Heroes of the Sagas IC

[Baxter190]

Alarin

"Man, this is just too much," complained Alarin with a sigh. One moment the family was getting all together for this first time in who knows how long, and then just like that, everybody scrambled. Yet again Alarin was alone, confused, and without anything to do. With so many things going on around him, all he could do was take a moment to reorient himself and think. So he did exactly that, and sat down crosslegged in th middle of a battle field, never minding the soldiers and chaos about him.

'Hm, so what's going on?' the bard asked himself. Currently, There was a giant battle going on for the capital city, With Raia and Shen leading the two main sides. Garadiel had a problem with whatever was in Shen's shrine. That meant he was probably on Raia's side. Aldric was looking for someone or something apparently. That meant he was likely on whatever side would deliver him to his mark.

Alarin recognized the voice in the air as Riora's, and if the exclamation was true, then she was not on Shen's side either. Not exactly on Raia's side, though. None the less, Alarin was sure she enjoying the mindless chaos. In fact, in any other situation, Alarin might as well. Such violence and riots always made great tales and inspired great songs. But foremost was the bard's duty to protect the city of his master.

In fact, the fire was working for neither army, and would only cost more lives if he allowed it to go on. It didn't look like it would be stopping soon, and if Alarin's guess was right, it was enchanted in a way that it would cause the most chaos and damage. That would mean that it would head directly towards the city and ravage the ancient capital if left unchecked. So something had to be done about that. The musician had no doubt that his siblings would be too distracted to though.

Aldric had left Alarin direct orders not to leave Raia, but she left the boy the moment Aldric was out of sight. 'Sheesh, no manners at all,' he thought with an ironic laugh, when he recalled what she said before. Then again, what was with Aldric's order? There were a number of interpretations for such a demand, each one of them with their own merits. There was the possibility that Aldric wanted Alarin to guard their sister. No, that was preposterous; Raia was the most experienced of them all when it came to combat. Perhaps to simply add to her troops available and serve her in that battle. Again, unlikely, because Alarin was never one for doing as told and much less one for combat. It was then that Alarin realized Aldric's intention: Alarin wasn't going to protect Raia, she was to protect Alarin.

As much as he wanted to complain about treated like a child by his older brother, Alarin had to admit he did miss it when Aldric would look after him. Aldric was always protective of his kin, especially Callie. He had no way of knowing what Alarin had gone through, nor that the young boy was more than capable of looking after himself. Similarly, Alarin felt the need to protect another. But he wasn't limited to things such as kin and loved ones. Or maybe he was, but in a broader sense of the term. He loved the world, and in one way or the other, they loved him back. Whether they outright admired like the musicians did in the embattled city did, or acknowledged him through the blessings of life they loved. So in order to do what was needed to save those he loved, Alarin knew that decisive action was needed.

First things first, he needed to choose a side in the combat around him. If he choose Shen's side, he could protect the people he cared about and save his former master's city. But if he did, he would draw Raia's ire and Garadiel might be angered if the boy protected the temple he so obviously wanted torn down. On the other hand, he could join Rai's side and only alienate on of his siblings. Yet to do that would sever the bonds he had with the Zhang, and turn his back to his master forever. Alarin could not live with that regret and shame. Of course he could do nothing and help Aldric. To do nothing would be as much as killing the people with his own hands, for his inaction would lead to all their death's.

No, here was another option, peace. Peace was the only good choice, and to do so would require him to bring the fighting and chaos to and end first. So, he made a mental list of all that would have to be done. On the top of that list would be to stop the fire. Aldric had seen to starting it, but there was only so much he could do with whatever it was he did. This fire was unnatural, and had spread all too far. The camp was saved for the moment, but the flames had outstretched towards the city. Next was the divine sparks. Divine sparks meant gods. Alarin might not have been the most intelligent of the gods, but Míngzhì made sure he could at least put two and two together. It was too much of a coincidence for them to suddenly arrive at the same time as all these problems. Thus, they were likely to be behind it all. Thirdly was all the fighting. Lives were being lost every second, so that would had to be put to an end as soon as possible. And then there would be the trouble of rebuilding, both the city and the friendship between the mortals and the gods. Alarin knew exactly how to deal with the first, third, and fourth problems, and it might address the second problem.

At last his mind was set, and Alarin rose from his spot to observe the carnage. Disgusted with what he saw, Alarin drew out his lute and began to play a song, a song of peace and love and brotherhood. It spoke of love and rebuilding, of friendship and kindness. As he played, his music appealed to the world, who in turn agreed to his request. Soon, out of the hot midday sky, rain clouds appeared. No one noticed them at first, or bothered to question their presence. Soon though, people felt the light drizzle that began, and took heed. It was no storm, no maelstrom of violence and hate like the one that the bard faced with his hubris in the great ocean. Instead is a was peaceful, nurturing rain, one that made life possible the world over.

Where ever it fell, good things happened. On the rain parched plains of the city, grasses ad plants sprouted up. Where they touched a soldier, wounds were healed and pulled together. Children bathed in the rain and were made healthy and strong, in both body and mind. Ivy vines grew form the land and covered the buildings, holding them together and prevented the walls from falling. At the gates they formed together, and prevented the two armies from doing battle. They fire was extinguished from the land, and those burned by it were healed. Life was given to the land, and hopefully it would not be stolen away.

With his act done, Aarin called out to his siblings, "Brothers and Sisters, can we not get along? Alas, our problems may seem great, but is it worth the senseless destruction of these mortals? I plead to you, let us discuss with each other that which must be done to achieve peace. Raia, Shen, call your armies back for the moment, until we can discuss what has transpired! If no decision can be reached, then fight with each other all you want, but leave the humans out of it! If you desire this to be over, come to me and speak your part. Surely we can all see reason!"


1 major act to increase Music Domain to Second rank

1 Major act used to gain divine charm ability

1 minor act to call down the lifegiving rain

[Raz_Fox]

Orgo and Redcoat

The earth erupted before the ranks of Raia's army, causing distruption and chaos and death. And... well, it's really a sight to see the redcoated god dancing across the battlefield, dashing here, dodging there, evading every burst, causing every wall of stone to sow chaos among the soldiers of Raia.

Now he was behind them, urging them on, forcing them to run unless they wanted to be impaled by spikes of stone, laughing as he did so. On the other hand, he had slowed down to cause more terror, and he was now visible to Raia (and her brothers, were they to turn from the camp to the battlefield).

And then the rains came down, and started to heal the terrified soldiers, saving those impaled by stone and crushed beneath rocks. And for a moment, red-coat stopped, a snarl on his face.


Selek and the Maiden

Her clothing was burnt and shredded, but her skin was still immaculate (if slightly reddened by the heat). She seemed weak, and whispered to Selek - "Thank you."

[nysisobli]

Selek dispelled his armor of darkness, and wrapped his long gray traveling cloak around her.

Then lifting her up gently, and holding her close, Selek spoke No problem, we need to find somewhere safe though.

Selek then glanced at her face and touched in gently.
Thinking the whole time This is the most beautiful creature i have ever seen.

Now Selek turned to face the two other sparks, the ones belonging to Garadiel, and Aldric.

[Nefarion Xid]

Signs pointed to some serious divine mojo at work here. Despair would have choked out any mundane fire on its own, just by the virtue of its dark presence. But, Aldric had concentrated on extinguishing the flames. The fact that they hadn't budged gave rise to a lump in his throat and a heavy feeling in his chest. The thought of being near something more powerful than him didn't sit well. And the sinking feeling that someone was playing a step ahead of him was decidedly worse.

The Nightmare could sense Aldric's hesitation. She whinnied and shook at the reins, snapping Aldric out of his shock and awe. He regarded the two strangers coldly from atop his mount. He didn't recognize Selek, even if he was Rognir's son. One of the two was responsible for the fire, maybe both. Alarin's call came in the distance, but he was unmoved, afraid to take his eyes off the two before him.

Aldric's expression suddenly softened, though his mind stayed sharp. Smiling warmly, his hand found the invisible snath of Despair, hidden away in the nether.

"... how fortunate you were here to rescue the poor maiden. Selek, was it? Was it not your wolf who arrived just moments before to herald your coming?"

Just before the fires began. Though it appeared Selek had saved the girl from the flames, Aldric had no reason not to suspect he'd set them as well. He was also jaded and slimy enough not to rule out the blonde either, though, at least, too polite to make open accusations.

[White Blade]

"Aldric..." Garadiel pauses, wondering how to explain the situation without causing too much to be revealed. "Selek's family remember? The blind one that Father spent so much time trying to heal?" Garadiel looks at Selek and something almost reaches his mind... Some stunning seed of distrust, some wicked sapling of suspicion that told him that he should.... But t was gone now, swept away. And here, now, there were more pressing concerns. "Selek, who's the girl? Aldric... Alarin isn't with Raia..."

[nysisobli]

When i arrived here, i found her in the flames, I decided that maybe i should get her out, I fear the god you are looking for is not here.

focusing his sight, selek quickly assessed the threat that This mounted diety truly represented.

Worn out, and slightly intimidated, Seleks eyes flared up with the light of the original sun again.

Now, why are you here? How do I know you didn't start this fire?

Where is Alarin, he can clear this whole mess up.



flashback:
The day Selek lost his sight, his brother was there, Alarin played the most depressing tune the day it had happened. It was the only thing that had made Selek feel like he was brave enough to leave the safety of the house, and try to create a life for himself. Not wanting to have to hear the despair of his family for his ailment/

Selek using almost the rest of his power summoned a small shadow,

spend 1 minor action to create a level 18 follower
Take her to safety, selek said to the shadow.

As for the wolf selek quickly turned his attention back to the mounted diety, It was nothing but an illusion.

[Nefarion Xid]

The raindrops slipped down Aldric's unkempt sideburns and slid along his jaw line before leaping off his chin. The Nightmare shook her mane, becoming slightly annoyed by the unannounced summer shower. She interrupted the silence with a snort, as if to say, 'now what?' Aldric looked slightly defeated. It had been years since he'd heard the name 'Selek' and he didn't recognize the person it belonged to. Then a snarl crept to his lips and his hands gripped the reins.

"Yes, of course family is above suspicion. Family would never hurt one another..."

He let the thought linger in the air. Raia was here to conquer Shen's city, and Garadiel to extinguish his sacred flame (though Aldric knew nothing of the latter). Rafa and Tarik had tortured their little sister. The world they knew as children was gone, replaced with something sinister and dark. 'Family' wasn't a word that held any more magic for Aldric.

"Hold!" he barked at the disheveled blonde girl and Selek's shadowy minion. "How did you come here and how did you withstand the flames?"

[Carden]

It had taken a while, but Eridi was once more at his forge. In the months he was gone, nature had taken a foothold, but it had gone no further than that. That set his mind slightly at ease, but not by much.

On the journey, those doubters had brought back up their points. Who knows if they are really just following a murderer of a god, or even just a treasure hunter? Surely, if the "grand past" Eridi spoke of was true, someone would have left items that were as wonderful as those he had shown them. Maybe he had found them in that pit, or in the Blood Cave. Eridi had to put the doubt to rest, and he knew just how.

Eridi instructed Jin'Thul to go around and have people plan out their new home. They split the nearby land into quarters, part for homes, for storage, for work, and for other things as they became relevant. Eventually, they went out and marked off the areas. When they were through, they went to Eridi for approval, "No, this isn't good enough at all," spoke the deity while looking over the plans, "Make each family's property twice the size it is, twice as long. Then adjust the other four quarters to match. You did not come here to remake your village inch-by-inch, you came for something grander. We'll start with twice the area, and let it grow from there." Looking at him like he was mad, the people went back to work. If he thought they would need such absurdly large spaces for homes, let him be their guest.

By the time they got done, twilight was upon them. Setting up basic camps and fixing their dinners, they began to settle for the night. Al except for Eridi, who's night was just beginning. As the last of the people fell asleep, he tapped into his divine spark. He would need the energy his father had given him with his birthright for this night of work, and there was no time to waste.

When the mortals awoke in the morning, Eridi was putting the final touches on the town wall. During the night, all the tents had been enclosed in small, wooden houses. Large silos and warehouses had been built, all those places they would need to do their jobs were erected. The town had arisen around them while they slumbered. "Make no mistake," Eridi said as he stumbled back towards his home, "this work is not over. What I have made for you is but a shell of what you'll make for yourselves. But first I needed you rested and whole so I could teach you. Today, gather food for the supplies. When I wake tomorrow, I will teach you the things I know, I will show you how to build, how to craft. Your homes will one day dwarf my humble forge, but for now, I have the best house. And that, my people, is where I go now to sleep."

No doubters were left. No one but a god could build something so expansive in such a short amount of time, least of all as quietly as it was done. Settling amongst themselves, they decided on a name for this beginning of a city, Hibyl'smita, meaning the "Home Made for Us". Then they went about gathering all the food they could find in the local area, just as their new leader had told them.

Act Expenditure
1 Minor - Create City of Hibyl'smita (HE-beel-SMEE-ta) Population >300

[nysisobli]

Selek looked at the shadow, and spoke, Wait for no one, take her to the cave of insight.

With those words burned the image into the shadows mind, tell her to wait there until I arrive its on the other side of the the cliff faces, in the crevace known as the borderlands.

Have the spirit make her take the trial of the cave, that should keep her occupied until I arrive if she awakens.

With that, Nuctre the shadow slithered away into the darkness, turning virtually invisble.

[White Blade]

Garadiel speaks but two words, "You're lost" and the shadow seems to crumble. It cannot walk a straight path, or go anywhere, one foot in front is one foot behind, it seems to fall to pieces, crying that it is lost neons all finding. "Selek... Stop being a fool. The girl is a godling and she can't just wander off until we know who she is. Besides, if you countermand Aldric again, he'll kill you."

Well, if I need to I spend a minor act on that, but I don't think I should

[nysisobli]

Shes in no room to talk, look at her, the fire did have some effect, she is starting to fade, slowly. I need to take her to the cave, we need to begin the healing process before we can question her.

Seleks eyes glowing brighter then they ever have before, If you wish to accompany me there would be no reason you couldn't, but im not going to sit by idly and watch her die! With that the darkness around the area begins to start quivering.

[White Blade]

"If I tell you you are going to sit here and watch her die, that is what you are going to do. Do not mistake me, Selek, you are not in any position to make demands." Garadiel's face is hard as stone and faintly terrifying, but in he silently reaches out to guard the girl from death if the need arises. But nothing he does betrays it, for such is his role as Lord of the Dead. Selek needed to learn a lesson here, and Garadiel would teach it.

If the girl is about to die, Garadiel will spend a minor act to preserve her until she can recover.

[Raz_Fox]

Selek, Garadiel and Aldric

Garadiel can sense that she is not near death, but that she is merely half-conscious, her mind addled by the heat. Though still suffering from the heat, she does not have any burns more serious than some reddening of the skin.

Already the rain seems to be revitalizing her. In a few moments, she'll probably be ready to rise. Those of divine blood are a hardy breed, it seems.

[nysisobli]

If you can keep her from dying, I can wake her up. Using his powers over sight, Selek forces the girls eyes open, and forces images in,( its kind of like smelling salts, but for the ocular nerves.)

Speaking softly to her, please tell us what you know.

[industrious]

Still kneeling before the All-Father, Pa'am stares straight into his Father's eyes.

"I do, Father."

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric grinned wickedly at Garadiel's assertion that defiance could be met with corporal punishment. While certainly not in his best interests and perhaps impossible. Selek certainly wasn't aware that Aldric was incapable of killing him. Aldric wasn't about to allay his fears.

He slipped from his horse and landed with a crunch instead of a thud. The wet grass froze in a small circle around him and the blades broke as his boots touched ground. His breath hung in the air.and the mist punctuated his words.

"It is a strange thing for fair, flame retardant maidens to spontaneously appear in a military camp. Especially ones with divine blood..."

Aldric snarled at Selek, admonishing him for his interference before turning his eyes on the blonde. Nothing about this made sense and he still didn't trust Selek. And he had no sympathy for la mademoiselle flambe.

[Jair Barik]

The minute red coat stopped moving Orgo slammed his hands upon the ground and brought the earth about the other God to his control. A great ring around the place where he stood rose up, a mighty ring of stone and earth that grew around him like a prison and upon rising to a point where the walls met directly above him the stone slammed down upon Orgo's foe burying him in a rocky tomb. Of course Orgo was under no illusion that this would be enough to kill the God. Still it would give him something to think about for the blows he had made on Orgo and he personally didn't care who 'won' this battle one way or another. Jumping down from the wall he ripped a building out of its foundations and smashed it into the cities defences causing a hole thrpugh which he left. Sure he could have just jumped down off of the correct side of the wall in the first place but this was so much more fun. Taking one last look at the battlefield he smiled and then ran off once more in the direction of the closest forest.

[Kasanip]

Raia

With the aid of Alarin's song, the rest of Raia's troops fall into order, and Raia has them regroup outside of the city.

She was grateful for Alarin's words, though a little frustrated that it had not been her desire for the soldiers to attack in such chaos. She had been planning to walk through the city in mortal form first. To see it's beauty, and to witness the peacefulness.
Certainly she had never intended for the chaos and destruction that had come. She was Raia, the goddess of war! She could capture a city such as this without even fighting, but that was gone now.
And deep down, she knew in frustration that it was in part her own blame. That whomever owned the city she might actually owe an apology to.
But that had been set aside for now.
She sheathed Tetsubou again, and then, sensing the location of her brothers, decided to head to Garadiel and Aldric, because they had gone after the new spark which had appeared near her camp, and Raia suspected that this may have been the disturbance.

She came to them like a storm in speed, electricity sparking about her forehead occasionally.

[White Blade]

Garadiel saw Raia and smiled, "Raia! We've captured a goddess and are on the verge of interrogating her. Selek seems to think she's innocent but I don't see any other likely sources. Well.." Garadiel says, putting his hand over his eyes to see without any sunlight glare, "Unless that's Riora. But even if it is, we don't recognize this girl and I find that extremely suspicious."

And then Riora landed. This was getting to be a big crowd. He wouldn't be getting even with this woman for her waste of human life, it seemed. "So... This fire your work?" he asked by way of greeting.

[Greystone]

"What?" she blinked and looked around, grinning "Oh, no. This happened before I got here"

She shrugged "I came to ask you a question..." she had the gall to look sheepish "But I forgot momentarily"

[Raz_Fox]

Pa'am

"Then to you I give the honor of holding reality in place, Time Lord. Go forth, and lead my children well; advise them when they are lost and ensure that the proper time for everything comes to pass."


Everyone At The Camp

Selek's mastery of sight awakens the maiden rather suddenly. She glances around at the gathered gods, obviously rather intimidated by the gathering - her eyes widen slightly as she senses their divine auras.

"Where is Heradi? Has he taken what he desired?"


Over on the Plains

There is silence. And a rumbling vibration from below that gets louder and louder, until a bloodied, raw fist punches its way out of the soil. With a roar of frustration and fury, the red-coated god - whose coat is now stained with his own blood - unearths himself from the soil. He glances over at the city and the arrayed soldiers, then over at the camp.

"Well, one out of three isn't bad. Damn wolf - I will SKIN IT and EAT IT if it pokes its head out of the ground!"

[White Blade]

Garadiel smiles wickedly, trying and ultimately failing to match Aldric's fearsome countenance. Still, he does look a little intimidating and the words that follow sell him as scary. "We've killed him already, and he never even got near it. Did you think a distraction like that was going to work?" Garadiel's tone is clipped and business like, giving an impression of both skill and disinterestedness.

[Baxter190]

Alarin

The bard finished playing his song, but still the rain continued. It would do so until the land was healed and the fires were extinguished, so the young music god could deal with more pressing matters. One such issue was the bloody godling with who dug up from the ground. The young god calmly strod over to where the man excavated himself from the eart, each moment coming closer and closer to escape. When the blood coated man had released himself to the point that he could get hi head above ground, Alarin had arrived and squated down next to him, always aware of any possible threat or action the buried one might take.

"So, you come to this city and set the people to war. You shatter the gates and walls of an ancient city, unleashing a violent mob to sack and destroy the innocent civilians. Who ever your working with set the camp ablaze, the same fire that might have engulfed the previously mentioned city. You attack humans with malice. And thats just off the top of my head. Well now, in any other circumstance I woudl introduce you to my sister Riora. Alas, you had the terible tiing to do this during an important matter, so we're going to have to deal with you. I'm not much of a fighter, but I can keep you here until Shen Raia or Aldric show up. Trust me, you do not want them mad at you," Alarin informed him, all the while bearing a goofy looking grin that looked so out of place on the battle field.

[Nefarion Xid]

"Now isn't the time to come down with a case of alogia." He smirks at the now conscious blonde girl before turning to shoulder his way through the growing crowd. "You've got things in hand, don't you? Em... Garadiel and Raia are in charge. I'm going to fetch the kid."

Assured that at least half of his siblings are competent enough to take care of things here, he summons the nightmare to him and rides off in the direction of Alarin with a curt wave to Riora. The brief debacle with the girl, Selek and Garadiel had distracted him long, but now that things had calmed down he wanted to keep them calm. Always use the buddy system!

(Unless someone stops him, he gallops over to Alarin)

[Raz_Fox]

The Camp

The flame-retardant maiden smiles. "Thank the Most High. Had he succedded - all of Zhang might be in flames at this moment." She rises gracefully, using Selek's shoulder as a support. "Who are you?"


Alarin - Don't Taunt the Evil God

The red-coated god chuckled, leaning his upper body on his free arm. "You're pretty funny, kid. But despite your amazing detective skills - you're not all that bright."

There is a short and rather painful blur of motion, which involves the god literally ripping himself from the ground, leaving shreds of coat and divine skin behind, and kicking Alarin in the face, a blow that Alarin could liken to Rognir smiting the head of A'gap.

Alarin ends up pinned on the ground, with the god's heel directly on Alarin's throat. "Now, a really smart person would have gone for his siblings, or taunted me from a safe distance - say, a mile or two. Shame." He pulls out another of his ubiquitous knives, hammering it into Alarin's wrist with a false air of laziness. "Now, I am ANGRY, so let me vent with some good ol' violence, if you don't mind."

Thank you for taking the role of Worf, Alarin.

Oh, and Aldric felt that, Nef. Feel free to come in and be a big damn hero any second now.

[ArlEammon]

Shen Zhi Shu As Witness
Shen Zhi Shu made it to the walls, looking out over the walls, from a distance, he had seen the attack that Alarin was under attack from the Red Coated One. Shen Zhi Shu raised his hands and a cloud of arcane energy began to gather above Xiang Jian. The cloud slowly began to move towards Alarin and the Red Coated One's area.

[Greystone]

Riora moved in a flash, and transformed as she did. The red cloaked god was picked up by the back of his neck by a gigantic green dragon.

Riora held him at arms length and smiled as coldly as she could with a dragons mouth "That wasn't very nice" With that she took a breath and breathed emerald fire directly at the formerly red coated god.

[White Blade]

"I am Garadiel, known by a few aliases. Father Death, Journeyer, Guide of All Souls, Lord of the Dead." Garadiel was still distrustful, however, so he threw in a final remark, "Son of Rognir. Who are you? And who is your father?"

[Baxter190]

Alarin

Fear. It was something that Alarin was feeling all too much as an immortal. Pain too, but that was nothing compared to the all-consuming fear that the bard felt. Everything else came second in the world, including a sense of self-preservation. The ringing in the ears, the splitting head ache, the trickle of blood steadily streaming down his forehead, it all came to naught when he looked into the man's eyes and realized that he would kill not just him, but Alarin's brothers, sisters, and everyone else Alarin cared about. Aldric was seen far off in the distance, but too far away to do any good. Instead, he was just a fly landing in the spider's web. Even Aldric would have trouble compared with this blood-lusting mad man. Alarin's arms where pinned to the ground, blood flowing from the palms of his hands where the knives had pierced his skin. No magic lute could rescue him, no world would reshape itself to his song when he couldn’t even speak coherently. So Alarin did the only thing he could, yell.

A scream from a girl, would be high pitched and annoying. A roar from a lion would be loud and intimidating. Compared to a yell from a god, specifically the god of music and sound, they were all but the mewling's of a kitten in the roaring tempest of the greatest storm ever. The sound thundered across the battle field, across the island, perhaps even the ocean, but that’s not the reason it was so dangerous. Alarin focused everything he had directly onto the evil god that held him down, and its effect was noticeable. So intense was it that no mortal would be able to listen to it without dieing from it. For the divine evil that pinned him down, the effect was no less impressive. Blood gushed from the now deaf god's ears, and he was pushed off Alarin by the force. He could barely even stand, and when he tried to move the red coated one stumbled to the ground. His inner ear, where his sense of balance was maintain had been utterly destroyed. Any movement now would send him straight to the ground, unable to keep balance.

Fear had number Alarin's mind to the point that he couldn't even feel the pain that rushed through him when he stood up. The blades had come with him, and where now stuck in his hands, but it didn't matter. Alarin didn't need them for what he would do next. The bard raised his head towards his opponent, but he didn't even look at the stunned man. Instead, he seemed to be looking through him, like he wasn't even there. The musician opened his mouth, and began to sing and unearthly tune, unlike any song his siblings had ever heard before. Only the all-Father knew what the song was, and what it would bring, for he had fought the monster himself and banished it himself with the same song. The melody was a summoning spell. From the earth below a creature stirred, one that had not walked the mortal world since Rognir had put him to sleep, for even the greatest god could do nothing but put him to sleep.

The Behemoth awoke.

The greatest and most powerful creature in the world, it dated back to the world's creation. The Behemoth, Ziz, and the Leviathan were the keepers of the Earth, Heavens, and sea respectively, and were fought by the All-Father during his original travels. So powerful where they that they couldn't be killed, and would not till the end of a days. This was not due to some divine invincibility, but due to what they were. Each where and aspect of the world, both in form and in soul. Passion, fear, and joy where their aspects. They where the way the world expressed itself, and they only obeyed the world. The Leviathan was passion and had the power of rage, the unstoppable fury. Ziz was the heaven's joy, and brought happiness and love to the world, celebrating freedom and life. The behemoth, however, sprung from fear, and so reacted only with self preservation. As such, it was the most indestructible. Now, it was awoken by Alarin, and the world ordered it to protect the boy who had learn its song. The world would not be let down.

The gigantic gaping maw formed from the earth where the bloodied one had fallen. He only managed to escape because Riora appeared and plucked him out of harm's way unintentionally. The ground rose where the mouth had been, and a head formed. Horns sprouted from it's head, and great sharp teeth that could cut through the god's themselves were at home in it's mouth. Soon the body and legs rose from the ground, and the monster had reappeared, indestructible and in a rage. The creature towered over all others, dwarfing them all save the draconic Riora, standing over seventy feet tall. It's only goal was to protect Alarin, and would destroyed anything that got too near to him, even Alarin's siblings.



Spent a major act summon the Behemoth.

Willing to spend a minor act to permenently deafen and destroy the balance of the red coated god guy, though I don't think I have to.

As for the Behemoth, its a creature straight from ancient hebrew theology, so go google it if you want more info. I made a couple alterations, but nothing too big. As for powerwise, think a Tarrasque from DnD, but in epic levels, so the gods would have a problem wiht the thing. I figured if a minor act could do a single level 18, why not a major act an epic level?

As for the song, think somehwere along these lines:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Ma4BvMUwU

[Nefarion Xid]

This post presume Riora has not arrived.


Aldric's wrist stung and a fierce stabbing pain shot up his arms. His hands faltered on the reins and his head throbbed. Then came the sensation of someone cramming their boot into his throat. Alarin was in trouble! He swallowed the pain and forced it down into the pit of his stomach. His blood was flowing in Alarin's place, but it didn't weaken him... it just made him mad.

The rhythmic pounding of the Nightmare's hooves blurred into a single, continuous rumble and iced clumps of grass and earth leapt into the air in her wake. Despair was unleashed and the sky blackened to herald its arrival. Aldric set his eyes on the monster that had just tunneled up from the bowels of the earth and as he approached the scene he leaped from his mount... hurling himself from the mare and colliding with the Behemoth with a wild swing of his scythe. He scrambled up and over armored back to the beast, raking it across the neck as he went and as he fell to the ground on the opposite side he spun and slashed across its ankle. Coming around full circle from his assault he cast his fearsome gaze on the man in red and the bloody dagger hanging from his fingers. In reality, he launched himself into another attack without pause, but it appeared as if he tarried for a moment with the shadows rippling off his form and his terrible eyes locked on the man.

Aldric appeared to have a three way battle on his hands. He grinned cruelly in mid air as he hurtled towards the man in red, bringing his scythe around in a broad arc. Good; he was up for a challenge!

[nysisobli]

Listening to the scream, Selek tried to pinpoint the exact spot with his sight.

I think we are in the wrong place Brother, that scream sounded bad.

Standing there Selek looked worn out, but he looked like he rather enjoyed this beautiful woman holding onto him.

Well, I know when im beat, my powers are exausted, and my head is pounding. I may have enough strength left for one more spell, if need be.

[hi-mi-tsu]

At first it was the dreams, that made Calantha shiver and groan in her sleep; dreams of madness and pain, of rivers of blood, of stubborn soldiers hewn down before lightning and thunder and beasts out of a mind that made no possible sense to her. These dreams stirred her to wakefulness; minds cried out to her, minds in towns taken over by her warlike sister, and Calantha frowned. This was not the way to conduct life...and Madness was her mind, and her domain. There were people who were teetering on the edge of lunacy, not understanding why the gods would choose their home to be a battleground.

The young goddess emerged from her home and lowered herself to the ground; she was a wolf, rainbow-hued, constantly shifting colors, and she crossed the world with the easy, ground-eating stride that wolves had. When that form grew tired, it was no matter; springing from the wolf came a broad-winged bird, somewhere between an eagle and a hawk, bearing the same strange coloration as the wolf did.

...It was a thing that would be talked about for generations, by the barbarian tribe that happened to be in the valley at the time; a bird, giant, bigger than anything they'd ever seen, and would grow bigger with every retelling. This bird, they said, screamed with the voice of one thousand--no, no, ten thousand women, that her wing collapsed and she plummeted from the sky. And that's where the telling blurred. Some said she caused a crater when she collapsed; some said no, she simply moved the earth around her to absorb her fall. All, however, could agree that the plains were never the same; where the goddess had fallen was a sink of earth, a constantly-shifting, never-steady miasma. Nothing could live there for long; the ground sank and changed, and there were faces in the earth, faces that shifted like the ground did and whispered your name in the darkness. It flashed shifting colors, as well, and often had an eerie, other-worldly glow.

(Use 1 minor act: Delirium's Sink--a large patch of land, about halfway between the North and the war area, that ensnares unwitting humans and animals and in which there was nothing living)

Out from the pit rose a swallow-tailed kite, bigger than any bird of its type ever seen; the blackness of its wings was a blackness that could swallow you whole, were you to look at it too long, a blackness that beckoned madness and lunacy.

I'm coming, brother, I'm coming, I'm coming, they hurt you and I won't let them! The madness echoed from the goddess's form, as she winged across the world, arrowing towards her brother's pain like a beacon. In her wake, children screamed and cried for no reason, animals broke and fled from enemies unseen, hunters turned on each other like cannibals.

I'm coming I'm coming I'm coming for them for you I'm coming!

[White Blade]

"You're tired? Good, it means I can keep you here. You me and the girl will wait here. Raia, if you could go help with whatever that giant earthen monster is... And Riora... Well, do what you like. But Alarin could use the help." Then Garadiel turns eyes that seemed filled with ice and malice upon the maiden.

"Tell me who's daughter you are, ignore the earthquake," Garadiel said, trying to make his commands sound like the inevitable will of Rognir himself. Privately though, every bone in Garadiel's body was weary. His anger still burned hot, his hatred formed a torch for his path these past few years. But now, as he steadied himself to extract information from the girl, he felt it fade. And he felt the colossal waste of it all. How Shen's fire still illuminated his shrine with its light, how Garadiel had set so many men on the paths to their deaths... And how it had all been wasted.

And of how little he had managed to do. Were his actions not crucial, he mitt have broken down from frustration. He had arrived to face a divine threat, and Selek had already neutralized it. He had tried to determine his brother's loyalties... And he had somehow figured out the girl would be fine. He had tried, at least, to interrogate the girl. And now this! So he'd be taking a divine interview while his siblings risked their lives (or rather, Aldric's). And what good would that do? What purpose did it serve?

But even Selek's divine sight could not see past Garadiel's focused, terrible eyes. And he met the maiden's eyes and the dying embers of his rage still flickered in his eyes.

[Kasanip]

Raia

Raia turned a quick and calculating look at the behemoth and the fight. She was unconcerned though. It was over in front of the city. Her army was well away from it's danger now. Alarin had Aldric soon at his side, and the beast and spark they were fighting with were not going to disappear soon. It wouldn't have even been a challenge for her, if she had been there by herself, Raia thought. Her brothers were capable. And if not, she would deal with it when it became a problem.

They had plenty of time to deal with this goddess in front of Garadiel right now.
This goddess who might well be responsible for causing all of the trouble in her camp.
Giving the goddess a hard stare and a small shake of disagreement to Garadiel's suggestion, she spoke.
"I am Raia, daughter of Rognir, Your name?" She asked. It was the kind of icy and direct kind of word that somehow was still polite. But there was only the veil of discipline between her other emotions and the goddess.
"What are doing with that fire and what purpose are you here?"

[Raz_Fox]

On the Plains

The red-coated god, without moving from atop Alarin, pulls out another dagger and raises both knives in a guard. Despair cut through them like butter, and by the time the red-coat realized that it was already ripping into his chest, throwing him back off Alarin.

Red-coat staggered back up, barely dodging another blow from Aldric. "And that... would be my cue... to leave." He blows Aldric a kiss with a bloody smile (it's his own blood), and he boldly turns and runs away.


At the Camp

The maiden looks between Garadiel and Raia, and no small measure of healthy fear is on her face as she answers. "I am Miadh, daughter of Lithana, daughter of Rognir. I was merely a prisoner of Heradi, who left me here in the hopes that either I would die or that I would distract you from his true goals. I nearly did both, it seems." Her voice trembles as she speaks the last sentance, and she holds on to Selek tighter for a moment.

[Kasanip]

Raia

"Lithana... Heradi..." Raia frowned, but did not take her eyes off of the girl.

"Steady yourself with courage, Miadh, daughter of Lithana. You are an heir of a noble family, and you should not quiver before questions searching for truth." She said.

"Aldric is not present, so you have nothing of fear to know. I won't hurt you, Garadiel won't hurt you. Take courage in that you are with family, though it may be our first meeting. But I do want you to answer. Who set fire to my camp if it was not you?"

[ArlEammon]

On the Plains
The red-coated god, without moving from atop Alarin, pulls out another dagger and raises both knives in a guard. Despair cut through them like butter, and by the time the red-coat realized that it was already ripping into his chest, throwing him back off Alarin.
Red-coat staggered back up, barely dodging another blow from Aldric. "And that... would be my cue... to leave." He blows Aldric a kiss with a bloody smile (it's his own blood), and he boldly turns and runs away.


Shen Zhi Shu's Cloud
Suddenly, the Cloud descends on the Red-Coated god, as it follows Red-Coat, it eats at him, his body, and his clothing. "Take that." Shen shouts. Shen Zhi hoped that the Cloud would have killed him with all of the other injuries that Red Coat possessed. On one hand, they could have waited to see who this Red Coat was. On the other hand, this was more fun. Yeah, no one better mess with the friends of Mingzhi.

Edit-
As Red-Coat leaves the vapors, it vainly attempts to follow, but Shen just dispels it, as he is too quick for it.

[White Blade]

Garadiel's shoulders sagged and his eyes grew tired as Raia told Miadh she was safe. He practically collapsed into a sitting position with one leg folded over the other. His hands were trembling and his eyes tired and he remembered all the siblings he had lost to exile.

That had been the funny thing, really. Garadiel had been an only child when he was young, before he'd set out to the east in a mad hope to find Eneliel and prove his name false. His father had met him by the coast of the southern cotinent and taken him to the House at The End of the World. Garadiel was not the oldest of his siblings, but he was very nearly the first to be retrieved from the world. And Garadiel had been there when each of his siblings arrived. When Alarin had arrived wrapped in swadling clothes and when Eridi had first see their father's forge. When Raia had first hefted steel instead of bronze. And of course, he'd watched some of them leave, because of anger or shame or pride or even pity or love.

Garadiel had waited, respecting his father's wisdom. He had spent time telling Alarin of the world, he had footraces with Raia and competitions of daring at the edge of the cliff. It had been home, in the way his tiny little village had never been. Of course, Garadiel had grown restless there as well. But the bonds of family meant something to him and like his father Garadiel had felt the sting of every early departure.

Garadiel had slept through Liantha's departure. But it had still been bitter to see her leave. He'd seen her on the day of her arrival, beautiful and free spirited. Their father never announced it when someone went into exile, so Garadiel had not known for two or three days that she had left. The added frustration of his memories weighed on Garadiel and his face looked weighed down.

Then his mind was snapped back to the wearying world by the nearly instantaneous departure of the second foe. "Eneliel take me! He got away. I lied earlier, I apologize I had no way of knowing if you were friend or foe, Raia ... He's fast. At least as fast as I am. Maybe faster. And I don't think I can catch him." Garadiel said, looking at the ground and tearing at the grass.

[Nefarion Xid]

The shorn dagger blades spiraled through the air in opposite directions as Aldric's boots touched ground and he heaved his scythe around to bisect and finish the man in red. The man danced away with a powerful backwards leap, mocking Aldric with a blown kiss before launching himself into a full retreat. The scythe was arrested over Aldric's shoulder and the broken pieces of Redcoat's daggers and his blood fell to the earth at the same time.

"That's impossible!" Aldric thought with a scowl forming on his face, "No one can move that fast." But, his foe was already gone from the field by the time it would have taken him to attack again. He'd caught the man in red off guard, weakened and distracted. He should be loathe to face him in good form.

Aldric might have called to the Nightmare and spirited off after him if not for the monster behind him, who'd just recovered and lurched around to find its tiny prey. He wheeled around just in time to meet the enormous claw that was making a sweep for him, greeting it with the tip of his scythe.

