[Hall of the Wounded Heart]
The chamber's light is diffused, giving it an illusionary quality.  Sand, tinted a vivid crimson, covers the floor.  On one half of the room, fingers of green sand invade the red, while on the other, the scarlet is offset with stark white.  Two altars sit opposite each other, one white and the other red.  Statuary stands beside both altars, towering up into the shadowy heights of the chamber, while murals decorate the walls behind the sculpture.
Obvious exits: south, up
Justlamann, Zhau, Sescie, Sylviana, Zephyrean, Laeyandra, Venrath, Tallula, Whistfylle, Debia, Rosabel, Tarkisis and Mitheirien followed.

You say, "Blizzerdd is our lecturer this eve on Mularos."

Ichiko just arrived.

You say, "Please give him yer attention."

Laeyandra nods to Blizzerdd in greeting.

Laeyandra sits down.

Ichiko sits down.

Blizzerdd nods to Laeyandra in greeting.

Debia sits down.

You say, "And hold questions and comments until he opens the floor for them."

Tallula kneels down.

Mitheirien blinks.

You nod.

Mitheirien turns an inquisitive ear towards Blizzerdd.

(Iscikella moves to the back of the room.)

Sylviana shifts her weight.

You sit down.

Blizzerdd says, "Thanks wife."

Blizzerdd nods to you.

(Sescie stands quietly.)

Blizzerdd says, "Thank you all for coming tonight."

Blizzerdd bows.

Blizzerdd says, "Please hold all questions until the end."

Blizzerdd says, "The subject of tonight's lecture is Mularos. How I see him and his teachings and points of interest here in IceMule that relate to him."

Sescie sits down near Zhau.

(Zhau clasps his hands behind his back.)

Blizzerdd says, "First a little background on Mularos."

Blizzerdd says, "It is said that Mularos is the god of pain and suffering.  Also, that there is no formal church and that he has cults dedicated to him that are lead by a sadistic and twisted leader."

Blizzerdd paces back and forth.

Blizzerdd says, "While I know of no chruch of Mularos, nor leaders, there are many devote followers."

Blizzerdd idly picks at a long firecat hide whip with a rose-etched gold handle.

Blizzerdd says, "While sadistic behavior may be true in some respects in some followers, I view Mularos as a teacher and one who dispenses justice."

Blizzerdd ponders.

Blizzerdd says, "He helps those of us who follow him to enjoy life and to realize what we have, so we do not take things for granted."

Blizzerdd asks, "That is to say, how can one know the beauty of a loving caress of someone we care of without first knowing pain of the body?  How can one appreciate being with someone without knowing what it is to be without them?"

Blizzerdd says, "To see what I mean, Lets do an experiment."

Blizzerdd glances at you as he folds his arms expectantly across his chest.

Blizzerdd glances at you as he folds his arms expectantly across his chest.

Blizzerdd grins wickedly.

Laeyandra cocks her head at Blizzerdd.

Tarkisis raises an eyebrow.

Blizzerdd says, "Hold out your hand an lightly touch the back of it with your other hand."

Blizzerdd seems to be waiting for something.

Blizzerdd says, "Now smack the back of your hand and then again touch it again lightly. You will notice the second time, the skin is more aware of the touch the second time. ."

You say, "Hmmm..."

Blizzerdd rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Blizzerdd says, "The same can be said for other uses of pain and suffering..."

Zephyrean raises an eyebrow.

Blizzerdd says, "Look at even our system of justice. I have seen justice dealt out to those who break the laws of our town. I have seen people put in cages and even left in stocks while on-lookers pelt them with rotting fruit."

Whistfylle stares off into space.

Blizzerdd nods.

Blizzerdd glances at Whistfylle.

Blizzerdd asks, "Does this sound like cruel punishment or are we trying to educate people in a code of conduct?"

Justlamann indicates his dark vultite handaxe with a smile.

Blizzerdd says, "I think the latter."

Blizzerdd nods.

Blizzerdd says, "Let me tell you of how I came to the fold of Mularos."

Laeyandra ponders.

Blizzerdd says, "It all started years ago. When I, just as my wife Iscikella still does, I used to worship Lumnis the wise goddess. ."

Blizzerdd says, "Iscikella was being tormented by visions, voices and even an encounter with an odd relic.  ."

Laeyandra turns an inquisitive ear towards Blizzerdd.

You mutter something about long_time_ago....

