The God Reborn IC

[Kaiser Omnik]

"You have all met before, but your memory is foggy. What happened that day is still a mystery...

You had completed your task on Aegenos, the world, and were supposed to return to the Outpost - but you didn't. You joined a powerful deva, perhaps the most powerful to have ever lived, named Leander. Maybe you were charmed? Now it seems like you weren't in your right mind, but at the time, his words felt so true. Leander's plea was extremely moving. He was not sadistic, or evil, or sick; he didn't mean harm, he only wished for justice and truth. You, like all the others, related to him. You, too, felt abandoned by the distant Gods. Leander told you not to loose faith. There was a way to get their attention. It was all a test. Following him, you forced your way into a most holy ground: a temple to the 8 gods. Leander walked to the altar in the center of the room. High priest Abrecan stood in defiance. Leander grabbed him and swiftly broke his neck. Then all of you formed a circle around the deva as he was preparing the sacred ceremony. You felt yourself drained by the ritual. The power necessary for such a summoning was immense. At last, it appeared: a portal, a silvery door to the unknown. On the other side, Leander expected to see an army of elemental soldiers of the Elder Gods, ready to be called in his service to purify the world. But something was wrong. Leander checked again; the ceremony had been completed as required. Everything was in order - everything was right! Yet... Dozens of giant, rock-skinned arms gripped the sides of the portal. The main room of the temple was filling with purple mist. There was a silhouette. It was so close, yet concealed. It was...terrifying. Never had you known fear, not like this.

Then at the last moment, a bright light blinded you and you fell unconscious. When you next woke up, you found yourself back at the Outpost. It seemed like a bad dream...but when you saw your fellow devas at the Academy that day, you knew it was all too real."

Present Day, Sages of Manna Outpost

When you are not on a mission on the material plane, you are training in a hidden place known as the Outpost. You have been taught that it is a completely different plane of existence from Aegenos, which is not surprising, considering the change of scenery. The Outpost consists of academies, training grounds, libraries and gardens located on several islands floating in an endless sky. The architecture is pretty bizarre; it seems to you like those buildings would collapse if they were in the real world. But here, things don't always follow the rules. Devas, for example, are only semi-physical on this plane; thus, they can achieve feats deemed impossible without ever getting tired. The Sages of Manna themselves, the teachers, curators and guardians of this place, are like nothing encountered on Aegenos. Most appear humanoid (only in outline though), with a body consisting of a million points of colorful light, like tiny stars. Others share the same "body of light" but appear much bigger; those call themselves Dragons. They have not revealed much about their nature, other than they are a faction of outsiders that work hand in hand with the gods. While you have seen no real proof of alliance between the Sages of Manna and the Elder Gods, the latter have never really acted against the former and have apparently left the devas in their care, which may be enough of a proof already.

The Sages have guided you well. They have left you much freedom in your choice of activities. You were forbidden to harm other devas willingly during your stay, among other things, but they have already said that they won't intervene once you are back on the material plane. Now, everyone will see if you have truly learned something after all these years. The day has come to start a new mission. They have called every deva in the Outpost to a small, lonely island where they have been building a ship of sort. To you, it looks more like a giant mechanical moth of metal and glass than a ship. Then again, you know that you won't be sailing on water with it. As you approached the bridge, you overheard a conversation from two well-known sages.

"...Really? Gone? How?"
"I can't explain it, but one day they were there, and the next they were not."
"It must have taken immense manpower. What of Infernus?"
"They are probably salvaging what they can right now. I..."

Aaron, one of the sages, almost bumped into your group.

"Very sorry. I must go."

As he left, the other sage, Maleon, greeted you.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. Now, are you all ready to go down to Aegenos? A long mission awaits you. The people there need your help more than ever. This time you will get close to them, advise them, and of course learn from them too. Let you not grow arrogant like the Forefathers [Elder Gods].

...The ship will be ready shortly. Please seat yourself."

Around you, the other chosen devas are as restless as yourself. You have seen them more than once, but only talked to a few of them before. One thing is for sure now: you won't be able to ignore their presence in the world below.


OOC: You may talk a bit before you are launched into the real world. :smalltongue:

P.s.: I was inspired by this (http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/thumb/9/92/Vaan_airship.jpg/200px-Vaan_airship.jpg) for the ship; imagine it in that style, but not the same "model".

[Xerxes Shadow]

Nuei, the Traveller

Nuei looked around himself, seeing the multitude of Devas around him. Even though I call myself the Stranger, he thought, to these people at least I should be a stranger no more. Acting on his thoughts, he turned to the one named Jallorn.

"Pardon me, but you are a very... academically gifted man, aren't you? You're probably smarter than I am, but I think we might have similar tastes. I'm the Wanderer, called Nuei by friends. Who are you?"

[Hyperion]

Xo

A blue skinned deva wearing white clothes with the appearance of a Persian prince. The deva have come to be known as Xo among his peers and he begins yawning, apparently ready to take one of his famous naps.

Keeping an eye open so Xo could talk with one of the other devas.

[Grim ranger]

Evertos

The Deva of Strategy is quiet, sitting on his place and playing with some strings, forming them into complicated patterns between his fingers, only to break them and form them into new, even more complicated ones. His mind is already at work, coming up with countless plans to be implemented and dismissing most of them right away. Those plans that he deems having some chances of success are perfected in his mind, countermeasures for every kind of distractions thought up. His eyes scan the other devas as his mind and fingers work.

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

He would go into the world. That was both his intention and fact. It was inevitable, a fundamental point and idea within his mind that he knew would be destined to happen. Now it was just a matter of waiting, sitting in calm silence taking in the world around him, listening, watching, not acting. He would sit, the boat would depart, arrive, he would disembark, likely last, would walk, continue to walk, walk, stand, watch and listen, walk on and repeat the process. Why? What else should he do, could he do for that matter. Did it matter? No. No not really he would wander and watch, yes. Perhaps he would be called upon by one of the others? Likely, probable almost destined to be so. Each had their own agenda, secret desires, plans for the future that they saw as their own, that they determined they had some control over, and for these plans they would require allies, pawns, people they could manipulate to their own selfish desires. A smile. The irony was almost delicious. Almost though, not quite. Nothing could taste sweet to his mind really, no, nothing, perhaps, not, perhaps, something, perhaps...perhaps.......per...hap...s...

[Kasanip]

Rui

Rui stood, though she had her arms across her chest and the slightest of frowns upon her young face. Her gold eyes glittered in the light, and though she wore no matanpushi around her head, her beautiful dark hair still seemed a little messy. She had always been athletic - perhaps of the pinnacle of the devas at the academy in her physical conditioning. But that was because she loved the outdoors, and had never shied from it upon the mortal world. Here though, the deva-girl looked a little uneasy. Perhaps it was just being out of her comfort zone, surrounded by so many of her fellows within the small confines of their transport. Though never a distant deva, she was one who lived in the present, the action, the moment. She began pacing soon after, perhaps lost in her own thoughts. But if that subtle frown on her pristine face, betrayed anything else, it was that Rui was one of the younger devas present.
There was a restlessness in her pacing, and at last she let out a vexed sigh, though her words were directed to no one in particular amongst the group.
"There isn't a more frustrating feeling than the anticipation of going to the mortal world." She said ruefully. "I wonder for how long this mission will last?"

[Gauntlet]

Sylvos

Sylvos leant against one wall of the transport, starting at a flickering image in front of him. As he conecntrated, lines blinked into and out of existence, forming complex patterns and plans. Wheels drew themnselves, grew cogs, interlinked and winked out again. Eventually satisified with his thoughts, the deva glances around at the rest of the group, drumming his fingers on the book in his toolbelt. "...hm. Grow arrogant... like the Forefathers. I should find out more about that. Anyone else got an idea of that history?"

[Krrth]

Drakendae

*Drakendae shifted somewhat uncomfortable in his armor.*

Who knows. I suspect it won't be pleasant, however.

[Jesdorian]

Miyu
The Outpost

Miyu took a seat with unobtrusive silence. She was unsure of how to interpret the events swirling around her. Unfortunately she knew little of the others, having spent much her time in isolated meditation in the gardens.
“Why do they require our aid?”
The question may have seemed strange to some, she knew. To many it was their right to guide, and to others it was duty and for some it simply was what they did and all because they were children of elder gods. Most failed to see just how mortal these thoughts made them
However, she was keenly aware that the only reason for sending deva to Aegenos was because of conflict or impending conflict. Struggle was not something that occurred rarely in the mortal world though. So what made this a special case as to send all god children residents of the outpost?

[Edwin]

Bael

Won't be pleasant? Oh, where do you get these things, dear friend?

The voice came from behind, a silent roar, tongue wrapped in sweet honey. His figure was large, bulging muscular, wrapped in fine dark clothes with gold-trimmed edges, although most of his chest was visible. A strong jaw, sharp cheekbones and demonic pointy ears summed up the cut of his handsome face, short fangs apparent in his mouth when speaking. However, above all of these things, his eyes stood out. Black, hollow, yet glowing with a faint red light.

They spoke of nothing but violence - dark, beautiful violence of its purest form.

His clutched hand holds a black, slender sword, almost as tall as the Deva himself, gripping it tightly to his body, as if it was his dearest possession.

I expect this to be most entertaining, if it was anything like prior.. experiences. My name is Bael, for those of you who doesn't know me, by the way.

A charming smile spread across the devilish face.

[Moonlitdreams]

Vul'x

The Trickster's long and forked ears were twitching rapidly in the presence of so many other devas, swiveling, cocking, tilting and otherwise just trying to pick up as much information on the others as possible. During his strangely active observation, Vul'x was spinning the fingers of his left hand through the air, bringing about what appeared to be a complex but ethereal trap in the space before him.

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn

Chaorn, Deva of necromancy, leaned closer to the large group of Devas and coughed lightly to announce his existence.

"Brothers, Sisters....."

He looked a little more carefully at the crowd.

"...Assorted woodland creatures, Our time is arriving. Whatever this mission may be I feel this shall be the time when we are to prove our excellence above the mortals but most of all ourselves. I regret to say that from what I know of many of you may not be worth the challenge."

He leans back, chuckling to himself in his softly croaking voice.

[Jallorn]

Jallorn

"I am Jallorn, and I am pleased to meet you," he smiled at The Wanderer, seemingly ignoring the others. In reality, he was paying attention to everything, after all, knowledge is power.

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita; Outpost

The deva with mushrooms and fungi growing out of his head and apparantly suffering from several skin disorders speaks. "The mission will last until it is over. I can say no more than that, I am afraid. Anybody fancy a mushroom? I'll try not to pick a poisonous one." As the disfigured deva says the last, he reaches to his head and plucks one of the many fungal fruit growing there. "Hmm, a horse mushroom. Nice and edible. Not very large, but that doesn't matter, does it?"

[Edwin]

Bael's eyes flicker as Chaorn speaks, his head turning slightly crooked, eyes gleaming brighter than but a second ago.

Care to back that claim up, scarface?

[Jair Barik]

Crintos
He had expected this much. It was after all inevitable, forseeable, predictable that amongst the Devas there would be petty squabbles, vicous arguments, ideological differences and rash words said that nothing could make unsaid. Even the speed at which these chasms were forming hardly surprised Crintos. Placed in such close proximity as this with nothing to entertain them but one anothers company would they not fight like a pair of animals bundled together in a sack? They were all too different. They would speak, they would argue, fight and disagree, savage animals...or...simple puppets. He wwatched as their strings pulled them this way and that seeing that which no one else could, or perhaps that which was not there, maybe it was that which he thought to be there.... Regardless he felt no reason to comment upon them. He would let them fight whilst he sat back and watched. He took out a pendulum and swung it back and forth, back and forth, so rhythmic... the heart beat of the Universe, perfect, unfaltering, time...

[Xerxes Shadow]

Nuei

"Likewise. What are your plans when we get to Aegenos?" Nuei chuckles. "Sorry for being so blunt, but we only have so much time before this thing leaves and subtlety is really best saved for enemies, don't you think?" Immediately after speaking, he jerks his head towards Chaorn. "Like that one. Tempting as it may be to posture and defend my own worth before him now, I think it might be best to stay under cover, if you get my drift."

[Jallorn]

Jallorn

Continuing to smile, Jallorn says, "Fools rush in where wise men fear to tread. Ah, one of the great inventions belonging purely to mortals, philosophy. I think I will return to my library. There are some rather peculiar mortals in a valley relatively nearby, they interest me."

[Xerxes Shadow]

Nuei

"Ah, the mortals." Nuei smiles as well. "There are some nomadic ungulate-people roving around the River Kingdom. They interest me quite a bit."

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita

"Why bother with kingdoms, philosophy or knowledge? Even they will die, and their decaying remains will sprout new nations, philosophy, and knowledge. Even truth grows in dead, false truths. Anybody want this mushroom?"

[Xerxes Shadow]

Nuei

"Kingdoms may rise and fall, but great men will always be remembered in some form or another." Nuei thought about his words for a second. "If everything grows from a decayed predecessor, you may as well make the decayed predecessor as good as possible. In time, progress will be made. And yes, I would like that mushroom." The Stranger plucked the fungus from Amanita's hand and popped it into his mouth. "Tasty."

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita

"True, I suppose. But decomposed history makes legends, decomposed legends make myths and decomposed myths make fairy tales. Is that any way for a great man to be remembered? If a tree dies, fungi and beetle grubs start the process of decomposition. Are any of those greater than the tree was? Does the tree's greatness have any effect on the mushrooms and beetles? Does it truly matter, as the beetles and fungi, in turn, will die and decompose? I know that I will die, one day, and I will be replaced in turn." There's already a new mushroom growing where that one was.

[Mike_the_Mystic]

Brer Bubba sat easy, knowing that he was going to be high on the hog. "This ah sayed this is gonna be fun!" Brer Bubba grinned "Y'all have fun too now, ya here"

[Krrth]

Drakendae


*looking over at Bael*

Where do I get it? Take a look around. We're already squabbling like children. I wouldn't be surprised if half-way there they turned the ship around.

*looking around at the others*

If the legacy of a man, woman, or country lives on then they are truly immortal.

[Kasanip]

Rui

Rui's head snapped up and she shot a withering glare at Chaorn - his little jab did not go unnoticed. But despite the seething fury that had started to sink into her, she wrenched away from it and didn't shout. Her ear twitched again and she forced her hands onto the railings, gripping them like iron.
Amanita's words made sense to her, and though the others bickered and talked stupid philosophies dealing with the mortal humankind, her thoughts turned back to the forest.
"Squabbling like children? Of course we are. We're stuck on a small little boat like a rabbit in it's burrow!" She muttered, wringing her hands on the railings, twisting and distorting the furnished wood, as if it had been crossed with claw marks. The sooner this trip was over, the better.

[Jallorn]

Jallorn Drakath

Jallorn turns to the fungal deva, "You're making a common misconception my friend. Yes, there are numerous similarities between almost everything, but you're over-simplifying. A family steeped in violence tends to continue the pattern, while a family steeped in learned also tends to continue the pattern. The same follows with countries, great, peaceful countries beget more great countries through legacy. The bigger the... organism, if you will, the larger a sample you have to take. The actions of a country over a particular day or week are inaccurate, you have to go to years at least for a true survey of what the country is likely to do."

[Falconer]

Mahrizan

A red dragon, about the size of a horse, is lazily draped over several seats. His eyes are closed, meditating on gods-know-what, while his ears are pricked up, obviously listening in on the conversation.

OoC: Extremely short, I know; I'm rather busy today, and just thought I'd establish that I'm here still.

[Grim ranger]

Evertos

He stopped playing with the strings, his plans completed for the time being. Rising up from his seat, he sighed wearily at the others and their infighting. If they were going to tear each other apart, couldn't they even wait to reach mortal world before starting to kill family? Walking next to Rui, he leant on the railing and spoke wearily.

"Struck here for now, yes... But not for long time I would assume. Truth to be told, I have missed the mortal world, all the exitement, all the progress. At the outpost there was little of that. I can't complain on it, but I still prefer the mortal world to world of our kind. Feels more like...home."

Raising his voice slightly, Evertos adressed his words at Chaorn.

"And I wouldn't say woodland creatures, brother. She is one of us and we ought to show her the respect she deserves...I believe many of us have become jaded towards the wonders of nature. And while we start talking about creatures, wouldn't you count as one? Wouldn't I? If you are intent on picking a fight, please have good manners to do it on mortal soil, and let the rest of us enjoy the flight."

[Kasanip]

Rui

A look of surprise, and then suspicion crossed Rui's features as Evertos came over and spoke to her. But those emotions dropped back to a more pensive, unreadable expression as she turned her golden gaze back out.
"More like home..." She echoed thoughtfully. Yes, maybe it was something like that. She felt a certain peace and easiness in her when she walked beneath the canopy of forests. The gentle pattern of light that played through the branches. "Perhaps so. I yearn for the moment we depart from these trappings." She revealed softly.

As Evertos turned to address Chaorn, a flash of fire came back to her gaze and her frown once again returned to her face. She didn't need his pity, or defense. Certainly not with Chaorn. Gritting her teeth she released her grip and forced her arms across her chest as she started back to a seat near to the others. Maybe if she was a little closer to them, they'd learn to mind their tongues.

[Hyperion]

Xo

He had one hand on his cheek and was dosing off already, trying his best to stay awake but the arguments were making sleepy,actually as a matter of fact what didn't make him sleep? that was just one excuse after another to take a nap.

Between his eyes closing and him fading in and out of the conversation, his ears caught a few parts of the conversations, yawning at the moment of all them stopped talking for a moment.

"Well brothers and sisters, I understand being nervous about our trip into the mortal world but there is only thing to do for all of us...zzzzzz"

He dozed off not surprising at all for some who had the occasion to observe him during their times at deva school.

[Jallorn]

Jallorn Drakath

Jallorn can't help but notice Rui, and is pleasantly surprised by a feeling of affection. "Anger does not beget one so pretty," he says half jokingly. "I believe I understand your meaning. Bookworm though I am, I do greatly enjoy being somewhere I can do something. And there is never more to do than when one is wandering the wilderness."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Shemesh

Shemesh is the last deva to arrive at the gathering. Those who knew him knew it was because no matter what Shemesh was doing, he'd always get sidetracked when someone asked him for help. He'd drop everything to work on someone else's problem and it'd take him forever to get what he was supposed to be doing done.

The other devas see him running towards them, fully armored and carrying his sword over his shoulder. Being a Deva, the running didn't tire him, but he was clearly embarrassed about being late once again.

"I sincerely apologize, my felow devas. I was on my way here, but someone stopped me to ask a question, and we...we became engaged in a philosophical debate, and when it was over, I realized I was late. I haven't kept you waiting, have I?"

[Gourtox]

Sonnchützer

Getting up from his seat he walks over to Rui and quietly whispers, ""Don't let him get to you, he's just a bag of bones who'd much rather just be bones." Then he changes direction, this time alking toward Shemesh. "My friend you haven't kept us waiting. However what was the topic of this discussion? Was it how righteousness will improve everything, again?" A bright smiles spreads across his face.

[Kasanip]

Rui

Blinking with a bit of surprise at Jallorn's remark, Rui furrowed her brows and her lips turned to a bit more of a pout. Was he just trying to make a fool of her as well? She wasn't sure. But as he continued speaking, she relaxed a bit, and turned her sharp gaze from his eyes. Just as she prepared to reply however, Sonnchützer spoke to hear in a low whisper, and she clamped her mouth shut again and gaze him a cool, appraising look as well.
"Thank you both for your concern" She said mechanically, as if the words were uncommon for her to speak. "However, you need not concern yourself with his petty jibes. They make no difference to me." She said, raising her chin and looking down at Chaorn with disdainful, piercing golden eyes. Quick enough though she shrugged and turned back to Jallorn.
"Your words are true however. There is nothing more fulfilling than the forest and meadow. The natural world. I hope none of you forget that."

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Outpost

John the Carer was the last deva to get on board. The Sage, Maleon, entered behind him.

"It is time to depart. As you know, sending one deva to Aegenos from the Outpost takes considerable power. That is why we needed to build this ship to transport all of you. We won't be able to help you directly down on Aegenos, but we hope that what you have learned here will serve you well."

Maleon closed his eyes.

"We have no time to loose. I sense that something dreadful has just happened at the border of Escavor and Ceylen."

The Sage bowed before you - the first time you saw any of them do that - and walked away.

"Good luck."

The doors closed. The entire structure shook and the ship launched through the Void.

-------------------

The trip only lasted a few hours. Everything was going well until you reached the sky of Aegenos. There was a very loud thunderclap. As you looked to the window, you noticed a strange cloud formation forming near the ship. It took the semblance of a human visage and everyone could hear the "thing" shouting:

You dare return here!? I did not forget! And I shall make you pay!

Suddenly, a terrible storm hit the ship. You were thrown around the room like the other devas. The ship shook so bad that you thought for a second that it would get ripped apart. Fortunately, it resisted, and while the landing was less than pleasant, you came out of it in one piece. The doors opened again. On the other side, an unknown deva was waiting for them.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance watched the ship with something of a smile. He knew it was coming. While this undoubtedly was a more important day for the children, it was sort of a landmark occassion for him as well. Now he ended his former stage of existence, and entered into a new one.

Hmmm... odd...

Vance noticed that Ship wasn't making the... smooth descent he expected. In fact, the ship looked like it was careening.

"I doubt that is to plan..."

Vance stepped back a bit, giving the ship room to slam into the ground. The children's benefactors were better builders then he thought, however. It remained in one piece. Vance pulled a Quill out of his Robe, and opened his book, waiting for the doors to open. As they did, the Old Deva smiled, as if he knew a joke that the rest of the Deva's were not in on.

"Hello, Children. Welcome to Aegenos, the Material Plane. How was the flight?"

Vance looked about counting heads.

"If you'd be kind enough to line up, and give me your names, we can get started."

[Jair Barik]

Crintos
The man with the long flowing robes and quiet demeanour spoke for the first time. "I am Crintos. I find I am unsurprised to see you here. I didn't know you would be here yet your being here seems completely unremarkable. I understand we are now in the mortal world yes?"

he lightly dusted off his robes and walked up to Vance, speaking his piece as he did so.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance nodded at Crintos.

"Yes, this Aegenos, the Material Plane, the Mortal World, if you wish to call it that. There have been those who might disagree with such a characterization, however."

