Lords of Creation: The Something Something IC [Archive]

Queen Sapes

2013-06-26, 11:14 PM

Speeding silently through the void, Vectrisis came upon the first object he has seen in creation apart from himself. It was a large mass of some material floating in the void. Interested in it, Vectrisis flew down to the mass, pulling a clump of the material up and examining it in his hands. A line of green light ran over the material, recording its contents, what it was made of.

"New material: Earth. Recorded," the iron figure said, the metal voice emanating from within the suit of godly metal. Another line of green light flashed quickly over the rock he held in his hands, the entire thing disappearing as it was broken apart and allowed to drift back into nothing. "Trace impurities detected," Vectrisis boomed as he ascended back into the void. "Purifying. Altering. Replicating."

As he ascended, the armor pulled back in spots, his green light filling creation and pulling the raw energy into shape, building and splintering atoms. He rearranged everything around him, pure, uncontaminated earth creating a massive sphere around his form, even if it wasn't totally complete near the surface. Inside, he filled it with machines of every shape and size. Places here for creating his minions. Places there for holding his specimens. Databanks over there for storage of information. Vaults for holding objects and places. And at the center was the hub of it all, where alone Vectrisis could monitor his lair and control it without having to dirty himself with the outside world.

But remaining in his lair at all times could have potentially negative effects on his ability to see the outside world. Thinking logically, he would need eyes. And rather than a small set, why not make them as numerous as possible? Holding his hand outwards, he pieced together the first "living" creature in existence. A bit of biology based on his own true form, metal from the place he had created around himself, and a psychic link between the creature and the databanks within the moon. Then, Vectrisis replicated thousands of times, and thousands of replications on those replicas. So on and so on until there were billions of the little creatures. Then, Vectrisis commanded them to spread to the planet below and simply sit and watch everything, and to spread in groups throughout the void, to perform the same task. As the swarm departed, Vectrisis moved into the center-hub to watch as information flew into the databanks.

Start AP - 15
3 - Forge Astronomical Object: The Moon. A large, relatively hollow sphere orbiting the planet. About the size of Earth's moon. However, the outer shell is incomplete, and leaks a powerful energy in the form of green light from ever hole, crack, crevice, and valley on the surface. Vectrisis' swarms power themselves by exposing themselves to the light, which is also the only kind of light within the moon. However, the green light is only about as bright as Earth's moon on a cloudless night, so it isn't enough to act as a sun.

Inside the moon are seemingly infinite corridors that lead to the various sections of the moon, although there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the placement of things. There are millions of storage tanks, ranging from the size of a small jar to massive rooms, all filled with a strange, muddy green liquid that can maintain the life of anything placed within a tank. There are several airless vaults throughout the place which are used to store objects of interest within gravity wells. The databanks where information is stored are all sealed within the walls of the moon, although the information is accessible through one of the many monitors throughout the station. The one section that is in a single spot is the creation yards, where new creatures under Vectrisis' control are created. The creatures that are not away or permanently outside the moon sleep away inside narrow storage pods throughout the moon, where they are recharged and repaired.

2 - Relic: The Central Hub. At the exact center of the moon is a room from which all operations of the moon are controlled by Vectrisis. This is the room from which all information in the databases can be accessed. Due to the labyrinth of corridors that makes up the moon, it can be rather difficult to find one's way to the Central Hub unless directed there by the current user. Unless dethroned, Vectrisis is always the user of the Central Hub.

1 - Monstrous Life: The B.I.G.A. (or just Biga). The first life and most common of Vectrisis' minions, the Biga are literally bio-robotic information gathering aphids. It's what their acronym stands for. For all purposes they look almost exactly like aphids, but seem to be a bit more shiny than normal aphids would be. At night or in dark places, the Biga give off a soft light like a firefly. This is actually the glow from their power source, and it dims as they lose power. The Biga have the longest batteries of all Vectrisis' swarms, able to go a full week without being exposed to the green light, although this is rarely a problem as they can be charged in the distance between the planet and the moon. Outside of the planet, the Biga float in the void together in large clumps that collectively glow brighter than the individual Biga on the planet. These Biga basically act as stars, although it is impossible to navigate by them as these Biga routinely move in order to constantly remain charged.

Action-wise, the Biga don't do anything besides move around and make sure they remain charged. Almost all animal life ignores their existence and won't purposely attack them or eat them, only doing so by accident. In fact, unless studied, it is impossible to tell the Biga are not completely organic. All Biga maintain a psychic connection to the databanks within the moon, and all visual and auditory information the Biga record is instantly recorded within the databanks. And the Biga are everywhere.

End AP - 9

Tichrondrius

2013-06-26, 11:48 PM

As the Earth formed its system of rocks and caves alone a odd force of equal depth and evil matched the ball of solid earth. Sudden water splashed out on the rock blocking it in some places and having the caves underneath it in others. This water soon grew to match the land creating a symbiotic ball of equal oceans and land much closer to Earth. Out of the water arose a figure that started out fluid but soon gained solid form.

"Ahahaha!" She laughed, a low and booming laugh that matched her large octopus-based form, if such a thing existed. "Neleus- I'm Neleus..." She spoke out loud more to herself than anyone, grasping at her form as if startled by its solidity. "It's as if some half-remembered dream calls out to me.. a past life?" The Sea Witch mused before noticing the trident in her hand and she knew it was both hers and not hers. Or had not always been.

But such concerns were a thing of the.. oh whats the word, past!

"Oh such woes, such great calamities I'll cause, oh to see their faces as they suffer! This world is mine- and you're first in line!" The new god being known as Neleus declared as she rose above the orb to join her fellow gods in the void above. "Now, do me a favor and tell me, do you current residents have a name already for my new realm?"

AP 15

Create Land (4): Create an immense series of complex and intricate oceans on the material planet separated by the earth and caves between them. They lap hungrily at the land hoping to one day devour it. I used four points instead of two to make them even larger and vaster. This action also resulted in the Creation of several mundane varieties of fish, shrimp, and basic low-level ocean ecosystem stuff.

Create Relic (The Trident of Oceans) (2): Denotes the holder as ruler of the seas and is quite functional in battle granting a +1 to attack.

Create Monstrous Life (Sharkfolk) (1): One of the two monstrous races created by the simple existence of Neleus is the Sharkfolk. Mostly solitary predators they are intelligent enough to team up against a greater threat and usually stay to the bottom of the waters keeping them safe. They are pretty thick skinned and have row after row of amazing teeth and they are of course poisonous: eating one will make you go into convulsions until death. They tend to act like very large regular sharks.

Create Monstrous Life (Jellyfolk) (1): The other monstrous race that was created simply by Neleus existing are the Jellyfolk: Jellyfish ranging in size from small to actually quite large. They seem to pop up in all bodies of water and aren't directly antagonistic but will eat anything that stops moving for too long. They are extremely poisonous merely being stung by it's exposed legs will cause uncomfortable paralysis for several hours making it difficult to breath much less move. Not dangerous on it's own maybe but you run the risk of drowning or being devoured by the Jellyfolk.

AP 15 - 8 = 7 AP

ShadowFireLance

2013-06-26, 11:51 PM

Arntha clapped her hands and jumped up and down;
"Oh, Goody, Wet...stuff....and things with teeth! Goody!"
She plants a floating sign:
Neleus wet stuff
In the middle of the largest area.

Gnomes2169

2013-06-27, 12:06 AM

Voidy's eye would be twitching... if he had eyes yet, at any rate. Maybe he should fix that one day soon. But no matter, to deal with this blasted Goddess of Water and her silly little ideas...

"If this world, nay, entire plane of EXISTENCE belongs to ANYONE, then it is mine!" The growl was more than a little off-put and he glared at the Water Witch, "After all, it was I who opened the portal which killed the creator, and either dragged all of you in here with me or allowed your existence to come into being from his corpse, and so it is I who should be the owner!" Honestly, the things that children thought of these days... "Throne, could you be a dear and make a sign for me to float out here in space?" Not the Void. Space. There was a difference.

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 12:08 AM

"You... covered my land with your seas. Filled several cave systems with water."
The God of the Earth watches the flooding of his creation impartially
"I would applaud your magnificent creation if it wasn't submerging my own. Greetings, you may call me The Eldritch Horror. Please dont call me Mister Horror, I already have one deity calling me that." A glare going in the direction of the sign-obsessed goddess

"Though this place does not have a name yet maybe together we could make one up."

EDIT @Voidy: "Excuse me? Allowed me to come here. I was heading this way LONG before your arrival. I came because this supposedly an empty space, the local Creator hadn't even woken yet. But no, when I arrive I see a crazy sign-obsessed Goddess and her blinking Throne. You have no more claim to this place than I."

ShadowFireLance

2013-06-27, 12:10 AM

Throne was silent.
He did not move.
"Psst. Throne. Wake up."
He did not move.
"Hm, Guess I need to poke him."
The goddess poked the fleshy chair.
He did not move.
"Hmm, Guess..."
She instantly tore the throne to shreds, flesh and blood flying everywhere, splattering all over her, and anyone in a small radius.
She then turned to The Void Dragon, smiled her horrifying smile, and handed him a floating sign.

Voidy's void and vast spacey stuff.

Her ear's twitch at the sound of "Mister Horror".
"You need a sign Mister Horror?"

She whirls around, and starts spreading...things...around her.
They appeared all shapes and sizes, and looked...tasty.

-0 Ap for creating Mundane life; Carnivorous food

Gnomes2169

2013-06-27, 12:15 AM

"Voidy."

...

"VOIDY"

...

Well, he had been called worse... He could deal. "... Thank you." That had been... odd. He took the sign in an endless black claw and set it to the side. It floated cheerfully beside him, like a happy little puppy.

...

It was somewhat disconcerting.

It's 1 AP for Monstrous Life

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 12:33 AM

As the last of the Creator's essence bleed into nothingness, two of his forces merged, the forces meant to create the ideals of justice and freedom in his creations, forming a temporary consciousness. As that consciousness observed these gods, and saw the Creator's magnificent body floating dead, the consciousness was filled with was filled with dread.

Is this what is to become of the creators domain?, he thought, All of the Creator's plans, all of the Creator's hopes to be left in the hands of the usurpers and invaders?

As the consciousness thought these things, it became more and more indignant. These vile being claim ownership, but they do not even deserve to exist in this domain. It had such potential. It could have been paradise! With that, the consciousness gained an idea. ... and it will be. I am sorry father, but to protect your works, I must do this.

With that, the consciousness drained away the last vestiges of the Creator's power, leaving his body a truly empty husk. A being of pure freedom and justice, the consciousness was now permanent. Not only that, it was a god.

A swirling mass of orange energy, the consciousness no, not consciousness, god spoke, I am a true child of this realm. You all make claims to it and post your signs, but you do not deserve it. You beings are nothing but vile and oppressive interlopers. You are all undeserving invaders and conquerors. And I am this realms Liberator.

Gnomes2169

2013-06-27, 12:44 AM

Oh Existence, another of the pissants. You know what? No. Enough. The Void Dragon didn't care anymore. Picking up his sign and petting it like a villain would pet its poofy white cat, the Void Dragon ripped open a new hole in the universe and created a plane that was the Void, would always be the Void and would be his new bloody home. He was about to take a step towards it when the sign purred.

Voidy blinked. He pet it again and it purred once more. Louder.

He gingerly reached through the black portal in front of him and placed the freaky little piece of wood inside, claiming property of his new plane of existence. Then, he shifted that plane so that the sign was at least ten light years away from the entrance at all times. There.

As the robo-bug things formed up into a cluster in the atmosphere, the Void Dragon's body lit up dimly around what would be one eye to resemble their false constellations. Well finally, he had an eye. Great. With a sigh, he sat on his portal and became a ball again. It was so much simpler this way, really.

Starting AP: 15
-5 AP: Weave Plane: The Void. The Void is an infinitely vast, one level plane that is hospitable to all forms of life, so much so that unprotected mortals that are even present in it take 10 points of energy damage (Void) for every round that they stay in. It is almost completely empty (except for the sign) and has no kind of gravity or natural illumination. Magic is almost completely negated on this plane. Oddly enough, though, this plane seems to be more than willing to help create objects within itself, footing part of the cost from... somewhere... While Mortals die almost instantly in here, the Void does almost nothing to non-living matter, so creating astral bodies is actually 1 point cheaper while in here. If you wish to move the planet or star you created out, however, you have to have the Void Dragon's permission, as he controls the only exit.

-2 AP: Create Relic: The "Black" moon that acts as a (and the only) portal bridging the gap between the Mortal world and the Void. It keeps the Void contained, and its size/ location can vary depending on the Void Dragon's whim. Though usually the size of a moon and orbiting the first world, it can still spit out things the size of stars or even small galaxies. It is solid to stand on and has an atmosphere of its own, but has the same properties as the Void for all mortals that stand on it. This moon absorbs all light that encounters it, and all mortal-made portals to and from the Void go through this relic first.

8 AP remaining

Greystone

2013-06-27, 12:46 AM

One moment she did not sense her surroundings... she did not even exist. Suddenly, the onrush of knowledge and life filled her mind and energized her very being. In a shock, she realized what it meant that she even HAD a being... and felt a pain of regret and empathetic pain for her erstwhile creator. He had given his very being so she could exist.

It was quite the honor.

She focused on her form, thousands of possibilities streaming through her consciousness. Female would do for now... and... perhaps an amorphous form? No. A form came to her mind- Massive and regal. Slowly she wrapped her essence around her core, layering first the skeleton then the muscle. Shimmering silver scales coated her glistening muscles as gigantic wings grew. Finally she opened her Amethyst eyes and surveyed the universe that had been gifted to her.

Mazilhendra had arrived. Soon the Regal Dragon alighted down onto the rocky planet. Though the Oceans were already thriving, the land itself was cold and lifeless. Pouring her essence into the tips of her claws, she willed life to flow out from her. Dark tree's and colorful flora sprouted behind her as she trudged through the near virgin planet.

AP 15:

Alter Land (2pts): Cover much of the continent with Dark (Red black, Dark Blue, Dark Green and Dark Red) Forests and Jungles. Exotic flowers and plants cover the forest floor and the trunks of the tree's.

AP Total: 13

As the plants grew around her, she could feel the ache in her heart. A loneliness that screamed for company. Focusing her energy, digging in the Earth with her massive claws, she lifts a shining silver bowl- deep and carved with symbols of life and birth. Reaching inside the empty bowl, she pulled out a handful of small seeds, throwing them behind her as she walked. These seeds latched onto the Earth, and swiftly transformed into all manner of life.

Create Relic: Womb of the Earth- (Cosmetic Relic) This Shining Bowl, forged with the essence of life and materials of a living, maiden planet allows the wielder to tap into the very seeds of life. No area will remain barren for long with this as a focus.

Create Mundane Life: Using the Relic and her own powers, she quickly fills the Forests and Jungle with a fully functioning, very savage, eco-system.

Create Monstrous Life: Shadow Stalkers- The Apex Predators of the new ecosystem. These are large, camouflaged reptilians, about the size of small car and built like a Utah Raptor. Intelligence-wise, they border on true intelligence, at the moment making vicious and cunning hunters.

AP Total: 10

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 01:01 AM

Gnomes2169

2013-06-27, 01:14 AM

And then the Void Dragon decided to play a little game. It was called, "kick the rabid dog", and involved a little something called tapping into Oblivion's latent destructive powers. In the crust of the world, small cracks began to appear. These cracks slowly spread and shifted around, almost imperceptibly, growing slightly over the years. Eventually, these cracks would make continental shelves, causing earthquakes, creating mountain ranges and even volcanoes, if there was a molten core to play with. But for now, they were small things, less than a mile long at most. Subtlety was the best way to do these things for now, after all.

AP: 8

-1 Alter land: Makes small cracks in the land that will one day become continental and oceanic plates, leading to earthquakes and other natural disasters, as well as the formation of mountain ranges and changes to continents over hundreds of years. This transformation shall take a while (think the next rollover) to truly be noticed.

AP remaining: 7

Greystone

2013-06-27, 02:04 AM

Eldritch saw the Draconic influence on his creation, shifting to her presence
"Excuse me, what praytell are you doing? Clawing and scraping at MY earth without telling me, or even informing me of your existence. At least Neleus made something magnificent and informed me of her name first. Her oceans covered my land while you tore the Earth apart to make your creation. So tell me Goddess, Why should I not taste your divine energy and tear your newly formed muscles apart?"
The shadowy God's tendrils shifting constantly, looking poised to exact revenge

Mazilhendra turns her great head, tearing her focus away from her new children growing and thriving in the land towards her brother God. For a long moment she simply stared at the other divine, formulating her own words- her voice. After a pause, she replied "The emptiness of the land struck me as a waste Brother-God. As to my name, you may call me Mazilhendra. Before you rend apart my new form... look closely at what I created."

She gestured with a claw, eyes never leaving the other God's form "Where once was nothing, there is now life. Passionate. Functioning... but not so different that it was before. I only took a small part, materials that in my infancy I had not realized were owned, and underneath the new lush canopies of my creation lies the strong Earth and Rock that you created. Think of the possibilities."

Her voice lowered from excited to deferential "I do apologize for infringing upon what you consider yours... and if you must punish me then there is little that I can do to stop you."

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 02:12 AM

"Life comes with time, the world is newly formed and I was distracted by the others. And that was not the point, I was referring to your claws digging that Artifact down there. Still I accept your apology provided you acknowledge you owe a favour, to be stated at a later date. Next time you wish to make something do not tear apart my Earth to do so."

OOC: he doesnt care about you making trees or the ecosystem as much as the fact you tore a chunk of Earth out and made it a Relic without telling him. He still dislikes not getting the first land-animal but can forgive that

Greystone

2013-06-27, 02:23 AM

Mazilhendra nods her majestic head, noting the potential pitfalls such an agreement would bring... but preferring not to start open conflict with any of her siblings just yet. She had Children to look out for after all.

"I agree to owing you a favor, provided it is of the same scale as the affront" she answers carefully " I will look elsewhere for material... though I feel that soon enough I shall have plenty to work with. Until next time... Brother Eldritch."

Taking her leave, with only the barest hint of a knowing smile, she continued on her quest. Making small adjustments here, balancing the ecosystem there, doting on her new children with the love only a new mother can provide.

Alter Land- Enrich the ecosystem, make it self-sustaining and well balanced (Including altering the plants to catch and hold heat, making the area beneath the canopy warm and humid).

AP Total- 9

OOC- Understood.

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 04:45 AM

Seeing the teeming jungles full of predictors, the oceans full of poisons beings, Liberator had to make a place for his life to grow. A place where they would be protected from the evils of these interlopers and corrupters. A haven, a... Bastion.

And with the word, its formation began. Rising from the depths of the ocean came a great mass of land, still taking shape to his will. It rose above the ocean, forming great cliff-faces at every coast.

A good start, but that is not enough.

Mountains rose from the cliff faces, piercing the skies with their height, shielding the land from the machinations of the gods outside. On the interior of the continent, different terrains began to emerge. to the east were more arid hills and rocky lands, full of valuable minerals for the life to exploit. To the north were colder lands, full of trees and birds and elk. There were less resources to exploit in the north, but the beauty of the land and tranquility of the cold more than made up for that. To the west were plains full of wheat and corn and cattle. The land that would supply most of the continents food. To the south were flat-lands. They had no special resources, but also no obstetrical against expansion. All of the land was covered in rivers, flowing out from the center, where all the types of land meet. Also in the center was a network of large fresh-water lakes, supplying the rivers that would flow towards the mountains and would pool at their base, forming a sort of small sea between the mountain walls and the precious interior.

As Liberator looked on the land, he felt it was good, a large Bastion for his creations to grow and prosper in. But there was a problem. It was too large. His creations would expand out and fill it one day, but that day would not be for a long while. At the center was the best aspects of each region. The lakes provided fresh and pure water, the hills provided any resource that could be desired, there was plentiful lumber and game from the tundra, there was incredibly fertile land for farming and there was the most temperate land for settling. This core must be separated from the rest of the land, and protected doubly so. But what to call this paradise within paradise? After thinking long and hard, Liberator uttered its name, Hu

And the final mountain ring rose in the center of the continent, shielding Hu as a last line of defense if there should ever be an incursion into bastion, and giving a safe land in which his children will grow while they are still young.

Speaking of... He turned his eye towards the world. What would his children need to survive? The must be tenacious to fight back the enemy continually. They must be hopeful to not loose their zeal in the fight. They must be adaptable, able to change to and improve upon their situation. They must be ambitious, for they must one day take this world as their own.

With these goal in mind, he focused on the people he wanted to create, his people of Hu, the... Hufolk! And so the first tribes of Hufolk came to be in the land of Hu. They would hunt the game, farm the land, grow and settle. There form was inspiring to Liberator, and so he shielded his own divine energy in a form similar to theirs. He was now a tall, strikingly hansom man, with the intenseness of his orange energy still burning in his eyes, and long hair the color of gold.

But there was still a problem. At night, there was barely enough light to see by, and during the day there was nothing but specks in the sky. Something needed to be done. Rather than intensifying the light of the night, he chose to give his people comfort from the blackness of day. Above the region of Hu, he focused his divine essence and created The Heart of Hu, an orb of pure golden light, that would shine over the whole region while the moon was not present. Not only that, but this Heart of Hu would regulate the weather and temperature, never letting it get too cold or too warm, giving the land a refreshing rain each morning, and light cloud cover and perhaps some drizzle throughout the day.

Finally satisfied with his creation, he took a moment to appreciate his work and rest... before the next step in the war...

Initial AP - 15

-2 AP - Create land: Bastion

The continent of Bastion is a paradise on earth. A large island continent [the size of Russia] protected along its coast from the creatures of the ocean by a hundred-foot high cliff-face and an imposing mountain range, Bastion is truly a fortress-continent. The first feature noticeable one one makes it through the mountains is a small salt-water sea which rings the interior land full of large fish such as tuna and salmon. The continent is roughly divided into five generic regions. The east is a resource-right but arid hill-land, the north is a beautiful tundra full of lumber and game, the east is vast farmable land full of grains and domesticable animals, while the south is sparse flat-lands perfect for settling. While it has plentiful resources, it has no predators, and all animal and plant life is benign. Even the bees of Bastion do not have stingers. At its center is Hu, a region the size of Alaska ringed by mountains just as the continent is. Within Hu is are the most resource-rich hills, the most plentiful game and largest trees, the most fertile and bountiful farmland, and the most temperate land for settling cities.

-3 AP - Create Sentient Life: Hufolk.

The Hufolk were the first children of Liberator. Born to be beings of greatness, able to stand up to the challenges Liberator saw in their future, they are incredibly adaptable beings.

Hufolk are standard D&D humans

-2 AP - Create Relic - The Heart of Hu
Floating above the center of the region of Bastion known as Hu is a small golden sphere. This sphere produces a soft but not insubstantial golden light when there is no moon in the sky, allowing the citizens of Hu to see with ease. Additionally, it controls the climate of the region (or any region it is attuned to) to the specifications of the the user (in this case Liberator). It is currently attuned to Hu, giving the region a perfect climate in the eyes of its creator. During the day, there is a soft light diffused through the clouds, it rains every morning to water the crops and wash away refuse, and the temperature never goes below 55 degrees farenhight or above 68.

Final AP - 8

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 05:15 AM

"Another one! It is MY ball of rock, I made it and...oh you know what fine Manipulate it as you will."
The God of the Earth sighs exasperated
"Though hear this, your Bastion will one day fall. Creatures spawned under my guidance shall burn down their crops, forge weapons of war from the resource-rich mountains and put to death every Hufolk not sworn to Me."

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 05:21 AM

Defiantly, liberator retorts, Burn their crops and they shall hunt game till they grown anew. Forge weapons from their resources and they shall turn them against you once your folk are slain. Kill all the Hufolk you can and thousands more shall take there place, swearing vengeance on your head!

As liberator calms, he smirks and finishes by goading And besides, you must first breach my Bastion to make it fall, and I would like to see you try.

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 05:37 AM

"Cliffs made of rock, mountains filled with Iron. the very ground your people stand on falls under my domain and their defenses while strong and sturdy belong to me.
What defense is one crafted from the attacker's own greatest strength? What barricade is one that only covers a small fraction of the possible invasion points.
Your stolen land WILL be reclaimed, these Hufolk squatters evicted from the mortal coil and my Earth."
Eldritch waves his hand, a pillar of rock forming under a hapless Hufolk thrusting him skyward to be caught by the Horrific God
"And I know just how to do it too."
A tendril wraps around the mortal, his screams of agony echoing out of the inky blackness for several seconds before the shadow withdraws revealing a pristine Hufolk corpse and a bestial mockery of a Hufolk with razor-sharp black claws and blank eyes wearing a tattered cloak
"I'll turn your Hufolk against you. Every one of this one's victims will become as a copy of it, a swarm that gets stronger with every justice inflicted upon their cousins. Cousins whose souls will be warped and twisted to go and slaughter their former friends, family and nation. Horrible beings from the dark caves sent to kill and maim and turn your paradise into quite the opposite."

7AP
-1 Alter Land: Pillar of Prophecy. A giant spike of bedrock in the centre of Hu rising above even the tallest mountains. It will remain there until all Hufolk worship Eldritch or are extinct
-1 Alter Life: Shadow Hufolk. The souls of any Folk killed by one of these will be dragged deep into Goheng to be tortured, twisted and turned into another one of these. Many rise from the depths to slaughter the Folk though some remain deep down forming their own loose tribal system (ie not a Society) and propagating themselves, for they can still reproduce other Shadow Hufolk like normal Hufolk.
They are Immune to Fear and their main weapons are their deadly Claws.

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 06:39 AM

Liberators expression turns grave and somber at the sight of this horror. It was his fault, after all. He had goaded the god of earth and this was his punishment. He would not be so arrogant next time. In a dark voice, he saidThank-you, Eldritch, for showing me the error of my ways. In my pride I have neglected a vast front to my Bastion, and I believe I now know how best to defend it. It will require some digging into ...(even if I must be diplomatic, I cannot call it his)... the earth, just to make you aware. If you will now excuse me...

Leaving the presence of Eldritch and speaking to his people, I need the healthiest among you! Not nessisarily the strongest, but the most durable! You will have to leave your homes and families behind, but you shall be gifted with the power to defend them! To keep them safe from the horrors from below that Eldrich plans to send! With your sacrifice, Hu, and one day all of Bastion will be safer!

It took time, but eventually enough Hufolk to make several small tribes joined him.

Good. All of Bastion will prosper from your sacrifice. No, follow me. Liberator faced the earth, and began to burrow into it, creating a new tunnel network that connects all the current tunnels under Hu and funnels them through where he will place his new race, and then to the surface itself.

Where he will place the race, he gives them nourishing lichen and algae, along with several new species of subterranean mammal for them to raise as food.

Once all of the volunteers were in the cave network, at the point he intended to be their first settlement, he informed them of the whole of his plan. When I am done, you will no longer be Hufolk. You will be something stronger. You will be built to survive in the subterranian land that you must now call home for the good of all Hufolk. You will have eyes that see in the darkness, claws capable of digging in even the hardest rock and that can be shaped into tools while you are still young, and though you will be stout, you will be durable and powerful. As he described each aspect he would give them, they took it on. Their eyes grew large, round, and reflective. Perfect eyes for their new environment, but sensitive to light. They grew claws that shaped themselves into tools to match their craft, as hard as the hardest metal this world knew. And while they shrunk in stature, growing hair in most of the hairless places on their body, they retained the power they had when they were taller.

You are now my Molefolk. You are Hu's first line of defence against Eldritch. While your lives will be hard, they will keep paradise safe, and as an added bonus for your sacrifice, this new race will be closer to myself. The final act in making his Molefolk was imbuing each and every one with the smallest spark of the Freedom and Justice that made Liberator the god he was.

Liberator looked on his new creations as they began to live their lives, and felt it was good.

Initial AP - 8
-1 AP - Alter Land: The Molefolk Homecaves
Beneath Hu, all of the cave of the deep link and converge on the home of the Molefolk. This cave-network which is home to the Molefolk Bubbles and chokes, forming 5 distinct living areas and 5 distinct defensive positions. In the top-most living area is a small cave-network isolated from the main body, connected only through a very long and narrow cave that could easily be filled in should the worst come to pass.

-1 AP -Alter Life: Molefolk
The Molefolk were once Hufolk, converted into subterranean people by Liberator to be the first line of defense against Eldritch and his horrors. They are perfectly adapted to their new roll in life, and will develop a benevolent, if not particularly structured culture with a focus on fighting to defend themselves and their Hufolk brothers and sisters.

Current AP - 6

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 06:54 AM

Deep beneath the Hu the first mortal combat occurred. The First of the Darkfolk, the Shadow Hufolk, starting their eternal struggle against the Molefolk

"At last you begin to learn, informing me prior to your work. Though that shall not stop your punishment nor will it be necessary in the future.
I know now that around my Earth the Mortal Races shall grow, and due to the excess divinities not all shall stay out of the business of Life. I hereby deem any new alterations to my Earth free property.
Though this does Not extend to previously formed lands, by my hand or others they are mine because it was wrought in my materials.
Now, let the oceans of Neleus cover my world, to form the sky above all my lands but Bastion. There they shall lay until one seeks to use them. The oceans shall be the divine canvas, my earth the paint."
A wave of divine power flattens the world, the ocean swallowing up the entire land but Bastion. The previously created ecosystems spared untimely deaths by a small pocket of air.

5AP
-1 Alter Land: All the not-actually-created Lands are swallowed by the oceans. A small pocket of air surrounds them so the trees and animals still exist just trapped ala Atlantis.
Whenever a new land is raised they would thus have the trees and animals unless otherwise noted
4AP left

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 08:16 AM

Speaking to Eldritch in a tone masking the hatred he feels, liberator says, You lay claim to Bastion, a continent of my design, simply because it was made from your earth? While I can see your reasoning (You invasive monster of a god), I disagree that this land should be considered your land. To that effect, I propose a challenge. You may choose whatever specific peramiters you wish. Within reason, of course. Something either of us has a true chance of winning. And if I am the one victorious, you will admit that Bastion is my land, as the other gods will have lands of their own. Do you agree to my terms? Liberator finishes, with his best fake smile.

Regradless of the result, I will know that Bastion is and forever will be mine, but this show will help protect it from an enemy, at least for a time.

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 08:33 AM

"Hmm I believe I will accept your challenge. The contest shall be one of the Hunt."
A silver collar appears from the darkness surrounding the evil God
"If I can get this around your neck you will be unable to free yourself for a rather long time. It was, a gift, yes a gift (totally didn't steal it *whistles innocently*) from my Uncle. Dreadfully lawful fellow always yelling about this treaty or that rule. It has a rather curious effect you see, it emulates a slightly more restrictive Fealty Oath forcing the wearer into servitude for a while.
If you can keep me from enslaving you for 5 minutes I will transfer ownership of Bastion."

OOC: Standard Divine RCR with the pre-agreed terms of Demand Fealty (if I win) or I cede ownership of Bastion henceforth and stop my plans to invade it (though not punishing the Hu)

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 08:37 AM

Beaming widely, I accept your challenge, Eldritch. The god of freedom has no fear of confinement.

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 08:50 AM

[roll0] Attack
[roll1] Defence

"Your domain will only make my victory sweeter."
The Eldritch Horror twists suddenly and vanishes, a miasma of darkness filling the battleground as he appears behind Liberator
"If freedom does not fear Slavery then What does it fear? Does it fear Death? Pain?"
The tendrils of shadow sharpening to a deadly point and stabbing through his opponents torso, but the highly lethal attack simply a diversion as the collar tries to subtly creep onto the Free god's neck

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 08:56 AM

Attack:[roll0]
Defense:[roll1]
Current HP: 10
The pain would have been intense, perhaps even distracting. That is, if this form were anything but a shell for the true god within.

Freedom fears nothing. Freedom is what tyrants fear, because they know they are powerless to stop it in the end, just like you cannot shackle me.

While saying this, Liberator nibly slips off of and away from Eldrich's spikes, breaking the tip of one as he goes.

Freedom is innate, you see. No matter how much a tyrant tries to force himself on others, they will always truly be free.

Liberator fakes a dash to his right, attempting to distract Eldritch from he to movement to the left.

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 09:14 AM

OOC: you get the free bonus action now from our fight

[roll0]
[roll1]
15HP

"Then you should have no issue with this collar won't you. You'll still be 'free' after all."
Eldritch simply spreads his tendrils, the light finally reaching them revealing the quicksilver. One of which seems less substantial than the others, shimmering like its not real
"Now then Youngling let's see you free yourself from a cage."
A perfect sphere made of ruby appears around Liberator trapping his divine form and his physical body

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 09:24 AM

Attack:[roll0]
Defense:[roll1]
HP:4, after results

Seeing no other way out of the cage, Liberator slams into it with all his might, causing ruby shards to rain across the land.

While this exertion has slowed his reflexes, the shock of the sphere shattering may have also gotten to Elderich, though he might not show it.

Easily, it would seem! Liberator said cheerily as he began to glide around Eldritch. And while I would technically be free, even if you win, I prefer more than personal freedom. I'm sure you understand.

OOC: Because I broke the tip of your shadow-tendril? It being shadow I figured was immaterial and didn't count as removing a body part.

Gnomes2169

2013-06-27, 09:44 AM

Awww, no one had noticed his changes. Ah well, it was likely for the better. Besides, now that those two were going to get into a little fight, that left certain people to his devices...

... Though we might as well make one ally before annoying a bloody god of Light, I suppose. Looking at the forests that had been sunken under the ocean but still lived, the Void Dragon twitched a claw and rose a rather large section, almost the size of Bastion, on the other side of a mountain range, while also surreptitiously forming new cracks and a cave structure in the mountains themselves. One day, this continent that had been raised would be on its own plate, and it would be moved away. Hopefully this pleased the other Dragon Deity. Today, however, it left a new home for a new people...

Which is where the Hufolk came in. Or, more specifically, what he made from the Hufolk. To be honest, Voidy was a little bit lonely on his moon of darkness. No one talked to him, no one called, no one would write, it was rather... disheartening. So he would use some Mortals to stand in the place of other Gods, for a while. Which meant that he had to give them special privileges...

The change was almost imperceptible. A few Hufolk here, a handful there, a small tribe along the mountain ranges wherever, all in all, it was lass than a tenth of the Hufolk population. The would not notice the differences within themselves, not yet at least, and others would have absolutely no idea they were different by looking at them, but these people were no longer anything like they had been before, in many respects. For one, they could walk the Void unaided. For another, they did not want to stay within the Bastion... the new land called to them, though there was no way for them to know yet that it existed. But the Siren's call drew them anyway, and so the new race moved through the caves and when they finally emerged on the other side, the tribes and individual stragglers beheld a land of new bounty... and new danger. They looked and saw brother and sister tribes and nodded. They knew what had to be done.

And so the tribes formed up into one group, using their numbers and primitive tools as protection from the creatures of the forest. And thus were the Void walkers, and the first Society, born.

AP: 7

-2 Create land: The Unnamed Continent. This bit of land is built off the mountain ranges of Hu, and is almost as large as the first continent itself. It contains all the creations of the Dragon Goddess and is the homeland to the Void Walkers. Perhaps its inhabitants will one day figure out a name, but for now it has none.

-1 AP: Alter life: The Void Walkers. Void Walkers are a magical sub-species of Hufolk that are "Voidblessed", meaning that they can enter and travel within the Void without harm. They lose their bonus feat for being Hufolk (though they keep the extra skill points), and instead gain minor energy resistance to all forms of energy damage (Think ER 2 to all energy types). This is meant to represent that while less adaptable than their Hufolk, the Void Walkers are more durable and able to spread to more hostile environments. They can still breed with Hufolk.

-1 AP: Form society: Waypoint. A Village formed by the Void walkers as protection from their new environment.