Blizzerdd says, "Being her husband I wished to protect her and comfort her, but there was not much that I could do nor could I think of something to do to stop the madness."

Blizzerdd says, "I pleaded with Lumnis to help her or to guide me with the knowledge of how to help her. Being the goddess of wisdom I expected that two of her most devote followers would be aided."

Venrath glances at you.

Tarkisis looks thoughtfully at you.

Blizzerdd scoffs.

Blizzerdd says, "But my prayers fell on deaf ears."

Blizzerdd mutters under his breath.

Blizzerdd says, "I flew into a rage and cut the tattoo of Lumnis that I worw upon my arm and set off to find the place beneath Icemule that she was cursed in finding."

You shift your weight.

Tarkisis leans leisurely on her black lacquered runestaff, a thoughtful expression upon her face.

Blizzerdd breaks out in a sweat.

Blizzerdd says, "While down in the well, I heard some whispering. It grew louder until I was set upon with wounds upon my body, yet I could not find the source."

Sylviana furrows her brow.

Blizzerdd says, "Pleading with the voice and cursing it at the same time I demanded answers, but recieved none. Just more lashes, more pain, more laughter."

Blizzerdd squints.

Blizzerdd says, "The last thing I heard before bleeding out was a voice saying, "Death is not a release..."."

Blizzerdd sighs.

You squirm.

Blizzerdd says, "Luckily I was owed a favor by Lorminstra and I rose again with a new resolve to help my wife and to seek out with renewed vigor...nae an obsession to help my wife."

Blizzerdd says, "What made me realize what I had with my wife and in Icemule was learned through suffering."

Blizzerdd smiles.

Blizzerdd says, "It was not until later that I realized who I was visited by and where my path lay."

Blizzerdd says, "So you see, from pain and suffering comes balance. Balance is what is life is all about. Pleasure is nothing without pain and there fore life would not be life with out suffering....it would be existence."

Blizzerdd says, "This is how I see Mularos. As an instructor and a bringer of justice."

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.

Blizzerdd says, "Before the tour, I will be happy to entertain any questions you may have."

Blizzerdd asks, "Anyone?"

Zephyrean ponders.

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Venrath asks, "But does he not take more strength from the greater degree of suffering?"

Justlamann cowers away from Blizzerdd.

Laeyandra looks thoughtfully at Blizzerdd.

Blizzerdd asks, "Does he?"

Blizzerdd asks, "I am not so sure, or is it he gains the strength from what we have learned from it?"

Tarkisis raises her hand.

Blizzerdd says, "I do not pretend to know the mind of a god, but that is what I think."

Sylviana frowns.

Blizzerdd nods to Tarkisis.

Venrath nods to Blizzerdd.

Blizzerdd smiles at Tarkisis.

Tarkisis asks, "Could you elaborate on how you see Mularos as the bringer of justice, or how justice is a concept of what Mularos stands for?"

Blizzerdd says, "Well, look at it this way..."

Justlamann sits down.

Blizzerdd asks, "As I said before, what do we do to those who would do wrong?"

Whistfylle says, "I always considered Onar to be the restorer of Balance and bringer of Justice."

Blizzerdd nods to Whistfylle.

Tarkisis asks, "Do wrong to whom?"

Blizzerdd says, "To me, or to you. To anyone really."

Justlamann rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Blizzerdd says, "Someone who has killed, stolen, something deemed as wrong."

Blizzerdd says, "But..."

Blizzerdd says, "The true question is who consdiers what is wrong."

Rosabel nods.

Tarkisis asks, "Does that not seem like vengeance, that is.. if it affects you personally?"

Blizzerdd says, "It could."

Blizzerdd asks, "I suppose justice is a kind of vengeance. It seems to me if I stole from you and my hands was cut off it would be vengance, wouldn't it?"

Sescie seems a bit less imposing.

Whistfylle furrows her brow.

Sinocence just arrived.

Laeyandra ponders.

Blizzerdd says, "To you it would be justice."

Whistfylle asks, "But that is not his realm.. is what Eryael brought upon us Justice, then?"

Zhau says, "Or perhaps a lesson."

Tarkisis asks, "Are you saying that justice and vengeance can be the tools of Mularos? An excuse to utilize pain to exercise dominance over another?"

Blizzerdd says, "It could be yes. I fell that way, yes."

Blizzerdd says, "Err feel that way I meant to say."

