It looks like activity from the DRC is on the cards again. The Zero's been activated, and the Watcher's Sanctuary has been opened for explorer access, complete with five volumes of the Book of Words. Er'cana is apparently slated for this week as well. Looking forward to visiting it, I've yet to see one of the D'ni food ages in person.
A report has also been completed on the collapse in the City last month. No structural damage prior to the collapse is the official conclusion. We all suspected it, but having it confirmed is chilling to say the least. Being careful where I put my feet in the future.
Had a quick poke around the Sanctuary. Definitely an up market watering hole for the intelligentsia, almost like a D'ni version of the Reform Club. I can see myself becoming a regular patron. Fascinating history of the place too, especially this so-called 'Path of the Shell'. The Watcher's 'Words' made interesting reading, and I even found myself making some connections to current events. I don't think it's wise to read too much into them, though. Ambiguous philosophies of their nature can be twisted and interpreted to fit any event. Still, Simpson's report mentioned that their words contain hints to Kadish's self-congratulatory puzzle he concocted, so when the time comes I may end up studying the texts in more detail at a later date.
Hope the DRC presence continues to be prominent this week. Be interesting to see if they've made any progress with the symbol found in Minkata.
Monday 25 June 2007
Sunday 17 June 2007
My Path in the Stars
I had a feeling I would find something. And find something I did.
After taking the numbers for each bearing as time as opposed to steps, I came across one of the raised daises which were to my astonishment no only open, but held a ladder leading down. I was led into a small cave, containing some empty crates (DRC's?) and a Bahro stone. It was similar in shape and size to the one under the canopy where I linked in, but imagine my surprise when I found upon it a phrase carved in English.
Touching the symbol in the centre bought back memories of the Journey cloths. At least, for a brief second - next thing I knew, I was linking out, and when I linked back in the cave was dark and cold. Climbing back up, I looked out to see the desert illuminated by the night sky. Either I had been linked to a separate age, completely alike but at night, or the stone had changed day into night.
'Find my Path in the Stars'... looking up in the sky, I was stuck by the constellations, and how odd they were. There seemed to be five precise groupings, all with a varying numbers of stars and shapes making them up. Five sets of stars... five sets of way points? Looking up at the simplest of them, and comparing my sketches from the book of directions, I realised I was staring at my route from the canopy to the cave, depicted in the sky. Was this what it meant?
It was. And I don't quite understand what happened when I walked towards the stars and encountered the shape, but it is of vast importance I emulate what I have done for the other four sets of bearings. Only when the symbol is complete will this age's mysteries be unlocked.
After taking the numbers for each bearing as time as opposed to steps, I came across one of the raised daises which were to my astonishment no only open, but held a ladder leading down. I was led into a small cave, containing some empty crates (DRC's?) and a Bahro stone. It was similar in shape and size to the one under the canopy where I linked in, but imagine my surprise when I found upon it a phrase carved in English.
Touching the symbol in the centre bought back memories of the Journey cloths. At least, for a brief second - next thing I knew, I was linking out, and when I linked back in the cave was dark and cold. Climbing back up, I looked out to see the desert illuminated by the night sky. Either I had been linked to a separate age, completely alike but at night, or the stone had changed day into night.
'Find my Path in the Stars'... looking up in the sky, I was stuck by the constellations, and how odd they were. There seemed to be five precise groupings, all with a varying numbers of stars and shapes making them up. Five sets of stars... five sets of way points? Looking up at the simplest of them, and comparing my sketches from the book of directions, I realised I was staring at my route from the canopy to the cave, depicted in the sky. Was this what it meant?
It was. And I don't quite understand what happened when I walked towards the stars and encountered the shape, but it is of vast importance I emulate what I have done for the other four sets of bearings. Only when the symbol is complete will this age's mysteries be unlocked.
Thursday 14 June 2007
It burns us, precious...
I made the mistake of not applying any tan lotion before getting lost in Minkata. I now have a slight degree of burning. On my everything.
Thank the Goddess for my waterfall is all I can say. Well, I could say a lot more, but in the interests of keeping this little journal PG I restrain myself.
Anyway, Minkata. Fascinating age. And big. Very VERY big. Incredibly easy to get lost, a perfect training ground for the Guild of Cartographers. I can imagine teams of D'ni running around, utilising any distinguishing mark they can find to keep their right direction.
What's interesting though is the stone that lies underneath the main compass canopy. It clearly refers to the Bahro, and what's more, I've seen that symbol before. Isn't it the one that Sharper found on his hunt in Nelighan? What is it's significance?
I'm sure there's more to this age than first appearences suggest. If I can understand how to follow the directions in that journal in the library, I may discover what is hidden beneath the dust and sand. The journal is the key, I am sure of it.
Sigh. And there's me thinking I left the Scouts behind me for good.