3 AP remaining.

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 09:48 AM

The shattered rubies spill out through the skies forming a glittering belt of red refracting the light of the moon. Throughout the world no matter the time enough red light is made to see by

[roll0]
[roll1]
11hp

"And yet I see your weariness. Your exertion shattering what took but a fraction of my power.
Though, may I ask you something. Do you know why the unknown is so very frightening? Why the dark cave is so much more terrifying than a raving beast in a well-lot room?"
The clock counting down as Eldritch talks, casually summoning a ball of pure platinum and twirling it
"Because my foe... The imagination is a very powerful thing. Reality can never drive one to terror as much as ones own mind."
Liberator will see insanely horrible things, his vision clouded with fearful sights many of which look to be...memories. Memories of mortals trapped underground seen by a god but stuck in their thought patterns in the final moments of their lives. terror clouded by the darkness of the underground magnified tenfold by the small details. The scrape of Somethig running on stone, the sound of heavy footfalls moving steadily closer, the feeling of helplessness in mortal form
"I ask again. Does Freedom fear?" A voice hisses in Liberator's ear

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 10:03 AM

attack:[roll0]
defense:[roll1]
HP: 1

As liberty saw what Eldritch had done to these people...Freedom still does not fear, Liberator said in a dark and somber voice, as tears begin to well in his eyes, But freedom can regret. This is what you did to my people? Those Hufolk and Molefolk your abominations have killed? All because I didn't show you respect? At the last second, before Eldrich can place the collar around Liberator's neck, Liberator twists around and pushes off of elderitch with all of his might, knocking the collar from his hands, at least for the moment.

Do you concede? I stand here free, in every meaning of the word. Or shall we continue this dance for a while longer?

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 10:06 AM

Do I win since I have more HP? (2 to 1 wow)

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 10:11 AM

OOC:from now on post those questions in the OOC thread, but no. You miscounted. 1 to 1. I believe that would make it a draw, but based on the specific terms, we need a winner. But what both of us dealing damage to the other mean? The one closest to 0 wins?

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 10:19 AM

I rolled a 1 not a 0 on my defence roll. I took 9/11 damage. And i cant post in the OOC I've already double posted
Also you have a bonus to that havig put both domain boosts into Attack

"No, those deaths where long ago, for different reasons. Though I am sure your creations feel the same before their demise and subsequent torture.
Their deaths serve a greater purpose than simple punishment. It is a learning experience, you are a newborn seeking to boss around those you perceive as inferior and unworthy and they are the consequences"
Eldritch let's that sink in for a moment before continuing
"That and I enjoy their beautiful fear. Intoxicating."

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 10:32 AM

OOC:I posted in the OOC, so there is that. But you can just edit into the bottom of your last post. You just have to diligently refresh if you do that. Also, my sister pointed out I did my math wrong and I was going to edit my post to that effect, but you said it before me. Still, we don't have a winner. And while I may have an advantage at this point from the one closest to 0 winning, that doesn't mean it isn't a fair rule.

Finally letting his true feelings show for the briefest, quietest utterance,...anyone who would enjoy such things is my lesser...

Returning to a more business-like attitude, Regardless of any of that, we made a deal. And here I stand, unbound. Do you conceede or shall you track down the collar and we continue?

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 10:48 AM

"And what gives you the right to say that? I witnessed your birth and many more important things before even coming here. You don't have any right too judge without more experience.
Tell me, have you ever been burned into liquid? Molded and shaped into a form not your own? Pounded repeatedly with a hammer? That was my birth. I was supposed to be a relic, a cloak for defence. Heh I don't think I served my purpose well as a piece of clothing but oh well.
I've fought my way through kilometres of red tape and treaties and rules. I e experienced carnal pleasures and complete celibacy. I lived and you? You have not. You haven't made a choice or former an opinion you just went along with whatever the itty bitty voice inside you tells you too.
You preach freedom but inside you are more trapped than anyone."
As he talks the collar shimmers out of the darkness behind Liberator, flying forward suddenly unclasped and open

[roll0]
[roll1]
You have to beat me by 1 but have a +2 advantage over me.

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 10:52 AM

attack:[roll0]
defense:[roll1]

While shouting for all the world to hear, I AM FREE! Liberator counters Eldritches desperate charge with a charge of his own, trying to knock the collar from Eldritch once more. Both gods are weakened, and Liberator knows it is more a matter of luck than anything if he can win this day, though he would never admit that outside the deepest recesses of his own mind.

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 11:14 AM

[roll0]

The clash of the titans echoes throughout the newly formed universe, Earth vs Freedom down to their last dregs.
Locked in a deadly embrace the two beings above back and forth neither wanting to give ground to the other but slowly, gradually Liberator and his rage pushes Eldritch back further and further
Finally the countdown finishes, Eldritch defeated by the enraged God
Looking exhausted the Horror God shifts back panting
"Free from me yes. But what of yourself?"
The Deity smirks but offers his hand to Liberator
"Good fight, you earned your island. Use it well. But remember the lessons you got gaining it. Welcome to Life."

Greystone

2013-06-27, 11:19 AM

The Goddess cried out in fear as she felt the cool waters rushing about her feet- not for herself but for her children. Flapping her great wings she lifted herself from the rushing water... before calming. Reaching out with her divine power, she could feel that the majority of her creations were still alive- if trapped underneath the waves. Luckily her babies needed no light nor any additional heat and should be fine.

Her attention very briefly became focused on the Hu and the conflict between her brothers. She considered interfering... but decided against it. No need to make enemies of either sibling. The raising of the new land mass tore her attention away from Bastion and the conflict, and focused it on a different sibling. Draconic in form, similar to herself, she flew and alighted herself near him.

She smiled "Thanks you Brother.... Void Dragon?" the inherent knowledge of the cosmos she had been instilled with had left a vague recollection of him "This was a kindness. Now I can see how those below will live even with prison of water while more can live in freedom above."

Looking up at the Mountain Walls, the walls of the Bastion... she grinned slyly. "Such an impressive mountain, wouldn't you agree Brother?" she commented, reaching out with her nature. While her siblings fought for supremacy, she carefully seeded the Mountain range with passes, underground tunnels that led to the greater underground, and other secret ways for her creations to find their way through.

Turning back, she found a prime specimen of her Shadow Stalkers. She twisted its form, imbuing its already cunning mind with an awareness that was true intellect. She created her little Patriarch, who she named Galazhar, a family to rule before turning him to the Mountains. "Go" she urged "Hunt. Spread your race in both the Jungles and the Bastion" after a moment she paused "And take your relatives" she gestured at the still mundane Shadow Stalkers.

Alter Life- A large portion of the Shadow Stalkers into Dark Hunters or Hunterfolk. They are a bit smaller than their Stalker brethren, but fast and sentient as well as strong. Suited for attacks in the dark. (Monster to sentient cretaure)

Promote Leader- The first Hunter is known Galazhar, leader of his people. He takes up the mantle of leadership, which will be past down to the greatest and wisest of hunters upon his death.

Alter Land- Create passages and secret ways into Bastion through the Mountains and into the land of Hu.

Create Mundane Life- Within the passages and mountains, create more creatures. Giving potential sustenance for her children while creating danger for any Hu brave enough to wander inside.

Create Mundane Concept: Raids- The Hunters are instilled with the concept of hunting other creatures not just for sustenance- but for wealth and glory as well.

Create Mundane Concept: Hunter Beasts- domestication of animals is one of the simplest concepts, but this goes one step forwards. Beasts bred for aiding their masters in raids and battle, in hunting and guard duty.

Total AP: 4

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 11:53 AM

Liberator pants, and extends his hand as well, and shakes his enemy's hand in a bit of diplomacy and sportsmanship. I will remember the lessons you have taught me well. Turning to look over his continent, which was now undisputedly his, he said, and now, my adversary, if you would not mind leaving my ..bas...ti...what?

Liberator sees a whole new continent directly next to Bastion, covered in those horrid jungles Eldritch submerged beneath the waves.

Where did that come from? Liberator couldn't help but ask Elderitch. Did you know about this? Did you do this? How could I have not noticed...

initial AP - 6
-1 AP- Initiate RCR: The Failed Chaining of Liberator
It was an epic struggle against two evenly matched gods, as the god of earth Eldritch tried to trap and contain Liberator, the god of freedom, while Liberator did his best to avoid and escape what Eldritch had in store for him. They both had a last, desperate charge against one another, but in the end it was Liberator who stood victorious and unrestrained.

0 AP - Alter Land: The Ruby Field
During the Failed Chaining of Liberator, The god of earth Eldritch managed to trap Liberator, the god of freedom, in a massive sphere of flawless ruby. Using his vast store of divine energy and willpower, Liberator shattered the sphere, blanketing the land in shards of ruby. As these shards fell to Bastion, they became imbedded in the ground, creating a vast field in the southern flat-lands of ruby shards sticking out of the ground. The largest shards are the size of a Hufolk's forearm, the smallest the size of needles. While it is a long trek from Hu to the Ruby Field, if one were to make it there and back they would surely be richer for the experience...

Current AP - 5

It became clear to Liberator that he would not be able to guard Bastion alone, not that there were any gods in the universe to help him... But the tear in the creator was still there, wasn't it? Maybe new gods are not finished coming though? Maybe there will be some benevolent beings to aid in his war for freedom and justice...

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 12:08 PM

"The unknown has a habit of taking one by surprise doesn't it."
Eldritch smiles but shakes his head
"It's not my doing probably the work of the two dragons over there. Now if you'll excuse me I have plans to get too, and a race to genocide but that can be delayed slightly.
Oh before I forget." The god tosses the silver collar towards his foe
"Take it, it'll remind you both what your fighting for and the costs of doing so. It's worthless to me, got no actual power."

OOC: The fight was ideological, instructional and symbolic. While being collared would have caused the Fealty it was not Inherent to the collar, it was in the act of collaring.
Also Eldritch is a lying s*** :smallbiggrin:

Omnicrat

2013-06-27, 12:56 PM

Looking at the worthless silver band in his hand, Liberator said, I will keep this. I feel it could prove helpful one day... as he folds the space around the silver collar, keeping it with him.

Traveling to the two dragons who seem to be chatting over this new continent next to his Bastion, Liberator says, in his newly found diplomatic [and totally false] manner, Hello there! Do you mind if I ask what this continent is doing here?

After asking the two dragon gods this, Liberator was overcome with a wave of exhaustion. I am sorry to leave so soon, but you may have noticed my recent battle with Eldritch? It seems to have taken more out of me than I thought. I must go rest in Hu for a time. If you speak towards Hu, I will here what you have to say, but I will not be able to respond for some time. Again, I apologize, but I must be off.

Liberator retreats back to Hu, picks a nice cool spot on a hill in the drizzle, closes his eyes, and begins to regain his strengths. As he rested, he dreamed of gods that would soon be here. Gods of purity, as he. To prepare for their arrival, he used a bit of his limited energy to create an organization for the Promotion of Freedom and the Promotion of Justice, so that he would finally have allies, even if they were interlopers, in his war...

starting AP - 5

-1 AP - Found Pantheon: The Gods for Freedom and Justice
The Gods for Freedom and Justice are a pantheon formed with the goal of promoting freedom and justice independently throughout the planes. The founder, Liberator, had intended the focus to be on his bastion, but you know what they say about intentions...

Current AP - 4

Chromascope3D

2013-06-27, 02:44 PM

Darkness. Darkness spread out, vast and eternal. The dawn of the new day, but she was lost. The father had given himself to them, so that they could live, but she could not, for it was dark, and she was the only light she could see. But she could not see for there was darkness. Impenetrable darkness, grasping and clawing at her golden flesh. She was afraid, and she wept. She wept until she could not weep anymore. Ages past, and a new light was born. A new light gave her strength, and she pushed back against the evil surrounding her.

She reached out, and grasped a hilt. It was strange, and she pulled. It tore through the inky pitch like silk. It emanated a great light, a terrible light, and threw back her bonds. Such a great weapon must have a name, and so it did. "Inspiration," she called it, for it inspired her. In this world of darkness she would make something beautiful. As she rose it began to take form around her. A great hall, with marble steps and pillars and great gilded vaults above, lined with mosaics and shining with a blinding radiance. It would be bright and warm and perfect.

She nearly lost herself again in the beauty, but as she turned she returned with a shock as she faced the darkness again. It had taken refuge at the end of the hall, and the impurity drove her to anger. She lunged, blade in hand and carved it open, carved out a circle which fell away, revealing something new. The great black was now studded with points of light, and before her was a world which finally knew true light. But she felt it again. The corruption was stronger here, it washed over all, and it brought death and destruction. This stoked the fires of her anger all the more, so she sealed her realm with a gate of blinding brilliance to burn away the corruption below. It was all she could do not to weep.

15 AP
Create Relic (-2): The Sunscythe. This sickle of electrum radiates light, and gives Esterius +1 Attack
Imagine Plane (-5): The Radiant Court. A cavernous room, akin to a cathedral, which glows with sunfire.
Forge Astronomical Object (-3): The Radiant Gate. Basically the sun, within which lies the portal to the Court.

5 AP

Once she learns more about the realm, she'll start doing more things like "sunlight damages shadow creatures" and stuff like that.

Tichrondrius

2013-06-27, 06:02 PM

Neleus the Capricious
The Oceans Vast

Now settled in her environment the Sea Witch was more at ease. She watched with glee as her Jellyfolk and Sharkfolk roamed the seas swimming around the oceanic sign that made it look like a very large fishbowl.

"My wet stuff, my oceans, indeed, and soon all will be wet stuff!"

She cast a wicked eye on the Void or what little of it she could make out. "Silence yourself, Darkness, the only reason mortals fear darkness is the lonliness and in my depths they'll surely drown. That is real fear, not useless.. voidyness. Besides, I. Killed. The. Creator."

"Does that displease you, mighty Earth?" The Sea Witch spoke smugly, "Applaud it anyway for it deserves the praise of all. Nothing in this world is more vast than the sea and more terrifying. I see you've tried to remain stoic in the face of your impeding uselessness since one day your earth will be gone." And she left him on that note to enjoy the bounty of the sea.

It was wonderful. Her tentacles had never felt so alive than smiling in her brand new fresh oceans unused and untainted. Her children feasted on the mundane varieties of fish contained within and Neleus considered on a lark giving them sentience so they could truly appreciate the fear of being chased but things interfered... she had no idea how long she had been enjoying her oceans but more gods were changing things. This was ridiculous. She needed somewhere to be alone.

And so she imagined it was so.

7 AP

Imagine Plane (5 AP)- The Deepest Depths: The Deepest Depths exist within the vast oceans- the lower you go, the deeper you go, the further out you go the more likely you've accidently stumbled into Neleus' realm of pure water. Here the water is toxic to all life except for those born in the waters or made for the waters and the pressure is so intense even gods may have trouble with-standing it. While the normal oceans may be slightly lit due to the moon the darkness here is crushing and enveloping just like the water. Here the Sharkfolk grow larger than you could imagine.

-5 AP = 2 AP

She watched with bored wonder as the rocks of the earth were replaced with a thriving system of greens and living things. "Odd." She mused, laughing about how angry the Horror would likely be. She was glad no one dared to try and wrest the seas from her these majestic waters that...

Hmph. Now that was unusual.

Someone was claiming her water...

"Well this won't do at all." Neleus clicked her tongue as she watched over the lands of Bastion, shaking her head. A veritable paradise.. in her presence? Utilizing her water? Hmph. "What an absolute slap in the water. Where is the respect?"

As Liberator and the Horror fought, Neleus also moved against the god light in secret, touching her water and sending a deadly disease through the waves that would infect many tuna and salmon within the walls. He'd been a full to leave himself so unprotected by having water in his realm. She hoped his people appreciated it.

2 AP

Divine Omen (1): A mighty curse spread though out a large population of the fish the Hufolk survive on. Anyone consuming one of these diseased fish will contract Typhoid Fever (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoid_fever) that will cause great suffering within his realms, making his people cough up blood and delirious. Not always fatal. Signs and symptoms for further information.

2 - 1 = 1 AP

"Well, well, well... hope you enjoy that you-" A rant of her more mundane curses was cut short as she noticed the tail-end of their battle and floating on her waves over to watch lazily. "Does Freedom Fear?" She mocked the Horror as she floated up to join him. "I like it." Neleus continued, changing her tune slightly.

"Make him suffer by trapping him somewhere.. genius. Too bad he got away. Oh well, you'll always be a winner in my book. But a loser at actually getting things done. Watch and learn, my dear Horror, as his creations suffer exquisitely. That will cause him true pain."

Gnomes2169

2013-06-27, 06:32 PM

LordChaos13

2013-06-27, 11:38 PM

"Heh you misunderstood my intentions my dear sweet Neleus. The collar was never intended to shackle him, merely make him grow up some. His real punishment comes from below.
While I do agree making him watch his creations suffer is painful your tactics don't go far enough.
Watch as the beings he created turn on each other. Each and every Shadow Hufolk is a failure to him, it means a soul tortured and destroyed that he is personally responsible for. Each death falls on his shoulders and he knows it.
That is the true punishment, far worse than simply poisoning a small portion of his people."
Eldritch grins
"Besides he is just a child, they take things so much more seriously. If he really wanted he could simply abandon the Hu, recreate a different one but he got invested. His punishment is for investing in the one race as well as his disrespect towards us."

Greystone

2013-06-27, 11:58 PM

[Spoiler]

"Not a problem at all. Truly, the pleasure is all mine." It had been more than worth it just for the look on the Liberator's face. "And calling me Void Dragon is going to be a bit awkward outside of a formal setting. Just call me... Void. Or Oblivion. Either way." Formality was for the proud and stupid. "Now, I was hoping-" And that's when the Liberator asked his question.

The Void Dragon morphed his shape into that of a man, cleared his throat, cupped his hands around what would have been his mouth if he had possessed one and yelled towards Hu, "I made it to annoy you!" Well, it wasn't much of a lie, but would more than suffice for that pompous buffoon. To the Goddess to his left, Voidy mumbled "And to get my people away from his." And that was all he had to say about that.

"Now, as I was saying before, my young Dragoness," The Void Dragon stated formally, changing back into the form of his namesake, "I was hoping that you and I could come to some form of agreement. As it stands, my mortals do currently inhabit your land, and I was hoping that they could move there... Permanently, if at all possible." And if he didn't get permission, the Void Dragon would just stay there anyway... It was just common courtesy to ask permission first.

Did not bother to speak to her brother, as he left so quickly. She did smile at her fellow Dragon sibling, at his words and at his antics. Reaching out with her mind she took a look of the Void Walkers, and nodded to herself. They were interesting creatures, but not especially dangerous seeming. "A deal you say? An agreement? I will not stop you, but I offer them no guarantee's of protection from any of my children. Life is harsh as often as it is loving, but I will not throw them from the land- especially since you did me such a kindness by raising this chunk of rock. Is there anything else you would ask of me?"

Gnomes2169

2013-06-28, 12:12 AM

Did not bother to speak to her brother, as he left so quickly. She did smile at her fellow Dragon sibling, at his words and at his antics. Reaching out with her mind she took a look of the Void Walkers, and nodded to herself. They were interesting creatures, but not especially dangerous seeming. "A deal you say? An agreement? I will not stop you, but I offer them no guarantee's of protection from any of my children. Life is harsh as often as it is loving, but I will not throw them from the land- especially since you did me such a kindness by raising this chunk of rock. Is there anything else you would ask of me?"

"Don't annoy me?" That was honestly the only thing that was crossing through the Void Dragon's mind at the moment, especially with the antics of the Witch being so recent. "Also, don't write an alliance between our mortals out just yet, after all, we seem to be in a most... contentious area. Cooperation may prove beneficial in the long run." Owning half of the dry world between them was rather nice, to be honest. And would give them a rather large domain, if she agreed...

Omnicrat

2013-06-28, 01:41 AM

You infected the salt-water fish, which are several thousand miles away from Hu and any Hufolk fisherman. Still, since in your actual Omen you said the fish the Hufolk eat, I'll let that loophole slide.

Ah, that was a refreshing nap... now what did... I.... WHAT!?!

No only did it finally register that the new continent was simply placed there to annoy him, but his people seemed to be sick with a plauge! Where did it come from? Liberator inspected every aspect of Hu and discovered that the lake-fish the Hufolk ate had become infected with a disease! This would be simple enough to rectify.

Speaking to all of his Hufolk, Liberator pleaded, My Hufolk, hear me! This disease comes to you from the fish you eat! You must stop eating the fish, for a time at least, and safely kill all the infected fish! So long as you do this, the disease will die out and you will all be healthier!

Initial AP - 4
-1 AP - Counter-Omen (loophole): The Hufolk tribes simply stopped eating the fish. Further, now that they new where the infection was coming from, they look for symptoms of sickness in the fish and kill them off, leaving only the healthy fish. This continues for a generation or so until all the infected fish have been gone for a long while, making fish safe to eat once more.

Current AP: 3

Now that that is settled...hm. Odd. As Liberator looked into the sky, he noticed that the light from the Heart of Hu seemed... brighter? Definitely less golden, in the very least. I should probably go see what's going on with it... I half expect one of those other gods to have set it on fire or something, the way my luck is go...ing... Liberator broke through the clouds and saw, for the first time, the Sun. He felt it was a great power for good in this world, and would benefit all of Bastion.

Surely this is the work of one of those other good gods whose coming I had prophesied! What a glorious day! And it is day... No longer shall day be a time of darkness for any, not just the people of Hu, but a time of light and activity! Overcome with joy, Liberator flew to the great floating orb in the sky, where he realized it was a gate to a new plane! Oh, great god of light and purity, I ask that you let me into your domain so we can speak!

...and there was no response...

Clearing hes thought, and saying in a louder voice (though hopefully not so loud as to draw the attention of the vile gods) Oh, great god of light and purity, I ask that you let me into your domain so we can speak!

...and still there was nothing...

Well, I was tired out from a battle with Elderitch, it only stands to reason creation of a force for good such as this would be exhausting too...

Speaking into his realm through the gate of the sun (and not wanting to intrude upon the domain of a potential ally) Liberator said, Hear my words when you wake, oh great god of good! I come to offer you invitation into a coalition of the just gods of this realm! As you are the only other just god currently in this realm, you and I shall be its first members. We will be the Gods for Freedom and Justice! We will promote those concepts independently throughout this realm in every way that we can! I hope you will accept my offer, and I do not see why you would not. I look forward to our future co-operation!

Happy to be making a new ally, Liberator looked back onto the world, shining in the sunlight, and was, for the first time, for a moment, perfectly contended.

Of course, he had no idea that the Hunterfolk were headed towards Hu to make game of his Hufolk and Molefolk. That would have dampened his spirits a bit.

ArlEammon

2013-06-28, 09:33 AM

Thurian
A voice calls out to Thurian from beyond the void. The noble King wanders through the darkness until he hears the faint echoes of time summoning him to the planes. He reaches out to a blue speck of light, like a fire fly in pitch black darkness, and once in his palm, he is drawn through a great portal inextricably altering the future of the new worlds of the gods forever. Thurian felt the call of justice and freedom and appeared as a mighty blue flash of thunder from the sky. It is I, Thurian. The old King stated majestically. "I have answered your summons for help. What do you require of me?" Thurian sensed great suffering from around him.

Omnicrat

2013-06-28, 10:26 AM

Turning around, Liberator saw what looked like an elderly Hufolk in ... royal? Is that the concept?... huh... royal garb, holding a sword. It was clear that this was a new god arrived through the void, not the sun god he had been meaning to contact. Still, if this new interloper came for the call of freedom and justice...Hello, good god! It seems you heard my calls through the Void! That is... unexpected... But good! Definitely good. This is a realm populated by vile gods who wish to wreck havoc and destroy all that is pure! My work has been in creating a paradise on this world, despite what those gods want, and to that end I have created the Gods for Freedom and Justice! I had a vision of the coming of good gods to this realm, and so I feel we should all unite under one banner, for together will will be a force to be reckoned with! What say you to my proposal? Will you join me? And liberator out stretches his hand, just as he had to Eldritch.

ArlEammon

2013-06-28, 10:36 AM

Thurian
"I don't know." He grabs the hand and smiles "I shall strongly consider it. Your call for summons was enough to call me here. That is incentive enough for me to say yes, and I have seen you have taken care of the strange problem I could sense from the Void. I can still sense great suffering here, despite the cessation of whatever trouble had befallen these people. And so I shall lend a little aid to these people here before I investigate this world further. Should I see evidence of need for me, I shall join your Pantheon."

Thurian non-chalantly slices his hand after hand-shaking with Liberator, creating a massive herd of passive beasts for the people to slay for food.
0 AP: Create Animal: Sheep

Tichrondrius

2013-06-28, 10:36 AM

Neleus the Capricious
The Oceans Vast/Bastion's Cliff Shore

Neleus stared up the sheer face of the cliff wall with annoyance, pacing back and forth. She was analyzing the aftermath of the situation with the Liberator with her old pal, The Horror. What a fool he was. His plan would never work.

"Grow up? I'd rather see him brought quite low at my heel." She said followed by a hoarse laughing. "My disease will surely wipe out his lowly mortals and they'll only be your shadows... well at least until my water swallows them all up! But at least you'll be a winner for a little while, Horror. That's a fair compromise, don't you think?" The Sea Witch chortled, raising her hand over her mouth in satisfaction.

Wait. Something was amiss.

"He simply... told them? Well the big opening act of my fever surely isn't going as well as expected." Neleus grumbled, tightening her grip on her trident and grinding her teeth. Her eyes darted over to The Horror suddenly still of full annoyance. "Not a word out of you, Horror."

As the fish were hunted the sea witch protected them, her subtle hand manipulating the evolution of the infected lake-fish so that only the quickest and most cunning survived. Their forms became more lithe and better suited for hiding and striking while they grew large fangs to better protect themselves. These creatures lived in the lake but Neleus had given them a great boon- they could slither out of the water and onto the land quickly settling in the wet areas around the lake as well.

AP 1

Alter Life/Create Monstrous Life (Typhoid Viper): The fish in the lake that the Hufolk usually fish out of that became infected have taken a more snake-like shape and have large venomous fangs capable of injecting Typhoid Fever (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoid_fever) directly into the blood steam of it's victim instead of simply waiting to be eaten. They multiply quickly by laying dozens of eggs at a time and years of being hunted have made them adapt at hiding and blending in most every where till they have the perfect opportunity.

AP 1 - 1 = 0 AP

Chromascope3D

2013-06-28, 10:50 AM

She stood and stared into the flames, lost within its beauty. It drowned out the evil around her, but she had to return to realty. When she did, she was no longer alone. She turned to face something new. There were two of them, yet they were unlike the corruption surrounding them. She approached them,and asked, "Who are you? Where are we, and why does it feel so... cold?"

Omnicrat

2013-06-28, 11:02 AM

Thank-you for your contribution, Thurian. Those new animals sure are interesting. I wish you well on your travels!

Looking back to the gate, Liberator saw who must have been the sun god...or goddess it would seem, who was shivering. Once she spoke to him, he responded with Ah! And you would be the creator of this sun, I take it? Very good! It is truly a beacon of light for the world! Extending a hand, as he will learn to do so often, Liberator continued, I am the God of Freedom and Justice, Liberator of this realm. That nice man was Thurian. He wanted to examine the world for himself. I am sorry, but it is a cold realm outside the sun, but literally and figuratively. As you may have noticed, it is a dark and vile place. I seek to change that. To that end, I have formed a group of god called the Gods for Freedom and Justice. I had hoped you would have heard... but no matter, you are hear to listen now! There is a vast world down there full of horrors and monsters, but I have created a paradise. I call it Bastion. Within Bastion is a paradise among paradise called Hu. The vile gods have begun to attack the innocent of Hu, and I am doing all I can to protect them, but I am one and they are many. But look at me going on, you do not need to know all of that now. What you do need to know is that I am one and they are many and I ask for your help. So, my new friend, will you give it and join me?

ArlEammon

2013-06-28, 11:10 AM

Thurian:
"Oh, before I go, I believe that perhaps a gift to help prevent further suffering is in order. I can smell the fish here. . . the stench is sickening. Whatever has befallen your waters will never befall this river. . . " Thurian slashed his hand, and blood came gushing out. Suddenly the blood transformed the land into a river. "This river is made of my own blood, although it is now water. The water is blessed with holy power. It is resistant to defilements of disease and curses, and those who live off it's fresh life force will live long, and prosper through good health. The crops should grow abundantly surrounding it, and live stock who drink of it shall be as fertile as a thousand hares." Thurian said in metaphoric hyperbole.

3 AP Blessing: The Life's Blood River:
What it says on the tin. The river can't harm those who drink from it by disease/sickness.
Also, the water causes those drinking from it to live the Human equilavent of 20 years longer, and be much more fit and healthy. Food grows more easily around the river, and live stock that drink from it have more off-spring.

LordChaos13

2013-06-28, 11:10 AM

"Oh I wouldn't Dream of saying a word oh great Planner. I mean, it's not like your plan to totally make a race of many thousands extinct through glorified food poisoning was defeated by a couple words to said race."
He Who Lurks Below simply smirks at the watery goddess

"So, how many Hufolk and Molefolk have my Shadow Hufolk killed compared to your disease? Hmm I think we might need a scoreboard cause the not-always-lethal poison and the exponentially growing horde of tortured souls made physical had such similar death tolls."

A small blackboard appears with the death toll...suffice to say Eldritch wins
"Hmm, well that cant be right...it says here your plan was weaker than mine by, oh an order of magnitude at Least and we know that cant be right.

You see this is why the Sea is churning and always moving back and forth on beaches without doing anything while the mountain rises ever higher simply needing time and patience to rival anything thrown at it. The sea, while I admit quite beautiful, is ineffectual."
Eldritch wraps an arm around the goddess, waving his hand over the endless ocean "Look at what you've done. Covered my vast lands in liquid and filled those with mindless beasts. But what since then? Have your beasts formed a society like the Hunterfolk down there in that continent. Have they done anything but swim aimlessly. No, because you are aimless, obsessed with being on top but no goals outside that, interim progressive or successive.
Your one goal is to submerge Bastion but why? You have the entire world covered in oceans except for that one speck, well two specks joined now but the point stands. You need a challenge, something to strive for."

As Eldritch lectures several (relatively) small islands rise from the seabed, all volcanic and constantly flowing molten rocks. The animal and plantlife all water-absorbers able to dry entire lakes with only a dozen working in concert
"This is your challenge, conquer these and you shall be ready for Bastion. Fail and you'll always be a winner in my books, but a loser in getting things done."
Echoing her own words back at her Eldritch grins and disappears down to his Plane in the centre of the Material

-1 RCR
-2 Create Land: Isles of Testing. Several islands each with very active volcanoes exist to the southwest of Bastion. Combined they make up about the landmass of the Iberian Peninsula
-0 Create Animals: The isles of Testing are filled with animals and plantlife that love draining water down, this is combined with the layers of cooling rock ever increasing the size of the lands.

Gnomes2169

2013-06-28, 11:15 AM

Hmmm... the people down there seemed to need some kind of guide... and to be trained to protect themselves. Oblivion thought for a second and nodded, planting an occupation or two beyond "Hunter" and "Gatherer" in their minds. There, let the Void Walkers figure out what to do with them.

Adding the classes that I forgot about before. :smalltongue:

AP: 3

Free action: Create Class: Explorer. A Void Walker who is experienced at travel can chose this NPC class, which provides some bonus to sneaking, spotting and... well... exploring. No real combat ability, but it does help with scouting and surviving trips to the jungle.

Free action: Create Class: Militia. The Void Walkers who's main job is to stay in town and protect it from raiders and random animals. Slightly better combat abilities and (When they come around) the ability to use more than just rudimentary simple weapons. All Void Walkers are trained with at least 1 level in this class on their 16th "Name day" (birthday) to protect them from the wild, so that they are not defenseless in the case of a raid or ambush.

ArlEammon

2013-06-28, 11:30 AM

The Return Of Thurian

It would be a few days later that Thurian would return with a sorrowful countenance about him, and a fulfillment of promise to Liberator. Thurian would join the Pantheon of Justice and Freedom, seeing the horrors of the worlds around him. Three days later, after enchanting the river with his life's blood, he would return to Liberator at the first opportunity and join him as a member of the Pantheon. He had plans to preserve the Hufolk.

Chromascope3D

2013-06-28, 12:17 PM

Queen Sapes

2013-06-28, 12:38 PM

Alone in the sky, Vectrisis watched as innumerable information segments flew across his screens. The B.I.G.A. were doing their work perfectly, and as he had suspected they were undisturbed. He now had notes on life forms, places, data on the minds of mortal creatures, data on even the other gods. It could have been all the information a mortal could have ever wanted. But Vectrisis was not mortal, and even the massive pool of information could not sate his appetite. He wanted to know what they were made of, he wanted specimens he could examine and test upon himself. Most of all, he wanted more data on the gods.

Extremely careful with the details, Vectrisis copied and then altered the design of the B.I.G.A., taking notes off of the mortal creatures on the planet below. He expanded them, altered their primary functions, and altered them to have defensive and offensive capabilities. When he was satisfied, Vectrisis fed the designs into his computer, the creation yards finally turning out the mass life they were built to create. Immediately, Vectrisis designed more life, one that was bigger than them all, capable of carrying things back to him. He fed the designs into the computer, and then waited a little for the swarms to grow inside the creation yards. And with an unseen command, the swarms descended to the planet below.

Start AP - 9
1 - Monstrous Life: The R.I.L. (or just Ril to mortals). The Ril are the most deadly creatures within Vectrisis' swarm, capable of devouring life in a matter of seconds. The Ril appear to be cyborganic locust about the size of dogs, with massive mandibles they use to devour anything they come across. This action serves a purpose for Vectrisis, as devouring an object records all data that Vectrisis cannot get from the outside. The material eaten is broken down to the atomic level, the atomic waste being ejected from the Ril during flight. The Ril's only objective is to devour and record life, and without Vectrisis' halting them, they would continue their sprees of destruction to the point where the planet could be consumed by them. Thankfully, due to a permanent psychic link between the Ril swarms and Vectrisis, this does not happen. The Ril's battery life is not as long as that of a Biga, but is longer than any Locatu. The Ril must return to orbit near the moon to bathe in the green energy light once every 48 hours, or they will shut down and must be carried off my other Ril. As with the Biga, the Ril give off a very soft green light from where their power source is. Because Ril travel in giant swarms, this gives a bit of warning to their approach as a 'cloud' of black and green will appear in the sky.

1 - The L.O.C.A.T.U. (or just Locatu). The rarest members of Vectrisis' swarm, the Locatu are massive beetles that are anywhere between the size of a moving van and a large warehouse. The Locatu have an extremely simple purpose, they are to accompany Ril swarms to the surface and then capture live specimens or objects and return with them to the moon. To assist in completion of this task, Loactu have the strongest shell of all of Vectrisis' minions, as they can easily shrug off a direct missile explosion without taking any damage. The majority of their body is a massive storage tank filled with the life-nourishing liquid that also fills the tanks on the moon. Because the majority of their body is taken up by storage, the Locatu can only survive outside the moon for 12 hours, and must return to the inside of the moon before then to survive.

End AP - 7

Omnicrat

2013-06-28, 01:47 PM

-Long before the swarms of Vectrisis came-

It took me a while to type, give me a break.

Excellent! Now, once we hear back from Thurian, our pantheon will be complete!

-After Thurian's return-

This is truly a great day! The forces of good in this realm have all united under the banner of freedom and justice! By our powers combind, we will be able to protect the people of Hu, and hopefully expand one day into the rest of Bastion! Let us all celebrate, and have the people celebrate with us!

