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--- voyagersecret70 [2007/01/06 13:02] – created jims
+++ voyagersecret70 [2017/05/27 18:58] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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 ==== Roderick's fateful vision ====
-Roderick,
+[[Roderick]],
-The sound of women singing rouses you from what feels like a deep slumber.
+The sound of women singing rouses you from what feels like a deep slumber. Their
-Their voices are sweet and intensely beautiful - and even though the language
+voices are sweet and intensely beautiful -- and even though the language is one
-is one you do not understand, they invoke deep emotions of pain and sadness.
+you do not understand, they invoke deep emotions of pain and sadness.
 As your mind tries feebly to understand the words (or at least the emotions),
 you realize you are lying on your back in what you sense to be some kind of
-natural cavern.  The ground is hard, but smooth, and high above you a field
+natural cavern.  The ground is hard, but smooth, and high above you a field of
-of fuzzy stars light what should be the ceiling.  Though the singing echoes
+fuzzy stars light what should be the ceiling.  Though the singing echoes as if
-as if you are indoors, the visual above you makes it seem as if you had made
+you are indoors, the visual above you makes it seem as if you had made camp in
-camp in an open field.
+an open field.
 You have no idea how you got here.
 Slowly, your mind begins to fill in the gaps.  The stars above you are not so
-much "fuzzy" as they are long - as if they have been stretched into strings
+much "fuzzy" as they are long -- as if they have been stretched into strings by
-by the gods.
+the gods.
-Then you remember the pyramid and the insane celestial.  You remember the
+Then you remember the pyramid and [[iabi|the insane celestial]].  You remember
-sounds of his spell and the way the resonance of his magic words filled your
+the sounds of his spell and the way the resonance of his magic words filled your
 ears, your head, then your entire body.
 You turn your head to the right.  To the left.  There should be the facets of
-the soul gem.  You should still see the battle field beyond the indistinct
+the [[soul gem]].  You should still see the battle field beyond the indistinct
-walls of the magic gem.  Had it failed?  Are you truly dead?  And if so, is
+walls of the magic gem.  Had it failed?  Are you truly dead?  And if so, is your
-your life finally over?
+life finally over?
 As these thoughts worm their way into your mind, the singing abruptly stops.
-You pull yourself to a sitting position and see three women looking at you.
+You pull yourself to a sitting position and see three women looking at you. The
-The first is young and she is pulling a long thread from what looks like a
+first is young and she is pulling a long thread from what looks like a skein of
-skein of glowing yarn.  She hands the thread to the second woman - who is
+glowing yarn.  She hands the thread to the second woman -- who is perhaps close
-perhaps close to your age - who uses a pair of long needles to weave it into
+to your age -- who uses a pair of long needles to weave it into a large, but
-a large, but diaphanous tapestry that floats next to her.  The third woman is
+diaphanous tapestry that floats next to her.  The third woman is old, wrinkled,
-old, wrinkled, and hunched over the tapestry with a small pair of scissors.
+and hunched over the tapestry with a small pair of scissors. She is carefully
-She is carefully and expertly snipping threads as they wriggle from the
+and expertly snipping threads as they wriggle from the second woman's needles.
-second woman's needles.
-[[http://thelostleaf.com/image.asp?imgName=4.jpg&folder=13&artID=560|Visual Aid]]
+[[http://thelostleaf.com/image.asp?imgName=4.jpg&folder=13&artID=560|Visual
+Aid]]
-"The Rivers expected more death from your trials.  We did not see the need to
+"The [[Rivers]] expected more death from your trials.  We did not see the need
-correct their misconceptions."
+to correct their misconceptions."
 The three speak in a strange unison.  One starts the sentence, which is
 continued by the second, and finished by the third.  There is no gap in their
-speech and, while the whole is disconcerting, if you closed your eyes, you'd
+speech and, while the whole is disconcerting, if you closed your eyes, you'd be
-be hard pressed to tell that more than one person was speaking.
+hard pressed to tell that more than one person was speaking.
-"As you are more resilient than they expected, it should be no surprise that
+"As you are more resilient than they expected, it should be no surprise that you
-you have passed your trials."
+have passed your trials."
 Your memory is clear now.  It certainly doesn't //feel// like you passed any
 trials.
 The True Seeing spell you cast earlier appears to still be active and as you
-look around, the significance of the women and their tapestry becomes
+look around, the significance of the women and their tapestry becomes clearer.
-clearer. The three women must be what the Lowlanders call "The Fates".  They
+The three women must be what the Lowlanders call "The Fates".  They are (in
-are (in order by age) Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos and their role is to
+order by age) Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos and their role is to weave the
-weave the threads of life.  Clotho spins the thread, Lachesis weaves it, and
+threads of life.  Clotho spins the thread, Lachesis weaves it, and Atropos cuts
-Atropos cuts it.  Each thread represents a single life and the way the
+it.  Each thread represents a single life and the way the threads meander
-threads meander through the larger tapestry determines the fate of that
+through the larger tapestry determines the fate of that life -- who they
-life - who they interact with and when they die.
+interact with and when they die.
-The tapestry floats in pieces around the three women - but then stretches
+The tapestry floats in pieces around the three women -- but then stretches above
-above them and arches over you in a never-ending weave.  The threads glow
+them and arches over you in a never-ending weave.  The threads glow with
-with different colors and intensities.  Those nearest to you on the ground
+different colors and intensities.  Those nearest to you on the ground can be
-can be seen as part of the whole - while those father up fade into darkness,
+seen as part of the whole -- while those father up fade into darkness, leaving
-leaving only the brightest visible as point sources of light.
+only the brightest visible as point sources of light.
-As you scan the tapestry nearest you, you spot a single thread.  At first,
+As you scan the tapestry nearest you, you spot a single thread.  At first, you
-you see it as a light green thread - but then your sight shows you more.  It
+see it as a light green thread -- but then your sight shows you more.  It is
-is Thomas, a blacksmith who lives in a small village near the city of
+Thomas, a blacksmith who lives in a small village near the city of
-Restenford on Lendore Island.  Your eyes scan the length of the thread and
+[[Restenford]] on Lendore Island.  Your eyes scan the length of the thread and
-his life unfolds before you.  A light yellow thread intersects his and the
+his life unfolds before you.  A light yellow thread intersects his and the two
-two begin a tight, spiraling dance around each other.  A third thread splits
+begin a tight, spiraling dance around each other.  A third thread splits off
-off from the two. Then a fourth.  And a fifth.  Then, an unaffiliated thread
+from the two. Then a fourth.  And a fifth.  Then, an unaffiliated thread crosses
-crosses harshly and Thomas ends.  The yellow thread stretches a short
+harshly and Thomas ends.  The yellow thread stretches a short distance farther
-distance farther before fading into darkness.
+before fading into darkness.
-"Imhotep has granted the sight to you, Roderick.  But be wary of where you
+"[[Imhotep]] has granted the sight to you, [[Roderick]].  But be wary of where
-look. The future is the most dangerous knowledge of all."
+you look. The future is the most dangerous knowledge of all."
-Their voices draw you away from the tapestry and you notice to your left a
+Their voices draw you away from the tapestry and you notice to your left a stone
-stone pedestal with a large book.  Its pages appear to be made of bronze and
+pedestal with a large book.  Its pages appear to be made of bronze and its
-its covers and binding of iron.  Above the open page, a marble stylus hovers
+covers and binding of iron.  Above the open page, a marble stylus hovers
 magically, etching words at a furious pace.  When it reaches the end of the
 page, it floats to the side and the metal page flips to the next.  The stylus
 returns to the top of the new page and begins again.
