right"
(MaryJane hrumphs)
Raul asks, "want to?"
Measle asks, "ow was my begging for a key attempt?"
MaryJane says, "Not really"
Measle asks, "How was my begging for a key attempt?"
Xepel says, "Probably better not bother him."
MaryJane says, "It didn't go well at all"
Xepel says, "Oh, I think we all begged for keys, measle ;P"

Tanki for posting this most interesting meeting.

I would caution exiles in dealing with the 'Brions. You'll notice the 'brions were given much information freely, while received next to nothing in return. Be cautious in dealing with them. They care not at all for the safety of Puddleby, only for their own works. If they have emerged because of a problem in the planes, it is because they are threatened. If they are threatened, there is a good chance things are worse than any of could know.

Do not attempt to toy or bargain with them. They are old, wise, and possess magicks that surpass our own.

I was giving information truthfully, such that he might give information back just as truthfully. Lies won't bring out anything, and neither will silence.

xepel wrote:I was giving information truthfully, such that he might give information back just as truthfully. Lies won't bring out anything, and neither will silence.

Tripping over yourselves to garner favor and shiny baubles is not the best method, either. Since when has one of the 'Brions given out information truthfully and purposefully, without there being something to gain behind it?

That's the problem with the brions.

Exiles give, and give, and give. 'Brions promise, take, and give nothing in return.

... and yet we still give. Why? Because what else is there to do!? The 'Brions have all the power and the knowledge, and we have some of the power and very little of the knowledge. So we try to get info, and get very little back.

... but we still try. Probably hopeless, probably harmful, but what else can we do?

Thanks fuch for the report. Very interesting.

Scanned it, skipped much of what exiles were saying, read what Luggy was saying.

What does he offer us in exchange for a reduction in EPS use?
Nothing. Oh some vague mention of maybe teaching someone something. Bite me.
I'm tired of deals with the 'brions. They want? They can pony up first.

There are fun places where the only reasonable ride home is EPS.


I'm curious. Has there been an increase in EPS use?

This sounds very similar to events a few years ago, though on that occasion it was melebrion complaining. As far as i recall, nothing much was ever done about it and after a few initial comments, nothing more was heard from Melabrion.

see Ether Storms posted on thoomcare a few years ago

Cinnamon wrote:Thanks fuch for the report. Very interesting.

Scanned it, skipped much of what exiles were saying, read what Luggy was saying.

What does he offer us in exchange for a reduction in EPS use?
Nothing. Oh some vague mention of maybe teaching someone something. Bite me.
I'm tired of deals with the 'brions. They want? They can pony up first.

There are fun places where the only reasonable ride home is EPS.


I'm curious. Has there been an increase in EPS use?

I think we have to give some credence to his warning. I don't think everyone gets uneasy feelings, etc. over nothing. It sounds like someone used an EPS 30 times in a short period of time. If Luigi says that's a problem, I'm inclined to believe him (given the feelings we all experienced). I understood the exchange as: hey morons quite abusing EPSs or we'll all pay the price. He wasn't trying to enter into trade negotiations.

If we know for a fact who is screwing around with EPSs to provoke some sort of reaction or effect, let's talk about specifics.

Rieger

I say we tell Lugie to take a flying leap. Negative option bs. Nobody has the means to stop EPS use by others. If he's truly concerned he can make a show of good faith and provide us with the means to repair the effects. Maybe even the means to prevent the damage in the first place to those with the 'right stuff'.

Expecting EPS use to decrease is expecting exile population to decrease.

Cinnamon wrote:I say we tell Lugie to take a flying leap. Negative option bs. Nobody has the means to stop EPS use by others. If he's truly concerned he can make a show of good faith and provide us with the means to repair the effects. Maybe even the means to prevent the damage in the first place to those with the 'right stuff'.

Expecting EPS use to decrease is expecting exile population to decrease.

Uhm? You mean that as the exile population approaches zero the use of EPSs will approach zero?

shiner wrote: Uhm? You mean that as the exile population approaches zero the use of EPSs will approach zero?

Other way around. EPS is used by exiles to prolong exploration and hunts. If EPS use decreases, so will hunt and exploration options/events.

Cinnamon wrote:

shiner wrote: Uhm? You mean that as the exile population approaches zero the use of EPSs will approach zero?

Other way around. EPS is used by exiles to prolong exploration and hunts. If EPS use decreases, so will hunt and exploration options/events.

I absolutely agree. While I don't think EPS use should be abused, many people use EPS to aid in hunts. Groups that explore Deep Metz use them to leave when they've gone about as far as they can, because the path into deep Metz takes hours as is, and expecting an entire group to be available for an hours-long trek back is unreasonable.

KI groups (not just ours; pretty much every group I know of who goes to KI does this) use EPS to get off the island now that logs are so scarce.

I'm not sure what the purpose is in these recent ethereal events, but I certainly hope it doesn't lead to exiles not being able to use EPS. They're time-consuming to make, and unless you know someone who has a PI key so you can hunt for ethercles, obtaining all the parts for EPS is quite an undertaking. Add in the time it takes to get ingots from that blasted Bumgal, the high demand of ore for champion questors and those who are looking for metal, and the time it takes to put together a viable forge run, and you've got a lot to go through just to have EPS made.

Exiles have been begging for easier ways to get back to town for ages, and we've been able to adapt to using the EP to get home, even though there is a rather significant risk of a mass depart if something goes wrong.

I know the 'brions have never seemed to have the exiles' best interests in mind, but I hope Lugubrion and company bear this in mind as they do whatever they do as these events unfold.

Losing the Ethereal Plane as a viable exit strategy would mean a substantial loss to exiles, and a drastic change/potential decrease in hunting habits.

That's absurd. They still owe us from the Strange Stone/PI deal. Don't give them anything or give up anything for them unless they pay up.

Yor

IC: The Brions are obviously doing experiments to cause the difficulties with the ethereal plane. They have expressed great interest in such studies in the past. Whatever happened to cause difficulty was not the fault of the exiles, as we didn't/couldn't do anything different than we've done in the past. Whatever changed was the result of Brion activity. They also apparently have the capability of "fixing" whatever happened, so if they choose to experiment and it causes changes, they can damn well fix it.

OOC: Not being able to use EP stones to leave far off places will kill any adventuring/exploring/hunting by high level exiles. I presume this is just some kind of a story line, and EP stones are not going to be nerfed. If that is not the case, I hope the GMs rethink what they are planning.

In the past, it's true that various experiments of the 'brions have had adverse effects — which have been blamed, in turn, on us. On the other hand, Melabrion has mentioned in the past that our ethereal portal stones were damaging the boundary between the ethereal plane and Purgatory. They adjusted the mechanic of this tool, in turn, so that it would take us to Portal Island rather than Purgatory.

So: Potential damaging effects of portal stones are not news to us. Furthermore, Lugubrion made no indication that he wanted something from those exiles he met. He has been one of the most reclusive of the 'brions, so I find it unlikely that he'd break his solitude just to transfer blame to the shoulders of Puddleby. I think there's a real concern here, and though I'm not advising that we stop use of portal stones entirely, please be prudent.