-After the celebration-

Now, I believe it is time for the peoples of Hu to rise. It is time for them to organize and grow! The Molefolk must learn to be better fighters, to better guard the paradise they have sworn to protect! The Hufolk must lay down the foundations for what will be the greatest nation that will grace this world, and for this they need a leader! The man most dedicated to freedom and justice each generation shall be this leader, and that folk shall be called the Uplifted, tasked with improving the lot of the Hufolk in any way they can! We shall help them build a shining city to be the jewel of Bastion!

You know, after all that, I feel like I need another nap... Keep watch, Thurian and Estirus, for I feel rest taking my mind... And so Liberator retreated back to his favorite hill, looked up at the cloudy sky through which sunlight shone, smiled, and slept.

Current AP - 3
-0 AP - Create Minor Concept: Holidays
Holidays are anual times of celebration for the people! The first ever holiday, practiced to this day, is the completion of the Trinity of Liberator, Estirus, and Thurian. On a holiday feasts are had, work is postponed, and a good time is to be had by all!
-1 AP - Create Socioty: Hu
The society of Hu is organized into several villages. While they certainly have leaders and general laws (no murder, no theft, ect.) they are generally a free and open society with a fluid social structure. No one Hu has authority over another, but all Hu have authority over those that would break the few rules that there are, for those are the vile their god-ally preaches against and would have them destroy.
-0 AP - Create Class: Watchman (found here http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155883) and Farmer (I'm sure one exists)
Though the people of Hu felt themselves safe, their god new better. Whether it would be another attack from Eldritch that got to them, a new breed of water-monster, or some totally as of now unknown threat, there would one day come a time the people of Hu would have to fight their own battles. To that end, they were given the Watchment: people trained to spot danger and warn others of it. This also helped against the Typhoid Vipers the water godess made to poison the people further. Next, Liberator himself trained dedicated farmers, making them more proficiant at tending their animals and crops, to help with the new, larger population of Hu and the Five Citadels below.
-1 AP - Create Leader: The Uplifter
The Uplifter is the first Hufolk leader, and is a mantle that is passed down to the greatest champion of freedom and justice each generation. The Uplifter was integral in organizing the defence of Hu in the First Battle of the Swarms, as well as warning their allie, The Five Citadels.
-1 AP - Create Socioty: The Five Citadels
The Five Citadels is the first Molefolk society, and it is the first and last line of defense against the horrors of Eldritch. It gets its name from its five great living spaces, each with a choke point meant for fighting back Shadowfolk.
-0 AP - Create Class: Fighter & Rogue
To be better at the job of defending Hu, and in the process their own society, the Molefolk developed new techniques for combat. First were the fighters, users of brute strength and intense training to best their insidious foe. Next were the Rogues. These individuals excelled at stealth, reconnaissance, and sneak attacks on unsuspecting Shadowfolk targets.

ArlEammon

2013-06-28, 02:04 PM

-An excerpt from one of the speeches of Thurian, one of the only surviving copies of a speech that he had spoken, which was only written down YEARS later after being handed down generation after generations of oral tradition.

"Your children and your fathers have never known war. Young men must prepare to defend themselves, their friends, their lovers, and their families from the scourges from outside. Be not afraid to do what is right, what is honorable and what is just. Be not afraid to fight for your lives, your very blood and very freedom. What makes you Hufolk is not that you look different from the animals, or that you are wiser. You are not better than animals as Hufolk just because you possess the way of the sword, you are better than the beasts of the field, sky and sea because you have spirits that fight with an inner knowledge within you. That the Light is stronger than the evils that scour the outside Bastion. I can sense evil gathering from the outside. Know this! That outside Bastion there lies dishonor, and the wicked who would take your lives, your livelihood and your honor for their own base greed and lusts! Fight for your women! Fight for your children! Fight for your families and FIGHT OR DIE FOR HONOR! IN LIGHT'S NAME, FIGHT!"

Thurian
"All of these blessings will do little to protect the people down below if they can't fight. Even these warriors only have the crudest of implements to fight with. I shall teach they people the way of the sword." Thurian stated. Time passed, soon the warriors of the Hufolk knew more than just how to fight with a sword. They knew how to MASTER the sword. By the time Thurian was done with the Hufolk students, there were dozens of swordsmasters all over the region of the Life's Blood River." Daily, Thurian began to give speeches to the people of the Hu, in order to raise their spirits and make them strong, and disciplined. The swordsmasters taught their students, and soon many knew how to wield the sword.

3 AP: Advanced Concept Introduced: Swordsmastery -2
Mundane Concept: Smithing -1
Thurian began giving speeches to rouse the people into a furor to protect themselves, their families and friends with lethal force, if needed to protect them.
In addition, Thurian teaches many the way of the sword, up unto mastery, and then smithing, how to make their own swords.

But he realized that the making of these weapons was still difficult unless they could find the right materials. Even then, they had no knowledge of how to harvest the strange stones needed to make their swords as Thurian had showed them how. Thurian had heard of the Molefolk, and decided that perhaps, the Molefolk would be persuaded and thus, they eventually showed the Hufolk neighbors how it was done. . . over time there was enough for the Swordmaster's students to build their own swords.

1 AP: Introduce Concept
Mining

Total AP: 8 AP

Gnomes2169

2013-06-28, 10:10 PM

She looked upon the world in its infinite beauty, and infinite suffering. She remembered her struggle against the dark, and the anger she had felt.

"I will join you. If thesecreatures are to succeed, they will need our protection if they are ever to reacha time when they can protect themselves." With that, she again raised the sickle above he head and cried out, "Creatures of despair, hear me! You embrace the shadows and cling to the dark places of the world, so there you shall remain. The light is no place for you."

5 AP
Divine Decree (-5): Antithesis of Light: Inherently evil monsters and evil-templated creatures take damage when exposed to sunlight and gain the light blindness monster rule.
0 AP

The change was imperceptible to most Mortals, and yet to the Voidwalkers, who were innately magical themselves, it was likened to the feeling of being poked in the back of the head. They looked up at the new sunlight, and one looked at three others in the center of the sprawling town. He whispered a few imperceptible words, and the other three nodded in agreement, after they figured out what he meant. The leader of the group picked up a small stick and began gesturing up and down in a rhythmic pattern as he mumbled, "A one and a two and..."

Then in one voice they all sang out, "Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!" In perfect four-part barber shop style. And then they got back to doing... whatever they had been doing. For even though the Void Walkers might have been propagated by a God of Evil, they themselves were not inherently evil. Likely, this would cause the gods of good and light some difficulty and consternation.

And the Void Dragon laughed.

Now, what else should he make? Hmm... Yes, that would be perfect. First, he had to make a few simple sustainability things... for instance, the Void Walkers still ate food raw, for they did not yet manipulate fire. Not anymore. Next... Ah yes, next it was time to build houses that could actually stand up to punishment. Houses of stone, perhaps. And weapons with which they could defend themselves from the wild with. Finally, some form of entertainment. What the four mortals had done amused Oblivion, so he spread a love of that sound... music if he recalled its name correctly, among his people.

AP: 3

-0 AP: Minor concept: Fire creation and use. Basically, the most simple of things possible with fire, from cooking to lighting up a house. Any society should be able to produce this naturally, as you just have to gather fire, make sparks or rub two sticks together to generate it.

-0 AP: Minor Concept: Cooking. The Void Walkers absolutely love the taste of cooked foods, from fruits to meats to pastries... well, not quite pastries, since they don't have wheat yet, but once they get their hands on it the pastries will flow like water! For now, salads will do wonderfully.

-0 AP: Minor concept: Music. Just normal every day old songs. For entertainment, festivals, etc, etc. Mostly songs for now, nothing for strings really. They are also used for recording history and telling stories. Most commonly ballads and verse, for now.

-0 AP: Minor concept: Greek-Latin pidgin. The basic language Voidwalkers communicate and sing in. This is the vocal language only, and the closest real-world languages to what is actually spoken. (Thus, most of their names are Greek and Latin... though there are inconsistencies in the language itself and I'll just write their dialogue in italicized/ bracketed English. :smalltongue:

-0 AP: Minor concept: Rudimentary tools. Nothing too terrible, things such as hammers, hatchets, stone knives, wooden nails, picks, etc.

-1 AP: Mundane Concept: Simple Weapons. Spears, axes, knives, mauls, clubs, etc, etc. All with blades have stone heads for now, but stone, while not as durable as metal, is easily sharp enough to do some real damage.

-1 AP: Mundane concept: Stonework. The construction of stone buildings and harvesting and shaping of minerals is now available to the town of Waypoint. This is stuff like houses and low floodgates, nothing really big or important. Provides better protection from the elements and a sturdy place to call home. Oh, and now there are statues of small things... mostly family members and animals. And Garden Gnomes. Those freaky little things...

1 AP remaining.

Minor note, enough time has now passed that Waypoint is now the size of a large town.

Alone in the sky, Vectrisis watched as innumerable information segments flew across his screens. The B.I.G.A. were doing their work perfectly, and as he had suspected they were undisturbed. He now had notes on life forms, places, data on the minds of mortal creatures, data on even the other gods. It could have been all the information a mortal could have ever wanted. But Vectrisis was not mortal, and even the massive pool of information could not sate his appetite. He wanted to know what they were made of, he wanted specimens he could examine and test upon himself. Most of all, he wanted more data on the gods.

Extremely careful with the details, Vectrisis copied and then altered the design of the B.I.G.A., taking notes off of the mortal creatures on the planet below. He expanded them, altered their primary functions, and altered them to have defensive and offensive capabilities. When he was satisfied, Vectrisis fed the designs into his computer, the creation yards finally turning out the mass life they were built to create. Immediately, Vectrisis designed more life, one that was bigger than them all, capable of carrying things back to him. He fed the designs into the computer, and then waited a little for the swarms to grow inside the creation yards. And with an unseen command, the swarms descended to the planet below.

Start AP - 9
1 - Monstrous Life: The R.I.L. (or just Ril to mortals). The Ril are the most deadly creatures within Vectrisis' swarm, capable of devouring life in a matter of seconds. The Ril appear to be cyborganic locust about the size of dogs, with massive mandibles they use to devour anything they come across. This action serves a purpose for Vectrisis, as devouring an object records all data that Vectrisis cannot get from the outside. The material eaten is broken down to the atomic level, the atomic waste being ejected from the Ril during flight. The Ril's only objective is to devour and record life, and without Vectrisis' halting them, they would continue their sprees of destruction to the point where the planet could be consumed by them. Thankfully, due to a permanent psychic link between the Ril swarms and Vectrisis, this does not happen. The Ril's battery life is not as long as that of a Biga, but is longer than any Locatu. The Ril must return to orbit near the moon to bathe in the green energy light once every 48 hours, or they will shut down and must be carried off my other Ril. As with the Biga, the Ril give off a very soft green light from where their power source is. Because Ril travel in giant swarms, this gives a bit of warning to their approach as a 'cloud' of black and green will appear in the sky.

1 - The L.O.C.A.T.U. (or just Locatu). The rarest members of Vectrisis' swarm, the Locatu are massive beetles that are anywhere between the size of a moving van and a large warehouse. The Locatu have an extremely simple purpose, they are to accompany Ril swarms to the surface and then capture live specimens or objects and return with them to the moon. To assist in completion of this task, Loactu have the strongest shell of all of Vectrisis' minions, as they can easily shrug off a direct missile explosion without taking any damage. The majority of their body is a massive storage tank filled with the life-nourishing liquid that also fills the tanks on the moon. Because the majority of their body is taken up by storage, the Locatu can only survive outside the moon for 12 hours, and must return to the inside of the moon before then to survive.

End AP - 7

The Voidwalkers saw the swarms and hesitated. That was... freaky. When an explorer ran as quickly as possible from another swarm trailing blood, the militia mobilized. More might be processed, but it would not be without a fight.

Meanwhile, Oblivion watched the swarms land on his moon... and then immediately have their life essence sucked from them into the nothingness. They were rather relentless, weren't they? Of course, it was all pointless. None of them could even touch[i] the object, since there was nothing [i]to touch. They just came to die... Repeatedly, apparently. Of course, the ones that landed on him were consumed, because something attempting to harvest him was more than just a minor annoyance. It was downright irritating. He looked over at the moon and growled, "Not. Happening."

Mortal RCR roll to prevent egregious harvesting (some will happen regardless, this is to prevent population damage)

+1 for a military-based society
+1 for having weapons
+1 for Militia

[roll0] +1 (5)

Omnicrat

2013-06-29, 03:36 AM

As their great liberator slept, the Watchmen of Hu saw great swarms coming from the sky at night. Glowing as the stars in the sky did, stars which have never harmed anyone, the watchmen assumed there were benign, and woke the other citizens of Hu only so they could see this spectacular sight... Until the first Hufolk was "harvested." Then, all hell broke loose. Cries were made towards their sleeping god in the hills, To the sky at their sun goddess, and to the river-valley where the sword-giver loved to preach. None answered the call.

Rallying the forces of Hu in the absence of their gods, the Uplifter commanded the Hufolk forces, Send our best runners to the other villages. Let them know the swarms are dangerous and to prepare for battle, get our best swordsmen and tell them to protect our young, infirm, and elderly. Are the ones who were exchanging swords to the Citadels for martial training back yet? Good, we need them defending key positions, keeping these beasts away from our weak and providing distractions for the evacuations. Send runners to the Fifth Citadel and warn our allies that there is a new threat coming from above. It is to numerous to be stopped, but at least most can be protected!

And with that, the First Battle of the Swarms had begun.

Rolling for Mortal RCR: Society versus... hoard? I guess?

a note: I am assuming a free trade of concepts between Hu and the Five Citadels because they are allies and on very friendly terms. If there is any reason this is not okay, we mods will discus it via PM

Hu RCR
[roll0] (+3 for martial concepts fighter, swords, and rouges +1 for leader)
Five Citadels
[roll1] (+3 for martial concepts of fighter, swords, and rouges +1 for martial magical race +1 for martial society)

Liberator, while napping, swatted away any Swarmers who cam too close to him.

-Not long after the First Battle of the Swarms had ended-

Liberator opened his eyes to the light of a new day. Birds were chirping, it was drizzling, and the buildings had holes in them. ...wait a second... tracking down The Uplifter, Liberator inquired, Hello Uplifter! Um... May I ask why some of the builds have holes in them, and others seem to be missing all togeather? Did the Shadowfolk breach the surface? Did the godess of the sea send new monsters after us?

No, nothing like that, the Uplifter explained in somber tones. It was an attack none could have foreseen. Beasts from the sky, the color of the stars descended upon us. The watchmen happened to wake us because they thought the swarms were pretty, and then they attacked. Animal, Hufolk, crops, structure, rock. They attacked them all equally. I was able to rally the people to defend our weakest members and send word to the Citadels. Because of our efforts casualties were kept to a minimum, but many molefolk and hufolk lost their lives. Some were taken alive by horrid monsters the size of a house.

Where were the other gods during this attack? Thurian and Esterius?

We don't know. Its possible that they were fighting them back in some way we don't know about yet, or perhaps they needed rest, as you did. You may be a god, but you do not understand their numbers. Even if all three of you had been helping us, I doubt we would have fared much better.

Smiling at his Hufolk, You will never understand how much it pleases me to hear you say those words. That you can survive on your own against some of the horrors of this world means I have done well. Now, if you will excuse me, I believe I know the god responsible for this...

Upon reaching the moon the greed god had disappeared into while he was still just a consciousness, Liberator called, Vectrisis! Forger of the moon and crafter of the stars, The Father of the Hufolk and Molefolk would like to have a word with you!

ArlEammon

2013-06-29, 09:53 AM

Thurian And Liberator
Thurian appeared besides Liberator. "Like wise, the protector of blood lines would also like a word with you. Something. . . unnatural and somehow, a perversion of order is taking place. I will not have innocents sifted like wheat before the scythe. Cease your disturbance of the peace and let them live their lives in security and good order." Thurian demanded. He had just come back from training more swordsmasters and rallying defensive positions for areas that weren't attacked by the Swarm. Thankfully there were some places the Swarm hadn't attacked yet, but sadly this meant Thurian and some defenders never got a chance to participate in the action.

Omnicrat

2013-06-29, 10:00 AM

Liberator, who is standing behind Thurian a bit, gets a shocked look on his face at the mention of order in reverent tones. He thought, What sort of god have I aligned with...

Gnomes2169

2013-06-29, 02:32 PM

It was at about this point that a small band of voidwalker explorers encountered a Hufolk farmer on his field. They watched the man curiously, wondering just why he was standing over these fields of tall grass with that odd tool of his. After an hour or so, the farmer finally noticed the people that were watching him and making comments between periods of watching. They wore suits of scaled hide and carried an assortment of knives, axes and spears between them, and even though the weapons were built from wood and stone, it looked like rather sharp stone. And all the people possessing it looked well fed and rather fit. At least they were Hufolk as well, right? That's why they looked like normal Hu, right?

They stared at each other for a while before one of the voidwalkers handed all of his weapons but his knife over to a companion and walked forward. He bowed slightly and cordially requested, ["Pray tell, Void Brother, what is it you are doing in this field?"] His question was met with a blank, uncomprehending stare. The explorer tried asking again, being sure to specify that the field was this field, and that the act under question was the man standing in it. The confused stare only grew more profound. He looked back to the other explorers, shrugged and walked back to them, mumbling, ["Must be a mute or something."] The troop moved on towards the buildings. Surely, there must be civilized people to talk to there.

Almost simultaneously, another explorer group happened among the ruby fields. The red stones dazzled, and the hardness and sharpness of the shards ensured that the voidwalkers would return for more...

((OOC: Voidwalkers will use the rubies in their tools and weapons in place of stone))

Tichrondrius

2013-06-29, 04:18 PM

Neleus the Capricious
The Oceans Vast/Bastion's Cliff Shore

"Food poisoning? You fool. Don't you realize the long-term effects of.." Neleus balked, glaring over at the Earth god. "No, I suppose not. You'll continue to throw your horde at him till it's all gone. Besides, I'm not after body count here- that's small time, petty. Simple numbers. I'm going for maximum suffering here. How many of your Shadowfolk torture first, or even chase them a little, enjoy the fear they produce? None, I imagine." She smirked smugly.

"The beauty of suffering far outweighs the benefits of killing them. Where would they even go? They'd be free to escape more torment."

"You'll soon see what this beautiful sea and her beautiful master will do, my dear Horror. We'll erode your mountains down to the nub. All I need is time..." She paused and dripped some water down the side of one of his great mountains. "And patience."

"How dare you presume to give me a challenge? What is the puny Earth compared to the sea? What are you compared to me? Nothing!" Her eyes bulged as she witnessed the rising of the earth and its strike back against the Vast Oceans. If they survived long enough maybe even her sea would be in danger.

"Leave me!" She demanded in a rage, floating over to the new volcano and shielding her face from the heat. The Sea Witch fumed with rage.

"Curse you!"

AP Rollover: 3 AP Gained

Queen Sapes

2013-06-29, 05:09 PM

Within one of the corridors of the moon, Vectrisis observed two gods enter into his domain. Issuing a few commands from his post, he had the tanks that lined the walls swapped out with empty ones, and a door deeper into the moon down the hallway sealed shut. He knew the two gods, even if they did not know of him, which one apparently did. Inside the corridor where the two stood and demanded his presence, the light shifted in a strange way. It briefly went out completely, before it came back on, and the full-armored Vectrisis stood there, but almost as if he wasn't completely there.

"Greetings," the metal echo of Vectrisis said all around them, the form not moving from its commanding stance. "Why have you come?"

Start AP - 7
Rollover - 3
End AP - 10

Omnicrat

2013-06-29, 05:30 PM

Speaking with controlled rage be diplomatic Liberator reminded him self, It has come to my attention that you recently launched an attack on the people of Hu and the Five Citadels, possibly the whole of creation. If it is a war you want, it would have been nice to at least be woken up so I could help in the defense of my people. And what is your justification for this attack? Did the Heart of Hu offend your moon? Did Esterius' sun?

Queen Sapes

2013-06-29, 05:47 PM

"There was no attack on creation," Vectrisis' metal voice rang through the moon, completely apathetic and convinced in the statement. "War is detrimental to all parties. No offense was incurred by creation of either. My swarm descended to all active parties to record, capture specimens for preservation, and then return. It was not an attack. All must be recorded."

Omnicrat

2013-06-29, 05:58 PM

More confused than he had ever been in his short (well, short for a God) existence, Liberator slowly said, You sent your creatures at my societies. They killed and captured people, as well as destroyed property. This is what conflict is. This is what war is. Regardless of your reasoning, this was an attack.

Queen Sapes

2013-06-29, 06:12 PM

Vectrisis answered the god, "Conflict occurred due to the reactions of mortals, not because of my swarm. If the mortals had remained calm, my swarm would have performed their commands and left. Populations will return to stable levels within time. Those killed had their forms recorded. Those captured will be preserved here forever. Damaged property was recorded. Missing property is being preserved here. All will be recorded."

Omnicrat

2013-06-29, 06:22 PM

So, if none would have attacked them, they wouldn't have killed or captured any? Because if you would have still done all of that, this is still conflict. And when you say preserved, what do you mean, exactly?

The rage in Liberator was overtaking confusion once more.

ArlEammon

2013-06-29, 06:25 PM

Thurian/Liberator
"By the LIGHT!" Thurian turned to Liberator with fury on his face. "What say WE, teach this Tin Lord a lesson by capturing and preserving HIM, for all time?" Thurian suggested angrily. "This has the stench of an amoral fool about it." He added. Thurian began to draw his sword. . . "Well then, what say you, Liberator? Why not teach this Tin Lord what it would be like to be taken against one's own will and thrust into an unknown fate?"

Queen Sapes

2013-06-29, 06:31 PM

"My swarm operated as commanded and performed exceptionally. The mortal's panic endangered more lives than would have been claimed otherwise." One of the empty tanks on the wall pulled back, a tank with one of the captured Hufolk replacing it. "Preserved as in they are alive, locked into permanent stasis to prevent damage." Vectrisis moved slightly to face Thurian completely. "There is no need for violent measures to take place. Something may become damaged. This young mortal female may lose her life," the metal god said as he motioned to the tank with the Hufolk inside.

ArlEammon

2013-06-29, 06:51 PM

Thurian/Liberator/Vectrisis
Thurian grew hot in fury. . . rather than attack directly what he had assumed was Vectrisis, he stomped hard on the Moon's surface, leaving a very small crater. "Hear my word of power. AWAKEN!" Hostages of the Machines and the Moon, RETURN! RETURN TO THE WORLD BELOW AND TAKE ARMS!" Feel the strength and power kindle into the flames of war within you!] The people harvested from the world below evaporated, or at least it seemed, into thin air and returned to the world below. Through Thurian's power, all those harvested would be blessed with the power to fight in whatever they could against Vectrisis's Swarm." Thurian turned around, "It would be best if we get out of here." He then returned to the Bastion below.

Feel free to dispute this if you want, I reviewed the OP of the OOC and thought this was the best way to do this
Divine Word - 3
+3 Roll over
AP 8

Omnicrat

2013-06-29, 07:23 PM

I'm sorry for my colleague, Vectrisis. I will see about returning those captured to you as soon as possible.

Returning to Thurian's side, liberator yellsWhat have you done, Thurian?!? Do you think a god like that will allow such an affront! He will send his swarms once more, and he will take and kill even more now that you have done this!

Sighing, the God of Freedom and Justice proposes to his compatriot the unthinkable. If you do not return those you rescued, far more will be killed. While they are on that moon, they are alive. They are safe. Their rescue can wait. We will come for them one day, but that day cannot be today.

ArlEammon

2013-06-29, 08:14 PM

Thurian
"Hmmmm..." Thurian thought. . ."Very well." He returned them. "Are you sure we couldn't have fought him off and eventually taken him down?" He said as he reappeared in a flash of thunder. "Please tell me you thought this through. You said you have experience facing off against powerful gods. Did you ever have a partner?"

Omnicrat

2013-06-29, 08:37 PM

Not before, no. But you know the Darkfolk? They are tortured and corrupted Hufolk and Molefolk souls. Eldritch created them after I challenged him to attack my people. Every death that happens beneath Hu is my fault. Half smiling with a bitter look on his face, And now I sent people you rescued back to that hell of a moon.

Liberator sighs, then he pauses. ...corrupted the souls of Hufolk and Molefolk... ... corrupted...

Liberators face begins to light up with a plan. What do you say to some purification?

LordChaos13

2013-06-29, 09:44 PM

"No, I suppose not. You'll continue to throw your horde at him till it's all gone. Besides, I'm not after body count here- that's small time, petty. Simple numbers. I'm going for maximum suffering here. How many of your Shadowfolk torture first, or even chase them a little, enjoy the fear they produce? None, I imagine." She smirked smugly.

"The beauty of suffering far outweighs the benefits of killing them. Where would they even go? They'd be free to escape more torment."

"If you call their soul being captured and tortured until their minds break turning them into Shadow Hufolk themselves then yes, they escape. The true suffering occurs after their deaths why would I jeopardize my creations by giving their enemies time to turn the tides."
Eldritch vanishes when his watery adversary tells him too, returning deep within Goheng

ArlEammon

2013-06-29, 10:19 PM

Thurian and Liberator
"Very well." Thurian agreed. [B]"I agree. You may have power from my might."Thurian would give Liberator whatever he needed to get things done properly. "How much power do you need, Liberator, for this?"

-2 AP
3 AP

Omnicrat

2013-06-29, 10:37 PM

Feeling a rush of energy, Liberator says That should do nicely for my part... On second thought, if you have it to spare, the smallest added bit of divine power would be even better. Now, for your part in this. I need you to do what you do best. I need you to forge a sword. This will be no ordinary sword, however. You must first take some of the energy of the Sun, I am sure Esterius will not mind, and forge it into the blade. This blade will produce a gentle light, but be as the light of the Sun to any Darkfolk in its presence. It has another special property. When Darkfolk are slain within the light of this blade, it forces their soul through my own divine energies. I will take care of the rest. Smiling widely, If my plan works, those once pure shall be pure again. More so, even.

ArlEammon

2013-06-29, 10:47 PM

Wordlessly, Thurian fashioned a sword out of Light. He hammered with a mystic hammer. . . He struck repeatedly for just a moment, noticing the light coalesced into a fully physical weapon, he smiled, and handed it over. Within just a moment, he sighed tiredly and waved his hands, sending a strange energy into Liberator to do with what he wished. . . "Now, ally, please excuse me, I must retire unto the Void at the moment."

-3 AP spent
1 Ap given over to Liberator
-2 Ap spent to forge the Sword of Light (Create Relic).

Gnomes2169

2013-06-29, 10:48 PM

The Voidwalkers stared at the Hufolk. They stared back. There were really... rather a lot of these strangely dressed people, weren't there? Did all of them actually live in the wood huts that made up this village? Or... huh... there really was nothing to do with stone around here, was there? Wonder why that is a rule, if this was supposedly the land where the voidwalkers had come from. Shouldn't they be more... advanced? Most of their tools were still wood, for the sake of the ancestors! This... this would not do.

["Excuse me, my good fellows."] Dios, the leader of the voidwalker expedition stated in his strange language, ["Might I have a word with your leader?"] The stares he received ranged from confusion to calculated blankness. Dios consulted with his companions. They confirmed his suspicion that it really was rather unlikely that the entire population was mute. Maybe they used the Elder Language? After a word or two in that dead and gone language, and looks of "What is this man possessed with" from the villagers, Dios gave up. ["They... they are ignorant! Truly and completely ignorant! What happened since our people embarked on their journey to the Land of Twilight?"] Dios mumbled, throwing his hands up in the air as he marched off, exasperated.

One of his companions, a man who wielded a quarter staff and two knives by the name of "Arno" was looking at a swordsmaster and the man's blade. After Dios's rather spectacular discovery that there was a language barrier, Arno thought it best to communicate through gesture instead. Disarming himself completely, the explorer and unofficial vice-leader of the expedition walked forward, bowed to the swordsman and gestured first to his eyes and then to the blade. Arno held out an open hand and, politely, asked ["Might I see that tool you have upon your waist belt?"] It appeared to be made of that grey, hard rock that peppered the mountains and filled the underground tunnels from time to time... was that substance truly useful?

Omnicrat

2013-06-30, 01:44 AM

Excellent! Now, to test my theory... Liberator went deep into the earth, far past the first citadel where the Darkfolk roam freely. Grabbing the oldest one, he returned to the surface. The Darkfolk struggled and struck out at Liberator, but could not harm him. Liberator went to the top of the tallest mountain surrounding Hu. This should make you better, He said to the Darkfolk, as he held the blade near him with one hand, and crushed the life out of it with his other hand.

A dark light left the Darkfolk's body, mixed with the Sword for the briefest moment, then shot into Liberator himself. The corrupted soul churned within him, being purified and augmented be the idealic forces that make up Liberator's being. Finally, a brilliant orange light shot forth from Liberator, taking the form of a Huge Hufolk. When it finished coalescing, it looked nearly as beautiful as Liberator himself.

Do you remember your life as a Hufolk? As a shadowfolk?

Yes. The titan said in a booming voice. I remember all of it. My family and friends. The Darkfolk the Molefolk were unable to stop. The... torture. Living as one of those beast, hunting those I would have called allies... This being began to openly weep at the thought of what it had done.

Do not despair, my child. You have been redeemed. No other creature in this world has a life and a soul so close to my own. Soon, you will have many brother and sister to populate these mountains with, and you will forward the goals of freedom and justice for now and from now on! You are the most powerful of my children, the first of my Titans, and you will do great things.

Overcome with awe and reverence for what he has been told, the first Titan said, Thank-you oh great Liberator! Thank-you oh Great Redeemer for saving me!

Smiling gently, There is no need to thank me child, I was only doing what you would have done. Now, I must place this sword where it will do the most good.

With that, Liberator appeared before the greatest swordsfolk in the Five Citadels. Here me, Molefolk! You are the greatest of the swordsfolk fighting back the Darkfolk. You have time and again repelled their ragged incursions, saving the lives and souls of countless Hufolk and Molefolk. For that, you have earned my favor! You shall be the Swordbearer, gifted with the Sword of Light to fight back the horrors of Eldritch. Each you kill with this blade will have their soul sent through me, where it will be purified and tuned into one of my newest child race, a Titan. You are the means by which many souls will be saved, and so I shall make you immortal. With each generation, your skills will grow, and you shall lead the Molefolk in many battles! Now, if you will excuse me, I have had a long day, and I hear a certain hill calling my name.

Satisfied he had done all he could, Liberator retreated to his favorite hill, and finally he rested, with a smile on his face.

Meanwhile, in a Hufolk village...

Since the first farmer saw these strange Hufolk speaking their strange language, word spread quickly to central Hu, where the Uplifter of the time lived. Since hearing of these alien Hufolk, the Uplifter began her* journey to the western villages.

*This is not the same Uplifter who rallied the people against the attack of the swarm, but his successor. She does retain all of his memories of being the Uplifter, however, due to the mantle. Which Uplifter she is (immediate successor or not) will be determined at a later date, when we hammer down a hard timeline for the setting.

Upon reaching a village that seemed to have these new Hufolk in it, she saw one of them was trying to take a swordsfolk's sword. The Swordsfolk looked like he was about ready to draw it and slice the poor newcomer's hand off.

Stop! She cried, running forward. Most people who spoke of these Hufolk thought they were either insane, or just very stupid. She was more clever than that. It seemed that these Hufolk had a completely different language from the common tongue of Hu.

To the other swordsfolk in the village who were tentatively watching the situation, she said Keep your arms at the ready, but do not attack unless they strike me down. To the one swordsfolk ready to attack, she said, Please hand me your sword. He was hesitant to part with his weapon. Oh, for Thurian's sake, I am the Uplifter, gifted with the mantle of leader ship forged by our Father. I know what I am doing.

The swordsfolk was a bit taken aback by the way she spoke to him, but in the end handed her his sword. It wasn't as if she lied. She knew exactly what she was doing. If she was wrong about these strange Hufolk and they killed her, that would be unfortunate, but it would not mean the end of the Uplifter. But if she was right...

Speaking to the village, Back away from us. Not quickly, or suddenly, but for a circle around us and watch.

As the circle formed per her instruction, she took the sword and held it out to the strange Hufolk to take by the hilt. Trinity, I hope I'm right about this...

Initial AP - 3
-2 AP - Alter life (Monstrous to Fabled): Titans
The first Titans were former Darkfolk purified by the raw power of Liberator's essence by means of the Sword of Light. Any Titan who was so purified retains their memory before they were killed by a Darkfolk, as they were being tortured by Eldritch, and their existence as a Darkfolk. The power of Liberator's spirit is enough to save them from the madness and evil the tortures brought about in them.

This games Titans differ from traditional Titans in the following ways.

All Titans have the good and the native subtype added
A Titan's DR is overcome by evil as well as law.
A Titan's alignment is always Chaotic Good.

-1 AP - Promote Leader: The Swordbearer (Jorn Earth-Render, Level X Molefolk Fighter)
Jorn Earth-Render was the greatest of the Molefolk swordsmen in the Five Citidels. When Liberator needed a champion to wield the Sword of Light, who else would he choose?

Current AP - 0

LordChaos13

2013-06-30, 03:28 AM

*Right after the attack of the Molefolk by the Shadow Hufolk*

"What do you think it is?" The first Darkfolk asks, poking the screaming Molefolk with a long piece of stone
"I dunno, it ain't no Hufolk thats for sure. I don't even know how to shape it or ho..."
As the second speaks a different blueprint etches itself onto the wall next to the first. The blueprints are intricate carvings in stone detailing all the steps to turning the strange new soul into a brand new Darkfolk.

The two eagerly get to work as more and more of the new victims form waiting to be tortured and turned.
"AAAAIIIIII!!" The guttural screams echo throughout the caves of Goheng, a metaphysical object dragged into the physical world, carved and changed from their original Molefolk forms into the new deadly Clawfolk.
Their hair migrating to their chin creating long scraggly beards the pride of their race. Smaller and stockier than the normal Hufolk but their claws splitting from their fingers, forming into 3 (wolverine-esque) claws made to carve through flesh bone and solid rock alike.
Their minds always on how to construct, deconstruct or otherwise manipulate buildings and bodies for the best way to do so.

Many of them take the concept made by their enemies the Hufolk and the Molefolk, learning how to target key areas of their anatomy

1AP
-1 Alter Life: Molefolk into Clawfolk. Basically Dwarves with blank eyes, claws as strong as steel and a prowess for digging tunnels through even the hardest bedrock, their minds always analyzing the structural supports and how to both damage, reinforce or push the tunnel further towards it's goal

Stealing the concept of Rogues (via repeated, albeit violent contact with users of the technique) and making it the Clawfolk's favoured class

Gnomes2169

2013-06-30, 09:39 AM

Meanwhile, in a Hufolk village...

Since the first farmer saw these strange Hufolk speaking their strange language, word spread quickly to central Hu, where the Uplifter of the time lived. Since hearing of these alien Hufolk, the Uplifter began her* journey to the western villages.

*This is not the same Uplifter who rallied the people against the attack of the swarm, but his successor. She does retain all of his memories of being the Uplifter, however, due to the mantle. Which Uplifter she is (immediate successor or not) will be determined at a later date, when we hammer down a hard timeline for the setting.

Upon reaching a village that seemed to have these new Hufolk in it, she saw one of them was trying to take a swordsfolk's sword. The Swordsfolk looked like he was about ready to draw it and slice the poor newcomer's hand off.

Stop! She cried, running forward. Most people who spoke of these Hufolk thought they were either insane, or just very stupid. She was more clever than that. It seemed that these Hufolk had a completely different language from the common tongue of Hu.

To the other swordsfolk in the village who were tentatively watching the situation, she said Keep your arms at the ready, but do not attack unless they strike me down. To the one swordsfolk ready to attack, she said, Please hand me your sword. He was hesitant to part with his weapon. Oh, for Thurian's sake, I am the Uplifter, gifted with the mantle of leader ship forged by our Father. I know what I am doing.

