Chess ala'riina knew that there was some sort of magic at work for her to suddenly get headaches for reading the journal.  It was only proof that there was more to this the the common eye could see.

Taking time to focus more on the areas that was causing her discomfort. Was there a hidden riddle within these words that needed to be further tested.

She didn't stop there and she allowed the headaches to continue while she wanted to see if she was able to unravel some Mystery.  She was a follower of the Lady of Mysteries and this was another test for her..

While reading the journal Vogh could see why this woman was so talented and so mistrusted by many. Her Oracke powers were so developed even at such a young age.  It grew more and more as she aged and as Vogh read on she let out an audible "Phew!"

Vogh could only shake her head and as she finished the first journal Vogh couldn't wait till the next.  She put the first away and stopped to speak to Chess once it looked as if she was done with her journal.  "I got the early years of course, but I didn't think at the age of 7 one could have already been so strong in her visions."

Trickster looked over the journals and selected one that looked like it had the most wear or use. In the sequence, it was the twelfth volume.

He only has to read a short way into it before he realizes why it was the most used: it's the volume that contains her prophecy about the Great Destruction. After than, she spends a lot of effort writing about what it all meant, often lamenting that it didn't give her enough detail, such as when or how or why. Occasionally, this is interrupted by the more mundane and daily problems that are briefly detailed on a single page.


The more Chess studies the book(s), the more she realizes her headaches are being caused by reading the discordant writing, not by any magic or hidden riddles. That's not to say that there aren't any, but that's not what's causing her headaches.

Trickster did not think that he would be able to help with minds greater than his own digging in, but looking at things sideways could provide information. It's hyper rare, but if you never look...

Trickster started looking at the average days before and after the big vision hit her. Looking for odd visitors or often repeated visitors. More sources of information could help.

Trickster took notice of the discomfort of one of the readers, "If you're having a migraine I do keep analgesics to counter hangovers if you think it will help. "
This message was last edited by the player at 00:31, Sat 10 Oct 2020.

Ki'nae strolled in, already half-way through her third serving of booze. It was as weak as Adam's ale, but no less wet. She did at the very least stop at the door way and look in. No use interrupting important reading on behalf of her own whims. It was funny how she began to see all of their work as a performance, and the act of solving these mysteries merely rudiments to the show. There again, the whole world was a stage.

Can I really be of any help? The bullet brawler let the thought settle, nibbling at the inside of her lip. Not having had a formal education by any means of the words "formal" or "education", the woman did not know how she could have best served in their capacity. Really, she hesitated at the futility of it all. Her double life with the troupes had taken her all over the world, let her hold all sorts of strange crafts and arcane tools. None of that compared to this frisking of fortunes, this search of serendipity.

She watched for a moment as Chess and Vogh perused through the books, almost feeling the wake of wind their eyes left behind as they scanned the pages. They were so studious. So focused. Even candylad had a book in his hand and a box of sweet at their side. THe only time Bash felt such focus was in the practice of her acts and the discipline in her Method. What drove them so easily to a room full of dilapidated platitudes holding promises of the future?

Where was her place in all of this?

Until she figured that out, at least she could read.

"Yuns got a system to this madness?" This time her words were more a flicker than flame. Once she was given any instruction, she would begin.

08:36, Today: Ki'nae Bashemath rolled 34 using 1d20+20.  Perception for books.

Vogh looked up from her second journal as Bash had asked the question if they had a system.  "Well, Bash, not really.  I just started on the early years, where Chess went to the later years and we were going to meet in the middle.  You are more than welcome to join in reading from either end and we can compare notes and opinions at the end.  If you like that is, or you can just do as he is doing and pick out books.  Any assistance is welcome."

Vogh then turned to the man reading one of what seemed like the middle years journals.  "I didn't get your name, mine is Vogh."

Trick pointed in his book. "New eyes means new insight. For example I am looking for people who visited her a fair bit during the biggest vision. If they are an elf or other long lived race we can talk to them. If not hopefully they kept a journal."

"If she let something to them that didnt get written down here that may be of a tiny help. Long shot but hey, shots in the dark can be fun. And if she let slip to her best friend she had a fear of something that didnt seem important, well it's a lead."

"Silly but fun all the same."

"Any assistance is welcome."

