Vahr

With a lovely count of 10 people present on Day 277, Year 21, we remembered Necrovion's monarchs: their idiosyncrasies, styles of rule, and impact on both Necrovion and the realm as a whole. We also discussed the nature of rulership in relation to the Shades and heard personal memories from people who had first-hand experience with the Kings and Queens.
Even though I had to leave early, the remembrance was masterfully conducted by samon and, for the third time, a memory stone was inscribed. This time, it was held by Syrian. The inscription reads:
Khalazdad, Peace, Jester, Azull, Syrian. Different times, different hands. All joined by one land, and now one stone.

The next remembrance will take place Wednesday, October 7th, at 21:00 Server Time. We'll focus on the Exile next — that sorrowful moment when Necrovion became a deserted land.

Today, Day 274, Year 21, we welcomed more people - and a new Caretaker into our ranks - at the Memory Outpost and shared memories of the humans who once made their place in Necrovion.
Once again, the memories seemed to affect a memory stone, marking it with an inscription. The stone was then placed into the ground alongside the first.
The second stone reads:
They made their place here. They formed their own structures. They found their calling.

The outpost remains. Soon a new remembrance will take place. As usual, further details can be found in game at the scene itself.

Passage has been paid for all those that wish to visit the outpost. Anyone who treats the land with respect is welcome to come visit us and does not need to fear the Death Patrol.

- Samon

~ The Memory Outpost ~
On Day 272, Year 21, a small group has set up an outpost at the Stone of Twisted Souls.
Those who gathered shared memories of the Shades and it seemed to affect a memory stone, marking it with an inscription. The stone was then placed into the ground as the lodestone of the outpost.
The first stone reads:
Here before the start. Still here after the end.

We plan to remain there for the foreseeable future and would like to invite you to the outpost for further remembrances about the land and its history. Bring respect for Necrovion and you will be welcome with open arms.

Further information about the Memory Outpost will be made available at the location.