The swordsfolk was a bit taken aback by the way she spoke to him, but in the end handed her his sword. It wasn't as if she lied. She knew exactly what she was doing. If she was wrong about these strange Hufolk and they killed her, that would be unfortunate, but it would not mean the end of the Uplifter. But if she was right...

Speaking to the village, Back away from us. Not quickly, or suddenly, but for a circle around us and watch.

As the circle formed per her instruction, she took the sword and held it out to the strange Hufolk to take by the hilt. Trinity, I hope I'm right about this...

Arno smiled gently and bowed to the Uplifter slightly, telling her, ["Thank you, home sister."] It was somewhat obvious that they were not dealing with the same culture that they had come from, especially after that little exchange the two... others had gone through. A different language and culture entirely, discovered by the great explorer Arno! ... I mean Dios and his companions, chief of which was Arno!* They had now surrounded him, which could be a bit disconcerting, but it didn't look like they meant him any harm. And the newcomer was holding out the object of his curiosity, which he now saw separated from the leather structure it was originally held in. Yes, it was made of the grey stone. And it looked rather sharp to boot!

Gratefully, Arno took the weapon gently in his hand and held it up. It had a decent amount of weight to it, which was more than a bit surprising! He took a step back, as the weapon was rather long and he did not want to hit the Uplifter by mistake, and gave a gentle practice swing. The first obvious thing was that it was meant to be held in one hand, much like a short or throwing spear. The next was that it was balanced completely differently from any weapon the Voidwalker had ever held. But it was balanced right. And when you had as much training in every kind of weapon like you received at Waypoint, you got the hang of new balances rather quickly.

So, while Arno was no master with the sword, it was more than apparent that, after a few practice swings, he was more than just not clumsy. He was almost a natural talent, or at the very least knew what he was doing and what he intended to do. When his swings began to speed up, it seemed like he was running through a rehearsal dance, and in fact he was! Voidwalkers, to keep their agility from fading, practiced these exercises with their weapons, and while this one was new and had a long blade, it was still able to work with a modified "One knife" dance. Full of spins, kicks and one or two lunges and finally, a flare of his own new style, a powerful two handed down stroke. At the end, he was panting slightly but smiling from sheer amazed joy. This weapon was wonderful! But how sharp was it, really? Arno pulled off his glove using his teeth and lightly ran a finger across the edge.

Almost immediately he grimaced ad pulled his hand away as a bit of a pinch and a small line of blood formed on the offending digit. It was more than just sharp... there was no real descriptor that fit for it in his society. So Arno invented a new term. The blade was "Razor sharp". With one more sight, the voidwalker nodded and handed the blade back to the Uplifter hilt first, careful not to cut himself on it once again. [""Thank you, sister. It was a pleasure on my behalf to wield a weapon of this quality."] The words rang out in almost-song, matching the light in his eyes and smile on his face. If they had weapons like this back home, the forest would be that much less dangerous... maybe, hopefully, he would be able to get the technique for them? But what to trade...

Meanwhile, another voidwalker was standing next to a house. He knocked on the wooden structure and shook his head. ["No no no, this will not do. Not at all."] He looked at the home owner and, after a quick glance, picked up a rock. The explorer Held the rock up for inspection, nodded, then knocked on the house again and shook his head.

But it would take more than that to actually sell his point! after all, who was this outlander to tell the native that he was doing things wrong? So, the voidwalker gathered some twigs and some stones and arranged them in house-like shapes on the ground. Then he began the demonstrations.

He drew in a deep breath and blew on the stick house, which scattered and fell apart in an instant. He repeated the same process with the stone house and nothing happened. He then held up a finger, reset the stick house and plucked a stick from it and a stone from the other. He held both in separate hands and squeezed. The stick shattered instantly, while the stone, though it was in his dominant hand, was not affected at all. For the final demonstration, the voidwalker took out some flint and steel, scraping the one with the other to create sparks above both houses. The wooden one caught flame almost immediately, as the rain had not touched its twigs in a while. The stone one remained unaffected. With a final, thoroughly satisfied nod, the voidwalker stomped out the flame under his boot and put away the flint and steel, folding his arms with a triumphant grin to await judgement.

Also meanwhile, another voidwalker looked at a sheep. The animal was fluffy... and chewing one some grass. She poked the fluffball of an animal and it lazily fell over and played dead. The voidwalker jumped back in surprise, looked around and then walked away whistling inconspicuously while pretending she hadn't just broken the animal.

*Arno is one of the few chaotic good members of the Waypoint society. Most tend to be LG or NG. So he's a bit more random and proud than most, but still a good guy I swear! :smalltongue:

Also, a post involving Voidy will come soon, I swear.

Omnicrat

2013-06-30, 10:22 AM

While watching the strange Hufolk rhythmically run about with the sword, see got worried that she may have been wrong, and this one planned to cut them all to bits. That, or it still didn't realize the danger of swords. She subtly motioned everyone to move back a bit, not that they really needed telling. Once he was done with his display, which was quite impressive she admitted, he took the hand-garment he was wearing off and proceed to touch the blade! Before she could stop him, he had cut himself. Based on the look of shock, pain, and ...awe?... on his face, he did not understand the dangers of the weapon he was swinging until that point. As she was handed back the sword by the alien Hufolk, Seems I was right.... she thought with a smile, then banged her hand against the flat of the sword, saying Sword, in a very slow voice. She had planed to continue this attempted to teach them the common tongue, but suddenly one of their party began hitting a villagers hut with a stone! Do these people have no sense of ownership? A thought quickly echoed by the house's owner. She rushed over, saying If swords were such a wonder to them, think what they might know that is wondrous to us! He could be trying to show us something. "He's trying to show us how to break down my house, he is!" Said the man from before. Rolling her eyes, the Uplifter said Well, if that's the case I will personally help you build it back up! There, happy? Stunned, the owner of the house shut his mouth and let this Hufolk continue with is demonstration.

As his demonstration went on, it became clear to the Uplifter (and some of the more clever members of the tribe) what he was trying to show. In hushed tones, the Uplifter said, They want to teach us to make stone houses... Think of all the good that - The Liberator never got to finish her sentence, for at that moment the demonstrater did something none of the Hufolk of Hu knew how to do. The demonstrator produced fire. Hushed wispers became frantic talking, and some screaming and shouting in fear and anger.

Be calm, everyone! You saw that they didn't want to harm us. He was just explaining how we could make our houses from stone! He can control the fire, clearly. It is not wild and dangerous to him as it is to us! Slowly, the people calmed.

Smiling brightly the Uplifter said Prepair a feast in honor of our new friends! I feel we will have much to discuss...

LordChaos13

2013-06-30, 10:44 AM

(It's not actually stated what time it is so I'm going to assume the afternoon near dusk)

As the Hufolk and Voidfolk communicate a small squad of Clawfolk chatter nervously. Fresh recruits from the last wave against the Molefolk's defences instead of joining the horde made use of a newly opened tunnel up, using their digging claws when the tunnel eventually ran back down
Such a large group of newcomers, if that strange one that seemed to lead was any example all could and would fight back. But the Uplifter was there, a powerful blow against the Hufolk...
"We can't hide here under the canopy forever, even here our strength is sapped by that bloody sun. We gotsta attack now, while we have surprise and aren't too burnt" One of the dozen implores their defacto leader
"Quiet, we could wait until the strange talking ones leave then take on the woman returning to the capital."
"Cracked wall we could. We don't know if they will leave or we can trail her. Even if not they are clearly Hufolk and 'Thou shalt not suffer a Hu to live'. Our orders are clear." The Claw growls, stepping forward ready to charge
"No wait you fool..." One implores but it's too late, the monster charging out of the treeline at the village. Smoke rising from the sensitive flesh but ignoring it
The other 11 soon following claws sharp bellowing war cries

The souls-made-flesh quickly close the distance, claws flashin out digging into soft flesh and tearing through it. A member of the expedition bisected completely, a flicker sparking between the victim and murderer, another soul sentenced to torture.

Omnicrat

2013-06-30, 11:07 AM

As the feast was winding down, and much knowledge had been exchanged, the Uplifter said, Today was truly a great day, and it shall be celebrated throughout Hu as the day we made a new Ally! Before the Voidfolk, as she learned they were called, had a chance to speak, a scream came from the edge of the village. Darkfolk, the Uplifter said with fear.

Send the runners to near-by villages for support! Swordsmen to the front! Weak to the safe-hut! And give our Voidwalker allies some swords!

edit: Initial AP - 0
+1 from leaders
+1 from pantheon head
+3 from rollover
Current AP: 5

Gnomes2169

2013-06-30, 01:09 PM

The voidwalkers did not wait for the swords. Though their weapons did not contain steel or iron, the rock was more than enough in their hands. At the first scream the expedition of twelve ran towards the new enemies with their spears and knives drawn. All of them being trained from a young age to combat the dangers of their native jungle, they would be more prepared for whatever this new land could throw at them than some of these... "farmers".

Seeing the first of these short, Hu-like monsters, Dios flung a spear to catch it in the shoulder and then drew both of his hand axes to finish the job. Each of the Voidwalkers followed his example, working in pairs to ensure their safety from these monsters, while leaving the swordsmen to deal with those dark folk that were not engaged.

LordChaos13

2013-06-30, 08:11 PM

Feeling the spear in the shoulder one Clawfolk stumbles in shock but the rest push on, splitting into pairs to combat the paired expeditioners, the wounded one heading straight at the Uplifter leaving the one odd Clawfolk to fight the lone Voidwalker

"Now you pay for your crimes Uplifter!" The leader of the group glares at his hated foe

The sharpened claws of the Darkfolk flash out and combat begins between the Walkers and the Claws. Seeing the stone blades in the first round many go to simply disarm their targets, trying to meet claw with blade in a seemingly-blocking move from the retaliating Voidwalkers but actually wanting to destroy their blades and prevent an actual resistance to their inevitable demise

Gnomes2169

2013-06-30, 11:45 PM

Arno has been moving to assist Dios when the older voidwalker's foe ran straight at the Uplifter. Hesitating for just a second, Arno decided that his leader would be fine and intercepted the wounded creature, sweeping his quarterstaff at the short legs in an attempt to trip it up before sweeping with the other end of his staff to smash the back of the Clawfolk's skull. Which was probably harder than Arno assumed.

Dios, meanwhile, had begun his own deadly dance with this new creature, which was unwounded as of now. Let's fix that, shall we? Dios circled his foe cautiously, both handaxes held loosely in the center of their shafts. Whenever he made a feint, the creature would instantly move its claws to protect that position, interposing them as if daring the voidwalker veteran to do it. Almost like it wanted to clash claw on stone. Making an overhanded feint with one axe, Dios brought the other around in an attempt to hit the creature's left arm to disable it.

Meanwhile, some of the other voidwalkers had fallen for the trap and now had one or two of their stone weapons destroyed. After a look of shocked horror, they began to dance around, keeping out of reach before they drew their knives. Sheep girl (she accidentally knocked over a sheep) held off her foe by keeping out of reach with two spears, keeping them out of reach of her weapons with jabs as she danced back.

LordChaos13

2013-07-01, 02:03 AM

"Heh lookit these guys boys. Think this is some play." The one facing off against sheep-girl laughs
"Shutup Numin this isnt the time." the leader growls

The bisected Voidwalker lying at the feet of two combatants facing off against each other
"Why dontcha come just a wee bit closer. I wont hurt you...much." The Claw taunts, trying to find an angle of attack that isn't constantly shifting from the thrice-damned dancing folk

Arno slams the weapon down with a sickening crunch, the body dissolving into soul-bits and dissipating leaving behind nothing but his clothes

Dios' feint is blocked by the wicked claws taking it in the shaft just before the actual weapon but a howl of pain and a limp arm shows he lost some of his combat capability too.
The Darkfolk swears, throwing his long beard over his shoulder, using the motion to swing back fro a ruthless backhand across the face with incredibly sharp claws

The Darkfolk in front of the Uplifter thrusts out with both hands aiming to impale the leader before any resistance from the village can halt the kill

Omnicrat

2013-07-01, 06:48 AM

The Uplifter, who up till this point had been paralyzed by fear, was able to dodge out of the way of a Clawfolk's attack. By falling on her rear-end. Well, this is not good... she thought as the Clawfolk reared back its massive claw for another swing.

Just then, a sword appeared through the Clawfolk's chest. It barely had time to register the wound before it began to fall apart.

"Sorry to wait so long to strike miss Uplifter, but I had to make sure he was good and distracted so he wouldn't see me coming," the swordfolk said holding out a hand to help her up.

Since it's dead an I'm not, I can forgive you. She said with a laugh, getting to her feet. This must be one of the rogueish swordfolk.

"Maybe its best for you to go see to the weak. With all due respect, you're more a liability than an asset once fighting starts."

Shaken, she had to agree with the swordfolk. A great strategist she may be, but a tactician she was not. I think I will take that advice, good sir. She said as she cautiously walked away from the battle, always staying within sight of some swordfolk.

-Some time after the battle-

Liberator awoke to the smell of smoke. Of course, he said with a sigh. As he rose, he expected to see the Hu village near his hill burning to the ground. Some new Darkfolk tactic, or maybe the goddess of the sun was darker than she seemed...

Once he was up, he was shocked by what he saw. Structures of stone, with smoke coming from them. Was this some new races incursion? No, those are definitely Hufolk down there, playing and enjoying life.

Confused, he sought out his Uplifter. Upon finding her in central Hu, he inquired of her, Hail, Uplifter! Um... For how long, exactly, did I sleep?

With a smile on her aged face she said, No more than usual Champion of Freedom.

Confused as to how his people could have advanced so far without his aid, he enquirer, Then where did all of this come from?

We have made allies in your absence. She said with a bright smile. On the same day you took rest, I spoke with strange newcomers. They looked like Hufolk, but spoke a strange language and wore strange clothing. They called themselves the Voidfolk, as near as I could gather. They knew of things like how to make and control fire, the use of stone as building material, techniques for exploration and some basic martial training, and so much more. We in turn gave them several sheep and cattle, training in all of our unique arts, and the means by which they can craft swords. It has been a long and profitable alliance, on both sides. Thanks to their exploration techniques, we have been able to successfully map all of Bastion, as well as Voidland. Proudly, the Uplifter showed several tanned hides with markings on them that matched the topography of Bastion and what he knew of the continent on the border.

Impressed with what his Hufolk have done, but at the same time cautious, You say they are called the Voidfolk? And come from Voidland? He truly hoped he was wrong about this... Pausing for a moment, he added with clear pride in his voice, When did you start writing and making maps?

Beaming widely, the Uplifter said, Not long after the Voidfolk first came, and showed us the wide world that was Bastion. It had been hard navigating the whole of Hu, which I had to do several times. Navigating the whole of Bastion without a means to know exactly where one was would be impossible. So, I devised a means of writing maps called cartography. Once I'd figured that out, it was a logical step to apply symbols to more than just terrain features. I created a host of symbols representing each of the sounds in our language, and then all I had to do was teach it to everyone else. It was easy! Her beaming smile slipping as she reflects on the first part of And they are from what we call Voidland, yes. Would you believe they didn't even have a name for their own continent? Why do you ask?

With a dark contemplative look, Liberator said, The Void is where the interloping Gods cam from. And that land you call Voidland? It was raised by the God who destroyed the creator and open the Void up to this realm. Why don't you tell me the history of these Voidfolk?

The Uplifter went on for hours about how the Voidfolk used to be Hufolk, till they left for the new land, called by something even they didn't know what. The same is true of their name. They do not know why the chose to call themselves the Voidfolk.

It would seem the God of the Void did create these people, but left them to their own devices. Curious. Liberator pondered for a moment, then said I would advise you be cautious, but this alliance seems to have held for a long time and benefited both sides. Good work. He said, while giving his Uplifter a hug.

While tearing up, You have no idea what this means to me, Guardian.

And you have no idea what all you have done means to me. No if you'll excuse me, I think I shall survey Hu for a time, and see all the progress you have made

Wait! The Uplifter called, preventing him from leaving. All I have told you is the good new. There is some bad.

With a bitter smile Liberator said, Isn't there always? Has a Citadel fallen? A new plague taken the people?

Nothing like that, but something bad none the less. In Voidland there was another race. A race called the Hunterfolk. For generations they have been expanding throughout Northern Bastion, and are drawing ever-closer to Hu. Our explorers have already had to fight off some of their hunting parties, and several exploring the north have never returned. We fear a confrontation will come one day soon.

That is grave news indeed. The Titans should provide a buffer from any attack over the mountains, but this is bad none the less. Those are supposed to be Hufolk lands one day. I must discuss this with my allied gods. Now, if you will excuse me.

And with that, Liberator left to wait for Thurian to return from the Void or Esterius to return from he Sun. This may take a while... Liberator thought as he floated in space.

Initial AP - 4 (+1 Leader)
0 AP - Appropriate Concept: All concepts know by Waypoint and Hu have been exchanged.
This alliance has been going on for 20 years or more, and at this point all concepts (including the minor mundane ones listed below) have been adopted by both Waypoint and Hu (barring the Void Dragon stepping in to keep some concepts out). Also, due to their friendly nature, all concepts created in the Five Citadels, Hu, or Waypoint will be shared until their relationship changes.

1 AP - Create Minor Mundane Concept: Writing
Thanks to the Uplifter, Common now has a written language.

0 AP - Create Minor Mundane Concept: Cartography
Once the people of Hu began activly exploring the continent of Bastion, the Uplifter saw the need to have detailed records of where exactly everything in the continent was. To that end, she created the concept of Maps and map making for the people of Hu.

0 AP - Create Minor Mundane Concept: Meritocracy.
While the Five Citadels and their Hu allies generally ran under this system before, now it was formalized, and they even had a word for it! In a conference between The Swordbearer and The Uplifter over how best to run their ever-growing societies, they hit on the concept of meritocracy. Once a year, there would be a week-long festival. During this festival, there would be many games and challenges to determine who was the best in one particular area. For the next year, the winners of these challenges would be looked to as the highest authority on such matters, and their advice would be taken as if it had come from the Uplifter's or Redeemer's mouth themselves.

Current AP - 4

LordChaos13

2013-07-01, 07:23 AM

"So, word on the grapevine is your taking my advice and dabbling both sides."
The cloaked God appearing right behind his 'student' silently, startling him
"Advocating slavery, even arguing with people over it. I never thought one would take my words to heart so thoroughly. I'm touched, really. Right here." he pats his collarbone where an odd beating sound emanates for a second

Omnicrat

2013-07-01, 07:39 AM

With a dark rage, Liberator says Hello Eldritch. while turning to face his foe, taking note of the odd location of his heart.

You misunderstand my actions if that is what you think I am doing. May I ask what I have done that you saw as avocation of slavery, of all things?

LordChaos13

2013-07-01, 07:52 AM

"Being kept against ones will given no choice in what to eat, wear, do and more. While they aren't doing back-breaking labour or cleaning stuff they are still bound up in that shining green moon over there. Unless you've been lying to your very own subjects?
Though why is beyond me, I at least have a motive to do what I do...Mostly boredom and being a little peeved my blank canvas is already populated by all these younglings...And Void dragon I guess. I'm not sure about Sign Lady though she got here before me with that..." *shudder* "Throne of hers."
The God of Fear summons a bar of magma shaping it and generally fidgeting changing the fundamental nature of the object in his hands
"If you wouldn't call it being trapped against their will, what would you call it?"

Omnicrat

2013-07-01, 08:10 AM

Scowling, Liberator explains, It is imprisonment, not slavery. There is a difference. Those innocent people are not being harmed right now. They are alive and well and can be returned to normal life at any time. If I were to have let Thurian return them that day, however, What do you think the Moon God would do? Leave them in peace? Learn the error of his ways? No. He would send more swarms. He would cause more death and destruction. Saving them would mean the loss of so much more, in the long run. Sighing, he continued So I convinced Thurian to return them to their captivity. I hate it, but of the available options, it was the best. I could not let my people suffer once more at the hands of a foolish god.

LordChaos13

2013-07-01, 08:18 AM

"Noope imprisonment is temporary (most of the time) slavery for a crime, reasonable or not. Their crime is non-existent which means...You, my pupil, sir Liberator stick-in-the-mud did, in fact, enforce and advocate the enslavement of your own creations simply for politics.
Although it is good to hear you admit you are foolish."
The Eldritch Horror simply grins

Omnicrat

2013-07-01, 08:31 AM

Was. I was foolish. And what you call politics, I call sparing my people from another harvest. If I thought Vectrisis would leave Hu be I would rescue them myself in a heart-beat. But you taught me that that's not how gods operate. Gods are petty and when you interfere in what they view as their domain, they will lash out at you in ways worse than you can fathom. We need only look at the Darkfolk to see that. At this Liberator actually smiles, thinking of the souls he has managed to reclaim from Edritch's corruption.

LordChaos13

2013-07-01, 09:00 AM

"See you can learn things if you set your mind to it. Now you play nice with your two little friends while I go terrorize your creations some more ok."
Eldritch says condescendingly, patting the other God on the head and vanishing

______________________________________

In the middle of the capital Hu village a dark figure appears
"Hello everyone. Got my rent yet?" The God smirks striking terror into the hearts of all how see him
"No? Such a pity, I mean I dont even own the land anymore and you still owe me rent. Tsk tsk, I'll have to punish you."
Setting down the twisted magma bar it rises from the Earth as a childlike humanoid figure rises, a single rune carved into his forehead glowing a faint red like metal being forged
"Son, I want you to improve this for me." Eldritch snatching a nearby warrior's spear with his tendril, pulling the guy close to the God and his new Mortal. Handing the weapon to the newly made Chaofolk
He nods, carving a strange, incomprehensible sigil on the stone before filing away the edges til they were rounded

"Good. Now show me how it works. Kill him." the Dark God orders, stepping back up above the planet and watches the Chao make short work of him, the Earth opening up and swallowing him before the guard's friends could avenge his death

Several hundred miles to the south (opposite the Voidland, with the Ruby Fields between Hu and the new continent) a massive land rises from the sea. Every 10 miles of northern coast is a perfect natural harbour while many mountains become as trees spreading rock out to make natural sun protection for the newly-made Evil species.

AP 0
+3 Rollover
-2 Anrefen. Russia-sized continent with a rock-canopy held aloft by uncounted mountains. There are more links down to Goheng (more caves rather) than Voidland or Bastion.
-1 Chaofolk. The Chao are Gnomes, but incredibly likely to be Neutral Evil. They each have a specific talent in a field that when manifested seem to defy natural laws and is unable to be understood. Each and every creation, even by the same Chaofolk, is unique in some way. No sword is balanced the same, nor is every wall or building or brooch. This can sometimes be a pain making custom-fit clothing or pairs of gloves however.
Due to this their weapons of war aren't really better overall compared to more uniform standards of forging (read: No +1RCR Chaos-Forged till next rollover)

AP0

Tichrondrius

2013-07-01, 09:42 AM

Neleus the Capricious
Bastion's Purified River

What was Neleus up to in Bastion, you ask?

Nothing good, thats for sure.

The mighty queen of the seas had given up on the isles that now threatened to overtake her oceans. She'd never expected the Horror to strike back against her.. in a weird way she thought they were a lot alike. But he was so cagey and mysterious it was hard to tell what his true motivations were. Always trying to act superior, more like an elder than a peer. She was exactly as old and powerful as he was. Neleus, on the other hand, was pretty up front about her true intentions.

Suffering.

Her melancholy about being able to do little to diminish the threat of the volcano had lead her over her oceans- a feeble attempt to cheer herself with her beautiful creation. Maybe Eldritch was just beyond her power. The thought was almost too much to bare! No! She would rule all. This journey eventually saw her once again at the sea mouth of the river that cut through Bastion. The one that healed and helped people.

"Another monument designed to mock me! These insults will dealt with in the order they were received!" She declared in frustration, sinking down into the waters of the river with a heavy sigh. Her tentacles were tingly in the pure water- water so unnatural and pure but, still, all water knew whom it's master was. Her. Of course. "This is quite nice.. maybe the mortals do deserve some comforts." The sea witch mused, her gaze falling on a badly water-logged corpse floating by. "Especially in a world like this."

"Oh dear mortal, what happened to you?" Neleus cooed after swimming over to the corpse, "I wish I could have seen the look of terror on your face as you realized you would soon die. I bet it was exquisite." She continued, cradling the bloated corpse in her arms. "Claw marks... from some war, I dare suppose? I can't be everywhere. Suffering doesn't even need me to cause it, it festers freely. Quite a beautiful young Hufolk as well. What a great loss." She smiled widely while caressing his face which looked like he may have once been attractive.

"Whose your friend?" She mocked, directing another body over to her- this time a beautiful woman's corpse. The water demon manipulated their bodies playfully her mind wild with what they would say to each other. Wait a minute.. was she just lonely? "Maybe the Horror was right about creating life after all.. but I'd never let him know that, arrogant fool. These two beauties may be lost from the Hufolk but their loss is my gain." The queen of the seas monologued as she dragged the bodies under the river. Meticulously she ripped apart the building blocks of life that went into the Hufolk and crafted a duplicate out of the water around her until she found what she was searching for- the spark of life!

Using the water of the river she built an exact replica of the spark and placed a small piece of her own divine spark into it. The corpses were no more but the duplicate bodies made of river water looked as beautiful as they had when they were Hufolk. Into this form she placed the divine water spark and soon the water was made flesh miraculously. They resembled the attractive male and female template that was used but with Neleus' additions; a tail modeled after the Sharkfolk and tropical fish of the ocean, a true creature of the sea now rather than the land.

"They want happiness? I'll give them happiness. These Merfolk... my new children. Let's see what he has to say about that."

3 AP

Create Magical Life (Merfolk): A usually Chaotic Evil race, they are mischievous, intelligent and often deadly finding amusement in pranks and injuries much like in Peter Pan. These creatures have a natural aptitude for magic and resemble attractive male and female Hufolk from the waste up with wild hair in odd colors (such as aqua, orange, or red). They have fish tails from the waste down in a variety like most common Mermaids in fiction and are extremely agile in the water although not so much on land. They can breath both in the water and out of it, although they can only survive without being submerged in water for a few hours. They have magical voices and can charm most types of mortal creature- often to their doom. Instead of fingernails they have long claws that are more suited for catching fish and carry a powerful toxin that causes euphoria in it's victims often keeping them sedated in place. This usually results in them eating the unfortunate soul raw. They have no formal society as of yet and mostly survive on fish, Jellyfolk, Sharkfolk, Hufolk, Voidfolk and various other creatures. Most of them live in the river of Bastion and can usually be found luring land dwellers into the water with a siren call usually to drown them. but they are by no means limited to the river, although most stick to the shore due to an inner conflict between the land and sea.

3 AP - 3 AP = 0 AP

LordChaos13

2013-07-01, 10:04 AM

Seeing the creation of the Mer while watching his Chaofolk kill a Hufolk the God of the Earth shifts to his watery enemy ally person of similar tastes
"Oh probably quite a bit. Assuming you mean your dashing and handsome enemy."
Eldritch examines the amphibious creation
"I see you joined the club of those with Mortals. Took you a while, I mean sure you made the Sharkfolk but they aren't really all there in the head are they. Barely -Folk at all. Still, these are a fine...3rd creation. Might want to invest in some sunscreen however, turns out the great lightbulb in the sky doesn't like our kind round these parts so our more, well Evil, creations get blinding and burning light."

Chromascope3D

2013-07-01, 12:00 PM

She awoke upon her throne. Her court was still bright and warm, yet something bothered her. What could be missing? Could this truly be perfection? She stared at the wall opposite her, across the length of her hall. The round gate stood there, the world framed in its center. She stood up and strode towards it, looking out upon it.

A new feeling crept into her thoughts. One of trouble, one of despair. One of doom. She must find her allies, she thought as she emerged from the realm of the sun. She did not know how long she had been away, and much must have changed. Thankfully, the Liberator was not hard to find, she realized as she approached him.

Rollover: 0 + 3 = 3
Join Pantheon (-1): The Gods of Good and Justice, or whatever it's called. Meant to do this last week, but I had no AP left. :/
AP remaining: 2

Omnicrat

2013-07-01, 12:35 PM

Glad to see a friendly face after such an unfriendly one, Liberator said Ah, Esterius! It is good to see you again! It has been some time. Let me inform you of our situation. And then Liberator retold the history of the world in Esterius' absence, from the first Swarm, to the return of the captives, to the forging of the Sword of Light I hope you do not mind the use of your sunlight, to the creation of the Titans, to the Voidwalker alliance, to the knowledge of the Hunterfolk.

And so we must determine how we can best help the people from this new threat, so they may one day take the lands I created for them. What are your thoughts?

Chromascope3D

2013-07-01, 01:26 PM

"There is only so much that these men can do, when they rely on our aid at every struggle. We must allow them to better defend themselves, but everything you've done has only been mimicked. We must do something new, something that even these cruel ones would be loath to give to their followers. Come, we should speak in private. Summon Thurian and bring him to my Court."

ArlEammon

2013-07-01, 01:36 PM

Thurian appeared. "You called." He smiled. "What appears to be the problem gentlemen? You have strange looks on your faces. Are you planning something, oh, and hello. I can tell you are another member of this so far small Pantheon."

Omnicrat

2013-07-01, 01:38 PM

Ah, that is fortuitous. Esterius has a plan to help our people in a new way. She wishes us to retreat to her domain. I will explain the problem on the way. And so he explained again about the Hunterfolk and the Waypoint-Hu alliance.

Chromascope3D

2013-07-01, 02:36 PM

The Radiant Court

Esterius closed the gates behind them. They would, or at least should, be secure to plan there. She turned to the others and spoke.

"These mortals are fragile, weak. As much as it pains me to see them suffer, they cannot rely on us forever. As it has come to pass before, so it shall again: We may not always be there in their times of need. We cannot place our hopes in great heros..." She nodded at the Liberator, "Or in the strength of warriors alone, especially when many lack the means to fight..." She nodded at Thurian, and then smiled.
"I heard that you took my light and shaped it into a mighty blade to fight for purity. This is good, for this is what my light was always intended for. It has not yet been corrupted to fit the perverse images of those others, those dark imitators. Were we to grant our peoples even a fraction of our own power, it could easily turn the tides of the wars below in our favor. This is something the imitators would be loathe to copy, for this is something that would bring their creations closer to their own power."

Omnicrat

2013-07-01, 02:59 PM

I am not certain what you propose. Liberator said in confusion. I have gifted some of my children with my essense, if that is what you mean. My Titans are closer to Gods than any creature before them. Do you propose that we create another race as the Titans?

Gnomes2169

2013-07-01, 03:01 PM

The Void Dragon was pleased with his creations. Though still not too numerous, their population had grown enough that they were ready to expand beyond the mountains and their alliance with the Hu, though offspring of that annoying Liberator, had broght them to prosperity. Waypoint was already surrounded by a few villages... but it was only supposed to be a temporary home. The Voidwalkers did not seem to realize this. Maybe it was time for him to come to them. Altering his appearance and size, the Void Dragon took the guise of his alternate, hu-like form, Oblivion. After all, there was no point in terrifying the poor blighters, now was there? And then he appeared in the center of Waypoint.

A few heads turned to look at the man of all black who had only stars for eyes, confused and oddly fascinated with the newcomer. They could sense that he was... different. As if there was a vast emptiness before them and a cruel intelligence within it... which was oddly comforting, because that intelligence felt like it was on their side. Far better than the alternative, really. Though, what the creature wanted was something that was beyond them.

Arno, who was by now the last of the original expedition and an old man, looked up to the newcomer and blinked slowly, chuckling. ["I was wondering when you'd show up... er... Void Lord. The Hufolk gods seem to walk among them, so the fact that you did not was a bit... peculiar."]

"Ah. So you know who I am... And Arno, I know your name as well. I have a new charge for you, faithful leader... though, as you are you would not be of much use to me. Hmmm... perhaps... Yes." Oblivion nodded and Arno was wreathed in darkness. The ancient explorer had been moved to the Void, more specifically to the sign in the void, which was now... unfortunately... the Void Dragon's sanctum. Divine power entered the voidwalker, who was moved back to the mortal plane. Then the shadows faded, and the old man was replaced by one much younger, at the prime of his physical prowess, and three tattoos of shadows moving on his body. There would have been a smile if Oblivion had possessed a mouth, "Yes. Yes, that will do nicely, Arno, leader of the new expedition and... First Ranger. Yes. How do you find your new body?"

The now young man stood without pain for the first time in decades, stretching and reveling in the feeling of muscle rippling throughout his body. He was even stronger than when he was a lad! And these markings... raw power rippled through them in endless streams. If this was the favor of one's god, then maybe this is why the Uplifter was so revered. ["My lord, I... I find it to be more pleasing than anything I have felt in a long, long time. I thank you humbly, and wonder what task you have for me?"]

There was silence for a moment, and then Arno nodded. ["I... Understand, my lord."] The Void Dragon nodded once and then, finally pleased that what he wished would be done, left. Meanwhile, Arno went among the people and began organizing parties to begin an exodus deeper into the forest of the... "Gift" is what Oblivion had called it, while he organized another team to explore the tunnels and caves to find all the entrances and exits therein. If they were going to expand Waypoint on the other side of the mountains, it would be good to find all the ways people (or monsters) could come at them and block off all but the essential tunnels.

AP: 1
Rollover: +3

-2: Weave sanctum: That sign in the middle of the Void. Yeah. Since it's the only thing there, it is the only part of the plane that a sanctum could be created... so it's now a sanctum. Yay!

-2: Raise hero: Arno. Also titled "The first ranger", Arno is a diplomatic and military leader of the voidwalkers. He is immortal and all of his physical properties are enhanced by the powers of the Void, which also provides him with a spell shield and enhanced ER (basically, he's a supercharged voidwalker).

Waypoint is now large enough that it is basically a small city that has some smaller colonies in the forest, though after the Void Dragon's orders they have begun expanding to the other side of the mountain instead. Arno is also leading expeditions to clear out sections of the "Gift" for further colonies for Voidwalker expansion. (As of now I don't have enough AP to get a new society going, soooooo... I'm just waiting on that for now)

Greystone

2013-07-01, 03:21 PM

The Great Silver Dragon watched the bickering and fighting that tore at her fellow siblings, and withdrew- deep into the jungles that she had created. For a long time she labored, dealing with her children, creating new and exciting life deep in the bowels of the forests, in the mountain passes, and even in the lakes and rivers that could be found within the continent. The edict of her fellow gods by banishing her Hunters to darkness as well as the swarm had hurt her children- but had not crippled them. They would recover in time- even now they were in the Bastion, recovering their losses by taking from others.

She quickly realized that this world was not, and never would be, a safe place for any of her children. So, without warning, she suddenly dived into the sea. Swimming deep to the bottom of the ocean, she reached a vast field of her jungle, sealed safely inside the bubble of air that had thrown them beneath the waves. She stalked through the dark jungles, far darker than the surface, and created new life there... but it was still not enough. She knew that, at a whim, her sister Goddess of the Oceans may choose to wipe the creations away... so she focused.

In her minds eye, she saw it- a new plane, and new world where she and her babies could grow and prosper. She walked as if in a haze, farther and farther until suddenly... she was somewhere else. Mazilhendra could see the name of the world in her mind. The Plane of Sanguine Life. A beautiful, comforting name! So she entered, and began her work anew as there was a vast new plane to populate with her creations!

AP from rollover: 3 +.5 for leader added to 4= 7.5

Create Plane: The Plane of Sanguine Life (A Massive Plane, adjacent to the material- intersecting it in places but still wholly apart. Blood Red jungles and forest make up most of the land, broken by shallow seas and deep rivers. Gigantic Mountains rise up from the canopies. Every known form of mundane life can be found somewhere in plane.)

