The Childe Gods

[ArlEammon]

This Earth dimension is unknown to you now. Once, you were all the favored children of the deities. What fate befell you before your slumber you are unsure. What is known for now is that you have people to attend to. Worshipers and those who revere you. You awaken to discover that your powers have diminished. You are no longer the mighty children of the gods you once were, but in time you will be. If only you could find your superiors.

[WrathOfLife]

Subline

Awakening in the jungle, Subline takes a moment to look around in wonder. So much has changed... It was only then that Subline noticed the small gathering around him, his followers had come to welcome him.

Opening his arms as if to gather them, Subline lets his healing powers flow out among them, only to discover himself greatly weakened. Something was not right, something was missing. The superiors Subline had come to revere were missing.

But first thing is first. Subline needed to strength himself, if people were going to follow him. Reaching out with all his power Subline saught to increase his power in both creation and healing (Spending 4 major acts, 2 to increase creation, 2 to increase healing). The ground rumbled and the sky split with lightening as a garden of new growth began to grow at Sublines feet.

Then seeking to find the other Childe who might have awakened Subline stretches out his mind and sends a short message to any who had awakened.

"Brothers, Sisters, awaken. Change has come during our slumber, much is different. Our forefathers are silent, missing from this world. Does any among us know there fate?"

[druid91]

Kanju

Laying on his back eyes closed, Kanju responds "No I am not sure what happened. Subline?." before sitting up, noticing for the first time the city which had grown up around his resting place. "So much to fix it seems." gathering his strength he grows in his attachment to earth,(2 major acts spent.) and decay.(Another 2 major acts used.)

[Cruxador]

Dersyn awakens. He is in the Great Ziggurat. She is still asleep. Dersyn assumes a physical form, high atop the ancient edifice. Dersyn now is awake, so the Ziggurat should awaken as well. The great fire of Dersyn's soul lights. It is small and weak. Only thrice the hight of a man. Dersyn is small and weak. The holy fire engulfs him. Ah, yes. The Ziggurat is now awake. All seems well, so far.
What of mortals? Dersyn casts about. There are some. The braziers of the Ziggurat light as she notices the mortal souls. They are few, but they are enough.

A thought comes into Dersyn's head from afar. Subline, too, is awakened.
"I know not. Perhaps they are dead? Perhaps they sleep as we did."
It is a worrisome question, true, but not of imminent significance. It can wait.

Dersyn spreads the wings of a dragon, and leaps from the eternal flame atop the Ziggurat. Followers who remained loyal in Dersyn's absence deserve a reward.

[Typewriter]

Osahara

The sand was warm...peaceful. Osahara stretched languidly and smiled for a moment before opening his eyes to the dry air. He lay still though, waiting for the right moment to sit up and address those who had gathered among him. He reached forward in time to the immediate futures of those around him(1 minor act) and saw how long it would be until they questioned him.

Then, right before the words left their mouths Osahara sat forward, no longer smiling, and glared at the individuals whose patience had been growing thin.

Looking up at the sky he spoke to them then in an emotionless tone:
You are here due to your faith, a faith that will be rewarded, but only the truly faithful will find peace with me. Many of you have no chance at surviving the ordeals I will put you through, and your only hope is to flee now before something horrible happens to you. I implore you, look inside yourselves and ask if this is truly the path you seek.

As those who stayed to attempt Osaharas trials a monolith rose from the sands(2 major acts), a temple of glass and mirrors. Osahara then went to work with these followers(2 major acts), testing them, determining who among them was truly deserving of his wisdom. He did not kill any of those who failed his tests, instead depositing them back at their home of origin unharmed. Those who tried and failed had a much easier journey than those who had fled in terror.

As Osahara was working with his followers he looked ahead again(2 minor acts), seeking the superiors in the future, and finding nothing. He spoke then, not aloud, but to his fellow deities, I did not foresee this, and I do not foresee their immediate arrival. This is unfamiliar, and unfamiliarity is something I am...unfamiliar with.

[Cruxador]

Dersyn landed gently in a small village. There was an oasis here, which was why the people stayed. It was nighttime, and the people were asleep. Dersyn walked between the houses, his wings folding into nothingness. Inside the houses, Dersyn's fire found mortal souls. The people inside began to awaken. To rut or to wrestle, it mattered not. Perhaps there would be a little of both. The fire would burn low as Dersyn left to another village, but the coals would remain alight. It saddened Dersyn to know that these people had gone without him for so long.

Great sanguine feathers spread from Dersyn's back. His people were scattered all across the desert. He would visit all of them before the sun rose. [use a minor action to expedite? I dunno.]

[Kessler]

Lord of Chains

Now why would our masters be missing? A war perhaps? mused Lord of Chains. His tone betrayed a hint of annoyance. There was no one in the earshot, so there was no need to conceal his worry.

Vex peered into the horizon, balancing himself on the tip of the Obelisk. He slided down on the smooth, almost vertical surface of the structure, but not before pouring a bit of his power into it. (1 Minor Action) Now anyone who ventured into his realm would be drawn to the small settlement near the Obelisk.

The visit to his followers was short. Vex listened to anything useful they had to say, remembering the faces of those who spoke. Build your hovels and stockpile food to survive the year. I will make an inspection later and expect good results out of you. The unsaid implication was that bad results would be most unwelcome. Should any strangers come, make use of them.

Vex gathered half a dozen men to follow him. They slowed him down, but there was a chance they would prove useful. Lord of Chains made a point of not speaking to them, beyond issuing commands and his cold demeanor was enough to keep them at a distance.

He traveled outside his territory to see the state of the world and perhaps find some clues to the whereabouts of his superiors.

[druid91]

"I wonder who else is awake? ah well I will, know eventually." Kanju brushes himself off and then walks deeper into his pile "Ah home sweet home, though it seems a bit bigger...." He notices an old couple standing nearby, both are afflicted with wounds from attempting to live in the pile "Silly's you shouldn't play here if you get hurt. here let me help you since you did such a good job taking care of my home." touching each on the forehead they begin to take in the rubble and debris around them.causing them to grow younger and have skin that looks and feels like a mosaic of skin toned stones. (using last major act to create my own race.)"Good Now you are fixed good so, go on, take your present and go do what you've been doing. Bring in all of the broken things." he then sends out a message."By the way how are you all? sleep good?"

[TheBoyce]

It was dark here, there was no light, and the air seemed...musty. Echoes played through the mind of Godas, but they were blurs, meaningless. He felt...weak and alone. Why did he think these things? What was the point? Godas shifted slightly and began to go back to sleep, when Sublime's words knocked him from his lethargy.

He slammed his skull against the stone he laid upon, the pain a proper reward for his sloth. He could not just sleep! His hands stretched out and touched more stone, he was inside a stone box or something similar, this would not do! He still felt weak but called upon his divine energy to fuel his strength(Spend two major actions to increase Strength Domain). With his limbs partially rejuvenated he lashed out against the top of his prison, smashing through it with ease. He roared in triumph as light poured in, and burst forth into the world.

He was in the courtyard of his Iron Citadel. It seemed mostly abandoned and the grass was overgrown. He leapt to the ground and looked back at his prison...no his tomb. That is what it was, so long asleep that they had thought him dead, or sought to protect him from the elements. His fists beat angrily against his chest:

"FOR TOO LONG HAVE I SLUMBERED" he yells. His booming voice echoes through the fortress. He hears something come from inside. "Our Lord! He has arisen!"

Godas looks to the Grand Hall and sees a contingent begin to come from within. They look like his followers...but they seem tired, and most look old. For how long he had slept he knew not, but it was time to start amending his long absence.

"Faithful Protectors, I have returned! Once again shall I rid this land of evil and protect the innocent. To you all I owe my gratitude for erecting me such a proper tomb, so nice I almost abandoned my duty to remain within! Fear not for I shall protect you now. This is my vow!"

To insure he can do this Godas focuses his divine energy once more. This time he augments his ability to defend his people. (2 Major acts on the Protection Domain) He then begins to inspect his remaining followers and his fortress.

[Kasanip]

Esria - What season is it?

With a burst of light and the sweet smell of fresh blossoms, Esria appeared again at the edge of the Orchard looking doing into the Valley of Blossoms and Leaves, a bright smile upon her radiant features, as the little child of green hair and flowery dress spread her arms wide.
"Spring is Here~ ♥" She announced with joy that echoed throughout the valley, causing flowers to spring to life, and the trees to take leaf. Through the clouds, beams of light descended from the heavens themselves, and in that brilliant warmth the people of the valley found comfort in the embrace of nature.