Vance smile grew a bit more faint, and his eyes became distant before he shook his head and returned to the task at hand.

"Anyways, thank you for your name."

Vance scribbled down Crintos' name in his book, and looked at the others expectantly.

[Hyperion]

Xo

The blue humanoid stood up, the crash had taken him by surprise as he was taking a nap and looked around a bit confuse at the reason of the crash and what kind of creature attacked them from the sky. Cracking up his fingers and neck a bit.

"Name's Xo...and what's your name?"

[Grim ranger]

Evertos

Evertos stepped outside and breathed deeply on the air of the mortal world. Even thought it had been ages, he still felt that he belonged here: despite he was a deva, with power beyond mortal reach, this was still his home. Walking next to Crintos, Evertos looked at Vance.

"I do not believe we have been introduced yet, old one. My name is Evertos, and I am in charge of aspect of Strategy in this little group."

Giving Vance slight bow of the head, he turned his back to other devas and knelt down, pressing his hand against the grass. Even though nobody could see it, the deva of strategy was smiling bittersweet little smile under his mask.

It was good to be home.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance smiled at Xo, and wrote down his name as well. A nod he gave to Evertos, knowing to be watchful of that one.

"Hello Xo, Evertos. I'm Vance, if must know."

[Kasanip]

Rui

The messy-haired girl descended to the earth, taking a deep breath and secretly enjoying the sensation of the grass and soil beneath her bare-feet. Yes. Being back on the Mortal World was already enriching. She could hear the life, feel it, smell it. This place felt better than the sky. And the rocky journey had been just about all she was willing to take. She gave a sideways glance at the Deva who had been waiting, her arms coming back up across her chest as she gave him an appraising glance, as if to say and who are you?

"The pleasantries aside... I smell something burning. Wood that's been charred. Blood."

She lifted her chin expectantly.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance nodded at the Wild Deva's words, not suprised that one of them would be able to pick up on that sad buisness.

"Yes my dear. I'm afraid there is a burned down village not far from here. Now would you care to give me your name?"

Vance hated to be insistent, but he had a job to do.

[Edwin]

Bael stepped down from vehicle, stretching his arms while still clutching the slender sword in his hand. Looking up the old deva, his eyes lit up again.

I am no child, not by any standard, and not by yours either. My name, which is what you will use to address me from now on, is Bael, and that is all I will tell you.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance just smiled at Bael, not reacting to his anger at all. What else could one expect from a child.

"Child, I ask no more from you then your name. And that is what you have given me."

Vance's voice definitely showed he was making a joke at Bael's expense that time.

[Kasanip]

Rui

Though her first instinct was to offer a retort that might be euphemistically called "Rude," Rui bit her tongue. Courtesy here was still important- and proper rituals must be obeyed.

"I would ask you give your name first, but since I can hear..." She jerked her head in the direction of some of her fellow Deva who had already communicated with Vance... "...I already know your name. I am Rui." She said plainly, though surprisingly enough she tilted her head in what could pass for a bow. Or at least an acknowledgment and a greeting.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance nodded, meeting her bow with one of his own. If she was to be polite, then he would be as well.

"I apologize child. I misinterpreted your intentions. If it makes it up to you, I am Vance, Deva of History, and watcher of this plane. Or at least I was till now."

And I wonder what difference that change will make.

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

Crintos turned his head at the devas words. "I am afraid history is fast redundant. The world hurls headlong into the future, its passage unstoppable, the past quickly grows to levels beyond our comprehension and control, we can only watch the future for that is constantly falling in size, becoming smaller and smaller as the past grows up, piling up behind us in one untidy mess who's riddles and infinite complexities we can never hope to untwine..." Crintos had a sentimental, perhaps sad look to his face as he spoke.

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn walks gracefully off of the downed ship and sniffs the air and grimaces slightly.

"The sweet smell of the burning still cannot cover the stench of life that is so prevalent here."

He looks over to the old man.

"I am Chaorn the Burning, and you would be?"

He points a bony finger at him and raises a smokey eyebrow.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance answers him calmly, refusing to dislike the Deva for the first few words. Time enough for those judgments later.

"I am Vance."

[Edwin]

Staring at the puny old man with apathy, a smile spread across Bael's face.

You refuse to be anything but obnoxious I see. Tell me, old, worthless man, does it fuel some desire? Or maybe I shouldn't call you old. Chances are, you are no older than me.. Perhaps you're just worthless.

Stepping past the robed figure, Bael walked a bit towards the charred village. Interesting sight, he thought to himself.

Murder. Death. Brutality.

[Falconer]

Mahrizan

Mahrizan rolled his eyes at Bael and Chaorn. He didn't particularly dislike them, but he felt like they were, at times, complete idiots. Or at least, they lacked a certain quality that might be called "tact". Or basic conversational ability, for that matter. In a blur the red dragon melted away, changing into the form of a tall human noble. He gives a courtly bow to the old deva.

"Forgive my friends. Undoubtedly the flight has put them ill at ease, and I assure you their anger is not towards you. I am Mahrizan. Simply 'Mahrizan' will do. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

[Earl of Purple]

Amenita

"Burnt materials are hard to decay, and thus the village will take a while for the necessary processes to begin; the village will take awhile to regrow in the endless cycle. I am Amanita, Deva of Decay. And what is History but a record of death, decay and rebirth? The endless cycle will claim all, but not for long, I feel. Even the future will one day die and be reborn, via the necessary step of decay." Amanita is counting the fungi growing out of his head; eventually sure that none was missing, he lowered his hand to scratch one of the bracket fungi growing above his ear. He eventually bows; awkwardly, and displaying lumps previously not visible in his loose, mildewy robe. "Would I be correct, Vance, in guessing you will record the decay of the future as it happens? I believe that is what history entails."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance turned to Bael, still smiling.

"Child, your lifespan is but a blink of an eye to me. I was here in the beginning. And very likely, I shall be here in the end. I have seen the rise and fall of countless beings, and know more then you ever shall."

Vance's words didn't show any anger, more in tone like a pedantic teacher with a troublesome student.

"As for my worth, you will have to judge that for yourself. That is hardly something for today however."

Vance turned to Mahrizan, nodding in acknowledgement.

"A pleasure. I am Vance, as you may have heard."

Then Vance turned to address Amanita. The Old Deva was growing a little bit more flustered. It had been a very, very long time since he had dealt with speaking to more then one being at once.

"And in some part, you are correct, Amanita, and in some you are not. If you would like to know more of my task, I will tell you of it. But this is hardly the most oppurtune place."

[Gourtox]

Sonnchützer

Sonnchützer walks down from the ship sighing at Bael's impudence. Greetings Vance, I am Sonnchützerand I apologize for the impudent behavior of some of my fellow Devas." He looks specifically at Bael while he speaks.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance shook his head at Sonnchützer.

"There is no need to apologize. Children will do as children will do, I'm afraid."

Vance shrugged.

"I require nothing more then your names, and Bael has given me that. I am Deva like you, and demand no obesiance from my kin."

[Edwin]

Impudent?

Bael laughs almost silently.

I find it interesting that so many of you are quick to judge, when all I've done is exercise my right to be called by my given name, rather then the demented musings of a spent Deva.

Only now does he turn to face the assembled Devas.

And I find it even more interesting that all you've managed to do so far is just that. Judge. Not a shred of anything to back your claims.

[Falconer]

Mahrizan

The dragon deva put his hand to his forehead, trying to prevent the headache that was starting to form.

"Not now, Bael. Feel free to mock and jeer and argue all you'd like later, but now is simply not the time."

[Grim ranger]

Evertos

Rising up from his kneeling position, Evertos quickly took in the situation and almost sighed. They had been in mortal world for few minutes, and already there was starting to be arguments. It seemed he would have lot of work in his hands just to prevent apocalypse within first week.

"I agree with you, Mahrizan. While I would usually see battle of wits between us all very amusing, for now I would be content in taking in how the world has changed and trying not to attract trouble. If you want to beat each other senseless, do so, but give me time to leave the scene, gentlemen."

[Edwin]

Oh worry not, draconic brother of mine, I am not arguing. I am simply refusing to listen to what this senile old simian has to say. Beyond recording my arrival, at this point, he is irrelevant.

Bael turned towards the village once again, tapping his foot ever so slightly.

Unless he can tell me who that thing in the sky was.

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita

"I have done nothing to judge you, Bael. I find you somewhat rude, but that will not stop me from working alongside you if the need arrises. I am accustomed to rudeness, as most would when they are covered in mould." The disfigured deva is scratching the back of his head, and his fingers keep creeping to a red mushroom with white spots. "I am willing to work alongside anybody, especially those whose points of interest overlap mine." He glances towards Rui and Brer Bubba at the last, as well as Bael and Chaorn.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Amanita's and Crintos' "divination sense" gets their attention. By going to the village they might be able to tell exactly what happened there.

[Edwin]

I'm rude? How about this old geezer? Forcing his worthless teachings and his smug attitude upon us? He can do as he pleases with all of you for all I care, but he will treat my with as much respect as he think he deserves from me.

[Jair Barik]

Crintos
In complete silence wandered off to the village leaving no tracks behind him and making no sound. Chances are nobody saw him. As he walked in the direction of the village he did not see the way to the village, he saw himself walking ahead of him towards the village and followed the future him. It was the right thing to do. He gazed into the near future, what would he see when he got to the village? he bagn to picture it...

[Kasanip]

Rui

The young deva barked a laugh and tossed her hands up ruefully, a bit of scorn mixed into her expression. She had obviously just about had it with the random bickerings and wordplay.
"Oh, well met, one and all. I'd love to stay and chatter about like yipping pups, but I'm going to go to the village nearby. Follow or don't, I don't care. As for the rest of you, I bid you farewell, until we meet again."

She said, offering a curt nod to the gathering and then headed off at a trot in the direction of the village. By following her nose she would get there soon enough.

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita

"You are rude, Bael, by repeatedly calling him senile, elderly, and repeatedly demeaning him. He has not forced his views upon us, save when you took umbrage with being called 'child' by a deva older than yourself. Even before that, you were rude. Vance has tried his best to be kind and accomadating, but I think he hasn't actually talked with multiple beings at once for several decades.". Then, after a brief bow revealing the lumps on his back, he turned around, and Amanita followed Rui and Crintos.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance didn't respond to Bael. After all, the Deva wasn't talking to him anymore, and it wouldn't be proper to intrude into a conversation where he wasn't wanted.

Hmmm...

Vance peeked his head into the craft, wondering what the couple that were left were doing.

"In case you haven't heard, I'm Vance and I really do need your names."

[Edwin]

Laughing whole heartedly, Bael turned on his heel and started walking away from the village, hoping to find a city of some sort.

If one is a child, then naturally the other is elderly. Senile.

His laugh turning into a loud cackle, he started tapping his foot as he walked.

Flawed logic. Senile.

His eyes started to glow bright.

[Kaiser Omnik]

To Crintos, the past and the future intertwined. He saw the villagers feasting and dancing. Some of them turned to the night sky and looked at a strange object heading their way. It could have been mistaken for a small, hole-riddled meteorite. The object slowed down, stopped right above the town hall and simply hovered there.

And then, it opened its...eyes. Twenty of them. It seemed to scan the place. It was quickly followed by men riding giant owls. As the "flying cavalry" arrived, the air around the meteorite heated up and it violently exploded. The last thing Crintos saw in his vision was a fiery wave coming his way.

When Amanita touched a burnt piece of wood, he, too, had a vision of the strange visitor.

In the present, not much is left of the village. There are corpses everywhere. Yet, Rui thought she heard something moving inside a nearby house.

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

In complete silence Crintos stepped through the village, looking around at the fallen timbers, the burnt out dwellings, the destruction. Comparing them with what they once where, what they were now and what they would soon be. It seemed to matter little what this village had been, it was now gone from the future and present, never to be again. Crintos walked through and onwards, straight onwards. Through the landscape walking on to whatever he may come to find in his path, whatever would be there for him to see, like a marionet on a string he walked forwards with no real control of his future. That was fine though, he didn't care.

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn

Chaorn quietly steps behind Rui and taps her on the shoulder.

"Rui, I am sorry if we have got off on the wrong foot, you seem quite determined in taking action and that is a quality I admire greatly in an ally, prehaps you could become one?"

He quickens his pace to walk beside her as she moves to the village, smiling softly to himself.

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita

Wherever Amanita steps, the process of decay will be sped up, helped by the fungi his Plant Affinity helps grow. The fact the fungi all over his body are shedding spores helps, too. He studies the image of the twenty-eyed exploder; if has a fungal origin or is connected with decay he should recognise it.

[Kaiser Omnik]

@Amanita

The thing was not related to plants, fungi or decay.

[Gourtox]

Sonnchützer

He walks toward the village inspecting it thouroughly, hoping to find something that could tell him what happened and why. He keeps an eye on Bael while he does this.

[Jesdorian]

Miyu extracted herself from the ship at last and she saw a deva with the form of an old man. A welcomer.. a guide? Then from the smell of smoke she noticed the disaster nearby.
The fiber of her being urged to run to the scene of devastation and she moved towards it without thinking.
"Mercy," she whispered as she started to the village looking at the dead. She looked around for any signs of life.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Now, several devas hear someone or something moving in a nearby house.

[Hyperion]

Xo

He walked toward the village, half expecting to find a place to sleep. At the sight of all the corpses, his head moved from left to right and scouted the surroundings a bit.

"Look like somebody isn't taking an eternal rest..."

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita

The disfigured decay deva heads towards the source of the noise. He picks up a piece of burnt wood and pulls his hood up, to hide the fungi growing out of his head. Now, he merely looks like a human with bad skin wearing a lumpy hood. He may still frighten whoever it is, but he's doing his best.

[Gourtox]

Sonnchützer

Hearing the noise within the house he takes his sword from its sheath and walks toward the house. He tries to do this without drawing attention to himself so whatever it is doesn't die in terror or shock.

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn
In the village.

Chaorn clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth as he walks through the ruined buildings.

"Such a waste, such a waste" He mutters as he carefully steps over the corpses.

Chaorn hears the sounds of movement near him. He holds his hand out in front of him and stares at it for a few seconds until it bursts into flames, using his newly ignited hand as a light source he steps into the torched building.

"So who do we have here then?" He asks condescendingly, hoping for a reply from whoever or whatever it was that he heard.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance sighs as Miyu runs off. He just shrugs, writing down her name in his book, even though she hadn't said it. Vance had been fibbing a little. He did need to write down their names, but several of them he could identify without them giving it up. For instance, the whole 'Mercy' things was a dead giveaway for Miyu.

"Aren't to many left."

But Vance did have a purpose here, and for some, he wasn't able to identify them without their help.

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Ruined Village

A human male with badly burned skin left the house right before Chaorn entered. He didn't seem in pain or even scared. He turned to the many devas. His stare was blank.

"They are coming. It is inevitable. The seal is breaking. Is it for good? For evil? They bring a gift... possiby poisonous. Everything will change. I see the lost of self, sacrifice by fire and life anew. Will the God Reborn save us or doom us all? The key to the next Age is so close...but is it best left undisturbed?"

The nameless prophet then gasped and fell to the ground, lifeless.

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn

As the life seeps away from the burned man Chaorns entire expression changes, his face loses the smugness it held only moments ago and appears to be set like stone.

"Such. A. Waste."

Chaorn bends over the dead body and the fire around his hand coalesces into a small white spark which he presses into the mans chest. With his other hand he signals the area around him.

"All of you. Such a waste."

The spark splits as it reaches the corpses heart and white lines run along the ground, curving to meet the other corpses.

"You will live anew. For so commands Chaorn the Burning!"


(Life Creation Ritual, created intelligent human revenants.)

[Kaiser Omnik]

The revenants-to-be disappear from the scene and appear in Chaorn's sanctum, where they will be preserved until the transformation is complete. (since it takes 1 full turn for the ritual to take effect)

[Falconer]

Mahrizan

Looking on as Chaorn, Sonnchutzer, and others head off to the village, Mahrizan turns to the remaining devas.

"Well, seeing as the village is going to be taken care of by our comrades and there are no issues here requiring our urgent attention, I feel I must be off.

"I hope you don't mind, but I should like to visit my home here. It's been...quite some time, and I'd like to see it again. Sentiment, and all that."

He gives another courtly bow.

"I hope to see all of you again in the future. Gentlemen, ladies."

A flash of fire engulfs him, and he's gone.

[Jallorn]

Jallorn inclines his head to Vance as he speaks, "A noble practice is yours, the record of history. It is after all, from the actions of the past that we learn how to best approach the future. I am Jallorn." When the other devas begin moving towards the village, Jallorn follows, and, upon hearing the 'prophet', says, "I'm sorry, but I must consult my library." He then reaches out towards the pull of his sanctum, crossing the great distance in mere moments. Once there, he rests for a bit before moving into his library and racking his memory for all the information he has about Leander and any past events that led to a new age.

OOC:I assume this is okay

Also, Knowledge check with circumstantial bonus, woot.

[Kaiser Omnik]

@Jallorn

Jallorn doesn't know what this "new Age" could refer to. In the past, there has never been, to his knowledge, another Age. The world has evolved rather slowly since its creation by the Elder Gods.

As for Leander, he remembers him as a seeminly perfect deva: strong, beautiful, majestic and powerful. He never knew him really well, but Jallorn believes he was Deva of the Mind. Leander was not seen in a long time.

[Xerxes Shadow]

"Ah! So we landed then!" Nuei leaps to his feet from apparently being knocked unconscious. "Hello, Vance, I'm Nuei the Traveller. Pleased to meet you and all that, wish I could stay and talk, but seeing as how I'm a Deva of Travel I should probably whip up something to travel with." He exits the craft and finds the hatch for the cargo hold.

Inside, perfectly untouched and undamaged, is his prized Apparatus of the Crab. Nuei enters it and makes sure everything is okay before starting it up. After a few false starts, it maneuvers out of the hold and onto solid ground. "It's good to drive this old girl again," he sighs, then pops his head out the window to yell at the other Devas. "Hey guys, I'm a Deva of Travel, but I can't decide where to go first. Any ideas?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

@Xerxes
Do you want your Apparatus to be more than a sanctum? Each deva starts with a free sanctum. You could also make it an artifact with a ritual, if you want to give it some more features.

[Xerxes Shadow]

I was going to do that, but I don't want to get tied up for the rest of the turn. Since it's an item, I figured I would have to actually create and link the item... want I should just retroactively pull it out of the cargo hold instead?

[Kaiser Omnik]

OOC: You can do whatever you want with it. :smallwink:

[Xerxes Shadow]

Mmmmkay, overhauled the post. Thankfully nobody else has been screwed over by my last-second changes.

[Jallorn]

Realizing with some impatience that his library is already too big for one person to search effectively, yet is growing too slowly, Jallorn decided that he needed help, and he began to craft 30 figures out of pure mental power. These beings would slowly take a mortal form, save their eyes and minds. Their eyes, existent only so that their appearance wouldn't disturb mortals, will be milky white, their mode of sight being through a supernatural sense(read: psionic sight). This sight will allow them to see the world as if they had eyes, but will cut them from reading, though they will know if a book has information on something(read: catalog system(lol)). There are 15 males, and 15 females, and they will also have the ability to use their very minds as weapons and shields(read: psionics). When the bodies are completed, Jallorn will reach out to the most brilliant minds among the mortals, granting them the opportunity to serve. If they accept his offer, their mind will be drawn from their body and into the new physicality which will then take the shape of their old body, save the eyes.

OOC: I envision them wearing bands of cloth around their heads that hide their eyes. Their purpose is to manage the library and help Jallorn to find books on various subject when he needs them to. They speak only in riddles to mortals and other devas however. They also travel the world seeking books that don't yet exist in the library. Mundane books can be duplicated in the library with a single touch, while magic books need to be carried there personally. Obviously he's only offering to minds that will be loyal to him and relatively cohesive to his beliefs. Their minds are somewhat warped as well to be more acceptable to this new immortal life and to be more capable of remaining unchanged. They have their own opinions, but are forbidden to act on any, or be returned to their original form. Jallorn also provides them with a small piece of his expansive knowledge split evenly among them. I've also changed my mind and decided that they can glean the information from a book as if reading it, unless the information would either give them too much power or be overly dangerous.

1 Ritual

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance looked at Nuei, and shrugged. He didn't know where the Deva of Travel would like to go. Of course, Vance had been everywhere, in a way, so it didn't really matter much to him.

"Depends on where you want to go. The view from the Linnorm Mountains is supposedly spectacular."

Vance shrugged, having given what little advice he could.

"The Linnorms used to like it, at the very least."

[Xerxes Shadow]

"And if I remember correctly, they had excellent taste." Nuei grins at Vance. "Mountains might be hard for this baby to climb, though. I think she might be able to use some help..." He waves a divine arm and a fantastic force seems to ripple from it, coalescing atop the Apparatus.

A faintly transparent white field seems to grow and shape on the top of its carapace, eventually forging itself into the vague shape of butterfly wings. Another white tendril reaches down and forces itself into the "arms and legs," making them shudder. Nuei looks his handiwork up and down. "Well, that shouldn't take too long to finish forming up. Meantime, you guys have fun impacting the world, now." The absurd-looking metal lobster lifts up on its legs and begins to trundle off towards the east. Nuei makes sure to keep a sharp lookout for any Runners that he might encounter...

As if there weren't enough spoiler tags in my posts already.

Using a Ritual to give the Apparatus a flight ability and also some nice, fluid motion in the limbs, instead of the jerkier stuff that was there previously.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance watched Nuei go, his smile growing a little bit wider. It was hard to dislike a fellow like that. Of course, that might just be because Vance wanted to believe that he was like that when he was young.

"If you consider devouring people good taste, I suppose they did."

Vance sighed, and turned to the rest, just shaking his head.

What on earth could be so intriguing in there?

[Hyperion]

Xo in the village

Xo looked around and all the dead people around, wasn't really what he had in mind for his first day on the material plane. The others were having conversation left and right, some even were leaving.

That was a lot of events in a short amount of time.

"Hmm wish you the best of luck brothers."

On these last words, Xo body unwrapped into layers of cloud and vanished into thin air. He appeared in his sanctum, a place made of mist and clouds.