Log posted for people to more easily read:
[27/09/26 17:35] Chewett:Is it here?
[27/09/26 17:43] Sephirah Caelum:Hello Chewett!
[27/09/26 17:45] Sephirah Caelum: (I’m with a phone, and the game ‘s screen is unstable. I’m probably going to be on and off)
[27/09/26 17:46] Seigheart:Hello Sephirah :)
[27/09/26 17:46] Seigheart:Nice to see you again :)
[27/09/26 17:47] Sephirah Caelum:Hello Seigheart! *smiles* Happy to see you too!
[27/09/26 17:48] Seigheart:I think the Caretakers themselves are half of MD's active population atm :P
[27/09/26 17:48] Seigheart:Time to expand that influence of the East into the rest of the lands :P
[27/09/26 17:49] :Sephirah Caelum Laughts
[27/09/26 17:49] Sephirah Caelum:Our motto is swift AND silent
[27/09/26 17:50] Sephirah Caelum:We don’t need expation, the East is wide enought!
[27/09/26 17:50] Seigheart:But is it long enough :P
[27/09/26 17:50] Seigheart:No Mans Land can be East's Land lol
[27/09/26 17:50] Seigheart:MB is already ruled by the same person... so you can include that
[27/09/26 17:51] Sephirah Caelum:Actually, if we were going to expand our influence, MD would grow mute
[27/09/26 17:51] Seigheart:Is that a bad thing? :P
[27/09/26 17:51] Sephirah Caelum:That’s new! Who is Marind’s ruler?
[27/09/26 17:54] :[Spell] Create a public meeting called Caretakers Ceremony
[27/09/26 17:55] Aelis:Sephirah!!
[27/09/26 17:55] Aelis:I'm glad you could make it
[27/09/26 17:56] Aelis:The realm welcomes you back
[27/09/26 17:57] samon:Hello fellow Caretakers and friends
[27/09/26 17:57] Seigheart:Chewett is King of Marind Bell and Grand Duke here lol
[27/09/26 17:57] Seigheart:Howdy all
[27/09/26 17:57] Vahr:Hey everyone :)
[27/09/26 17:58] samon:Sephi, it is good to see you again :D
[27/09/26 17:59] Syrian:hello!
[27/09/26 17:59] Chewett:Hey Vahr
[27/09/26 17:59] Aelis:Hi, Vahr. You made it :)
[27/09/26 17:59] Vahr:Yes :)
[27/09/26 18:00] Vahr:And hello Chew and Aelis
[27/09/26 18:01] Aelis:Been a while since I saw 4 people with the same badge
[27/09/26 18:01] Aelis: (5 if chriselnenepr makes it)
[27/09/26 18:02] Sephirah Caelum:Hello Aelis!
[27/09/26 18:02] :Else beat Ledah
[27/09/26 18:02] Sephirah Caelum:Hello samon! *smiles*
[27/09/26 18:02] Aelis:Hey, missed seeing you around
[27/09/26 18:03] Sephirah Caelum:I am happy to be awake agian!
[27/09/26 18:03] Seigheart:I was saying they are half the active population :P
[27/09/26 18:03] Seigheart:Ledah, nice to see you for once lol
[27/09/26 18:03] Aelis:We are indeed *laughs*
[27/09/26 18:04] Sephirah Caelum:So…Chewett is our grandduke! That’s sounds cool!
[27/09/26 18:04] Ledah:Well, sometimes you have to see a legend in the flesh
[27/09/26 18:04] : Syrian draws a card and gets: ♥ King of black hearts
[27/09/26 18:04] Sephirah Caelum:You are the legend here Ledah! *grins*
[27/09/26 18:05] Aelis:Yes! Our very own land leader now.
[27/09/26 18:05] Aelis:Ledah could always rejoin the Caretakers and help increase our realm domination *winks*
[27/09/26 18:05] Sephirah Caelum:Redneck!!!! How are tou?
[27/09/26 18:05] Ledah:Hehehe, maybe someday
[27/09/26 18:06] Sephirah Caelum:I saw that many things have changed in the realm!
[27/09/26 18:07] Chewett:Some call me that certainly
[27/09/26 18:07] Aelis:Yeah, so many new changes!
[27/09/26 18:07] Sephirah Caelum:I will have to take some time to relearn everything…
[27/09/26 18:07] samon:Many things have changed indeed. You can now explore the foundation :D
[27/09/26 18:07] Sephirah Caelum:Under the Gazebo?
[27/09/26 18:07] samon:Under the Tribunal
[27/09/26 18:08] Seigheart:Under the East :D
[27/09/26 18:08] Aelis:We're here to help.
[27/09/26 18:08] :Sephirah Caelum facepalms
[27/09/26 18:08] Seigheart:It requires a few consecutive active days to traverse
[27/09/26 18:08] Sephirah Caelum:And the other gate before getting at the Tribunal’s gate?
[27/09/26 18:09] Sephirah Caelum:I felt tempted to tey to cross, but gat weary of getting locked in.
[27/09/26 18:09] Aelis:The dominion gate? It's temporarily closed
[27/09/26 18:10] Aelis:About time the Demon opens it again
[27/09/26 18:10] Sephirah Caelum: *chuckles* temporary…
[27/09/26 18:10] Confused Santa:What a confusing place
[27/09/26 18:10] Aelis:Hey Santa, you found it!
[27/09/26 18:10] :Aelis gives very precise instructions
[27/09/26 18:11] Syrian:hello again santa
[27/09/26 18:11] Sunfire:Sephi!
[27/09/26 18:11] Aelis:I'm almost finished with my letter
[27/09/26 18:12] Sephirah Caelum:Hello Sunfire!
[27/09/26 18:12] Sephirah Caelum:Welcome Santa! Thanks for coming!