[Carden]

Through most of the next week, Eridi taught the people everything he knew. He showed them how to smelt steel, how to forge it into tools for whatever job. His lessons included farming techniques, architectural engineering, and the philosophies of being craftsmen.

After the week was up, he let them go about their business. They had new homes, they were settled in, now it was time to let them fall into a work routine. They needed to be left alone now, and, besides, Eridi wanted some time to talk to Jin'Thul.

He had left the old man second in charge, telling the people they were to obey him as they always had. Right now, his friend was overseeing the fields, seeing just how much would be needed to feed this new town. When he got to him, the news was not good.

"Eridi," he said, a look of mild concern on his face, "tha stream may have provided life for you and Noss while you were here, but not for all tha people. It won't half fill tha ditches, probably running dry in even a mild drought. I'm starting to think that this wasn't such a great place. You gotta do something, boy, no stream, no crops." He shook his head as he finished. Jin'Thul had lead the people through droughts before, but they had never been civilized times.

Jin'Thul gave a look of incredulity when Eridi chuckled at his news, it wasn't something to be taken lightly! "Don't worry, old friend, I've got that covered already! Come, let me show you what I've been working on!" Pulling lightly on the elder's arm, he lead the way to his workshop. "Here, in here. Honestly, I'm surprised no one's noticed it yet! I've been picking them up all week now, it's not like it's been a secret!"

No questions needed to be asked about what, it was impossible to deny the abject lack of free space in the workshop. The entire place was covered with carved stones, each emblazoned with runes upon runes. Picking one up idly and tossing it the air, the god explained, "Here is the solution. You know my dripping oar? This will be the same thing, but on an entirely different scale! I've barely slept at all this week working on this. Each stone has to be perfectly shaped, each rune immaculate! I was afraid it would spill outside before I was finished!" Even though Eridi laughed wildly at the joke, Jin'Thul saw what he meant. The piles of rocks reached as high as his head in some places.

Shaking his head in disbelief, Jin'Thul spoke in awe "I remember that oar, alright, but this? You sure this is going to work? Tha oar only drips a little, enough to maybe fill a man's cup in a minute, and it drips seawater! And are you sure this will even do what you mean for it to? I remember the oar's dripping was an accident, or so tha story you told me said!" He shook his head even more as he thought of the possible flaws, but Eridi calmed him with a hand to the shoulder.

"Listen, Jin'Thul, this is no item of small import like the oar. I am making this with all my might, not as some trial. You will see, I'll have it up by tonight. I can only do so much of the construction here, though. I'll put together as many pieces as I can in my workshop, but that should still leave plenty to be done where we'll plant it! Go! Go tell the men to dig a deep hole in the middle of the fields! Tell them that soon they will have more water than they know what to do with!"

That night, when a new torrent of water rushed from the hole and spread out to cover all the irrigation ditches and more, Jin'Thul knew his decision to lead his people here was not a poor one. This man, god-born or not, cared about them. He wouldn't let them come to harm. Even now, he was out there at the forefront helping to deepen the ditches. They had only dug enough to steal the stream, but now, thanks to Eridi, they had their own river!

Acts Used
1 Minor - Inspire Population(Iron + Steel Smelting)
1 Major - Create Artifact(River Stone)

The River Stone is currently under five feet of fast-moving water, however if one was to brave that current to get to it, it would appear to be a natural boulder, oblong in shape. Standing at ten feet tall and six wide, it is by no means small. The stone itself produces water constantly, pouring forth enough to constitute a river, thus it's name. The water created is 100% pure. There are no known ways to stop the water short of breaking the enchantment.

[Raz_Fox]

"Who else but the blackheart himself? Who else but the wing-footed lord, he who runs between the poles? Heradi did this! Beware him, Raia! His heart is filled with hatred for you, and every child of Rognir who stands in his way." Maidh's face is earnest in her fear - this time, that Raia might disregard her words.

[Baxter190]

Alarin

Alarin had no idea where he was, or exactly what was going on. All he knew was that one moment that a scary blood red man was hurting him, and then he felt safe. The bard was floating in the air, and the world around his was static. All his senses were gone, he couldn't feel, smell, or taste anything. The only thing he could see or hear was constant static. It was as if something was blocking him out from the world around him. Probably whatever spell he had cast was trying to protect him from the horrors around him.

In the real world his body had fallen to its knees, propped up so that all could see him. A steady trickle of blood came down from his forehead, but slowly it began to heal. The knife wounds in his hands refused to heal, for the blades were still stuck in position. The rain continued to fall, the healing magic doing what it could to heal the body, and soul of the godling. alas, it seemed to be held back by something, and the water did little but mat the boy's hair to his head. Around him the Behemoth stood, guarding it's ward. Its strength was nigh limitless, but for now it relented so that it might fend off the god of fear. Aldric was too fast for it to match at moment, for it was too tired from its awakening and too busy protecting the boy. What it did not know was that Alarin did not need protecting, and indeed Aldric was trying to save him from the Behemoth.

As Despair ripped through the monster, it grew in strength and in turn for some reason that energy traveled to Aldric. The Behemoth was a monster born of fear, and as such whenever the scythe ripped into its flesh, the fear flowed into the weapon due to the arcane runes inscribed into it. However, the fear that Aldric generated in Alarin due to his presence was enough that the monster’s wounds would soon heal. In the end, it seemed like an endless battle for any one who would observe it.

From inside his sphere of static, Alarin eventually regained consciousness. He turned around in the ball that contained him, but all he could see was endless static. He tried calling for help, but nothing came from his mouth, only static. Fear came upon him yet again, that he would be trapped forever here. Fear, the thing seemed so odd to Alarin, yet it was something he felt all too frequently. For someone who was immortal, he sure did fear a lot. Maybe it was just apart of being who he was. As a the god of stories and music, he felt every emotion that was brought forth, from love, to joy, to maddening fear. Every single emotion, he felt and expressed. Where the other gods might have been restrained in their emotions, Alarin embraced them and felt them more fully than any other.

Suddenly a voice overcame the static, but it was not the boy god's. This voice was deep and monstrous, unnatural and far from divine. The terrible voice spoke, saying, "Poor little boy, are you ok?" It seemed genuinely concerned, something that that one would not think it capable of. "That big, bad man, he hurt you, didn't he? Don't worry, I made him go away. I've saved you, when no one else did. I'll protect you." Alarin wanted to believe him, he almost did. But then he remembered his brothers and sisters, who would always try to protect him from Harm. In fact, before the black out, Aldric had been coming straight for him.

"You saved me yes, and I am grateful for it. But others would have saved me. My brother was on his way," replied Alarin, finding his voice again.

"You believe that, don't you? Well don't believe that. I saved you, let you live during the storm. Where were your siblings then? Your father watched from on high was my rage tore your ship to shreds. I am the only one who can help you. Love me, and I can give you anything you desire. I can give you the worlds. I can make you safe," tempted the voice, now sweet and not so intense. It was beautiful, as melodic as any song Alarin had ever heard. Yet still, Alarin remained adamant.

"A gracious offer, but one I can't accept. During the storm, that was my test. Until then, you wanted to destroy me. Father had no reason to interfere, for I brought your rage down upon my self. As for my kin, they had no way of knowing what I went through," the boy responded, his voice shaking. For all that he said, Alarin became uncertain though. Would his siblings have braved the storm to save him? Would they have drawn the Leviathan's ire? Who could know?

A moment passed, when a portal opened in front of Alarin. He peered through the glass portal, saw through the behemoth's eyes, and could hear over the static what the monster heard. What he saw was Aldric, fighting the monster, apparently hell bent on attacking Alarin.

[White Blade]

"Who else but the blackheart himself? Who else but the wing-footed lord, he who runs between the poles? Heradi did this! Beware him, Raia! His heart is filled with hatred for you, and every child of Rognir who stands in his way." Maidh's face is earnest in her fear - this time, that Raia might disregard her words.
"Do not besmirch your face with fear," Garadiel said, not looking up, "Nor spread that grime to Raia's face. Fear has crippled more men then spears, do not give our foe such a deadly weapon. Our enemy is called Heradi, we give him a name. We don't adorn him with titles, like mortals terrified to speak his name." Garadiel advised, remembering his father's rebukes on the subject of applying too much or too little respect to a foe. Contempt and fear alike, he had said, are the first foe of the true warrior. A reasoned estimate of the enemy is worth as much as a shield.

[Nefarion Xid]

"Kid? Kid! Come on, you need to snap out of it!"

Aldric dashed in to grab Alarin, but the Behemoth's claws came crashing down and splintered the ground in front of him. He rolled to the side and leapt back, narrowly avoiding being squashed a second time. Then the fang filled mouth came, chomping into the earth and then spitting it back out angrily as it realized the mouthful didn't contain his quarry. Aldric left a retaliatory gash across the beast's cheek, but by the time the two combatants had composed themselves for another attack, the wound had healed over.

"What are you?" Aldric mouthed to no one in particularly with a silent wish that he would have paid more attention during Rognir's stories.

"Let's see if your head grows back..."

Aldric baited the monster, seeming to linger on a spot for a split second too long. The claws came again, predictably smashing into the earth. Aldric shrugged aside and brought his scythe down on the Behemoth's paw like he was driving in a railroad spike. Despair sunk through the bone and muscle and into the earth, leaving behind a shadowy spike that pinned the monster in place as he tugged his weapon free with a sickening noise. The second claw came down to give the Behemoth the leverage to pull free, but Aldric repeated the trick, leaving the beast in a position mimicking Alarin's. The two locked eyes for a moment before a twisted grin sprang to Aldric's face. The monster roared furiously, vainly as Aldric sprinted up his immobile arm. The Behemoth bit at him as he approached, but he sprung to the opposite arm and scrambled over the shoulder before leaping high and bringing his scythe down on the exposed neck. He held nothing back. The blow was delivered with such strength and speed that, were Rognir to have seen it, he might have spared a proud smile for his exiled son.


Minor Act: Executioner's Strike to the Behemoth

[Kasanip]

Raia

Raia gave Garadiel a sidelong glance and a rare, rueful smile. Truly Garadiel was stealing her words and mannerism. Was he making a subtle joke at her? After his apology, she doubted it. but his speech about foes and respect was not lost on Raia. She had often said such things to him in the fashion of her father when they had been running, or playing daring games. Now, she spoke.

"Apology is unneccessary where there was no offense taken. As for this Heradi..."

Raia looked back at Maidh with her searching gaze. Finding truth and earnestness in Maidh's unflinching stare this time, Raia nodded.

"Clearly his actions were an attempt to make a mockery of me, and of the others. With his fleeing however, I do not fear him too greatly. He is fast. But that will only help him so far. Reflex is faster than planning, and will is tougher than bone. I expect one day we will meet again, but until then I will not fear him. I will look forward to battling with him."
She broke her gaze to stare off again after the disappeared figure. Then she looked back at Maidh.

"As for you however, we have another problem. Since you are now here, what is it that you plan to do? what talent is it that you possess?"

[Baxter190]

Alarin

The scream was horrible. Aldric's blade tore into the Behemoth's form and ripped through it's neck, and a terrible screech echoed in Alarin's static world. For a moment the portal disappeared, for the behemoth could see no more. In the real world the creature's head fell to the ground seventy feet below, and landed with a deafening thud. The body stood upright, but it didn't matter. Aldric's victory was all but assured. He swiftly acted on his victory, and reached for his younger brother.

Sadly, Aldric's moment of victory was ripped from him when the Behemoth's clawed hand mover to grab Alarin and remove him from the God of Fear's reach. Aldric stood dumbfounded, for who could imagine that the creature could move without its head? But the head had reappeared upon its shoulder, and the one on the ground had disappeared. Another one of its powers apparently.

Inside, the static world, the portal to the outside world returned, but Alarin was too preoccupied to notice. All he could think about was what just happened. Aldric wasn't trying to kill him, he was trying to wake him. Alarin must have seemed to be asleep in the real world, and Aldric was just trying to rescue him from what ostensibly was just a monster trying to attack him. He was just trying to be a good big brother. On the other hand, the Behemoth was trying to protect Alarin as well. It could tell the fear that Alarin felt just by being around Aldric, and was trying to save him, as it had been summoned to do. Not only that, but the voice, whatever it was, truly did care about him. Alarin did not know what to do. One hand, Aldric was trying to save him. On the other hand, this loving, sweet voice wanted to save Alarin from his fears. Alarin was an impasse, and had no idea what to do.

[Nefarion Xid]

"What are you!?" Aldric screamed up at the monster. His strength was fading from him and he knees started to buckle. Despair's dreadful presence was not only a bane to its foes, but its wielder too. Each blow sapped his will to keep going and the weapon continually grew heavier in his hands. Battles weren't supposed to last this long! Things were supposed to do the polite thing and die when you lopped their heads off!

His gloved fingers took hold of the scythe like talons and he lifted Despair over his shoulder. Only then did it occur to Aldric that he'd been laughing and crying simultaneously for several minutes now. It was all futile! Nothing he did mattered. No matter how hard he fought, it wouldn't change anything. The monster was untouched for all his effort and he had almost collapsed in the mud.

"No..."

This thing didn't get to steal hope and crush the will to fight. That was his job.

Aldric took off at a sprint and blurred into the shadows. The Behemoth swiped with its free claw, still a mangled piece of flesh from when he'd pulled it free of the spike. No longer willing to play its game, Aldric stood his ground and hacked the hand free at the wrist, then cruelly split the entire length of its arm by dragging his scythe between the bones as he advanced. The creature reeled in pain and tried to tear its limb away. That gave Aldric just the boost he needed. He soared through the air to the Behemoths' chest, after ripping his scythe free, and hammered Despair through its bones and deep into its heart. The blade vanished beneath its flesh... then Aldric just let go. He plummeted to the ground and sank into the mud on his back. Despair remained behind, like an enormous fishhook piercing the thing's breast with no way to be pulled free.

Aldric closed his eyes and whispered the names of the dark runes etched into the blade. Despair hummed as the Dark Speech was spoken and began to eat away at the beast from the inside.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Somewhere in the deep reaches of the southern desert laid a body half buried under the sand, recently uncovered by strong winds. Those were barely recognizable remains of a poor, lacerated humanoid draped in cloth scraps. Four tiny pyramidal crystals were set all around them. Normally, such a tomb would have remained lost and forgotten for all time. But this creature's story was far from ordinary. And while it seemed its fate was set at this point, it just wouldn't abandon the fight for life.

Now appeared a tiny black and white bird, a most rare sight in those parts. It wasn't interested in the dessiccated remains, and at first it stayed away as other animals did in the past. However, this roadrunner was especially adventurous for its kind and it wandered into the area delimited by the crystals whole looking for a sneaky rattlesnake, despite a growing sensation of uneasiness. Suddenly, a bony hand reached up to the bird and grabbed it. Crying for help, the roadrunner struggled only for a few seconds and then stopped to glare at the creature holding it, as if it was hypnotized. The bird opened its beak, and as it did, its breath, its very life force escaped towards the skeleton. The life force was faint, yet it was the right amount. The creature found itself strong enough to drag itself to the nearest crystal and violently shatter it.

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

Meanwhile, in a stone courtyard of a grand temple perched on the seaside cliffs, an assembly of Giants had been called. The fair but sly Zamzumites, slavers of humankind, discussed noisily with their brutal, chaotic sea cousins, the crustacean-like Emites.

"Now, let us not get carried away. We are not their primary concern. Many of our outposts are still intact and none of us have been harmed..."

"...Yet! Godlings have been popping up everywhere recently. Don't tell me you don't know? I heard there is even one teaching new crafts to a human tribe in our very lands! How long until we are their new priority?"

"Not only that, but some are keen on conquering new territories. Curse you Rognir and your meddling offsprings!"

"Yet they may be more easily corrupted than we might think. I believe a band of Oni have pledged themselves to the Goddess of War. See...if we bet on the right horse, we may not only escape alive from all this, but become even richer and more powerful than we ever were."

A loud croak interrupted the speech of the Zamzummim. All those present turned to look at the unusually large, silver cloaked crow standing on a pillar.

"Very confident, you all are," spoke the crow. "Yet you cannot see the threat that has been right in front of you this whole time."

"Get out, trickster! Or you will be the next ingredient in our soup!"

"You all forgot so quickly the origin of your power...and how fragile it really is. A new wind is rising, and if you are not prepared to face it, it will bury you and your empire. Remorse is not a kind mistress."

And with those words it flew away.

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

The woman stood up, the lifeless roadrunner still at her feet. She had been able to reconstruct part of her body, but she was not yet free of whatever force leeching at her. She felt nothing, except maybe the feeling of the void. "Nothing more than a shade, am I?", she thought. Drawing her hood over her head, she turned her attention to the tiny avian. She took it with her as she started walking up a dune. Her mouth opened slightly to let wisps of vital energy revigorate the frail body of the bird. As it regained consciousness, the woman could draw upon his experiences and memories to navigate the area. The roadrunner lept out of her hands and ran away, yet he remained with her in spirit. The next few hours of her travels were filled with beautiful bird songs.

But who was she? Who were those faceless children in her dreams? What was her purpose here? When she thought the answers were in her grasp, they immediately faded away. She only really knew one thing for sure. She has been forgotten. And thus this name she chose for herself: the Forgotten Child.

To be continued

[Raz_Fox]

Miadh

"I am the child of a goddess. Either way I turn, I will eventually serve the children of Rognir, and I would much rather serve you willingly than be forced into the service of the blackheart that slew my mother. I am an enchantress and mistress of alchemy, if either of you require my services." She sighs. "If not, I will leave, and try to hide from his wrath."


Behemoth

Fate was a fickle mistress, and the Behemoth felt - dimly, through its fury and its fear - his mistress tugging at his chain. More importantly, he felt pain, agonizing pain, twisting at his insides. It would take him centuries to heal fully, sleeping beneath the earth.

The behemoth dived beneath the earth once more, screaming as Despair stayed within its breast. Within moments, all trace that the Beast of Ages had been upon the battlefield was gone. After all, fate was not done with it yet.


A cold wind blew upon the battlefield, rolling over the trampled grass and the bloodied stones. The gods had clashed, and the mortals foolish enough to get between them had been crushed. The gates lie broken, the city is in flames; smoke still hangs in the air from the fires divine.

This is the birthright of the children of Rognir. Whatever they do is unsurpassed, and they bend the world to their whims; thousands live or die by their word. By their actions, they bring suffering to themselves and those they love. For all they give mortalkind, blood is ultimately the price.

And still the wind blows, cold and silent.

Beginning of Turn 3

[Jair Barik]

The stag could hear the hunters close behind it as it raced through the trees. Its heart was filled with the knowledge that it would die this day if it could not escape them. It passed the old Pine tree by the stream and realised that it had turned into a dead end, all that lay before it was the face of the cliff and rushing rapids that it had no hope of crossing. Still the sounds of the hunters echoed behind it. And suddenly silence. It ran on then slowed and came to a stop. This was not the forest that it knew. There was something...different here. The trees were recognisible but they were not the ones from home. The deer turned upon the spot and looked behind itself. The hunters were nowhere to be seen, the forest was quiet and the old pine was gone. One of the trees seemed tobreak away and walk towards the deer, but it was not afraid, this figure would not harm it.

"Peace. You are welcome here as long as you need be. Leave when you please to leave and go where you please to go, no one will harm you tonight."

Nara smiled and patted the stags head. He had indeed shaped this forest to be a sanctuary to those who sought it. The North Wood. The forest of the druids. A place that could be entered by chance through the woodlands of the world. His own personal sanctuary. It had come at a cost though. Its creation prevented Orgo from spying upon him but likewise he could no longer see what Orgo was up to it. Like smoke his form drifted through the glade, the stag appeared ready to sleep.

"You can stay here as long as you wish child. But I warn you, these forests are not safe to travel by day. I would recommend you to leave before the sun rises or you may become prey to the foul force of the night beast, come back to haunt these woods." The stag looked up and hopped away vanishing between two trees as though it had never even been here in the first place. The spirit of Nara turned to the glade and spied a bramble patch. Taking some of the brambles in his hands he mouled them to a different shape. Four legs, a head, tail and teeth. Eleven of these he made and then a twelfth more magnificent than the rest. The creatures of brambles and thorns rose and sniffed around, silent hunters a pack of wolves. Turning to the greatest of the briar wolves Nara touched its head and spoke to them.

"I name you Tharn. Lord of the Sun's Hunt. You will patrol these woods by day and guard those whose souls might fall prey to the beast the will be confined here. Hunt it, stalk it, drive it from its game. It shall not feast upon the innocent while it resides here. This is the duty with which I charge you, I hope you succeed."

The briar wolves howled and ran off into the depths of the forest to learn their teritory and prepare for the break of day when their eternal task would commence.


3 MA-Create Sanctum The North Wood
1 minor act-create weaker followers the 11 briar wolves
1 minor act-create strong follower, Tharn King of the Briar wolves, Lord of the Sun's Hunt.
1 MA act-Gain ability spirit of the Land.

[White Blade]

Garadiel frowned as he felt the beast depart. He wasn't quite sire why, but the beast's defeat seemed... Wrong, somehow. So Garadiel frowned, but he shook it off. The defeat of the enemy was never wrong. The methods might be wrong, but the defeat of the enemy, never. What would his siblings say, if he told them of his plans to defeat death? Would they scoff? Or stand against him? Garadiel did not know. He rose from his sitting position and brushed off his pants.

"I am sure that you will find a place among our number," Garadiel said quiet simply, "I am sorry to hear of Lianatha's death. She did not always do what was best, but I did not wish her dead. Raia, I feel I must depart now, many have died in chaos and confusion and I should not wish that chaos to spread to my lands. Please caution your warriors against fighting in my lands, take care of yourself. Selek... I'll see you around I think. There's much work to be had. Love you all, tell the same to Alarin and Aldric if you see them, goodbye."

Garadiel walked a few steps at a leisurely pace before he seemed to begin to fade like a ghost. Eventually he disappears entirely. He then sets about working to guide the souls from the battle. And after that, however long it takes, he goes to the storm, to meditate before it.

[ArlEammon]

Shen Zhi Shu
In the Great Shrine, there is a chamber underneath the Inner Court, just before the Himiko Fire. In it, Shen Zhi Shu furiously searches the scrolls like a master, in a blurr, he reads the secret scrolls, running back and forth with an incredible speed without tearing or harming the papyrus scrolls. Finally his eyes brighten up, as if to give anyone would watch the impression that Shen Zhi Shu had found something very important out.
1 Major Act : Learns Evocation Mastery

After Shen Zhi Shu was finished with his study for the moment, he realized something that Raia had taught him through the invasion; that the people of Xiang Jian needed protection. Quickly Shen Zhi Shu transformed into a cloud form in the sky, and what appeared to be lightning struck Xiang Jian's citizens with mystic force, transforming them somehow, mixing the Flame of Himiko(AKA the Sacred Flame) with their own souls. Shen Zhi Shu gave them the ability to channel Evocation magics through their bodies naturally, without having to study. In addition, with the Fire of Himiko they had the power to transform into alternate forms which were physically superior.

1 Major act to transform Xiang Jian into people with natural Evocation magic, 1 Major act to transform Xiang Jian's people into beings capable of transforming into alternate forms. (Imagine Dragon Ball Z, except for no Spiky hair)

Meanwhile, the Blood Monk, Rong Chu Wen had been finally released from his curse by Shen Zhi Shu.

[Jair Barik]

@Garadiel

A sing song voice calls out to the death God across the realms. It has a divine quality to it yet Garadiel does not recognise it having never heard the voice before.

"Something ails you brrrrother
Something haunts your sleep
For death is swift where justice soft
And life rules all 'neath an iron grip.

Men may prosper in their lands
And life we cannot touch
But 'neath the Earth their bodies rest
And grave worms turn to dust.

A rotting mistress counts her coins
But soon she'll pay her due
For flesh is weak where we are strong
All shall bare the pale hue.

So think about it brrrother
This proposition o' mine
That we two could take their due
Their bodies rot on our command.

Who decides brrrrother?
When mortals end their time
Kings unjust and Gods so 'wise'
Nature rots now men can too.


((OOC: Orgo is propsing a ceremony for both God's to gain a domain of Rot/Disease/ some similar theme tied between nature and death))

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Forgotten Child embarked on a great journey through the central desert of the southern continent. She was not yet whole... and to make things worse she coughed and spat constantly. While she was certainly better off now than as a corpse-like creature, she somewhat regretted not having any lungs; at least then she didn't choke with burning sand every minute. Furthermore, even after hours of walking - day and night - the Child had found almost no water to sustain herself. Visions continued to harass her, but nothing she could make sense of. If not for her divine constitution, she would have collapsed long before this. However she fought on, until she reached a sordid plain of dirt mixed with ash and brimstone. Passing by several eroded foundations and ruined statues, she caught a glimpse of a shimmering surface and some palm trees in the distance. The Forgotten Child ran to the oasis and fell to her knees, reaching to the water with her sickly hands. Nothing had ever tasted so good and refreshing!

"Confused are you?"

She lifted her head and stared at the silver-cloaked crow perched high on a nearby tree.

"I am not confused at all. I know full well what I am doing here. My path is clear. I am seeking...I lost..."
"You can't remember. What you lost, I mean."
"I need to fly, far away! Escape this dead place. My wings..."
"Oh, you lost more than your wings my dear. I fear that you won't be able to leave your prison for good until you find yourself."
"Why should I trust you? Ravens are tricksters, I know that."
"Because I, for one, have not forgotten the pledge I made to you, mistress. The sooner your memory returns to you, the better. Only then will my service to you will be completed. Now if we just -"
"Be quiet. I think I remember this."

The woman wandered around the oasis and returned with a cactus freshly ripped from the ground, showing its roots. She then took some of those roots and ground them on a flat rock. The Forgotten Child showed even more resolve than before.

"I may not remember who Father was, but his lessons were not lost on me. Shamans regularly employ this cactus in their sacred quests; they use it to trance and reveal what is hidden to mortal eyes. You say my Self is lost? Then I will shatter every possible barrier - physical or spiritual - until I find a trace of who or what I am. I will force the answers to come to me. I will return changed or not at all!"
"I don't think this is a very good idea. In your condition, who knows how your body and mind will react to this toxin? I would reconsider this plan, mistress."
"If you were in my position, afflicted by the same thirst for truth, you wouldn't stop. Now guard my body...and pray."

And when the woman ingested the bitter powder, her reality shattered...

To be continued

[White Blade]

@Garadiel

A sing song voice calls out to the death God across the realms. It has a divine quality to it yet Garadiel does not recognise it having never heard the voice before.

"Something ails you brrrrother
Something haunts your sleep
For death is swift where justice soft
And life rules all 'neath an iron grip.

Men may prosper in their lands
And life we cannot touch
But 'neath the Earth their bodies rest
And grave worms turn to dust.

A rotting mistress counts her coins
But soon she'll pay her due
For flesh is weak where we are strong
All shall bare the pale hue.

So think about it brrrother
This proposition o' mine
That we two could take their due
Their bodies rot on our command.

Who decides brrrrother?
When mortals end their time
Kings unjust and Gods so 'wise'
Nature rots now men can too.


((OOC: Orgo is propsing a ceremony for both God's to gain a domain of Rot/Disease/ some similar theme tied between nature and death))

For a moment, the wolf wonders at a new sound rattling in his ears for a moment before he recognizes it, it's Garadiel's laughter and it's strong enough to hurt Orgo's ears. Orgo feels as if Garadiel probably laughing hysterically and rolling on the floor. Between metaphysical breathes Garadiel replies more properly, "I don't... Don't... I'm sorry give me a second... ....Okay, I don't help my enemy."

[Jair Barik]

@Garadiel

"Fair enough. Though your choice of allies intrigues me. The bard understand but the madman and the Warrior Queen? Well I suppose that all is fair in love and war. It certainly makes one ponder the question though... is life at all fair when death shows prefrence? I mean I asume there is more to you being at the battlefield than just going there to give your sister a nice big pat on the back and to wish her good luck. Imagine the physical embodiment of death standing on one side of the battlefield alongside the Goddess of War? It would certainly tip the scales of battle a fair bit wouldn't you say? One side almost destined to victory whilst the other destined to death. Still, if you ever desire greater power my offer still stands, but I guess power is not something you are lacking to crush your opponents."

[nysisobli]

I'm going to retire to my home, Selek spoke.

You are welcome to come with me, Selek said, looking at the maiden.

If any of you need anything, anything at all feel free to call on me.

Selek limped away, not waiting for answer nor action.

[White Blade]

Garadiel sat before the storm of souls with a look in his eyes of reverence, as the brothers ferried the last of the dead souls from the war. He longed to fix the world, to undo its brokenness. To set aright the ultimate issue of death. But he found himself unable. He was weak. He was bound to the processes of the underworld, a participant in an ancient game he did not understand made by people of such power that he feared to face them.

Dreams of power... Those were what followed Garadiel now. The power to undo what had been done. To uproot a system that exiled men from the place where they belonged into this place. This wretched shadow land, this hideous realm. But Garadiel knew that such power was still beyond him. If he possessed it now, his siblings would have been like ants to him. Still...

Garadiel stood and looked at the brothers before he jumped clear into the storm.

It was differet than when he had used it as a portal, as his power had first begun to take form. He was here to understand. He felt it whirl about him, almost confused by his presence. It felt like it was trying to say something to him, like it was straining to whisper in his ear. So he listened.

It did not speak as mortals or even gods did. It impressed its desires upon his heart. It showed him its desire, it made him feel as it felt. It longed to give final form to its creations, to make and not see broken. It longed for it as fathers long to protect their children from harm. And Garadiel felt quite certain that it was angry with him for the war. But it forgave. It did not pick favorites. And then it showed him the world as it saw it.

Garadiel learned the lessons it taugt. The preciousness of life and of spirits. The joy it felt at each new act of creation. And Garadiel felt the weight of its trust. It had never so shared its hopes. Indeed, it seemed terrified that he would betray it. "Never," he whispered. It wasn't truly aware however, and could not understand him. But eventually, Garadiel came tumbling out of the storm and found himself on the southern continent. Though he doubted non-psychopomps could see it, Garadiel was now covered in a faint glow that was very much similar to the storm of souls, and it flickered brighter every now and then.

1 MA: Gain ability Lifegiver

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Forgotten Child awoke in the mouth of a cave, with the silver-cloaked crow looking at her. She proceeded to lift herself up and lean against the stone wall. She then brought a hand up and started to rub her temple.

"Are you alright?"
"How did I...?"
"Get here? I certainly didn't carry you," laughingly said the crow. "We are not too far from the oasis; you walked here during your trance."

The woman turned her head around to observe her surroundings. The cave didn't appear too unusual, however a few beams of sunlight reached the inner walls, revealing a series of paintings. Visibly confused, the Forgotten Child lept on her feet and went to inspect them. She gently touched one that depicted a powerful, yet delicate young girl with six feathered wings shrouded in light, standing alone on the easternmost mountain of the world.

"I painted those just now, is that it? How do I know so much about this lady? It seems familiar, yet very odd. I can sense her grace, her determination, her love for her family, but also her foolhardiness and arrogance. Yet I do not feel for her. I feel nothing. Has this happened? Is that all part of a vision?"
"A vision it is, but not of things to come or things past. This, I believe, represents the way you used to look at yourself. Your lost ideals and dreams. This is how you...she foresaw her future, as the greatest goddess to have ever walked this world."
"Tell me her name! Please, I must know!"
"She is Azura, the daughter of Rognir Hundred-Named."

The Forgotten Child lowered her head. Now images flashed in her mind. Every one of her siblings' faces, the mighty feats of her father, the numerous creatures and wonders she had come across in her adventures...it all came back to her like a great flood of memories, thanks to the revelation from her spiritual quest.

"Destined to so much...yet she lost everything."
"What does this mean, mistress? With my help, you will get your wings and your divine grace back. Azura still lives in your heart and she will be reborn."

The godling didn't react immediately. The crow thought she may have fallen ill again when she turned back to him and he saw her changed eyes: black orbs with swirling mist inside - sometime blue, sometime purple. And he shivered at this sight.

"This is where you are wrong. I was not simply amnesic! The thing that has done this to her almost leeched her life force to the last drop! I am now certain that everyone who knew the Winged Lady have forgotten all about the All-Father's wayward daughter and stopped looking for her ages ago, as her aggressor sought to erase everything she had ever stood for. I am still confused as to how you still remember her...probably because of your pledge of loyalty or her connection with the creatures of the sky, if I had to guess. But Azura's identity is gone. Her dreams and fate...denied! She tried to hold on to whatever she could and she succeeded in preserving some of her dearest memories...though she did more than that. Her last actions before she disappeared into nothingness allowed me to live. I am not only the repository of her memory, but of every memory and thought of every living being! At this very moment my mind is opening to a whole new universe of meaning. My duty is now clear. See, I was created from remorse, regrets, but also hope and ideals. I exist so that those who have passed on may continue to live through me."

"Then, who are you?", asked her avian companion.

The woman left the cave and the silver-cloaked crow followed. She took a deep breath and commanded the desert to listen and bow before her.

I AM SOVVENIA

A strong wind rose up in the vicinity of the oasis.

"This is my element. I have survived and tamed the desert. I was born here...it is both a foe and a part of me. I now breath the sand and the ash of this place. And I order the sirocco to bring me to the location of Azura's jailor!"

As a violent sandstorm engulfed Sovvenia, the crow heard this last sentence from her:

"Try to catch up."

An instant later the whirlwind was gone and speeding towards a volcanic plateau and the spirit of air that inhabited it.


To be continued

[Kasanip]

Raia

The smoking city, the quiet and ruined field, and her army standing at the remains of the camp. Raia stood before this and looked silently at the area around.

Truly from war came suffering and loss.

But Raia had not intended that to be the case. It was not the Goddess of War's fault that the city gate had been smashed, and that the soldiers had been thrown into disordered. It had not been a command of her's for the city to be invaded, and it had not been her command to burn the tents or to attack the people of the city.

With her command of the army, No one contended. It was no one else's affair...unless they tried to make it so.

And so Raia was still angry. Still frustrated. Why had her brothers all shown themselves on the edge of battle? Why the distractions to hide the movement of some other ill action?
She very much wanted to know the one who had caused all the trouble, and now she knew. When she had captured him, there would be punishment. Raia had known Riora was one to cause trouble. Whenever Raia had been training in the halls when they were still young, Riora would have some sort of prank or way of distracting Raia that had always caused her frustration. But Rognir had always told her it was her own fault for letting herself be distracted.

And still it seemed that she was a victim of such distraction.

The army that is chaotic is still the responsibility of the General. And for that, Raia was ashamed of what had happened. From that shame came her frustration. And so she turned the army back to Toukoku, leaving the city without a word spoken to the defenders and confused people. Many lives had been lost, but most from her new states of Chisu, Wan and Ebisu. They had been the most disorderly and gripped in the confusion, while the Tumi had not been touched, and only a few tengu had felt the draw to their own chaotic ways and joined in. The humans of Toukoku had been burned in the fires, but had not charge blindly, such was their loyalty to their commands. But the wounded were still many, and in returning to Toukoku, Raia gave them rest and spent much time helping them to recover, all while still continuing and perfecting their training, and her own.

She had a lot to think about. Like her family that she had only so shortly been able to see. Speaking to them for a longer time would not have been ill, she thought. She did have some curiosity of what else had happened to them since her meeting with her father again. Aldric especially seemed different. Garadiel too.
Both of them Raia had thought she knew so well when they were children. But now... it seemed different. Was it because she had changed? They had changed?

Raia frowned as she thought on this as she stood on the tengu mountain of Kuzan.
She desired to know her family, but her thoughts also returned to the people of the city. She was still curious about the humans who lived so truly to themselves and each other. Her army was made mostly of their peoples, and she had been the one to unite and bind them together in their oaths. But the people of Ebisu, Wan, and Chisu were different. They had been their own people, and heirs to a long history and culture.
Culture. Something that she didn't understand. Certainly it seemed to have things like 'tradition' which she knew much of. War had it's traditions and training had it's methods. The way her people worshiped she also understood. But there was a lot more, or so it seemed. And she had been close to finding this. Before the interruptions.

But perhaps it had been partly her fault for those interruptions.

But humans were like mirrors. Not unlike her family, they seemed to have their own strengths and skills. Except they had something she did not- weakness. She could not be contended with in feats of arms. Even when sparring with her brothers and family, it was not a matter of 'weakness' but of 'focus.' But for humans, such a competition was different. In battle or affairs of swords, it was not a competition. There was something more there- something Garadiel had clearly berated her of earlier.
And she wondered if perhaps she might understand that as well, and maybe that was the key to understanding humans.

So she would walk quietly again, as a human. Maybe in their weakness, she would find the answer to strength and pride. But first she turned to Tengu OneClaw, and appointed him to be the Commander under her, in charge of her armies in her absence, and the Great Tengu accepted with bowed feathers.


And so a young woman calling herself 'Raia,' dressed in the rarely seen crimson red robes of Toukoku, came to Xiang Jian.

Acts

1 Major act: Gain Ability: Goddess of War
1 Major act: Create Exarch - Tengu OneClaw

1 Minor act: increase population - Toukoku

1 Major act, 2 minor acts, 2 ceremonies remaining

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

The blood of Rognir flows in my veins.

Sovvenia climbed the northern escarpment of the plateau while the silver-cloaked crow flew in circles above her.

I will leave my mark on this world.

As she reached the top, the godling found lush hills contrasting with the scattered vegetaion, shrub and trees deep-rooted in between rocks of the lowlands.

I may not be Azura, but I will claim godhood on her behalf.

The winds intensified and clouds darkened the closer she got to the heart of the now extinct volcano's crater.

It's not about vengeance or justice; this is my legacy.


Finally, she came to a ruined plaza on the slope of the crater, which seemed to be the source of the strange weather. Sovvenia remained calm while she walked down the broken down stone road. And once she was only a mere few feet away from the Pillar of Storms in the center of the plaza, a deep voice boomed through the area.

Who dares enter my holy sanctum?

Lightning struck at Sovvenia's feet but she didn't move. A being formed before her eyes: a semisolid wyrm of earth and wind, like a living cloud of debris. The body of the elemental spirit constantly shifted. Bright orange flames burned where his eyes should have been.