Ya say that now, Ki'nae ponders, picking out a book and sitting across from Vogh. But I reckon teamwork stops this old arse Oracle's dream-jerking us around. Now was as good of a time as any to practice her art. The Ballistic Fist Method was martial in its use of space, whether time or material or neither filled its gap. She could always find a way to practice, even if it meant delving into some codger's diaries.

She takes the rest of her mug to the head, resisting slamming it on the table as she was want to do, before taking a deep, deep inhale.


Outwardly, Bash would seem to move...a little more quickly. She flipped through the pages rapidly, her eyes scanning the words a touch more rapidly than what would be normal for most. It was hard to tell if she was actually helping at the rate she was going, but perhaps...perhaps she could actually get through the material faster? Only time would tell. If it could keep up.

"Candylad." Ki'nae stopped reading long enough to address the only sweets-sucking guy in the room. "Notsherify'paidheedt'thislady'sinquiry." In the span of seconds she reached in to her tobacco pouch, remove two thick leaves, and shove them in her mouth. "Butwhatpraytellisyermoniker?Ireckonbynowwe'reallhereonanamebasis. I'mBash. Asfarasyouknow..."

Her jaw worked at the leaves with perceptible quickness before she worked up a quick spit into her mug. What was this...guy?...showing up and helping for? did thtey even have a green star?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
"Not sher if y'paid heed t'this lady's inquiry."
"But what, pray tell, is yer moniker? I reckon by now we're all here on a name basis. I'm Bash. As far as you know..."

---

OOC: Used Time Skitter Boost (acts as Haste for 5 rounds); not sure if applicable to any increased reading speed but it's fun to write.

Using same 34 perception score tto work through books unless another roll is needed.

Trick smiled as he watched her lips more than listening to what she had to say. It was about the only way he could separate the words. "Torikkusutā is my name, Trickster if you just say it in the local language." He got a confused look and then smiled. "Sorry Vogh, seems I had clouds in my head wanting to encourage another. I did not intend disrespect."

He nodded once, "Fine company, a warm fire, stories from the past, all that is missing is a warm drink and I wouldn't have a chance to notice a dragon playing a drum." He sat on one of the tables with the book in his lap and rotated to face the ladies to ensure he would do his best to not miss when he was addressed. He felt rather silly for having missed it the first time!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Sun 11 Oct 2020.

Chess ala'riina looked up from the book at the one offering asking if she was alright, her eyes widen slightly as she looked at the man.  Giving him a smile as she then returned to looking at the next book in line.

When he mentioned his name she nodded her head Nice to meet you Torikkusutā.  It seemed that she had no problem in pronouncing it correctly.  But if you prefer Trickster I would oblige.

Then she moved on to the next book.

Trick smiled, "Trick, Trickster, Torikkusutā, Tori, The Hansome fox. So long as the lovely lips that say my name do so kindly I am happy all the same." He nodded at the book. "About ready to pop a vision pill and go back over her stories again at this point. Notes all over but no fables."

Vogh brushed the thought away with a hand wave when Bash had made her comment.  "It's quite alright, Nice to meet you Trick."

Vogh then made another comment, "If you take a journal out of the set please ensure that you replace it in the same order so that we don't mess up the timeline.  It may or may not be important to our research."

*Ptonk*

Bash had long mastered spitting hard enough to get most spit cups to wobble. The wooden mug was no exception. Her aim was true, hitting it at an angle that would maximize impact and minimize splatter. Would be a shame to decorate the Oracle's records with brown spittle.

Trickster. Most trustworthy name if I'd ever laid ear on one.

Bash's jaw ground at the leaves like a windmill in stormwinds as she scowled. Everyone went out of their way to be so nice to each other. None of them had even shared a scene together. Did they think they were as tight as a true troupe?

To be fair, she'd known some interesting names. Coalfinger, Fitz the Knife, Dogbutt, Greedyfoot, Nopouch, and of course there was that wagoner Larceny-of-Faces. Her own name Bash wasn't an inviting title when she really thought about it. Guess Trick wasn't all...too bad...

...was that a tail?

Wonder if my pa had a tail...

*Ptonk*

The gunfu master spat another black wad into her mug. Her ma unable to control her pregnant addiction, invited many a man into her arms for a considerable price. It had always disgusted Bash, but the question always burned inside her. Her pa could have been anything that walked on two legs, yet as far as she could tell she was a human. Most the time.