[27/09/26 18:13] Chewett:Do we have everyone Aelis?
[27/09/26 18:13] Sephirah Caelum:Hello Syriam!
[27/09/26 18:14] Syrian:hello sephi!
[27/09/26 18:14] Aelis:I'm trying to reach chriselnenepr
[27/09/26 18:14] Aelis:But we can start
[27/09/26 18:15] :Blackshade Rider sits down
[27/09/26 18:15] :Confused Santa sits up down
[27/09/26 18:15] Aelis:I would like to thank you all for coming.
[27/09/26 18:15] :Seigheart sits down in the back, listening intently
[27/09/26 18:16] Aelis:This is a very symbolic place for the Caretakers
[27/09/26 18:16] Aelis:Back then, the CT held a ceremony to bury Molquert, the revival specialist, here.
[27/09/26 18:17] :Blackshade Rider receives a message from redneck
[27/09/26 18:17] Blackshade Rider:Redneck said he cant make it but sends his congrats
[27/09/26 18:18] Aelis:Oh, ok. Thank you, Blackshade. I'll message him later. *smiles*
[27/09/26 18:18] Aelis:Though somewhat in parallel, both our paths were aligned with death in this realm.
[27/09/26 18:18] Aelis:Now we aim to expand upon that, trying to look at it from another perspective.
[27/09/26 18:19] Aelis:I would like to thank Ledah for being an amazing leader. And phantasm before him.
[27/09/26 18:19] Aelis:Also, the Grand Duke Chewett for accepting my proposal.
[27/09/26 18:20] Aelis:And finally my fellow Caretakers. You're the core of it all.
[27/09/26 18:20] Aelis: *bows* Thank you.
[27/09/26 18:20] Aelis:Would anyone like to say a few words?
[27/09/26 18:20] Chewett:Congratulations Aelis on your new position
[27/09/26 18:20] :Sephirah Caelum claps
[27/09/26 18:21] Syrian:yay CT!
[27/09/26 18:21] :samon claps
[27/09/26 18:21] Chewett:I am quite sure that it will bring the Caretakers to new depths previously un-shovelled
[27/09/26 18:21] Chewett:I am pleased to see it continue
[27/09/26 18:21] Blackshade Rider:Congrats Aelis. Your a good fit
[27/09/26 18:21] :Vahr smiles
[27/09/26 18:21] Chewett:And maybe other groups shall reform in the future *winks at Syrian*
[27/09/26 18:21] Vahr:Congratulations :)
[27/09/26 18:22] Aelis:Thank you, friends.
[27/09/26 18:22] :Chewett turns to Ledah
[27/09/26 18:22] Sunfire:to death, and rebirth!
[27/09/26 18:22] Seigheart:Congrats Aelis! I welcome the new reign.
[27/09/26 18:22] Sephirah Caelum:Ahhh….Wait! Now Aelis is the chief!
[27/09/26 18:22] Syrian:you mean 7ft under instead of 6?
[27/09/26 18:23] Chewett:We shall see where we reach Syrian
[27/09/26 18:23] Syrian:7.2??
[27/09/26 18:23] Syrian:that's daring
[27/09/26 18:23] Seigheart:I like 8
[27/09/26 18:23] Seigheart:Hounds cant find them that deep
[27/09/26 18:23] Syrian:gonna need a big shovel for that...
[27/09/26 18:23] Ledah:Well, surely now the moment everyone has been waiting for is here?
[27/09/26 18:23] Blackshade Rider:Hounds are no longer around seig
[27/09/26 18:24] Ledah:Yes, yes, I did write a speech somewhere... but who needs words... actions are much more important.
[27/09/26 18:24] Syrian:definitely expecting shenanigans
[27/09/26 18:24] :Aelis does a little drum roll
[27/09/26 18:24] :Chewett expects actions
[27/09/26 18:24] :samon looks with anticipation
[27/09/26 18:24] Ledah:So, Aelis. I entrust on to you the Caretakers, you have more than earned it... as well as 2 particular items that comes with the role
[27/09/26 18:25] Ledah:The first... the legendary Caretaker's Spade... many a victim has it claimed in my hands... I hope to see you do more good work with it.
[27/09/26 18:25] Ledah:...and you will get it after the party to stop any... accidents.
[27/09/26 18:26] Chewett:That shovel looks mighty stuck to your hands
[27/09/26 18:26] Sephirah Caelum:I am as out as the shell of an egg! *laughts*
[27/09/26 18:26] :Ledah coughs nervously
[27/09/26 18:26] Chewett:Let me use some magic *winks* (One moment while I make it transferrable lol)
[27/09/26 18:26] :Aelis fails to hide a chuckle
[27/09/26 18:26] :Sephirah Caelum is resdy
[27/09/26 18:27] :Ledah falls over
[27/09/26 18:27] Chewett:Ledah, why don't you try giving away.... I won't ask why it's so sticky
[27/09/26 18:27] :Ledah passed Caretaker's Spade to Aelis
[27/09/26 18:27] Ledah:Yes, accidents like that! You can... clean it yourself.
[27/09/26 18:27] Syrian:dig deep!
[27/09/26 18:27] Aelis: *nods* Thank you, Ledah. Rest assured that we'll make it good use of it.
[27/09/26 18:28] Ledah:That was left to me by phantasm... but now I have something for you from myself... The Caretaker's Seal...
[27/09/26 18:28] Ledah:I hope the darkness it holds always keeps you company
[27/09/26 18:28] Seigheart:hehe
[27/09/26 18:28] :Ledah passed The Caretaker's Seal to Aelis
