Londorthell - (Dawn of Worlds IC)

[Surgate]

Londorthell


Two alternate universes collided from within the vast void of the Multiverse, and from their touch, a new singularity separated itself into a newly born universe. In the beginning, there was the light. This light manifested matter from eternal energy, and these stars spread across creation, and summoned material with their very presence.

Many millions of years transpired when the dust and gas surrounding and caught between two suns, bronze and yellow, accumulated enough rock and ice to form Londorthell's shell. And millions more passed before their gaze melted the once completely frozen planet.

Some say this moment marks the awakening of the Gods, while others are dubious they ever slept to awaken in the first place. No one can say with certainty, for even the gods themselves aren't sure. What is certain is that each and all of their wills shaped the destiny of the planet and its people.

***
This is the IC thread for the aforementioned Dawn of Worlds game. The first turn begins at 5pm GMT on 21 Jun 2014 and end 48 hours later, or once everybody's posted, whichever is first. *If you are just itching to get a post in before tmrw, by all means power roll and post your awakening,*

Each turn lasts 48 hours by default. The first turn's length is spelled out above; the second turn, and all later turns, will end either when everyone has posted, or the first time the clock strikes 5pm GMT once it has been at least 48 hours since the turn started.

During a turn, roll 2d6 for your power roll, +1 for each consecutive turn which you ended with 5 or fewer points. Then, spend points according to the Powers Table to manifest powers with which your deity or pantheon can shape the world to their will.

Half the fun comes from the fluff as opposed to crunch. If you post only mechanics, and have not posted any kind of fluff text before the end of the turn, your actions that turn will not take effect (though you will retain the points that would otherwise have been spent). If you don't even post, you won't have made a power roll so you will not get any points (though if you were under 5 points, you will still retain however much of that bonus you had gathered).


Power
First Age
Second Age
Third Age


Shape Land, 1"
3
5
8


Shape Climate, 1"
3
5
8


Create Life
0
0
0


Create Race
22
6
15


Create Subrace
12

4
10


Create Hybrid Race

11
3
9


Command Race

8
4
3


Command City°

4
2
1


Advance Race

10
4
6


Advance City

8
3
5


Ingrain/Inherit Advancement

2
3
4


Create Order

8
6
4


Create World

7
7
7


Create Avatar

10
7
8


Command Avatar°

2
1
1


Create Demigod

7
5
9


Command Demigod°

4
2
1


Event

10
5
5


Create Template

10
5
5


Catastrophe, 1"
10
10
10




° Only once per target per turn.

Shape Land: This power allows the creation, modification, or destruction of mountains, seas, deserts, steppes, bottomless fiery pits, any land form or sea form the player cares to name. It affects territory within a "1 inch" diameter area. While it cannot strictly speaking create life, it can be used in conjunction with Create Life to generate biomes.
Shape Climate: This power affects weather patterns in a 1" area to a far more profound degree than what Shape Land is capable of, such as creating a permanent hurricane on top of an island, preventing rain from ever landing on a particular desert, making an area rain blood and salt every winter solstice, even locking the air and water currents in an area of ocean into eternal motionlessness, or anything else that a player could dream up. This power affects a 1" area, like Shape Land. This power can also be used in conjunction with Create Life towards a separate effect.
Create Life: This power creates animals, plants, and other life forms beneath the direct attention of the gods. It cannot grant a direct mechanical benefit - an Advancement might be based on the exploitation of a particular life form, but this is pure flavour text and does not make it better or worse than a different Advancement which has no such dependence.
Create Race: This power effects the creation of one race (a mother race), such as a race of magma-elementals, a race of desert-dwelling dust men, a race of rat-people, or anything else you could imagine. Within reason, the more details given concerning a race's appearance, biology, social structure, and capabilities, the better. Each race must be given a starting point in a world where they begin to build their civilization.
Create Subrace: This power is used for the creation of new races descending from an existing race. For example, elves may be split into wood elves, then desert elves, then cave elves, each being it's own respective race. Any number of subraces can exist, having split off of a single mother race. Subraces can inherit the ingrained technologies of their ancestors; see Ingrain/Inherit Advancement for more information.
Create Hybrid Race: Via this power, two races are brought together to create a new race, half of one and half of the other. For example, nephilim might be the result of humans and angels intermingling. Any two mother races can be brought together to create a hybrid. Unlike with subraces, the creators of each mother race, as well as the actual creator of the hybrid, can command the hybrid race without an Order. Hybrid races can inherit the ingrained technologies of their ancestors; see Ingrain/Inherit Technology for more information.
Command Race: Via this power, a god can, either subtly or directly, influence a race to action. A god can use this power on any race they have directly created, any hybrid race descended from a race they directly created, or any race which has contained one of their Orders for a full round (even if the Order has been captured by their enemies). This can do any of the following:
Found City: This action is just as it sounds: it directs the race to found a city of some sort. A city can fit any description, but is always a population centre large enough to attract the notice of the gods.
Expand City: This action increases the size of a city's population and buildings. It is functionally identical to creating a second city in the same location as the first, save that both (or all) cities benefit when one is targeted with Advance City, both (all) cities count from any Structure belonging to either (any) of them, both (all) cities count as one single unified object for the purpose of Armies and Demigods attacking or defending them, and that if they (any) are of the same race, both (all such) cities benefit when one or the other executes a Trade agreement or uses a Political Maneuver to steal technology. A city belonging to one race can be Expanded by a different race; this represents an immigrant population of such great numbers that the city belongs almost as much to the newcomers as the founders. An Expanded city with multiple races can Trade with itself to spread all the technologies to all its members, but this takes one Trade action from each race's bit of the city.
Settle Territory 1": This action creates a large settled area, a "1 inch" diameter circle which has either a significant population of permanent residents, or is so heavily travelled as to amount to the same thing from a god's eyes. This settled territory grants a few benefits - it allows secure trade routes, including sea lanes and the like across areas which cannot literally be settled, and it can obstruct enemy armies, forcing them to attack the territory and any defenders it may have to pass through it and attack anything on the other side of it.
Create Wonder: This action directs the creation of some magnificent creation, be it a weapon, a city-sized library, a brilliant form of entertainment, some type of magic talisman which is mass produced and betters the lives of the entire race, or anything else the god could dream up. Wonders in the form of great buildings benefit all members of the race which created them; Wonders in the form of single weapons or artefacts benefit only one army or city at a time, but can be passed between consenting parties instantly at no cost whatsoever; and mass-produced Wonders benefit anyone who could plausibly get their hands on a copy of them.
Ingrain Advancement: This can only be performed by the creator of a race which possesses at least one Advancement of its own (i.e. gained through Advance Race, not through Trade or Event or Political Maneuver). It causes the Technology to become a defining part of the race's identity. The benefit of this is that, whenever a race is counting Technologies for any reason, their own Ingrained Technologies count as two Technologies each. A race can only ever have three (3) ingrained technologies, and once ingrained, there is no going back.
Inherit Advancement: This can only be performed by the creator of a Hybrid Race or Subrace. If at least one of the mother races from which that race is descended has at least one Ingrained Advancement, the hybrid or subrace can inherit one such Advancement, gaining it at no further cost and counting it as one of its own Ingrained Advancements. This does count towards the limit of three; as such, some hybrids and subraces will refuse the traits of their ancestors, preferring to forge their own identity.
Command City: This power directs one single city to do something. A god can use this only on cities owned by a race they can Command, or cities which their armies have cut off from all the other gods (see Raise Army, below). This can have one of the following effects:

Raise Army: This action results in the city raising one army, which can take any form the creator desires. An army lasts until defeated in combat. Only the god who ordered the creation of an army can give it instructions. Instructing an army requires no action, and takes immediate effect unless they have been specifically obstructed by some means. An army can attack or defend a city, a territory, an order, an avatar, a demigod, a wonder, another army, or any other object that might come up, but cannot attack in the same turn in which it created unless specifically granted the ability by Political Maneuver, Event, or Miracle. An army can attack any location they could logically gain access to. Unless the target of an attack is defended by a Demigod or an Army, or is itself a Demigod or an Army, the attack is successful, destroying territories, armies, and demigods, and capturing all other objects.
An army can defend any object that consents to the defence, or which they have already captured by Attacking it. An army which has defended an object for a full turn, or which is defending an object that they conquered earlier in the same turn, can cut off the object they are protecting from all gods except the one which commands the Army. This prevents any other god from commanding the defended object. This effect is all-or-nothing, however - you cannot allow some gods to command the object while forbidding others to do the same. It also requires that only one god's Armies are defending the object when the decision is made.
Should two armies come into conflict with one another, each player rolls 2d6, adding +1 for each appropriate advancement the army's native race might have, +1 for each appropriate wonder or structure that might help the army, +1 to the defending army, -1 for each battle previously fought by the army in the same round, and -1 for each defenseless object previously attacked by the army in the same round. The winner of the roll wins the battle and can then immediately be instructed to take another action. The loser of the roll, on the other hand, is destroyed. In the event of a draw, both armies are destroyed. *"Can have no more than +15 from bonuses*
Political Maneuver: This action causes the leadership of the city being commanded to influence the world to some end. This action is left intentionally open-ended, so the player can invent new options as the game is played, but as a guide to its power level it can detain an army for 1d6 rounds, allow an army to attack on the same turn as it was created, deny an order the +1 power point it gives to its god, reverse the effect of a previous political maneuver, or steal an advancement from another city. Political maneuvers rarely go unopposed - when the maneuver is declared, the maneuvering city and the defending city or order each roll 1d6 plus an additional +1d6 for each applicable advancement, wonder, or structure that might help the cities involved in the political maneuver. If the defender wins, the maneuver is wasted. At their option, the god commanding the defending city can yield to the maneuver, causing it to succeed, even if the dice have already been rolled.
Trade: This action directs the city to initiate a trade agreement with another city. In order for this trade agreement to be possible, it must be possible to draw a line on the game map from the one city to the other which goes through only easily travelled terrain, and which goes through no more than 1" of unsettled territory. In addition, if the only trade route between the cities passes through territory which an Army or Demigod is defending, that Army or Demigod may prevent the trade from taking effect. If these requirements are met, the trade agreement allows Advancements and Wonders to be traded between the cities. For example, suppose one city was advanced in woodwork and the other had a wonder which produced perfect diamonds. A player choose this action could suggest, as part of the manifestation of Command City, "Woodwork for Diamonds" as the end result. If the other player consents to this arrangement, then he merely needs to manifest Command City to accept, and both cities would now have both the Woodworks advancement and the benefit of the Diamonds Wonder. Any number of items can be included in a trade agreement, so five technologies/wonders could be offered on both sides with only a single manifestation of Command City. However, once agreed upon, the deal is complete and final - though the cities may make later trade agreements to trade more technologies and more wonders.
Create Structure: This action directs the creation of some magnificent location or structure in the city targeted. This has the effect of a Wonder, but can only benefit armies and Political Maneuvers originating from the city in which it was built, and can never be traded away or donated to another faction.

Advance Race: This power causes a Race to gain expert knowledge of a given science or magic. So long as that race persists, it will always be the greatest in this field, and no other race can be advanced with a tech of the same name, though the tech can be traded via Command City or stolen with Political Maneuver or Event. Other races can still utilize the technology in flavour text, but must steal it mechanically to gain the bonus.
Advance City: This power functions much like Advance Race, except it only applies to a single city - albeit to all races within that city, unlike an advancement stolen by Political Maneuver. If the city is destroyed outright, the advancement is lost, and no longer benefits any already created armies of that city.
Create Order: A god uses this power to create an order of people within a race. An order can be a major organization of any sort, be it a religious sect, a military force, or even a guild of some description. Whatever the order's form, it embeds the god's will into the world, making it easier to perform further wonders. The effect of this is to grant the god owning the order a +1 to their power rolls each turn, and to allow them to command the race in which the order exists if they could not do so before. However, a god may only have one Order in each race, and may not claim a greater bonus than +6 to power rolls from all their Orders combined.
Create World: Through this power, the god creates a plane which only they can directly affect. When they make this world, they immediately decide upon it's size, terrain, and weather, effectively manifesting both Shape Land and Shape Climate upon it in the same turn; thereafter, however large it might be, it can be covered completely by any power the creating god manifests which affects a 1" area. Similarly, all cities within this world count as being within 1" of eachother, and can thus Trade unless the intervening territory is defended by a hostile army or Demigod. The god who created this world receives a 1 point discount on any power other than Advance Race or Create Life which he directs at the interior of the world, while other gods are unable to directly affect it, finding that only their Events and their Command powers (Command Race/City/Demigod/Avatar) will work there. However, this plane is far removed from the main world, or any other world, so any creation that lives in this world is not capable of interacting with those that live on other worlds, unless some power, such as an Event, brings them into another world. The same works in reverse as well, so Events are required for anything from another world to travel into and then interact with this plane. A god can create any number of such worlds, but each time he or she makes a new one, it costs 2 extra points for every other plane he has created.
Create Avatar: Through this power, the god creates an embodiment of their divine will in the world. This embodiment could be a major figure in history, such as a dynasty ruling a nation or a colossal landmark such as a giant tree, or they could be simple, innocuous figures, such as a lone wanderer on the road or a network of shrines dispersed through a nation. A god can have up to four (4) avatars, but each time he or she makes a new one, it costs 5 extra points for every other avatar he has. If slain or wiped out, an avatar may be resurrected or reestablished by the creating player for 5 points.
Command Avatar: A god can, once per turn per avatar he possesses, command that avatar to take action. An avatar so commanded can perform one of the following actions:

Command City: This action functions exactly like the power of the same name.
Create Order: This action functions exactly like the power of the same name.
Command Race (Create/Expand City): This action is just as it sounds: it directs the avatar to direct a race to found a city of some sort, or expand an already existing city. It requires that the god be able to command the race which is creating or expanding a city.
Create Race: Any particular avatar may only take this action once, though it functions exactly like the power of the same name.
Miracle: This action is, in a way, a miniature Event. Via this action, the avatar manifests a portion of its divine power. To give an idea of its power, through the use of a Miracle, a Wonder could be stolen, hidden away, or banished to another plane; a Structure could be demolished or rebuilt; a breeding population of one race, though not a city or an army, could be transported from one plane to another; an attacking army - though not a Demigod - could reroll their dice in combat, taking the better of the two rolls; a defending army could be forcibly teleported away from the object they are defending, to another place within the same world; or any other occurrence of a similar power level to those.

Create Demigod: Through this power, the god adds a lesser divine being into the world as its servant. A god can have any number of demigods in the world, though if one is defeated in combat by an army or another demigod, it is lost as a demigod. Mechanically, a demigod can be one of the following types:
Achilles: The most common variety of Demigod, the Achilles is both the weakest and the most difficult to destroy. The Achilles rolls 4d6 in combat, but even if it loses a combat, unless it rolled a flat 4 on the dice or an Event was used to rig the combat roll, it manages to survive and only be forced to retreat from that combat. If the combat is due to an object it defends being attacked and it is forced to retreat, it is no longer protecting the object and must be commanded to do so again.
Black Knight: An inspiring, but seemingly mortal leader, the Black Knight rolls 4d6 if directly involved in combat, and gains the "Lead the Charge" use of Command Demigod.
Cherubim: Incapable of offense, but incredibly strong, the Cherubim rolls 8d6 in combat, but loses the "Terrorize" use of Command Demigod.
Fenrir: A tool of pure destruction, the Fenrir rolls 6d6 in combat, and can be Commanded as many times as its master dares, but can perform no action other than Terrorize.

Command Demigod: Via this power, the god instructs the demigod to perform one of the following actions:

Terrorize: This action directs the demigod to act as an army for one round and to attack one army or territory. A demigod does not roll 2d6, like armies, however, and instead rolls the combat roll specified in it's Demigod types listing, never adding or subtracting anything from the roll. Terrorize allows the demigod to act on the attack for one round, but it always acts as a defending army when being attacked. The Cherubim cannot use this function of Command Demigod. The Fenrir, on the other hand, can be commanded as often as its creator desires, costing 1 point each time, but can only use this function of Command Demigod.
Lead the Charge: The Black Knight can ally itself with a targeted army, offering it a +2d6 bonus to combat until the Black Knight is ordered to deatch from that army. However, if the army is defeated while the Black Knight is allied with it, the Black Knight is killed, as though it had lost a combat. Only one Black Knight can be allied with any given army at a time.
Capture: This is practically identical to Terrorize, but can be targeted at an object other than territory or armies, resulting in that object's capture if all defenders are destroyed. Successful capture leaves the Demigod in question defending the captured object as if they had used Protect. It is mainly split out because Fenrir Demigods are incapable of it.
Protect: Using this ability, the Demigod can be directed to defend anything an Army could defend. They will continue to defend the targeted object until ordered to Protect something else or to Terrorize anything.
Command Protected City: A Demigod who is Protecting a city can Command that city, as per the Command City action. A Black Knight attached to an army which is defending a city can also Command that city, as per the Command City action.
Miracle: This action is, in a way, a miniature Event. Via this action, the demigod manifests a portion of its divine power. To give an idea of its power, through the use of a Miracle, a Wonder could be stolen, hidden away, or banished to another plane; a Structure could be demolished or rebuilt; a breeding population of one race, though not a city or an army, could be transported from one plane to another; an attacking army - though not another Demigod - could reroll their dice in combat, taking the better of the two rolls; a defending army could be forcibly teleported away from the object they are defending, to another place within the same world; or any other occurence of a similar power level to those.

Event: This power can be used for any action not covered by the other commands. It can achieve almost anything that can be justified by the points costs, including any action costing fewer points which for some reason could not be performed directly. A battle could be rigged without rolling, or a defeated army could be resurrected after battle. Two technologies, each known to only one city, could spread throughout an entire race. An entire city, with all its armies and Wonders, could be shifted from one plane to another. The possibilities are practically endless. An additional event/miracle is required to save a city/army/wonder from a Catastrophe.
Create Template: This is technically a use of Event, but is complex enough to merit its own description. The god creates a supernatural affliction or state which can be reached regardless of race, such as a plague of lycanthropy, or a ritual that turns the caster into an immortal vampire. The mechanical effect is that ALL races gain the power to raise armies with this Template, and that such armies gain a +1 to combat in a narrow situation and a -1 to combat rolls in a more general situation. For example, werewolves might gain a +1 against a particular race and a -1 against all other beings, while the undead might gain a +1 while besieging cities and a -1 when defending themselves. If for some reason a deity so desires, Advance Civilisation can be used on a Template instead of a Race, granting it another highly situational +1 - for example, the creator of the werewolves might grant them a +1 against the undead, or against all drinkers of blood; this cannot be used to negate the penalty for the template, but neither do such bonuses inherently fail against a penalised target. For example, the undead could be made immune to poison for a +1 against poison users; if they were attacked by users of poison, their +1 for resisting poison would offset their -1 for being on the defence.
Catastrophe: By this power, the gods bring destruction to the world by whatever mechanism they care to, be it plague, or meteors, a king going mad and commanding genocide, whatever. The effect is similar to a combined Shape Land and Shape Weather, except that everything caught in the blast is destroyed. The catastrophe can be surprisingly precise if the god so desires, sparing whomever they wish to spare, and need not affect the entire 1" area if the god desires a modicum of restraint.




Map
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Onichild5/Londorthell-grid.png

[Justicar]

A perfect, gigantic sphere appeared above the endless empty ocean of the infant world. The sphere was made of stone, gems and precious metals. Its polished surface gleamed in the light of the two suns.

After a timeless period, cracks began to appear on the surface of the sphere. These cracks grew larger and larger. Vast boulders began to flake off and land in the ocean, forming at first a haphazard chain of islands. Great chunks broke off the side of the sphere to turn the islands into a small, rugged continent.

Soon, nothing remained of the sphere and a floating man was all that was left. The man had hair of the purest gold and gleaming silver skin. He landed on the jagged continent and looked around at the mountains, full of metals and gems. He was pleased.

He looked down at his nude body and decided he needed proper attire for this new world. With his massive hands, he tore metals from the mountains. Using the heat from the nearby volcanoes and his own divine hands, he began to forge what would become his hammer.

The metal shavings from this intricate work landed on the ground. Some of the divine spark that Stahl, as he had begun thinking of himself, used to invest into the hammer found its way into these metal shards. The metal stirred and began to move. They turned into large, spherical insects that began to scuttle around and burrow into the mountains, forming vast caverns. Stahl paid them no heed.

Power: Shape Land x2: 6 points. A large mountainous continent full of precious metals, gems, marble and other hard stones. It is by far, the most mineral rich place on the world.

Power: Create Life: 0 points. Ferros. A large, roly-poly-like insects with a metal exoskeleton. They roll into impervious balls to protect themselves. They burrow through mountains, forming caves and eating metal. Their shell takes on the appearance of the metal they eat the most of. When they die, their shells can be harvested for their metal, which contains no impurity anymore.

[Surgate]

A fortuitous and lucky moment occurred, sending a series of dark storm clouds nearby newborn Stahl and his metal mountain. Bright golden flashes followed the roar of 'thunderous applause', gold lightning dancing between the black clouds before striking down and touching the ocean surface. More clouds gathered, huddling around an expanse of ocean neighboring Stahl's work, and became supercharged with divine energy, crackling faster and with increasing intensity.

A great shadow covered this part of Londorthell, and from the expansive storm, a golden spark gleamed, the first primal glimmer of a divine consciousness. Its charge doubled, tripled, split and then recombined greater than before, faster and more awake, this new being shot through the clouds, traveling the open sky, and then darting back into the darkened floating mass above the surface, explosive, unending laughter blasting back and forth.

The gold lightning intensified, striking a particular spot of the world over and over again, thousands of bolts raining down faster than the actual rain accompanying it, until the electrified water spread, making way for a strange structure not unlike Stahl's own mountain to rise up from the ocean floor and take its place as a new neighbor; A Mountain half the other one's size but made of pure gold, charged with incalculable amounts of electricity from the divine storm ever present above, and surrounding the very tip of the mountain's apex.

When the continents became connected, inevitably some of the Ferros were attracted to the gold metal, and after several generations, these migrated metal bugs changed the color of their shells, resembling the new mountain they inhabited, capable of conducting the supercharged electricity with their bodies, and adapting it into a defensive weapon. Their tunnels consisted of passageways and cavernous chambers, where the golden goddess explored with increasing interest, collecting her developing thoughts to attempt communication with the other deity.

She traveled to the top of her golden mountain, forming the basic outline of a female figure wreathed completely in bright lightning, and when she spoke, more lightning crashed down from the storm around her, followed by the boom of her divine voice.

"I am…Xymix. This is my birthplace, and your creations are welcome to explore and dwell there so long as they treat it with respect. Fortune smiles upon them and you…" Xymix trails off, the golden lightning god scattering somewhat before collecting her thoughts and energy, obviously a little spent after awakening and creating for the first time. "What are you called?"

7 Points
-Shape Climate: 3 Points. An eternal golden lightning storm on K8, Xymix's birthplace
-Shape Land: 3 Points. Located on K8. A golden mountain connected to Stahl's large mountainous continent on J8 & J9. Completely made from gold.
-Create Life: 0 Points. Gold Ferros. A subspecies of the metallic Ferros with golden shells thanks to migrating over to the gold mountain. They are often supercharged from the divine birth-storm. Also outstandingly lucky critters, making it in one piece when they shouldn't thanks to Xymix's guidance.

1 Points left over.

[Business Scrub]

For an era there was nothing but light: harsh and unyielding. With the arrival of Stahl, so too came the first mountain, and it blocked the light. So was formed the first shadow. In that blanket of darkness the shade gradually began to move. It pulled itself together, like threads coming together to form a great tapestry. So was Yaelumi born. Naked, she wrapped the shadows around her like a robe and turned her gaze to the world.

Yaelumi saw that the light was unforgiving, and decided something must be done. Raising her arms, she carved a great bowl out of the ground and lifted it high into the air and called it the Moon. There she let it hang, so that it may cast a grand shadow on the earth and give reprieve from the light. She made the moon travel the sky in a circle, and watched it cover all parts of the land in shadow in one of its great turns. She saw the land move from darkness to light, and darkness to light again. She called the darkness Night.

Yaelumi stood in the crater at the center of the world, and noticed that the light never reached here. Such was the pattern of the Moon that wherever it was in its cycle, this crater would remain in shadows. She called this crater Eslora, the Everdark. She looked at the Everdark fondly, and decided that other things should enjoy it as well. She raised her hand and produced a single blade of grass in the dark earth. Plucking it, she brought it to her ruby lips and breathed a note through the grass, pure and beautiful. The note rang out across the Everdark, and where it rang life formed. Soft grass covered the ground. Small trees grew in the north, but they would become grand in time. Plants grew in the center of the basin: long stalks that glowed softly in all colors. But the Everdark was still. From the trees she drew a creature, larger by far than the metal bugs of the mountains. They stood several feet tall upon six thin legs, sniffing the ground with long noses. She called them Fimvor, and drew amusement in their sniffling and eating the grass. It would do, for now.

Lying in the dark grass, Yaelumi watched the metal man and golden woman with a peculiar curiosity as he worked, but said nothing yet.

http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/216/8/4/fantasy_wallpaper_with_witch_with_two_magic_ba_by_ zolmariee-d6go9c2.jpg

Power: Shape land (x2): 6 points. Creating a 2" crater in the exact center of the world. The land pulled from it was used to make the Moon, which covers about two fifths of the world at a time in night, and makes one revolution every 30 hours. Thus, 30 hour days, which are about 12 hours of night.
(I realize I took a lot of liberty making the moon and deciding day/night. If people think I did too much, I can change it.)

Power: Create Life (x2): 0 points. Filling Eslora with both plants and animals. Plants include grass, great deciduous trees, and bio luminescent fungi. Animals are the Fimvor, a species of herbivores that are almost five feet tall and eat the grass off the ground. Think of anteaters when imagining their long snouts, with bodies shaped like generally like deer.

[Justicar]

Stahl looked up from his work. "Greetings, friend," said Stahl, flashing a pure white smile. "My name is... Stahl. Yes, that's sound right. I am Stahl."

He fastens the head of the hammer to the haft. "And greetings to the quiet one as well."

[grishnax]

It was unaware of when It first came into being. This aggravated It, and from that aggravation, came the first questions: Why was It aggravated? Why did it even know what aggravation was? What was the purpose of aggravation? "Why?" It whispered, and with that single word, It understood Its purpose in this world. It was curious. No, curious was too weak of a word for what It felt. It felt a burning desire to know everything. It did not question why this was, for It knew It had been created with this sole purpose, this drive. And now, It would be able to begin Its quest.

It attempted to examine the world around It, but found It could not; at least, It could not without a corporeal form. It used a fraction of yet-untapped power to peer through Eternity, simultaneously memorizing and forgetting more information than any mortal mind could ever comprehend. Eventually, after a millenia of searching through Eternity, but only a fraction of a second in Londorthell, It found a form It liked: That of Man. Yet, that form was not quite right. The form represented many things, some of which It did not like. Thus, It found a second source of inspiration: A piece of parchment with an incomprehensible language. It built Its form from this parchment, and shaped it to look like Man. It then pulled Itself out of Eternity, forgetting all It had learned other than Its shape, and a single word: Karu. This, it believed, was Its true name. And so, It resolved to call Itself Karu.

Karu looked around, and saw an expanse of water. He could learn very little from nothing, and very little was not good enough for him. Weaving the strands of reality, he formed a series of small islands. These islands were more interesting than nothing, but they were still not enough. Next, Karu breathed life onto the islands. Small plants and moss began to grow along them. Even these simple plants were enough to study for decades, but Karu wanted to see more. He created small springs of fresh water on the islands that trickled down into the ocean, making the water around him free of salt. However, there were a few more things he intended to do. He made a species of bird that could glide through both the air and water with ease. He called them Paag'Wynds. Almost as an afterthought, small fish began to swim through the waters of the islands, so that the Paag'Wynds would have food.

Karu created a throne made of blank parchment on the centermost island, and then cloaked all of the islands in a thick mist, and made it impossible to access his center island by chance. He looked upon his work proudly, but knew that it would take some time before it was worthy of his curiosity. The pages that composed his body then scattered to the wind, flying faster than should have been possible in hopes of finding something interesting. Eventually, he discovered that there were others, like himself but unlike himself at the same time. Now this was something worth investigating. He reformed himself in front of them, a dwarf among giants. Without saying a word of greeting, he flew around the islands, examining and mentally cataloging everything he discovered.

Finally, after minutes of exploring, Karu realized that he should introduce himself to the others. After all, they could know something of interest. "Greetings," He said, "Do you have any knowledge to share?"

10 Points
Power: Shape Land, 1" (-3). Created a series of islands called the Isles of Mystery on D11. A few have small freshwater springs, which make the ocean around the islands freshwater as well.
Power: Shape Climate, 1" (-3) Covered Isles of Mystery in an extremely dense cloud of mist, making it almost impossible to see from one island to another. Also, the center island (which Karu's current home) can't be found by accident; you have to know where it is and what it is to find it.
Power: Create Life (0) Made small plants (which can be turned into parchment through certain processes), moss, small fish which feed off algae that will inevitably form, and Paag'Wynds (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Flying_ace).
Remaining Points: 4

[Omegonthesane]

A portal opened, far above the planet's atmosphere, to a place beyond mortal eyes, perhaps even beyond the eyes of the divine. Through it floated a strange creature indeed, a five-pointed star, made of flesh and wreathed with blue flames.

As it observed the new world, Ischkathar decided its old body was no longer of use - its power had grown beyond the need to remain held in such trappings. It had made good use of a personal plane, in its old world, but this world was something else, something far from home. The need for a plane to meddle with was less trivially clear. At least one correctly-minded deity had thought otherwise, creating a peper throne in the material world instead.

With no one to manipulate and nothing to destroy, the Usurper raised a great volcano in the very southernmost point of the world. Over the years to come, the volcanic ash from this place would be more boon than bane to the trees, the plants, and ultimately by extension the animals who would come to feast on such nutrients as were available.

As its dead kin had once before, it stretched its will, and filled the waters with life forms, tests and trials for what was to come. The most prominent of these was the Kraken, a tentacled monstrosity which could only survive under its own weight due to the high pressure of the briny depths.

Power roll (http://orokos.com/roll/202194): 2d6 7
Power rollover: LOL.
Total 7 points

3 points: Shape Land x1 where the south pole would be if this planet had ice caps (O7 to O9), to create a great volcano and the surrounding areas of fertile volcanic soil.

0 points: Create Life xLots and fill the seas with life, including Krakens, deep sea giant squid

4 points remaining
+1 activity to next roll

[Starsign]

In the depths of this great world without life existed the bronze sun, lifeless like all else was. For milennia it was nothing more than a searing sphere of flame; the universe's furnace without anything to make use of. Time spoke nothing to it, as it did to all else. It performed its task, letting it rotate around its position with but a yellow sun long in the distance for company. The two suns never acted in harmony, never together nor against. All they were after all was lifeless suns, watching the vastness of space as empty shells for millions of years.

Yet nothing would come without some form of cooperation. It took ages to complete; millions of years that would drive any sentient being to the dark corner of madness, but eventually the two suns accomplished something. Their heat tempered the dust, allowing material to form as a shell, and eventually their first, great product has been produced as Londorthell. It was only later that one of these two suns was known to take pride in this creation.

This sun is the Bronze Beast of Fire and Rage, Akriot. Once lifeless, now living for reasons he does or cannot speak why. All that had happened was that the bronze sun awoke in a sudden moment, watching Londorthell rotate around him. In a day's time Akriot could see all of the world, yet none of it could really truly be called his. Over a short time, patience grew to envy, caution grew to bravery, thoughts turned into ambition, and viewing turned into acting. He will have a part of the world that would be his; a world that he could always view and find a part he can call his own. Other gods may claim land, no doubt the other sun will, yet Akriot shall own land that's always under the bronze sun.

And so he came down on the planet as his mighty rays of light flared down onto Londorthell. Unholy heat burned through the sea as waters evaporated into vapor. Still under the heat's effects, vapor listens to the bronze sun as it begins hardening, then melting into ground and earth where water once was. Akriot's encumbering rage forced the earth to adapt, harden, and suffer such heat as the ground turned from its colorless waters to brown, rocky dirt that would no longer melt. Originally flat, parts of the earth adapted by combining onto itself, forming tall mountains and canyons which towered in height. Eventually the process was completed, as Akriot created land brave enough to weather his torturous rage.

This of course is not enough. From what remained of what was originally water was dust and moisture, both which lay upon the earth and began forming to create living things within this land. All of it was small and simple: bacteria, insects, and reptilian specimens too tiny or barely visible to the naked eye. Of all that Akriot originally thought of, those were what survived in his land. So they then form the basis for what will be an empire under the bronze sun.

Starting Power Points: 7

Actions:
Shape Land to create the Dust Plains at G3 and G4. (-6)
Create Life to create bacteria and small, nigh-insignificant creatures and specimen such as insects and reptilian lizards.

[Business Scrub]

Yaelumi watches the growing world with joy. There was room here for everyone. Each brought something new, and each brought a passion to the world. She heard the voices of others and ventured forth from her place of shadows. Veiled and curious, she travelled the world.

First she visited those who had spoken. Stahl. You are the one who raised the mountain, whose shadow brought me into this world. For that you have my thanks. I am Yaelumi. Lady of lightening, welcome to this land, and good evening.

In time, she would make her way to Karu's realm. "Welcome Karu. Go forth and explore, if that is what pleases you: learn what secrets my lands hide."

She travels to ocean, and plays with the mighty Kracken for a time, down in its dark home where the light could not reach.

She avoids the bronze beast in its home burning sunlight, and returns to her Everdark when she has seen the world high and low as it is now.

[Surgate]

Xymix nodded approvingly, opening her mind to speak when Yaelumi introduced herself. "You're polite and kind, I extend a welcome to you as well, and look forward to what you all have in store for this strange, new place." She swept a bright, golden lightning arm across her, encompassing the horizon. This was an interesting start to things. "Soon Stahl I think you shall approve what I have in store for our joined continent, as I surely will approve of your works."

She then turned her gaze to Karu, the curious scholar god. "Do you wish to know the secrets of luck by chance? Or perhaps how lightning manifests itself, or even what fortune itself truly entails?" The Golden Goddess crackled with more power, slowly accumulating more for the future. "And in return, will you share your knowledge of our birth? Or perhaps what you know of yourself?"

Amongst them was a god from another world, taking part in creation for the first time in this one, and despite her own curiosity, she allowed the Blue Flame and the Bronze Sun time to go about their business in peace, for she wasn't sure how they might react to her presence.

Xymix's form wasn't static, it danced and moved and shifted itself from the dark clouds above, all the way through the golden mountain, sometimes simmering in the chamber heart, and other times conducting throughout the metal structure, overcharging Gold Ferros and watching them eat and work so diligently.

[Sir Dancealot]

A single bolt of lighting struck, and for a single moment, the world was white. The sound of thunder rolled across and through both the waves and the skies, and, for a moment, there was but the sound of thunder. The sea boiled where the bolt had struck, and then, another stuck the same spot. This one had no sound, but it did have a twin. This twin was atop the snowy peak of a mountain. The mountain had been there since the beginning of this world, but few enough gods would have noticed it in their birth. Afterall, what fun is the old when the new is just begining.

A beaten, battered, and broken woman stood before the ruins of a castle. Yes, yes. I'm awake... she muttered as she rested the broken tip of her blacked and war-torn greatsword on the ground. She looked at the once beautiful palace with a critical eye. It fit her in a way. Smiling, she walked towards the castle, red hair trailing behind her. She flicked a hand at the unrecognizable statue guarding the entrance as she walked through the gates that had been tron from their hinges by a powerful force. Bits of stone flew from around the mountain, coalescing into a great stone wolf. The wolf stepped from the dias it had stood upon and howled, cracked stone yielding to smooth skin. The call was answered by thousands more.

Solaine simply laughed.

A great Mountain stands at N8, surrounded by smaller mountains. They seem strangely old for this world.

Create life! Wolves, Giant. ****ing. Wolves. They easily stand higher than a man at the shoulder.

[grishnax]

When Yaelumi gave him permission to explore her lands, Karu simply nodded. He had been intending to do so anyways, but having her permission would make things easier.

At Xymix's offer to trade knowledge, the paper around Karu's mouth folded upwards, and he nodded. "Wisdom is a powerful force," He said, "And I always seek to know more. So tell me all that you know, and I shall show you some of the wonders that exist within my mind, and this world."

As he was talking, Karu noticed that other beings had come into existence, beings like him and the others, but at the same time, different. They all seem to have existed before the Birthing, as Karu called it. Karu's immediate thought was that they would have knowledge of worlds past. If that was true, he needed to discover what they knew. After he traded thoughts with Xymix, of course.

[Surgate]

Xymix collected herself, condensing her erratic, writhing lightning form into a static orb of electricity, covered with an intricate, nigh incomprehensible runic language. On it was the birth scripture of Xymix's domains. It contained the rules of how luck, or divine providence might affect the world at large, and spoke of how the Golden Goddess manifested itself. The runes were ever shifting, updating and revising itself, but the knowledge it contained was beautiful.

"Imprint these runes upon your blank pages, and you will know all of my primal, instinctual information. Luck, Fortune and Misfortune, Lightning…these concepts share properties relating to the natural laws of creation as well as Fate, though there is little distinction between the two. We are not the first, nor the last gods to be born it seems. By chance, or destiny, both even, this world and its immortal caretakers have come to be, and for some reason drawn the eyes of older beings, and houses ancient structures I didn't notice upon awakening…"

Xymix shared Karu's curiosity to an extent, anticipating what she might learn from the studious deity, and what they could learn from the older gods.

[Ninjaman]

Shadows took shape into a dark hooded figure which walked to the other gods. "This world is a dead world. We must bring it to life. We can be allies for now, but our alliances must break, like everything else in this world. We must only uphold the balance." And with that killjoy comment he extended his hand over the world and raised an island with rich fields and a large bountiful forest. "That will help life's creation. Before we must take it away."

Spend 6 power on shape land to raise and island on J10 and J11. J10 consists of rich fields with many animals. J11 consists of a large forest, filled with all manner of fruits and animals.

[Justicar]

Stahl looked down at the smaller god made of parchment. "Greetings. You are free to watch and gleam what you can," said Stahl as he used his fingernail to etch intricate designs into the head of hammer. The lines seem to glow with power.

"However, I must warn you. Be careful who you reveal this knowledge to. It should only be given to others that have learned it themselves or have truly earned it. For those are the ones that have shown the responsibility to use these gifts responsibly. The secrets of metalmaking can be dangerous in the wrong hands."

[Ladorak]

Great Sol Invictus came late to the world, he was mighty and so as it often is with the mighty, proud and invincible, he slept deeply and long. He stirred in his slumber though, his waking was inevitable, as a heavy weight grinding down the mountain of his rest.

The great blue god looked out upon the sea and the heavens and found them pleasing. This was a good world for he and his family. Although newborn the Great Father had always had family, he was born wedded, born with the responsibility of parenthood and kingship.

Opifex, my son, attend me. At his word the storm clouds gathered about, as if in worship. Bonum Opifex appeared before Sol Invictus, unlike the other Azure his skin is not blue, it is the colour of earth and rock, he is a titan of stone and metal wrought into a familiar form but very different from his siblings and parents. Moss and weeds stand duty for hair and beard, burning sapphires glow where there should be eyes. When he speaks the flames and the glow of lava escape between his lips Yes, Father-King?
You are the greatest artist, my son, and we the worthiest family. Make us a home equal to our standing

And so Bonum Opifex reached out into the ocean and drew forth the Azure Mountain. It glimmered brightly in the sunlight, intensified by the glow of the waves' reflection. It was a huge towering mass of blue obsidian, dotted everywhere with gemstones that range from pale blue to bright blue. The waters around the mountain boiled with new life. Bacteria and sea creatures swarmed to the great mountain from all around, they were touched by the spirit of the Azure, and we changed for the better. They took on a blue tint, but for more importantly they began to cooperate with others of their species as never before. Viruses, sharks, small fish, Paag'Wynds, smaller birds, krakens, even plankton and mosses, learnt in various ways to form communal groups for protection and, in many cases, hunting packs.

Great Sol Invictus was pleased, and greatly did his praise his son. He did this so intently, however, that his attention was diverted from the rest of his family. He did not see Insidiae Callidus and Sophia Bellum unite behind his back, nor spy, until it was too late, the way they subtly altered Bonum Opifex's great work. The beautiful warrior maiden and the dark and sinister envious brother did their work in the growing hunting packs in the world, teaching the animals to torment their prey for play (And practice) and to savor the kill as something distinct from the feast

6 points
-3 create land. F-7. The Azure mountain. A huge mountain made out of blue obsidian studded with sapphires
-0 create life. Azure modifications of existing species. A range of blue bacteria and plankton, blue sharks, blue paag'wynds, blue ravens and ospreys, several different types of blue fish
3 remaining

[Justicar]

With his hammer complete, Stahl begin work on the forge needed to create his armor. Choosing the largest volcano in the area, he begins to carve into the mountainside. The volcano begins to take on the appearance of a massive forge with the molten magma to be used to smelt the metal of his creations.

Unnoticed while he continues his divine work, life begins to flourish on the continent. The Ferros continue to get larger and larger with some as large as five feet in height. Plants and fruit-bearing trees flourish. Plain above ground, they are a wonder to see belowground. Herds of limber deer with metal antlers roam the mountains and valleys, feasting on the fruits and roots of the vegetation.

However, not all is peaceful. Packs of tunneling carnivores travel beneath the ground and ambush anything that comes above them, tearing at their prey with massive claws and razor teeth. Even Ferros aren't completely safe from these predators. If he had been paying attention, he might have noticed that they have strange bright blue eyes...

Countless centuries pass and Stahl continues his undertaking

Create Life x3.

Glowroots - Looks like a rather plain-looking fruit tree aboveground. However, they possess a large root system in order to pull the necessary nutrients from the ground. These roots are phosphorous and glow in the dark caverns they sometimes breakthrough into.

Geweisen - Deer-like herbivores with elaborate claw-like metal antlers that they use to protect themselves and to either root into the ground for vegetation or cut limbs from trees.

Burrow-Wolves - Vicious carnivores, burrow-wolves use their massive claws to rapidly dig through earth and stone. They hunt in packs and use powerful echo-location to find their prey and to communicate while underground. They are one of the few things that can hunt Ferros, launching from underneath when they pass and feasting on their tender flesh before they can roll into their metal balls.

[Business Scrub]

Yaelumi stands over the Eslora, wondering what it was lacking. She found it odd that the place of peace should be so open. She looked to the vicious wolves that the firey godess awakened, and the burrowing creatures that plauged the ferros. Her lands would have predators in time as well, as was the natural balance of life and death. But those creatures were large and hungry. Yaelumi would not let them reach her lands, not while they were so young.

She pulled the air around her, mixing it into a great white fog and layed it to rest upon the Everdark. She begain to populate her world with more diversity: worms, beetles, toads and the like that live in the dirt.

Content with the Everdark as it was, she turned her gaze northward. It was a bright place, but she saw no reason to leave it so. Plucking two seeds from the Underdark, she cast them out into the northern land, where they immediately took root, growing and spreading over centuries. Eventually they dominated the landscape, growing high into the air and blocking the sun from the forest floor. This land too she gave all manner of crawling things, so that they might till the earth and complete the lifecycle. The fimvor began to roam into this new land and others, sniffling across the world with their trunks. Their numbers were growing, and needed to be drawn back. So Yaelumi created the cariut: a fearsome creature molding for hunting in the dark and eating meat. The cariut took to the skies: feathered birds almost silent in their flight, armed with venemous quills. They hunted the fimvor and prospered, but still the herbivorous creatures outnumbered them, and spread into the other lands.

Yaelumi noticed that it was quite in the world as the gods worked, which bothered her: the quiet did not speak to the soul. In her own language, she sang (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uP_Iee-D4U4) to the gods as they worked, in what would become known and searched for among the races of the world as the First Song, the Hymn for the Gods.

Shape Climate x2 (6 points): A fog over the Everdark that covers the crater. Seeing out is unhindered, but seeing in is impossible. Actually travelling into and out of the Everdark is unhindered.

Shape Land (3 points): Expanding a plains in the north (not in the Everdark) for the Deep Forest

Create Life (0 points): More life in the everdark and the Deep Forest to the north, including the Cariut. The Deep Forest has huge trees, spaced far apart, which block out most of the sun. The trees reach up to two hundred feet, and harbor all sorts of animals.

[Ladorak]

And so, for the first time Sol Invictus sat in judgement with his family. He did not want to punish his rebellious daughter but Bonum Opifex insisted, as was his right. Unable to refuse he banished his brother and daughter beneath the mountain for an unspecified time. But he quickly regretted this and in time he sent Bonum Opifex out to massively extend the mountain range.

There was a lesson in this, but Opifex was still blinded by bitterness and did not learn it. Instead he acted out in a small way, for he was sometimes vindictive but always loyal. His sister and uncle's extended prison was poor work in comparison to the obsidian heights of the Azure mountain itself. The mountains of the Azure range were not studded with sapphires, were made up of many lesser blue stones with only patches of obsidian. The Azure mountain range glittered in the sun, small patches here and there shining or dimly reflecting. The great mountain soaring above all others glistened, burned a blinding blue, outshining all about it as a mirror under the sunlight outshines a rock.

7
shape land in f6 and g7. The Asure mountain range. Lots of smaller mountains
1 point remaining

[Omegonthesane]

The southmost land expanded, just as the other parts of the world; Ischkathar did little to them for the time being, content to watch the world grow and to plan around its next development.

It descended upon the volcano in a small, subtle form, a mammal easily overlooked, and in this way observed as the fimvor hid away from the direwolves, as the burrowing bugs found such purchase as they could on the mountain proper. Surrounding the mountain was a land fertile on the surface due to the nutrients of volcanic soil, and laced with caverns beneath that were lit by eerie glowing crystals. Some life forms inevitably adapted for the cavernous environments, but many at best merely visited - including the life forms that inevitably followed to imitate Ischkathar's first disguise.

