Chapter 31: Tamiyo's Epiphany

Journal Entry #15

Ravnica

Moon Cycle 23-18, 9944

For anyone who has been reading this journal up until this point, hoping to find an objective, first-hand account of what exactly transpired on this day, I feel I must preemptively apologize for any subsequent entries. What I have just seen, what I have just experienced, cannot be expressed in simple, empirical facts and diagrams. My goal as a field researcher in service of the Oboro record-keepers has always been neutrality, to present actions and incidents exactly as they occur, free from biases or misconceptions. I have always prided myself in maintaining an appropriate distance from the events I observe. But, after what has just transpired, I no longer feel that I can stay the silent observer.

This decision is difficult, but it is one I feel I must make. Though, if there truly is someone on the receiving end of my notes, combing them for some modicum of insight into Ravnica's darkest day, then I must conclude that my choice was the right one. So, dear reader, take the following writing with a grain of salt, as I cannot keep my hand from transcribing what is in both my head and my heart. I will try my best to report on what I have seen, but I can no longer promise that my voice will be an impartial one.

I hope that, what follows will help elucidate this sudden crisis of faith in my practices. I still find myself trying to fully process the events that occurred only a minute ago, but I know it is best to transcribe while the memories are fresh. Thus, there may end up being some inconsistencies within my account, so one should not accept it as pure fact.

When I left off the last journal entry, I noted several large figures appearing at the mouth of the portal to Amonkhet. This was in addition to the unexpected approach of a colossal elemental, which I have concluded was actually Vitu-Ghazi, the World Tree of the Selesnya Conclave (see Scroll #37), awakened by some unknown mage. (Note: it is unlikely that a guild member would perform such a spell, given the tree's significance in their order. I suspect a planeswalker is behind this. My best guess is that it was the work of Nissa Revane (see Scroll #131), but it could just as easily be a planeswalker that I have never met.) When the unknown figures came through the portal, I immediately recognized them as the gods of Amonkhet: Oketra, Rhonas, Bontu, and Kefnet (see Scroll #125, The Plane of Endless Sand), only they appeared to have undergone the same treatment that the zombies have, now covered in similar blue armor. Does that mean that they died and were reborn, or simply outfitted with a proper conductor for Bolas' spell after being broken to his will? I am unsure which answer is truly worse.

I thought that I had found a safe distance to observe the battle between the zombies and the defenders of Ravnica, above and away from where most of the aerial combat was taking place. This was soon proven to be a false measurement on my part. As soon as the gods of Amonkhet stepped through the portal, they entered the fray. I had moved slightly closer, foolishly eager to sketch out the gods' new vestiges, thinking nothing of what the gods' appearance would mean for the fight. I would soon be proven severely, horrifyingly wrong.

I did not see Kefnet lift off the ground. I only saw him appear, suddenly, like a bolt of lightning from the dense cloud cover. I remember feeling a vague trepidation in his presence as he stared out with empty sockets (see sketch on next page, if I have found the strength to create one). But still, I watched eagerly, quill in hand, ready to write down what would happen. I was wholly unprepared for the devastation that followed.

Kefnet swung his massive staff into the tangled mass of airborne fighters. I only barely managed to dodge away, but the force of the swipe was enough to knock my flight off-course. I had to close my eyes from the buffeting winds, which also cut out all other sound. When I opened them again, I could not believe what I saw. The space that I had been watching for so long, that had been so alive and buzzing with tenacious energy, was suddenly empty. There was no longer any sign of life, no more careful maneuvering or clashing of steel or cries of battle. Instead, there was only Kefnet, staring past me with dead eyes, surrounded by the worst silence I have ever experienced. Though I never experienced it myself, I must imagine that this is what my ancestors felt, all those years ago, when the spirits of Kamigawa razed the land.

For a moment, I did not know what to do. I felt frozen in place, only capable of staring up at Kefnet as he readied another attack. Then, from the corner of my eye, I saw a bright light streaking towards him. I did not have my spyglass at the time, but I believe this was Gideon Jura (see Scroll #131) rushing in to do battle with the god. To see that small mote of light rushing towards the giant creature that had just blotted out more lives than I could count, it suddenly became too much for me to bear.

Before I knew what I was doing, I was running away. I did not look back to see what became of Gideon. I could still hear the shouts from the battlefield and see the troops retreating out of the corner of my eye, but I found myself unable to stop. I ran on the wind, ran as far away from the square and the portal and the gods and all the dead people and planeswalkers…

I apologize for the illegibility of the last few journal pages. I did not even realize that my hands were shaking so much. Luckily, Fblthp could feel the disturbance from within the scroll bag. With his help, I think I have calmed down enough to continue writing, and I will be sure to go back over those last sections to ensure they are readable. Despite his limited ability to speak, Fblthp is very good at communicating and processing complex emotions. I suppose he sees so many strange and scary things here every day, so it makes sense.