The first thing in his sanctum was to create a well, a well of dreams and nightmares that would conserve all the dreams and nightmares of the living and would have the occasion to come look at them whenever he can.


ritual creating artifact: The Well of Dreams and Nightmares

[Krrth]

Drakendae

Drakendae had fallen asleep on the trip. As he had expected, his fellow Deva had argued and talked most of the trip. They hadn't even told stories or talked about heroes! No, they bantered. Boring. And so he drifted to sleep.

It was some time later when he heard voices outside the craft. Shaking his head, he sat up.


Oh, wow. Are we there already?

Sighing, he stretched and finally walked out of the craft.

So what did I miss?

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Shemesh

During the storm, Shemesh had hit his head and fallen unconcious. He finally came to in the crashed vessel.

"Wh-wha?"

[Kasanip]

Rui - On the Way to the Village

The Huntress had stiffened when Chaorn had tapped her on the shoulder and attempted to make peace with her. She had regarded him coolly with her piercing eyes, and said: "I am grateful you think better of me now." Wry sarcasm obviously coloring her words. But she had shrugged and had not pulled away from Chaorn as they walked to the village



Rui - In the Village

As they had arrived in the village, the acrid smell of burnt flesh had met her nose, but more important was the sound of some sort of struggle in one of the ruined buildings. And so Rui had trotted over to the structure, though Chaorn had passed her by and burned open a way within.
The burned human had stared blankly and spoken his words, and Rui had frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. She never had cared too much for prophecies, and would not have paid this dying man's words too much heed, were it not for the disaster in the air earlier as they descended. Still, the future was the future. Inevitable or changeable, she didn't care. That was the path of some of the other devas. Possibly a gift? Possibly Poisonous? Right. She'd really waste time trying to guess between the two.

But Chaorn had acted to transport all of the corpses away, perhaps to his sanctum, Rui did not know. Though, in that action, he had basically sealed the fate of whomever had perhaps still barely clung to life, as far as Rui was concerned. Well, fair enough. She didn't pay it much thought really. It just meant less for the carrion birds to gorge themselves on. She looked at Chaorn coolly and nodded her head.
"I am certain our paths will cross again soon." She said, though there was perhaps a certain neutrality and yet ominousness to her words. But she took her leave all the same and walked through the rest of the village alone, looking at the destruction.

"Hmph...So this is the world of mortals that we have returned to? Apparently enough has changed that I should make myself reacquainted." She muttered to herself.

[Tackyhillbillu]

OOC: John doesn't see to want to play, so I believe that is everyone.

Vance

Vance smiled as the last two awoke, sticking his head in the craft.

"Ahhh, you are finally up and about children. It appears you slept everything, do here is the short of it. I'm Vance. You are in fact on the mortal planes. Your friends have gone to a village nearby that was destroyed. You can go join them after you have given me your names."

Vance bowed slightly. Keeping up this good natured look was beginning to wear on him. Best to give the young ones some hope, but still.

"So have I answered the questions you were about to ask, young ones?"

[Krrth]

Drakendae

Extending his hand, Drakendae responds in a quizzical way:

Name? Names have Power. At least true ones do. May I ask who you are and why you need my name?

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Shemesh

Shemesh jumps up as soon as he hears that a village was destroyed.

"Destroyed? What village? Where? By whom?!"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance sighed. He hadn't expected this much trouble. But what else did one get when they dealt with children. Vance first addresses Drakendae.

"Child, I am Vance. I am the Deva of History. I have watched through the Eons as this plane has developed, and I am here to record your names into the great chronicles. Is that enough of a justification for you?"

Vance turns to Shemesh, nodding.

"You can find out if you go there, and you have the skill, or ask one of the others. There is no hurry however. Nothing will change those peoples fate now. May I have your name?"

[Krrth]

Drakendae

Deva of History? Splendid, just splendid! I hope we get along well.

pause

I meant no disrespect. I simply find myself a little less trusting than the last time I was here.

My name is Drakendae. I am the Deva of Glory....so you can understand why I find myself reluctant to upset you!

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance nodded to Drakendae, pleased to be down to one name.

"Child, I am at my duty. My pleasure and displeasure do not enter into it. But I greet you all the same."

[Krrth]

Drakendae

Nonetheless it is still good to meet you. So....what can you tell me about this place? I see most of my companions have already left.



ooc: And on that note I'm off. Be back in the morning.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Vance turns to Shemesh, nodding.

"You can find out if you go there, and you have the skill, or ask one of the others. There is no hurry however. Nothing will change those peoples fate now. May I have your name?"
Shemesh

"What do you need my name for?"

[Jallorn]

While a portion of his mind was focused on the task of creation, Jallorn decided that nothing more could be accomplished yet. Thus, he decided to investigate the nearby tribe in the vale. After walking for a few hours along secret paths, Jallorn stood upon one of the mountains overlooking the Gray Vale, as it's residents called it. Descending into the valley, Jallorn kept his eyes peeled for said residents. After only a few minutes however, the residents found Jallorn. A group of men, mostly warriors, surrounded Jallorn, one of them, clearly a leader, stepped forward, saying, "How is it that one lone boy has arrived seemingly unharmed after what surely must've been a long perilous trip over the mountains? The only easy passage is on the other side of the vale, and you are surely not one of us."

With a simple smile, Jallorn says, "Appearances can be deceiving, to me you are the child."

OOC:more later

I've also decided that The Librarians will gather any and all knowledge they can, and in between trips in the world will write down the unwritten knowledge they have gleaned.

[Grim ranger]

Evertos, near the village

Deva of Strategy shook his head at the destruction. Such a shame, something useful destroyed merely by accident or for the fun of it. He could have used the place, but now it was useless, exept for those who made their profit from the dead, like Chaorn. Evertos turned to other devas with unredable expression.

"Well, I guess this is so long, brothers and sisters. I am sure we will meet again soon...I hope it won't be as enemies."

With that, he turned around and simply vanished on spot, reappearing in his sanctum.

Evertos, Fortress of Questions

Reappearing at his sanctum, Evertos looked around. The place was undisturbed, even dust had not fallen while had been away. Obviously, no one had yet found his little hideout, but that could change in time, so preparations were necessary. Walking deeper into his sanctum, Evertos streched his gloved hands. This work would take a while...

Arriving at his map room, the deva picked up large, accurate world map and spread it across the nearest table, beginning to enchant it. He needed some means to keep overview of the world in hand, and this was just something like that. The map began to glow and form realistic images above itself, zooming where ever Evertos pointed and showing the people and things as they were, as close as he wished. It also showed the basic information of the things and places in his own smooth handwriting. Satisfied with his work, the Deva of Strategy began to look around the world, taking in the lands and their inhabitants.

Acts
Ritual: create Web of Plans, enchanted world map. In hands of a deva, the map is capable of accurately showing anything in the world, and zooming into specified place as needed. It can even show secret information, but only if it is not defended magically. It can also show real-time vision of the place if wished. Think of it as kind of scrying pool.

Rituals left: 0
Influence actions left: 5

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance looked at the paladin, and just shook his head. It wasn't worth getting angry over.

"It is said the very young do not always listen. Glad to see you are proving that maxim wrong. I am Vance, the Deva of History. I require your name, because the Chronicles require them. Up until now, my only duty has been keeping up with them. Most of the time, I don't have to ask any questions, but it appears that Deva's are a special case."

Vance tapped the Quill he held on the cover of the book.

"Now may I have your name?"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Shemesh

"What are these Chronicles? Why do they require my name?"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance sighed, looking over a Drakendae. This was obviously going to take some time.

"You can listen if you like, child, but this will take a while."

Vance turned to Shemesh, smiling still. However, it was obvious he was annoyed, and about to take it out on Shemesh.

"I've asked myself the same questions, many times, I fear. I'm still not sure of the answer. The Chronicles store all that has been, on this world. It may be that they store all that will be as well, and I cannot simply see it. They must be filled, or else what has happened will cease to be. Something without a legacy, without an effect cannot exist. And that is what the Chronicles are. The embodiment of Legacy, the embodiment of effect. Sometimes I believe that they are the true reality, and this world here but a pale reflection of them. The fact that they look like Books does not mean they simply are books. Whatever they are, however, they allow me to complete the task that Spirit Father laid upon me, and Thought created me for. To watch this world, and record what happens. Even when I am not paying attention, still they record. However, their sight can be blinded, especially when it comes to beings who are not quite of this world, like Deva's. Then I have to step in directly, or else risk a tear in causality."

Vance delivers this entire speech in a bland, monotone voice, stopping at times to note things in the Book he held at the finish, he snapped it closed, and looked at Shemesh.

"Does that answer your questions, child? I could speak about this for quite some time longer. I have had quite a bit of hand on my time to think about things, and the nature of the Chronicles is one of those questions that always nagged at me. I've never really come to a conclusion, and whenever I ask, I don't get a straight answer. But I have lots, and lots of theories."

[Kasanip]

Rui - Through the Greatforest

As the young deva left the village and headed north, her pace quickened as the grass became meadow, and then at last, woods. She ran through it, taking in the lush green growth; the sounds and the smells. Life. Everywhere, living in harmony - but yet with that same hint of the vicious circle ever-turning. She could hear the padding feet of a hare running for it's life, soon to be a meal for the predator behind. Turning, she could hear the chirping of songbirds, and the cawing of the crows. The light filtered in from above, playing out in a shadowy pattern of light and dark across the forest floor - displayed upon gentle leaves that her feet turned idly, tickling as she went. Yes. This was Home. As she traveled past the edges of the forest, she came to that old, narrow stony path, concealed, and yet open. It led up as the forest floor began to rise, coming up the side of the mountain. And as she ran up the pathway, she came to the small clearing that was familiar to her. To the modest, and yet beautiful shrine that had been constructed for her by spirit and mortal hands alike some time ago. It still sat, undisturbed by the flow of life and death about it - forever constant. And yet there was new moss at the base, and the nostalgic smell of cedar filled her nose as she took a deep breath.
The chattering of sounds in the trees above brought her sharp gaze to them. Three small spirits, tree spirits of some of the most ancient of trees in the forest, sat above in the branches, watching her. As her gaze fell upon them, they bowed their knobby heads and raised their gnarled hands in greeting. She nodded curtly.
"You may spread the word. Rui is back, and this time she will be here for good. I will travel to the human lands to appraise the situation, and see if the rituals and oaths are maintained... But know this: The spirits of the forest will have their order restored and balance returned. Their oaths as well must be held." She said. Though her words were calm, the unspoken threat behind them was quite clear. Rui would not be crossed here. In the past some venturous spirits had tried to lay claim to her dominance, and she had torn them asunder and left them for the carrion birds to feast upon.

As she turned back to her Shrine, Rui took the strongest wood and materials from the forest around, and began to work upon her bow. The Saeri of the Hunt needed a bow, and the bow was also a symbol of the land itself: A blessing of unity - using the world's own to give unto the world what was taken. Life from death, and death from Life. It was a circle.
Taking strong wood of yew and ash, she took horn and sinew, and with animal glue bound them all together. Birch bark and dust to coat and protect it's sheen, and leathered hides tanned in the sun for grip and support. Using her strength she bent the bow again, giving it a strong re-curve, if only to add power to further the perfection of her work.
There is no better huntress than Rui in the world. All tools of the hunt are her craft, and there is none more skilled in that subtlety and work.

Satisfied as the work progressed, Rui let the bow to sit in her Sanctum - letting the components dry and complete their formation. Strengthening, growing. She would come back, and carve and color it, and make the arrows as well as the quiver with which to bear them. But for now, she was curious as to the affairs of the humans. The spirits of the forest were quiet today - cautious and subdued in her return. She expected as the news traveled throughout the greatforest there would be plenty of visitors, welcoming or otherwise... But for now she would go hunting, for some humans.

Acts

1 Ritual: Create Rui's Bow - The Artifact Weapon of Rui, it is a symbol of not only her status, but her skill. Capable of incredible feats of accuracy and marksmanship, this composite, recurved bow will never break under stress of wear, nor will it suffer in poor weather. Rain does not seem to affect it's arrow's flight. Paired with Rui's Mastery of Archery, there is no greater bow in the world.

5 Influence Actions, 0 Rituals remaining

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

Crintos walked on. On towards Morhaven as it so happenned. He had never been there before but he would go there, he knew that. He could see himself walking amongst the streets, looking at the inventions of the people, seeing where they were flawed, incorrect, inaccurate. Those devices that aimed to show the passage of time but failed to reflect it correctly or emulate its nature. He would get some of them though, out of curiosity more than anything else, and then he would fix one, it would be an accurate time piece, perhaps the only accurate time piece. Already time was flowing forward, rushing headlong into him and breaking upon him, crashing down the great waves, the wash of it, its ebb and flow, its intricate ripples and depth. He could feel himself growing into it, becoming more attatched and less passionate. He did not care.

A tower stood in his path. Yes, he had expected this. t was his after all, his creation, his invention, his dream and desire. He would ignore it today though, it would not take him where he needed to go and so he would walk instead. A long walk perhaps but such was necessary. He would see the world more by walking and it was something new and novel, something he desired to see. The tower could wait. Wait for another time.


Spending 1 ritual to increase time domain.


@the GM's

A question about the Deva's ages. Vance refers to them all as children and yet I picture Crintos as long bearded but young in the face, despite being himself incredibly old. Would it be possible for him to have been created a very long time ago and simply to have been inactive and doing nothing? It is much in his character that he could spend a long period of inaction due to simply not having an interest in events.

[Gauntlet]

EDIT: Wait, on hold for clarifcation

[Krrth]

Drakendae

Seeing thst Vance wasn't going to shake his hand for whatever reason, Drakendae stands with his hands behind his back at ease.

Interesting. I will freely admit that I'm not the smartest, wisest, or best looking of the Devas. I need all the help I can get in those areas. Please, continue. Can you tell us what happened to Leander and the mortals after we left?

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance turned back to Drakendae, shrugging.

"The Mortals... are mortals. They've continued to advance, and have developed some interesting new toys which allow them to destroy things at an infinitely greater rate then they could before."

Vance's tone was highly dissapproving of that. However, his face became slightly more quizzical, at the other question.

"And Leander? Who is that? Another Deva? They all went with you, as far as I know."

Vance shrugged.

[Mike_the_Mystic]

Brer Bubba hops off the ship, and smiles. "See ya lata mah friends" Bubba says "I'm off to the south, ah hope y'all get along all rahght!" He hops off due south and goes to make his way in the world.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Shemesh

Shemesh pays attention as Vance speaks, and then nods when he finishes.

"Very well. I am Shemesh, once the angel that was pulled from Radiance's heaven, now a Deva and a beacon of hope to the despairing."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance couldn't stop himself from laughing at that particular remark. Beacon of hope indeed. This one would find himself in trouble fast.

"Good to hear. This world certainly has plenty of despairing."

Vance sighed, and stood up, done with the task, for now. He had other things to do. Unlike most of the Deva's, he had nor former sanctum to return to. But he still knew where he wanted to go.

"With that, I fear I shall be off. I don't have much interest in poking around that village, but you are welcome to if you like. It is over that way."

Vance pointed off towards the village. And with that, he smiled, and walked off. The first three or four steps were normal, but after that, though he legs didn't reach any further, the took him further and further away. He stopped at a Glade in the southwest of the Primieval Forest. He'd always been fond of the place. Things seemed to change slower here then elsewhere. And Vance would make that even more true. First however, he had to attend to the mundane.

He called up a small cottage, placing it just a bit off center of the Glade, so the brook that ran through the place was close at hand. It was rather plain, homely dwelling, but Vance didn't mind. Palaces and towers weren't really to his taste. He then turned to the far greater task.

He walked about the edge, placing his hand on each of the Tree Trunks that encircled the glade, and bowing his head slightly. When he finished the circuit, he went to the center, and just nodded, slowly freezing the glade in time. When it was finished, he smiled, pleased with his work. The Glade was in a stasis, of a kind. Things could change, but they would revert back to the way they were before quickly, if unwatched. With that, the god went inside, to begin what would undoubtedly be a very long day of shelving books. While the Cottage might not look to large from the outside, it had space enough to contain the entire Chronicles. He wouldn't have to do it by hand, thank Thought, but it still would take some time.

Spent on Ritual to Enchant the Glade

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Shemesh

Shemesh approaches the village and looks to see if any of the others are still there.

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn
In the village

His face still frozen and devoid of expression, Chaorn turns around at the sound of footsteps approaching.

"You....."

His mood shifts, becoming furious as rage fills him. The smoke around his head suddenly becomes much thicker and flows much faster as the air surrounding him wavers due to the heat he is now giving off.

"You call yourself a saviour of the people, a paladin" Chaorn sneers slightly as that word falls from his mouth "Why were you not here? How you could let people die? This is your fault!"

Irrational rage fills the Deva and smoke rises from his mouth as spits those words.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Shemesh

Shemesh raises his hands.

"Please, Chaorn! I can't save anything if I'm unconcious! I was knocked out in the crash. I don't even know what happened here."

[Krrth]

Drakendae

Watching as Vance walks away, Drakendae sends a message through the ether to him.

Thank you for your time. Just in case it matters, Leander was a Deva with us on our first visit to this world. We do now know what happened to him, but it may be important.

After than, he turns and follows Shemesh to the village.

[Jallorn]

"Bah, this child needs to learn some manners!" One of the bulkier men had clearly been insulted by Jallorn's statement. Stepping forward, the man hefts a rather weighty club, his intentions clear. As he swings however, Jallorn darts to the side and sweeps his staff at the man's legs, knocking them out from under him and dropping him to the floor. As he leans forward on the man's back to keep him down, a ray of light catches his circlet.

As this happens, one of the members of the group steps forward. One of the few women, her clothes are an odd mix of leather and wood, clearly some sort of ceremonial armor. "Can't you fools see, he is no mortal child!"

Upon hearing this proclamation, the leader takes a second look at the child, looks back at the woman, then shakes his head and says, "We'll take him to the high priestess, she will know."

Decided that the Druid caste is all female and the warrior caste is all male, and the royals are a part of both. They revere and serve nature, and revere Nature, though they only consider themselves servants of the grand expanse of nature, and not Nature himself.

"Fascinating," Jallorn mutters to himself, "I do believe Rui might find this culture interesting herself."

[Xerxes Shadow]

"These are not the Linnorm Mountains," Nuei muttered to himself as he stood in front of a group of three Runners. They had found his Apparatus and started shooting it; he had gone out to see what was the matter; they were now deeply suspicious of him. "Who's in charge here?"

One of the three stepped forward, burlier than the others. His bow was also larger and more intimidating. "I am Roran, the leader of this hunt." The muscular antelope-man pointed an arrow at Nuei. "Who are you?"

"The Traveller, the Stranger, the Wanderer, et cetera." Nuei bowed. "At your service. Why were you shooting at my vehicle?"

"We had thought it a monster. Apparently we were wrong." Roran waved a hand and the others lowered their projectile weapons. "I sense something deeper about you than you say. You are no mere human, correct?"

Nuei answered by concentrating for a second, then releasing pent-up divine energy and shifting through a hundred forms. Eventually he settled on a Runner looking very similar to the one in front of him- strong-limbed and brown-coated. His clothes were thrown off in the general direction of the Apparatus, but his eyes remained the same piercing blue. "You are indeed correct. I usually try to remain more hidden than this, but I feel a sense of kinship with your nomadic people. I am the Wanderer, Deva of Travel. Not a full god, you understand, but powerful nonetheless. Do you require proof?" The Runner nodded slightly, looking nervous. His cohorts looked downright scared.

To give them their proof, Nuei decided he would create for them a haven. He backed up a few paces- a little uncertain on his new hooves- and stared at the ground in front of him for a few seconds or so. Suddenly, the soil exploded out of the ground, and in its place grew a moderately-sized sandstone dome. It was perfectly smoothed, surrounded by sandstone pillars, and contained a large wooden-doored archway in the center, large enough for two Runners to pass through if they were willing to get a little uncomfortable. The Runners couldn't see it, but inside there was a statue of one of their kind, holding a sword in one hand and a scavenging-bag in the other. All of this was made of sandstone, of course. "You may name this place whatever you like," breathed Nuei as he released his hold on the energy and felt it drain away. "It is my gift to your people. Go to them, Roran, and tell them that the Traveller smiles upon them. Lead them here, so they might see the evidence." Roran was speechless. Nuei smiled at him and shifted forms back into a human. "And with that, I bid you adieu." The Stranger left his new allies there and climbed into the Apparatus, smiling to himself.

[Gauntlet]

Sylvor

Sylvor pulls himself up out of the grass. Shaking his head, chunks of mud fall off him and land at his feet. Glancing around, he rubs his forehead for a moment, frowning. "Damn, I must've been out for some time. I guess I can catch up." Sylvor picks up a twisted chunk of metal and glass from the crashed ship and looks at it for a moment, before pocketing it and wandering off eastwards.

[Kasanip]

Rui, Walking amongst the Humans: The Pristine Stream, and the Ceylen Empire

As Rui reached the thinning of the eastern edges of the forest, so too did she begin to change. Her eyes grew less fierce, her ears faded away as fleshy bare ones poked through her hair. Her tail was gone, and suddenly the world seemed...a different place. The wind seemed a little chillier, and she absently tucked her hair behind her ears now, as she came to the Pristine Stream. The crystal clear waters gave her a chance to see her own reflection, and she was surprised. Though she didn't look as fierce and wild as she had before, there was still as much grace about her. She was human now, and still young even by their standards. The deva stood, a frown coming to her face. Was it a good idea, to go amongst the humans in such a form? She wasn't certain now, though she had been before. She wasn't as comfortable without the smells and hearing she had, though she could still stretch out with her Deva senses, it was now something that required her concentration. It wasn't...instinctual.

Still, the path was to be followed for the moment, and so Rui, after taking a drink of the fresh water, went down into the village near the stream and began to seek information. Just what was human life like now? Were they still honoring the old ways? Last she could remember (and very blurry and faint that memory was), people had only just began to carve out the first steps of civilization, with copper and rock the only defenses between life and death.