Venrath says, "I interpreted it more to mean that the suffering makes the miscreant... reconsider."

Blizzerdd nods to Venrath.

Blizzerdd says, "As for Eryael..."

Whistfylle asks, "Well, perhaps we are all miscreants then, in need of a firm lashing.. where are Morvule and Eryael to give it to us..?"

Tarkisis says, "But.. Mularos strength is gathered from pain.. even that inflicted to himself."

Tarkisis nods to Venrath.

Whistfylle nods to Tarkisis.

Blizzerdd says, "I really do not know what to make of the high priest..."

Sescie cocks her head at Blizzerdd.

Whistfylle blinks at Blizzerdd.

Blizzerdd says, "I think the actions of Eryael were misguided."

Sescie blinks.

(Zhau arches an eyebrow.)

Tarkisis raises an eyebrow.

Blizzerdd asks, "Why would Mularos want the sword?"

Rosabel softly says, "Perhaps he was too wrapped up in his ego."

Tarkisis says, "He was given the task, supposedly by Mularos himself."

Blizzerdd asks, "Perhaps, or was it Eryael who was?"

Tarkisis says, "Along with the other three."

(Sescie's eyes widen.)

Whistfylle says, "Ehh. Power. As anyone would. He gains power from pain and suffering, and thus will inflict it upon anyone at any turn. That is Mularos' nature as I understand it."

Zhau says, "Suffering is pure, it is the foundation of much growth.  It is not for us to ask what Lord Mularos wants or who he chooses to do his will."

Blizzerdd says, "I don't think that he was given that exact task."

Tarkisis cocks her head at Blizzerdd.

Whistfylle says, "Our pain, our screams and anguish only served his purposes further... He reigns in chaos."

Venrath asks, "You believe your opinion more informed than that of a devotee?"

Venrath cocks her head at Whistfylle.

Blizzerdd says, "I think Eryael was deluded by power and thought it was his task."

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie asks, "You..speak against the high priest..here in an altar to our Lord...?"

Sescie slowly runs her fingertips along the edges of the shadowy crystal pendant, and the shadows within it coalesce to form a symbol of a dagger-pierced heart.

Speaking to Venrath, Whistfylle says, "I believe I am very well informed."

Blizzerdd says, "Yes I do."

Tallula glances at Sescie.

Blizzerdd nods to Sescie.

Whistfylle gets a blank look on her face.

Whistfylle glances at Blizzerdd.

(Sescie bites her bottom lip, pressing hard enough to draw a droplet of blood.)

Blizzerdd says, "I am sorry but I don't remember Mularos telling as such."

Blizzerdd chuckles.

Venrath looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

(Zhau caresses the back of Sescie's head.)

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie says, "I had the honor to be in the presence of Lord Eryael..."

Blizzerdd says, "I found him to be more of a sadistic, twisted leader, to use an old description."

Zephyrean blinks.

Whistfylle squints.

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie says, "He was the chosen Avatar of our Lord, to say that he was wrong is to question Mularos himself."

Blizzerdd nods to Sescie.

Blizzerdd says, "Hardly..."

Zhau frowns.

Whistfylle peers over the rim of her spectacles.

Zephyrean furrows her brow.

Rosabel furrows her brow.

Rosabel raises her hand.

Blizzerdd says, "You see we all have our tasks set to us by the suffering god, Eryael did what he thought he was supposed to do, I do what I think is right."

Blizzerdd says, "I still think he got it wrong."

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie says, "But Lord Eryael is not just...one of us."

Blizzerdd asks, "Really?"

Blizzerdd says, "I hardly see the difference."

Sylviana just left.

Whistfylle gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Blizzerdd asks, "He had power, but what good did it do him?"

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie says, "He is the chosen avatar of the Lord whom we worship, sent to do his bidding....it seems blasphemy to say that he was..wrong."

Blizzerdd asks, "Is it?"

Sescie says, "I belive that it is, yes."

Blizzerdd says, "I disagree. I think as I have stated before that Eryael, was wrong."

Laeyandra furrows her brow.

Blizzerdd says, "He twisted his task to his own ambitions."

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Zhau asks, "You know this, how?"

Blizzerdd says, "Simple..."

Whistfylle looks over at Tallula and shakes her head.

Zephyrean gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Blizzerdd asks, "If that was his task, where is it now?"

Blizzerdd surveys the area.

Sylviana just arrived.