These new beings were far weaker than the great wolves, but could adapt to far more environments and required far less to live - and could birth many more young in the short time allotted to each one of them. What they lacked in strength, they made up for in agility, the ability to live off of almost any diet, and the ability to operate comfortably as a pack, unlike many of the more obviously capable predators.

A step towards what was planned.

Power roll (http://orokos.com/roll/203000): 2d6+1 5
Power rollover: 4 points
Total 9 points

6 points: Expand the Southmost Land into O6, O10, and what's left of O7-9, filling the surface with savannahs and the depths with the Crystal Caves

0xLots points: Create Life xLots, fill the world with expected life forms, with a special focus this turn on Rats. Ordinary rattus rattus. Small cute pestilential pack animals.

3 points remaining
+2 activity to next roll

[grishnax]

After gaining knowledge from Stahl, Karu retreated to the Isles of Mystery. He would share knowledge with them, as he promised, but now was not the time. Karu felt a power growing inside of him, waiting to be released onto the world. He knew that it would take time, and he fell into a deep slumber, hidden in the Land of Eternal Mist.

17 points

No actions this round.

[Surgate]

Xymix was willing to wait for her fair share of knowledge, so she collected herself and resided deep in the Gold Mountain, gathering power for the future.








8 Points total

[Sir Dancealot]

Solaine walked through crumbling halls, once beautiful works hung on the wall, and piles of rust and bits of metal lay in strategically placed piles. She smiled sadly as she walked through what once was her seat of power. What still is. She stood before eight great statues, all but one having crumbled to nothing but rubble. She examined the one that was left. It was her, is her, could be her. She smiles sadly once more and walks away from the lone statue, and heads to the oldest room of the castle.

In this rooms sets a simple, round, wooden table, unremarkable but for the fact that in the ruins of the castle, this table is unmarred by time. She sits at the table and speaks, her voice thundering through the skies, "Greetings fellow gods. I am Solaine, and I am at your service. If you require more power than what you have, come to me, and we can work out a deal. I should be simple enough to find. I'll be here, in the castle on the mountain."


None
Total: 11 Power Points left

[Starsign]

From up above watched the bronze sun Akriot, viewing the works of the other gods way down below. Indeed they were unique, hardly copycats of the exploits of others. Even the other sun went and chose to create her own little patch she saw as paradise. All different, all unique, all "special" in their own way.

...And all of it infuriated Akriot.

There was much wrath within Akriot's heart; pride, envy, and greed existed in him but not to the extent of his rage. These icons which the other gods made were like a challenge to him, as if to demonstrate their greatness like they think they deserve to tower him. What made it worse was that when he can't even see his own part of the world, he has to feast his eyes on something that isn't his. And all of it infuriated Akriot. If he could he would have melted every part of the world and reforming it all in his vision. Yet that is not within his power, for the other gods will inevitably unleash vengeance upon his own vengeance. He needs to look for a way that won't lead him to a confrontation he cannot win.

Instead the bronze sun decides that he should meet with some of the other gods, at least so he may understand who they are and how they are to be dealt with. Of course, his own rival should be the first. The yellow sun indeed seem to make an opposing kingdom to what will be his own empire. And what better time than now to greet her as she invites everyone.

So Akriot comes down upon Solaire's palace; his symbol rising out from the distance before he appears in the castle ruins. His figure, nearly eight-feet tall and shining bronze, resembles nothing but a blank humanoid figure. No eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or chin are represented in his build. His head looks to Solaire, empty in emotion yet full of raging fire inside. "So the yellow sun comes down, bringing ice and wolves to her land," he begins. His voice deep like steel against steel. "I ask not for power, but an answer for what you want from your own land." The bronze sun refuses to make questions, absolute not to show his own confusion in the process. "I assume you know where we stand with the creation of this world, as well as what I want. So then you do not desire the same goal as myself." Akriot makes assumptions, almost accusations, towards Solaire. Though the two may have lifelessly given birth to Londorthell, the father-mother-child dynamic between the three is as skewered as two divorced parents who despise each other.

[Justicar]

Stahl looked upon his forge with pride. To mortal eyes, it was an ordinary mountain, steam and magma seeping from large cracks in the mountainside. Occasionally, the ground would rumble and shake, driving away the wildlife. However, to immortal eyes, it was a towering forge. Numerous smelting cauldrons filled with lakes of molten metals, massive forges heated by an active volcano and cool springs with which to temper the metal lay within easy reach of him. All the tools needed for his next task: the creation of his armor.

However, Stahl needed assistance with his incredible undertaking. Using the scrap metal from the forge, he molded a being in his own image, although smaller in stature and with no facial or gender features. Stahl named the being Forge Son and his purpose was to aid him with his work and provide an extra hand when needed. It was a busy and fulfilling duty.

Yet as the centuries passed, his father, Stahl, needed him less and less. Stahl began carving the intricate workings of the armor and weaving the divine spark into it. His attention was completely focused on his task and he paid less and less heed to the world around him. Forge Son grew bored. To pass the time, he began to create things for himself. At first, he made simple trinkets and artifacts to keep his skills honed. However, soon that lost its appeal.

Next, Forge Son tried to play with some Ferros that had moved near his father's forge. This frightened the skittish creatures and they fled into the sea. To save them from drowning, Forge Son quickly borrowed some of the divine spark to alter them. These Ferros changed into creatures of coral and stone, thriving underwater as they had used to thrive within the mountains and spread across the oceans.

Realizing what he could do, Forge Son decided to create new life; beings like himself and his father. Unfortunately, his power wasn't as great as his father and his creations, while numerous, were even small and softer than him. They were beings of flesh and bone instead of metal and stone. However, he was no longer alone and enjoyed interacting with them immensely. Forge Son taught them about his father, Stahl, and the wonders of the world. In their crude tongue, they called themselves 'Steel Men' in his honor.

Points: 19

Create Avatar (10 Points): Forge Son: A featureless being of silvery-metal. It is half the size of Stahl and has no facial or gender features. Curious, but easily bored. His forging skills are only surpassed by his creator.

Command Avatar (2 Points): Create Race (Steel Men): A race of massive, swarthy men, the smallest is around 7" tall. Incredibly physically powerful. Hard workers, yet have a sedate and calm demeanor.

Shape Land (3 Points): The Black Lands (I9): Run-off from the creation of the Forge and Stahl's artifacts. Comprised of volcanic rock, molten metals and semi-toxic gases. Very little life can exist there.

Create Life (0 Points): Corros: Massive creatures descended from Ferros. Their shells are made up of coral and stone. Life underwater has made them larger than their landlocked cousins. Some reach the size of huge coral reefs or mobile sandbars. For defense, they have a row of venomous spines that run along their backs. Life has flourished on these shells with schools of fish make their homes there.

Remaining points: 4

[grishnax]

Time passed. Within his slumber, Karu silently observed the greater world, not noticing (or not bothering to notice) the smaller things. He knew that he would be able to share parts of what he learned to those who he owed a knowledge-debt. Yet, as great events happened around Londorthell, he missed a tiny detail: That of a Paag'Wynd's egg, somehow washed up impossibly on his shore.

The egg hatched a day later. The newly-born Paag'Wynd called for its parents, wanting to receive food. When no elder Paag'Wynds came, the newborn began waddling around, desperately hoping to find its parents. It eventually comes across a large... thing. The Paag'Wynd tries to bite the thing, for it was quite hungry, but the thing is too tough. Once again, the Paag'Wynd cries, but this time, its call is heard. The noise, though small, was enough to rouse Karu from his slumber upon his paper throne.

As Karu awoke, he noticed that there was a baby Paag'Wynd on the ground, next to his throne. The Paag'Wynd looked at him. Normally, the writing on Karu's parchment-skin would reveal a microscopic fraction of his knowledge, but as he had just awoken, it contained all that he knew. By seeing this, a small spark of divinity passed from the pages of Karu to the infant Paag'Wynd. Karu realized this, and spoke to the infant. "You now know what I know, and that should destroy the mind of any mortal. And yet, you have withstood it. You are truly something special."

With new awareness, the Paag'Wynd realized that it could reply. "I do not know why I am this way," It said, "But you have done something to me that can not be undone. What shall we do about this?"

Karu realized that this was a truly great opportunity. "You shall spread my word, and gather knowledge in ways that I can not. Your form is not yet right for this undertaking, though. I shall assist you in this regard." The infant Paag'Wynd began to grow, in both age and size. When it ceased, it was six feet tall, and had the appearance of an adult Paag'Wynd. "Your lifespan will vastly exceed any of your kind," Karu said. "Your name shall be Saeuru, and you will be my Favored. You have been gifted with my curiousity. Now, go out into the world, and seek truth." And Saeuru did as Karu bid.

Saeuru travelled throughout the Isles of Mystery for many decades, learning what she could. Her discoveries pleased Karu, as she thought in ways that he did not. However, she was lonely. The other Paag'Wynds, she discovered quite quickly, were simple animals compared to her. When she approached Karu about her loneliness, he said, "You have the power to change that, if you truly wish to do so." Saeuru pondered this for a long time. She did not understand what he had meant by that. She continued her research of the Isles, all the while thinking about those words. After many years, she realized what he meant. She had a portion of his divine spark, and could create life where there was none before. She knew that the spark was not strong enough to turn a Paag'Wynd into one like her, but after studying the Paag'Wynd, she knew what she would do. Using her fraction of divine power, she forced herself to lay eggs, something that had never happened to her in throughout her long life. These eggs, unlike normal eggs, were made to hatch immediately. And so, the eggs hatched, and the first children of a new race were born.

Karu, upon learning of this new race, dubbed them the Peng. He built a place for the Peng to live where none could interrupt their research; a great underwater cavern system. Saeuru moved there, with her, many of the Peng followed. Even after the first generation had all died, Saeuru appeared unaged. When Karu had granted an extended life to her, it had extended it not by years, but by many centuries. She was not sad about this at all; rather, it gave her time to learn all that she could.

The Peng, over time, learned how to create books and store information in them. They filled their homes with records, personal accounts, journies, stories, and just about any type of information imaginable. They became adept at keeping information and making books. And Karu watched it all, a smile upon his face.
26 points
Power: Create Avatar (-10) Gifted a Paag'Wynd who is now named Saeuru with height, intelligence, and extreme longevity.
Power: Command Avatar (-2) Saeuru gave birth to the Peng, a race of 6' tall intellgent penguins with curiosity to match Karu's. They can still swim underwater, but have lost the ability of flight.
Power: Shape Land, 1" (-3) Created an underwater cave system on C11.
Power: Advance Race (-10) The Peng are now master librarians. They are adept at all kinds of recordkeeping, and have an extrordinary memory.
Remaining Points: 1

[Sir Dancealot]

"They are Great Wolves. Everyone gets that wrong at first, I'm not quite sure why. She looked at the thing before her, round and fake as it was, snow slowly drifting in through the broken roof. "And now, you step into my home, and demand answers. I did not come down, I was already here. I have seen worlds crumble, and ages pass by like days, and as such, my motives are my own Conqueror." She shifts her gaze to the thing before, turning her body as she does. The sound of a thousand horses and men screaming rolls off of her as her armour shifts, the smells of smoke and blood permeate the room. She smiled, showing perfect white teeth, "All things burn with time."

[Ninjaman]

"Ideed they do." The faceless god said as he stepped out from the shadows and approached the wooden table. He turned his head againt the other faceless god. "God of rage. Why be so upset about their creations. You were not set in this world to trumph them... but to burn them." He held up his blade before him. "Too many create. This world needs you to destroy. They believe they own this world, that they are in control. Prove them wrong. Show them that they are nothing more than pieces in a game. Your game." He nodded towards the god and lowered his blade. "If you need help i will offer it at much more reasonable price than your friend." He nodded towards the female god. "You see unlike her, I have an interest in what you spend it on." He turned towards the female god. "As for you, I have a proposal. I can at any given time, ask you to do anything that is within your power, and you will do so with no questions asked. In return i shall repay the expenses with half as interest, in any way you ask of me, as soon as it comes within my power to do so."

[Ladorak]

My brother, what are you doing?

Great Sol Invictus stood on a new desert, untouched by dust and sand but not unirritated by it. But he loved his brother had held back his tongue. Facile Telum had created this great waste of creation without warning or explanation. Sol Invictus found him there, engaged in furious battle. Dozens of the mighty krakens of the deep now swam through the sand, all engaged with the foolish Azure warrior. Facile Telum was never happier than when his battle, his brother reflected as he looked on the slack features of his brother, the dimness in his eyes. He was away, lost in a world even Sol Invictus could not penetrate. Spittle splattering his beard as he screamed, bellowed and cast about with every evidence of perfect pleasure. He hacked around him with his huge great axe, enormous muscles straining at every swing, more at peace with the world then he ever was. It was almost a pity to disturb him.

Brother!

The ground shook, the sand kraken scattered, Telum startled. He suddenly look perplexed and sad.

Dear Facile Telum. what are you doing? The mighty warrior gestured about him, as if it were obvious. Sol Invictus ground his teeth Why, Telum, why are you doing this.

Again he looked confused, fearing a rebuke he did not get see coming, yet feeling the answer was obvious 'I wanted a decent fight.
So you made this place and brought them here?
Tellum smiled beneficently In the water they were too quick, they kept getting away

Sol Invictus ground his whole jaw, so mighty was the sound it threw up dust in a shockwave for miles around, his brother did not notice. Steeling himself Sol Invictus placed his hands on his brothers shoulders My brother, you are of the greater Azure, you have no worthy foe. Return to the mountain.

He rubbed his head as he watched his brother go, troubled by his first headache. Soon Sophia illicio sprang fully formed from that headache

10
-6 create land x2 In g5 more dust desert. In g6, linking up with the mountain, is sand desert, normal sand mixing in with blue sand closer to the mountain
-0 create life. The Sand Kraken, also called the Dust Kraken, which is the same species with different colouring and climate

[Business Scrub]

Her song complete and music introduced to the world, Yaelumi looked out on the world. There were budding conflicts in the world that disturbed her. But it would have to wait: her song had made her tired and so in the Everdark, beneath the fog and beneath the sight of gods and mortals, she slept.

No actions.

[Starsign]

As he had expected, Akriot is not going to be getting a proper answer from the other sun. Even as old as she is, the bronze sun has little understanding of what she wants. Her offer can only be a trap for him should he foolishly reach to accept. What can she do that will not ultimately deter him from his ambition? If someone had simply offered power without asking for a cryptic cost then Akriot would be grateful, even if he thinks they'd do it because they pity him. All Solaine did here however is to keep the furnace within him boiling and in flames. He doesn't even feel fit to respond to her, instead inclined to turn around and let her be.

He would have done so had not another faceless god appear, coming in to offer his services to both suns. The offer, while brave to make it, also came off as foolhardy to Akriot. "You tell me to do my job as a way of furthering whatever idea you have in mind, then offer 'help' as a way to push it forward." Snow falls as he speaks, burning from water to ash as it comes into vicinity with the bronze figure. While he speaks more curiously to the shady god, he has nothing of actual interest in taking up the deal. "You two may choose whether to barter your power amongst yourselves, but do not think I have an ego delusional enough to take up your offers." Deciding he has had enough, Akriot begins to make his leave. "And I am sure we will meet again." The thought of threatening the two came to his mind yet would be nothing more than empty words. He could not go for one's jugular without everyone else doing the same to him.

Instead Akriot chose to continue upon his own world, viewing the hard mountains and rocky canyons which live under the boiling sun day after day. With his thought, a ridge of canyons stretching out hundreds of miles began to shift, quake, and form together, creaking and cracking to become one great canyon of rock and bone. The Great Canyon formed as a living icon of Akriot, one that may not think, cry, or feel emotion but can and will act in Akriot's next oncoming plans. Truly it is where everything of the future empire shall be based on.

Starting Points: 11

Create Avatar: creating the Great Canyon as a living canyon for future plans. (-10)

[Sir Dancealot]

"I knew a god such as you once," Solaine began, "Full of rage and fire. He too forsake all offers, and sought to conquer the world. In the end, he fell. After all, what use is one god against seven others?" She smiled and shrugged, the screams of the dying accompanying her movement. "I give to you a gift, free of payment. Do not be a fool and cast aside tools when they offer themselves to you. Use them until they break."

She looked then to the faceless god, "As for your terms, I will accept if you do as I say when I say, rather than when you have accumulated enough power."

[Ninjaman]

One faceless god looks at the other as he leaves. He then turns to the female. "He will come to his senses. At some point he must realize that he need allies. As for your proposal, how will I do as you want, if I do not possess the power to do so?" He stands motionless as the snow fall down on his cloak.

[Surgate]

Xymix slept, and from her dreams arrived a new, wild species. Ferocious, large feline predators with pure white fur and pinkish eyes, these dire mountainous creatures hunted Geweisen and Burrow Wolves in packs of four to five females and often one male leader. They dwelled amongst the mountain men otherwise known as the Steel Men, and sometimes clashed over territory, but they were content to reside in the Ferros dug caverns deep within the mineral-rich landscape. In her slumber she thought of them by one name, Leodai, and she immediately favored their playful if not savage nature.

There in her thoughts she saw a cub seemingly no different than the rest of the Alpha Mate's litter, but what wasn't outwardly apparent was inwardly obvious. In those precious early years of youth she observed little Auro as one might recall a faded dream. The images were blurry, and she often fretted when the cub was in danger, for reasons she couldn't explain in words. There was an attachment between them. A link forged in fortune and fate. In his teenage years, young Auro grew strong, daring and foolhardy, embarking on solo hunting trips more often than in packs due to his inability to follow Alpha orders. One day he would be King of the Pride, and until then, he tested himself daily, rushing headfirst into problems only a Goddess such as Xymix could guide him out of in one piece. And sometimes she didn't, hoping the occasional mishap might teach a valuable lesson in caution and pragmatism.

Yet Auro felt more invincible with time, eventually leading hunting packs of his own, a white band of hungry stalkers prowling the steep mountains. And still most avoided the Gold Mountain, Xymix's birthplace, cast in a perpetual thunderstorm. One fateful day Auro led his band towards the glistening Golden mountain, chasing after a particularly evasive Geweisen, avoiding its deadly metallic antlers, while missing its vital weaknesses over and over, inching ever closer to that strange domain few dared enter, for the gold grounded intense amounts of energy from Xymix and the storm, and fried almost anything besides a Gold Ferros which came near. The Geweisen leapt onto the golden side of the great mountains, fleeing certain death for a likely one. Auro's pack stopped a few feet shy of the golden metal rock, and refused Auro's command.

Disgusted, Auro chased after the Geweisen alone, much to the dismay and surprise of the others who thought him insane and certainly dead.

The pale Leodai gave chase, gaining on the Geweisen, closer and closer, his heart pounding, thumping to the roaring thunder around him, when he gathered speed and pushed forward with all his might, colliding into the Geweisen at the same moment a bolt of golden lightning came crashing down upon both animals, and bright light followed impossibly loud thunder.

Xymix awoke in an instant, and sent herself flying towards them, crashing down as another bolt of lightning, two flashes of light expanding outward, blinding all who might have seen what transpired.
When the light cleared, a majestic, golden horned Leodai sat upright, an ascended being. Lightning crackled between the horns, collecting into a golden orb which traveled forward, manifesting into a human-like voluptuous woman with matching horns and rune centered on their face. "Greetings Auro, you are my chosen, bearer of the Luck Rune, Xymix's Golden King." Her voice softened, and a sardonic look entered her eyes as she studied her latest creation. "Come now, speak."

Auro opened his jaw, and to his surprise, intelligible language came forth, "Lady Providence, you have guided me all my life for this moment…I thank you."

Xymix waved a hand, chuckling softly. "Not intentionally mind you. It was a matter of chance. I didn't wish to see your fire extinguished, for I favor you the most amongst my Leodai."

She made a grand sweeping gesture with her arm towards the Golden Mountain, conjuring white cloth to cover her naked form. "Live here, and create what you will, I shall enjoy your company and contributions Auro."

Auro bent a leg and bowed, and Xymix gave a shorter bow back, turning her head to the sky, like she was witnessing an event transpire far away. "And now I must take my leave of you Auro, I trust you will entertain me while I'm away." Another bolt came down and following the flash she was gone.

Auro, now impervious to the dangers of the Golden Mountain, explored its depths till he found the chamber heart, and roared the loudest he ever had in his entire life, beyond the capacity for a mortal Leodai, until his horns gathered enough power and electricity to call down a bombardment of lightning from the sky above, making the permanent storm more hectic and chaotic for a brief time, as he shaped crude Golden Leodai Golems from the metal all around him. The divine gold lightning filled their forms, activating inert cores, which rapidly began to vibrate and generate its own source of electricity, until the spark of life was breathed into all of them.

These Leogodai roared in unison, hailing their Golden King, whom forged a golden throne for his one true deity, Xymix, with golden lions inscribed on the sides, with the primal runic language she imprinted into him upon becoming an Avatar.

The Leogodai stood at seven feet tall, unable to feel the pangs of physical hunger or pain, but emotional creatures nonetheless, exceptionally loyal, determined, and brave, but also foolishly reckless and obsessive. Without the need to sleep, these Golems can commit themselves to a task for many more hours than would be practical for a fleshy living being, and thus they lack certain social considerations for races that get tired, require sustenance, and bore easily. They engraved runes upon their metallic bodies from the throne, and loved exploring the winding depths of their new home.

The Leodai were surprised to learn their Auro hadn't descended to certain death, rather than ascend to lofty divinity. He returned a King to his pride, assuming the mantle of his father before him, going back and forth between the Golden Mountain and his birthplace to watch over family and his own creations. They were young and required guidance, and although Auro had much to learn himself, together they would become greater than they ever imagined.
***
A golden lightning bolt came down from the broken roof of Solaine's castle, and Xymix stepped forward from the light, her golden mane-like hair and protruding horns collecting some of the falling snow as the bemused expression in her golden eyes widened with her lips, into a welcoming warm smile. "Lightning Sister Solaine, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Xymix." She gave a slight bow. "I seek no deals but the comfort of pleasant company. I trust such a request is free from bargains?"


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Onichild5/auro.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Onichild5/auro5.jpg
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/037/2/3/gold_golem_by_sixfrid-d75cxz3.jpg


14 Points
-0 Point, Create Life, Leodai: Albino Dire Mountain Lions. Huge, Ferocious and Cuddly Creatures. White Fur, Pink Eyes, they dwell in Stahl's Mountains, unable to withstand the lightning of the Golden Mountain, and hunt the local Fauna with little to no competition or natural predators.
-10 Points, Create Avatar, Auro The Golden King.
-2 Points, Command Avatar to Create Race, Leogodai: Golden Lionlike Golems. They have the spark of life and feel emotions, but feel little to nothing in terms of physical sensations such as fatigue, sleep, hunger, pain, and so forth. They are strong, brave, but naive of 'fleshy' people problems. They propagate by making more golems and charging them with a share of their spark, inscribing ancient runes on their bodies which translate into names and blessings for good luck and fortune.
2 Points left over, +1 Activity to next post

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Onichild5/Londorthell4.png

[Omegonthesane]

Ischkathar took a good look at last at the world, and saw the wonders the others had made, wonders to be outdone - or coopted and improved. The most practically useful of these, of course, were the sentient species, the Steel Men, the Peng, the Leogodai. Of these, the Steel Men were most familiar, needing to eat food unlike the Leogodai and being more adaptable to locale than the Peng; their massive frames demanded a high mineral and high calorie diet, but so had the ever-destructive forms of Singers, long ago. Singers, who reanimated their creator's child as a weapon, who raised it in their ways, who saw it go from wight to deity.

It was to a particular, lone Steel Man that Ischkathar appeared, disguised as an elder, a symbol of their people's knowledge. The two spoke at length about the nature of Steel Man society, the place for those who could do more than back-breaking labour, and the disguised god passed down the many arcane secrets it had learned during its ascension. These spells were no match for divine power, but they were far more efficient, to the point that the Kinslayer's slain kin had become steeped in sorcery simply to save energy.

The procedure took a matter of years, but when it was done, where Beorn the Steel Man had been, only Magus remained, his entire outlook changed by his new knowledge. With the illusions that Ischkathar had taught him, Magus set forth, instructing Steel Men in his dark ways, creating a loyal base of students to manipulate, never knowing he was as much a tool as any of them. He shrouded himself in long robes and wide-brimmed hats all the same, in part to shield from the elements and thus save on power, in part to add an air of mystery by adopting symbols of a wanderer, and in part to actually hide his identity - or his shapeshifting abilities, or any of the less subtle personally affecting spells the Usurper had taught him. The followers of his teachings, the self-styled Enlightened, adopted similar fashions with more reason, for none of them had Magus' wellspring of divine power.

Power roll (http://orokos.com/roll/203419): 2d6+2 9
Power rollover: 3 points
Total 12 points

10 points: Create Avatar - Magus, a former Steel Man sorcerer who wanders the earth, seeking and spreading knowledge - particularly of new sources of power - and manipulating people into causing disruption

2 points: Command Avatar (Magus) to Create Order in the Steel Men "The Enlightened", a sorcerous mystery cult in service to Ischkathar

0 points remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+1 orders to next roll

[Justicar]

Stahl's millennia-long undertaking came to a close. His hammer, forge and armor were finally complete. He looked upon his works with pride and satisfaction. However, when he looked about him, he was surprised.

The once barren mountains were now teeming with life. Generations of Ferros had riddled the mountains with caves. Metal-horned geweisen foraged the plants and trees that now carpeted the slopes and valleys. Vicious, tunneling burrow-wolves and ferocious, albino leodai preyed upon animals there and each other. But most disturbing were the small tribes of mortal that had spread across the continent.

The tribes had carved a meager life on the mountainside. Small villages with crude huts and short ramparts made from the wood of glowroot trees. However, they had surprisingly sophisticated metal weapons and tools to protect themselves from predators and work in their tiny farms. Stahl knew at once what had happened.

“Forge Son, what have you done?” cried Stahl.

At first, Forge Son tried to hide, but realized that eventually his father’s divine senses would find him. “What is it, Father,” he responded hesitantly.

“Did you create these people? Did you teach them the secrets of metalworking? Did I not give the divine directive that this knowledge should only be given to those that have learned it themselves or have truly earned it?”

Meakly, Forge Son replied, “Yes, Father.”

“The races of the world are still in their infancy. They are not yet ready for such power. I can already sense faults within them that others have already begun to exploit.” Stahl looked upon his son’s creations. “However, it is too late. You have made life, yet abandoned it, like a child that has grown bored with his new toy. There are gods that seek to manipulate and corrupt them. The world are full of creatures that hunt them and need protection. The lands they have made their homes are inadequate for this task. Let us take care of these people while I think of a proper penance for you.”

First, Stahl gathered the tribal chieftains, priests and smiths. He corrected many of the imperfect secrets that Forge Son had tried to pass on to the Steel Men. The divinity of his words were etched into their minds and souls. The secrets and smithing abilities were passed from one generation to the next until the people had an innate sense of the Soul of Metal.

Following his Father’s advice, Forge Son directed to the large mountain and told them to create a mighty city and fortress. The Steel Men dug deep into the stone, forming winding tunnels that were claustrophobic to other creatures and races. Rooms were carved that expand to homes, markets, streets and palaces. Intricate carvings and metal inlays adorned every surface. From the surface of the mountain, the entrance was a massive, yet simple stone and metal gate. Yet once you’ve gotten past the gate, an expansive and glittering city was opened up to the viewer. It was called Erste Stadt, the First City.

Points: 13

Advance Race (10 points): The Steel Men are unrivaled experts in the art of Metallurgy. They can make alloys that are far beyond those of other races. Their swords are sharper, their armors harder and jewelry brighter. It is said that every household has a personal forge and the children learn at an early age from their fathers’ side to treat it with awe and respect.

Command Avatar (2 points) - Command Race (Create City): The Steel Men have founded Erste Stadt, the First City. A massive, underground city teeming with Steel Men. Colossal forges light the dim caverns and the populous are either miners, smiths, or defenders, even the priesthood and rulers. Metal engraving cover every surface, both for decoration and to make it harder for burrow-wolves from breaking into the city. A enormous stone and metal gate guards the entrance and it is constantly manned against predators.

Points Remaining: 1
+2 for next roll

[Business Scrub]

In time, Yaelumi wakes in the Everdark. To her surprise as she opens her eyes, a seed the size of her fist lies tangled in her black hair. Curious... she thinks. I suppose that even while we sleep our minds continue to create.
Curious to see what this seed held, she ventured far into the Deep Wood. For three days and three nights she walked, finding the perfect spot to plant the seed. She dug the hole with her own hands, imbuing the seed with her divine spark. It grew almost immediately, and with great speed. As Yaelumi watches, is reaches high into the air, pushing the lesser trees aside. Its roots burrowed all across Lonorthell, bonding to the world itself. The bark warped and twisted into the shape of a face, and round purple fruit and pear-shaped silver fruit hang from it. Yaelumi is surprised when it speaks in her mind.
"Nightmother. They will tell stories of this night. I can feel the wind blow through my leaves, at long last. Thank you."
Yaelumi smiles, pleased with her creation. Welcome. What is your name, child?
The tree thought for a day and a night, for he was not prone to hasty action.
"Miirgrathomin." He said. "I will watch and tend to these woods."
She nodded, contented. Miirgrathomin shook, and the heavier purple fruit fell to the forest floor and began to grow. These fruit grew without roots, into a shape more like that of Yaelumi herself. These creatures were smaller than the Fimvor, but not by much. They stood no more than six feet tall, with green skin, and dark purple hair the color of the fruit that birthed them. They gave both Yaelumi and Miirgrathomin joy, as they explored the world around them with curious hands.
"Good night Saumna. Welc-"
But the Saumna would not wait and listen, even to the goddess. They ran off into the woods, some grouped together in pairs or triplets, and began to populate the forest.
"Will they be all right, Miirgrathomin?" The Nightmother wondered, as the creatures wandered off.
"I have given them the knowledge they need to survive. The poison of the Cariut should not harm them, and they will prosper."

Points: 14

Create Avatar (10): Miirgrathomin, the Dream Tree: a massive fruiting tree, hundreds of feet tall in the Deep Woods.

Command Avatar (Create Race (2)): Saumna, the Free Folk. This race of smaller, greenskinned humanoids are increadibly swift, and resistant to poisons. They are quite intelligent, and would form a society if they didn't abhore the order that is necessary to build one. They typically live and hunt in families, and cannot stay in one place too long, though they do make basic tools, trade with one another and share a well developed language.

2 points remaining, +1 to next turn's roll.

Surgate
Starsign
Omegonthesane
Ninjaman
Ladorak
Dancealot
Justicar
Grishnax
Scrub

[Sir Dancealot]

One faceless god looks at the other as he leaves. He then turns to the female. "He will come to his senses. At some point he must realize that he need allies. As for your proposal, how will I do as you want, if I do not possess the power to do so?" He stands motionless as the snow fall down on his cloak.

"Simple, when you have the power and I need its use, I get to use it until such a time that the debt is repaid. But, do not wait too long for my assistance. The contract will become null eventually." She replied, leaning back in the simple wooden chair she sat upon, the sound of hooves clattering over the ground as she did so.



***
A golden lightning bolt came down from the broken roof of Solaine's castle, and Xymix stepped forward from the light, her golden mane-like hair and protruding horns collecting some of the falling snow as the bemused expression in her golden eyes widened with her lips, into a welcoming warm smile. "Lightning Sister Solaine, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Xymix." She gave a slight bow. "I seek no deals but the comfort of pleasant company. I trust such a request is free from bargains?"



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Onichild5/auro5.jpg
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/037/2/3/gold_golem_by_sixfrid-d75cxz3.jpg


"Of course sister, please, take a seat." Solaine waved towards one of the simple wooden chairs at the table. The chairs seemed to come and go as the people did. "Most things are free from me but the use of my power for your benefit. For now at least. So come! Come! Conversation is always welcome in these halls!" She looked about her, frowning. "I'll fix them up eventually, when I find the need at least. So Xymix, what do you wish to speak of?"

[Ninjaman]

The faceless god replied to the warrior woman's proposal "Very well. I will keep you by your word and come seeking help if I need it." A lightning came through the broken roof and a golden godess stood by the table. He nodded at both the godesses before walking back into the shadows.

[grishnax]

Karu watched as the world unfolded. It was growing, evolving, in ways that he had not predicted. And yet, the Peng seemed content to stay in their caverns and the Isles. Karu, wishing to know more, was not pleased by this. He discussed it in long detail with Saeuru. After a few years of great discussion, a proclamation was issued: Those who wished to receive great honor would go out into the world, learn all that they could, then return to their homeland to share this wealth of information with all others. Over time, those who undertook this quest became known as Knowledge Seekers. It became a challenge to see who could collect the greatest wisdom from 'the outside world' and return to tell the tale.

However, Karu was not content as things were. He knew that books could be damaged and destroyed, and that in the worst case scenario, all the knowledge that the Peng had collected would be lost to the world. He called upon his powers to craft a new world; one of shelves and parchment, where no one could ever reach. He filled it with all of the knowledge that the Peng had collected, and made it so that when a new book was created, a copy of it would be placed within his great library-plane, so that no knowledge would ever be lost. In the end, Karu called his plane the Infinite Library.

Points: 13
Power: Command Avatar {Create Order} (-2) Knowledge Seekers formed; A group of Peng who go out into the world to learn all that they can and return to share the information with their brethren.
Power: Create World (-7) Karu created a plane called the Infinite Library. Whenever any kind of information is written down for the purpose of recording knowledge, a copy of that information is put into a tome at the Infinite Library. This does not include things like personal letters, or books that are inherently magical. The world expands based on how many books it has. Books native to the Infinite Library cannot be removed from it, and they are almost indestructible.
Remaining Points: 4 (+2 bonus)
Surgate
Starsign
Omegonthesane
Ninjaman
Ladorak
Dancealot
Justicar
Grishnax
Scrub

[Omegonthesane]

The creation of Erste Stadt was a dream beyond many of the Steel Men's comprehension, but it was a revealed command from above, rather than spawning from their own desires, so the Usurper had mixed feelings. It would at least definitely be an irreversible change to their society, as large numbers of people previously dwelling in scattered tribes were brought together in one place.

It was also a valuable resource. There was little question that, as an influence outside of Stahl's will, the Enlightened would be considered a threat and their purging seriously contemplated, but now they could get masses of converts in one place. Their influence expanded like a weed, and a number of subsidiary orders formed, none knowing for certain that they were tools of the Enlightened. The greatest of these was the Black Wheel, which had recruits among the rulers of Steel Man families and could therefore source decent metal weapons, metal armour, and training in the use of these. The metal was found to interfere with the effects of some of their spells, but rather than accept this limitation they examined it, finding the degree to which it applied and how much they could actually get away with.

Magus, meanwhile, had wandered to the lands of the Saumna. While none of them were keen on formally letting go of their liberties for mutual benefit, many wished that others would help them, and were willing to freely give aid in return. While none of them were keen to make binding oaths of servitude to others, all saw that it was to everyone's benefit if everyone could count on everyone else doing what they said they would do. Couching the laws in terms of their benefits, the freedoms they protected, Magus turned a faction of the third race against its original ideals; they might have called it a net benefit to their freedom of action to follow the Code, but it took several generations of Saumna conditioned by their parents before this belief really took hold.

In the southwest of the world, a new set of rocky isles formed, windblown and only capable of supporting sparse vegetation, though surrounded by fish. Beneath the waters, a cave system connected them, but there was no light to guide the way through those depths, and if anything they were colder than the surface.

Power roll (http://orokos.com/roll/203423): 2d6+3+1 10
Power rollover: None
Total 10 points

4 points: Command City (Erste Stadt) to Raise Army (The Black Wheel)

Command Army (The Black Wheel) to defend the Enlightened

2 points: Command Avatar (Magus) to Create Order in the Saumna "Followers of the Code", a faction of the wanderers which has been convinced that their freedom is overall improved if everybody adheres to a strict code of law restricting hostile interactions between members of their kind.

3 points: Shape Land x1 to create a set of small islands in K4, rocky, windblown, and infertile, but surrounded by fish-rich waters and all connected by an underground cave system

1 point remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+2 orders to next roll

[Ladorak]

To sooth his headache and escape the nagging of his daughter Sol Invictus sought out his elder son, Bonum filium who was everything a father could wish for, and whose company his daughter could not stand, and therefore he too escaped it. Sol Invictus knew how to find peace in all circumstances
'What do you do, beloved son?'
'I have been among the Peng father. as one of them.' He turned to face his father, and in truth he was his very image, yet lesser, a shade of him, a sapling before a tree They are very interesting. They are not as us, immortal, and so to prevent the lose of knowledge through the ages they have contrived a way to mark it down. Lots of little symbols that form patterns. It's very clever.
'I had gone among them to have some print a copy of your words and laws, I meant to give it to you, yet when I held it in my hand-flipper it seemed a paltry gift. I gave it back, and some were very taken with it. Your name and law spreads father.
Sol Invictus smiled You are ever a worthy scion of the Azure my son. You do well and bring us honor without effort or intention. It is worthy of us he hugged his son.

12 points
Create Avatar 10 Bonum filium
Command Avatar 2 create order in the Peng. The Keepers of the Blue Book (or Keepers, for short). The keepers intentions are every similar to the Peng, the recording and keeping of knowledge. They concern themselves with bringing the various libraries and researchers together into a single unified organisation. A city library rather than a city of libraries
0 remaining

Surgate
Starsign
Omegonthesane
Ninjaman
Ladorak
Dancealot
Justicar
Grishnax
Scrub

[Justicar]

Over the generations, the Steel Men came to excel at the art of metalworking. After centuries, the knowledge became so ingrained that very little education was needed anymore. What once took decades to learn, now only a few years or months. Every Steel Man could hear the Soul of Metal deep within them.

However, it was becoming increasing clear that a corruption was growing amongst them. Forge Son gathered his most trusted and loyal followers. He told them of the Enlightened and the threat they posed to their people. He entrusted the care and protection of the holy forges to them. They were to prevent the secrets of advanced metallurgy from falling into Enlightened hands.

After this, Stahl came to his son. "Do you see now the error that you made? Of the innate fault you cast when you made this race without my knowledge to guide you?" Stahl asked.

"Yes, father," Forge Son replied. "They were not ready for our gifts and teachings. But I can help them! I can show them the true path again."

"You have done enough. I told you that there was to be penance needed for what you have done," said Stahl. "You are to wander the world. You are to make certain that the secrets of metalworking do not fall into the hands of unworthy races. You will judge them and, if you find that they have the maturity and wisdom to handle this knowledge, you will teach them. Only the truly best races shall know our mysteries."

"But father, who aid you in your divine works? Who will be your helper at the forge? Who will stand by your side?" Forge Son protested.

"Your creations, my grandchildren, shall stand in your steed. I shall watch over them, guide them and protect them. As long as they stay on the true and straight path, I shall forever be with them."

"When can I come home, father?" Forge Son asked.

"I know not, my son. When I feel that your penance has ended and you truly learned humility for your actions, I will call you home," Stahl explained. "Until then, your duty is elsewhere." With those words, Stahl turned form his son.

After Forge Son had left, Stahl appeared before the high priest of the Steel Men. "A shadow has been cast upon your race. It seeks to undermine everything that I stand for. You and your brotherhood have been charged with protecting your people and city. Take up arms and defend the holy forges. These 'Enlightened' shall not learn the mysteries that I emparted unto you. The knowledge of metalworking that they know shall be forever imperfect and incomplete. You shall remain pure and the fate of the Steel Men shall reside within you."

When the high priest awoke, he gathered his order and told them of his dream. The strongest and most sturdy of the order were chosen and taught the ways of warfare. They were given the hardest armor and the sharpest swords. They would stand vigilant forever over the Steel Men.

Points: 12

Ingrain Advancement (2 points): All the Steel Men have metallurgy imbedded deep within their souls. They have an innate sense of metal and ore.

Command Avatar (2 points) - Create Order (Protectors of the Molten Flame): Priesthood of the Steel Men. All of them are master smiths and forgers. They guard the advanced secrets of metallurgy and prevent them from reaching unworthy races. However, their primary directive is to fight the corruption of the Enlightened from spreading their roots too deep within their society.

Command City (4 points) - Raise Army (The Pure Ones): A holy war rages against the Enlightened. Behind the scenes, the Protectors and Enlightened are engaged in an epic struggle. To fight the corruption of the Enlightened, the Protectors have been directed to root them out and put them to the flame. The Pure Ones are Erste Stadt's homeguard and protect the holy forges from Enlightened influences. While their metal tools may be used by the enemy, the secrets of making them shall be forever guarded.

Command Army (Defend Erste Stadt): The Pure Ones' holy mission is to protect Erste Stadt and the holy forges of the Protectors. While the Protectors gear up for the fight against the Enlightened, the Pure Ones shield Steel Men from outsider corruption.

Remaining points: 4
+3 activity bonus
+1 Order bonus

[Surgate]

Xymix nodded, taking a seat and crossing her legs, conjuring a golden goblet in her hand which collected the falling snow. She looked all around her, taking in the ruined castle in its fullest. "I wish to speak of Past, Present and Future, sister." The luck goddess spoke matter of fact, yet unable to contain her giddiness.

"I would like to get to know my older sister, anything you may care to share about your past will do, and in return I shall tell you a story of mine own, not necessarily about me, since I am young, but a good one nonetheless, and that will lead to my proposal for the future." She grinned, "Interested?"


Turn 4: 10 Points rollover

[Starsign]

Watching from above once more, Akriot watches as civilizations around him develop, change, and mingle with each other through the trickery of the gods. How odd it is for such simple beings to be created with sentience, life, and not cherish those things as they are played like puppets with strings from the bronze sun's eyes. These sort of creatures are supposed to be below him, yet at the same time they bring such... curiosity to him. There was clearly some sort of pride that the other gods took in their mortal creations, as well as spinning them around to do their creator's being. It only becomes now that Akriot sees that the field of battle will be placed among who which he creates, rather than what he makes. So then Akriot must create his own kind, one which is strong enough to survive the Dust Plains, brave enough to face its foes, and superior enough to rise up above all.

And so Akriot calls forth his bronze rays down on his land once more. The Great Canyon responds, and in the sun's call, begins to peel. Piece by piece, rocky scales form and fall off the canyon as they begin to come together, molded by dust, dirt, earth, and rock to create a humanoid form. Of course this isn't enough; a being must be used as a representation to model from. As the sun, Akriot was not one that could work as a model; it had to be someone in the Dust Plains, one which survives, even thrives in the harshness of the land. The animal he chooses is the lizard; hardy, flexible, and resistant. The humanoid being takes the form of that creature, with scales of grey and brown forming as their skin, long reptilian tails, crocodile and snake heads, and great, stone-like muscles to finish the body. These creatures, Rockscales are they are called, will represent the strong that can withstand Akriot's heat and punishment.

As sentient beings, they were only like toddlers at first. Timid, young, and with little purpose in life. Akriot commanded them, and they listened. Their own heavy arms, claws, and tail to use, the Rockscales begin digging inward to their father, the Great Canyon. With nothing but their bodies they dig pathways, tunnels in the Great Canyon, and eventually develops homes from rock, mud, dirt, and everything else these creatures can scavenge from the Dust Planes. Even with so many however, it is not long before their arms wear down, their bodies tire, and in exhaustion must rest. Akriot however does not allow this. His power seeps into his creations; an invocation of rage ignites them once more. Their own rage is turned towards the Great Canyon as they proceed to claw their own city. Even rage doesn't support all of them however; some of the Rockscales die of exhaustion, too weak to follow their own goals. The rest however, survive as they create Kell'Nvarr, the first grand city of the Rockscales. Carved rock rests as the walls, done as decorations signifying their kind and their god. Fires are used as light, fires which do not faze nor harm the Rockscales. Everything they made seem primitive, yet are developed as remarkable as it can be by mortal hands. Tunnels span everywhere, easy for foreign threats to lose their way in. Though it may not have pure defenses, Kell'Nvarr's strength comes from the cunning of its design and the sheer brutality of it's people. And the Great Canyon protected its kind. Without word it watched over the Rockscales as they made their homes in the creator's belly.

Of all that the Rockscales have made, none in their early years were greater than the armory founded and developed by the biggest of the Rockscales, Seth'nin. Simply a warrior before, Akriot gave him a vision or organized weaponry and armor tougher than steel. It was a vision Seth'nin was told to act on, and so he did. Though their hunting gear was formerly made of cloth and hardened mud, Seth'nin showed his kind how to distinguish normal clothing from battle gear. Cloth became their usual garb over naked scales and in times of conflict lie instead the works of gear. Seth'nin showed his kind how to chip rock and smooth it into suit, completing armor thin for scouting and heavy for frontline combat. Their heaviest gear, nearly half a foot in thickness, was only made for the biggest of warriors. It is defense made to be impenetrable, supported by the Rockscales' own sheer strength and speed. And even beneath all that, the armor is lightly infused with Akriot's own rage, infusing it with heat that could burn any weaker weapon or flesh that comes in contact with it. Seth'nin's own words speak proper for what his armory is for:

"In times of battle, we are fast, we are strong, we are hardy, but we have nothing between our skin and an enemy's weapon. This is my compromise. Enemies must strike deep to harm us with this armor, and may only get one chance before our tails break their bodies, our claws rend their skin, and our teeth crunch their vitals."

This counts for Turn 4 and 5, or just Turn 5 if that works too. Easier that way :smalltongue: Anyway, 18 points to work with from both turns, so...

Command Avatar to Create Race: Rockscales, reptilian creatures that live in the Dust Planes. Also immune to fire and heat. (-2)
Command Race to Found City: Kell'Nvarr, first city of the Rockscales which exists in the Grand Canyon. (-8)
Command City to Create Structure: Seth'nin's Armory, a powerful place or organized weaponry which was developed by the Rockscale of Seth'nin. Known for provided armor beyond comparison (at least as of now) through rock and mud, and is also incredibly hot through Akriot's power that may burn anyone in contact that isn't hugely resistant to fire and heat. Provides weapons as well to quickly suit up the Rockscales, but the armor augments their physical strength and natural weapons better. (-4)

This should leave 4 points left if I am correct. More details about each of these are in the IC part of this post. :smallsmile:

[Business Scrub]

In the woods around Magus the darkness coalesced, quickly forming the shape of Yaelumi.
"You are the first to step foot in these woods, Magus. Besides its own folk and myself. Who are you to confine the fey to laws and rules?"
She sounded more curious than angry, but still on edge. No one else had dared enter her domains yet, and to do so without anouncing himself, and to twist the minds of her children, made her wary.
"You step on precarious ground, spreading your words of laws here."

