Months after the reforging of Nurazar, life had resumed its normal
cadence, though the planet hung dark and foreboding in the skies. In
that short time, whispers of conspiracy and cries of outrage gave way to
the ebb and flow of daily concerns.

On one such mundane occasion in 579 AF, Sir Azzad Ravenstar set out for
an honest day's work at the forge. Laying his materials out before him,
he took up his hammer and began to work the steel. His resolute air soon
faded, however, as the blade shattered under a steady blow, and flakes
of lead fell to the ashen floor around his feet.

Word travelled fast, and other blacksmiths reported similar results. It
was not long until even more disconcerting observations began to
surface. Gold turned suddenly and inexplicably to lead, and large
sections of forest withered, the soil somehow poisoned and the plant
life struggling to survive. Eerie, creaking sounds drifted through the
underground of Sapience, accompanied by falling stones in even the
sturdiest mine shafts.

One particularly fatal collapse that Valnuary drew worldwide attention
to Moghedu, and Arina Tigran, Beatrice Shu'in-Crescent, and Veldrin
Crescent Concordia swiftly arrived to assist the mhun. As they aided the
wounded, Blujixapug Lucoster stepped smartly over the corpses,
identifying the source of the catastrophe. Pointing out that the support
beams were not meant to be all broken and twisted, he spotted lead in
the joints, yet another mystery in the strange happenings of late.

The following Lupar, animals from coast to coast began to show signs of
distress. Hooves and ears, antlers and claws, teeth and tusks were
turning to lead, the creatures clearly suffering from the malady. A few
bright investigators noted the similarity between these animals and the
metallic creatures of the island Ageiro, and two expeditions set sail to
consult the alchemist Giacinto, one of the island's unusual residents.
Upon one vessel sailed Ashadra Lashyr-Windsong, Penwize Baker, Johlo
Tav'Elaon, Hermaldo Fireheart, Stuart Fol'ia Aesculus, and Lucine
Longshanks; close behind were Vayne des Valois and Salvar Ir'Ardehn, all
with the same conclusion in mind.

Giacinto talked of alchemical experiments and catastrophic results, and
listened as the troubling news from the mainland was detailed.
Reluctantly, he agreed that the situation was dire, and bade the group
seek out the wizard Hycanthus. Hope lay within the knowledge of a secret
cabal of alchemists whose whereabouts had been undisclosed since the
days of the Seleucarian Empire - and only Hycanthus could contact them.

The wizard disbelieved at first. Though his experience with alchemy was
very limited, his knowledge of the cabal was not. Grudgingly he
instructed the assembly to wait, grumbling that the Imperator would not
welcome the intrusion. Disappearing before their eyes, he travelled
through the ether, returning a long half-day later with sharp and direct
orders. The Imperator had agreed to meet with exactly one representative
from each of the major political organisations.

Quickly the delegation assembled: Chryseas Ashaela of Cyrene, Vayne des
Valois of Hashan, Enyd Trismegistus of Ashtan, Carmain Fol'ia of
Mhaldor, Veldrin Crescent of Shallam, and Ashadra Lashyr-Windsong of
Eleusis. As each leader prepared for a journey into the unknown,
Hycanthus hinted at the rather abrasive nature of the Imperator,
advising the group to neither take offence nor offend, as the world's
fate may well depend upon their success.

Within moments they found themselves within the Cauda Pavonis: a
structure of black marble and of myriad metals, hidden deep between
planes. There they found themselves face to face with an imposing group
of master alchemists led by Imperator Khunrath, who greeted them coldly.
Noting the vines wreathed about the viridian form of Ashadra, the
Imperator dismissed the forestal, sending her back to Sapience with a
wave of his hand and little explanation.

To the remaining Sapients, Khunrath dispassionately affirmed that the
effects upon the world were indeed the result of Nurazar's presence.
Elaborating little, he revealed only that the ether was reverberating
with the lowest of the alchemical energies, resulting in an excess of
lead, and that anchors must be raised to restore balance. The five
leaders would be required to follow the alchemists' instructions
closely... lest the whole world be turned to lead and all its
inhabitants die screaming.

~ ~ ~

Two days later, the world was ready. Hundreds gathered atop Mount Xevius
in the Siroccian Mountains as the alchemists outlined their plan. The
forces of each city were dispersed with specific destinations: Shallam
to the Granite Hills, Hashan to the shore of the Eusian Ocean, Mhaldor
west toward the Northern Vashnar Mountains, Cyrene to the Southern
Vashnars, while Ashtan remained within the Siroccians.

With the assistance of the alchemists, five massive spires of iron, tin,
copper, silver, and gold were raised upon high ground. Each city was
then to empower and fortify their respective anchor with coils of metal
transformed by alchemical energy: a lengthy and gruelling effort.

Supremely confident, the Imperator looked on as Jarrod Lucoster
successfully empowered the copper anchor atop a peak within the Northern
Vashnars; Jurixe Fol'ia the gold at Mount Xevius. Farro Ishida-Le'Murzen
followed soon after, strengthening the iron anchor amid the Granite
Hills. The tin anchor overlooking the sea was fortified by Antidas
D'Ischai, and at long last, the druid Wayde slipped the final coil into
the silver anchor atop Mount Karnoth.

Tension filled the air as a strange energy took hold of the world. Hairs
stood on end and the surroundings began to swirl and ripple as though
looking through a mirage. Waves of distortion passed overhead, intricate
patterns merging and breaking apart... and at last, a sudden peace
prevailed.

The prickly Khunrath conceded that the world was saved, but that
Sapience was unworthy of such help and such knowledge. Amid harsh
chidings he opened a vortex and disappeared, leaving things returned to
normalcy: the animals were healed, the forests restored. Mines rang only
with the sounds of pickaxe and chisel, gold sovereigns remained golden,
and forgers breathed a sigh of relief as they returned to their labours.
Still, the dark planet loomed overhead, leaving few completely at ease.
Somehow, nothing was ever quite that simple.

Penned by My hand on the 23rd of Aeguary, in the year 583 AF.