There was that odd fire that she felt behind her eyes, always threatening to lash out at a moment's notice. Things didn't burn her too easily. Perhaps it was some demon-blood. Maybe she just like fire too much like Coalfinger did. Whatever was in her bloodline, she certainly didn't have a tail. And she didn't have a name that seemed to obfuscate her intentions.

Bash was an honorable nickname, she'd always figured. You could see just what you were getting if you went barking up the wrong arm, which was both of hers. Even if she did get it from brick-chopping her own head trying to get that tattoo off her head. Little good that did. Now she was in some crusty-arsed monastery, reading books like these civil folks.

*Ptonk*

Bash barely turning her head to launch the tobacco torpedo as she returned to the words on the pages. She'd been through stranger things before. What made these moments particularly piquant was the way in which it was handled. Through generosity and hospitality.

Now she wasn't so sure she could get used to this...

*Ptonk*
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

Bash can't actually read the whole book in just 5 minutes of speed boost, but she can skim it in that time. She happened to pull down the next book forward from the middle. She sees that this is when the monastery was started and the Green Star Citadel was built.

The Green Star itself was a vision, which she interpreted as a sign of unity.



As Vogh continues to read the early books, she gets a sense of the Oracle's life. It wasn't a bad life, but it was mostly a lonely life. Oh, there were no shortage of people that she met, but they all wanted something from her or else just didn't care.

It isn't until the third book that she begins meeting 'interesting' people--wizards and such.



Chess has it the other way around. As she reads backwards, she starts to see what happened to Esmeralda.  Her visions became more prophetic, but less comprehensible, often appearing as riddles.

At some point, she began smoking opium, at first to sharpen her visions, or so she thought, and then to dull the pain.



Trickster doesn't see any difference between the people visiting Esmeralda before the vision and after. Afterwards, there are less daily visions, or else she didn't consider many of them significant enough to write down.

Trick put the book back where he found it, gently cleaned through the process of prestidigitation. "Huh, looks like she was still holding on to the day to day the best she could. Not finding anyone out of the ordinary who visited her pre and post vision." Once the book was safe and sound he kipped up on a table not even causing it to shift as he crossed one leg on a knee and stood there crouched only on one foot's tiptoes. "Has anyone tried contacting her directly? I am just a transmutationist but I know there are magics to contact other planes. Ehhhh, that could be going to the wrong page in the story though."

"Anyone hitting anything unique?"

After her second journal, Vogh spoke to the others again, "It seems like she led a mostly lonely life.  Most people that she knew or met only asked about what she could do for them in her 'visions'.  I feel a tint of sadness in her writing."

Then when Vogh started the third journal she started to see more important individuals enter her life, she put it down a second and said, "I am starting to find some more people, people with power of their own.  I might have something in a bit and will let you know."  She delved back into the journal once more.

"Anyone hitting anything unique?"

I wish. Can't smack pages around, though. Bash was having no fun at all. By the time she slowed down, she was even more irritable. Thoughts of deadbeat moms and existentialism were not her happiest thoughts. Unless they were related to putting a hole into something.

*Ptonk*

"She seemed a lone enough oracle," Bash said after Vogh's literary assessment, "this here book talking about Yunity 'n such through that there...green star..." Unconsciously she tilted her hat, making sure her forehead tattoo-scar was good and covered. Maybe sitting across from Vogh was a bad idea.

There again, what side she have to be afraid of? They all supposedly - she looked sidelong at the tailed Trick, then Chess - had the same viridian mark. She couldn't see any reason anyone else would be here. Except those clergy praying for an existence far out of their reach.

"What 'bout you, Chess?" *Ptonk* Bash asked as she placed her book back and selected the next. By the time Chess replied, Bash was deep into her read. No use skimming at this point; as dry as these words were, there had to be something that would wet her whistle...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:48, Wed 14 Oct 2020.

Trick yawned wide. "Would we be so lucky that she would have a pet turtle I could talk to or some such spirit around." Having nothing right better to do he picked up the more convoluted book if he was allowed to and popped another large candy into his jaw. This one cracked with a hollow sound.

Chess ala'riina was pleased that now she was starting to understand something about this and to be honest it was logic to be writing things backwards in her later years for her mind was playing crazy games with her.  Chess ala'riina even cast a light spell behind some of the pages to see if anything illuminated.