No action, 10 point rollover.

[Omegonthesane]

"I have not confined the Saumna to anything," Magus answered, truthfully, somehow aware that the lord of this domain would not be fooled by outright lies. "I only taught them cause and effect, they worked out the rest for themselves." That the fey found a society at all was more critical to the wanderer's plans than what principles that society happened to hold.

The followers of the Code had more than anything emphasised the importance of hospitality. If the Saumna could not be safe in a stranger's camp, they could not safely rest, and therefore could not safely wander. Therefore it was forbidden above all other crimes for a guest to harm a host or a host to harm a guest. One of the first growths of the Code was to formally define a guest and a host, as the original loose nature of one-word terms was flagrantly abused by those wishing to bend the Code to their ends.

Ischkathar smiled at these last, for their ambition was healthy, but Magus needed them removed - they had no place in his schemes.

Even with the ability to cooperate, the Saumna of the Code were not precisely ambitious builders. Unable to remain still for long, they had little use for large, fixed territories, but there were a few larger structures they had a place for. Over years of careful gardening, they cleared most of the branches from an area large enough to seat a thousand of their ranks, for celebrations or court sessions or simply a sufficiently large harvest. Thus the Great Clearing was born as a centrepoint of Code-following society.

It soon became clear that military drills were one of the uses of the Clearing, and lacking an organised enforcement arm, the Code followers created one, the 1st Enforcers. These unusually tough Saumna were experts in such weapons as their technology base allowed, and allowed to bear them openly; in return, they suffered more restrictions, for while a brawl between two civilians would only end in injury, if an Enforcer lashed out they would probably kill.

In the meantime, the cavern islands to the southwest expanded. Their eastern reaches were much the same as the original set, but the northern reaches of the island chain were somewhat more fertile - no match for the Fertile Fields, but the tougher forms of livestock could thrive there, and indeed the Fimvor did.

Power roll (http://orokos.com/roll/203740): 2d6+3+2 15
Power rollover: 1 point
Total 16 points

2 points: Command Avatar (Magus) to Command Race (Saumna) to Create City (Great Clearing) in H8
4 points: Command City (Great Clearing) to Raise Army (1st Code Enforcers)
Command Army (1st Code Enforcers) to protect the Followers of the Code Order

6 points: Shape Land x2, expand the Cavern Islands into K5, and create some slightly more fertile isles connected to the same cave network in J4

3 points remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+2 orders to next roll

[Business Scrub]

Yaelumi looked out on the Code-following Saumna, her mistrust quickly turning to anger. Again she approached Magus, this time long wisps of darkness curling off of her like smoke. Her tone is undeniably angry, brooking no argument.
"Enough Magus: you go too far now. I have seen the way you sit in my woods, twisting my people from their nature. They fight with weapons, they imprision each other and force their will upon one another. Worse yet, they tear down and kill the land they were born in, because of you!
I have had enough of your corruption and machinations. Leave these woods Magus, and do not return."
As she speaks the majority of the Saumna, those still free, watch eagerly from the shadows and trees. They had grown curious, and many wary, of this newcomer who spread words of things that clashed so harshly with their ingrained views.

[Sir Dancealot]

Xymix nodded, taking a seat and crossing her legs, conjuring a golden goblet in her hand which collected the falling snow. She looked all around her, taking in the ruined castle in its fullest. "I wish to speak of Past, Present and Future, sister." The luck goddess spoke matter of fact, yet unable to contain her giddiness.

"I would like to get to know my older sister, anything you may care to share about your past will do, and in return I shall tell you a story of mine own, not necessarily about me, since I am young, but a good one nonetheless, and that will lead to my proposal for the future." She grinned, "Interested?"


Turn 4: 10 Points rollover

"From me, information is always free. But a story? Hmm." Solaine smiled, thinking on a story. " I have many of those. Perhaps one of myself? Yes, I think that will do." She leaned forward on the table, the clash of arms and armour resounding through the room, "My story began eons ago as a simple mortal. The same as many of what the gods are creating even. Similar at least. It was near the end of that world, and our gods had become insane. All they felt was anger and hate, and they waged a war on the mortals. But we had become powerful throughout the years, and the gods powers had waned. Millions died for every god that fell, and years passed into decades, decades into centuries. The world knew naught but war. This is what I was born into, a war between the gods and their creations. One that spanned an entire world. You were born with a weapon in your hand, and destruction on your lips. I rose to be one of the greatest, and I struck blows to the gods that no mortal had ever done before. In the end, we won, but at the loss of much. And when a world knows naught but war, it stands against itself. A simple story, but it is where I became a god, and it is when I saw my first world burn."

[Surgate]

Xymix listened intently, elbows propped against the table, cradling her chin in her palms. When Solaine finished, the golden goddess offered a small smile. "I had no idea, thank you for sharing." Xymix leaned back, collecting her thoughts. The goblet was full of melted snow, and she drank greedily from the golden cup, enjoying the taste of fine cold water.

"And now it is my turn to return the favor. Not long ago, in these very waters, a peculiar ruby red tortoise was born, the smallest of its kind." Xymix held up a pinkie finger for Solaine, "About the size of a finger nail this creature was, and it was picked on, pushed around, and bullied for many years as he gradually grew in size, temperament and skill. When the other shelled creatures stopped growing or died off, this one continued to rise, there seemed to be no limit to his capacity for food and strength, and eventually those lovely little Corros creatures attended to him, living atop his shell, eating whatever smaller lifeforms found solace in his protection, for this ruby tortoise grew massive, and then gargantuan till eventually even the krakens who rule these seas became snack food for this behemoth."

Xymix leaned back, looking up to the sky through the broken roof. "And when he ate too much, and grew too large, he went to very northern most point of this world and fell asleep, where he dwells now, and soon many things will live on his shell, which most will take to be a great landmass and nothing else, never suspecting the living, hibernating creature they dwell upon."

She smirked, "A simple story too, but pertinent to my proposal. I wish to create a living race with you sister somewhere upon the ruby tortoise's shell. Stahl's weapons gave me a wonderful idea for sentient weapons, and I believe together we can create something truly wonderful. Perhaps I create a race of golden blessed weapons, and you make a race of cursed ones, and then together we create a hybrid paradoxical race of artifact sentient weapons that offer greater power, rewards, and prices than our individual races combined. This is but one idea however, and I'm more than willing to hear what you may have in mind."

Xymix chuckled, "I don't mind covering as much of the costs as need be, this isn't about using you for my own gain, rather than a collaboration for fun. As long as you agree of course."


17 points

-9 Points, Create land, A7-9, the North Ruby Pole, a massive ruby shelled tortoise who has fallen into a great slumber.

8 Points rollover

[grishnax]

Karu noted that a divine being who he had not previously encountered took a form among the Peng. As this being did not seem to mean any harm, Karu left him to his own devices. After all, it would be interesting to see the outcome of this. Eventually, saw the result of this being's interactions with the Peng: The Keepers of the Blue Book. Karu approved of the joining of knowledge, for it helped enlighten even more of the Peng. The Knowledge Seekers continued to gather knowledge, and the Keepers helped organize it. However, Karu wanted to see the world from the perspective of creatures other than the Peng. So, he set off to wander the world, telling Saeuru that he would return in time.

As Karu wandered, he learned many things. He saw new places and met with new creatures. He explored the world that the other gods had created, and enjoyed all of the newfound wisdom that he gained. Eventually, Karu decided that he wanted to share the knowledge with others. However, he did not want the secrets of the world to become known to anyone who wanted them. He wanted only those who truly sought knowledge to be blessed with this gift. So, he crafted an island, and on that island, made a massive labyrinth full of tricks, traps, and puzzles that would test the worth of one who desires to hear the wisdom of Karu. And in the center of that island, he forged a book with all of his knowledge, and called it Truth. Untouchable by any divine hand including his own, Truth would reflect all of Karu's knowledge eternally. It could not be moved, and would answer any three questions that a mortal would ask. And thus, the Maze of Truth was formed.

Points: 17
Power: Shape Land 1" (-3) Create a labyrinth with many tricks, traps, and puzzles on F13. It is called the Maze of Truth.
Power: Event (-10) Create a book in the middle of the labyrinth called Truth. Truth contains all of Karu's knowledge, and cannot be moved or touched by anything with divine power. When a mortal reads it, they may ask 3 questions, which will be answered. After their questions are answered, they are teleported out of the labyrinth.
Remaining Points: 4 (+3 activity, +1 order bonus)

[Justicar]

Erste Stadt continued to flourish and grow. It was a shining jewel of a city. During an expansion of the temple district, a priest found instructions on how to build new and better forges that were penned by Forge Son himself. The plans were only to be discovered once the Steel Men had advanced enough to make proper use of them. These plans were used to create the Holy Forges of Erste Stadt and it produced many innovations to their metal-works.

However, Stahl had grown concerned about the growing corruption within his grandchildren. He knew that it was dark path some of them were currently on. Drastic measures were needed.

He taught them the mysteries of Soul-Binding. This divine secret allowed them to anchor their souls to their bodies, but at the price of forever barring themselves from magic. However, they could temporarily project their souls into objects they are holding, enhancing them in powerful ways. Weapons strike true more often, armor deflect mighty blows, carriages travel further with fewer repairs and tools were more accurate and efficient.

Newborns are tattooed with a strange metallic ink to prevent magic from infecting them. As they grew older, more and more tattoos are inscribed onto their skin until nearly their entire body is covered by the time they reach maturity. These tattoos could seemingly gleam a pure light, unlike normal or faked binding tattoos.

Stahl fervently hoped that this would be enough to protect his grandchildren from the storm he saw growing in the horizon.


Rollover points: 14
Command Avatar to Command City to Create Structure (2 Points): The Holy Forges of Erste Stadt. Large, divinely powered forges that are housed within Erste Stadt’s temple-factories. Channeling the pure source of their god’s holy spark, their masterworked creations surpass the metal goods made by other races. Also, the cauldrons seem to require less heat and fewer materials, thereby allowing more items be made without draining resources as much.

Advance Race – Soul-Binding(10 points): At the price of learning magic, Steel Men can invest a portion of their soul into whatever metal object they are holding to temporarily allow them to do wondrous feats.

Ingrain Advancement – Soul-Binding (2 points): All Steel Men have their souls bound at birth. For most Steel Men, the act of magic is forever denied to them. After several generations, many begin to question whether the tattoos are needed for that purpose anymore, although the physical act continues.


Remaining points: 0
+3 activity bonus
+1 Order bonus

[Omegonthesane]

"Have you looked at your people, lately, whoever you are?" Magus arrogantly asked, not knowing the true power of the god he retorted to. "They have always killed eachother with weapons, every time they have wished for bloodshed; once they did so wantonly, but now they do so only as a last resort. They have always imposed their will on one another, every time their wills have clashed; once they did so wantonly, but now they do so only for the common good. They have always pillaged the land for their fill and their desires; once they did so wantonly, but now they are careful, planning for the consequences of their deeds. I have business elsewhere, but I would have you consider: what are your true desires, what is your real objection to my wonders?"

With that, the wanderer did as asked, departing the dark forest to the Dust Plains. There, he encountered sandstorms and scorching heat, so his robes and hat became brilliant white, reflecting all the light they could. As he found his way to the Great Canyon he encountered strange, angry lizards in and around it, bipedal and sapient, and speaking a dialect which he knew must be a language as his spells translated it for him. Seeing that their strength might prove useful one day, he wandered the outskirts of Rockscale society, fearing to tread inside the Great Canyon - for there he felt a presence like the one that banished him from the dark woods. Instead, he took the outcasts, the most angry, the most friendless, and taught them how to harness their rage, to master it, and ultimately to be freed from it. Their practices were not so overtly sorcerous as those of the Enlightened, but it was simple fact that the Monks of the Viper used spells and blessings in their daily training regime, even if their resulting great fitness and disturbing calm was not magical.

North of the Cavern Islands, north even of the Dust Plains, new lands rose up, lands for which people would one day vie - perhaps in vain. In contrast to the harsh conditions of Ischkathar's previous landmass, these were ridiculously fertile, supporting a dense, filthy, disease-ridden jungle with more varieties of beast than any other single place of the same area on the planet, admittedly including replicated samples of the other fertile parts of the world. It would be an unenviable and arduous task to settle that place, yet the rare delicacies and animals inside would be considered worth the effort. Indeed, while very few of the Infested Forest's plants were safe to eat, Steel Man civilisation had already developed to the point that their thinkers might see the benefits of a product that killed whichever poor fool consumed it.

As Stahl made his preparations, a being much like a sparrow circled him, but when it spoke it was with Ischkathar's voice.
"Do not pretend you can completely direct your kin. They will not follow your designs. If my maker had realised that quickly enough, and adapted, perhaps it would be here instead of myself."

Power roll (http://orokos.com/roll/204353): 2d6+3+2 9
Power rollover: 3 points
Total 12 points

2 points: Command Avatar (Magus) to Create Order in the Rockscales "The Monks of the Viper", an order of warrior sages dedicated to mastering and escaping the rage Akriot put into their form, whose martial training regimen is explicitly magical.

6 points: Shape Land x2 to create the Infested Land in C5-C6, an area too fertile for its own good, overgrown and choked with various poisonous plants and filled with anything that can make a life in the gaps. Lots of flies and rats and disease.

4 points remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+3 orders to next roll

[Ladorak]

Regretfully Sol Invictus moved on from his son. Once again he was called as a judge. His daughter beneath the mountain had disobeyed him, going out into the world. He knew this, and knew it was his sullen and scheming brother who had sent her forth. He was confident Sol Invictus would spare his hand from his beloved daughter, and in that he was correct.

He watched her warily, but he was pleased and surprised by what he saw. Sophia Bellum encountered the Saumna and was dismayed at their riven nature, for though she was rebellious the idea of war between brothers sickened her. It was so aberrant and abhorred by her she resolved to help them, forgetting whatever mischief Insidiae Callidus had given her. Instead she empowered a number of worthy monks and seekers. For a while she lived among them, teaching them. Only when he judged them ready did she leave them. The Blue Speakers went out into the Saumna as the Blue book went out into the Peng. They brought order and structure, but not a banishment of what had come before, what was truly important. They acted as judges and impartial negotiators between the tribes, they celebrated lascivious festivals and invited all tribes and families to come, bound by oath of good behavior. They fostered cooperation and trade between the Saumna. They also divined the future from blood poured over old tree roots, performed rituals and preached. Once again the ideals of Sol Invictus, those of equal handed love and law, went out into the world.

He was very happy now, feeling blessed with such wonderful children. The Azure Mountain was not enough for the Azure, so many of the lesser Azure ran amok among the mountains now, sometimes straying into the dangerous lands below. It was their nature. Rebellious, unaging and bored. They risked themselves. Sol Invictus understood this, knowing the Azure needed somewhere else to play. So he waved his hand and the sky rippled throughout the world. Only for a few moments. When it stopped the sky seemed darker, dimmer somehow, and the air colder and thinner. Yet these abnormalities passed over a few days.

The shining blue that had gone, the warmth robbed from the air, did not vanish.

The Azure was a new world for the Azure. A blank slate, a empty place ready for them. But not barren. The whole world was their plaything, an amorphous blue reality ready to be shaped into anything by their mere mind and will

9 points
-7 Create World. The Azure. A blue dream realm, utterly empty. but where anything is possible to the Azure.
-2 Command avatar (Create order) Saumna: The Blue Speakers. Shaman that work to bring peace and order among the very disparate and volatile Saumna people. They act as judges between the tribes, share information, divine, perform rituals, preach and foster good relations between tribes. Their doctrine is one of both unity and individuality.
0

[Justicar]

As Stahl made his preparations, a being much like a sparrow circled him, but when it spoke it was with Ischkathar's voice.
"Do not pretend you can completely direct your kin. They will not follow your designs. If my maker had realised that quickly enough, and adapted, perhaps it would be here instead of myself."

Stahl inclined his head towards the sparrow. "It's sad. You see people as puppets to dance at your whims. From the severed strings I see from your wrists, I can only assume past experiences have tainted your view of the world. Both you and Solaine seem intent on bringing sins and baggage from an old world to this new one.

"I don't seek to direct my grandchildren, but to teach them. I don't control them; I trust them with the tools I gave them," said Stahl with a ghost of a smile. "You claim you offer freedom, but only if they wear your manacles on their wrists."

"I love my grandchildren and will do everything in my power to protect them. I would like to think you'd understand such emotions, but you have never truly created life, merely twisted others' creations for your amusement."

[Business Scrub]

Magus's insolence served only to increase Yaelumi's fury more.
"You simpleminded fool! You can only see the world through your one dimensional eyes of laws and rules. You made nothing better, you only changed they ways their lives play out! Don't you see? There will always be injustices, even in your smothering society. Such is a part of free will! Or would you rob them of that too? No, now you have broken those poor creatures. Now they live in apprehension, afraid of trespassing some law decided by whom? Just another one of them, no more perfect than the one before him. There is no less misery to be found in your society then a free one. It only looks different and you are too blind to see it. Those free folk are doomed to live their life in wonder of what they could be, if they were unshackled.
Go Magus, and know that next time you step foot in my lands again it will be your last. You know nothing of the power you speak to."

No sooner had Yaelumi told off Magus, that she turned and this blue god was spreading her influence over the Saumna, just like the other. Still, she had enough composure within her to stop from immediately lashing out at Sophia as she so dearly wanted to. Sophia's influence was different: possibly not as vile as the other's. But still the Nightmother was furious, and Sophia was not without fault in her eyes.

"Sophia Bellum." Yaelumi addresses the blue woman, collecting shadows to grow in size as she speaks, eventually towering over her. "Like the wretched Magus, you presume to enter my domain without so much as a pleasantry. And like the Steel Man, you seek to twist these free children to your own selfish views. Explain yourself. Now." As she speaks, the darkness around her and Sophia grows, until all light is blocked out and they appear to be in a void of black.

***

Immediately after her tirade with Sophia, Yaelumi is still deeply upset. Unable to look at Magus' twisted version of her people any longer, she sinks into the shadows, reemerging in Stahl's forge, near the metal god a while after Ischkathar left. Why? She could not say. It was simply where she had wanted to go to stir in her rage. Yaelumi paced back and forth, and spilled her emotions to Stahl.

"Insolent creatures, the lot of them! Ischkathar and his corrupted man especially!" She kicks a scrap of metal which strikes the wall, exploding in a shower of black, before fading away like smoke. "Do not trust him, Stahl. Do not so much as let him near what you build, for he seeks only to twist and poison."
She turns to him, a mix of emotions.
"Why must they seek to control? Live and let live... But no. They demand things be done their way, for they're either too ignorant or too blinded to see any way but their own."
The night goddess stopped pacing for a moment. Though it seems she had mostly been talking to herself, she looked up at Stahl, expecting him to say something.

Also, a pretty decent picture of the Saumna:
http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/z9duJul-AaM/hqdefault.jpg

Also the Saumna are not savages, it seems like people think that. They just resist the idea of restrictions they can't immediately see the benefit of. Yes, they may not agree for long enough to form anything larger than a hamlet, but that doesn't mean they go around killing each other.

[Justicar]

Yaelumi... reemerging in Stahl's forge, near the metal god a while after Ischkathar left. Why? She could not say. It was simply where she had wanted to go to stir in her rage. Yaelumi paced back and forth, and spilled her emotions to Stahl.

"Insolent creatures, the lot of them! Ischkathar and his corrupted man especially!" She kicks a scrap of metal which strikes the wall, exploding in a shower of black, before fading away like smoke. "Do not trust him, Stahl. Do not so much as let him near what you build, for he seeks only to twist and poison."
She turns to him, a mix of emotions.
"Why must they seek to control? Live and let live... But no. They demand things be done their way, for they're either too ignorant or too blinded to see any way but their own."
The night goddess stopped pacing for a moment. Though it seems she had mostly been talking to herself, she looked up at Stahl, expecting him to say something.

After the sparrow had left, Stahl returned to his work only to be interrupted by Yaelumi's tirade. He looked on with a faint smile on his lips as she raged. When it appeared that she had finally calmed, he finally spoke.

"And to think I used to call you 'Quiet One'," Stahl said with a laugh. "You have spoken more recently than you have in ages. There lies a passionate heart beneath that serene facade you like to show."

"You have raged and argued with godlings, but have you tried actually talking to your children?" Stahl asked. "I am sure they are just as confused and scared about these changes to their lives as you are. You may be a powerful goddess, but it is okay to be frightened for the people you love. Let them know that you're there for them."

Stahl lightly places his hands on her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. "You have done a lot for this world. The soothing coolness of the Night. The beauty of the Moon. The peace that the First Song brought to us as we forged a new wondrous world," whispered Stahl. "Let me help you. Let me give you gifts for a change.

"The first I shall make for you and you alone. The second is something I can give to your children. What do you say?"

[Ninjaman]

The murderer saw that world was taking shape, and would have to be a part of it if the balance was to be kept. He went down to the Dark Forest to meet the Saumna. He encountered one of the larger groops and quickly made clear that as a god they could do nothing to harm him. "I am known as the striking blade. I am only here to teach you." The Saumna looked confused at eachother. "Your race has split up into many small groups, easy to attack. Why spend time on hard labor, when you can steal someone else's work?" He points with his blade at one of the Saumna's hunting bow. "Why be prey, when you can be hunters?" And with that comment the murderer had successfully created an order within the Saumna. The Hunters who will murder and steal from the other Saumna as a way of life.
"Go out there. Show them how a hunter stalks his prey." He then turned around and went back into the shadows.


8 pts Create order inside the Saumna: The Hunters.

[grishnax]

Karu felt that now was the time to return the favor of knowledge that Stahl and Xymix had bestowed upon him so long ago. Splitting his consciousness in two, he appeared in front of both of them. Xymix was in the home of another who Karu had not yet encountered, and Stahl had Yaelumi as a guest. "Greetings," Karu said, "I am here to repay my knowledge-debt." A single blank page dropped off of his being in both places. "Ask for any one thing you desire to know to this paper, and it shall be made clear to you to the best of my knowledge."

After talking with the others, Karu realized the potential that splitting his consciousness could have. He split himself into hundreds of Karus, and explored the land, finding all sorts of wonders. But after some time, he realized that he understood the rules of this world too well. Things like gravity were simple to him. He wanted to see what would happen if the rules were twisted and altered beyond mortal comprehension. So, he crafted a landmass called the Flux, where the rules of reality would not apply. To inhabit this land, he created bizarre creatures: Miniature moving trees, birds that lived in the ocean and fish that lived in the sky, balls of seemingly dead plants that lashed out and devoured at anything that near, and many other grotesque creations. This would be an interesting place, indeed.
Points: 16
Power: Shape Land 2" (-6) Create an insane, unbelievable landscape called the Flux on L12 and L13.
Power: Event (-10) Alter the Flux to become realistically unstable. This means that the rules of reality are more like guidelines. For example, gravity can shift in power and direction at random, one could breath in earth and walk on air in certain portions, environments can become completely different in seconds, and many other weird things.
Power: Create life (0) A series of creatures and plants that could have been made by patients at an insane asylum. Examples include flying fish, birds that live underwater, mini-Ents, and Lashers, which are balls of plant matter that lash out with vines and pull in and devour their prey.
Points remaining: 0 (+3 activity, +1 order bonus)

[Business Scrub]

At first Yaelumi turned to Stahl with an angry glare, thinking he was chastising her. As she listens, her expression softens, thinking.
"Perhaps you are right Stahl. The Saumna need me now, in this time of chaos."

She looks up at him warmly now and smiles as he offers a gift. "I say you are too kind Stahl. I must go, but I thank you. You're a true friend to me and my children, and you are welcome in my lands any time."
Yaelumi looks up and kisses him lightly, then disappears in black smoke.

***

Back in the Deep Woods, she notices yet another band of Saumna straying from the others and sighs. But it was already done, and she could do nothing more about it.
Yaelumi paces back and forth in front of Miirgrathomin, planning what she will say to her creatures.
"You're muttering, you know."
"What? I am not."
The great tree chuckles.
"Yaelumi, stop and think. Why plan this speech? Plans and schemes have never been you. That's what the people who started this do. My advice? Speak from the heart. Don't put on a show."

And so she did. With mortal simplicity, she began to roll boulders into a great ring between the trees. It was tiring work, and drew the attention of the Saumna. When she had finished, all the Saumna not already aligned had gathered to watch. The goddess caught her breath, then sat on one of the boulders, and motioned for the others to do the same.
"Saumna, my children... These have been difficult times for you. For me as well. It makes my heart ache to see your brothers and sisters separated. But that is done. Now we are split, but it must not always be so.
Once more I ask some of you to split from your siblings, but unlike the others I offer you this choice freely. Become members of The Circle that joins your brothers and sisters together."
Of the Saumna that remained, about half stepped foreward. She nodded, as those that stayed back fell into the woods once again. To fill them with purpose, once again Yaelumi sang (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e4Crth_Hb8), this time just to them.

16 points
Actions: Create order: The Circle. (8) A last faction of Saumna dedicated to bringing harmony to all five groups.
8 points remaining.

[Ninjaman]

The Hunters told the murderer about what had happened. "Interesting. If the Saumna stay close together they become harder to hunt. It would be unwise to do so." The Hunters await for the murderer's conclusion. "Go back to your old ways, join up with the others, but never forget who is your true master." The Hunters nod and go back to their old ways.

After The Moon had finished her song she noticed that the faceless god had appeared behind her. He was clapping with his blade in one hand. "Beautiful. Very beautiful." He says in a voice with not a single hint of passion. He stops clapping. "I came to congratulate you on uniting your creations. Somewhat. They will need to be. A race can't be divided against itself. You must be ready."

[Ladorak]

No sooner had Yaelumi told off Magus, that she turned and this blue god was spreading her influence over the Saumna, just like the other. Still, she had enough composure within her to stop from immediately lashing out at Sophia as she so dearly wanted to. Sophia's influence was different: possibly not as vile as the other's. But still the Nightmother was furious, and Sophia was not without fault in her eyes.

"Sophia Bellum." Yaelumi addresses the blue woman, collecting shadows to grow in size as she speaks, eventually towering over her. "Like the wretched Magus, you presume to enter my domain without so much as a pleasantry. And like the Steel Man, you seek to twist these free children to your own selfish views. Explain yourself. Now." As she speaks, the darkness around her and Sophia grows, until all light is blocked out and they appear to be in a void of black.

Ha! The warrior daughter scoffed at the enclosing darkness Do not think me some mortal cow to be cowed with such display. I am Sophia Bellum! Daughter of Sol Invictus! I am of the Azure, I sit at Sol Invictus' table. Do not presume anything with me. From nowhere her sword of flame and shield of shadow appeared in her hands. She lashed out and a great tongue of flame sprang out into the void Come at me, if you desire it, I'll not stand before you and death!

Any divine clash was forestalled though. Brilliant white light bloomed, banishing the darkness. Peace my daughter Sol Invictus stood there, shining blindingly, shaking the very earth with his voice And peace to you, Yaelumi, mother of stars, bewitcher of the night. My daughter intended no harm here, and none has been done. The warmaiden simply stood there, so ready for battle only seconds ago, now utterly dominated by her father's presence Beloved daughter, these creatures you have aided belong to this one, she has the right to ask what she has asked. But the word throbbed with power She treated you discourteously and threatened you. I must assume she is ignorant of the Azure, for I know she is not foolish enough to call down the ire of Sol Invictus by threatening his family. The threat dripped from every syllable, yet when he spoke next there was nothing but warmth in his words We are of the Azure, dear daughter, we must be better than others. So rise above this, and give Yaelumi the answer she would have deserved, had she asked with courtesy

Although defiant and angry Sophia Bellum also held the concept of Azure exceptionalism close to her heart, so she mastered herself and answered politely and with a sweet tone devoid of irony When I came upon these lands your people were fractured and divided. Brother slew brother. I was horrified. The Blue Speakers will end that, given time. They are the only unifying factor between the families, between the tribes. Only they, you, or outright victory for one side can bring an end to this cycle of fratricide. You do nothing, and so they act. If your power is truly comparable to be father's she says this with the air of one who has been told something they cannot believe by someone they cannot mistrust Then you already know this. Why, then, are you so upset? The Speakers bring peace, but not unity. They will remain who they are in their hearts, a hundred thousand peoples united in blood alone, but they shall come to honour law, peace, trade, and abhor war, rape and plunder. Love and mutual interest will replace suspicion and greed.
'You have the power to change that of course. If this bloodshed is somehow pleasing to you, by all means go ahead. It will pain me to see it, but I obey my father in this. He says they are yours. Smite the speakers if you wish, bath in Saumna for a thousand generations if you will. I-'
Bellum I was a word, but enough to stop her in her tracks... For a few moments
Father this foolishness is not worthy of our family! Let us leave here, she cannot stop us.

He smiled at her sideways Indeed dear daughter? Not worthy of us? Where pray were you going when you found these people? He laughed as she reddened and blustered, suddenly remembering her 'imprisonment' Relax Bellum. Father never forgets, but he forgives, and I am proud of what you have achieved here, and why you did it. I am proud of you. Come home with me when we are done here, your mother and I have missed you' He turned his attention to the goddess Are you satisfied with your answer, moon and starlight?

I'd like to add that for RP perposes this reply takes place when the question was asked (IE much earlier in the turn, before Yaelumi did the things I'm saying she didn't do and before the tribes separated )

12 points
-1 command avatar (Create race in the Azure) The Azure (The many lesser godlings of the extended family. They are to Sol Invictus what nymphs and dryads were to Zeus)
-9 advance the Azure: Immortality. Although an Azure can be killed as any mortal they do not age and are immune to suffocation, poison, disease etc. They generally only really die if someone kills them.
2 points remaining

[Surgate]

Xymix allowed Solaine time to consider her proposal, turning to acknowledge one of Karu's many selves spread across Londorthell. She looked upon the Scholar God with pleasant surprise. "I was wondering when and what I might receive in return."

The blank paper floated from the table, filling with a single inquiry in her primal runic language. "Confer knowledge of the Maze of Truth, so that I may guide my future worthy children and disciples towards wealth worth far more than any material possession; The Wealth of Knowledge as you know is priceless."

The Golden Goddess emptied the goblet, ever watchful of Karu, intrigued as to what his response will be. Not to mention Solaine, whose attention it was almost certain she managed to capture.

11 Points rollover

[grishnax]

Karu said nothing, but the page expanded, eventually becoming a grey tome. On the side of the tome, written in gold, was "Guide to Truth". "This tome contains all of the secrets of the Maze of Truth," Karu said. "It can only be touched and read by purely divine hands, so that no mortal may steal it from you in an attempt to steal the secrets of the Maze unfairly. You may give share this knowledge as you wish, but I warn you: Do not give these secrets lightly, for the information stored within the Maze could obliterate all that we have worked to create."

[Business Scrub]

Yaelumi looked between the two of them, not quite believing how much they presumed.
"Discourteous? Ha! If she had wanted courtesy she could have so much has announced herself.
The Speakers bring more rules. They bring peace? Perhaps, but a forced peace as they will never be the free folk they feel in their hearts."
She sighs and steps back. "You wonder why they will torn asunder in the first place? Do not look to me Sophia, but at Ischkathar and his damned Magus. The Saumna were happy before him. Were they hostile? No more than the other races that live on this land. But they do not seek to kill by nature, and they don't need laws to tell them what is right.
Until Magus decided to to change them. He put birds in chains and you ask why they struggle? If you think I enjoy watching them bleed then you must be dullest of the Azure. Your Blue Speakers are a bandage atop the limb Ischkathar severed off. Your intention may have been noble so I will look the other way of your transgression, but now I must unite three peoples instead of two. Go with Invictus, I have to decide how I will fix this mess."

***

Yaelumi turns to the faceless god, still sitting. She is significantly calmer now, speaking to him with a cold confidence."Oh? And what would you know of beauty? Nothing, I suppose. Do your worst Murder god: life comes and goes. It is the knowledge that it is not forever that makes it joyous, not the strive to make it last eternal."

[Omegonthesane]

Over the coming years, Magus scried past the mists to the Deep Wood from afar, and took comfort and amusement in knowing that Yaelumi's assertions were literally factually untrue. With the rule of the Code came the ability to entrust personal safety to the Code Enforcers, leaving all other Saumna free so long as they followed the Code. The life of the so-called free folk had not been happiness, but endless stress and suffering; though they could hunt and gather what they needed with surprisingly little difficulty given the fertility of the Deep Wood, not all of their own kind had the instinct to play nice, and until Magus came they had rejected the only protection that existed against such bad eggs.

No soul shall forcibly take another soul's property; those who do must repay twice over, once for what they have taken and once for the wrong they have done.
No soul shall forcibly harm another; those who do shall be harmed according to their wrong, tooth for tooth, eye for eye, life for life.
No host shall harm their guest, and no guest their host; those who do have forfeited their life, for safe havens must be safe at all costs.
Only those sworn to be Code Enforcers shall enforce the Code. A Code Enforcer who violates any tenet of the Code has forfeited their life.
No soul shall bear a weapon larger than a belt knife within a settlement, but that they be a Code Enforcer.

As Saumna living conditions were simple at first, so the Code was simple at first, and hardly objectionable to any of the Free Folk who wished any protection at all from their fellows.

In the west, under Magus' direct guidance, the Monks of the Viper built a monastery out of a mountain, defensible, remote enough to test the will of any who would join the order, but inevitably dependent on the surrounding lands for food. For the caverns they dug were no more fertile than the rest of the Dust Plains, and their requirements would always by intention be more strenuous than those of baseline Rockscale society. Still, they made no effort to hide - there was no mistaking the carving of a coiled serpent atop Snake Mountain.

There were a significant minority of the Viper Monks who had the technical ability to reach the pinnacle of their martial arts, more so than had the ability to reach perfect enlightenment. Those with shorter fuses were actually more useful as a deterrent, so the sages said, and red sashes were issued to those of the order willing to risk combat to defend their own.

North of this, the Infested Land grew, with a disquieting urgency - by now much of the sea had become land, and Ischkathar could not shake the feeling that the world would soon be less malleable.

Power roll Turn 7 (http://orokos.com/roll/204461): 2d6+3+3 14
Power rollover Turn 6: 4 points
Total 18 points

4 points: Command City (Great Clearing) to Raise Army (2nd Code Enforcers)
Command Army (2nd Code Enforcers) to defend Great Clearing

2 points: Command Avatar (Magus) to Command Race (Rockscales) to Found City (Snake Mountain), a mountain criss-crossed with tunnels to be converted into a home, with its peak converted into a statue of a coiled snake.

4 points: Command City (Snake Mountain) to Raise Army (1st Red Sashes)
Command Army (1st Red Sashes) to defend Snake Mountain

3 points: Shape Land x1, expand the Infested Land into D5

5 points remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+3 orders to next roll

[Justicar]

Stahl took Karu’s gift, but didn’t use it immediately. True knowledge is a precious commodity and one does not waste such an opportunity. He would save it, think of the perfect question and ask it when the time was right. He was only able to briefly say thanks before the god disappeared as mysteriously as he had appeared.

After Yaelumi left, Stahl began work on his gift for the goddess. He created a lyre from the purest of silver. The metal had been mined from his deepest tunnels and had never been touched by the light of the suns. The strings were so thin that they could not been seen by the naked eye. However, they gleamed when played under the Moon and it appeared as though the player was strumming pure moonlight.

By the time he had finished, Stahl was told that some Saumna sent by Yaelumi had arrived. Stahl greeted the chosen Saumna and took them into Erste Stadt. He gave them free reign of the city and they were allowed to go anywhere, see anything and ask any question. He watched where they went. He paid attention to what they interacted with. He observed who they talked to.

They seemed to ignore the blades, armors, tools and buildings because those were familiar to them and used by the other factions that had come to the Deep Forest. However, he did notice that the Saumna seemed to pay the most attention to barriers and locks or talked with scholars of law. He realized the Saumna did not pay special attention to those things because they were attracted to them, but because they were baffled by them. They could not comprehend a reason to bind someone physically or with words.

Stahl knew then what the perfect gift for the Saumna would be. He gathered them and bestowed some of his mysteries unto them. They learned of locksmithing, ropemaking and contracts. However, his focus was not on how to make them, but to bypass them. He taught the Saumna ways to escape anything that tried to impede them. No locks could stop them, no ropes could confine them and no contract could bind them. They could always find the path to Freedom.

When their lessons were complete, Stahl took them and the lyre to Everdark to present them. He was oddly apprehensive on whether Yaelumi would like them.


Rollover points: 11

Advance Race – Freedom (10pts): The Saumna are extremely skilled at escaping anything that tries to restrict their independence or actions. No cage can hold them, no item can restrain them, no door can bar their way and they can find loopholes in any laws that prevents them from acting out their desires.

Remaining points: 1
+1 activity bonus
+1 Order bonus

[Ninjaman]

Yaelumi turns to the faceless god, still sitting. She is significantly calmer now, speaking to him with a cold confidence."Oh? And what would you know of beauty? Nothing, I suppose. Do your worst Murder god: life comes and goes. It is the knowledge that it is not forever that makes it joyous, not the strive to make it last eternal."

"What do I know of beauty.. nothing, and it was never needed of me. That's what you are here for." The faceless god nods towards the Starmother.""Do not teach me about the balance of life and death. Noone understands better than me." The faceless god said, still without a single hint of passion. "It may appear that you do not have as good an understanding of me as you believe you do. Don't feel bad, not many do." He bows to the godess before leaving her.

The faceless god assembles The Hunters. "Much has changed, there shall come a time when you can claim what you want, but your race needs you right now." The Hunters looked very confused. "Do not doubt my judgement. The enemy is near, you must be ready. The Saumna must be ready. A bunch of divided races and trees won't keep them back. Only risistance will." The Murderer touched the leader of the hunters and his skin turned black as the night sky. "You will be known as Night Blade. You will be my most fatefull follower. Create a point from where the defence can be led from, i will help your race defend itself."

Nightblade lead The Hunters to go out and assemble free Saumna, they construct the wooden fortress of Ironbark close to the Great Clearing.

The faceless god himself goes out to the Saumna and teaches them to fight with bows. Their precision and firing speed becomes unmatched by any other race.


29 points.

10 pts Create Avatar:
2 pts Command Avatar (Night Blade) Command Race (Saumna): Found City (Ironbark): Create the fortress of Ironbark inside the Dark Forest near the Great Clearing.
10 pts Advance Race (Saumna): The Saumna become unparalleled archers.

7 pts

[Starsign]

As the years went by, Akriot watched as the Rockscales developed, grew, and ultimately began to thrive under the conditions and standards the bronze sun set upon them. As this has been going on, the rest of the world goes under predictable turmoil by the acts of other gods. While there was plenty to take heed of, such as Solaine's seeming lack of activity or the Azure Pantheon's growth of land that connects to the Dust Planes, it is the shattering of the Saumna that has gathered his notice. How were its people split between half a dozen groups; so directionless without any will like a puppet's strings. The gods brought this upon them but without the gods they would surely be destroyed by themselves. There was nothing Akriot has interest in to throw another crazy ploy into that mess of a pile.

Of course his hand would be forced anyway. A glimpse of time ticks away as Akriot sees some of the Rockscales be forced out of their own homes, making a new city, and declaring their own new order by the hands of some mad prophet. There is no doubt to Akriot's rage, seeing a god make his avatar act so hypocritically in their agenda. There was absolutely no way the bronze sun will let such an act mark its place in the world, not when the Rockscales have only begun realizing their duty to the sun.

Invoking his will onto the Great Canyon once more, the great rock hears the cries of its shattered people which had split in two by a foreign monster. Akriot's rage flows through the land as the Great Canyon hears the bronze sun's order: Fight claw with claw, fire with fire. The Great Canyon responds as it calls the Rockscales of Kell'Nvarr. Akriot's words channel from the canyon to its people, letting them know what they must do. Quickly the scaled humanoids chose among their greatest of warriors to practice and specialize in their own hand and claw combat, learning how to deal with their own attacks in battle for when they inevitably confront the Monks of the Viper. Wearing their greatest armor, they'd suit themselves as the heavy frontline warriors as a means to counter those 'disciplined' warriors who were forced away by some tyrannical teacher. The Rockscales who were forced to defect will pay for abandoning Akriot's teachings and their creator; without the bronze sun's blessings, they will not survive.

16 Points to use.

Command Avatar to Create Order: Warriors of the Claw, a mighty military force designed as frontline guards, vanguards, and inquisitors against anti-Rockscale or Rockscale rebels that oppose Akriot in some form. (-2)

Command City to Raise Army: 1st Vanguards of Kell'Nvarr (-4) This Army will Defend Kell'Nvarr for now.

Leaves me with 10 points, to be possibly spent later this turn. I will be posting tomorrow hopefully, speaking to someone for a change. :smalltongue:

[Business Scrub]

"You might be surprised what I understand, faceless one. Many of these gods are wrapped up in their scheme too much to stop and listen. I did not intend to lecture you, only to... perhaps share a truth we have both come to realize. You tell my people to prepare. For what, I wonder? Death? But if death is inevitable, why fear it? I say live life to its fullest joy, and greet death with open arms when it eventually comes."
She watches the god go, wondering what he had in store.

She is not left alone long, however, when Stahl arrives, a group of Saumna in tow. As they showed her what Stahl had taught them, she began to beam with joy at their self-sufficiency. In truth, as she had watched the Code Enforcers and the Azure, she debated how bad it really was. But Stahl's gift gave her great comfort: if any of the law makers in this world should try to rise up and seize more power than they deserved, they would not take the free folk with them or force them into chains.

She smiled up at the forge god. "Stahl, this is wonderful. This liberty will ring throughout the ages of the Saumna. Go children. See Miirgrathomin. He will spread this discovery to the people, so that all may know what you know."
And then her own gift. Yaelumi took the harp curiously, not quite sure what it was at first. Then she strummed the strings lightly with her finger, and heard it sing with a voice of its own. She looked up ecstatically at Stahl, then back down at the harp. She plays with it, like a child with a new toy, eventually producing a few beautiful notes. "I don't know what to say. This is..."
She looks between the god and the harp, at a loss for words. She plays it more, experimentally, eventually letting her nature take over and turning haphazard notes into a song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3QzERACr-Q), this time one without words.

This isn't my actions yet, just a flavor post.

[Ladorak]

Return to the mountain Bellum, I shall join you shortly. And so she did, bringing great joy to her mother and consternation to both of her brothers. Sol Invictus remained to stare down the Moonwitch Many of my clan are not courteous and unruly. It pains me, though I love them all the same. No matter their trespass they are of the Azure, and the Azure are mine. When next an Azure crosses you remember that. Only I may judge them. Take your grievance to me and I shall judge it fairly, threaten my kin again and it shall be war. Sol Invictus turned and slowly walked away, daring the Starchild to strike at his mighty exposed back

In the Azure the Azure frolicked like children for decades. Without care, without direction or purpose, they merely played. They created and destroyed and renewed in an endless cycle. Yet this chaos was not pleasing to all. Optimus magister and Bonum filium desired permanency and stability in at least some small part of the Azure. So they called up Bonum Opifex and begged his service.

Soon the Azure had it's first place of permanency, where one might expect to find the landscape, climate and wildlife unchanged from day to day. It was a huge gleaming city of impossibly thin spires and massive halls, dominated by a huge blue obsidian statue of Sol Invictus that loomed over the city entire. Bonum filium named it Valide Civitatem, the High City, and all were pleased with it's beautiful buildings and well planned streets. To the Azure a lack of novelty (A thing that was always itself and never anything else) was a novelty in itself, many flocked to join the city. They built great schools so Optimus magister might teach them, they built law courts so that Bonum filium might give them law. By these means the wildness of the Azure was slowly diluted, at least within Valide Civitatem
15 points
-1 (Avatar) The Azure build Valide Civitatem (The High City) in the Azure
-6 shape land twice. More blue mountains in e7 and f8
-1 ingrain immortality in the Azure
-3 Valide Civitatem creates a structure. Statue of Sol (Flat +1 bonus to armies from this city)
4 points remaining

[Justicar]

She looks between the god and the harp, at a loss for words. She plays it more, experimentally, eventually letting her nature take over and turning haphazard notes into a song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3QzERACr-Q), this time one without words.

Stahl leaned back and savored the music. He had things to do back at Erste Stadt, but for some reason, he couldn't find the will the leave. He just let the sounds of the lyre wash over him.

[grishnax]

After creating so much, Karu finally realised that he would need to step back and allow the world to develop on its own for a while. After all, he had created more than he had initially intended, and had not taken an opportunity to investigate some of the greatest mysteries that existed on this world: The other divine figures. It would be simple to talk to them individually, even if finding a few of them would be bit of a problem. However, from what little he had seen from the others, their interactions were the most curious parts. So, Karu thought, it would be extremely interesting to see what would happen if he could organize a meeting of the gods. Of course, most (if not all) would demand to meet on their own territory. That could cause great conflicts, he knew. Conflict was not something he desired, for it would interfere with his learning...