As she entered the outskirts of the town, a few of the village folk dressed in simple tunics took notice of her. Her own costume was quite different from their own, and so the news spread quickly that a visitor had come, and that she was a beautiful young woman.
Rui had walked through silently, nodded in greeting to those that attempted to talk to her, but she brushed aside as she could. Though she stood out in her robe of attush, she went first to the local shrine, and there asked to see the priest or priestess. Being informed there was a visitor, the Priestess was already prepared to meet with Rui, and led the deva into the shrine before shutting it's wooden doors to give them privacy.
"Is it always like this?" Rui asked as the priestess made the proper offerings: A bowl of food, the burning of fragrant sage, and the placement of wooden totems about. The priestess nodded as she finished, bowing her head and clasping her hands giving thanks.
"Yes." She replied. "We are but a simple folk here on the outskirts of the Ceylen Empire. But we have yet to forget our roots." She said with a laugh. "The forest provides us still with much sustenance, and we have not abandoned the rituals."
Rui nodded, picking up one of the wooden totems absently and studying the carvings. Still they were magnificent, and she thought that indeed, perhaps there had been an improvement in the skill of the craftsmen since she had last been there.
"You do know why I have come, yes?" Rui asked next. The priestess hesitated but shook her head.
"You are not from about here, my lady, but there is something about you that lingers, as if you are perhaps a spirit of the forest in human form." The woman said hesitantly. Rui barked a laugh.
"I guess my human disguise isn't as good as I thought." She said ruefully. The priestess gave her a smile that was half uneasy - how was one supposed to address a spirit welcomed into their shrine, afterall?
"Well, again, I do not know your purpose with your visit, but I'm afraid that if you are checking all of the shrines across these lands, then you may be disappointed with the number that have fallen into disrepair, been converted into other buildings, or subverted with other teachings."
To that Rui frowned. These stupid humans had started to forget the ritual ways? How could they hope to bargain with the spirits if they did not uphold their orders? How could the spirits be expected to obey them? Rui did not have a desire to start everything over from scratch, but she did need more answers. The young women stood.
"Where can I find the one responsible for the abandonment of the old ways?" She asked coldly, and the priestess seemed to flinch back.
"M-milady...I'm not sure it could be given blame to a single person..." Rui laughed at that.
"Just tell me. I only intend to talk with that person." Rui continued, promising wordlessly that she would not slay the person. Well, not slay them outright. She'd listen of course.
"It would likely be the Emperor..." The priestess said, still obviously uncomfortable with the whole affair. Rui walked past her as to leave, and patted the priestess' shoulder gently.
"That wasn't so bad, you see? Consider yourself blessed- you got to meet someone only a few mortals ever do." Rui finished bemusedly. The priestess turned to watch her go and called.
"Milady, what is your name?" Rui paused and smiled.
"It's Rui. You may have heard of me." She said without pause, and then left. Down the path from the shrine, back through the dusty village, and onto the open road again.
Annoyed, she wondered what the ache in her legs and feet were from, but paid it no heed as she continued on her journey. She had bigger plans of course. An audience with this 'Emperor' ought to be easy enough.

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

He walked on and made it eventually to the city gates. He stood and stared at them, a stranger to this land, and then walked through. Some people watched him with a curiosity befitting one such as he but Crintos payed them no attention. He walked through the streets eyeing up the mechanisms the people had built, the technology they had produced and admiration filled him. Not for the people but for their creation. He had purpose now. An idea that filled him with a kind of joy he had not yet felt. Purchasing one of their contraptions he went about finding how it worked, manipulating the little gears and cogs to his hearts content, fixing them up so they were more accurate, more efficient and more true. No. It was not enough. He would have to find bigger gears, more of these things, he would need to get money to purchase these things for at the moment he had none. He needed resources, plans, paper and inks with which to work, a blank slate onto which he could place the ideas that grew and twisted in the corners of his mind. he would work.

[Gauntlet]

Sylvor

Sylvor wandered towards the Ceylen Empire, keeping as low a profile as a six-foot black man with runes on his skin can. Following the other travellers on the roads and his own senses, he soon arrived at Musselia-on-the-sea. Glancing around, he entered its well carved gates feeling hopeful.
" Well... decent craftsmanship, I can work with that... ah. Hm." the Deva came to a halt, looking out across the city. Slums covered much of what he could see nearby, providing a stark contrast with the white stone of the gate behind him and the towring buildings in front, near the shoreline.
Sylvor sighed. "Well, that's disappointing. Craftsmanship they might have, but they don't care. Power struggles, rivalries, moneymaking... artifice is a means to an end here. Such a pity, I feel there are one or two in the background who could become great in their time. Maybe I shall return, eventually." Turning to leave, Sylvor looked up with a critical eye at the white stone gate. "Actually..." The Deva concentrated for a moment, then glanced round, looking for someone. He dodged between two trade carts and tapped a passing mason on the shoulder. "If I could have a moment of your time- where was that white stone from?" Sylvor pointed hopefully at the gate, keeping his head carefully under his hood.
The man grinned proudly up at the deva, unaware of his status. "The Gate of Lords? Hah! The grand mason had white marble specially imported from the Rune Hills to the east for it. Damn expensive too, but you have to admit the quality is incredible. He's incredibly proud of it, that Baron Wyrin. Most beautiful construction this side of the Ceylen Grasslands, I'd say."
Sylvor shook his head sadly. Thank you- you might want to tell him about the two corpses in the northeast foundation column, the cheap cement it appears his craftsmen must have used, and the instability in the north keystone- which will result in a collapse in another... twelve years or so. Thank you for your time."
"...wha-" Sylvor promptly vanished, leaving nothing but a faint whump as the air rushed into the space where he was.

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita

Amanita took the piece of burnt wood-mushrooms were beginning to sprout on it- as he teleported to his sanctum. After recovering, he left the rotting woodland conveniantly close to the Fungal Caves.

As he approached the Caves with his hood down, revealing his disfigured and fungi-infested head, he was attacked. Sort of; the rock-coloured, nearly-all-maw Fanged Fungus that leapt out at him knew who he was (nature affinity: plants so did not attack. When he reached the caves, he sat on a puffball and waited to be noticed.

Eventually the Fungoids spotted him and approached. They kept their distance; they relied on the Fanged Fungi and Maw-Mushrooms they cultivated to defend them, no human had gotten through in a long time. Eventually, the leader plucked up the courage to ask:"Who are you, and what do you want?"
"I am who I am, and I want to help you grow. Everything dies and decays, but from that decay new grows. I wish to ensure that your death and decay are a long time off, yet; and also that you provide good fertiliser for whatever comes next."
"I see. How did you get past the mushrooms, what is your name?"
"My name is Amanita, the Fungal King. Does that answer your query?"
"Indeed. Our legends speak of that name and title, yet always as a distant figure, never daring to interfere with the god's business. What has changed this?"
"A conversation."

[Falconer]

Mahrizan

Having arrived at his Sanctum, Mahrizan had shooed away the few followers he allowed into his home. There was work that needed to be done alone.

Mahrizan quietly strode through his Sanctum's empty halls, finally going through a doorway marked, in ancient hieroglyphs, as "The Ossuary". Inside were rows upon rows of pedestals, a single fossilized dragon bone resting upon each on. Skulls, ribs, horns, footprints, every kind of fossil imaginable. He silently removes an egg from a pedestal, carrying it reverently over to the main hall.

Placing it gently on the floor, he begins to chant in ancient tongues, long forgotten by the mortal world. He prayed to the spirit of the young dragon within, that in its enlightened kindness it might help him to achieve his task. As if to respond, the egg burst into a blood-red flame, slowly rising off the ground. A smile spread across Mahrizan's face as this took place. Who could doubt the greatness of dragon-kind, when such miracles were there for proof? Suddenly, the egg violently hammered into the ground, splintering into a million pieces, the fire spreading along the floor like a flood. Wherever a piece of the egg fell, the fire took a vaguely humanoid shape.

Mahrizan smiled. The dragon-lords had granted his request. All that needed to be done now was wait.

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn
Travelling to Nordell

Chaorn turned away from Smeesh in disgust and started to walk, as he did so the world began to blur around him, forest turned into plains, plains turned into desert, desert turned into moutains until he came across a familiar sight. The city of Nordell. He waited outside the gates until dark so he would be disguised amongst the villagers but something caught his eye, a young man, probably only twenty years old, was wandering around outside the city. Chaorn saw promise in this man, a great spark of life inside him that could not be destroyed by the hardships of life, and so he spoke to him.

"Greetings, I am here to offer you a deal." Chaorn allowed the words to roll off his tongue.

"A deal? Are you some kind of merchant? What is it you are selling? Weapons? Armors? We have no need for them here and on that point where are your goods?"

"You ask many questions do you not? Of course you are right on one point, I am a merchant but not of the kind you are familiar with, I offer you a chance for greatness."

"Greatness? Heh" The young man laughs bitterly. "We do not need greatness here, we need caution, one wrong move and you could die, we live our lives day by day here and you could not of made it here without understanding why."

"Listen to me mortal." Chaorns smoke grew higher again "What I am offering is a chance to be a hero among cowards, I will give you the strength, the wisdom, the speed and the power to be a protector of your people, all for one thing." Chaorns tongue licked his scar-warped lips. "You give me half of your remaining lifespan, you will live out the rest of it as a paragon among humans but when that time is up your corpse will be under my control, what do you say mortal?"

The young man looked nervously around as he wondered whether only living half a life protected would be better than living a full one scared. "I....I accept your deal. I am Deryn, what should I call you?"

"You may call me Master, if you serve me and this town well I will reveal to you my true name. And now for the main event." Chaorn placed a hand on Deryns head and cool blue flames enveloped both of them. Deryns face clenched as he felt the flames heat but was not burnt, instead his body grew more muscular and his stature rose. When the fire died down he stood anew, no longer Deryn but now, as Chaorn named him, Lenchaorn Deryn and he was a hero.

Spent 1 influence action to create a hero.

[Gourtox]

Sonnchützer
The Village/Falcon Hall

After hearing the words of the "prophet" his thoughts flashed momentarily to Leander, but were soon replaced by more urgent matters. He ran from the ruined village heading toward Falcon Hall, his home. It was only a short amount of time until he arrived.

He approached the emaculent gates of Falcon Hall with an urge to be within his magnificant home. Just as he was about to speak a man appeared on the battlements and angrily yelled. "Who are you and what so you want?" Sonnchützer chuckled at the man's arrogence and foolishness. "I am Sonnchützer and I am the founder of Falcon Hall. Technically speaking you are intruding and I politely ask that you take me to whoever is in charge." "You daft fool I will no such thing! Leave here at once!" Sonnchützer frowned at the ignorance of the man. "Mortal you don't understand who I am do you?" "I know you're a crazy ******* who needs to learn a lesson, one that I'm going to teach some manners to! Sert open the gate!"

A few moments later the gate opened and the man stepped out. He was tall though not quite as tall as Sonnchützer, he was muscular, and seemed like he knew how to carry himself. The man drew his sword and started to walk toward Sonnchützer. Sonnchützer sighed and said, "Mortal if you value your health I would reconsider what you're thinking." The man charged forward and swung his sword however Sonnchützer easily dodged it and ripped it from his hand. Knocking the man to the ground he slashed with the sword at his back making a large, shallow cut. "I warned you, mortal, and if you had heeded my warning you wuld not be injured." Then turning to Falcon Hall he enters through the open gates only to be surronded by armed and wary soldiers.

"Who among you is the leader?" A man not as tall or as muscular as the last, steps forward. "I am Tret and I lead these people. Sert tells me that you claim to be our founder so I have brought Fertren to prove your claim. He is our historian and has studied the great books endlessly, the books written by our ancestors." An old man with a long white beard stepped forward. "I am Fertren as previously stated and here I have the Great Books." He opened a large book bound in leather that creaked with age as it was opened. The old man flipped through the book when suddenly he looked up in excitement and said, "He is the founder, Sonnchützer leader of the Brotherhood also known as Bedat the Founder."

Everyone stared at Sonnchützer with awe. "Well if Fertren believes you are the founder then thats good enough for me and I relinquish my leadership to you our rightful leader." Sonnchützer smiled at the young man. "You honor me and I accept, but you and Fertren must come with me. Oh and someone help the man behind me, he seems to have recieved a cut." The crowd parted as Sonnchützer, Tret, and Fertren walked inside the gate. He led them towards the library where he explained the intricaties of the Brotherhood. Then he led them to the council room. "Fertren record what is about to happen." He turned to Tret and motioned for him to kneel. "Tret do you swear to uphold the ideals of the Brotherhood and to spread them to anyone who wishes to join us?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to do whatever it takes to protect your fellow Brothers?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to answer the call of the Älter whenever it is made?"
"I do."
"Then I dub you Herr Tret Vethlain, Second in Command of the Brotherhood." Sonnchützer laid his hand on Tret's shoulder and a blue light spread to Tret. It empowered him, made him stronger, made him smarter, and increased his life.
He then repeated the ritual with Fertren except with a few differences. Instead of Herr, Fertren became Lehrer Fertren Sesten the Historian of the Brotherhood and Advisor to the Älter, he also didn't recieve the Blue light. "Both of you are now members of the Brotherhood and the Council. Now my Brothers, shall we recruit some new Brothers, eh?" "Yes, Älter." That day many more were recruited into the order, most of Falcon Hall in fact become Brothers and a few even became Bruders.
Ritual used to create a champion.
1 Influence action used to create a small group of elite group(the Bruders)
1 Influence action to create an Association(The Brotherhood)
1 Influence Action to increase the technology of Falcon Hall(Learning)

[Krrth]

Drakendae

After looking over the village for anything interesting, Drakendae sighs.


Well. While this has been a barrel of laughs, I'm bored. See ya'll around sometime folks.

Having said that, Drakendae wanders off into the forest looking for something to do. After walking for a while he decided he really need to speed things up a bit and went looking for a mount.

Looking around, he doesn't find one that suits him so he decides to make his own. Taking animals, he combines them together and alters them to his liking. Soon, the first Griffin flew the world. Proud of his creation, he created eggs that would hatch into lesser versions at his will.


1 Life Ritual + 1 influence to create a Paragon (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/epic/monsters/paragonCreature.htm) Griffin. Enough eggs of normal griffin to perpetuate the species have also been created and hidden. They will be hatched at a later time, most likely when Drakendae creates a sanctuary.

[Kasanip]

Rui: Saeri and the Capitol City of Ceylen

It had been some time now, that the young huntress-deva had walked the paths through the Ceylen Empire. It was a sprawling territory of grasslands and plains - rolling hills and deep valleys. Rui had learned why her feet ached and her body grew tired as she traveled, and grugingly had gained an appreciation of humans for the stress they subjected themselves to, though she could not understand why. They had not the physique of the lean predators she was intimately familiar with, nor the grace or strength of any number of animals. Why then, did they try so hard to gain these things?

She had walked among them for several weeks now, and still she knew almost nothing about them. But she did know something about herself. The farther from the forests she traveled- the longer she stayed in human form - the easier it was to accept these things and worry less about them.

Rui came at last to the largest of cities she had ever seen. It was a large place by all accounts with a population of humans more dense than she was aware existed. After walking through the great fields of grain the farmers (that was the word for these folk, who did not chase their food) were growing, she entered the streets bordered by outlaying houses of stone and wood. She got many stares here from the villagefolk, for her dress was now well foreign - these people did not use attush, but spun wool and perhaps other cloths Rui did not know of to make their clothes. She paid them little attention in response as she continued to the city itself. A sprawling fort raised upon a slight rise in the surrounding fields, the city itself was ringed three times with great walls of stone and earth. The streets were covered with bare stone - for what reason Rui could not imagine. What a waste of effort it must have been for them to have tirelessly moved so much. The walls were tall enough to keep animals out, or in, but quite ridiculously over-large for merely that purpose, at least in her mind.

All the same, Rui continued into the grounds until she came to an gates to the Palace, sitting within the innermost ring of walls. There was no Shrine here to anything of her knowledge or trade, and so no place for Rui to stay. All the same, she was here to meet the Emperor and find out what had been going on. Find out why the rites and rituals had become abandoned, and whatever else she could learn of use.
The two guards, swathed in tunics and bronze armor, carrying bronze shields and speartips did not look interested in explaining this to her however.
"Young Lady, one cannot gain an entrance with the Emperor just because she's afraid the spirits of the forest will travel many leagues to come to harm us." The guard said, barely containing the scorn in his voice.

Rui however, set her cool gaze on him, and rested her hands on her hips as if to issue a challenge. The scorn on her voice was not contained.
"Look, it will only be a minute. If this 'emperor' of yours or whatever he is will not deem to meet me for more than a minute, then so be it. I'll have learned enough. But I'm not from this 'Empire' which makes me a messenger of sorts. I'm the mediator between the Spirits and Humanity, so you had better start treating me properly and make this whole affair just go faster."
Her veiled threat fell somewhat on deaf ears, and the two guards traded glances. The first chewed on his lip as he thought. It was true the girl standing in front of them with her arms on her hips certainly was not from around these parts. Her clothing and moccasins showed that she was indeed from a different place, though neither of them knew from where. She was rather pretty, with an air of nobility- arrogant as it may have been. Perhaps she really was an ambassador, or a person touched by the spirits - they didn't know. Guard number two gave a small shrug to his companion, who gave him an unbelieving look, and then sighed - obviously resigned to it. Perhaps at the very least, the Emperor would find the young lady amusing and kick her out gently.
"Right then young lady. Let's have your name. Out with it now before we change our minds."
Rui smirked disdainfully. She'd likely have long since ripped them apart if they had been caught in her forest.
"Saeri." She said, before she caught herself and frowned.
...
That wasn't her name.
In fact, Rui had no idea why she had referred to herself just now with that name. She was Rui, Deva of the Hunt, and yet here her name was unknown, for these folk had long since forgotten it.
Saeri, as she was called here, was both her name, and yet not her name. Why it was, she knew not. Perhaps it was because her true name was forgotten? Rui clamped her mouth shut. If that was her name here, than it was her name. When the guard returned to take her to the audience hall, Rui followed along, ready to meet this 'emperor'.

[Jesdorian]

Miyu
Burned Village

Miyu took a deep breath, giving some expression to her prescence that she had let go unnoticed. She did not like dealing with Deva. All too often they were so adamant in their views there was never any reasoning with them.
With sad acceptance, she watched the others leave this place barren and desolate. She would do what little she could to bring a small amount of peace. Chaorn had taken the bodies to some unknown fate. While he seemed the only one to care about the loss, she doubted he would let the dead have their allowance of rest.
Even so, she decided to try to grant the spirits of the departed the respect they deserved and not leave the town a scene of utter destruction.
Miyu went to the center of town gather pieces of rumble into a crude pile. A symbolic grave for those that died; a makeshift shrine to honor them.
Perhaps there was no peace to be had from it but if there was she would try to provide a little of it.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance emerged from his small cottage, taking a break. It had been a while since he had truly faced how long he had been in this world. It wasn't pleasant to face. So much had passed, and its only remaining impact was some words on a page, and his memory of it. Wrapped in his thoughts, he might be able to be forgiven for not noticing the three pairs of Eyes staring out of the Dark of the Wood at him. The eyes held a counsel, coming to the decision that this old man wasn't a threat. Something about him, and the glade he sat in made them worry, so they approached it cautiously. One of the pairs of eyes emerged, a mottled green body and a flat Lizards Face attached themselves to the face. The Lizard spoke in a broken version of the language of the Empire to the South.

"This Varsk territory. No want Human. Go away, or we kill old man."

Vance was suprised, shaking his head. He looked over at the Lizardman, a faint smile passing across his face. He knew what they were, of course. Remenants, lost pieces of a species that had once had a much larger range. Currently, they were surviving, but he doubted that would last much longer. But for now, he had other concerns. He responded perfectly in the tonuge of the Lizard People, accented in all the right places.

"This belongs to the Varsk no longer. I am Vance. I have watched this world since time began. I saw your people rise from the muck, and have watched them fall back into it. This Glade is mine."

Vance was being more assertive then he would have been with Human's, but the Varsk were aggressive by nature. They were predators, and equivocating would just bring about a challenge. The Lizardmen, for their part, were just shocked that Vance spoke their language. They weren't aware of anyone ever taking the time to learn it.

"The Varsk will kill you if you don't leave old man."

Two of the Lizardmen emerged, holding Bows nocked and pointed at him. Vance smiled, gesturing, one of the books of the Chronicles appearing in his hand. He opened it negligently, and gave it a pat on the spine. Out Emerged a creature that stood on two legs, like the Lizardmen, but lacked their prehensile hands, having rather vicious claws instead. It wasn't as bad as the massive Claw on their foot, however. A distant relative, as Vance knew, though it had been gone for quite some time. Another pat, and there was two, a third, and three. They stood still, staring at the Lizardfolk balefully.

"Really now? I think my friends would have something to say about that? Go bring me your chief. I don't feel like dealing with fools."

The Lizardfolk stared at Vances summons for a moment, before nodding and vanishing back into the Forest. Vance sat down and waited for them to return. If they took to long, he'd go find out what they were doing.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Rui, Ceylen Capital City

Rui had a strange feeling since she arrived in the city. Like there was another deva nearby. Maybe one of them was also seeking an audience with the Emperor?

The Huntress was led inside the throne room. It was not as luxurious as one would believe from such a place. It was a very simple room whose walls were adorned with giant shields and various weapons, some made of iron, a material unknown to Rui. Beautiful young dancers, servants and court prophets stood in a semi-circle around the throne. The so-called royal seat was only a chair made of or veneered with ivory, with curved legs forming a wide X. As the deva came forward, all those people stepped aside to let her near the Emperor. The imposing man turned his body to face her and...

Rui couldn't believe it. The deep blue eyes, the short blonde hair, the strong jaw line...it brought back long lost memories. It didn't make sense, but...the Emperor was exactly like Rui remembered the deva Leander!

"Saeri... You are just like the one in the fable. Tell me what you come seeking here this day."

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

He made his way to the most regal, the most impressive looking building in the town and there he stood before the guard and demanded entrance. They were awed of course. They knew of the existance of the Devas but never before had they met one. Crintos was quickly granted entrance and soon stood before the cities leaders but he was clearly held under suspicion. What should they make of him, this man from the other world, whos name he would not give them, whos business he wouldn't state, whos face was so parculiar and seemed both young and old all at once. Who was he then, this person who demanded with polite autority to meet with the leaders. He did not frown or wince at the number of guards present, nor did he show any sign of fear, wrath or amusement, simply a passive countenace of meaningless nothin.

(Omnik or Iphili, either of you want to roleplay here?)