[27/09/26 18:29] Ledah:Well, that is that! Congratulations! All I ask is that you never let them go to waste, and you pass them on when your own time comes... as it always does.
[27/09/26 18:29] :Aelis walks next to the grave and drives the shovel into the ground
[27/09/26 18:29] :Blackshade Rider passed Black rose to Aelis
[27/09/26 18:29] :Seigheart claps
[27/09/26 18:29] :samon claps
[27/09/26 18:30] :Seigheart passed Black rose to Aelis
[27/09/26 18:30] Aelis: *raises the spade* The first spadeful of earth for this new era.
[27/09/26 18:30] :Blackshade Rider nods
[27/09/26 18:30] Seigheart:I give this Black rose in honour of the moment. May it never wilt.
[27/09/26 18:30] Aelis:Thank you. *nods*
[27/09/26 18:31] Aelis:Before we move on to the festivities...
[27/09/26 18:31] Aelis:A quick sneak peek of our next steps.
[27/09/26 18:31] Chewett:It feels fit you need a new title Aelis
[27/09/26 18:31] Chewett:Maybe we shall see one once we hear of your exciting next step
[27/09/26 18:31] Aelis: *bows* Very well, Grand Duke.
[27/09/26 18:33] :Sephirah Caelum looks happy
[27/09/26 18:33] Aelis:As seekers of the balance between what is lost and what remains, we will set up an outpost in Necrovion in the next days.
[27/09/26 18:33] Aelis:It's been 10 years since the main human structures of Necrovion have been deserted. It's about time we revisit the place as Caretakers and see to it.
[27/09/26 18:34] Aelis:The rightful Queen will accompany us in our quest. As well as one of the dutiful death patrol members.
[27/09/26 18:34] Sephirah Caelum:Pea vê?!
[27/09/26 18:34] Aelis:Should lashtal wake up, he is also welcome to join us.
[27/09/26 18:34] Aelis:All are welcome to visit us once the outpost is set.
[27/09/26 18:34] Sephirah Caelum:Is Peace around?
[27/09/26 18:35] Aelis:Not currently, no, Sephirah.
[27/09/26 18:35] samon: (Syrian became Queen of NC)
[27/09/26 18:35] Aelis: *turns to Chewett* That is it, Duke. Thank you.
[27/09/26 18:35] Sephirah Caelum: *looks at Syrian* What?!
[27/09/26 18:35] Sephirah Caelum:Confusing land…
[27/09/26 18:36] samon:Might I say a few more words in commemoration of this event?
[27/09/26 18:36] Chewett:One moment
[27/09/26 18:36] Chewett:As is customary, the title of the head of the Caretakers reflects their mission
[27/09/26 18:36] Chewett:The Caretakers have always had a varied life, but this new one brings further change
[27/09/26 18:37] Chewett:As part of that change, it is appropriate the title reflects that.
[27/09/26 18:37] Chewett:Therefore I bestow upon you, the new title, Stirrer of Memories
[27/09/26 18:38] Chewett:Thank you, and best of luck in your new mission Aelis.
[27/09/26 18:38] Syrian:fancy!
[27/09/26 18:38] :Chewett bows to Aelis
[27/09/26 18:38] Vahr:Congratulations!
[27/09/26 18:38] :Sunfire claps
[27/09/26 18:38] :Aelis bows
[27/09/26 18:38] :Sephirah Caelum claps
[27/09/26 18:38] :Seigheart whistles and cheers in celebration
[27/09/26 18:38] samon:Congratulations, Stirrer of Memories
[27/09/26 18:38] Aelis:Long live the Caretakers!
[27/09/26 18:39] samon:Long live the caretakers!
[27/09/26 18:39] Sephirah Caelum:Long live the Caretakers!
[27/09/26 18:39] :Aelis turns to samon
[27/09/26 18:40] Syrian:may the memories be stirred!
[27/09/26 18:40] Aelis:Did you want to say a few words, old friend?
[27/09/26 18:40] samon:Thank you
[27/09/26 18:40] Seigheart:And the martinis too :P
[27/09/26 18:40] samon:It makes me happy to see so many people around for this ceremony
[27/09/26 18:40] samon:First I wish to thank Ledah for his many years of service to our humble family.
[27/09/26 18:41] samon:Know that in life and death, the Caretakers will be there for you.
[27/09/26 18:41] samon:Even the Caretakers are not immune to the cycle of death and rebirth.
[27/09/26 18:41] samon:And Aelis' vision has filled me with great hope for the future.
[27/09/26 18:41] samon:Enough to drag my weary old bones from the grave.
[27/09/26 18:42] samon:A return to death as a symbol feels like a natural progression for the alliance.
[27/09/26 18:42] samon:One that I'm sure will be relevant now and for many years in the future.
[27/09/26 18:42] samon:And under Aelis' leadership I'm sure we will be able to fulfil that role well.
[27/09/26 18:43] samon:Long live the Caretakers.
[27/09/26 18:43] :Sephirah Caelum claps
[27/09/26 18:43] Sephirah Caelum:Long live the Caretakers!
[27/09/26 18:43] :Aelis claps
[27/09/26 18:43] :Syrian joins in with the clapping as well
[27/09/26 18:44] :Sunfire claps
[27/09/26 18:44] Vahr:Wonderful!