-You take a moment to stand before asking, "Where am I?".  But as soon as you
+You take a moment to stand before asking, "Where am I?".  But as soon as you ask
-ask the question, you realize the answer is not relevant.  You struggle for a
+the question, you realize the answer is not relevant.  You struggle for a better
-better question, you mind still somewhat overwhelmed by the inrush of data
+question, you mind still somewhat overwhelmed by the inrush of data from the
-from the tapestry.
+tapestry.
-The women smile, but do not answer your question - as if they already know
+The women smile, but do not answer your question -- as if they already know you
-you don't care about the answer.
+don't care about the answer.
 Then, in a flash, the questions flow.  "Why am I here?  Who controls these
 'trials'?  How do we get home?"
 As you speak, you feel a slight embarrassment for asking so much at once, but
 the women begin their answers almost before you finish the last question.
 "You are here because your soul left your body while within one of our true
-recreations - what your guide, Kir Ganin, calls your 'Trials'.
+recreations -- what your guide, [[Kir Ganin]], calls your 'Trials'.
-"We were tasked with building these trials.  Hades would only allow safe
+"We were tasked with building these trials.  [[Hades]] would only allow safe
-passage from his realm if the journey was difficult.  The Rivers wanted you
+passage from his realm if the journey was difficult.  The [[Rivers]] wanted you
-to the surface in safety, so a compromise was needed.  In the end, it was
+to the surface in safety, so a compromise was needed.  In the end, it was agreed
-agreed that we who weave the threads of life would control the difficulty of
+that we who weave the threads of life would control the difficulty of your
-your trials, while The Rivers were allowed to watch from within - though they
+trials, while The [[Rivers]] were allowed to watch from within -- though they
-could not assist you.  Eurynome chose this task - which was difficult for her
+could not assist you.  Eurynome chose this task -- which was difficult for her
-since she was very close to her sister, Leuce, and still hates Hades for what
+since she was very close to her sister, [[Leuce]], and still hates [[Hades]] for
-he did to her.
+what he did to her.
-"Because the recreations existed in Hades' realm, we were limited in what we
+"Because the recreations existed in [[Hades]]' realm, we were limited in what we
 could use.  The buildings, the land, and other non-sentients could be used as
-needed for these things straddle the lands of the living and the dead.
+needed for these things straddle the lands of the living and the dead. However,
-However, only sentients who had already died could live again within the
+only sentients who had already died could live again within the setting.  To set
-setting.  To set the level of the challenge, in some cases we brought in
+the level of the challenge, in some cases we brought in opponents that had not
-opponents that had not existed in the original setting.
+existed in the original setting.
-"When you reach the surface, you will be out of Hades' realm and your magic
+"When you reach the surface, you will be out of [[Hades]]' realm and your magic
 will allow a return to your world."
-The answers seem complete, but soon the next round of questions begins to
+The answers seem complete, but soon the next round of questions begins to fill
-fill your mind.  You are determined not to blurt them out all at once again,
+your mind.  You are determined not to blurt them out all at once again, so you
-so you hesitate - trying to decide which is the most important.
+hesitate -- trying to decide which is the most important.
-"Who are the Rivers?  Why do they protect us?" you ask.
+"Who are the [[Rivers]]?  Why do they protect us?" you ask.
-"The Rivers are the daughters of the Ocean.  There are thousands of them and
+"The [[Rivers]] are the daughters of the Ocean.  There are thousands of them and
-each inhabits and draws its power from one of the rivers on the twenty
+each inhabits and draws its power from one of the rivers on the [[twenty
-worlds. It is not our place to reveal the answer to the rest of your
+worlds]]. It is not our place to reveal the answer to the rest of your
 question."
 The questions jumble through your mind.  For some reason, you sense that you
 have limited time and will be unable to ask them all.
-"Who was Leuce and what did Hades do to her?"  The question interests you,
+"Who was [[Leuce]] and what did [[Hades]] do to her?"  The question interests
-but seems less important than others that bounce through your mind.  Why it
+you, but seems less important than others that bounce through your mind.  Why it
 came to the surface makes you doubt that you are even in control of this
 conversation.
-"Leuce was one of the Rivers.  Hades coveted her beauty and wanted her for
+"[[Leuce]] was one of the [[Rivers]].  [[Hades]] coveted her beauty and wanted
-his bride - but, like most goddesses, she refused him.  This angered him, so
+her for his bride -- but, like most goddesses, she refused him.  This angered
-he took her by force.  To keep her from leaving him, he turned her into a
+him, so he took her by force.  To keep her from leaving him, he turned her into
-white Poplar, a tree that stands to this day on the edge of the Elysian
+a white Poplar, a tree that stands to this day on the edge of the Elysian
-Fields, marking the end of Hades realm.
+Fields, marking the end of [[Hades]] realm.
-"But this is all in the past - and the past cannot be undone.  Only the
+"But this is all in the past -- and the past cannot be undone.  Only the future
-future remains open."
+remains open."
-The invisible sense of urgency rises.  You glance around, trying to clear
+The invisible sense of urgency rises.  You glance around, trying to clear your
-your mind and conceal the rising tension.  The tapestry seems to beckon.  The
+mind and conceal the rising tension.  The tapestry seems to beckon.  The true
-true sight remains and a thread stands out.
+sight remains and a thread stands out.
-Like the undeniable attraction of a horror, your eyes follow the length of
+Like the undeniable attraction of a horror, your eyes follow the length of the
-the thread.  It is Mosal of Resh - a farmer.  His thread meanders aimlessly
+thread.  It is Mosal of [[Resh]] -- a farmer.  His thread meanders aimlessly and
-and intersects dozens of others, but never entwines like Thomas of Restenford
+intersects dozens of others, but never entwines like Thomas of [[Restenford]]
-did. And then, it stops suddenly.  Its glow is not cut off like that of
+did. And then, it stops suddenly.  Its glow is not cut off like that of Thomas,
-Thomas, nor fades like Thomas' wife's.  Instead, it ends without warning -
+nor fades like Thomas' wife's.  Instead, it ends without warning -- without
-without reason. And you sense an invisible thread.  A great, menacing force.
+reason. And you sense an invisible thread.  A great, menacing force. You pull
-You pull your gaze back and see a pattern.  Something vast and evil murdered
+your gaze back and see a pattern.  Something vast and evil murdered thousands in
-thousands in an instant - and you remember the fate of Resh.  The entire
+an instant -- and you remember the fate of [[Resh]].  The entire kingdom fell in
-kingdom fell in a day, just over four years ago.  Many stories have been put
+a day, just over four years ago.  Many stories have been put forth about what
-forth about what happened, but none seemed believable.
+happened, but none seemed believable.
-While the horror of Resh startles you, the draw of the tapestry remains.  You
+While the horror of [[Resh]] startles you, the draw of the tapestry remains. You
 move your gaze elsewhere to find perhaps a happier thread.  You see Kaliss, a
 Goblin prostitute working among the Orcs who now live in the abandoned Elven
 kingdom of Pleven.  Her life is full of misery and you can bear only the
 briefest of looks.
-Next is a young man named Syl.  His thread crosses that of a great wizard
+Next is a young man named [[Syl]].  His thread crosses that of a great wizard
-named Pelham and changes color.  Where before, you sensed joy and adventure,
+named [[Pelham]] and changes color.  Where before, you sensed joy and adventure,
 after you see only more misery.