"I find you extremely confident. Do you consider yourself a god, Mifasetz?"

YOU! How did you escape my trap?

"I am more resourceful than you imagined it seems."

Furious, Mifasetz conjured thunder lances, but Rognir's daughter evaded them all but one which only slightly burned her shoulder. Then Sovvenia called a war fan to her hand to ward off other projectiles and charged the wyrm. The elemental spirit roared and flew down seeking to take a good bite out of this meddling demigod. Sovvenia managed to disrupt his physical form with a touch spell, right before Mifasetz swiftly struck the girl with his tail and sent her flying into a low wall.

I will put you back in the earth!

Every part of her body hurt, but Sovvenia found the strength to stand up wand walk to her former jailor.

"I cannot believe it was you, Azura's faithful companion, who ultimately betrayed her. You were her guide...yet you made a pact with cruel giants behind her back. Yes, your horrible actions have been revealed to me. I now know how you sought to share her powers and domains of influence with the leaders of the Zamzumites."

The elements raged around them as Misafetz resumed his brutal attack on Sovvenia. The golding resisted most of his assaults, but couldn't pierce the spirit's own defenses. And once again Misafetz projected her away with his tail. Sovvenia coughed some blood...and then laughed. Confused, the wyrm prepared to deal a final blow to his opponent.

"My memory cham worked. It worked! Hahaha! After I touched you... You forgot all about your most important possession."

Misafetz's mind didn't allow him to see the crow hiding in the shadow of the pillar. The crow that had snatched the tiny urn containing holy water and a single black feather. And now the crow flew to his mistress and dropped the urn in her hands.

No! Not that!

Sovvenia broke the urn against a rock as Misafetz descended on her. Suddenly a blinding light engulfed them both.


When Misafetz could see again, he gazed upon a true force of nature, with six wings made out of black smoke. The storm clouds he had himself conjured had left. Now he was alone under this bright blue sky against...that. Sovvenia was flying towards him, her chains broken at last.

"Your mastery of the winds is gone. I, on the other hand..."

Whirlwinds of sand appeared all around them.

I will face any storm you throw at me, witch!

But then the wyrm felt a strange disturbance. His physical manifestation was twisting and turning, while his very essence became incredibly unstable. Meanwhile, Sovvenia was slowly clenching her fists. Realizing what was happening, Misafetz tried to escape, but too late. He was trapped. Finally, the Lady of Remorse lifted her arms and, thanks to her mastery of the elements, proceeded to rip the elemental creature apart. With this violent deed, Sovvenia returned to the ground. She walked to a nearby forge where laid an ornate bronze hammer. She recognized it as the fabled Hammer of Heaven Binding. She was not interested in blacksmithing or jewelry making, but then again she thought something should be done to commemorate the recent events. The goddess worked all night on a tiara, a potent totem made from solidfied lightning. She simply fixed the black feather from Azura's wing on the headwear as a final touch.

"My work is not done. You may follow me if you wish, crow."

Sovvenia shot to the sky, towards the northern shore of the continent, bathed in the light of the rising sun.


To be continued

[Baxter190]

Alarin

The stativc world faded into darkness, the bhemoth disappeared, the pain in his hands once again became relevant, and all Alarin could think about was how much it all really annoyed him. All the doom and despair and fear, it just wasn't for him. Yes, the sad fact was that these things were just parts of life, no matter how dark and depressing they were, and thus everybody felt them. Alarin might even enjoy having them everyonce in a while, becuase they affirmed that he was alive. But all to frequently lately he had felt these feelings, so oppresive and consuming. Feeling like theat was just too...boring.

Suddenyl, the gravity went out in his world of darkness, and he could feel himself falling. Alarin lost track of how long he fell, knowing that sooner or later he would either stop or not. Either way, time was irrelevant. There was pang in his chest. Something Alarin hadn't felt before, so he couldn't just indentify it and dismiss it. 'Damn, I'm gonna have to do something about this, aren't I,' thought the boy god, annoyed. Then, at long last, he regained feeling in his body, and awoke in the mortal realm.

"Son of a-" he exclaimed, as the pain coursed through his body once more. Back in the static world it had been there, sure, but only just. He was aware of it, but he didn't feel it. Alas, having a physical body came with such drawbacks. The knives were stuck into his hands, and Alarin were sure that they would leave a scar upon his immortal body. Who ever the man in red was, he was out to kill. The plains were in ruins, but the rain conintued to fall, healing the scars. Not long after his return did Alarin become aware that Aldric had arrived next to him, with an emotion that seemed to be concern displayed across his face. With a sigh and his trademark goofy smile, Alarin asked him, "Hey can ya do me a favor and pull these knives out of my hands? I would, but my hands are kinda full."

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric was still coated with mud and his hair was horribly matted and stands pulled free of his pony tail clung limply to his noble brow. He made a token effort to tidy himself up as he strode towards Alarin and forced a weak smile. There was a wide rip in his pant leg about knee level where he'd been hurt leaping over the Behemoth's claws, but the wound had already healed thanks to the rain.

"Damn, kid..." He shifts his weight and puts a hand on his hip and snaps with the other. Heradi's daggers vanish into the nether (definitely less painful than pulling them out the old fashioned way) and reappear in Aldric's gloved hand. He stowed the daggers in his belt; they'd serve both as trophies and a way to track down the man in red. If he couldn't be found with divination, then Aldric would just have to recruit Orgo as his personal bloodhound. Recruit, conscript, force on pain of death... whatever. The pain vanished from his own hands as Alarin's wounds began to heal. Aldric knelt down and began to examine his little brother almost jokingly.

"Baah, you're fine. Not a scratch on you. What were you screaming about? And... what was that thing?"

The rogue god concerned him less than the nature of the monster he'd been unable to kill. He didn't like things that didn't feel fear. Fear was nature's way of keeping you alive and even Aldric himself wasn't immune to it. To not feel it was to be broken. Even Rognir knew fear. Rognir would have died from those wounds...

Though he was smiling and hugging his brother about the shoulders, his greasy black mind was busy plotting ways to kill something that couldn't die.

[Earl of Purple]

North-West Shore

After much wandering and hunting, a small group of Orofolk reached a cliff, leading to a beach. They gazed unbelieving at the vast expanse of water before them, previously unaware such vast amounts of water existed, let alone in one place. Their wonder caused them to stop, and set up camp practically on the spot (they found somewhere better suited first). Calling upon Phromm for his advice and knowledge, they prayed in a way they recognised as worship, a first for the Orofolk.

So Phromm did come, and told them they had reached the Ocean, the great salt water lake whose other shore can be reached faster by turning back and heading past the mountains; a journey that would take many months, yet cut the trip in half. They invited him to stay, and drunk a drink made by fermenting the blood of the great Ice Worms of the tundra behind them to the East.

[Carden]

The Hybils were coming along nicely. The town was growing well, people replacing the temporary wooden shelters with stone they had been transporting. Eridi had been helping with the basics until the people understood, but not today. Today, he was at his forge, pouring over his father's books trying to find a way to communicate with his brethren.

He had seen them all gather to the south, well, most of them anyway. He wanted to join them, be with his family once more, but he had a duty to his people and couldn't leave them for the amount of time he would need to travel there. He had to think of a better way. To be in two places at once, it seemed impossible, but, then again, so did making a river burst through a rock or downing a creature multitudes larger than himself. Impossible wasn't a worry to Eridi, any child of Rognir read that word as "Challenge" instead.

The basic idea was easy, a marble bowl enchanted to see and dominate a mortal creature. It was carved to sit on a pedestal, a perfect half-sphere. Inside one of his father's books, he had found the runes for mental domination that were meant to be tattooed on your thrall's skin, but he had also found a way around that. A second set of runes had been meant for far seeing eyes, but, if he overlapped the two, he might be able to use his device at a distance.

He was becoming more practiced at making these items of power, and so it took him less time than the stone had. When the item was finished, the large group of family members had thinned quite a bit to the south. Inside the bowl were two hand-prints, carved to be most comfortable to Eridi. Filled to the brim with the pure water of his previous invention, no matter which way it turned, none splashed on the ground. Putting his hands on the activation points, he focused on the area near his brethren.

It was a feeling like that when he had first been sent out into the world, zooming over a large distance and then suddenly stopping. He felt like two different people, he could feel his feet on the ground in his workshop, but he could also sense he was floating above this battlefield. Focusing on his new floating persona, he set out to find his siblings.

He arrived at the head of the invading army just in time to see Raia turn the army around. Noticing how she was moving away from the city, and the general area where Alarin and Aldric were, he made the choice to take one of her soldiers over to his brothers. Surely she wouldn't mind too much that one lagged behind.

The man wasn't at all prepared for what was about to happen. He felt a slight heat as the runes began to glow on his body, but he dismissed that. Only when he felt heat behind his eyes did he begin to worry, but he blacked out before he could barely even begin that. It felt strange being another person, but he walked towards his brothers anyway. The thrall's commanding officer first went to question him, but when he saw the glowing eyes and the path his soldier now walked, he decided against it. The man had seen enough of strange events today, and if one of his soldiers wanted to illuminate and walk towards gods? So be it, he wasn't getting involved.

Closing, he waved and called out to his brothers, stumbling over his borrowed tongue, "Aldrec! Elaryn! It'sh me, Er-di!"

Act Expenditure

2 Major
Increase Craft Domain - 1
Create Artifact (Scrying Pool) - 1

[Baxter190]

Alarin

The knives disappeared in an instant, and the pain soon subsided, due in equal parts to his divine heritage and the healing rain. When Aldric greets him with a hug, the boy doesn't refuse- after the day he has been having, and comfort was well appreciated. The question his brother had asked him though, was one that Alarin wasn't exactly sure he knew how to answer. What was that thing, really? At first the god was unsure, but in an instant an answer came from no whereinto his head. Behemoth. It was weird, because it wasn;t like he had forgotten the information and just remembered it. The knowldge wasn't there one minute, and the next it just appeared. But then again everything about the day was weird. What was one more thing?

"That thing, it was the Behemoth. I think our father told us about it once, just not in an upfront way. One of the great beasts of the world he said. He said it was...unbeatable. Even he couldn't kill it, just put it to sleep. I think...I woke it up," replied Alarin with a rare look of contemplation. "Anyways, thanks for getting rid of those knives, I owe ya one," he added with an laugh, the serious mood broken in an instant.

Thoguh the wounds were fading, his earlier prediction that there would be scars proved rue. Whatever the man in red had done to those blades, they had some seriously bad magic working on them. In the middle of each of the palms of his hands, the faint marks remained, and Alarin could only remark with an humorous smile, "You know, I hope these aren't some kind of metaphor or something." Then, a glowing soldier arrived, waving at the two gods and calling out to them. After a moment Alarin decyphered what the man was saying, claiming to be Eridi. With a shrug and a look of sigh orf resignment, the bard replied, "You know what? Any other day if a glowing soldeir who did not look at all like my brother claimed to be him and came up to me in the middle of a battlefield, I'd be skeptical. But after all the crap today, I just don't care anymore. How are you, brother?"

[Carden]

The god had learned from his earlier attempt to talk, he now spoke slowly and deliberately to avoid as many mispronunciations as possible. "I am as good as can be, Alarin, better now that I've seen you! I guess this does require some explanation. It is an item I made that allows me do this, a bowl of sorts imbued with some of Father's enchantment magic. I am currently borrowing what I believe to be one of Raia's soldiers, I hope it does not anger her too much when she finds out. I remember how angry she would get at us for playing with her toy soldiers, and, now that they have grown, I'm almost sure the trouncing she will give me will be even bigger!" Trying to laugh in this body was a foolish move indeed, he choked himself and spent the next few moments hacking, trying to regain his breath.

"Er-hem, tell me, brothers, how have you two been? What has happened today that makes my impromptu appearance even mildly logical?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Eridi's appearance reminded Aldric about the fate of Despair. The scythe was still lodged in the heart of the Behemoth. Its skin had healed over the incision where it was shoved into its chest, but the weapon would continually poison and torment the creature until it was removed. It wouldn't die; no, whatever deep magic kept the beast alive was tied to the land itself and undoubtedly more powerful than the dark enchantment of Despair. But, it would keep the Behemoth in a perpetually weakened state until it was removed. The thought made a delightfully dreadful sound like flat organ music in Aldric's head and he fought off a sinister grin. Despair was like a fishhook in the beast and he needed only to reel in his catch when he was prepared for it. The greasy gears in his head were turning already. Though he hadn't guessed the identity of the monster at first, the name brought back the legends. It was fated to die at the end of days and no sooner? Ha! Aldric was cursed to the same fate and he did not think himself a plaything of prophesy. To end the Behemoth was to prove to himself and all the world that Rognir was wrong. He swore that one day, he'd either destroy the monster or else ride the bloody thing into battle at the end of the world, cackling all the while.

He hunched down a few inches to meet the eyes of the glowing soldier, though to Eridi it was more like someone trying to move in-frame on a webcam. He grinned warmly and flashed his sharp canine teeth while playfully trying to shove his shorter brother down with a hand placed on his head.

"Eridi! Hey, you've got good timing! I got something for you..."

He produced, from the shadows, one of the Behemoth's fangs, well over a meter long. While the monster's flesh and blood were absorbed by the earth during the battle, a few chunks remained behind. The places where Despair had touched its body were rejected by the land, so strips of flesh and broken teeth and claws littered the battleground, though the Behemoth had regenerated new ones in their place anyway. This fang was the only thing worth salvaging, thought Aldric, though he'd only absently picked it up after recovering from his fall without giving it any real consideration. And the notion to give it to Eridi as a gift was wholly spurious, but as an afterthought, he didn't have anything else pressing to do with it.

"Fresh off the Behemoth. We'll tell you all about that once we see you in the corporeal and not em... in the corporal." He gestures awkwardly to the poor possessed infantryman. It wasn't a long journey to the forge, and he has some business with Eridi that shouldn't be conducted via... whatever this was.

"You don't mind if we stop by, do you? It's less than two days ride on the Nightmare. And we have gifts!"

(Aldric takes off for Eridi's forge unless Eridi objects or Alarin makes him stay. Alarin can hitch a ride with Aldric or decline. Upon Aldric's arrival, he/they fill(s) Eridi in on all that happened in Zhang so we don't have to waste time RPing it)

[Carden]

Smiling, or, rather, grinning wildly on this borrowed face, Eridi's speech lost some of it's deliberateness out of anticipation at the sight of the tooth. "Why, yesh, of courshe! My home is always open to mah shiblings!" Calming himself, he blushed a bit at the reemergence of his strange slur. "Er-siblings. My siblings are always welcome. I will be waiting most eagerly, for the both of you, hopefully. Now, I guess I should let this poor man back into his own mind."

It took a bit to switch focus from his scryed position back to his own body, and, when he was halfway in between, he remembered something he should've told his brothers about before leaving. He meant to say, "Oh, and please try not to scare the villagers when you get here," but it came out more like "Hand-freeze-tie-note-scurth-villa..." Grimicing, he knew he would have to practice some with this device before it lost the awkwardness. Oh, well, he thought, now I need to prepare the town for my brothers. Walking out to do just that, he also kept in mind what that new present he was getting could be used for...

Back at the battlefield, the runes on the soldier quickly faded. There was no lasting marks where they had been, but that was the least of his worries right now. He had just passed out, woken up in a completely different place, and was now staring blankly at two gods, noting that one of them had a giant tooth in his hand. The man, while suitably brave for one of Raia's soldiers, couldn't quite handle this sudden, new facet of reality. He promptly crumpled as he blacked out again.

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric (and probably Alarin) arrived in the village of Hibyl'smita just before noon, two days after the battle. Though he didn't quite catch his brother's parting words, Aldric had the courtesy to dismiss the Nightmare well outside the city limits and walk the remaining distance. Though he took pains to suppress his aura of fear and divinity, he still stuck out, half a head taller than the villagers and dressed in his polished leather.

He makes his way swiftly to the village center, hoping to avoid harassment and meet up with Eridi.

[hi-mi-tsu]

He was moving. But was it of his own volition, or at the command of the one who had hurt him? She didn't know, and it didn't matter...all that mattered was finding her brother, finding him and making certain that he was all right, and then lecturing him within an inch of his life for just going off like that and scaring her half to death when she woke...

Calantha arrived in the town of Hibyl'smita soon after her brothers; she streamed down from the sky, growing into herself as she descended--much to the fear and chagrin of the villagers who happened to be on the streets, at that time. After all, her aura was still madness, though she did not realize it...

"Aldric! Are you...are you all right? I felt it, I felt hurt, something hurt you, something in the madness..." The girl ran to her brother, rows of feathers still lining the backs of her arms--she didn't have the patience to rid herself of them, not entirely.

"I don't know what happened, there was chaos in my nightmares and I woke up and you weren't there and I was coming to you and you were hurt and--" She stopped herself, flinging her arms around this being of Fear (when he chose to be, of course).

"Please be all right..."

[Baxter190]

The two days travel were awkward for the two brothers. Once, they had been good friends back in the All-Father's house, but now things had changed. They had changed. Now Aldric constantly made Alarin afraid and scared him. He was too...bloodthirsty. Maybe Aldric was really kind and actually loved his family as before, but something about him just unsettled Alarin. For his own part, the bard was not trying too hard to make the situation more comfortable. His mind was preoccupied by the voice that had spoken to him in the static world. Who was that? What was that? Deep inside his heart, Alarin knew the answer, but his mind had yet to realize it.

When they arrived at Eridi's village, Alarin was far from suprised to find how industrious the place was. The boy always found it odd that Eridi took so much pleasure from physical labor. They were so much unlike each other in some ways. Yet, they were closer related than most of their other siblings. Where as all of their divine kin shared one common parent, their father, Eridi and Alarin were true family in that they shared one mother. In the end, it made an odd sort of sense that work and play were so closely related. While the two brothers were distinct in their hobbies, they both saw what they did as an art, and respected what the other did. Alarin was constantly amazed by the various weapons and crafts that Eridi would make, and would often have the older boy make him instruments at his request. Good times, and at long last they would be reunited.

However, the arrival of Calantha made it seem as if the reunion would be postponed for the moment in favor of the other siblings. It had been a long time since Alarin had seen his older sibling. Back in the All-Father's house, the two had been the most innocent of all of the siblings, blissfully unaware of the horrors of the world beyond Aldric's horror stories. Now, Alarin had seen true rage, and beheld ultimate fear, yet somehow retained his sunshine personality when not seized by terror. Calantha reminded the bard of simpler times, and at last Alarin could feel calm aroudn his scary kinsman. He could only watch with a charming smile as the girl latched onto her brother, nothing but adoration held inside her pure heart. With a youthful laugh, he informed his sister, "Dont' worry, he's fine. Nothing could ever hurt Aldric, you know. I mean, he's indestructable. So, how have you been?"

[Jair Barik]

Nara stood and looked down at Hibyl'smita from his vantage point. Only one with the eyes of a hawk would be able to discern him as he stood there looking down upon the settlement. He did not want to interfere here nor did he want to meet so many of his siblings all at once, as it was here that they now gathered. He could feel their sparks down in the town but couldn't make out who they were. His own spark, normally cool and calm was worried, almost angered by what he saw. One of his siblings seemed to be pushing the mortals here towards some industrious pursuit. This was not uncommon but here... Nara worried how far his brother might take things, how far would he try to expand and at what cost to the forests. These protective feelings had been rising inside of him lately, the longer he stayed within the forests the stronger he felt it. He seemed to be losing his humanity. Humanity! But then was that not the point of being a God? To throw away ones human ties, to ascend to a greater being, to stand for something in a way that no mortal can ever hope to stand. But his siblings seemed to still bare their humanity well. They still looked like the mortals they walked amongst whilst his own appearance grew more akin to that of the natural world. His flesh growing even more bark like, his toes splitting into roots and his fingers budding twigs. He would watch for the time being. But eventually he may have to act here, even though he hoped he would not.

[White Blade]

Garadiel looked over this barren stretch and saw what he had been looking for. A large tribe with domesticated camels and donkeys were at rest near an oasis. His own home tribe, The Kananel, was no longer in existence. He had learned from one of his dead kinsmen that The Favored of God had been slaughtered in a giant raid about eight winters after his departure.

This tribe, The Shienel roughly translated as Those Who Fear God, had once been his tribe's archrival. They were, however, as near to the Kananel as Garadiel was liable to find. Indeed, they even shared a language, though it was always terribly accented. He called out to them, "Eneliel Hold You Close!" a traditional blessing among their kind.

The sentry looked at him strangely. Who was this man, who stood without any form of transportation or carrying any supplies at the height of day? None the less, the man responded, "If he does, I will whisper your name in his ear!"

"It pleases me that you say so, might I find rest here?" Garadiel asked, recalling the hospitality rules of old. The sentry shouted his assent and Garadiel entered the nomads' camp. He sat down at the front and waited to be greeted by the chief.

[Carden]

Eridi had been in his workshop slaving fervently over the new plans for his town when his brothers had arrived, so he hadn't noticed it as he should have. Even with Calantha, his mind hadn't wandered. Only when a local smith came barging in, exclaiming nonsense about a bird woman attacking a man who stood too tall did he allow himself to be distracted.

The sight of all three warmed his heart, and he practically flew from his home to the trio. "Calantha! Brothers! Welcome! Welcome to Hibyl'smita!" Raising his arms proudly, he truly was oblivious to the tension of the moment.

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric stood at 6'3", mostly owing to the thick heels of his shiny black boots. While not immense by modern standards, it was enough to tower over the bronze age denizens of this world. He wasn't altogether unaware of Alarin's discomfort, he saw the too-long glances, like his brother was afraid of what would happen if he let Aldric out of his sight. He felt his pulse falter and the twinge of anxiety when he turned his eyes on Alarin. His brother was the only one who'd seen Despair in action and lived. Rafa and Tarik had both committed suicide just to avoid what Aldric might have done to them with the scythe. It made him sad, but he didn't suspect words would help the situation, so he remained silent while pushing it to the back of his mind. Alarin had been through a lot, he decided, maybe he'd be better in time.

When Calantha appeared and flung her arms around him, he only sighed and gently pressed her into his shoulder. The crisp, sweet smell of cloves greeted and reassured her.

"Sweetheart, sweetheart... I'm all right. There was a battle, but I'm fine... we're all fine. You shouldn't worry like this. I'm going to get into fights... a lot! I'm going to get hurt but... I'm indestructible." He grins and echoes Alarin's words.

He turns and greets Eridi with one arm draped lazily over Callie.

"Brother, I will give you twenty jade pieces if you rename this town something I can pronounce." He snickers and extends his free hand.

[Carden]

Laughing wildly as he shook Aldric's hands, he didn't drop an inch of his joviality as he answered. "My good brother, if I only had been able to earlier I would have! It takes time to get used to the name, but it was chosen by the people, not me! Just go ahead and call it Craftedtown, I'm told that's what it means, I'm sure they wouldn't mind it being translated."

More and more villagers gathered around to watch the spectacle. "Come, family, come on in and I'll fix us some dinner. Beware, however, it is quite messy inside. I haven't quite found the time to clean here lately." As they walked in, they realized he wasn't being modest. Papers lay all over the place, books laid on top of the paper, and even more little trinkets lay on the books!

Hurriedly, he cleared places off for his siblings. "Please, make yourselves at home, what's mine is yours. Settle in and I'll get started on cooking." With that, he went into the adjoining kitchen. Eridi had always viewed cooking it as a culinary craft, not an art, and he was rather good at it.

[Baxter190]

Alarin

This was what it was supposed to be like. No fighting, no fear, no pain being cuased by family. Just relaxing and enjoying each other's company. When they left their old home in the east, that was what Alarin expected his new life to be like. Now, after so many things had gone wrong, it just seemed right that it happened at last. Eridi's house was everything Alarin figured it to be, for true to his word the place was a mess. In a way, it was comforting to have such a cluttered place. It was cozy. "So brother, what have you been up to lately? Work I'd imagine," inquired the boy.

[Carden]

Eridi explained the past months while he cooked. He did, however, leave out the fact he had made Despair and a river, those were tales for another time. The end of his tale coincided with the finishing of his cooking. He came out of the kitchen, talking and carrying four bowls of food. "Mostly, I've been trying to figure out ways to improve the town. I've been trying to make a sort of pulley system to lift blocks for building, but you can see the mess that is."

Handing a bowl to each of his siblings, they finally caught a look at what he had been cooking. It was a grain and fruit mash with some jerkied deer on the side, something that at first glance didn't seem to be greatly appetizing, but, judging from the god who made it, it couldn't be too bad. "Forgive me for the gruel, but I am currently running a tad low on food stores. Now, Alarin, why don't you grace us with your tale? I'm sure it'll be far more entertaining than my own."

[hi-mi-tsu]

Callie had remained silent, clinging to her brother's side as he chatted amiably with the two others; she was fond of both Eridi and Alarin, normally, but seeing them now...

They wore their power like a fog over them. Eridi's was shot through with the rich browns of earth, and warmth; he loved his village, and his people, and he looked so...human. Alarin, though...there was darkness there, like there was darkness in her brother, and he looked...odd. Different. Ethereal, perhaps, like a clouded pane of glass, that she could see through but only vague shapes...

When Eridi handed her the bowl, she looked down into it and gasped; the lumps of meat became dead things became Agony's shredded flesh and she dropped it, convulsively, clapping her hands over her mouth in terror and disgust. The gruel spilled over the floor and she turned away, hiding her face in Aldric's shoulder.

"Horrible...it's horrible...don't make me look, don't make me look at it..."

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric knew Calantha better than anyone. Besides growing up together and being inseparable in Rognir's Hall, he had the time to grow accustomed to her 'eccentricities' during their time together in exile. While she might have been the only one in the world who saw Aldric only as a loving brother and not fear incarnate, he may have been the only one who didn't see her madness. Aldric was also quick on the draw.

Still holding his spoon and making eye contact with their host, the pieces of venison near Calantha were choked out of the world by shadows and no trace remained.

"I'm terribly sorry, I neglected to mention that Callie is a vegetarian today. Eh... tell me, Callie, how is broccoli like a butterfly?" He turned to her with a warm, calming smile.

While Calantha gives the question some very serious consideration, he gestures for Alarin to proceed with his story.

[Baxter190]

Alarin

"A vegetarian? Thats wonderful! I made several friends out in the wild who would overjoyed to hear that a goddess wouldn't kill them," stated Alarin, with a smile that seemed to shine like sunlight. Apparently he was too dense to even notice how scared the poor girl reacted.

[hi-mi-tsu]

Callie doesn't hear Alarin--or, if she does, she doesn't respond to the god of music. Her face was a mask of concentration; sitting at Eridi's table, she prodded lightly at the stalk of broccoli and the brightly-colored butterfly she'd conjured up. There had to be a way that they were similar...it wasn't color. Or maybe it was color? She prodded at the butterfly again, until it was the same shade as the broccoli. But, no, that couldn't be right, because she'd made it that color, it wasn't normally that color...

Did butterflies eat sunlight, like broccolis did? No, they ate other things...pollen, maybe, or the sticky stuff that came out of flowers...so that wasn't it either...

"Why are you like a broccoli, butterfly? Maybe you can tell me...if you whisper, he won't know I asked you, and then it won't be cheating..."

She murmured the words to the confused insect on the table, that was wandering in slow, dazed circles; it had been poked, prodded, and filled with power when Calantha changed its color, and had no idea what was going on.

"Hmph, you're no use at all...what about you, broccoli?" She bent the same attentive ear to the stalk of broccoli, poking at it and giving it little wings.

"Can you tell me why you're like that butterfly over there...?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric pauses, sucking on his spoon while giving Alarin a brief, but incredulous stare. Kid was really in his own little world. That made half of the people at the table since Calantha was currently engaging a piece of broccoli. He spared a little smile for his sweet sister. Since Alarin appears distracted, he quickly segues into another topic of conversation, certain he'll hear Alarin's story later by the fire. Aldric had always thought it impolite to tell long stories over dinner anyway if for no other reason than the story teller had little chance to eat, while everyone else had nothing to do but maintain eye contact while shoveling food into their mouths.

Gesturing towards Eridi with his spoon, he turns and nonchalantly begins, "We spent a few months in Kaldor and they made a fantastic wheat beer that they called 'hefeweizen', not too sweet, very crisp with a nice finish. Would have been perfect to go with the venison. Sort of the hallmark of civilization, isn't it? Good beer? Can't have beer without a grain surplus... and when people start getting creative with their brews, that means the people are happy and well fed."

[Carden]

Eridi wasn't blind to the fact that something had changed in Calantha, but he wouldn't dare bring it up in front of her. He was about to apologize and offer to make her something else when Aldric struck with his conversation. "Yes, I've noticed that too, but it's also the mark of a lazy people to overindulge in such. Lazy to do so and made even more so by the headache the following morning."

Eridi shook his head lightly as he chose his next words. "The people here, I've yet to actually teach them how to make a decent beer. They drink a spirit fermented from berries, one they call the 'vinber', to be specific. A bit too sweet for my own tastes, but I could perhaps find you a jug to see if it fit your tongue later. This season, however, if the fields yield as much as I think, there'll be plenty of experimentation." Smiling at the prospect and the idea behind it, he explained. "I never have understood how they could go about their lives drinking such... swill without a taste of a good, dark beer, but I'm sure they'll enjoy it when I can get it to them."

Twirling his own spoon absentmindedly, he began to ponder. "Kaldor, you say? You wouldn't be able to point that out on a map later so that I could investigate their methods, would you? Who knows, they might have gone through the effort of saving me some time at the drawing board!"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

The Sea. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks. The unique smell of salt and fish brought by the morning breeze. The Sea. It seemed like an eternity since she last saw it. In fact, it was Sovvenia's first time on the ocean shore. But the memories of this place inherited from Azura were very much vivid. Furthermore, the goddess' special gift allowed her to experience the lives of the fishermen who used to dwell here. Sovvenia bent down and grasped an handful of sand. She focused on entering an open state of mind and then visions, conversations as well as residual emotions all flowed to her. Slavery. Distress. Pain. Ruin. All brought to the people of this land by a very familiar enemy. There was no doubt now that the Giants she was looking for resided on top of the cliffs.

The goddess opened her eyes and looked upwards. Her iris had turned from black to crimson for a brief moment.

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

The Emites were a race of blue-skinned giants with crustacean features who inhabited the ocean's depths. They were well-known for their sadistic tendencies, but they rarely thought for themselves; when their preys weren't choosen at random, you could safely guess another, brainier kind of giants was involved. Sovvenia thought exactly this as she approached the Emites guarding the cyclopean temple. They were busy tearing the flesh off the corpse of some sort of marine mammal. However, a reckless individual who had just noticed the woman alone on the road left the group intending on bullying her. Sovvenia remained still until he came closer to her, at which point the emim hit a whirlwind of sand and was thrown back like a vulgar doll. The other giants suddenly stopped what they were doing, certainly pondering the various ways to inflict pain on her - and then for the first time in their lives, they thought twice about it. As she continued her way towards them, the Emites could hear the call of the Sea becoming louder and louder. They understood that this land no longer welcomed them and finally abandoned their post.

The way was clear.

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

The Zamzumites were assembled in the central section of the building, near a broken altar; some counting their gold and others making inventories. They were disturbed by an inaudible whisper that seemed to originate from only a few feet away. But when they turned around they saw a woman with six wings on her back all the way on the other side of the room. She was gently brushing her hands over the cuneiform symbols engraved in a stone column.

"Who are you and how did you get so far in?", asked one of the richly-dressed giants.
"You do not know me. And you did not know Azura either, despite profiting from her suffering; but maybe the name Mifasetz will ring a bell?"
"We are not responsible for the actions of a lone elemental", stated another zamzummim. "All we ever did was conduct our operations with the best of our ability and manage goods for the highest bidder."
"Building an empire on lies, domination and the ruthless elimination of competition is not a small crime. Denying all those people their ambitions and dreams by turning them into nothing more than tools is desecrating the gift of the All-Father to mankind. I still wonder how you are able to live this existence of depravity in this sanctuary. You may not hear it, but the very walls of the temple are wailing. Unfortunately for you, you made a great mistake. You thought you had gotten rid of an annoying godling. Today, it is the Memory of a Thousand Lives Crushed that has come to haunt you!"

At first the Zamzumites didn't believe a word of what she claimed, but then they, too, started hearing the wailing. It soon became unbearable. They plugged their ears with their fingers, but they discovered it was of absolutely no use; in fact, this torture was of their own doing. Sovvenia had simply awakened their conscience and forced them to recall the horrible things they were repressing. Of course, the goddess added her own touch. She intensified the visions, mixing the memories of some of the deceased with those of the giants, so that they could experience them from both sides...over and over again. To her, it was still not about vengeance. As Sovvenia watched the Zamzumites fall on their knees and pull out their hair in agony, she only thought of this as a cleansing of the mind and spirit.

When the trip into memory of the giants was over, they were left kneeling with a blank stare. They were truly and completely in shock. The goddes approached each of them and touched each of their foreheads. One after another, the Zamzumites turned into dust, their soul escaping to the realm of Garadiel. Yet some part of them had left an imprint on the scene of their death in the form of burned marks.

Once Sovvenia had restored the altar, she started chanting. And then, most unexpectedly, the burned silhouettes stood up and slowly took on the appearance of the bodies they were previously attached to. The transformation wasn't complete though; the things were but shadows, weak copies in shades of gray. And she called them Shades. Returning to the gates of the temple, the Lady of Remorse noticed that many other Shades had arisen in the vicinity of the spell, mostly from holy men and soldiers that died defending the sanctuary. Sovvenia brought all her new Branded inside. One could mistake them for undead, but this was not the case. Shades were only manifestations of memory, the mark left by an individual on the world, with only limited free will and unbreakable loyalty towards the goddess.

"At last, those forgotten have a champion."

Outside, a storm raged. A new kind of storm. The clifftop temple disappeared behind its veil, leaving a silver-cloaked crow puzzled. For some time, it would be thought lost...

End of prologue

Domains (planned): Memory, Sand (or Desert?), Secrets (future Vecna maybe?...:smalltongue:), Sky
Portfolios (planned): Loss, Identity Crisis, Omens (sky and stars, will probably come a bit later), Storms

Acts used:
3 major acts to create a divine sanctum, the Anamnesis Oracle, accessible from the heart of some fierce sand storms. More info on that in later posts.

0 major, 3 minor and 1 ceremony left

[Nefarion Xid]

Ah, that's right, Eridi was never one to overindulge and the two were on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to sloth and how to occupy their free time. Eridi had his schedule and Aldric loathed the idea of having everything planned out ahead of time. Aldric got by on pure talent, raw strength, natural charm and dumb luck. Eridi came by everything honestly and could accomplish anything he set his mind to. And Aldric was always more than happy to quietly nurse a hangover with the curtains drawn, curled up next to something comely and dumb. Not that he had much of a chance to do that during the years at Rognir's home! Rognir's Hall had almost anything you could want... except easily seduced mortal girls.

"Well, it's really no fault of the beer if people drink too much of it. Though, I'm sure the hard working people of this town won't be the sort for such vices."

He raises an imaginary mug for a real toast before Eridi can spend too much time mulling over that last comment.

"May... the best brews always come from Hibyl'smita! And may they always be enjoyed in, em... the right measure. You'll have to invite me back in a few years to have a sampling."

When the conversation returns to Kaldor, Aldric makes a quick, sideways glance to Calantha to see if she's still occupying herself. Assured that she's still reasonably distracted (still eye level to an insect and a vegetable), he takes a bite of venison and answer's Eridi's question.

"I'm afraid it's not exactly on the map any more. We eh, well... I'd just departed from Kaldor when we last saw each other, just before I found your forge." Aldric gives his brother a knowing nod, sure he'll catch his meaning that the same pair responsible for kidnapping Callie must have had something to do with the destruction of Kaldor.

[hi-mi-tsu]

"The sun shone there." Calantha's voice was quiet, eyes locked on the stalk of broccoli. "It was bright, and they were happy, they were the happiest people ever, they made me clothes and told me stories...and the children treated us like we were the most fascinating things they'd ever seen, and we played games, and hid in the fields."

The young goddess's eyes went dark with remembered pain, remembered terror; in front of her, the stalk of broccoli burst into flame, and the butterfly began to wail.

"Then they came, and they destroyed everything." Her voice was ten voices, layered madness, agony and torment and wounded innocence and regret. "They turned the sun inside out and it was darkness, everything was darkness and hatred and blood fell from the sky and it fell on my face and we never went back. We left them like that, we left them hanging inside out like the sun and we went away and we never went back!"

She stood, abruptly; her chair clattered to the ground, and the butterfly stiffened on the table and turned to stone.

"It's too loud in here...I can't think, or I think too much, there's too much...!" Whirling, she ran out of Eridi's home and into the street, past the villagers and out...she knew not where. Everything was so loud, it was always so loud, pressing down on her ears and her mind and she could hear everything, always, she didn't want them, she didn't want it, she wanted it to stop!

Stone butterflies fell in her steps, scattered throughout the village; if one picked them up, they came to life, wailing their agony for a brief period of soul-wrenching pain before dying. She found the river and crouched next to it, staring at the water; her reflection stared back at her, pale and wild-eyed, and she slapped her palm down to make it fragment into a million pieces.

"Butterflies aren't like broccoli...there's nothing the same, nothing, one's a plant and one's a bug, one eats dirt and light and one eats flowers, one flies and one stays still, you eat one and admire the other...there's nothing the same in them, nothing, like me, nothing, I'm not who I was..."

The words were murmured into the re-forming reflection, and the goddess wept.

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric sat in stunned silence for a moment with his carved horn spoon in a white-knuckle grip and his thumb firmly on the neck. The pressure built slowly until it shattered the uncomfortable stillness with a sharp crack. "Apologies," he began, but appeared to lose his train of thought. He was going to make up some excuse for her behavior and politely excuse himself to go coddle his sister yet again. But, he lacked the energy at that moment and all he could do was stare down at the broken spoon that someone had painstakingly carved. For that instant, the only thing on his mind was the hours of work he'd destroyed simply by being careless.