log_pub.txt
...and a fun aftermath ;)

log_ceremony.txt
Here is the log for the ceremony. I would like to thank all who attended. It was awesome

After speaking to everyone (active) during the event, the feedback was universally positive.
Therefore it's clear the comments was from a singular determined hater who has taken it unto themselves to leave disparaging and abusive comments. I feel sorry for them that their hatred and pity them, hopefully one day when they themselves spend hours creating things they get a kinder audience. Hopefully they will stop leaving such messages for people trying to create things in MagicDuel.
To quote one friend "I would love to see more. Fuck the haters"
More to come

Fang sat just before the Prison Door. It was fitting, he thought. A place of endings, as well as beginnings.
He lowered his right wing towards the cold stone and, with little more than a thought, a small campfire sprang to life. The Embers of Mt. Kelle’Tha burned brightly even in the most unlikely of places, casting long shadows across walls that had witnessed more than their fair share of unfortunate souls.
For a time, Fang simply watched the flames.
Then his shape began to change.
The small Phoenix twisted and stretched, feathers giving way to flesh and fur until the creature beside the fire had become something considerably larger. Six feet of Lycan and man, wild mane and all.
The Man behind the Mask had finally shown his face. Footsteps disturbed the silence. Fang turned.
Nep had answered his summons.
His oldest and most trusted ally. A soul who, after everything they had endured together, Fang had long since stopped considering merely a friend. Family was probably closer. Nep surveyed their surroundings before looking towards Fang.
“...Heh. Why here of all places? It’s not exactly modern living. I know you’re a hermit, but even that has a limit.”
One eyebrow slowly rose. Fang’s own rose to meet it.
“...Then isn’t it poetic that the forgotten find solace in the darkness? Besides. This place feels more like home than my own mind most days.”
The familiar Cheshire smirk followed.
Nep sighed.
“...The Wood will not defend itself. Speak, Wolf.”
For several moments, Fang said nothing.
The fire crackled between them.
Eventually he reached inside his coat and withdrew a small green card.
“...You asked what Chewett has been doing.”
Nep remained silent.
“Why CARD has spent so much time watching. Why there have been speeches, accusations, lists, traps... yet so little direction from the man who supposedly created the thing.”
Fang turned the card between his fingers.
“...You’ve known me long enough. I wouldn’t waste your dying will flame on something that didn’t deserve your attention.”
He tossed it across the fire. Nep caught it.
“Before you read that... let me tell you a story.”
Fang leaned back.
“I tried peace first.”
The smirk disappeared.
“I've seen war. Only fools... only the undamaged... choose war before every other path has been exhausted.”
His eyes remained fixed upon the fire.
“When the depletion began, I made a deal with one of them. A depleter.”
Nep's expression tightened slightly.
“I asked for one thing. Leave Golemus alone.”
Fang gave a quiet laugh, although there was little humour in it.
“Others warned me. Told me it was folly. Told me a depleter could not be trusted.”
He shrugged.
“...But I wanted to give them a chance. I am a fair Wolf.”
A log shifted in the fire.
“Less than a week later, they depleted my homeland.”
Nep said nothing.
“They broke their word. When confronted, they claimed ignorance. Then came excuses. Then lies. And finally, when there was nothing left to hide behind, they simply refused to apologise.”
Fang stared into the flames.
“That was when I learned something useful.”
The Cheshire smirk slowly returned.
“A depleter possesses less brains than they have empathy for the people of the Realm.”
Nep snorted.
Fang's eyes moved towards the green card in Nep's hands.
“But Chewett already knew that.”
A pause.
“He knew exactly what they were.”
Nep looked down at the card.
“...And instead of trying to change them?”
Fang smiled.
“...He used them.”
Silence.
“The Fool believes he acts freely because nobody holds the strings tightly enough for him to feel them.”
Fang gestured towards the card.
“The point of CARD was never simply to stop those who would rot our Realm.”
Nep slowly turned it over.
“The point was to make their Entropy useful.”
“Entropy is a tricky Mistress. But She can be Used.”
Fang leaned forward.
“The mind. The heart. Pride. Greed. Spite. All can be manipulated for the greater good.”
His voice dropped.
“What good is a Fool... if not, occasionally, as a Tool?”
Nep finally opened the green CARD.
Inside, written plainly, was the secret Chewett had entrusted to Fang weeks before.

Nep read it once. Then again. His eyebrows slowly rose.
“...Is this really true?”
Fang chuckled at the disbelief in the voice of his oldest ally.
“...Hard a pill as it may be to swallow.”
Nep looked from the card to Fang.
“So all of it? The outrage?”
Fang nodded.
“The tracking?”
Another nod.
“The naming and shaming?”
Fang's smile widened.
“The traps?”
“Useful regardless.”
Nep stared at him.
“And all those nights you were plotting? All those schemes?”
He shook the CARD gently between two fingers.
“...It was this?”
Fang leaned back.
“The past and the future have reconciled, Nep.”
“The man came to me with a request about Illusions.”
“What sort of man would I be if I did not return his respect in kind?”
Nep looked again at the words.
Fang continued.
“We cast an Illusion upon the Villains.”
“CARD stood before them shouting stop, knowing precisely which direction their stubbornness would send them.”
They were accused. So they depleted. They were chastised. So they depleted. They were named. So they depleted harder.
Fang laughed quietly.
“Every act of defiance brought them one step closer to exactly where Chewett wanted them.”
Nep stared into the fire.
“And now?”
Fang’s expression changed.
Something close to satisfaction.
“Now comes the lesson.”
He gestured vaguely towards the Realm beyond the prison walls.
“The resources are gone.”
“The land has been stripped.”
“The depleters got precisely what they insisted they wanted.”
He paused.
“And now they beg others not to deplete the bark.”
Nep looked up. Fang's grin widened.
“They need it.”
“For armour.”
For several seconds Nep simply stared at him. Then understanding arrived. Fang nodded slowly.
“...Exactly.”
“The fools did precisely what Chewett wanted.”
“They were so consumed with proving nobody could tell them what to do that they never stopped to consider what would happen when there was nothing left.”
“They wanted the freedom to deplete.”
Fang spread his hands.
“Now they have it.”
“An empty Realm in which everyone possesses exactly the same amount.”
“Nothing.”
Nep looked down at the CARD once more.
“Their own depletion finally affects them.”
“...And suddenly restraint has become rather fashionable.”
Fang's Cheshire smirk returned in full.
“The Menkyo Kaiden cast an Illusion upon the Realm.”
“A Dreamer sees what they want to see.”
Nep remained silent for a long while.
Then, without ceremony, he tossed the green CARD into the dying campfire.
The corner caught first.
Then the words.
Within moments, Chewett’s secret curled into blackened ash amongst the Embers of Mt. Kelle’Tha.
Nep watched it burn.
“...So what happens now?”
Fang looked towards the Prison Door.
“Now?”
He smiled.
“Now we see whether they learned anything.”
The fire crackled.
“And if they didn't?”
Fang’s half-smile slowly became the same Cheshire grin that had once watched Gates and Walls crumble.
“...Then we Dream a better Dream.”
He rose.
“And the Lycanos Famiglia stands at his side.”
The Rain Guardian, Nep of the Wood, looked into the eyes of the Sky.
Even after all these years, he had never quite decided whether the man he had chosen to follow was absolutely, raving mad...
...or revolutionary.
Behind them, the last fragment of the green CARD disappeared into the flames.