Zephyrean leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Laeyandra furrows her brow.

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Zhau says, "I am not privy to the wishes and doings of our Lord."

(Zhau smile broadly.)

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie says, "Lord Eryael made it plain that there are plans beyond what we need know the details of..."

Tallula leans on Whistfylle.

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie says, "I put my trust in Lord Mularos to choose his avatar wisely..."

Tallula kisses Whistfylle on the hand.

Sylviana shifts her weight.

Zhau nods to Sescie.

Blizzerdd asks, "Nor am I, but then, if I were wrong and spoke of such ill things in this holy place, do you not think Mularos would punish me in a way fitting?"

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Zhau says, "Fitting might not be immediate."

Zhau smiles.

Venrath says, "Choosing his avatar wisely does not determine the avatar's effectiveness, necessarily, perhaps."

Blizzerdd says, "I do not think Mularos' wisdom was wrong, I think Eryael was weak."

Blizzerdd nods to Venrath.

(Whistfylle pats Tallula's head absently.)

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Zhau says, "Then you are saying Lord Mularos was unwise enough to choose a weak Avatar."

Tallula smiles at Whistfylle.

Blizzerdd looks over at Zhau and shakes his head.

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Zhau says, "How can you find fault in the Avatar and not Lord Mularos who chose the Avatar.  There is little logic in this."

Blizzerdd says, "Nae, just as Mularos chose me. I know my limit, Eryael, didn't know his."

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie asks, "Do you claim to be a chosen Avatar of Mularos?"

Sescie peers quizzically at Blizzerdd.

Blizzerdd says, "Hardly.."

Blizzerdd says, "I am nothing more than his servant."

Sescie says, "Then the two things are not the same."

Laeyandra ponders.

Blizzerdd says, "How so? Did Mularos come before you and say "He is my avatar?"."

Sescie asks, "If you are His servant, why do you question his decisions?"

Whistfylle says, "You contradict yourself, somewhat."

Venrath says, "The outcome, even for an Arkati, is not foreordained. Not approving of the avatar's performance is not doubting he was the best selection that Mularos could make."

Tarkisis says, "For the purpose suited.."

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie says, "So you question that Lord Eryael *was* the Avatar of Mularos? I am..quite confused at this point."

Zephyrean agrees with Sescie.

Venrath nods to Tarkisis.

Blizzerdd says, "I do not think Eryael was the avatar of Mularos."

Tarkisis says, "Well. Avatar and High Priest may be different things as well."

Blizzerdd nods to Tarkisis.

Speaking to Venrath, Zhau says, "There is a difference in saying he was unsuccesful and saying he was weak."

Tarkisis says, "He was the High Priest, that cannot be denied."

Blizzerdd nods to Tarkisis.

Venrath says, "Precision in language is the key to complete understanding."

Tarkisis says, "Whether he was THE High Priest, or A High Priest, is also.. unknown."

Blizzerdd nods to Tarkisis.

Sescie says, "I do not find it unknown, I was in his presences..."

Sescie shakes her head.

Tarkisis asks, "He claimed to be THE..?"

Speaking to Zhau, Venrath says, "I am making no assertions. Only voicing possibilities."

Whistfylle grunts.

Sescie says, "You could feel his power....witness his magic....I have no questions in my heart."

Sylviana seems a bit less imposing.

Speaking to Venrath, Zhau says, "That's usually better over an ale."

Zhau smiles.

Zephyrean scratches her nose.

Rosabel confusedly says, "I have a question."

Venrath stares at Zhau.

Blizzerdd says, "I was in his presence once, as well as Thurfel's, and Terates' as well. All impressive, but none were a god."

Rosabel wiggles her nose.

Blizzerdd nods to Rosabel.

Sylviana shifts her weight.

Rosabel takes a deep breath.

Speaking to Zhau, Venrath asks, "Are you telling me I should keep my opinion to myself then?"

Zephyrean blinks.

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Sescie says, "I do not claim he was a God...that *would* be blasphemous."

Blizzerdd nods to Sescie.

Speaking to Venrath, Zhau says, "No, I'm saying that it's usually better over an ale."

Speaking confusedly to Sescie, Rosabel says, "I have a question for Blizzerdd."

Blizzerdd says, "But an avatar is the embodiment of a god. That he was not either."

Sescie says, "I do not agree with you."

Blizzerdd nods to Sescie.