[Kaiser Omnik]

Crintos, Morhaven

The elders spoke to each other in private and returned swiftly to Crintos.

"- We have heard of you, but we know nothing of your tastes. Would you like to feast with us? Or maybe your would prefer for us to give you a tour of our beautiful city?"

[Jallorn]

As they descended into the valley, Jallorn gleaned more and more information about the people he was surrounded by. For example, their allegiance to nature the system was based on old stories about the destruction of outsiders. After a short walk, they arrived in a small village made of stone huts. "Hmm, rather primitive, that's disapointing," Jallorn thought to himself. When they got further in, Jallorn was pleasantly surprised by a large building decorated very curiously by various plants actually growing from it. "Not for lack of creativity though apparently." As they entered this large building, Jallorn noticed that it was made of a different type of stone than the others. As he passed under the door, he felt the magic that permeated them and knew it to be a place of powerful, but mortal, magic. Further in, the men, except the leader, stopped, and Jallorn was accompanied only by the women, though he could sense they were much stronger here. Even they stopped in one room however, and finally, Jallorn was left with the leader as they entered a room with many plants growing inside. Seated inside were several women, all but one of whom left at a signal from the remaining woman. This woman was clearly old, yet she was also clearly very agile and strong. At a look from her, the remaining man left the room, and Jallorn was left alone with the woman. No, there was a young boy in her lap, and he was sound asleep.

The older woman looked up at Jallorn, an eyebrow raising in question as she studied him. "Welcome, stranger. Might I know how you are called?"

"I am known to a few as the Lord of all the knowledge of this mortal world, but you may call me Jallorn. I am greatly interested in your people, but first, I must know, who is that child?"

The woman smiles and glances down at the boy, affectionately stroking his hair before looking back up at Jallorn. "This is my grandson, Coladrin. Might I ask what it is you wish of us simple people, Lord of all the knowledge of this mortal world?"

"Please, just Jallorn. Lord of Knowledge if you must use my title. I have many purposes here. For one, there is much evidence of danger in the new future, all mortals must develop or be in peril of perishing. I have chosen you to help because I see much potential in your people." Jallorn gazed at the woman pensively for a bit, before adding, "My assistance is however, limited. I can teach, but no more. My place is not leading, it wouldn't be fair to the mortals."

"The idea that we would let you lead anyway is preposterous!" the woman was clearly upset by the suggestion, but Jallorn noticed that she held the child closer to her body. "If such condescension is your promise-"

"Peace woman, there are many mortals weaker than you who would gladly hand over their very souls for the chance for easy prosperity," as he spoke, Jallorn's eyes flashed and he seemed to tower over the woman and child, the power in this conversation had shifted. "Do not deem yourself wiser than I simply because you look older, or because I am so open with my secrets. I have revealed much to you already if you have but the knowledge to understand it, and that shows trust," when he was done, Jallorn seemed to shrink into a child again, a boyish grin coming to his face, "But then , if you were that wise, there wouldn't be much need for me, now would there?"

Much more sedated, the woman asks, "What aid are you offering then?"

"I told you, knowledge. But I'm afraid that most of the truly useful knowledge is best taught slowly, and that it is best to start... with a leader," Jallorn looked pointedly at the boy. The woman's response was wordless but unmistakable, "I give you my word as Lord of Knowledge and servant to the elder gods that he will not come to any harm under my care. I also ask that you send your six smartest and most promising children, none older than Coladrin, they too will receive training." As the woman was still apprehensive, Jallorn added, "If I had any though of malice intended, it would not matter that I were surrounded by your entire village."

Finally nodding in assent the woman said, "I will be sending two others as well, one of our youngest and most promising warriors, Thullain, and my daughter's cousin, Terina.", then stood, lifting the boy, asking,"How long will it be before I see him again?"

"For you a couple days, for him, several years. I'm afraid that if you do this, he will never again be the child you love, yet always will be." With a last longing look, the woman handed the boy over to Jallorn. A short time later, a collection of children ranging from 7 to 10 were waving farewell to their families as Jallorn led them on. To quell fears, Jallorn stopped at the edge of the village and knelt down, his staff taking on a greenish glow. Minutes later, a statue of the children and their families had been erected in the same method as that of the temple, only of greater magic. He then instructed Coladrin to take hold of his staff and the others to link hands, and transported them to The Library.

(more to come)

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

He looked at the elders... no... he half looked at the elders, his gaze fixed partly upon them but partly upon thinks unseeable to man and deva alike, things that he himself could only half comprehend and half know, he would have to live these things to know them fully.

Then he spoke. His voice filled the room but was not loud, it was quiet, gentle, authoratative in its care and yet devoid of any compassion. "I have looked around your city twice now. Once in the past and again as I walked its streets. It is beautiful. I find its intricacies fascinating but in truth you have made many minor mistakes that I could aid you in fixing. I shouldn't but it seems my aid is all I have to offer for the services I desire in return. I am in need of resources, the gears and tools you use to build your clocks and such like, but I need larger ones than many I have seen here, and in greater numbers. If you are willing to supply me these resources then I will teach you the arts of technology so you may further your own contraptions."

he stopped speaking and the air seemed somehow no longer as sweet once his voice was no longer there.

[Jallorn]

At The Library, Jallorn motioned for the mortals to stay where they were, and cautioned them not to read any of the books. He then went into a corner, and shifted the walls to create a new room. Reemerging, he summoned the mortals in and spent seven years training the children, with the help of the warrior and druid. When they emerged, only two days had passed, yet Coladrin was now a healthy young man with more knowledge and wisdom than your average mortal, and his friends too were exceptional. Before he returned them home, Jallorn gave them a simple ceremony. "You nine mortals have surpassed my expectations. You Coladrin are every bit the leader and hero I saw in that small child seven years ago, and you Thullain and Terina, are far more loyal than the High Priestess knew. Coladrin, I advise you to trust these two with your life, they will never fail you when there is any hope. And as for you six, Aernil, druidess, and Hasil, druid, Nivom and Sila, warriors, Jara and Talia, arcanists. I dub you the Grey Knights, you know what to expect because of the few unorthodox roles among you, but you also know what is at stake and what is to be gained. You are bound for greatness together. Coladrin, always remember, the Grey Knights are more than a powerful force, they are your friends. Now, you nine, the first and only task I bid upon you, unite your people that they might survive what may come." With a bow, Jallorn summoned Terina and Thullain to him for a few last words, "I give to each of you a book. Take it back to your people and spread the knowledge of it's contents. To you Thullain, I give this book on weapons, and to you Terina this book on medicines. And Coladrin, remember to teach your people about libraries, the storehouses of knowledge." With a final bow, Jallorn slammed his staff on the ground and the nine were gone, returned to an area just outside their village.

5 influences:
1 to train a hero (Coladrin)
1 to create a small group of elite mortals (Grey Knights)
1 to increase learning
1 to increase military
1 to increase medicine

[Kasanip]

Rui: Saeri and the Emperor

Rui had walked silently with the guards into the palace as they led her towards the throne room. The strangeness of the whole city were beginning to wear upon her. Things weren't right here, though she was hardly sure what 'right' was. There was another presence nearby, she could feel it. A fellow Deva perhaps?

As she pondered this, and the difference of her name, she came at last to the throne room, and was let in after being announced. She walked in her moccasin-clad feet upon the royal carpet and stone floor, taking in the simplicity and yet magnificence of the room. It was adorned not with the furnishings and excess one might have expected of an Emperor, but only with ornaments of war - shields and weapons of some glinting metal. Saeri kept walking, passing the dancers and court prophets who stood aside to let her approach, and she came to a stop at the base of the stairs leading to the throne. Rui narrowed her eyes ever so slightly as she prepared her words.

But when the Emperor turned to her, they just as quickly opened in surprise. This was, without a doubt in her mind, the exact appearance of Leander! Leander, the Deva whom she knew she was connected with, and yet could not place exactly why. What was he doing here? Was it possible that Leander truly ruled this country as an Emperor? That set Rui back a step, but really it made little difference to her. If it truly was Leander, then he should call her by her name.
But even as she came to this conclusion, the emperor spoke.

"Saeri... You are just like the one in the fable. Tell me what you come seeking here this day."

Saeri stiffened slightly as she looked up at Leander- or the Emperor, whomever he was. She did not know of what fable he spoke of, and yet he named her not Rui, but Saeri. Though she was still reeling in surprise, finding herself named so, she stood her ground, feeling a bit of the defiance growing in her again. She did not bow, or kneel, or anything that one would expect the dark-haired young lass to do in these parts, especially before her Emperor, but instead spoke as she looked into his deep blue eyes.

"Greetings. I came today seeking the answers to some questions of mine." She said, ignoring the reactions of the nobles and dancers about.

"First off, as you are responsible for the abandonment of the old ways, I must ask: What do you hope to accomplish by this oathbreaking?" She clenched her fists at her side as a small release of the repressed frustration coming into her again.
"Second, have you begun to realize the foolishness of putting yourself up upon such a pillar as this?" She gestured to the throne room. "Do you honestly think this will save you from the vengeful spirits that will come?"
She pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow. Though Saeri did not ask the Emperor's name, she had already started to come to a conclusion. It couldn't be Leander. But the resemblance...was striking. She did remember her promise though. She would strike him down once she had her answers. That was his punishment - an appeasement for the spirits of the forest who had been wronged in her absence.

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita

Wandering around the village in the Fungal Caves, he notices a layer of mould covering most of the surfaces, especially on the way in. He examines it closely and enhances it, causing bits to die and decay whilst the rest regrows and is empowered. Now, the mould takes very little time to digest non-fungal material, such as the feet of animals and most clothing. He also increases the rate of decay in the soil of the area, increasing the amount of nutrients in the local ground, which in turn allows the non-sentient, immobile young fungoids to grow faster.

Acts
Life-Creation Ritual to create the masticating mould detailed above.
Influence Action to increase population growth.

[Krrth]

Drakendae


While he was waiting for the mystic cocoon he had woven to finish it's work on the Griffin, Drakendae decided to wander around and see what was going on in the world. Along the way he gathered lost souls around him: Children who were orphaned, those without a home, those with a driving goal. As they traveled he trained them in the arts of war and combat, creating a small guard for wherever he eventually settled. Eventually he came across what he was looking for. A spot where the cliffs met the sea, located in a small lagoon. Here he set to work making a home for himself.


influence action, create small band of elite mortals(1). Claim sanctuary, the Eyrie. 3 influence actions left.

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn
Outside Nordell

Chaorn looked over to Deryn and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"My child, I will give you your first task, in order for you to prove the abilities I have bestowed upon you were wisely given."

He drops a small canvas bag of red, black, white and brown beads into Deryns hand.

"The is town is nowhere as plentiful as when I last knew it. Place one of each bead on the doorstep of each house, do not worry the back contains plenty, the magic I have infused in these will help begin the restoration that I have planned for town."

"Of course Master, what sort of magic is this?" The champion asked.

"Again with the questions? These are things I will tell you when you have proven yourself worthy, it will only be a few tasks until then."

Deryn, feeling a little frustrated at his masters unwavering secrecy, bowed low and headed into town, dropping four beads off at each house as he passed.

4 Influence actions spent: Increase Population, Increase Technology: Military/Medicine/Learning.

[Grim ranger]

Evertos
Tirundas, back alleys

The back alleys of Tirundas were dangerous place for many, with life or wealth being often in danger in such a place because of criminals that dotted the infrastructure of the nation. Most people in thei sane minds would not venture there, but still there was lone man walking down a alleyway, eyes shifting to observe one rooftop after another, trying to take in all possible dangers a simple alley could very well conceal. Still, the criminal activity had lessened on late...almost suspiciously so. The traders of Tirundas were observant and were quite sure something was up with recent economical boost on trade of Tirundas and suspicious lack of organized crime. Still, no one complained, and the leaders of the trade-dependant nation were pleased with the current situation.

Man walking down the alley, Demandred Rahvin, did not care about trade however. He was assassin, one of the best: though still young, he showed much promise in areas of stealth and combat, making him a prized tool for those who managed to find him to hire him. Not many had such luck.

But this time he had not been contacted: he had set out to find the orchestrator of the recent events. To him, and anyone with half a wit, it was painfully obvious that someone was tying strings on every level of infrastructure in the nation, but for what purpose he did not know. Demandred was sure that one of great trade houses was involved, and he practically smelled the profits that could be had from serving the side who was capable of such manipulation and control.

Suddenly he froze, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up as the nagging feeling of being watched started once more. Turning around, Demandred found himself looking into masked and robed man with glowing blue eyes. How long had he been there, following him?

"I understand you were looking for me, assassin...or should I say Demandred right away? I feel we ought to get the pecking order sorted out right from the start."

The assassin drew his knife and flipped it skillfully in his hand, eying the stranger. He seemed to be no more than ordinary, albeit strangely dressed man. But the eyes...those eyes gave him clear message: he was a tool, a puppet whose strings would be pulled, and had been pulled before he even knew it himself. Those eyes spoke volumes of something far greater than human being. Demandred found himself being filled with doulbt and tingling sensation of supernatural.

"Who are you? Are you the one that is behind the recent mysterious jump in trade and security? What do you want?"

The man in front of him chuckled and shook his head.

"So many questions... I almost forgot what you mortals are like. It's almost like you would assume I actually handed you that information on silver platter if you point that knife of your at me. Dear boy, you should show more tact and knowledge than that after all I have heard of you."

Demandred decided to stab the man to the gut, but halfway through the move he found himself unable to proceed with his action, and his hand jerked involuntarily back. Before he could do a thing more, the assassin found himself lifted in the air by strings seemingly made of light that attached to his body and disappeared seemingly to nowhere. The masked man was holding out his arm, with ends of seemingly similiar strings attached to his fingers.

"And you will show respect to me, Demandred. Oh yes, I know a lot of things about you... and I know that you are capable of much more than you have thus far shown...with right guidance. I am Evertos, one of the divine, a strategist. And I have had my eye on you for a while."

Evertos started to walk deeper into the web of alleyways, stopping in the intersection of multible alleyways, with Demandred hanging in the air by his side.

"And yes, I can drop you this bit of information: I have indeed had hand in the recent happenings in this nation. I have a plan for it... and plan for the whole world. A plan that needs men like yourself, cunning and ruthless, to succeed. You mortals are so weak and unorganized alone... I am here to lead you, to riches and glory or to swift and unpleasant demise if needs be."

The deva moves his fingers, controlling assassin's motor functions easily and making him feel utterly helpless and awed at the power and personality of the divine being.

"I offer you a chance: a chance to stop being a pawn leading meaningless life, and starting new glorious service as a hero to higher goal, with rewards you will never have even dreamt of...perhaps even immortality, if you serve me well."

Evertos let Demandred fall to the ground and looked at him with his glowing eyes. The assassin was silent for slightest of moments before nodding.

"I am yours to command, Lord Evertos."

"No lord... You will adress me as Master, nothing else. If you will try to betray me, I will destroy you. But I am sure that now that you know what is to be gained and what is to be lost, we will get along fabulously."

Evertos snapped his fingers and nine figures walked into the intersection from various alleyways, wearing varying clothing all the way from rags to light armour. Their faces were concealed by elaborate masks in colours of ebony and silver. It was difficult to determine anything about them, so ordinary they all seemed, but they were apparently all human and all very good at what they did, which was actually the truth on the matter: Evertos had picked them out of all the cut-throats, spies and various other criminals and politicians he had managed to unite under his command during his effort to start his informant network.

"These are The Nine. They are the best you will have for now, and all very useful for what is to come. They all are rather good at killing, spying or both. I think that you will find them much alike yourself. You have direct command of them now, as well as the entirety of The Circle, which is the beginnings of the network I will be building."

Evertos looked down on Demandred and pulled him up, placing silver mask with black decoration on his face and handing him scroll with all the locations, names and resources that were his to command.

"From now on you will be Demandred Shadowstep, my champion. Do not dispoint me."

With that, Evertos turned around and seemingly vanished to thin air.

Demandred Shadowstep looked at the spot the deva has vanished from for a second or two before turning around and walking back towards the center of Tirundas, The Nine following closely behind him. The ten masked figures quickly vanished to the crowd of people.

Acts
Influence actions:
-Train (or rather, recruit) a hero: (Demandred Shadowstep)
-Create small group of elite mortals: (The Nine)
-Create an Association: (The Circle)
-Increase Trade

Rituals left: 0
Influence Actions left: 1

[Krrth]

Drakendae

As the building of his new home continued, Drakendae saw winged serpents in the distance, apparently watching the construction.

Since he was nothing if not bored, he decided to investigate what that was about. After all, getting raided in the middle of construction would be annoying at best.

Leaving the Eyrie behind, Drakendae eventually fond an encampment of Ityans. After introducing himself and negotiating his status as someone to be listened to and not attacked (said negotiations consisting mostly of holding the leader of the band off the ground by his neck and beating the rest unconscious with a large stick) he convinced them to bring him back to their capitol. After looking around at the mud and wood walls of the village, he came to a decision. These people had potential, but needed guidance. After another round of "vigorous negotiations" he convinced the chief to listen and obey.

Soon classes on reading, writing, and logic were commencing.


1 influence action to increase the Iytans learing by 1 (to 1). 2 influence actions to create a new association, the Chosen. The chosen offer special training and advice to those selected for it. They specialize in training individuals to do a specific job, be it ruling, fighting, farming, or whatever. Mostly fighting and ruling.
0 rituals, 0 influence actions left.
Nation influence:Ityans:1 (learning)
Assosciation:The Chosen: 2 (creation).

[Raz_Fox]

She - The Crashed Godship

Night... is silence. There are some who would say that it is not, that you can always hear the sounds of civilization in the night, or that where civilization is dead you can hear the sounds of nature, the sounds of animals and insects, or simply the empty wind howling. But night is truly silence - when light is dead and gone and there is true night. That is the kind of night that lies over the clearing where the ship of the gods crashed. Not a soul stirs within the shadows, no animal or insect disturbs the pure night.

Wait, no. A woman steps out of the clinging shadows, slowly walking towards the ship. She sniffs the air, letting the smell of divinity waft towards her. "They're back."

She doesn't move a muscle, but the shadows about her rise up and extend inky tendrils into the ship, snaking around the benches where the god-children had been seated like a pack of dogs scenting the fox. She licks her lips blissfully as they creep through every corner of the ship, leaving no crevasse untouched. "How delicious. The game begins." Her smirk widens, even as the moon creeps out from the covering clouds and shines down on the writhing shadows and her own ivory skin.

A minute later, she was never there.


She - The Three Happy Luck Inn

Everyone knew in Musselia-by-the-sea know the old cautionary tales about the Kumiho. Stay on the trail, or the Kumiho will eat you. Don't talk to the strangers, they might be Kumiho. Keep your pants on, boys, or she'll end up being a Kumiho. But eventually, every child learned that they were just that - tales. Everything in them was false.

Well, everything but the existence of Kumiho. But not many people knew that they actually existed. Just twenty minutes ago, Li ar'Essa learned that his dear old mother was, in fact, correct when she warned him to stay away from loose women, lest he be caught in a Kumiho's clutches. In his posthumous defense, she hadn't ever warned him against overly-friendly innkeepers.

Mei ela'Karo - we shall use her alias, for it is a devilish thing indeed to translate the words of foxes into writing - licks the last of the blood off her lips as she cleans the long knives she used for cutting... meat... and carefully places them beneath the bronzeware. She shrugs off her stained kimono - it had been the beautiful emerald one, too - and turns to take a new garment from her wardrobe. She freezes as her eyes are finally allowed to notice the monochrome woman standing in the corner.

As her tail slips from the illusion and stands straight with fear, the intruder claps slowly. "You are truly an artist in suffering, Mei. When you ate his liver in front of his still-open eyes - well, I was impressed. And that is rare." She lowers her obsidian-lensed glasses slightly, looking over their top. Not that they change anything. Her eyes are still black on white. "I have been watching you. And the Scarlet Bride. And Yia ji'Minrae. And every other Kumiho living by Musselia-by-the-sea." If she had been smoking, she would have blown out a ring of smoke. As she was not, she simply inspects her fingers' nails for a moment.
"Who are you? What do you want?" Mei's voice takes on just a hint of a fox's bark as she speaks.
"You... may call me Omikami. And I want to help you. I help everyone who needs it." She smiled. "Take a seat."