After a year of constant pondering, Karu found what he thought was the perfect solution: A new world, made as neutral grounds. He crafted this world with far greater care than anything he had ever made before, knowing that it would be judged by all who visited it. He did not care about whether they liked it or not, but if they thought it was made with bias towards one god or another, it might skew the data that he would gather. Thus, he made a circular stone chamber, with banners representing the gods hanging on the wall evenly distributed around the room. Behind each banner were gates that lead to the mortal realms, that only the divinity represtented on the banner could use. A few feet in front of each banner were stone chairs, all identical to one another. And in the center of the circle, there was a disk about a foot high and many times wider, which portrayed a map of all that existed in the mortal realms. Karu called this realm Athrabeth, which meant "discussion" in a language from a different time and place. When he was satisfied with the creation of Athrabeth, Karu sent a letter to each divinity:
http://i.imgur.com/f6uJyAt.png
Turn 7
Points: 14
Power: Create World (-9) Create Athrabeth, a netural grounds for discussion amongst the gods. Any true divinity (player) may go there, but it is barred to all others for reasons known to Karu alone.
Power: Ingrain Advancement (-2) The Peng have perfected recordkeeping and the working of libraries.
Points remaining: 3 (+3 activity bonus, +1 order bonus)

[Business Scrub]

Yaelumi looked up as she finished her song, smiling ecstatically. She was almost surprised to see Stahl still there, so much so had she forgotten the world in music. "You've opened my eyes to a world of possibilities Stahl. Perhaps... I will learn from this one and make other instruments. Each with their own voice. Yes, there shall be hundreds, and our world will sing!"
Excited, she rises into the air and looks down on the world. It sure was growing crowded... She would need space to work. Yaelumi looked up at the Moon, still making it's lazy circles in the sky. That was the perfect place: far removed from the mortals, yet still overlooking them. She reached up to the Moon, and in it's darkness began constructing a great black palace with endless hallways, tall spires and towers all made of silver and gold and obsidian. In the center of the palace, she wove a throne, on which she could gaze out at what she and the others had created.
But in the back of the palace, besides all the things one might normally find in such a place, there was another room: a workroom. Yaelumi knew she was not the expert forger that Stahl was, so she formed her instruments with magic, rather than steel. She began to experiment in her spare time with stringed instruments, crafting dozens of variations on her harp.

In time, she walked down on the world again. The Saumna were getting along well. Better, in her opinion, thanks to the Circle, but she decided she would not risk upset the balance they started to form. Instead she longed for new variety, and turned her eyes to a blank expanse of water. Like with the moon, she raised the land up from the bottom of the ocean, this time crafting a mostly smooth land, with only few hills and cliffs. She darkened the land: not to total night as she had the Everdark and the Deep Woods, only enough that the suns did not beat down so hard. She sprung to life in the lands she walked grasses, ferns, all sorts of burrowing creatures. Yaelumi saw that there was much room to run and be free here, so she brought forth larger creatures. Giraffe that ate from the sparse trees, tough skinned elephants. She created cat-like creatures called Eereek as well: long, quick animals that would run on all fours and efficient hunters. They too prospered, bringing down the Fimvor that had spread to this land almost immediately. She grew plants both deadly and helpful, an entertaining balance of life and death that her conversation with the faceless god had inspired, as well as long, tubular snake creatures, some with the ability to poison their food, others with the mass to crush it.

16 Points:

-2 Ingrain enhancement: Saumna Freedom

-3 Create Land: The Evening Savannah: Grassy plains to the northeast. It can go wherever there is space in that quadrant, since I can't see the map.

-0 Create Life: Filling the Evening Savannah with grassy plants, sparse trees, and animals. Most notable animals are the Eereek: long, fanged cats that chase down prey. Savage Snakes: A variety of snakes that range from the length of an arm to the size of a small house.
Notable plants: Dancing Blades: Grass that grows about five feet tall, and is razor sharp and quite durable. Passing through Dancing Blade fields without either heavy armor or the ability to move dexterously is pretty deadly. Jaleep Bushes: Low Bush plants that only grow a midst Dancing Blades. A single berry from the bushes can sustain a man (food and water) for a day, though they spoil after about a week. A large quantity (~2 bushes worth) of Jaleep berries can be readily used to bring back the recently deceased.

-7 Create World: The Moon Throne

-3 Create Climate: Turbulent magical energy over the Evening Savannah prevents mortals from teleporting into, out of, or through the area. Divine creatures may move as they wish into and out of the area, but even they can't move mortals in there. (Though they may still affect them in other ways)

1 point rollover, 1 point activity bonus, 1 point order bonus.

[Omegonthesane]

Ischkathar felt its power wax strong as it opened the letter, as it witnessed the key. As it knew its maker once had, it extended its awareness outwards, across more than one plane, extending the visage of a mockingbird through its door to Athrabeth, behind a standard portraying a blue fire on a black field. The flames on the banner flickered, sometimes showing a bow, sometimes a sword, sometimes a tower, but always flickering, always showing glimpses of desires.

"You can't expect people to remain here long without cushions," the bird commented, before landing on a particular part of the map, thousands of kilometres west of the Steel Men's traditional home.

Throughout the world represented on that map, about one in every hundred of every species had fitful dreams, great ideas they could not shake, visions they wished to see in reality - visions of their actual desires made manifest, especially when those desires were against what they had been taught. Followers of the Code saw new ways of fleeing and exploiting it; the few remaining Steel Men magi dreamed of usurping their orders and breaking Enlightened control; the Leogodai began to wonder if their King was truly the best choice; some Monks of the Viper simply deserted Snake Mountain, to find their own path, on the assumption that there was better to be found.

In the Leogodai in particular these ideas were strongest, for what wonders had their king commanded in their long existence, and in what way had their obvious superiority to fleshy beings been put to use? The most organised group of these heretics questioned the very use of a monarchy, instead desiring rule by a collective chosen by their minions.

In Snake Mountain, meanwhile, the Viper Monks reacted to the desertions by allowing more of their members to take the red sash. This had a twofold effect on reducing desertions, in that many had fled because their desires could not be met, while others who did not fear one band of warriors were able to be kept in line by two.

In the Great Canyon, of course, people with this condition were less tolerated than anywhere else, rounded up and hanged for the crime of differing. They called it "heresy", so Ischkathar gave that name to the root cause.

Power roll Turn 8 (http://orokos.com/roll/205115): 2d6+3+3 15
Power rollover Turn 7: 5 points
Total 20 points

15 points: Create Second Avatar "Heresy", a barely sentient spirit diffused among the peoples of the world, reflecting a host's desires into their ears until those desires are acted on. Named after the crime with which orthodox Rockscales which it influences are often charged.

2 points: Command Avatar (Heresy) to Create Order in the Leogodai "The Democrats", Leogodai who believe that autocracy of any kind is a demonstrably terrible form of government and who instead think the people should choose their rulers.

2 points: Command Avatar (Magus) to Command City (Snake Mountain) to Raise Army (2nd Red Sashes)

Command Army (2nd Red Sashes) to defend the Monks of the Viper

1 point remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+4 Orders to next roll

[Justicar]

After listening to Yaelumi's song, Stahl returned to his Forge, his heart oddly lifted. For the first time in a long while, he felt optimistic. He had a plan for the future; he only hoped he had enough time.

While he worked, the lives of his creations continued. The Steel Men prosper and Erste Stadt grew. Geweisen and burrow-wolves flourished across the mountain continent. Meanwhile, half a world away, another one of his creations was continuing to adapt.

Ferros that had survived on the backs of migratory Corros were being seeded on other continents. On the Dust Plains, rolling into a ball whilst on an expanse of sand was evolutionarily unfeasible. Their metal plates eventually fused together to make a solid carapace and they grew an elongated, venomous tail. They could hibernate for weeks or months under the sand until either the rains came or they sensed prey nearby.


Turn 8:
Rollover points: 7

Create Life (0 pts): Skorros - Scorpion-like creatures (minus the pincers) that can grow to be 4-5 ft tall and a dozen feet long that live in deserts and arid plains. They can send themselves into a semi-comatose state until more favorable conditions return or prey approach within striking distance.

Remaining points: 7
+0 activity to next roll
+1 Orders to next roll

[Ninjaman]

As soon as the Faceless God recieves the letter he travels to the neutral grounds. He looks around the room before walking up to the God of Knowledge. "Greetings. I heard you created a maze. Inside it was a book that could answer questions. Questions you know the answer to that is. I guess that means you can't tell someone else's plans, but you could tell your own right?"

[Business Scrub]

After her work in the Evening Savannah, Yaelumi returns to the Moon, where she finds a letter from Kavu. She reads it over curiously, thinking back to her earlier altercations with some of the gods. Perhaps she would go: she had nothing better to concern herself with at the moment, and it would be good to clear the air.

Cladding herself in a more elegant black and green dress, as befits a meeting of gods, Yaelumi is drawn together from the shadows beside her chair in their council chamber, and looks around with approval.
"Always with the planning and hiding, faceless one?" she says lightheartedly upon arrival.
"Kavu, this world is nice. And I suspect much needed for the future."

No action

[Ninjaman]

The Faceless god turns his head towards the new guest. "Planning? No, just curious. Hidding? Why would I then have come this early? If I wanted to hide, would I not have waited? Once again it may appear you do not know me as well as you think you do." He turns his head back towards the Seeker and awaits a reply to the question he asked before he was interrupted.

[Justicar]

Stahl had just come to a convenient point to pause his work when the invitation arrived. It seemed like an opportune time and place to talk with some of the other gods as well as meeting the ones that hadn't introduced themselves to him yet.

After putting away his tools and giving my armor a quick shine, he travelled to Athrabeth. He greeted the four gods that were there already, some warmer than others.

[Ninjaman]

The Faceless god nodded towards the newly arrived god "Forge god." He then turned his head back to the Seeker.

[grishnax]

Karu nodded to Ischkathar, Yaelumi, and Stahl, acknowledging their presence. He turned back to Althasaar, saying, "Technically, it would contain my plans. After all, they are part of a greater truth. I am not the kind to cover truth with falsehood. However, this book does not contain the inner workings of my mind. Even a fraction of my thoughts would be enough to drive most mortals insane, and those who have proven themselves worthy do not deserve such a fate. A divine being such as yourself would be able to withstand it, but the book as been crafted so that anyone of your power would not be able to read it. After all, that would make it possible for any of us," Karu gestures around the room at this, "To 'cheat the system' and read the book as much as we wished. If you do wish to know the contents of Truth, send a mortal champion there to enter the Maze. They can tell you what you wish to know, but heed my warning: Do not seek to know what I think, for it is a terrible thing to lose one's mind.
Turn 8
Points: 9
No actions.

[Sir Dancealot]

After a long while of consideration, Solaine finally spoke, smiling as she did so. Or had she always been smiling? "A race of sentient weapons? Indeed? This... This amuses me. So, you want to create them, simply for fun?" Her grin grew wider, "I like you. So, you obviously have plane of some sort, what is your proposal?"

[Justicar]

"That is very wise, Karu" Stahl agreed. "I too believe that there is knowledge in this world that is too dangerous or powerful for mortals to learn if they are not yet ready. Imagine the pain and suffering that could be caused."

He holds up one hand to forestall Ischkathar. "I am not saying that we should forever deny them knowledge, but to test their worthiness prior to teaching it to them. When they are truly ready, we will know and act accordingly."

[Ninjaman]

The Faceless god looks at the seeker "Why should I care if they go insane? As long as they are still able to tell me what I want to know before they slit their own throats, what is the problem?" He walks around the table towards his chair. He looks at the Forge god. Worthy? How will we know when they are worthy? Under what false ideals shall we deem them worthy? Mortals are dangerous whether they know or not. He gets down to his chair and stands beside it. "We give them the knowledge we think would best help our goals."

[Starsign]

As the bronze sun watches the Dust Planes stir up more fortifications for the Monks of the Viper, Akriot continues to look down upon both orders of Rockscales with contempt. They may be able to survive but as is they are a separate and broken kind that must be fixed. As the god ordered, the Great Canyon beckons his kind to raise up another guard for Kell'Nvarr, fortifying it in response to the Monk's own plans. It is the natural pileup of forces between two sides, inevitably growing larger and larger until one side breaks and strikes the other. Akriot knew, in his mind, that there would be only one surviving group.

How ironic then that he does not fully consider the thoughts of his people. Though they can share his rage, the Rockscales are a genuinely timid and curious people. They originally did not suspect the Monks of the Viper to be simply heretics; in fact they originally got along with some of the monks. For all the rage Akriot has given the Rockscales, they can be surprisingly calm, perhaps even friendly species. It is only their god which forces them into what he desires them to be.

And Akriot desires for them now to fight once more. Not by themselves however; an example had to be made for the Monks. An inquisitor must arise in place of an army. And so then Akriot brings down his searing heat upon the Great Canyon once more, blooming scales off it to create another Rockscale. This one however didn't just come from the Great Canyon; instead Akriot put burning life into this being. Its body is Rockscale in skin and muscle but magma and fire on the inside. His life is made fully in the embodiment of Akriot's rage; his skill designed to be the best of the Warriors of the Claw; his mind tailored to fight for his god and his kind. With Akriot's power, Ek'nidus is created. Even the greatest of Seth'nin's heavy armors do not wear the warrior-king down as he is overlooks Snake Mountain and it's defending people. The demigod looks on at first without confidence, sent alone to take this city over. Then the rage begins to swell over him. Akriot's rage ignites the fire in Ek'nidus as the Rockscale's mind changes from his doubt to one with one plan, one goal that echoed quietly from his mouth...

"Slaughter."

And the timing could not be any more of an inconvenient "coincidence." As Ek'nidus is overcome by rage, the anger of Akriot went into numerous members of the Monks of the Viper. Those who were trained to protect their minds found their souls pierced by the bronze sun's judgement, launching themselves at the other monks in a reckless, infuriated fashion intent on collapsing their order from the inside.

17 points to work with.

Command Avatar to Command City (Kell'Nvarr): Raise Army: 2nd Vanguards of Kell'Nvarr. (-2) Will Defend the Warriors of the Claw.
Create Demigod: En'nidus the Warrior-King. (Achilles-type) A Rockscale created by the Great Canyon and Akriot to uphold the traditions of the Warriors of the Claw and defend Kell'Nvarr, as well as to attack whoever Akriot demands destroyed. (-7)
Command Demigod to Capture Snake Mountain to try and take it over. (-4)
Command City (Snake Mountain): Political Manuever: Uprising of Rage. Done in an attempt to collapse the Monks of the Viper from within and deny their god the +1 bonus to his Power Roll. (-4)

No points leftover. Please note I'm not entirely sure how bonuses for rolling will work on this, so I'll bring discussion on that over to the OOC.

[Justicar]

He walks around the table towards his chair. He looks at the Forge god. Worthy? How will we know when they are worthy? Under what false ideals shall we deem them worthy? Mortals are dangerous whether they know or not. He gets down to his chair and stands beside it. "We give them the knowledge we think would best help our goals."

"Goals? You act like they are pieces on a game board. They have thoughts and feelings of their own," Stahl replied. "You claim you stand for balance, but have you thought of how mortals using knowledge that they are not prepared for could throw the entire world into disarray and chaos. If they are not ready for it, then they should not know it. When they are wise enough to learn it, then they are responsible enough to use it. Anything else poses a danger to themselves and the world around them. We should be guides, not puppet-masters."

[Omegonthesane]

The Faceless god looks at the seeker "Why should I care if they go insane? As long as they are still able to tell me what I want to know before they slit their own throats, what is the problem?" He walks around the table towards his chair. He looks at the Forge god. Worthy? How will we know when they are worthy? Under what false ideals shall we deem them worthy? Mortals are dangerous whether they know or not. He gets down to his chair and stands beside it. "We give them the knowledge we think would best help our goals."

"My creator thought that mortals were mere tools to achieve its ends. It paid for this mistake with its existence and its godhood. Even insane people can do great things - especially insane people, if they can still process their surroundings. Who is to say your designated stooge would not decide that it would make a better Slaughterer, and successfully usurp your mantle?"

The flames on Ischkathar's banner displayed images of Akriot's deeds below. That being was dangerous indeed, to be actively destroying the followers of other paths, and with overwhelming divine power rather than mortal hand. Had the Rockscales naturally risen up, perhaps the Usurper would have sighed and accepted their expressed will, but their maker had not shown any restraint in giving them their orders.

[Ninjaman]

"Goals? You act like they are pieces on a game board. They have thoughts and feelings of their own," Stahl replied. "You claim you stand for balance, but have you thought of how mortals using knowledge that they are not prepared for could throw the entire world into disarray and chaos. If they are not ready for it, then they should not know it. When they are wise enough to learn it, then they are responsible enough to use it. Anything else poses a danger to themselves and the world around them. We should be guides, not puppet-masters."

"They are but pieces in our game. We have the power to create, why should we not have the power to destroy?" The faceless god turned his head towards the Forge god. "Ineed I have. I have also thought about how the lack of knowledge can do the same. I give the knowledge needed to keep the balance, nothing less, nothing more."


"My creator thought that mortals were mere tools to achieve its ends. It paid for this mistake with its existence and its godhood. Even insane people can do great things - especially insane people, if they can still process their surroundings. Who is to say your designated stooge would not decide that it would make a better Slaughterer, and successfully usurp your mantle?"

"I'm saying he can try." The murderer readies his blade. "Many believe that people die for different reasons. They are wrong. Everybody die for one reason. Somebody wanted them dead." He lets his blade down. "You speak like you are the only one who knowns what it is like to kill a god."

[Ladorak]

Insidiae Callidus had always been the ambassador of the Azure, though they had never required one before. It was their nature, everything about them was so formed, ready, complete and whole. An article finished in a world still new. Just as the brothers resented their younger sister even before she had sprung from their father's wrought brow. They all knew that she would be, long before she was, and all knew who and what she would be. It might seem strange that the scheming and resentful Insidiae Callidus was the ambasador, yet when reasoned out, as surely he did, it was not so strange. Throughout the history to come there would always be those who had to leave home and travel to far places to speak with other peoples. Often those sent would be the ones cared for least, the weak and unwelcome.

Nevertheless, this meant he was freed from his imprisonment. Sent to Athrabeth with little more than a word from the brother-king, unsure of what was expected of him or what he was to accomplish, unsure of the nature of the talks and the other gods, he therefore tarried in his duty. Unlike his elder niece, who was rebellious but loyal, Insidiae Callidus was simply rebellious. To pass the time, and to ensure his brother could not miss his dereliction of duty, he created a great forest right beneath the Azure mountainrange. A lush, quiet and cool place where he could be alone. He filled it with what animals pleased him, hosts of songbirds and insects whose noise was that of music. Peaceful and majestic mammals pleasing to his eye. No carnivores though, no predators, Callidus had a (potentially misplaced) affinity for the underdog and oppressed. He considered himself then the patron of prey. Eventually though he had no choice but to go the meeting.

He was not a natural diplomat, when he appeared before the others in Athrabeth they must have been how he appeared. He wore drab black clothing and bitterness was etched into very line of his face. His eyes sparkled with malice and when he smiled it either seemed insipid and little became him, or drew back his teeth to make his mire truly grim and foreboding. Therefore he did not smile, and finding the others mid conversation, can only stare at them with evil seeming eyes cast in a face whose features spoke of hardship and resentment.

'Please forgive my lateness. I come late to these talks and know little of how you arrived at this point, but the faceless god speaks of destruction and balance. Surely he has the power to destroy, but who is he to judge the balance? Any knowledge he gives any mortals will spread, will travel to the mortals of other gods, will give his mortals an advantage over those of the other gods. That is not balance, it is chaos.
'As we stand in this place I must remark, knowledge is a very dangerous thing.'

Meanwhile Bonum filium brought law to Valide Civitatem, further curbing their wilder excesses, with law came the need to enforce the law, and so he trained the Lawgivers.

South of the Azure mountain range Facile Telum was up to his old tricks. Many a deadly monster was spawned and killed on the dust and sand. Many escaped, scattering out into the desert to a thousand hiding places.

Naming guide to the Azure:
The Azure (As the Italian Az-ur-ree) The truly immortal Azure, the Pantheon and some rare other family members
The Azure (As typical Az-ur) The unaging race distantly related to the divines
The Azure Mountain. The great mountain at the center, the really nice one
The Azure Mountain. The other mountains around that one.

14 points
-1 (Avatar) Valide Civitatem trains an army, the Lawgivers
-9 create land x3 d7, c7, c8
-0 create life In the desert: The Giant Sandworms (Worms over a hundred foot long) Salamanders (Lizards roughly the size of a car, spit fire) Sandwyrms (Burrowing snakes 20 foot long, very intelligent) Spinx (Monstrously large cats) and giant spiders and locusts (Both also roughly car sized)
-0 create life: In the forest. All of those listed above. Songbirds, insects, mammal prey animals like deer and rabbits
4 remaining

[Sir Dancealot]

Solaine idly waved a hand over her table, and before her, a map of the world appeared, showing the curves of the world, and the lands that the gods had created. She smiled down at their creations. She had never been much of a creator herself. More of meddler if anything. Her eyes scanned the world, looking for the perfect location. Mentally selecting it, her smile grew. Throughout the years, she hadn't truly seen what the gods had been doing, lost in the past as she was. But, it had been too long, now? Now it was time for a little fun. Then, she would rock the world.

She held a hand to her mouth and breathed slowly, ice forming in her mouth. Satisfied, she held her hand above a dry, barren land, and sprinkled the ice. It fell as snow upon the land, staying impossibly cold upon the table. After a time, it became one with the map. One of the many holes in her castle filled as far away, a storm raged.

In a distant land of heat, twin suns beat down upon the land, crushing the land in waves of heat. Between the lands and the sun, something formed, something that this land had never truly seen. Great, grey clouds blocked out the sky, the suns, and for the first time, the blasted lands knew shade. And then, something even more baffling occurred. It snowed, coating the land for a time in ice. The ice mixed with the sands of the desert, melding, combining, the stones coated with the hardened water.

After a time, the clouds left, but the ice did not leave. It stayed, freezing all that touched it, colder than it should be. And not three feet above the earth, an intense heat beat down upon the shifting fields of glittering ice crystals and dull sand. Glaciers mixed with sandstone and rode the ever changing fields. The creatures changed with the land, able to take both the bitter cold and the raging heat.

How the Rockscales would deal with this, Solaine wasn't sure, but she was delighted in the watching.


G3/G4/G5/G6 Alter Land or Weather? I'm not really sure which I'm doing. Buuut, the land is now both an Icy Ruin and a Burning Desert! Perplexingly, if you cool the ice down to a certain point, it melts. (i.e. You take it out of the desert.)

12 points used, 50 Remain.

[Ninjaman]

'Please forgive my lateness. I come late to these talks and know little of how you arrived at this point, but the faceless god speaks of destruction and balance. Surely he has the power to destroy, but who is he to judge the balance? Any knowledge he gives any mortals will spread, will travel to the mortals of other gods, will give his mortals an advantage over those of the other gods. That is not balance, it is chaos.
'As we stand in this place I must remark, knowledge is a very dangerous thing.'

The faceless god turned his face towards the Azure representative. "Oh yes, knowledge will spread in time. I will give it to the underdog to maintain the balance, but it will spread before they can abuse it. Thereby the balance is preserved. And yes, you are right, knowledge is a very dangerous thing indeed. Why would that make it evil?"

[Omegonthesane]

In Magus, the Usurper had created a powerful force of change, a being with no particular motive to stick with one side or do anything that would cause its game to end. This was known. In Heresy, however, the Usurper thought it had only created a bodiless spirit mirroring the desires of the living, which almost immediately proved to be false.

The intelligence that drove the latter being mostly piggy-backed on the brains of those it possessed, interfering with their sleep to produce the required results. It knew when they would be most vulnerable to a suggestion, however, and to know this required quite high level reasoning, not to mention an ability to remember things. Most of Heresy's memories were stored in diffuse form, scattered between many hosts who were influenced into self-preservation instead of ambition, and as its memories grew, it realised it would never be able to accept losing those memories upon the death of the containers. It contemplated writing them down, as Kavu would advocate, but rejected the plan quickly - Heresy's ability to seduce its hosts was limited, and could not extend even so far as reading the exact set of mad drivel that would jog the guest's memory.

Lacking even the intelligence to think of another plan, it began to despair, until its wandering consciousness happened upon the mind of a Saumna botanist with particularly grand designs. Suddenly, the world-spanning spirit had a flash of inspiration, and drove its hosts to work, pillaging ideas and details from the botanists and handing them in mad visions to Enlightened sorcerers who would create and scatter the seeds it needed. As individual plants had such simple lives, their desires would be easily subsumed if they could only be utilised as hosts; the drawback was getting a large enough neural network to possess, and getting plants which could serve as parts of that net, without causing the network to gain its own strong personality.

Within a century or so, the experiment was a roaring success, and Heresy had an immortal host - the array of unnaturally resilient vegetable life it had caused to be created, already named "the Bloom" in the archives of Athrabeth and the Eternal Library.

As the avatar moved into its new primary host, Ischkathar suddenly tweeted uproariously, the sound of joyous laughter forced through a bird's throat. The new development did not particularly upset the Usurper's plans, so there was no practical reason not to celebrate it as what it was - a creation rising above the rules set by its creator.

~~~

Meanwhile, the Enlightened sects were few and far between for a time, due to the obvious and more easily reaped benefits of Soul Binding compared to the now comparatively slow path of Sorcery. Indeed, even those areas friendly to their order tended to perform the Binding on children as soon as they were old enough to consciously choose it, and fewer than one in a hundred even delayed the Binding to see if they would ever be any good as a wizard. They were desperate, and felt that a great work was needed, a true monument to their powers that could not be replicated the "new" way.

In truth, while the theory for what they had in mind was sound, they lacked the sheer amount of raw power that would be needed, if they had ever had so much. For this reason it was taken as an unvarnished blessing when Magus returned to the lands of the Steel Men, approved of their plan, and decided to take part - especially once it was clarified that he would not have to spend time teaching them new things. Indeed, though Magus knew more than any other sorcerer he had not thought of even a fraction of all the possible combinations, and it pleased him greatly to have the plan explained.

Thus, ships sailed to the open sea, and a conjuration was performed, summoning and shaping raw materials on a scale not thought to be possible with existing power sources - a scale which would not be repeated without divine aid for millennia to come, since indeed it had required divine aid the first time. Great buttresses arose, and arrow slits, but also docks, luxurious dwellings for all who were to live there, and on-board gardens and farms so the place could better withstand a siege.

Thus was Seaport, the city on water, founded. The first rulers of the city, the Seaport Cabal, imposed strict population controls even as they accepted a trickle of immigrants from the few Steel Men who risked death at sea to escape their home. After all, while the port was built to withstand a great deal of population growth, they did not yet have efficient spells to expand it for when it came to overflow, and they could not count on Magus' help.

~~~

In the Deep Wood, the Code Enforcers both mellowed and expanded their ranks. It was now explicit in the Code that outsiders would only be expected to follow its basic tenets, and those only while in Code territory, and that "Code territory" did not mean all the lands held by any Saumna, but only areas where a supermajority of the people adhered to the Code and publicly set up signs warning travellers that they did so. However, their seers warned of an angry claw which would arise from the western sands, and that they had to be ready for when it reached them.

Power roll Turn 9 (http://orokos.com/roll/205371): 2d6+3+4 13
Power rollover Turn 8: 1 point
Orders disabled between me making the roll and me posting: -1 point
Total 13 points

2 points: Command Avatar (Heresy) to Create Race (The Bloom, an array of modified grasses, seaweeds, and mosses which form a hive mind in large enough clusters and can thus be possessed by Heresy so it can have a continuous host)

2 points: Command Avatar (Magus) to Command Race (Steel Men) to Create City (Seaport), a floating citadel in the middle of the sea in J6

4 points: Command City (Seaport) to Raise Army (1st Seaport Cabal)
Command Army (1st Seaport Cabal) to defend Seaport

4 points: Command City (Great Clearing) to Raise Army (3rd Code Enforcers)
Command Army (3rd Code Enforcers) to defend Great Clearing

1 point remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+3 Orders to next roll

[Omegonthesane]

"They are but pieces in our game. We have the power to create, why should we not have the power to destroy?" The faceless god turned his head towards the Forge god. "Ineed I have. I have also thought about how the lack of knowledge can do the same. I give the knowledge needed to keep the balance, nothing less, nothing more."

"I'm saying he can try." The murderer readies his blade. "Many believe that people die for different reasons. They are wrong. Everybody die for one reason. Somebody wanted them dead." He lets his blade down. "You speak like you are the only one who knowns what it is like to kill a god."

"With one breath you say mortals are nothing but playthings, with the next you invite them to take their best shot, and with neither breath do you see . You talk of the reasons why people die, when more often than not no such reason exists. You talk of 'balance' without any indication of what balance, or why it should be defended."

[Justicar]

"With one breath you say mortals are nothing but playthings, with the next you invite them to take their best shot, and with neither breath do you see . You talk of the reasons why people die, when more often than not no such reason exists. You talk of 'balance' without any indication of what balance, or why it should be defended."

"As much as it pains me, I have to agree with Ischkathar," stated Stahl. "What is this balance you speak of? Good versus evil? Law versus chaos? Oppression versus freedom? Civilization versus Nature? If we knew what you stood for, you may have some support. As it stands, what you've espoused is so nebulous that no one knows what you goals are and being suspicious because of it."

[Ninjaman]

"With one breath you say mortals are nothing but playthings, with the next you invite them to take their best shot, and with neither breath do you see . You talk of the reasons why people die, when more often than not no such reason exists. You talk of 'balance' without any indication of what balance, or why it should be defended."


"As much as it pains me, I have to agree with Ischkathar," stated Stahl. "What is this balance you speak of? Good versus evil? Law versus chaos? Oppression versus freedom? Civilization versus Nature? If we knew what you stood for, you may have some support. As it stands, what you've espoused is so nebulous that no one knows what you goals are and being suspicious because of it."


The faceless god turns his head towards the bird. "They are our game pieces. That does not mean they are not dangerous. Think of them as dice. We can choose roll them, but never decide the outcome. And no, people always die for a reason, sometimes the reason is just harder to spot. There is order, there is chaos. I fight only for the balance between them." He turns towards the forge god. "Good and evil are just meaningless labels. Oppression, freedom, civilazation and nature are just tools. Order and chaos is all there is." He turns towards the bird. "It must be kept, because that is the true way." He turns back towards the forge god. "I do not wish for your support, or your friendship for the matter, only for the strength to do what is nescessary. And you should be suspicous of me. Always."

[Justicar]

Its a funny thing about life. Even without gods' interference, it finds a way. As the gods argue and debate in Athrabeth, life continued to grow and thrive.

For example, some Ferros found their way to more fertile lands. However, these lands did not have the mineral wealth that they normally needed to maintain a hard shell. With thinner carapaces, they were easy prey to predators that they used to have no problem with. However, they did have an unprecedented speed and greater endurance compared to their ancestors. Where other Ferros would hide and attempt to shield themselves, the Equiros run and sprinted across the land. Some were even captured, domesticated and used as mounts; a situation that most didn't mind since it was just more protection.

Power rollover Turn 8: 17 point

0 points: Create Life (Equiros) - A form of Ferros that has given up a hard carapace for more powerful legs. Instead of curling up into a metal sphere, they flee and keep to large herds for protection. They do have a large, metal horn in front as their only form of protection. It is not uncommon to see them domesticated and used as steeds by other races.

17 point remaining
+0 activity to next roll
+1 Orders to next roll

[Omegonthesane]

The faceless god turns his head towards the bird. "They are our game pieces. That does not mean they are not dangerous. Think of them as dice. We can choose roll them, but never decide the outcome. And no, people always die for a reason, sometimes the reason is just harder to spot. There is order, there is chaos. I fight only for the balance between them." He turns towards the forge god. "Good and evil are just meaningless labels. Oppression, freedom, civilazation and nature are just tools. Order and chaos is all there is." He turns towards the bird. "It must be kept, because that is the true way." He turns back towards the forge god. "I do not wish for your support, or your friendship for the matter, only for the strength to do what is nescessary. And you should be suspicous of me. Always."

The mockingbird guise tweeted derisively, and then spoke.

"And what is order, and what is chaos?"

[Ladorak]

'Ha!' The schemer's rare and terrible smile is exposed to the others 'No one knows more of order and chaos than I, but surely this is no complicated question, for such as you. Order is a set of rules set out and agreed upon by the majority, nothing more. Chaos is either the absence of that agreement or...' He hummed happily to himself The flaunting of it.
'Is this not why we are all here? To find accord and forfeit chaos? Why then speak in circles? We all desire order, surely? All gods have the power to create or destroy, and are not limited in the latter capacity to their own creations. So then as every god creates he must fear the intersection of others. Suspicion will grow, harmony will die, chaos will come. Some common agreement here and now can prevent that. Each can be left with their own playthings'

************

A new moon appeared in the sky, hovering over the Azure mountain. It shimmered darkly blue, reflecting the light of a thousand stars and tinting them with the royal color. It caused a rumble across the whole world. All the peoples of the world spoke of the same thing the next day, the new and beautiful moon in the sky. But, as remarkable as it was, they were remarkable peoples who lived in remarkable times and climes. It was soon accepted and, soon, forgotten.

But to those of the Azure, particularly some of the Azure, though none more so than Sol Invictus, it was an object of great and relenting joy. Caeruleum Luna had finally come back into her full powers. And far above Londorthell, to that new moon, the Azure, the mystic plane of possibility was drawn slowly but inexorably through space and time and the places between places. Valide Civitatem and the Azure within it looked up at Londorthell in wonder.

13 points
-1 (Avatar) Command Race Expand City (Valide Civitatem)
-3 Shape Climate. A new moon appears in the sky. It is located directly above the Azure Mountain and never moves from there. It is (Obviously) a shimmering blue. The Azure (The world) is now located on this moon.
-6 Shape land H6 and H7. More desert
3 points remaining

[Ninjaman]

The mockingbird guise tweeted derisively, and then spoke.

"And what is order, and what is chaos?"


'Ha!' The schemer's rare and terrible smile is exposed to the others 'No one knows more of order and chaos than I, but surely this is no complicated question, for such as you. Order is a set of rules set out and agreed upon by the majority, nothing more. Chaos is either the absence of that agreement or...' He hummed happily to himself The flaunting of it.
'Is this not why we are all here? To find accord and forfeit chaos? Why then speak in circles? We all desire order, surely? All gods have the power to create or destroy, and are not limited in the latter capacity to their own creations. So then as every god creates he must fear the intersection of others. Suspicion will grow, harmony will die, chaos will come. Some common agreement here and now can prevent that. Each can be left with their own playthings'


"What he said, bird." The faceless god nods towards the Azure. He turns towards him. "No, that is not what we all want. If it is what you want then go back to the moon your family call home, and be left with your own, as you so incorrectly call it, playthings." He waved for the Azure to leave. "Do not assume order is what we all want, you couldn't be more wrong. You could try, but I doubt you would succeed."

[Omegonthesane]

'Ha!' The schemer's rare and terrible smile is exposed to the others 'No one knows more of order and chaos than I, but surely this is no complicated question, for such as you. Order is a set of rules set out and agreed upon by the majority, nothing more. Chaos is either the absence of that agreement or...' He hummed happily to himself The flaunting of it.'

"So, let me get this straight. If a small cabal seizes power behind the scenes and brings peace and prosperity for a thousand years, that's chaos, because their subjects didn't agree to be ruled this way. But if, say, 51% of a group decides to violently murder and enslave the other 49% leading to a catastrophic civil war that destroys their whole civilisation, that's order, because 51% is a majority. Am I missing anything?"

[Ladorak]

Insidiae Callidus shakes his head 'These talks are doomed, how can such assembled power by so small minded and petty?' He looks the bird over with disdainI thought you a god, so leave your weasel words at the door to the dimension and converse like a god.
'Your example is foolish, and I shall answer it briefly so that your transparent attempt to derail these talks finds no further traction.
'Your cabal will cause chaos when they seize power, they will scatter the powers of the Status Quo and then draw them to themselves. At first there shall be confusion and death, chaos. Then they will secure their power and entrench themselves, they shall make new laws and new traditions, they become the new Status Quo, they become the new figurehead and mailed fist of Order. And if 51 turn against 49 well... That rather stretches the definition of 'common agreement,' don't you think? And if these barbarians are unable to enforce their laws, well... That would speak to the flaunting of them, chaos, would it not?

[Omegonthesane]

"You mistake my intent," said Ischkathar, leaping from the map towards Insidae Callidus. In a flash of blue fire, the Usurper's form shifted; no longer a mockingbird, but a Leogodai, tall and imperious in scholar's robes. "The premise that 'balance' is anything but a smokescreen for fools relies on three unstated premises - the two things to be balanced and the idea that they should both exist. It would be wrong to leave those three premises unstated and unchallenged, so I did not. Your definition was flawed, so I pointed that out. I could continue in that line, and point out that seventy against thirty is neither a stretch of the term 'majority' nor any different than tyranny to the thirty - yet to do so would be to ignore a greater conundrum. You claim that we should seek order, defining this as an accord of the majority of the gods, yet immediately you speak of going back to rule over the mortals, beings who outnumber you thousands to one. How can you speak of majorities and then leave more than ninety-nine in every hundred out of your decision making?"

[Ninjaman]

"Within the seventy that agree with eachother, order exists. Within the thirty exists order.Between the two groups exists chaos. I simply tip the scales to be fifty fifty. That, is balance." The faceless god replies.

[Justicar]

"Within the seventy that agree with eachother, order exists. Within the thirty exists order.Between the two groups exists chaos. I simply tip the scales to be fifty fifty. That, is balance." The faceless god replies.

"The problem with that is the assumption that everything has fulcrum or balancing point," Stahl interjected. "Some things exist in absolutes. What's the balance between peace and war?"

"You speak of killings, striking and manipulating, but nothing of plans. How would you 'tip the scales' of the 70/30 problem? Kill off 40 of the 70? Encourage the 30 to start breeding more? A combination of the two? What is the answer to finding balance between the two people?"

Stahl leans back in his chair. "If a tyrant is oppressing his people, the answer isn't assassination and hope that 'balance' comes from the feuds and rebellions that come afterwards with additional assassination to help the path you think will lend to 'balance'. You've just exchanged 'Chaos' for 'Order'. Wouldn't it be better to find an accord that benefits everyone? To borrow a concept from the Legodai, a 'democracy' that speaks for the oppressed and a 'tyrant' that listens."

[Ladorak]

This 'democracy' is an illusion, a dream powerful enough to bewitch the gods themselves. Power cannot be so defused. I came here to secure a mutual agreement from the 'tyrants' of this world, not to debate metaphysics and what percentages of whose mortals may or may not be orderly.
'As we cannot agree on what is order, what is chaos, and what is the place inbetween, and as it is of singular unimportance regardless, might I suggest we move on to more fruitful discussion?

[Justicar]

"Did you have a specific topic in mind, godling? Or do you seek to merely complain about a conversation that isn't going in the direction you prefer? And an agreement on what exactly?"

Stahl waved his hand towards the map spread across the table. "Perhaps you would like to discuss the land that your people and Akriot appear to share?" Stahl paused for a moment. "What exactly do you two refer to the continent as, anyway?"

[Ladorak]

Insidiae Callidus nodded to the Forge God 'Yes Metal-Father, thank you. First, to answer your question, no, it has no name. The land south of the Azure mountain range was created by my... simpler brother. I doubt the need for a name has yet troubled him. Akriot may name it as he wishes.
'I am looking here for an accord. As I spoke of before, a common agreement of interested powers. Here is what I suggest; An agreement, now, between all who would be part of it. Agreement to not wage war against, or bring destruction to, our respective creations, with the Azure's extended lesser family standing place for our own. Also agreement to bring aid to any member of the Accord so attacked by any god within or without the Accord.'

[Ninjaman]

The faceless god just stood and listened while the two gods discussed. When the Azure brought up the Accord, he turned towards him and replied. "You are a fool Azure, if you truly beleive such a thing could exist. And an even bigger fool if you think it should. You said it so yourself, this democracy is an illusion. The gods will only be in the accord for as long as it remains beneficial for themselves. They will break it as soon as they can gain from it. This I assure you."

[Business Scrub]

Yaelumi watches the gods drone back and forth about control and peace and law and plans and Blah Blah Blah... She drums her fingers on the table, growing endlessly bored. Quite suddenly, she gets up. "Well, as much fun as all this is, listening to you gods go back and forth, I have things to get back to."
She gives them a polite curtsy, and the room around her darkens. When the light returns, the goddess is gone.

[Omegonthesane]

The faceless god just stood and listened while the two gods discussed. When the Azure brought up the Accord, he turned towards him and replied. "You are a fool Azure, if you truly beleive such a thing could exist. And an even bigger fool if you think it should. You said it so yourself, this democracy is an illusion. The gods will only be in the accord for as long as it remains beneficial for themselves. They will break it as soon as they can gain from it. This I assure you."

"The Saumna Followers of the Code put the lie to your words. They follow a law which at all times benefits all its followers. The threat to the accord is not divine selfishness, but your own policies. You would see the world trapped in stasis, locked in eternal, unremitting war between forces that never keep the upper hand, with triumph and advancement forbidden in the name of 'balance'. I will burn our world to ashes before I let that happen!"

With those words, the Usurper departs, its form vanishing in a pillar of blue fire.

[Ninjaman]

The Murderer looks at the Usurper before he vanishes into blue fire. He speaks quietly. "You are all fools."

[Justicar]

Stahl sadly watched each god leave Athrabeth, either from boredom or anger. It was clear that this first meetings of deities had been less than successful. "Azure, my only wish is for my grandchildren to know peace and that I have the serenity necessary to continue my works. I will join you in this Accord. The Steel Men and your 'lesser' Azure shall know no harm from the other."

Stahl stood and prepared to leave. "However, as a favor to me, could you reign in your brother a little bit? Let the Azure Lands come no closer to Eslora. Let the sea continue to separate our two lands for now."

With those words, Stahl turned and left. He did not immediately return to his Forge though. Instead, he traveled to the Everdark. He wanted to check on Yaelumi and see if all was well.

[Business Scrub]

The dark goddess, having perfected some of her string instruments, was biding her time in Elsora, leaving a few of her creations for some of her more favored Saumna to find. Though not as elegant as the harp she carried, the few inky black instruments were powerful tools in the hands of the mortals. For the time being, five instruments she laid down that were eventually found by Saumna: one for each tribe.

No Action this round (round 9). The instruments are purely flavor at the moment, not technically artifacts.

[Omegonthesane]

The Leogodai Democrats soon became the dominant faction, as the consistent inaction of their King became an undeniable pattern. However, they quickly discovered the most pressing problem of their philosophy - people could not gather from far and wide to debate issues while still doing their usual job at their usual home. This was, as it happened, less pressing for the Leogodai than it might have been for the Steel Men - their primary material need was stone for more spawn, and quarries could justify larger populations than farms, so while their road network ended before it began they at least could bring representatives together every week without great issue. Thus was the first compromise made - instead of literally all eligible people huddling together, each district would appoint a representative to speak for them, and these representatives would gather to decide what was best for all. The basic system could be extended arbitrarily tall - whenever Leogodai population reached a critical point, a new layer of rulers could be created, and at every point they would in theory draw their power from the consent of the majority.

Such was the theory; with the First Age drawing to a close, there had been little time for corruption to seep in.