She put her hands on her hips as she looked across the valley with the smile plastered on her face. Today was a day of new beginnings!

...And she knew just how she'd start! First things first, she had to wake everyone up! At a glance, the humans below seemed to be already awake and hard at work, toiling in their fields, working to make their own plants grow. Esria smiled at that. What more could she want for them? Surely she would think of something later.
Esria trotted over to a few of the trees that stood nearby, and she tapped them with the open palm of her hand, singing:
Cherry oak and ashen gray,
Hearken to this grand new day
Wake! Wake! Ye trees of Spring!
Rise and see what tomorrow'l bring!

The trees responded to her touch, and shifted readily in the ground, murmuring to her words. She grinned widely and twirled on one foot, sending her dress in a spin.
"That's the way, good Muorra! Walk and Sing!" She encouraged, as the trees began to walk. She trotted ahead, and then ran down into the valley with her arms wide to greet the humans, spreading the message of Spring's arrival. In her footstep's wake, grass and flower alike grew steadily.


A message to her Siblings:

"Spring is Here!~ ♥

Oh dear brothers and sisters, whom still walks and talks abound?"



Acts


1 Minor Act - Flourishing of the Valley!
1 Minor Act - Boost Population in the Valley!
1 Major Act - Increase Domain: Light
1 Major Act - Increase Domain: Growing Things(Earth)
1 Major Act - Create the Muorra, a Treant kind of sentient tree.

2 Major Acts, 3 Minor Acts remaining

[Cruxador]

Ah, yes. The people's souls felt the fire of Dersyn. The braziers upon the Great Ziggurat burned brightly. All was going well. More needed to be done, but-
"Spring is Here!~ ♥

Oh dear brothers and sisters, whom still walks and talks abound?"

Ah. Esria has awoken.Vibrant, raucous and primal. Dersyn was pleased that she was not among those who were lost. "Dersyn, called Pathotyrannos, who bears dominion over the fire in the souls of mortals. Not still about, but about once more. How fare thee, o radiant lady of the blossoms?"

A Dersyn's corporeal form grins. The pretentiousness of the title, made up on the spot, amuses him. She will be feeling power now. As does Dersyn. He throws his power outward, to fill once more those parts of reality that once were most integral to his body. Lust, the foundation of love. The simple component from which springs fellowship, and all manner of grouping. One integral part of the soul. Rage, the foundation of valor. From which springs hate, bravery, and conviction. The other side of the coin. And the holy fire, which ignites. Nothing may exist unfueled, and the fire of the soul drives mortals to action.

[2 major acts on Lust, 2 major acts on Rage, 1 major act on Fire]

[Kessler]

As Vex stood, waiting for his followers to rest and have their meal, he decided to contact a couple of other gods.

To Esria and Subline:

Greetings to you Esria, Greetings to you Subline. The news of your awakening are most welcome. If it is something this ravaged world needs, it's your lively beauty and skilled touch. It wouldn't do if our Superiors return and find the world in such messy state. Meanwhile should any trouble occur, I promise, you can rely on me.

Vex paused, wondering whether he should contact Dersyn as well, but thought better of it. Perhaps at a later date, at a greater need.

To Godas:

Greetings to you Godas. If you are awake that is. I hope I'm not talking with myself here. If you are awake, you must have discovered the sorry state of affairs around us. I think we must be alert, should some danger lurk among the ruins. I mean something must have wrought all this destruction, who knows if it would move to finish us as well. I have alwayes admired your drive to protect, and can not think of a better comrade to watch my back in a fight. So I propose we should cooperate to protect ourselves and others.

[Typewriter]

Osahara continued to work with his mortals, but mortals they indee were, and mortals required rest. Whenever they would rest Osahara would work on his creation, a creature whose face reflects the faces of those who look at it. They would be short lived, a people whose destiny was to find their way quickly and to spend the rest of their short lives helping to bring reflection to those who needed it, and Osahara knew most who died would die at the hands of those they were trying to help.(One major act to begin work on custom race)

Osahara spoke, always in an emotionless tone, addressing all of his fellow gods:
I am truly concerned by our temporary disappearance, and even more so by the seemingly less-than temporary disappearance of our superiors. While I must admit that this world, while unfamiliar to me now, seems more at peace, more as it should be, something is...not quite right about it. I will muse on this...let me know, my brethren, if there is anything you need from me.

[Kessler]

Lord of Chains - The Afterlife

During his travel Vex considered, how to best organize his affairs. First he increased the number of his mortal followers. There were no alterations, he simply copied the existing ones with sufficient variations to make each one a new individual.

The task of creating the Afterlife was more time consuming and challenging, the hardest part was puting the filing system in place. Finally satisfied Vex opened the gateway to the Afterlife, through the Obelisk. Like a Lighthouse it would inexorably draw the souls of his followers to their post-mortem destination.

The work done, Vex allowed himself a bit of peaceful rest, siping light wine, under the rays of the setting sun and watching the mortals returning to their dwellings from the day of hard toil in the fields. Lazyly, he composed a message and sent it in thoughts to the Goddess of Gentle Death.

To Inaja

Greetings to you Inaja, Keeper of the Dead. I hope you are awake and well. As our superiors have vanished without trace, it falls to us to rebuild the world. I've already established my Afterlife and I hope you would assist me should any trouble would arise in your sphere of knowledge, as I would try to help you in the area of my expertise. I trust, should any of my followers get lost in their way to my Afterlife, you would kindly guide them to their destination. Should you require any help, don't hesitate to ask.

Actions:

Increase Population (2 Major Actions)
Create Afterlife (2 Major Actions)
Establish Gateway to Afterlife (1 Minor Action)

Left:
1 Major Action
4 Minor Actions


Afterlife

The Afterlife of the Lord of Chains is a white box-like structure. It's size is enormous and constantly expanding to accommodate more souls, but inside the corridors are so narrow that two people can't pass each other, and the ceilings are so low, that taller man must bow their heads. The entire structure is compromised of small, one-man cells, with a single bad and two dim lamps each. A single door, locked upon the arrival of soul, is the only way out to the labyrinth of the twisting passages. The cells can move and Afterlife constantly rearranges them, according to the filing system.

In the center is the single largest room of the entire complex, with neatly organized files, detailing where each person's cell is at the moment and control mechanisms to move them, if need be. Mortal souls are organized, according to those with whom they had connections in their life or were deeply affected by, so families and friends are usually located close to each other and entire blocks are organized around some historically significant person. It takes special attunement to the Afterlife, to be able to locate anyone in the apparent chaos of such filing system.

There are two powerful compulsions in effect. First is that no one could leave the Afterlife, if granted such opportunity by magic or divine intervention, without consent from Lord of Chains. Second is that nothing concerning this Afterlife can be revealed outside of it.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Death Has Come To This World

Inaja opened her eyes. She stood on a lone mountain peak. It was cold and windy, but it didn't bother her; she was in her element. She looked down and observed the activity around the Unyielding Monastery. The goddess spread her wings and went down to take a closer look. It pleased her that some faithful maintained the traditions. Perhaps the world was not as lost as her siblings seemed to think.

She addressed a message to all the gods:

"I am here as well and happy to hear from all of you. Troubling this situation may be...but remember brothers and sisters, that the journey is what matters. Consider this a terrifying, yet wonderful new experience. A new chance at life, even. I intend to make the best of it. I don't mean to say we should abandon the search for our superiors... But if they have left us here on our own, it may have been done deliberately.

The important thing is to remember. Remember Them, remember our role in this world. It is our duty to remember."

Inaja immediately went to work. She first created an afterlife for her own followers. It consisted of a rather bleak city where the souls of the Dead could finally get a well deserved rest. It existed on a featureless plain, under a cloudy sky. It looked as if the demiplane had been stripped of all color. But Inaja liked it that way; black and white.

The goddes looked back and saw a doorway floating several feet above the ground. She went through and arrived in the hall of a manor. There were stairs, but they led nowhere. This whole room existed nowhere. The style of the furniture, the objects of art and even the tapestry changed to represent what memories the room's guests held dear. Entire portions of the hall were simply dark, waiting to be "filled" by anyone who desired to relive a particular memory.

"I have created this," she thought. "This is the Anteroom."

Hearing Vex's message, she replied:

"Greetings Lord of Chains. I will of course do everything in my power to assure that the souls of your faithful reach your Afterlife and will be happy to collaborate with you on any matter relating to death."