1 Influence - The worship of "Omikami" spreads among the Kumiho of Musselia-by-the-sea.

[Gauntlet]

Sylvor reappears many miles to the east, in another glowing rune. As the light fades, he glances around. Nearby lies a cluster of simple but well-build stone structures, some built into the hills. The area around seems relatively nondescript, but Sylvor smiles happily, sensing a deposit of silver right below his feet. As he reaches out to test the rest of the currounding area, he notices a group of humanoids walking cautiously towards him from the settlement and pulls his power back. Straightening up, he looks the oncoming party over as they approach.
The humanoids seem quite similar to humans, but a bit more heavily built- the three males in the group are bald. Of the four people, two (one male, one female) are armed with axes and armored in mail- soldiers of some kind- and the other two are in more practical gear. One of the civilians, who Sylvor immediately takes to be some kind of leader, steps forward to talk. "Greetings... Mage? I would guess so from the way you appeared right next to our town totally unnoticed, and considering that you appear to be glowing." The leader nods at Sylvor with respect. "I am Tarol, tradesmaster of the settlement behind me. What can I do for you?"
Sylvor smiled and nodded absently, then shook his head quickly as if waking himself up. "Oh.. I'm sorry, I was distracted. I'm not a mage as such..." the deva thinks for a moment before reaching out to shake Tarol's hand. "My name is Sylvor, and I am the Deva- of Artifice, to be specific. you may have heard of me." Sylvor crouches down for a moment and picks up some grit from the ground, sifting it through his fingers.
Tarol frowned. "Sounds familiar..." the trademaster turns to his companions, speaking to them in their native runic language. "Any Idea? If he *is* a Deva, I have no idea how we should handle this. It's not like many people pass through here without business with us, and, well, Artifice of all things might be..."
Sylvor grinned wickedly and cut in. "It's good to hear that you're interested in my aid. Considering my impression of your lands and your people, I will be willing to give it. Although.. I have to say, I do like your language. It seems to... fit. Incidentally, is all of this area- that is, Rune Hills- made up of ground like here? Because if so, I shall be very happy." Sylvor glanced back up at Tarol and the guards, whowere watching him open-mouthed. "Oh.. sorry. I guess you don't teach it to outsiders. I apologise if I have alarmed you. I believe it comes with being a Deva."
Tarol nodded slowly. "It would be a great honor to host you in our lands, Lord. If you ever need anything, do let me know- and yes, most of the Rune Hills is composed of mineral ores. Towards the north there is a greater concentration of marble and other metamorphic rocks as well as the usual ores." The deva rolled his eyes at 'Lord', but let a slow smile spread over his face as Tarol continued. "Very well, thanks you- but I would like to ask that you use my name, Sylvor. Add titles to it if you wish, but Sylvor is what I have always been called. And now, I think I shall get started. I'm right in thinking this town is a reasonable portion of your race's holdings?"
Tarol folded his arms and peered at Sylvor suspiciously. "...yes, I would say it was. Why?
"Well, we can't have my favor on a backwater race in the middle of nowhere.. you have potential, and it can be released." Sylvor ran his eye across Tarol's companions, who were still eyeing the deva with varying flavors of suspicion and curiosity. You stil aren't trusting me completely... very well. Allow me to demonstrate. Sylvor shuddered very slightly. "I hate excessive displays of power..." Reaching out, he called up a sizable chunk of his power and flicked it forwards, splitting it between the group. All of them were lifted into the air by the spell, which flickered around them, forming unreadable runes which shifted every second. Finishing channeling, Sylvor allowed them to return to the ground. Runes still glowed and faded away under their skin, though not to the extent of Sylvor's. Looking them up and down, the deva nodded happily. "That should do. I was right- you lot do have potential. You're more receptive to rune magic than anyone I've ever cast on before." The group nodded in unison. Each of them seemed to be slightly more well-defined, more confident.
Tarol's civilian companion, now with a triangle pulsing on his cheek, frowned. "So why have you done this? You hardly know any of us. You seriously trust us with the power you have just granted us, and you think it's a good idea to grant it to the first people you meet?"
Sylvor sighed. "You are perceptive. And right. However, if the only way of gaining your trust is giving you a hint of my influence, then I shall. That isn't the main reason, though. I am not the only deva on this world." Rubbing his forehead, Sylvor thought for a moment, then continued. "Every one of us has our own agenda. Our own hopes, potential- like you, in a way. Even if I do nothing to them, they have an interest in my activities as a fellow deva. To remain on equal footing with my allies, enemies and acquaintances, I must grant my favor to mortal chosen as they plan to do themselves..." Sylvor frowned. Wyrin, right?
The man nodded. That's me. Wyrin Silversmith, at your service... Lord Sylvor."
'Lord Sylvor' smiled. "I guess I can live with that. Anyway, I believe I have something to show you, Master Silversmith. Sylvor raised his hand and pulled up a little more power. Sending it into the gorund below his feet in a bolt of fire, he held it for a moment, then nodded. A ribbon of silvery liquid floated up before the deva's face, coming to rest floating a few inces above his hand. "There's a silver deposit below me right here- and incidentally, on the subject of metalworking, I have a little knowledge I would like you to pass on you your fellows." Wyrin kept his eyes on the silver, which was forming spirals and intricate designs as Sylvor reached out to touch the craftsman's forehead for a moment. A spark of fire flashed for a second, Wyrin blinked. He glanced down at his palm, where a row of subtly changing characters glowed, pale but steady. Closing his hand, he nodded silently and turned to walk back to the town. The two soldiers turned to return as well, but Sylvor called them back.
Sylvor looked over the pair critically. "Both Wyrin and Tyrol have potential, in mind- but there is only so much thought can achieve alone. Both of you were skilled before you met me- now you have a fraction of my own expertise. Use it well, and aid Wyrin and Tyrol in their work. I ask not that you work on obscure runes or artifice, but that you do all in your power to help the craftsmen achieve what they dream of." The two- Sylvor realised they were twins- saluted the deva with respect. The woman turned and moved to catch up with Wyrin, and the other stayed with Sylvor and Tyrol, who was flicking through a chain of symbols on the back of his hand. "It seems some of the more intricate symbols have some form of power even after it's long gone. They interact with each other and interfere."
Sylvor clapped quietly. " You are an exceptionally fast learner, Tyrol. You took quite a strong interest in runescribing, yes? I think you may be able to use my gifts to extend it a great distance. Run magic can be extremely effective, particularly in making permanent effects and defenses. Allow me." Sylvor reached out again and transferred another spark of power to the man. Tyrol stopped changing th esymbols on his hand and thought for a moment. He reached up into the air and carefully, wioth the tip of his finger, wrote two glowing runes on the air. When he fiished they disappeared- the molten silver above Sylvor's hand hissed strongly and dropped, solid, into his palm. The deva nodded happily. "Teach it. Many of your people will be receptinve to rune magic- you already use it as a language, even! That sitll surprises me. I don't think I've even heard of a civilization that attuned to any particular school of magic before. Unless you count elementals, I guess. Or undead. Or... ah, never mind, I have a civilization to develop." Sylvor stretches and follows Tyrol back towards the stone town.

Acts:
Ritual:
Begin Holy Ceremony (Development of Rune Hills) Turn 1

Influence actions:
Create a small, elite group of mortals (Wyrin, Tyrol and the twins)
Rune Hills: Learning +1 (Academics)
Inspire Rune Hills: [Rune Magic]
Inspire Rune Hills: [Artifice]

1 Influence action spare.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance was not dissapointed. He had dismissed the creatures after the Lizardfolk had vanished into the forest, passing the time by making himself cup of tea. While he could simply just will it into existence, that wasn't as much fun. He'd been without physical form for almost as long as existence. A body was still a new sensation. Shortly, the three Lizardfolk emerged, followed by a more ornately dressed one. Vance conferred with his memories, determining that the Ornate was in fact the king, and he wasn't being tricked.

"Good Afternoon."

Vance smiled, pulling four cups out of mid air.

"Would you care for a cup of tea?"

The Lizardfolk looked at eachother, before shaking their heads simultaneously.

"Old man, why have you come here? Who are you?"

Vance smiled at the Chief, and thought for a moment before answering.

"I am Vance. I have been on this plane for longer then anything in existence, including my siblings. I am older then the Mountains. I saw the Seas dug. Now, I have entered it physically, and decided to take up residence here."

Vance looked at the Lizardfolk for a moment, waiting for a response. The Chief looked at the Deva for a moment, before sitting down and taking a cup.

"Mighty one, I am Lakk, of the Varsk. These young ones are fools. I ask you do not punish us for their actions, and offer their lives to you. But we would ask a boon of you."

Vance thought for a moment, before responding. He wasn't about to do something silly like have them killed to honor him. But he could probably find a use for them. He might need assistants, now that his responsibilites would be growing. In the meantime, the three Younger Lizardfolk stood straight, refusing to show fear.

"Hmmm, don't worry, I don't want your heads, or any nonsense like that. I could use some help though. We can speak about that after. What is this boon?"

"Mighty Vance, my people are dying. The others who people this land have pushed us back. Our legends tell of a time when we could walk across the land, and find nowhere that Lizardfolk did not dwell. Others feared us. But we have been pushed back. We now hide in this Forest, where we are regarded as nuisances. We push out, but we will not succeed without help. You are powerful, and you speak of others like you. With you, we could return to our former place."

Vance thought long and hard before answering.

"I have no wish to help you slaughter the others who people this world. They are in my care, as much as you. But I will help you, if you are willing. Your people must learn a different way. I doubt you will like it much. But, if you complete it, you will be able to survive. Survive, and find some other desire then that to dominate."

Vance looked at the Chieftan, the vision of the Old Man overlaid with another presence. A being who had watched this world burn countless times, from ambition and destruction. A Being who desired another way, and would teach those around him, if they would learn. Vance knew that he was placing a great responsibility on the shoulders of the Chief. He would let him take all the time he needed to answer.

"...we have no choice. I choose to live. We will learn your ways, Mighty Vance."

"Vance. No mighty needed. I am not a being that is better then you in any fundamental way. I am older, and more experienced. In a world of Children, I am something of an adolescent. First of all, we will have to make sure your people can survive, before we start any transformative path."

Vance laughed, and began speaking to the Chief of what was needed. Once he was done, he and Chief drank another cup of Tea, before the Lizardman left. With that, he turned to the young ones.

"And now, for you three. I think I know what you shall do. You will become teachers. You will teach your people the lessons your world has taught me."


Spend 5 Influence Actions
1: Primeval Lizardfolk: Advance Learning
2: Primeval Lizardfolk: Advance Medical
3: Primeval Lizardfolk: Develop Talent: Hidden Villages (hides their dwelling places from those that try to find them)
4: Create New Association: Students of History
5: Increase Association Stats: Knowledge, Resources

[Moonlitdreams]

Vul'x, Musselia-on-the-Sea

From the time he had arrived to the present, Vul'x had wiled away the time perfecting his traps, both physical and mental, and using some of them to waylay travelers and ferment confusion in the stretch of land from the Mor Lake to the Inner Sea. But he was growing restless, and recalled that there was something he had to do. Thus, Vul'x took on the form of a skinny, black-haired but handsome human and blazed an untraceable trail to Musselia-on-the-Sea.

The beautiful seaside city was well organized and connected by dirt streets, with merchants and commoners at every corner. The wealth of loose-lipped citizenry made it quite easy for Vul'x to blend into the crowd and listen to gossip and news for awhile, in order to understand which individual he should approach to begin his infiltration of the government for the chaos it would eventually lead to.

The Trickster At Work

Late that night, the young adult patriarch of the high-bred and highly favored noble family Nevor, who had been reveling in his recently inherited powerful position, received a visit from the One of Dreams, still cloaked as he was in the guise of deft-fingered, fleet-footed young man. He appeared when the young man was almost asleep, slinking along the edge of his bedchamber with all of the slipperiness of the rogues he embodied. "Greetings, Nevor," Vul'x crooned, a small smile adorning his lips. "Greetings, oh head of the second most powerful family in this city. I have come to grant you what you surely desire."

Lord Nevor sat bolt upright in his bed, drawing a dagger out from beneath his pillow as he did so. A young woman cried out and clutched at him as he did so. After a moment Nevor frowned and ordered the woman to silence before speaking.

"You have 1 minute to tell me why I shouldn't call for my guards to come in here and kill you where you stand."

Vul'x laughed, the sound debonair and inspiring in the inexplicable way. "Calm yourself," he purred, the dagger rushing from Lord Nevor's hand to his as if an invisible force had compelled it. He spun the steel for a moment before causing it to vanish with that mischievous smile still plastered on his face. "There is much you want to do, isn't there... and this power that you have recently acquired is nothing compared to what is barely out of your reach. I am here to assist you in acquiring even more. But perhaps..." he leaned forward with a knowing look at the woman beside Nevor. "Just perhaps, we should talk about this more privately."

Nevor looks thoughtful for a few moments before gesturing for the woman to leave. She gathers a robe around herself before leaving, glancing over her shoulder at Nevor and Vul'x alike.

After the door closes behind her, Nevor nods to Vul'x. "I will admit your offer intrigues me. You say you can give me power, help me accomplish my goals. But as you said, I'm already the head of the second most powerful house in the city. And I'm confident I can change that on my own. So tell me why I should fall into your debt to get what I can get on my own? What is it exactly that you're offering, Mister....?"

Vul'x could have trembled with anticipation. "My name is irrelevant as it currently stands, but you can be assured, I am one of the divine. What I offer you is not only this city, but multiple nations. You see... Escavor and the Ceylen Empire are falling, slowly but surely, and I have chosen you to be the one to pick them up once they hit the ground. You have just confirmed your desire to rule, and I intend to augment your power and resources, as well as to advise you, in exchange for yours and your people's loyalty and fealty once this is over. Be assured, you cannot achieve such a complete takeover as you are, not without my help."

"You will require proof in both my power and ability to help, naturally, so I have prepared a demonstration before I came here." Vul'x nods and a half dozen young men dressed in loose, royal blue cloaks appear. They each have a pair of primitive goggles fitted over their eyes, and each of them has an aura of power that even a mortal could feel somewhat, slippery around them as it was. "These are the Sleek Vanguard," Vul'x introduced. "I have organized them and imbued them with some of my power to put protections around your city as well as to charm your enemies into submission. They answer to me ultimately, but they are my temporary gift to you, if you agree to my deal."

Nevor smiles as he nods. "I am your humble servant, my lord. What would you have me do?"

Vul'x smiled brightly, the expression mischievous beyond compare to those who knew him. "Your main competitor will be Escavor until they have declined farther, so watch your back and make sure you have your wards up, for there are some far from trustworthy high-up figures in that nation. However you take power from the as-of-now more prominent house in this city is up to you, but I advise to save your political maneuvering and brute force for more important opponents, and thus a quick and efficient strike will be best for that. Now, I believe I sense something out of the ordinary, so excuse me and the clerics of the Vanguard will pass on the other details I have told them. I will return to take note of your progress and add resources and advice in a week, and no more."


Influence Acts spent:
Create a new association (The Sleek Vanguard).
Create a small elite group of mortals (The Sleek Vanguard).
Grant spells within his domains (Charms, Wards, Trickery) to a small group of mortals (The Sleek Vanguard).

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Shemesh

Upon leaving the destroyed village, Shemesh wandered the lands on his own, seeking a place to call home, and people who needed his guidance. He found himself doing more simple good deeds than actual leading, whether it was fighting bandits that had nearly throttled the livelihood of a village, or hleping thatch an old widow's roof. He was never quite sure where he was going, but he believed that he would find a place where mortals would need him as a leader, and not as a strong swordarm or a helping hand.
Sorry about the long delay. I've been very busy of late, and haven't had much of a chance to get on the internet.

[Jallorn]

Jallorn Drakath

Sitting at the desk in his private room, Jallorn opens a book, and takes a quill pen and begins to write.


This book is the record of my actions since my second return. As knowledge is power, I record this that I or my follower might find it should my knowledge be removed from my mind. The existence of this book I will know only when I am in this room, so that it will be among the greatest secrets of the world. Indeed, should it never be rediscovered, it never will have existed. I have begun my plan, and indeed, it is my hope that my second step may be skipped, though I doubt it. In the training of the children, I placed subtle evils in their teachings. If they are true and honorable, then they will pass this test. If not, then they will serve to make their people more honorable and stronger.

Jallorn continued on to record his future plans for these people, as well as a few other, more personal details. When finished, he laid the pen down and closed the book, depositing it into a secret compartment in his desk, then stood and left the room. After stepping out of his room, Jallorn gives a chuckle, "I wonder if I'm taking advantage of that clever invention of mine yet." Laughing out loud, Jallorn bounds boyishly to the outside, where he settles down to reach into the ether and send a message away to Rui, "Rui, if you're not busy, I've found some mortals you would love to meet I think. I have plans for them, and I was hoping you could help."

[Kaiser Omnik]

Start of Turn 2

[Jair Barik]

Critnos
Crintos stood before the men and awaited their reply. "Well? How would you like to trade your goods for my knowledge gentlemen? I assure you it would be a mutually beneficial agreement that would lead to your own profit in the imminent and long term future."

[Kasanip]

Rui (Turn 2)

Rui had returned at last to the Greatforest, and sent a message to gather the spirits to her at Ruitoneranu, her Shrine and Sanctum. As she returned, the Deva of the Hunt found her Bow just about finished. She covered it with dyes and paints made from the blood and juice of animal and berry alice, and at last etched the final notch for which she would pull her arrows. Satisfied, Rui made the arrows and a quiver to match- the finest arms for a hunter to carry.

As she awaited the coming spirits, Jallorn's message reached her, and though Rui frowned at first at the vagueness of his message, she assented a response.

To Jallorn a fearsome wolf ran southwards across the land, traveling under the sun and moon for many days. At last it came to the vale and arriving before the Deva of Knowledge, paused, eyeing him cautiously. The great wolf stepped forward and morphed into the young Goddess of the Hunt, her arms folded above her chest, and the bow and quiver upon her back.

"I am here as you asked, Jallorn." She said cooly, looking left and right with her golden eyes. "Now what is it, you would like to discuss? You wish my Aid for something?"


===============================
Saeri

(ooc: waiting on the emperor to conclude last turn events)

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn walks through the streets of Nordell with Deryn walking at his side. "See what our magic has given ou-I mean your people?"
The Champion scoffed "Our magic? You still won't even reveal to me how to work this magic!"

"Two more tasks, my child, two more. Well, one more after this really." The air around Chaorn and Deryn shimmered slightly and the town of Nordell vanished before their eyes, to be replaced by roiling molten steel and chains of a dark red metal. "This is the furnace of life and these-" Chaorn signals towards around 80 or so chains reaching far into the liquid. "Are your people."

The chains of the furnace rose up as if by some unseen mechanism, attached to the end of each with a body, an undead, a Revenant. Chaorn waved his hand at the 10 nearest to him, as he did so the bodies moved nearer as if on some rail. "These are the finest, I invested great parts of my magic into these men and women. And you will lead them for our allies. They are not ready yet, I am waiting on some...gifts from a brother of mine until then. But these are the Risen."


2 Influence Action spent: Create Elite Group (The Risen, an elite squadron of Revenant warriors), Granted The Risen the ability to regenerate from almost any wound.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Crintos, Morhaven

"We see no harm in providing you with what you need for your own inventions. It is obvious that you are a very knowledgeable person and we are always looking for similar-thinking minds. We accept."

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

He smiled
"Very good. In that case I believe my lessons should begin..."

Crintos taught the men of Morhaven a great deal about technology, though not as much as he knew of course. He taught them the simple things they had till now overlooked, allowing tem to advance faster than before but giving them no special power over the rest of civilisation. He did however set up an organisation, the League Mechanicus, in order to see to the furthering of the lessons he had taught, he gave the League more of his knowledge and had the secret hope that their creativity would lead to great and wonderful inventions. In return he gained the gears, the springs, the machinery he needed. The bolts and screws, the tools, the sheets of metal. And then he retired. He went into his tower which had appeared one day outside the city, taking with him all the machinery the town had supplied him and then the next day he was gone...
The trade had been made, their resources for some knowledge. His interest in them wained now this was out of the way. Within the tower the gears took form into a machine, the machine grew, it prospered, rising up through the levels of the tower. It was only a machine though, it lacked any spark, any great divine quality bar the precision its creator built it with. The time for that would come though. First he needed more room. Much more room...
The tower began to conform to this will, though it remained the same on the outside it gre new levels, a cellar that bored down into the depths beneath it, but this was slow in happening, the tower would take time to grow, he wouldhave to wait till it had finished doing so before he could realy build into these new spaces.

Actions

2 influence points into learning of Morhaven
1 influence point to create the League Mechanicus (a guild focused on advancing technology) in Morhaven
1 influence point to increase the League Mechanicus Knowledge and Relations
note:intended to do 1 point in learning, 1 in creation and 1 in increasing organisation before the start of turn 2 (was just waiting to finish the RPing)

[Jallorn]

Jallorn Drakath

"Thank you Rui. I have found some very promising mortals I thought you would be interested to meet. They revere nature, and I would like your help to maintain that. But before we do anything, I'd like you to meet some of them, I have plans to involve a few other Devas as well. There is a village on the far side of the vale that is... unaffected as yet. They are just as promising as the first." Jallorn begins to lead the way away from his Library, "I'm sure you have questions, please ask away, I'll answer what I can."

[Earl of Purple]

Amanita, Fungal Caves

Turning to the leader of the Fungoids, the Deva of Decay inquires: "Choose twenty of your kin, ensure that you can trust them all; if there's not that many you trust I will take less for this. Choose wisely; I'll give them skills I'll not give any others." So Jaldom chooses 20 of the Fungoids who matured at the same time as he did and entrusted Amanita to teach them. And teach them he did; Amanita ensured that each could recognise poisonous mushrooms from edible ones and which of either produced visions. Amanita also taught them how to interpret these visions, enabling the Fungoids chosen to act as advisors to important people. He called these twenty the Interpreters, and they set up a group of quasi-priests to help them in their tasks & are trained in the ways of the Interpreters, and they are known as the Apprentices

Influence Act 1: Create Association: Apprentices.
Influence Act 2: Create Small Group of Elite Beings: Interpreters.
Influence Act 3: Inspire Association with New Skill: [Divination] to Apprentices (known by the Interpreters)

[Kaiser Omnik]

Rui: Saeri and the Emperor

The Emperor sat back in his "throne" and looked at Rui with slight annoyance.

"You claim to have come here seeking answers, but I believe it is really only a pretext. You already know what to think of me and you think you know how this will end. Whatever your reasons, Saeri, I will answer your questions.

If by oathbreaking you mean doing what I must to take care of my people and make our civilization progess, than I fully accept it. Things change and I don't see anything wrong about that.

What foolishness? This is our way. We are not animals. Who are you to judge our culture? The animals have no culture; they don't have the same needs as us. And I don't need a palace to defend myself, if you need to know."

[Kasanip]

Rui: The Vale & Jallorn

Rui's neutral expression only shifted slightly in the slightest of a smirk.
"Oh? They revere Nature, do they? Well, you surely know with your infinite knowledge that I am not Nature." She folded her arms across her chest as she followed Jallorn from his Library. "I can perhaps assist in making sure they don't forget how to pay the proper respects." She mused aloud, running a hand through her hair as she looked idly about, drinking in the details of the Vale and the life that dwelt within.
For Rui, this was the farthest south she had ever traveled, and it was, for once, not a boring waste of time. Tilting her head she fixed her piercing eyes on the back of Jallorn's head as he offered her the chance to ask questions.
"Before we get to them, how have you shown yourself to them so far? In mortal guise?" She asked, a trace of idle curiosity in her voice. "Who leads them? You?"

Her last question had enough injected un-amusement that it almost could have sounded like a challenge, if it wasn't for the fact that Jallorn would know full well Rui wouldn't actually care about such a detail and certainly not bother to offer such a weak insult. Instead, he probably could gleam she was more dully interested in how their affairs worked, or if there were any leads of his she should follow.