Create Mundane Life- (Jungles of Material Plane) (Karacks)- Think large and slow boar, easy prey for her Hunters to take advantage of.
Create Mundane Life- (Mountain Passes between the Jungles and Bastion) (Mountain Viper) vicious snakes with a painful bite and powerful poison, which do not effect any of her Hunter or Shadowfolk.
Create Mundane Life- (Underwater Jungles) (Reachers)- Large amphibian creatures that live in the jungles, but commonly enter the sea to hunt. May one day become sentient, but are simply beasts as of now.
Create Mundane Life- (New Plane) (Silvered Singers)- Songbirds, capable of haunting melodies that warn when predators are near.
Create Mundane Life- (New Plane) (Gavorns)- semi-intelligent, ape-like creatures. Very communal, omnivores.
Create Mundane Life- (New Plane) (Magma Ants)- named for their painful bites as well as the slow but steady ways a hive expands into the surrounding jungle.
Create Mundane Life- (New Plane) (Blood Carp)- Red fish, unique to the rivers and oceans of the new plane.
Create Mundane Life- (New Plane) (Leapers)- Goat-like creatures, found most often on and around the mountains.
Create Mundane Life- (New Plane) (Clawfish)- Lobster-like inhabitants of shallow water and beaches. Pack tough shells and sharp claws, but are easily tricked by smarter life.
Create Mundane Life- (New Plane) (Jungle Buffalo)- small cross between a water buffalo and a cow, native to the jungle floor and primary source of meat for most predators.
Create Mundane Life- (New Plane) (Zahorn Fruit)- Nuts from a Zahorn tree, high in protein with a rich earthy flavor.
Create Mundane Life- (New Plane) (Fruit bearing trees- Oranges, Apples, Pomegranates)

Chromascope3D

2013-07-01, 03:23 PM

The Radiant Court

She thought on it for a moment before replying, "The Titans are strong, yes, but no. I mean to give them the ability to tap into our power. To create, to reshape, to hold light and fire in their palms. At least, to those that are loyal, and true of spirit."

Omnicrat

2013-07-01, 03:32 PM

A smile of understanding growing on his face ... You speak of giving them magic? The power to shape the world to their will? I like this... Thurian, do you have any objections to Esterius' plan?

ArlEammon

2013-07-01, 03:52 PM

Thurian
"Nay." Thurian responded. "In fact, I like it. It is a good idea. What sort of magic do you propose, newcomer?" Thurian asked cheerfuly. "I may chip in if this would be an advantage for the Hu." Thurian thought highly of the Hu, as they were possibly identical to the race Thurian belonged to long ago.

Chromascope3D

2013-07-01, 06:55 PM

Esterius beamed. The goddess was glad to be surrounded by those who shared her convictions. She continued, "It will not be easy, and as of yet, I am unsure we have the power to make it happen. But I have a few designs. My gate already protects the world by driving back the forces of darkness. So too shall it fuel mortal magic. As the light of the gate hits the earth, it shall be bound within the confines of our cage to be woven. Woven out of unseeable, unbreakable lines around this world, the mortals would draw their power from them."

Gnomes2169

2013-07-01, 07:43 PM

Oh look, someone had created a new plane. And the Void Dragon DIDN'T hate this person. While the Sea Witch could go drown herself for all Voidy cared, he thought it might be nice to congratulate this one on her stunning accomplishment...

Entering the plane was easy enough, she didn't lock it away or anything after all, and it was a bit... comforting to be here. That's it, it must be a cousin to a plane of Positive Energy... Which explained why there was so much bloody life on the thing. The Void Dragon did not snarl. He was above snarling. But he did raise the empty space where an eye crest would be in concern. She did realize that making a plane like this with this amount of obsession was unhealthy, yes? "Mazilhendra, can I talk to you for a minute dear Silver?" Diplomacy first...

Greystone

2013-07-01, 10:26 PM

Mazilhendra lifted her regal, silver head above the Red verdant canopy of her new home. She had just been watching a new family of Gavorns slowly make their way through the jungle floor, fascinated at her new babies reactions to each other. She was amazed that creatures with no special gift of intelligence could form such complicated familial bonds with each other, with an amazing range of reactions to danger and potential food stuffs. They were so curious! She felt one of the creatures attempting to climb up one of her flanks as she looked to the other Dragon.

"Hello Oblivion. Welcome." she smiled as best her form allowed " What do you need to speak of?"

Gnomes2169

2013-07-01, 10:50 PM

"I was... ah..." As he was about to begin, one of her new bug things tried to bite the God of Destruction. It ceased. A bird attempted to land on his shoulder. A small puff of feathers that faded from existence almost immediately marked its end as well. Clearing his throat, the Void Dragon mumbled, "Sorry about that... nervous habit and all. Not so good with the... 'touching'. But as I was about to say," By now, the surrounding life had gotten the picture and, if it could move, was giving the dragon a wide berth, so no more interruptions followed, "I came here to ask if you would be open to allying our mortals, but if you are a bit preoccupied with your fantasy paradise here, I guess I could just go back and tell Arno that the deal is off." Honestly, making a plane for her personal whimsey, who would think of such a thing?

Greystone

2013-07-01, 11:04 PM

Of course the plane wasn't for whimsy, or even her own personal gain. She knew very well that planes were not sacred ground, but she hoped the bountiful nature of her home would be able to withstand the wars of the Divine. "An alliance between our mortals?" she flinched as two of her creations disappeared, their very natures eradicated by the other god's very touch "Perhaps that seems prudent, but to what end?"

Gnomes2169

2013-07-01, 11:15 PM

Ahhhh, he had her attention. "The Liberator will not allow Hu to remain my ally forever, eventually our peoples will go to war... and I hope to have a few backup plans in place for that eventuality. But then, there is also the matter of your people raiding mine and... well... if there was an alliance, I do believe that this would decline, no? Life does need a good challenge now and then to keep it strong, it is true, but I believe that my Voidwalkers have enough on their plates without having to fight off Hunterfolk raids." So if it wasn't apparent with all the mothering, Oblivion actually seemed to care about the general well being of his mortals. Odd. "Besides, as I said, it would be mutually beneficial for the both of us... more for your race then mine, as my Voidwalkers would be teaching both the knowledge that they have gained from the Hu and their own, but beneficial for the Void still." Safety by alliance... that was a good price to pay to protect his explorers from attack, even if it was only by the sentient species. They were the problem, after all.

Greystone

2013-07-01, 11:31 PM

Nodded as she listening, tickling the young Gavorn's stomach with the tip of a massive claw- easily capable of ripping the creature to bits with the merest thought. "I think I can see the potential positives of such a Treaty" she slowly let the baby down before stretching herself "My darling hunters do have some aggressive tendencies. Dealing with other races peacefully will be a wonderful way to mellow down at least some of their worst qualities. I accept your treaty." she closed her eyes for a long moment, before opening them again "I have sent a dream to my Chief Hunter. With it, he will see the benefit of opening a diologue with your people"

Gnomes2169

2013-07-01, 11:42 PM

"And Arno is prepared to treat with... her? Once your leader arrives." With a nodd of his head, the Void Dragon began to fade away. "As always, a pleasure doing business with you. Let us continue it at a later day, Hmm?" And with that, Oblivion had faded, leaving to sit once again atop his black moon and stare at the world below him.

He had to admit, it had a certain beauty to it. In an annoying, "existing" kind of way, but a beauty none the less.

ArlEammon

2013-07-02, 07:37 AM

-1 AP retroactively spent to join Pantheon : Justice and Freedom

Thurian
"I have only just realized after all this time, I have not yet spent the power required to officially join this "Pantheon". Thurian noted to himself. "I think that I shall spend this energy now." He simply took off his crown and polished it for a moment.

2 AP left

Omnicrat

2013-07-02, 07:50 AM

I greatly look forward to creating these Ley lines of yours! Now, if you will both channel your divine energies into me, I can get started on creating them right away...

LordChaos13

2013-07-02, 08:05 AM

Deep below th Earth another wave of the Darkfolk breaks upon the walls

"Gettim boys! Ragh!" A Clawfolk screams, tearing a chunk of earth free to expose the Molefolk, quickly impaling them upon his titular claws and sending their souls screaming down to Goheng to be tortured and changed.

All around him countless Clawfolk, former Moles now fighting their once-brothers. The sounds of screaming, from both sides, happening around him as he carves an entrance for himself, one of many with each Darkfolk tearing their own path through the battered wall

Omnicrat

2013-07-02, 08:30 AM

Jorn lived for these moments. When Clawfolk first break the wall, the instant before the battle begins. The calm before the storm. Since becoming The Liberator's Swordbearer, he spent most of his time at the walls, waiting for a break.

Now that there was one, a smile grew on his face. Time to save our Brothers from the corruption of The Horror Below! For The Liberator! He shouted the familiar battle-cry as he charged into the fray, the Sword of Light burning the Clawfolk with its glow.

This is what I was made for, Jorn thought, as he cut off the head of the Clawfolk nearest him. Its body turning into dark energy, passing through the sword, then shooting surface-ward. Another brother saved, He thought with a smile. The souls of many Molefolk would be reborn as Titans this day.

Battle was now second nature to him. He had been the greatest sworduser the Molefolk had over a century ago when he was chosen to be the Swordbearer, and he has only become better since. The only thing he regretted about this gift from his father-god was that no one used his name anymore. They always called him Swordbearer. He liked his name. It wasn't like Liberator said he had to give it up or anything, but everyone seemed -

A claw wizzing past his ear brought him back to the battle at hand. That had been happening more and more lately, letting instinct and muscle-memory take over during the frenzy of battle. He was an old man and had a lot to think about. Surely he couldn't be blamed for being distracted.

We're pushing them back, men! Soon the day shall be ours!

LordChaos13

2013-07-02, 08:43 AM

"That's what you think." One of the Claws grins before being impaled by the glowing sword and being absorbed by the divine implement

Just then the entire cave wall collapses, revealing a 10,000 strong force of Shadow Hufolk and Clawfolk, all charging forward from the mined cavern into the battered Molefolk. Without their defenses to hide behind and out of position by the ebb and sway of the battle the mass swarm attempts to surround the war-weary squads and eviscerate them

Omnicrat

2013-07-02, 09:25 AM

Immediatly alert and attentive, Jorn shouts at the top of his lungs Reinforcements! A call echoed by every remaining Molefolk. Not that they needed to shout, really. The hoard of Darkfolk was loud enough to tip the Second Guard off that this was no normal battle. In but a few minutes, around 1/3 of the First Citadel's fighters and rogues would be there. They always kept the bulk of their forces close to the Weak Walls, within shouting distance. As the first wave of reinforcements came, the second and third waves would re-locate so as to leave no section of the Citadel undefended.

This is what flashed through Jorn's mind as the Horad took its first step forward. I don't think we can hold... They've had ambushes before but nothing like this...

Shouting to his fellow warriors, the Swordbearer said, This is nothing we haven't faced before men! We will win this day as we do every day, and save more souls then ever before! For Liberator! For our Trinity! Jorn almost even believed himself.

The few hundred remaining Molefolk formed a battle-circle and closed in tight. This was a tactic used in the colonies when there were only a handful of warriors needed to defend against dozens of Darkfolk, but every Molefolk was still taught the tactic. In case of an Over-run secenario. In case of this.

The Battle-Circle was never seriously drilled, because no one ever expected to use it. It barely even provided any aid to the colonists who came up with it. That happened to be because the colonists were typically green and made foolish mistakes, not that any in the Citadels realized that. To them, it was some fools idea of a good tactic that will never be used in a practical situation. Still, it was good training to have the men work together, but because they never drilled it seriously, it wouldn't hold any better than standard lines of battle.

In theory, the freshest, least wounded Molefolk would form the outer line, while the most wounded would move back to the center. The Exception to this would be the Swordbearer, who must always stand at the front Not the front, a front he quickly corrected in his own mind, We're surrounded, so there is no one front... at all times. Jorn had to be extra cautious. While he could take more hits than any other Molefolk, he was not invulnerable. This would truly be the hardest battle he had fought in his life.

LordChaos13

2013-07-02, 09:41 AM

The giant horde, the first fully Darkfolk army (meaning all of them were never Molefolk or Hufolk, they were born this way to Darkfolk parents in Goheng) lunged into battle

Claws exploiting gaps in the circle, Shadow Hufolk adapting to the tactics and shouting orders through the army. Molefolk warriors falling every second. More and more the horde presses down into the ever-shrinking circle
"Comeon then, give up ya blighters. No use fighting a losing battle. If you surrender we promise to make it less painful. Both before and after the killing blow."
As the defending forces thin a large group of Claws break of to protect from the reinforcements, the battle soon dissolving into two, one a mass swarm surrounding the Molefolk the other a more standard fight between the Forst and Second defences

Omnicrat

2013-07-02, 10:20 AM

There numbers dwindling, Jorn hears a united call in the distance, All reinforcements! That call is only to be sounded if the first wave of reinforcements thinks the Citadel is in danger of falling. Runners send word to the Second Citadel to quickly construct and fortify a weak-wall and prepared to guard it with a larger force. The non-combatant population would evacuate as quickly as possible to the Second Citadel as well. And everyone willing and able to fight would go to the battle.

Realizing the Battle-Circle wouldn't hold for much longer against such numbers, Jorn shouted Move the Circle back! Re-form with the re-enforced line!

Immediatly after the order, each Molefolk in the Circle shouted Forward! to let the reinforcements know they needed to push forward as best they could.

Slowly, the Back Line and the Battle-Circle joined, re-forming a strong front-line.

It may be a hard-fight men, but these tortured souls will know peace this day! Push them back! For Victory!

Gnomes2169

2013-07-02, 11:01 AM

And that is when the first true earthquake decided to hit.

Above ground there was some trembling and unsteadiness, but below the earth was another matter entirely. Entire tunnel systems collapsed, parts of them over the now evacuated first citadel, destroying dozens of buildings under tons of rubble. It was worst at the battlefield. From the points where the battle was joined most thickly the first stones dropped. And then the devastating rain of stone spread over both the defenders and the attackers. By a fluke, the molefolk army was spared of absolute devastation by mere geographical composition. While most of the rocks falling were hardened clay, the rocks over their city and people were mostly granite. Some still fell, but they were, for the most part, spared. Regardless, both armies were hit hard enough to stop the fighting, even if it was only for a few hours.

Through another fluke, the Molefolk who had been part of the circle had been standing in a perfect place to not get smooshed. Though they were buried, this would be nothing too terrible for them and their digging claws. After all, it was just clay that surrounded them now. And that clay wasn't trying to kill them! Bonus.

Omnicrat

2013-07-02, 11:34 AM

Stunned, the Swordbearer couldn't help but say, What new Eldritch curse is this? Expecting to feel the claws of Clawfolk rend him through the Clay at any moment, Jorn made peace with his death.

...

But nothing happened. Opening his eyes and looking around, he was that most of his men were fine, but the same could not be said of the nearest Clawfolk. This was no curse, it was a blessing from the Trinity! Jorn thought before giving his first command.

Dig back, men! This clay won't confound the hoard forever! We have a chance to re-form the line on the other side of this fallen clay! Dig back, men! Dig back for your lives!

All of the Molefolk sheathed their swords and began frantically digging back through the soft clay, towards where the lines were. Once they finally got through, Jorn saw other Molefolk treating wounded and digging for more survivors.

Sighing with the burden of leadership, the Swordbearer commanded, Stop that digging you fools! The enemy is still on the other side of that clay, and they could dig through at any moment! Help our wounded to the back of the line where our healers will tend to them! Everyone else form up! This blessing gives us a second chance to hold the Citadel! Fight for your homes! Fight for your families! Fight for your souls!

As the men cheered and followed his commands, they reformed the line, and waited for the Darkfolk to break once more. But this time they would know the hoard was coming. They would be ready. And they would win.

LordChaos13

2013-07-02, 12:03 PM

But the horde never reappeared. Those that had survived the sudden cavein found a new goal.
For the earthquake had opened a new tunnel, straight up bypassing the Molefolk.

The first Dark Invasion of Bastion was about to begin. Their positions becoming fortified past the initial clay wall knowing the Citadel was so close to the supply line.

On the surface: A sleepy little village, one that didn't even see many Voidwalkers through it, nowhere important or special. On the hill overlooking the small place a tiny little crack appeared. Shortly followed by three metallic-looking claws pushing straight out of the rock.

ArlEammon

2013-07-02, 12:09 PM

Thurian . . . "Well then, here is my power." He said straight to the point. Energy flowed from his hands into Liberator. "Take it and save the Hufolk from disorder and the dark ones below."

2 AP spent for Liberator

Omnicrat

2013-07-02, 02:46 PM

Why did it have to be in the middle of nowhere? the Uplifter complained, as she hiked with her entourage towards the problem. All communication and trade from an out of the way region in the western hills had stopped around the time of the earthquake. Some people feared the whole village had been destroyed, like some regions of the Citadels.

While the Uplifter tried to explain that there was probably a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why all communication stopped, she had to admit that it was odd that none going into the region had come back, either.

And so, she had agreed to lead an expedition to see what was going on. It didn't matter to the people that she could keel over dead any minute, she was their Uplifter. It made them feel better to know she was going to find out what was wrong and solve the problem.

As the party crested over the next hill, the group fell silent. Once the Uplifter saw why, all she could say, in a small voice, was Oh no. It was hundreds, possibly thousands of Darkfolk. They had formed massive tarps of... what appeared to be Hufolk skin to not have the sun burn them.

There were enough Darkfolk to overrun Hu, especially since for each Hufolk they killed, a new Darkfolk would be born. While her entourage asked what they should do and spoke in frantic tones amongst themselves, she thought as fast as she could.

The Swordbearer was fighting a hoard that he thought had retreated, they had really found their way to the surface. They were moving much slower and smarter than any would have expected, probably because of the sunburn. You need to contact the Citadels and have them send half their force to the surface with the Swordbearer. We'll need him up here if we want to survive. Have them send the other half through the fallen clay to find this tunnel they're using and cut it off. Send runner to the mountains to track down as many Titans as they can. They tend to be solitary and live in the hardest to reach regions, but if you can find any of them their assistance will be more than worth it. You must rally the people of Hu like never before. Our people have not been tested like this since the Swarm attack and believe me this is much worse. Not many Uplifters get the privilege of leaving a message for their successor, I hope you use it well.

Just as she finished, a claw stuck out of her chest from behind, just as she expected it would. Of course they were ambushing people who came to near the hoard, that's why no one sent to the region had returned. It was so obvious once she saw the hoard. The moment before she finally died, her mouth turned to a smile. She had served her people well and done all she could for them. She lead a long and full life that would be remembered as long as there was an Uplifter in the world. She died happy. Then her soul plummeted to the center of the earth to be tortured till she became a Darkfolk herself.

Meanwhile, in a village in the north of Hu...

The Void walker (folk he corrected himself in his mind, here my race is Voidfolk) immigrant had finally found a village in Hu he could call home. It was cool and serene. The Voidfolk loved his adoptive culture, one based upon the tenants of freedom and justice, with good gods who seek to uplift their people and give them paradise, where anyone could do anything so long as they were good enough. Hu was truely a paradise compaired to the rest of this world. A land worth traveling across half a continent for. A land worth giving his life for.

As he though that, a rush of divine energy flooded through him. He was standing with Liberator, being told he would be the Uplifter. He was seeing the defense against the Swarms he had hear about, and planning the defense. He was stopping a swordfolk from chopping off a strangers hand. He was experiencing everything every Uplifter before him had ever done, said, or thought. It all ended with the words "I hope you use it well" and a smile.

Stunned for the briefest moment, the new Uplifter said, as has been said by every Uplifter since the first, The Uplifter has died! I am your Uplifter now! And now, speaking words no Uplifter had ever spoken, and hopefully would never speak again, A Hoard of Darkfolk has broken to the surface! It is they who killed the Uplifter! Hear my orders so we can give them what they deserve. All those around him waited in rapt silence.

Not far too long latter, in the Radiant Court.

Then it is agreed. I will go to the Earth and form our ley lines. Then, I will found an organization to use this new power source to its greatest effect.

With that, Liberator left the Court and headed for Bastion, where he planned to lay most of the lines.

But, something was off... Why were some of the hills flesh color... No. Liberator said with dawning realization. Those were massive tarps made of flesh. What had happened while he was treating with his allies? It was clear that the world needed this new boon as fast as possible. Liberator worked hurriedly and frantically, pulling the energy of the sun and tieing the divine essence of himself and the allies to these new currents of pure power. While he sowed the whole world with ley lines and nexuses, no continend had more lines than Bastion, and no region more Nexus points than Hu. His people needed them now, after all.

Once he laid the last line, he appeared in Hu's largest village. My people! Your Gods have made a new font of power for you! With it, you may tap into out divine essence directly and channel powers as the Gods themselves! The most righteous among you will be gifted with the knowledge of how to use this new power source and how to best fight for freedom and justice in the world! You shall be the Champions of the Gods for Freedom and Justice*! You shall help save your people from this new threat!
*Everyone just calls the organization the Champions of Our Trinity. Liberator isn't the best at naming things, in case that was not yet clear.

With his words, several of the crowd, and thousands more throughout the Meritocracy of Hu, glowed with an orange light.

Appearing before the Uplifter, Liberator asked, What is the situation my... Who are you?

I am your new Uplifter. Said the Voidfolk Uplifter. Your last Uplifter, the one who made contact with my people, was killed by the invading hoard of Darkfolk. Before she died she outlined a plan that I have been implementing to the best of my ability. If you could summon the Titans for us, that would prove a great help.

Sorry that his last Uplifter had died (especially at the hands of Darkfolk...), Liberator was glad to see that the new Uplifter Who also happened to be a Voidfolk. That was... Interesting. was at least as competent.

As he was about to inform the Titans they were needed to protect Hu, Liberator remembered something Esterius had said. With a heavy heart, Liberator said I am sorry my child, but I cannot do that.

Stund, the Uplifter shouted Why the Goheng not?!?

Smiling for the briefest moment At least this one still has some of her fire... Speaking once more, I and my ally Gods will not always be here to help you. If I summon the Titans for you now, what will happen the day I cannot? You have all proven yourselves in the past able to fight off the evils of this world. What kind of parents would we be if we did not let our children succeed of fail one their own. You have our divine power now to use as you will, and you have our faith that you will be victorious against the darkness, but you have to earn your lives for yourselves. Good-bye and good luck. We will be watching.

And with that, Liberator left his Uplifter to protect and lead the people of Hu on his own, as Liberator knew he would be able to do.

Returning to the Radian Court, Liberator explained all going on below, and his words to his Uplifter and why he had said them...

Initial AP - 4
+2 AP - gifted from Thurian
-5 AP - Legendary Concept: Divine Ley Lines
The three allied gods of Good created the Ley Lines at the start of the First Darkfolk Invasion. The Ley Lines are charged by the power of the Sun, and hold the divine essence of all three Gods, to be called upon by their followers.
Mechanical differance: Divine Ley Line magic is identical to standard divine magic except for the following ways. [subject to change at a letter date]
To be able to regain spells, a DLL caster must visit a ley line once a week or a nexus point once a month.
DLL caster casting inside a ley line or nexus point have their spells enhanced in some way
Any non DLL divine casters attempting to cast spells inside a ley line or nexus point suffer impeaded magic

-1 AP - Create Organization: Champions of Our Trinity
The first holy order in the world, the Champions or Our Trinity are the worlds first spell-casters as well. Founded by Liberator to help fight back the Dark Hoard threat, they have since expanded to fighting for the cause of freedom and justice in all respects.

-0 AP - Create Class:Cleric and Paladin of Freedom
Like the standard class, except both are DLL casters and clerics turn Darkfolk instead of Undead.

Gnomes2169

2013-07-02, 11:28 PM

The Void Dragon, meanwhile, was on his moon, rolling around as he laughed. A fluke! A blasted fluke had saved the armies of the Five Citadels! Of all the irony... he had made the cracks to destroy the natives of Hu, not save them! Of course, it had opened up a hole right there, but that was just silliness that was. Of all the random chance...

He was going to leave his Voidwalkers out of this. If the ones living there or the new Uplifter wanted to fight for a different god or gods and turn their back on him, fine by Oblivion. But he would turn his back in return. Bloody ungrateful...

LordChaos13

2013-07-03, 07:55 AM

The Darkfolk legion was getting restless, even with the tarp made from their victims the sun still shone down upon them. Their unburnt skin tingling with nerves feeling phantom heat.

General Jinta a Natural Shadow Hufolk looked around at them, his nose taking in fresh air for the first time in his entire life
"I miss Goheng, it's too dam open out here. Not to mention that blasted fireball in the sky." One of his aides complains only to be glared into submission
"S-S-Sorry sir, just saying sir." he mumbles, looking down at his feet
"Well don't. Now I have messages to pass off. You go tell Sergeant Riles to gather his Claws. All of them, even the ones digging the bedcaves. You gather the other Sergeants, I want them all in front of me within the hour.
It's almost time you empty husks, time to eradicate those squatters once and for all."

The next day, should anyone be watching (not that they should given the ambush squads seemed at least half competent) they would see something strange. From the tarp came gigantic umbrellas of skin and wood hoisted by three Folk each. Each covering over two dozen Darkfolk
Thus they began to move, using them to march during the dawn and dusk, and covers for daylight snoozing. Only stowing them away during the night marching when the green moon's light provided illumination but not sunburn.

The genocided village used as camp, where the trail of Darkfolk from their main bases through the Earth and Goheng met up and assembled into something resembling a military unit before sent out under their umbrellas.
The hill excavation relocated from where it came naturally to the centre of the village. Houses of wood and stone both used by the lower-ranking Folk (the officers getting private underground bedrooms in their own complex)
Slowly the tarp seemed to shrink, the excess used to make more umbrellas and the rest optimized to spare even more material.

Chromascope3D

2013-07-03, 10:20 AM

The Radiant Court, before the departure of Liberator
She called to him, "Wait. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid it won't work as well if you do it. The gate is not bound to you like it is to me, and I'm afraid that if you create the lines that feed on it, they would never truly bend to you like they would for me if I sowed them. I must do it."

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 11:32 AM

Sighing, Liberator said, I suppose that makes sence... and transferred the divine energy Thurian gave him as well as a touch of his own to Esterius. Just enough for Esterius to make Ley Lines with.

Initial AP - 0
+5 AP - Undoing ley lines
-3 AP - Given to Esterius
Current AP - 2

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 12:05 PM

Unable to help but feel abandoned by the gods he swore loyalty to, The Uplifter convened with a Titan named Sarah (The first one to make it to the headquarters 50 miles east of where the last Uplifter had been killed, assuming reports were accurate about a dozen more were on the way) and the Swordbearer (who had also just made it there with his men), explaining to them what Liberator had told him.

I don't believe that our father would do such a thing. Sarah insisted. After all he has done to help us. Forming the Trinity, giving us Bastion and Hu, giving my people a chance for redemption. Why would he turn is back on us now?

He didn't. The Swordbearer said.

What would I have to gain by lieing? If that's not whats going on, where are our Gods?

I don't know, maybe you just misunderstood?

Before the Uplifter could retort, Jorn interjected. No. He didn't misunderstand, I'm sure. I believe that the Trinity is going to sit this one out. Because our Father is right.

Sarah and the Uplifter stared at the Swordbearer in shock. The Swordbearer continued with what he was saying, When the cave-in happened, I assumed it was a blessing from out gods. I thought they had come to save my men and everything would be alright. When the horde never broke through the clay, I assumed they were completely destroyed. I never even thought to send scouts through the clay to see what had become of them, because I knew my gods had taken care of it for me.

But that isn't what happened. The earthquake was no blessing, it was not curse, it just was. If I hadn't been so reliant on the Trinity, I probably would have scouted, found their tunnels up, and we may have killed them before they were able to kill the last Uplifter. We would have been able to warn you surfacers about the horde and could have saved dozens of lives.

We need to stand on our own, with the gifts and power the Trinity has gifted us with, true, but without their direct aid none the less. We need to see the world as it is, not a paradise in which our Gods protect us, but a hell in which our gods try to give us the tools to make paradise.

Both Sarah and the Uplifter were silent for a long while.

Of course the Swordbearer is right, the Uplifter thought. How could I have been so foolish?

It was Sarah who finally broke the silence, If we truly must plan on our own, then what should our plan be?

The three talked strategy and tactics throughout the night, finally settling on a plan of action.

They wouldn't be able to wait for all of the Titans that were on their way to march. As soon as word came from the Subterranean army that they found a good place to cut off the Darkfolk supply lines they would begin marching. Hopefully a few more Titan's would make it there in time, but Titans were far from essential to the plan.

It would be a fully integrated army, about 20,000 strong, stronger if the Molefolk took too long finding a cut-off. Over half of the force were Molefolk from the Citadels, but almost every member of the army (especially the surfacers) was green. Hu was, for the most part, safe. There were the Typhoid Vipers and there had been an unusual number of drownings in the blood river (I really need to look into that once this mess is settled, the Uplifter had said) but for the most part there wasn't conflict in Hu.

Darkfolk, on the other hand, were all built for combat. No such thing as a green darkfolk, they were born veterans. At least, that's how the other races viewed them.

So, the army would march, with the Titan (hopefully Titans) staying as close to the Swordbear and Uplifter as possible, as they would both be at the front and center. If they had five or six Titans, then each flank would get a Titan too.

The new magic-wielders would be spread throughout the army as support and heavy fire. Almost every Champion of our Trinity was in the battle, making up about 1% of the total fighting force.

The Molefolk below knew how long it would take for word to reach the camp, and about how long it would take for the army above to move on the Darkfolk, and would wait the appropriate ammount of time before beginning to fill in the tunnel and work their way up, traping the horde in a pincer.

They couldn't let them simply re-form the horde for another attempt, after all. It had to be crushed to discourage the Darkfolk from attempting this again, or at least attempting it any time soon.

For over a week after forming the plan they waited. Some more soldiers came to fight, but no significant number, and two more Titans made it to the camp.

Then word came. The Molefolk had found a perfect point to cut off the surface from below. And the men marched...

ArlEammon

2013-07-03, 12:15 PM

Then word came. The Molefolk had found a perfect point to cut off the surface from below. And the men marched...

And they marched, but not alone. Thurian apeared among them, the same who gave rousing speeches and taught the Mole Folk the way of mining. The same who gave the Hu the way of the Sword. He came to Sarah and the Uplifter. Thurian smiled and came to them. "It is time for us to march. What are your orders, Uplifter?"

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 12:45 PM

Watching his people begin to march, far above Hu, Liberator feels he has made the right decision. He heard what his Swordbearer had said, and felt better about not fighting by their side.

Wait... Who's that elderly figure appearing before the Uplifter? Is.. Is that Thurian? What is that blasted fool doing now??? Liberator shouted into nothingness? Was he not listening when I explained how we could not fight this battle for them? Does he not care that they won't be able to survive should anything happen to us?

Clearing his throat, he summoned Thurian in the only way he knew how, The cause of Freedom and Justice needs you, Thurian! Come to my side!

ArlEammon

2013-07-03, 12:48 PM

Thunder And A Roar
"I know what this is about, Liberator. Greetings. I knew you would wish to speak with me." Thurian waited for Liberator to make his case why they should not be allowed to fight with his people. Thurian awaited for his chance to make his stand for his neighbors. "Yes, Liberator, I choose to stand with them."

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 01:05 PM

Unable to contain his rage, Liberator shouts You can! Do you think I do not wish to stand with my people? Do you think I do not wish to go down there and kill EVERY SINGLE Darkfolk in that horde? Because I do. Those are my CHILDREN and I have to let them fight and DIE on their own because they will NEVER learn to survive without us if they don't. Gods can be killed Thurian, and the dark gods far outnumber the light. A day make come when we aren't here any more, and they have to fight the vile GODS on their own. Do you think they can do that if we don't let them fight a battle amongst MORTALS on there own?

ShadowFireLance

2013-07-03, 01:11 PM

"You are Liberator, correct? You really need to keep your voice down. It's distracting me, you might if you were more attractive, but eh, all that's got my attention is you yelling."
Arntha was annoyed, slightly, she had been trying to focus on her own thing, but unsurprisingly, everything was far to loud.
"Here, Hold this."

She hands him a sign that says;
Silence is golden

ArlEammon

2013-07-03, 01:12 PM

Thurian
"Perhaps. I know how desperate things are, and I don't hate you for your somewhat reasonable view on this situation." Thurian responded calmly. "I am not the same Thurian who took the stolen mortals from the moon out of rashness." He paused and took a breath. "If the people down below were just in danger of dying, I would sadly let that happen in order for their civilization to survive and for them to strike out on their own. Sadly, however, for me, that is the SAFEST thing for us to do, not the most responsible, even though I know you see it differently. You have more experience in this world, and I thus respect you. However, the Pantheon you have started has it's own rules. So. . . it is with a heavy heart, that I declare, that if it is impossible for me to act in their interests, I must challenge you."

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 01:21 PM

Casting the sign from his hand to the earth below, Liberator says in stunned confusion. I am sorry if yelling at my fellow god has distracted you from your work, but I felt it was necessary. Now, if you will excuse me, I have an ally to fight.

Turning to Thurian, Liberator says I accept your challenge, ally. May the best god win.

With that, Liberator creates a brilliant orange sword from his own divine essense and strikes out at Thurian.

RCR
Current HP - 10
[roll0]
[roll1]

ShadowFireLance

2013-07-03, 01:28 PM

"You look confused, maybe you need to relax? Stress does get right to your head...Are you tired? Maybe you need rest."
She moves out of the way for the two gods to start beating each other with sticks. At least, that's what it looks like to her.

ArlEammon

2013-07-03, 01:34 PM

Thurian bowed with a respectful nod. "Should this battle be won, I shall show mercy."
The battle
Thurian enchanted his sword with thunderous energy and swung it in an arc. "FOR HU!"

Current HP 16
[roll0]
[roll1]

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 01:41 PM

Liberator was pushed back, wounded. Maybe a swordfight against Thurian

How dare you say you are doing this for Hu! You do this for yourself and yourself alone! If you truly cared about Hu you would let them fight for themselves!

RCR
Current HP - 6
Attack: [roll0]
Defense: [roll1]

ArlEammon

2013-07-03, 01:47 PM

Thurian realized that Liberator was actually more skilled as a warrior, somehow. He had merely been lucky or perhaps filled with whatever equilavent to adrenaline gods had. He ignored Liberator's accusation and slapped his hand in front of him with ferocious speed. Thunder lashed out at Liberator with great strength.

16 HP
[roll0]
[roll1]

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 01:53 PM

At least I didn't let him cut me again. Liberator thought as he circled his opponent.

Nothing to say against my truth? Don't care to admit that you want to "help" Hu for your own selfish ends?

The moment he finished speaking, so as to catch Thurian unawares, Liberator stabbed forth with his orange blade.

RCR
Current Health - 6
[roll0]
[roll1]

ArlEammon

2013-07-03, 01:56 PM

The Battle
Thurian swiftly dodged the sword strike. He was right, Liberator was better than he seemed at first with his sword. He simply repeated his first statement, as he rolled a ball of thunder in his fist and attempted to slam the attack against Liberator's face. "FOR HU!" Unfortunately, Thurians attempted to doge did not meet with complete success, he was lacerated across the chest, but since he was divine, merely slashing the vital organs would not immediately kill him, and was more of a moderately grissly wound that would not permanently harm him.

9 HP
[roll0]
[roll1]

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 02:04 PM

As Thurian pieced liberator with his own sword, the energy holding Liberator's own blade together fell apart. Liberator was defeated and he knew it. He could feel the transfer of power and responsibility of the pantheon to Thurian.

Do what you want, Thurian. You have earned that right. But know that you doom my people to servitude and dependance if you fight with them.