I must admit that I am slightly envious of Fblthp now. He stayed in my bag throughout the battle, so he did not see what the gods of Amonkhet did. Thus, he remains unchanged by the event, though he does appear more downtrodden now that our route into the Azorius district has become even more dangerous. Still, I made a promise that I would help him return home. I did not make a careful note of how far I went before settling down on this rooftop, but I should not be more than a few clicks away. I will take some time to fully gather my composure, and then we will head back out.

I must get Fblthp to safety as soon as possible, as I now know what I must do. I cannot sit idly by while the denizens of this plane and the planeswalkers who have been forced to coexist beside them continue to die at the hands of Bolas' machinations. Seeing all that destruction, and then to still see planeswalkers like Gideon readily risking their lives to fight back, has put much of my experience in a new perspective. Neutrality is no longer an option, as my inaction can only benefit those that wish harm upon us. I am not sure how exactly I can help, but I cannot simply sit around and wait. I must help to defend this place, and I cannot ask Fblthp to do the same. I will drop him off, and then I will finally join the others.

Journal Entry #16

Ravnica

Moon Cycle 23-18, 9968

It would appear that my desire to assist in today's efforts have been heard. While Fblthp and I were planning our next move to return him to his home (he now seems rather hesitant to do so. I wonder just how much all of this is truly affecting him…), I received another telepathic message from Jace Beleren. Much like the previous missives, he appears to be projecting it throughout the city, though Fblthp confirmed that he still could not hear anything. I know Jace is powerful, so there may be some intentional blocks on his telepathy. Perhaps to keep Bolas from eavesdropping? Regardless, the message came suddenly, so I did not have time to implement my mental dictation spell. Instead, I have transcribed the message here, to the best of my ability:

"Hello, again, denizens of Ravnica. This is Jace Beleren. If you are hearing this message, then hopefully my earlier advice proved effective in combatting the Eternals. I know that my last message urged you to seek shelter if possible, or to continue fighting from range for as long as you could, but I come to you now to ask for something far, far greater. Having ventured to the Izzet League, my allies and I have come upon new, vital information. Information that may very well allow us to gain the upper hand in this battle. But, for such knowledge to properly turn to action, it will require as much assistance as possible. So, I am asking you all, planeswalkers and guild champions alike, to help us. I have imprinted this telepathic message with a map to the location where we will be meeting to plan our next steps to overthrow Bolas and defeat his army. If you can come, please do so. If you can bring others, please do so. We need all the assistance we can muster. The meeting will commence in one hour's time. Thank you, and I truly hope to see you all there."

I must say that I was feeling rather invigorated while listening to Jace's message. He certainly has a way with words when he chooses to speak. Once it concluded, I captured the mental projection of the message and used it as a reference for the drawn map on the next page. After overlaying it with my map of Ravnica (see Scroll #37), I was initially shocked to see that the meeting would be held in a seemingly vacant lot deep in the Orzhov territory. I have never been one to question Jace's logic, but this appeared like an oversight on his behalf. However, everything made more sense when I cross-referenced the location with a map of the Ravnican underground (see Scroll #37b, Tales of the Undercity). Though I have never visited there myself, it seems the meeting will be held in Svogthos, the guildhall of the Golgari.

I was ready to go, but I also felt conflicted about Fblthp. I relayed Jace's message to him, but I did not tell him that I wanted to attend. I had been unsure how to proceed with this, as the meeting's start time left little room to get Fblthp safely back to his home, but I could not ask him to continue risking his life by accompanying me. Then, much to my surprise, Fblthp offered to come with me to the meeting! I asked him why, and he said that he trusted me to get him home safely, so he didn't mind waiting. He also said that he wanted to keep eating my food, which I could not help but laugh at.

I asked Fblthp if he had ever been to Svogthos. He says yes, though his memory is fuzzy regarding how he managed to get traverse Korozda. Fortunately, Jace's message contains directions. All we will need is a way into the underground, and we can proceed on our way.

Journal Entry #17

Ravnica

Moon Cycle 23-18, 9991

After an exhaustive search of the neighboring city streets (and several close calls with patrolling Eternals), I have found a way into the sewer system. Despite how expansive this city is, and how densely populated certain areas are, ways into the sewers are extremely scattered. I suppose that's what happens when they can act as both and entrance and an exit.

Though it took some considerable Soratami wind magic, I managed to pry the grate free without alerting anyone to my presence. I was relieved, but that did not last long. Words fail me in describing the noxious odor stemming from the Ravnican sewers. I do not remember it being this foul on my previous visits, but perhaps this is a side effect of today's carnage. It took much of my strength not to gag at the smell, and I once again found myself jealous of Fblthp, whose lack of a nose made him impervious to it. No wonder he can get around this city so easily.

I did, however, recall how dark the mazelike tunnels would be. I will need to prepare my lanterns before our descent, which I must assume will require a substantial amount of cleaning, given the state of everything else in my bag since Fblthp took up his residence. Fortunately, he has recognized his transgression and offered his help. While we work, I hope to ask him more about his time with the Golgari. Any knowledge may prove useful. I do not know exactly what we may find on this trip, but I have no intention of turning back now. If this city is to be saved, I must do what I can to help.