She could sense the influence of her brother from far away...the Obelisk was a thing of great power and the fact that it called spirits of the dead to it didn't elude her. While she decided to trust Vex, for the time being, she needed to be sure that nothing would prevent her from doing her job. Inaja expended her mind, connecting even more with the world of the Dead. She then sent several monks away from the Monastery. She still needed to evaluate the situation in other parts of the world and they would serve as her eyes. At the same time, they would bring news of the outside world to their fellow monks and maybe inspire others to go on journeys of their own.

1 major: Gain Memory domain
1 major: +1 Death domain
2 majors and 1 minor: Create an Afterlife and its extension, The Anteroom

[TheBoyce]

"Now is a time of Rebirth faithful! Go to the walls, and bear to the courtyard all the shields I had placed their long ago. No longer shall you dwindle, you shall be rewarded for your virtue! A new age of heroes has come!

While his people go to carry out his command as best they are able, Godas turns his mind to the other Beings he can hear in his mind. His memory of them is not quite clear, but he knew some could be trusted and some would have to be crushed for their evil.

To Esria he sends the following, "Have no fear for Godas has awakened little sister! It is not just Spring, but an age of Heroes that is among us!"

Godas could not fully remember what he thought of Vex, but his name seemed less than pleasing. Still his brethren's words made sense, "I agree with you in this, should a monstrosity rear it's head to harm our world or its people I will be there to help you strike it down!"

Godas considers speaking to Inaja, but decides against it for now, he has nothing to say. Instead he goes to help his people with that which he tasked them. Soon hundreds, perhaps thousands of shields fill the courtyard of the Citadel. When all are laid out, Godas leaps atop what is left of his tomb.

"Once more shall our walls be manned! Once more shall we rid the world of monsters and evil! Once more shall we protect the innocent! Arise mighty warriors and let us demonstrate our valor!"

Godas channels what remains of his divine energy(1 major act, 5 minor acts) into calling up the heroism of those who once bore the shields and give it physical form. From those metal barriers humans, elves, dwarves, and the other sentient goodly races begin to emerge.

[Kessler]

Lord of Chains - Proposition to Osahara

The next god, whom Vex decided to contact was Osahara, of Deception, Intercepction and Prophesy. Only the later interested Lord of Chains at the moment. Wasn't there another god of lies and intrigue, I wonder what became of him, mused Vex. We got along pretty fine before, I wonder if he survived.

To Osahara

Greetings to you Osahara, Master of Fate. This is the time of new beginnings and great uncertainty for the mortals. Perhaps we should find them a future of stability and prosperity, where wide their cities spread, there is food on their tables, wise and dutiful rulers and lore and knowledge grow unceasingly.

Working together we can establish a Prophesy, that will lead to such future, if the mortals are virtuous and clever enough to follow it's way. Your prophetic powers and mine powers of compulsion to set the pieces at their places throughout the ages. If you agree, let us set this plan in motion by performing a ceremony together.

[Typewriter]

To Vex

I am interested, my kin, but the two of us are not enough. A prophesy of such proportions requires a balance in of itself, and I am not pure enough to sit across the table from you in this. We must convince another sibling to join us at the scales and balance things out. You and one other, one who is, at the very least, mostly pure sitting across from each other while I set between weaving prophesy for the world of our followers.

[Kasanip]

Esria

A flourishing valley she deemed just about complete, Esria smiled at the village council and waved to them as she ran up the hills.
Such a desolate land, she thought to herself with a pout. But desolate didn't mean barren! And certainly not when she was here still. This spring would be the first, and it would not be the last! Oh, certainly the seasons changed, but that was only the beginning of a long series of grand new adventures! Life is young! Life is sweet! And so she thought of the best way to go about getting her people to appreciate it...

Dersyn

Dersyn perceived that Esria giggled. If there was any sarcasm or pretentiousness directed at her, it seemed to have passed by her entirely.
"I am well enough, good Dersyn! Off to chase the sun and bring the warmth and life of Spring to the world~ If you want me to bring some your way, let me know! Oh, and please watch your fires! Stepping on them is well...unpleasant!"


Vex

"Vex, your words are as kind as always - that makes me happy. Don't worry! I'll do my best to make this world flourish! If you need me, please call!"


Osahara


"It's good to hear from you, dear brother! Though your words are uneasy to me, it's like the clouds of an early storm. Something spectacular will happen....I can feel it! But as always prophecy is something I've never been good at...

Anyway! I send another greeting to you!"


Inaja

"Older Sister! It's good to hear your voice again! Our rebirth is indeed a chance for life anew - like spring after winter! Remembrance is a duty I will try to hold... but you know me, I'm afraid, the past doesn't stay with me for long. For you sister though, I will try my hardest!"


Godas

"Ah it's good to hear from you, older brother! Alas that Spring's wake is short, and yet ever it returns. So too is the tale of a hero."

[Kessler]

Lord of Chains - Correspondence with Gods

Vex responded to Osahara quickly and in high spirits.

What an excellent suggestion brother. We would certainly need assistance of either Subline or Esria, both preferably. They seem sufficiently pure and their powers of growth and creation would certainly assist you in locating the most prosperous of the possible futures. Godas and Inaja's domains can work as well. I'm not sure about the Goddess of Death's vision of future, but at least she can be counted to be untainted by this world. I don't know if Dersyn or Kanju has awakened or what future they wish for.

As I said, I desire the world, where mortals fill our vast and empty lands with their cities, fields provide bountiful harvests and wise sages pursue knowledge for the benefit of mortal civilization. For that, during the ceremony, I would surrender my power of compulsion to you, so that you may nudge the mortal actions and weave the tapestry of fate for the years to come.

Since you are crucial to this plan and would certainly be the one to oversee the fulfilment of the prophesy, should it come into being, I leave it you to find good partners in the ceremony.

It took longer for Vex to compose a message for Esria, though it was much shorter.

Osahara and I think of preforming a powerful ceremony. If we come to an agreement I would be delighted to see you participate as well.

The same proposal was made to Esria, Subline and Inaja:

Would you be interested in establishing a worship in my lands? I believe it would be for our mutual benefit, more mortals to add to your flocks, expertise of your devout to assist my followers. If you were to send several priests, I would construct religious missions in all my cities and order that orphaned children be brought to them, to be raised in your faith. The missions would be supported by my followers, as long as expenses are reasonable and they work to benefit their communities.

My only condition is that there is no recruitment of my followers, beyond the numbers I provide. I can't allow free spread of other worships in my land for the fear of bloodshed, that would inevitably occur, when different beliefs would start to clash.

[druid91]

Kanju
"Well, only two faithful left it seems." Kanju frowns " So I suppose, that I have to remind the city that I am here." Kanju stands up to his full height and walks out of his pile, sending out a message to the mortals in his city with enough force to make some flinch."I... HAVE... RETURNED!!!"

When he hears Esria's message he grins "Esria always was cheerful, and still is it seems." and responds a bit more cheerfully than in his message to the city dwellers."Kanju is awake, I woke up fine, but most of my followers seem to have forgotten me. But anyway, how goes your rebuilding? "

actions
2 minor acts sending out his message

[ArlEammon]

Kanju
"Well, only two faithful left it seems." Kanju frowns " So I suppose, that I have to remind the city that I am here." Kanju stands up to his full height and walks out of his pile, sending out a message to the mortals in his city with enough force to make some flinch."I... HAVE... RETURNED!!!"

When he hears Esria's message he grins "Esria always was cheerful, and still is it seems." and responds a bit more cheerfully than in his message to the city dwellers."Kanju is awake, I woke up fine, but most of my followers seem to have forgotten me. But anyway, how goes your rebuilding? "

actions
2 minor acts sending out his message

((No need to send minor acts.. :) Unless you use them as inspirations to acquire more followers. . That would work.)

[druid91]

(that was the entire point of the message, to get more followers.)

[ArlEammon]

(ok... not to talk to the other gods... sorry. lol)

[WrathOfLife]

Subline

Walking through his jungle home, Subline listens to the messages sent his way, however he response to none right now. Every step he takes leaves a footprint filled with life and creations, sometimes plants some times animals. However Subline was a god of creation not a god of pretty nice things, and snakes and weeds were as likely to appear as rabbits and flowers in Sublines divine footprints.

Subline has more important things in mind then what appeared in his wake.

Something must have happened to our forefathers during our slumber. The others have already begun there plotting and planning, but there must be evidence of the passing of the forefathers. Perhaps in the minds of the people.