-You move away again.  Somewhere in all these threads, there must be
+You move away again.  Somewhere in all these threads, there must be redemption.
-redemption. Some lives that are not cut short by evil or altered beyond
+Some lives that are not cut short by evil or altered beyond repair.
-repair.
-A spell tickles your mind.  A gift from Imhotep that remains uncast.
+A spell tickles your mind.  A gift from [[Imhotep]] that remains uncast.
-"Discern Location".  Normally, it is meant to find a person or object.  But
+//"Discern Location"//.  Normally, it is meant to find a person or object.  But
 now, you realize, it can be used to find a thread.  It is a long and complex
 spell. Would the Fates allow it to be cast?
-You glance at the three women - who are watching you with an almost maternal
+You glance at the three women -- who are watching you with an almost maternal
 grin on their faces.
-"Imhotep's sight will last only a short time - and even now, your friends are
+"[[Imhotep]]'s sight will last only a short time -- and even now, your friends
-preparing your return.  You may cast your spell and find one life in the
+are preparing your return.  You may cast your spell and find one life in the
 tapestry.  Whom do you seek?"
-You think for just a moment and then speak.  "The only life I have the right
+You think for just a moment and then speak.  "The only life I have the right to
-to delve into is my own."
+delve into is my own."
-The women smile and share a quiet glance with each other.  "You demonstrate
+The women smile and share a quiet glance with each other.  "You demonstrate why
-why the gods have chosen you, Roderick.  You need not cast your spell."
+the gods have chosen you, [[Roderick]].  You need not cast your spell."
 And then, out of the corner of your eye, a light turns your head.  A thread
 stands out from the others, its glow oddly familiar.  It weaves a slow spiral
-along with several other threads - though not as tight as Thomas and his
+along with several other threads -- though not as tight as Thomas and his wife.
-wife. You follow it and see familiar events: The dead city of Myagmarsuren,
+You follow it and see familiar events: The dead city of [[Myagmarsuren]], The
-The tower amid serpents whose top stretched into chaos, The rubble at the
+[[voyager30|tower amid serpents]] whose top stretched into chaos, The rubble at
-resort that buried the only way home.
+the [[resort]] that buried the only way home.
 You marvel at the threads that cross yours.  At first, you see only the ones
 that intersect and end.  So many lives cut short.
 But then, you trace a few of those back and see the path of destruction they
 themselves had made.
 And you begin to notice the other things.  Faint threads that cross yours and
 bloom into a bright line, spinning off light in all directions.
-Back to your own thread, you begin to see events from Teleme and realize you
+Back to your own thread, you begin to see events from [[Teleme]] and realize you
 are following the thread into the past.  You hesitate at the realization, but
 then begin scanning the other direction.  Your heart races.  Should you keep
 looking? Is the future knowable?  And if you know, can you change it?
-These thoughts crowd out your reason for a moment, but the curiosity
+These thoughts crowd out your reason for a moment, but the curiosity overrules
-overrules them all.  You keep going.
+them all.  You keep going.
-Threads leave the bundle.  New threads arrive.  More and more intersections
+Threads leave the bundle.  New threads arrive.  More and more intersections are
-are cut short.  There are demons and dragons and death everywhere.  And then
+cut short.  There are demons and dragons and death everywhere.  And then
 nothing.
 The thread vanishes.  Soon.  Too soon.  The entire bundle of threads vanishes
 into nothing.
-But there is a difference.  While other threads either fade slowly or end at
+But there is a difference.  While other threads either fade slowly or end at the
-the crossing with another life, the bundle you know as "Voyager" dangles into
+crossing with another life, the bundle you know as [["Voyager"]] dangles into an
-an abyss.  You have seen this kind of end on many other threads and the
+abyss.  You have seen this kind of end on many other threads and the assumption
-assumption you made was that it was some kind of natural, but early, death.
+you made was that it was some kind of natural, but early, death. If a man falls
-If a man falls from a cliff, his bright thread stops suddenly without
+from a cliff, his bright thread stops suddenly without intersecting another. But
-intersecting another. But how could the entire party end in the same manner?
+how could the entire party end in the same manner? Surely, an accident could not
-Surely, an accident could not take you all!
+take you all!
 You scan the area trying to make sense of it.  And as your pull your vision
 back, you begin to understand a larger picture.
 There is a shadow across the tapestry.
-Before you even think to ask a question, the women speak.  "When Shadow
+Before you even think to ask a question, the women speak.  "When
-conquered Limbo, he took on the aspect of Chaos.  Now, his fate is beyond our
+[[shadowlord|Shadow]] conquered Limbo, he took on the aspect of Chaos.  Now, his
-control.  And so, those who interact with him are beyond us, as well.  If he
+fate is beyond our control.  And so, those who interact with him are beyond us,
-is not stopped, his gloom will cover the tapestry and there will be no plan."
+as well.  If he is not stopped, his gloom will cover the tapestry and there will
+be no plan."
-You try to study the shadow, but see no detail.  Nothing for your true sight
+You try to study the shadow, but see no detail.  Nothing for your true sight to
-to connect with.  After a minute or so, you realize you have become
+connect with.  After a minute or so, you realize you have become transfixed.  As
-transfixed.  As there is nothing to learn from your future thread, you force
+there is nothing to learn from your future thread, you force yourself to look
-yourself to look elsewhere.  Partly from nostalgia, and partly from fear of
+elsewhere.  Partly from nostalgia, and partly from fear of the coming shadow,
-the coming shadow, you trace it back again into the past.  Perhaps there is
+you trace it back again into the past.  Perhaps there is comfort in your youth.
-comfort in your youth.
 You see Daniel again.  It was good to meet him on the road yesterday.  For a
-moment, you wonder why he is in Hades' realm instead of living in the eternal
+moment, you wonder why he is in [[Hades]]' realm instead of living in the
-peace of the offering fields.  Could he have failed Anubis's judgement?  No.
+eternal peace of the offering fields.  Could he have failed Anubis's judgement?
-You shake that thought from your mind as soon as it appears.
+No. You shake that thought from your mind as soon as it appears.
-Daniel's thread follows your own for several years, with frequent excursions
+Daniel's thread follows your own for several years, with frequent excursions out
-out and back.  His thread bolstered many and cut short none.  A tinge of
+and back.  His thread bolstered many and cut short none.  A tinge of shame
-shame returns.  Your thread has cut short many - and even though those who
+returns.  Your thread has cut short many -- and even though those who fell by
-fell by your hand deserved little else, it is still beyond Imhotep's
+your hand deserved little else, it is still beyond [[Imhotep]]'s teaching.
-teaching.
 And then, you recognize a thread.
 Of the many threads that Daniel bolstered, one became far brighter than the
-average.  It is Waran, the man Daniel healed on the road just ... yesterday.
+average.  It is [[Waran]], the man Daniel healed on the road just ... yesterday.
 No ... 22 years ago.
 Shortly after his encounter with Daniel, his thread spirals loosely around a
-woman named Velova and then branches away in one direction just before
+woman named [[Velova]] and then branches away in one direction just before
-Vincent springs from Velova in the other direction.
+[[Vincent]] springs from [[Velova]] in the other direction.
 Your curiosity battles with your desire to be discreet.  Then, you hear the
 women's voices from earlier: "The past cannot be undone."  Surely, this is
 acceptable.  You are merely delving into the past.  Unlocking secrets just as
-Imhotep demands.