Blizzerdd says, "As is your will, not many agree with me, but that is fine as well."

Blizzerdd smiles at Sescie.

Blizzerdd peers quizzically at Rosabel.

Rosabel nods.

Blizzerdd asks, "What were you going to say?"

Rosabel confusedly says, "I am confused about something."

(Sescie murmers, "That is good to hear..")

Rosabel confusedly says, "I'm but a novice in this subject and know little about Mularos..."

Rosabel asks, "You speak of pain in contrast with pleasure and balance, but in this discussion I hear only of pain and suffering. Where is the balance?"

Blizzerdd says, "Simple..."

You lean back.

Laeyandra cocks her head at Blizzerdd.

Blizzerdd asks, "What is the condition of things now?"

Blizzerdd asks, "Are we all dead?"

Blizzerdd says, "No.."

Blizzerdd says, "This is where Mularos has stepped in."

Blizzerdd says, "At the end of all of this, we are in balance."

Sylviana frowns.

Blizzerdd says, "We are happy to be alive."

Rosabel asks, "So Mularos stepped in so we could better appreciate our lives?"

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Blizzerdd says, "In a sense yes."

Blizzerdd says, "I feel it was his involvement that had a hand in leading to this."

Rosabel asks, "What if there is only suffering and anguish, but no pleasure or happiness in the end?"

Sylviana shakes her head.

Tarkisis says, "It sounds as though you try to incorporate the sense of Balance from Lumnis and have incorporated it to your own viewpoint of Mularos."

Tarkisis cocks her head at Blizzerdd.

Speaking to Rosabel, Sescie says, "The pleasure is in the suffering...."

Sylviana nods to Tarkisis.

(Sescie licks the droplet of blood from her bottom lip and smiles.)

You smile at Tarkisis.

Tallula squirms.

Zephyrean smiles at Sescie.

Tarkisis says, "Since you once followed her, and are so.. coupled, it seems logical."

Blizzerdd says, "I take what I learned from my experience, and make how I worship Mularos from that."

Tallula glances at Sescie.

You quietly whisper to Tarkisis, "Recognize his dilemma, do ye?  Part of him is still with Lumnis and that he cannot accept."

Whistfylle grins at Tarkisis.

Tarkisis nods to you.

Blizzerdd shrugs.

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Rosabel says, "Which I believe is wise, rather than following the masses in their single though."

Zhau smiles softly.

Tarkisis whispers, "He does not hide it well."

Rosabel says, "Thought that is."

Blizzerdd says, "Thank you for saying so."

Blizzerdd smiles at Rosabel.

Rosabel smiles.

Rosabel nods.

Tarkisis asks, "Wise?"

Tarkisis raises an eyebrow in Rosabel's direction.

Rosabel nods to Tarkisis.

Tarkisis chuckles to herself.

Blizzerdd asks, "Anything else needed to be discussed?"

Laeyandra furrows her brow.

Blizzerdd asks, "Or shoudl we take a small tour?"

Sescie says, "Oh...so many things...but I sense this is not the time nor the place."

(Sescie chuckles softly.)

Tarkisis grins at Sescie.

You smile at Sescie.

Blizzerdd grins at Sescie.

Zhau chuckles.

Tallula gazes at Sescie.

Debia stands up.

Venrath says, "Surely if Mularos is displeased with an assertion, the maker will know it soon enough."

Blizzerdd begins chuckling at Venrath!

Ichiko struggles to stand, but fails.

Ichiko stands up.

Blizzerdd says, "If anyone would like to join up, please do so now."

You stand back up.

Rosabel joins Blizzerdd's group.

Venrath says, "I would like to see the relics."

Sescie glances at Zhau.

Speaking to Sescie, Zhau says, "Come."

You pull on Ichiko, trying to get her closer.

Sescie stands up.

Debia joins Blizzerdd's group.

Zhau joins Blizzerdd's group.

Sescie joins Blizzerdd's group.

Venrath joins Blizzerdd's group.

Sinocence joins Blizzerdd's group.

Zephyrean joins Blizzerdd's group.

Laeyandra stands up.

Laeyandra joins Blizzerdd's group.

Zephyrean stands up.

You tuck your hand into the crook of Blizzerdd's arm as you move next to him.

Sylviana shakes her head.

Whistfylle ponders.

Venrath blinks at Rosabel.

Sylviana turns around.

Whistfylle cocks her head at Tarkisis.

Blizzerdd asks, "All set?"