The largest Leogodai gathering in the First Age was the unimaginatively named Prime Quarry, which initially was simply the surrounding camps of the largest of their quarries. Their police force, the Stoneguard quickly evolved from an informal group of enforcers to an army capable of fending off full-scale invasions.

~~~

Magus' wanderings, with a little divine nudging, took him to the volcano at the southern edge of the world. There, he found no souls to manipulate, no beings to serve his great plans, only beasts of various sorts. Dissatisfied with this turn of events, he decided to see what could be made of the local wildlife.

None were more numerous than the rats, so it was the rats that were used for experiments - no reasonable projection indicated that their numbers would be meaningfully reduced by any test Magus could think of. Their generations were short, and thus the experiments were quick - in a mere century, a large breeding population had been uplifted, their paws made more like hands, their bodies grown in size to support a much larger brain and much larger muscles. Many of these beings felt more comfortable on two paws than on four, and indeed the benefits of tools were so great that they would naturally evolve towards bipedal life, averaging two feet tall at the shoulder. Thus were created the Nezumi, numerous, adaptable, able to hide in any niche, bear the heat and the cold of the Rockscale desert, and inhabit locations where Steel Men would fear to tread. Their lifespan was the primary price for all this - although a Nezumi could birth new young within half a decade of its own birth, most were dead by thirty-five, and not one lived to its own fiftieth birthday in the First Age.

In their earliest days the Nezumi made the Steel Men look individualistic - while quite willing to compete and betray one another when necessary, each nest basically understood that none of them was remotely as capable as all of them, and they bred so frequently and in such numbers that no parent could hope to keep track of which of the teeming masses were its own children, so there was little incentive to deny any particular spawn what it needed based on a lack of kinship.

That was in their earliest days, however - with a population of quick-breeding intelligent life, Magus had the materials for his real experiments...

Power roll Turn 10 (http://orokos.com/roll/206688): 2d6+3+3 12
Power rollover: 1 point
Total 13 points

2 points: Command Avatar (Heresy) to Command Race (Leogodai) to Create City (Prime Quarry)... somewhere in the Leogodai lands where a quarry could plausibly be, I'm not that attached to a location at this stage

4 points: Command City (Prime Quarry) to Raise Army (1st Stoneguard)

Command Army (1st Stoneguard) to defend Prime Quarry

2 points: Command Avatar (Magus) to Create Race - the Nezumi, humanoid giant rats, averaging 2' tall at the shoulder, sexually mature within five years of birth, average lifespan thirty years, no known 50-year-old examples. Tendency towards communal living when left to their own devices, since adaptability and sheer numbers are their greatest advantages over other intelligent beings.

5 points remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+3 orders to next roll

[Ladorak]

It is no mean task to rein in my brother Stahl, but in the spirit of cooperation every effort will be made. Insidiae Callidus extended his hand to the table, and upon it a shining golden scroll appeared 'Any other god that has a wish to join the Accord need only touch this scroll to make themselves known. If all members of the Accord consent their name shall be added to it. I hope we are joined by others, Father Forge.' Unwilling to return to potential imprisonment Insidiae Callidus settled down in a chair and waited.

In the Azure the Azure had been busy. The citizens of Valide Civitatem had been hard at work curbing the excesses of the Azure, and there had been a backlash to that. In the Azure they was a growing divide between what in other races would have been the aristocratic and the scholarly set against the naked savage. Within the Azure the Azure possess limitless powers of creation, limited only by imagination, persistence and will and so this divide has a very different complexion. Equal in power, in a situation not unlike the one Insidiae Callidus had been discussing with the other divines, the rebellion of the willfully uneducated and uncivilized was one of pure creation. Valide Civitatem was a place of permanency and order, the wild Azure brought chaos and change to it's very borders. The Neathercity, also called the city without the city, sprung up around the stable structures and roads of the city. It was a place where one was assured what was there today would not be there tomorrow, and where all things could be found at once, were there any way to map it. The nethercity may, on any given day, contain priceless crystal formations, pools of fire and lava, statues of precious metals or unmelting ice, structures very like those of Valide Civitatem, and ones very unlike them and all manner of other things. The Lawgivers attempted to stop this process, but were only able to drive the wild Azure away from parts of the city walls and so could only stabilize and normalize patches of the Nethercity. Ignoring this nonsense great Bonum Opifex came to the city in great pomp and acclaim. All proclaimed the Azure mountain the singular beauty of the orb above. Inflated in his self-worth and ever eager to create he set up a great forgeworks at the center of the city and invited any would learn to lessons in the craft. Although he did not know it this would come to tip the balance of power and largely defang the wild Azure, although the Nethercity would ever remain.


12 points
-2 (Avatar) create order in the Steel Men: The Stalwart Blue Steels, or Stalwarts for short. An incredibly tightly grouped faction of Steel Men dedicated to the protection of innocence in all sentient life. Somewhat like mercenaries or adventurers with their own supply networks and infrastructure and no lust for coin. They travel the world looking for wrongs to right.
-3 Opifex Forge (+1 to armies)
-3 The Nethercity (+1 to armies)
4 points remaining

[grishnax]

Karu watched the discussion with interest. He learned much about the gods and their personalities there, and new knowledge was always welcome to him. He stayed out of the discussion, for things like order, chaos, and morality meant little to him. When all but one of the gods had left, Karu himself departed from the realm. Once again, Karu split himself into many beings, and traveled across the land, searching all of Londorthell for new knowledge. He found many things had changed during his time in Athrabeth, all of which he recorded in his perfect memory. He spent time in the Flux, and enjoyed the distortion of reality that was found there. He occasionally visited the Peng, checking out how they were doing with knowledgekeeping. The Peng were doing exactly as Karu had instructed, and this pleased him. And so, for the first time in his existence, Karu was content. He would continue searching for knowledge, as he was compulsed to do, but he would have the satisfaction of knowing that all was right in the world. For him, at least.

Turn 10
Points: 14
No actions.

[Ninjaman]

The Faceless god was the only remaining god in the room after the Seeker had left. "Well that went just fine." He traveled back to Ironbark. "Get ready!" He told Nightblade. "Ready for what?" He asked. "War!"
Nightblade gathered Saumna soldiers from around Ironbark and assembled them inside the fortress. Thus he created the Ironbark Guardians Green Company.

29 pts
2pts Command avatar (Nightblade) Command city (Ironbark) Raise army (Ironbark Guardians Green Company)
27 pts left

[Justicar]

Stahl watched Yaelumi give away her gifts. "Those were quite lovely. It will be good to hear the spread of music and what your children create."

* * *

While En'nidus the Warrior-King continued to rage and slaughter the remnants of the Monks of the Viper within Snake Mountain, Forge Son's pilgrimage brought him to Kell'Nvarr. The icestorms that had raged over the Dust Plains had taken a toll on the reptilian Rockscales. They tried to stay active, burrow deeper into the ground or stay in large groups to stay warm, but many still died.

Forge Son felt pity for them and decided that he would attempt to help them. However, they had not yet passed the tests necessary to learn metallurgy and Forge Son could not violate his father's divine directive. Instead, he used his skills to aid them to the best of his ability.

He created large metal pipes that transversed the length of the city and connected to Seth'nin's Armory. He then had smaller pipes branch out into every home, room and public place. The pipes funneled the heat of the armory to every Rockscale home. He hoped that this would be enough to allow the Rockscales to survive.

* * *

Meanwhile, in other places around the world, isolated Ferros continued to change. Those that found themselves in forests and wooded area, much like the Equiros, did not have access to the metals necessary for hard shells. Instead, they would cling to the sides of trees, eat hard woods of the trees and adapted to using that material for their shells. However, to not harm the trees, they also became smaller in size, only a couple feet long.

Since their shells took on the appearance of the wood they ate, they blended in with the tree. This aided them since carpenters would try to hunt or harvest them because their shells had the appearance of a finely lacquered wood.


Rollover points: 22

Create Life (Holzros) - 0pts: A much smaller version of a Ferros. They cling to trees and snack upon the hard wood to create their shell. They blend into the trees extremely well and never eat from one tree to kill it. Most breeds of holzros have a favored type of tree.

Remaining Points: 22

[Starsign]

Ek'nidus' assault unleashed a torrent of slaughter in Snake Mountain. The Red Sashes had numbers, but their ways, the ideas of the Monks of the Viper, were only shown to be flawed and crippling to the Rockscales when they came against the Warrior-King. The Sashes' "disciplined" attacks simply nick Ek'nidus' armor; their blows do nothing to even slow the demigod down. When Ek'nidus brought his claws upon the Red Sashes, much blood was shed. These Rockscale heretics fell quicker than flies to the Warrior-King's raging claws. Few of them lasted a blow from him, much less two swipes and strikes. Ek'nidus' strength was unmatched, breaking entire bodies with one crushing blow of his tail and tearing the heretics to pieces with claws that can easily slice metal apart. It was an incredible onslaught that truly showed the great might of Akriot's chosen. The monks' own people turned against each other as well when the bronze sun's rage enveloped them; the Red Sashes could not put them in order.

When it was done and Akriot's rage subsided within all, the remnants of the Monks of the Viper and the Red Sashes were driven out of Snake Mountain, leaving Ek'nidus alone in this home of sorts. Where he is recognized as the greatest of the Rockscales' power, he also carried over the personality many Rockscales held; he is brave, but timid, sometimes lacking confidence, and overall more reserved than what one might expect from powerful warriors. So when Ek'nidus' rage subsided and looked at what he had brought upon the Monks of the Viper, he leans back against one of the many carved stone walls and sighs deeply; his bloodied hand running over his face over what he saw as a massacre he did not want to be a part of. He knew he had to do it, as Akriot would not misguide him on heretics and enemies. Yet this sight reveals to Ek'nidus what much of his existence will be about. As a warrior, he would be forced to fight, forced to kill, for his god. The demigod will be causing death and war on a large scale within Londorthell and all would come to know about him for it. What a destructive existence Ek'nidus will know to come and live with.

All this could not have made Solaine's pestering more inconvenient in her timing. Just as the Rockscales who follow the Warriors of the Claw began populating Snake Mountain proper and another vanguard rose up to defend it, the Dust Planes and its neighboring desert had a disaster of a snowstorm come to their place. The Rockscales were not accustomed to snow and cold weather; Akriot in his shortsightedness failed to realize this as one of Solaine's many ways she could fool and mess with these reptilian fighters. The Rockscales found outside their homes ended up perishing quickly, while those in Kell'Nvarr and Snake Mountain scrambled for enough fire and heat before most of them had ended up hibernating. The sole demigod unaffected by this, Ek'nidus, could only look on at this suffering. A warrior he is, not a savior. Both Akriot and the Great Canyon became silent following this, almost like they had abandoned their kind.

It was then that the Forge Son came one night, a being unknown to anyone within the Dust Planes. The Rockscales had no way to fight back in this weather if the creature meant harm, but instead it came to help provide heat with such unknown material to all of Kell'Nvarr. The city soon became a place where the Rockscales could become active again. They found a savior to their sorrow, as foreign as this one is. Ek'nidus, curious as the other Rockscales, is the bravest to approach the Forge Son. Even he hesitated when he thought of what to first ask. "What... are you?" Ek'nidus' words were spoken with the harshest dry throat that one may imagine. "Were you sent by our lord, Akriot?"

13 Points to use

Command City (Snake Mountain) to Raise Army: 1st Vanguards of Snake Mountain. This army will defend Snake Mountain in Ek'nidus' place. (-4)

Leaving 9 points leftover for the last turn of the 1st Age.

[Sir Dancealot]

For the first time that the world can remember, Solaine stepped from her castle. For centuries, no, millennia she had stood idly by, waiting. For what, few can say, for those that even know of her as a God are few and far between.

The Peng know, but they are seekers of Knowledge, and even they do not know for what she stands.

The Rockscales know, and even through their rage at what she has done, they fear her nature.

Select scholars with the others might know, but they are far and few between.

So, for the first time in this world's history, Solaine stands under the light of her own sun and smiles. The snow has abated, and the mountains glisten in the light as if their peaks were forged from crystal. Behind her, the once ruined castle now stands proud, a testament to what it once was. A wonder to behold in it's own right, swooping arcs, flying buttresses, pointy bits. All protected by a variety of stone creatures, each long forgotten. Except of course for the Great Wolves that have made their way to all corners of the land, as well as the Drakes. As Solaine stepped forth, so too did the Drakes, taking to the sky in a rush, their screeches thunder and their breath lightning, the sun reflecting off of their golden scales.

Of course, not even the castle and the drakes could outshine Solaine herself. She was, in fact, as resplendent as the sun. Golden plate draped over silvery mail glistened and gleamed in the light as she stepped down her mountain, and no longer was she hounded by the sounds of battle. On either hip rested two blades, simple swords made of fantastical metal that sang in a long dead language as she walked. Upon her back rode her characteristic greatsword, no longer broken and scarred, but silvery and new looking, the blade inlaid with glittering, golden gems. Her hair flowed out behind her, the bright fiery red of it clashing beautifully with her equipment.

She surveyed the ocean before her, her golden irises gleaming with amusement. Her perpetual smile grew as she walked across the ocean, and at each step, sparks scattered across the water calling the recently released Drakes. The drakes circled, spinning as she walked, and above her head, the skies thundered. Where she once walked, there was naught but thunder and lightning, the seas raging at the skies. Solaine simply smiled as she stepped once more onto land.

Wandering through the eternal lightning storm, she found her way to a mountain range. Among these mountains lived the Steel Men. Powering down a bit, she walked towards them, looking as mortal as they. She hoped they proved to be interesting.

Behind her, storms raged, and oceans fell to their fury, in their place rose a land beset by the tides and the skies, plains of the most fertile soil known to this world. If of course, anything could survive the blasted storms that shook them!


Create Life: Drakes - Classic Drakes, but with a lightningy twist. Their roar is thunderous (literally) and every breath they take has a spark of lightning in it. They like the Storm Plains and the Everlasting Lightning Mountain, but they aren't against traveling. They can fly after all. They're shiny and golden too! If offered a gift, they'll help in one simple task. (Lift this, put it there. Kill That. Bring me Food. Stuff like that.)

L8, M7, M8, M9 - The Storm Plains. Extremely fertile land where not much grows except grass and a few bushes due to the near constant storms. Farming would be possible, if it weren't for all those damn drakes flying about!

Use: 12
Left: 54

[Business Scrub]

Yaelumi looked around and saw the savageness of this world. As the first age drew to a close, she decided the world was lacking. These mortal races had much: they had knowledge, creation, freedom after a fashion. They had war too. The bloodshed near Snake Mountain had not avoided her attention. Yet for all they had, they seemed to lack some kind of drive. All of the mortal races felt some emotion, sure, but none, not even the Saumna, appreciated its full spectrum. This would change: she would see to it. So the first age closes, and the Dark Goddess sits in preparation, determining what she would need.

Pass on Turn 10

[Justicar]

It was then that the Forge Son came one night, a being unknown to anyone within the Dust Planes. The Rockscales had no way to fight back in this weather if the creature meant harm, but instead it came to help provide heat with such unknown material to all of Kell'Nvarr. The city soon became a place where the Rockscales could become active again. They found a savior to their sorrow, as foreign as this one is. Ek'nidus, curious as the other Rockscales, is the bravest to approach the Forge Son. Even he hesitated when he thought of what to first ask. "What... are you?" Ek'nidus' words were spoken with the harshest dry throat that one may imagine. "Were you sent by our lord, Akriot?"

If Forge Son had the face to smile, he would have. Instead he merely radiated goodwill. "No, I was not sent by Akriot. My name is Forge Son and my father, Stahl, sent me out into the world to teach metalcraft to those that were judged worthy of its secrets," said Forge Son.

"However, when I saw the suffering of your people, I knew I couldn't merely stand by and let them suffer. I may have stretched the limits of my mission providing the pipes for heat, but since I didn't technically teach anyone..." Forge Son said with a shrug.


Wandering through the eternal lightning storm, she found her way to a mountain range. Among these mountains lived the Steel Men. Powering down a bit, she walked towards them, looking as mortal as they. She hoped they proved to be interesting.

The Steel Men looked upon the strange woman that entered Erste Stadt. This was the first person other than themselves that they had seen with metal items. While crude compared to the wonders that Stahl usually made, there was no denying the armor and weapons wore perfectly suited for their tasks. While many could say they could make items just as good, the designs were alien to them and the Soul of the Metal told them that there was a spark of divinity in their creation.

They sent some priests to met with this woman with gifts and food. However, their soul-wards were strengthen to resist any corruption. They had learned much from their dealings with the Magus and his 'Enlightened'. They would not allow anyone else to cause them to stray from the path.


Yaelumi looked around and saw the savageness of this world. As the first age drew to a close, she decided the world was lacking. These mortal races had much: they had knowledge, creation, freedom after a fashion. They had war too. The bloodshed near Snake Mountain had not avoided her attention. Yet for all they had, they seemed to lack some kind of drive. All of the mortal races felt some emotion, sure, but none, not even the Saumna, appreciated its full spectrum. This would change: she would see to it. So the first age closes, and the Dark Goddess sits in preparation, determining what she would need.

Stahl sat down next to Yaelumi. "Do you mind if I sit here?" Stahl asked and then realized that he was a tad late in asking permission. "Sorry. Should have asked first, but there is much going on in the world that concerns me. I did not mean to let simple courtesy slip like that."

Stahl looked out upon the world. "I know it is easy to worry about the children, but we must have faith in them just as much as they have faith in us. If we have raised them correctly, they will do what is right. I have made some plans, but there is only so much that we can do. They have to live their own lives now."

This is not my Turn 11. Purely RP.

[Sir Dancealot]

The Steel Men looked upon the strange woman that entered Erste Stadt. This was the first person other than themselves that they had seen with metal items. While crude compared to the wonders that Stahl usually made, there was no denying the armor and weapons wore perfectly suited for their tasks. While many could say they could make items just as good, the designs were alien to them and the Soul of the Metal told them that there was a spark of divinity in their creation.

They sent some priests to met with this woman with gifts and food. However, their soul-wards were strengthen to resist any corruption. They had learned much from their dealings with the Magus and his 'Enlightened'. They would not allow anyone else to cause them to stray from the path.

Solaine was delighted by these metal workers. Truly, she had not seen such work in many, many ages. She smiled as she ran her finger down the intricate designs of a pillar. She'd always wished she had a penchant for creation. But, sadly, she was born for destruction. While she had dulled her powers to make her look mortal, these Steel Men could feel the power ringing forth from her arms and armour, and they could hear the orchestral song that the totality of her arms and armor made. While indeed crude compared to Stahl's works, only the Forge Master Himself could duplicate or surpass the construction of the arms and armour.

Except perhaps for the great blade that she wore upon her back. It did not sing, it did not resonate. In fact, all that it seemed to hold was silence, almost as if it were mocking the very fact that they could hear it.

She turned and smiled at the priests approach. She made quite the figure she knew, but why were they so focused on her? Had they never seen a traveler before?

"Hail priests. Is something I can help with?" She spoke, stutteringly. No doubt it would be quite odd of she walked in and knew their language fluently. "Travelers uncommon it seems?"


THis is not a turn, simply RP.

[Ladorak]

The Blue Speakers had ears everywhere, and many mouths to add to that. The words the Murderer spoke at Ironbark were soon passed between all Saumna. The Speakers preached a strong organised defense, but were sworn to the Word and could not take arms against their fellow Saumna, no matter how foul their disposition. This did not render them impotent, their powers were welcome in Ironbark, for who does not wish to know the future? And it was this desire they exploited, that and the Hunter's natural greed and indolence. The campaigning season was declared unsuitable by the tried and tested magic of blood and bark. Before outcry could erupt in Ironbark further word came from the Speakers, the period was unsuited because the season was holy, a time for great festival and celebration. Ironbark was the first city to be besieged, though not the first to see battle, and it was a siege of a most peculiar nature. A siege of music, food, entertainment and, most importantly, mead and wine. It arrived through the gates of Ironbark as a seemingly endless convoy. The Saumna could not defend themselves from the Ironbark Guardians Green Company, nor could it strike at them, at least for now.

In Erste Stadt the Stalwarts were mobilizing in force, coming together as an armed company instead of a group of adventures. They too sensed war coming and meant to be prepared. The Blue Steel Company came together with burnished blue metal armor and brilliant blue banners, the adventurer's company trained to fight in line with a shieldwall.

In Valide Civitatem another militia was coming together. The Harmony were are organised force dedicated entirely to being order to the Nethercity, freeing the Lawgivers to focus on their proper duties. The many schools started by Optimus magister came together to found a great Academy, a beautiful place of white marble and soaring columns they named in her honor and taught there in her spirit. There are no statues of her, so well do her one-time students know her, but her name is framed above every door and archway.

20 points

-4 Ironbark pol man: The Ironbark Guardians Green Company may take no action save defend for [roll]1d3/roll] (http://orokos.com/roll/207565) 2 turns
-2 (Avatar) Erste Stadt army: The Blue Steel Company
-3 shape land, more desert, already on the map.
-3 Valide Civitatem army. The Harmony, those who seek to stabilize the Nethercity
-3 Valide Civitatem structure. Magister Academy
5 remaining
remaining

[Justicar]

"Hail priests. Is something I can help with?" She spoke, stutteringly. No doubt it would be quite odd of she walked in and knew their language fluently. "Travelers uncommon it seems?"

"Welcome, stranger," replied the high priest. "We actually do have many visitors. The Saumna are regular guests. It's just unusual for one with metal items to come here. Are far as we knew, we were the only ones that the Forge Father had shown the gifts of metallurgy to."

"Besides, the last time that a visitor who had been touched by gods came to us," said the priest, not figuring out Solaine's true nature, "he tempted away a number of our people with false promises and tainted gifts."

RP post.

[Omegonthesane]

"Welcome, stranger," replied the high priest. "We actually do have many visitors. The Saumna are regular guests. It's just unusual for one with metal items to come here. Are far as we knew, we were the only ones that the Forge Father had shown the gifts of metallurgy to."

"Besides, the last time that a visitor who had been touched by gods came to us," said the priest, not figuring out Solaine's true nature, "he tempted away a number of our people with false promises and tainted gifts."

RP post.

"No, not false promises," whispered the voice of Heresy into the priest's ear, indistinguishable in tone from the priest's own thoughts, though no doubt audible and discernible to the nearby deity. "We didn't form our traditions to protect against false promises. Let the people believe that however, let them not be swayed by buildings beyond Steel Man labour and cities raised from the sea."

The Saumna of the Code became aware of the new, warlike propaganda of Ironbark, and resolved to crush this threat before it rendered them the same service - only to change their minds, once news of the Siege Festival reached Great Clearing. A new army was still raised, but the stated and actual aim was for it to be directed at the Rockscale threat to the west - the Code Defenders were a garrison, but the new Code Expeditionary Force would truly be an army.

Magus' social experiments required the division of the Nezumi into twelve tribes; in reality, the difficult part was keeping the twelve tribes separate, for Nezumi expanded like a vapour to fill all available living space. The Cavern Isles were a good fit for the job; the cave networks were not hospitable to life, so few if any Nezumi would wander far enough to find a new entire clan to join. Eleven families were whisked there, and had ideologies imposed upon them, while the Southern Volcano's remaining population was left as a control group, for Magus did not quite understand how the divergent soil conditions would poison the experiment.

In order to ensure that each tribe maintained its selected ideology until that ideology had managed to categorically fail, Magus caused the creation of a new caste of Nezumi - the Augurs, who held their power through a form of blood magic that allowed them to heal ailments and see the future - and the need for sacrifices gave them a handy excuse for crude population controls, since natural selection was if anything in favour of the Nezumi's almost ruinous fecundity. Many Augurs confused their spellcasting with divine gifts, which Magus had mixed feelings about; it meant he was being praised, if only by proxy, but once Ischkathar found out the confusion would surely be cleared up, and his experiments ruined in the process.

Heresy, meanwhile, consolidated its presence within the Bloom, causing plants to align in patterns, many of which corresponded to sorcerous runes to be activated at need. Such measures would save it a great deal of energy if the Bloom were ever seen to be more than grass and fungus - which would probably be soon, given its rate of development. Of course, none were so important as the place hidden deep beneath the Cavern Isles, a dense array of Bloom filling a cavern as large as any Steel Man hall, which held the core of Heresy's memories.

Ischkathar itself was not particularly close to the corporeal plane near the end of the First Age, instead weaving a different plane in the space beyond mortal reach. The Realm of Desire was featureless, formless, on its own; if a being entered it, or merely observed it intently, then it would react to their desires, and produce the closest approximation they could imagine. The Usurper was initially careful not to look too closely at its newly made realm, as it might never recover from manifesting the ambitions of the God of Ambition.

Power roll Turn 11 (http://orokos.com/roll/207468): 2d6+3+3 13
Power rollover Turn 10: 5 points
Total 18 points

4 points: Command City (Great Clearing) to Raise Army (1st Code Expeditionary Force)

7 points: Create World - The Realm of Desire, which responds to the wishes of people who end up dreaming or shifted there and creates material accordingly. As an unintended side effect it is hospitable to all life forms, as they all unconsciously desire the basic requirements of survival (such as air).

2 points: Command Avatar (Heresy) to Create Order in the Bloom "Heresy's Brain", a bunch of Bloom structures designed to be the spirit's regular host and memory storage

2 points: Command Avatar (Magus) to Create Order in the Nezumi "Augurs", blood mages who see the future and act as a population control by sacrificing "excess" Nezumi. There's some confusion within their ranks - some assume their offerings are a gift to appease some kind of deity, instead of simply fuel for their spells.

3 points remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+5 Orders to next roll

[Ninjaman]

The Blue Speakers tried to stop the mobilization of Ironbark with a party. Nightblade laughed. They clearly underestimated them if they believed that helped. Nightblade the Hunters continued traveling arround the forest gathering soldiers, which had just been made easier by the large festival inside the fortress.

The murderer travels to th Rage God. "Very good Rage God. I take this won't be the last we see of your conquring abilities." The murderer says. "My offer still stands, you can have assistance, if you are willing to recieve it."


34 pts
2 pts Command avatar (Nightblade) command city (Ironbark) raise army: Ironbark Guardians Black Company
32 pts left

[Starsign]

Ek'nidus stays silent to the Forge Son as the latter gives his explanation. Under any other circumstance, this foreigner would have been banished by the Rockscales, if not by Akriot himself. Instead he ended up coming at the most wondrous time. In this dead-of-night time, Akriot could not see his own people and when he does he will be nothing but in an uproar over the new foreign advances made... If he still was watching the Rockscales. In their minds, they've failed their god by being unable to adapt and survive; abandoned by their lord as consequence. In this kind of punishment, the Rockscales felt like they had to take what was offered, else perish quickly and easily. Ek'nidus knew this above all; he couldn't question the Forge Son in doubt. The Rockscales needed this strange new development.

"Hear me out then," the demigod quickly speaks up after. "If you've come to spread your knowledge, please teach us this in exchange for how we may assist you." The Rockscale's words had a mix of courage, cautious, and recklessness. He shouldn't be trusting the Forge Sun as much as he is but Ek'nidus feels that he has no other way around if he wishes to help his people. After all, he had no true malice for the Monks of the Viper he slaughtered so brutally; that was just Akriot's will even if the responsibility of it lies on the demigod. If Akriot abandoned them now, what would be wrong with trying to adapt again? "Your technology will save us, perhaps even improve us as warriors even if we do not desire war like our god does. At the least we will owe you and Stral a debt we have to undertake."

[Justicar]

Ek'nidus stays silent to the Forge Son as the latter gives his explanation. Under any other circumstance, this foreigner would have been banished by the Rockscales, if not by Akriot himself. Instead he ended up coming at the most wondrous time. In this dead-of-night time, Akriot could not see his own people and when he does he will be nothing but in an uproar over the new foreign advances made... If he still was watching the Rockscales. In their minds, they've failed their god by being unable to adapt and survive; abandoned by their lord as consequence. In this kind of punishment, the Rockscales felt like they had to take what was offered, else perish quickly and easily. Ek'nidus knew this above all; he couldn't question the Forge Son in doubt. The Rockscales needed this strange new development.

"Hear me out then," the demigod quickly speaks up after. "If you've come to spread your knowledge, please teach us this in exchange for how we may assist you." The Rockscale's words had a mix of courage, cautious, and recklessness. He shouldn't be trusting the Forge Sun as much as he is but Ek'nidus feels that he has no other way around if he wishes to help his people. After all, he had no true malice for the Monks of the Viper he slaughtered so brutally; that was just Akriot's will even if the responsibility of it lies on the demigod. If Akriot abandoned them now, what would be wrong with trying to adapt again? "Your technology will save us, perhaps even improve us as warriors even if we do not desire war like our god does. At the least we will owe you and Stral a debt we have to undertake."

Forge Son thought about Ek'nidus's words. While he was wary that they may use the tools for war, if he help them, there was a possibility that they would use it for more peaceful reasons. Furthermore, Stahl had told him to test races to see their worthiness for the gifts of metallurgy, but never told him how to do that. Maybe this would be the way to do it.

Besides, it was nice to be needed again and not lectured. He could be like a mentor to this race, or even a... father? Perhaps if he taught them properly and they created wonders just as impressive as the Steel Men, then his father would allow him back in his good graces.

"I'll do it! exclaimed Forge Son. I'll teach you everything you need to know about metalcraft so that you can save your people."

[Justicar]

There is a saying: If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people. But if you’re planning for millennia, what do you use?

Following a plan that had been laid out countless centuries ago, the tectonic plates slowly ground away along a path long foreseen by Stahl. It had taken careful and minute manipulations to the firmament, but the mountains had finally come into alignment and Stahl’s plan to protect his grandchildren came to fruition.

Erste Stadt and the mountains surrounding it began to rumble and shake. At first, the Steel Men believed that it was an earthquake, but this felt different from ones they had experienced in the past. They could feel it in their very bones as reality itself began to shake and blur around them.

If someone had been watching from outside the phenomenon, they would have seen a wondrous event. The city and mountain appeared to fade away, only for the mountain to instantly reappear. This mountain was identical in all features, save the city was no longer there.

* * *

Meanwhile, on another plane of existence, the mountain, Erste Stadt and Stahl’s Forge re-materialized. When the Steel Men looked out about them, they saw a mountain range that seemed to extend out into infinity. They could hear the Soul of Metal sing out and they knew that those mountains were filled with untold mineral wealth waiting for them to mine and shape.

“I have brought you here to best shelter you from the storm I see coming, my children,” said a voice that every Steel Man heard and knew to be the Forge-Father. “Remain strong. Remain faithful. Someday, you will return to Londorthell and save them from the approaching disaster.”

The Steel Men did not know what was coming, but felt the wisdom of those words in their souls. They began making preparations for this unknown future. Expeditions were sent out to find veins of metal, the Protectors of the Molten Flame preached the importance of remaining pure, and the Holy Forges lit up the new sky with sparks and glow of molten metal. Whatever was coming, they would be prepared for it.

* * *

Meanwhile, on Londorthell, Stahl was filled with a sense of melancholy. It was a shame that he had to remove Erste Stadt and its occupants from the table, but he was certain it was in their best interests. Furthermore, there were many Steel Men that had the misfortune of being left behind. The Enlightened in Seaport, the Stalwarts that were exploring the world and the many other Steel Men that had merely be off the mountain at the time. Someday, the Steel Men would be reunited and he was certain that the weight he felt in his heart would be lightened on that day.

Rollover points: 27
7 points: Create World (Forge World) – A seemingly endless mountain range. Every peak seems to be laced with unbelievable amounts of metal, gems and other mineral wealth. The mountains could be mined for millennia and only a fraction would be exhausted.

10 points: Event (The Great Sundering) – Stahl’s Forge, Erste Stadt, and the mountain they were standing on were teleported to Forge World along with the Protectors of the Molten Flame, the Pure Ones army and all the inhabitants of the city.

0 points: Command Army: In addition to defending Erste Stadt, the Pure Ones are also cutting off the city from all other gods. With renewed faith, the Steel Men of Erste Stadt feel it is their holy duty to remain pure until they are allowed back into Londorthell.

Remaining points: 10

[Sir Dancealot]

"Welcome, stranger," replied the high priest. "We actually do have many visitors. The Saumna are regular guests. It's just unusual for one with metal items to come here. Are far as we knew, we were the only ones that the Forge Father had shown the gifts of metallurgy to."

"Besides, the last time that a visitor who had been touched by gods came to us," said the priest, not figuring out Solaine's true nature, "he tempted away a number of our people with false promises and tainted gifts."

RP post.

"I have no gifts. No promises." She shrugged, still smiling. "Seek only knowledge, only friends." She shrugged again, "There be those with metal work. They are lost. Will be found one day, when time is right." She looked around herself at the city before her. Truly, it was a work of art. She wanted to see more. "Can you show city?" She asked, excitement gleaming in her eyes.

It was of course, at that moment that the worlds shifted, and then shifted again. She blinked, looking around the city. That was interesting. It seems they had just shifted planes. She was both amused and annoyed at the oversight of Solaine being in the city at the moment of the shift. Ah well, it changed nothing.

[Justicar]

"I have no gifts. No promises." She shrugged, still smiling. "Seek only knowledge, only friends." She shrugged again, "There be those with metal work. They are lost. Will be found one day, when time is right." She looked around herself at the city before her. Truly, it was a work of art. She wanted to see more. "Can you show city?" She asked, excitement gleaming in her eyes.

It was of course, at that moment that the worlds shifted, and then shifted again. She blinked, looking around the city. That was interesting. It seems they had just shifted planes. She was both amused and annoyed at the oversight of Solaine being in the city at the moment of the shift. Ah well, it changed nothing.

After the initial shift, the guest was momentarily forgotten. The Steel Men were at first distracted by a divine voice that they all seemed to hear at the same time. The priesthood quickly reestablished order and issued commanded the populous to do various tasks to take their minds off of their panic and to give them renewed purpose.

Once life slowly returned to normal, the high priest returned to their guest, who was waiting in their finest visitor chambers. He had at least made certain that she had been accomodated before rushing off.

"My apologies, friend," said the high priest. "But it would appear that you may be stuck here in Forge World, as we've being to refer to it, until the unforeseeable future. We'll do our best to make your life amongst us as comfortable as possible. We'll even begin that tour you asked about and possibly find an occupation that strikes your interest enough to take up."

The high priest paused. "I'm sorry. In all of the excitement, I forgot to ask. What is your name?"

[Starsign]

The Forge Son's words brought a sense of hope to Ek'nidus. Before we worried of being the last of the Rockscales, fighting for a cause lost all too long ago. Now his people could perhaps instead be revived under a new idea, one which won't immediately abandon their original ideas that they've come to live with. A smile broke fiercely on Ek'nidus's face. "Wonderful, wonderful! This will mean so much for my people." Even though he knows much of his life will be full of tragedy in battle, this is a moment beyond it that he will remember for a long time.

And so the Rockscales slowly began learning how to develop and train themselves in metallurgy. It is a difficult prospect, not helped by a limited amount of natural metal in the Dust Planes. In fact it would take many years, but progress is indeed made over time. The first true accomplishment of this is found within Ek'nidus' enduring work. South of Snake Mountain, he learned how to tranfuse rock and metal into land, and slowly began forming a new place of his own to signify new land for the Rockscales. When he is done, the Steel Line is created; a land of rock and metal that connects the two deserts. Rockscales who brave the snowy climates find refuge here where it is warmer and more to their liking. The creation of land here not only shows Ek'nidus' great discipline and perseverance but also witnesses the possibility of further development southward. The Rockscales rule the deserts and steel in the west; it is only the start of their recovery.

17 Points to use.

Shape Land: The Steel Line (H4 and H5), a place of rock and steel created by Ek'nidus after learning metallurgy from the Forge Son and making use of both rock and metal in tandem. Rockscales naturally live here, as do any Steel Men that may travel from their far off home for whatever reason.

[Omegonthesane]

By the dawn of the Second Age, even the most innocent child could see that the Hunters were planning to move on a larger scale against the other Saumna, but they had not moved yet, which was an important sticking point. Many people of the Code, and nearly all those who were interested in the other tribes, felt that this should be allowed to happen. The most compelling were those who said that prior constraint of the Hunters' evil was itself a great sin, and that they should be allowed to do the inevitable before being punished; others contended, with far less success, that the Hunters had free will and it was not for others to judge what their military buildup was for.

A sect of the Code followers, frustrated with years of inaction against a clear and present threat, did what they could to neutralise the Ironbark threat, while staying in the literal letter of the laws that they were breaking in spirit. Their efforts were disastrously expensive for no gain - neither the promise of gold, nor the most seductive volunteers, nor even drugs shipped from the Fertile Fields could sway the loyalty of the Ironbark Green Company.

In despair, the Code Expeditionary Force moved rashly, directly assaulting the Ironbark Green Company. Addled by stress, they did not think their plan through, and ended up as little more than living pincushions, suffering a ten to one casualty ratio.

In the end, the Green Company succumbed to the temptations of the Code when a mysterious Saumna wanderer came along with the seventh package of gifts and playthings, a wanderer who made strangely compelling points about the proper lot of the Company within the hierarchy of the Hunters themselves. Had they looked closely, and seen that their benefactor was Magus, the Code followers would never have sent him in, but they were desperate for a successful resolution.

The Green Company perished on the Black Company's arrows, their betrayal incompetently planned and poorly executed, but in doing so they weakened the Hunters as a faction, reducing their military forces to only one army.

~~~

In the south, the Bloom grew beyond Heresy's expectations. It had inevitably formed somewhat of an independent consciousness, separate from and able to react to Heresy's brain, and this consciousness formalised the art of Telepathy which had powered it for so many centuries. Not merely sending and receiving thoughts, the Bloom learned how to send false sense data directly into the minds of others, or even false desires to control their minds.

The Bloom also learned that it required energy, and that the easiest - if not the most efficient - source of energy was heat. For this reason, it spread into the very crater of the Southern Volcano, and created a processing array even greater than Heresy's brain, a place capable of storing more raw information than most mortals could comprehend the existence of. The primary achievement of this array, however, was its heat sinks - the Bloom had difficulty surviving too close to the lava, but was determined to harness the greatest energy source the world had to offer.

Thus, the Bloom established the Southern Core. Through its Telepathy, it enslaved much of the surrounding wildlife, including a few weak-willed Nezumi, to form a makeshift army that could at worst slow down any foe who wished to trample on the Core. The Bloom was not imaginative; this horde of insects, ferros, rats, and many other beasts was simply called the Southern Core Defenders.

Power roll Turn 12 (http://orokos.com/roll/208021): 2d6+3+5 14
Power rollover: 3 points
Total 17 points

2 points: Command City (Ironbark) to Political Maneuver and subvert the loyalties of the Ironbark Guardians Green Company!
Attempt to subvert Green Company (http://orokos.com/roll/208022): 2d6 6
Attempt to resist subversion (http://orokos.com/roll/208023): 2d6 8
PM fails! Green Company remains loyal.

2 points: Command City (Great Clearing) to Political Maneuver and subvert Green Company!
Subvert Green Company Round 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/208024): 2d6 5
Resist subversion Round 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/208025): 2d6 9
Political Maneuver fails! Green Company remains loyal.

Command Army (Code Expeditionary Force) to pre-emptively attack Ironbark Guardians Black Company!
Code Expeditionary Force VS Ironbark Black Company (http://orokos.com/roll/208026): (2d6+2)-(2d6+3) -3
Black Company wins! Code Expeditionary Force destroyed.

1 point: Command Avatar (Magus) to Command City (Great Clearing) to Political Maneuver and subvert Ironbark Guardians Green Company!
Attempt to subvert Green Company (http://orokos.com/roll/208030): (2d6)-(2d6) 5
Political Maneuver succeeds! Green Company is subverted.

Command Army (Ironbark Green Company) to attack Ironbark Black Company!
Green Company VS Black Company (http://orokos.com/roll/208031): (2d6+2)-(2d6+2) -5
Black Company wins! Green Company destroyed.

4 points: Advance Race (The Bloom) with Telepathy
3 points: Ingrain Advancement (Telepathy) in the Bloom
1 point: Command Avatar (Heresy) to Command Race (The Bloom) to Create City (Southern Core) in the crater of the Southern Volcano
2 points: Command City (Southmost Core) to Raise Army (Southern Core Defenders)

3 points remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+5 Orders to next roll

[Justicar]

While the Steel Men on the Forge World adjusted to their new situation, the remnants of their civilization back on Londorthell had a bigger adjustment to make as they attempted to rebuild their lives.

Some of the Steel Men tried to scrap a living on the surface of the Stahl Mountains. However, without shelter and access to their old tools, they had to make do with what they had for protection. They began hunting the wildlife around them. The horns of Geweisen were either used to make crude, iron spears or melted down to make other utensils. The metal plating of ferros was used to make hardened armor or reinforced housing.

Life was hard and they mourned what had vanished. Much knowledge was lost to them, such as the art of Soul-Binding since much of the priesthood that knew it had been taken along with Erste Stadt. However, every one of them could still hear the Soul of the Metal in every item they made and kept that skill alive. All in all, they became a more martial based society and began to call themselves “The Iron People”.

* * *
Meanwhile, the fates of a different group of refugees took a divergent path. Many Saumna, remembering the legendary hospitality that the Steel Men had given them, proved homes to these wayward travelers. The bonds they formed grew stronger and eventually new families were formed of both Steel Men and Saumna.

Over the generations, these children grew tall, graceful and beautiful. It was said that their beauty eclipsed many of the Free Saumna. With the limited resources of the Deep Forests, their skill with metallurgy slowly faded away, but the deep connection to the world around them heightened their soul-bonding abilities.

It was discovered that they abhorred violence and discord as well as had a hard time staying in one place. With all of the hostility and violence brewing in the Deep Forest, it was becoming increasingly uncomfortable for them there. They vowed that they would go out to bring love and peace to this divided people. Since they serve no single side in any conflict, they can be trusted to honest, unbribeable mediators who would do everything in their power to find the fairest solution that benefits all parties involved.

To show that they were not of one race but of all races, this fledgling race carved intricate masks of wood and ivory. They would find ways to broker peace with all races and this strong belief seemed to be enhanced by their masks. Today, it is incredibly rare to see one without their mask on and they eventually became known as “Masques”.

However, not all Masques thought that a binding peace could be found just with treaties and contracts. Some believed that the best path lay with love. They worked to find perfect matches between two people and join them in matrimony. They believe that these ties will bind feuding families together stronger than those of the hardest steel. Following the old tales they heard about Forge Son and his innocent love for life, they walked the path toward what they called the Holy Union.

Rollover points: 20
4 points: Create Subrace (The Iron People) – Remnants of the Steel Men that were left behind during the Great Migration. Like their ancestors, they are masters of the forge. However, where the Steel Men liked to make wonders, the Iron People make weapons. Many of the most powerful armies have Iron People mercenaries within them acting as shocktroopers and weaponsmiths. They know not just the best way to build fortifications, but the best way to bring them down as well.

3 points: Inherit Advancement (Metallurgy) – The Iron People can still hear the Soul of the Metal and have not lost the art of Metallurgy. However, they are better at using all of the resources available to them and don’t believe in waste, taking a utilitarian view on things. Also, they are more prone to making weapons, armor and fortifications than items of pure decoration.

3 points: Create Hybrid Race (Masques) – Tall, slender and graceful, they all wear a elaborate ivory mask. Their masks make them immune to telepathy, mental abilities or charm magic as well as enhancing their speaking ability. They have no permanent home, but all races allow them to cross their borders as the presence of a Masque is considered good luck. They're the world's finest diplomats/mediators and dedicated to insuring that all parties have neutral representation that benefit everyone if possible.

3 points: Inherit Advancement (Soul-Binding) – All Masques bind their souls to their masks, which they call their ‘True Faces’. It not only gives them heightened protection from mental or magical influences, but greatly increases their natural oratory skills. They are unmatched in the realm of debate.

3 points: Inherit Advancement (Freedom) – A nomadic race, they have no true home. However, it is said that you can find a Masque at any crossroads. They spread far and wide because everyone knows the consequences of trying to bar the path of a Masque, especially if they should meet again at the bargaining table.

2 points: Command Avatar to Create Order (Holy Union) - Unionists believe in the joining of two people together in matrimony is the closest one can come to holiness. They broker peace between nations, usually through betrothals and marriage contracts. They don’t just officiate over royal marriages, but peasant ones as well. A wedding that has been overseen by a Masque is considered truly blessed.

Remaining points: 2
EDIT: 3 remaining points. Forgot that Command Avatar's price dropped.

[Ninjaman]

The Murderer joins Nightblade at Ironbark. "You have been attacked." "We have" Nightblade replied. "You must retaliate, this Usurper is clearly up to no good." Nightblade nodded as The Murderer went back into the shadows.

First he told his me to send a messanger to Great Clearing, to tell they should leave or suffer for their actions. The messanger came back with the message that the commander of the 2nd Code Enforcers denied his request.

Next he told his spies in Great Clearing to bribe the guards, but they had little of value to persuade with and the guards stayed loyal.

Nightblade saw that other methods should be put in use. He snuck into Great Clearing and slit the 2nd Code commander's throat in the hopes that it would terrify the Enforcers to flee the city. It didn't work and the Enforcers kept holding the city.

"Diplomacy has failed." The murderer told him. "You know what to do." In the cover of the night he moved his soldiers up to Great Clearing. They shot down the 2nd Code Enforcers before being forced to flee back to Ironbark. "Balance restored." The Murder said to himself.

The Faceless saw that he needed to stop the threat of the usurper. He shaped the Whisperer out of the shadows. The Whisperer has the form of a grey silluette of a man wearing tattered robes, but he can change his clothing as he sees fit. He walks to the Leogadai in Prime Quarry wearing a long golden cloak and a golden suit of full plate armor. ""The Usurper has infiltrated my master's ranks as well as your's. He sees to crush everything we hold dear, we cannot let that happen. You must hold on to your traditions and ignore his lies." He created the Royalists within the Leogadai, who beleive the race should be ruled by a ruler chosen of the gods and fit to lead better than anyone.

The murderer traveled to The Usurper. "I knew you would show your true face sooner or later. If it is war you want, it is war you shall have."


38 pts
2 pts Command Ironbark to Subvert 2nd Code Enforcers Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/208305) (-10)
2 pts Command Great clearing to subvert 2nd code enforcers Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/208306) (-2)
1 pts Command Nightblade to command great clearing to subvert 2nd Code Enforcers Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/208307) (-2)
0 pts Command army (Ironbark black company) attack 2nd Code Enforcers in great clearing Roll (http://orokos.com/roll/208310) (3)
12 pts Create avatar (The Whisperer)
1 pts Command avatar (The Whisperer) create order: The Royalists who believe the race should be led by a king.

20 pts

[Omegonthesane]

The murderer traveled to The Usurper. "I knew you would show your true face sooner or later. If it is war you want, it is war you shall have."
"I don't know what you're talking about. The Code Followers did that on their own in reaction to the Hunters' transparent preparations to destroy everything they held dear. Magus moved according to his own schemes."

[Ninjaman]

"I don't know what you're talking about. The Code Followers did that on their own in reaction to the Hunters' transparent preparations to destroy everything they held dear. Magus moved according to his own schemes."

You might fool everybody else with your lies but not me. You want me off the map, and I can understand you, I obviously stand in the way of your goal. The Faceless god replied monotonously. "And you claim you were afraid I attacked you? You had the larger army, I was getting ready for your attack. Seems like it was the right call."

[Omegonthesane]

You might fool everybody else with your lies but not me. You want me off the map, and I can understand you, I obviously stand in the way of your goal. The Faceless god replied monotonously. "And you claim you were afraid I attacked you? You had the larger army, I was getting ready for your attack. Seems like it was the right call."

"I did not lie," Ischkathar said, and it was true. The Usurper had truly had no direct hand in the development of the Code - its understanding of group psychology was enough that it could simply set balls rolling and get roughly the correct results, and its respect for mortals precluded direct control. "You made a group whose whole, entire, stated reason to exist is to murder their kin and disrupt their lifestyles. Do you really think any sane faction would spare them? You should count yourself lucky the Code followers didn't decide to slaughter the Hunters on first principle!"

[Ninjaman]

"I did not lie," Ischkathar said, and it was true. The Usurper had truly had no direct hand in the development of the Code - its understanding of group psychology was enough that it could simply set balls rolling and get roughly the correct results, and its respect for mortals precluded direct control. "You made a group whose whole, entire, stated reason to exist is to murder their kin and disrupt their lifestyles. Do you really think any sane faction would spare them? You should count yourself lucky the Code followers didn't decide to slaughter the Hunters on first principle!"

"Even if you did not order the attack, you didn't stop it either. It was your creations who did it, whether you gave the order or not is of little importance." The Faceless god replied and fastened his grip on his blade. "The Hunters have done nothing but protect the Saumna. If you think pointless murder were their purpose then you are very wrong."

[Omegonthesane]

"Even if you did not order the attack, you didn't stop it either. It was your creations who did it, whether you gave the order or not is of little importance." The Faceless god replied and fastened his grip on his blade. "The Hunters have done nothing but protect the Saumna. If you think pointless murder were their purpose then you are very wrong."
Before responding, the Usurper opened a one-way time portal using sorcery learned in another world, allowing the direct observation of past events.

