Really Jonesin' for Storms of Chai and Beyond

[GhostofLandar]

So, I posted a thread about Game of Thrones and possible parallels and all it reminds me of is how much I want to see this story conclude.  It was pretty clear in the Curse of Naar that things remained in the story and that Lone Wolf (and CUb! haha) were to play a big role.

I have to admit some of Joe's Story So Far seemed a bit odd to me.  I know those are the big events but the re-awakening of Agarashi everywhere is not wholly unexpected but some of the events seem more a chronicling than typical Story So Fars linked to the events of the past book.  I feel like that damsel in distress (Moriah?) should have at least been rescued, maybe that happens later or maybe Joe feels it's one of the Kai's companions many tragic ends.

I know there has been speculation about Grey Star being involved and he has to be! I think it's only right that the greatest hero of the South teams up with the greatest of the North, especially if Agarash is coming back.  Last we saw, Agarash could not be allowed (just as with Shamath) to emerge from the Pit of Eternal Pain because he would be unstoppable(ish, I mean the Elder Magi beat him, had Nyxator been one on one in his prime, he might have won.) Is that the case if the New Order Kai, Grey Star, Zinair, Rimoah, Banedon and Lone Wolf all combine forces?

And since events are unfolding in the Northern continent as well, do we revisit scenes of past glory for LW?  I mean, is Agarash just going to try to come out from Naaros or a new scar upon the land?  Are the Elder Magi weak enough and few enough in number that he would come out of Gorgoroth?  Since the Lake of Fire is extinguished now, does this mean Naar is pushing all his chips in on Agarash's return?  Since Lone Wolf has the Lorestones (and their power) and Elder Magi and Brotherhood magic (and the Sword of the Sun) is he now more than a match?

I know that the Moonstone was seen as a disruptive force, but I really think the forces of Good (since its effects were beneficial) should have found a way to use the Moonstone to heal the Darklands before returning it to the Shianti.  And it's unfortunate that the Shianti had to leave Magnamund behind after thousands of years and that we cannot now have them as allies in the "Final Battle."  I don't get how all sorts of demonlords, false dragons, new dragons, lavas, and the like are allowed entry to Magnamund but a race of goodly beings aren't allowed to stay and help, at least in the great apocalyptic final war between supernatural Good and Evil.  It seems the most Kai and Ishir allow themselves to "cheat" is Alyss.

[koreth]

Yes a lot of thoughts there. But it is important to recall that the Moonstone was an object of obsession for many and not even having it at the Kai Monastery was deemed a safe enough location. There was indications at the Story So Far of book 21 of concern that forces were conspiring to break into/attack the Kai Monastery to steal/take it. If the Kai Monastery isn't safe enough, taking it into the Darklands would be much less safe and too risky after traveling across the other planes of existence just to get it. And unintended consequences of perpetual summer, etc. The text says this, and we have to take it at it's word.

Shazahark (sp) was a Shianti and got corrupted; Ishir doesn't want them upsetting the balance. She made the deal, so she would know.

But yeah, who knows what the last books really have in store, just got to get them published.

[Wise Eagle]

The problem with the Moonstone was that mankind worshipped it and its creators, the Shinati. In other words, the Shianti was most likely worshipped instead of Kai and Ishir, or in preference to them.

It is the Kai that is going to bring the fight forwards to the evil, the others are merely helpers in tools, information, wisdom and advice. The Kai gaining a second monastery when the Shianti leaves for the Plane of Light emphasis this more than everything else.

It is not only a matter of Lone Wolf. It is all the other Kai that are Kai Grand Masters, and possibly following in Lone Wolf's footsteps to become Kai Supreme Masters.

As for why the Moonstone had to be relinquished to the plane of light, the events occuring in the bonus adventure in lone wolf 21 probably explains that better than any suggestion I can make.

[GhostofLandar]

This was awhile ago (obv) but I am aware of the perturbation of 'natural' cycles in Sommerlund as a result of the Moonstone. But they were all good. No deformities in children or stillbirths, bountiful harvests and longer lives.

Basically, my take is that once supernatural Evil is defeated, the agents of Good should be using the Moonstone and their own abilities to do pretty much the same blessed things Sommerlund experienced. Yes, there was concern about this disruption but long, healthy lives, no plagues and increased production at no greater risk to the natural world seems like exactly what the Brotherhood of the CS, the Elder Magi and others would fight to establish once there is no risk of Evil getting their hands on it.

back to the original idea--it took so long and we finally are on track for TWO books by end of 2016. I'd hope for 2 by end of 2017 but I'd be patient if that doesn't happen.

[Rusty Radiator]

Did anyone notice that The Danarg and Ruel were mentioned at the beginning of 29, but no mention was made at the end...! Is this continuity failure, or has some other powerful group taken them on- maybe Herbwardens and Pathfinders?
But it seems the mustering points in Southern Magnamund have been dealt with and all remaining threats are in the North. Just speculating, but as many of the Agarashi hordes are emerging from chasms, could they be connected to some huge underground secret city? Maybe the Lake of Fire was not extinguished, but channelled away...