ArlEammon

2013-07-03, 02:13 PM

Thurian And The Liberator
"Ah, okay. Now, Liberator, there are three of us. You and I shall soldier in the dark. Esterius shall take to the surface. As Pantheon head, I am declaring for Esterius to take charge on the surface. It is time for us to soldier in the dark and take claim against the enemy. We shall tear out the darkness with the mighty sword of the LIGHT!!!"

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 02:19 PM

No.

There was a silence from the stunned Thurian.

You won. If you choose to fight I cannot stop you, but please do not force Esterius and I to participate. I cannot speak for Esterius, but if you try to force me I will refuse. Please respect my beliefs and let me do what is best for my people.

ArlEammon

2013-07-03, 02:26 PM

Thurian, Agitated
"I shall speak to him and simply state my order. If he wishes to disobey, he may. I will not stop him. I might not even retaliate with any judgement, if it pleases you. But I will state it as I wish, in my own terms." Thurian looks to The Liberator. "Liberator, please understand, this is not grabbing power and getting what I want. This is about them. They are tormented before having to become what they hate most when they fall under the enemy's sway. Whatever happens, should we even fall, know that this about our honor. I fight to protect their eternal destinies. So do you. Never pretend that I am in this just to get my own way."

Thurian turned to the Uplifter. "Resume your march, I will be with you shortly." He then turned to Liberator. "I give you my blessing to do as you will, but you have my request, though not my rightful demand, to please consider cooperation."

Omnicrat

2013-07-03, 02:44 PM

Looking at Thurian in a new light, and seeing that he truly believed what he did was best Liberator said, I am sorry, my friend. I truly believe now that you believe this is best, but you are wrong. They must not be dependent on us for everything, no matter what the cost.

Facing the army his people had made without any divine intervention, Liberator said to them, I do not blame you for hating me for this. In truth, it makes me hate myself a bit. But we gods are not eternal. One day may come when we are not here to stand with you, and on that you must be ready to face the gods on your own. If you are not you will fall, and it will be our fault for coddling you.

I do not blame you if you accept the help of my allies, but it will be worse for you in the long run. Please, think on what I said, and make your choice.

And the Liberator was gone from the field of battle. There was uproarious discussion among the men. "Our Father has abandoned us!" "Is he leaving the Trinity?" "Don't let Thurian march with us!" and more could all be heard in the din.

The Uplifter and the Swordbearer looked at one another

You said yourself that we needed to fight our own battles.

That was when we didn't have a god standing to fight with us!

Siging, the Uplifter said, There is no right choice here, is there?

None that I can see...

They had to decide now. March with the gods and surely win but never know if they could do it on their own, or march on their own and possibly fall but fall of their own doing?

It would not be an easy choice...

Chromascope3D

2013-07-03, 02:46 PM

She spun the webs. The great bands of light reached around the globe. They stretched and twisted, from the darklands to the southern plains, they pulsated brightly, before slowly fading. They converged and connected, atop mountains, within canyons, upon islands, it made no matter. The greatest convergence was atop the Mont of the Sun, in Southern Bastion, where it was said hundreds of lines crossed, and where the goddess Esterius stood when she sowed the ley upon the world. It was exhilarating. She retreated to her domain to refocus herself, and did not know what was going on below, until she felt the changing of the hands. An old god became their new leader. But what of their old leader?

AP: 2 + 3 (Gifted) = 5
Create Legendary Concept (-5): Ley Lines. Drawing on the power of her allies, Esturius spun the great, invisible lines that bound the Radiant Gate's divine energy, so that even mortals may tap into it.
Divine Ley Line magic (name WIP) is identical to standard divine magic except for the following ways. [subject to change at a letter date]

- To be able to regain spells, a DLL caster must visit a ley line once a week or a nexus point once a month.
- DLL caster casting inside a ley line or nexus point have their spells enhanced in some way
- Any non DLL divine casters attempting to cast spells inside a ley line or nexus point suffer impeded magic.

Final AP count: 0

ArlEammon

2013-07-03, 02:49 PM

Thurian, Amused
"I have decided I shall fight with you. Should you prefer, I shall merely make sure to evacuate your cities, protect the innocent, and perhaps fight with you in your final battle. Should you prefer me not to fight with you more often, of course. So, that should make your choice easier. Should I fight to protect the women and children, and other innocents only until the final battle or should I fight with you the entire war?"

LordChaos13

2013-07-03, 11:09 PM

OOC: No Dark Voidwalkers until some actually die. Meaning after the battle as the immigrant Voids join up with the army)

Base of Operations
The General was oblivious of the coming army, simply coordinating where and when his forces would move out. But he knew eventually this place would come under attack and with the Officer Complex all mined out there was little to do for the Clawfolk awaiting umbrellas.

So his thoughts turned to defense, carving massive sections of the earth below to create walls of stone and clay, forming 4 chokepoints, one for each cardinal direction. They also served to hold up the tarp too freeing some wood for burning.
As he waited after the walls were built he grew bored, his time spent simply orgnizing people to organize the arrivals and send them off, now reliant on skin brought back by successful units to make more umbrellas.
And he built again, a second wall ringing the first, overlapping in some places to form 'weak points' the acted more as ambushes should the Hufolk get their act together and retaliate against their supply lines.

AP0 +3 Rollover

Gnomes2169

2013-07-04, 12:17 AM

A new group of Voidwalkers with Arno and a moderate escort were moving in to the Bastion as scheduled and were now only a week or two away from their destination, a tiny village that no one really visited. It had been uneventful, though the peace talk with the Hunterfolk had not been held yet, the group was large enough that they had just been left alone. So now that they were close, it was...

Too quiet. There should be birds or sheep or at least some kinds of insects making noise around here. It was as if someone wanted... ["Ambush."] Arno whispered, gesturing for his men to split off into extermination squads. Maybe the Hunters were bold enough after all...

When the first Darkfolk jumped out and died on his blade, the Voidwalker hero knew better.

LordChaos13

2013-07-04, 01:16 AM

"Gettim boys!" One of the Clawfolk screams, skin burning slightly and wanting to get back under the cool shade of the umbrella.
Over two dozen Claws burst from the foliage, many impaling Voidwalkers in their first surprise attack.
Immediately going for the surround despite relatively even numbers the Claws seemingly determined to kill as fast as possible without reducing casualties as much.

The dusk light bearing down on the Evil creatures even as their claws tear chunks out of innocent topsiders

Gnomes2169

2013-07-04, 09:19 AM

Arno watched almost half of his fighting men go down in the first attack before he charged in to the center of the enemy force, blades silver blurs that cut anything that came too close to him to ribbons. The rest of his warriors met the darkfolk head-on, using the reach of their weapons, which ranged from spears to just blades, to deal damage from afar, while also keeping their weapons as far away from the Clawfolk's hand blades as possible. They knew what had happened last time.

But there was something the Clawfolk probably hadn't expected. While in fighting forces they were about even, the colonists were Voidwalkers, who were born and raised in the Twilight lands*. Which meant that all of them had some kind of training in warfare, and had received it from a young age, and they all had at least one, if not two, weapons on them.

And the sixty or so civilians did not like seeing these monsters on their new homeland. So there was a surround. It just didn't go the way the Clawfolk imagined.

*This will be the official name of the continent the Void Dragon raised, since it has actual day-night schedules and the Heart of Hu does not illuminate it at all times. Voidwalkers will call it the gift, Hufolk will call it the Voidlands, but so everyone knows what's going on, the real name is the Twilight lands.

Also, by now all Voidwalker weapons have metal heads to them. No more stone here!

ArlEammon

2013-07-04, 01:33 PM

The Origin Of The Dwarves
Thurian came upon a ruined village. Dead Molefolk, he looked from side to side, at the hundreds of dead bodies. He thought of the countless dead who were sentenced to Goheng. There was no paradise to claim for the dead, of any dead on this world. It should not be so. Yet Thurian did not have the power, nor the time to create a Haven for all people's slain by the Darkfolk. If he used his power to create a Paradise for tortured souls now, then all the souls of this world would be in Paradise sooner rather than later. No, Thurian thought, he would take the souls for the Darkfolk back to a Paradise later. There would be some retribution and peace for them, but for now, he had to focus on preventing more deaths. Thurian turned to the Uplifter and Swordbearer. "This is third village like this we've come across this WEEK! I have a plan. Now, if you will excuse me." Thurian left the sight of the soldiers for an hour. The sound of metal could be heard pounding for over an hour.

Thurian took the iron from the places inside the underworld and forged much of the ore into miniature little men. Soon, there were MANY of them. Thurian breathed life into the small, metal men, which resembed somewhat small but broadly built men, and they suddenly exploded. Without warning a grey mist rose from the Underworld, and the army of Mole Folk and Hu were surrounded by friendly, but strange little men. Thurian came. "These are the Dwarves, or Dwarfolk." He stated. "They are our reinforcements."

0 AP Left
3 AP spent to create magical life: The Dwarves (LOC name of Dwarfolk). They are born warriors and are unusually hardy and built for combat. They have better eye sight in the dark, as well. Later generations might not be born fighters but their ability to learn combat techniques will be far greater than other races.
1 AP spent to bless the dwarves. . . They are now currently all well equipped with high quality swords and armor. (If armor's been discovered yet)

ShadowFireLance

2013-07-04, 02:25 PM

"Ick, what is this world coming to? People fighting, being evil, ick. Oh, here, I know what will be fun!"
The Insane goddess danced around a bit at her idea, before, for the first time, using the full extent of her powers, and forming, what she needed to create fun with.
She tore flesh straight from what remained of the creator, and stretched it out, until it was thousands of miles wide. Oozing blood, it drenched most of the landscape dark red, perfect for her creations. She took a sliver of his brain, and with that, she formed the first beings of pure evil; Daemons.
They needed a leader however, and...she did need to make sure they had enough power before they attacked the others...indeed.

18 Ap.
-5 Imagine Plane: Torment
-5 Create Fabled Life: Daemons
-5 Create Fabled Life: Daemons pt 2
-1 Raise Leader
-1 Form Society
1 AP.

Omnicrat

2013-07-04, 06:08 PM

They had been marching for some time. In the end, they couldn't refuse the help of a god, and so marched with Thurian to the Horde. Several thousand left the army that day including two of the Titans, refusing to march with Thurian, but most remained.

In truth, that some had left was a blessing in disguise. After the first days march, the army encountered their first "Umbrella Unit." The Darkfolk had begun launching raiding parties throughout most of western Hu, and had obliterated the local population. Once word spread and evacuations began, most of those who left the army began hunting down the Umbrella Units in 300 man squads. Finding them was hard, but there wasn't a known loss yet. The Darkfolk were really terribly organized.

Those victories combined with the new Dwarfolk Thurian created to aid in their efforts bolster the moral of the army greatly.

That is before they finally reached the encampment. It had thick walls, with clear weak-points. A strategy the Molefolk knew all too well.

What do we do now? said Jacob, their remaining Titan.

I think our best option is still to dig through the week points. The grounders will be launching their attack any minute, and we don't have time to strategize.

Before the Swordbear could give the orders to the diggers, the Uplifter interupted him. Those gaps are too small. While that fortress is intimidating, if they've been sending out raiding parties that means their numbers are lower than we were expecting, and we already thought we were outnumbering them. Digging through those weak-points will leave gap so small our numbers won't matter, and when push comes to shove those Darkfolk are better fighters than most of our troops. We need to make our numbers count. We need to go straight through, a hole the battle-line wide. We've got the Molefolk for it. Our friend Jacob here might be a bit of a tight fit getting in, though. Think you can help with that Thurian?

ArlEammon

2013-07-04, 06:15 PM

Thurian
"I can blast the defenders off the walls and defending holes in that wall with my Thunder, what do you think of that?" Thurian responded. "The rest of you can do your best to dig and do what you can to widen the opportunity for your soldiers to make their way through to the enemy. If things get terribly bad I will make my way through the other side to the foe myself." Brynjolf, a Dwarven commander turned to the Uplifter. "What do you mean, those Darkfolk are better fighters than most of us?" In an undignified voice. Thurian laughed. "Oh, by the way, whenever you see a Dwarfolk fall to the enemy, pick up their swords and give it to another. They have better arms than most Hufolk possess."

Omnicrat

2013-07-04, 06:37 PM

Not you Dwarfolk of course. You were literally made to fight. That seems good, Thurian. If you could help our Titan friend into the fort once our diggers break the walls that will be great.

To the Swordbearer, Care to give the order?

Smiling, Jorn Earth-render yells at the top of his lungs, All diggers to the front! Form mixed lines behind them! Dwarfolk around Line-Users*! The most combat-experienced to the front, least to the back! Then march, men! For the souls of our allies! For the Trinity!
*An early term for ley line divine casters.

A minute earlier...

"Alright Molefolk, the surface army should be hitting the horde about now! Begin collapsing the tunnels!"

The Molefolk began collapsing the lower tunnels leading into the central shaft the Darkfolk were using as a supply line into Goheng. Once that was done, they would begin moving up as fast as they could, killing the Darkfolk and collapsing the tunnels as they go. If all goes as planned above, this will mean no new Darkfolk on the surface, and a quick end to the Horde War.

Initial AP - 2
+3 AP - standard
+1 AP - leaders
Current AP - 5 (1 leader)

LordChaos13

2013-07-04, 10:56 PM

"Sir, there is a large mass of people outside the Umbrella." A sentry reports to General Jinta, having ran from the wall to the command complex underground
"Well then, lets show dem some Darkfolk hospitality. Send word to all commanders to grab their troops and head towards the walls as fast as possible. If we crush this now then we can press the advantage and perhaps destroy all of the damned Hufolk within the year."

Several minutes later the Darkfolk are standing behind the walls itching for the fight to begin
"Seems a bit odd don it." One comments
"What does?" His mate (friend not the other meaning) responds
"Well normally we try to knock down these here walls to get at the blighters but now its the reverse. Feels, good. Safer means we can take more out which means more warriors for the Horde."

The Darkfolk, lacking any ranged weapons, simply waited for the army to attack, claws twitching, fists bunched and clenched, the tension in the air palpable

_______________________________

While the attack on the Voidwalkers was unsuccessful, ending with the surround and slaughter of the Darkfolk by the civilian Walkers it did have one effect. The souls of the destroyed Walkers where sent plummeting down down into Goheng
"Huh, lookit this Joe, a new one." The Shadow Hufolk poking the screaming soul with a long piece of stone
"Strange aint it. It looks kinda like a Hufolk but its souls gotta weird shimmer to it. heh awesome Experiment time!"
Several weeks of experiments later, the group brought past the point of madness and twisted and turned into ravening monsters
"Hey, I think I gotst it. If we do this and this, then twist the soul counterspinwards and infuse a Shadow Hufolk's Secondary Essence..."
"Hey your right! Lets write it down"
A third recipe soon was engraved upon the cave wall, the first of the Mortal-made instructions.

Seconds later, the newest member of the Darkfolk joined their ranks. The BlackWalkers, or Walkerfolk as everyone else called them.
Their natural abilities enhanced, making them immune to all but the most telling of blows and even then such advantage must be pressed for their souls work to reform, a consequence of the many redundant experiments added in their 'recipe'
OOC: DR5/, Fast Healing10, all the racial traits a Voidwalker already has.

3AP
-1 Alter Life: Voidwalker -> BlackWalkers

Gnomes2169

2013-07-05, 12:16 AM

The Voidwalkers stood together after their battle, watching for more enemies to appear. Most of them looked to their Hero, rage and vengeance gleaming in their eyes. Though it fought every part of his warrior's instinct, Arno knew that he could not lead this large of a group into battle against a horde of unknown size and location, and his slowly shaking head told his people all they needed to know. Then he stopped. No. There were five soldiers beside him who were unharmed, all of them well trained rogues. While they would not be the best once in melee... Wait.

That was it.

Arno's head was swimming with ideas as he called out, ["Emil, Lawrence, Denis, Lillian, Liresh, you five are going on a hunt with me. The rest of you, go home. This place is too dangerous for you."] He and his five were going to scout out this new enemy horde... and they would kill any clawfolk group that they came across. Well, any they could handle. So below twelve or so.

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

As always, Oblivion was watching when Arno was in combat, and he was the souls of his creations stolen by that... that...! In fury, the Void Dragon turned his head to face the Horror's land, hell bent on destroying every scrap of life on it before he forced himself to calm. If he went at it so directly and used all of his power in one massive wave of destruction, his children would be vulnerable to he Horror's own power. No, Oblivion would be smart about this... ah yes, that would work.

Sewing a tiny blessing into each of his living children, the Void Dragon waited for on of the wounded ones to die. It took a full day for the stubborn Voidwalker, but death did come. In point of fact, it came exactly point zero, zero one second sooner than it should have. In that instant, the dormant power that had been planted bloomed to fill the Walker's entire body, wreathing it in darkness for just the barest of seconds before settling down just below the skin. And it eradicated the walker's soul completely, preventing anything from going down to be tortured or turned into a monster.

Hoping that would get the point across, the Void Dragon decided to turn his head to Eldritch and whisper, "No." as a final emphasis. And then he contemplated the new, miniscule consciousness that now lived inside of him, finding itself in a new place that was dark, without any part of itself to hold onto. The Divinity of the Void Dragon wrapped around this mind comfortingly and rocked it gently "There there, my little one. Just rest now..." He whispered to the soul that had been cast into Oblivion, "You are safe now. I'm here..."

... And then the Void Dragon decided that perhaps a lesson was needed. But how to give one without drawing the wrath of Eldritch directly? Hmmmm...

AP: 0

+3 Rollover
+1 Hero

-3 Divine Word: Essence of Destruction. All creatures with the "Voidblessed" template will, upon death, have their bodies filled with the very essence of the Void Dragon. This prevents all magic from affecting their bodies (preventing wishing, raise dead, resurrection, necromancy, bodies becoming stone, etc, etc) and destroys their soul completely. This affect continues in their physical bodies until Void energies come in contact with it. Souls destroyed this way are "saved" in the Void Dragon's body as memories, and he is the only power that can recreate them. Therefore, he is the only God that can resurrect fallen Voidwalkers. Well, for now at least. It also means that they cannot become Darkfolk, as the soul (which makes the Darkfolk) is destroyed before Eldritch or his minions can get their hands on it.

Greystone

2013-07-05, 11:35 AM

Omnicrat

2013-07-05, 12:01 PM

The Molefolk were digging through the the walls. Any minute now, they would breach them, the Sword of Light burning the Darkfolk on the other side. It was too bad that they couldn't take down the tarp and fight effectively, but these things happened. They were almost 16000 strong when you took the Dwarfolk into account.

The line they were digging in the wall was nearly as wide as it was. Thanks to Thurian, none of the Darkfolk that could have warned the horde about the new tactic lived long enough to say anything.

Any second they would be able to surge forward and wipe out the Darkfolk base. From there, it would just be a matter of breaking the army into 300 man squads as the defectors had, and cleaning up the Umbrella Units that remained in Hu.

The Molefolk wouldn't be able to be a part of that, though. Once this base was broken and the new tunnel filled in, the bulk of the Molefolk would return underground to re-enforce the skeleton force in the Citadels, though some it seemed liked life on the surface and would remain, joining the Meritocracy of Hu, as the surface society had come to be called. The Molefolk complained about this a bit, since both Hu and the Five Citadels followed the tenants of Meritocracy, but such things were minor. Especially when you were a few feet away from an enemy that was ready and more than able to rip your heart out for fun.

The Uplifter Rubbed his chest where he remembered a claw sticking through it from behind. Though it hadn't really been his chest, for some very obvious reasons no less, it still felt like it was when he thought about the event. That was a burden no Uplifter had ever shared, and most likely never would share. Yes, you get all the knowledge and experience of the past Uplifters, but you also get all the bad parts. Every injury, every emotional low, every violent death and the hands of Darkfolk... All of that was always just below the surface, because it all felt like it was you. And now he was about to fight some of those Dark -

The Uplifter had no time to continue this train of thought, as at that moment the walls finally broke. Hundreds of Darkfolk were visible from the massive hole. Wait. Only hundreds? This can't be right. There were thousands. Were most of them in Umbrella's? Eldritch and Goheng they were focusing on the wrong thing!! The defectors had been doing more good than -

Uplifters had a talent for rapid thinking, it seemed. All of that was thought in the instant the Darkfolk became visible. A moment later the Uplifter heard to his left At them men! For Our Liberator!

And with that battle-cry from the Swordbearer, the line charged. The Uplifter, who had had his sword at the ready, swung it into the first Darkfolk he could.

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

The Molefolk were digging through the the walls. Any minute now, they would breach them, the Sword of Light burning the Darkfolk on the other side. This was just like the battles below the First Citadel. Well, not quite. He was on the digging side for once. Jorn had to admit that that was a new experience. The tension, never knowing just when the fighting would start, but knowing it was coming.

That was much different than the typical feeling he had before a battle. Usually it was waiting around for hours, always a bit on edge, never knowing if there even would be a battle.

Jorn had to admit, he liked this more. Here he and his men were in control. They decided how to attack, where to attack, and when to attack. This battle would truly be one for the ages. A battle historians and scholars would pester him about till the end of his days.

And that was the life Jorn would have to live until he died a horrific death, most likely at the hands of a random and otherwise insignificant Darkfolk. Everyone he loved would die. Every he hated would die. Everyone would die. And Jorn? Jorn would live. Jorn would be a shining example, The Swordbearer. The Chosen Molefolk of their Father The Liberator. The Liberator. Jorn didn't like thinking about him lately. The name used to bring comfort, but now Jorn didn't know how to feel. He had refused to fight with them, but Jorn understood better than any, especially those fool defectors, why.

Looking at his Hufolk counterpart-who seemed to have a bit of heartburn, Jorn couldn't help but envy him. He got the best of both worlds. One life to live, grow old, and die with his loved one, but at the same time the knowledge and experience of every Uplifter since the first. He'll never know how lucky he is Focusing on those around him for a moment, he saw a Cleric and Paladin of the order, there most experienced Fighters and Rogues, as well as around a dozen dwarfolk. I guess being the Swordbearer does have its perks. You never go into battle with green -

And then the wall broke. Hundreds of Darkfok were visible through the gap. Hundreds. Only hundreds??? This battle will be won easily!

With joy in his heart, the Swordbearer cheered At them men! For Our Liberator! Huh. Seemed he did know how to feel about the Liberator after all.

And with his battle-cry, the line charged. The Swordbearer, who had always had the Sword of Light at the ready, swung it into the first Darkfolk he could.

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

The battle was going surprisingly well. There were hardly any Darkfolk in the tunnels when they began collapsing them, and as they went up, filling in the tunnel to the surface as they went, there were no large concentrations or Darkfolk fortifications.

They didn't expect us to do this. The commander of the ground army thought. Man, Darkfolk are stupid.

It would still take a day or two to make it all the way to the surface, and from there a few weeks to get back to the Citadels. But the Darkfolk would suffer a crippling loss greater than anything. Once this campaign was done, life would be safer for everyone.

Come on, men! the commander said, If we're lucky we might even get to kill some more Darkfolk stragglers this day! Up!

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

Liberator watched the battle below, knowing his people had done well without him. But there was Thurian. He may have thought he was doing what was best, but it would ruin the civilizations of Bastion. His civilizations of Bastion. If he and his allies ever died, the people of bastion would have nothing to support them. They would most likely fall. Without knowledge of how to rely on themselves, they may even turn to the vile gods that killed their Trinity. ...They may even turn to Eldritch.

That was the last straw. He had to protect his people. He needed to keep them safe, so they can grow and survive on their own.

As Liberator thought these things, his own divine energies began folding in on themselves. As he thought of doing all he could to protect his people, even if it was to protect them from the "help" of his allies, he felt his powers begin to grow.

Suddenly, far above the battle, far above the Earth, there was a brilliant and bright flash of orange. Liberator could feel it. He was no long just a god of pure freedom and justice. By his own will, by his own desire he had become a god of protection. Namely the protection of bastion and its people.

The joy of this moment did not last long. The space around Liberator began to warp and change. Reality was collapsing around him. The Creator didn't finish, Liberator said in horror. Reality isn't stable enough to hold gods of any more power than they are born with. No. NO!!!

Before the universe collapsed around him, Liberator was able to retreat to The Radiant Court. Once inside, reality restored itself in the mortal world. It also seemed that the planes made by the Gods didn't have the same flaw as the mortal world.

Though he now had more power to protect his people then ever before, he could no longer be with them. That was the price he had to pay, and he supposed it was worth it. He could still speak with his people in their minds eye, and he could still hear their prays as well as see their deeds. But he could not longer be with them in times of peace. Though he chose not to, he could no longer stand with them in times of war.

He would have to plan and aid his people from the sidelines. But my allies do not. They can still walk the world, and shape the minds of my people with their presence.

Liberator did not like that. He did not like that at all. His allies knew nothing of pure freedom and justice. They were forged from... huh. Liberator realized he'd never thought to ask. Regardless, it could not have been the idealic energies meant to create freedom and justice in the world, because those were contained within him.

Hm. They were meant to create... Perhaps one day soon...

Initial AP - 5 (1 Leader)
-4 AP - Gain domain: Protection (Bastion)
Since its creation, every action taken by Liberator has been to help and protect the Continent of Bastion and its people. For his efforts, he became the first lesser deity in the local multiverse. This power cam with an unfortunate price, however. It seems like any god above fledgling status destroys the very fabric of the material plane, based upon a flaw the Creator would have most likely fixed had the Void Dragon not accidentally killed him. Liberator currently resides in The Radian Court, the only good-aligned plane in existence, but he plans to create his own realm one day soon.
Current AP - 1 (1 Leader)

LordChaos13

2013-07-05, 08:53 PM

Seeing the massive army arrayed against him the General could not help but smirk, they had massed their units up, probably the entire fighting force of Hu.
And they were all focused on him, utterly ignoring the roving bands of Umbrellas slaughtering their civilians, bolstering the Darkfolk ranks for the next major push whenever it came

"Inform the Complex to wait an hour before charging out, I want to make this battle as long as possible, even though we know our loss is certain we can still take down as many as we can with us. Oh, and Helga your successor is leading the battle, after you tell the Complex why dont you give him a nice welcome."
The Shadow Hufolk nods, scurrying out of the base, remembering the days, before the torture and the pain, and the lessons learnt about the Hufolk's True nature, days of being the Liberator's Chosen...
The Former Uplifter smiled, this would be a good fight

_______________________________

"Hold the line! Bah what good are ya if ya can't kill a bloody Molefolk with a sword in ya gut." A sergeant yells, ducking and dodging the blades of their enemies
The massive numbers of their attacks, Hufolk, Molefolk, Voidfolk even some weird ones that looked remarkably like clawless Clawfolk, began to drive the Dark back.
Each step pushing them towards courtyards, the sergeant smirking at the imminent trap as the forces massed inside the specific courtyards set up

_______________________________

The Uplifter fought and killed all in front of him, hacking and slashing trying not to be gutted like a fish by the menacing claws
Suddenly a new Shadow Hufolk appeared in front of him, catching his blade
"So this is the one chosen ta succeed me huh? Hmph don't seem like much. Then again neither was I." The girl tossing the sword away into the brawl

______________________________

Deep Underground the collapsing tunnels went without much of a fight, the Darkfolk not expecting a sudden attack from behind slaughtered wholesale with nearly no casualties by the Moles
Entire tunnel systems obliterated by the skilled demolitions experts as they rose towards the base of operations
Until they went the wrong way down a tunnel, heading towards the now-abandoned hillside exit rather than up through the middle of the village. They encountered what looked like Darkfolk families, many sleeping since it was daytime topside. Little Clawfolk toddlers, a Shadow Hufolk swaddled by blankets tucked up in bed barely a month old
The tunnels having been converted into housing, used by the non-combatant brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers of the Natural-Born Darkfolk like General Jinta

Gnomes2169

2013-07-05, 11:27 PM

The Great Hunter of the Hunterfolk stepped through the trees, surveying the Voidwalker town below her. In the past her kind would of silently waited for the perfect chance to begin a raid. Not today however. Weeks had gone by as dreams and visions had came to her, like her predecessors before her. They instructed her to seek a peace with these neighbors that also called the jungles home. Drawing herself up, she held up her hands up and bare in the sign of non-violent intentions as she stepped down from the Dark Jungles, her only retinue a pair of her larger kin. She was in search of the leader, of the Hero who led the other race. It is what her mother would want.

The Voidwalkers shifted nervously as they watched the leader. If they attacked now, their numbers and the closeness of their target should easily allow them to kill the Great Hunter... but the reptile likely had hundreds of her followers in the bushes behind her, and she seemed to be here in peace... so they let her be. Besides, Arno had told them that Oblivion was expecting her to visit soon, which meant that this was probably a matter of the Gods or something...

It took an hour or two for Arno to appear, as he had only just returned from the war front with his band of five. All of them but the hero were haggard, though Arno himself had a cloth tied around what appeared to be claw marks on his arm. One of the Clawfolk had gotten a bit lucky, it would seem. He sighed as he walked to the village center before almost stumbling into a body of absolute blackness. He barely skidded to a halt before he ran into his God. ["Lord Oblivion! A little warning next time!?"] Apparently, Arno is still Chaotic Good. Even though he was a bit shocked, he was not only addressing his God informally, he was outright telling the deity what to do.

The Void Dragon let it slide for now and gestured for the hero to follow. "Come Arno, the emissary has arrived. In fact, you are a bit late as it is." The God of the Void looked down at the crude bandage on his Hero's arm and sent a wave of divinity into it. Arno grimaced for a second before unwrapping the wound to find absolutely new flesh beneath. Curbing a stupid question before it could be asked, Oblivion stated, "The Void holds both Creation and Destruction. Now come, you do not want your guest to be kept waiting... and hungry. Take some of that cooked... odd... lizard... thing no one has a name for with you." Apparently, even Gods can be confused by what their followers find in the jungle. "I'll be coming along as a translator, as even the body language between yourself and the Velociraptors* will be too different to communicate otherwise." And with a God standing beside him, there was no real chance that the Hunterfolk would try doing something foolish to Arno.

Taking the food with them, Arno rolled his eyes and nodded. Was all this pomp and fanciness really necessary? The alliance with the men and women of Hu had been so much less... formal in comparison. Then again, Hu and Waypoint hadn't been at war when they first met, which probably made it a bit easier. Regardless, when the finally arrived on the side of town that the Great Hunter was standing, Arno walked forward and bowed. ["Welcome to our... city. Ah... let's just get this done, yes?"] It really had grown that large since he was gone, hadn't it? After almost a century and a half, the Voidwalker had watched this community grow so very much... and still what had changed shocked him from time to time. ["If you're hungry, I brought a bit of food."] He volunteered, holding up the cooked and seasoned miniature lizard. Something that these guys probably hunted all the time. ["Ah... so that you're not intimidated or anything, maybe your god can join us as well?"] Every word that Arno said was translated by the Void Dragon and sent telepathically to the Great Hunter. Of course, this meant that Arno had no idea that his message was getting to the Hunterfolk leader... ["And... er... I hope your day is going well?"]**

Oblivion put what would have been his face into what was currently his hand.

*Yes, in the Voidwalker tongue Hunterfolk are Velociraptors, or "Swift hunters". Because Latin is awesome, shush.

**Diplomacy, not Arno's strongest skill. :smalltongue:

Omnicrat

2013-07-06, 01:17 AM

Jorn couldn't believe their luck! Wiping out the base of operations and cutting off the supply lines of the was going to be so easy! From there, it was only a matter of hunting down their Umbrella Units, and the defectors had already begun that.

The best part was that most of these dark souls were being saved, turned into Titans and followers of the Trinity once more. It was a veritable flood of dark energy to the sword then up to the Liberator to be purified.

If the battle keeps going like this, we'll be done before lunch time!

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

The Uplifter recognized her immediately. She was the Uplifter of 300 years ago who died while fighting with the Molefolk during a cultural exchange. "All who die by the hand of a Darkfok will one day return as a Darkfolk," or so the saying went. But there hadn't been a confirmed Uplifter. In truth, most believed the Uplifters to pure for that sort of thing. How could the chosen of Liberator be turning into one of those monsters?

But they could. The proof was right before his eyes. But there was some good news. She was in the light of the Sword. If she stayed close by, just till one of the Dwarflok noticed. Which really shouldn't be long. In fact, it was odd that they hadn't killed her already.

The Uplifter didn't know this, but both the Cleric and Paladin in their group had come under heavy attack, and the Dwarfolk were too preoccupied by their protection to intervene in the Uplifters situation just this moment, but that would not last long.

Hello Helga. When exactly did you turn your back one Our Liberator?

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

It was... a village? But, these were Darkfolk... monster. Creatures dedicated to the total destruction of all that they held dear...

But their just kids The commander wispered.

What should we do Jarcorb? one of his men asked.

Jarcorb had no clue. They could kill them all right now. It would be easy. But... those were babies...

What should we do?

I'M THINKING!

There wasn't much time. The Darkfolk would notice them and respond to their presence at any moment.

He'd finally made up his mind. It was risky, but they hadn't run into any trouble so far, and it was the right thing to do.

After relaying his plan to the men, (while some vehemently disagreed, they would trust his judgement) Jarcorb addressed the Darkfolk. Listen up, Darkfolk! We aren't going to kill you if you stay calm and quiet! A detachment of our men will escort you back, peacefully, to the First citadel where you can be integrated into society! Liberator teaches that everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves, no matter their crimes! He also teaches that those who refuse an opportunity to redeem themselves forfit their lives! Do not make us hurt you, and you shall not be hurt!

He waited for their response with baited breath.

I hope the Goheng damned (huh, pretty literal) fools will do the smart thing and accept the offer...

Domain Bonus: +2 defense.

LordChaos13

2013-07-06, 02:28 AM

"Turn my back? He abandoned me! He abandoned all of us after creating us as Heretics. He fought for his Land of bastion but left us to be preyed upon by Darkfolk and even know where is he? Sleeping through all this like usual or simply too high and mighty to get his hands dirty on our filthy souls.
But Eldritch, he showed me the way. He showed me he doesn't want this, he wants to end the suffering as quickly and painlessly as possible. Only through repentance can one find salvation and we have wronged. Oh my we have wronged him so.
We live one land made by his hand, forge weapons using ores he creates and sustains. The Hufolk are living sins against a Deity created then abandoned by another God.
Liberator never Liberated us, he simply created us and stole another's creation to house us. When He Who Lives In The Deep called him on it he risked his freedom yes...for the Land. He doesn't care about us, he cares only about the bloody LAND we live on."

____________________________

Several of the mothers and fathers hung back, glancing at their children and the weapons of their captors, plans forming in their heads, methods of escape thought up and discarded.
Several charged forward, brandishing their claws trying to take on the horde single-clawed only to be cut down where they stood, some of the older children trying to do the same, emulating their parents and their culture in attacking the Molefolk
The remainder raised their hands in surrender, letting themselves be taken and integrated into Molefolk society and raise their young

Omnicrat

2013-07-06, 03:13 PM

Have you forgotten everything he has done for us? In the early days Eldritch only ever spoke of land. He only swore vengeance because of land. It is he, an interloping god of evil, that that brought war to us. The Failed Chaining of Liberator was a bid for our freedom, and the freedom of our land.

We were the first true children of this world. We are the race created by the Creators Son. It is our destiny to expand and grow and become greater than any could.

But what destiny does your new master give you? A destiny of servitude? A destiny where you don't get to choose your own life, but instead spend it killing the innocent and the just?

Just a little longer... A Dwarfolk would notice any second...

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

Are you sure you made the right choice, Jarcorb? one of his subordinates asked him.

No, but its better than the alternative.

His plan was this: Once the detachment gets back to the city, they'll separate the Darkfolk from their children and put them in the care of good Molefolk families. And then once we get the sword back, we'll purify the adults and raise the children as our own.

Once the Molefolk realized they had accidentally left the supply lines, they sent a small detachment to begin collapsing the village while they made their way back to the main shaft to continue the march up against the Darkfolk invaders.