"Your race has split up into many small groups, easy to attack. Why spend time on hard labor, when you can steal someone else's work?" He points with his blade at one of the Saumna's hunting bow. "Why be prey, when you can be hunters?" And with that comment the murderer had successfully created an order within the Saumna. The Hunters who will murder and steal from the other Saumna as a way of life.
"Go out there. Show them how a hunter stalks his prey." He then turned around and went back into the shadows.
"It makes all the difference, worm. They are not puppets, to dance on strings. They are not slaves, to be chastised if they ever act without their master's approval, they are PEOPLE! Or do you think I was bluffing, when I said I would sooner see the world destroyed entirely than reduced to slavery?" As it spoke, the Usurper shifted from its innocuous animal form to the giant undead starfish that was its original body, when it was a mortal.

[Ninjaman]

"It makes all the difference, worm. They are not puppets, to dance on strings. They are not slaves, to be chastised if they ever act without their master's approval, they are PEOPLE! Or do you think I was bluffing, when I said I would sooner see the world destroyed entirely than reduced to slavery?" As it spoke, the Usurper shifted from its innocuous animal form to the giant undead starfish that was its original body, when it was a mortal.

"Now that we are using magic to revisit the past, could you also revisit the part where I told them to stop?" The Faceless God asked as he looked at his past actions. "And no, it makes no difference. You gave them power, what they do with that power is your responsibility. It isn't about slavery, it is about balance. The Hunters never did anything they did not want to do. But if you would rather destroy this world than tell your men to seize attack against people who have done nothing wrong..." He holds a pause while deciding what words to finish with, before settling on; "... Then why do you keep implying I am the monster?"

[Omegonthesane]

"Now that we are using magic to revisit the past, could you also revisit the part where I told them to stop?" The Faceless God asked as he looked at his past actions. "And no, it makes no difference. You gave them power, what they do with that power is your responsibility. It isn't about slavery, it is about balance. The Hunters never did anything they did not want to do. But if you would rather destroy this world than tell your men to seize attack against people who have done nothing wrong..." I hold a pause while deciding what words to finish with, before settling on; "... Then why do you keep implying I am the monster?"

"Oh, you mean the bit where you told them to lie in wait for a day when they would make war, and then told them not to defend their homes, not to deter their enemies, but explicitly to prepare to make war?

"Destruction is swift, merciful. Over in a flash. Life knowing you cannot achieve anything - that powers beyond your comprehension will thwart your every move for reasons they refuse to tell you - is a far more monstrous fate to inflict. You would see all other options extinguished, and you have the audacity to condemn me for seeing people for what they are and respecting what they are."

[Ninjaman]

"Oh, you mean the bit where you told them to lie in wait for a day when they would make war, and then told them not to defend their homes, not to deter their enemies, but explicitly to prepare to make war?

"Destruction is swift, merciful. Over in a flash. Life knowing you cannot achieve anything - that powers beyond your comprehension will thwart your every move for reasons they refuse to tell you - is a far more monstrous fate to inflict. You would see all other options extinguished, and you have the audacity to condemn me for seeing people for what they are and respecting what they are."

"I never told them to make war. I told them to prepare for it. You speak like you are the one being lied to, you are not. Destruction isn't merciful, it isn't swift. It brings pain and agony. I do not tell anyone they cannot achieve anything, the hunters achieved to unite the Saumna. I am willing to kill for this world to live on. You are willing to let it die in the hands of whoever thought that would be a neat thing to do."

[Omegonthesane]

"I never told them to make war. I told them to prepare for it. You speak like you are the one being lied to, you are not. Destruction isn't merciful, it isn't swift. It brings pain and agony. I do not tell anyone they cannot achieve anything, the hunters achieved to unite the Saumna. I am willing to kill for this world to live on. You are willing to let it die in the hands of whoever thought that would be a neat thing to do."

"To call it war - not defense, not deterrent, but only war - leaves no doubt that you intend to make war. The Green Company disrupted and defeated the Festival Siege - if they were truly meant to defend, never to strike, then they would simply have let it go on, for by its nature it could only stop armies, not food supplies. The Hunters acted to unite the Saumna not of their own free will, but because their tyrant commanded them.

"You strawman me. I said that I would rather see the world destroyed than enslaved - if someone had the power to destroy it before all hope was lost, and the mortals could not stop him, then I would. Not through slaves, not through puppets, not through any cowardly proxy, but personally, with my own hands. I will do this when it is needed, and I will not commit worse atrocities in the hope of pre-empting that need. Because unlike you, I have more integrity than a sandcastle, more courage than a craven pack hunter, more respect for the people who inhabit this world than for the filth that extrudes from them."

[Ninjaman]

"To call it war - not defense, not deterrent, but only war - leaves no doubt that you intend to make war. The Green Company disrupted and defeated the Festival Siege - if they were truly meant to defend, never to strike, then they would simply have let it go on, for by its nature it could only stop armies, not food supplies. The Hunters acted to unite the Saumna not of their own free will, but because their tyrant commanded them.

"Why? To prepare for war can be understood two ways, to prepare to strike or to prepare to be striked. I meant the second. How well do you think you know me to judge my intentions by my choice of words? And the green company did not distrupt the siege, they let it continue as they continued gathering soldiers, which had just become easier given the festival inside the fortress attracting attention. They acted for the reason that they wanted to, just like your followers, the only difference is I take responsebility in the actions of mine."


"You strawman me. I said that I would rather see the world destroyed than enslaved - if someone had the power to destroy it before all hope was lost, and the mortals could not stop him, then I would. Not through slaves, not through puppets, not through any cowardly proxy, but personally, with my own hands. I will do this when it is needed, and I will not commit worse atrocities in the hope of pre-empting that need. Because unlike you, I have more integrity than a sandcastle, more courage than a craven pack hunter, more respect for the people who inhabit this world than for the filth that extrudes from them."

"So would I Usurper, that is what I am here for, my purpose. Personally? I assume this was also how you dethroned your master in your other world. How brave of you. You speak of me as a coward, yet I am the only one with the courage to do what is nescessary. You speak of integrity, courage, respect, yet they call you Usurper and Kinslayer. You might fool other's with your facade, but not me. I see right through it. You don't care for these false ideals. You care about ambition. Drive mortals to become gods. Will this be achieved with integrity, courage and respect? No, it will be achieved by cruching the week under boots of steel, and building a tower of corpses to reach the heavens."

[Ladorak]

Woe to the Blue Steel Company. How sad their fate, they had set out to save the world and in so doing they had lost their home. Their scared and ancestral home, gone in an instant. But they are as steel, and they press on. But the war they set out to stop erupts before they even arrive. They see hundreds of frightened Saumna fleeing south. Most are too scared to approach them, and flee if approached, but some brave few tell a woeful and sad story. One of a beautiful Eden made by the mother now twisted into a place of death and destruction by two cruel and uncompromising powers. But there is at least some hope for the Blue Steel Company, they link up with their contacts within the Blue Speakers without incident, the Blue Speakers who put out the call to them a lifetime ago, before they became lost in a world of fear and fire. They are given supply and lodging, great welcome in all ways. They are introduced to the chiefs and fatherheads of the tribes and families brave enough or big enough to stand their ground against the bloodshed, to stand apart from Code and Murderer and stand tall without fear. The situation is explained, and quickly the Blue Company understand their place in this war. Neither side is to be trusted, but that does not matter. Envoys are sent to both cities. The message the same The Blue Steel Company will not permit any harm to the neutral Saumna, nor any military action by this city outside of the Great Glade. You are to confine this war to yourselves.



The Blue Steel Company move to G9. Their orders are to contain the war. IE intercept any army from Ironbark or Great Clearing that does anything aside march on Ironbark or Great Clearing, with particular reference to the protection of the civilian population

15 points
-3 advance the Azure. Shapeshifting. Limited in scale but not in form, although they can shift into something no larger than a large bear they can change into anything they imagine. The more skilled/powerful/closely related to the Azure even master the elements.
-3 advance the Azure. Divine Spark. All wild beasts, even dangerous and dumb predators, are instantly friendly to the Azure. They also can be easily trained
-3 advance the Azure. The Protection of Sol. As all good fathers do Sol Invictus lets his children make their own choices and learn from their own mistakes. However when their fall may be fatal he is still there to catch them. A general aura of good luck and grace which only manifests itself as a bright glowing shield of energy when the danger is mortal. It is (Obviously) an azure blue light.
-1 (Avatar)miracle a small breeding population of Azure (Equivalent) are transported to the Azure mountain

Mainly just a book keeping turn, giving the Azure all the things they've 'had' all along.
5 remaining

[Ninjaman]

The Blue Steel Company will not permit any harm to the neutral Saumna, nor any military action by this city outside of the Great Glade. You are to confine this war to yourselves.[/I]

A messanger was sent to Ironbark. Nightblade recieved the message. He laughed. "The Blue company? You have done nothing but hold a festival inside the fortress. You speak as if you are more part of the Saumna than us. You are not. We protect the Saumna, you do nothing. You will not permit it? Or what, you will send another festival?" Nightblade and his men laughed. "Tell this to your masters. We do not fight the Saumna. We ARE the Saumna! Tell your masters that they have no rights to make commands of us. We fight for the Saumna. We kill for the Saumna. We die for the Saumna. Tell your masters that if they come with such insolence again, we will be the one bringing the party. And don't worry, when the hunters party, they know how to make a feast." His men cheered. "Tell that to your masters." Nightblade waved the messanger off.

[Omegonthesane]

"They acted for the reason that they wanted to, just like your followers, the only difference is I take responsebility in the actions of mine."
"That's a lie. Not even a clever lie. They acted because you directly, specifically ordered them to, overriding their will with the threat of divine coercion, with your own divine lips, in your own divine form."


"So would I Usurper, that is what I am here for, my purpose. Personally? I assume this was also how you dethroned your master in your other world. How brave of you. You speak of me as a coward, yet I am the only one with the courage to do what is nescessary. You speak of integrity, courage, respect, yet they call you Usurper and Kinslayer.
"Entirely the opposite, in fact. My maker wanted to destroy the world, in the literal sense, to burn it to ashes and leave nothing but its own creations, for the claxon of its Day of Wrath had sounded. I was young, naive, stupid, and thought that since my maker wanted it, it must be good. I wandered the planet, as Makhleb's campaign was set back at every turn, and I observed how its so-called worshippers actually reacted to its presence, reinterpreting and distorting its doctrine to instead fit their far more benign ends. I saw that in their eyes, Makhleb's true will was nothing but evil - even in the eyes of the Singers, who raised me, and whose whole being was based on destruction and violence. I came to understand that Makhleb was wrong and the mortals were right, and I already knew it would never give up on its attempts to destroy the world, so I resolved to stop it. The price was high, yes, and if I had been more cunning then, it might have been lower. But the price of not stopping Makhleb was infinitely high, so I stopped Makhleb. Those mortals who had to meet second death, met it willingly - they came from the ranks of those whom Makhleb had wronged, and felt that the annihilation of mortals was a small price for the punishment and annihilation of a dark god. For this deed I am rightly called Usurper, for I stole the godhead of Destruction, rather than let it fall into even worse hands - or into hands that had not carefully researched Destruction, and how it might be turned to positive ends. For this deed I am rightly called Kinslayer, for Makhleb was my father and my maternal grandmother."


You might fool other's with your facade, but not me. I see right through it. You don't care for these false ideals. You care about ambition. Drive mortals to become gods. Will this be achieved with integrity, courage and respect? No, it will be achieved by cruching the week under boots of steel, and building a tower of corpses to reach the heavens."

At this, the Usurper broke into laughter, taking a good thirty seconds to compose itself.
"How paranoid of you. You see that no one agrees with your line - that no one believes that arbitrary balance is anything but a smokescreen. Instead of realising that the fault lies with your doctrine you assume I must have deceived them, when in fact I have fooled no one. Stahl despises me for enlightening his children. Yaelumi is wroth with me for teaching law to hers. The Azure diplomat thought me a fool, and runs counter to my goals. Akriot slaughtered his own children for a crime he felt they were forced into, the crime of listening to Magus. The others are relatively passive, and haven't had the chance to be convinced. I don't have a facade - the others see me for what I am and judge me accordingly. Do not think to blame me for the fact you stand for evil."

With that, the Usurper departed, to attend to other concerns.


Neither side is to be trusted, but that does not matter. Envoys are sent to both cities. The message the same The Blue Steel Company will not permit any harm to the neutral Saumna, nor any military action by this city outside of the Great Glade. You are to confine this war to yourselves.

"Your concern is touching, and it may be that we were rash," said Silverleaf, the current administrator general of Great Clearing. "We saw what we perceived as a clear and present danger to our safety in the far west, in the Rockscale empire, and raised a spare army to hopefully react to it. Then the Hunters acted, and we believed them to constitute a clear and present danger within our very wood. I would advise you be less stringent about military actions against outsiders, for the world is harsh, and peace is not always viable - but your heart is in the right place. We will not drag this war on longer than necessary, and we will not be the ones to drag the other tribes into the conflict."


A messanger was sent to Ironbark. Nightblade recieved the message. He laughed. "The Blue company? You have done nothing but hold a festival inside the fortress. You speak as if you are more part of the Saumna than us. You are not. We protect the Saumna, you do nothing. You will not permit it? Or what, you will send another festival?" Nightblade and his men laughed. "Tell this to your masters. We do not fight the Saumna. We ARE the Saumna! Tell your masters that they have no rights to make commands of us. We fight for the Saumna. We kill for the Saumna. We die for the Saumna. Tell your masters that if they come with such insolence again, we will be the one bringing the party. And don't worry, when the hunters party, they know how to make a feast." His men cheered. "Tell that to your masters." Nightblade waved the messanger off.

"Is this really all you have to say?" said a dissenter in Nightblade's ranks - Magus, still in disguise from when he manipulated the Green Company. "You prepare a hostile force to threaten the other factions with, and you call it protection, and you are shocked when the others take your naked drawn blade for the threat it is. You condemn others for daring to play peacemaker, for daring to place any restriction on your campaign of murder, and you call it protecting the Saumna. You hypocrite."

[Ninjaman]

"That's a lie. Not even a clever lie. They acted because you directly, specifically ordered them to, overriding their will with the threat of divine coercion, with your own divine lips, in your own divine form."

"Entirely the opposite, in fact. My maker wanted to destroy the world, in the literal sense, to burn it to ashes and leave nothing but its own creations, for the claxon of its Day of Wrath had sounded. I was young, naive, stupid, and thought that since my maker wanted it, it must be good. I wandered the planet, as Makhleb's campaign was set back at every turn, and I observed how its so-called worshippers actually reacted to its presence, reinterpreting and distorting its doctrine to instead fit their far more benign ends. I saw that in their eyes, Makhleb's true will was nothing but evil - even in the eyes of the Singers, who raised me, and whose whole being was based on destruction and violence. I came to understand that Makhleb was wrong and the mortals were right, and I already knew it would never give up on its attempts to destroy the world, so I resolved to stop it. The price was high, yes, and if I had been more cunning then, it might have been lower. But the price of not stopping Makhleb was infinitely high, so I stopped Makhleb. Those mortals who had to meet second death, met it willingly - they came from the ranks of those whom Makhleb had wronged, and felt that the annihilation of mortals was a small price for the punishment and annihilation of a dark god. For this deed I am rightly called Usurper, for I stole the godhead of Destruction, rather than let it fall into even worse hands - or into hands that had not carefully researched Destruction, and how it might be turned to positive ends. For this deed I am rightly called Kinslayer, for Makhleb was my father and my maternal grandmother."

At this, the Usurper broke into laughter, taking a good thirty seconds to compose itself.
"How paranoid of you. You see that no one agrees with your line - that no one believes that arbitrary balance is anything but a smokescreen. Instead of realising that the fault lies with your doctrine you assume I must have deceived them, when in fact I have fooled no one. Stahl despises me for enlightening his children. Yaelumi is wroth with me for teaching law to hers. The Azure diplomat thought me a fool, and runs counter to my goals. Akriot slaughtered his own children for a crime he felt they were forced into, the crime of listening to Magus. The others are relatively passive, and haven't had the chance to be convinced. I don't have a facade - the others see me for what I am and judge me accordingly. Do not think to blame me for the fact you stand for evil."

With that, the Usurper departed, to attend to other concerns.

As the Usurper departed the Faceless god went back into the shadows. Happy with the fact that he had learned something valuable from the meeting, and the Usurper had not.


"Is this really all you have to say?" said a dissenter in Nightblade's ranks - Magus, still in disguise from when he manipulated the Green Company. "You prepare a hostile force to threaten the other factions with, and you call it protection, and you are shocked when the others take your naked drawn blade for the threat it is. You condemn others for daring to play peacemaker, for daring to place any restriction on your campaign of murder, and you call it protecting the Saumna. You hypocrite."

Nightblade turns towards the dissenter. "What did you say? Hypocrite?" He punches Magus in the face and he falls to the ground. "Threaten? I don't build a force to threaten." He kicks Magus. "I build a force to kill my enemies." He kicks Magus again. "You're not a hunter. You're a filthy traitor, I bet you work for the Usurper." He points towards the door to the fortress dungeons. "Take him to the dungeons. I want to hear what he has to say." Two guards grabbed Magus and half a dozen escorted him into a small cell deep beneath the fortress. Two guardians stood guard outside his cell.

[Business Scrub]

The Masques were a curious folk, the Dream Tree thought, as he watched them through the many eyes of the woods. He saw that their penchant for peace would be a boon in a world filling with strife, and he chose to support it how he could. He extended his powers to the trees and plant life wherever Masques could be found, sending spores out to make them dream. In their dreams, they saw how their deft speaking might be used to sway the hearts and minds of others, either for their benefit, or for the good of all. When they awoke, they did not at first understand what had happened, though they felt Miirgrathomin's effects immediately. Though still generally nomadic, the Masques quickly came to an agreement that some would stay in place, and protect and orchestrate a City of Free Trade, where goods and races could come and go freely. People began to flock to the city, becoming a centralized hub of culture. The Masques named it Ortheum, which in their language meant 'The Voice of All', though most folk had come to know it as simply the Free City.
Despite it's name, Ortheum was not without structure: however it's laws were the best of all worlds of the creatures that inhabited it.

Starting at 38 points
Advance Race (Masques), Diplomacy, 4 points: The Masques excel at ending a fight before it beings, or convincing others to come to agreements rather than blows. When these negotiations regard themselves, they are good at getting what they want, often forming alliences and favorable exchanges.
Ingrain Advancement, Diplomacy, 3 points: This would be something all Masques know and feel.
Command Race (Masques) to Raise City, 4 points: Sigh, I cannot see the map, unfortunately. Please place it in a relatively open space between mine and Stahl's lands.
Remaining points: 27 points

---

Like Miirgrathomin, Yaelumi had been busy. Perhaps if they had looked for it, they may have noticed her wandering the world with what looked like an empty jar.
The Usurper and the Faceless God might have notices her watching their argument, silently from the shadows. They might have noticed their anger and dissent coming off them in a purple wisp, the emotions suddenly tangible, and flowing into the jar harmlessly.
Stahl might have noticed his melancholy coming off in wisps of blue, Solaine's amusement in green, as the mountain moved to a new realm, adding themselves to the collection.
The mortals might have noticed... but no, the mortals would never notice if she willed it. She walked among the races unseen, collecting their joy and dispair, their pride and shame, their rage and peace and care and hosility in equal measures.
And when the jar was almost filled with the emotions of man and god alike, she visited the Forge God once again.
"Stahl!" She announced herself quickly and rather informally, too excited with her plan to be bothered by formality.
"I need you for something." Almost without waiting for a response she drew close to him, and kissed him once again. Unlike before, which had been a short symbol of gratification, this was more pointed: more of an earnest thing, and the red fire of passion jumped into the jar she placed between them.
After a moment she stepped back, ending it, and tightened the cap on her now full jar. She smiled, her excitement undiminished, and gave an unabashed "Thank you!" before vanishing, and reappearing on her palace on the moon.
Now for the tricky part...
Bending the solid shadows that made up her palace, she created a balcony of sorts, with perfect acoustic form, aimed down towards Londorthell. Let all the world pause and hear this.
She summoned an array of her favorite instruments to the room and opened the jar, releasing it's contents which had mixed to an inky black. On a stage that all the world could hear she played (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4kIfIUSV6o) as only a god, as only she can. As she did, the black smoke began to take form: a great many forms.
The most numerous were the first of a new race: the Twilit. The creatures were taller than the Saumna, but not by much. Their bodies a tan color, their hair each different, a darkened color of the spectrum.
The smoke took another form as well. A massive creature arose: a great statue of a man, garbed in an intricate robe, and made of a seemless sleet of grey.
As her song came to a close, a great blackness stretched across the land, and for a moment the Twilit and their protector were gone. As the light returned, they reappeared down upon Londorthell, in the Evening Savannah. The Twilit eagerly explored this new and dangerous land, though they remained around the unmoving robed statue. They quickly organized a city in the Savannah they came to call Laertum, which blossomed from a small hamlet to a bustling center as the race grew, eventually becoming one of the largest cities in Londorthell in a short time. Creatures of passion, the Twilit look for almost any excuse to host some kind of celebration or festival (which leaves many races wondering where they find the time to get things done).
A final gift to the race she was quickly becoming proud of, she gave them the tools to defend themselves. She showed them how to weave Dancing Blades into a weapon, and how to wield it like an art.

27 points remaining
Create Race (Twilit), 5 points: Average-sized creatures of emotion and action. They are nothing if not passionate about their cause, whatever it may be. They naturally have a penchant for an adventurous lifestyle, as they cannot stand a stagnant one. Their corageous and boisterous nature makes them natural 'adventurers', to use the common term
The Twilit are ruled by a King or Queen, which is elected by the people when the old one dies. Every decade, a Ground Council is held between any willing Twilit to decide if the current royal is still a benevolent leader, as decided by the people. Ruling the Twilit is not an easy task, but the Royal is almost always well-respected, and many years the Grand Council is unofficially decided before it even begins, and is more of an excuse for a festival.
Command Race (Twilit), Found City (Laertum), 4 points: a varied, lively city that is the Twilit's native home. It is one of the largest on Londorthell, and is generally receptive of other races.
Create Demigod (Arakos), 4 points: Cherubim; A massive, royal looking statue apparently made out of stone. In actuality, it is a living creature: a powerful mage commanded with protecting the Twilit. Until such a time as it is needed, it will remain an unmoving statue.
Command Demigod (Protect City (Laertum)), 2 points
Advance Race (Twilit), Blade Finesse, 4 points: All Twilit know The Way of the Dancing Blade, a dexterous combat style that makes them unmatched in swordfights.
Ingrain Advancement, Blade Finesse, 3 points
Event, 5 points: Move the Twilit and Arakos to the earth, and to create the World Stage: a place in her domain where sound can be heard across the world.

0 Points remaining

[Sir Dancealot]

After the initial shift, the guest was momentarily forgotten. The Steel Men were at first distracted by a divine voice that they all seemed to hear at the same time. The priesthood quickly reestablished order and issued commanded the populous to do various tasks to take their minds off of their panic and to give them renewed purpose.

Once life slowly returned to normal, the high priest returned to their guest, who was waiting in their finest visitor chambers. He had at least made certain that she had been accomodated before rushing off.

"My apologies, friend," said the high priest. "But it would appear that you may be stuck here in Forge World, as we've being to refer to it, until the unforeseeable future. We'll do our best to make your life amongst us as comfortable as possible. We'll even begin that tour you asked about and possibly find an occupation that strikes your interest enough to take up."

The high priest paused. "I'm sorry. In all of the excitement, I forgot to ask. What is your name?"

Solaine smiled at the priest, "No worry priest. Such is will of gods that world changes around us. Or get teleported to another realm." She shrugged at that last bit, smile still on her face. "I am Solanna. I ask thee your name?" Her rooms were almost extravagant to her eyes. Truly, the men knew how to craft.

[Justicar]

Solaine smiled at the priest, "No worry priest. Such is will of gods that world changes around us. Or get teleported to another realm." She shrugged at that last bit, smile still on her face. "I am Solanna. I ask thee your name?" Her rooms were almost extravagant to her eyes. Truly, the men knew how to craft.

"Papst. My name is Papst," said the high priest, returning her smile.

* * *

Over the next few weeks and months, Papst visited Solanna everyday to make certain she was comfortable and to further teach her more of his language. He also gave her guided tours to show her different parts of the city and efforts the Steel Men were taking to make a new life for themselves. A secret part of him hoped that if she became more settled in Erste Stadt, she would choose to stay when or if the city was returned to Londorthell...

[Sir Dancealot]

"Papst. My name is Papst," said the high priest, returning her smile.

* * *

Over the next few weeks and months, Papst visited Solanna everyday to make certain she was comfortable and to further teach her more of his language. He also gave her guided tours to show her different parts of the city and efforts the Steel Men were taking to make a new life for themselves. A secret part of him hoped that if she became more settled in Erste Stadt, she would choose to stay when or if the city was returned to Londorthell...

She enjoyed her time in the city, truly, it was a marvelous place. Beautiful. Even cut off from the rest of the world, the people around her were happy. It had been a long time since she had enjoyed herself so. She felt... Mortal. What she wouldn't give to divorce herself from her divinity, her curse. But it could not be done. Not in this world at least. So, for now, she enjoyed her self, and the constant companionship of the High Priest Papst.

[Justicar]

And when the jar was almost filled with the emotions of man and god alike, she visited the Forge God once again.
"Stahl!" She announced herself quickly and rather informally, too excited with her plan to be bothered by formality.
"I need you for something." Almost without waiting for a response she drew close to him, and kissed him once again. Unlike before, which had been a short symbol of gratification, this was more pointed: more of an earnest thing, and the red fire of passion jumped into the jar she placed between them.
After a moment she stepped back, ending it, and tightened the cap on her now full jar. She smiled, her excitement undiminished, and gave an unabashed "Thank you!" before vanishing, and reappearing on her palace on the moon.

Bemused, Stahl touched his lips where she'd kissed him. "I wonder what that was all about..."


She enjoyed her time in the city, truly, it was a marvelous place. Beautiful. Even cut off from the rest of the world, the people around her were happy. It had been a long time since she had enjoyed herself so. She felt... Mortal. What she wouldn't give to divorce herself from her divinity, her curse. But it could not be done. Not in this world at least. So, for now, she enjoyed her self, and the constant companionship of the High Priest Papst.

After he was certain that his people had settled into their new lives, High Priest Papst visited Solanna. Since the Great Migration, her presence had been a balm and a steadying influence. With her backing, he had been able to be the leader the Steel Men had needed in this time of crisis.

"Solanna," said Papst, hesitantly, "you have been with us for a number of months. I would like to believe that you have been treated well and with open arms by everyone. I have shown you all the wonders that Erste Stadt has to show. I feel that you could easily make a home here with worthwhile occupation to take up if you desire.

"However, I also know that this isn't your true home. You probably have family or... loved ones that are worried about you back on Londorthell. If you truly want me to, I could petition the Forge-Father himself to allow you to return." There was a hitch in his voice as if he was afraid she would say 'yes'.

[Ninjaman]

After the messanger left, Nightblade went down into the dungeons. "Leave us." He told the two guards and they did. Nightblade placed a small stool on the floor and sat down on it, resting his arms on his legs. "Alright. I have been thinking a bit." He said while making all kinds of wierd hand movements. "You are no hunter. I am Nightblade, my folks know that if they play tough to me I make them pay. I believe you are imortal. Like me." He points to himself. "I have heard about the different imortals, but only one description really match. He's called Magus." He points at the prisoner. "That's you right?"

[Starsign]

Time passes in Londorthell and while the center of the world erupts in chaos, the Rockscales were given their time to recuperate following what horrid situations befell them before the arrival of the Forge Son. What a boon it has been for the reptilian people, becoming acquainted with this formerly unknown metal. Ek'nidus' creation of the Steel Flats was only the tip of Snake Mountain's iceberg in terms of what the people of the Dust Planes can do with the Forge Son's gift. All it took for the Rockscales was time and perseverance, and soon they mastered metallurgy as best as a non-Steel Men can be at it. Quickly metal pipes were set up within both of their great cities, connected to the armory or forge to provide heat everywhere. Then metal is used to reinforce their rocky armor, allowing the heat to stay trapped, keeping the Rockscales warm under any weather condition. They no longer feared any temperature they knew; now it is time for them to broaden their horizons.

What better way to bring this courage into being through curiosity? The Rockscales had learned a good deal from the Forge Son about Stral and the Steel Men. The Rockscales could not help but be fascinated by what the Forge Son had told them about. Given only a specific name, the Rockscales sought to find this place known as Erste Stadt, separated from it by a great amount of land and water. Travel through land expansion however to be not only slow but possibly hostile, even if Akriot would be pleased at that. Instead they questioned whether to travel overseas, over a thing that they did not know or understand. Their bravery turns out to be enough to do so, as they figure out how to construct things out of rock, metal, and eventually wood that can last over water. Eventually the Rockscales learned how to develop ships which could move through oars and sails. Their ships started small, originally ones accustomed enough to hold four of their kind. As time went on, these ships grew bigger and could hold more people.

This eventually brought the Rockscales towards exploration across the seas north and south. They chose to go both north and south, having one great ship leave from Snake Mountain and the other from the Steel Flats.

The Rockscales southward found the Cavern Isles, a rocky land which, though not fertile, suited the tough Rockscales very well. They found much there that they knew barely about before, such as fish and fimvor, and eventually came to enjoy fish as food and fimvor as livestock. In fact the Rockscales quite enjoyed having something else to work with than what was provided in the Dust Planes. Eventually some of the Rockscales chose to migrate over to the Cavern Isles, forming the city Dei'Martah that shared some similarities with their rocky home while providing new supplies that could be traded back to the Dust Planes.

Northward is where Ek'nidus and a group of Rockscale explorers went, arriving at the Infested Lands. For a place that would normally be lethal and too hostile for any other species, the Rockscales found themselves already able to adapt to these nasty conditions. Normally they would have left without making the attempt to settle but the resources found and the success of Dei'Martah convinced them to take the opportunity while they had settled northward. Originally the Rockscales were under-equipped to handle the wildlife, having Ek'nidus to wipe out aggressive animals and remove a large enough part of land to create a settlement next to the shore they ended up on. Though disease and poisons did not affect Ek'nidus, the weaker of the Rockscales found themselves suffocating from the severe fertility of the lands. As a result, those who settled there were only the ones who could survive, as the rest had to stay in the Dust Planes, Steel Flats, or Dei'Martah. Yet those who could survive there would find none of their other homes better than the newly formed Coil'Northus. Its a proper haven for the strongest, even if such segregation is for the safety of the weak. Had the Rockscales simply tried to remove all the poisons and disease, they'd wipe out the resources that they wealth off the fertile Infested Lands.

19 Points to work with.

Event to "steal" the Metallurgy Advancement from the Steel Men, as the Forge Son had taught this to the Rockscales. (-5)
Advance Race (Seafaring): Time with metal has taught the Rockscales more ways to build various other constructs and buildings. This and the curiosity over the Steel Men pushed them towards constructing ships to sail to where the Steel Men may lie. (-4)
Ingrain Advancement (Seafaring): Over time, the Rockscales' knowledge of the seas have made them unmatched in that area. They know better how to travel, how to fight on the sea, and how to condition their ships for whatever use they need. (-2)
Command Race to Create City: Dei'Martah (J4): (-4) The Rockscale city founded in the Cavern Isles.
Command Race to Create City: Coil'Northus (D5): (-4) The city founded by Ek'nidus and Rockscales in the Infested Lands.

[Justicar]

The Iron People grew hardy and deadly with their spears, but they knew that this would not be enough to protect them from the burrow-wolves and other predators or the harsh environment. Unfortunately, they did not have the resources that their ancestors, the Steel Men, had to make Erste Stadt with. Unable to build city into the mountain, they built it on top.

They founded a large city that was more like a single continuous fortress with numerous spires that was all interconnected. With massive stones that they quarried, they created a towering wall that surrounding their new city. They made certain the floors were reinforced to protect against burrow-wolves and the walls were manned constantly to prevent migrating cariut from roosting there. The populous were also supplied by underground streams and orchards of glowroots. Besides making this city perfect for defending against the wild, it also made it nearly impenetrable and siege-proof. The Iron People called it Festung Stadt, the Fortress City.

* * *

Forge Son continued to help and teach the Rockscales. The Steel Flats that Ek’nidus created helped immensely. He had the resources necessary to properly educate them on metalcraft.

Also, the icestorms of the Dust Plains had an unexpected benefit. Water had always been a rarity there and conflicts used to flare over water rights. Now there was water aplenty… in ice form. Few Rockscales could survive a trip to get enough ice to be worth the trip. Some Rockscales came to Forge Son with an idea and he was happy to help them.

These ‘Metal-Shells’, as they referred to themselves, were able to craft metal suits that were insulated from the heat and a special furnace carried on their backs to protect against the cold. These Rockscales would take wagons out into the barren lands and harvest great blocks of ice to be transported back to the nearest city. With these resources, the Rockscales found another way to adapt and survive their changing world.

Later, the Metal-Shells adapted their innovations for other hostile environments. They could explore the Cavern Isles, safe from other creatures. Eventually, they hope to adapt a suit that can protect them from the poisonous environs of the Infest Lands. Only the smartest and creative Rockscales were allowed to join and only if they could show a discovery that allowed a Metal-Shell survive in a new dangerous setting or refined an existing invention.

* * *

It came to pass that an infant girl was born to Masque nobility. Even then, her parents knew there was something special about the baby for there was clarity of understanding in her eyes beyond her years. As she grew into a small child, her beauty surpassed all others, her intelligence rivaled that of a Peng scholar and her kindness knew no bounds. Such was her gentleness that she did not eat meat or wear clothing made of animal hide. She would even thank the plants themselves for their gifts of fruits, nuts and berries and wore only wool or silk willingly given to her by the animals and silkworms.

Her parents were afraid that her purity would be sullied if she experienced too much of the world outside, especially as the Shadow War raged. They sheltered her and made certain that she wanted for nothing. Her life was an endless spectacle of gifts, friends and luxuries.

However, they could not protect her forever. One day, while part of a foraging picnic, she wandered off. What she found horrified her: a battlefield full of dead Saumna, killed by the arrows of their brothers. Bands of scavengers laughed and looted the bodies, showing no respect for their slain brethren.

Some bandits found her and, if the fear she felt had overcome her, would have killed her or worse to hide their crimes. However, she remained strong and found her voice, talking to the assorted men and shamed them for their actions. When the search party found her, the young woman was organizing the scavengers into giving the fallen soldiers proper burials.

After that day, the young woman was changed and filled with a new conviction. How could she remain in the lap of luxury where there was so much suffering out in the world? On the day of her majority, she left behind her old life, taking no possessions besides some clothes and food. She went further into the Deep Forest than she’d ever traveled before.

She met with many Saumna refugees along her travels and did her best to give succor to as many as possible. The people she helped began calling her the Lady Fair. By the time she reached Great Clearing, she had a band of followers and refugees.

She sent invitations to leaders of all the factions in the Deep Forest, including the captain of the Blue Steel Company. An invitation was even sent to the Hunters in the hopes that a representative would come to the gathering. When all of the representatives arrived, she entered the gathering place, wearing her finest.

“For too long, have the Saumna warred with one another. While soldiers fight and politicians send bribes, the common people suffer from predation and famine. Even companies of Steel Men have come to our lands to make certain the bloodshed doesn’t spill past our borders.

“While I am no soldier or leader of men, I am a person of compassion. I can not stand by and let this misery continue. The Great Clearing is now a safe zone open to all. All are welcome, as long as they leave the conflict at the gate. There shall be food, shelter and protection for any that request it. No blood shall be spilled here, this I swear.”

The Lady Fair paused. “You may ask what right I have to come here and make such proclamations. After all, I am merely a Masque. However, Saumna blood runs through my veins and the Deep Forest is a part of my soul. This land is my heritage and those people outside,” said the Lady Fair with a wave of her hand, “are my people as well. Life is too precious to throw away on pointless power grabs.”

Rollover Points: 12

4 points: Command Race to Found City (Festung Stadt): A massive fortress-city that the Iron People constructed to protect against the wilds of the Stahl Mountains.

1 point: Command Avatar (Forge Son) to Found Order with Rockscales (Metal-Shells): A group of Rockscales that originally crafted a special suit to enter the harsh Dust Plains and harvest ice to bring back to the cities. Soon they began experimenting and refining their armor to allow them to survive just about anywhere. Thus proving that, sometimes the most adaptable Rockscale isn’t the hardiest or strongest, but the smartest.

5 points: Create Demigod (Cherubim) - The Lady Fair: An incredibly beautiful, graceful and intelligent Masque. She cannot abide with the suffering of others and will show up at any conflict to make certain that the innocents do not suffer from the actions of the aggressors. It is believed that the gods were so moved by her actions that they granted her immortality.

2 points: Command Demigod: Protect Great Clearing

Remaining Points: 0

[Omegonthesane]

"That's rich," said the apparent Saumna. "All these years running Ironbark as a place of murder, as a place of horror, and knowing that the other tribes live better lives, enviable lives, and you still assume there would be no resentment? You think that just because someone finally told you the truth that they must be an immortal avatar, and not just a person willing to do what's needed of them for the good of their own people?"

In truth, the Saumna in the cell was simply a brainwashed civilian, inflicted with appropriate memories and injuries to have been the person who dared call out Nightblade's folly. The real Magus had already made good his escape, and was busily carving graffiti, telling tales, and singing songs to spread the message of how futile the war truly was, of how little it achieved and of how glory was nothing but a lie. This message struck at the heart of all the tribes of Saumna, and even the Hunters point-blank refused their marching orders faced with the weight of public opinion (particularly heavily armed and individualistic public opinion in their case).

The people of Great Clearing were grateful for their defender, but did not expect her to remain forever - Silverleaf held no illusions about who had technically been the aggressor, and it seemed unlikely that a true champion of peace would long favour a group willing to strike first. Thus, the 2nd Code Enforcers were regrouped to defend their home city, their dead replaced with new recruits - recruits fresh with Magus' words of peace, who would not have struck even if the army was in a position to.

~~~

The Nezumi were not swift to develop as a society, and it took many generations before Magus' social experiments provided the pressure needed for their first real advancement. The fourth tribe, designated "Delta", had been given the restriction that none of their swarm would murder another Nezumi. This prevented the traditional, brutal methods of population control from working, with two profound effects.

The first was that Delta tribe was faced with the stark choice of wildly increasing their food yields or dying en masse. Obviously they chose the former, and through experimentation which was less costly than the consequences of neglecting it, they worked out which crops would grow under what conditions and how they could foster those conditions. This was useful enough in the Cavern Isles, but as Delta Tribe's descendants spread, they found it required comparatively little adaptation of their techniques to cultivate the other realms; even Xymix's Peak was useful for maintaining herds of animals, and they did so wherever reasonably practical. Thus the Nezumi who survived were the Nezumi who were willing to master Agriculture.

The second was that they did not have a great deal of blood sacrifices to power their augury, so looked to how their efficiency could be improved - how a quart of extracted blood could do the work of an entire slain adult. They found that divination was actually a shockingly inefficient use of the fuel, that it instead resonated best with themes of life, and thus was best used in spells which manipulated the flesh and blood of which life was created. Through their enhanced Blood Magic, they could open holes in flesh even from a great distance, clean and close wounds that should have been mortal, regrow limbs, and even appear to resurrect the dead - though many Nezumi argued that a person receptive to Blood Magic must not truly have been dead in the first place, and many "resurrected" Nezumi had gaps in their memories and changes in their personality. The superstitious Nezumi took this to mean their souls had been damaged, when in fact it was simply that their should-have-been-dead brains had been starved of oxygen in the time it took healers to arrive.

~~~

In the farthest south, the Bloom continued to grow in power. The Southern Core disgorged a second army of brainwashed wildlife, and sent it to deep beneath the Cavern Isles, to stand guard over Heresy's brain.

They interacted with the Nezumi blood mages, and though the Bloom had not even enough blood to power the simplest of day to day cantrips, its alien mindset thought of a more lasting application of the art. Over a matter of decades, the Bloom extensively researched the extent to which changes wrought by blood magic would be considered natural by the universe - that is, that they would be passed on to non-magical offspring. Mastering this, they became able to engineer new beings over a few scant generations to serve their purposes. The first milestone of their Bio-Engineering was the Toxos, a spiked Ferros with a far more efficient digestive system, allowing it to excrete poisons through its spines to kill those who dared come close - or those against whom the Bloom directed it.

Power roll Turn 13 (http://orokos.com/roll/208598): 2d6+3+5 14
Power rollover: 3 points
Total 17 points

2 points: Command City (Great Clearing) to Raise Army (2nd Code Enforcers), regrouping what's left of that army's first incarnation with some green recruits
Command Army (2nd Code Enforcers) to defend Great Clearing
1 point: Command Avatar (Magus) to Miracle and cause the Saumna to grow weary of intercenine war. Saumna armies are prevented from attacking other Saumna armies or taking any action that would cause them to fight other Saumna armies for 1 turn.

4 points: Advance Race (Nezumi) with Agriculture
4 points: Advance Race (Nezumi) with Blood Magic, a broad discipline around the qualities of the red stuff, whose main abilities reside around the manipulation of living or formerly living tissue

4 points: Advance Race (The Bloom) in Bio-Engineering, the art of magically directing mutations and evolution to serve their arcane purposes, technically an obscure application of Blood Magic
1 point: Command Avatar (Heresy) to Command City (Southern Core) to Raise Army (Brain Defenders)
Command Army (Brain Defenders) to defend the Bloom Order 'Heresy's Brain'

1 point remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+5 Orders to next roll

[Sir Dancealot]

After he was certain that his people had settled into their new lives, High Priest Papst visited Solanna. Since the Great Migration, her presence had been a balm and a steadying influence. With her backing, he had been able to be the leader the Steel Men had needed in this time of crisis.

"Solanna," said Papst, hesitantly, "you have been with us for a number of months. I would like to believe that you have been treated well and with open arms by everyone. I have shown you all the wonders that Erste Stadt has to show. I feel that you could easily make a home here with worthwhile occupation to take up if you desire.

"However, I also know that this isn't your true home. You probably have family or... loved ones that are worried about you back on Londorthell. If you truly want me to, I could petition the Forge-Father himself to allow you to return." There was a hitch in his voice as if he was afraid she would say 'yes'.

She smiled. These last few months had been enjoyable. The city had so many wonders available to her, so many pieces of art, such beautiful metal work. She was awed every day that she stepped forth and paced the halls. And over these few months, she had grown to love the Steel Men in their splendor. For a time, she had forgotten who she truly was, she had locked it away, if only to feel the touch of mortality again. "I have no true home. It has long since been lost, the people I knew scattered and gone. If anything, your hospitality has made this something of a home."


And Thus, I am still stuck in an alternate dimension and can't do much.

[Ninjaman]

"That's rich," said the apparent Saumna. "All these years running Ironbark as a place of murder, as a place of horror, and knowing that the other tribes live better lives, enviable lives, and you still assume there would be no resentment? You think that just because someone finally told you the truth that they must be an immortal avatar, and not just a person willing to do what's needed of them for the good of their own people?"

"What a shame." Nightblade said as he stood up. "Guards! Take this man to the torture chamber, find out if he knows anything of value. If not, slit his throat" With those words the guards brought the man to the torture chamber and Nightblade left the Dungeon.

Not much later Nightblade received an invitation to a meeting amongst the Saumna. He arrived, although a bit late as he had missed Lady Fair's introduction. "Hey guys. Nightblade here, hope I'm not too late." He leaped into a seat and leaned back. "What are all you dorks chatting about?"

Just Roleplay

[Ladorak]

A messanger was sent to Ironbark. Nightblade recieved the message. He laughed. "The Blue company? You have done nothing but hold a festival inside the fortress. You speak as if you are more part of the Saumna than us. You are not. We protect the Saumna, you do nothing. You will not permit it? Or what, you will send another festival?" Nightblade and his men laughed. "Tell this to your masters. We do not fight the Saumna. We ARE the Saumna! Tell your masters that they have no rights to make commands of us. We fight for the Saumna. We kill for the Saumna. We die for the Saumna. Tell your masters that if they come with such insolence again, we will be the one bringing the party. And don't worry, when the hunters party, they know how to make a feast." His men cheered. "Tell that to your masters." Nightblade waved the messanger off.

The Steel man frowned, confusion writ clearly on every line of his face. The Hunter court did not see that of course. They see the shining burnished blue steel of his helmet, the shining blue helmet crafted to show a snarling face, a clearly Steel man face. The shining blue steel helmet that burns blue in the sunlight. He doesn't know what to say, he is dumbfounded. He opens his lips but no words come out. He turns away to leave, more confused by Nightblade than intimidated. His armour creaks as he turns, the brilliant blue armour that catches the light and glints all about as he turns, dazzling all who looked at him. That clearly not Saumna armour, that beautiful shining blue steel armour that covers him from head to toe. He walks away, his steel boots clank against the wooden floor, each step sending out a metallic note out across the silent court. His mind is spinning, still struggling to understand Nightblades' response. He looks about him left and right, at Saumna wearing leather and fur, at Saumna who are all at least a foot and a half shorter than him. He doesn't understand, how could he?

He hurried to his horse and bolted, riding back to the Company Commander without stopping. His report is brief The man's insane sir... Utterly utterly insane.'

********

The Company Commander is already tired of this war, already lost without hope. For obvious reasons he distrusted the Hunters more than the Code, and he trusted the Code not at all. It was a dirty war, not the one he had imagined when brave Erste Stadt was still in the world. Deep down he knew, he knew he had chosen badly for his men. He should never listened to the Blue Speakers, should never have brought so many Stalwarts here, so many good Steel Men, exiled and at war. He had bereft them of their home, and deep down he knew it.

Many times he had arisen from his bed and resolved to quit the war entirely, go in search of some way home. This time he meant it, he left his tent ordering the withdrawal in his mind. He was about to ask after the Company Staff Officer when he heard a strange noise. He recognized it, but it could not be as he thought it was. The zip of arrows in the air. But the camp was not at alert, indeed he could hear laughter and applauds coming from the same direction. He went to investigate, forgetting for now the order of withdrawal.