Thanks to @Fang Archbane for helping get his tone and speaking cadence right for this :)

CARD’s celebration proved premature. The traps worked, unfortunately, they worked equally well when pointed in the other direction.
Ledah had learned from his encounter with the Bindroot traps. Worse, Eggdar had been more than happy to supply him with traps of his own.
Soon reports began arriving from across the Realm. Travellers collecting Memory Stones found themselves rooted to the ground. Others attempting to gather Fenths suffered the same fate. Before long, several unfortunate souls were standing after fairly collecting the resources they wanted, stuck for many hours.
At first CARD wondered whether one of their own members had simply forgotten where they had placed a trap.
Then it became obvious.
Ledah had deliberately surrounded valuable resources with them.
The irony was difficult to ignore.
Only days earlier CARD had hoped to make Ledah question every step he took through the Realm.
Now everyone was watching their feet.
Eventually Nep’s experience with the devices helped locate enough of the traps to free those caught and reopen the gathering points.
Yet Ledah had made his point.
CARD no longer held a monopoly on fear.
Their greatest weapon had become everybody’s weapon.
And somewhere in the Tribunal, Eggdar was probably very pleased with himself.

The Caretakers would like to send an invitation to the whole realm.

As per an already established custom in our alliance, we will host a ceremony to mark the leadership transition.
The event will place Sunday (2026-09-27), 3 pm GMT at The Gravesite (7_terracecrossroads_1).
Afterwards, we can head to the pub for a few drinks ;)

In a shady corner of The Drunken Corpse, two figures sat.
Neither face could be clearly seen beneath their cloaks, yet it was immediately obvious that you would struggle to find a more mismatched pair.
The first chair was well loved. Some might have called it creaky, old, and long overdue for replacement, but its occupant remembered the times sat in that chair with fondness. Memories of time spent with long-lost friends returned, being served by Xcerceses, drinking a little too much of the famous “Phantasm Dark Rum”.
Where the chair slouched tiredly within its wooden frame, the person sitting within it was perfectly straight. While there were fond memories there was also an unmistakable air of irritation that such an undignified piece of furniture was somehow interfering with an otherwise precise appearance.
The second chair, however, was much worse. Old, worn, and apparently designed without any consideration for the shape of a human spine, it inspired no fond memories in its occupant. The second cloaked figure had somehow contorted themselves to fit it, their back forming undulations rarely observed in nature. Anyone watching might reasonably have assumed some terrible deformity. The figure, however, seemed entirely unbothered.
The pair had corresponded in secret, messages passed back and forth through third parties who knew nothing of what they carried. They had met before, certainly, but never like this.
The reason for the meeting was precisely why secrecy mattered.
The first man represented a small group of artisans who had been attempting to create a magical means of trapping someone. Their requirements had seemed simple enough.
Something small. Something discreet. Something capable of holding a particularly troublesome depleter in place long enough for CARD to do something useful about them.
The problem was that every attempt so far had failed. Sticky candy had been magically bonded to spellstones, boxes, pieces of metal, and several objects which everyone had quietly agreed never to discuss again. The results had been disappointing. At best, the intended victim had been left none the wiser. At worst they had become slightly sticky. It was hardly the devastating magical deterrent CARD had hoped for.
Eventually it had been decided that outside expertise was required.
And so Chewett found himself sitting opposite Eggdar.
Chewett explained the problem as carefully as he could. Given the basic idea of what CARD wanted, could Eggdar produce something capable of trapping even a determined depleter?
Eggdar stared back at him. Silence stretched across the table. However just as Chewett went to speak again, fearing Eggdar had not understood, the strange figure finally answered, “Maybe”.
What followed was less a negotiation and more an interrogation from Eggdar.
How strong must the trap be? How long should it hold someone? Could it be escaped? Could it be reused? Could the person trapped inside destroy it? Could it distinguish between the intended target and some unfortunate passer-by?
Chewett had answers to some of these questions. Ideally, this new weapon would target only depleters but he wasn’t sure if Eggdar would be able to accomplish this.
After a similarly long pause, Eggdar leaned forward and spoke quietly “Can make”.
This relaxed Chewett slightly, though the price would prove steep.
Gold and silver held little value to Eggdar. With depletion continuing across the Realm, aromatic herbs had become increasingly difficult to obtain and Eggdar demanded some of these. Why Eggdar wanted them was never explained, but Chewett passed him the last of the herbs CARD had collected before the depletion had become severe.
Some time later, the finished traps were delivered. They were compact, unusual, and radiated just enough magical energy to suggest touching one without knowing what it did would be an extremely poor decision.
CARD finally had what it needed. Or so Chewett believed.
He would later learn an important lesson about clandestine meetings. A quiet pub was not necessarily a private pub. In fact, the quieter the room, the easier it was to hear every word spoken within it.
Rumours spread.
Others began approaching Eggdar, asking for traps of their own. Some wanted to protect their lands. Others wanted leverage over their enemies. A few, Chewett suspected, simply liked the idea of owning something dangerous.
Eggdar obliged. For a price.
Before long, the strange craftsman who had armed CARD was happily supplying those who might one day find themselves standing against it.
Chewett was considerably less pleased when he discovered this.
Eggdar, predictably, did not appear concerned. A war was good for business. A war where you supplied every side was considerably better.
That day Eggdar had once again earned his reputation as a loyal servant of the Demon of the Tribunal.
Creating chaos. Encouraging conflict.
And ensuring that, whatever happened next, someone, somewhere would owe him.