Subline stops for a moment and considers this thought, perhaps a method to contact the outside population... they would have to know it for a creature of the gods, it would have to be strong, and resilient.

Opening himself up to the powers of life and creation, Subline set to work.
It would have to be big, around the size of a man.
It would have to be fast, with wings.
It would have to be able to talk.
It must be able to return with what it learns.
and finally, it must be clearly magical.

Standing back to look at his creations, Subline smiles. Before him stand two birds wreathed in flame, blessed with speech. But they were still mortal, they bleed, they hurt, they cried. Reaching out with his powers again, Subline changed that.

When they die, they are reborn in flames, keeping all memories of there past life.

Subline frowned slightly, what if the unfaithful didn't believe they were truely gifts from him. Reaching out yet again with his powers, he changes his creations again.

Any injury is healed by their song.

Subline smiles, his creation is an embodiment of himself.

"I shall call you phoenix. And your duty is to go out among the unfaithful. Tell them Subline has awakened, and wishes to know what happened to those who came before."

(Spending last major action, and two minor actions on the two phoenix's)

[Cruxador]

Dersyn


Esria
Dersyn perceived that Esria giggled. If there was any sarcasm or pretentiousness directed at her, it seemed to have passed by her entirely.
"I am well enough, good Dersyn! Off to chase the sun and bring the warmth and life of Spring to the world~ If you want me to bring some your way, let me know! Oh, and please watch your fires! Stepping on them is well...unpleasant!"


"Your warmth and life is always welcome in my lands. I'm afraid that the fires in my domain are necessary, however. Luckily enough, the fires are usually watched. And fire is highly visible, so you should be well able to avoid them if you so desire."

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Solitude of Death

Inaja walked through a misty forest of tall cypress trees found in her domain, at the base of a mountain. She remembered it from long ago; at that time, the forest was lively, the trees were short but vigorous. Today, it was an old forest. The cypress stood as relics of another age, posing as sentinels on the border of the goddess' realm. A fire had recently consumed a large section of the forest; Inaja knew it was a good thing as it would allow the regeneration of the ecosystem. Yet she decided to save part of the old forest for her own sake. She found herself returning often to relive memories of her past life. Furthermore, the cypress forest was a real treasure; why deny generations of mortals the chance to see such a majestic and mystical site?

As she crossed the forest, Inaja felt a great solitude. Her burden was her's and her's alone, and it was heavy. But why should that be? Why wouldn't she use some help? Death was everywhere and Inaja knew she couldn't always be there for mortals. The goddess sat on a tree trunk, conjured a magic flute and started playing instinctively. The melody was soothing, as beautiful as it was sad. Two humanoid creatures emerged from a hole in the ground and approached Inaja. They were at the same time charmed and intrigued by the music of the Lady's soul. Inaja looked ahead and stopped playing.

"Ah, at last you have awoken."

Inaja got up and studied them. They are slightly smaller than humans, slim and delicate, yet robust. Their skin is grey, their hair white and their eyes amber. The people of this race are born old, slightly wrinkled, with the males already growing a beard. Their face glimmers faintly when exposed to moonlight. They wear oversized mushroom caps as hats and cloaks appearing to be made from dead leaves and moss.

"Will you help me spread my teachings on the acceptance of death? Yes? I am glad to hear that.

You will live for a long time so your wisdom may benefit many generations. You will remain under my protection and therefore not be subject to disease and mental decay, but you will still know the challenges of old age. This way, I am sure, you will be able to understand and feel for mortals who are in the same state.

One day there will be many more of you, but you two are the Firstborn, and as such you are special. I gift you each with a wooden staff. Keep it close and you will never get lost, always find the fastest path to your objective."

1 major act: Create the first two Erlkings
2 minor acts, to enhance both staves

To Vex:
"Dear Vex, I accept your proposal. A few of my worshipers are already on the way to your lands to establish a monastery."

[Kasanip]

Esria: Spring of Youth


Vex

"Worship? Priests? Hmm... I'm afraid that I have too few to spread so far away. But where there is grass and trees, where there are seasons and warm light, people will know me.

A ceremony? Well, you always know how to ignite one's curiousity! Well, I'm interested, so tell me more when you have the time~"

Kanju

Kanju perceived that Esria was laughing spiritedly. "It is good to hear from you Kanju. Though many people I have met seem to have forgotten me as well, I must say that...well, you know me! The past doesn't hold me for long... So rebuilding? Hmmm, I guess I would say that everything is growing, so I am happy. It IS Spring you know~."


Esria stood up and stretched from under the tree she had been sitting under lazily. Lately it was getting warmer - there was no chill of winter in the air any longer, and she welcomed it. Instinctively though, she knew that Spring, for all it's glory and beauty, would soon pass.

But there was still time! She took off at a trot in a meandering path through the forests, twirling and pretending she was flying.
The trees throughout the forest were massive now, towering, colossal structures that were a marvel unto themselves. Ah, the power of growth! As she wandered through the lands she had 'awoken' in, she made fertile fields and beautiful meadows abound.

The comments Vex had made about priests and worshipers caused Esria to turn back to the valleys and small villages scattered throughout the lush lands. She was curious about them, and how they 'worshiped.'

The temples she noticed immediately, were always surrounded by trees. A long, straight path from gateway of wood led down for many paces, with trees upon both sides. They were always very serene and quiet... At the end of the walk, Esria came to a wooden building that smelled of freshness. Indeed, every ten years the entire structure was dismantled and rebuilt to preserve that freshness. There was purity in cleanliness and proper clothing, and Esria was...well, moved!

After this first visit, people across the region began hearing tales and stories about a certain child who wore a circlet crown woven of flowers upon her green hair.

Esria for her part, encouraged the people to continue their living as they did, so long as they respected the beautiful world around. But even as little Esria danced and played, so too she felt the winds change about her...And she knew soon it would be time.

Acts

2 Minor Acts - Inspire Population/Grow Population!
1 Major Act - Flourish the World Around! Tall trees and dense forests! Beautiful meadows and golden fields!
1 Major Act - Boost Domain: Seasons!

0 major acts, 1 minor acts, 1 ceremony, remaining.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Messae to all the gods

"Dear brothers and sisters, I propose we create a place to serve as a neutral ground, where every one of us will feel at home, and where we shall meet for important events."

[Kessler]

Vex, Lord of Chains - of Gods and Mortals

Vex sent the message to all Gods, responding to Inaja's proposition:

I agree. I propose we preform a Ceremony that would create a place, removed from mortals and safe from other threats and establish a contract by which no conflict can occur and safe passage back to our realms is guaranteed. There is also a matter I wished to discuss with everyone, concerning a project I'm working with Osahara.

The things were proceeding very smoothly with other gods. Vex smiled. At this rate, together, they will build the most wonderful world. But it was time to deal with necessary, but less pleasant tasks, so Lord of Chains hid his smile and turned to work. First he created a city at half distance from the Obelisk to the end of his territory. He created seven small city blocks, separated from the rest of the city by a wall and sealed gates. The buildings were sturdy, very plain without any decorations or architectural taste. They could be easily altered to suit their inhabitants tastes.

Then Lord of Chains crafted a very large, imposing building, suitable for administrative tasks and storage of records. He placed tens of thousands books, enchanted against damage and age in the vaults of the building as well as writing tools. Vex invested a bit of his power to create several thousand of books, each with lock and chain, and stamps. The books were small and light, but had millions of pages, were extremely durable and would open only for their rightful owners. Stamps would glow and be extremely hard to forge.

He then willed his followers to assemble and addressed them:


I hereby establish the Records of Immutable Truth. For every person in my realm information would be recorded - a unique number, age, parents, worship, marriage, children, death and whatever else your authorities would find useful in administration. The travelers from other realms are to be recorded as well in special books, additionally stating their date of arrival, purpose of visit and date of departure. Worship is to be written in the Records for the children at the age of nine.

The keepers of the Records shall be called ''Obligators'' and will wear a chain, connected to the book and carry my stamp as a sign of their office. They will perform three functions. First they will keep the records and it would be their responsibility to keep them up to date and include everyone. A person without record should not exist, where my hand can reach. Second they will witness any deals, contracts, births and ceremonies of importance like marriages and funerals. Any such events will be recorded by them and affirmed by the stamp of their office. If no Obligator can be found, the event can be recorded in writing or by an oath invoking name of any god, to be affirmed by Obligator later. Their third function would be to be my eyes and to report your misdeeds and crimes to me, should they grow to dark and sacrilegious.