+[[Imhotep]] demands.
-You follow Waran back.  Who was he?  Why was he fighting the goblins?
+You follow [[Waran]] back.  Who was he?  Why was he fighting the goblins?
 His thread fades as you follow it back in time until finally, it merges with
-what appears to be a family unit.  His brother, Areno.  Areno's wife,
+what appears to be a family unit.  His brother, [[Areno]].  [[Areno]]'s wife,
-Nysriss. The couple's two children: the baby Teir, and the child ... Aramil.
+[[Nysriss]]. The couple's two children: the baby Teir, and the child ...
+[[Aramil]].
-You stop looking toward the past and shift your view toward the future.  A
+You stop looking toward the past and shift your view toward the future.  A sea
-sea of red threads swarm across the family.  Areno dead.  Nysriss dead.  Teir
+of red threads swarm across the family.  [[Areno]] dead.  [[Nysriss]] dead. Teir
-dead. But Aramil's thread meanders erratically in one direction as Waran's
+dead. But [[Aramil]]'s thread meanders erratically in one direction as
-drifts off in another.
+[[Waran]]'s drifts off in another.
-Aramil's thread merges with a coupled pair named Laryn and Delkin.  Laryn's
+[[Aramil]]'s thread merges with a coupled pair named [[Laryn]] and [[Delkin]].
-thread wanders away from Delkin often and then shuts off suddenly.  Delkin
+[[Laryn]]'s thread wanders away from [[Delkin]] often and then shuts off
-and Aramil continue on until the child becomes an adult.
+suddenly.  [[Delkin]] and [[Aramil]] continue on until the child becomes an
+adult.
 The pieces of the puzzle begin to connect.
-Aramil and Vincent are cousins.  Bigby's father, Dellpol, sold a potion of
+[[Aramil]] and [[Vincent]] are cousins.  [[Bigby]]'s father, [[Dellpol]], sold a
-forgetfulness to Laryn.  Your own priest, Daniel, brought Vincent's father
+potion of forgetfulness to [[Laryn]].  Your own priest, Daniel, brought
-back from near death.
+[[Vincent]]'s father back from near death.
 The threads of your lives were entwined long before you ever met at the
-resort.
+[[resort]].
 The gods have a plan for all of you.
-Praise be to Imhotep!
+Praise be to [[Imhotep]]!
-And then you hear a word of power echo through the cavern.  It is Bigby
+And then you hear a word of power echo through the cavern.  It is [[Bigby]]
-speaking the command word for your soul gem.
+speaking the command word for your [[soul gem]].
-The world shifts and sharp, intense pains stab deep into your chest and
+The world shifts and sharp, intense pains stab deep into your chest and abdomen.
-abdomen. You are back in the tomb where the Angel of Imhotep crushed the life
+You are back in the tomb where the Angel of [[Imhotep]] crushed the life from
-from you. Your body, however, has not been sufficiently repaired.  You cannot
+you. Your body, however, has not been sufficiently repaired.  You cannot see out
-see out of one eye, cannot move your legs, and cannot breathe.
+of one eye, cannot move your legs, and cannot breathe.
 In a few seconds, you will be dead again.
@@ Line 328: / Line 328: @@
 ==== Back amongst the group ====
-//per emails//: Flint casts //"Cure Serious Wounds"// on Roderick.  Roderick then
+//per emails//: [[Flint]] casts //"Cure Serious Wounds"// on [[Roderick]].
-casts //"Regeneration"// on himself.
+[[Roderick]] then casts //"Regeneration"// on himself.
-After Flint casts his healing spell, Roderick regains consciousness.  As he
+After [[Flint]] casts his healing spell, [[Roderick]] regains consciousness.  As
-is still badly damaged (and in no small amount of pain), he immediately casts
+he is still badly damaged (and in no small amount of pain), he immediately casts
-a spell on himself - which brings him to a state of some comfort (or at least
+a spell on himself -- which brings him to a state of some comfort (or at least
 stability), though he is still in need of additional healing.
-Before any of you can offer assistance, he declares that he has an urgent
+Before any of you can offer assistance, he declares that he has an urgent need
-need to cast another spell - but he requires prayer time before he can ready
+to cast another spell -- but he requires prayer time before he can ready it.
-it.
-As tradition dictates a certain compassion for the dead and recently dead,
+As tradition dictates a certain compassion for the dead and recently dead, the
-the group decides it would be best to leave Roderick in peace while he
+group decides it would be best to leave [[Roderick]] in peace while he prepares
-prepares whatever spell he requires.
+whatever spell he requires.
 Fifteen minutes later, he is ready...
-He gets up, strides over to the dead Planetar and begins a spell.  It's an
+He gets up, strides over to the [[iabi|dead Planetar]] and begins a spell.  It's
-unusually long one, but after a minute, he finishes and the creature stirs to
+an unusually long one, but after a minute, he finishes and the creature stirs to
 life.
-//Bigby: "Revive Outsider"//
+//[[Bigby]]: "Revive Outsider"//
-The Planetar begins to stand up - its great size would normally tower over
+[[iabi|The Planetar]] begins to stand up -- its great size would normally tower
-Roderick - but it stops short, remains on one knee and bows his head.
+over [[Roderick]] -- but it stops short, remains on one knee and bows his head.
-"Forgive me, hem-netjer, I have fallen.  I have forsaken Imhotep and deserve
+"Forgive me, hem-netjer, I have fallen.  I have forsaken [[Imhotep]] and deserve
 nothing but to have my heart eaten by Ammit."
-Roderick reaches out a hand and places it on the Planetar's head (which, even
+[[Roderick]] reaches out a hand and places it on [[iabi|the Planetar]]'s head
-though bowed, is still above Roderick's shoulder).  "It was not of your
+(which, even though bowed, is still above [[Roderick]]'s shoulder).  "It was not
-doing. The creature within you was responsible.  He has been destroyed ..."
+of your doing. The creature within you was responsible.  He has been destroyed
+..."
-At this, Roderick pauses, turns back to the rest of the party and says, "It
+At this, [[Roderick]] pauses, turns back to the rest of the party and says, "It
 is gone, right?"
-When he sees a couple of heads nod, he turns back to the Planetar.  "Rise up,
+When he sees a couple of heads nod, he turns back to [[iabi|the Planetar]].
-friend.  Serve our master again and Imhotep alone will decide your fate."
+"Rise up, friend.  Serve our master again and [[Imhotep]] alone will decide your
+fate."
 The creature lifts his head slowly, then after a moment's pause, he stands to
 his full nine feet.  He flexes his shoulders and his grey, mottled wings snap
-out to their full extent at a blinding speed.  The dirt and grime that appear
+out to their full extent at a blinding speed.  The dirt and grime that appear to
-to have accumulated over time are shaken loose and the pure, white color of
+have accumulated over time are shaken loose and the pure, white color of the
-the feathers is restored.  The room seems to become brighter.
+feathers is restored.  The room seems to become brighter.
-He brings his wings back to a folded position and reaches toward Roderick.
+He brings his wings back to a folded position and reaches toward [[Roderick]].
-"You have the mark of Hades on you.  Let me rid you of that curse."
+"You have the mark of [[Hades]] on you.  Let me rid you of that curse."
-He casts a spell and touches Roderick's forehead.
+He casts a spell and touches [[Roderick]]'s forehead.