Tarkisis joins Blizzerdd's group.

Sylviana just went up.

Zephyrean closes her eyes for a moment.

Whistfylle joins Blizzerdd's group.

Tallula stands up.

Ichiko joins Blizzerdd's group.

Tallula joins Blizzerdd's group.

Whistfylle nods to Tallula.

(Zhau curls his hand around the back of Sescie's neck.)

 (Sescie leans her head back slightly, her hair brushing against Zhau's hand.)

Blizzerdd says, "Now then, I suppose you have all marveled at this beautiful temple."

(Iscikella counts heads.)

You say, "I think all are following."

Blizzerdd says, "It has been redone, butsomething that was in this room is not."

Blizzerdd says, "There used to be an old relic here, the manacles."

Blizzerdd says, "There are gone."

Venrath ponders.

Blizzerdd says, "When this part of the temple was renovated they were lost."

Laeyandra ponders.

Laeyandra observes her surroundings with a keen eye.

Speaking to Blizzerdd, Venrath says, "You are right. I had not noticed."

Tallula gazes fondly at Whistfylle.

Blizzerdd says, "They were found though. Still attached to a piece of marble that is now outside."

Blizzerdd says, ""i shall show you."

Blizzerdd's group just went up.

[Icemule, Hope Alley]
The wind whistles through the granite pavers that line this narrow path between the city wall and the far end of Lumnis Street.  The faint whistle masks the low muttering of people who pass swiftly down the alley, voices which utter quiet prayers or subtly compare the best prices of the shops in the area...who can tell?  You also see a rough plaster warehouse with a pine shingle roof, a blue-trimmed plaster boutique with a gabled shingle roof, a low stone bench, a simple shop, a large stone fortress with small carved dragons roaming the ramparts and an oak-framed stucco salon with a pine shingle roof.
Also here: Tarkisis, Lady Rosabel, Debia, Whistfylle, Tallula, Venrath, Laeyandra, Zephyrean, Sescie, Zhau, Ichiko, Sinocence, Blizzerdd
Obvious paths: north, south

Laeyandra observes her surroundings with a keen eye.

Blizzerdd points at a low stone bench.

Blizzerdd says, "Look under that."

Under the stone bench you see a pair of gilded shackles.

Laeyandra blinks.

Zhau smiles slightly.

(Laeyandra stoops a little and looks under the bench.)

Zhau says, "Useful."

Venrath removes a pair of spidery gold-framed spectacles from in her dark vest.

Venrath puts on a pair of spidery gold-framed spectacles.

Blizzerdd says, "It seems when the stone was disgarded, someone made a bench from the stone."

Laeyandra says, "There they be."

Venrath squints at a low stone bench.

Laeyandra gazes thoughtfully at the stone bench.

Blizzerdd says, "I like to think to this as a small shrine."

Blizzerdd says, "But still. There is another spot I find more fitting."

Blizzerdd's group just went south.

[Concealed Dungeon]
Waveringly lit by ensconced torches, the chamber smells heavily of damp earth.  Sets of rusty manacles hang from forged rings set at various positions on the long northern wall, while a splintered rack leans unsteadily against the shorter eastern one.  Stacked in a central low firepit, glowing hot coals keep the cold at bay.  On the southern side of the dungeon, an ancient iron maiden stands sentinel near a set of winding stairs leading upward, and a triple-twisted rope dangles from somewhere high above.
Also here: Tarkisis, Lady Rosabel, Debia, Whistfylle, Tallula, Venrath, Laeyandra, Zephyrean, Sescie, Zhau, Ichiko, Sinocence, Blizzerdd
Obvious exits: none

Your jaw drops.

Blizzerdd says, "Ah.."

You ask, "THIS is yer workroom?"

Ichiko gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

You glare and cluck your tongue at Blizzerdd, who will clearly be sleeping alone tonight.

Laeyandra raises an eyebrow.

Blizzerdd nods to you.

Whistfylle says, "Interesting."

You mutter something inaudible.

Whistfylle glances at Tallula.

Laeyandra observes her surroundings with a keen eye.

Tarkisis says, "Curious, the dungeon is right after the library."

Tarkisis chuckles.

Venrath blinks at you.

Tallula fidgets.

Tallula glances at Whistfylle.

Speaking to you, Venrath says, "You mean you didn't..."

Speaking to Tarkisis, Debia says, "So a Mularosian can put into practice what they read from some book."