Lord of Chains proceeded to select the first Obligators. He gave them books with stamps and instructed them privately:

I forbid you to hold offices of power. You are to observe, not to rule. Should any of my laws be broken, gods defied or crimes against me committed you are to remind people of my wrath and if your warning goes unheeded, call upon it. Also in the Worship column of the Records of Immutable Truth, for people of my realm, you are allowed to write only my name. I forbid any corrections or alterations of facts written in the Records.

I have invited followers of Inaja, Goddess of Death to reside in my realm. I have created several blocks to house them, just break a seal on the gate to one of them. Her followers are to be supported and I will deal with any problems, should they arise. You must be on alert, that they don't attempt to sway my followers to their worship, deliberately or accidently. Again make a warning first, then inform me if the problem persists. You will send orphaned children, under age of nine to the mission, to be raised there. Should they choose to follow the Goddess of Death upon their ninth birthday, you are allowed to write her name.


After making his announcment, Lord of Chains returned to his Obelisk and focused his power to impose his will over the entire realm: Let it be that from this moment, no contract would go unhonored in my realm. Whether set in letters, witnessed by Obligator or sworn in the name of any God it will be a bond enforced by my power.

Actions

Created Compulsion to draw travelers to Obelisk (Minor Act)
Increased Population x2 (Major Acts)
Created Afterlife x2 (Major Acts)
Created Gate to Afterlife (Minor Act)
Established power of Contracts (Major Act)
Created City (Minor Act)
Established Records (Minor Act)
Created Obligator's Books and Seals (Minor Act)

Left:
Minor Acts: 0
Major Acts: 0


OOC - I'm stealing the whole Obligators idea from Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn. Loved them in the book.

[ArlEammon]

Turn 2 :
Synopsis Pending. . .

YOu all get your acts back . . . And until 12:00 to spend some more before your acts get refilled.

[TheBoyce]

Godas was not quite finished reinforcing his followers. He channeled more of his divine energy. More of the heroic forms appeared coming forth from the shields. When all had arisen Godas let out a mighty roar of triumph, his people would grow and prosper, but now he must help feed them. He focused his mind on his domain finding a forest near its edge, there would he begin his hunt.

First he would need to get there. He reached down and grabbed a large piece of what was until recently his tomb. With it in hand he turned to his gathering, most of whom were now those he had created. "I shall return shortly!"

With that he began to spin, soon becoming a whirlwind. Then he went to throw the stone in the direction of the forest, but he did not let go, allowing the power behind the throw carry him along with the stone. Godas and his stone crashed into the earth at the edges of the forest. Moments before the collision Godas let go of the piece of tomb and and sank deep into the ground.

All was silent for a moment and then the earth shook and from the crater burst forth a tower. Formed from the piece of the Tomb of Godas this monolithic building towers above the forest, giving those who can climb its many stairs a view for miles around. Likewise the Eye of the Tomb could be seen for miles, a jutting spire in the skyline. This would serve Godas's followers when they began to hunt the beasts of the forest that their Master was even now creating.

Having created a new wonder meant to serve as the base of all hunting operations, Godas used his divinity to claim Hunting as his own, however this was not just hunting for food, no his Hunt included that of monsters, both mortal and not. Even as Godas would hunt monstrosities, his followers would need their own things to hunt, and so Godas poured divine energy into theforest, creating animals and the plants those animals would need so that his followers could hunt without fear of depleting nature of its bounty.

Turn 1- 2 Major Acts: Increase Strength Domain
2 Major Acts: Increase Protection Domain
1 Major Act: Increase Population
5 Minor Acts: Increase Population

Turn 2- 2 Major Acts: Increase Population
2 Major Acts: Create Wonder: Eye of the Tomb
1 Major Act: Gain Domain: Hunting
3 Minor acts: Creat Forest animals and plants

[Kessler]

Vex, Lord of Chains - Paladin's Code

Vex felt power flow from the Obelisk. He felt energized and ready to continue his work, there were preparations to be made and plans to be set in motion. Firstly, Lord of Chains sent a message to Godas, God of Protection.

Greetings, my friend Godas, I wish to offer you a gift, to help you in bringing order to this world. My domains include power over contracts both mundane and magical. Should you wish for it, I would forge a magical oath of moral code, that your chosen heroes, would swear. The power of this Oath would be that, if mortals in their deeds were to break the moral code, all divine gifts granted by your generous hand would be stripped from them, until you chose to forgive their crime.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Journey to the Middle Lands

There was something the goddess needed to do before leaving to find a suitable meeting ground. She increased her influence across the land to recruit more worshipers and inspire them to establish new monasteries. Next, Inaja went to the high cliffs along the northern coast. Impressed by the creation of the pheonix, she imagined a race of powerful and majestic flying creatures; with the lower body of a lion and the upper body of an eagle, long ears, sharp talons on their forelimbs and black and dark blue feathers. Cunning and intelligent, the proud gryphons will help humans in times of need, but will only answer the call of those who have proved themselves to them before. In a few years, it will be custom for the ruler of a city to send adventurers to the nesting ground of the gryphons, where they will seek the protection of the divine creatures. Satisfied with her work, Inaja approached one of the gryphons and asked him to fly her to the middle lands, as the goddess' own wings weren't meant for long distance flights.

"Dear siblings, I am going to look for a suitable place to meet, away from the eyes of mortals. All those interested in the idea may join me in my quest.

I would also like to invite you all to visit the Anteroom any time you wish, if you need to review some memories and gain some new insight on them. You may access the room from the Otherworld."

Meanwhile, the blessed Erlking population continued to grow.

2 majors: Create the intelligent gryphon race
1 major: Increase Erlking population
1 minor: Increase population by 10%
1 minor: Establish new monasteries

[Kasanip]

Esria - Summertime Goddess

Esria stared at the sun high up in the noon sky, as she stretched back on the silky grass in her white dress. Her hair was getting long now, and she was aware of other changes in her form. Yes, like the seasons, she too was tied to the turning wheel - that never ending cycle.
Esria stood up, enjoying the warmth on her skin. Like the people in the villages and towns around, she too had work to be done in summer. Spring was the lively and vigorous start of the cycle, but it was Summer's energy that would push everything from here on, even through the cold death of winter.

Esria tromped through the meadows and forests, delighting in the mingling of shadow and light in the mysterious paths.
The Muorra now were scattered far across the forests she had walked, tending to the trees and their own groves - always spreading the growing things. They were slow to grow, but that was okay. Their lives lasted many cycles of the great wheel.

But what about those poor humans who lived within her lands? Always they tried so hard to adhere to her whims and desires, but they still chopped the wood, and burned their fires. Esria couldn't find fault in that- their survival depended on it! Still, the Muorra were slow and meticulous, but Esria needed a people who were filled with the joys of spring, and yet filled with the energy of summer. A children who could take care of the forests and spread it's bounty. She would ponder on this for a while more, and then came to a decision.

With the glow of the sun about her, she went bringing dawn, and in the mysterious, still misty and dew strung ancient forests she reached out and called to her the spirits of the forests themselves, and gave them form. Small and delicate like butterflies, and yet carrying the glow of the sun about them, these spirits appeared much in her own guise.
"I'll call you little angels the Kasanip." Esria said in delight. Though the name did not much hold upon the mortals - bless them they forgot faster than Esria! They were still known as spirits and guardians both of the forest, and of those whom could capture their interests.
In a brief and unusual hopeful look forward, Esria thought that perhaps in the future, these little spirits would unite and live with the people of the small hamlets in peace.

And she knew just how she could make it possible! Yes, like the cycle of the seasons itself, Esria created a beautiful spring- a fountain in a grove deep in the greatest of forest, next to the largest tree that stood openly in creation. In that misty and peaceful spot she blessed the waters. Any mortal human who drank of it would become young again. A child, though their eyes and hair took on slight shades of green. It was not an eternal life - no no no! Her brothers and sisters - especially Inaja- would be upset with her for trying something like that. Besides, everything was upon the wheel, nothing was eternal! These refreshed people would grow again, but would die after living another lifetime. Unless they drank again from the waters.... But the more someone drank, the less human they would become, until eventually they became of the realm of the woods and not the realm of humanity. They became daughters of the forest; children of brilliant green hair and vestment who planted trees and could talk to the Kasanip. The traded all their memories of their past lives for the blessings of nature itself. These children Esria would call the Taynun, and though they delighted in song and lived peaceful lives amongst the forests, they had forsaken their own humanity, and could never again venture from the forests for fear of death.