-//Roderick: "Heal"//
+//[[Roderick]]: "Heal"//
 Then, he closes his eyes for a moment and cups his hands together.  A bright
 white light emerges from his palms, leaking through his fingers and rising in
 intensity until it is too bright to watch directly.  Then, the light subsides
 and he pulls his hands apart to reveal a small bead.  He leans close to
-Roderick, hands him the bead, and whispers something that the rest of you
+[[Roderick]], hands him the bead, and whispers something that the rest of you
 cannot hear.
 //Aside//:
-<code>
+>> [[iabi|The Angel]] leans in close to you and says, "My name is [[Iabi]]. Speak my name and I will come."
-   The Angel leans in close to you and says, "My name is Iabi.  Speak my name
+>> The bead he hands you is a //"Bead of Summons"// and it can be easily fitted onto your Strand of Prayer Beads.
-   and I will come."
-   The bead he hands you is a "Bead of Summons" and it can be easily fitted
+About this time, [[Kir Ganin]], your blind [[Lomasi]] Guide, raises his head to
-   onto your Strand of Prayer Beads.
+the ceiling and says quietly, "[[Godsland]] awaits."
-</code>
-About this time, Kir Ganin, your blind Lomasi Guide, raises his head to the
-ceiling and says quietly, "Godsland awaits."
 ==== Godsland ====
-Above you, at the apex of the tomb chamber, a fog has appeared.  It floats
+Above you, at the apex of the tomb chamber, a fog has appeared.  It floats just
-just a few feet below the ceiling - roughly 20 feet above your heads.
+a few feet below the ceiling -- roughly 20 feet above your heads.
-As you rise up through the fog, you emerge into a steep-walled natural
+As you rise up through the fog, you emerge into a steep-walled natural cavern.
-cavern. From above, daylight spills in through a small hole about twenty feet
+From above, daylight spills in through a small hole about twenty feet farther up
-farther up the rocky slope.  A crisp, cool humidity permeates the air and
+the rocky slope.  A crisp, cool humidity permeates the air and lines of water
-lines of water trickle down the rock.  Outside, you hear rain.
+trickle down the rock.  Outside, you hear rain.
-The sound and smell of the rain - even from this far away - erases the
+The sound and smell of the rain -- even from this far away -- erases the fatigue
-fatigue and despair that had so permeated your being that you could not
+and despair that had so permeated your being that you could not remember their
-remember their absence - until now.
+absence -- until now.
-After settling on the floor of the cavern, your guide, Kir, points his blind
+After settling on the floor of the cavern, your guide, [[kir ganin|Kir]], points
-eyes to the hole above and says simply, "She is here."
+his blind eyes to the hole above and says simply, "[[matchitisiw|She]] is here."
-The rock walls are steep and wet, but Kir begins to navigate them with ease.
+The rock walls are steep and wet, but [[kir ganin|Kir]] begins to navigate them
-He seems driven by a purpose you have not seen since he hurried you out of
+with ease. He seems driven by a purpose you have not seen since he hurried you
-Hades' waiting room four ... or was it five? days ago.
+out of [[Hades]]' waiting room four ... or was it five? days ago.
-As there is no other exit, it seems natural to follow him.  After all, he
+As there is no other exit, it seems natural to follow him.  After all, he claims
-claims to be your guide.
+to be your guide.
-By a combination of climbing and magic, you emerge from the hole onto a
+By a combination of climbing and magic, you emerge from the hole onto a green,
-green, grassy field.  Behind you, a snow-capped mountain looms larger and
+grassy field.  Behind you, a snow-capped mountain looms larger and more awesome
-more awesome than any you have seen so far in your lives.  (And this is true
+than any you have seen so far in your lives.  (And this is true even for
-even for Pavo). Ahead, rolling grassy hills descend into a long, lush valley.
+[[Pavo]]). Ahead, rolling grassy hills descend into a long, lush valley. Aside
-Aside from the grass, there are no other plants other than a lone white
+from the grass, there are no other plants other than a lone white poplar tree
-poplar tree about one hundred yards to your left.
+about one hundred yards to your left.
-Above you, a dark, heavy rain cloud hovers.  Farther down the valley, and up
+Above you, a dark, heavy rain cloud hovers.  Farther down the valley, and up the
-the slope of the mountain, you see sunlight and blue sky.  But here, the rain
+slope of the mountain, you see sunlight and blue sky.  But here, the rain is
-is steady, hard, and warm.  Unlike a normal shower, it does not vary in
+steady, hard, and warm.  Unlike a normal shower, it does not vary in strength.
-strength. No matter where you stand, large drops pelt you incessantly.  While
+No matter where you stand, large drops pelt you incessantly.  While at first,
-at first, some of you have an instinct to shield yourself from it, this
+some of you have an instinct to shield yourself from it, this feeling passes
-feeling passes almost as soon as you are directly exposed to it.
+almost as soon as you are directly exposed to it.
 It feels ... wonderful.
-Some of you are reminded of the look Roget got when the rains came.  While
+Some of you are reminded of the look [[Roget]] got when the rains came.  While
 the rest of you would scamper to cover, he would stop, tilt his head back and
-close his eyes - as if the rain were a religious experience.  Of course, in a
+close his eyes -- as if the rain were a religious experience.  Of course, in a
 way, it was.
 You notice the scrapes and wounds from the past few days begin to fade.  The
 ache of the climb, the despair of near-constant fear, and the stress of an
 unknown future melt with each new drop.
-After a minute of silence, Bigby notices Kir.  He emerged ahead of you and
+After a minute of silence, [[Bigby]] notices [[kir ganin|Kir]].  He emerged
-stands some distance from the hole.  But instead of the serenity that you
+ahead of you and stands some distance from the hole.  But instead of the
-feel, he stands with shoulders slumped and head bowed.  You approach slowly
+serenity that you feel, he stands with shoulders slumped and head bowed.  You
-to see that his clothes remain dry, his hair still dusty from passing through
+approach slowly to see that his clothes remain dry, his hair still dusty from
-the tomb. The only moisture on him is a tear etching a line through the dust
+passing through the tomb. The only moisture on him is a tear etching a line
-on one cheek.
+through the dust on one cheek.
-"This does not seem to touch you," Bigby observes.  He points to the rain.
+"This does not seem to touch you," [[Bigby]] observes.  He points to the rain.
-Kir turns, shaken from his reverie.  "My penance is not yet complete."
+[[kir ganin|Kir]] turns, shaken from his reverie.  "My penance is not yet
+complete."
 He shambles back to the cave opening and begins to climb back in.  As he does
-so, his hand touches the wet rock near the entrance and he recoils in shock.
+so, his hand touches the wet rock near the entrance and he recoils in shock. His
-His fingers are wet.  He brings them to his lips to taste the rain and his
+fingers are wet.  He brings them to his lips to taste the rain and his tears
-tears begin to flow.
+begin to flow.
-"Thank you, my queen," he whispers to the sky, and then turns and descends
+"Thank you, [[matchitisiw|my queen]]," he whispers to the sky, and then turns
-back into the darkness.
+and descends back into the darkness.
-After he is gone, you begin to look to each other.  "What next?" you think.
+After he is gone, you begin to look to each other.  "What next?" you think. But
-But just as you start to voice your question, you hear a voice.
+just as you start to voice your question, you hear a voice.