Chewett welcomed Blackshade Rider into the Sages Keep private meeting room, a place which carried memories of less pleasant times. Before speaking of CARD, however, Chewett had something rather more important to address.
His past.
Chewett made no attempt to disguise the kind of ruler he had been. Vindictive, opportunistic, and cruel were hardly unfair descriptions. After his long slumber, he had returned to a realm where many old grievances remained. He offered his heartfelt apology for his part in those grievances, acknowledging that words alone could not undo what had already been done.
To Chewett’s surprise, Blackshade Rider offered an apology of his own. His departure from the realm had followed difficult circumstances, and he admitted that he too might have handled matters differently. Old grievances were not erased, but for once they were allowed to remain where they belonged.
In the past.
With that settled, Chewett turned to the considerably less settled matter of the present.
Chewett explained that the realm was in trouble. Resources were disappearing, depleters continued their work, and relatively few remained to oppose them. He outlined the purpose of CARD, and invited Blackshade Rider to think about where he stood.
The problem immediately caught Blackshade Rider’s interest. Resource depletion had troubled him before his absence and he had begun considering solutions of his own. Perhaps the Forge could produce something capable of temporarily protecting or even replenishing depleted resources?
Chewett explained that CARD had already begun experimenting with a rather more agricultural answer. Together with Death Ray, gardens had been established in the hope that resources could eventually be grown and redistributed to those places where depletion had left little behind.
Much, Blackshade realised, had changed in his absence.
Whether he would remain in the realm or lend his strength to CARD, he could not yet say. There were too many things to relearn and too much of the new world to understand before making such a decision.
Chewett did not press him. For the first time, they parted not as enemies, nor quite as friends, but as people who might one day become friends.
For now, that was enough.

Judgement: The Deathbringer, Lonsdaleite Edge
Using the blueprint from the Deathrbinger, and the items required to make the sword (plus some extra flavour), Else has recreated his own unique sword.
Creativity: 9/10
The Blacksmith + Sorrow Smith combination, Deathbringer lore, unconventional materials, and personal history behind the stones make this more than simply trying to forge a strong sword.
Use of Materials: 9/10
Most materials had a clear purpose, from the iron and Lonsdaleite to the heatstone, coal, cooling materials, and diamond. The bones, skin, paper, and herbs could have been explained more, but they add to the experimentation.
MD Logic: 7/10
The attempt fits the idea of experimenting with materials, lore, symbolism, and personal history rather than following a conventional recipe.
Craftsmanship: 9/10
There was clear planning behind the materials and process, including heating, cooling, construction, and personal elements.
Purpose: 8/10
The goal was clear: create a Deathbringer-inspired sword for roleplay and potentially use it in future Forge experiments.
Forge Result: 9/10
The result is almost perfectly aligned with the attempt: Deathbringer, Lonsdaleite Edge. Even the mechanics reflect the process, with the blade awakening through heat, burning for 90 minutes, then requiring time to cool and recover.
51/60
Overall, I think this is a very successful Forge experiment. The most interesting part isn't simply that it produced the sword that was intended, but how closely the Forge interpreted the materials and ideas that went into it.
Wishpoint granted.

Judgement: Stitched Mouseling with Mirror-Eyes
I actually quite like this one. It's creepy, it's funny, and it makes sense for a Toy Maker.
Creativity: 9/10
The idea of making a replacement pet to save a child from the pain of losing one is great. Probably not the pet I would want, but that's beside the point.
Use of Materials: 8/10
Everything has a fairly obvious place in the creation. I especially like what the Forge did with the Imprinted Darks and turned them into the Mirror-Eyes.
MD Logic: 9/10
It fits MD. Strange materials, questionable decisions, and a result that isn't quite what you expected. Seems about right.
Craftsmanship: 8/10
The finished item feels properly crafted. I would have liked a little more on the actual method though, rather than just being told you're a master of the craft.
Purpose: 9/10
The purpose is clear, and I like that it actually ties back to the reason for making it.
Forge Result: 9/10
The Forge did a good job here. It kept the mouse, the stuffing, the heart and the Dark, but gave them its own interpretation. The added cloth and white powder don't bother me. Unexpected results are part of the fun.
52/60
A good entry overall. There's an actual idea behind it rather than just throwing materials together and hoping for something useful.
And honestly, if someone gave this to their child as a replacement for a dead pet, I'm not entirely sure whether I'd be impressed or concerned.
Probably both. Wishpoint granted.