The message of Vex and Inaja reached her ears, and Esria smiled and sent them this response:
"I will happily join you on your quest, dear Sister. Vex as well! I will see you at the ceremony, when a place is decided." She finished on a glowing note.

So Esria strode through the forests - she didn't dash or play like she had before....No, even in the cool shade that would be too hot, and it wasn't appropriate for her to act like a little child now that it was summer! But now as she walked towards the far off lands, there was a distant song that filled the forests and shook the trees, and Esria stopped in wonder, feeling her dress flutter about as a simple breeze washed through the trees. The music was a music of life itself, and it echoed in her deeply. The cicadas continued their symphony, as Esria walked onwards, deep in thought.


Acts:


1 Minor Act - Boost population of the Mourra
1 Minor Act - Boost Mortal Human population
1 Minor Act - Spread the Warmth of Summer! Grow Fields, Grow! Play Cicadas, Play!

2 Major Acts - Create the Kasanip - a Guardian Spirit/Fairy race that protects both the forests and occasionally mortals they befriend. Touched by the light of dawn.
2 Major Acts + 1 Minor Act - Create the 'Fountain of Youth'
1 Major Act - Boost Domain - Growing Things(Earth)


0 Major Acts, 2 Minor Acts, 2 Ceremonies Remaining

[WrathOfLife]

Subline

Watching his new phoenix fly around his domain, Subline smiles as two suddenly becomes four, four becomes eight, eight becomes sixteen. Subline's magic flows out to all the creatures on in his realm, increasing there number drastically.

With that done Subline considers his brothers and sisters requests before finally responding to them. "A meeting place strikes me as a waste of time when there is so much still to do. We still don't know where our masters have gone. However I will be happy to meet with any of you there should you so desire."

Acts:

2 major actions on increasing phoenix population.
1 major action to increase population of followers by 50%

[Kessler]

Vex, Lord of Chains - Summit of the Gods

Winds brought warm air from the north, raising temperature by several degrees. Vex always preferred spring and fall's moderate weather and disliked using his power to control temperature himself. In this light, Inaja's invitation carried additional allure to him, meeting place being close to the icy realm of the Death Goddess.

Vex teleported around the Kanju's realm. Common courtesy required of him to greet the God of Decay and Resurrection eventually, but Lord of Chains couldn't think of a common ground between them at the moment. Work first, play and chatter later. It would be a good motto to impart on his followers, if he actually cared enough to teach them.

He arrived to the place and greeted Inaja with a bow and a generic compliment to her looks.

To everyone:

I believe that the first thing to do, when you have a lot of work, is to make a good plan. Certainly by cooperating we will be able to fix the world and find answer to mysterious absence of Superiors much faster. I also have a suggestion to make.

Since our power is linked to the belief of mortals, securing their numbers and prosperity is the first step in self-preservation. I have already talked to Osahara, how by working together we can ensure a future of prosperity and abundance for mortals. So let's gather and talk it over, I'm sure you'll like our idea.

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Quest Begins

Inaja listened carefully to Vex.

"I will be pleased to hear your proposal. I would go as far as to say that taking care of the mortals is our primary role. But concerning the search for our Superiors, I already have an idea..."

She pointed to a lonely island at the center of a great lake.

"I propose that we erect a temple there. A sanctuary for all the gods. We will conceal the island with magic and enchant the lake so that no mortal may sail on it. It will be a meeting place, but not only that. It will also serve as a beacon. We believe the Superiors lost or gone...but what if we are the ones who are lost? What if this world was somehow hidden from them by some dark force? It is a possibility we must consider. Thus, we put some of our power in this construction so our Superiors may be guided back here."

OOC: Let's all spend a ceremony on this, essentially :smallwink:. It will be sort of a communal wonder.

[Cruxador]

Dersyn turned away from the old woman. She had found a lover now, her lust had an output. It was good, and Dersyn would intervene no more in her life for the time being. As he walked away, he heard faint conversation of gods in his mind. Not directed at him, and far off. Why? Oh yes, some of the others were throwing some sort of party. Dersyn shed the mortal form he had been wearing, and spread great wings (Minor action). He propelled himself through the air with speed no mortal bird could match. Ah, yes, there they were. Inaja was talking about some sort of magic lighthouse. Dersyn quietly alighted behind her.
"Ah, yes. A wonderful idea, Guide. You have my full support."
Inaja was wise, whatever her beacon was had to be fairly sound endeavor. And no one disliked her, so far as Dersyn knew, so supporting her was always a good idea.

[WrathOfLife]

Subline

Becoming frustrated with his brothers and sisters greed in attempting to regrow there powers instead of searching for those lost to time. Subline sets about creating a wonder to use to help him learn the fate of those lost.

With an almighty roar one of the largest tree's in Subline's jungle catches alight, and suddenly burns down to nothing but ash. In its place grows a massive tower of vines and ivy, atop which sits a glowing and pulsating orb.
The Tower of the all seeing eye was complete.

acts

2 major actions on increasing phoenix population.
1 major action to increase population of followers by 50%
2 Major actions to make a wonder
5 minor acts used as a Major, to gain new domain Divination

[Typewriter]

Osahara completed his work on the doppelgangers, bringing to life those who could reflect others. He finished working with his disciples, and left the temple he had made for them in the hands of those disciples, guided by his new creations.

Osahara focused on his temple and developed a connection to his followers through it. He would never be without them, and they, never without him.

Osahara left then, to walk amongst the people and learn. He had been gone a long time, and he needed to know how long...and what had transpired in that time.


1 major action to finish the creation of the doppelganger race.

1 Major action to get the 'Connections' domain through his wonder created in the first round.

Trying to find any historians, or places of history/religious concern not tied directly to him and his 'brethren'. If he can't find anyone who knows anything, he will use his divine power to search the world for signs of what happened here.

[Kasanip]

Esria

Esria at last arrived at the spot that her sister had spoken of. It was a rather pretty spot.

Pretty barren.

But not for long! Esria walked around the lake, turning the barrenness to vibrancy in a wash of greens and golden flowers. Lotuses bloomed across the water, giving it a tranquil look. And yet the trees were magnificent, and their shade broke the sun into it's brilliant array of colors, clear enough so that the pathway was always lit in the sun's grace. The young goddess turned about, and upon the isle created a beautiful garden grove with shade and light abounding - a perfect meeting place for her brothers and sisters.

Acts

(1 Ceremony to Help create the Group 'Wonder'

2 Minor Acts, 1 Ceremony Remaining)

[druid91]

Kanju
Kanju finishes his work expanding the rice paddies in his land. and is contemplating how best to spread his mosaic-people. when he hears the message from Inaja he grins "a meeting place and beacon eh?, sounds good." he walks over to the shattered remains of a cathedral embedded in the ground and teleports it and himself to the meeting spot. "oh, hello Esria already here I see." and then shifts the cathedral and sets it down next to the garden she had created. Reshaping it into a a large stone gazebo with stained glass windows.

2 major acts on increasing population
1 ceremony on the meeting place

[Kessler]

Vex, Lord of Chains - Ceremony

Vex politely bowed to the Kanju, murmuring the words of greeting and visibly brightened up when Esria arrived. He joined the ceremony leting the others shape the form of wonder and focusing on warding the place against violence and ill intent.

Actions:

Spending 1 Ceremony to assist in creation of wonder.

[ArlEammon]

(Has everyone done their Mega Ceremony yet?)

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Dream Takes Shape

Pleased by the contribution of her siblings, Inaja put some of her own power into the wonder. A great gothic temple rose from the ground. Beside it, outside, a circle of tall stones appeared. The stones took the shape of each god currently alive on the plane.

OOC: 1 ceremony spent

[WrathOfLife]

Subline


Arriving later than the others, Subline quietly moves into place to help with the wonder.

OOC: adding 1 Ceremony.

[Cruxador]

The gods labored in silence. Dersyn watched, bemused. A garden, a gazebo, walls, a cathedral. Practical, parts of it. Splendorous, all of it. Perhaps the gods sought to showcase their might. But where was the comfort? Dersyn entered into the mighty temple. Colored light fell in through the wide windows. An impressive feat of architecture. But the floor remained near bare. Entirely unsuitable.