He found hundreds of Saumna practicing archery so fine it boggled the mind, all about his men were watching, betting and enjoying the spectacle of skill. She'va, the wizened old Blue Speaker who was the closest thing he had to a permanent liaison with the Speakers appeared at his shoulder and spoke, causing him to start and reach for his blade. She'va was always doing this and he had tired of it long ago. It has taken the Speakers no small time to organize this, to bring the Clans together and show them that they must part from the old way. War has changed things, they must learn to fight as you do. As a unit.' he smiles 'It took the Speakers a long time to bring the whole of our order into agreement on this issue, to extend our call to all who would listen with a willing ear.'

The Commander frowns behind his burnished steel helmet 'They will be my auxiliaries?'
'I do not know this word. They will fight beside you. They have come from many families, many tribes. No family has given more than one son. Finally Company Commander, you no longer fight for my people alone.
The Commander smiled, finally he felt welcome under the canopy of the Great Forest. He forgot the order of retreat.

*******


The Moon Gate

The Azure of Valide Civitatem had grown bored, very bored. On the dark side of the moon, as far from the high city as possible, wild untamed Azure lived according to their own ways and wiles, causing no small harm to each other in a constant swirl of creation and destruction. So preoccupuied are they with this constant conflict they never have a moment to spare, never a moment to sit in idleness. The Azure of the high city were different, the wildness had been educated out of them, the conflict distilled with culture, combined efforts of beauty replaced competition. But there are only so many forms of art to discover, study and master, so many songs to write, so many books to read over and over, only so many weapons to forge and master, only so many subjects to master.

They live in heaven, where any whim they desire can be instantly gratified with a thought. They live in greater luxury than the mortals above them in the sky, they live lives free of risk and danger. And so they are bored, desperately desperately bored.

Many Azure looked up at the mortals and felt a twinge of jealousy. How much more alive must a ice-carrying Rockscale feel? The cold and sweat, the desperate need for survival. How much more alive must a Saumna caught between Great Clearing and Ironbark feel? Where every day might be the last?

They came to romanticise it, to envy beyond reasonable measure the travails of fate, the nearness of death, the discomfort of a hostile climate.

But how to leave the Azure? The plane Sol Invictus had brought them to long ago to keep them safe, the father of their race, the King of the Azure, their constant protector and guide. To venture out from the Azure, even were it possible, would be a mighty undertaking in which they might find his protection removed from them, or worse.

But Facile Telum heard their grumbling, and in his simple mind their desire for a simpler life found a mirror to his own desires. He went to Sophia Bellum to ask her advice, they both went to see Insidiae Callidus. Callidus despised Telum even more than he envied Sol, hating his youngest brother's stupidity and endless fawning and clumsy devotion to Sol Invictus. But Bellum explained and, as she knew he would, he saw a chance to make mischief for the King of the Azure.

Caeruleum Luna, into whose beautiful hands Sol Invictus had put the keeping of the Moon Gate, despised the jealous Callidus but loved her only daughter Bellum with a fierceness that knew no bounds. So when both came to visit her she was on her guard and trusted neither, but watched Callidus most closely. So it was easy for Bellum to steal away the key to the Moon Gate.

As Bellum did not want the blame and Callidus did it was Callidus who went with Telum back to Valide Civitatem with the Moon Key.

A great beam of blue light shot down from the moon, down into the Azure mountains. On those austere and unforgiving cliffs Azure beyond counting suddenly appeared, stepping blinking for the light. They had renounced the shapechanging ways, resolving to live on their wits and will, to adapt to their climate, to know hardship and endurance. They looked on the barren soaring peaks, with their razor sharp outcrops, where even the slightest slip might mean death, with an eagerness no mortal could ever understand.

They named their first colony Landfall Civitatem, built atop the flattened summit of one of the greatest northern mountains. It's walls are tall and carved from granite and blue obsidian, it's buildings long elegant spires that reach up and up and up. They call themselves the First Feet to fall upon Londorthell.


Not much later Nightblade received an invitation to a meeting amongst the Saumna. He arrived, although a bit late as he had missed Lady Fair's introduction. "Hey guys. Nightblade here, hope I'm not too late." He leaped into a seat and leaned back. "What are all you dorks chatting about?"

The Company Commander ground his teeth and forced the sound of civility into his voice 'If you cannot be respectful Nightblade I for one would be happy to discuss the natural conclusion to this war... Without you.' He let that hang in the air between them 'Treat the Lady Fair with the same respect you constantly demand for yourself.'

Apologies for braking with the mythic feel I've been attempting to instill in my posts in the first bit. I was invited to roleplay the herald's response and I couldn't resist playing it for kicks.

16 points
-4 create subrace: Mountain Azure
-1 (Avatar): found city on the northern side of the Azure mountain range. Landfall Civitatem
-5 Event: The Blue Steel Company gain all current and future Saumna advances
-2 Landfall Civitatem trains an army. The First Feet
4 remaining

[Justicar]

She smiled. These last few months had been enjoyable. The city had so many wonders available to her, so many pieces of art, such beautiful metal work. She was awed every day that she stepped forth and paced the halls. And over these few months, she had grown to love the Steel Men in their splendor. For a time, she had forgotten who she truly was, she had locked it away, if only to feel the touch of mortality again. "I have no true home. It has long since been lost, the people I knew scattered and gone. If anything, your hospitality has made this something of a home."

Pabst seemed both more relieved and more anxious with Solanna's word. "Then would you be willing to allow my home to be yours. What I mean to say," Pabst nervously stuttered, "will you give me the honor of having you as my wife?" Pabst brow furrowed. The words he had meant to say seemed to be all jumbled in his mind.

[Justicar]

Not much later Nightblade received an invitation to a meeting amongst the Saumna. He arrived, although a bit late as he had missed Lady Fair's introduction. "Hey guys. Nightblade here, hope I'm not too late." He leaped into a seat and leaned back. "What are all you dorks chatting about?"


The Company Commander ground his teeth and forced the sound of civility into his voice 'If you cannot be respectful Nightblade I for one would be happy to discuss the natural conclusion to this war... Without you.' He let that hang in the air between them 'Treat the Lady Fair with the same respect you constantly demand for yourself.'

The Lady Fair held up a hand to forestall any further fighting. "Please, he has every right to have his say. We will silence no one here. The goal is to have a permanent peace, not a temporary respite from conflict."

"As for you," said the Lady Fair as she turned towards Nightblade, "if you want to be treated with respect, then it is best if you start by treating others the same."

[Ninjaman]

The Company Commander ground his teeth and forced the sound of civility into his voice 'If you cannot be respectful Nightblade I for one would be happy to discuss the natural conclusion to this war... Without you.' He let that hang in the air between them 'Treat the Lady Fair with the same respect you constantly demand for yourself.'

Nightblade was just about to reply the commander when lady fair did.


The Lady Fair held up a hand to forestall any further fighting. "Please, he has every right to have his say. We will silence no one here. The goal is to have a permanent peace, not a temporary respite from conflict."

"As for you," said the Lady Fair as she turned towards Nightblade, "if you want to be treated with respect, then it is best if you start by treating others the same."

"Respect? To hell with that! In nature, there is one way to earn respect.. by being the strongest." Nightblade said and leaned even further back in his seat. "Is that not what we are, nature? Peace is unatural, war must exist for us to stay sharp." He sat up straight. "We can have peace and it can be nice. But what then? We get lazy, fat. Some other race will come and wipe us out because they have stayed strong. Peace will be our death. Unlike you, I fight for the Saumna." Nightblade pointed at every other person at the meeting.

[Justicar]

Nightblade was just about to reply the commander when lady fair did.



"Respect? To hell with that! In nature, there is one way to earn respect.. by being the strongest." Nightblade said and leaned even further back in his seat. "Is that not what we are, nature? Peace is unatural, war must exist for us to stay sharp." He sat up straight. "We can have peace and it can be nice. But what then? We get lazy, fat. Some other race will come and wipe us out because they have stayed strong. Peace will be our death. Unlike you, I fight for the Saumna." Nightblade pointed at every other person at the meeting.

"Has peace made us weak? The drive for peace has doubled the amount of forces in the Deep Forest. There are races from neighboring nations that have come to prevent your 'natural war'." The Lady Fair paused and considered her next words carefully. "You say you fight for the Saumna, but do the Saumna fight for you? You had half of you army turn on you and now the other half refuses to even leave Ironbark? It sounds to me like the only person that fights for you is yourself."

[Ninjaman]

"Has peace made us weak? The drive for peace has doubled the amount of forces in the Deep Forest. There are races from neighboring nations that have come to prevent your 'natural war'." The Lady Fair paused and considered her next words carefully. "You say you fight for the Saumna, but do the Saumna fight for you? You had half of you army turn on you and now the other half refuses to even leave Ironbark? It sounds to me like the only person that fights for you is yourself."

"Peace has not made us weak, for we do not have peace. The drive for peace, I got no problem with. But if peace is ever achieved, then we'll get weak." Nightblade paused. "Yes I fight for the Saumna, no they do not fight for me. They do not fight for you either. In nature, we stand alone, only the strong will survive. As for my forces, they turned on me because the code enforcers, that you protect, bribed them!" Nightblade raised his voice. "And I don't know from where you got the idea that my men won't leave Ironbark. They will if I tell them to." He leaned back in his seat. "But I'm happy to hear that the declawed kitty still has fangs." He smiled.

[Omegonthesane]

While Magus had no real sympathy for the innocent Saumna he had put to use, he feared Ischkathar's wrath if his former instructor were to see him so flagrantly abusing mortals. Thus, he had inscribed upon the puppet Saumna's tongue a getaway rune, and imprinted into their mind a trigger at which they would think to activate it. That trigger came when they were hauled into the torture chamber, and witnessed instruments of horror and suffering which no Saumna could conceive of; upon digesting the sight, the puppet was hauled up to a cross, where he was to be hung and tormented; yet as the guards took hold of his arms, he activated the rune, and projected himself - and the guards - through space... and time.

They arrived, of all places, in the middle of the peace talks in Great Clearing, crashing onto a nearby table just as Nightblade revealed his ignorance of the situation in Ironbark.

~~~

"On the contrary... Nightblade," said Silverleaf, visibly biting his tongue on a much harsher epithet, audibly trying and almost succeeding to squash deep hatred beneath an even monotone. "Trials may bring strength to individuals, but only unity can bring strength to the many. Only in the safe knowledge that someone is watching your back can anyone but the most paranoid hunter truly excel, and a society of paranoid hunters is bereft of the specialists needed in a strong tribe. Our nature is not strength, either on an individual or a group scale; we must rise above nature to be truly strong.

"Yes, I gave the order to seduce the Green Company to our side. I wished to minimise casualties among my people, and reasoned that the members of an army knew the risks of their station - especially the members of an army from the tribe of Hunters, whose ethos has been predatory from the beginning. I had nothing to do with the march of the Expeditionary Force - their commander went renegade, and it is unfortunate that she did not live to be brought back for trial.

"Now, how exactly do you think being divided and exhausted from intercenine conflicts will prepare us, if the Rockscales arrive, or the Leogodai decide their mountain isn't enough for them?"

[Justicar]

"On the contrary... Nightblade," said Silverleaf, visibly biting his tongue on a much harsher epithet, audibly trying and almost succeeding to squash deep hatred beneath an even monotone. "Trials may bring strength to individuals, but only unity can bring strength to the many. Only in the safe knowledge that someone is watching your back can anyone but the most paranoid hunter truly excel, and a society of paranoid hunters is bereft of the specialists needed in a strong tribe. Our nature is not strength, either on an individual or a group scale; we must rise above nature to be truly strong.

"Yes, I gave the order to seduce the Green Company to our side. I wished to minimise casualties among my people, and reasoned that the members of an army knew the risks of their station - especially the members of an army from the tribe of Hunters, whose ethos has been predatory from the beginning. I had nothing to do with the march of the Expeditionary Force - their commander went renegade, and it is unfortunate that she did not live to be brought back for trial.

"Now, how exactly do you think being divided and exhausted from intercenine conflicts will prepare us, if the Rockscales arrive, or the Leogodai decide their mountain isn't enough for them?"

"Careful, Lord Silverleaf," cautioned the Lady Fair. "We do not want to trade one conflict for another or paranoia for xenophobia. There is no reason to believe that either of those races mean to invade or conquer the Deep Forest. The Rockscales have spent generations recovering from tragedy and the Legodai mostly pass the days locked in debate. If you are going to point fingers at people simple because they possess armies of their own, then why not the Enlightened of Seaport or the Mountain Azure? No, that way of thinking lies madness and the eventual turning of all Saumna into 'Hunters'.

"However, it is good that you at least acknowledge that there have been faults committed by both sides. It is through forgiveness and understanding that we can finally reunite the Saumna people."

[Ninjaman]

"Careful, Lord Silverleaf," cautioned the Lady Fair. "We do not want to trade one conflict for another or paranoia for xenophobia. There is no reason to believe that either of those races mean to invade or conquer the Deep Forest. The Rockscales have spent generations recovering from tragedy and the Legodai mostly pass the days locked in debate. If you are going to point fingers at people simple because they possess armies of their own, then why not the Enlightened of Seaport or the Mountain Azure? No, that way of thinking lies madness and the eventual turning of all Saumna into 'Hunters'.

"However, it is good that you at least acknowledge that there have been faults committed by both sides. It is through forgiveness and understanding that we can finally reunite the Saumna people."

"Madness? What a thoughtful way to describe us Fair. Is the wolf mad for eating the sheep? Is the bird mad for plucking worms out of the ground?" He sits back up. "Forgiveness and understanding? Please, I don't know if you are trying to sabotage us on purpose or if you really do believe that is for the best. We are children of nature. Nature isn't forgiving and understanding, it is cruel and ruthless. Only the strong will survive. Peace will defeat us."

---

Ironbark continues gathering men at nightblade's order.

---

One day the Faceless god travels to Ironbark. He teaches the hunters the use of steelwood magic. They can harden wood to become strong as steel, and bark to become strong as iron, without making it the tiniest bit heavier. With this new ability they make swords and armors out of the trees inside the fortress.

---

In the land of the Leogadai, the Royalists gather an army in case the Democrats should oppose them with force. The Crowns First Briggade protects the Royalists.

---

The Whisperer leaves the Leogadai to travel to the Azure. Here he preaches about how the Azure's immortality make them the rightfull rulers of this land. About how they should claim this world from the mortals by force. He quickly gathers followers. The Chosen, they call themselves.

30 points
2 pts Command City (Ironbark): Raise army (Ironbark Guardians Brown Company).
0 pts Command Army (Ironbark Guardians Brown Company): Defend Ironbark
1 pts Command Avatar (Nightblade) Command city (Ironbark): Raise army (Ironbark Guardians Grey Company)
0 pts Command Army (Ironbark Guardians Grey Company): Defend The Hunters
3 pts Advance City (Ironbark): Steelwood magic, the ability to make wood as hard as steel.
2 pts Command City (Prime Quarry): Raise army (The Crowns First Briggade)
0 pts Command Army (The Crowns First Briggade): Defend the Royalists
1 pts Command Avatar (The Whisperer): Create order (The Chosen) inside the Azure
21 pts

[Justicar]

"Madness? What a thoughtful way to describe us Fair. Is the wolf mad for eating the sheep? Is the bird mad for plucking worms out of the ground?" He sits back up. "Forgiveness and understanding? Please, I don't know if you are trying to sabotage us on purpose or if you really do believe that is for the best. We are children of nature. Nature isn't forgiving and understanding, it is cruel and ruthless. Only the strong will survive. Peace will defeat us."

"Peace has united us. Where the Saumna once stood alone, they now have two allies. I'm certain that even basic arithmetic would tell you that three is greater than one."

[Ninjaman]

"Peace has united us. Where the Saumna once stood alone, they now have two allies. I'm certain that even basic arithmetic would tell you that three is greater than one."

"Ah yes, Allies. Who will do everything they can to help us, if they feel like it. We are alone Fair. It's better you realize it now than after they have sold us out."

[Omegonthesane]

"If we cannot trust anyone outside our own, then you do us all a deep disservice by suggesting we not even trust our own ranks," said Silverleaf. "We cannot deter our foes, or… remind our allies why they should remain loyal… if we are expending all our energy fighting ourselves."

At that point, an intruder broke into the tent, shouting and pointing at Nightblade.

~~~

The guards watching over Magus' puppet faltered, surprised by their sudden relocation, while the now slightly less unfortunate Saumna ran hell for leather from them, taking the opportunity to escape… right into the negotiation tent, where he saw Nightblade, as well as two unfamiliar souls - one of whom he guessed to be Silverleaf, the administrator-general of the clearing.

"You!" the Saumna shouted, on taking in the sight, before turning to the two other parties, pointing frantically at Nightblade. "He assaulted me for telling him the truth. He had me dragged to a torture chamber for telling him the truth. I don't know how I got here…"

"Silence!" Silverleaf ordered, with a slight tone of desperation. "Your accusations are grievous indeed - not even the followers of the Code tolerate such tyranny. Yet, from your garb I know you are a Hunter defector. You are safe here."

In the meantime, the people of Great Clearing built a network of guard houses around their city, so that no one could enter unnoticed, and so that any intruder could be shot by unseen foes if necessary. These were built into the trees, more for comfort than for concealment - most Saumna could hide in a tree for hours, waiting for the right shot, but the Guard Houses allowed teams of snipers to hide for weeks on end, working in shifts, surviving on their stockpiled food, never dropping their watch. The more pacifist Code followers felt the whole thing stank of Hunter violence, but the structures could not be moved, and thus could never be used on the offensive.

~~~

In the south, the Bloom continued to expand. It was aware of the Electric Sea, and its advances in Bio-Engineering had produced theories about how the endless lightning could be harnessed for more practical uses - for its knowledge was greater than its ability to express, much less its ability to translate to mammal terms. Using the minerals harvested from the Southern Volcano, the Bloom constructed great lightning rods on a high point of the sea floor, and surrounded them with its newest creation - Voltaic Reefs, which not only survived lightning strikes but fed on them, storing their energy for later use. With these as a power source, the Bloom built a second core at the bottom of the Electric Sea - although admittedly in a zone where the sea floor was only a few hundred metres below sea level. Lacking the concepts of artistry or beauty that more conventional life forms possessed, the Bloom simply named it Electric Core, and its custom-engineered aquatic defense forces the Electric Core Defenders.

~~~

The Leogodai Democrats saw the military preparations of the Royalists, and were afraid, for this was blatantly preparation for an invasion. They were also confused, for their achievements were clearly superior to the nonexistent deeds of their King.

Fortunately, the Crown First Brigade proved less than loyal, and were easily swayed by a demonstration of how much wealthier and how much more beneficial to them Democratic rule was compared to Autocracy. They willingly changed their duties, defending the Democratic government, while the Stoneguard began to enforce a new Emergency Powers Act, forbidding anyone but the Democratic government from bearing weaponry inside the bounds of Prime Quarry. The Royalists were welcome to put their theories to the test, if they did not involve or threaten those who had chosen a Democratic life.

~~~

Magus appeared to a Masque caravan, in his most natural guise as a Steel Man wanderer, and spoke at length with them about the good they could do. He emphasised how even with their diplomacy and blessing, there were many who were too afraid to speak, oppressed by those more powerful and more popular. He argued that the Masque could not in good faith allow such people to be voiceless, and taught them how their entertainments could spread the message. Such was the birth of the Harlequins.

Power roll Turn 14 (http://orokos.com/roll/209776): 2d6+5+3 11
Power rollover: 1 point
Total 12 points

2 points: Command City (Great Clearing) to Create Structure (Guard Houses) (+1 to defence)

0 points: Create Life (Voltaic Reefs, sea-floor life forms which act as giant electrochemical cells capable of storing energy from a lightning strike)

1 point: Command Avatar (Heresy) to Command Race (The Bloom) to Found City (Electric Core) in M9, in a part of the Electric Sea where the ocean floor is only half a kilometre below sea level
2 points: Command City (Electric Core) to Raise Army (Electric Core Defenders)
Command Army (Electric Core Defenders) to defend Electric Core

2 points: Command City (Prime Quarry) to Political Maneuver to subvert the Crown's First Brigade!
Attempt to subvert Crown's First Brigade (http://orokos.com/roll/209870): (1d6)-(1d6) 4
PM succeeds! Crown's First Brigade now serves the Democrats!

Command Army (Crown's First Brigade) to defend the Democrats Order
Command Army (1st Stoneguard) to defend Prime Quarry, cutting it off from the other gods

1 point: Command Avatar (Magus) to Create Order in the Masque "The Harlequins", travelling entertainers who seed their songs and pantomimes with obvious political agendas. Their stated goal is to give a voice to those too scared to speak out, since no one would attack the entertainer, and no one would attack a Masque. Like any order made by Magus, of course, there is probably more to it than that.

4 points remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+6 Orders to next roll

[Ninjaman]

"If we cannot trust anyone outside our own, then you do us all a deep disservice by suggesting we not even trust our own ranks," said Silverleaf. "We cannot deter our foes, or… remind our allies why they should remain loyal… if we are expending all our energy fighting ourselves."

At that point, an intruder broke into the tent, shouting and pointing at Nightblade.

~~~

The guards watching over Magus' puppet faltered, surprised by their sudden relocation, while the now slightly less unfortunate Saumna ran hell for leather from them, taking the opportunity to escape… right into the negotiation tent, where he saw Nightblade, as well as two unfamiliar souls - one of whom he guessed to be Silverleaf, the administrator-general of the clearing.

"You!" the Saumna shouted, on taking in the sight, before turning to the two other parties, pointing frantically at Nightblade. "He assaulted me for telling him the truth. He had me dragged to a torture chamber for telling him the truth. I don't know how I got here…"

"Silence!" Silverleaf ordered, with a slight tone of desperation. "Your accusations are grievous indeed - not even the followers of the Code tolerate such tyranny. Yet, from your garb I know you are a Hunter defector. You are safe here."

Nightblade looks at the defector and gets back on his feet. "There he is, the traitor." He walks slowly towards the defector. "But you see Silverleaf, the Hunters do not have deserters." He says, the defector turns around and flees the tent. "The path of the hunter is a way of life." He turns towards Silverleaf. "Departure only in death." He walks back to his seat. "I take it your guards will take him somewhere safe." He sits down. "But this man betrayed my laws, and will answer to my verdict."

[Omegonthesane]

Nightblade looks at the defector and gets back on his feet. "There he is, the traitor." He walks slowly towards the defector. "But you see Silverleaf, the Hunters do not have deserters." He says, the defector turns around and flees the tent. "The path of the hunter is a way of life." He turns towards Silverleaf. "Departure only in death." He walks back to his seat. "I take it your guards will take him somewhere safe." He sits down. "But this man betrayed my laws, and will answer to my verdict."

"That man is a guest of the Great Clearing," asserted Silverleaf, with a death glare at the divine avatar before him. "He will not be harmed in any way until and unless he either breaks the Code or departs. You too have come as a guest, and I respect that, but in Code territory the Code holds sway. For a host to perform or sanction harm to a guest, or vice versa, or a guest to a guest, is the one crime we can never forgive."

[Ninjaman]

"That man is a guest of the Great Clearing," asserted Silverleaf, with a death glare at the divine avatar before him. "He will not be harmed in any way until and unless he either breaks the Code or departs. You too have come as a guest, and I respect that, but in Code territory the Code holds sway. For a host to perform or sanction harm to a guest, or vice versa, or a guest to a guest, is the one crime we can never forgive."

"He is no guest, he is a traitor who will answer for his crimes." Nightblade says calmly. "Can the law be avoided by fleeing? No! As one of my men he follows my rules, and will answer to his crimes as I see fit, no matter his current position."

[Omegonthesane]

"He is no guest, he is a traitor who will answer for his crimes." Nightblade says calmly. "Can the law be avoided by fleeing? No! As one of my men he follows my rules, and will answer to his crimes as I see fit, no matter his current position."

"On the contrary, the law absolutely can be escaped by fleeing so far that you are no longer in the territory where the law holds. The Code holds on Code territory - those unwilling to follow the Code may simply leave Code territory. We do not impose our law on your people. Do not presume to impose your law on us."

[Ninjaman]

"On the contrary, the law absolutely can be escaped by fleeing so far that you are no longer in the territory where the law holds. The Code holds on Code territory - those unwilling to follow the Code may simply leave Code territory. We do not impose our law on your people. Do not presume to impose your law on us."

"I do not impose it on you, but on the traitor. The laws of the Hunters do not apply to any specific region, he knew what he was saying yes to when he joined."

[Omegonthesane]

"I do not impose it on you, but on the traitor. The laws of the Hunters do not apply to any specific region, he knew what he was saying yes to when he joined."

"Joined? Joined?! The Hunters are a tribe, not a political party! I haven't the slightest doubt he was born to this life, coerced into it from the moment he left the cradle!" Silverleaf pauses, composing himself, and his tone drops, dark and threatening. "Even if he joined, willingly, thinking he knew the consequences, to deny a Saumna the freedom to change their mind is blasphemy against our creator. You have just confessed to committing a heresy greater than any Code follower ever dared, en masse. I am loath to tolerate such blasphemy anywhere, and it will not take place within Code territory.

"This is not Hunter territory. Your blasphemous law means nothing here, no matter your pretentions to the contrary."

~~~

A mosquito buzzed in the direction of Miirgrathomin, and looked intently at the twisted bark face, before sending a message with the magic of Telepathy - for Ischkathar had learned many sorceries before its ascension.
"Look to your children, dream tree. In them the Murderer has shown his true colours. Only a god of evil would send a madman like Nightblade as their messenger."

[Ninjaman]

"Joined? Joined?! The Hunters are a tribe, not a political party! I haven't the slightest doubt he was born to this life, coerced into it from the moment he left the cradle!" Silverleaf pauses, composing himself, and his tone drops, dark and threatening. "Even if he joined, willingly, thinking he knew the consequences, to deny a Saumna the freedom to change their mind is blasphemy against our creator. You have just confessed to committing a heresy greater than any Code follower ever dared, en masse. I am loath to tolerate such blasphemy anywhere, and it will not take place within Code territory.

"This is not Hunter territory. Your blasphemous law means nothing here, no matter your pretentions to the contrary."


"Blasphemous laws." Nightblade repeated. "We follow only the laws of nature. You do not leave the path of the hunter, for it is true freedom. Leaving is a sign of weakness, and as I have said many times before... the weak must die."

[Justicar]

The Lady Fair watched her hopes of peace within the Deep Forest wither and die. Whatever possibility of civil discourse there may have been, it had been shattered by the appearance of the Hunter deserter. There would clearly be no peace tonight.

However, she had to remain strong. While these two sides may be locked conflict, there were others - the Blue Speakers, the Circle, the Free Saumna and even the commoners on the Code and Hunters sides - that needed her desperately. She would continue to seek some sort of resolution as long as a single soul was still in danger here.

"Gentleman, gentlemen," the Lady Fair interrupted the two delegates, waves of serenity seemingly rolling off of her. "It is obvious that things are getting heated here. How about we take a step back. Peace is not forged in a single day. In fact, it is a triumph to merely get you all to the summit table.

"How about we adjourn for the day and meet again tomorrow. With cooler heads, perhaps we can start laying the framework for something more... permanent."

[Justicar]

While their neighbors sailed the seas or fought bloody wars, the Iron People lived a desperate struggle for survival. No armies or enemies parked outside their borders were the issue, but the elements and predators of the mountains made daily life a gamble with their existence the takes.

This all changed with the first Lord-Protector, a champion of near perfect martial prowess. He was able to push back the burrow-wolves, bandits and other predators. This gave the populous time to rest and recover. With renewed energy, the city began to grow. New mines were dug and the metals found were used to shore up their defenses. Subterranean orchards and granaries were founded. New households were build in the very mountain that their ancestors once occupied.

Even after the danger times had passed and the Iron People experienced peace for the first time, the post of Lord-Protector was kept open and made a form of de facto ruler. However, being a meritocracy, the position was never permanent, but every 10 years, trials were held to determine the new Lord-Protector. These trials, while primarily physical, also encompassed mental and psychological evaluations to determine the best qualities of a leader. These trials were open to all, from peasant to warrior, and tailored to issues that the current generation were dealing with.

After several generation, the fortifications were complete and the Iron Wall rose high. The several story tall and 30-ft thick wall was constructed with the ore mined the early days. Iron plates 7-feet thick were placed on either side of the wall, with gravel in the center. It was the closest to being impenetrable as humanly possible.

In the construction of the Iron Wall, the citizens of Festung Stadt learned much about the art of siegecraft. They were experts, not only raising solid defenses, but also in bringing fortifications down. There wasn't a wall, keep or fortress that they could not find a way to undermine.

Turn 14 points: 12

5 points: Create Demigod (Black Knight-type): The Lord-Protector - The ruler of the Iron People. The position is tested every decade to determine who is the best to serve as champion and primary decision-maker of the city. He possesses near perfect physical prowess and a cunningly strategic mind.
2 points: Command Demigod to Command Race (Expand City) - Festung Stadt as expanded downwards into the mountain, using depleted mines and empty caverns to create new homes and districts. The city now holds most of the land above and below the Stahl Mountains.
2 points: Command City: Build the Iron Wall - The primary defense of the city. The wall is several stories tall and has had the stone blocks replaced, one by one, with metal ones to make a solid wall of iron surrounding the upper-city.
3 points: Advance City (Siegecraft) - Due to the constant refining of the Iron Wall and other defenses, the inhabitants of Festung Stadt are the foremost leaders in the construction... and destruction of any defensive structure.

[Omegonthesane]

The Lady Fair watched her hopes of peace within the Deep Forest wither and die. Whatever possibility of civil discourse there may have been, it had been shattered by the appearance of the Hunter deserter. There would clearly be no peace tonight.

However, she had to remain strong. While these two sides may be locked conflict, there were others - the Blue Speakers, the Circle, the Free Saumna and even the commoners on the Code and Hunters sides - that needed her desperately. She would continue to seek some sort of resolution as long as a single soul was still in danger here.

"Gentleman, gentlemen," the Lady Fair interrupted the two delegates, waves of serenity seemingly rolling off of her. "It is obvious that things are getting heated here. How about we take a step back. Peace is not forged in a single day. In fact, it is a triumph to merely get you all to the summit table.

"How about we adjourn for the day and meet again tomorrow. With cooler heads, perhaps we can start laying the framework for something more... permanent."

"...That seems best, all considered." Silverleaf's expression of fury mellowed to an expression of simple despair as he left the room, feeling almost certain that Nightblade would continue to actively sabotage the talks in the morning. He had been foolish to get upset, but the Hunter leader seemed almost morally opposed to compromise. The issue of the deserter seemed to have only hastened the inevitable.

The deserter was kept in a high-security guest room, every hallway triple-lit with candles every night - a measure which was economically viable for the Saumna in a way it would not have been for, for example, the Steel Men. As the children of the Dark Forest they did not need much light to see perfectly. Visitors were required to change into pocket-free sleeveless tunics, so that they had nowhere to hide a weapon, and only then could they enter the hallway where guests at risk of assassination were kept - and even then, if they entered one of the antechambers they would be on the other side of an iron grate to the prisoner they wished to speak to. On this occasion, the high security guest wing was inhabited by the deserter and the two Hunters who had come with him, the former for being at risk, the latter two for being under suspicion.

Oddly, about half the Masques who had visited the deserter reported a faint buzzing sound as they entered, which persisted until they left the antechamber. The Saumna guards paid this no mind, for they knew nothing of Soul Binding.

[Ninjaman]

"Gentleman, gentlemen," the Lady Fair interrupted the two delegates, waves of serenity seemingly rolling off of her. "It is obvious that things are getting heated here. How about we take a step back. Peace is not forged in a single day. In fact, it is a triumph to merely get you all to the summit table.

"How about we adjourn for the day and meet again tomorrow. With cooler heads, perhaps we can start laying the framework for something more... permanent."

"Very well Fair." Nightblade replied. "Though there is one tiny problem, i've got nowhere to sleep for the night."

[Ladorak]

The Company Commander had simply sat back and watched for two reasons. At first he was enraged and merely fought to hold his tongue, but all fires eventually burn out and so he then watched with a growing sense of unreality. Nightblade wanted war. Not for gain, not for honour or skill, not for joy or revenge. He just wanted war. How could you reason with such a man? How could you sit at peace talks with him? There was no hope of ending this war, not while Nightblade lived. He knew that now. He knew the Saumra, many hundreds of them now, they were a beautiful and joyful people. Nightblade was the corrupt core of a sickness in their hearts. He was pollution that fouled the forest with blood. He was a madman empowered by a mad god and there was only one sane solution left, had one the bravery to see it.

The Company Commander was a brave man, abide one riven with doubts. He knew what he must do. He sat there and watched the rest with an even greater sense of disbelief. To discover Nightblade tortured dissenters was of course no surprise at all, if anything it was the only thing that made sense until the Lady called for peace. He shook his head as the meeting broke up. 'I admire you lady, but I fear I cannot be like you, and I believe you cannot succeed. I do not believe I will be at the negotiations tomorrow. It has been a pleasure meeting you.'

Action, always action killed the doubt, killed the fear at the edges of his mind. He had a plan now, a desperate plan for a desperate time. The Staff Officer welcomed him to the command tent 'How are the negotiations going sir?'
Assemble the Company. Tomorrow we march on Ironbark.'
'Not well then sir?'
The Commander took his helmet off and looked into the eyes of his oldest friend. He should never have been a solider. Not because he was soft, he was old yet still as able with a blade as a man half his age. He, the Staff Officer loved each and every one of the men. He was not made for war. He looked right back into the eyes of the commander 'You're not joking are you?'
The Commander shook his head. 'Stern wasn't exaggerating Stone. Nightblade is insane. He wants war. That's it. It'll never end with him. All these talks do is give him time to rearm. He all but said it to our faces. He have to end it now, he have to cut the infection out now, while we still can.'
'Sir, please... We don't have the men, even with the Saumra Ironbark outmans us three to one, and them in that great fort. We can't'
'We don't have to Stone. All we have to do is enough bloody damage to let the Lady or the Vode just walk into the place. If the Code have any sense they'll execute Nightblade there and then. It is a thing that must be done, and only we can do it.'
'We can't sir... You know we can't.'
'And yet we must. Maybe when we die we will go to Erste Stadt.'
'Is there nothing that would convince you sir?'
'No.'
'Now Commander' said a woman's voice from the tend flap 'I would not be so sure about that.'
Sha'Va came in, grinning from ear to ear, and while the Commander was reflecting that the Speakers were a strange folk indeed he realized who stood beside the ancient Speaker. He and Stone gasped, realizing who she was.
Well... I stand corrected.'

********

From you, brother, I expect this.' Sol Invictus looked at Callidus with tired eyes I wish it was not this way between us brother, but always you make it so.' He sighed, 'You know what I must do.'
The ground swallowed Callidus up and he was taken again deep under the mountain.
He turned to Bellum and to Telum, one brazen and defiant and the other cowering like a cuffed puppy. 'Telum this has not the mark of your usual mischief. You are banished, for now, from the Azure and from the Azure Mountain.
'Bellum, you have transgressed again so soon. I'm afraid I must be more drastic. You will stay here, but your spark, your essence, your power will go with Telum. He will return, then you will be whole. I am sorry my daughter.' And he took from her her wildness and her anger and her pride and power, her skill and brilliance, all he took and left her limp upon the floor, no more than an Azure. To this shape, the thing he took from her, he gave form and face, and a name, Rubicon, but it claimed for itself the title Bellum's Shade.

Together the ghostly half godness and huge god walked down the mountain and into adventure and legend.

18 points
-10 create demigod x2. Facile Telum and Rubicon. An Achilles and a black knight respectively
-3 Mountain Azure Inherit Advancement: Immortality
-1 (Avatar) Mountain Azure build Caster Peak in the southern Azure mountains
-2 Caster Peak trains an army, the Ironguard
2 remaining
All three Azure/Mountain Azure cities are now cut off from other gods

[Sir Dancealot]

Pabst seemed both more relieved and more anxious with Solanna's word. "Then would you be willing to allow my home to be yours. What I mean to say," Pabst nervously stuttered, "will you give me the honor of having you as my wife?" Pabst brow furrowed. The words he had meant to say seemed to be all jumbled in his mind.

Solaine simply smiled as she leaned in to kiss him.

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

It was nearly two years later that the twins were born, minor dieties in their own right. Solaine had been happy in a way for all this time. It had given her a taste of what she once was. Yet no matter how hard she tried, she could never truly change who she was. Always joking, always practising, always smiling at the sky wistfully, and of course, always smiling. She was a goddess, and she could not hide from it forever.
I thought I posted this. Guess I didn't hit reply. My bad Just!

Anyway, create avatar! The Female twin! I forget how much it costs, but I have plent of points, so it's all good.

[Justicar]

That night, the Lady Fair decided she would meet with the deserter and get his side of the story. As she walked long corridor to his cell, she couldn’t help but get a sense of claustrophobia. As a Masque, she was used to traveling and seeing the seeing the suns, moons and stars. She hated to think how a Saumna must feel being confined down here.

The deserter was pacing back and forth, constantly running hands through his hair. The bruises and injuries were clearly visible by this time. The former Hunter looked less like a predator and more like trapped prey.

However, the most striking aspect was a sudden buzzing that she felt come over her and a piercing pain behind her eyes. The mask that she was soul-bound to seemed to grow warmer. There was an incredibly power magic in this room.

A light haze clung to the deserter’s head. Most soul-bound probably wouldn’t have been even able to see it, but her enlightened senses allowed her to. The faded enchantment showed signs of incredible subtlety and skill in its caster.

The guards secured the antechamber behind her and she took a seat on her side of the iron gate. “Good evening, friend,” she said to the Saumna. “People call me Lady Fair. Since I gave up my previous life and name when I started my journey, it is as good a name as any. May I ask you what I should call you?”

* * *

After spending so much time with Yaelumi, Stahl decided it was time to visit Erste Stadt in person. When he got there, he was in for a shock.

In a world that should have been free of influence of other deities, he felt three. The first was completely new to him, although the power was on par with that of a full god and the feel of her magic seemed vaguely familiar. The other two presences were of lesser entities with a touch of mortality within them.

He shifted his essence to the source. He found his high priest in his home, playing with two small infants. There was also a woman there by his side, sharing in the intimacy of the moment. The woman and the children appeared to be the source of the divine sparks he felt.

“What is going on here? Explain yourself!” said the Forge-Father. His shock caused him to sound more intense than he intended.

[Omegonthesane]

That night, the Lady Fair decided she would meet with the deserter and get his side of the story. As she walked long corridor to his cell, she couldn’t help but get a sense of claustrophobia. As a Masque, she was used to traveling and seeing the seeing the suns, moons and stars. She hated to think how a Saumna must feel being confined down here.

The deserter was pacing back and forth, constantly running hands through his hair. The bruises and injuries were clearly visible by this time. The former Hunter looked less like a predator and more like trapped prey.

However, the most striking aspect was a sudden buzzing that she felt come over her and a piercing pain behind her eyes. The mask that she was soul-bound to seemed to grow warmer. There was an incredibly power magic in this room.

A light haze clung to the deserter’s head. Most soul-bound probably wouldn’t have been even able to see it, but her enlightened senses allowed her to. The faded enchantment showed signs of incredible subtlety and skill in its caster.

The guards secured the antechamber behind her and she took a seat on her side of the iron gate. “Good evening, friend,” she said to the Saumna. “People call me Lady Fair. Since I gave up my previous life and name when I started my journey, it is as good a name as any. May I ask you what I should call you?”

The deserter turned suddenly, unable to mask his fear - instructed in the Hunter way, he had no real idea what to make of his surroundings, and assumed from the high security that this must only be a prison and not also a guest house, despite the fact they obviously allowed him visitors. He didn't seem as claustrophobic as the Masque might expect - most Saumna were born, lived, and died under the canopy of the Dark Forest, so an artificial canopy that happened to be a lot closer was not a thing to fear.

After realising that this was definitely not the Code's executioner, the deserter visibly calmed down, though his natural stance appeared to be a lot more combative than was common among Code followers.

"My mother called me Greystar. But that was when I was a Hunter - perhaps I should take a new name now, if they ever let me out of this damn prison cell." He snorted. "At least I get a chamberpot here. Offers of a bath, too, in the morning. Both more than the Hunters give their prisoners. They offered me books, but I'd have no use for 'em... Anyway. What do you want?"

~~~

"Didn't you bring a tent?" a guard asked Nightblade.

The message got out, and a tent was hastily set up, at the very city limits of Great Clearing. Although it was to be guarded night and day, there were no elaborate sets of warnings and bars; Nightblade was not expected to have people come to assassinate him, unlike the three hunters. For the Code followers were not convinced that he would forgive the two as-yet loyal guards they had captured, and thus assumed all three of their Hunter guests were in danger from the fourth.

[Justicar]

"My mother called me Greystar. But that was when I was a Hunter - perhaps I should take a new name now, if they ever let me out of this damn prison cell." He snorted. "At least I get a chamberpot here. Offers of a bath, too, in the morning. Both more than the Hunters give their prisoners. They offered me books, but I'd have no use for 'em... Anyway. What do you want?"

"Nothing. I merely came down here to talk," she said with an idly wave of her hand. Her voice was as calm and serene as could be. If she was to get to the bottom of this mystery, she needed Greystar to feel at ease and trust her.

"I was hoping you could tell me a bit about what brought you here today." She gestured at his injuries. "Obviously, you have been attacked. You claim that the head of your Order, Nightblade, was the one that did it. Can you tell me why?

"Furthermore, no Code sentry saw you or your pursuers arrive in Great Clearing. It is a long way from Ironbark, but no guardhouse reports seeing the chase. I know the Hunters are good, but I would think at least one person would have noticed the three of you."

[Ninjaman]

"Didn't you bring a tent?" a guard asked Nightblade.

The message got out, and a tent was hastily set up, at the very city limits of Great Clearing. Although it was to be guarded night and day, there were no elaborate sets of warnings and bars; Nightblade was not expected to have people come to assassinate him, unlike the three hunters. For the Code followers were not convinced that he would forgive the two as-yet loyal guards they had captured, and thus assumed all three of their Hunter guests were in danger from the fourth.

"No I didn't bring a tent." Nightblade answered annoyed. "I thought the meeting would only last one day."
Nightblade laid down to sleep in his new tent, certain nobody was stupid enough to try assassinate him.

[Starsign]

Time passed peacefully with the Rockscales once more; with that time they developed much to set their lands in place. With Dei'Martah and Coil'Northus constructed, the Rockscales were able to set armies in place to defend it. Those in the Infested Lands also began investigating into the plants and herbs that overpopulated the place. Having never seen such things before in the Dust Planes, they scavenged what they found and tested on whatever they found. Though they made no progress now, their interests would give fruitful advancements in the future.

Down in Dei'Martah however, the Rockscales found sight of the Nezumi, small, simple rat creatures that they could have mistaken for pets. Unfortunately for the twelve tribes of the Nezumi, that is the first thing the Rockscales thought of. Two young ones had attempted to bring one Nezumi home, only for the rat's family to come after the lizards, searing the flesh with blood magic and leaving the two Rockscales as a skinless corpse. For the Rockscales, they suddenly found the Nezumi to be enormous threats with their magic, perhaps even capable of driving the Rockscales off the Isles. In their anxiety, they quickly doubled their efforts to fortify Dei'Martah. They wouldn't allow the Nezumi to come and overwhelm their newly found land. Though they do not act immediately there is an uncomfortable tension between the two races on the Cavern Isles.

Complicating the Rockscale developments however were the actions of certain ambitious Rockscales. Coming to devote to metal so much, they began forging steel onto their own bodies, replacing their rocky skin with metal plates. Though the gift of the Great Canyon has always resided within them, these new creatures clearly moved to make their own place in the world, one not decided by their own god Akriot. This strange new advancement caused fear in some of the Rockscales, who found that this had taken the idea of metal simply too far. These Steelscales were seen by some as careering away from their own beginnings and losing what made Rockscales so great to begin with. Even some of the Metal-Shells thought this was too much. As a result, these Steelscales were usually kept low in the social stratification of the cities, finding their place at the Steel Flats or on the open seas. In fact they preferred the seas; finding themselves more attuned to the waters than even Rockscales. Many of these became known as Scale Sailors, terrorizing the waters against foreign creatures for the protection of the Steelscales, as well as any Rockscales who sympathize with the Steelscales.

Ek'nidus meanwhile finds himself back on the Dust Planes, having found the Infested Lands uncomfortable for its "survival of the fittest" outlook the Rockscales have established there. As much as he tried to speak, he could not convince that outlook to change; nor could he convince his kind to cease the subjugation or shunning of the Nezumi or Steelscales that he witnessed in the various cities. Instead he finds himself traveling the eastern borders of the Rockscales' city-states, making sure no one ends up surprise attacking any of those cities. It was then that he came across one who came down the Azure Mountains, Facile Telum in fact. Ek'nidus' legs quaked at first witnessing one of the Azure Pantheon. The Rockscale knew he had no place to meet with a god on neutral terms, much less try to stop Telum if the Azure were to invade the Dust Planes. However bravery is a gift Akriot left within the Rockscales for good reason; Ek'nidus made good use of it as he approached Facile Telum. "You, Azure," he begins, attempting to sound commanding and confident in what Telum can see as a futile attempt to hide fear. "What are you coming here for, to our home?"

20 points to work with.

Create Subrace: The Steelscales. Rockscales who have used metallurgy to the point of administering metal to their own bodies, combining the greatest of metal and rock as a way to adapt and evolve further. (-4)
Inherit Advancement (Seafaring) for the Steelscales. (-3)
Create Order: The Scale Sailors: Steelscales who have taken to the seas as pirates and corsairs following the panic and shunning some have taken from the Rockscales. They brave the seas venture out to discover new lands, as well as pillage any unwanted enemies that come into sight. (-6)
Command Avatar (Great Canyon) to Raise Army: 1st Vanguards of Dei'Martah (-1) to defend Dei'Martah.
Command City (Coil'Northus) to Raise Army: 1st Vanguards of Coil'Northus (-2) to defend Coil'Northus.