-"Well done, voyagers."  A woman's voice comes from nowhere and when you turn
+"Well done, voyagers."  A woman's voice comes from nowhere and when you turn to
-to locate it, the rain fills an empty shell in the air and as suddenly as she
+locate it, the rain fills an empty shell in the air and as suddenly as she
 appears, the rain stops.
-"I am Matchitisiw."
+"I am [[Matchitisiw]]."
 ==== The living rain ====
-She is young - perhaps in her twenties, with a slight, almost elven, build.
+She is young -- perhaps in her twenties, with a slight, almost elven, build. Her
-Her hair is a deep black and her skin is gold.  She wears a flimsy, sheer
+hair is a deep black and her skin is gold.  She wears a flimsy, sheer white robe
-white robe with nothing underneath, that clings to her skin as if she has
+with nothing underneath, that clings to her skin as if she has just come from a
-just come from a bath.  A black belt is emblazoned in silver with the same
+bath.  A black belt is emblazoned in silver with the same stylized rain cloud
-stylized rain cloud that Kir has on his belt.  On her left hand is a plain,
+that [[kir ganin|Kir]] has on his belt.  On her left hand is a plain, gold
-gold wedding ring.  And she is visibly pregnant.
+wedding ring.  And she is visibly pregnant.
-Those of you with a preference for females (of any race) become immediately
+Those of you with a preference for females (of any race) become immediately (and
-(and almost uncomfortably) aroused.  All of you are struck by her divine
+almost uncomfortably) aroused.  All of you are struck by her divine beauty and
-beauty and find that all you want to do right now is listen to her.
+find that all you want to do right now is listen to her.
-//"Divine Aura": Will save DC 33 - you all failed and are "dazed" - You can
+//"Divine Aura": Will save DC 33 -- you all failed and are "dazed" -- You can
 defend yourselves normally, but take no other actions//
-She steps toward Roderick.  "Hello, Roderick," she begins.  Her voice has a
+She steps toward [[Roderick]].  "Hello, [[Roderick]]," she begins.  Her voice
-background hiss like the sound of falling rain.  "We have never met in person
+has a background hiss like the sound of falling rain.  "We have never met in
-- despite what you may believe."  She reaches up and strokes her fingers
+person -- despite what you may believe."  She reaches up and strokes her fingers
-across Roderick's cheek.  "I am sorry to say that many challenges remain
+across [[Roderick]]'s cheek.  "I am sorry to say that many challenges remain
-ahead for you - and bringing light to the shadow is not the only one.  But
+ahead for you -- and bringing light to the shadow is not the only one.  But
-Imhotep will help you when you need him and you will help him when he needs
+[[Imhotep]] will help you when you need him and you will help him when he needs
 you."
-Then, she steps to Bria.  As she does, some of you spot a look of surprise
+Then, she steps to [[Bria]].  As she does, some of you spot a look of surprise
-cross Roderick's face as he staggers back a half-step.  He grabs for the mace
+cross [[Roderick]]'s face as he staggers back a half-step.  He grabs for the
-at his belt - a seemingly instinctive move - but then steadies himself as a
+mace at his belt -- a seemingly instinctive move -- but then steadies himself as
-calm returns to him.  He gives a knowing nod to those who noticed him.  A
+a calm returns to him.  He gives a knowing nod to those who noticed him.  A
 silent gesture that everything is fine.
 //Aside//:
-<code>
+>> Right after she turns away from you, you hear a scream in your head that startles you and makes you step back.  An instant later, you realize it is coming from [[Salinthine]], so you instinctively put your hand to it. The scream lasts only a second or two before subsiding and becoming coherent.
-   Right after she turns away from you, you hear a scream in your head that
+>> "Ahhh!  What?  Who?  Where am I? ... [[Roderick]]?  Are we safe now?  I sense no undead.  What happened to me?"
-   startles you and makes you step back.  An instant later, you realize it is
+>> And then, almost without a gap, it says, "Ooo!  What kind of spear is that over there?!  It looks fabulous!"
-   coming from Salinthine, so you instinctively put your hand to it. The
-   scream lasts only a second or two before subsiding and becoming coherent.
-   "Ahhh!  What?  Who?  Where am I? ... Roderick?  Are we safe now?  I sense
-   no undead.  What happened to me?"
-   And then, almost without a gap, it says, "Ooo!  What kind of spear is that
-   over there?!  It looks fabulous!"
-</code>
-To Bria, she says, "You have much to know, Bria.  But I understand and accept
+To [[Bria]], she says, "You have much to know, [[Bria]].  But I understand and
-your decision if you choose not to join Roderick's quest into shadow."  She
+accept your decision if you choose not to join [[Roderick]]'s quest into
-gently touches Bria's neck.
+shadow."  She gently touches [[Bria]]'s neck.
-Next, she turns to Lashmere.  "Your role here is complete.  It is time you
+Next, she turns to [[Lashmere]].  "Your role here is complete.  It is time you
-learn what it is to be a man, and not a pawn in a game beyond your control.
+learn what it is to be a man, and not a pawn in a game beyond your control. I
-I release you from the shadow."  She touches his cheek and he, too, staggers
+release you from the shadow."  She touches his cheek and he, too, staggers back
-back as if shocked.
+as if shocked.
-Next, Bigby.  "My sister gave you part of a gift.  I will give you the rest
+Next, [[Bigby]].  "My sister gave you part of a gift.  I will give you the rest
 when I leave.  Keep it secret and safe until you are home."  She brushes a
 finger across his chin.
-Throughout all of this, the Planetar has stood stoically.  When she steps to
+Throughout all of this, [[iabi|the Planetar]] has stood stoically.  When she
-him, he drops to a knee and bows his head.  "You are one of the rivers, are
+steps to him, he drops to a knee and bows his head.  "You are one of the
-you not?" he asks - his face pointed to her feet.
+[[Rivers]], are you not?" he asks -- his face pointed to her feet.
-She reaches up to place her hand on the top of his head, however because or
+She reaches up to place her hand on the top of his head, however because or her
-her size, he is obliged to lower himself a few more inches so she can reach.
+size, he is obliged to lower himself a few more inches so she can reach. "Yes,
-"Yes, Iabi, I am a daughter of the ocean.  I grant you leave to return to
+[[Iabi]], I am a daughter of the ocean.  I grant you leave to return to your
-your master. It is not my place to decide your fate."  With her right hand
+master. It is not my place to decide your fate."  With her right hand still on
-still on his head, she gestures with her left and the great winged man
+his head, she gestures with her left and the great winged man vanishes.
-vanishes.
-She walks across to Pavo.  "My sister, Leuce, waits for you across the field
+She walks across to [[Pavo]].  "My sister, [[Leuce]], waits for you across the
-with a gift."  She gestures toward the poplar tree with one hand, while
+field with a gift."  She gestures toward the poplar tree with one hand, while
 touching two fingers to his face with the other.
-Next is the Githzerai.  "Limbo is still in shadow, Ust'olda.  You have a role
+Next is [[ust'olda|the Githzerai]].  "Limbo is still in shadow, [[Ust'olda]].
-to play, but it does not involve the crystals.  You must not speak of them -
+You have a role to play, but it does not involve the crystals.  You must not
-even to your allies.  Do you understand?"  She touches both sides of his face
+speak of them -- even to your allies.  Do you understand?"  She touches both
-with her hands and stares intently into his eyes for a few seconds, before
+sides of his face with her hands and stares intently into his eyes for a few
-moving on to the next person.
+seconds, before moving on to the next person.