(Iscikella clenches her hands into fists and hides them in the folds on her skirt.)

Debia nods to Tarkisis.

You blink at Venrath.

Blizzerdd asks, "Well it is fitting, did ye not notice outside?"

Speaking to you, Venrath asks, "...know?"

Speaking to Venrath, you ask, "Didn't?"

Speaking quietly to Debia, Tarkisis asks, "How do you tell a Mularosian from a Dhe'nar?"

Speaking to Venrath, you exclaim, "Most certainly not!"

Tarkisis tilts her head up.

Blizzerdd peers quizzically at Debia.

Speaking to Tarkisis, Debia asks, "One is shrieking about the way and how they hate halflings?"

Venrath says, "But..."

Debia peers quizzically at Tarkisis.

Tarkisis shrugs.

Venrath says, "But... he showed it to everyone..."

Tarkisis says, "I was asking you."

Tarkisis nods to Debia.

Blizzerdd asks, "You didn't notice what was at the top of the stair?"

Venrath says, "...at the open house..."

(Venrath trails off.)

Tarkisis says, "Though I see the potential for a joke in there somewhere."

Tarkisis nods to Debia.

Rosabel bites her lip.

Venrath coughs.

Blizzerdd's group just climbed up a set of winding stairs.

[Golden Scroll Library]
In the center of the room, a larger-than-life statue of Lumnis stands as a reminder of the House patron.  A circular bench surrounds the effigy, providing a perfect place to sit in scholarly contemplation.  Numerous floor-to-ceiling bookcases of grey modwir contain scores of written knowledge gathered by the House Founders in the Goddess of Wisdom's name.  Many reading tables, each of a different size and shape, and the facing chairs of varying heights and widths add a relaxed, if eclectic, touch.  You also see a polished brass cart with some stuff on it, some dark grey double doors and a narrow framed-glass door.
Also here: Tarkisis, Lady Rosabel, Debia, Whistfylle, Tallula, Venrath, Laeyandra, Zephyrean, Sescie, Zhau, Ichiko, Sinocence, Blizzerdd
Obvious exits: east

Blizzerdd points at a marble Lumnis statue.

Speaking to Tarkisis, Debia says, "That's what I thought your question was."

Blizzerdd says, "Read it."

Debia grins at Tarkisis.

Debia glances at a marble Lumnis statue.

Venrath quietly says, "Perhaps I have said that which I aught not."

You squint at Blizzerdd.

Tarkisis asks, "Debia, translate for me?"

Tarkisis points at a marble Lumnis statue.

Speaking to Tarkisis, Zhau asks, "One is busy creating pain and the other talking about doing it?"

Debia says, "A little instruction never hurts... much."

Blizzerdd says, "It says, A little instruction never hurts... much."

Tarkisis shakes her head, clucking her tongue.

Blizzerdd chuckles.

Tarkisis glances at you.

Blizzerdd's group just climbed down a set of winding stairs.

[Concealed Dungeon]
Waveringly lit by ensconced torches, the chamber smells heavily of damp earth.  Sets of rusty manacles hang from forged rings set at various positions on the long northern wall, while a splintered rack leans unsteadily against the shorter eastern one.  Stacked in a central low firepit, glowing hot coals keep the cold at bay.  On the southern side of the dungeon, an ancient iron maiden stands sentinel near a set of winding stairs leading upward, and a triple-twisted rope dangles from somewhere high above.
Also here: Tarkisis, Lady Rosabel, Debia, Whistfylle, Tallula, Venrath, Laeyandra, Zephyrean, Sescie, Zhau, Ichiko, Sinocence, Blizzerdd
Obvious exits: none

Tarkisis asks, "I take it, he put that up for you?"

Tarkisis peers quizzically at you.

Debia glances at a thick triple-twisted rope.

You give a sigh of exasperation.

Tallula fidgets.

Zephyrean sighs sadly.

Blizzerdd says, "Well I did hire the stone mason."

Debia glances at a splintered rack.

You say, "Always headstrong."

(Zhau slides his hand slowly down from Sescie's neck to the small of her back.)

Blizzerdd leans against an ancient iron maiden.

You shake your head at Blizzerdd and cluck your tongue.

Speaking to you, Venrath says, "Maybe you should have some of that illistery, was it? about now."

(Sescie's lips curl up in a small smile as she looks a the rope.)