It was just a beloved annoyance when she'd crawl into his bed at night when they were children. But now? She just felt like a liability.

"It was Rafa and Tarik. They slaughtered the Kaldori... left them gutted and hanging from the trees. They did this to Calantha." He speaks at a whisper, gritting his teeth and staring down at the splintered handle of the spoon.

"... and despite this, Rognir still punished me for their deaths..." His eyes finally dart up, but they spin, unable to focus on anything. Anger and resentment swam in his head and he made himself focus on an arbitrary spot on the ceiling. It was perhaps the only thing that prevented him from smashing Eridi's table while he regained his composure. It wasn't like him to lose his cool and venting his frustrations on the poor table wouldn't help anything. He breathes out sharply and his mouth hangs halfway open.

"I... am very sorry about your spoon."

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

At first, Her influence was subtle. A blacksmith suddenly remembered where he had left his favorite hammer. A brewer had a moment of insight while reflecting on his past work, which made him realize just which ingredient was missing in his special formula.

But then things became stranger. A young girl claimed one morning that her house smelled like porridge for the first time since her mother's death. An elderly peasant almost died of a stroke as he woke up to find dozens of animal carcasses laid around his house. They disappeared not long after that. Two workers even pretended to have seen trees appear on the fields outside the village. When they went to investigate, the trees became animate and chased them.

[Carden]

When Calantha begun her story, Eridi could only stare. He'd never heard her speak like this, had never heard such insanity and madness from any source before. So surprised was he that whenever she ran, he couldn't quite follow her. He had risen and reached to stop her, but his legs wouldn't move after her. Then Aldric explained it all.

Shaking his head lightly, he dispelled any fault of Aldric. "No, brother, it isn't worth worrying over. The spoon is but an object, it can be made anew. What Rafa and Tarik did... immutable changes to the poor innocents they preyed upon, they deserved what they got. I cannot see how Father could've been right in punishing you for that, and know this, if I had been in your shoes, I would've done the same."

Looking at the doorway, Eridi continued. "No, the spoon is basically worthless, we should be worrying for Calantha now. Come, Aldric, you know her best, what do you say we do to help her right now?"

[Kasanip]

Raia

The girl in the crimson robes walked through the destruction of the great city's main gate, and the ruined parts of the town around it. So much damage, it was a strange feeling for her as she looked at all of the civilians from their perspective. Many of the ones who were now without homes were struggling to survive...And yet, the girl stayed and slept on the floor of an inn that was full of refugees. She saw the kindness and the help that they treated each other with. She ate with them, and saw the good things they would do for another. They treated each other not unlike her soldiers did. They were 'comrades' in sharing the burden of war and destruction.

Though there were occasional bandits and robbers, it was the goodness of people that Raia saw. Their kindness and welcome. Raia was surprised by this, because she was dressed in the crimson robes of her people, and these people of Xiang did not mind such a fact. Yes, they recognized her as a stranger, but welcomed her the same.

So Raia helped when she was asked- to help in the cleaning, and she agreed. She could see the works of her brothers' crafts in the buildings and the music, and the complex nature of the community seemed very different than the nature of Toukoku and it's straightforwardness.

Before however, she had come to the great Shrine, and yet had not entered. And now, Raia found herself approaching it again, out of curiosity.

[Nefarion Xid]

With a callous flick of his wrist, the broken spoon goes skittering across the table. He buries his face in his hand and lets out a frustrated sigh.

"It comes and goes. Let her cry for a moment, she'll forget it ever happened, shortly. She needs some time to process what she's feeling. She'll never make any progress if I'm always there to coddle her the second she breaks down. I've been taking care of her the last two years... just let her have some time alone."

He puts a warning hand up to ensure everyone stays in their seats.

"She doesn't always see you as you are. Her perceptions are all twisted up, the way she sees the world depends entirely on her emotional state. Except me... I'm the only one unchanged for her. Her only comfort is that I'm the one thing that's always the same."

Aldric absently runs his tongue over his lupine teeth, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms over his chest.

"I uh... I tracked them down to a ruined keep in the mountains north of here. There's no telling what they did to Callie before I got there. Tarik came out to fight me. It really wasn't much of a fight. He'd always been so strong and fast when we sparred and I was scared going into it, but... when I saw his eyes... he wanted to run, but couldn't. He knew it was over when I attacked with Despair... nearly cut through his axe. I was holding back."

His lips part into a malicious smile, apparently finding something funny in the memory. He gestures between his brothers and narrows his eyes when he recovers from the chuckle.

"I didn't kill him. I didn't even nick him. I disarmed him and he just... began crawling away from me, sobbing and gibbering the whole time. I just laughed! The bastard deserved it! He deserved death and I would have given it to him. Rognir would have obliterated him for what he'd done! But, I didn't get the chance... he took his own life."

Aldric pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts. He glances once towards the door, as if expecting to see Calantha appear, but really he just couldn't meet his brother's eyes for a moment.

"I never even saw Rafa, but I've pieced together what happened from what Callie says in her sleep. I won't repeat it, but suffice to say, she went the same way as Tarik. Callie didn't recognize me at first, she recoiled and screamed at me, sure I was a hallucination. It was the first time I heard her voices, the way she talks now... one voice on top of another, sometimes drifting out of synchronization. I hear Rafa in there, Tarik as well when she becomes angry..."

A little smile.

"Heh, it was only the smell of my cologne that brought her around. Once she'd come to her senses, so to speak, we returned to Rognir's Hall. I expected to be chastised, for enchanting Despair and for my cruelty towards Tarik. I had an idea of what my punishment would be, but Father had something far more severe in mind. He said he'd have killed me spare for the fact I saved Calantha. Instead, I was banished forever from his hall, and condemned to share in the pain of all his children. Every wound I'm unable to prevent, I feel... until the end of days when Wise Rognir has deemed it fit that I should die."

His eyes darken. "Speak of my curse to anyone and I will endure our shared pain long enough to cut out your tongue and ensure it never wags again. I'll not have this used against me, least of all by our own kin."

"Calantha begged him for leniency, to hurt me was to hurt her. 'So be it', he said and she was banished as well. Kidnapped. Tortured. Then she didn't even get a warm welcome home. Instead? Exile. And my reward for rescuing daddy's little girl?"

He tugs off his leather glove and holds up his hand for Alarin's inspection. He bears an irritated red mark in precisely the place where Alarin was stabbed. More like a narrow sunburn than a wound, but unmistakably a reflection of the bard's new scar.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia, House of Eridi

A thin layer of sand covered the surface of Eridi's table. Soon after, a whirlwind entered by the front door, turning into a delicate woman wearing a blue gown. Six wings of black smoke and ash appeared on her back.

The fine sand blown by the wind reached the gods' nostrils, and all the forgotten memories of Azura returned to them in an instant.

"Hello, brothers."

[Jair Barik]

@Shen

The shadow crept through the city in the night, whispering the name of Shen Zi Shu, where it passed people cowered in fear, rightly so after the events of the last few days. Eventually it came to the great shrine and banged upon the gates. The beast creature waiting at the door of the God Wizards sanctum.

"Shen... Shen... How has it come to this Shen? Your brothers and sisters have deserted you. They unite against your city, they bring an army to defeat you and even in their retreat they muster against you in the house of Eridi. How sad Shen. It seems you may not be long for this world but remember Shen you are not alone. Those who were once cursed by you could be used... or you could use the same curses against those who may oppose you. The rest of the world may shun you Shen but I stand here to aid you. I can help you master the power of the curse, more than that though, I can make you an army... an army the likes of which your foes cannot hope to defeat.... What say you Shen?"

OOC:Orgo is offering to perform a ceremony to give both Gods the Curses domain.

[White Blade]

Garadiel was welcomed by the chief. It wasn't as if he had much of a choice, the ancient customs binding him. Garadiel did not think the man looked much like the chief from his time, but it had been many generations since then. He sighed. He was old, even for one of his siblings. He bore responsibility for all of mortalkind now, which had certainly weighed him down and was beginning to show in his demeanor. The importance of caring for the dead was not lost on Garadiel. He needed to take care of them, until such a time as he could defeat death.

That was why he was here. He had a purpose in undoing the terribleness of death, but in order to fulfill that he needed to understand life. Living. So he'd come here, to this place, in the hopes that he could learn again of living, of common work and substinence. The chief he spoke with and won the right to stay and work with the hunters, for the lean pickings the barren land provided.

He set to work and very quickly distinguished himself in the hunt. It was difficult for him not to. Even as a boy, Garadiel had been the swiftest of his tribe and one of the best hunters. Now, years of wandering and his ascension later, he was as fast on foot as his fellows on camels. Of course, even so, he couldn't genuinely compete with the shepards for providing food, but that position was far from here. He could wait.

[ArlEammon]

@Shen

The shadow crept through the city in the night, whispering the name of Shen Zi Shu, where it passed people cowered in fear, rightly so after the events of the last few days. Eventually it came to the great shrine and banged upon the gates. The beast creature waiting at the door of the God Wizards sanctum.

"Shen... Shen... How has it come to this Shen? Your brothers and sisters have deserted you. They unite against your city, they bring an army to defeat you and even in their retreat they muster against you in the house of Eridi. How sad Shen. It seems you may not be long for this world but remember Shen you are not alone. Those who were once cursed by you could be used... or you could use the same curses against those who may oppose you. The rest of the world may shun you Shen but I stand here to aid you. I can help you master the power of the curse, more than that though, I can make you an army... an army the likes of which your foes cannot hope to defeat.... What say you Shen?"

OOC:Orgo is offering to perform a ceremony to give both Gods the Curses domain.


"Odd request made by one of those who are not a brother. . .It would be hard to say no to that offer. Please let there be no ulterior motives. " Shen answered. "Come in, yes, I suppose that I would agree to this." He said hesitantly.

[Jair Barik]

@Shen

(OOC: Not going to spoiler your own post? Well if your happy to let everyone know who your associating with :smalltongue:. Also I dont think Shen would be aware that Orgo is his kin (techinically he simultaneously is/isn't)

"I would much rather we did this on neutral ground friend. A sanctum is a powerful place, once you step into iots bounds you are purely at the mercy of the sanctums master. Two of your siblings hasve already tried to kill me. One I had to fend off from this very city."

[ArlEammon]

@Shen

(OOC: Not going to spoiler your own post? Well if your happy to let everyone know who your associating with :smalltongue:. Also I dont think Shen would be aware that Orgo is his kin (techinically he simultaneously is/isn't)

"I would much rather we did this on neutral ground friend. A sanctum is a powerful place, once you step into iots bounds you are purely at the mercy of the sanctums master. Two of your siblings hasve already tried to kill me. One I had to fend off from this very city."

Yes, let us do this at once.

[Nefarion Xid]

Sometime later, Aldric asks to have a word alone with Eridi. After they've removed themselves from the others, Aldric summons the grayish alabaster Behemoth's fang from the shadowy netherspace and hands it over for inspection. It vibrates with a palpable energy, even an untrained mortal would have known it right away to be a powerful magical reagent with great potential. Like Aldric himself, the tooth has an aura of fear about it, though decidedly unimpressive while still in the hands the Reaper himself. Mortals would not dare handle it without first covering it with cloth. It would make a fine weapon for a god, or a legendary one for a mortal champion.

Aldric beams, and his green eyes sparkle. Though lacking the skill of a craftsman, he nearly equaled Eridi in sheer enthusiasm for splendid goods and fine materials.

"It's amazing, isn't it? Ah, you should have seen it along side the fifty others just like it, his mouth was enormous... could have swallowed a destrier whole. It'll make a fine weapon... maybe something for Garadiel? He needs to be able to defend himself. The kid needs something too, of course, just... something we can handle. Heh, we may need to tie him down and force him to learn swordplay..."

[Jair Barik]

@Shen

"Indeed."

To the ceremony Orgo brought the suffering of the forests, the pain and fear felt by every creature that had been hunted. He brought their animal fury, their desire for revenge, and their vengeance would become manifested in the power of the curses.

1-Ceremony to Gain domain Curses

[ArlEammon]

@Shen

"Indeed."

To the ceremony Orgo brought the suffering of the forests, the pain and fear felt by every creature that had been hunted. He brought their animal fury, their desire for revenge, and their vengeance would become manifested in the power of the curses.

1-Ceremony to Gain domain Curses

1 Ceremony used for Curses domain
"Now, about that army... what about it?"

[Jair Barik]

@Shen

Orgo smiles. "A curse of power for your people. My bite is like venom. You may have heard of the strange wolf creatures that have been terrorising the lands? Well imagine if I were to bestow my curse upon some of your people and they to cast it on others. If you could control them then you would quickly have an army of soldiers with the strength of the wolf. Stronger than a normal man and a ruthless killer by night. An army that need never sleep, that could use the sense of the wolf itself! What say you Shen?"

[ArlEammon]

@Shen

Orgo smiles. "A curse of power for your people. My bite is like venom. You may have heard of the strange wolf creatures that have been terrorising the lands? Well imagine if I were to bestow my curse upon some of your people and they to cast it on others. If you could control them then you would quickly have an army of soldiers with the strength of the wolf. Stronger than a normal man and a ruthless killer by night. An army that need never sleep, that could use the sense of the wolf itself! What say you Shen?"

"I can't leave such a spell at that. What I could do is offer the bad people in Zhang who have commited heinous crimes to take the Curse upon themselves in order to atone for it through waging war under my wing. How would this Curse be channeled in a way to as to leave the recipient after their job was done?

[Jair Barik]

@Shen

"As far as i am aware there is no cure of such... but there is an incredibly rare tree known as the silverwood that represses the transformation. There is one such tree in your lands, should it be moved it will likely die. And its no spell mister wizard, its all me. Show me some of your criminals. I will bite them for you and you can do as them as you wish, just remember their bite will pass the infection on. I must say I am not so much experienced in curses when it comes to removing them, more I'm into the giving of curses part."

[ArlEammon]

@Shen

"As far as i am aware there is no cure of such... but there is an incredibly rare tree known as the silverwood that represses the transformation. There is one such tree in your lands, should it be moved it will likely die. And its no spell mister wizard, its all me. Show me some of your criminals. I will bite them for you and you can do as them as you wish, just remember their bite will pass the infection on. I must say I am not so much experienced in curses when it comes to removing them, more I'm into the giving of curses part."

@Whoever I Am Speaking To
I was wondering if my added power over Curses, and, or the addition of the Sacred Fire would be suitable for a cure.

[Jair Barik]

@Shen

"It may leave their souls torn and horribly damagedbut that might work. Now if you wish for my help then this is a limited time offer. I have places to go, people to see and I cannot spend all night here chit chatting."

[ArlEammon]

@Shen

"It may leave their souls torn and horribly damagedbut that might work. Now if you wish for my help then this is a limited time offer. I have places to go, people to see and I cannot spend all night here chit chatting."

@Whoever
I can't just play with mortals like this. Sorry. . But you got half of what you wanted. So everyone should be happy. I have to return to the fortress now before they are under siege.

[Jair Barik]

@Shen
"Your loss." With that orgo was gone from the city. It was almost as if he had never been there in the first place.

Nara wandered the lands far and wide seeking answers. He did not know what the questions were but so much in the world saddened him that he felt somewhere there must be an answer that was not full of doom and horror. His siblings at war with one another, his greatest foe free despite all his efforts and the gradual desire the mortals seemed to be developing to exploit the forests. These all weighed heavy on his mind but there was one question that troubled him more. Rognir. Who was he really? Was he the all father, was he powerful? There were creatures just as ancient as the 'all father', just as terrible and mighty. Creatures that Rognir had fought and killed in the past. But if Rognir had not created these then who had? And there were so many things that he believed even Rognir did not fully comprehend. Some of his offspring were corrupt or evil as well, if he were all powerful surely he would not have created children who would go against his will. Nara believed these answer must lie far to the north and so northward he treked. No fancy Godly speed either, a nice slow pace that would allow him to take in the world around him as he travelled.

[Carden]

It truly was a magnificent item. The tooth's magic would make any item worth twice as much than if it had been made of steel, if not more. The only problem was the type of magic flowing through it, the tooth would only lend itself to weapons now, but, who knows how much power they would get from this? Eridi spoke with reverence as he looked over the tooth, feeling for imperfections. "Aldric, this thing is wonderful. To think of all the things that could be made with this, I'm not even sure your own scythe could compare! Yes, I can see it now. Spears, swords, daggers, bows... Not a single chip of this is going to go to waste! This is a wonderful gift, Aldric, I only wish I had something in kind to repay you with."

Eridi finished his inspection as soon as he finished his thoughts. Then an idea struck."Wait, I know, it may not quite be equivalent, but I can offer you something in return." He put the tooth down and walked to the scrying pool. "Here, Aldric, I'll teach you to use this. It's what I used to commandeer the body of that soldier to talk to you with, but that's not the only use. One could use it to scour over the world, look through a mountain, or basically look anywhere you wanted. I'm not quite sure of it's limitations, but it does seem like it would come in handy during many a situation, doesn't it?"

[Nefarion Xid]

"This. Is. PERFECT!" Green fire flashed from his eyes and he bore his fangs in a wide, slightly crazed, exuberant smile. He produces the two daggers he'd pulled from Alarin's hands, the ones belonging to the man in the red coat. His batty spies had already filled him in on the conversation wherein his name and identity was revealed. And Aldric (and Alarin both, probably) had told Eridi all about what happened in Zhang.

"Here, these daggers belonged to the Man in Red. Possessions increase the powers of divination magic, do they not? We can use them to find him! I'll hunt him down..."

He clenches his black gloves triumphantly and his fangs into his lip, eager to begin.

"I have to find out what he wants with our family."

Aldric crosses the room and sets his hands on the edges of the pool.

"But, he's fast. Faster than Garadiel running downhill. I'll need something to catch him, even on the Nightmare. Think we could give the old girl a set of enchanted shoes?"


If Eridi makes some artifact horseshoes for the Nightmare, Aldric will return the favor and make some stoney terrifying guardians for Eridi's city (create gargoyles).

[hi-mi-tsu]

A bit after Sovvenia had suddenly appeared, Calantha wandered back into the crafter god's house; she was dripping wet, and she had an armful of wild water lilies. Dumping them on the table, she eyed Sovvenia suspiciously. She'd felt another presence; it was the only reason she'd come back...

"You smell like heat." The statement was matter-of-fact, and she wrinkled her nose a little. "And sand. I hate sand, it's always getting where you don't want it. Who are you? You smell like Azura, like storms and wind and feathers, but you don't look like her. She went away, but who are you?"

Idly scooping the spoon off the table, she began to tease over it with her fingers, caressing gains of sand into the splintered handle; it mended, beneath her fingertips, though the mend was like glass, and shimmered with different colors depending on the angle you looked at it.

[Carden]

Pondering on what would be called for, Eridi knew he had no idea how to do this. He'd read something about the process, but had skipped over the runes that were necessary. "Hmm, I think that'd be doable, but I need to look through Father's books first while I do it. Place the knives in the bowl and your hands in the slots then focus on where you want to be, it's that simple. When you find him, I'll be in my workshop. Depending on the time it takes you, I may have them finished."

Moving through the backdoors into his workshop, bypassing the living area of his house, Eridi immediately began to work. He had already been researching making some shoes for Noss, but they were for pulling strength, not speed. Luckily, he hadn't begun enchanting them yet, so, while the grunt work of pieces were done, they were a blank canvas to work with.

The specific book was on the desk next to his tools. He had been copying the books lately, afraid to give them back when he might still need them for reference. Flipping through it to the relevant chapter, he took out his hammer and chisel and went to work.

Act Expenditure
1 Major - Create Artifact "Horseshoes of Overland Flight"
These are horseshoes designed specifically to fit Nightmare, the mount of Aldric. When activated, the horse feels neither fatigue from galloping nor does it need to stop and rest. The true mechanism behind these pieces of metal show when the activation word is whispered into the horse's ear, at which point it can run at up to four times its normal speed. While activated, the shoes also harden the horse's legs and smash the ground furiously, ensuring no minor objects trip the beast, and anything that does won't hurt it beyond its pride.

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric (In the near future! Remember, we have 2 scenes going on. In the first, Aldric, Alarin, Eridi, Sovvenia and Calantha are all together. This is the second scene which takes place later that night.)

Aldric spend some time playing with the scrying pool, taking a whirlwind tour of the known world and a slightly voyeuristic peek at populated areas. He wheels the device around in random directions for several minutes before committing to the task at hand and uses the daggers to try and pinpoint the location of the Man in Red. When he felt himself getting close, shadows crept in on the edges of his vision and his head ached. Frustrated by the lack of progress, he takes a break and leaves Eridi's workshop to take a leisurely stroll through the nearby quarry. There, he's taken by a sudden fit of creativity and impishness and he decides to repay Eridi for all his hard work.

A shockwave of fell energy spread through the quarry and Aldric cackled at its epicenter. Claws spring from the surrounding rocks.


1 Major Act - Create Gargoyles
2 Major, 4 Minor, 2 Ceremonies

Gargoyles are winged, sapient creatures of stone animated by dark magic. They cannot eat, breathe, drink or sleep and when slain they turn to rubble. The glassy onyx eyes collected from destroyed gargoyles have some use as magical reagents and are commonly used as gemstones. While not exceptionally beautiful, they are rare since gargoyle hunting is a suicidal profession. Gargoyles make their homes in large cities, blending in seamlessly with the local architecture; they have the ability to adapt the coloration of their stony hides to fit their surroundings.

The gargoyles of Hibyl'smita are bound to the city and cannot leave. While not loyal creatures (indeed, most are incredibly apathetic or have a penchant for mischief) they are sworn to, at Eridi's command, come to the defense of the city. Eridi need only speak the incantation given to him by Aldric and all the gargoyles hiding in the city will spring to life.


Having cleared his head, Aldric returns to the workshop to resume his attempt at scrying. The alpha gargoyle follows a few paces behind, still awaiting orders from its master.

[Raz_Fox]

Phromm's Unwanted Guest

Prayers are barely audible to the ears of the gods, whispers half-heard. Some, those with purest faith, can speak directly through fervent prayer, but most do not have the faith to do so.

But tonight, Phromm can tell that something is wrong. The Orofolk are praying to him, but there is an edge of panic that he can hear, even if the words themselves are inaudible.

Perhaps it would be best to walk among them and see if some natural disaster has befallen them, or if some forgotten race of the sea has arisen and seeks to drag his people down into their dark grottos for sacrifice to their dark gods. Or maybe it's just a raid by another tribe. Those happen too.


Eridi's Commission

It was a strange day indeed for the people of Hybil'smita. First, the gods walked among them. Now, as dusk seeped over the land, a desert boy rode up to the gates on a wild donkey, on the point of exhaustion.

He questioned every person he came across, wondering where the legendary worker of miracles lived. Even though he leaned in the saddle, and almost fell off his mount several times, he still gaped at the prosperity of Hybil'smita.

Perhaps the God of Crafts would condescend to meet with a young traveler who came far to meet with him.


Aldric's Scrying

It was... difficult, to say the least. But after several hours of struggling with the scrying pool, which seemed to shy away from the trail of the man in red whenever it drew close to it, he saw his foe.

In a dark room - no, a curtained-off section of a tent - he lay on a cot, arms dangling off the sides. He was all but naked, and blood-stained bandages were wrapped around his chest where Aldric's scythe had bit into him. Sweat covered his wire-thin frame, and his heart-beat, audible in Aldric's ears, sounded like his foot-fall. Swift, too fast for any mortal to even dream of, a constant drumming in his chest.

Then, the knives swing around in the divination pool, pointing south-east. They stay in that position for a long moment, then shatter into a thousand pieces. The vision of the red-coated man fades away, and Aldric is left with only a direction and the knowledge that his foe is in no condition to fight him, or to attack his siblings.

[White Blade]

Garadiel was not as adept at being mortal as he had expected to be. For one thing, he would sometimes forget to eat, a much less frequent necessity for him than for mortals, and for another he occassionally slipped into refering to his father as such, which confused the people greatly. His major problem, however, was that he was unwilling to kill giants, which had lead him into trouble.

The conflict with giants had many permutations throughout the world, Garadiel had learned. But here, in the desert of El, it was a religious war. The Giants served a god they claimed lived below the earth and reached up with his mighty hand to uphold it. He punished the weak, they said, and he had made the giants strong. Of course, it was all superstition. Eneliel, or Rognir as Garadiel was just as inclined to call him, did watch over the humans, which was why they won normally and the giants normally lost.

Killing giants was a key part of living here though, and it caused trouble that Garadiel merely beat them unconscious with a rather large stick. He had been offered a sword, which was a rare honor among hunters, but he turned it down. He would manage this, he promised himself.

So when he was beating a giant unconscious for at least the third time, Garadiel came up with an idea. He'd drag this one off and interogate him, then he would go to the camp, beat their chief priest unconscious, and convince the giants that Eneliel's was the true faith.

Once the giant was unconscious, Garadiel picked him up and carried him off into the desert before waking him.

"Oh... It's you, I was really hoping to beat you this time." The giant said in his own tongue.

"Yes, well you didn't, which is rather unfortunate for you. What is your name?" Garadiel asked, his eyes fearsome.

"I am Savabaol which means-" Savabaol began.

"Fist of Baol," Garadiel said at them same time Savabaol said, "Fist of God." Savabaol waved his hand dismissively, "Same difference."

"Hardly," Garadiel replied, "I'm a god. You're hardly my fist, for example."

"God is the only God," Savabaol replied, the intricacy of his tongue making him sound redundant.

"I have brothers and sisters, none of whom are named Baol, and I have a father, mightier than any of us, who is not Baol either, though he wears a hundred names."

"You are too puny to be god, and God is God Alone," Savabaol replied, his language beautiful to the ear and his words bludgeoning to the mind.

"I'm the God of the Dead, actually, and I have grand ambitions for better things than that. But right now, I walk among mortals, relearning their ways. Since I have not killed any of you, because why would I want to add to my responsibility, I have incurred suspicion from those of whom I am a guest. So, Savabaol, I wish the location of your tribe's main oasis."

Savabaol laughed, a rich, hearty laugh "I would never betray a sacred spring to a mad man."

"I really am a god," Garadiel replied, perhaps a little annoyed.

"If you are a god, then prove it." Savabaol said mockingly, though he lie injured on the ground.

Garadiel smiled, "As you say," he said. He laid both hands upon Savabaol and infused him with just a tiny morsel of divine power and he was very quickly standing, his obsidian skin practically shining in the desert light. He smiled a grim smile and looked at Garadiel, "You are indeed a god. But why should I serve you?"

"Because I will give you dominion over first your tribe and then all the giants in this land." Garadiel offered.

"Agreed."

"One last thing, I'm renaming you. I'm not calling you fist of god. How about just Sav?"

"It is what everyone calls me anyway," Sav replied.

1 minor act to make Sav CR18z

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

The goddess of memory observed the girl for a few seconds and then, for the first time since her rebirth, she smiled faintly. Despite their differences, Sovvenia had a soft spot for her little sister. Gentle Calantha... so pure and full of life. Normally she would have approached her to give her a hug, but a strange feeling stopped her. Sovvenia sensed something disturbing in her sister's aura. She couldn't tell what exactly - as gods are immune to her memory reading unless they agree to it - but something had changed in her. Had the Quest broken her spirit too?

"You speak the truth little sister. The Azura you knew didn't survive the perils of the First Age. I have been changed by that experience. I am Sovvenia. I live, because she died." She turned towards Eridi. "It is a bit disturbing. I do not understand all the implications myself. But there have been weirder things." The swirling mist in her eyes changed into a calming blue veil. "I do not expect you to welcome me with open arms, but we still share the same bloodline...and I want you all to know that I have come here to recreate the familial bond."

A chestnut brown bird flew through a window and landed on the goddess' arm. It was a Kestrel, a bird of prey most common in the East. Azura used to befriend them all the time when she was young, often bringing them back with her to show her brothers and sisters.

"This bird shouldn't be here; there are none living in these parts. But this sometimes happens, when I'm reminiscing about those distant years."

Sovvenia shook her head. She then looked to her siblings as she petted the kestrel.

"But what about you all? What are the news of the world? Of our other siblings? And...of Father?"

Her Father... What kind of father would let such an horrible fate befall on one of his own daughters? Sovvenia preferred not to think about it until the time she would have to face Him again.

[Carden]

Eridi, Aldric, Alarin, Calantha, & Sovvenia - Reunion VI

This wasn't how Eridi remembered his father, Rognir had always been fair in his punishments. It confused Eridi, but he believed his brother's story, he had no alternative. Either something has happened or I misjudged him, thought the craftsman, but, either way, he's not the Father I know anymore. I'll have to tread carefully when I return his books.

When Aldric was finished retelling his part, Eridi responded, "Thank you for telling me all this, brother, now I know to step quietly around Calantha so as not to disturb her. Those two scum-bags who did this, deserve their fate even more if they took their own lives, and you deserve none of the blame for that. Not to mention that I should share the blame for Despair, I made it as well, knowing its purpose and agreeing with it.

"Know this and be at ease, I would never betray your curse, brother, not even on the gravest pain of death. It's wrong that you have it, but I'm glad to know you'd tell me of it. I'll take care to avoid all injury from now on so as not to increase your load. I'm sure the rest of us will feel the same, if you deign to tell them."

----After Alarin's Response to All This, At the Entering of Sovvenia----

Eridi stood as the stranger entered the room, who would dare intrude on a meeting between gods? With the voice and the memories, however, he fell back to his seat, grasping at his head. "No, I couldn't have forgotten..." He looked up at the figure, "A-Azura? Is that you? You seem... Different. It's like... I didn't know you, but now I remember you... It makes no sense!"

Eridi - The Boy I

Jin'Thul found the boy and quickly figured out who he was looking for. Taking the boy to Eridi's workshop, the elder looked inside the windows of the home to make sure it was clear to bring him in. When he couldn't find the smith inside his home, he immediately checked the forge.

Eridi was in the middle of making Aldric's horseshoes when Jin'Thul silently entered, or maybe not so silently. It's loud work engraving metal. "Hey, Eridi, stop tha racket and listen." Putting his hammer down and opening his mouth to retort, Eridi was silenced with a hand from the elder. "I know you claim tha work comes first, but this is important. There's a boy here to see you, and it seems that he's come from quite a way's away to do it. He was making a racket around town while people were trying to settle in for dinner, and I wanna know what you want done with him."

Eridi was surprised. The elder had never stopped him from work before, except once before he had explained its value to him. "Alright, if you think it's that important, tell him to come on in. Better to get this over with now so I can finish what I'm doing, I guess."

Nodding, Jin'Thul went out to fetch the boy. He directed him to go inside the workshop, the better looking of the two buildings. After that, he said he could find his donkey out back, in the stables with the other one. When the boy entered, Eridi was waiting on him. He impatiently addressed the young man, "Well, speak, boy. What is it you came for?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric sat cross legged, one hand resting on the top of his tall, shiny black boots. His tongue snaked up and down the length of one of his short fangs and he regarded this Sovvenia somewhat coldly. While not monstrous or overtly unnatural, his canine teeth were just long enough to warrant a double take. He ran the back of his gloved fingers over the prickly whiskers on his chin a drew in a long breath. Ozone, he decided; she smelled like ozone.

He said nothing, but watched Calantha out of the corner of his eye. It seemed she'd recovered, as predicted. Aldric still made a mental note to hug her as soon as was appropriate.

[hi-mi-tsu]

"But what about you all? What are the news of the world? Of our other siblings? And...of Father?"

Calantha tilted her head, much like the bird on Sovvenia's arm, and regarded the other goddess with her multicolored eyes; her voice was calm, when she spoke, though there was a layer beneath it that was edged with hurt, and with an anger that could be terrifying if it was released.

"Father, father, father...Father looks at the stars in his room for truth, and blinds himself to the realities of things. Stubborn, unyielding, like brittle steel heated too often...but apply the right pressure and he can snap." She gestured, and the kestrel keened pain when its wing snapped, the sound of the bone breaking audible in the quiet of the room.

"Then he goes and stands, and stands, and convinces himself he's right, and he can never be wrong..." Another gesture, and the wing mended in an instant.

"...Father talks to flowers, and to birds, and to bats, and to the air, and to the moon...Father talks and talks and talks, and when he talks, he crushes the flowers, and the birds, and the bats, and the air, until you can't breathe, or think, or see." Her voice was eerily calm, but her eyes were a maelstrom of shifting colors.

"Father is....Father is a liar." Her fists clenched, and the table clenched with it, buckling in the middle; Calantha shook her head, looking down, then looked up at Eridi, chagrined.

"...Oh dear...I lost myself again, I'm sorry, I've found me now...well...most of me...some of me, the 'me' bits that you remember..." She stopped, struggling visibly.

"I can fix it...I promise I'll fix it..." Her voice was on the edge of hysterical, again, when Aldric beckoned her over with a "come here" gesture. For a moment, she hesitated...then she wound her arms around her brother, leaning into his side.

"...I really am sorry 'bout the table, Eridi...'ll fix it, I promise..."

[White Blade]

"So what's the plan?" Sav asked, reachig down to eat the elk that Garadiel had brought him.

"You go in and wrest control of the tribe from its current leader, with your new strength will that be difficult?" Garadiel replied, looking at the giant.

"Yes and no," Sav replied, stuffing his mouth full of the strange new meat, "I can beat Mulabaol pretty easily and I've been respected as the best warrior for some time, my run-ins with you not withstanding. But my tribe's first loyalty is to Baol. The local high chief, Solirabaol, is named for his position as Baol's champion. He claims to be a direct messenger and that he visits Baol underneath the earth."

"Do you believe that will cause a problem?" Garadiel asked.

"Not short term, but I'm assuming you'll want the peace to last longer than three months."

"I would. What do you suggest?"

"A bit of fraud. I come back with my shiny new strength and claim that I have visited Baol and won his favor. Then I kick Solir's butt and replace him. I carry off the tributes, as he does, and store them somewhere. When you reveal yourself I'll proclaim that you are Baol, who guides and leads the dead. You can kick the crap out of the dissinters."

"I'm fine with that, though I'll want anoter name then God eventually. How about Sethimobaol, for the title you use to refer to me."

"The Living God? Strange choice for the god of the dead. But that's fine."

"Good, how long do you expect success to take?"

"Short term... One month. Give Solir two to three months before he attacks me, then a month for clean up. Five months to national domination. Pretty good, all in all."

"I agree. I must go, I am needed at the camp. Set your plan into motion."

When Garadiel returned, it was late night. He sighed this. This would be his third night in a row to go without sleep. Garadiel did not like to go without sleep, but itwasn't necessary very often and he would be fine for another week or so. Besides, he wouldn't need to head out the next night.

So a few weeks passed and a group of giants under the sign of truce arose over the horizon. And yes, there was Sav, leading them. Sav called from a long way off, "I have come to seek peace with the mighty warrior Garadiel and his tribe!"

The whole of the assembly of people turned to stare at Garadiel. Garadiel shrugged, "I suppose my mercy was strength after all." The whole tribe let out a ring of laugter and the aging chief said, "Let us go and reap the benefits of Garadiel's foresight."

The peace meeting was tense. Garadiel and Sav had to be very careful what they said and the whole of Sav's tribe looked resentful. Still it was eventually a success. The two tribes were now bound in alliance. It was the beginning of a glorious new era, Sav said, when all of God's servants would gather together in strength. Garadiel resisted the urge to snicker.

The chief awarded him a flock that day, chosen from the finest of the shepard's sheep. And the Shepards only grumbled a little, for Garadiel had won peace and safety for their families.

[Raz_Fox]

Eridi's Commission

The boy seemed astonished that he was actually allowed to see the miracle-maker, but quickly overcame his fear of the god. He told Eridi that he was a messenger from a king of the desert, whose kingdom was threatened by Karalagon the Dread.

Though Eridi had not heard the name before, the boy quickly explained that Karalagon was a dragon, ancient and terrifying, who had awoken from his dreamless slumber beneath the sands to terrorize all who dwelled within the desert.

The king of the desert had ridden against Karalagon to save his people, but had been deathly injured, for his bronze sword had snapped against the beast's scales - too thick to be pierced by any mortal weapon - and his armor had been torn asunder when the beast stabbed one long talon through his chest, then thrown him into the sands to bleed out his last.

The king was being tended to by the greatest healers, but when he had awakened he begged his advisors and wise men to tell him how he could defeat the dragon. One had heard of Eridi's skill from a traveler, and suggested that a messenger be sent to Eridi to beg for his assistance in making a new panapoly for the king.

The youth had been sent, as no one in the king's court even knew if Eridi truly existed. Now, the youth was extremely happy that Eridi truly did exist, and begged him to make a weapon and armor for the king, so that he could drive back Karalagon and regain his honor.


Raia's Dilemna

BOOM. BOOM. The drums of giantkind were beating in the mountains, in the caves, calling their people together. The drums rang out in the hidden places, where giants hid away from the sight of mankind.

BOOM. BOOM. Namasi, thane of Sulior, commanded the drummers to play. He was a giant of the north, and white was his skin and red were his eyes. When he spoke, the giants who came to him were enthralled, for in his voice was both power and sublety.

BOOM. BOOM. Namasi spoke of Toukoku, of the pathetic humans, the cowardly tengu, the diseased tumi. It was the place of giantkind to rule over them, he said. Sulior, the worm that waits below, has commanded us to strike against our enemies - let us strike against them, and overtake them in the night, and deliver their witch-goddess to Sulior in chains.

But one thing was not according to Namasi's designs - a slave of the giants, who had overheard his words, escaped to warn the people of Toukoku, running both day and night to reach them before Namasi could send his army forth.

War is coming to Toukoku, but the bravery of this one man might yet save it from destruction.

[White Blade]

Garadiel and Sav's plan went off without a hitch. All the giants were soon beneath Sav's control and paying homage to Sethimobaol. Garadiel found his new name and the giant's prayers amusing. He had two names now, and while Garadiel the Two-Named was not quite as epic as Rognir the Hundred Named, Garadiel had plenty of time to accumulate more names.

Garadiel's work as a shepard was going boringly when a worker boy came up to him. There was no one else around for some ways, but the boy, Lavael, cast his head as if to see if anyone was watching or couldhear. There was obviously no one. Then he spoke, "Why do you shine such bright and varied colors? Why am I the only one who sees them?"