-"Aramil, your strength has served you and your companions well.  And it will
+"[[Aramil]], your strength has served you and your companions well.  And it will
-be needed again in the coming months.  But, as you learn from the beast, do
+be needed again in the coming months.  But, as you learn from the beast, do not
-not lose the man."  She touches Aramil's forehead.
+lose the man."  She touches [[Aramil]]'s forehead.
-Next is Flint.  She reaches a hand to his forehead and speaks some words in
+Next is [[Flint]].  She reaches a hand to his forehead and speaks some words in
 an ancient language.  "I grant you life so that you may return to the world
-anew, Manth!nar'h."  (She pronounces the name flawlessly).  "You have been
+anew, [[flint|Manth!nar'h]]."  (She pronounces the name flawlessly).  "You have
-granted a second chance.  Use it wisely and you can yet protect your people
+been granted a second chance.  Use it wisely and you can yet protect your people
 from the coming gloom."
-//Flint: "True Resurrection" (or more accurately, "Divine Ability: Gift of
+//[[Flint]]: "True Resurrection" (or more accurately, "Divine Ability: Gift of
-Life") - something you did not know you were in need of//
+Life") -- something you did not know you were in need of//
-Finally, she comes to Vincent.  "You alone have seen shadow, Vincent.  You
+Finally, she comes to [[Vincent]].  "You alone have seen [[shadowlord|Shadow]],
-know, perhaps more than the others, his uncaring malice toward the twenty
+[[Vincent]].  You know, perhaps more than the others, his uncaring malice toward
-worlds.  Remember this always.  It is your greatest weapon."  She touches his
+the [[twenty worlds]].  Remember this always.  It is your greatest weapon."  She
-face.
+touches his face.
-//To All: You have been granted a permanent "Resistance" spell.  You may
+//To All: You have been granted a permanent "Resistance" spell.  You may choose
-choose one of the following effects: Either the standard spell (+1 to all
+one of the following effects: Either the standard spell (+1 to all saves) or a
-saves) or a specialized version (+2 vs. fear effects).  Note: This can only
+specialized version (+2 vs. fear effects).  Note: This can only be dispelled by
-be dispelled by a being with a Divine Rank higher than 8//
+a being with a Divine Rank higher than 8//
-After she finishes with each of you, Matchitisiw steps gracefully to the side
+After she finishes with each of you, [[Matchitisiw]] steps gracefully to the
-and scans her eyes across the group of you.
+side and scans her eyes across the group of you.
 "Any questions?" she asks, in a tone that sounds far more matter-of-fact than
 you expect from such a being.  While before, you could barely keep your mouth
-closed as she stepped from one to the next of you, now you find that the fog
+closed as she stepped from one to the next of you, now you find that the fog her
-her beauty created is fading from your mind.
+beauty created is fading from your mind.
-A few seconds of awkward silence follow while you try to refocus your minds
+A few seconds of awkward silence follow while you try to refocus your minds to
-to ask the questions that are only now bubbling to your lips.
+ask the questions that are only now bubbling to your lips.
-Bigby manages to react first.  "Um, yes ... I have three.  Do the Gods have
+[[Bigby]] manages to react first.  "Um, yes ... I have three.  Do the Gods have
-Free Will?  Is there purity in Chaos?  And how is Roget?"
+Free Will?  Is there purity in Chaos?  And how is [[Roget]]?"
-She smiles slightly before speaking.  "What //is// free will, Bigby?  Who
+She smiles slightly before speaking.  "What //is// free will, [[Bigby]]?  Who
 defines it?  And who grants it?  Can such a thing even be granted?
-"When we created ourselves, we also created the Fates to weave the tapestry
+"When we created ourselves, we also created the Fates to weave the tapestry of
-of the universe.  Can we be slave to our own creation?  The gods //define//
+the universe.  Can we be slave to our own creation?  The gods //define// free
-free will.
+will.
-"As for Chaos, it is a force that both created and will eventually destroy
+"As for Chaos, it is a force that both created and will eventually destroy this
-this existance.  Those on Limbo believe they can control Chaos - but they
+existance.  Those on Limbo believe they can control Chaos -- but they cannot.
-cannot.  When controlled, it becomes something else.  And if it ever becomes
+When controlled, it becomes something else.  And if it ever becomes pure, then
-pure, then all that is will be no more and the cycle will begin anew."
+all that //is// will be no more and the cycle will begin anew."
 Then, she hesitates and looks away for a moment.  She rests her hand on her
-belly and smiles again, as if reliving a fond memory.  "Roget is ... happy,"
+belly and smiles again, as if reliving a fond memory.  "[[Roget]] is ... happy,"
-she finally continues.  "He has taken to his new role amongst the Lomasi with
+she finally continues.  "He has taken to his new role amongst the [[Lomasi]]
-great determination.  I foresee from him a great dynasty that will someday
+with great determination.  I foresee from him a great dynasty that will someday
-rule more than just the Lomasi - and more than just the Dyanai."
+rule more than just the [[Lomasi]] -- and more than just the [[Dyanaî]]."
-She scans across the group again - which reminds you that it is time to ask
+She scans across the group again -- which reminds you that it is time to ask
-your questions.  Roderick is next to speak.
+your questions.  [[Roderick]] is next to speak.
-"Matchitisiw, thank you for all you have done for us.  It is good to finally
+"[[Matchitisiw]], thank you for all you have done for us.  It is good to finally
-see you for the first time, and I hope that all is well with you, your
+see you for the first time, and I hope that all is well with you, your people,
-people, and with Roget.
+and with [[Roget]].
-"If I may, I would like to ask a question of you.  In these trials that we
+"If I may, I would like to ask a question of you.  In these trials that we have
-have been through, are the people in them inhabitants of Hades' realm, or are
+been through, are the people in them inhabitants of [[Hades]]' realm, or are
-they the images of those who have passed on to the afterlife in their
+they the images of those who have passed on to the afterlife in their respective
-respective planes?"
+planes?"
 "Both," she is quick to answer.  "The Fates were only able to populate their
 creations with those who had already departed the world of the living.  It is
-true you were traveling through Hades' realm and that he rules only a portion
+true you were traveling through [[Hades]]' realm and that he rules only a
-of the land of the dead, but the Fates could draw from all the dead."
+portion of the land of the dead, but the Fates could draw from all the dead."
 Then, as if she senses the relevance, she continues, "Worry not about Daniel,
-Roderick.  He rests in the Offering Fields aside your lord."
+[[Roderick]].  He rests in the Offering Fields aside your lord."
-Turning back to the rest of you, she says in a more boisterous voice, "And
+Turning back to the rest of you, she says in a more boisterous voice, "And since
-since you also ask about Roget, perhaps it is fitting that you all see your
+you also ask about [[Roget]], perhaps it is fitting that you all see your old
-old comrade."
+comrade."
-She gestures to the clouds above with a single, outstretched hand, palm up.
+She gestures to the clouds above with a single, outstretched hand, palm up. A
-A second later, a small cylinder of rain appears next to her.  The drops
+second later, a small cylinder of rain appears next to her.  The drops begin to
-begin to glint with a rainbow of colors until the whole forms an image.
+glint with a rainbow of colors until the whole forms an image. After a few more
-After a few more seconds, you no longer see rain and instead see a scene from
+seconds, you no longer see rain and instead see a scene from somewhere else.
-somewhere else.