While trudging through the realm, Chewett found himself sitting at the Meeting of the Road, pondering the past.
Memories returned of friends long past, Rumi, Fyrd, and Menhir tending the community Garden alongside him. Good memories. Even when the realm was divided, a few had still come together to work the land.
Regret accompanied nostalgia. Perhaps, had he worked harder to help Rumi, the garden would already be producing fruit, produce, and herbs which could be shared back into the world.
However it was not to be, the land sat untilled, as barren as a depleter’s heart, uncaring for those who might come after.
Chewett’s nostalgia was interrupted as Eggdar bounced into view, disturbing the peaceful environment.
“Garden, Garden, Garden, Garden!” proclaimed Eggdar. Chewett, unaware of Eggdar’s work behind Sages Keep, assumed he was referring to the somewhat unimaginatively named “Community Garden” before him.
In a similar manner to Death Ray, speaking to Eggdar as if he was a child, Chewett explained the past. He spoke of missing his friend Fyrd, those no longer around, and the work they tried to accomplish.
Eggdar continued to look at Chewett in a way only Eggdar could, possessing a rare ability to keep his face entirely neutral, his eyes unfocussed, yet somehow giving the impression he was paying close attention. When Chewett finished speaking a long pause was held between them.
Then in a manic fashion, Eggdar proclaimed “GARDEN!”
Chewett sighed, “Yes Eggdar. Garden. That is what I have been talking about.”
Eggdar, keen to show Chewett had misunderstood, shook his head violently and repeated “No. GARDEN!”
Before Chewett could enquire the distinction the increased volume was intended to convey, Eggdar seized an abandoned tool from beside the old plots, and thrust it forward.
For once, there was no flash of light. No sudden appearance of walls, sheds, or perfectly prepared beds of soil. Eggdar simply began to dig.
Chewett watched him for several moments before the meaning finally became apparent. Whatever strange power Eggdar possessed, this was apparently not something he intended to simply conjure into existence. If the old Community Garden was to live again, someone would have to work for it.
With a muttered complaint about the indignity of manual labour, Chewett joined in.
The old beds were cleared. Weeds and debris which had accumulated during the long years of neglect were dragged away. The soil was turned for the first time in what felt like an age. Slowly something resembling the garden Chewett remembered began to emerge from beneath the years of abandonment.
However Chewett was sure Eggdar was doing more than just digging. In the time it took him to dig one row of a single bed, Eggdar had somehow cleared two full beds, and was starting on a third. Chewett, who was far more attuned to the workings of the realm than most, could taste the iron in the air, the unmistakable trace of magic.
Chewett was not averse to a little magical assistance, so continued his labours. He made a deliberate effort to ignore the small garden shed growing into a multi-roomed building.
Even with the slowly growing shed, Eggdar was not finished.
At the edge of the garden, he stopped, staring at the considerably larger shed and pointed, simply saying, “CARD”
Chewett considered the space.
CARD had grown significantly since those first few letters had been dispatched from the Archives. Its members needed somewhere to meet, organise their work, keep track of depletion, and most importantly, somewhere resources could be grown and eventually distributed to the Realm. A headquarters and a home.
It had walls, a table, and somewhere to store CARD’s increasingly concerning collection of maps, lists, and pieces of paper.
Most importantly, it had somehow gained a large CARD emblem displayed prominently enough so that no one could possibly mistake who had claimed it.
The old Community Garden had found purpose once again. Where Rumi, Fyrd, Menhir, and others had once attempted to build something for the Realm, CARD would try again. The beds remained empty for now and there would be no miraculous harvest overnight.
Chewett could not undo the opportunities that had been lost in the past, but he could make sure this one was not wasted.

As Marshal of the Knights of the Bell, I am willing to help organize the workers, guard the entrance, gather supplies, and assist with the removal itself.
The fire demanded rain; now the rain demands labor. Let us reclaim what lies beneath the MDA.
— The Mosquito
Twice-Sworn Marshal of the Knights of the Bell

I’m in! Just let me know when.

I’m in! Just let me know when.

No need to apologize.
It’s kind of you to want to help :)

Good day.
As you may now, the MDA basement is flooded due to certain past events. In order to avoid lasting damage and to regain access to the you-know-what, I think it is high time we did something about it.
To put it simply, we need to remove the water that has gathered down there and dry up the place somewhat to avoid mold setting in.
But before we get started we'll need a plan. To begin with, I don't remember the size of the basement (it's been a while...). Was it a smaller cellar or does it cover the -1st floor of the whole building? Knowing this will determine the method we can use and/or the amount of effort needed.
As for getting rid of the water, using buckets should work fine as long as we have enough people and spend enough time on it. We should be able to dry up the water remaining on the floor in small puddles by strategically placed heat stones or expending large amounts of heat in some other way.
Does anyone have a problem/concern with this plan or a better idea? Let me know in the comments below.
Also let me know if I can count on your participation.
Thank you for your attention on this matter!

I’m in! Just let me know when.

Ah! I see your problem now. I apologize and honestly I agree. I can no longer find the way to access a players specific public log to type something into it. I'm pretty sure I'm just missing something obvious, but i can't find it. As for who's online, the only workaround I've seen is opening the map. If you have he feature, you should be able to see who's online. Also, opening MD in any incognito, as the login screen will show the list. (Neither is a true fix sadly, and the icon on a players profile doesn't go anywhere on Mobile)

If I'm not mistaken, I believe you tap that section at the bottom that says Gazebo of Equilibrium. All of the sub menus that used to be on the mid right are now there.

You should note if your on android or iPhone. As I think it may make a difference as I am on Samsung and it is working fine