Dersyn's hand twitched, and the nothingness burned away. A table stood, raised where an alter might lie in a mortal temple. Indeed, it could be called an alter, for upon it lay morsels for the gods to consume. It was ringed with chairs. Each, like the table, was inlaid with motifs important to the deities who would use them. Dersyn sat in his own chair, a wooden one cushioned with sanguine velvet. Rivulets of gold ran through it, as they did the table in front of him. Dersyn picked up a heart from a small bowl on the table, and absently took a bite.
A table was well and good, but a table alone was insufficient. What if the gods might choose to stay here for a time? Dersyn cast about, and beds were recessed within those rooms about the perimeter of the place. Chairs and couches formed along the perimeter, waiting for a god to recline. Thus was the meeting place furnished.

But mere furniture, fine though it was, could hardly be Dersyn's sole contribution. After all, the others had contributed so much more! A great garden covering the entire area. A mighty cathedral. A barrier to keep out anything unwelcome. No, Dersyn needed something important. Something to truly give the fire of the soul purchase in this place. And therefore, Dersyn would place the fire of the soul in this place.

Dersyn stood once more. A ways behind the table resided another alcove, this one yet empty. Dersyn stood within it. He closed his eyes, and felt his nature. Rage, the destructive force. The force which bore bravery, conquest, cruelty and hate. Lust, the constructive force. The force which bore chivalry, progress, civilization and love. And Fire, the animating force, the force by which lust and rage receive their impetus. The force by which all of creation is animated. This fire flooded from Dersyn's corporeal form. It filled the alcove. In the night, it's light would fill the entire cathedral, and, coloured by the windows, shine brightly across the land.

Dersyn smiled. Perhaps proximity to such a potent source of the most basic force in reality would move the gods to be true to their own basic nature.

That's my ceremony, obviously.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Where in the World Are You?

Inaja, flying above the wonder, looked to the skies and shouted, as the power of the gods radiated through the entire plane and beyond.

"This is the might of the Gods! If the Superiors are gone somewhere, they won't be able to ignore us anymore. And if somehow we were hidden from them, we will pierce the veil and expose the truth!"

And thus she activated the mystical beacon.

OOC: Turn 5 minor acts into 1 major act to further empower the wonder

[Kessler]

Vex, Lord of Chains - New Domain

After the ceremony was finished, Vex spoke with other Gods, asking them about their deeds and hiding none of his own. After leaving their company he wandered a bit, around the domains of other Gods, observing their works and making notes in a small notebook, resembling one of those he gave to his Obligators.

On his return to his territory he created two more cities to form a triangle around the Obelisk and then started work on his second wonder. The Obligators required a more majestic and divine sanctum, due to the importance of their task. So it took shape of a administrative building with grey walls and countless rooms holding records. This would be the true sitting place of the Immutable Records, and words recorded here by the petty bureaucrats would be the truth of the world.

Vex used the focus of the Immutable Records to gain a new domain of ''Foreordination'', as he wrote a vision of the future for his people and for the world in general, sitting in a comfortable chair at the cabinet, located in the top tower of the Immutable Records.

He left for the Obelisk the next day. There on the top of his first Wonder he issued an edict to the world ''From this day, the mortals shall kneel and bow in the presence of the magical beings, created by Gods, as a sign of respect and awe to the divine handiwork''. His siblings have crafted so many wondrous creatures, it was only proper to express his esteem towards them in such manner.

Actions:

2 Minor Actions - create 2 cities
3 Major Actions - create Wonder, Immutable Records
1 Major Action - obtain domain ''Foreordination''
1 Major Action - create compulsion for mortals to kneel in presence of magical beings, created by Gods


OOC: edit - changed creations to magical beings

[Typewriter]

Osahara finds this information about another world intriguing and focuses his insights into connecting with that other world. He is not interested in contact, simply in learning at this point.

He then moves to his prison, and in the center of it, in a place only he could reach, he creates looking glasses that will allow him to view different parts of the world, so that he can look for remnants of anything that used to exist on this world before the gods.


1 Major and 5 minor spent trying to breach the veil between worlds.
1 Major and 2 minor(I had leftovers from the first round) creating looking glasses that will let him look over different lands.

[Kessler]

Vex, Lord of Chains - Future in Chains

Vex returned to his cabinet in the Immutable Records and begin writing future for his followers. It would be prosperous with his mortal followers settling all around his lands, never knowning hunger or desease (at large scale anyway) and ruled with disipline and order.

He crafted a new edict: ''I grant mortals power to sell their fate to the gods. Only your own fate or the fate of your children, below age of nine, can be sold. To do so one must only swear an Oath in the name of a God.'' He informed his Obligators of the new edict, so they can add a new column in the records, to indicate, whether the person's fate was sold to a god.

Feeling uncharacteristically magnanimous, Vex crafted the ''Art of Sealing and Binding'', a magical power for the mortals. It could be used to trap people and magical creatures and extract vows from them.

Actions

1 Major Act - Create future of prosperity and strict order for followers
1 Major Act - New Edict, allows sale of Fate by mortals to the Gods.
1 Major Act - magical system ''Art of Sealing and Binding''

[druid91]

Kanju
Kanju wanders about the meeting place for a while before bidding Esria, Dersyn, and Inaja farewell. he returns to his pile making a chair at the top and sitting down to think. looking around at his followers "hm.. they have no way to defend themselves from the stronger magical beings." he thinks on the problem a moment or two "perhaps I should give them a weapon. Or I could upgrade them!" He grins ear to ear at the thought of the last one, "I think a disease that upgrades them would be good.". he calls the Mosaic couple to a room deep in the pile and using them as a reference begins developing the Mosaic plague.

2 major acts to get and increase disease domain.

2 major acts and 5 minor used as one major readying the mosaic plague( it converts mortals into Mosaics if willing.)

[Cruxador]

Ah, creation. It reminded Dersyn of the power he had once wielded. The power he would again wield. Dersyn climbed to the top of the great ziggurat. His divine fire sat atop it. Dersyn sat now within the flame. Where was this power? Even Dersyn's own lands had failed to recognize his return, he was so depleted. Dersyn threw his power out, expanding it. Across the deserts, campfires roared, tempers flared, and the people were overcome with desire. Dersyn remained in the flame. He had regained some power. It was not enough. But perhaps it would be enough for now.

Spent 5 Minor actions on one major.
8 major acts to increase divine rank twice.
two minors, zero majors remaining.

[Kasanip]

Esria - Summer work, and finding purpose

Esria was happy with result of the tower, and gave Inaja a big smile and walked off with a wave.

"If you need me for anything, you know where to find me." She said, disappearing back into the forest.

She walked again, a meandering pace as she observed the humans and the other races throughout the lands. She had the mind to spread the bounty of nature farther still, to the other lands of her fellow gods. Yet she found herself weaker in those places. She paid this no heed now, and traveled far and wide, spreading the flowers and forests where she went.

She came to learn that the world was a varied and wonderful place - with sprawling mountains and deserts, and peoples of all types. She also perceived that Dyrsen had greatly grown in strength and power, and she was happy for him. All about, her fellow gods and goddesses were busy with their works, and she came at last to a village where people were hard at work. What surprised her though, was that here in this place the people interacted with the spirits of the forests she had brought. They bound them with words and seals, and extracted oaths of loyalty from them. Esria stood still as she watched them bind another spirit to servitude, and she felt a deep fire - inspired by Dyrsen perhaps? - spread throughout her slowly. But even as it came, a hand, warm to the touch, gently met her shoulder, and she turned to find a tall man standing there.
"You are not from these lands, are you Nieida?" He asked, speaking a dialect that was foreign to the wood and pine flowing words Esria was used to. She blinked at him and gave him a warm smile.
"No, and yes. I'm here and there, and everywhere." She explained in a mysterious, if cheerful way.
"Ah, then you must be of the spirit realm." The young man said, as if he knew. Esria was more than happy to allow that misunderstanding, for it wasn't entirely an incorrect assumption. She nodded, sending her vibrant green hair bouncing slightly. Well, the hair should have been a dead giveaway - and indeed that was why the man had approached her at first. Still, to reach out and touch her, that was rare.
"In that case, in coming here are you offering your service to someone? Or has someone bound you to an oath?" The man asked. Esria was not sure of this, for she had never seen such rituals before coming here. Perhaps one of her fellow gods had brought it to being, and her thoughts came to Vex. Offering service... Well, she was amiable with that kind of a term for what she generally liked to call 'spreading happiness.' If happiness could be brought through 'offering service,' then perhaps that was what she was doing.
Indeed, if deities existed to aid the mortals, then wouldn't that indeed be service and duty? Esria thought about this in the seconds that she blinked, looking at this young man, and she nodded.
"I am." She said happily, a pale light radiating faintly from herself. "Is there something I can do for you?" She asked politely. The man, bless his mortal self, looked embarrassed and blushed a bit as he reached up to scratch the back of his head. The man mumbled something and gestured for her to follow him over to the mortals who did the binding and seals. She smiled the whole time, seemingly unaware, for really what danger was there for a deity to be bound by such simple skill?
Even outside of her region, she still was a Goddess. When they put the binds upon her, she barely noticed the tingling sensation. She was a free spirit, and no compulsion could hold her for long. All the same though, she wanted to bring some happiness to the people here as well, and though their practices were strange, she stayed and worked for some time.

