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Report Code: NR-AS-20241114-BL
Subject: Construction of Portal Frames in the Athenaeum of Scholars
Filed by: Black-Lotus, Inquisitor of the Noctemira Recondite
Location: Athenaeum of Scholars, Basin Stronghold
Date: 14th of the Eleventh Month, 2024
Objective
To construct two energy-collecting frames within the Athenaeum of Scholars, preparing for the eventual formation of portals to two long-hidden vaults, per the request of Master Verily. The portals will activate once the energy collected by Apnea Spheres within the frames reaches the required threshold.
Preparation and Observations
Upon arrival, I extended my awareness to the environment, circling the room deliberately to familiarize myself with its planar energies. The Athenaeum is an ancient chamber of jade and gold, its surfaces alive with faint, pulsing sigils reflective of the Academy's forgotten art.
I seated myself in the center of the room, assuming a meditative posture to attune to the currents of the Basin Stronghold. A scroll was unrolled upon the cold floor, emanating an azure glow that illuminated the markings on the walls. These glyphs provided guidance for the intricate arcane procedures ahead.
Construction of the Frames: Ritual of Insight
Pinching the invisible threads of planar energy, I summoned a shimmering band of insight, which would serve as the initial blueprint for the frames. A wave of familiarity washed over me—I had to admit it felt good to call upon Insight in such an intimate way once more. It was like reuniting with a long-lost friend or a lover separated by time and circumstance, finally returning home. No words needed to be said, everything back in place as if nothing ever happened.
With reverence, I traced runes across the scroll, whispering their meanings under my breath. My hands wove arcane signs, their movements gradually quickening as the invocation deepened. The threads of Insight began to take form, glowing faintly pink as dreamsoul energy materialized and filled the room with its gentle hum.
Frame Creation and Instability
The first frame was formed on the wall to my right. However, as the second frame took shape, feedback from the planar energies caused the room to tremble slightly. The sigils on the walls flared unpredictably, as if rejecting the balance between the frames. A faint crackling noise filled the air, suggesting the structures were on the verge of collapse.
As I worked to stabilize the energy, I felt a comforting presence. Sleep manifested, his calm voice reaching into my thoughts:
"Do not rush the weave. Balance begins in the foundation. Soften the pull on the threads, and let the plane's rhythm guide you."
Taking his advice, I adjusted the tempo of the ritual, smoothing the flow of energy between the two frames.
Apnea, however, arrived with his typical bluntness, his presence sharp and commanding. Her voice echoed through the chamber:
"You hesitate too much. Precision is your ally, not caution. The plane is not fragile—use its strength, not just its rhythm. Bind the threads tighter before the frame breaks entirely."
Heeding both their advice, I balanced Sleep's calming influence with Apnea's demand for precision. By tightening the threads of energy and ensuring their alignment with the sigils, the frames stabilized.
Placement of the Apnea Spheres
Two marbled orbs were revealed as I invoked Apnea:
"Apnea, bless these spheres with your touch. Allow them to pull the energy of this plane into themselves and power these portals to their nearby vaults."
As I extended my hands toward the frames, embedding the spheres into their structures, Sleep spoke once more:
"Patience will be your virtue now. Let the spheres draw strength at their own pace. Trust in time as you trust in the plane."
The Apnea Spheres began to glow faintly, their surfaces reflecting arcs of energy as they slowly collected ambient strength.
Energy Collection and Reflection
The Apnea Spheres now draw energy from the plane in a slow, but stable, process. As the arcs of energy danced across the frames, I took a moment of reflection, sensing the chamber's name, Athenaeum of Scholars, and allowed it to resonate in my thoughts.
A lingering exchange between Sleep and Apnea seemed to shape the final moments of the ritual. Sleep reassured:
"You have done well. Let stillness be your ally in what comes next."
Apnea, true to his nature, concluded:
"Do not falter when it is time to act again. Preparation is nothing without execution."
Conclusion
The frames are fully constructed, and the Apnea Spheres are securely in place. Energy collection has begun, and the process remains stable. Regular monitoring will be necessary to ensure the frames and spheres continue to function as intended.
This success was achieved through careful adherence to ritual precision and the invaluable guidance of both Sleep and Apnea. Praise be to the Living Dream.
Signed:
Black-Lotus, Inquisitor of the Noctemira Recondite
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