Thank the Goddess for my waterfall is all I can say. Well, I could say a lot more, but in the interests of keeping this little journal PG I restrain myself.
Anyway, Minkata. Fascinating age. And big. Very VERY big. Incredibly easy to get lost, a perfect training ground for the Guild of Cartographers. I can imagine teams of D'ni running around, utilising any distinguishing mark they can find to keep their right direction.
What's interesting though is the stone that lies underneath the main compass canopy. It clearly refers to the Bahro, and what's more, I've seen that symbol before. Isn't it the one that Sharper found on his hunt in Nelighan? What is it's significance?
I'm sure there's more to this age than first appearences suggest. If I can understand how to follow the directions in that journal in the library, I may discover what is hidden beneath the dust and sand. The journal is the key, I am sure of it.
Sigh. And there's me thinking I left the Scouts behind me for good.
Wednesday 13 June 2007
Onwards!
Everything all packed away, sorted and in its proper place now. Sweet Hungus, that wardrobe can hold a LOT. I strongly suspect one of those 'bigger on the inside' jobbies.
... now THERE'S a thought. Time Lord technology? Pah. Next thing I'll be theorising that the Stranger turned out to be the Doctor. Although having said that, a lot would suddenly fall into place...
Speaking of Time Lords, Harold Saxon's getting the country whipped up in an anti-alien hysteria, and it looks like he's made the Doctor public enemy number one, along with any of his associates (which now includes a certain Jack Harkness, according to his latest entry on his MySpace blog). I dread to think what will happen if he sinks the election, which is fast becoming an inevitability. It's bizarre though. Surely I can't be the only one who feels uncomfortable when I lay my eyes on him?
Anyway, I'm back in action now, and ready to start getting to the bottom of recent events. Minkata seems as good as any place to start. Heard it's a bit on the hot and dusty side. Better leave the Crombie and Waistcoat back in the TARDISrobe.
... now THERE'S a thought. Time Lord technology? Pah. Next thing I'll be theorising that the Stranger turned out to be the Doctor. Although having said that, a lot would suddenly fall into place...
Speaking of Time Lords, Harold Saxon's getting the country whipped up in an anti-alien hysteria, and it looks like he's made the Doctor public enemy number one, along with any of his associates (which now includes a certain Jack Harkness, according to his latest entry on his MySpace blog). I dread to think what will happen if he sinks the election, which is fast becoming an inevitability. It's bizarre though. Surely I can't be the only one who feels uncomfortable when I lay my eyes on him?
Anyway, I'm back in action now, and ready to start getting to the bottom of recent events. Minkata seems as good as any place to start. Heard it's a bit on the hot and dusty side. Better leave the Crombie and Waistcoat back in the TARDISrobe.
Wednesday 6 June 2007
Preparations
I've just returned from a surface trip, a fortnight back in my estate in Reality Gardens, trying to get my thoughts straight and decide what to do.
Spoken to several people about what has happened - Adrienne, Seigen, Max and Kenji most prominantly. Much speculation, a great number of reassurings, but nothing that's made me understand the events any better. I am grateful for their counsel, though. Has helped me push aside the fear a little. Kenji in particular I am most thankful for, and in our last conversation he hinted that he may join me in the coming months. This has thrilled me greatly, but it speaks volumes in regard to the peril he believes I and my fellow explorers will soon be facing.
Took the oppertunity to bring down with me the assorted clothes, supplies, trinkets and assorted odds and ends that my untimely departure prevented me from taking the first time. My hut on Relto is now a mess of strewn cases, and knowing my general lethergy with unpacking I shan't get around to getting everything sorted until the weekend. Must make an effort and get things done.
One thing doesn't need unpacking, though, and looking at it laying on my shelf I realise the full gravity of the last month's events that's made me even consider bringing it down with me. All I can do is hope I never have to use it. I hope that side of me will once again remain forever dormant.
Spoken to several people about what has happened - Adrienne, Seigen, Max and Kenji most prominantly. Much speculation, a great number of reassurings, but nothing that's made me understand the events any better. I am grateful for their counsel, though. Has helped me push aside the fear a little. Kenji in particular I am most thankful for, and in our last conversation he hinted that he may join me in the coming months. This has thrilled me greatly, but it speaks volumes in regard to the peril he believes I and my fellow explorers will soon be facing.
Took the oppertunity to bring down with me the assorted clothes, supplies, trinkets and assorted odds and ends that my untimely departure prevented me from taking the first time. My hut on Relto is now a mess of strewn cases, and knowing my general lethergy with unpacking I shan't get around to getting everything sorted until the weekend. Must make an effort and get things done.
One thing doesn't need unpacking, though, and looking at it laying on my shelf I realise the full gravity of the last month's events that's made me even consider bringing it down with me. All I can do is hope I never have to use it. I hope that side of me will once again remain forever dormant.
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