(ooc: Rui will slip into her mortal form should Jallorn think it appropriate. She'll be glower-y either way, but such is Rui's lovable personality)

================
Saeri and the Emperor

The girl who stood before the Emperor looked right put off by the words he had spoken. Put off enough that her hands, curled into fists at her sides were trembling with barely controlled rage. But as much as she wanted to rip the man's throat out, Saeri held back. Why exactly she did, she did not know. If she had been in the forest, Rui would have, with claw, tooth or otherwise.
But this wasn't the forest. She was supposed to stand on the border between the two extremes - to mediate between them, and yet here she was Saeri, in human form and standing deep within the human realm. For all that the Emperor had said that was wrong, there was still some truth. This was not the forest, and there were rules with which to follow. And so Saeri took a deep breath and let it out, though it was less controlled as she would have liked. She gave a dark laugh, though there was little trace of amusement in her voice - all the more bitterness which was visible in her eyes.
"If you can justify your blatant disregard for honor and tradition by catering to these so-called 'needs' of your people, then so be it. But have a care, Emperor, you've offended supernatural beings of power far greater than your own." Saeri warned, tucking some loose strands of hair behind her ear. The words weren't coming smoothly to her here, and she had surely spent the rest of her welcome. There was a stronger tenseness to the atmosphere. Danger? No. But there was a certain vulnerability Saeri had felt since Rui had first stepped into mortal form. Here in the fortress, deep in the lands of humanity, was she the hunter or the hunted? Saeri shoved that thought aside. It was a question that could open up a great deal of trouble for her to think about.
"I don't imagine we'll meet again. Farewell." She said, bowing her head in a curt acknowledgment that the discussion was over before spinning on her heels and beginning to walk to the exit. As she did, she felt part of herself chill to iciness. Had she just bowed to the Emperor? Saeri's footsteps stopped, and she turned to look back at the Emperor again where he sat.
"You..." She said, just loud enough he could hear. "You're not...Leander. Are you?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Saeri and the Emperor

The Emperor looked intrigued.

"I'm afraid I don't know who you're talking about. "

[Kasanip]

Saeri and the Emperor

Saeri blinked once, keeping her gaze on the Emperor, as if looking for some sign of a lie. Finding none, or at least no trace of one, she nodded again a slightly more rigid motion, and yet somewhat less curt than before. Almost as if the Emperor had done her a favor by declaring his ignorance.
"Good. Excuse me then." She said, managing to keep her voice settled. She turned once more and continued back out of the Throne room.

Saeri hastened her pace to a brisk walk as she turned the corner once out of sight of the throne room hall, mechanically retracing her steps as she entered. The whole world seemed more oppressive now than before, and at least for the moment, the anger that she had come here in had abated and been replaced by a different motivation. As she reached the gates her pace quickened still as she came to the cobblestone streets.
She needed to get out. Out of this oppressive city. Out of this human world. Already she looked like a human, smelled like a human, and soon she feared, would think like a human. Her senses were dulled in this form. She didn't want to be weak. The feeling she had started to get back in the throne room was that of some lesser being. She had seen the emperor as a lowly, pathetic mortal, but the longer she had stood there, Saeri had began to acknowledge the different world of humanity, and by accepting it she had almost lowered herself beneath him.
And in such a short amount of time at that. No, she couldn't accept that. That wasn't the way things worked! Saeri ran on, breathless until she had at last passed through the final city gate. She paid no attention to the few passing civilians and guards who looked at her in curiosity.
With a breath of fresh air, she looked down at her hands.
And when Rui looked up again, she knew who she was. She was the Deva of the Hunt. Mediator of Man and Spirit alike. The alienness that was Saeri had returned, and Rui made her way back across the lands of Ceylen, returning at last to the Greatforest. (ooc: end turn 1 Rui catchup)

[Jallorn]

Jallorn Drakath

"Not Nature the god, but simply nature, and my knowledge is anything but infinite." Jallorn stopped walking after Rui's last question. "A small number of them know me to be a Deva. This particular village is led by one Hinori Talia and his wife Valoa Talia. My place," Jallorn's voice begins to pick up a degree of passion, his back to Rui, "is that of a teacher, not a leader. An immortal leader of mortals is not fair." Jallorn turns to face Rui, his face shining joy from it as he adds, "But such serious matters are still unimportant here, as they threaten nothing. Come, we should meet these people as friends, and none of those we will be meeting should be able to discern our position as devas."

OOC: for future reference, The Library is some distance from the Gray Valley, but we can assume we've already reached the valley.

[Kasanip]

Rui & Jallorn at the Valley

Rui pursed her lips a bit as Jallorn turned to face her with the smile. She for once wasn't glaring or upset, though she was a little taken aback by his shining joy. Rui's brows furrowed as she considered his words, and then she let out a small sigh and shrug, a very faint, if rueful smile crossing her features.
"Very well then. Lead on."

She said, following in his path. As Rui took a step, her features seemed to change just a bit. To Jallorn she was as the same though he could well perceive the mortal trappings she now wore, but to the humans of the Valley she appeared as a normal girl.

[Krrth]

Drakendae

Drakendae watched as the tribe grew a little more civilized. Ironically, they grew more civilized because he busted heads when they didn't. He still held out hope that they would get the hang of it on their own.

No matter, they were improving. Fewer tribe members were dying. A breeding program for the serpents had been instituted. His home was expanding. All in all, he was happy.

He did wonder what the rest of his family was up to though.


Actions: Influence population growth Ityan (1), +1 to medicine tree (1). influence:
Ityan:Influence(3) total (1 growth, 1 learning, 1 medicine).
Chosen influence(2)total (creation).

3 influence, 1 ritual left.

[Jallorn]

Jallorn led Rui around the valley, approaching the village from the other side. The village sat in a semi-cleared section of the forest, although many young trees sprouted up as well, promising to hide the village under their shadow in years to come. "So, what do you think?" Jallorn asked, a smile plastered on his face, apparently unaware of the underlying currant of unease. "They're so very alive!" he exclaimed a bit loudly, "Where would you like to go first? Anything about them you'd like to know? We could see one of their gardens, or perhaps the market, or the town hall, or the temple, got to be careful there though, could get recognized."

[Kasanip]

Rui & Jallorn at the Valley

Rui looked a bit distracted by the woods and trees as they walked through to the village, but whatever flair of interest she had shown was soon hidden again by her slight frown. The woods here were different from the Greatforest. They were young. Alive, certainly. But there were many voices Rui could not hear that would have echoed of nostalgic, long forgotten things. The scent that burned in her nose was not the same, and even the taste of the wind was somehow different. Not that this was entirely unexpected, for the world is certainly a diverse place. If anything, Rui was more surprised by Jallorn's passion and excitement, and it instinctively made her want to distrust something.
Still, Rui forced what misgivings she had aside and left her curled fists at her side as they walked, trying to relax her shoulders. As they walked into the village she looked around, her golden eyes resting on the buildings, paths, people in quick succession as she looked right and left.
To Jallorn's request she gestured distractedly.
"Of your suggestions perhaps the Gardens."

The misgivings had started to become anxiousness in some ways - as Rui remembered the visit in Ceylen not that long ago. Still, she kept these emotions from showing as best she could and followed Jallorn still, though with a certain amount of growing impatience.

[Xerxes Shadow]

Nuei the Wanderer- Runner Sanctuary

For a while, the Wanderer suspended his wandering in favor of the Runners. He could tell they were primitive- very primitive- but they reminded him of himself. Always traveling, always searching for the next thing over the hill...

So he helped them grow. When they needed him, he was there. He taught them science and medicine, but it wasn't enough. They needed a leader.

Nuei waited at the sanctuary he had given them for Roran to show up. It wasn't a terrifically busy place, but it always had at least two or three visitors a day. Roran always went there once a week, and this week was no exception. He found Nuei, this time in human form, waiting for him outside the temple. "Wanderer!" Roran blinked and took a step back. "It has not been long since we talked, and yet you have done much. I see your wings are finally completed."

"They are." The Wanderer rubbed his hands together and threw off his coat. "And it has, hasn't it? It seems like a lifetime ago that I built this. Well, not my lifetime, your lifetime. Anyway, your people could do with a leader. A figurehead. I've watched you, Roran, and I think you'd be a good man for the job. Do you agree?" Roran considered the best response.

"I trust your judgement," he said carefully, "but I do not believe I am the most worthy."

"No, of course you're not!" Nuei laughed heartily. "That's why you're going to have to earn it." He conjured a sword onto the ground, distinguished by an image of Roran in the hilt. "Take this sword, and go to your people. Find their wrongs and right them. When I think you're worthy of power, you shall have more power than you can imagine."

Spending 2 of 7 influence actions.
Increase Learning- Runners
Increase Medicine- Runners

[Jallorn]

Jallorn Drakath

"Very good," Jallorn's enthusiasm dimmed slightly at Rui's reaction, but not much. Walking through the village, Jallorn smiled, nodded, and shook the occasional hand as a few people recognized him as a friend. "Ah, here we are, the marvelous gardens of the Gray Valians. Acolytes of the druid and royal castes tend to the public gardens, while more experienced druids have more spiritual personal gardens." The two of them stood on the northwest edge of the forest, and a few people could be seen wandering the area, or meditating. The area looked no different from the rest of the forest to the untrained eye save that the plants were larger and healthier. To one familiar with nature, intellectually or spiritually however, the area was clearly filled with plants that had some use to it's people. Leaves that had healing properties, or tasty healthy fruits, or the plant's entire process helped other plants to be healthier. Despite the presence of many mortals, birds and beasts meandered through this area of the forest just as any other area, unmolested though they would take on occasion a fruit or such from a tree. Jallorn looked on, his face lit up once again, wordless save one thing, "Isn't it marvelous?"

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

The tower appeared and from it the man emerged. He had not been here before, he would watch, he would stay awhile, perhaps he would stay longer than the tower, it would pass out of here and he would once more have to wander, have to travel until they met again. Yes. That was it. He saw it now all laid out before him. But before they met he would meet others it seemed. Looking about he saw trees... but not trees like in Morhaven. Oh no. These trees were very different from the ones he had watched before. More feral, snaking, choking one another in their search for light. It would be a long struggle, that much he could tell. And... yes he saw other things too. Animals, a great winged serpent overhead. He would follow its path through this wilderness. He could already feel the tug of the cord and the tower melting away into nothing behind him. His path ;lay forwards now. Forwards and onwards.

[Kasanip]

Rui

Rui did perk up some as they came to the forest. She was silent, though her eyes wide as she took in the plants and animals. She paused and watched some of the humans tending to their plants. The frown on her face had disappeared a few minutes after they had entered, and she even suffered to nod and greet those acolytes and druids that approached Jallorn and herself.

She stopped and watched the animals wandering through the garden. They too, were different. Almost oblivious in some ways, to the mortals. But Rui couldn't instantly accuse it of being some corruption of their being. There was certainly something unique and special about this garden. It was a place with the potential that animals and mortals alike could live together in peace. And that idea, though presented in a foreign way, resonated with Rui.

When they had a minute alone, Rui turned to Jallorn.

"I have to say, I was not aware of your interest in these things."
Rui said with a tone that suggested she thought more admirably of Jallorn than she had before. She turned her sharp gaze back over the garden, though she continued speaking.

"This is a very strange, and yet interesting place. Of plants and growing things these humans know much.... But I would not mind, I think, teaching them how better to know and respect the spirits and animals."

As she said this, Jallorn saw something quite rare, and just as beautiful. Rui smiled.

[Jallorn]

"Of course I'm interested, that mortals could understand nature to this degree is astounding. Did you know they use their magic only sparingly? Garden duty is meant to teach patience and subtlety, mostly all they do is remove the dangerous parasite plants and animals from their garden." Jallorn runs over to a tree, apparently a rather old one, "Would you believe this tree is only ten years old? And they used magic to speed it's growth only until it grew bark!" Jallorn sits and the base of the tree, looking up into it's branches, "That kind of patience and wisdom is just so promising." He looks at Rui once again, returning her smile by broadening his own for a moment, "I would be very grateful for that. You see, my first leaders have... disappointed me. Perhaps you noticed the unease of the village? They have... fallen from grace. I have decided that I need someone new to lead them. To this cause, I would like your help. Of all the villages, this is the one with the greatest garden and the most patient people. So it is that I would teach leaders, not kings or masters, but leaders who will lead because they are called to it and not because they are groomed for it. To this end, at least, I desire your help. I would ask you to train a leader, a hero, who can help keep the people tied with nature. I will ask others for help as well, but you are the only one I can be sure of. I will owe you a favor," here Jallorn smiles again, "whether you want me to or not."

[Raz_Fox]

Shadow - Deal?

It's a normal day for the people that live in the shadow of the greatest forest. At least, that's what they think, but there's something not right. A shadow that doesn't fade like it should. The slightest movement out of the corner of your eye. The shadow snakes his way around the houses, over rooftops and behind doors, watching. Waiting. Licking incorporeal lips.

It spies a maiden. Dissatisfied with her life, ignoring the good and instead obsessing over the bad. A phase every child grows into, but not necessarily out of. Indeed, if the shadow had its way, she never will.

The shadow waits. It is patient. It is as old as the one who casts it, and will live for eternity in the shadows under the black sun one day.

...

It's night. Every one is going to their beds after a long day, and the shadow sees its chance. The maiden, instead of sleeping, walks to the shrine to pray. She holds back tears, and seeks to pray and ask the Maiden of the Forest what to do with her unfulfilled life.

She walks into the shrine, lights one of the many candles and holds it up, banishing shadows from the ancient shrine - but for one. It looks like a great lizard, but writhes like a snake. If this maiden was better read, the word "dragon" would have leaped to her lips, but what does a simple village maiden know of these?

Admittedly, a maiden with amazing potential in the right hands. A pity the wrong ones clutch at her now.

The shadow "looks" up at her, and she steps back in fright, mouth half-open to scream. The shadow's eyes narrow, and it shakes its head slowly, sadly. It expands, but leaves patches where there is no shadow - spelling out letters. Even she could read them.

HELLO

The shadow writhes into a new shape, new letters forming within its belly.

YOU NEED HELP

CAN I HELP

Hey, Kasanip! You want to roleplay this out, or should I just finish this later? I'd love to just write somethang out with ya, but if you don't want to...

[Kasanip]

Rui at the Valley

Rui looked a little surprised, and her slight frown returned as she absently tucked some hair behind her human ears. She threw a look back at the humans and seemed to be appraising them for a minute. She looked back at Jallorn with a searching look.

"You want me to train a hero from these people?"

As they walked, Rui pondered in silence for quite some time. At last, she relented.


"Very well." She said coolly.
"Bring me the boy or girl whom you desire. I will go north into the wilderness." Her golden eyes narrowed as she met Jallorn's gaze.
"I'll raise the child as if he or she was a pup. The smells, feelings and thoughts of nature, I'll teach. How to conquer FEAR and slay it. How to listen to Instinct and the fresh, beating heart. But at the end of it all, I cannot teach how to lead."

She raised her chin a little as she returned her gaze to the people.

"As soon as you choose the child, I will leave. Unless there is anything else you wish to ask of me?"

[Jallorn]

"Actually, I would prefer if you chose the child, you know the requirements better. But there is a book, a record of his, or her, people that I've made, that I would like you to teach to him, only so that he know them when he returns. And I know all too well that true leadership cannot be taught. But at least one of the heroes will be able to lead, and the others can lead through example."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance stood up, satisfied with the progress of his new students. He had something to deal with. He'd been making the Lizardmen more powerful, and would probably continue to do so. He was going to do his best to make sure they kept themselves within their current borders, but even so, if this Empire to the South cause problems, it could end badly.

Guess it is time to pay a visit.

Vance set out overland, after locking the door to his Home. No matter who tried to break in while he was gone, they wouldn't succeed without destroying the entire Glade. His home was well protected.

---

Vance came quickly to the Capital of the Ceylan Empire, his feet having eaten the miles up quickly. He walked quickly to the gates of the Imperial Palace, yawning as he stood before the Guards.

"I need to speak with your emperor, if you don't mind. I'd ask that you not do anything silly, like try to stop me. If you'd really like to try, just remember, all you need to do is put down your Weapon to make it go away."

Before they could react, Vance started walking forward. Anyone who tried to stop him was met with some kind of large, dangerous animal snarling at them. It took no movement unless they did, and vanished once they set down their Weapon as asked. If any of them were foolish enough to attack the animal, it would do it's best to avoid killing them. Vance was hear to stop the ending of lives, nothing else. He very quickly entered the throne Room, and looked toward the Throne.

"Are you the Emperor? We need to talk. I'm Vance, the Deva of History. And I'm here to lay down some rules."

[Kasanip]

Rui at the Valley - Wolf Deva chooses a Hero

Rui turned back to Jallorn with some surprise on her face, but it was enough that she was liable to be exaggerating it for some mockery. "You trust my judgement that much? To choose a human child who will be a leader of men and women?"

She tilted her head back and laughed openly to the sky. It wasn't a joyous laugh, and while she continued, a faint outline of her true form was visible. As the laughter subsided, and she returned in full to her disguise, she returned her gaze to Jallorn. Her eyes were piercing.
"Very good then. Be assured I will teach the child of his people. Wouldn't want him to forget." She said coolly. Turning, Rui walked through the town, looking at the children and the families who raised them. And she came at last to a child no more than seven years old, who looked up at her with big, blinking eyes. Rui looked down at the child, towering over him as if some dark creature. And then she bent to one knee and looked at him closely, eye to eye.
The child reached out to touch her nose, and Rui blinked, but suffered the touch without word or reaction. The child giggled, which prompted Rui to turn to Jallorn.
"He will do. It seems he's not afraid of me, and that's as good a start as one could hope." She said, rising and taking the child's hand in her own. Perhaps she was oblivious to her own mortal appearance for the moment, but Rui seemed satisfied.
She raised her chin again as she looked at Jallorn.
"Give me the book, and I'll be on my way. Tell the child's parents whatever you wish. That is no concern of mine."

[Jallorn]

Jallorn nods silently, creating a duplicate of the book subtly, then handing it to Rui. Wordlessly, he turns, leaving Rui to her own devices while he finds the child's parents, to tell them of their child's fate. Once he has calmed the parents, assured them of the child's safety, and convinced them to keep the secret, he emerges from the village to begin the next phase. "Wanderer, Old One, Paladin, I require your help. Please, find me at my library that I may ask a favor, and owe you a favor."

[Grim ranger]

Evertos
Fortress of Questions

It had been busy time for Deva of Strategy on late. His plans were all starting smootly, but there was so much to be done! The beginnings of the tools he needed for his work had been formed, but now there was the most important phase to do: make sure other devas did not ultimately hate him...it could cause problems to him in the future, problems he certainly did not need.

Demandred and The Circle had been working hard, and the results started to show: all around Tirundas people were being bribed, turned and lured into his service. The Circle allowed him to infiltrate the ranks all the way up to the mightiest of traders and politicks, and the trade and culture were thriving. For all intents and purposes it would not take long for him to take over the whole nation and it's resources for himself to command. But before that, there were sevaral things for him to do...

Standing over Web of Plans, Evertos zoomed in on Demandred, who was currently busy arranging caravan leaving from the city. Sending his image right next to his champion, Evertos smiled under his mask. Things were looking up.

"I trust everything is in order, Demandred?"

Demandred and four members of The Nine nearby turned and bowed almost to the ground in front of his image. The members of The Nine were wearing mixture of armour and robes with long hoods, as was Demandred. The colours showed the ranks and specializations: they ranged all the way from white with red decoration (assassin, specialized in close combat) to demandred's full black with silver decoration (highest rank).

"Everything is ready, master. It was not easy to get what you asked, but we were successful. Fife runners, fife lizard-men... and humans, of course. We will be leaving to deliver them safely soon, just as you told."

Evertos eyed the vagons that were currently being loaded with large cages and boxes of all sizes and nodded.

"Good. Make sure that you deliver them safely to a man named Deryn in Nordell. And take special care in handling that box I gave to you for personal delivery: it has my blood, and if one drop is wasted, you will spend a week in the dungeons. Have I made myself clear?"

Demandred nodded and remained on one knee "Yes, master."

Satisfied, Evertos allowed his champion to stand and chuckled.

"Very good. I will keep an eye on your travel. When you are finished delivering the cargo, remain in Nordell and await further instructions. Defend yourself if attacked, but othervice avoid conflict."

With that, the image of Evertos shifted away. He had many places to pay visit to before the day was over.

Pressing his fingers slightly against the Web of Plans, Evertos allowed his mind to roam and seek out his brothers, whereever they were. He then sent out his thoughts to his brothers:

"Vul'x, Mahrizan, Chaorn, my brothers. I believe it is time we had a talk, for I have importants news and suggestions from which all of us could profit... meet me at Ashwood, and I will tell more, there are spies everywhere these days. Your brother, Evertos."

Finishing with his thoughts and safe in knowledge they would be received by his brothers, the Deva of Strategy turned on spot and vanished, leaving his sanctuary silent once more.

Ashwood

Reappearing amongst the trees, Evertos sat down on rock and waited for his brothers to come to the place. They would find him, but only when he wished them to.

Acts

Spend 5 influence actions to increase every stat of Tirundas by 1 (Agriculture, Learning, Medecine, Military and Trade. Advancements in order: Advanced Farming, Academics, Alternative Medicine, Masterwork Bronze Weaponry, Crafts forge (increasing Learning score by 1). Caravan Transportation gotten last turn, but only now able to use it because of increasing of every other stat.)

Influence actions left: 1 (left over from last turn)
Rituals left: 1

Influence:
Tirundas: 6 (has advanced 1 Agriculture, 1 Learning, 1 Medecine,1 Military and 2 Trade in total)

The Circle: 2 (creation)

[Kasanip]

Rui - Journey to the Greatforest

(ooc: this one got longer due to the new boy... So there are two versions below for your reading pleasure :smallredface:)
---------------------
(Long Version)

Rui took the book from Jallorn and said nothing more- tugging on the small child's hand.
"Come." She commanded him simply, and so walked out of the village, retracing her same steps as she had entered beside the Deva of Knowledge. The boy followed at her side, striving to keep with her ever quickening pace. Once they were well and deep within the woods, Rui paused and stood alert.
"Rest." She said to the boy, whose chest was already heaving for breath.
He feel to his knees gasping, never having run so far and for so long. Rui looked about, as if getting her bearings and then turned her golden eyes down to the boy. She looked no different than if she just woken.