-Roget is sitting on a rock, head cradled in his hands.  He is surrounded by a
+[[Roget]] is sitting on a rock, head cradled in his hands.  He is surrounded by
-number of young men holding wooden swords and makeshift shields.  Slowly, he
+a number of young men holding wooden swords and makeshift shields.  Slowly, he
 rises.  He has become more muscled, seemingly, and there is something ...
 different about him ... perhaps something in the way he carries himself.
 He speaks to the assembled young men, "OK ... because yesterday someone's
 feelings got hurt, today I'll start with everything you did right ... none of
-you managed to stab yourselves with your practice swords."  In the
+you managed to stab yourselves with your practice swords."  In the background, a
-background, a young man hides his bleeding arm behind his back.  "As for what
+young man hides his bleeding arm behind his back.  "As for what you did
-you did //wrong// ... "
+//wrong// ... "
-The sound in the image shuts off while the very animated Roget continues his
+The sound in the image shuts off while the very animated [[Roget]] continues his
-lecture.  It's Roget all right.  And you realize what the difference is ...
+lecture.  It's [[Roget]] all right.  And you realize what the difference is ...
 he is having the time of his life.
-The image disperses into colored rain drops.  Then rain drops.  Then, it's
+The image disperses into colored rain drops.  Then rain drops.  Then, it's gone.
-gone.
-Matchitisiw turns back to the group and Vincent steps forward.
+[[Matchitisiw]] turns back to the group and [[Vincent]] steps forward.
-"When the time comes," he asks, "is there one among us whom you favor to
+"When the time comes," he asks, "is there one among us whom you favor to wield
-wield the assembled crystals?"
+the assembled crystals?"
 "The crystals are a key to a larger prize.  As such, it does not matter who
-opens the door - but that the door is opened."
+opens the door -- but that the door is opened."
-Vincent continues, "Do Aramil's memories contain information that would
+[[Vincent]] continues, "Do [[Aramil]]'s memories contain information that would
-significantly aid our quest to defeat the Shadow Lord?"
+significantly aid our quest to defeat the [[shadowlord|Shadow Lord]]?"
-"Aramil's youth was nothing but torment and sorrow.  The loss of those
+"[[Aramil]]'s youth was nothing but torment and sorrow.  The loss of those
 memories is no loss at all."
-"I am concerned about Bigby's use of the Chaos Wand.  Is it harming him?"
+"I am concerned about [[Bigby]]'s use of the Chaos Wand.  Is it harming him?"
-"All powerful magic has risk.  But the wand should concern you more for where
+"All powerful magic has risk.  But the wand should concern you more for where it
-it came from, rather than what it is.  The Lords of Chaos now bend to the
+came from, rather than what it is.  The [[Lords of Chaos]] now bend to the will
-will of Shadow.  All that is of Limbo is now of Shadow."
+of [[shadowlord|Shadow]].  All that is of Limbo is now of Shadow."
-Then, Vincent hesitates for a second, his eyes touch upon many of the rest of
+Then, [[Vincent]] hesitates for a second, his eyes touch upon many of the rest
-you.  Finally, he asks, "Who is my Father?"
+of you.  Finally, he asks, "Who is my Father?"
-"The pieces of the puzzle of your life - and that of your cousin - were used
+"The pieces of the puzzle of your life -- and that of your cousin -- were used
-to demonstrate a point.  Roderick should understand that point, now - and in
+to demonstrate a point.  [[Roderick]] should understand that point, now -- and
-time, he can provide you with the answers you need."
+in time, he can provide you with the answers you need."
-Before Vincent can digest the answer or consider a follow-up, Pavo blurts out
+Before [[Vincent]] can digest the answer or consider a follow-up, [[Pavo]]
-a series of questions - as if he fears he will miss his opportunity if they
+blurts out a series of questions -- as if he fears he will miss his opportunity
-are not asked immediately.
+if they are not asked immediately.
-"Would it be advisable to attempt to claim my birthright, either in the long
+"Would it be advisable to attempt to claim my birthright, either in the [[long
-deep or elsewhere?  Should I follow clan law, or lay my claim without the
+deep]] or elsewhere?  Should I follow clan law, or lay my claim without the
 assistance of my family, my uncles in particular?  Should I rely on force of
-arms, the assistance of my campaign companions both current and past, or
+arms, the assistance of my campaign companions both current and past, or perhaps
-perhaps a powerful combination of both?  How would you direct my path for a
+a powerful combination of both?  How would you direct my path for a favorable
-favorable outcome?"
+outcome?"
-"There is no such thing as a birthright - though people have killed and died
+"There is no such thing as a birthright -- though people have killed and died to
-to defend them.  The greatest of kings can lose his throne.  And the lowest
+defend them.  The greatest of kings can lose his throne.  And the lowest of
-of serfs can rise to be worshiped as a god.
+serfs can rise to be worshiped as a god.
-"If you believe you have a right to something, then it will be yours only if
+"If you believe you have a right to something, then it will be yours only if you
-you claim it - and only if you hold it.  But doing so with force of arms is
+claim it -- and only if you hold it.  But doing so with force of arms is more
-more difficult and dangerous than with compromise and negotiation.  Your
+difficult and dangerous than with compromise and negotiation.  Your uncles are
-uncles are wise, but can be undone by greed.  Whether that is their weakness
+wise, but can be undone by greed.  Whether that is their weakness or their
-or their strength is a matter of how they are approached.
+strength is a matter of how they are approached.
-"As for your companions, I sense that the deep frictions that have plagued
+"As for your companions, I sense that the deep frictions that have plagued your
-your company from the beginning are kept at bay only by the larger
+company from the beginning are kept at bay only by the larger obligations.  If
-obligations.  If you survive the coming challenges - which are not limited to
+you survive the coming challenges -- which are not limited to the crystal in the
-the crystal in the Drow city - then I foresee few of them willing or able to
+Drow city -- then I foresee few of them willing or able to help you."
-help you."
-As Pavo puzzles through his answers, trying to decide whether she answered
+As [[Pavo]] puzzles through his answers, trying to decide whether she answered
-them all, Bria steps up.  "Will I ever regain my kingdom?"
+them all, [[Bria]] steps up.  "Will I ever regain my kingdom?"
-"Though the land it once occupied is now fouled with orcs, Bria, your kingdom
+"Though the land it once occupied is now fouled with orcs, [[Bria]], your
-lives on with Corellon in Arborea.  When the human kingdoms have been
+kingdom lives on with Corellon in Arborea.  When the human kingdoms have been
-restored to Thentao's northern coast, the forest folk will return.  But what
+restored to [[Thentao]]'s northern coast, the forest folk will return.  But what
-was once Pleven will not be seen for centuries, if ever."
+was once [[Pleven]] will not be seen for centuries, if ever."
 She scans her eyes over you all once more, pauses for no more than a second,
-then turns her head to the clouds.  Instantly, the rain returns - harder than
+then turns her head to the clouds.  Instantly, the rain returns -- harder than
 before.
-"You may rest here as long as you need.  Hades no longer shields you from
+"You may rest here as long as you need.  [[Hades]] no longer shields you from
-returning home.  But do not wander.  These lands have boundaries like any
+returning home.  But do not wander.  These lands have boundaries like any other
-other - and many of the landholders here do not appreciate trespassers."
+-- and many of the landholders here do not appreciate trespassers."
-And with that, her body melts into water and flashes upward into the dark
+And with that, her body melts into water and flashes upward into the dark clouds
-clouds overhead.
+overhead.
 The rain continues unabated for a //very// long time.