Laudriel Wistar Studies of Ecthelion’s Light

Below are the surviving excepts of Laudriel Winstar's studies of Ecthelion's Light in 232 AQ

…necessitating substantial clean up. Subjects 17 through 24 likewise failed to yield result. After insufficient gnomes were found in dungeons it became necessary to purchase stock from any with excess servants. Very expensive.
25, child and seemed to age quickly before disintegrating. Possibly the Light is powered by remaining life-potential? (Note: Apprentice Wendel cried during clean up again. Perhaps I should not have taken youths as apprentices?)
26-31 also youthful but failed to recreate aging effect. Disappointing.
32 was old and infirm physically, endured the Light for 15 seconds before death, an interesting result. Physical condition irrelevant? (Note: Apprentice Wendel and Apprentice Julia are more subdued in work. No longer having to put up with their laughter and jokes has improved my productivity greatly.)
33- 37 also elderly, varied survival from 7 to 16 seconds. It seems likely mental condition is important.
38 was expensive, a sorcerer. (Surprising that a draco-sanguis survived past childhood, especially a gnomish one). 4 seconds. I stopped work for the day.
39 A dwarf, strong of body, weak of mind as all such creatures are. 5 Seconds, what would be expected if I am correct, an excellent day. (Lost Apprentice Wendel today, he strayed too close to the Light while cleaning after 39. He lasted 11 seconds, though.)
40 jumped off the tower rather than face the Light. (Replaced Apprentice Wendel with Apprentice Julia’s twin Brothers Lian & Burr)
41 – 43 All healthy and fit, all died instantly.
44 Success! A minstrel purchased from a nearby tavern was able to wield the Light. She turned Apprentices Lian & Burr to dust instantly. (I forgot to update the Geas on the subjects, it only protected myself, Julia and deceased Wendel). Sadly, Apprentice Julia evoked a gust of wind to knock the minstrel off the tower before I could question her. Frustrating.

Note: Laudriel Winstar died when he fell off Ecthelion’s Tower the day after testing subject 44. His apprentice Julia did not continue his work.

Type

Journal, Scientific