In the rest of the time of summer that she spent there, working and toiling with the mortals and bound spirits, she learned there was hardship and oppression. The man who had bound her was kind - perhaps more smitten with her in his youth than he was with wanting a servant.

But even as the summer sun's golden rays soften, the trees begin to change with the crisp coolness in the morning air. Autumn, the season of change, above all else it was a time that emphasized the colors and the changing world. Esria had been carrying a bucket of water when she looked up at the trees, and perceiving the first hint of red-yellow boscage, she knew that she had to leave.
And so Esria went back to Nicolao, the young man with whom she had stayed, and told him she had to depart. First though, she made true on her oath - though it was not to the rules of the binds and seals. No, her's was a reciprocal exchange, like the exchange of nature. For the service and joy that she had given him, Esria filled him with the power of nature's warmth and bloom, and his eyes became a shade of gold, and his hair tinted to a silver green, though he remained youthful and young.
"I have given you my service and brought you happiness," She said to him. "And I ask now that you also take up this mantle. Protect those whom are vulnerable and at risk, but especially to the forests and living things that are wantonly destroyed in pride here." And Esria blessed him, and left knowing that he would heed her words - and perhaps stay true to them to the end of his days. He would be the first Morrái - one touched by morning and life. A protector of the living world, both people and plant alike. An ally to spirits, and a neutral hand in the conflicts of mortals.

Though the binding seal upon her neck and arms had disappeared like the fallen blossoms of spring, Esria remembered them and was concerned. No spirit or being should be bound for too long, she thought. Life was precious, and it's time was fleeting. To steal that away was a hurtful thing.

Upon a forest covered mountain, deep in the forests of her lands, she created the Biekkan - a semi-reclusive mountain crow humanoid, strong and skilled in fighting, though loving to play pranks and tricks to tear down those whom are proud above all others. Humility wasn't a bad thing, Esria had decided. The Biekkan would spread and help to make sure that pride did not lead humanity too far astray. Deep in the forests as well, the first childish laughs came - haunting and mysterious, yet joyful and fresh in song. The symphony of cicadas had passed on as the trees turned red-gold, but their music was echoed in the voice of the Taynun.

Acts


1 Major Act- Create first 'Champion' - the first Morrái "Nicolao."
1 Major Act- Alter Humans (create the Taynun, as described in the last turn)
2 Major Acts- Create Race: Beikkan (to put it simply, Tengu-like creatures)
2 Minor Acts- Rich Harvests Across her lands!
2 Minor Acts- spread the forests and trees abroad!


0 Major Acts, 2 Minor Acts, 2 Ceremonies remaining

[Kessler]

Vex, Lord of Chains

Vex was relaxing in the waning summer's warmth. The heat has passed and cool breeze was blowing from the east. He was thinking about introducing a caste system to his people. Then everyone could be neatly arranged from birth to death. And how much paper space it would save. If person's caste could include a number of qualities by default. This was a project for the near future, when his people developed a bit more. There was another matter, that he put off for long enough. Vex contacted Inaja.

To Inaja

My Greetings to the Goddess of Death. I was thinking that it would be a good idea to merge my Afterlife with yours. Souls are an important resource and we can't discard possibility of theft or escape. It is better that their safekeeping is entrusted to someone with your affinities. On my part I can add a couple of security measures to keep souls in, should they try to flee or there is a break in from the outside.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Inaja and Treasures Forgotten

Inaja was the only deity left at the Divine Seat. She sat on a bench next to her own statue in the gardens, pondering what to do next. It could take some time before their Superiors answered. Inaja called her gryphon mount, the loyal Mordran, and flew back to her territory. She arrived in a narrow valley, cold and arid. There were a few dwarven settlements in the region. It was really a poor choice, as the land didn't offer much. But the dwarves remained anyway as they thought it was their sacred duty. They didn't remember why they came or even what they were supposed to be looking for. But something in the valley called them. And Inaja heard it too. It was Death. The goddess traveled to the neighboring mountains. She focused her divine senses until she found what she was looking for.

"Reveal what is hidden."

As she uttered the words of power, the mountains trembled, the rock fissured and a massive gate appeared. Inaja called representatives from the villages to come and see what her spell had revealed. It was a crypt built by dwarven kings long ago. They were astonished by the rediscovery of their race's long lost heritage. At last they had found a purpose to their lives: to preserve the collective memory of the dwarven race and recover the artifacts from their fathers that were scattered around the region today. A small cult was formed whose task was to preserve the sacred site; they called themselves the Skullborn. They became a formidable group after Inaja personally taught them the art of necromancy. Their newfound abilities allowed them to repel evil spirits, gain wisdom and knowledge from the Dead, cause other people to age several years instantly, among other things. The Skullborn lived alone and surrounded themselves with morbid aspects of death, the main reason why, althought not evil, they were associated with loss and decay.


To Vex

"I have considered your request and I will accept it. I do not judge how other gods wish to organize their followers' afterlife."


To Esria

"Dear sister... One of your newest creations, the Beikkan, impress me. If they wish, some of them may move into my mountains."

Wonder: The Braemar Crypts, +1 Death domain (2 major and 1 minor)
Create new magic school: Necromancy (2 major)
Mordran, Inaja's gryphon, is now an exarch (major)
Empower the Skullborn cult (2 minor)

[Kasanip]

Esria- Autumn Incarnation

As she walked beneath the trees, Esria spun once, sending her brilliant dress dyed in the reds and golds of autumn about in the cool breeze. It was a nostalgic moment, and she smiled as she lay a hand affectionately on a tree.

Hearing Inaja's message, Esria nodded solemnly with a rueful smile.
To Inaja
"Thank you sister, I am sure that many Biekkan will come to your mountains in due time. Yet winter approaches soon, and the birds fly southwards, not north. It will be cold here soon. How I lament the death of the grass, and the fall of these leaves...yet this is the grace that comes to you, dear sister."

Her message sent, Esria came to the Mourra in kind. There were many now when before there were few. The trees were awakening slowly, and the Mourra tended to them. Yet they stopped their work as Esria came to them.
"Oh father oak and lady willow... Soon it will be too cold for even your skins to weather I'm afraid. Sleep is coming soon... Like it always does. Please rest well this time, and I will see you again when it is right for Spring." She said sadly. In their melodous and rumbling voices the Mourra responded in kind to her, and Esria departed down to the human village. The harvests were coming in now, and she would help them make bountiful stores for winter's coming.

Acts

1 Minor Act: Increase Population: Mourra
1 Minor Act: Increase Population: Humans of the Valley
2 Ceremonies Remaining

[ArlEammon]

Turn 4!!! The Dawning Of A New Age
Strange travelers of the same race of the native peoples have appeared throughout the world. They seem to come with trade in mind. Not much else is known about these people, except that some fights have broken out between the travelers and the natives.

[Kessler]

Vex, Lord of Chains - Afterlife and True Love

Vex traveled to his Afterlife and then directed his power merge it with the Inaja's Afterlife. He crafted living chains, long and strong, capable of trapping spirits and sealing passages. Vex crafted their minds with straightforward simplicity. Keep the Souls in the Afterlife, unless they are released by their respective Gods, Vex or Inaja. Follow the commands of the later. Track down those who escape. Hinder advance of those, who try to spirit the Souls away.

After Vex returned to the mortal world, he worked a bit with the magic system he developed, tweaking it in a way, that ''trapping'' of the more benign spirits, mostly those crafted by the Kassanip, was preformed by making them small offerings and treating them with kindness. Friendship, kindness and love could serve as excellent chains.

In his cabinet in the Immutable Records, Lord of Chains crafted a compulsion of ''True Love'' for his people. From this day, in my red book, the names of man and woman shall be recorded. They will be destined to be together, to love and cherish each other, to die for each other, if needs be.

Actions:

Merge Afterlife - 1 Major Act?
Create Spirit Chains - 1 Major Act.
Alter the Art of Binding - 1 Minor Act.
Create '''True Love Compulsion''