Victorious advance

[Anastasia]

The portal does not need a key or command word.

The portal can only be used by those who wear a pendant of a falcon.

It's a two way portal.

On the far side you see a room with a dozen figures robed in red, hoods up and beards glimpsed. They're tall - over 8ft tall easily and standing in a candlelit room. Thousands of candles, all floating in the air with nothing to support them. On the floor are vast, complex arcane diagrams.

[Ebiris]

Alicia then swaps from viewing this far side location through the analyze portal effect to divine remote viewing which gives her a more complete view of what's going on.

Quick buff of greater heroism for better skill checks. Taking 10 for 61 on spellcraft and arcana/planes/religion to see what I can identify about everyone over there and what they're doing.

They're clearly doing magic so it's related to my portfolio.

[Anastasia]

It's trivial to tell they're preparing a spell to channel energy out the portal from some other location, once properly prepared and primed. Looking closer you can all see they're humanoids - humans and that ilk, though you do notice someone with oddly perfect features, symmetrical. An axani, possibly. There's no signs of religious iconography besides one of the casters, a human who has a symbol of a lit candle above an eye on his robe, above his heart. The holy symbol of Deneir in particular.

[Ebiris]

Odd. She's never had any real dealings with Deneir, but she goes to the source in that case. Mystra's never had anything bad to say about him after all.

Deneir, Are any of yours working on a ritual to channel energy from Ysgard? They're using a portal rather close to Sylica and one of the mages working on it carries your symbol.

[Anastasia]

Alicia Reynes. One is, though on his own initiative and not as a matter of faith.

[Ebiris]

Should I be concerned?

[Anastasia]

They have found precisely the right lore over the past months, as well as the final piece yesterday, in circumstances that challenge the notion of it all being a coincidence.

I respect the spirit of invention and discovery they possess. If you must move against them, please do not punish them too harshly.

[Ebiris]

That's not particularly helpful but she has a feeling Deneir prefers to be obtuse.

So she speaks to Syala. A large group of mages on the other side is attempting some sort of ritual to siphon energy from Ysgard. Send someone diplomatic carrying a pendant in the shape of a falcon through the portal to question them on their plans, we'll see what that reveals.

Can I tell how close their ritual is to fruition and get a better idea of what it'll do to our side of the portal?

[Anastasia]

Sure. On a glance you have about 35 minutes before it's done.

I know just the person. Someone who can be violent if need be as well, in case they are fully hostile.

[Ebiris]

Who do you have in mind? Also make sure they go through within the next twenty minutes, we don't have a great deal of time.

[Anastasia]

In that case I'll use an avatar, he'll need too much wind up time to risk it. Would you care to join me and make a point, dear?

[Ebiris]

I'm concerned this is bait, and an avatar is too heavy-handed for my liking. They seem like scholars who're perhaps being manipulated as a catspaw. Sending a deva should be more than sufficient.

Also can I get a better idea of what this ritual will do to our side of the portal?

[Anastasia]

Spew out lots of energy. Glancing closer, you can see it's by and large negative energy and acid.

Alright, I'll trust you on this.

[Ebiris]

Over what sort of area?

We're both watching, we can step in if things do get out of hand but lets try a soft touch at first.

[Anastasia]

A small area at first, but rapidly expanding by mile after mile.

In case that changes anything. If not, say so and I'll move along.