Garadiel was dumbstruck. Lavael was a psychopomp! Moreover, why hadn't he foreseen this complication? Garadiel couldn't lie to the boy's face, after all. He spent a bit opening and closing his mouth before he said, "I'm the god of the dead," as nonchalantly as possible.

"But you are always saying that death is bad," Lavael replied, not really believing Garadiel but still taking him seriously.

"Death is bad, Lavael. To be dead is to be without growth or self-change. As the god of death, I guide souls back to life." Garadiel replied.

"Is it much like sheparding, then?" Lavael asked

"Yes, but sheep are smarter," Garadiel replied and Lavael laughed. Garadiel was forever complaining about what dumb, stubborn, fearful, and stupid animals sheep were.

Lavael looked over the field of sheep, "Why are you here then?"

"I am trying to understand, Lavael."

"Understand what, Shepard?"

"Life. Living. I'm trying to learn what living is."

"Why?" Lavael asked.

"Because Life is true beauty." Garadiel replied.

"Is that why you refuse to kill?"

"It is."

"Sir, if you would allow it, I will be your servant to the end of my days."

"I will and I'll do you one better..."

That day, Garadiel made Lavael his heir before the whole of the assembly of the people. The chief smiled and took Garadiel aside, saying that if he died without issue (which seemed likely) he should wish Garadiel to be chief when he died. Garadiel consented, and the next day they announced that before the whole of the assembly, to the assembly's great joy.

Soon enough however, joy would turn to sadness.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

Sovvenia glanced at the broken table. She is overwhelmed by dementia. Now the Lady of Remorse knew that she should never read her sister. The thought that Calantha may have become a living, extremely dangerous weapon also frightened her and interested her all at the same time.

[Earl of Purple]

North-West Mountains, Plains and Shores; Phromm

Phromm heard his people, and walked to the Shores of the Great Ocean where those praying where based. He usually spent his time wandering the plains and mountains, hunting the Giant Ice Worms and Bugbears that wandered his domain. Phromm decided that he needed to get there fast, and whilst he was, himself, very fast, he thought he needed more speed.

Making a primal roar, Phromm summoned a Giant Ice Worm, the largest of its kind. The Ice Worm roared back, and Phromm changed into a larger Ice Worm to cow it; the real Worm sank down, starting to retreat. But Phromm wouldn't let it; mesmerising it with his gaze so he could jump onto its back. Imbuing it with some of its power and making it completely loyal, he rode it to the shore.

1 minor: create 1 greater servant, his Giant Ice Worm steed.

[Jair Barik]

The expidition had become hopelessly lost in the woods. They were sopposed to be mapping the woodlands for the coming hunts but ever since that last right turn a half an hour ago they couldn't seem to find where they were. The trees seemed to move every now and again and they just couldn't seem to find their way back to the path. Not only this but they were quite certain they were seeing trees that definitely weren't in the forest. The four of them were beggining to get quite worried that they wouldn't be out by sundown.

"Face it Lucio we are lost! Hopelessly lost!" yelled the second youngest.
"Quiet Horatio! You really aren't helping!" Lucio had long red hair and was the fittest of the group.
"Arguing will hardly help though will it." this was Bassasnio, the eldest of the group by far with short silver hair.
"Look if we just keep going in the same direction..."
"Like we have been doing for the past twenty minutes?"
"I said quiet!"

The last of the men, the youngest, was named Barnadine. He had for a good ten minutes now felt that something wasn't right and that trying to escape was a moot point. He hadn't really wanted to come in the first place, he didn't really see the point. It all seemed so... senseless. Something had been bugging him though, and not just the moving trees. There was something else.

"Where are all the animals?"
The others turned to face him.
"What stupid question is that?" Horatio was angry at his friends. He didn't care about any animals, he just wanted to get out!
"What do you mean?"
"For the last half hour I haven't seen a single squirrel, heard a single bird or felt a single insect..."
Lucio sighed
"Well we probably scared them all away with our shouting didn't we."
If horatio was angry Lucio was exasperated, so tired of this forest.
"Scared away? Even the bugs? No its something else... its as if... they know better than to be here." Barnadine looked nervously at his feet. Lucio and Horatio were starting to feel a bit scared now too and Bassanio-
"Where's Bassanio?"
The three friends looked around, Bassanio was nowhere to be seen, they hadn't heard him go and he was hardly one to wander off on his own...

"Heehehehehehehehehehahahahahhahehehehehehe he he ehe.... ahhahahahaaahahahahahahahhaheheheheeeheheheh" the laughter echoed through the trees about them and the three men huddled close together back to back.
"Whose there!" Lucio drew his sword in readiness to challenge the laughing thing but no sooner had he pulled it out than a giant wolf spirit pounced upon him pinning him beneath its paws. They had heard of spirits in the woods before but never seen one. It was horrifying in appearance, ghostly blood dripping from its teeth and claws.
"If I cannot watch the world whilst I sleep then I will hunt the foolish! Is that the deal Earth!? A prison whilst you sleep! Well you know what happens to the caged beast! It gets aaaaaangy!"
Lucio was frozen in fear, Horatio screamed and ran, Barnadine just stood and stared at the mangled body of Bassanio that hung from the beasts mouth.

Orgo looked at his catch with relish.
"What nice red hair you have! But you know what? It looks so much better on me!" Orgo ripped the mans head from his body throwing it onto his back where the hair spread out like a strange ghostly red blanket. Then in a single bound he was on Horatio.
"Hello mortal. I will let you live if you answer me this riddle. Which of my teeth is the loosest? Too difficult?" Horatiocould only scream in terror barely hearing Orgo's words. "Here, let me give you a hint!" Orgo sunk his fangs into the screaming man, tearing his body in half, and then he was in front of Barnadine. The boy stood unmoving before the beast.

"What is the matter boy? Too scared? Too weak? Can you not move, can you not run? Do you not wish to hide?"

Barnadine shook his head. "No. I know you. You are the wolf spirit. You hunger and you hunt but you aren't as strong as the people think. I have talked to the druids before. You aren't a God. You only have the body of one, your spirit is only that of a demon."

Orgo roared in anger. "Insolent whelp! I am more than a God! I am free! All of their powers none of their responsibilities! Do you not see boy!? I am greater than Rognir himself! I answer to nobody and nobody expects anything of me! How could I not be more powerful? I am the free spirit of the land. If I desire soemthing I take it, if I wish something I do it! Do you not see how powerful I am?!"

"And yet you admit to being in a cage. How are you free? And there is power you do not have. People may hate you, despise you, fear your name, but nobody will ever worship you."

The spirit roared and pulled back its claw to rip the boy in half when out of the forest a mighty wolf made of thorns and undergrowth leaped upon it. The very touch of the creature burnt Orgo's spiritual flesh causing him to howl in agony. He tried to kill the boy but each attack he made was blocked by his new foe. Quickly realising he was outmatched Orgo began his retreat into the forest roaring obscenities at the boy as he left.
"A curse upon you child! You shall never age and never die! You will have a hunger that cannot be fulfilled and a thirst that can never be quenched! hear my words child for I am Orgo and I shall not be mocked!"

As the spirit retreated into the distance the briar wolf howled, its brothers howls echoing its own as they hunted their folley. It then turned to Barnadine. "You should not be here. I shall show you the way out. You showed great courage today and Nara praise you but do not tempt fate. Should the wolf's mood change he may decide to relieve you of your curse... but not after inflicting great suffering upon you."
Barnadine nodded already feeling the pains of his curse.
"Then show me the way out, and tell me of Nara. The world does not need ones such as the great wolf. Please, tell me of those in the world who are better than he."

"Very well then. I shall start with the tale of the bard...."


1 minor act-create greater servant-Barnadine the timeless druid.

[Nefarion Xid]

After the daggers in the scrying pool shatter, Aldric knows he has little time to catch his prey. He was wounded and for now, Aldric was the one with speed on his side. He goes swiftly from Eridi's room and after informing him of what he's seen, he entreats his brother to help him shoe the mare (while Aldric holds her down) while instructing him on the incantation to control the gargoyles that he had appointed to protect his city. Before riding out, he bids Eridi say goodbye to the siblings who still remain in the city and apologize for his hasty departure.

"I like this city, Eridi. Make it a great one! I'll be back for that beer..."

With that, the Nightmare takes off like a bolt in the direction of Heradi. As soon as she's safety outside the city limits, Aldric speaks the command word in her ear and activates the enchanted shoes she now wears. A black blur swept across the land, leaving broken, frozen land in its wake and a hazy trail of smokey shadow.

[Baxter190]

Alarin

What had happened...it was all too much for the poor boy. By the time Aldric had finished regaling his siblings, the boy was sitting in his chair hugging his knees to his chest. For all that he had seen in his life, all of his adventures, the bard was still to innocent for such things. To believe they would do that to Calantha, their own sister... Alarin resisted the urge to shudder. And father, their kind parent... well, it started to make Alarin rekindle his earlier theory that godhood really did drive people insane. Before he left the old house, Rognir would tell the musician tales of his youth, and how he was a virtuous defender of the humans, and gave them control of their own destinies. The stories explained how he fought the world itself, and put to sleep the behemoth, leviathan, and Ziz. By doing so, he tamed the world, and drove away the destructive elementals. Now, after learning the song of creation and Aldric's tale, Alarin was for the first time starting to doubt his father.

"Eridi, Aldric, I need to talk with father. All these things, they don't make sense. I think if I could get his side of the story, everything could be explained," said Alarin, in a rare monotone voice. He was silent for a few more minutes, just watching as the women that reminded him so much of Azura arrived at his brother's home. She was different, and yet the same. Calanthas response to her arrival though, was intriguing to say the least. Without a word, Alarin silently exited the house and went to wander the village.

It was not long before Alartin found himself at the village bar. It was small place, barely fit to be called a pub were it not for the number of inebriated men that were present. The boy looked completely out of place with the locals, his fair, unblemished skin contrasting starkly with their worn, dirty, ash covered skin. His demeanor as well, for his quiet calmness an island in their sea of merry making. At first the alcohol manager refused to serve him, for the young god looked far to young to drink. It was only after quickly explaining who his brother was that Alarin was allowed to partake in the honey mead. It tasted different from the strong ferments of The Kraki, or the sweet drinks in Xang. No, it was a flavor all its own.

For an hour he drank alone, different ideas playing out in his head. Perhaps Father knew something they didn't, and had to protect them. No, their father had ceased to protect them the second they left his house. Maybe Aldric was correct, and Father was too harsh. Well, with Alarin's gathered knowledge, it seemed all too likely. He still had to talk with Father about the static world and the voices he heard there. If anyone knew, it would be him. Luckily for the boy, his silent melancholy was not to last. several boys, not much older than Alarin who were fresh from the forges approached him, asking if he wanted to drink with them.

At first he declined their offers, wanting to think in solitude. However, they continued to pester him about joining them, and eventually he gave in to their demands. It was not long before a merry mood descended upon the boy, and in less than an hour the whole bar was up in a mirthful joy. The light hearted mood was infectious because of Alarin's presence, and soon the town in its entirety was acting as if a it was time for a great celebration. During this event Alarin was still at the bar, drinking as much alcohol as his divine constitution could allow for. At the gathering crowds insistence, he would perform a myriad of minor miracles, such as making a coin appear out of thin air, our transforming a rock into a cat.

As his level of intoxication rose, he began to spout off nonsensical sentences, such as how Aldric scared the crap out of him, or how Eridi should make the world into one giant instrument that was also a forge. In between his drunken ramblings, the boy told the villagers the tenets of how to worship him as a god, which amounted to: don't be a ****, respect the sea, for she was a harsh mistress is so many ways of the term, and live life to the fullest. In response the crowd cheered, and Alarin found himself too drunk to remember what exactly he was talking about. When the manager of the pub announced that he had fun out of alcohol, Alarin just told him to check again. by a miracle, the jars were filled again, and when he poured out the drink the jar never emptied. when the keeper asked Alarin about it, Alarin drunkenly said something almost completely incoherent, but he managed to make something out along the lines that it was his blessing and a sign of his favor.

All in all, a very productive evening.

[Carden]

Eridi, Aldric, Calantha, and Sovvenia - Reunion VII

Shrugging, Eridi really wasn't all that put off by his sudden lack of a functioning dinner table. "Think nothing of it, sister, I was actually meaning to put in a rail system to widen it in case we ever decided to meet like this again. There would be room for almost all of us then, instead of it barely fitting those here already." It was an honest reply, it did seem rather crowded, five-no, four gods sitting around ti seemed to be the limit.

Where has Alarin gone? thought Eridi, Probably nowhere important, but I didn't even notice him leave. I hope he didn't leave already... Putting those thoughts aside, he continued, "More importantly, what of the lilies that are now on the floor? You went through all the trouble of fetching them from the river I made, surely you're not going to just let them be. Perhaps I can get you a bowl for them to float in? I do believe they would enjoy that greatly."

Following her reply, he turns to his other sister, "Azur-no, Sovvenia, this around us is my story since we left. This town and some small items of minor consequence. They showed me kindness when no others would, so, when I stumbled upon a massive quarry that surely must have been used once to build others a magnificent city, I thought that would be adequate repayment.

"Honestly, I think Aldric can tell you more of recent events. None of us have heard what happened on that field of battle I found you on, near to Raia and her oddly retreating army." Eridi looked expectantly at his brother. This should be entertaining, to say the least.

Eridi - The Boy II

The god hated to do this, but it was necessary. "Tell me, boy, were you authorized to negotiate for the armor if you found me? Or am I just going to have to contact your king? Because, as it stands now, this is charity work on behalf of people that I do not know. My supplies cost me, making it will take my time from the city, not to mention the quality you will receive will be far above anything your brittle bronze could ever accomplish. I cannot do this for free, even if I may want to."

Eridi didn't want the boy's town to suffer, he had made a plea to the god's ethos. However, that didn't keep Eridi from trying to make a good situation better. By saving them, he could make allies to the south. By bargaining with them, he might be able to get the dragon's body (Minus the head as a trophy to the warrior who killed it, of course) as crafting materials. Not only that, but he also might be able to create a decent trade route. All people have things of value they're willing to trade for things of use, and there's other people that will accept things of value for even more crafting materials. Eventually, this would work out perfectly for Hybil'Smita, capitalism at its finest.

[hi-mi-tsu]

"More importantly, what of the lilies that are now on the floor? You went through all the trouble of fetching them from the river I made, surely you're not going to just let them be. Perhaps I can get you a bowl for them to float in? I do believe they would enjoy that greatly."

"No..." Calantha's eyes went dreamy, and she scooped the flowers up off the floor; setting them to rest on the broken table, she stared sternly at them.

"Now, pretties...you're going to behave well for uncle Eridi...hmmm...?" Her fingers combed through the blossoms, encouraging them to lustrous growth; they shifted color, purple with red centers and leaves that almost resembled the wood they were resting on. The water lilies sank into the center of the table, root systems winding through it, and mended the cracks and fractures in the furniture piece; when she was finished, the center of the table had a wild explosion of unique color, and she smiled proudly.

"There....now grow!" The flowers pulsed, and spread, and the table spread as well; a thick, fibrous growth covered the open space.

"And shrink..." The table sank back down to its original size, and her proud smile was turned on her brother.

"There, see? I fixed it, and now it will grow! And it's pretty, besides, no need for silly rails, now you have flowers!"

Her eyes privately begged for Eridi's approval.

Meanwhile, Aldric engages Sovvenia in conversation, filling her in on the events that had occurred in Zhang; though Calantha could hear them, this was a conversation she deliberately chose to ignore.

[Kasanip]

Raia's Dilemna

BOOM. BOOM. The drums of giantkind were beating in the mountains, in the caves, calling their people together. The drums rang out in the hidden places, where giants hid away from the sight of mankind.

BOOM. BOOM. Namasi, thane of Sulior, commanded the drummers to play. He was a giant of the north, and white was his skin and red were his eyes. When he spoke, the giants who came to him were enthralled, for in his voice was both power and sublety.

BOOM. BOOM. Namasi spoke of Toukoku, of the pathetic humans, the cowardly tengu, the diseased tumi. It was the place of giantkind to rule over them, he said. Sulior, the worm that waits below, has commanded us to strike against our enemies - let us strike against them, and overtake them in the night, and deliver their witch-goddess to Sulior in chains.

But one thing was not according to Namasi's designs - a slave of the giants, who had overheard his words, escaped to warn the people of Toukoku, running both day and night to reach them before Namasi could send his army forth.

War is coming to Toukoku, but the bravery of this one man might yet save it from destruction.

Raia

Raia had returned from Zhang, quiet and more contemplative than before. In the time that she had spent there looking through mortal eyes, she had come to understand more about the people of Zhang. She had learned more of their history, and even as she lived among them, some of that had become a part of herself.
But the dangers of channeling in the style of the Tumi were clear. The longer a Goddess might look through human eyes, the more the world seemed to shift about it.
She had come to realize this with the Great Shrine. A wonderous construction that had held a sacred flame. The people about her had held it in great reverence, and worship, and through the eyes she had, so it too seemed magnificent and desireable.
But was it a desire to obtain, or a desire to revere?

The longer she had been there, the more difficult the question to answer. She had become restless, as if she was placing her own will against it, and at last she departed, the question unanswered.

She had returned to the valley of Toukoku, and the two mountain, and had returned to the training and practice. In her absence the warriors had continued to train and refine themselves. And now the valley was prosperous, with great trade coming from the states she had brought to her.
And it was here as she walked among the people that the slave came at last, bringing his ill news.
It was ill news for those who feared death in battle. But for Raia, it was a welcome new challenge. The tengu sharpened their swords and the Tumi gathered at Raia's summons, as lightning and thunder came to her and the great sword she wore at her side. The giants wanted to fight against the Goddess of War herself, and she would be ready to entertain them.

She brought the slave before her and comforted him, offering him rest and shelter in the valley - the first outsider who had come to stay since Raia herself. And she spoke to him and inquired about the Giants and who led them.

[Raz_Fox]

Eridi's Commission

The boy reassures Eridi that the queen of the desert kingdom (for the king was still injured unto death) had decreed that whoever forged weapons and armor capable of slaying the dragon would recieve whatever they wished in reward.

For Karalagon was a plague on the land, rampaging across the desert, devouring flocks of livestock and devastating oases. The people were desperate enough to give anything to the forge-god, from copper and bronze to the finest cattle or even a tribute of slaves to serve him.

But the boy begged Eridi to begin immediately, for every moment wasted let Karalagon lay waste to his people.


Raia's Dilemna

The slave told the goddess - once his wounds had been bound, and his thirst had been quenched - that he had overheard the giants speaking of their leader, Namasi, Thane of Sulior.

Who Sulior was, the slave did not know, but the giants held him in high esteem and feared him. But the slave had seen Namasi, and he was a great giant, nearly twelve feet high. At his side was a great bronze axe, and at his other was his massive sword.

But his deadliest weapon was his voice, for it posessed great power. Indeed, the slave had been forced to kneel just by hearing him speak of the dominion of giantkind. It could whip the horde of giants at his disposal into a dark frenzy, one in which they would ignore both pain and injury; he had many giants in his service now, some which had come with him from the north, and these were well-armed and armored, unlike the country-giants that had gathered to him, who carried mere clubs and wore furs and leathers.

[Carden]

Eridi, Aldric, Calantha, Sovvenia - Reunion VIII

"It's perfect, Calantha, better than my greatest hopes for it! I must say, if you keep work like this as your standard, why, I'd look like quite the novice in comparison!" His smile spread from ear-to-ear, he was very happy to have a gift such as this from one of his siblings, made him feel almost as none of this madness had really occurred. It was a wonderful feeling, even if he knew it was founded on unsound principles. Ah, well, he mused, these are still the best times I've had in months, no use wasting them worried about when they'll end.

Eridi - The Boy III

Thinking on how to word his reply carefully, it was a bit before he replied to the latest plea. The young man must've thought it had lasted forever, but it hadn't even been a full minute before the god spoke. "Yes, I'll make the arms. You or whoever else may carry them into battle against this foe of yours, but note this: the price for making the armor is the skin and bones of the creature you kill along with one quart full of its blood. After you have killed it, we can discuss payment for the armor and sword themselves. Until then? Consider it a loan. Deal?"

((Assuming the boy agrees, Eridi will make the armor and sword as an artifact set. Not only hard to destroy, they also grant their user Martial Prowess if wielded together, something Eridi wants to assure doesn't happen against him. Think Nordic Egyptian for the design, made of shining steel with some bronze inlay for the armor while the sword features a dragon handle/hilt and a four-foot blade of rune-etched steel. Bye-bye, last major act for the turn, oh how I will miss your granted flexibility :smallfrown: ))

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

The goddess arched an eyebrow at Eridi's story. All of this looked so...mundane.

"Thanks, all of you. For now, though, I have to go. I still have many more people and places to see. Let me know if you ever need my help."

Thus Sovvenia left the house of her brother and flew away.

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

It was a long journey. A tedious flight across the great sea. But at last, Sovvenia reached the Eastermost Mountain and the Last House. And she went to find her father.

[White Blade]

Garadiel stood beside the bedside of the chief of the Shienel as he watched him struggle to hold onto life. All of the giant chiefs beneath Sav had gathered to pay respect to the man with whom they had made peace. Well, that was the idea anyway. Sav had forced them to, for he knew his god was pained and a grieved god was ill-company.

"Garadiel... You never told me how you earned your name." Chief Ananel said.

"It means The Guiding Light of God. It was just my chief's overabundant sense of names." Garadiel replied.

"No... Gah-Rah-Dee-El," pronouncing it as Garadiel always di, "means Guide Light God. But no one would ever name their child something so nonsensical. It occurs to me that Gar-ad-ee-el makes much more sense and is spelled the same way. And I am wondering why you were named a brash claimant to divinity. Tell an old man, I'll keep your secret." he coughed, "I'll take it to my grave soon enough even if my tongue would wag."

Garadiel sighed, but found himself unable to deny the man's request. "Before I was born, a man visited our village. My mother was the most beautiful and willful of our youth. She was kind and joyous and the whole of our tribe's men courted her. They called her God's Jewel, for she was considered a beautiful adornment to the face of the world.

The man was old and all thought him a mere passer through. He stay for awhile though, and soon he began to keep my mother company. Not in the way the young men would, trying to win her approval. She saw him as dear friend, a confidante, a teacher. 'As all husbands should be to their wives," she admonished me.

He told her tales of his battles as a youth, of his friends and enemies. She soon began to spend all of her time with him, because he was so dear to her. She fell in love. And finally, she lay with him. The next day, he told her he was Eneliel and that he had to return to his home in the Uttermost East. She begged him to take her with him, 'My house in the east is not a place for mortals, not even you, my precious jewel. But know that my greatest hope is in you.'

So she cried and he left. But soon, she grew round with child, and she announced her intention before the elders to name me, Tikvael," (hope of god) "they demanded to know why and she told them, They laughed and the chief declared my name should be Garadiel, because I made brash claims to divinity." Garadiel here frowned, "So I became Garadiel. Tikvael was a name no one ever called me, though my mother's pet name for me was Tikva."

The chief nodded, "I am sorry both for the cruelty of your father and your chief."

"My father is not cruel," Garadiel said sharply, "He really did have to return to his home in the east."

The chief stared at him, "Surely you are not saying that your father truly is Eneliel Who Holds The World in his hands."

"He is, I was legitimate in my claims to divinity. Look," Garadiel reached down and scooped up a handful of sand and let it drain between his fingers, and as it did so it turned to water which splashed against the ground. That was a trick his father had taught him, transfiguration from lifeless to life-giving substances was beyond mortal magic but an easy trick in small degrees for gods.

The old man gasped, "My lord, if I had known you were a god I should have fallen at your feet when you entered our camp!" Ananel declared ferveretly

"Which is why I didn't. I have seen nearly every station of life, and when you pass into the realm of the dead I, who rule the dead, will guide you as well as any I have guided for your kindness to me and then I shall take the position of chief as a mortal might."

"Well... If that is your wish there is a map buried beneath the sacred tree where we annoint the chief. The map shows the way to a cave, and in the cave is a lake, and you should drink the water of the lake. It will... test you, in a way, as fire tests a metal's purity."

"Thank you I will," Garadiel said and he prepared to ask about the lake when he heard the sounds of battle in the distance. "I hear battle coming," Garadiel said.

"Take my sword, godling, protect my people." Ananel commanded him. Garadiel nodded and took up the sword and charged out the tent shouting, "To battle, men of Shienel! To battle, giant friends!"

[Kasanip]

Raia

Raia listened to the words the slave told her, the name of Namasi, Thane of Sulior, of his great size and strength. But she was Raia, who had wrestled lightning and thunder to submission. A battle of strength was an enjoyment for her.
Namasi, who wielded a great bronze axe and a massive sword.
But she was Raia, daughter of Rognir, and there was no one who could match her skill in sword.

And for his voice, she was Raia, sister of Aladrin who possessed the best singing voice of any in the world. To force a mortal to submit was a feat of no great worthiness. The tengu had forced the humans alone with the feat of strength, and they often did such things to each other. She was the Goddess of War, and to her her troops would rally and obey.

Mostly though, Raia's sharp ears and thoughts fell upon that of the giantkind. To compare to the warriors of Toukoku of bow, spear and shield, the Tengu with swords and fierceness, and the Tumi who perhaps possessed greater strength than the giants themselves...It would be an enjoyable battle.

So it was that Raia prepared the troops for War, and as word came of the giants' approach, the Goddess of War prepared to battle in her crimson robes.

[Raz_Fox]

Aldric - Wyld Hunt

Aldric rode across the southern continent, into the desert, the hoof-prints of his Nightmare glowing in his wake. Maybe he was not as fast as the man in red, but he was fast enough to catch up to him now.

He passed nomadic tribes, who cowered before the visage of fear they saw before him. He crossed rivers, he rode across mountains, and he finally came to an oasis, and around it was a mighty city - at least, in the terms of the desert-dwellers. A thousand tents there were, perhaps; and Aldric could feel the fear here.

And he could feel the divine essence of his prey now, the crackle of lightning and the howl of the wind.


Eridi - Commission

The boy agrees, but asks if Eridi would deign to bring the weapons to the king, so that he could thank Eridi in person. Surely, if the panapoly he was crafting was of such power, then the king would want to meet the forge-god.


Raia's Dilemna

Namasi led his host down into Toukoku during the night, in stealth and subterfuge, expecting to fall upon the followers of Raia before they could take up spear and shield.

Namasi and his two-score brothers in arms came straight down from the mountains, with four-score of the mountain giants about them. Another three-score marched at either flank, hoping to surprise the people of Toukoku after they were attacked from the mountains.

Namasi could not know that the people of Toukoku were not lying in their beds this night, but waiting for him. So he crept right down from the mountains to the borders of Toukoku, right into the waiting schemes of Raia.


Calantha - Imaginary Friend?

"I know a secret."

Calantha saw a young man, lying on the ceiling, looking down at her. His dark hair spilled down his shoulders and over his face, almost obscuring the red band bound over his eyes. He wore the kind of clothes that you wear when you live in a hot place and don't have to worry about the sun burning on all your exposed skin. And he was smiling at her.

"Do you want to know my secret, little girl? It's about you."

[White Blade]

Chaos was coming to destroy the world. Or it felt that way to Garadiel. It wasn't the battle that the war between Raia and Shen had ended with, indeed on that scale it was nearly inconsequential. But in the few years he had lived there, this had been his world. He knew every one of those here, who had pitched their tents beside his. Their lives, their fears, their friends, their enemies, their rivals, their loves, their joys. And now something had come to take their lives and force them into the shadowlands.

No. Garadiel swore to himself. Chaos had come, but he was a son of Eneliel. Lavael ran up to him, "They come Shepherd, the other tribes! They think we are heretics. They come in Eneliel's name!"

"No. They come claiming that name. They shall discover that it is I who have it." Garadiel replied, brandishing the chief's sword.

Lavael smiled. Truly his shepherd was the greatest of the shepherds and the best of the gods. He packed a rock into his sling, "I will go stand with the stone-hurlers." Garadiel nodded. Lavael left. The giant chiefs gathered round him, muttering of how glad they were to have battle at last. Strong blades were drawn and they marched forward with Garadiel, ready to draw human blood.

So the God of Death lead the call to war, and his battle was well led. They triumphed by his aid, and the four other tribes were defeated.Anger and rage pulsed through Garadiel as they reached the center of the battle, where arrows were being fired from the enemy's horsebacks. Soon... Soon they would not be on those horses. Garadiel shouted orders, "Get them off their horses! Take away their mobility!" the Giants nodded. Garadiel was in charge when they were here, the Fist of God had commanded. Besides, ripping humans off horses and throwing them about was genuinely exciting.

The horse riders did not last long. Garadiel was faster than any mortal horse and he was good at making jumping lunges at humans on their backs. Many men were knocked cold simply by the impact of hitting the ground. Some would not get up again, Garadiel knew. He would have to apologize for that at some point. But battle was chaotic, and it wasn't as if they hadn't chosen to fight here, among Garadiel's women and children. Some of the giants moved to kill humans who lie on the ground, "Don't waste time!" Garadiel shouted viciously. The giants pulled back, only slightly resentful. He did have something of a point. They could always come back and kill the humans after the battle.

The spearmen were the next force in terms of proximity, so Garadiel led the giants wading into them, dodging spears with ease, running along the heads of the spearmen, kicking them over with his full weight, and bouncing to the next head. The poor spearmen didn't know what to do, and behold, they were soon unconscious. Garadiel let out a bit of battle laughter as the giants struggled to make it past the enemy's frontline of spears. Soon all the men lay defeated and Garadiel laughed. Just the swordsmen to go now.

Of course, the swordsmen were at the center of the conflict, and Garadiel's tribe had difficulty holding back so many, even with all their tribe in readiness. The other four major human tribes were here. Garadiel was terrified to see they grew near to the refuge of the women, he brandished his sword and lunged in with it. He brought low cuts and men were missing legs and hands soon enough. Garadiel made sure they didn't just fall over dead from blood loss and moved on. His blade grew hot from speed and then, at last, it began to seal their wounds simply by sheer speed. Then it was over. Garadiel stood beside his men, amongst the bodies living and dead, "Check them! Bring the living to the center of the camp... Make a pile of the dead enemies and lay our dead respectfully at the edge of camp. We'll cremate them later." his soldiers, his friends nodded their heads. They began to check the pulses of the dead men.

The battle was over and all went to the center of camp, save for Garadiel, who went to find the chief and discovered only a murderer.
Garadiel turned with the chiefs, "Go to the center of camp, wait for the chief" he said as he went to rouse the chief to make his judgment. Too many of their tribe had died this days, even with a god and the giant chiefs at their side. Perhaps two dozen of their two hundred or so men. The chief would make his ruling on this unprovoked attack.

Garadiel entered the tent to the sound of laughter. He saw one of the shepherd youths standing in the tent with a sheep slaughtering knife bloody. He didn't even need to look at the chief. His life had left him. Garadiel lunged forward and disarmed the boy. He placed the knife to the boy's throat and very nearly slit it. The chief had been a dear friend, and one of the few with whom Garadiel had spoken of his mother.

"Going to kill me? Go ahead. Better then living in slavery to the giants!" the boy jeered.

"I'm not going to kill you boy. It is not within my nature, perhaps however, I can arrange your slavery to the giants." the boy tried to thrust his neck onto the sheep sheers. It wasn't very effective though. Garadiel was too quick. He grappled the boy and as they went, he interrogated the boy. It had been him who had called the other tribes here. He was responsible for all this. Garadiel was furious and as they reached the center of camp, where the enemy lied bound and his men stood menacingly.

A covenant was forged that day, and here is how it happened, and how the murderer was given to the giants for his crimes.
He thrust the boy into the center of the clearing and the boy got a good taste of the dust. "Today, you have attacked us, the servants of Eneliel with you, Yishel, Irenel, Chaimel, Shorel. Do you wear those names so well that ours was beneath you? I know it is not so! When Eneliel divided our tribes so long ago, there were twelve. And now there are five. When the giants tribes were divided all those years ago, there were twelve, and now there are five. Let this be a covenant day between our peoples, for Eneliel possesses mercy and so do I.

I have interrogated this wretch who murdered our old chief, Sufferer," (the boy's true name was Salmael, which meant sufferer for God. But he could wear that name no longer, for he suffered for himself) "And he has told me of the lies he told you, though he believed them true. We are not slaves, but yoke brothers to the giants. They have stood beside us in faithfulness, as you our kin have not. But I hope that you shall join our council. Then shall all the people in the Desert of God be united." the chiefs, who had all survived, nodded, though one was nursing a missing hand and another had had to be raised to consciousness thanks to falling off his horse.

"Will you stand with me, in this covenant day, chief of Yishel?" the chief spoke and said, "I will." And so it went for the next few minutes, each individual tribe, human and giant, gave it's consent. "Will you stand with me, in this covenant day, Lavael?" Lavael was shocked. Surely he was not promoted to chief just yet, "My lord..." he spoke, but Garadiel raised his hand, "Lavael, one must give consent for our people, besides myself." Lavael said, "We stand with you always, Garadiel our chief."

"It is good, today I shall become the chief of Shienel. In three months time, when battle is less fresh in our hearts and hands, we shall gather together again and elect a single leader for our covenant. Now, all of you are forgiven, safe the sufferer, who I give to the giants as the last slave they shall take from our people," the giants grumbled. The very last? "For from now on, all those worthy of death shall not be put to death, but to service, and their lives shall be spent in the service of our covenant. And no member of the covenant shall be enslaved by any other." Garadiel watched as they hauled off their new slave and felt no pity. He had spared the boy's life, which might be more than he deserved at any rate.

After making the covenant, they took Garadiel to the sacred tree and anointed him there. He rose chief of the Shienel and sought beneath the tree the map, which showed him how to get to the cave.

Drinking the Water of the Well:
Garadiel found his way to the cave swiftly. The journey down its winding ways was but a brief moment to he who had crossed the land of the dead so long and so weary. He reached the depths of the cave where he found the pool of water, which lurked still but was cleaner than any cave spring he had ever seen. He put his hands down together and cupped them, filling them with the Well's water. And then he drank.

In an instant, he fell forward, into the depths of the water, alone now with himself. In a strangely literal sense, for across from him stood... Him. Hello Garadiel, he said himself, his voice as strong as Father's.

"Hello... Me" Garadiel replied, perplexed but unquestioning.

You have journeyed far in search of your goal, he said. Have you learned of life in your journey?

"I have."

And do you think yourself worthy of that station which you seek as its lord?

"If not I, then who?" Garadiel asked

All of your siblings are the lords of life, you rule the dead. he replied.

"The others rule aspects of life, aspects of the world. I wish to rule that which is life itself, not that which life expresses nor the world in which it grows." Garadiel replied

You are as ambitious as Father, but you do not see who you should be. he said

"And who should I be? If not the defeater of death, what is my purpose?"

You should be this, he said, turning into a rotting corpse like image of Garadiel, King of the netherworld your judgments sure. But this is what you want to be, he changed again, into a Garadiel so wrapped in the aura of life that it pained Garadiel's eyes to look upon him. But you aren't worthy of this. the form shifted back to the corpse.

Will you stand in judgment over the dead, as is your right? the corpse asked

"No," Garadiel replied, "I cannot judge those who pass before me. For who is to say what is good and what is ill, who is to stand as a judge over an individual's life?"

Will you bring death, to spread your domain as all gods do?

"No," Garadiel replied, "For I seek what is best for those I hold dominion over, not what is best for my power."

Will you shape the souls placed beneath you, to improve them?

"No," Garadiel replied, "For who am I to bind the will of man beneath me?"

Will you teach mortals that death is to be accepted?

"No," Garadiel replied, "For what good is it to pass through the lands of the dead, but to lose your memories and spend a little while in pain?"

Will you, at least, accept death as the natural result of all things?

"No!" Garadiel replied, "For what good is it to accept what is ill? What good is it to be a god and to not act for the good of all people?"

The corpse wailed with rage and changed into the radiant Garadiel, Then will you seek to prevent death? the radiant form asked

"Yes," Garadiel replied, "For life is good and its perishing grieves all with upright hearts."

Then will you spread life, as a joy and a treasure?

"Yes," Garadiel replied, "For life is growth and strength, and to stopper it despair."

Then will you never bring death, no matter the circumstances?

"Yes," Garadiel replied, "For who is worthy of the punishment of death?"

Then will you strengthen life, to add to its growing and thriving?

"Yes," Garadiel replied, "For it is a great joy to grow."

Then, when the day comes, will you sacrifice yourself if it is necessary to end death?

A moments' thought and Garadiel began to falter, for he loved his own life as much as any other, but he saw the radiant image flicker to a corpse and he couldn't bear it. "Yes," Garadiel replied, "For the salvation of all things from death, I would gladly die."

So be it, the radiant image reached forward and touched his head and he awoke.

1 Major Act to gain the Life domain.

He left the cave and headed to visit his father. He had told them he would need a week's retreat as all chiefs did, and he knew that it had been only a few moments since he had drunken from the well. When he reached his father's door, he knocked and awaited his father's answering.

[Raz_Fox]

In the Hall of Rognir

The great library of Rognir contains tomes of great power and books that contain the secrets of the universe. He has read through every one, and he has not found what he seeks. The creator of all that is sits in his library, so very weak, so very fierce.

Why can he not find it? There must be a way. There must be a way, without becoming what he fought in the days before creation. His shadow twists beneath him without his motion, whispering in his ear. He has nothing but time, now that his children have gone out into the world. They have acted as he foresaw, and their very existence keeps the world in motion.

The house whispers to him now, telling him of two returning. He rises, and he closes his eyes for a moment. When he opens them again, the grandeur and the might of Rognir have returned to him. Let his vain search be put away - he has to attend to his children.

So he comes into the great hall, his dark cloak about his shoulders, as they enter together. One is... much like Azura. A shade, a wisp, an echo. The other is Garadiel, and he burns with the light of creation.

"Garadiel. My son has returned to me once more, and my heart delights in his coming - but I know not this other, though she is of my blood. Give to me your name, child of the skies."