But Rui's thoughts were mixed as she stared down at this boy. Sure, it had been an easy enough promise to give Jallorn to train this boy to be a hero, but she had accepted the burden, and a heavy one it would be.
She had, for all purposes failed in her first meeting with the Emperor. Soon the forest spirits would be gathered, and she would reassert herself. If she came there bringing this human boy, there would certainly be trouble.
She studied the child as he slowly mastered his breathing. So small, and so weak. He would be prey amongst a forest of predators. It would be amazing if he survived a week, much less however many years it would take for his training. Training that would require her careful attention.
Rui gritted her teeth and took a sniff of the air, and remembered she was still in human form. She tucked her hair back and sighed slowly, releasing her vexation and knelt next to the boy.
"You...What's your name?" She asked. The boy looked up at her and wiped his forehead.
"My name is Tasuy. What's yours?" He asked. Rui stared at him a minute in thought, and then gave him a small smile. "Rui." She replied.
"Rui...?" The boy repeated softly. She nodded and stood, resuming her impassive gaze.
"Where are we going Rui?" Tasuy asked.
"The Greatforest." Rui answered. She looked down at the boy again. "We will run there. It will take many days. Along the way I will teach you many things. On your feet. Sun's light is fading, and when night comes we will keep running."
****
The Deva of the Hunt ran with the small boy for hours, until the great moon had swung into view overhead. At last they stopped and Rui let the boy rest. They dined on a deer the huntress caught, and while the boy slept in his fatigue, Rui made for him moccasins and clothes in her fashion from the hide.
When morning came, the boy donned the clothes she had made, and they ran again. Each day they ran further, faster than before, and Rui spoke rarely to the child. When she did, it was some lore or wisdom of animals, and she taught the boy the bow. Many days this continued until at last they reached the Greatforest.

Rui at the Greatforest

The canopy of the ancient forest was nostalgic and yet glimmering with the faintest traces of hostility. This Rui noticed as she walked upon the fallen leaves, Tasuy at her side.
"Stay close." The deva ordered softly as she walked. With each step they walked further in, the more oppressive the hostility began to feel. The forest was silent, and soon even the young lad could sense it, and he drew close to Rui. This she noticed, and allowed him to clutch the end of her robe as she continued forward to Ruitoneranu. Before they had reached the top of the steps, Rui stopped, looking with slitted eyes at the beast at the top of the hill. Tall, dark, and covered with a brownish fur that sported a blue tint, it was a bear-ish creature, but larger than any normal bear. It spoke in a deep, rumbling voice that shook the bushes nearby.
"It is RARE to SEE two HuMaNs CoMe to RUItoNerAnu."
Rui smiled, a wide, toothy grin that had canine fangs. Suddenly as Tasuy looked up at Rui, he saw not the strange young lady he had only begun to know, but a wolfish girl, ears and all.
"Kimoppe, I see you have come. Good. This meeting will be rewarding." Rui said as she stepped up again and walked towards the giant bearish spirit. The giant spirit, Kimoppe, seemed to pause a minute, and it sniffed the air cautiously, before speaking in it's rumbling.
"RUI. You SMELLed like a HuMaN. TheRe iS STILL oNe." Kimoppe declared, turning great blue eyes down on the young boy. Rui nodded and placed a hand on Tasuy's head, forcing the boy to continue walking with her as she moved past the spirit of bears.
"You are right, Kimoppe. This BOY will be here for some time. HE will learn OUR ways."
Kimoppe snorted heavily and turned away, at first, before turning about and plodding beside Rui - her left side - away from the boy who was at her right.
"YRETARESAW will NoT LiKe THiS." Kimoppe rumbled. Rui laughed, a dark and cynical one that faintly sounded of a wolf's bark.
"He has come then? Wonderful." She said, walking up to the path into the clearing in which stood her wooden shrine. About the outside were an array of beasts and spirits of beasts alike. They stepped aside to allow her a pathway in, and she kept her hand upon Tasuy's head as the unnerved lad walked lockstep in awe. No mortal had ever lain eyes upon such a gathering spirits, and the glowing eyes that locked on him were piercing and hungry. They demanded something - to some it was knowledge, to others...flesh. Low rumbles broke out as the spirits and animals spoke in hushed tones until Rui stood before them. She passed her golden eyes across the assembly, and saw Kimoppe plod to his spot in front of the bears that had come, and he sat and looked up at her. Across from the bears sat the wolves, and the leader of the pack was the large white and gray spirit known as Yretaresaw. The wolf had his red-eyed gaze fixed hungrily on the boy, and a low snarl broke out before Rui raised a hand, and silence finally came.
"This is the first such Unukarei we have had in many years." She spoke loudly, though the edge of her voice sounded with snarls and yelps, as if she spoke some strange tongue of spirit and human alike. "I, Rui, have returned. Much has changed. There are fewer of you in number, and the Ritual Oath lies torn."
As she said this, snarls and barks broke out from the wolf clan, and Yretaresaw bore his fangs as he spoke.
"HuMaNs FoRGeT TheiR place, and OaThBreaK! You RUI, are NO DiFFeRenT!" The great wolf snarled. His gaze fell on the boy again, and Tasuy could feel the malevolence, the hatred. The rows of sharp teeth on the great Wolf spirit's mouth seemed to glitter, and the spirit almost looked like it was grinning. It turned it's eyes back up to Rui.
"You SMELL like A HuMaN. PiTiFuL." It snarled, turning to the other animals. "SHE is NOT RUI we once KNEW. Too WEAK. Too HuMaN."
"QUIET, DOG!!" Rui snarled, her voice an echoing bark that seemed to fill the whole clearing. This was the moment she knew would come. Already, it was inevitable. Her mission to the Emperor of Ceylan had not gone unnoticed - the words of animals and spirits travel far and wide. It was as Kimoppe had understated. There were stirrings of mistrust here. She had never been their 'leader,' but Rui had always been the top. When she had spoken, all had listened out of respect or fear. That had vanished now- Yretaresaw had clearly been maneuvering, the cunning dog he was. By bringing Tasuy here, Rui had shown her own weakness.
"OH? Who is the DoG, RUI?" Yretaresaw barked, pawing his way forward into the center aisle.
"I KNoW who I AM. I Have MY PRiDe. You aRe NoT SpIRIT. You aRe NoT HuMaN. You aRe NoT NeeDeD." The great wolf snarled. Rui stepped forward, her face a seething rage of anger.
"You are BliND you MUTT!" She snarled. "You think YOU are StRoNG?" Rui threw her head back and laughed. Stepping away from Tasuy, she walked down the steps towards Yretaresaw. The wolf spirit pawed the ground and paced back and forth across the aisle. It snarled and smiled at her with great teeth.
"You'd FaCe Me? WhAT NoNseNse. HuMaN caNNoT BeaT mE. YRETARESAW is the StRonGeST!" The Wolf spirit spread it's legs out, his fur standing aloft as he snarled. The challenge had been made, and the assembled animals backed away in a circle - a wide circle. From the top of the Shrine Steps Tasuy watched in awe.

Rui's fanged grin widened as she stepped forward towards Yretaresaw. She said something that was of growls and snarls, something Tasuy couldn't understand, and then, with blinding speed, she lept forward. Yretaresaw charged forward with a howl and the two hit instantly, rolling across the ground in a tangled, frenzied struggle full of snarls and yelps. As they rolled suddenly one wolf was two, and Rui tore into Yretaresaw with her fangs and claws, all the while the great wolf spirit struggled and snapped with his jaws. They twisted and separated, Rui kicking off of Yretaresaw and skidding about as the two wolves faced each other, fangs bared. And then they met again with a simultaneous charge, and as Rui slammed into the wolf spirit, the two tumbled and skidded back to towards the center of the ring. She bit down into Yretaresaw's neck, and suddenly there was a great spray of blood, and a yelp of pain.

Tasuy watched in horror as the great Brown and Gold wolf-Rui ripped out the offending spirit's throat, and the battle drew to a terrible conclusion. Yretaresaw lay limp, blood and fur scattered about as Rui breathed heavily for a minute. But Tasuy saw a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye, and one of the wolves in the front row, dashed towards him. It occurred to Tasuy that the wolf had been edging this way the whole time, perhaps hungry for a meal. And in that terror, Tasuy only had time to begin to twist- to flinch away as the creature descended.
But it didn't, for in midair, something collided with it in a sickening 'SNAP!' and the beast twisted unnaturally, and fell to the wooden floor with a thud. It did not move. Tasuy looked back, eyes wide in terror, but now Rui stood there in her human-esque form, splattered blood across her mouth, but holding her bow.

Rui lowered the bow and her terrible golden, piercing eyes swept about the assembly.
I AM RUI! THE OATH WILL BE RESTORED." She yelled. It was a promise, an oath of her own she had given in her name. The spirits assembled flinched and drew back, but their gaze was unflinching, their voices silent. There was no mistake. Rui had slain the offender. Her word was law here. She had renewed her claim. When Rui spoke, all listened.
Silent, the animal spirits nodded in turn. She passed her gaze across them once more, and then swiftly marched back up the steps. She addressed the assembly.
"Clan leaders. You will come inside and we will talk." Turning her gaze to the wolf clan, now leaderless and without a lieutenant, her gaze hardened. "The wolf clan is now my own. Do any challenge me?" She demanded. The wolves looked at her and lowered themselves to the ground in obedience.
Satisfied, Rui turned, and put her hand upon Tasuy's head, and pushed him forward into the Shrine. Behind her in the assembly, there was silence, until Kimoppe, the great bear spirit, lumbered to his feet and pondered forward to follow into the shrine. The other great spirits in turn came in tandem, while the rest of the assembled creatures dispersed in quiet whispers, back into the forest.
-------------------------------
(Summary Version)

Rui leads Tasuy (the boy) back to the Greatforest, and the assembly of the forest spirits. There she is confronted by Yretaresaw, the head of the wolf clan, and she slays him to reassert her position and power. Ordering the spirits, Rui promises to restore the Oath and Rituals to their proper order. She takes command of the wolf clan as well as begins the boy's training.

Acts used this turn:


Life Creation Ritual : The Great Animal Spirits - Rui this turn 'gathered' and 'organized' the great animal forest spirits. These beings are not of the scale of demigods in power, yet they are supernatural animals. They are the leaders of their kind, whether it be Bear, Bird, Elk, or whatever.
Train a Mortal Hero - Tasuy, the growing Hero, born in the Gray Vale, Rui was entrusted with him by Jallorn. He now learns of Nature.
Create a small elite 'Organization' - The Wolf Clan - Rui is the undisputed leader of the wolves in the land. The wolves of the Greatforest in particular, do her bidding and obey her commands.
Expand the Wolf Clan Membership (More Wolves~)
Inspire a Population - Gray Valians "Rituals of the Old Ways" (see Rui's profile for details of fluff) - allow the Gray Valians to commune with Nature's beasts.

0 Rituals, 3 Influence Actions Remaining

[Kaiser Omnik]

Vance and the Emperor

The Emperor crossed his arms.

"Greetings Vance. I will tell you what I told another deva that came to me not so long ago: make your demands and I will see how I may help you. I hope you are not here to threaten my life. That woman was incredibly rude."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Vance

Vance laughed, and shook his head softly. He could guess which one had done that. Maybe he should go have a talk with her. It wouldn't do any good, he guessed, but he could say he tried.

"It appears some of my siblings have preceded me. Don't worry. My goal is seeing to it that the loss of life stops as much as possible. My goals are quite simple. I want to stop the loss of life, as much as possible. Mortals time on this earth is short enough without you children trying to kill each other."

Vance held out his hand, a map of the Material Plane appearing in his hands.

"I would remark on the lackluster hospitality of your home however. I am a guest, and you haven't offered me refreshments. But I suppose you are right. I did come barging in, so I can forgive that. You and your people have recently begun skirmishing with the Lizardfolk in the Ceylan Grasslands, due to their expansion into the area."

Vance didn't state this as question. He wasn't here to discover information. He was here to set down limits.

"That is going to stop. The Lizardfolk have asked me for aid. I considered their request, and assented. I demanded several concessions from them. The only one that concerns you is that they agreed to cease their expansion. If they are left to what they have, they will not bother your people. All I ask is that you respect what lands they hold."

[Krrth]

Drakendae

Drakendae looked up from his desk and noticed activity in the harbor. Focusing his eyesight, he noticed several would be Serpent Riders arguing with some of Drakendae's people. It appeared that there weren't enough serpents to go around, and these individuals still wanted a chance at glory.

Thinking about it, Drakendae had an idea. Setting a few plans in motion he got to work. Some commands, a few scrolls, a little bit of resources, and one naysayer thrown out the window later (don't worry, the cactus broke his fall) he was seeing progress.


1 Action to improve the Chosen. +1 to internal organization, +1 to military.

Ityan:Influence(3) total (1 growth, 1 learning, 1 medicine).
Chosen influence(3)total (creation) (2), +1 military(1) and organization(1).

2 influence, 1 ritual left.

[Moonlitdreams]

Vul'x

From the darkness he came, and in the darkness he stayed. Untraceable in the shadows of the forest, Vul'x's purple eyes stared unblinkingly at Evertos.

An innocuous block of wood dropped from nothingness into being at the feet of the Deva of Strategy, and the wood seemed to warp into the words, "I am present. What is your news?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Vance and the Emperor

"Very well. I will allow your primitive creatures to inhabit those lands, for the time being."

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn
The Furnace of Life

After receiving the message Chaorn turns to Deryn.

"I shall be gone for a little while, I will return you back to Nordell, a man named Demandred will be there with a delivery soon." Chaorn gestures behind himself. "Follow the path that way until you come to some stairs, once you reach the top of them continue going into the solid rock, it is a portal of sorts, it will allow to emerge directly under the funeral pyre along the outskirts of the city. Do not tell any of this for it is our secret."

Deryn turned around but before he can say a word Chaorn is gone, streams of black and grey smoke left in his place.

Ashwood

Flaming footsteps marked the arrival of Chaorn, his body soon forming to take his place in them. He could not see his brother anywhere, but knowing Evertos, he wouldn't be found unless he wanted to be.

"Brother, I have arrived. Why would you call me when there is so much work for me to do?"

[Jair Barik]

Crintos
Continuing through the forest Crintos began to approach the serpent riders territory. He was quite out of place amongst these trees but he did not care. He wandered on, stepping between them not with wild abadon but with an uncanny carelesness that was disconcerting to any watchers. All the while he made progress forwards he watched and listened, taking in his surroundings, learning the culture from what he saw and what he didn't see. The Serpent riders appeared advanced over some of the other cultures... Perhaps one of his fellow Devas was involved in them...

[Grim ranger]

Evertos
Ashwood

Evertos made himself plainly visible and detectable and spoke to his brothers in almost formal tone.

"I do apologize for calling you both here on such short notice, but I have update on several things. I do believe one of our brothers is yet to arrive in this little gathering, but othervice we are set. Chaorn, could you make sure we get some privacy? Having some animal or concealed human with magic to relay this talk to the rest of the family could cause problems, and I am sure none of us needs problems at the moment."

Rising up from his makeshift seat, the Deva of Strategy observed his brothers with his smoking blue eyes.

[Krrth]

Drakendae

Drakendae looked around again and was pleased. The people around him were improving nicely. At this rate they might be somewhat civilized within a few hundred years. He was doing a good job, so he decided to reward himself. Leaving orders that anyone requesting to see him be brought to him, he set to work. Taking a portion of his power, he infused it into his armor, strengthening it and making it more resilient.




1 ritual made to "Create" an artifact, his armor.
2 influence actions left.

[Malfunctioned]

Chaorn
Ashwood

"It would be my pleasure" Chaorn walked over to a large oak tree nearest to him and tapped the ground with a long bony finger.

"So much death in a place so full of life" He sighed searching the ground for bodies suitable for this purpose. "Here we go" Chaorn smiled his grim smile as the corpses of woodland creatures climbed out of the ground, their skin healing and fur regrowing until they look almost alive.
"You..." He looked to the various birds around him. Search the skies, if you detect any magic destroy the source. Creature of the ground, patrol the area, if you find anyone watching or passing close to us, bring me their heart." He then turned to the most numerous group, the insects, whose bodies filled the air around him in a thick black cloud. "Surround our meeting, let no light through and let no sound be heard except for the beating of your wings."

Chaorn then turned to his brothers. "This should give us some privacy, I have allowed them to smell and see the very fabric of magic and they shall return to the earth once our meeting is finished. What was this news then?" Chaorn stared at a large stump until steam rose and all the liquid in it had dried off, he waited until it started smoking to sit down.

[Grim ranger]

Evertos
Ashwood

Evertos sat down on his rock, the stone flowing and forming stylished chair complete with armrests. He also gestured Vul'x to sit down.

"Thank you. Now, first of all, news to you brother. The delivery we were discussing about earlier should be arriving soon. I took liberty of supplying my blood with the other... necessary materials you asked."

Deva of Strategy ordered his robes and continued.

"Also, I have news to you, Vul'x. I have made enquiries with some special channels, and it seems that you will have competitor in Musselia-on-the-Sea... another one of us, though I am not sure who. But I am sure he or she is cunning and works slowly... I suggest you accelerate your plans and take over the place quickly before this turns into a race."

He streched his fingers slightly, tapping them against each other in thoughtful manner.

"And I believe that we have ally in this endevour of ours. Mahrizan has agreed to help through military means when we need such. He has yet to arrive, but I believe that we ought to make haste with the plan and start to gather the strings. Our brothers and sisters are taking command of humans all over the place, and I heard rather interesting news from Ceylen Empire. It seems that our...impatient little sister has started to have arguments against the civilized world. I believe we can use that too to our advantage."

Turning his gaze to Chaorn, Evertos turned his tone bit more serious.

"Brother, we would maybe have need of greater number of "immortals" to secure our power. Can you help us by making them? I believe our draconic brother would also be interested in the possibilities when he arrives."

[Malfunctioned]

"Dragons....That could provide us with an edge. As far as I can remember dragons have a peculiarly strong spark inside them. Prehaps that could be used as the base." Chaorn smiled his morbid grin at Evertos "This is better than I had planned, but I do have to ask, where would our beast-brother be getting these wonderous creatures?"

Chaorn looked down at his peasant rags.
"And do their scales come in red and black?"

[Jair Barik]

Crintos 'seeks' Drakandae

He came to their settlement, he was quite sure that they knew he had been coming, some of them must, after all have been watching his progress through the forest. He looked at them and saw something about the way they looked... yes... this was the work of a Deva, definitely. He did not stride, he took his own time and walked up to one of the men who appeared to have some authority in the group. "Tell me. Who leads your people sir? I have a curiosity despite my knowledge that demands you tell me."

[Krrth]

Meeting in the jungle.

*One of the villagers looks up*

Sir? DO you want our leader, or the person who gets things done?

Chief Firewater is our leader, but he usually does what the rather large gentleman who calls himself the Dragon Lord tells him to.

*points towards the bay*

I believe he's currently in his home by the water.

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

He looked out towards the water. "Dragon Lord you say? Thats probably about right... yes... the title the idea.... it all fits." he stood and stared in silence for a moment. "Yes... lead the way, I will see him"

[Krrth]

Yes sir. Follow me please.


*The man leads you through the jungle towards the bay. As you approach, you see a large castle seemingly built into a large cliff face. Griffions swoop and dive from the top.*

He's inside. I'm afraid I'm not allowed in, since I haven't done anything to be invited.

*glancing back*

I don't think that will be a problem for you, will it sir?

*At the front entrance you see Drakendae apparently giving commands to workman. He glances over and waves.*

[Kasanip]

Rui - The Greatforest

The meeting of the spirits with Rui went much smoother, though with tense discussion as she met with them. The end result of the meeting was that the spirits would agree to abide to the Ancient Oath under the condition that the humans also renewed their end of the agreement. With this secured, and with Tasuy as the only human witness before them, a great deal of responsibility came to the young boy's shoulders. Though no pledge of blood was made, word alone was still a bond, and as a witness to this oath of spirits, Tasuy's heart was filled with a respect and reverence, an honesty and frankness of spirit that was honorable to the Spirits.

Under Rui's guidance and attention, he grew quickly, learning the arts of the hunter, and hearing tales from the spirits of the forest. He was lithe and strong - a fast and cunning predator, and ever the one to wrestle out on top of the challenges before him. Though no animal would dare face Rui's wrath to confront the boy while he was in her presence, when her watchful eyes were turned elsewhere, Tasuy learned how to defend himself and stand alone as a rugged youth.

So was it that Rui, seeing his progress after only a few short years in the Greatforest, once again took to her mortal form and traveled with Tasuy to the River Kingdom of Escavor with the intention of bringing the people there into agreement to follow the old Oath.

Acts used this turn:


Inspire a Population - the people of Escavor to renew the "Rituals of the Old Ways"

2 Influence Actions Remaining

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

He approached the waving man and looked at the people to whom he was giving orders. He stood at the end of the steps and waited, his face emotionless as he watched the passing of the future into the past.

[Krrth]

Drakedae


*Drakendae noticed another Deva standing by the shore waving him forward, he turned to finish his task with the mortal in front of him. Getting tired of hearing why it couldn't be done, Drakendae finally picked the man up by his shirt and threw him into the bay*

Find. A. Way. Next time we'll be meeting at the top of the cliff.

*turning to his visitor, Drakendae walks forward*

Greetings and welcome to my home. What can I do for you?

[Grim ranger]

"Dragons....That could provide us with an edge. As far as I can remember dragons have a peculiarly strong spark inside them. Prehaps that could be used as the base." Chaorn smiled his morbid grin at Evertos "This is better than I had planned, but I do have to ask, where would our beast-brother be getting these wonderous creatures?"

Chaorn looked down at his peasant rags.
"And do their scales come in red and black?"

"That I do not know brother, but I assume he could perhaps get them...somehow."

He tapped the ground with his staff slightly and looked thoughtful.

"Beyond dragons, I see that immortals could come in very handy. I also plan to make something soon that will make ruling much more easier... and infiltration laughably so. But tell me, Vul'x, how have your efforts been going? I trust that you are getting the ear of mortals?"

[Jair Barik]

Crintos

He smiled at the man. "I do not know. It is something I don't see. I see you and me here, I see us talking, but I do not hear and I do not know the conversations outcome. Funny that. What I do know though is that you are a Deva, and you are seeking to control these people, and that fills me with.... an emotion. I cannot define it. Perhaps curiosity maybe? No.... but something like that. Tell me, why do you show an interest in the outcome of these peoples progress, their decisions, their endeavours?"