Rosabel laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Tarkisis glances at a thick triple-twisted rope.

Tarkisis says, "I'll take the stairs."

Whistfylle smirks.

Ichiko just climbed up a set of winding stairs.

Tarkisis glances at an ancient iron maiden.

Blizzerdd says, "Well folks, that is all I have for tonight. Thank you for coming. And if there is anyone who wishes to linger, feel free. All are welcome."

Tarkisis cocks her head at Blizzerdd.

Tarkisis says, "Can you go in that.."

You cough.

Tarkisis points at an ancient iron maiden.

Blizzerdd says, "This place is for use by all."

Tarkisis peers quizzically at Blizzerdd.

You glance at Blizzerdd as you fold your arms expectantly across your chest.

Ichiko just climbed down a set of winding stairs.

Blizzerdd says, "I do not think I would want to."

Speaking to Tarkisis, Zhau says, "You could try."

Ichiko gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Whistfylle says, "Erm."

Whistfylle chuckles.

Blizzerdd chuckles.

Blizzerdd sits down.

Speaking to Zhau, Tarkisis says, "I was hoping someone could demonstrate for me. It looks a bit small."

Tallula asks, "Are we going back to the meeting hall, Mistress?"

Ichiko sits down.

Zhau grins at Tarkisis.

Blizzerdd stands up.

Tallula glances at Whistfylle.

Blizzerdd says, "Join me again."

Sescie glances at an ancient iron maiden.

Ichiko stands up.

Speaking to Tarkisis, Zhau says, "Aye, perhaps so, but sometimes it's good to squeeze into small places."

Blizzerdd says, "I will take any who wish to go to the temple."

Whistfylle says, "Tallula will volunteer if we need an example."

Speaking to Tarkisis, Venrath says, "The town is full of small people."

Tallula gulps.

(Tarkisis holds her palm up vertically to her chin.)

You nod to Blizzerdd.

Blizzerdd begins chuckling at Tarkisis!

Zhau joins Blizzerdd's group.

Tarkisis joins Blizzerdd's group.

Sescie joins Blizzerdd's group.

Laeyandra joins Blizzerdd's group.

Debia joins Blizzerdd's group.

Whistfylle joins Blizzerdd's group.

Zephyrean joins Blizzerdd's group.

Tarkisis nods to Venrath.

Tallula asks, "I-I will?"

You say, "Please do. ."

Tallula joins Blizzerdd's group.

You nod to Blizzerdd.

Debia nods to Tallula.

Tarkisis says, "Yes I feel like a giant.."

Speaking to Tallula, Debia says, "You just did."

Tarkisis gazes heavenward.

Blizzerdd reaches out and holds Venrath's hand.

Rosabel joins Blizzerdd's group.

Blizzerdd chuckles.

Sinocence joins Blizzerdd's group.

Blizzerdd asks, "All set?"

You say, "A rather strange tour to be sure."

Laeyandra furrows her brow.

You shake your head, clucking your tongue.

Tallula squirms.

Blizzerdd's group just climbed up a set of winding stairs.

[Icemule Temple, Meeting Hall]
The Temple Meeting Hall is an expansive space, although its ceiling barely clears six feet.  Its mithril doors open inward, swinging back to frame a promenade down the center of two banks of hand-carved benches.  Leather cushions on the benches provide a more comfortable seat atop the hard oak, and footrests add additional ease.  At the room's far wall, a raised dais holds a podium and a few imposing oak chairs with wide arms and tall backs.  You also see a pair of wide mithril doors and an ice blue taper.
Also here: Sinocence, Zhau, Sescie, Zephyrean, Laeyandra, Venrath, Tallula, Whistfylle, Debia, Lady Rosabel, Tarkisis, Ichiko, Blizzerdd
Obvious exits: none

You cough.

Ichiko blushes and babbles a few incoherent words, looking sincerely flustered.

Speaking to Blizzerdd, you say, "Well, love, ye are full of surprises."

Blizzerdd stretches.

Tallula glances at Zhau.

You say, "Not always... ."

You cough.

You say, "We'll leave that for another discussion."

You nod to Blizzerdd.

Blizzerdd grins at you.

Blizzerdd says, "I can hardly wait."

Blizzerdd idly picks at a long firecat hide whip with a rose-etched gold handle.

(Iscikella turns to face those gathered.)

You say, "This concludes our panels for this evening.  Any who have not yet received a festival charm, please accept it as token."