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia, Hall of Rognir

The goddess removed her dirty blue hood, revealing a new face. Her time in the desert had changed her; her skin was now a light brown and her hair had become as dark as Riora's. The black feather fixed on her tiara, the only keepsake of her previous incarnation. Sovvenia stood before the All-Father, but she did not kneel. Not completely defiant, but proud and strong.

"I am Sovvenia, the Child That Shouldn't Have Been, Arbiter of the Past, Lady of the Mourning. I am the darkness to my brother's radiance, it seems", said the goddess while observing Garadiel from the corner of her eye.

[White Blade]

Garadiel laughed, just a little. It was odd to think of himself as radiant, after having seen the radiant being who represented himself as a TRUE god of life. Of course, he was moderately surprised that the others could see his aura of life now, but he supposed it was because he stank of his new dominion. He had, afterall, carried the aura of death about with him and his siblings had felt it in him. No doubt his divine aura was visual as well now.

"I am new to my radiance. I am pleased to meet you, Sovvenia, I am Garadiel, in case you do not remember." Garadiel was more than prepared to deal with Sovvenia's nature as Azura who is not Azura, as he was responsible for the reincarnation cycle, "I will try to visit you more often then simply every time I come to rule a fundamental aspect of the universe, Dad." he said to Rognir.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

Now it was Sovvenia's time to laugh.

"Oh, I remember alright. I remember much. The good and the bad. I share the burden of many memories, many lifetimes. It is my nature. It is my curse."

[Raz_Fox]

In the Hall of Rognir

"Indeed, my son. You have exceeded my expectations, and you have come into your power at last. You are always welcome in my hall - I have little enough company in these days.

And you, Child Who Should Not Have Been. On what business have you come? Do you wish your father's blessing, or a boon, or have you come merely to bring news from the waking world?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

"The perfect son..."

Garadiel couldn't be sure if those words were spoken out of jealousy or disgust, or if they were sarcastic.

"I, on the other hand, am far from what you expect of a daughter. Yet, despite being abandoned, forgotten... I returned. Not to earn your forgiveness - for I do no need it. Not even to gain your respect. No, I returned only so you could read in my eyes...so you could see just how far I've come.

Sovvenia stared at her Father and the storm in her eyes raged even more.

"I also hoped you could enlighten me. I wish to understand if everything in this world is really doomed to oblivion."

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric pauses on a ridge overlooking the tent city and patiently waits for nightfall. It had been dawn when he left Eridi's forge and the journey had only taken him until early evening - as Eridi promised, the Nightmare covered the distance in a quarter of the time it should have. And she was not fatigued, instead she shook her head anxiously and snorted, somehow annoyed that they were stopping here. Aldric dismounted and laid back on a flat rock with a disdainful look to the red sun in the south. He sighed and his breath was visible in the desert air, his presence enough to turn the atmosphere within a small bubble into a crisp night in autumn. A confused scorpion, who also called the rock home, darted out onto the sands, thinking that the cool air signaled nightfall. He skittered around in tight circles on the blistering sand a few feet away before retreating to his burrow.

When the sun had vanished and all the good people of the desert city had gone to sleep for the night, Aldric rose and remounted the Nightmare. While he stood a good chance of sneaking up on the Man in Red, he knew that failure to instantly subdue him would cost him precious seconds while Heradi ran away and Aldric again got to his horse. So, Aldric decided the best course of action was to simply never leave his horse and to incapacitate Heradi by trampling him... a little.

A blood curdling scream escaped the Nightmare and she reared back. A signal that things beyond mortal kind were afoot (ahoof?) and it may be best to remain inside their tents and pray for deliverance. Aldric and his steed thundered down the steep hill and through the town and straight towards the divine presence he felt. On the approach, Aldric reaches out his hand and shadows slither up and sever the ropes constraining Heradi's tent and the whole thing rips away in a gust of wind. The Nightmare rears back feet away from the bed, ready to batter what they find inside.

[Jair Barik]

There is an island with a tree at the centre of the world. On his treck north Nara had felt drawn to this point. He was truly one with nature he was as much a part of the forests as the bark of each tree. He felt them as he felt his own hand. This tree. This tree was important, the most important of them all, and so he had come here. It seemed the natural thing to do really. If there was some place he could find answers other than those given by his father this would likely be it. The Oak truly was magnificent to behold as Nara stared at it form the bow of his rowingboat. The intricate network of roots... truly one with the world. Yet he was loathe to set foot on this ground. There was something sacred about it, something that made him question his coming here. but he must know! He must find the answers! And so, slowly at first, Nara placed his first foot upon the soil, the roots of his toes sinking into the soil.

"Here I am. My name is Nara, I do not know your name and am probably not worthy so much as to gaze upon your presence ancient one but I come here seeking answers I feel only one such as you might give me. Please tell me, what is this world, what is our part in it and what is truly the power behind creation for I feel it is not father," and so Nara took his first step onto the island at the centre of the world.

[White Blade]

Garadiel certainly did not feel like the perfect son. Another of his baby sisters had been changed beyond imagining by her enemies and, once again, he had failed to be there and was standing beside her as she raged against their father. He felt like a failure. Calantha... At least he had been dead, which was somewhat justifiable. But he, the guide of lost souls, had not found his sister's absence remarkable. Indeed, he did not even know if he had thought about her at all during her absence.

Garadiel had a question of his own for his father and many for Sovvenia. Did she remember her life as Azura? What about the life before that one? He had been wondering if perhaps he had lived another life or if Garadiel was his original incarnation. Perhaps there were secrets he could remember, perhaps he could teach it to mortals. Many who met him and knew who he was asked some similar question or about their previous lives. He wished to learn how to restore such memories.

He wanted to ask his father his question, but he felt now was the time to wait quietly. Let Sovvenia have it out with Rognir before he asked what was probably the most important question of his life.

[hi-mi-tsu]

Calantha - Imaginary Friend?

"I know a secret."

Calantha saw a young man, lying on the ceiling, looking down at her. His dark hair spilled down his shoulders and over his face, almost obscuring the red band bound over his eyes. He wore the kind of clothes that you wear when you live in a hot place and don't have to worry about the sun burning on all your exposed skin. And he was smiling at her.

"Do you want to know my secret, little girl? It's about you."

Eridi had given her a bed, in his home, and she had laid in it; sleep had come to her, and left her, and Winston had come bearing a small trinket from her brother, a tacit apology for his leaving without saying goodbye. She had been...brooding. Quiet upset at him for leaving her again, when she'd only just found him...

"I know a secret." Her eyes sprang open, at the words, and there was...there was a man on the ceiling. How had he gotten there? She'd heard nothing...but he was speaking to her. About her...and so she got up, standing on the bed, to put her closer to the odd man with the band over his eyes and the smile on his face.

"A...secret...?" She tilted her head to the side, curious. "Keeping secrets about me isn't very nice...but is it the me me you're keeping secrets about? Or the me that comes out sometimes, when I'm upset? Or when I'm scared...you're going to have to be more specific, you see. I find there are quite a lot of mes in my head..."

[Raz_Fox]

In the Hall of Rognir

Often, when he was alone with his children, Rognir would make an effort to be personable. To seem almost old, kindly, humble. But such was not his nature - he was a proud lord, who remained strong through his age and commanded power beyond the knowledge of even the gods through his inexorable will.

Aldric and Calantha saw him in a fury tempered by sorrow for his children's wayward actions; now, Sovvenia sees him in a fury tempered by his happiness for Garadiel's success, and sorrow for Azura's passing.

"Come far? Child, you have merely passed a challenge. Do you think yourself mighty because you have attained this amount power over the world? When I look into your eyes, I do not see power or majesty - did you believe that you could come here and impress me?

No matter. Though your tongue is ill, I will answer you this question. Everything ends. Everything has a time. One day, even this world will crumble." Even I, were the words left unsaid. For all his power, Rognir could still not say it, not in front of his children. "But oblivion will never come as long as those who come after remember. To himself: "As long as they remember."


Imaginary Friend?

"Precisely, certainly, to the point. That is my secret, little girl. I know why you are mad."

He laughs. "Don't fret, child. We're all mad in the darkness, you're among friends. But that's not the only secret I know about you. I know we both hate the same person, too."

He sits up on the ceiling. "Which secret do you want me to tell you?"


Disturbance among the Orofolk

When Phromm arrived at the shores of the great ocean, he found the source of the disturbance: a ship lay beached on the shore, a long and narrow one with several sails. It was certainly better-made than the Orofolk could even dream of making.

And in the center of their encampment were the sailors of the ship - drinking, eating, and pillaging to their heart's content. And there, in their center, was Rognir!

No, wait. He had two eyes, and no graying in his hair, and was dressed in furs and chain instead of the finer clothing of Rognir. But the resemblance was uncanny. Also, Rognir would probably never try to drink an entire skin of fermented giant's blood by himself.


Nara at the Tree

The tree's roots ran through and over the entire island, and as Nara stepped onto the island, he felt a sense of ancient majesty and sheer power that rivaled even Rognir's. Comparing the age of the tree to his own was like comparing his own age to that of a gnat.

And he had not been called here. He was not welcome. Blood-stained fangs flashed before his vision, and a flash of red fur. He had been judged, and found wanting.

And as he looked up into the branches of the tree, he saw a great wind shake the branches, and a leaf flew off the branches, caught on the wind and heading eastwards.

FOR JAIR:
Sorry, but with Orgo's blood on Nara's hands, he isn't really welcome at the TREE. Nara could try to atone for Orgo's crimes, if he needs a new quest.

Also, you ended up stepping into the sideplot I'm running for Garadiel and Sovvenia. Nara can try bonding with the tree, but only as long as he isn't actually there when the time comes.


Wyld Hunt

Knocking an injured god into the sand? That's just low, Aldric. The Nightmare's hooves seem to have cut into his pale skin in several places, opening up new gashes.

"That... 's not... faiiiiir, crazy-guy." He digs his fingers into the sand, and looks up at Aldric. "But y'got me. Want vengeance for lil' brother?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric hurls himself down from the Nightmare and slams down on Heradi with his large, gloved hand engulfing his face, his thumb and middle finger digging into Heradi's temples... squeezing and grinding his skull into the sand.

"My name is Aldric Ansemle Elmdore. You may call me 'sir' for short."

Aldric's fangs seemed to lengthen and the maddening, inhuman fire in his eyes grew more intense.

"If I wanted revenge for the kid, you'd have been dead hours ago. Ha ha ha! Naaah, all you have to do to prevent me from crushing your skull like a crunchy, blood filled grape is tell me what you want with my family... and what lies in the West. A want-wit lackey like you isn't smart enough to work alone... tell me who's pulling your strings, puppet!"

*SQUEEZE*

[hi-mi-tsu]

Imaginary Friend?

"Precisely, certainly, to the point. That is my secret, little girl. I know why you are mad."

He laughs. "Don't fret, child. We're all mad in the darkness, you're among friends. But that's not the only secret I know about you. I know we both hate the same person, too."

He sits up on the ceiling. "Which secret do you want me to tell you?"

"Well, that's just silly." Calantha grins up at the man on the ceiling, and holds up her hand to him. "I know why I'm mad."

Then she pauses, and her brows furrow. "Or at least...I thought I did...maybe I don't. Maybe I'm wrong...but you're wrong, too, I don't hate anyone...do I...?" Her eyes flicker, and she holds out her hand.

"This isn't the place to talk of such things. Eridi wouldn't understand, he doesn't understand me at all...he tries, and I love him for it, but he just can't. Come home with me."

And, presuming the mysterious friend agrees, she takes his hand and holds up her Aldric-doll, and steps forward into the "lobby" of her sanctum.

[Raz_Fox]

Wyld Hunt

"Now, let's try using our - damn - our heads, siiiiiir. Haha. If I were working with those scum, I would have run to 'em. Aaaand that's all you get."

Though Aldric can't see them, what with holding his head into the sand and all, Heradi's eyes burn with divine power. Which he promptly shunts... into the sand. Which has the choice of moving at rather insane speeds downwards into the tightly-packed sand beneath or the much-less-packed Aldric-space above.

Imagine a geyser. Now, imagine that every drop of water was a tiny little bit of sand, sharp-edged by sheer speed. Thousands upon thousands of grains of sand. Clever little git.

Both gods are thrown upwards, and Heradi lands easily. Though he's still bleeding, and weakened, he grins. "Must the wind have a master to bite? Must fire have a master to burn? It is my nature, siiiiir. Pass on m'regards to your lil' sister - I'll be seeing her soon enough."


Imaginary Friend

"I'd like that, little girl. We that are sent I to be a friend. And if you want to know my secrets, just ask. I would love to tell you."

The young man lazily walks down from the ceiling, at equal ease on the floor as he was above Calantha. And then Calantha leads him into her sanctum, and his tongue flicks out like a snake's. "I like this place, child. It tastes like your dreams."

[hi-mi-tsu]

Calantha claps her hands, and out of nowhere two chairs and a table materialize; she whispers to Winston and he flutters off, and soon several of her ragdoll servants arrive, with food and drink in the form of tea and cakes. Settling down in her chair, she pours the tea for them both, nudging the glass over to this new, strange person.

"So...tell me, then." Her discolored eyes fall on him, and she lifts her glass to her lips, taking a sip of tea. "I have secrets that I don't know about, or you know secrets about me that I don't know...it's all very confusing, you see." Then she giggles, a little.

"Oh, I suppose you don't see, do you? But you know me, even without the seeing, which means you see somehow differently...so tell me. Tell me the secrets you think you know about me that I don't know about me..."

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric landed hard on his shoulder and let out a slightly undignified yelp. His fine navy blue coat was cut to ribbons and dots of blood spotted his skin as if he'd cut himself shaving... all over. Scrambling to his feet he reaches into the air and finds Despair in his grip before had time to realize what he was doing. That scrawny, twitchy, greasy, narrow eyed little piece of offal had just threatened his Callie. His eyes glowed, and his solid form bled into the shadows. To a mortal onlooker, he seemed nothing but a shade with twin green trails streaming through the air, towing an enormous, curved blade. Despair linger in view for an instant before Aldric lurched forward and ripped the scythe into motion. Aldric tore after Heradi in full abandon, taken with rage and caring naught for the collateral damage he was about to cause.

Startled by the earlier eruption of sand, the Nightmare had long since made tracks. She wouldn't have stayed around for this anyway.

[White Blade]

Garadiel wanted to sigh. His father had been happy at his success and he had hoped he wouldn't have to grovel. But it seemed it was not to be. He would have to grovel now, because his father felt challenged. It would be hard to get a favor, even by basic request. So there would be grovelling. Shouldhe interrupt the confrontation however? If he cut it off now, his father might focus on answering his question. On the other hand, Sovvenia was far from a happy camper at the moment.

In the end, Garadiel decided the only way this confrontation would improve was if Sovvenia or Rognir apologized. And Garadiel doubted they were humble enough to do so. So he just slid right in there, hoping to prevent further damage.

"Father," Garadiel began his speech, "I too have come seeking answers and a story, perhaps. When I was little, my mother told me the tales of your life that you deemed fitting for her mortal ears and I found delight and truth in them. When I grew older and came to your hall, you told us the stories of your triumphs that you thought fitting for our young ears, and I found both fear and joy in them. Now, I have come into power and responsibility as a god, and I beg you to tell me one last, true story. How, Father, did death enter the world?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

Sovvenia clenched her fists. She knew Rognir told the truth, yet she felt he was blind to her condition, the condition of Calantha, and many other things in the world. She wondered what true hardships her father had gone through. She knew all about the monster slaying and the conquests. But had he ever experienced something truly awful, something life changing, or an overwhelming sense of distress? As far as she knew, Rognir had been born with his legendary strength and power. How, then, could he ever understand the tragedy and identity crisis that had befallen her?

However, the goddess remained silent and calmly listened to her brother's plea. Azura had always considered Garadiel to be an oddball, when they were young. But now he inspired her a great deal of respect. She wondered...did he really wish to fight Death? Such an ambitious plan...

[Raz_Fox]

In the Hall of Rognir

For a moment, Rognir is taken aback by Garadiel's request. He shouldn't have been. Garadiel the wanderer, always so curious. So he told a work of fiction, about how when he had been born into the world, so had death, and one could not exist without the other. It would have been perfect. It would have fooled both his children, had he actually told the story.

But before he could begin, something happened that even eagle-eyed Rognir did not expect. A strong wind blew through the hall of Rognir, and a leaf - a leaf that came from no tree that either of his children knew - landed on Garadiel's shoulder.

Rognir's one eye opened wide, and then - "So. I understand.

My son, death is older than I am. I do not know how death entered the world; I imagine that it always has been, for it was here even before I created the world.

There is only one thing that remembers a time before death, and it has summoned you. Go to the center of the world. You will find what you seek beneath the roots of the World Tree."


Desert Showdown

Heradi was weak, injured, and out of his league. Had he turned tail, he would have been run down and cut to ribbons. Had he tried to pull out his knives, and attacked Aldric, he would have been slain instantly, divine nature nonwithstanding.

So he did what he did best. He dodged. He evaded. He led Aldric on, through the tents, always a tiny step ahead of the sharpest scythe in existance. And it worked, for a little while. So he did the other thing that he did best.

"Awwww, did I touch a nerve there, siiiiir? A wee bit protective of your lil' sis, aren't you? You know, we used to joke about you behind your back, about how you were so close to her. Ate with her, played with her, slept with her, and not in the platonic sense, hah.

Pathet'c lil' god, fighting for a pathet'c lil' king in his house on the big hill. You don't even DESERVE divinity, Aldric, you know that? You were nothin' more than lil' sister's big brute before, and you're nothin' more now. It'll get you killed, see if it don't, when the big boys come out to play.

You wanted to know what I want to do with your family, Aldric? I'll kill 'em all, once I get bored with them. Burn the big house on the big hill to the ground. And you can't do a thing about it. Look at you, can't even touch me. Hah! Arrogant swineherd, still running about doing daddy's business for 'im. Well, do it, then! End me!"

And... Heradi's slowing down, but his grin's growing. What's he up to, then?


I apologize, hi-mi-tsu, but I'm called away from my writing tools. I'll add in another part for your conversation with the "imaginary friend" soon.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

Sovvenia put her hand on Garadiel's shoulder.

"I will come with you big brother. It is my sacred duty to record memories - even those of the Tree and the World itself. It may well be the revealing experience I was looking for."

To make sense of what happened to me, she mentally added.

[White Blade]

Garadiel's shoulders were weighed now with the weight of destiny. For on one shoulder, there rested Sovvenia's hand and on the other... A leaf. A leaf from a tree that was older than his father, very nearly older than everythig. How ling had this leaf hug on its branches? Garadiel did not know. Perhaps longer then he had been alive, perhaps since last spring. It was a tree afterall.

He was unsure. Not unsure of his calling, but unsure of whether to allow Sovvenia along. In the end, however, he could not deny her. He nodded his head. If the tree rejected her... Then he would go on without her. But if not... If not it was no great concern. He would need all the allies he could get, against a foe more ancient then his father.

He lifted the leaf gingerly from his shoulder and cupped it within his hands. He would return it to it's source. Hopefully it would accept that as a greeting gift. If not... Garadiel was ready. He would pay a thousand prices and more to undo death.

He looked at his father. What was there to say? "Take care, Father." was all he could come up with. This was a moment of great importance. He was in no childish hurry. Now he went carefully, purposefully to the center of the world. His eyes fixed forward, along with his fate. It was a distance to travel, but Garadiel would have scaled the sky. He left Rognir's hall and he began his Journey.

[Raz_Fox]

Imaginary Friend

"Very well. You are mad because it makes you a more interesting character. The world runs on stories, and the child of the creator? Why, she must be interesting enough to keep the world's attention.

That is a secret even he does not know. We know. We saw.

What else... we know that you are lonely. We want to comfort you. Give you a friend, so you are not lonely anymore. We do not like to see little girls cry." He takes the tea, and does not sip it like a civilized person should. He gulps it down like it's the first thing he's had for years.


Quest for Death (If you're not White Blade or Omnik, DON'T READ.)
The tree in the center of the world is a very tall tree. When seen from afar, its top can not quite be seen, but many branches reach out from its trunk, covered in green, living leaves, of the same kind that summoned the gods here. But when the gods finally step onto the island, it seems to reach up forever, past the sky and into whatever lies beyond it. There's something in the very air here, that tells them that this is a sacred place. Even to a god. The tree's ancient majesty is even greater than Rognir's mighty presence, and that is great indeed.

There is a door, set in the side of the island's western face. It is made of... something. Probably not even Eridi could identify it. It seems like a door carved out of metal, and yet it is the color and texture of the tree itself. Runes are carved along its edges, and roots curl around it tightly, clutching at it. In fact, the roots surround it so thickly, it might not even be set into the hill itself.

It has no lock or bolt, no handle or hole, but as they approach, the door rolls back into the roots of its own accord. Darkness awaits them on the other side, and they have a sudden dread feeling that if they step in, they will not come back out. Turn back, this is a hallowed place, it is not for you. But just as they are at the verge of turning back, they realize that the thoughts are not their own, and they step across the doorway.

Immediately, the door rolls back behind them, inexorably. And there is only darkness for a long moment, before torches on either side spring to life, burning with a white flame that illuminates the bright pictures covering the walls. The pictures look ancient, as if they had been made aeons ago, but they still retain every bit of color. They seem to tell a story, a story about a world that is strange and foreign. The pictures stretch down the long passage in which Garadiel and Sovvenia stand, and there is no end to the passage in sight.

And there are whispers, half-heard even to the children of the gods. Voices without words. A snatch of conversation, a sob of grief, a roar of rage. Sometimes they subside, and the gods are alone in the passage, and then Garadiel catches a word from a murmur, or Sovvenia hears speech between many. It is uncanny, even to the children of Rognir. There is something about it that tells Sovvenia – these are the memories of something long-dead.

This is the story the pictures on the walls tell: Two brothers are born. They take up a glowing seed, and plant it to make a tree, and from this tree grows the world. One brother takes delight in what the tree has wrought, but the second lets darkness seep from his body to corrupt the works of the tree. The pictures get darker, and darker, as the darkness seems to taint the very paint on the walls. Then, as Garadiel continues along the passage, he finds what he came here for. The first brother takes up a weapon and fights his brother, and then kills him, breaking his body, and all that the tree created weeps for the death, even as the colors return in their full power.

Beneath the scene is written, in an ancient script that twists before Garadiel’s eyes to reveal itself to him:

LIFE ENDS IN DEATH
DEATH BRINGS FORTH LIFE
THINGS WILL GO ON, BUT NOTHING SHALL LAST

Does Garadiel continue on the passage, or does he go back, his curiosity satisfied? Has Sovvenia seen enough of these ancient memories?

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia, the Quest for Death

Sovvenia lightly touched the paintings. It reminded her of another vision quest, but this time much more was at stake - the truth behind the entire natural order. And the goddess absorbed the residual emotions of that other time and place, and she was slowly being changed by them.

"Those echoes... They are from a time before time. Is this really the origin of Death? The result of the corruption of the brother? Have the people been paying for his actions ever since?

... Brother, do you wish to continue? I believe I must. This is bigger than both of us. I am nothing compared to all the generations that preceeded me... And again they call to me to listen to their story and share it with the world. But I will not continue alone. The Tree welcomed us both, thus we must finish our journey together. That is my belief. So what will it be?"

Sovvenia took hold of one of Garadiel's hands.

"You have always been the most wise in the ways of the world, Garadiel. I will follow you down whichever path you decide to take."

[Carden]

He really did have work to do, he was helping his people design scaffolding that could easily be taken down and put back up without losing integrity, something he hoped would expedite the slow building process. Today has been everything but productive, the god whined to himself, I see no reason to deny Irony her pleasure anymore.

Even though Eridi smiled, he had a hint of sadness in his eyes when he spoke, "Sure, why not? I'll accompany you. I haven't been out enough here lately. It'll take me two days time to finish the 'panoply', which I believe to be the word you mean, so take rest in the town while you wait. But, first of all, seeing as we never got to the basic introduction stage; I'm Eridi, son of Rognir. You would be..?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric hunches forward, bares his fangs and screams at Heradi.

"Don't. You. Ever. Shut. Up!?! Are you the god of annoying mid-combat banter!? GAH! I'm going to cut your head off just so you'll stop talking!"

The fury in Aldric had turned into a simmer as he saw through Heradi's game and suddenly found the situation hilarious. The wounded god was running out of options and had resorted to baiting him to either buy time or to catch him off guard with another trick. His teeth glisten in the muted moonlight and a barking laughter jerks its way out of him for a few seconds.

"You've dripping blood everywhere... and you're the one mocking me. I can see behind your eyes, Heradi. You're a coward with nothing but bravado for armor. You fear me and you fear what lies in shadow when your fire has gone out."

"Don't turn around."

He composes himself suddenly and idly tosses Despair to the ground, then points a malevolent finger towards Heradi and paces towards him. Two at a time, the braziers' fire along the row of tents were snuffed out and a fell wind began to howl. Heradi could see his own ragged breath escaping his lips. Unseen, Aldric's powers over the mind slither into Heradi and fear worms its way into his muscles. His eyes were cruel enough when Aldric was enraged, but now he only regarded him a passive, yet sinister fascination.

"Don't turn around." Warned the whisper in Heradi's ear. The skin on his back and neck pricked. No one, nothing was there, it was only a trick or his own growing paranoia! Taking his eyes from Aldric surely meant death.

The only sound now was the rhythmic crunching of Aldric's heavy boots on the sand. The wind had wailed moments before, now it was silent and the air was still. The chill remained though, and each breath was a chore to gulp down. The cold air seemed to claw at Heradi's nostrils on the way down, reluctant and angry to be swallowed. The strength was sapped from his legs and his heart raced at once. Conflict and confusion flooded his senses. Turning to run was death. Staying frozen was death.

"Don't turn around." Said the voice again, pleading, more insistent, louder and suddenly very real. The temptation was there. SomeTHING was behind him, whispering in his ear and letting its cold, dead breath wash over his neck.

Crunch... crunch... crunch...

"Please don't turn around!"

[White Blade]

Garadiel's heart raced. This... was the first death. The very first death, that preceeded all the others, so far as the tree knew. Garadiel felt a holy terror here, reading the words before his eyes. But he did not believe that what was was what had to be. But he understood the warning, the hint within the tale. The teaching of the two brothers. The wicked brother... All men could be that, if given time. And all men could be the good broter as well. If they had time. Reincarnation prevented that. It stopped men from growing too good or too wicked, save some rare exceptions.

Garadiel was unable to turn back, however. Here was a place of answers and if he turned back now he would understand no better then when he came, save for the origin of the tree. He was afraid, and had his heart been his master he might have fled. But Garadiel, brother of Aldric, was no slave to fear. He knew his purpose and he longed for the truth. Both would be served here.

He heard Sovvenia speaking, he understood what she said. But how could one speak, in this place? Did not the awe of it seize her? He could not reply aloud, he could not speak. So he reached out his hand and grasped Sovvenia's. And then Garadiel the Guide lead the way further down.

[hi-mi-tsu]

Calantha...is silent. It is a rare thing; even in her sleep she babbles to herself, murmurs and whispers and sometimes screams. When wakeful, she talks to Aldric, or Winston, or her loyal servants...or the flowers, or trees, or birds. Now, though...

The teacup in her hand shatters into a million pieces, and she does not notice when the shards bury themselves in her palms.

"What are you?" Her voice is low, and there is an anger simmering beneath it, threatening to be unleashed. "Who are you? You wish to be my friend...you wish this but you come here, you come here and tell me I was...was..." She shook her head, bleeding hands pressing to her ears.

"No no no! It is a lie, it must be a lie, to do this for a story, you're lying!"

Then...another pause. The goddess visibly reels herself in, biting her lip hard, to control her tongue and her temper and her mind and get all of herself heading in roughly the same direction.

"You say...'we'. 'We' saw, 'we' know, 'we' came to be your friend. But you are only a you, only one thing, one creature, one face. Please..."

She extends her bloody hands to the creature, palm-up, and there is naked desperation in her voice.

"I do not understand..."

[Jair Barik]

Nara pulled back his foot into the boat.
"Very well then, I am sorry. Had I known that you would think that way I would never have dared to step upon this ground. You were wrog Garadiel, and I was right, as much as that saddens me to admit."
Nara stayed in the boat looking at the tree long through the night and on into the morning, unmoving from his spot as he stared at the great tree that lay before him. As the morning sun rose high into the sky above him he turned and began to sail back to land.
"It is a start. Wether or not I continue this way outside of your presence we will have to see."

Two days from Nara's departure from the tree heavy footsteps climbed the stairs towards the house at the end of the Earth in the night. Claws scratched against the stone and the great red beast slunk into the house like a shadow in the night. Everyone else got to meet father it seemed. So now it was finally his turn.

[Raz_Fox]

Imaginary Friend

The young man is taken aback by Calantha's outburst, and he frowns for the first time when Calantha breaks the cup. When she extends her hands, he takes them in his and begins to carefully remove the shards.

"We are sorry for upsetting you. I am Echo, a figment of a memory. I was once a part of we. It is difficult to understand."

He begins to rub his fingers up and down the cuts, and they slowly begin to close. "I did not want to make you upset. But you deserve truth. Do you want me to tell you pretty lies instead?"


Orgo - You're An Idiot

Orgo slunk into the hall, expecting to creep in and surprise the All-Father. Doubtless, Orgo thought nothing of the puissance of the creator of reality. Hah.

"I saw you coming, beast, from the moment you stepped into the uttermost east." The torches that light the house at the uttermost east flare to life, and Orgo finds Rognir Hundred-Named, sitting in his throne in the great hall. His spear is by his right hand, and his staff is by his left. "And I remember you. In the days of my youth, they called you loup-garou."

He does not stand and smite down Orgo, but his aura of menace is beyond even Orgo's. Nearly even Aldric's. "Now, why have you come like a thief in the night, loup-garou? To feast upon me in the night, or to gain the answers of your existance?"


Desert Showdown

Now, Heradi has many flaws, but cowardice isn't one of them. A rather keen sense of self-preservation, perhaps, but not cowardice per se. But even he can't resist the siren call of self-preservation.

So he turns around.


Quest for Death:
As they continue on, they see the survivor raise children, and send them out into the world, much like Rognir. And much like Rognir, some he turns his back upon, and weeps for their casting out. But then the story seems to fragment, one on either wall, one running on the ceiling, and now one running on the mosiac set at their feet. They see much in this passage: war, peace, betrayal, love. This is the history of an entire world, set within the walls of the passage beneath the tree. Some characters return again, and again, and again. A girl, holding a book. A skeleton with a ram's head. A smiling man with the eyes of a cat.

And there is war between the children of the first, and then there is peace, and then they fight again. Some leave, some change, some die. But at last, after a period of greatness and beauty that is almost beyond anything Sovvenia could dream, there is a last battle, one that tears the very pictures apart in its fierceness. Everything collapses, and fragments, until there are only scraps of paint on the wall, faces and weapons and burning trees, and weeping and wailing and the clash of weapons in their ears.

Suddenly, they come to a door, one they could have sworn was not there when they last looked. On the door is painted the man with cat's eyes, standing in front of the tree, holding the seed in his raised fist. Light shines out from it, between his fingers. Do the gods open the door, or do they turn back now?

[White Blade]

Garadiel reached out and very nearly touched ths door. He looked at the man with cat's eyes... And he wondered. Was this his father? Was this a time before his father? How many worlds were there between the first one and this? Had they all ended the same way? Were they just another step in the rolling legend that went on forever?

But he had heard the tears. The great flood of them, the sound of defeat of that which was so beautiful and pure. Did all that was beautiful had to go through such destruction? He, who would face death itself in conflict, very nearly despaired. Defeat was so near. But then he remembered the name his mother called him in tender moments. Tikva. Hope. He could not now accept despair, he could not. Hope said there might be a better way, an escape from such a hideous cycle. And Garadiel, who made war on death, was willing to try.

Garadiel turned back to look at Sovvenia. He did not want to be alone in this. He was afraid of it, as he feared very little else besides. These ancient secrets... They were very nearly everything. They were the truths which Rognir himself did not speak, maybe even did not know. He feared who it was that could hold such truth alone. He did not know if he would even be himself if he did so. He held out his hand again in silent offering. And he looked at Sovvenia with pleading eyes...

[Jair Barik]

Orgo clapped his hands together and smiled a grin from ear to ear.

"Well it was always worth a shot now wasn't it? Come in under the cover of night go boo then have good old laugh at the old man. Still if its not to be then its not to be. As it is I happen to want to have a word with you. Cause you see funny thing is... I'm not Ioup-garou. Well metaphysically or spirituality or whatever nonsense you want to call it I suppose I am but then again I suppose I'm not. Answers? no no no no no, none for me thanks! I know all I need to know! What I'm after is something else. A gift, or if I am too much a monster for a gift then a prize, perhaps a little bit of knowledge but my existance? noooooo. Cause you see I don't care much for the past with one little exception cause there only one set of old bones that this dog finds remotely interesting and he can't seem to find them no matter where he goes a digging."

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia, the Quest for Death

Sovvenia nearly collapsed under the weight of these memories, bringing a hand to her chest. She had witnessed much in the minds of mortals, but the birth and death of an entire world was something she could never have imagined. It was the greatest story ever told. Garadiel and her were perhaps the first one to discover it since the dawn of this world. And that girl with the book...for some obscure reason, Sovvenia found herself drawn to that character. What could this book possibly hold of significance to her? And why did she feel her eyes reflected Sovvenia's own thoughts?

The goddess stood up once again, feeling weak in the legs but more determined than ever to continue. She turned to her brother. Even if they had two completely different motivations when entering this holy site, the siblings now shared a deep and strong bond. This time Sovvenia remained quiet. And realizing much like Garadiel that what lies beyond may be even forbidden to the All-Father, the Storm Maiden uses every ounce of courage she has left and firmly grasps her brother's hand. Together, they push the door open...

[Raz_Fox]

Quest for Death
She opens the door – and is greeted by colors and chaos and brightness. Everything in the passage in which they now find themselves in is crazy, dream-logic, the kind of world Calantha would love. The first pictures are that of the cat's-eyed man using the seed to paint the new pictures which stretch down the passageway. And once again, there is war, and love, and everything is glorious in its madness.

And the noise! Not speech, anymore, but the sound of drums and laughter and insanity. Sometimes, the pictures change when they aren’t being looked at directly, and the gods catch movement out of the corner of their eyes. But was it truly a change, or just a hallucination brought on by the chaos of the passage?

There are still humans, however, like you saw in the first passageway. And they tame the chaos, and make their own law. The cat’s-eyed man has children, much like the First. The passageway continues, and to remember everything in it would be to forget everything else, and Garadiel must close his eyes sometimes to stop himself from going blind from the vivid swirls of color that are on all sides of him, and not even Sovvenia can remember everything that is within it.

But now they come to a new door, and this has a scarred and brutal man – one of the children of the cat’s-eyed man - holding the seed before the tree. They open it, and they comes to a new passageway, one with pictures more realistic than either one before, and colors that are muted and monochrome compared to the passageway behind them. This passage tells the tale of a world where monsters lurk in every shadow, where humans and those few that look like them struggle against a world that seeks to kill them, as the scarred man watches, pleased at the work he has made. The sounds now are of instruments, and the crackles of campfires made against the darkness, and laughter and tears in equal measure.

And then a new door, with another holding the seed, and a new passageway.
And then another.
And another.
And another.

Garadiel continues on, for he cannot stop now, and neither can Sovvenia. And though there is too much here to remember, some things stand out to them. Humans are in every passageway. In some, they are slaves. In some, they are kings. But they are in every one. And sometimes, out of the corner of their eyes, they see the cat's-eyed man, or a character that they recognize from a previous passageway. When they turn their heads to look at them full on, they vanish. And every passageway ends in a battle, and the beautiful pictures turn into scraps and bits, and then a character from the passageway stands on the door, holding the seed.

Not even Garadiel knows how long they have gone, but far too far to still be beneath the island. It just continues onwards, and onwards, and it has never gone downwards. How can this be? For the door was in the side of the hill, and the passageways never turn.

But now, suddenly, they see Rognir. Young, grim, dressed in black and wielding a sword. He has both his eyes, and there is no graying in his hair. He is the son of the creator, and he is not of undue importance in the story of the passageway – here he is, fighting for the gambler; here he is, making his mighty sword; here he is, making love to a beautiful maiden, who betrays him in the end. He is a god, like any other.

And in the end, as always, there is a battle. But then, something happens, and a great horde comes up against the warring armies – composed of characters, and creatures, and monsters, from passageways before, and here is the cat's-eyed man, sharp teeth bared as he roars a battle-cry, and here are the children of the creator, struggling against the host that seeks to overwhelm them. And the pictures become scraps, and here can be seen the cat's-eyed man reaching for the seed, a look of pure lust on his face, a look of longing and desire more keen than any mortal emotion.

And they can hear snippets of words as they look upon this battle, more vivid than any before. “Everything has a time. Everything dies.” “Dreams never die, they-” “Change!” “The Tree Falls!” “Everything! Death brings new life, but you can’t let go!” “Where is thy sting-” “Time To Change” “I shall have it-“ “Fate-” “Death-“ “No” “NO”

Now, there is the door, and Rognir stands before it, one eye gouged out and bleeding, but a savage smile is on his face as he holds up the seed.

Do they open the door? Do they dare? Or do they finally turn back now, too afraid to see what lies on the other side of the door?


Orgo - You're Still An Idiot

"You have already had more than one word, beast." It seems that Rognir lacks a sense of humor, or any respect for someone willing to rattle on about what they want, as most gods of few words do. "Leave now, while I am still inclined to mercy."


Eridi

The boy's name was Airter, and he was a distant relative of the king. That much was easy to get out of him.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia, the Quest for Death and Much More

This last part was especially disturbing. Sovvenia turned to Garadiel with a look of distress in her eyes. Did they have the right to go through that door? What was she thinking...already they had broken down barriers after barriers. They had looked upon forbidden images. Yet, the Tree had let them in and still hadn't forced them out. Wasn't that a good enough sign? What if they were destined to become more than gods! What if they could make things right once and for all...and rule forever! Unless the Tree wished tp punish them for this arrogance and let them loose themselves in the endless corridors...