Looking up to Bash "Not much but I'm sure after reading into a few more books I will discover something.

Then looking to Trickster "She was an Oracle and her visions may of been sent by one of the Gods or Goddesses of which touched her mind.

Once everyone shared what they found, Ki'nae would deliver one final spit into her mug.

"Sounds like we're on the last ride in here, I reckon." With a sigh she lazily got up from her table, neatly (surprisingly so) slotting the book back into its placeon the shelf. "I'll head on back into th'picture room in see what all them funny-tongue folk 'r figurin' out. Reckon we can have 'rselves a lil' Meetin' o'the Minds."

Bash gave everyone a curious glare.

"Yuns joinin' me 'r what?"

OOC: Heading back to Wonders Investigation.

Using illumination behind the pages doesn't reveal anything hidden. It doesn't seem likely that there would be something on every page, and going through every page to check will take time.

You wouldn't think that there would be a significant change in her visions every year, particularly happening on the exact same day, but that seems to be what happened. About every five years, the intensity increased such that in the last five years, Esmeralda's visions simply got more grandiose and chaotic... less focused. She wasn't so delusional that should couldn't record them. Sometimes they'd repeat; she thought that meant they were more important. The problem with that was if she couldn't understand them, she'd never know when they came true.

Did they all come true? No one knows. She certainly didn't, which is one of the problems she had later on in her life. She got more and more frustrated not knowing.

There were also a few times when her vision lasted for several days.

The change seemed to happen only after she'd finished getting the Wonders created and hiding them away. That took about a dozen years, one year, apparently, for each wonder. She did talk about having a vision that showed her what to paint. However, you can find no reference to what prompted her to do the paintings in the first place.


Vogh continues to find the people she met over the years. A lot of them seemed to think she was some sort of psychic, which is why they came to see her. They'd ask questions like: "When will I get married?" and "When will I die?" and "How do I get rich?" Esmeralda observed that when the event was insignificant or irrelevant or unimportant, she'd never get a vision about it.

Most of her visions came unbidden, but through meditation, she learned to evoke them some of the time. She set up a routine of evoking them (when she could) in the mornings and then let the afternoons and evenings go however they wanted.

It is only when Vogh compares notes with the others that she learns the significance of the people she met. One of the wizards that befriended her by the name of Ronk had become adept at creating portals. He's the only wizard actually mentioned twice. While others seem to have visited her, she never wrote down their names. It was always some reference, such as the wizard from the Shaar.


Trickster finds some of the details on the founding of the Green Star Monastery. Esmeralda had spent weeks after her Great Vision agonizing over it. It's actually unclear if she had a vision about it or whether it was her imagination that came up with the idea. It was only after it was built that she had the visions about the Wonders.

It's also unclear if she had a vision about each of the Wonders or even a vision of them in total. Small visions seemed to direct her to the wizards that could and would craft them. She was already concerned about what to do with them once they were crafted, so she never wrote down in her journals which wizard she approached, or, for that matter, if they agreed.

She does wonder at one point if she should have a portal to the hidden locations or let the Cycle just travel to them. She never mentions the idea again.

Trick pointed in the book before putting it back. "There, she mentions making a portal but doesn't go into detail or mention it again. Though it may be important to take the trip the normal way. There is a brilliant kind of growth that happens with nice long trips." He blinked a bit as he looked around. "Oh, that was a potent one." He smiled, "Embers from a fire floating on an updraft, Spell ink painted on skin, and a blank book yet unwritten." His smile never faltered as he had put himself into the mental state of the visionary.

"So we are done with the books then? On to adventure and fun."

As Vogh compared notes and found that Ronk's name had been mentioned more than once, it had to be significant.  "So, this Ronk person seems to be the only one that is mentioned again through all the journals.  He must have played a significant role in something.  Do any of you know of someone named Ronk?"  Vogh asked them even as Trick was getting ready to leave.

Chess ala'riina looked to Vogh "I am able to cast a spell that may grant some information on him but its a timely spell.  May take up to 10 days to get all the information on him. she calmly said as she watched as some was all ready to leave the room she stood there and wanted to have words with Jarvis.

Trick twisted around and off the table, "I may know the will under heaven but the name of a dead mage is in heaven not under it." He smiled his smile, "More people to meet, you've all got more spell knowledge than me so I may bid you good luck but please be sure to contact me if you think there is anything I can do for you."