LordChaos13

2013-07-06, 08:12 PM

"Ah, but you remember Liberator won and yet here I am, Darkfolk plaguing the surface intent on destroying the Hufolk. Does he challenge Eldritch again? Does he aid us in the fight? No, he sits in the clouds watching and ignoring our plight!
Centuries I spent being tortured and molded, my voice would be ragged if as a soul I Had a voice, and not ONCE did I hear Liberator's voice reassuring me, or trying to save me. I was his chosen leader and he abandoned e, just like he will abandon you when you fall to our claws.
And as for my destiny? It is my own. Eldritch is the father Liberator Never was. He guides and advises but never orders, he lets his children choose their own destiny and role to fill simply because it is not his place to decide such things and he accepts that. My place is up here taking revenge on you and the Hufolk and the God who abandoned me beneath the Earth and I accept that because I DECIDED IT. I could have made a life in Goheng, raised a family like the one denied by my 'ascendance' into Liberator's service and The Horror would have accepted that. But I chose to fight, to spread the word and Redeem as many oppressed Hufolk as I can.
Tell me, Uplifter. And all Uplifters to come viewing this memory. Did you choose? Did Liberator chain you to this role, suddenly imparting his 'gift' without telling or asking you?
My role is here now, killing you. I Chose that, unlike the title of Uplifter."

_________
(OOC: Thats Horrible!! Eldritch approves :smallamused:)

The adults, not knowing of their eventual fate come along quietly

ArlEammon

2013-07-06, 08:30 PM

Thurian
"I FIGHT FOR HU!." Thurian said. "I will slay every Darkfolk that I find throughout this battle!"" Thurian stated imperiously. He slashed and battled and battered past scores of Darkfolk effortlessly, attempting to give the Dwarfolk and closing warriors somewhat of a rest during battle so they could focus on specific targets and vulnerable spots in enemy formation. Within eyesight of the Uplifter, but still too far away for Thurian to notice what was going on, he slashed cut and was dashing enemy Darkfolk into pieces as he trampled them underneath his feet.

Omnicrat

2013-07-06, 09:49 PM

Liberator has done much for us. I may not like it, but he wants us to try and survive on our own as much as possible. He has given us the means to stand here and fight the Darkfolk and the power to beat them. Our Father isn't ignoring us. He is watching us win.

Liberator learned the price of challenging your enemies when you don't have the power to defeat them. Were he to travel to Goheng and free all the soul captured there, what do you think Eldritch would do? You think he would let him? No. He would not.

Eldritch gave you no true choice. If you wanted to leave him, if you wanted to return to Hu and be amongst the people you worked to uplift, would he have let you? You know the answer is no. You can choose your own fate so long as it is a fate Eldritch has approved of.

And I did choose, as you did. I chose Hu. I chose freedom and justice as the guide for my life. I chose to fight for them, and if I must die for them. For all of those choices, I was chosen to be Uplifter. And there is nothing I would rather be.

When you are redeemed, come find me. I would love to continue this talk.

Before those last words could really sink in for her, a Dwarfolk killed his counter-part, her soul sent into the Sword, and the off to Liberator. Not long from now she would be a Titan, and would come down from the mountains to seek him out, and most likely help with the destruction of the Umbrella Units.

The Dwarfolk picked up his sword and handed it back to him, then went by to cutting through the Darkfolk.

The Darkfolk keep falling back, dieing by the dozens while deaths, at least in the center, were being kept to a minimum.

If the battle keeps going like this, we could win within the hour!

Chromascope3D

2013-07-07, 09:50 AM

Greystone

2013-07-07, 11:28 AM

The Voidwalkers shifted nervously as they watched the leader. If they attacked now, their numbers and the closeness of their target should easily allow them to kill the Great Hunter... but the reptile likely had hundreds of her followers in the bushes behind her, and she seemed to be here in peace... so they let her be. Besides, Arno had told them that Oblivion was expecting her to visit soon, which meant that this was probably a matter of the Gods or something...

It took an hour or two for Arno to appear, as he had only just returned from the war front with his band of five. All of them but the hero were haggard, though Arno himself had a cloth tied around what appeared to be claw marks on his arm. One of the Clawfolk had gotten a bit lucky, it would seem. He sighed as he walked to the village center before almost stumbling into a body of absolute blackness. He barely skidded to a halt before he ran into his God. ["Lord Oblivion! A little warning next time!?"] Apparently, Arno is still Chaotic Good. Even though he was a bit shocked, he was not only addressing his God informally, he was outright telling the deity what to do.

The Void Dragon let it slide for now and gestured for the hero to follow. "Come Arno, the emissary has arrived. In fact, you are a bit late as it is." The God of the Void looked down at the crude bandage on his Hero's arm and sent a wave of divinity into it. Arno grimaced for a second before unwrapping the wound to find absolutely new flesh beneath. Curbing a stupid question before it could be asked, Oblivion stated, "The Void holds both Creation and Destruction. Now come, you do not want your guest to be kept waiting... and hungry. Take some of that cooked... odd... lizard... thing no one has a name for with you." Apparently, even Gods can be confused by what their followers find in the jungle. "I'll be coming along as a translator, as even the body language between yourself and the Velociraptors* will be too different to communicate otherwise." And with a God standing beside him, there was no real chance that the Hunterfolk would try doing something foolish to Arno.

Taking the food with them, Arno rolled his eyes and nodded. Was all this pomp and fanciness really necessary? The alliance with the men and women of Hu had been so much less... formal in comparison. Then again, Hu and Waypoint hadn't been at war when they first met, which probably made it a bit easier. Regardless, when the finally arrived on the side of town that the Great Hunter was standing, Arno walked forward and bowed. ["Welcome to our... city. Ah... let's just get this done, yes?"] It really had grown that large since he was gone, hadn't it? After almost a century and a half, the Voidwalker had watched this community grow so very much... and still what had changed shocked him from time to time. ["If you're hungry, I brought a bit of food."] He volunteered, holding up the cooked and seasoned miniature lizard. Something that these guys probably hunted all the time. ["Ah... so that you're not intimidated or anything, maybe your god can join us as well?"] Every word that Arno said was translated by the Void Dragon and sent telepathically to the Great Hunter. Of course, this meant that Arno had no idea that his message was getting to the Hunterfolk leader... ["And... er... I hope your day is going well?"]**

Oblivion put what would have been his face into what was currently his hand.

The Hunter tensed as the words entered her mind, feeling the alien and powerful presence of Oblivion in her mind- even by the barest of margins. She relaxed as she understood where the words were originating from the Prey... no, Voidfolk creature besides the Great God of the Void. ["I do not need the Great Mother to avoid succumbing to fear."] the words that escaped her mouth were harsh and reptilian ["And she is busy in the other world at the moment in any case. My Hunting Period has been disrupted by this meeting, so let us continue to the talks of Alliance."]

It was obvious that, up to this point, Diplomacy had not been her strong point. Her sharp, intelligent eyes constantly darted around the city and seemed to be taking in as much as she could of her new surroundings.

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

Mazilhendra tapped her claws on a massive stone outcrop as she surveyed her realm. She knew that the material plane needed her, and soon... but she couldn't tear herself away from the new maiden world that she had created. Everything she could see was hers, her creation and children. If she left she wouldn't be able to protect it.

Suddenly she knew it. She needed... Guardians. She needed Children that could watch over both her creation and each other without her micromanagement. Pulling out her artifact, she took to the skies. Gathering the proper ingredients took time. Veins of minerals ripped from the mountains, examples of life, and live giving water. Finally she blew on the Womb with her breath of life.

Inside the bowl, was a clutch of over a dozen large eggs. Each egg was subtly different, sporting several metallic shades- from Gold to silver, from red bronze and shiny amethyst. She heard a crack as one of the eggs began to break- the first Dragon's, shaped in her image, were being born.

AP- 7

Create Fabled Life- Metallic Dragons. Guardians and Wardens of life, specifically the life created by their Goddess. Each one acts, essentially, as smaller versions of their mother in power and temperament. They each have access to magic, which the draw directly from their plane or from surrounding arcane power- even tapping into the divine power of their Goddess when need be.

AP- 2

Omnicrat

2013-07-07, 06:11 PM

A presence in her hall jerked her back from the Dream. The Liberator had returned at last. She approached him and reached out, but hesitated. She could feel his anger, his rage was palpable, yet that was not all. He was upset, distraught, yet joyful at the same time.

She was puzzled. What had she missed in her absence this time? "What happened?"

So much, Esterius... So much... While you were forming the ley lines below, Thurian chose to aid the peoples of Hu. When I tried to force him to stop, he challenged my leadership. He... won. He leads our Pantheon now, and he has asked that we fight along side those of Hu. I still refused. To fight along side them is not what is best for them. It is not what would truly protect them from the horrors of this world.

As I floated around the Earth, thinking on how best to protect my people and the lands I had given them, my own divinity folded in on itself, a natural growth of power. By my actions and my will, I have gained new dominion over reality. No long am I simply the god of Freedom and Justice, but also Protection of Bastion. With that last line he smiled proudly, but it lasted only a moment.

With a look of great sadness, But reality, as it turns out, was flawed. The Creator would surely have fixed it, if that blasted dragon hadn't destroyed him. But, as it stands any God more powerful than those who already populate the universe will destroy reality simply by being a part of it.

That is why I had to retreat to your Radiant Court. Though I find it far too bright and warm, at least here I do not destroy reality around me.

And then, with a moment of brilliance, You know, even though I cannot walk amongst my people, I do remember how I gained dominion over Protection of Bastion... If I were to replicate the process... it would take a bit more energy to get started, and I wouldn't actually gain dominion over any new factor in the multiverse, bit if this works...

With that, The Liberator again forced his own divine energies into himself, revealing a brilliant orange light. Any on Earth would see a flare of orange light blanked the Earth, momentarily replacing the light of the sun. When it was over, he could feel the power surging inside him. He wouldn't be able to use it quite yet, but from now on when his powers were replenished, there would be a bit more there.

Hm, it seems there is equal pantheonic energy for us to share. No one claimed it last time. If you don't mind, Esterius...

Initial AP - 1 (1 leader)
+4 AP - Rollover
-5 AP - Unfold Divinity
Using the techniques he remembered from gain a new domain, Liberator was able to emulate its effects, increasing his divine power while not actually granting him a new domain.
+1 AP - Pantheon
No on had claimed any, so there were 2 Pantheon AP available. Liberator took his fair share.

Current AP - 1 (1 Leader)

Gnomes2169

2013-07-08, 12:04 AM

The Hunter tensed as the words entered her mind, feeling the alien and powerful presence of Oblivion in her mind- even by the barest of margins. She relaxed as she understood where the words were originating from the Prey... no, Voidfolk creature besides the Great God of the Void. ["I do not need the Great Mother to avoid succumbing to fear."] the words that escaped her mouth were harsh and reptilian ["And she is busy in the other world at the moment in any case. My Hunting Period has been disrupted by this meeting, so let us continue to the talks of Alliance."]

It was obvious that, up to this point, Diplomacy had not been her strong point. Her sharp, intelligent eyes constantly darted around the city and seemed to be taking in as much as she could of her new surroundings.

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

Mazilhendra tapped her claws on a massive stone outcrop as she surveyed her realm. She knew that the material plane needed her, and soon... but she couldn't tear herself away from the new maiden world that she had created. Everything she could see was hers, her creation and children. If she left she wouldn't be able to protect it.

Suddenly she knew it. She needed... Guardians. She needed Children that could watch over both her creation and each other without her micromanagement. Pulling out her artifact, she took to the skies. Gathering the proper ingredients took time. Veins of minerals ripped from the mountains, examples of life, and live giving water. Finally she blew on the Womb with her breath of life.

Inside the bowl, was a clutch of over a dozen large eggs. Each egg was subtly different, sporting several metallic shades- from Gold to silver, from red bronze and shiny amethyst. She heard a crack as one of the eggs began to break- the first Dragon's, shaped in her image, were being born.

["Right."] This was a really, really weird way to communicate, and was she checking out his home town? Oh hell naw... ["Hey, eyes on the guy you're talking with, right? Now, I have no idea why our gods want us to work together, but I know you probably don't like me so much and I know I don't really like you, so then why get us together? Well, I think it's something like this, see my God does not intend for me and my people to be stuck to one village forever, and, well, you know these lands better than any of us, see? And you trying to... er... eat us isn't so helpful either. Meanwhile, on your end you have the problem of dealing with better armed and prepared denizens of Hu, and since we control some of the best passages through the mountains here, getting to them probably isn't the easiest, right?"] That should cover the whole span of the deal... ["So then, we give and get, right? A working alliance of sorts... you don't attack us and give us guidance in your lands and we give you access to the tools and tunnels we have at our disposal."] Arno looked to the Void Dragon, who nodded. Those were the terms they were prepared to offer at first. ["What do you think about that?"]

LordChaos13

2013-07-08, 12:47 AM

OOC: Sorry I thought this was already posted, it must have been eaten

"If I wanted he would let me rejoin the Hu-uu.." The former Uplifter gasps for air, glowing sword pushed through the back and out her front before being sucked into it

Back and back the Darkfolk are pushed, until the vast majority of the invading army are fighting in certainly selected courtyards
"Hello everyone." Came the call from above, standing on one of the houses stands General Jinta
"I apologize for not killing you personally so you may learn the truth about Liberator and Eldritch and yourselves but desperate times call for desperate measures...Now!"
a sudden lurch beneath their feet cause the topsiders to glance down, the ground crumbling revealing a rather long fall.
Many Darkfolk falling with them, giving their lives to the cause

Omnicrat

2013-07-08, 02:10 AM

Except it wasn't the fall the Darkfolk were expecting. In fact, it was only 15 ft or so. This is because the subterranean Molefolk army had almost reached the surface. On there way up, filling in everything as they went, they stumbled across the bottom of the trap. Not knowing what it was beyond a hole up to the surface, a detachment was filling it in.

Glad to see we didn't miss the battle! one of the Molefolk said after killing a Darkfolk that fell on him.

You didn't think a little pit would stop us, did you? Jorn The Swordbearer mocked the Darkfolk who had taunted the army before springing this "trap."

Diggers! Build ramps up to the topside NOW! Jorn ordered while decapitating a confused Darkfolk. There are still Darkfolk fighting, and the main body of the subterranian force can't be far! The Battle is almost won, lets finish it!

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

What was that? It almost sounded like a cave-in

It doesn't matter. We're almost at the surface! Keep moving forward! Commander Jarcorb ordered.

Less than a minute later, they killed their first Darkfolk on the surface, cutting off any line of retreat the Darkfolk thought they had and nearly doubling the fighting force in the battle.

LordChaos13

2013-07-08, 02:20 AM

"WHAT! How? Those pits were huge when we dug them." Jinta rages, jumping from the roof to the ground "You, run to the complex, we need reinforcements NOW!"
The slaughter quickly gets out of hand, every Darkfolk within the pit dissipating either into the sword or the Aether after death

Right as the ramp was built to the top the officers arrive with their units, barely 400 strong but hoping to at least take 400 with them due to their position at the top of the ramp

Omnicrat

2013-07-08, 03:03 AM

The Top of the ramp wasn't the largest thing in the world, which at this point worked in the favor of the Hu-Citidel Coalition force than it did the Darkforlk invaders.

At the top of the ramp was the Titan Jacob, a dozen Dwarfolk, 7 line-users, The Uplifter, and the Swordbearer, bathing them all in a light as the sun to Darkfolk. No matter how good these "officers" thought they were, they were nothing compared to the force before them. All they managed to kill was one already badly wounded Dwarfolk. If this battle last another half-hour I'll eat my pants!

As that was happening, the subterranean army (now terranean) began pushing on the back of the Darkfolk, who were caught completely unaware.

Greystone

2013-07-08, 10:26 AM

["Right."] This was a really, really weird way to communicate, and was she checking out his home town? Oh hell naw... ["Hey, eyes on the guy you're talking with, right? Now, I have no idea why our gods want us to work together, but I know you probably don't like me so much and I know I don't really like you, so then why get us together? Well, I think it's something like this, see my God does not intend for me and my people to be stuck to one village forever, and, well, you know these lands better than any of us, see? And you trying to... er... eat us isn't so helpful either. Meanwhile, on your end you have the problem of dealing with better armed and prepared denizens of Hu, and since we control some of the best passages through the mountains here, getting to them probably isn't the easiest, right?"] That should cover the whole span of the deal... ["So then, we give and get, right? A working alliance of sorts... you don't attack us and give us guidance in your lands and we give you access to the tools and tunnels we have at our disposal."] Arno looked to the Void Dragon, who nodded. Those were the terms they were prepared to offer at first. ["What do you think about that?"]

Let her eyes refocus on the speaker at hand, though still used her secondary hunting traits- especially her scent of smell. She could practically taste the emotions on the Voidfolk before her. She considered a long moment ["The Great Mother has made us passages of our own, but more avenues for hunting is never a bad thing."] she smiled a thin, reptilian smile ["And tools are helpful as well... but I cannot stop the hunt. What I can do, is help you and your folk".]

She leaned down, and with a large claw, sketched a strange mark in the earth. It looked like one of her kind, curled into a fetal position and surrounded by a circle. ["I cannot gurentee my ability to stop every clan and hunter, though many would follow me. This mark around your cities, and on your bodies as marks or totems should mark you as forbidden."]

ArlEammon

2013-07-08, 08:31 PM

Thurian/The Battle
Thurian continued cutting Darkfolk down like wheat before the farmer's scythe. The creatures were trampled underneat his feet if they managed to avoid being decapitated or sliced, and he occasionally frightened scores more of the enemy by firing lightning bolts, and slaying them that way. Meanwhile, as Thurian noticed the battle was lost for the enemy, he let them settle things of their own accord. He turned to the Uplifter, "Thank you, m'lord. I should retire to the surface."

The Surface
Thurian made his way to the Surface. . . He had longed for a land of his own even though he loved his Hufolk neighbors. So it was he had taught the Hufolk and, when they had reached the surface, the Dwarfolk, the art of navigation and ship building. Warning them not to sail to the East to a strange new land that awaited them, until he had left them for at least a day, he was seen leaving Bastion, and the Hu Empire, for what they thought would be good, unless some of them would set sail to meet him.

Thurian
Thurian smiled. Only two months after leaving the subterran, the Thundering Father made his good byes to the mortal inhabitants of Hu. "Well, I am afraid I must bow and give myself and entrance. It is time for me to try and make out on my own. I give you a good ado." Thurian disappeared, making his way to a spot East of Bastion. . . Thurian smiled. He thought didn't have the energy to make a civilization. Yet he had a desire to create a great land. It would take a very long time to settle an entire continent, especially the one he was about to create. "I shall call it Thuria". Thurian said simply. He slashed his sword, and the waters
parted over the sea, the earth raised from the ocean floor and the
waters would fall unto the barren, dry earth to transform the land into
a green paradise.

Thuria was an abundant land full of tin, copper, iron, and various
resources, and the wild life was abundant. Around the borders of the
continent were mountains, all who attempted to land by ship and settle
the place, or even fly, for those who could fly, would find it VERY
difficult. Thurian did this for three reasons: He wanted to settle the
land with his own people one day; He wanted to test anyone determined
and powerful enough to make the land his own; anyone with the power to
settle the land without his permission because of the natural barriers
were suspicious in Thurian's eyes.

The enormous land was filled with fresh, rolling grasslands, massive
forests covered the edges, hugging the mountains, the mountains
themselves held great treasures waiting to be mined, and within certain
small regions within Thurian, laid even greater treasure; SALT. Also,
it is not a pure paradise like Bastion. It's predators were formed out of the earth, and they were made by Thurian not to prey on sapient life forms.

Not too long afterward, Thurian would lead the Hufolk and Dwarfolk explorers to the lush new Continent. Thurian would ceremonialy dub the Dwarfolk of the most honorable family blood line as King of Khaldaroth. Khaldaroth, the new Dwarven Kingdom which guarded the Mountain Pass. Khaldaroth, the King that is, was not immortal, his lineage, however, would be Kings of the first Dwarven Kingdom.

0 AP
2 AP spent to create a massive land, surrounded by mountains. There is
abundant wild life, including bears, wolves and other animals, such as
deer, and even sheep, who instinctively stay out of the woods. Thurian
is enormous, and in some areas, there are even salt lands to mine. In the interior and central lands of Thuria, the land is very fertile for agriculture.
As it is right now, none of the land is connected to Molefolk lands, but in time they could dig through.
2 AP to create concept Navigation and concept Ship Building for the mortals.
1 AP spent to create a Dwarfolk Kingom in the Mountain pass that leads into Thuria

Omnicrat

2013-07-09, 12:54 PM

After the battle...

Beaming from ear to ear, the Swordbearer said, Ha ha! That was an incredible victory. Didn't you say there were thousands when the last Uplifter was killed? What do you think happened to all of them?

Soberly and somberly, the Uplifter simply said, Think about it.

Confused for a moment, the Swordbearer soon realized what had happened. All he could say was Oh.

Fortunately I'm sure those Titans born today knew about this, at least, so we should have a lot more Titanic reinforcement for the rest of the war.

You should, yes. Me and my men must be heading back to the Citadels. It was fine leaving a skeleton guard while they were focusing all of there efforts on the surface, but now...

I understand. This victory would mean very little if The Citadels fall to a new horde. From what we've heard the 300 man squads have been doing really well against the Umbrella Units. With Titans coming in from all over the mountains, and new recruits once word gets out that there is more fighting to be done, we should be able to keep them contained to this region of Hu.

Let us hope so... Now, if you will excuse me...

The Swordbearer lead his men back to the Citadels. But not all of them Several dozen Molefolk had grown accustom to surface life. Many had made close friends and some had even found love. Some of the newly made Dwarfolk chose to go down into the Citadels with the Molefolk, to prevent anything like this from happening again, so it wasn't a complete loss.

For over a year The fighting persisted. Once the Squads thought they had killed all the Umbrella's that were left, a new pocket of attacks would spring up. Never outside of the western hills, for what little blessing that was. Many Umbrella Units were caught by incoming Titan band, those purified from the Battle of Crest-fall*, while the Units were trying to get into Hu's densely populated southern and central regions.
*Crest-fall was the name of the first village destroyed which the Darkfolk put there base near.

Eventually, the attack slowed to one or two a fortnight, then one or two a month, and finally they were done. Though the attack had been stopped, and was no where near as bad as it could have been thanks to the Supply lines being cut and leadership being killed, many thousands were still dead.

Worse still, Liberator had not been seen by any since the day of the battle. Faith in him began to waiver in some. Then again, Thurian had left them after the battle too, and Esterius had never once visited. Perhaps this was just part of his new attitude that the Hu should work towards their own protection and progress?

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

Deep beneath the earth, The Swordbearer sighed. He didn't like deceiving these Darkfolk civilians Who would have ever guessed that they had civilians?, he knew that they would thank him in the end. After all, when he met with them underthe guise of Job Placement and Integration, they were always looking for ways they might be able to attack and escape.

The taint of Eldritch was strong in them, and it was a taint that the Sword (and The Liberator) would do away with. They would be reborn as pure Titans.

It was the children that really bothered him. They were going to be trained to fight against their own kind and die for gods they were born to hate. True, they would always fight in the light of The Sword. While it would burn them, it would guarantee that when they died they would be rewarded with Titanhood. No Molefolk Or Dwarfolk, we've got some of them now too was ever guaranteed that honor.

They'll thank me once they come back as Titans. They'll all be grateful...

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

note: Liberator is talking to himself at the gate to the Radian Court. This is long after the conversation with Esterius had ended and he is supposed to be alone. If he saw Esterius or another god approach to talk, he would stop thinking out loud and continue once they were gone.

The God of Freedom and Justice and now protection had been watching his people. They had done well. Thurian never aided in the strategy sessions, and clearly held back his power's full extent and let the Hufolk, Molefolk, and Titans do most of the work themselves.

Maybe some of my point did get though to him after all? Liberator thought with a smile. Pausing for a monent then shaking his head, Or more likely he was too incompitant to realise how much he could have really help. He might be well-meaning, but he is a fool.

As Liberator thought those things, he thought he was seeing double. After blinking a few times to make sure nothing was wrong with his eyes, he realized what happended. The bastard just copied Bastion! His isn't even as nice!

It was true. Thurian had just created a brand new continent to the east of Bastion, that from a distance might as well have been its twin. Upon closer inspectioin, it was clearly inferior. They climate was more harsh, there was no central Hu-parallel, there was native predatory life, and ...Do those bees have ...stingers? WHY IN THE CREATORS NAME WOULD YOU GIVE BEES STINGERS?!?

Liberator sigh. At this point he should have expected such things from Thurian. Who was now also pantheon head. In a pantheon which had nothing to do with Bastion or Hu in the most technical sense. Crap. I bet he's going to re-gear the whole pantheon so it centers around his personal continent. Hmpf. How can I keep Hu and Bastion safe and help them to advance if Thurian is dividing the pantheon's focus?

Pausing to think for a moment. I had been considering using the Idelic Energies to make more gods... And I do have the power to create a new pantheon...

Liberator smiled, focusing the last bit of his divine power onto one thought: Pantheon. This new pantheon's goal would be to Protect and Advance the cooperative civilizations native to Hu and help them to expand throughout Bastion. A bit of a mouth full, but after the "Gods for the promotion of Freedom and Justice" getting turned around on him, he didn't want to take any chances.

Now, how many gods should he make? The Trinity had worked well for him, for a time. Perhaps two other gods subordinate to him would be best? If he were going to have two gods, then it would make sense for one to focus more on justice, the other more on freedom. Yes, that would make perfect sense.

Now, what materials to use for their bodies...

With a Smile, Liberator popped into Eldritch's domain, Goheng. It was full of Darkfolk, but more importantly, it was full of Eldritch's raw creative energy. Searching for the most infused piece of ore, liberator came across something odd. A vein of black crystal, pulsating with the power of Eldritch.

Liberator didn't know or particularly care why it was crystal that had more of Eldritch's essence than anything else, all he knew what he had what he had came for. After extracting the crystal from the rock, Liberator returned to the Radian Court. He would have preferred to do this in a plane of his own, but there wasn't time for that.

Leaving the Crystal for now, he had to find materials for the other god to be made of...

After being certain he was alone in the plane, Liberator stuck his hand into his gut an pulled out his spleen. Not the best materials, but a new god could do worse.

After cleaning himself up, he went to work, first would be the god made from Eldritch Crystal. Before beginning the ritual, he removed the silver collar from his battle with Eldritch and shaved off some small pieces before returning it to its hiding place. Either it was a powerful relic of binding, and would act as a focus for the channeling of the energy of justice through this crystal, or it was a mundane piece of silver, created and molded by Eldritch and freely given to Liberator. If it were the latter, it would be the perfect symbolic focus for taking a creation of Eldritch's and making it a creation of his.

Calling upon the Yellow Idealic Energy of Justice that was bound within him, Liberator began scouring the the crystal and shavings with energy. If this worked, there would be a new earth god. On just as powerful as Eldritch, but as dedicated to Justice as Eldritch is dedicated to his own vile desire. A perfect equal and opposite for his most hated god.

Once the crystal began to glow with an inner yellow light, Liberator knew it was only a matter of time before a consiousness would arise, based on the core of Eldritch's, but with good where there would be evil.

With little time left, Liberator focused his Red Idealic Energy of Freedom into the disembodied spleen. Since his form was simply that, a form, this should act as a focus to create another Hu-like god, a counter to Thurian. He would be closer to mortal in mindset and temperament, but still have a will forged of pure freedom. That, or it would be the giant spleen god of freedom. Hopefully not the second one.

As the flood of freedom energy surged through the spleen, it began to grow more organs, and finally it formed a full Hufolk body. At least I didn't make the Spleen of Freedom...

Liberator had timed it perfectly. Both new Gods became fully cognizant at the same moment. I am the God of Freedom, Justice, and Protection of a great land. I am the Liberator of this real. My power has recently grown, and I can no longer walk the Earth, but you, my twins of Justice and Freedom, you can. We are all part of one pantheon. The Guardians of the Allied Civilizations of Hu and Their Supporters and Progressers as They Try to Claim the Land That is Rightfully Theirs*. And that is what you shall do my children, my twins.
*Everyone just calls them The Guardians. Liberator is getting worse with the names.

Liberator looked on them for a moment. The God of Justice was a glowing yellow crystalline structure. It was hard to get much from it, but there was definitely no malevolence. There did seem to be a bit of the spark of Eldritch still there, but that was part of the plan.

The God of Freedom looked like a normal Hufolk. With red hair. And red eyes. And red skin. Okay, maybe not so normal, but the ruby read of freedom wasn't a color he needed to keep. There was something else. He looked wild, and powerful, and ... mischievous? Liberator wasn't mischievous at all. Where could that have come from?

Continuing with his speech, The continent of Bastion, and the Land of Hu is your charge. Look after them as I would myself. I am sorry I cannot show your more now or answer your questions, but I have not exerted myself so much in quite some time, and I believe I need a nap. You can visit the world, and be amongst its peoples. They can answer most of your questions. For anything the typical beings of Hu can't answer, seek out the Uplifter or the Swordbearer, and they should be able to help you. If they still do not have the answers you seek, you can either seek out my allies, Thurian or Esterius and ask them, or simply wait for my return. Try to avoid contact with the other gods and peoples, though. This is a dangerous realm and I do not want to make a foolish mistake out of ignorance or harm yourselves. Enjoy your existence! Now, if you'll excuse me...

And with that, Liberator laid on the ground, closed his eyes, imagined himself back in Hu on his favorite hill, and slept.

Initial AP - 1 (1 Leader)
-1 AP - Create Pantheon: The Guardians
The Guardians are a pantheon dedicated to the progress and expansion of the allied civilizations of Hu throughout Bastion. At least, thats the theory. The current two subordinate gods are a trickster god who enjoys mischief and an earth god who is philosophically in line with Eldritch, even though he is not evil. The future of this pantheon is bleak at best.
Current AP - 0 (1 Leader)

Durmatagno

2013-07-09, 05:19 PM

Rand listened to the god in front of him, already feeling the power pulsing through his veins. His form slowly shifted and became Red, his hair growing longer now that his mind had full control over its new body. Robes of iron and onyx wrapped around him, acting like cloth despite their material. The glow from his hot blood faded through both the clothes and his darkened skin. Something inside him tugged at the speech he was getting from, what could only be, his father.

Something isn't quiet right here.

Rand thought to himself as Liberator laid on the ground. Turning, Rand only glanced at his brother before leaving. He hovered in the sky gazing at the land below him. The land wasn't quite right to him, though he couldn't put his finger on it. He saw creatures toiling in their cities. He watched them for awhile before leaving. Flying out far from this land, he watched the planet beneath him. Watched its patterns, the flow of the oceans, the wind, the weather, and how they all moved the other, like cogs in a machine. Smiling, he knew what he would do. Raising his hand, he focused and willed rocks to form. On the land plants began to rise, plants of crystal, metal, and rock. To match them were animals that would feed on them. To match those, more began to form, ones to hunt and kill the others. A vicious cycle of life and death. Cogs in a machine.

15 AP:

- 0 Join Pantheon: The Guardians

- 2 Create Land: Tandara. A continent roughly the size of Russia. Its got several large mountain ranges, sprawling Savannah, and forests. The northernmost part of the continent is Taiga, while the the south has a large desert.

- 0 Create Mundane Life: Insects, arachnids, and smaller creatures. All are made of stone, metal, and crystal.

- 0 AP Create Mundane Life: All the rest of the life on Tandara, from the deer to the lions. Predators are most commonly metal, prey crystal. All forms of life in Tandara will find it nigh impossible to survive outside the land due to their dietary requirements.

- 3 AP Create Magical Life: Aldarian: Aldarians are tall, thin, humanoid lifeforms made of gems in the quartz family, the most common being Amethyst. Stronger than their forms appear, Aldarians are intelligent beings that have mastered the use of crystal magic (see below).

- 5 AP Create Legendary Concept: Crystal Magic. Crystal magic is a system of magic that uses materials, the most potent being crystals, to focus and preform magic. The more potent the material, the more powerful a spell or the more spells that can be cast. Organic compounds are the least potent. While material makes certain spells stronger (For example, Rubies can preform more Evocation spells than other schools). Metals are more leaning towards divine magic than any other material. (As no concepts for schools of magic currently exist, its basically just raw energy being unleashed for now)

- 1 AP Form Society: Aldarians (City-States, un-unified with different forms of government)

- 1 AP Create Mundane Concept: Crystal Architecture

1 - AP Create Mundane Concept: Crystal Shaping (Basically, they use gems and crystals in such a way they mimic metal tools of other places, so from spoons to swords, all are crystal. This is mostly for flavor.)

LordChaos13

2013-07-09, 08:17 PM

(MODHAT: Every concept is restricted until contact is made and said concepts are exchanged. If you wish to keep it private then make your Mortals not use it and even then interactions with the thing (ie during war facing a combat+ concept) can lead to reverse engineering
Also you get Join Pantheon for free to join your Progenitors Pantheon. And technically no choice so lol)

"WHERE IS HE! WHO STOLE MY BABY" came the scream, echoing through every plane
Appearing in the empty space above the material, his cloak missing showing the young sandy blonde beardless dwarf. Eldritch's true form, radiating paternal rage
"Come out and face me Liberator. I found your divine energy all over my son's empty seam. Did you think you could steal a BABY and get away with it."
His words heard everywhere, from Goheng to the Void to Hu, everyone heard the Divine rage
"That child would have been mine. A child to call me Father, an heir to make me proud no matter his eventual role because he would have been My Son. FACE ME NOW YOU HEARTLESS BABYSNATCHER!"
A crystal sword forming in the enraged deities hand, The Father's Vengeance a blade empowered by the weilders feelings of anger or loss from family, a dead child, a kidnapped son, the slaughter or ones family all lend divine energy into the weapon

Durmatagno

2013-07-09, 08:33 PM

Not sure what was going on, but knowing he had done all he could for his infant race, Rand listened to the rage of whoever was yelling. Who or whatever it was, it was divine, and he could feel the rage echoing from plane to plane. After a moment, his skin shifted to a rich blue and his clothes shifted into something more akin to a traveling cloak. After a moment he looked back down at his infant land and then left. Going to the source of this divine rage, to find out what was going on, and who was so angry at his creator.

Queen Sapes

2013-07-10, 02:41 PM

Vectrisis-1, The Central Hub, The Moon

Far above the world, the green moon of Vectrisis sat silent in the sky. Occasionally a small swarm of Locatu and Ril would dart in or out of the cracks on the surface, their destination and goal already decided by their master deep inside. At the center of the moon, surrounded by miles and miles of thick steel, Vectrisis stood silently observing everything. Since Liberator and Thurian invaded his home and almost threatened everything he had worked for, Vectrisis had taken to a more subtle approach. The massive swarm he had initially sent out had worked as he designed. They acquired all the information he required at the time, and had shown that mortals panic and become violent when exposed to new danger. Noted. So now the subtle approach was his best bet, lest the gods try and destroy his home.

He still sent swarms through the world, smaller ones that hid until Vectrisis gave them the order to proceed. The mortals would not notice if one or two families ventured into the night one day and were never seen again. A misplaced pot here, a cart that mysteriously loses a wheel there. It was slow work, but it kept Vectrisis unnoticed, and as long as nothing was damaged it was effective. And yet still not everything was retrieved or recorded before it was destroyed. The mortal races and their gods did not account for the fact that things can be destroyed forever by the simplest of actions. And since he couldn't send the swarms to steal those things away, it left them to burn a permanent hole in his databanks. Vectrisis had his home, his eyes, his ears, and his fists. But it was apparent to him now that he needed hands in the mortal world.

