GLRP:EMs:Royal Spies:2009:CoS:Void Plague

Title: Void Plague

Author: Wisp Lore Broker

To discuss the Void Plague properly, it seemed best to start with what we believe you already know:

The Plague and its creatures come from the Void surrounding Ter Mur. This is observed in the almost liquid material surrounding this territory. At times, part of this material breaks off, spawning small manifestations called "Korpe." Without greater understanding of the nature of the Void material, taxonomy would classify Korpe as "slime-like." These initial spawnings change or adapt based on interactions with the environment of Ter Mur. Since the later forms are more complex, the Korpe evolve into these other forms. Three primary interactions determine the Korpe's fate: agression, survival, or grouping. Sometimes, a byproduct evolution is observed, called an "Ortanord." The paths seem to have certain patterns"

The Killing Path:
Betballem
Ballem
Usagralem Ballem

The Grouping Path:
Anlozen
Anlorlem
Anlorvaglem

The Survival Path:
Anzuanord
Relanord
Vasanord

It is noticed that the Void plague seems to move directionally toward the center of the territory, being the Holy City in common terms. The Void itself seems to be erroding the land mass, though its progress seems slowed by stone, similar to other liquid entities such as oceans.

We observe several solutions to the gargoyle's problem with the Void Plague, any of which may be used, though a combination of these may work best. See the later chapters.

I. Emigration

This seems an obvious and simple solution. Ter Mur’s problems are geographic in nature and will be solved by simply going somewhere else. While the logistics of moving an entire civilization have many of their own problems, mundane solutions such as conquest and packing crates should do the trick.

II. Obliteration

This solution requires a relatively simple spell that we believe are known to the parties involved. The spell is Armageddon which is cast with the spell words “Vas Kal An Mani In Corp Hur Tym.” The base spell would be used for this solution. We would suggest a more selective version of the spell, but believe that the evolutionary nature of the Void plague makes such a spell impossible. Also, considering the amount of living or formerly living material absorbed by the Void, it is possible that this would also provide some spell resistance to selective versions.

There is a considerable economic cost to this spell. The spell requires blackrock for potency, and given the surveyed size of Ter Mur and estimated expanse of the Void, the spell would require a piece of blackrock about the size of the gargoyle Royal palace if a single piece of blackrock were used. It may be possible to use smaller pieces, the size of a medium keep maybe, if these were scattered throughout the territory with the spell cast simultaneously.

This solution would also limit the future utility of Ter Mur as it would kill every living thing in said territory and probably create some backlash to any places currently connected to it by magical gate or mundane passage. While it may be possible for sentient species to migrate away from the area temporarily, it seems highly unlikely that all other living things could be moved. The living component of the soil and waters would likely be useless for generations after casting.

III. Stagnation

This solution requires controlled use of destructive and protective magic along with extensive physical force to fight back any incursions by the Void Plague. Observations of recent events have shown that gargoyle and human current campaigns against the Void have slowed its spread somewhat. While this solution is not permanent, it does provide time for further research into a more permanent solution. This solution requires vigilance and direction, but seems the best solution currently available.

The following is a ritual that will help with the stagnation. It must be done monthly along the perimeter and requires the following reagents:

Daemon blood
Mandrake Root
Ginseng
Garlic
Blood Moss
Ingot of Valorite
Diamond

The reagents are placed on the ground and the following incantations are said:

In Vas Mani Jux An Nox Xen

Vas Kal Sanct Mani Xen

In Vas Lor Grav Mani

Vas Uus Hur Ort Mani

This solution does require that nothing excites or provokes the Void plague mass surrounding Ter Mur, magical or otherwise. We know that some have been dealing with our dark brethren in the Wisp dungeon, looking for rituals that perhaps do that. It seems unlikely that this solution will be helpful should such a thing happen.

To learn the exact nature of these dealings, you would need to travel to the large room on the second floor of the Wisp Dungeon. The room has tiles that show the form of a dark wisp and a statue in the center of the First Man of Sosaria.

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