Sovvenia focused on the task at hand, refusing to let the madness and doubt overcome her. She prayed to the cosmic forces to give her the necessary strength to continue. Then she looked inside her own soul for the spark of divinity, that which she had fought so hard for. And she clinged to that light.

Finally, she took a deep breath and waited for Garadiel to lead her to ther other side.

[White Blade]

Here he was. Garadiel, Sethimbaol, Tikva. He reaches over to Sovvenia, wrapped her in his arm. He felt like if she was near, he would not become lost. And since, to him, being lost was a great terror, that was consolation. He knew his holy purpose. He looked at the door. Did the story go beyond their own? Would he reached the next door and see himself or one of his siblings? Or simply an exit?

He could not turn back now. His fate, the Fate of All, might be beyond the next door. With Sovvenia beside him, with all the world on his shoulders, with the secrets that none had spoken of before him, with the end so near in sight. He spoke, forthe first time since his entering, "Forward." and then he pressed his hand on the door and opened it. Some prices had to be paid.

[Raz_Fox]

Quest for Death
They open the door, and now they see pictures of Rognir shaping the world. It is a wild world, fitting a wild youth. It has monsters aplenty, and he slays the mightiest of them all to create a barrier that will keep out the cat's-eyed man and his host, who have followed him through the doorway.

He makes humans, and he makes giants for them to struggle against. He makes monsters, and he makes heroes to fight them. He makes women, and sires children that he trains himself. Garadiel sees the fight between Rognir and the Twins, he sees Heradi's fleeing from home, he sees the Twins establishing themselves as the god-kings of the uttermost west, he sees Heradi murdering his renegade sister and ravishing her daughter.

And Sovvenia sees everything else, besides. She sees the torture of Calantha, the secret of Orgo, the bloody acts of Shen Shi Zhu, a thousand terrible things and a thousand secrets. Even the death of Azura. Together, they know everything that has come before, from the creation of the world to this very moment. It is enough to drive them mad with the knowledge; so much, so much.

Now, they come to the door that ends this passageway, and it is plain, holding no picture of the tree and the seed. Garadiel opens it, as is his nature. Beyond, there is a mirror, set into a root that is larger than the entire island above. They look into the mirror. It shifts, and they see the tree.

Now, Heradi stands before it, holding the seed. Its power blazes from his eyes and the hole where his heart should be. Beneath his feet kneel the children of Rognir in chains, prostrate and helpless before their all-powerful master. And he shapes a new world in his image and greatest desire, and the children of Rognir debase themselves before him.

Now, the Twins stand before it, each clasping a hand over the seed, one eye shining with the power they share. Kylfa-Madur's sword drips with the blood of his siblings, and likewise the once-beautiful armor of Ateris. And they shape a new world in their own image, and it is truly a beautiful world, a paradise – but one without the children of Rognir.

Now, the cat's-eyed man stands before it, the head of Aldric swinging grotesquely at his belt, his horde of travesties all around him, the blood of the children of Rognir staining them. And there is now color at the heart of the seed, spilling out into pure insanity and chaos, a world that is all worlds at once, where everything that has come before lives again in madness.

Now, a man in a black cloak stands before the tree, clenching Rognir's sword in his hands. He turns, and cuts down the tree, and Garadiel can hear the scream of the universe falling apart – and the mirror cracks and turns black, as the man laughs on the stump of the tree.

And then they fall to their knees, clutching at their heads, for they can hear a voice. A voice that does not speak, but already has spoken in words too huge and powerful to fully comphrehend. This is the consciousness of the World Tree, and each word seems to last for an entire age before the next comes. YOUR LIPS MUST BE SILENT ON WHAT HAS COME BEFORE, CHILDREN OF ROGNIR, UNTIL ALL WHO LIVE ARE TOUCHED BY THE LORD OF DREAMS. YOUR TONGUES MUST BE STILL ON WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THIS AGE, UNTIL THE METROPOLIS OF THE WEST IS UNHALLOWED. NOW GO, AND ACT UPON WHAT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO YOU, GOD OF ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS, GODDESS OF WHAT HAS BEEN LOST AND REMEMBERED. MAKE A NEW ENDING FOR YOU AND YOUR KINDRED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT HAS BEEN LOST, AND SAVE THE CENTER OF ALL THINGS.

When Garadiel and Sovvenia wake up, they are lying before the door set in the side of the hill. The door is shut, and it will not open again, not for him, not for her. And their tongues are locked, and though they know everything that they saw, he cannot speak of it, nor she write it down. The price of knowledge is knowing everything, even that which is terrible and cruel.

And they know they have a quest, for letting any of the four futures they have seen come to pass would be to fail their family, and the tree at the center of the world. It has chosen them to be its prophet and its herald, and on Garadiel’s right cheek there is now a brand of a many-branched tree, and below Sovvenia’s left eye, the same brand has been burned.

Will Garadiel accept it? For that matter, will Sovvenia?

[ArlEammon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q23HiK0h1yQ&playnext_from=TL&videos=RNPtvIPfkJA

Silence

As Shen Zhi Shu waited, he planned for a time, not sure what he was to accomplish. Things were moving too fast, and were too complicated. The city narrowly averted a horrible war that over took Chisu and other City States outside of Xiang Jian. Raia had moved against her brother Shen Zhi Shu?

He would have to see her at once. If possible, but then he would have to abandon Xiang Jian. This would not do. On the other hand, he would have to let them fend for themselves one day. If possible, it would happen sooner rather than later, although he would never totally abandon them.

[Nefarion Xid]

The amusing benefit of fighting an almost naked man was that, when finally rendered defenseless, the finishing strike was far more like surgery than an attack.

When Heradi twists his neck to catch a glimpse of the specter tapping her claws on his shoulder and whispering in his ear, he sees nothing. Behind him, there's the tent row, the lit braziers and the still night. Far more disconcerting than finding something, because in an instant he realizes he's just turned away from the man who means to kill him. And the little voice in the back of his own head scolds him.

"I told you not to turn around!"

Panic. Whirling around to face Aldric and his inevitable doom he again sees nothing. Pain shoots through his back like he's been run through. But, there's nothing there, no one to stab him from behind! Another trick! He pivots to have another look around, and find his elusive adversary, but suddenly feels that his right leg is unresponsive. Daring to glance down to his foot and the blood stained sand he feels the weakness and pain rush through him. His achilles tendon has been severed and his calf muscle just hangs slackly in place. Just outside the ring of dark red sand is his own bloody dagger.

His screamed challenges and curses go unanswered spare by the uncaring cold wind.

Despair lays several feet away, undisturbed from when Aldric cast it aside. Its dreadful aura acted as a safeguard and ensured no mortals would dare come to Heradi's aid, or even be so bold as to peek outside their tents.

Aldric's divine presence lingers here, though impossible to locate. Cloaked in the power of the night, he watches and waits.

[White Blade]

Garadiel was on the island again. He reached up and touched his hand to his right cheek. There an image of a many branched tree was branded. He wore a frown, for what he had learned was not as good to know as he might have wished. His voice was no longer merely his own and he looked at Sovvenia and he saw the brand upon her left cheek, a mirror of his own. "Are we together in this, then?" Garadiel asked, unable to speak of all he had seen, longing for the consent of his companion.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia lightly touched her left cheek with the tip of her fingers. The goddess grinned unpleasantly. For a moment everything seemed to move around her in a chaotic fashion; colorful balls of light spinned in the air above and blurred shapes passed by her at the speed of lightning. The Tree itself appeared extremely agitated as the potential futures superposed on top of each other. She had to use all her remaining strength to focus on the present and stop the visions from blinding her. Finally she could see again and stand on her own.

"We are. We did what was right, Garadiel. If not for the world, for us. Don't forget that. Now there is much work ahead of us. What do we do? Do we each go on our way and try to do our best, hoping that we can get everything to fall into place? Do we figure out a plan to actively lead our siblings to work together?"

[Jair Barik]

Orgo laughed.
"Mercy! That is not the Rognir thousand names I have heard of! The Rognir I had heard of was a man of action! A man who killed the greatest beasts of the world, who strung up creation upon the back of his latest kill! The Rognir I heard of banished his own son and daughter from his sight sending them far away into the cold and desolate land! Thats the Rognir I know! Cause you see I was thinking something and I realised that I'm not the real monster round these parts, oh no! In fact I was the monster but my father was the greater monster. And my father was neither loup-garou nor was he poor innocent Nara he slaid that beast of old. But that hardly matters because from the sound of things you probably don't believe there is any monster greater than me at the moment, well with the possible exception of Aldric but I wager that I can find one easy enough! And not some silly behemoth or leviathan of legend, no dragon or gorgon no beast unnamed who lurked in the shadows of the worlds first night. I mean a real monster."

Orgo is by now on his toes of course. He is trying to pull the correct string but he knows if he doesn't do it right he could be in a lot of danger. Fight or flight, he knows this isn't a fight he could win so he is ready for flight but there is more than just the physical battle. heck if Rognir tries to kill him then the battles already half won.

[Raz_Fox]

Desert Showdown

Heradi collapses. His breathing's heavy and quick, and blood is beginning to leak from beneath his bandages. Oh, dear. It seems that he's over-exerted himself.

After a moment, the breathing stops. And he's not moving. Not even twitching - which he's been doing all the time, ever since the battle at Zhang. Oh, dear. Aldric, you really need to rein yourself in sometimes.


Orgo - DENIED

After a moment, Rognir laughs. And he snaps his fingers.

Oh, look. Orgo's back at the bottom of the mountain. And after a moment, a bolt of light smashes down from the house, right at Orgo's feet.

Climbing back up probably won't work.

[White Blade]

Garadiel tries to speak again. He cannot hear his own voice, though Sovvenia makes out the sounds he is making as attempts at speaking. Then he locks eyes with her and his intent becomes clear, to her at least. He has some mortals to tend to and then they should speak, well assuming his voice returned, with their siblings. The loyal ones, then the disloyal ones. They should speak of the end of this world. They should plan for the protection of the tree. Sovvenia felt he had some ideas, but he was too unsure of them to share them just yet. He hopes she will begin immediately, that she will talk with Shen who's fight with Garadiel she remembers well enough, he is sad to part from her and even a little afraid, but the cause is urgent.

[Jair Barik]

"Oh fine fine. Maybe next time though eh dad?" with that Orgo departed into the shadows of the night, headed back south and into civilisation and-

-he was in the forest. Strange. He still had the body though which was good, but he was pretty certain that he had control for the time being. Oh and there was Nara.

"Well aren't you looking spectral tonight! Tell me to what do I owe the pleasure of this company. I thought you didn't consort with demons and monsters? Those were you words weren't they? Or were they a bit more colourful at the time..."

"Orgo! You must stop being so reckless! You are not immortal, you are not even a God, if you were to die then-"

Orgo chuckled staring the tree spirit in the... bark.
"Oh Nara. Don't you get it. I may be no God but I wont die. Cause in all the world there is no mortal weapon that can touch me, and in all the Gods not one of them knows my weakness, well with the possible exception of pops, said he knew something about the beastie you killed, think he called it... loup-garou or something along those lines."

"Then you would be wise not to antagonise him. He means well and his heart is good. As for the others I am sure that can be remedied."

"Please! You wouldn't tell them! Whats poison to me will be poison to you remember? And as for father we both know his heart now don't we? After all why else am I here?"

"I went to see the tree at the centre of the world."
"I gathered as much."
"The sins of your heart forbid me from its presence."
"hardly my problem."
"So I will cut you a deal."
"Talks cheap."
"I can try and atone for the sins you have committed but if I cannot prevent you committing further atrocities then it is for naught."
"Thems the breaks Nara."
"I believe your... talents could be put to better use. There are monsters in the world Orgo, you could hunt them."
"And what would be in it for me?"
"I will try and lift the curse."
"Same question as before plus, your an idiot."
"I'll try and lift the curse from you."
"......ohhhhhhh."

[hi-mi-tsu]

Imaginary Friend

The young man is taken aback by Calantha's outburst, and he frowns for the first time when Calantha breaks the cup. When she extends her hands, he takes them in his and begins to carefully remove the shards.

"We are sorry for upsetting you. I am Echo, a figment of a memory. I was once a part of we. It is difficult to understand."

He begins to rub his fingers up and down the cuts, and they slowly begin to close. "I did not want to make you upset. But you deserve truth. Do you want me to tell you pretty lies instead?"

The goddess shakes her head, but slowly, curious-colored eyes watching the strange man heal her hands. It's fascinating, and she's distracted, until the cuts are completely gone; then she shakes her head again, more firmly, lifting her eyes to Echo's face.

"...No. No, I...I don't want lies, I've had enough of lies. Father lied...he told me he loved me."

Her eyes flicker, and she looks down again, to where her hands are still in the strange man's grip. "Aldric...Aldric lies too, sometimes, or at least I think he does. At least...there are things he...will not trust me with, now, will not tell me, because I am...I am not me any more, I'm like a fragmented reflection in a broken mirror...and you say I'm this way because the world needed...an interesting story."

She worries at her lip, then sighs, and sinks back down into her chair; it is the most subdued she's been, since she was broken free of Rafa and Tarik's imprisonment.

"If I...had to be made like this..." She stretches out her hands again, confusion still in her eyes, warring with despair and heartache and, if one were to look deep enough, that great and terrible rage.

"You say...it is difficult to understand. You say, too, that you wish to be my friend. If you truly wish this...this being my friend...then do not lie to me. Help me to understand why I see everything, and nothing, why I am me and her and him and others, why I have the world in my eyes and on my lips..."

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric's voice echoes through the camp, seemingly coming from one direction, then the other, then from all around. Unseen he slithers among the tents, veiled in shadow and silent as an owl coming in for the kill. He keeps his distance though wary of the clever jerk playing possum.

"Tell me what lies in the west!" comes Aldric's hiss from the darkness.

"Tell ussss..." the wind echoes back.

Three hazy feminine forms coalesced in the air over Heradi. They swirl and weave around one another like fish in a bowl, each time descending and gently running their fingertips over Heradi's flesh. One by one they strike a chord and begin to sing a dirge. With each pass and each note, they slowly coax out his soul.


+1 Major Act
-1 Ceremony (Bookkeeping for the creation of Despair)
-1 Major Act (Create Exarch(s): The Banshees)
-1 Gain Shadow Domain
2 Major, 4 Minor, 1 Ceremony remaining


The Banshees are psychic manifestations given physical form, simply put, they're fear elementals. They have two forms. The first is that of a comely, white haired maiden, though cold in death with blue lips, nails and snowy skin. The second is a vaporous and ghostly form. They are fundamentally incapable of experiencing any emotion besides melancholy and regard everything disdain and blank expressions. And while beautiful singers, their songs are only of heartbreak, sorrow and death. Light is an anathema to them, as is laughter or joyous music. To be beset by the Banshees is to know the inevitability of your own death and the futility of carrying on. Overcome with grief from their song, many simply give up the ghost on the spot.

[Carden]

Eridi mused upon the name. Perhaps he was reading too much into it, but he couldn't let this go to waste. Rognir had always once mentioned the deep meaning that names had, how they seemed to amuse the powers of the universe in odd ways. Eridi, who's name meant toil, couldn't deny this. Now, a boy comes in named Airter? This was an omen; it was time for Eridi to change what he was doing.

It was a sudden idea that sprung Eridi's smile, but one he couldn't let go. "Airter, you say? That's a good, strong name, befitting one as strong as you. Perhaps I can offer you a deal, one that would benefit you, and hopefully your people, greatly.

"You say you're a distant relative of the king? Well, as I see it, you have done well for your people, well enough that the exact distance of relation might be forgotten in light of the events especially with my help. I offer you this: in exchange for your people and my people becoming staunch allies if you do gain kingship, or nothing on your part if you don't, I will use my divinity to empower you and will see to it that you ride against the terror of your people, protected by my new equipment. Do not answer now, think on it for the next few days. Tell me your answer the day before we arrive in your town." With that, Eridi shooed the young man out of his home, telling him to go to the inn and tell them to give him a room.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia
The Island of the World Tree

Sovvenia nodded. She smiled compassionately and took to the air.

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

Zhang

Days later, a unusually hot breeze blew over Zhang. A woman hiding her face under a hood slipped between the defenses of the land and approached the gates of the Great Shrine. She could feel her brother's magic working in the area, but she did not dare enter inside the sanctum without his permission. So she sang a lullaby from Shen's and Azura's youth, hoping that it would move the heart of her brother. And the wind brought the rhymes directly to the ears of the Lord of Zhang. He heard it only as a whisper, just loud enough so he could make out the words.

Sovvenia waited on the other side of the gates.

[ArlEammon]

"Azura"?
Shen Zhi looked from the other side of Xiang Jian's Shrine gate and wondered at how long it had been since he had seen Azura. "Azura is that you?" He looked across and saw her, a mysterious young woman. He did not recognize her. What could she be up too. "Come in if you must." He relented.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

The goddess pulled her hood back as she entered the Great Shrine. She inspected her surroundings, an unpleasant grin on her face...the brand on her left cheek still burned a little.

"You sound suspicious, brother. I can assure you there is no need for that. After all, I wouldn't have come all the way here, inside your own sanctum, only to attack you. My name is Sovvenia and I am Azura's heir; same memories, different people. We, Shen Zhi, are flesh and blood still.

I wish to see how you have been doing since your ascension. And to know what wonderful plans you have for this land. You have been secluded here for a long time, after all. Away from the others... I assume it must be worth it."

[ArlEammon]

Shen Zhi Shu

"I love them." He explains. "I must take care of them and see that they know how to defend themselves from wickedness. For now, I have spent decades here, unbenownst to others until Raia's war against us, in which mysterious events have occured.

"Well, Sovvenia, Azura, whomever you are, if you are one of us, gods, as Pan-Lung enjoys to call us, you should know this. . . That we are not to be trifled with. This is not meant to be cold or as a threat, but as a warning. Riora, has rambled through her existence as goddess causing trouble, and some have even the audacity to demean my self-sacrifice for the Sacred Fire, who shall remain un-named."

"What I am trying to say, is that you can trust me, if you are willing forego your strange demeanor in this place."

[Raz_Fox]

Imaginary Friend

"We - no, I - was mad too, once. I know what it is to see two worlds at once. I can help you, but it will not be quick.

I wish I could heal your head as easily as your hands. But I can show you how to live seeing what others do not.

But I will tell you another secret. You suffer because you cannot accept the madness. Take what the story has given you, and you will not be made whole - but you will understand the beauty of a broken mirror.

I did, when I went mad. I remember it."


Desert Seance

Heradi's head lolls for a moment as he is dragged upwards by the banshee's spectral force, and then a bit of light sparks in his eyes. "The Brothers. Night. Day. Strength and Cunning. Hatred.

Let me go, brother. Just. Let it end." There's... actually a tone of begging in the words coming out of his dead mouth. The light in his eyes flickers, as if it were trapped there.

[Nefarion Xid]

There's a hitch in Aldric's walk as he closes in on Heradi's limp from, dragging his scythe through the sand behind him. The power to wield hopelessness as a weapon was not without its toll. His face was gaunt and his eyes deep set like a man who's not slept for days. The side of his lip trembled, threatening to turn into a psychotic grin. Victory was... hilariously disappointing.

One hand sweeps his tangled hair out of his eyes and the other brings Despair up to his shoulder. He stands over Heradi, upside down from his perspective, his face a twisted mixture of bemusement, sadness, anger and guilt. Many thoughts race through his head.

"Don't call me that! I'm not your brother!"
"I'll let you live on the condition that..."
"Your suffering shall be eternal!"
"You're far too dangerous to let live!"
"HAHAHAHAHA!!!"
"Who are you?"
"Give my regards to Rafa and Tarik..."
"And if you ever come near my Calantha..."
"What brothers? I don't understand!"
"... I'm sorry..."

Only a disgusted sigh escapes his lips as he brings the talon of Despair down on Heradi's heart.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Shen Zhi Shu

"I love them." He explains. "I must take care of them and see that they know how to defend themselves from wickedness. For now, I have spent decades here, unbenownst to others until Raia's war against us, in which mysterious events have occured.

"Well, Sovvenia, Azura, whomever you are, if you are one of us, gods, as Pan-Lung enjoys to call us, you should know this. . . That we are not to be trifled with. This is not meant to be cold or as a threat, but as a warning. Riora, has rambled through her existence as goddess causing trouble, and some have even the audacity to demean my self-sacrifice for the Sacred Fire, who shall remain un-named."

"What I am trying to say, is that you can trust me, if you are willing forego your strange demeanor in this place."

Sovvenia

The goddess came closer, hiding her anxiety behind a playful smile.

"Call me Sovvenia. I would appreciate that you show me the respect I deserve. I am your equal after all."

Her voice was sharp but pleasing none the less.

"I understand your concerns, trust me. I feel for those mortals. I am the goddess of memory, their ordeals are no secret to me. But I do not exist solely for them; humans, tengu, orofolk, giants, gods...all their experiences are precious to me. You can say I see the big picture. It is as much a gift as a curse."

Sovvenia sighed. If only she could tell him everything, it would be so much easier. But the brand on her cheek reminded her of her promise.

"Dear Shen Zhi Shu, your paranoia may be your undoing. Please, listen to me. We must learn to work together. All of Rognir's children must. Yes, that means even Raia, Garadiel and you. The small disputes between gods are nothing compared to what would happen if we were defeated. You won't be able to protect Zhang forever, by yourself. Nothing is eternal. Yet...maybe this could be changed. Maybe an earthly paradise is possible. But then, others may try to impose their own vision of what the world should be like. What I'm saying is... do not let petty disputes blind you. We need you. I need you and your expertise, brother."

[ArlEammon]

Sovvenia

"Dear Shen Zhi Shu, your paranoia may be your undoing. Please, listen to me. We must learn to work together. All of Rognir's children must. Yes, that means even Raia, Garadiel and you. The small disputes between gods are nothing compared to what would happen if we were defeated. You won't be able to protect Zhang forever, by yourself. Nothing is eternal. Yet...maybe this could be changed. Maybe an earthly paradise is possible. But then, others may try to impose their own vision of what the world should be like. What I'm saying is... do not let petty disputes blind you. We need you. I need you and your expertise, brother."

Shen Zhi Shu And Souvvenia.
"You are right, after all. But what do you need me for? I have many uses, I'm sure, but what can I receive in return to ensure my people's survival? Are you saying is, that I must leave Zhang behind in haste right now? What would you have me do?"

He contemplates the matter seriously,"Think for a moment, if you have all the memories of the mortals below us," He said metaphorically,"What would happen if all of Zhang were to fall. All of mortal society would have no chance of lasting stability. There must be a way for us to lead our peoples without ruling them."

"And finally, I make a proposal for you. You sound as if you would be a great goddess of memories, if that is what you are telling me. Then why not join me in ritual to ascertain the power of forethought? I am the god of wisdom, and you the goddess of memory. We would work greatly in conjunction with one another if we could see through eachother's eyes. This is the only way that I can trust you."

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

"I do not need you now. But I would advise you to start looking outside Zhang. Create a legacy that will be useful to the entire world. I can assure you that the defense of the other lands will profit you and your people, too. And most of all, remain open to the ideas of your fellow gods. The last thing we want is a meaningless war of Gods while our enemies plot against us.

As for mortals... They may be stronger than you think. I say, let's keep to our spheres of influence and let them manage their affairs. I am merely a keeper of memories...I do not write the story."

Sovvenia took a step forward and kissed her brother's forehead. Flashes of some of Shen's most violent deeds suddenly assailed him. Moments later they ceased. Sovvenia's tempestuous eyes reflected his own feelings towards the disturbing memories.

"I am all up for sharing powers, but I doubt you can deal with even a fragment of all that I know. I am willing to do a ritual with you to seal an alliance, but I believe no one but me should ever see through my eyes."

OOC: So what kind of ceremony? A new school of magic? Both of us gaining the same domain? Frankly I don't think I need the Foresight domain; I feel like I would step on nysisobli's toes if he ever becomes active again in this game. Furthermore, it would make Sovvenia too similar to Mir in my mind.

[ArlEammon]

Sovvenia

OOC: So what kind of ceremony? A new school of magic? Both of us gaining the same domain? Frankly I don't think I need the Foresight domain; I feel like I would step on nysisobli's toes if he ever becomes active again in this game. Furthermore, it would make Sovvenia too similar to Mir in my mind.

((What about a Ceremony that would create a living thing? Maybe something that would be a symbol of our oaths to eachother not to betray. Maybe a double Exharch?))

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

Sovvenia reached for scrolls in her bag. As she read them aloud, the words of ancient power inflamed the sky above Zhang and a violent wind swept the Shrine.

"This will be our creation. Bound to our domains, but free. A guardian of Tradition, but also an agent of Change. Wild as the Storm, yet gifted with profound Insight. Go ahead Shen, put some of your own magic into it.

And now, Golem, awake!"

OOC: I was thinking of something like this: http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs38/f/2008/353/9/c/ABRAX__the_ethereal_golem_lvl3_by_IRIRIV.jpg, with an insignia on its chest representing a mix between Shen's and Sovvenia's symbols.

I propose the name Ruah (hebrew for spirit).

[ArlEammon]

Sovvenia

Sovvenia reached for scrolls in her bag. As she read them aloud, the words of ancient power inflamed the sky above Zhang and a violent wind swept the Shrine.

"This will be our creation. Bound to our domains, but free. A guardian of Tradition, but also an agent of Change. Wild as the Storm, yet gifted with profound Insight. Go ahead Shen, put some of your own magic into it.

And now, Golem, awake!"

OOC: I was thinking of something like this: http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs38/f/2008/353/9/c/ABRAX__the_ethereal_golem_lvl3_by_IRIRIV.jpg, with an insignia on its chest representing a mix between Shen's and Sovvenia's symbols

Shen Zhi Shu And Souvvenia
Speaking the magical words, he cast the spell, doing this ritual in order to seal the bargain. The creature, whom he called the God's Breath Golem, awoke, he began to breath in and out, and suddenly it's eyes opened. Kanji from Himiko's Shrine mysteriously flew into the God's Breath's forehead, meaning "Harmony" and the being, a double Exharch, awoke.
Created the Double Exharch with a Ceremony

"I am awake." It spoke.

(How about Ruakhodesh?)

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

The goddess stared at the Golem.

"The dreams of the world move us, and our dreams move you. May this be the sign of a new era."

She then turned to Shen Zhi Shu.

"There, I hope we can trust each other now. You may consult him anytime you want and hopefully he will provide you with advice as good as mine, and knowledge of the world's tradition. And I will profit greatly from his insight. Now I must go. If you want to find me, ask our friend here or come yourself...my sanctum can be entered from any fierce storm in the great desert of the southern continent."

And after bestowing her blessing on the Golem, Sovvenia flew away, thinking of visiting Raia next, not knowing of the war that was brewing in her lands. Or maybe Phromm...a strange brother he was. One done. Many more to go, she thought.

Ceremony on the Golem's creation (exarch)

OOC: I would prefer just Ruah, because what you suggested is the actual religious term, while just "Ruah" is a bit more neutral (at least I think so). You may still continue to call it (him/her?) by the name god's breath, if you wish.

[Raz_Fox]

Desert Seance

Heradi's body crumples to the ground, his blood pooling on the sands. How the mighty fall.

He's dead. Mostly. It might take a bit for that last divine spark to leave the body, but realistically, he's no longer a player in the games of divinity.

Well done, Aldric.

[Nefarion Xid]

The ethereal sisters keen through the night to herald the passing of a god. Through their mournful song, the din of hoof falls fades into the distance as the dark rider gallops towards the rising sun.

[Kasanip]

Raia - Goddess of the Battlefield

The narrow pass through the mountains that led to the valley of Toukoku was alive with the sounds of crickets this summer night. It was warm, and yet still a cool breeze blew through the mountains in almost a chilling welcoming.
The giants came anyway, and at last they came passing the Guardians of Aptokim and Kuzan - the two statues that guarded the pass between the mountains and down into the valley. And here it was that the trees still wore wisteria like crowns.

It was quiet. Very peaceful. There were only a few firelights still in the valley below, but there were no stars overhead.

---
Tengu OneClaw Came before his Goddess and bowed to one knee, touching his claw to his beak as he awaited her acknowledgment.
"Speak." The quiet, serious voice responded.
"They have come. The clans of Kuzan have taken up their positions. We are prepared to make them suffer."
Raia's sandals turned on the rocky earth as she motioned for OneClaw to rise. Tonight her hair was pulled back and she wore her decorated headband, covered in the weaving of battle like a tapestry. Her crimson robe was unchanged, and Tetsuzou she wore at her side. Lightning and Thunder were silent, but restless. Her expression was calm, but it was the calm before a storm.

It had been too long since she had a challenge, and she wondered if that would come tonight. It was an important thought, but more than that, she was fighting a battle against someone who had come to her. Offense. Defense. Both of these things must meet in war. Too much offense always meant the loss of the defensive. Too much defense meant the defeat of the offensive.

She raised an arm, and the Tumi assembled before her. With a gesture, she sent them out, to mix within the humans who were hidden among the hills of the mountain. Tonight they would strike from the sides. The tengu from behind.
And Raia would come from the front.

---
When the giants had come one step too many, it was time.
A strong defense is like a mountain - unbreakable, but immovable. A strong offense is like an ocean - able to swallow it's foes, and yet always moving forward.
But there would be no escape tonight. Raia would stand on the edge of Offense and Defense. Surprise was an ally she commanded here, after it had abandoned the giants.

So when the giants took one step too many, the two mountains exploded violently with the warbling and shrieking war cries of the tengu, as they came from behind. And even as they ran, lightning flashed and thunder boomed loudly above. Raia had come. In the light there was just time to see the fierce tengu shapes, and then as thunder rolled away, it was replaced with the screams of arrows and spears descending like hawks from the sky upon the massed army.

Sweet music, Alarin would be proud of her, wouldn't he?
So much death brought so quickly! Garadiel would be busy tonight- she would apologize to him later.
So much fear, brought in but a moment. Raia had learned well, from her sparring with dear Aldric when she had been but a child.

Down from the hills the soldiers of Toukoku came with the Tumi, and smashed into the sides of the giants with spears and punishing arrows.
From behind, the tengu, led by OneClaw himself came down and upon the the giants, stabbing with their wicked swords into the vulnerable backs and holes in the armor. Tengu OneClaw himself cut a path, the tengu howling with delight as they followed over the bodies of dead.

And Raia came from the front, an easy and noble walk, as she held Tetsuzou out from her side, pointed down at the ground. The battle before her raged in the confusion, but Raia was a silent point of calm within the battle.
And she knew the enemy general by his stance and position. So her pace became a faster trot. A little faster, like when she had always started to run with Garadiel.
But it gained speed as she charged. Lightning sparked about her other arm. She had found the challenger. And she had accepted his challenge.

[ArlEammon]

Aldric And Shen Zhi Shu
"Who, who, who who who" The owls chanted around Aldric. Apparently the wildlife in the region were trying to get his attention. If there was even wildlife in Aldric's area. Apparently the shadows took the shape of owls, and many shadows were flocking to Aldric. Apparently hundreds of these shadow owls all formed into a massive face in the sky, formed from their hundreds of shadow bodies.

Suddenly, a raven flew in front of Aldric "The Raven King is coming. . ." only to get it's head bitten off by an owl.

The Shadow Head rolled it's eyes and looked to Aldric. "I, Shen Zhi Shu, wonder how you are doing. . brother. I was told not to speak of you with Rognir. I regret not speaking with you earlier. Are you alright?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

The goddess continued her journey past the eastern islands until she reached the distant shore of the northern continent. There, she knew she would find an estranged brother...the barbarian lord of the mountains, Phromm. After a bit of surveying, Sovvenia finally spotted him mounted on a giant ice worm. She flew towards him...

[White Blade]

Garadiel made his way... Well, not home. But to place of the covenant of the fives. He could hear Lavael's prayers and Sav's. He was late. Well, not late for the covenant meeting. But he had been gone for some time.

He stepped into the camp. Sav and Lavael looked relieved. Lavael was shocked at the strength of Garadiel's aura. Garadiel locked eyes with Sav, Garadiel made himself known to his servant. He was a god of life now. He couldn't speak. There were things which mortals couldn't hear.

Garadiel would speak through Sav. Sav told his will to the people. None of the giants questioned him and, once Lavael vouched for him, neither did anyone else. Garadiel established the system for selecting rulers. Heirs were appointed to a council of elders for each tribe by the recommendation of their predessecor. From this council, the chief appointed an heir. From the chiefs, a council of chiefs became the high chief.

He stayed a bit, then he left. He headed for Sovvenia. She was in the north? He looked at her when he got there... He looked at her and at Phromm and his wacky butt worm. He emphasized himself to her, letting her feel that he was near, that he had missed her. He stopped and thought for a moment, wondering which of his siblings she had wanted to visit. She felt his faint scepticism, Phromm? But he pushed the thought and let her know he was there for her. They would have needed to talk with him eventually anyway.

[Carden]

Eridi had been deaf to the revelry most the night, first in his workshop making Aldric's shoes, then the incident with Airter and his armor. Even for quite a while after that, he had been intently working on the panoply itself. But now he heard it, he heard it full and well. He was tired and needed sleep, but there was no way he could get it with this mood permeating the town.

The loudest shouts came from the tavern, and, there alongside them, Eridi could sense Alarin's spark. "My dearest brother, what have you done?" Moving towards the tavern, he arrived just in time to hear the beginning lines of a new song. Well, he assumed it was new, he had yet to hear it before. Only half of it was intelligible, the rest was drowned out by drunken yells or obscured with a profound slur, and what was understandable almost made the god himself blush.

Pushing open the door, he spoke loudly amongst to the crowd, "Alarin! Brother! I need to speak with you!" Those who were sober enough to recognize him were quick to silence themselves, but that was the overwhelmed minority here. Moving closer and closer through the crowd, he eventually did come to Alarin, who was directing the men around him in the refrain of their current ballad. It wasn't anger, or even sternness that showed in Eridi's voice now, but resignation. "Alarin, brother, what have you done here?

[Nefarion Xid]

For sometime, Aldric had brooded in a green valley in the mountains not far north of Hybil'smita. Here, the sun shone when only directly overhead, and at all other times the realm lay in shadow. It was not a large or impressive realm, but it fit Aldric's mood and he found it secluded enough for his liking. Apart from the giants (who were swiftly dealt with) and the normal woodland fauna, there dwelt only one other creature in the valley.

The witch Deneb was a ravishing blonde beauty and one of the most inept beings ever to wield magic. For all her trafficking with spirits, dark dealings and repeated, unanswered, offers to sell her soul, she remained woefully incompetent at the simplest of spells. Though, she had successfully garnered the attention of the village with her many attempts to wield powers beyond mortal kin and was swiftly expunged. With her meager skill, she'd eked out a living in the valley and built herself a cozy cottage there.

Wishing for the hundredth time for more in the way of creature comforts, or at least some makeup, and stirring her bubbling cauldron of culinary disaster (mushroom stew with rosemary) she looked up to see a handsome horseman ride into the clearing. That made her wish even harder for her long lost cosmetics supplies. All the same, faced with retreating to her cabin or making the best of things, she chose the latter and puffed out her chest, held her head high and greeted Aldric with the breathiest voice she could muster. Not one to have a woman throw herself at him in vain, Aldric readily accepted her invitation to supper and the warmth of her bed soon after. Cheap and tawdry yes, nigh irresponsible maybe, but the night did wonders for Aldric's spirits.

In each others arms and momentarily smitten (read, brain power functioning below optimal levels), Deneb confessed her lust for power and Aldric casually revealed himself to be a god. And so the choice to bequeath part of his power to her was made hastily... and as an intermission between the second and third act of their performance.

As the weeks wore on, Aldric came to regret his decision as Deneb proved to be as incompetent as ever, though now she failed in spectacular ways instead of small ones. Her spells no longer fizzled, they exploded. She constantly nagged at Aldric, insinuating her continued ineptitude was the result of poor tutelage and not a void of talent. If not for her sweet and endearing nature, Aldric kicked her out of the valley. But, she proved to be good company on occasion and so she stayed in her cottage while Aldric went about his business. His newly created minions worked night and day, laying the foundation for his new kingdom.

The Lutins are a diminutive race of dark furred, long eared laborers cursed with the inability to sleep fitfully. Four feet tall and with rodent features, the Lutins work tirelessly at any given task out of compulsion. They cannot stand for things to remain broken or for any project to go uncompleted. While not skilled artisans, they are capable of finishing mundane projects with startling speed and efficiency. They only sleep in short spurts, often while working. The prospect of sleep terrifies them and the moment they begin to dream they scream themselves awake and return to work. If left without orders, Lutins cobble together sculptures from trash or scribble algebraic notations on any blank surface... or just curl up in the fetal position and twitch.

Armed with the knowledge of stonemasonry from Hybil'smita (though how they came by that knowledge is highly suspect) the Lutins worked feverishly to build a fitting home for Aldric.

While busy supervising the project (read: napping) he was spied by Shen's messenger. From his spot on the grass he snarls and bares his fangs at the disturbance. Wasn't there a less conspicuous way to garner his attention?

"You should not use that kind of magic lightly, Shen! How did you find me anyway?" Choking down annoyance at having his nap interrupted, he composes himself and smiles sweetly, "Oh, I'm fine. How are you?"


-1 Major Act (Create Lutin Race)
-1 Minor Act (Powerful Servant: Deneb the Witch)
1 Major, 3 Minor, 1 Ceremony left

[ArlEammon]

"You should not use that kind of magic lightly, Shen! How did you find me anyway?" Choking down annoyance at having his nap interrupted, he composes himself and smiles sweetly, "Oh, I'm fine. How are you?"

Shen Zhi Shu And Aldric
"I was wondering if it were possible for you to update me on how you are? Father's test was most harrowing for me, and I wonder how other competent gods have faired. I would not be averse to helping you out if you need it, despite my belated offer, my test took more than fifty years to complete, and I am told that not even that much time has happened since we were kicked out of Pan-Lung's house to do our trials."

"May I help you brother?"