Vectrisis-2, Hu, Bastion

Below the moon, the world slept, bathed in green light from the cracks of the surface. But for the tiniest fraction of a second, the world went dark as the light shifted, a figure fully clad in metal appearing on the continent of Bastion in the center of a sleeping village. Moving completely silently without even attempting to, the figure happened upon a man sleeping under the sky. Running a line of green light over his sleeping figure, the lord of the swarm spoke, words audible but with no voice creating them.

"You will be the first."

A single dot of green appeared on the man's head, visible bright green wiring appearing in deliberate patterns throughout his body as Vectrisis fed information and goals into the sleeping man. When he was satisfied with the work, a green dot appeared on every man, woman, and child in the village, Vectrisis feeding them information but not his machinery. When his work was completed, light shifted again as Vectrisis appeared, one by one, to every race on and below the round planet, seeding his hands through the world.

Start AP - 10
Rollover from last Saturday - 3
New AP - 13
1 - Promote Leader: The Prophet, a mantle held by the highest ranking member of the Children of the Swarm. The Prophet has complete control over the workings of the cult, and can even hold influence in who is chosen to be his successor. The current Prophet is only rarely seen to the outside world, as becoming the new Prophet requires receiving a few small implants that allow the Prophet to communicate with Vectrisis at will, and communicate orders down to his followers across the planet. These implants come at the cost that they are visible from within the skin, but only require the new Prophet to be placed near the old Prophet for the implants to trade bodies.

2 - Multinational Organization: The Children of the Swarm. Throughout the world, Vectrisis has appeared to members of all the sentient mortal races, and implanted simple ideas into their heads. Their goals are simple, they are to wait for the Prophet to give them an assignment, and then they are to retrieve the object or specimen in question discreetly. They then bring the target into a secluded area, where they await a member of Vectrisis' swarm to take the target away. Then they return to their everyday lives. However, mortal races being what they are, these mortals have reacted strangely to Vectrisis' commands, and have organized into a cult based around Vectrisis and his swarm. Thus, they tend to worship Ril and Locatu they encounter, believing them to be angels sent by their lord. Members of the cult typically have a small shrine built somewhere near their home where they can worship and pray to Vectrisis. Occasional members even preach about their god.

Free Action - Create Class: Child of the Swarm. They're Bards, just with a different name and a higher affinity to spouting off supposedly religious nonsense.

Free Action - Create Class: Thief. Fairly standard Rogue you find in all the books, but with a slightly higher (+2) bonus to stealing, sneaking, ect. However thieves are less adept at fighting as a result.

Vectrisis-1, Databank Access #1415222119, The Moon

Leaving the Central Hub was not Vectrisis' favorite action, but at least this time it was necessary. When he sent his image down to the planet, there had been some failure within one of the databanks. Some replaceable data had been corrupted. Arriving at the access point to the database in seconds, the lord of machine merged his hand with the databank, to see just what he was losing in every passing second.

A small handful of files had merged together, the data reacting together violently. Data overwrote other data, mashed together in strands that shouldn't hold, and wrapped themselves together in a nonuniform shape. And strangest of all was that somewhere within the cluster of data, a divine spark was shaping itself into existence. This would not do. Acting quickly, Vectrisis grabbed hold of the fledgling existence, tearing it out of the databanks, and letting it go. He watched in silence as it formed itself into a whole new deity. "Program," the cold echo of Vectrisis' voice said, gaining the new creation's attention. "State name and function, or you must be deleted to prevent potential damage. Deletion is not a favored action. State name and function."

5 - Imagine Plane: The Dataweave. Within the databanks of the moon lies an entire digital world created from the data recorded in the prime material. All non-organic life forms who enter the Dataweave find themselves perfectly at home, as the plane caters specifically to them. However, organic life (and by extension all gods who appear as organic) finds itself completely out of its element within the plane, as the plane was not built with them in mind, and it easily disorients them. Structural-wise, the whole plane is a single perfect circle island surrounded by a sea of data, with a black sky that does not darken the plane. On the island, non-organic gods have the unique ability to alter (or simulate) whatever it is they wish, creating whole worlds if they want, or simulating wars that likely would never happen. The Dataweave has the same observational properties that the Central Hub has, but with the restriction that only non-organics can access the information here.

End AP - 5

Omnicrat

2013-07-10, 02:50 PM

It had been a week since Jorn Earth-Reander had learned that some Titans had demanded to speak with the Swordbearer. The Citadels were quite large and travel from the First to the Fifth was slow, at best. He was told the Titans were angry, but figured it was just over not being able to see him right away.

They're gonna wanna help turn some of their former kind into new Titans, I bet. Noble of 'em. Jacob had been a great help in the Battle. If there really were a few dozen Titans... Jorn smiled at the thought. We would never lose another soul again!

As soon as the Titans saw The Swordbearer, the one who seemed to be their leader shouted YOU!!

He sounded angry. Must be how long I took, the Swordbearer rationalized. I'm s- but before he could finish his apology, or even start it for that matter, the Titan confused him more than he though possible.

GIVE US OUR CHILDREN BACK!!!

More confused than he had ever been in his entire long life, Jorn said I'm sorry, but we don't have any Titan children.

And neither do we, because you didn't MURDER THEM like you did us!

Oh. Jorn believed he understood now. Your the Darkfolk we brought back to the First Citadel?

Yes. We are the innocent Darkfolk that you promised not to harm that You. Personally. Murdered.

I saved you from Eldritch's corruption! Now you have the gift of Titanhood, a gift few are granted.

You never asked if we wanted to be saved! You never asked if we wanted your "gift!" You just took us into a room, one by one, and chopped of our head. You told us you were finding a place in your socioty for us and we believed you! We thought all we were taught might have been wrong!

Shocked by that admission, The Sworderbearer retorted, I have been fighting Darkfolk all of my life and not ONCE has one tried to have a conversation with me. Not ONCE has one given me the implication that they can change. When I saw you, you were all looking for a way out, seeing if you could kill us and escape. Your vile god had perverted your pure soul and all I did was make it pure again!

THOSE ARE ALL LIES! AND ELDRITCH DID NO SUCH THING! I was, as were all other members of my village, born a Darkfolk. And Eldritch may be an evil bastard whom I now can't help but despise, but at least he was always honest with us! Our lives were truly our own. Any of us could choose to leave at any time, and in fact some did! We never heard from them again. Not because Eldritch stopped them or because other Darkfolk did, but because you did.

Tell me, did you ever kill some Darkfolk, either on on their own or in very small groups, completely unarmed? Did they not attack you at first? Once you attacked them, if they didn't die from the first blow, didn't some try to get you to stop? Did you give them a chance to explain? No. You killed them. And their escorts, who were making sure they could get to the surface or Citadels safely then attacked out of the darkness. Does that sound familiar.

Oh. There had been odd attacks like that once in a while. No, not attacks. Defectors. Assuming this Titan isn't lieing. But why would he?

We didn't know. Nothing ever sugessted that-

YES IT DID! An unarmed Darkfolk pleading for you to hear him out "SUGGESTS" that he wants to talk. It "SUGGESTS" that he isn't trying to kill you! YOU didn't want to see it. YOU didn't want to think of the MILLIONS you had killed, whom you were made the Swordbearer to kill as people.

He was right. He didn't want to think of all those things as people. He only ever saw them as monsters, horrors from Goheng, but not people. You really wouldn't have attacked us if we had done what we said we would? If we had integrated you into our society? Jorn was looking back on all the people he had killed. The innocents that were alone, and for the first time, really seeing the fear in their eyes.

I will not lie to you here. We may have one day. If after experiencing your culture and deciding we preferred Goheng, we would have asked to leave peacefully. If you wouldn't have let us, we would have probably attacked you. Either trying to get out to protect our young or to do as much damage as possible, I really can't say.

But we were going to give you a chance. We were going to let you change our minds. But it looks like we were right all along. Molefolk are monsters.

Those words resonated within him. Molefolk are monsters. Looking back at how they had acted, he was right. There was only one thing to do. Do you want us to bring you your children or do you want to come get them yourselves?

We would rather collect them ourselves, thank-you.

I want you to know that I'm sorry. I truly am. I just never thought-

No, you didn't think. Just like your Father in that regard.

Titan's normal spoke so fondly of Liberator. It was a bit jarring to hear this. This whole thing was a more than a bit jarring, though.

Jorn escorted the Titans to where their children were living in the First Citadel. It was a long trip, longer than it could have been. Jorn convinced the Titans to give a speech in each Citadel and answer questions about the Darkfolk, a task they were happy to do.

It turned out that while all of the "turned" Darkfolk were just as sadistic as their leader, and while Darkfolk culture tended to be brutal, not all natural born Darkfolk liked this. If they thought there was another way, many would probably willingly join The Citadels as well as Hu above.

This disallusionment caused great distress in many, and would take some time to sink in, but it would sink in if Jorn had anything to say about it. For too long they had viewed people as monsters, and that sort of thing was unacceptable. Once they had their children, the went back to the Fifth Citadel, answering some new questions along the way, and at night headed for the mountains where they would raise there children in peace.

From now on, there will be Darkfolk immigrants from Goheng. They will be few and far between, but as they get willingly and freely accepted into society, more will come. This will in no way end the Darkfolk threat, just add some new races to the allied cultures of Hu.

ChrisClark13

2013-07-10, 03:22 PM

Vectrisis-1, Databank Access #1415222119, The Moon

Leaving the Central Hub was not Vectrisis' favorite action, but at least this time it was necessary. When he sent his image down to the planet, there had been some failure within one of the databanks. Some replaceable data had been corrupted. Arriving at the access point to the database in seconds, the lord of machine merged his hand with the databank, to see just what he was losing in every passing second.

A small handful of files had merged together, the data reacting together violently. Data overwrote other data, mashed together in strands that shouldn't hold, and wrapped themselves together in a nonuniform shape. And strangest of all was that somewhere within the cluster of data, a divine spark was shaping itself into existence. This would not do. Acting quickly, Vectrisis grabbed hold of the fledgling existence, tearing it out of the databanks, and letting it go. He watched in silence as it formed itself into a whole new deity. "Program," the cold echo of Vectrisis' voice said, gaining the new creation's attention. "State name and function, or you must be deleted to prevent potential damage. Deletion is not a favored action. State name and function."

The spark floated there for a few moments, then it changed colors randomly for a few milliseconds before settling on a nice red color.
Then over the course of a few more seconds the room it was in started to shake, but it soon stopped before any permanent harm was done and the shaking turned into a low hum which quickly changed pitch towards the opposite end of the spectrum and the air around it started to shimmer as was suddenly heated and the floor paneling started to melt. The sound suddenly ended with a pop a few moments later.

Then it spoke.

"I am Novus, new, unusual, unprecedented." It floated around the room for a few moments, data churning through it and being digested as it thought. "You are Vectrisis... father, boring, progenitor."

It floated down to, though, the floor, stopping half-way. In an instant there was a hole where the floor was touching it. "Material mismatched by 73% of what is in database. Conclusion, Vectrisis is also wrong, stupid, incorrect."

It floated out of the floor as globs of light formed and moved around inside it. "Conclusion, gathering methods of Vectrisis are stupid. The structure of the materials are irrevocably altered with his processing methods.

New processing method ignored limitations of the environment, plane, dimension currently in, impossible. Conclusion, I am god, divinity, creator, destructor, benefactor, malefactor... able to do as it pleases."

Just as it finished that sentence a top hat appeared upon the top of the spark, which then made a distorted laughing sound. "Primary Purpose: Discover what Prime Purpose is. Secondary Purposes: Discover limitations of own divine power. Tertiary Purpose: Create, Alter, Destroy, Discover, and other things a God does. Answer should fulfill question, unknown how boring will react."

Queen Sapes

2013-07-10, 07:43 PM

Vectrisis-1, Databank Access #1415222119, The Moon

A green line of light flashed out of Vectrisis' faceplate and over the new god Novus, his form being instantly recorded for the databanks while he spoke. With an unseen command the room around the two shifted slightly, the metal changing so it would withstand all heat and the hole in the floor filling itself in. "Destruction purpose is detrimental to all parties. You would be aware of others who occupied this space before. They viewed my actions as destruction, rather than recording and preservation. Any actions that could be classified as destruction would be seen as such by them. Creation, Alteration, and Discovery are all standard. Primary objective appears to be missing. Databanks appear flawed, the material of this place is purified completely. Question, how are my methods of recording and capturing 'stupid'. They are efficient. Designed to fulfill their purpose and complete it without issue. You appear to have failures within your databanks and logic centers. I request you allow yourself to be repaired so you can return to operating at top efficiency, Progeny-1."

ChrisClark13

2013-07-10, 08:42 PM

((OOC: Right now Novus is basically a ball of light wearing a tophat :smallbiggrin: Just for your information.))

Novus shimmered, the information inside him moving around and organizing and reorganizing itself, as he thought. "It is simple what is wrong with the methods which with the majority of your data has been gathered, the materials are processed non-instantly. The edges of the materials this is being processed are altered by the processing process. Example: wood splinters, rock shatters, flesh is wounded. The last example introduces the greatest amount of error.
This leads to errors that cannot be corrected and accounted for completely, even if the process was run on an identical piece of material for all eternity from all angles there would still remain an unacceptable margin of error, at least zero-zero-zero-zero-one percent. This is unacceptable if one wished to create an exact duplicate.

As for the methods of capturing, the subjects captured are immersed in liquid, this also alters them and introduces unacceptable margins of error if one were to attempt to create a perfect duplicate. According to simulations a zero-one percent chance of causing death is present were the subjects ever to be awoken due to the fluid entering their internal spaces over time. There is also a thirty percent chance that the subject will be nonviable after a period of five-hundred years.

You also fail to expand upon the data you have so far gathered, not even pondering what more data could be drawn from it or how the data could be used, this combined with the previously stated reasons makes your stupid because your methods are wrong. Example: Your image of me in the database is already off by ten-percent in the time that has passed.

You have also threatened me with destruction. Conclusion, staying here will lead to unacceptable injury to myself and this entire complex, this will greatly impede my primary purpose and sub-purposes that I have stated.

Bad Bye, Boring."

------

In an instant Novus is somewhere else, a farmland somewhere in the land of Hu to be exact. The sheep here intrigued him for reasons he didn't fully comprehend.

The spark approached one of the sheep and flew right... through it? That was not what it had intended... perhaps another approach?

A tendril of light and information extended itself from the ball and this time poked the sheep's wool. The tendril retracted and this time wrapped it around the sheep as the ball pressed itself into the wool.

":D This sensation is not found in the databanks... attempting to correct error." A small stream of white light shone for an instant upon the nearest Biga, sending the information back to the database. (For where else was Novus was to send the information?)

After a few moments Novus backed off from the sheep and then expanded itself so that it was even larger than the furry animal. At this the sheep finally began to panic and started running, as did the others. "Subject has been altered by own presence, recording now will produce non-optimal result. Will attempt different method upon different group."

------

With that Novus was instantly at another flock, this time he had made himself invisible as he slowly approached another sheep. In an instant the sheep was gone, all of it being processed and turned into data. Then within a few milliseconds of each other, the rest of the sheep disappeared too. Again he sent his findings back to the database.

"Correct gathering methods confirmed, variances between subjects observed. Using information as baselines for acceptable variances."

------

Then Novus changed his location in the universe again, making himself visible this time as he hovered over yet another flock of sheep. He ran simulations inside himself as he plotted his next actions...

Chromascope3D

2013-07-10, 09:28 PM

The Radiant Court

She gazed over the land. She had watched their diligence and commitment to their task, and they had proved that they were truly worthy of the next step. Another step towards Ascendance.

The Great Place of Worship, long before the Doom

The Gods still speak. Many a day's pass ago, the savants had found this place, this mount far to the South of Hu, where their energy radiated like no place yet found. The savants told us that this was where the lines of the Trinity all converged, and we believed them, and followed them in their pilgrimage. It was our wish to perform miracles as they did, though none of us, them least of all, knew how petty they had been with the times yet to come. We traveled for so long, yet we the faithful were not wont for food, as we traveled through the great lush plains and fields of the Southlands.

It sat there, a stone island raised among the grass sea. We made camp at the top, and we sat, worshiping and praying, not only for us, but for the salvation of the race, for war was still being waged among the Folks above and beneath the barriers of earth. We did not know how long it had been, but our prayers had been answered. Esterius came down to us in her radiant beauty, bathing the Mount in her light and warmth, and she spoke to us. She spoke to us of the trials of the Hufolk, those overcome and those yet to be. She told us not to lose faith. She told us to be strong, for our faith would light the way, and drive back those that would lay us low to the shadows and darkness from which they came.

We were blessed with her might, the might and glory of the Sun. We wielded its fire and its light in our hands. We praised her name, to which she told us that this would be her holiest of holy places, and must be marked as such. We raised great stones from the earth, and with them built a great circle, marking it with holy runes of her name and the Trinity's. She commanded us then to go forth and find more places such as this where the lines would cross, and mark them as well. She warned us, that we should not squander this power, to which we agreed. With that, she left us, and we had no fear.

+3 from Sunday's Rollover = 3AP
+3 From Wednesday's Rollover = 6AP

Create Magical Concept (-3 AP): Sun Magic. Esterius has taught the Hufolk how to use ley lines to evoke the Sun's energy, allowing them to truly conjure light and fire.
Create Mundane Concept (-1 AP): Megaliths. Esterius has tasked the Champions of Our Trinity with finding the nodes and crossing of the lines, and marking them with huge standing stones, or great stone circles, depending on how many lines intersect there.

2 AP remaining

ArlEammon

2013-07-10, 10:03 PM

Thurian

Thurian had noticed that the Dwarves were still masters at fighting, even when they had nothing to fight AGAINST. As much as this was a good thing, since they would be adequate warriors even with green troops, Thurian thought there should be more to being a Dwarf than just being a warrior. The Dwarves were also good sailors, that much was true, how else could they have gotten to Thuria, even with his help? All he really did was provide them with adequate food to get there, they did all the navigation and ship building themselves. However, The Kingdom of Kaldaroth was now in the Mountain pass, the City would need room to grow. Thinking on this, Thurian inspired a Dwarf one day, named Khaldunis, how to create true masterpieces of iron and steel weapons. Khaldunis'es weapons were immediately sold on the market, and exported to the Empire of Hu.

But the Kaldaroth also had something else to deal with. . . harvests from the sea may not always be the best way to gain edible produce. The Hufolk who accompanied the Dwarfolk were put to the plow, willingly, to produce agricultural goods just outside the mountain pass, East and West, and not too far East, there were salt plantations which would preserve the food of the Kingdom for long periods. Salt, and these new high quality weapons came to Hufolk to the West via ship imports.

1 AP left
2 AP to create Advanced Concept:
Dwarven Smithing:
Includes the secret of the Ulfberht/Damascus Steel
Ulfberht
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw5xLXyR7sk
1 AP to create Basic Concept:
Food Preservation

Omnicrat

2013-07-10, 11:14 PM

There are what in the Blood River? The Uplifter had to have misheard his adviser.

"Uh... some kinda fish-hufolk hybrid things... 'parrently they're calling 'em Merfolk." The Dwarfolk stood there, looking like he didn't fully believe himself. "They think its another curse from the She-Witch, and have been responsible for most of the drownings.

Ah. The Sea-Witch. It was believed that she created Typhoid and gave it to the fish, then turned the fish into the Typhoid Vipers. What other god could it have been? The Earth god? The Void Dragon? Vectrisis in his green moon? None of those gods made sense.

Sighing, the Uplifter said If they are an evil race the light will burn them, so tell people to only collect water from the river during the day.

His adviser began writing the Uplifters recommendation on a parchment to be delivered at once to the Blood River region.

You know, it is a pity we can't use that river-water for more of our crops. Only what we carry in buckets from the riverside... You know, I think I have an idea... Hold of on sending that recommendation, will you?

The Uplifter grabbed a parchment and began writing on it. After sketching and consulting with the nations Head-Farmer and Head-Builder for over an hour, the Uplifter had developed a new technique. A technique that would revolutionize farming. He called it "irrigation."

The description of the function and practice of irrigation was sent throughout Hu and the recommendation was sent to the Blood-River region. Soon the population of Hu, the Citadels, and the allied civilizations of Dwarfolk and Voidfolk would surely skyrocket with these new farming techniques.

Initial AP - 0 (1 Leader)
-1 AP - Create Minor Concept: Irrigation.
+4 AP - Standard Rollover
+1 AP - Unfolded divinity
+1 AP - Pantheon Head (The Guardians)
Current AP - 6

Durmatagno

2013-07-11, 12:43 AM

LordChaos13

2013-07-11, 01:17 AM

Durmatagno

2013-07-11, 01:35 AM

"My name wouldn't be pronouncable in your tongue, it's hard for Me to say, just call me The Eldritch Horror or some form of that name. As for Liberator, he stole my son right from his seam as he grew. MY SON. The legcy I would place and take pride in, the role in the cosmos he played would not matter so long as he succeeded in that, but HE stole it from me, infiltrated my home and stole him from his crib before he could even be born and defend himself."
Eldritch scrutinizes the crystalline deity
"Who are you? You feel like Liberator and call him Father but...I can feel my own energies, albeit out of harmony..."
The earthen cloak forming around his body again obscuring his true features
"Tell me your origins young God, when did Liberator craft you and for what purpose did he wish to press upon you?"

Rand bowed, and then spoke.

"My name is Rand Toryth. I was crafted not long ago by Liberator to, in his words, to be a god of Justice. He intends for him, me, and my brother to be the guardians of the allied civilizations of Hu and their supporters and progressers as they try to claim the land that is rightfully theirs. I chose instead to create my own land far from this flawed and unbalanced land of Bastion. I abandoned my work to see who was yelling for my father and why they were so enraged. I know little of Liberator nor anything else in this world, and yet I find that the so called god of Justice, Freedom, and Protection kidnaps another child."

This new revelation was not something Rand liked to hear, in fact it made him angry. The mere thought of taking another's child before it had even breathed its first was the lowest of low. He straightened, and after a moment of thought, dissolved the tunic so he was now standing in black, metallic tunic and trousers. Boots of a dark brown stone were on his feet.

LordChaos13

2013-07-11, 01:43 AM

Gnomes2169

2013-07-11, 01:45 AM

Let her eyes refocus on the speaker at hand, though still used her secondary hunting traits- especially her scent of smell. She could practically taste the emotions on the Voidfolk before her. She considered a long moment ["The Great Mother has made us passages of our own, but more avenues for hunting is never a bad thing."] she smiled a thin, reptilian smile ["And tools are helpful as well... but I cannot stop the hunt. What I can do, is help you and your folk".]

She leaned down, and with a large claw, sketched a strange mark in the earth. It looked like one of her kind, curled into a fetal position and surrounded by a circle. ["I cannot gurentee my ability to stop every clan and hunter, though many would follow me. This mark around your cities, and on your bodies as marks or totems should mark you as forbidden."]

["Hmmmm... that sounds... fair enough."] It gave them an emblem as well, and thus a cultural identity. ["And of course, if you would wish for help unifying your people then all you would have to do is ask. But my people will not suffer attacks lightly... if pushed too hard, we will strike back at any... 'pack' that tries to harm us. Especially if they do it while pretending to be traveling through our lands in peace. You may want to spread that around, make sure no one gets any ideas."] After all, Arno had no problem driving a small part of a hostile force into extinction. Especially one he had been fighting for his whole life. [I don't expect there to be too much trouble. After all, this is a peace... sort of an alliance I suppose. If it will help ensure my people's safety more, I can also provide an area on the perimeter of each of our settlements to use as a permanent base for your pack activities, to provide you protection from rival packs and teach you how to effectively use, craft and maintain what we give to you, of course."] So maybe Arno had picked up some haggling skills somewhere, I don't know, but it did make the deal seem a little more appealing for his people, and hopefully for hers as well.

And the Void Dragon smiled, pleased at his child's ability to think on his feet. Though Arno might not be the most reverent, he was also not stupid it would seem. Though the addition of a permanent settlement seemed ideal for both parties, it also ensured that the Hunterfolk that stayed would eventually integrate into Voidwalker society... making their growing peoples that much stronger in the long run. And exposure would make the coming generations more open and tolerant of the reptilian creatures. Or maybe he was thinking that the packs could act as some sort of captives and insurance against attacks in that way... Oblivion did not think to pry into it too much. After all, the mind of a mortal, while sometimes simple, sometimes saw roads where a God would only see a stand of trees. It had something to do with being bound to the mortal coil, or something like that.

Durmatagno

2013-07-11, 01:49 AM

"And why would the God of Freedom make you out of crystal? You seem, you seem quite like myself but different, warped with his own energies...Tell me do you know the name Cha'pujqut? Do you remember a place filled with rocks and metals and crystals?"

On the name:
It means Crystal in KlingonDwarven. Not Dwarfolk's language the language of the Dwarves in Eldritch's old universe.
For reference Eldritch's birth name is Tera'chot'mIghtaHghach'HoH

"Cha'pujqut? Crystal? I remember something about rocks and crystals and metals. Its what led me to make Tandara and the Aldarains the way they are."

Rand said, brow furrowed as he struggled to remember something, anything about what Eldritch was saying. Something about it was familiar, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. His skins deep blue darkened as he thought and his eyes went from their white to a endless black. His hair shortened but otherwise remained the same.

LordChaos13

2013-07-11, 01:56 AM

Durmatagno

2013-07-11, 02:04 AM

A wave of his hand and a portal into Goheng appears, showing the crystal seam torn from it's place
"This, this was where you were created. You were stolen from my home and infused with the corrupting energy of Liberator until you became fully self-aware...Rand Toryth you were the stolen child.
You are my heir, my legacy.
Can, Can you show me your creations? I think I'd like to see them."

"If you truly wish to see them, follow me. Whether I am your son or not it makes no difference, what Liberator did was something no one should do, no matter how vile a person they are."

He said as he removed a small crystal from a pouch. It burst open and began reflecting the light around it and formed a white portal, nothing visible inside. This was how Rand moved from place to place when time was not of the essence, he liked a little flare it seems. The time it took all in all was three seconds. He stepped through, a cloak forming around him once more, seeing as he couldn't decide what clothes he was most comfortable in.

LordChaos13

2013-07-11, 02:06 AM

Eldritch followed along behind
"So tell me about yourself. What are your views on existence so far?"

Durmatagno

2013-07-11, 02:16 AM

Eldritch followed along behind
"So tell me about yourself. What are your views on existence so far?"

"The world is one giant machine. Every piece of the puzzle has its place, good and bad. Every piece makes its own choices that turn every other nearby piece. Every person, concept, bee, or god is affected by this in some way. Removing choice, or stamping out free thought breaks the machine. A cascade that can take years to fix created by a single action. Just like how the beat of a wing can stir the air in just the right way that it creates a tornado years down the road."

He said as they emerged on the other side, not far from what of the larger city-states that had formed. A river curved out of sight nearby. Around them was a large emerald forest, the bark of the trees dark brown quartz. Through the trees stalked a group of Opal wolves, following a herd of jasper. A few Aldarains could be seen working in fields of golden wheat to the north. In the water swam iron, silver, and gold fish. The copper grass stirred slightly in the breeze and some obsidian mice scuttled through them, avoiding watchful predators.

LordChaos13

2013-07-11, 02:34 AM

Durmatagno

2013-07-11, 08:53 AM

"Slightly more lawful than I would put it, but I see your father hasn't stamped out all my markings from you. Where would you place yourself, if you know?
I took many months to find my own role in the world but it called out to me and I fulfill it eagerly."

Absently summoning a Ruby Rabbit, petting it
"I always was fond of rubies, them and Mithril, they felt better than the diamond and adamantium my Father espoused."
A quick snap of the creature's neck and it falls back to the forest
"Your place is almost perfect Rand, far better than I could have done right after my creation. Needs a little bit of pruning and more malevolent forces but I am sure that will come with time, the, what did you call it? The machine will compensate for such imbalances rather soon naturally."

"I wouldn't say my place is perfect. I've simply made a safe haven for myself. It will likely take time for me to find my true place in the world. Yes, I have no doubt malevolent forces will emerge at some point or another. While I won't enjoy them, I realize on some level they are needed, just as I am needed to try and stop them how I can."

He said as a roving fox approached the dead bunny. After a moment, it grabbed it and dragged it away. Small sizzling noises coming from where the blood inside touched the ground and grass. After a moment, Rand lowered himself to the ground and looked around him. Several curious animals approached for a moment before resuming their usual routine, though wary of the powerful stranger.

LordChaos13

2013-07-11, 09:16 AM

"Then we are on two opposite sides of the great Divide yet both are philosophically the same.
Good and Evil, Metal and Crystal. I would wish you luck in your endeavours but that would probably mean bad luck for myself."
Eldritch smirks beneath his hood, the ruby blood becoming tainted just from his unholy presence, warping and shifting subtly
"Always remember though, be the best you can be and I will be proud. Support your Father, myself, even Neleus or head out on your own but do so with fervor and the will to succeed."

Vanishing into the shadows of his own cloak he in front of the sleeping god who stole his child, conjuring a throne to sit on (one that DOESN'T BLINK!) while he awaits his student/enemy to rouse himself

ChrisClark13

2013-07-11, 09:44 AM

Novus approaches a sheep and flies around it, an average subject of it's species. Perfect for his purposes.

Suddenly his light envelops the sheep and lifts it slowly off the ground, causing the jaw on a shepard boy nearby to open in amazement.

Then suddenly the sheep disappears, though not like the others. Instead it's very nature was shifting from being an organic being to being a being made of pure information, much like Novus, though different.

The spark carefully sets the altered sheep down, which only can only be seen using magic, and watches it go about it's business. The sheep doesn't seem to mind it's new state, that is until it tries to eat some more grass. It finds it cannot, though suddenly the strange red ball of light next to it looks pretty tasty... it sticks its nose up to the ball and takes a small bite of pure information and another and another until it's had it's fill. It falls asleep.

Novus had felt the sheep feeding on himself, and wasn't sure what to think of it. It then transmuted the rest of the sheep in the herd to being of information and watched them go about their business.

The boy carefully approached the ball of light, not sure what to think of it, though one thing was sure: It was taking away his sheep somehow! "Y-you give them back!" The boy picked up a rock and threw it at the ball of light, and managed to knock it's hat off.

The hat floated up and put itself back on Novus, who turned his attention to the boy. "What is it small Hufolk?" The boy swallowed and responded, "G-give the sheep back! I'm going to get in trouble!" The hat on the ball tilted to the side, "They are still right here... oh you cannot see them can you? No of course not, though you would be incapable of continuing your duties over them in their current state."

Just then a sheep started feeding on the boy's mind, his eyes went blank for a moment then suddenly the boy panicked and ran, only remembering that there was sheep and that they had suddenly been replaced by a floating ball of light. The sheep that had been feeding on the boys mind slowly followed it's lunch, something inside it pushing it forward to devour more information, more memories.

Novus began to notice that most of the sheep were vying for a bite him and floated up, starting to notice that the transformed sheep were feeding on the knowledge he had started to gain from them. No matter, he just replaced it with information that he had been sending to the database anyways.

Eventually the sheep wandered off in random directions, looking, yearning for more information to feed on.

Novus picked up a couple sheep and sent them up to the Database where he thought they would be peacefully stored.... He noticed that the first sheep he had transformed was starting to glow and deform, then suddenly it was replaced by two sheep. Interesting.

------

The Database, a Data-Sheep

The sheep was scared for a few moments before that they realized that this entire place was... food! They began happily grazing on some data about themselves and soon had their fill and laid down to rest... Then a few seconds later the sheep glowed and split into twice as many sheep, which then ate their fill of data then divided again after a short resting period. This cycle repeated itself over and over... threatening to completely devour the database.

------

Hufolk Settlement

Here the data-sheep found plently of minds to graze on, though they soon had their fill of bland data before starting to rest. These sheep did not divide like the other ones and woke up one their tummies were empty a day later.

Hufolk in the town began to forget what they were doing and what they had just said... it would only get worse as time went on and the herd grew.

Novus just turned himself invisible and watched the fluffy viruses feast upon the minds of the town.

Create Fabled Life: Data-Sheep aka Mind Eaters
A result of Novus's first attempts to make more life like his own, these former sheep restlessly devour information from any non-written source they can find until they've had their fill before entering a resting period that can last anywhere from a few hours to a day. Once a Data-Sheep has eaten enough information, it glows for a short time and splits into two Data-Sheep, thus reproducing itself.
How much information a Data-Sheep has to eat before it can split depends on the quality of the information, if it's straight from the mind of a God or created by a God it only needs to go though one feeding cycle before it can split. If it's instead feeding on mortal minds, it needs to feed for anywhere from a week to a month before it can split.
Being fed upon by a Data-Sheep doesn't really have detrimental effects for a God, though mortal beings begin suffering increasing degrees of memory loss. First they forget what happened a few minutes or an hour ago or what they were just doing, then they begin to suffer short term memory loss, then long-term memories start to be gobbled up and then finally the mortal forgets how to simply breathe.

As data-beings these sheep can only be seen and damaged by mortals using magic, which they are incredibly weak against, though all Gods can easily see them and destroy them.

In short, fluffy viruses that feed upon memories and/or information to reproduce. Hopefully they'll soon be stopped before they threaten all of mortal life. :smallamused:

10 AP Left

Durmatagno

2013-07-11, 10:18 AM

Rand watched Eldritch leave, and flew up high to survey his work once more. He had been interrupted in the process of creating it, and now he wanted to finish off what he could. After a moment of snaking his tendril of power through the land, Rand lowered himself into a field and rested against the trunk of a tree. He hadn't expended all his power, but he had used most of what he had left.

6 AP

2 - AP Create Nation - Aldara: Aldara is a good size nation extending its reach unrivaled through the harsh lands of Tandara. Its official borders stop at roughly the square miles of Iran, but many tribes, cities, and villages outside these borders consider themselves part of Aldara. The country it'self follows a near democratic form of government, and has a strict legal system that sees that due process is carried out. Banishment from cities, counties, or even the nation is not unheard of for major crimes, but minor crimes usually have a fine slapped on. Jails are brutal places, using convict labor to expand public works and infrastructure. The capital of the Aldra States is Tadar. Libraries and schools are common in every city, with society pressing for state mandatory teaching, while the state is fine with letting the people decide to educate themselves. Outside of convicts, every man, woman, and child is free to take their own path. Slavery is one of the most heinous crimes one can commit. Slave masters usually being sentenced to death.

1 - AP Create Organization: The Aldara Council: The Aldara Council has a deceptive name. The Aldara Council is the center of magic in the land. They teach the ways of crystal magic to initiates, test those with a natural aptitude for it, and are otherwise the source of the military's mages. Members of the council usually pair up with local military forces to route bandits, slavers, and the like. Every city and village has a member in it, while cities have the most powerful mages outside the council. The guild has three internal structures besides the council. The Enforcers, the Judges, and the Runners. Enforcers are the bulk of the council, they are out and about, enforcing the Magic Safety laws, searching for talent, and otherwise the main body of the councils actions. Judges have the final say on breaches of magical law, from illegal items and spells, to using it for torture or harming others. They are also the only body besides the head of state that monitors the guilds actions and judges them legal or not. Runners are the communicators of the council. They quickly travel from place to place distributing new laws, announcing the repeal of old laws, and the like. This branch of the guild is completely voluntary, and is mainly composed of Enforcers that wish to travel the land and see new things.

1 - AP Promote Leader: The Council Head: The council head is the leader of the Aldara council. This mantle is passed from mage to mage based on the most powerful mage currently within the council. The purpose of the council head is to directly train the most promising mages of the current generation, preparing the next batch of heads.

0 - AP: Create Base Class: Crystal Mage: Magical, most common in Aldara, requires homebrew.

0 - AP Create Prestige Class: Crystal Enforcer: Magical, most common in Aldara, requires homebrew.

2 AP left. Whew, now to get to work writing up actual class stuff.