A View of The Room – Where Mayor Nihala Rests
There was action in Icemule on Sunday night with Hibbits – who now has more of a helm rather than shadowy hands. He led a group to see the Actual Mayor, who is under quarantine, so people peered through a window to see her. And the suspicious looking tome, And a shadowy figure … as well as a constant attendant….
Category: Towns
Topic: Icemule TraceDate: 12/04/2017 07:19 AM CSTFrom: CANNELSubj: Icemule Trace Events Report – 12-3-20174 Eorgaen 5117From the journal of Oubar Il’Prelay, Originator of White Haven
Another eventful evening in the Trace, to say the least. An evening spent in contemplation and prayer to the Lady has brought no real clarity, but perhaps that is all to the best.
Interim Mayor Hibbits arrived at the exact time he had arranged, and was indeed far more relaxed in manner. However, I was able to observe for myself that the shadowy hands which others had reported covering his eyes seem to have morphed into a shadowy band around his neck and the back of his head, appearing much like a rudimentary helm of some kind. Hibbits seemed remarkably unconcerned about this development, even lightly mocking those who pressed him about it (though without the tinge of panic that had been seen in his moods before).
The ICICLE group’s first meeting has apparently been scheduled for this Niiman, the 7th of Eorgaen, at 9 Elven. The purpose of this first meeting is to elect a Chair, and to cover the guidelines under which the group will operate.
Hibbits led a group of us, as promised, to see the Mayor. She is still under quarantine, but we were able to peer in at her through a window of her home. While it was a definite relief to see her, and nice to see Hibbits follow through on his word (there were those of us who were skeptical on this point), there were still some troubling aspects. Mayor Nihala was resting, with an attendant by her side, but there was also a suspicious-looking tome in view. There was also an errant shadow which seemed to be… lurking? It was hard to pinpoint exactly what was going on with the shadow, though when this was mentioned to Hibbits, his reaction was one of equal parts light scorn and dismissive apathy about it.
Kilded was selected at random to go in and speak with the Mayor, which he did. He was able, with the attendant’s assistance, to rouse Nihala and actually speak with her. She relayed to him that she had discovered an ancient book on sorcery shortly before falling ill, and seemed to indicate that the tome we had all witnessed was this same book. She said that she was very weak, but put forth a vote of confidence in Hibbits as her temporary replacement. She was extremely weak, but it was quite a relief to all of us to see her alive, if not well. The tome in question was locked, and Nihala refused to provide the key, so Kilded was unable to view its contents (though it’s questionable whether that would be wise in any event). The tome’s author appeared to be one “Daukhera Darkflorr”, though this was a name that was completely unknown to us. I asked Hibbits if he would be willing to search the records of the prisoners in the penitentiary (since that is where the black orb lies) for that name, and he assured me he would have the Warden do so.
I would feel remiss if I did not mention that almost all of this was relayed from Kilded’s mouth alone. There is no way to verify his words, and as such I personally retain some small skepticism.
Shortly after receiving Kilded’s report, pyrotechnics exploded in the night sky, and a cry went up that there were monsters at the West Gate. We formed a group and raced to the spot, where we found a motley collection of wolves, trolls, orcs, wraiths, roa’ters, and many other things. In the chaos it was hard to identify each creature. I’m once again incredibly proud of this town, as we rallied magnificently. The monsters were dispatched in short order. The chaos of battle shortly ensued, however. The creatures breached the gates, and actually managed to slay Hibbits himself, who claims to have been attempting to defend the city. I suppose, if he can be believed, he deserves some small credit for that.
Near what proved to be the end of the invasion, our group stumbled across an apparition. This being was far beyond even the deadliest members of our group, but seemed content to wander rather than attack. Its defenses were almost beyond belief, and most attempts to interact with it were met with violent fury. We quickly resolved to follow and observe, only. It made its way around town, circling and interacting with the orbs in disturbing ways. Indeed, it appeared to be somehow drawing power from the orbs. When it made its way to Town Center, it merged somehow with the electrum platform, which transformed into a small dome, which remains in Town Center, last I checked.
I’m completely unsure what to make of this all. Hibbits seems to be simultaneously becoming more and less trustworthy. So much of the ‘facts’ are pure hearsay. Do we trust Kilded’s recounting of what Nihala said to him? Do we trust Hibbits to tell the truth about what happens to him, and what the attendants have told him about Nihala? There’s simply no way to know. I will remain watchful, however, and hope that clarity will come sooner rather than later.
I shall end this recounting with a personal note. Our motley group pulled together and did a wonderful job defending our city, as we always do, but in this instance we were pleased and surprised to see Mayor Cruxophim wade into the fray. By his side was Leafiara, and a few other notable names from Wehnimer’s Landing. To those who ventured north to assist us, I’d like to personally offer my deepest thanks.