[Jair Barik]

Orgo had had a hard time tracking her. She had been on the move and he hadn't known where to start looking in the first place but now he was here, the valley of Toukok. The battle raged ahead of him but for once he had to hold himself from the desire to join in, insteadwaiting far back for the time when it would be over. He had found his quarry and was willing to wait till she was no longer 'engaged' before introducing himself. He had to admit that their was certainly something attractive about the Goddess of War, her presence on the battlefield, her strength, her ability to rally the mortals to war! Good to know that the Gods were good for something. But no flirting today Orgo! That was unfortunately part of the deal he had cut. He was going to wait till this whole affair with the Tengu and the giants was over then walk on down (without killing anyone he came across) and have a nice gentle chat. Just the two of them. No Nara, no stinking briar wolves and nobody trying to kill each other. Right.... Why was he here again? Oh yeah the curse and stuff, right. Well he'd have to grin and bear it, who knows he might evenjoy the conversation this time.

[Raz_Fox]

A Minor Interlude Of No Interest To Anyone At All, Nope, No Ominous Conversations Here

The sun shone down on a corpse in the sand. The terrified people of the oasis dared not touch it - they were concerned with repairing their tents, seeking a new leader, and surviving the harsh summer month. So the carcass of what had once been a mighty god lay rotting in the sand.

Ravens fly through the tents, over them, cawing and screeching. A dozen, perhaps, collect in the field by the god's corpse. They fly together, so close that they are indistinguishable, and then they become a man.

Pale-skinned, dark-haired. Perfectly-tailored black clothing, a constant smirk. Cunning eyes, and a long shadow. The man strode forwards, shaking his head. "You always had a deathwish, wing-footed lord. Perhaps now that your lust is satisfied, you can be more useful."

He turns his head to the sky, to the ravens wheeling above him. "Take him home." With a thousand savage cries, the ravens descend upon the corpse, claws digging into the rotting skin, clutching onto exposed bone, dragging him upwards. The body of Heradi is lifted up into the sky, concealed by a thousand black wings.

A shadow crosses the sun, and a figure too large to be an eagle swoops down on the young man. He ducks, mere inches from the sword that sought to remove his head. He turns, bringing his own thin blade to block the second blow that would have cloven his skull in twain.

"Surrender the body of Heradi to me, boy." They seperate for a moment, wheeling about. If any mortal onlookers had been watching, wide-eyed, they would have fled as they saw the grim, masked figure who now stood there. His sword was cruel, and his shadow writhed before him.

"Bad form, Shadow. You threaten, then attack. The other way around is simply barbaric." The clash of blades rang out again. "And I'm afraid I must refuse to acquiesce to your ill-mannered request. I have my own plans for him, I'm afraid. After all," the smirk grew wider, "the body is the link to the soul."

The shadows lashed out at the young man, who leaped upwards to evade them, landing easily on his feet. The impact somehow disturbed the entire field of sand, which swirled upwards in a convincing imitation of a sandstorm. The masked man snarled, and swept his arm across his body in a gesture of cessation.

What he found was an unkindness of ravens, scattering to the four winds. Within moments, all signs that the Raven King had been there were gone. Kylfa-Madur, Sword of Mortalkind, snarled in frustration - and then, he too was gone, a mere speck on the horizon.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia and Garadiel

A bit later, following the conversation with Phromm, the two heralds of the Tree went back south to search for another sibling. And to no surprise, the drums of war resounded in the land of Toukok...

[Raz_Fox]

Battle in Toukoku

The central formation of giants were surprised by the sudden assault, and many had already fallen by the time that Raia came into the battle to challenge Namasi. But Namasi was cunning in the ways of war, and bands of giants fell upon the humans and Tumi in the hills. It seems that both commanders knew how to flank effectively.

But that was of little import at the moment, though some arrows ceased to fly as their owners were crushed by giant clubs, and more screams echoed through the valley. Right now, the entire battle revolved around Raia and Namasi.

Namasi grinned, his sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight, and he charged forward to meet Raia's blade, his axe in his right hand and his sword in his left. In contrast to Raia's silence, he was roaring a war-cry so powerful that blood dripped from the ears of those closest to him.

[industrious]

Shen Zhi Shu And Aldric
"I was wondering if it were possible for you to update me on how you are? Father's test was most harrowing for me, and I wonder how other competent gods have faired. I would not be averse to helping you out if you need it, despite my belated offer, my test took more than fifty years to complete, and I am told that not even that much time has happened since we were kicked out of Pan-Lung's house to do our trials."

"May I help you brother?"

Pa'am

The two god's conversation is interrupted when one of them notices a ripple in mid-air. There is an innate sense of wrongness, an almost physical sense of sheer otherness. The ripple writhes, glowing a faint blue around its edges as it expands.

Shen and Aldric can see something of the other side. A pale void, an empty night. But those words cannot fully describe the full sensation that the image fixes in their minds.

Then the ripple closes, and in its place lies Pa'am. His blue robes are tattered and torn, and the four chronovores bound to his form by tendrils of blue light lie scattered on the ground. The God of Time stares at his younger brothers, opens his mouth to speak...and slumps to the ground, unconscious.

[ArlEammon]

Shen Zhi Shu

Shen Zhi Shu was not there. It would have looked good for Aldric if he would have taken Pa'am in. "Oh no did you see that, Pa'am has fallen. It's a good thing you are there, Aldric." He said seriously. He wondered at how he could have helped Pa'am from so far away. At the moment it looked as if Pa'am was in good hands.

[Nefarion Xid]

"Yes, it's going to be one of those days isn't it? 'Do you see Pa'am has fallen?'" mumble mumble.

Aldric grunted as he righted himself in the tall grass and went to aid Pa'am, one of the Lutin was already poking him in the side with a stick.

"Away you stupid beast!" The Lutin chirps and, after falling backwards, crawls away crab-style... less out of fear of his master and more due to the fact that Lutins are just spazzy.

"What's next, hmm? Is Rognir going to fall out of the sky and we'll spend the day at the beach?"

He rolls Pa'am over on his back and gives him a vigorous, but gentle shaking to rouse him. "C'mon! I've seen dead gods, brother, and you are not one..."

[industrious]

Pa'am cracks a single eye open. It quickly closes, but he forces it to stay open.

"Aldric?...it's been one of those nanoseconds..."

His normally calm, steady voice, always quiet, has gotten even fainter. He's gasping for air, and is unable to support himself. He's mostly dead weight.

"How long has it been since we last spoke?"

[hi-mi-tsu]

Imaginary Friend

"We - no, I - was mad too, once. I know what it is to see two worlds at once. I can help you, but it will not be quick.

I wish I could heal your head as easily as your hands. But I can show you how to live seeing what others do not.

But I will tell you another secret. You suffer because you cannot accept the madness. Take what the story has given you, and you will not be made whole - but you will understand the beauty of a broken mirror.

I did, when I went mad. I remember it."

Calantha laughs, quietly, almost helplessly. "I see more than two worlds, sometimes...sometimes I see a dozen, and I can't figure out what is the real one. Sometimes I see things that aren't real, and I hurt people that are real because I think...they're something else..."

She lifts her head, to look up at the man with the bandages over his eyes, and raises a hand to his face. Her fingers brush over the covering, lightly.

"You see...quite a lot, for someone who cannot see at all...I don't want to feel like this. I used to be...someone different...someone everyone loved...but now...now I think my father hates me, and my brother...my brother is patient but...I fear he will get fed up with me, and I fear...what I might do, and I always...I make things without meaning and I drive others insane and I..."

She pauses again, and that desperate need comes back into her voice. She doesn't know anything about this man, but he's the only one who's talked directly to her about how she feels, about what she is, instead of dancing around the topic...

"Help me...please..."

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric helps Pa'am sit upright with an arm about his shoulder and offers over his wineskin, which unfortunately contains only water as his valley boasts neither vintner nor brewer. In the distance, the Lutins continue their work at a feverish unhealthy pace. Teams of ten or more haul bricks up dirt and log ramps, muscle them into place and another layer of mortar is slapped on almost before the foreman can raise his level and give an enthusiastic thumbs-up. It was not the loving and careful work of one of Eridi's artisans, but damn if it wasn't efficient. Aldric's hand showed in the construction, from the selected dark gray stone to the sheer size and grandeur of the place; this was his creation and the furry creatures were only there to provide the necessary labor. Curiously, there are hundreds of winged stone statues littering the construction site as if some sculptor had run amok, too impatient to wait for the structure to be raised to begin the ornamenting the facade. The gargoyles were the secret of the fine masonry and besides being able to fly stones into place, they had the power to shape them as well. But, they despised the sunlight and would only un-petrify themselves and lend a hand well after sundown, which was still hours away.

"Eem, ah... two years, four months." Aldric wrinkled his brow and had to think for a moment. As he recalled, they left the House in the East on the summer solstice and two winters had passed. And now it was past the equinox.

((Lutin is the French word for Goblin, I just didn't want to name them goblins because they'd inevitably be confused with foul little green things. And what does Pa'am look like? He's the oldest, I recall, but he may have aged significantly less than Shen))


-1 Minor Act (Increase Lutin population)
-1 Minor Act (Increase Gargoyle population)
-1 Minor Act (Build Aldric's Castle)
1 Major, 1 Ceremony remain.

[Raz_Fox]

A god is dead.
A god has been found.
Two gods have seen the truth.

The world shakes, as the gods stride across it. The branches of the tree in the center of the world are infinite in number, but even they tremble in anticipation of the storms that are coming.

A godling seeks power.
A memory walks the earth.
A rot spreads beneath the surface.

Not all that comes is of the gods' making. They must be strong to face the storms ahead, for weakness is death. Their enemies are powerful, their world is fragile, and everything comes back to the Children of Rognir.

Let them step forward.

Beginning of Turn 4

[ArlEammon]

Shen Zhi Shu

Shen had sensed that it was time to act. Saying farewell to Alric and Pa'am, whom he was convinced would be a help to eachother, he slowly began a climb back into the Shrine of Himiko from one of it's towers. He walked through the corridoors of the places and back into the library, he fluttered through the scrolls with impossible speed, no tear or rip touched the scrolls. Calling out to a messenger who received Shen Zhi Shu's message, he later received his top Branded into his service, understanding that even under Shen Zhi Shu, mortal magic was limited, still even in Zhang.
"You must learn to manipulate the energy forces of the universe through centering yourself. Learn to embrace who you are and attune your mind to your soul. In this way you can also learn how to fight with no weapon, either from body or steel, and still defeat your opponent and defend yourself."

The learning, this time, took hours. But within one night the first teachers of Evocation learned the true ways of how to fight with magic.

Evocation made : 2 Major Acts

[industrious]

In the time since Pa'am's disappearance...he has not changed at all on the outside. He appears as a man in the exact center of his life; neither old nor young but exactly in between. His hair is still equal parts black and white, giving the overall impression of steel-gray. His robes, while in tatters, are still the same blue-gray, and still imprinted with the same faint pattern of interlocking gears. He attempts to prop himself up and take some of his weight on his black quarterstaff...but he is still weak, and the staff nearly falls from his fingers. Limp fingers grasp the wineskin and swallow a trickle of water.

"Well...that's...not as bad as I had feared."

He pauses, as he attempts once more to support himself. This time, he is able to keep himself from falling...for a second.

"For me, it has been two weeks, and one nanosecond that spanned a small eternity."

[Kasanip]

Raia - Light and Darkness fly like an Arrow

War cries and screams. Yells and calls, like a raging tide. Like a storm. And yet it was all nothingness and silence as compared to Namasi and Raia's battle. each blow they swung was like roaring thunder, and they fought by the flashing and leaping of Lightning as it bounded about in a magnificent dance.

Raia's own Tetsuzou was fast and dangerous, as she slammed it into Namasi's arm, and brought the axe down to the ground. Two fast steps upon his axe, and she was balanced upon his arm. A fast thrust and block by the sword- a moving arm, here was balance!

Balance in a dance, as another two hundred bouts were in passing. Still thunder boomed and lightning flashed about Namasi. It was a battle of equals maybe in his eyes, but slowly it became clear.
Lightning circled like a hungry animal. Thunder cried like a victorious hawk.
Raia spoke nothing as she caught his hand in her own- so tiny, but hiding deadly strength. The strength she had used to wrestle thunder and lighting itself.

And to Namasi, it was a slow realization. A realization of betrayal to himself, that this fight was not over. That Raia was not tired, she was not fueling by emotions, but by training. Instinct. Raia was battle. Raia was war. Namasi was here, his giants were where they were because that was what Raia wanted. A plaything?
What was this then? Some competition?

Such betrayal of thoughts, an undermine of warrior spirit. A break in concentration. And Raia was within his guard again. Clash number 2315. The axe came again, and she stepped only a little to the side. A small sound as a single hair was cut. But her sword was already forward and coming down. A hammer blow that took the axe and sword together to hold.

But Raia's body was still moving. War was a strategy game. To think ahead and act ahead. A hard kick to Namasi's foot, and a widened stance. Another opening. More often they came now. Namasi stepped back for the first time. A small retreat. But Raia would let no regathering.

The giants ambushed again, and the Tengu came about with OneClaw before them, and viciously they attacked as a spear to the center. The giants became divided now, split into two beneath the mountains.
And still Namasi and Raia fought. Unshakable determination and precision. A flower blooming in spring. An unmoving mountain. Like water upon rocks, Raia was here, and she was there. And Namasi, despite his size and strength, was matched blow for blow. For every single strike of his weapon, Raia returned two, always driving forward. The expression on her face spoke of fearlessness. But also of promise. If Namasi looked into her eyes, he might see the gates of the underworld. The world of Garadiel was one that was so close here, upon the battlefield.


「光陰矢のごとし」 is the saying in japanese. :smallredface:

[Nefarion Xid]

"Up you go..."

Aldric hoists Pa'am into his arms, despite any protests, and carries him to Deneb's cottage where he's deposited in bed to properly relax. Thankfully the witch was off in the forest collecting reagents or ingredients or both. A times Aldric had trouble guessing which cauldron held stew and which held a potion... both proved noxious and neither cured acne. Aldric pulls up a chair and sits by Pa'am's side after fetching an apple and more water.

"It seems we all arrived at very different times," he says, propping his heavy boots up on the table. "Shen, for example, has been ruling Zhang for some fifty nearly bloodless years now. I don't claim to know how or why... then again I never understood Father. What has occupied your two weeks then, hmm?"

Aldric's dominion over fear had grown considerably since his 'victory' over the Behemoth and in the months in Deneb's company he'd become quite adept at simply shutting off his foreboding and sinister aura. By all accounts, he once again looked to be a creature of this world instead of constantly slipping in and out of shadows. It was a good ruse...

[industrious]

"Not exactly..." Pa'am gasps out.

"I went Outside, Aldric. My quest occupied those two weeks, and we all started our own at the same time." He bites into the apple, chews it slowly, and swallows. He's pondering his next words; the secret of Time was his and his alone. But he could tell a simplified version. The gears were false, but a good approximation.

"But afterwords...there was a problem with the Gears. Something came...from Outside. Would have torn causality apart. I went...Outside. To the moment between now and then. Eddies. Eddies in the continuum. I won, but..." He gestures at himself. "time was split and shattered. And I bear most of the cost. In time, I will heal. In time. Inside..."

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric listened with a look approximating that of a dog's when asked for his opinion on the economic climate. He knew nothing of the flow of time spare what he experience and his knowledge of the fundamental mechanics of the universe were sketchy at best. His powers were simply part of his nature; he thought no more of controlling shadows than he did of flexing his arm. And his studies of the eldritch were rather limited, spare for his talent with words. While he didn't command the power to make trees grow, he knew how to ask them to. The mention of something 'Outside' caught his interest though, that he knew something about. His knowledge of the Dark Speech was perhaps the greatest in the family, at least those still drawing breath; if Rognir once knew the dark words of power at all, he has perhaps willed himself to forget. The words drew upon something alien and wrong, something antithetical to creation itself. Aldric felt his hand tremble and in his mind's eye he seized Pa'am and demanded to know all of what he'd seen 'Outside'. In reality he only claps his hands together and purses his lips before asking, "What... is a 'gear'?"

[industrious]

Pa'am frowns. Secure in his own mastery of time, he forgot that other's did not share his knowledge. Even that which he termed the very basics of his field was unknown to many. When he was fully capable...he would remedy that.

"A gear...is an abstraction. I will use another one, though it is less accurate. Picture...an hourglass. The sand...drops down from top to bottom, collects in the lower chamber. Enclosed in glass, there is nowhere else for it to go but downwards."

Pa'am swallows another gulp of water. He is still lying down.

"This hourglass represents all of time, Aldric. Every event that has happened, every event that will happen, and every event that is happening now. The sand represents the flow of time; the glass enclosure represents the whole of reality as we know it. But imagine this, Aldric. Imagine a...person, who approaches the hourglass...and cracks it open. The sand bursts free of the glass; passing not from past to present to future but into strange aeons. The past and present and future become mingled together; there is no distinction between the three. Chaos. But more than our sister's idea. Her chaos implies the existence of Order, of something to tear down or subvert. This Chaos...merely is."

The weakened God of Time coughs into the sleeve of his robe.

"Everything I have just said...is a lie. Time is not an hourglass. There is no person who desires to smash it. But it is a true enough picture."

[White Blade]

Heradi and the Herald
Garadiel looked down at Heradi with disgust He knew more of Heradi than any man ought know of a monster. He remembered the day when Heradi had fled and he knew what Heradi had done, or tried to do, to so earn his father's wrath.

If Garadiel would ever have dragged a soul screaming into the Western Abyss, it would be the one before him now. He so longed to, to exitinguish the raging spark before him, which even in the wastes slept fitfully. But he couldn't, a person is defined by what they do when no one will hold them accountable.

And Garadiel was fair. So he leaned down next to Heradi and rather cruelly awoke him with a smack to the face. It wasn't a hard slap, but it left a deep mark, like a footprint or a burn. It was certainly painful. Garadiel looked at his brother and for the first time since he fled the House in the Uttermost East, he saw Garadiel.

It must have come as a shock to Heradi that his wanderlust driven brother now stank powerfully of both life and death, that the intricate mark of a many-branched tree now graced his right cheek, that Garadiel had so much fire in his eyes, so much will. But he didn't see anger as he looked into Garadiel's eyes. Only the look their father wore, when he set to unpleasant work.

The Messengers come to Raia
Garadiel stands beside Sovvenia not long after Raia's battle with the giants. He carries large glass bowl in one hand and Sovvenia's hand in the other. He does not shout out in greeting, as when he had met her at The House. Nor did he speak at all. His haversack looks to be pretty dang full.

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric had nearly settled on a concept of time as a fifth dimensional construct represented by an hourglass where the funnel was a singularity and the parabolic shape of the glass the sum of potentiality in the universe... but when informed that the hourglass was a lie, he scrubbed it from the blackboard of his mind.

"And eh, how did you end up here? And what were the... em..." He wiggles his fingers and does his best to pantomime the tendrils of blue light he'd seen attached to Pa'am earlier.

[industrious]

"I got back." He doesn't make any attempt to explain.

"And the tendrils.." they've vanished at this point. Along with the beasts they were attached to. "They are a souvenir of my own quest. When I fully realized the nature of time."

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric nods and smiles lightly, his brother seemed weary and likely needed rest. Even gods benefited from goose down pillows and a good night's sleep. "Rest now," he commands as if he wasn't addressing someone nearly twice his age, "I'll return to assail you with questions in the morning, I'm sure. The blonde girl's name is Deneb, she'll return shortly with 'supper.'"

~~~~~

After a long ride up the up the gray mountains and to precisely the middle of nowhere, Aldric dismisses the Nightmare and summons Despair to his hand. A grimace spreads across his face, it has been some time since last he held the weapon. The image of the gaping hole in Heradi's chest gave him pause. A long sigh turns to vapor in the chilly air. He raises his scythe and heaves it back and forth, metaphorically clanging it along the gates of the Underworld. Both the knowledge and power to traverse the lands of the dead were beyond him, so he decided to ring for the doorman.

Banishing Despair, he shifts his weight and folds his arms. "Come on Garadiel, I can't die so I need you to come to me!"

[Earl of Purple]

On the Way to the North-East Shore; Phromm, Sovvenia & Garadiel

As Sovvenia and Garadiel approach, Phromm jumps off the Giant Ice Worm's back; the Ice Worm itself tunnels into the ground shortly after. "Greetings, siblings. You smell of sand; not much around here, Azura. No, you don't smell quite right; nearly, but slightly different. Who are you? And Garadiel, your scent is confusing. Like death, and life, and more death, but more life, too. Anyway, what do you want?" Phromm is currently a large, hairy man wearing hides and furs, carrying a crudely-made bone staff.

[Carden]

Eridi's estimation had been right, they had left for Airter's village two days after that night. Riding along, the boy was quiet, contemplating what lay ahead. Eridi, however, was confident the set of armor on Noss would work like a charm, so he spent the time studying his own books.

He had noticed a few incongruities within his father's works lately, mainly with certain aspects of artifact creation. Eridi was certain he could improve on those runes, inlaying different ones together to make his items stronger. He was determined to figure out how by the time he got back, before he began working on the Behemoth's Tooth.

Eridi knew by the boy's chatter that they grew close to the town now. Without looking up from his new notes, he spoke, "So, boy, have you thought on my offer anymore? The time's almost here where it'll be too late to accept."

Act Expenditure

Because I'm not sure if I put this in the earlier post or not:
1 Major - Create Artifact (Panoply of War)

A perfect steel sword with a dragon handle and a set of full armor fit for a king, these items are useless without each other. However, when wielded together, they grant their wearer the inability to be damaged by mortal means, not to mention the fighting prowess of a hundred men.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

The goddess landed nearby and greeted her brother.

"Hello Phromm. You are right, I am far from my element here. I am Sovvenia, a memory of Azura given life as she let out her last breath. She died alone, forgotten by her kin, but her legacy has survived through me. It is a complicated story, but I can assure you that you can trust me. The same blood flows in our veins and we are still brother and sister."

Sovvenia glanced at Garadiel.

"Garadiel has changed much since you last saw each other. Right now he has a strange condition...he appears to be mute. Still, his resolve is as great as mine. The reason we have both come here, Phromm...is because there are dark times ahead of us. We wish to know if you'll be ready to leave your seclusion and join the other children of Rognir when the time comes to defend our father's legacy...and the entire world."

[White Blade]

Phromm
Garadiel waves. Words are beyond his ability and unable to explain, he's quiet mute. He fishes into his haversack, which is nearly overflowing. He pulls out something from it. A heavy piece of meat wrapped in cloth, the scent of which Phromm remembers.

The Nakur are a species that resemble elephants' in social habits. They had massive shields that interconnect. It is a rare species, but it's meat is delicious. The last time Phromm saw it, since his quest took him north and it occured exclusively in the eastern isles, was in the hunting preserve of Rognir.

Garadiel, Nara, and Phromm had gone out hunting. Nara's arrows were keen, Garadiel's tracking was good, but they kept finding Nakurs in a pack. Eventually, Phromm, a new arrival, grew frustrated with his older brothers and persuaded them to lure off just one and hunt it. Nara and Garadiel had watched as he coaxed a fine female out and then, once it was too far to retreat, killed it in one blow. They feasted well that night.

Garadiel locked eyes with Phromm. Garadiel was repeating Sovvenia's message, with Phromm's memory for a tool.

Aldric
Aldric gets the feeling Garadiel is cold and busy. None the less, he receives an image of Raia, by way of reply. Why, precisely, his brother did not simply speak was beyond Aldric. He thought Garadiel meant that he was busy and he was going to see Raia.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia

Sovvenia used a bit of magic to enhance Phromm's memories of that time. And she felt good as she silently drew from the brothers' experiences, fed on them, which was a completely harmless process. But then a tiny crack appeared on the goddess' sand-like skin, right below her right shoulder blade. Nobody noticed the slight imperfection as it was hidden under her clothes; not even she felt it. Yet it signaled a great danger...

[Earl of Purple]

Phromm, Sovvenia & Garadiel

"I will be ready. I just like it here; everything is a predator, and they are the most thrilling hunts. I would offer you a gift in turn, but I was not expecting you and have no presents prepared, and I thank you for the Nakur-flesh. My siblings are always welcome here." Phromm smiles, revealing that his teeth are like those of a shark, very sharp and pointy. Given that he does not like to use weaponry, it is easy to guess why his teeth are so.

[Raz_Fox]

Imaginary Friend?

"I can take you down the slow path, child. Your father hates that which is not his, and your family cannot understand madness, so they starve a child who simply desires love. Who needs a companion who sees her dreams.

I can give you what you need so desperately. This is what you need, maiden of the broken mirror. Will you accept me, or shall I return to the colddarkness? Choose the right mirror."


Heradi and the Herald

Heradi did not smile, but lay where he was. His eyes focused on shining Garadiel, and they seemed more like the eyes of a beast than any eyes belonging to man or god. Then, he spoke, and it was a sibilant hiss, a susurrus dancing on the edge of hearing.

that's all? no release. more pain more more more. is lil brother going to punish me? more pain? do it do it do it now. hurry hurry hurry still even here mind and body. hurry Garadiel. i have forever to endure.


On the other side of the underworld, a hole opens in the sky, and a raven's eye looks down upon the nether realms. It flicks from horizon to horizon, searching, never in the same place twice.


Eridi and Airtur

The boy looks apprehensive for a moment, then speaks. "I agree, lord of crafts. Our king was fair before he rode out with his men to challenge the dragon, but since - I snuck a look at him after he returned, scarred and wounded, muttering in his sleep. Hair half-shorn, lips scarred, blood all over his chest.

I do not think he is fit to rule anymore, god of crafts. And though I do not think I will become king, I do want to be the sword of my people, and their shield. I want to kill the dragon."

[hi-mi-tsu]

Calantha frowns, slightly, at Echo's choice of words. Her family still loved her...didn't they...? Aldric loved her, she knew that, she knew her brother would never abandon her...he wouldn't...would he...?

...Except for that he had left her and ridden away in the night...several times, now. A crease appears between the goddess's brow; suddenly, decisively, she reaches up and clasps Echo's hand.

"Stay with me, Echo...I accept you. Don't go back into the darkness, don't leave me...stay, here..."

[Raz_Fox]

Imaginary Friend!

Echo smiles, and it's a smile of the kind that Calantha has not gotten in far too long - not faked, not condescending, not pitying. A happy smile. "Then it is done. I will stay with you, as long as you need a friend. Even when your brother runs away from you, even when your family forgets you, I will give you what you need."

He reaches to the teapot and pours himself another pot of tea. "This is very good, Callie. Have you ever made it from a rose's crushed petals mixed with diamonds, wrapped in a story? Romances taste best."

[White Blade]

Heradi
Garadiel leaned down to his brother and lifted him, ever so gently. He pointed in one direction and a flickerig bulb raised forward, followed by a brief explosion. He pointed in the opposite direction and the bulb grows dimmer and dimmer until it fades to black. He tries to choke out a word, but it fails. He is trying to tell Heradi of the choices he has. He's being too vague, too indistinct. Garadiel wishes he had brought Sovvenia. He can only seem to get across that east is good and west is bad.
Phromm
Garadiel smiles back and indicates to Sovvenia he would like to accept his brother's hosptality.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia with Garadiel and Phromm

Sovvenia nodded. She didn't mind learning more about Phromm's way of life here in the North, if only to better understand how to take advantage of his position in the war to come.

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

Sovvenia and Garadiel in Toukoku

Following the meeting with Phromm, the two heralds sought the war maiden. However, as Sovvenia got ready to greet her sister and explain yet again her condition, she screamed and suddenly collapsed.

[ArlEammon]

Shen Zhi Shu:
Shen Zhi Shu returns from his inner Sanctum looking as if he had spent long hours studying. Indeed he had been. He had spent many hours wondering the secrets of the universe, and remembering the wise sayings of Pan-Lung.

Before the test of kicking Shen out of the House In the Uttermost East, Shen Zhi Shu had another similar test, in one respect that his life was in danger. Then, when Shen Zhi Shu was a young boy, he had battled a powerful mage, an unknown Mage who wanted Shen Zhi Shu's place as god of magic. (Shen Zhi Shu had forgotten about him, as had all of the other sons and daughters of Rognir)

When Shen Zhi Shu had accidently struck a fatal blow mystic blow to hi opponent, Shen Zhu Cao, Shen Zhu Cao laid a curse on Shen Zhi Shu. Cao demanded Shen Zhi Shu's life from Rognir's breath in the sky. A mysterious mist had covered over the garden where the brothers had fought. However, Shen Zhi Shu had remembered what Pan-Lung had told him before the battle. If Cao would ever curse Shen Zhi Shu,all Shen Zhi Shu had to do was to relax, calm himself and let the curse reflect. Cao was then transformed into a mist and taken into the sky.

Shen Zhi Shu reflected up into the sky at Cao. "Are you there Cao?"

[hi-mi-tsu]

Calantha...blinks. Then she tilts her head, and looks at the bandaged man in confusion. Diamonds wrapped in a story? How could one put diamonds in tea? Why would you? Diamonds are pretty, but they surely wouldn't taste good...

Not to mention wrapping them in a story. Even if you could, it didn't make any sense to do so. How would that be good-tasting? Or good-smelling? The paper would just get all soggy and damp.

"I don't understand..." She takes a contemplative sip of her own tea, and frowns to find it cold; glaring at the cup, it's soon steaming again. "Diamonds...they would just make it sparkle. And diamonds are pretty, but...they probably wouldn't taste very good. And besides, if you wrapped the tea in stories, the paper would get all soggy, and the story would be ruined...and I like reading stories to my dollies. See, I have lots of them, and we read before we go to bed..." She pulls out her Aldric doll, and the large stuffed Agony doll, and calls for her servants to gather around her, and she smiles at Echo.

"So....so I wouldn't make tea out of stories, because then I couldn't read them any more!"

[White Blade]

No! Garadiel shouted worriedly. It was the first word he had spoken since the Island and it had meaning. He protested fundamentally... That wasn't allowed, he meant. His words sounded of loneliness ad pain, of protest cries of the mourners of the world, the call of the lost child. She couldn't be hurt. Dropping the glass bowl and leaning over to check Sovvenia's vitals, Garadiel begged that she would be okay.

1 major Act to gain True Speech. Garadiel still isn't fluent, though. The protest is a raw, emotional reaction. More speech will require, naturally, more work.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Sovvenia and Garadiel in Toukoku

Sovvenia wasn't physically harmed, but the bloody images of the recent battle had momentarily shaken her. Fortunately, Garadiel's protest allowed his sister to regain control of her senses. The goddess vomited, but she seemed fine afterwards. Unbeknown to all, new cracks had formed on her back and right arm.

"The drums...the rain of blood...the smell of rotting corpses... Thank you Garadiel, I don't understand why this affects me so much."

But the first of such intensity, she mentally added. And Sovvenia looked to Raia, ashamed to have shown such weakness before her sister the legendary general.

[Nefarion Xid]

Aldric dashes the image of Raia away with a backhanded swipe and snarls. He'd just received the divine equivalent of an away message. Alas, there was no beep for him to leave a message after. After a few minutes of mulling around, he settles on dispatching a bat messenger to remind Garadiel of Aldric's summons. While one hermit bat had no hope of finding one god in the wide world, he would pass on the message to every bat he encountered who would, in turn, do the same... eventually one would spot Garadiel and deliver the news. It's not as if the hermit bats had much else to do spare reporting on the latest Zhangese fashion; silk robes were in for the hundredth year in a row.

"And uh... " Aldric turns with a sinister grin before the bat wings away, "Send a team of gargoyles to scout the West. When they've gone as far as they dare, they will sit and watch until further orders or until something heads east. And for your kind... I'll send the lot of you to the west if you do not remember that you are spies and do some spying."

With that, Aldric descends the mountain and returns to his partly finished castle to collect his thoughts.

[Carden]

Smiling, Eridi finally looked up and put his hand Airter's shoulder. "Sometimes, that's all that's needed. If there's one thing I've learned in my time in this world, your peoples respect more than anything those who honestly care for them. Now, for my end of the bargain, I'm not sure exactly how this'll feel, so-" Eridi pushed some divine energy into the boy. Cold but warm, painful yet soothing, it was as strange a feeling as he would ever feel. "-there. Now, if you so wish, feel free to put on the armor now and practice with the sword. Both my blessing and the enchantments on the weaponry will seem... foreign to you if you only practice during battle, so go ahead and get used to it now." Shooing Airter off, he went back to his notes for the remainder of the trip. There has to be a solution, there has to be. There would be no getting the god to shift focus until they arrived, only his diplomatic duty to his neighbors could tear his sight from his notes now.

Act Expenditure
1 Minor - Create Powerful Divine Servant (Airter)

[industrious]

Pa'am closes his eyes, and drifts into slumber. It has been a long nanosecond.


Claimed Sanctum: Between now and then.

3 Major, 6 Minor Acts remaining.

[Nefarion Xid]

Despite his lack of training in matters arcane, Aldric was a skilled enchanter. Eridi's skill in the runic arts far surpassed his and he'd certainly never make anything as utilitarian as his brother, but Aldric was quite capable of shoving a lot of magic into a small space... at least the primal magic within his own godly purview. If you wanted a sword that screamed bloody murder and cowed your enemies, Aldric was your guy. You provide the sword, he'll provide the screams. Of course, if you wanted anything else, Eridi was your guy... maybe Shen if Eridi was too busy.

Painfully aware of this fact and, in no small measure, jealous of his brother, Aldric set to work that night. Eridi's insight would have been helpful, certainly, but this was a job for raw, untamed power. Using only his bare hands and the dark presence of Despair as a conduit, he wove elemental shadow together, folded it upon itself countless times until the ethereal became real. The result was a jagged, rough crystal only about a foot in length, but appallingly heavy, even for a god's hands. The exact shape and color of the crystal was left to speculation as the thing swallowed light based on proximity, so that it perpetually lay at the center of a hazy orb of darkness. It was a pure expression of Aldric's power, both a focal point and a battery for his primal call over the shadows and it was fundamentally a part of his magic now. Were it to be destroyed, his dominion over shadows would be lost for a time and he'd be vulnerable. Luckily, no one yet knew of his connection to the artifact and he had simply killed the last enemy he made. By his count, he was back to zero enemies.

For his second act, he dragged the Nightmare kicking and screaming to his newly created crystal. Besides being obstinate, the horse was also not stupid and found herself growing increasingly distrustful of her master's good intentions as she was brought near an artifact of utter darkness.

"Hold still you silly twit! This will only hurt once!"

Despite her violent protests, Aldric eventually succeeds in tethering her to the spot and again works his magic. Smokey black tendrils rise from the crystal and slither into the air before racing towards the frightened mare. She screams once before they seize her, force their way in through her eyes and nostrils and worm through her core before finally swallowing her whole and returning to the crystal. A moment passes and the night is still. The silence is broken with a hideous, bestial sound and wings erupt from the crystal.


-1 Major (Create Artifact: The Crystal of Elemental Shadow aka the Wyvern's Egg)
-1 Major (Transform the Nightmare into an Exarch, the first Wyvern)
-1 Major (Create Monster Race: Wyverns)

The Crystal of Elemental Shadow obscures the area around it in a radius of 10 miles. From a distance, it would look like an enormous, hazy, black bubble, but since it is safely tucked away inside a valley, it is far less conspicuous. Creatures (with mundane or magical sight) see only blackness when outside looking in, but can see normally (outside the sphere as well) when on the inside. Attempts at scrying are likewise foiled. One can still detect Aldric's divine presence within the sphere. The crystal also has the effect of blocking the sun and it's light from vision. So, while it may actually be day, subjects within the sphere only see night; the stars are visible at all hours.

Wyverns are bat-winged, sleek, serpentine creatures of elemental shadow with powerful talons, whip-like tails and truly disturbing cries. While solid creatures of the flesh, they do dissolve in a burst of shadowstuff when slain. While respected for their strength and ferocity, these beasts are better known for their ability to cloak themselves in darkness. So, in addition to being strong enough to carry off a horse and rider, they go invisible at night. As if being snapped up by a horrible nocturnal predator you can't see wasn't bad enough, they also emit a sound most commonly described as, "a thousand really pissed off barn owls" and take great delight in terrifying their prey; they like to be sporting and give you a head's up and chance to run before you get eaten. Luckily, the creatures number in the dozens and are almost exclusively found patrolling the skies over Aldric's castle. Usually.

The Nightmare was transformed into the first of the wyverns and retains the ability to shift back and forth between her form as a horse and flying terror incarnate. The magical horseshoes Eridi specifically made for her turn into silver bands about her ankles in her wyvern shape.

1 Major, 3 Minor, 2 Cermonies left

[ArlEammon]

Shen Zhi Shu
Xiang Jian was still a small city out in the world. Well, probably the largest city at the moment, but still quite a small facet in the world of Rognir's making. He had already made the people powerful through his meddling over the years. But they needed protection one more time. He had called a meeting once more and this time, he had important things to teach to the people that they would remember for years. This time, teaching the people was not about wisdom and the virtues of learning from your mistakes, but the teachings of Shen Zhi Shu at the moment weren't of magic either.

Xiang Jian listened to Shen Zhi Shu's booming voice for hours on end throughout the city. This time, he did not merely teach, he imprinted on the minds of Xiang Jian, greater intellect.

1 Major Act to alter Xiang Jian citizen's to have greater intelligence

[Raz_Fox]

Bestest Friends

Echo laughs. "You still think in the material, Callie. You are a goddess. The realm intangible, the ethereal, the oneiric and the supernal is yours to command - ah, but I see we have company. Hello, dollies."

He picks one up and sets it in his lap. "I know a lot of stories, too. Maybe a hundred thousand - that I still remember, of course. We knew all of them, once upon a time, but I still know enough. But maybe you know some that I do not know. I would like to hear your stories.


Heradi and the Herald

Now, Heradi grins grotesquely. It seems almost a grin of rigor mortis, an involuntary motion of a long-dead body. choice? i can choose my suffering which way i go. oh how wise is Garadiel. lord of death rot corpses death. run east and burn run west and darkness. run run run can't i stop here? why why why can't it stop now stop now. hurry hurry hurry Garadiel explain my suffering.