Rincewind sent the following report to TMN:

"After a particularly severe ether storm today, which filled the sea with ether clouds and other assorted ethereal nasties, Melabrion appeared and started to investigate. Although he managed to repair the rift in the ether layer, he wasn't happy, and said that it remains delicate and unstable. He was certain that this and other recent storms are due to the rising popularity of using ethereal portal stones as a quick route to Purgatory (and hence home). He said that the use of these stones is damaging the ether. He strongly advises that people stop using the stones in this way before irreparable damage is done."