Ek'nidus, following his conversation, will also be protecting Dei'Martah.

Leaving 4 points leftover.

[Omegonthesane]

"Nothing. I merely came down here to talk," she said with an idly wave of her hand. Her voice was as calm and serene as could be. If she was to get to the bottom of this mystery, she needed Greystar to feel at ease and trust her.

"I was hoping you could tell me a bit about what brought you here today." She gestured at his injuries. "Obviously, you have been attacked. You claim that the head of your Order, Nightblade, was the one that did it. Can you tell me why?

"Furthermore, no Code sentry saw you or your pursuers arrive in Great Clearing. It is a long way from Ironbark, but no guardhouse reports seeing the chase. I know the Hunters are good, but I would think at least one person would have noticed the three of you."

"Well I think it all comes back to how I felt about being a Hunter," said Greystar. "According to the histories everything changed after Nightblade came, we became 'stronger', 'swifter', or suchlike. My family weren't exactly fanatics - my sister already hopped the border to the Blue Speakers, my brother to the Circle - and I always had my doubts about sticking around, but I didn't dare voice them until a few days ago, when the Blue Steel Company's messenger reached Nightblade.

"...Thinking back, it feels more like a really vivid dream than a real memory... I remember somehow feeling a sense of resolve, that nothing I could suffer would be worse than what Nightblade would do to us if he didn't grow a brain. Then I called him a hypocrite, because he thought other people were the warmongers when he had us raise armies for war as opposed to defense. He accused me of serving 'the Usurper' - whoever that is - then beat me up, and had me imprisoned - in a far worse place than here, let me tell you.

"I woke up aching all over, and feeling like I mustn't lick the roof of my mouth. Then he came in to interrogate me, said I must not have been a real Hunter to have dared speak up, and that I must instead be someone called Magus. I reckoned then that I'd lost everything already, so I laughed in his face, and told him that rebelling didn't require me to be some immortal.

"He had two guards - the other two who came with me - drag me into a torture chamber, and just as they were tying me up, I suddenly knew that now was the time to lick the roof of my mouth. So I did, and next thing I knew myself - and both the guards - were in Great Clearing."


"No I didn't bring a tent." Nightblade answered annoyed. "I thought the meeting would only last one day."
Nightblade laid down to sleep in his new tent, certain nobody was stupid enough to try assassinate him.

"Even so, Hunter territory is more than a day's travel away..." The guards were not really either inclined or authorised to argue too strenuously, though, so Nightblade had things his way.

[Justicar]

"Well I think it all comes back to how I felt about being a Hunter," said Greystar. "According to the histories everything changed after Nightblade came, we became 'stronger', 'swifter', or suchlike. My family weren't exactly fanatics - my sister already hopped the border to the Blue Speakers, my brother to the Circle - and I always had my doubts about sticking around, but I didn't dare voice them until a few days ago, when the Blue Steel Company's messenger reached Nightblade.

"...Thinking back, it feels more like a really vivid dream than a real memory... I remember somehow feeling a sense of resolve, that nothing I could suffer would be worse than what Nightblade would do to us if he didn't grow a brain. Then I called him a hypocrite, because he thought other people were the warmongers when he had us raise armies for war as opposed to defense. He accused me of serving 'the Usurper' - whoever that is - then beat me up, and had me imprisoned - in a far worse place than here, let me tell you.

"I woke up aching all over, and feeling like I mustn't lick the roof of my mouth. Then he came in to interrogate me, said I must not have been a real Hunter to have dared speak up, and that I must instead be someone called Magus. I reckoned then that I'd lost everything already, so I laughed in his face, and told him that rebelling didn't require me to be some immortal.

"He had two guards - the other two who came with me - drag me into a torture chamber, and just as they were tying me up, I suddenly knew that now was the time to lick the roof of my mouth. So I did, and next thing I knew myself - and both the guards - were in Great Clearing."

The Lady Fair mulled over what Greystar revealed. It was obvious that whatever enchanted had ensnared him happened at the gathering. Although his dreamlike state he mentioned, the strange compulsion about not touching the top of his mouth and the way he described everything as if it were happening to someone else entirely was suspicious.

What surprised her the most was the name Magus. She vaguely remembered tales of a Steel Man that dabbled in magic around the founding of Erste Stadt and caused some of her ancestors to leave to found a new city. He called himself Magus as well, but surely this isn't the same person. That was millennia ago. He would be long dead.

But perhaps... It is possible that this early Steel Man established a sect within the Enlightened of Seaport. Could they be behind these hostilities? They would certainly have the ability to alter someone's memories and set up a teleportation spell. But what would they have gained from it? The idea that someone had the ability to alter memories and compel them to act in certain ways repelled her Saumna half.

And why did Nightblade think this 'Magus' was immortal? Could he know something that the rest did not? Or was he merely deluded? Either were very possible, especially considering how old the Saumna claimed Nightblade truly was.

The Lady Fair felt like she had discovered many of the puzzle pieces, but there were still too many missing to get a clear idea of the picture. She would have to be careful on how she revealed her finding tomorrow. She had come to Great Clearing to stop a war, not start another with the Enlightened of Seaport.

"Thank you, Greystar," said the Lady Fair when she finally spoke. "You have given me much to think about. If you have anything you need to make your stay more comfortable, please let me know. Perhaps getting word to your family. I'll also see about ways to safely release you."

The Lady Fair wished there was something she could do to help Greystar about the enchantment, but that skill was beyond that of any soul-bound. Even if she were to perform a soul-binding on him now, it wouldn't restore anything, merely prevent further manipulations.

She would also have to talk to the two Hunter pursuers, but she was certain their information would collaborate Greystar's story. As it was, she had enough information to bring before the counsel. It would take a lot of her skill to successfully pull this off without causing more strife.

[Omegonthesane]

Any lesser being would have been a fool to enter the Flux, but Magus' sorcery protected him and his rowboat, and the Flux enhanced the particular sorcery he had in mind, allowing three voices and wills to enter the same place without requiring them to travel physically and without any traceable equipment. Through this spell, Ischkathar, Magus, and Heresy were brought to the same part of the Plane of Desire, to converse as three entities for the first time since the dawn of time. Ischkathar and Magus had similar tastes in meeting places, while Heresy had no strong opinion on the aesthetics of a building; the former two meant that the hall was spacious and open-walled, its roof held up by marble pillars, while the latter meant the building was sturdily constructed and very easy to escape en masse in time if something went horribly wrong. Magus and Ischkathar both manifested in their original forms, a Steel Man and a starfish-like being respectively; Heresy had no original form, and subconsciously decided the most appropriate appearance was that of a green vapour, which became more strongly coloured as it spoke.

"Instructor, I am saddened to report my failure to bring peace to the Saumna."
"It is not your failure alone, Magus. It is the intentional failure of wicked Athalsaar, who deliberately chose a rabid warmonger as his avatar, and then called me a warmonger for allowing the Code to notice."
"It seems that the Azure were not brave enough to do what must be done either."
"Unsurprising," said Heresy, its voice an eerie monotone as it voiced its own thoughts. "They have generally expressed a preference for non-interference in what they perceive as the affairs of other deities. It was an Azure who suggested the Accord, if our master is to be trusted."
"Our master, Heresy?"
"You are summoning the Usurper for advice and orders, intending to obey its edicts. If that doesn't make the Usurper your master, the distinction is lost on me."
"You did not call myself and my avatar to discuss semantics, Magus," said Ischkathar. "You have reported the problem. Can you think of a solution?"
"In theory, the Hunter Saumna could be bribed into submission. Faced with the benefits of a decadent lifestyle they may well decide to recognise their 'true freedom' for the slavery it is."
"Or you could brainwash them, like you did that poor prisoner?"
"What? How did you -
"I am a god, Magus. Everything of importance reaches me eventually. Your action was a significant violation of his autonomy - I ought not to overlook it, regardless of how it freed you from a prison cell without leaving a trail. Did you know that your selected victim already had his doubts about the Hunter way of life?"
"I- I have the magic of Telepathy, instructor, as you t-taught me," said Magus, trying to maintain a calm facade. "I chose someone who would fit the part."
"You did so to make the facade convincing, not to minimise your affront to mortal autonomy. Nonetheless, you did so, and your deeds are more important than your reasons. Though the fact that you also gave him an escape plan is a definite mark in your favour."
"Th-thank you, instructor."
"You're welcome. Now that that's out of the way - why have you ruled out bribery and brainwashing on this occasion?"
"The odds are too long. The back-and-forth failures of Code and Hunter to subvert one another in the war's opening moves demonstrated this. The Saumna cannot reliably influence eachother."
"Then do not influence them with the Saumna," interjected Heresy.

Soon after the spell ended, and Magus rowed out of the Flux, seemingly little worse for wear - his spells had indeed protected him.

Pure roleplay / set-up for my next actual post. Spoilered for length and lack of interaction with other players.

[Ninjaman]

As he got up the next morning, Nightblade sent a raven to Ironbark. He told them to build a smaller fortress at every entrance, making entering Ironbark much harder for his enemies. They did, making Ironbark an even mightier fortress of steelhard wood.
Meanwhile the Hunters continued gathering forces, and, having run out of colors to use, decided calling the new army Ironbark Guardians Green Company.
---
At Xymix's peak the royalists were being opressed, unable to speak they decided that Prime Quary was no throne for a king. The initiated the construction of King's seat, higher up the mountain. From here would the golded king rule.
---
The Azure who listened to The Whisperer constructed the city Civitatem Hyacintho. It was a large blue city at the foot of the mountain, next to the water. They raised an army, The Greatness, to defend it.

31 pts
1 pts Command avatar (Nightblade) Command race (Saumna): expand city (Ironbark)
2 pts Command city (Ironbark): Raise army (Ironbark Guardians Green Company)
0 pts Command army (Ironbark Guardians Green Company): protect Ironbark and cut it off from other gods.
4 pts Command race (Leogadai): Create city (King's Seat)
1 pts Command avatar (The Whisperer) command race (Azure): create city (Civitatem Hyacintho) (In G7)
2 pts Command city (Civitatem Hyacintho) raise army (The Greatness)
0 pts Command Army (The Greatness): Protect Civitatem Hyacintho and cut it off from other gods.
21 pts

[Sir Dancealot]

After spending so much time with Yaelumi, Stahl decided it was time to visit Erste Stadt in person. When he got there, he was in for a shock.

In a world that should have been free of influence of other deities, he felt three. The first was completely new to him, although the power was on par with that of a full god and the feel of her magic seemed vaguely familiar. The other two presences were of lesser entities with a touch of mortality within them.

He shifted his essence to the source. He found his high priest in his home, playing with two small infants. There was also a woman there by his side, sharing in the intimacy of the moment. The woman and the children appeared to be the source of the divine sparks he felt.

“What is going on here? Explain yourself!” said the Forge-Father. His shock caused him to sound more intense than he intended.

"Ah. And thus the great Stahl checks on his children after he left them to fend for themselves for so long. A simple blink by his standards perhaps, but for those that you brought, without warning, it has been something of an eternity. You should be proud of the man that stands before you Forge-Father. He brought them together under a great crisis. And now they stand in something of a golden age." She stepped forward, a smile playing about her lips, a simple, elegant white gown flowing about her ankles.

[Omegonthesane]

The Bloom had no instinctive understanding of what life was like for the mammals and insects and fish it coerced into action. It knew only that there existed differences - that the beasts mourned when some of their branches were pruned, that they had to consciously hunt down and eat food rather than merely absorbing heat or sunlight or electricity, that they wailed and wept and panicked if their leaves were damaged instead of coldly acknowledging the fact and reacting accordingly, that they had fears and doubts alien to the telepathic plants. The Bloom had a working theory for the fears, at least - a fear response was useful in beasts, as they could then run away from the source of their fear, unlike a rooted Bloom cluster.

Animal minds had been simple to manipulate, as had been the unwanted baby Nezumi offered up to the Bloom to be raised as mind-controlled slaves - animal branches followed their desires without question, and deeper thought had not been required. Through the potted clusters that Magus carried into the Great Clearing, the Bloom began to observe en masse a different sort of life form, a sort which had grown up far removed from Bloom influence. It began to read their minds, and saw that they called themselves the Saumna. It saw that each of their branches had an obviously far more intricate and complex set of internal drives compared to any beast the Bloom might raise as a defender - even compared to the Nezumi groups which the Bloom had grown in captivity. This complexity had to be understood if anything was to be done.

A number of lone Saumna branches, unguarded in the depths of the forest, had brief fits of madness as the Bloom experimented on their minds, sending them visions and desires to see how they would react. However, the Bloom quickly decided that it would be both swifter and less obvious if it simply read the minds of all the Saumna it could detect, collated the data, and made predictions before testing those predictions.

The initial insights from making a project of it were profound. The Bloom had theorised that the animals and birds it controlled were entire individual beings, rather than separate lesser intelligences like Bloom clusters which formed a network that acted as one mind, but it had dismissed the thought as absurd. To have it confirmed, en masse, in the Saumna would have been shocking, if the Bloom had the proper glands to generate the hormones for a shock response - the idea that each branch was a mind as complex as the collective consciousness of the Bloom, if less individually capable, was almost disturbing. In practical terms, however, this basic reality was a far less useful revelation than those which followed from it - the notion that Saumna and other mammals could work at cross purposes, that their need to express themselves caused them to create works of beauty and horror, that they would rather do frivolous deeds or observe frivolous things than be idle. The Bloom had entered and acknowledged states similar to those which would cause a Saumna to suffer what they called 'boredom', but the Bloom could always justify creating more power generators or blue-sky Bio-Engineering experiments, so it was slow to comprehend the need for distraction.

Within the year, the Bloom had created a set of procedures by which it could relatively quickly obtain a rigorous academic understanding of the Psychology of any species, an understanding more detailed and thus superior to the instinctive understanding that normal beings possessed.

The advisor intelligence in the Cavern Islands, designated "Heresy", had presumed to order the Bloom's primary being to subvert a Saumna intelligence… no, a Saumna culture designated "the Hunters" in order that the species might no longer be divided against itself. As the psychological experiments came to a close, Heresy advised the Bloom once more, saying that it could not be directly harmed by Saumna efforts, and that resolving their war would be a worthy test of its new theories - and also, that the Saumna might be more forgiving of mind-affecting plants, if the first act of those plants was truly for their own good.

Under Heresy's direction, the Southern Core expanded greatly, going further to harness the volcanic heat and nutrients, eventually reaching twice its original processing power. This would stand it in great stead for the experiment it now wished to perform.

Nightblade's claims about the path of Hunters were not just false, they were the opposite of the truth. There was no path less natural for a Saumna than to murder and slaughter others, and to live in eternal fear of a tyrant based on that tyrant's strength. There was no path in which the Saumna were anything like as close to slavery as the Path of the Hunter - taking the freedom to kill meant losing the far greater freedom to not be killed, taking the freedom to seize possessions meant losing the far greater freedom to [i[keep[/i] possessions, taking the freedom to coerce the weak into obedience meant losing the far greater freedom to not be coerced, and the requirement on the books to kill deserters meant throwing away cheaply the greatest freedom of all - the freedom to change their minds - without even gaining some token minor freedom in return.

Although a number of Hunters had already realised this and defected to other factions, most of them used rhetoric and ritual to avoid the resulting cognitive dissonance - most notably the lie that their path was "true freedom". For most of the Hunters, the Bloom only had to make them face facts, by telepathically sending them thoughts in their own voice that told them exactly why the Hunter path was abject slavery. They had been conditioned to mock and reject such arguments when voiced by others, for a contrary statement was an affront which they had to stand up to, but their training in rhetoric broke down and became useless when it was - as far as they knew - their own thoughts which dissented. The majority of affected Hunters yet rationalised that the "true" Hunter path was still "true freedom"; they concluded that since they were verifiably not living a life of "true freedom" they must therefore have been led astray from this "true path" by Nightblade's tyranny. The few who did not tell themselves this lie defected to other tribes without delay.

The people listened; but it was the armies that had to listen.

The Grey Company was particularly resistant to the truth, which was unfortunate as they had become in many ways the moral core of the Hunters, responsible for defending Hunter values - and were therefore the pillar which had to crumble within. They accepted truth in the end, but the Bloom had to spend the effort it had been saving for the Black Company; worse, the residue of magic would cling more tightly to them than to the other armies, so a significant number of Masque and Steel Men would know something had interfered.

The Brown and Green Companies were far less devoted, and swiftly accepted a better life than eternal fear of Nightblade. They raised up a cabal of Hunters who had already been planning a coup; on paper, the law was unchanged, but much was made of the (false) doctrine that the strongest Hunter restrictions had always been symbolic, that only under tyrannical Nightblade had they ever demanded the literal death of defectors.

Intense street fighting followed, for the Black Company remained strong, and refused to deviate from Nightblade's teachings. In the end, the Green Company were destroyed as a fighting force before the last remnants of the Black Company surrendered, accepting the change of leadership.

Even after the bodies were cleared up, were three visible signs of the change of leadership - two obvious, and one merely unsubtle.

The first obvious sign was a trio of rituals which were expected to be followed for if a person joined, left, or rejoined the Hunters. As the way of nature lasted from birth to death, a new recruit was ritually "reborn", immersed in water and required to take a new name. As it ended only in death, a deserter was required to symbolically "die", going through the motions of a mimed execution and having a grave marker left for them. As there was a practical benefit to allowing people to return, a former defector who wished to come back was symbolically "reborn", taking back their Hunter name and burning their grave marker.

The second obvious sign was an edict posted all around Ironbark. This edict said that for the crimes of tricking the entire Hunter tribe into slavery, perverting the (supposed) ancient traditions of the tribe of Hunters, and actively courting the wrath of their enemies, Nightblade was exiled from Hunter territory on pain of death, such exile to be open to appeal only after the passing of one hundred years.

The merely unsubtle sign was in the songs and performances the new Hunters commissioned. The new propaganda glorified thieves, who took what they wanted by stealth and speed, and it glorified conmen, who took what they wanted by guile and deceit. It shamed and condemned brutes like Nightblade, who took what they wanted by force, and made much of how a single strong individual was no match for the united strength of his would-be victims - how a true Hunter took what he wanted, didn't leave a trail of bodies, blood, or witnesses, and was long gone before the boat rocked.

The Bloom had little time to celebrate the success of its subtle psychological manipulations. In the southwest, the Rockscales pressed towards Heresy's brain, and had to be stopped, yet its reserves were exhausted. Even to delay them would mean taking troops away from the brain or from a Core, if they did it by force. So, instead, the Bloom tried diplomacy.

Rushed, and having committed its resources to one front, the Bloom did not bother to analyse the lizard-creatures on the other front. The idea that one intelligent species was made up of individuals was shocking; the idea that two or more was currently unthinkable, especially as the Rockscales lacked the Saumna's loud proclamations of individual freedom.

A raven approached the coastal city of Dei'Martah; the Rockscales paid it no heed, until it landed on a post and started tweeting actual words at the guards. The syntax was disjointed, but the words were unmistakeably Rockscale in origin.
"Dei'Martah Rockscale: branches: approaching Bloom territory. Branches: tread carefully: all is well. Branches: refuse: branches pruned."

Power roll Turn 15 (http://orokos.com/roll/210040): 2d6+3+6 14
Power rollover: 4 points
Total 18 points

4 points: Advance Race (Bloom) in Psychology. Mass mind-reading allows the Bloom to quickly understand what makes an intelligent species tick, and collate it in a form which if necessary could be explained to non-telepaths [so that other races can plausibly Trade or Political Maneuver to gain the tech, though anyone with Telepathy doesn't need mind caulk to steal Psychology].
1 point: Command Avatar (Magus) to Command Race (Bloom) to Expand City (Great Clearing) with a Bloom district
1 point: Command Avatar (Heresy) to Command Race (Bloom) to Expand City (Southern Core) with a second Bloom district
3 points: Ingrain Advancement (Psychology) in the Bloom

2 points: Command City (Southern Core District 1) to Political Maneuver and subvert the Ironbark Guardians Grey Company!
Subversion of the Grey Company (http://orokos.com/roll/210359): (5d6)-(3d6) -1 (Bloom gets +2d6 Telepathy & +2d6 Psychology, Grey Company gets +2d6 Freedom)
Amazingly, it doesn't work.

2 points: Command City (Southern Core District 2) to Political Maneuver and subvert the Ironbark Guardians Grey Company!
Subversion of the Grey Company, Round 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/210360): (5d6)-(3d6) 9
That's more like it. The Hunters Order is no longer defended.

2 points: Command City (Electric Core) to Political Maneuver and subvert the Ironbark Guardians Brown Company!
Subversion of the Brown Company (http://orokos.com/roll/210361): (5d6)-(3d6) 13
PM succeeds! Brown Company subverted.

2 points: Command City (Great Clearing Bloom District) to Political Maneuver and subvert the Ironbark Guardians Green Company!
Subversion of the Green Company (http://orokos.com/roll/210362): (5d6)-(3d6) 8
PM succeeds! Green Company subverted.

Command Army (IG Green Company) to "attack" and "conquer" Ironbark. They are opposed by the Ironbark Black Company!
Invasion of Ironbark - VS Black Company (http://orokos.com/roll/210448): (2d6+2)-(2d6+3) 0
Mutual destruction.

Command Army (IG Brown Company) to "attack" and "conquer" the defenceless Ironbark, and cut it off from all other gods except Ischkathar. (In fluff terms, they attempt to impose the rule of the new boss.)

Command Army (IG Grey Company) to "attack" and "capture" the defenceless Hunters Order. (In fluff, they spread the faux-revivalist doctrine under which the Hunters no longer serve Nightblade, and shun violence in favour of deception and stealth)

1 point remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+6 Orders to next roll

[Omegonthesane]

Within the day of the Bloom's great act, a rider was ushered into the peace talks. She set foot in the tent in time to see that Silverleaf was first there, ensuring that there was a drink for each of the three other expected attendees - and she watched as his gaze reached her, and watched its motions, from despair at the events of the previous day, through lust for a female stranger, to confusion at her presence in Hunter livery.
"You must be Silverleaf," the stranger asserted, taking a seat and putting her boots up on the table. "I am Blacktree, sent by the Hunters to speak with you. In the absence of Nightblade the Tyrant, there's been a coup. Tell the other two, the Lady Fair and... Commander who's it of who cares... that I now represent the Hunters here."

[Ninjaman]

The faceless god looked as the hunters turned loyal to the Usurper. He waved his hand, and a table with a pile of paper appeared before him. He used his blade to make a small cut in his right thumb. With his blood he wrote on the paper "THE FACELESS GOD CALLS FOR YOUR PRESENCE IN ATHRABETH. THE FATE OF THE WORLD DEPENDS ON IT." Once he had written the letters, he folded them up and conjured shadow ravens to deliver them to the gods. After he had done this he traveled to Athrabeth. Here he sat down in his seat, and waited.

[Ladorak]

The Company Commander had simply sat back and watched for two reasons. At first he was enraged and merely fought to hold his tongue, but all fires eventually burn out and so he then watched with a growing sense of unreality. Nightblade wanted war. Not for gain, not for honour or skill, not for joy or revenge. He just wanted war. How could you reason with such a man? How could you sit at peace talks with him? There was no hope of ending this war, not while Nightblade lived. He knew that now. He knew the Saumra, many hundreds of them now, they were a beautiful and joyful people. Nightblade was the corrupt core of a sickness in their hearts. He was pollution that fouled the forest with blood. He was a madman empowered by a mad god and there was only one sane solution left, had one the bravery to see it.

The Company Commander was a brave man, abide one riven with doubts. He knew what he must do. He sat there and watched the rest with an even greater sense of disbelief. To discover Nightblade tortured dissenters was of course no surprise at all, if anything it was the only thing that made sense until the Lady called for peace. He shook his head as the meeting broke up. 'I admire you lady, but I fear I cannot be like you, and I believe you cannot succeed. I do not believe I will be at the negotiations tomorrow. It has been a pleasure meeting you.'

Action, always action killed the doubt, killed the fear at the edges of his mind. He had a plan now, a desperate plan for a desperate time. The Staff Officer welcomed him to the command tent 'How are the negotiations going sir?'
Assemble the Company. Tomorrow we march on Ironbark.'
'Not well then sir?'
The Commander took his helmet off and looked into the eyes of his oldest friend. He should never have been a solider. Not because he was soft, he was old yet still as able with a blade as a man half his age. He, the Staff Officer loved each and every one of the men. He was not made for war. He looked right back into the eyes of the commander 'You're not joking are you?'
The Commander shook his head. 'Stern wasn't exaggerating Stone. Nightblade is insane. He wants war. That's it. It'll never end with him. All these talks do is give him time to rearm. He all but said it to our faces. He have to end it now, he have to cut the infection out now, while we still can.'
'Sir, please... We don't have the men, even with the Saumra Ironbark outmans us three to one, and them in that great fort. We can't'
'We don't have to Stone. All we have to do is enough bloody damage to let the Lady or the Vode just walk into the place. If the Code have any sense they'll execute Nightblade there and then. It is a thing that must be done, and only we can do it.'
'We can't sir... You know we can't.'
'And yet we must. Maybe when we die we will go to Erste Stadt.'
'Is there nothing that would convince you sir?'
'No.'
'Now Commander' said a woman's voice from the tend flap 'I would not be so sure about that.'
Sha'Va came in, grinning from ear to ear, and while the Commander was reflecting that the Speakers were a strange folk indeed he realized who stood beside the ancient Speaker. He and Stone gasped, realizing who she was.
Well... I stand corrected.'
'Stalwart Commander...' Stone could only gap in shock, staring with disbelief at the head of their Order, a friend, ally and commanding officer then had thought lost forever. But the words called the old solider's reflexes out, they saluted as one 'How...'
Stalwart Commander Long was huge even by the standards of the Steel Men, with a proud jutting jaw. She smiled now from ear to ear, and there had never been a smile so big in the Great Forest before 'At ease gentlemen.'
Permission to speak freely Ma'am?'
A tiny frown of curiosity dented her brow, but did not ease the smile 'Granted.'
'It's bloody good to see you again Jane
If the smile could have widened it would have. I've missed you both too. It is so good to see you. I've been following your exploits for some time, I've had quite the time getting to you... Oh, sorry Stone. I wasn't in the city when it vanished. I was in Seaport reorganizing our network there. Near lost hope when I heard. I thought it the end of our Order, not many of us in Seaport. Then I heard about you. I am proud of you H... Commander . I'm not here to relieve you so take that pensive look off your face.'
The Commander looked chagrined, only then realizing that he had looked pensive, that he had been worrying about just that at the back of his mind.
'You've done a good job here. Your arrival helped stabilize the region, bought time for other powers to work. now the smile faded 'I have not been idle in Seaport as you have been crusaded my friends. I have learned much. There are higher powers at work in the world, an order of things we can only dimly perceive. You have seen one example of the Murderer's power and influence up close, and not cared for the experience I gather. The new city that has just arrived in the Great Forest, the blue people, they too have been bewitched by him. Another power, the one that made the Magus, it has... other creatures. They act now in subtle ways in Ironbark. There are others too.'
'Stalh?'
I have heard... things of the Forge Father, it might be the Lady Fair is one of his. And he signed an Accord with the Azure Pantheon, of all the gods only they would sign it.'
'Who are they?'
If you sometimes saw a blue glimmer in the distance north of home, that's their home. A whole mountain of blue obsidian and sapphires, rising up higher than the clouds.'
'And how do you know these things?
Well that's why I'm here Commander, more or less. Now send somebody to get me warm food and whatever passes for ale in these parts. Sit down gentlemen, this is a long story.


Ek'nidus meanwhile finds himself back on the Dust Planes, having found the Infested Lands uncomfortable for its "survival of the fittest" outlook the Rockscales have established there. As much as he tried to speak, he could not convince that outlook to change; nor could he convince his kind to cease the subjugation or shunning of the Nezumi or Steelscales that he witnessed in the various cities. Instead he finds himself traveling the eastern borders of the Rockscales' city-states, making sure no one ends up surprise attacking any of those cities. It was then that he came across one who came down the Azure Mountains, Facile Telum in fact. Ek'nidus' legs quaked at first witnessing one of the Azure Pantheon. The Rockscale knew he had no place to meet with a god on neutral terms, much less try to stop Telum if the Azure were to invade the Dust Planes. However bravery is a gift Akriot left within the Rockscales for good reason; Ek'nidus made good use of it as he approached Facile Telum. "You, Azure," he begins, attempting to sound commanding and confident in what Telum can see as a futile attempt to hide fear. "What are you coming here for, to our home?"

Why Bellum! What do you suppose this is?' Like a great child was Favile Tellum, his dull face lit up and shone with pure delight at this new and strange thing, slack and lost in the child's joy of a potential toy or playmate.
Rubicon looked at him sidelong Bellum's Shadow, and it's a Rockscale... Of sorts. He's a special one, no doubt.'
His great brow furrowed, he scowled as he thought, as he so often did. His already impressively sloped and thick forehead came down to almost bury his eyes under the thick curled mess of his eyebrows 'What's a Rockscale?'
Rubicon looked at him struggling to hide a whole range of reactions. Surprise, confusion, a touch of disdain and more than a note of jealousy to name but a few. 'Tellum you... Nevermind. Greetings Rockscale, you need not fear us we are merely passing through your land, and mean no harm. I am Rubicon, Bellum's Shadow, and this is Facile Tellum of the Azure. He is what you would call a god of the Azure. Who are you?'

**********

The founding of Caster's Peak is a sad story, and a familiar one. Two brothers, Caster and Crastor, deeply loving and deeply ambitious, whose ambition eventually tore the love apart. Both brothers agreed to found a city, but could not agree where, nor what name it should have. Both had settled on a mountain far from Landfall where they might start anew, one looking out on the endless ocean to the south, but Caster was for the Peak, and Crastor for the plateau below. Both stood their spots and waited for a sign from Sol Invictus. Crastor saw six Giant Eagles circling the Plateau. Caster said he saw twelve and took this as incontrovertible proof of divine backing. He promptly started sinkiing the foundations of the city and named it after himself. Crastor never truly believed his brother and they would later come to blows. This irrevocably fixed the two locations destiny. Soon the Casters Peak would expand to engulf the plateau anyway, but always the Peak was for winners and the plateau for losers. Success and Failure, prestige and shame. There, expressed in the very geography of the city, these polar opposites, were the two cores of life in Casters Peak.

Just as a mighty climb on jagged rock separated Caster and Crastor a massive gulf separated the powerful and the powerless in Castors Peak. Although they claimed the title of Senators for themselves the reins of power over so many were held by so few atop the Peak that the city might rightly be regarded as an oligarchy, abide one with elections. Meanwhile Landfall became a true collective, not dissimilar to the democracy of the Legodai. There was much travel between the two, and although they endured without complaint the great hardship of it it cost the Mountain Azure much in time and effort, and while none perished on the journey, falling to break upon the stone, many did fall and greatly injury themselves. Showing pity Sol Invictus stretched out his hand and changed the birds and bees of the mountains, and brought to it great powerful goats, fleeter of foot then any might dream. With their Divine Spark these Giant Eagles and Goats soon came to serve the Mountain Azure, and no more were risked upon the arduous journey around the Azure Mountain.

********

Tellum and Rubicon came to the Great Forest, just as the Stalwart Commander Long said they would. This did not make the Commander trust anymore her 'source,' nor did he feel any better about hiding in the bushes close by while they approached her. She played it cool though, he had to admit, probably better than he could. 'Greetings Azure. I bring a message, there is a city not far north of here, one of the Azure. They call themselves the Chosen and the Greatness.'
And are the Azure not these things?' the big one thundered, the ground shook with each word. still she was calm as could be
'Maybe, but these ones are not chosen by Sol Invictus. You may go there, but they would not welcome you, Facile Tellum
HOW DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?' It was like being in the middle of an earthquake and a twister. From the ground Long eventually replied
'They do not herald Sol Invictus as their King, they have rejected him as a father.'
'They... what?' Confusion was wrought clear on every line of his face. He asked quietly, whispering almost, the ground did not thunder this time.
The other one, the woman seemingly made of smoke and shadow 'You are sure of this?'
'They serve the Murderer, you need only go there to see it. I swear it.'
'They... what?' still the ground does not tremble, but the confusion is gone. He asks with blood on his mind, and it drips out into his words. He is angry now, very angry. He swells with power, swelling up in size until the stood taller than the tallest tree in the forest. He went to Civitatem Hyacintho with his axe in his hand. He demanded the gate guards proclaim there and then their fealty to their true king and father, and when they refused he went into a rage that had no equal in history. Only the quick were spared, only those wise enough to see the blind fury in Tellum's eyes and know him directionless. Those quick enough to hide or quick enough to outrun their fellows are spared. The Greatness are slaughtered to the very last man. None remain who could relate the specifics of that battle, Tellum would not even remember it when he had finally calmed down and came back to himself amid a city of blood, a city of blue blood, of his making. The battered survivors fearfully approached him with a new name, the Repentant, and they proclaimed there and then their undying loyalty to Sol Invictus, King and father of all Azure.

Sorry for doing the old two places at one trick. Tellum didn't just walk away from Ek'nidus. Also sorry I forgot to detail Casters Peak
16 points
-2 Tellum attacks Civitatem Hyacintho.
-2 Civitatem Hyacintho trains an army. The Repentant
-3 ingrain Divine Spark in Azure (Done after the battle, obviously)
-3 inherit Divine Spark in Mountain Azure
-1 (Avatar) Order in the Rockscales. Exact nature of which I will work out with Starsign IC and OOC
-0 Create life in the Azure mountain range: Giant Eagles, Dire Mountain Goats and the Azurian Bee, a curious creature that produces a divine tasting mead-like drink
5 remaining
Civitatem Hyacintho is cut off from other gods.

[Justicar]

"Ah. And thus the great Stahl checks on his children after he left them to fend for themselves for so long. A simple blink by his standards perhaps, but for those that you brought, without warning, it has been something of an eternity. You should be proud of the man that stands before you Forge-Father. He brought them together under a great crisis. And now they stand in something of a golden age." She stepped forward, a smile playing about her lips, a simple, elegant white gown flowing about her ankles.

Stahl looks at the unknown deity incredulously. "First Ischkathar accuses of being a controlling despot and then you blame me for being a neglectful father,” Stahl replied. "I taught my grandchildren soul-binding to protect them from things they were unprepared for, like a parent pulling a toddler away from a burning flame, and I brought them here because I knew they would make something truly great if free from manipulations.

"I made certain that they had all the resources to not only survive, but to thrive as well. If I were to constantly hover over my grandchildren, then they would never learn to do things on their own and would become increasingly reliant on gods to do the simplest of tasks.”

Pabst looked back and forth, confused at why his god was agitated with his wife who was arguing with right back with a divine being. He comforted his children as they seemed to sense the intention in the room.

"To claim rights to all of their achievements though would be hubris for even a god, Stahl continued. "My grandchildren accomplished wonders, not because of their faith in me, but because of my faith in them.

"You have no idea the havoc your mere presence has caused by being in Forge World.


They accepted truth in the end, but the Bloom had to spend the effort it had been saving for the Black Company; worse, the residue of magic would cling more tightly to them than to the other armies, so a significant number of Masque and Steel Men would know something had interfered.

The Lady Fair was hurrying down the corridor to the summit room with news of her findings when a wave of fire seemed to wash over her. She screamed in pain and fell to her knees. She wanted to bash her head against the walls or claws at her True Face until her fingers were bloody, anything to end the agony.

Thankfully, the pain slowly diminished, but a pounding migraine continued. It felt like some alien force had draped itself over the city. The Lady Fair slowly and excruciatingly got to her feet and to the courtyard door.

Many of the Saumna appeared normal and went about their normal business. Some though, mostly the ones wearing the colors of the Hunters, looked enraptured as if they were seeing some grand revelation for the first time. The soul-bound visitors of Great Clearing looking either baffled or, if they were especially attuned, in pain at what just happened.

There was one person there that seemed relatively unfazed, although confused and angry by what was happening: Nightblade. Oddly enough, his rage was a bastion of normality in a world that momentarily had gone topsy-turvy. She staggered over to him and clutched his arm for stability.

“H-help me…” she stammered. “Or- Ortheu-“ She collapsed at his feet before she could get anymore out.

RP post. Working on ‘Point Post’ now.

[Ninjaman]

Nightblade helped Lady Fair back up. "What is the matter Fair." He asked with a sad questioning expression on his face. "Did you feel it too. It was the work of the Usurper. You see? I am not the enemy."

[Justicar]

Lady Fair wanted slap away Nightblade’s hand. His were so soaked in the blood of generations of Saumna that he practically reeked of it. However, currently, he was the most sane she had ever seen him and she desperately need some form of ally.

“D-discovered plot. M-magi spell.” Lady Fair’s words were short and clipped as she forced herself to speak through the pain. Usually, her heightened sensitivity to the world and people around her was a blessing but, at this moment, it was a curse. All other soul-bound in Great Clearing were merely experiencing mild discomfort or buzzing in their ears.

She needed assistance. She needed someone that could get her out of Great Clearing and back to Ortheum. She needed someone with help from someone who could possibly stop whatever this insidious influence was. She needed… an army, preferable a soul-bound one.

“B-blue Sssteel. We n-need B-blue Sssteel,” hissed Lady Fair, as she looked up at him, imploringly. “C-can you get me there?”

[Ninjaman]

"Blue steel? What are you talking about Fair?" Nightblade looks puzzled. "Is it a city? I have never heard of it." He picks her up and carries her out of the corridor. "Where exactly are we going again?"

[Justicar]

"Blue steel? What are you talking about Fair?" Nightblade looks puzzled. "Is it a city? I have never heard of it." He picks her up and carries her out of the corridor. "Where exactly are we going again?"

"The B-blue Steel C-company. You just m-met them yesterday, you b-blithering idiot," snapped Lady Fair, but immediately regretted it.

"I'm s-sorry. Didn't mean to s-say that," she apologized. "The pain I feel here in G-great Clearing is incredibly. We should be able to f-find them on the outskirts of the c-city."

As the pain lessened, she realized she was being carried. "You can put me down now. I believe I can walk. Besides, we'll be more inconspicuous if you're not carrying me through town."

[Ninjaman]

"Alright." Nightblade said as he placed Lady Fair back on the ground. "But in my defence you did have trouble standing up." He looked around, obviously having no idea where they were heading. "You lead the way."

[Sir Dancealot]

Stahl looks at the unknown deity incredulously. "First Ischkathar accuses of being a controlling despot and then you blame me for being a neglectful father,” Stahl replied. "I taught my grandchildren soul-binding to protect them from things they were unprepared for, like a parent pulling a toddler away from a burning flame, and I brought them here because I knew they would make something truly great if free from manipulations.

"I made certain that they had all the resources to not only survive, but to thrive as well. If I were to constantly hover over my grandchildren, then they would never learn to do things on their own and would become increasingly reliant on gods to do the simplest of tasks.”

Pabst looked back and forth, confused at why his god was agitated with his wife who was arguing with right back with a divine being. He comforted his children as they seemed to sense the intention in the room.

"To claim rights to all of their achievements though would be hubris for even a god, Stahl continued. "My grandchildren accomplished wonders, not because of their faith in me, but because of my faith in them.

"You have no idea the havoc your mere presence has caused by being in Forge World.



Solaine chuckled, amused, "My very nature is one of Havok. Just as yours is Change Forge-Father. We both consume, but in different ways. She looked down upon her children, her smile sad, "I never questioned your teachings Stahl. I will be the first to say that your people are beautiful, glorious men and women. No. I question your transposition and abandonment of them." She looked at her fellow god, wry amusement playing along her lips, her red hair pulled back in a braid, "I did not come here of my own will. In fact, you are the one that stuck me here. So tell me again Stahl. Who's Fault is it that I am Here?"

[Justicar]

Solaine chuckled, amused, "No. I question your transposition and abandonment of them." She looked at her fellow god, wry amusement playing along her lips, her red hair pulled back in a braid, "I did not come here of my own will. In fact, you are the one that stuck me here. So tell me again Stahl. Who's Fault is it that I am Here?"

"I saw the corruption of the Enlightened, the harsh sun rising to the West and the shadows spreading from the Deep Forest. I knew that my grandchildren had the potential to do so much good in the world if given time." Stahl spread his arms and gestured around him. "All of this is for them to continue their growth and development in peace. Every resource they need is at their disposal to make wonders."

"I wasn't here because this new world is still nascent and very fragile. A divine spark could be enough to bring it all to ruin," Stahl explained. "You've upset the balance. It'll be centuries before it is stable enough for myself or any other god to walk here for an extended amount of time. I am sorry that you got caught in the transition, your very presence here now could be enough to make it collapse and destroy everything. I'm sorry, but you cannot stay here."

[Justicar]

"Alright." Nightblade said as he placed Lady Fair back on the ground. "But in my defence you did have trouble standing up." He looked around, obviously having no idea where they were heading. "You lead the way."

"First, I want some information on what happened while I was in the dungeon and we could possibly use some disguises." She looked at his ebony skin and touched her True Face. "Such as we can... Stay here for a bit."

Lady Fair effortlessly moved through the market crowds, shopping for clothing and listening to the gossip. The entire city seemed abuzz about the sudden conversion of the Hunters. From what she heard of the new and approved Hunters, she might have favored them over the bloodthirsty thugs they used to be. But something about it all just seemed off, especially whenever she bumped into a Saumna wearing Hunter colors.

The suddenness of it all, literally happening overnight, and how complete it seemed. Very little bloodshed besides the holdouts of the famed Black Company. No one Saumna could tell her why they decided to change their ways, just that they had. Every single one seemed to have had a revelation during the night with no other person prompting them to change their ways. Adding how they seemed to be saturated with magic just raised her hackles more.

Whatever the Magi had done must have been powerful. The fact that they had been waiting for so long without revealing themselves was worrying. She could not figure out what their ultimate plan possibly could be and that scared her the most.

By the time she returned to Nightblade, she had an assortment of clothes, a good deal of information and a lot more questions than she was comfortable with.

[Ninjaman]

"What was your business in the dungeon?" Nightblade asked her.

Nightblade put on his hood to hide his face. "This would be all the disguise i need."

[Justicar]

"I wanted to learn more about your so-called deserter before the next summit meeting," Lady Fair explained. "Plus I'd heard some disturbing rumors from other Masques that got too close to him.

"I have reason to believe he may not have to betrayed you... completely of his own free will," she forced herself to admit. "There was a strong taint of magic about him. In fact, he may have been the test bed for the Magi's ritual that happened to the rest of the Hunters last night."

"I don't know how many other Saumna have been effected by this spell, but you seem to be one of the few untouched by whatever has bent their wills. Right now, you are a lesser of evil, but still an evil. I will see the Saumna free and that a natural peace returns to the Deep Forest."

By that point, they'd reached the edge of Great Clearing. "Do you think you can get us past the guard houses unseen and to the Steel Man army camped outside?"

[Ninjaman]

"I knew it. No chance he would defy me of his own free will. Nobody is that stupid."

"Of course I am untouched Fair. I am no mortal. Magic could not harm me from such a great distance. You should know that."

"I can get past unseen. But I don't have a magical pocket you can reside in. Can't you use some of your flower magic to get us through?"

[Starsign]

Why Bellum! What do you suppose this is?' Like a great child was Favile Tellum, his dull face lit up and shone with pure delight at this new and strange thing, slack and lost in the child's joy of a potential toy or playmate.
Rubicon looked at him sidelong Bellum's Shadow, and it's a Rockscale... Of sorts. He's a special one, no doubt.'
His great brow furrowed, he scowled as he thought, as he so often did. His already impressively sloped and thick forehead came down to almost bury his eyes under the thick curled mess of his eyebrows 'What's a Rockscale?'
Rubicon looked at him struggling to hide a whole range of reactions. Surprise, confusion, a touch of disdain and more than a note of jealousy to name but a few. 'Tellum you... Nevermind. Greetings Rockscale, you need not fear us we are merely passing through your land, and mean no harm. I am Rubicon, Bellum's Shadow, and this is Facile Tellum of the Azure. He is what you would call a god of the Azure. Who are you?'

Ek'nidus' boiling body shivered when he was told that what he sees is a god of the Azure. He really was looking at someone presumably beyond his own power. Granted, Ek'nidus had not expected a god so... short in foreknowledge but it does not mean much for the Rockscale. How is he to explain himself to such a deity? Frankly he might not have been able to had this other being, Rubicon, not be much smarter.

In the presence of Facile Tellum, Ek'nidus felt he is being commanded to speak. His mouth jitters a couple times trying to think of something proper to speak. He should feel safe being dressed in full armor, incredibly bulky and heavy rock imbued with Akriot's fire. On Ek'nidus' back lay his massive metal spear, nearly doubling in length compared to him; a fantastic weapon for reach that his claws simply do not have. In spite of this he still felt inadequately too weak to speak. "I am Ek'nidus, the warrior-king," he opens up, revealing his title in full for better or worse. His coarse voice speaks unusually worse than most Rockscales, with Rubicon and Tellum both able to notice Ek'nidus' mouth soaking in blood red. "I've heard of the Azure but you are the first I have seen."

9 points to spend, not spending them here this turn.

[Omegonthesane]

"I knew it. No chance he would defy me of his own free will. Nobody is that stupid."

"Of course I am untouched Fair. I am no mortal. Magic could not harm me from such a great distance. You should know that."

"I can get past unseen. But I don't have a magical pocket you can reside in. Can't you use some of your flower magic to get us through?"

Unfortunately, Nighblade's estimation of his mastery of disguise was quite unfounded, as he no doubt found out when a confused guard left his post at the gate to approach the guest.

"...My lord," the guard said, audibly unsure what the proper title of respect was for the ex-leader of the Hunters, and completely failing to recognise the Lady Fair despite feeling strangely at peace. "Although your diplomatic position has been usurped, you are still a guest of the Code. You are in no danger. Are you going anywhere specific?"

Fortunately, the guard seemed genuine, even to the honed senses of the Lady Fair.

[Ninjaman]

Nightblade was surprised his cover was blown so quickly, but tried to act cool. "Nah, just going to catch some fresh air. I hope that's not against any code laws." He said with a disgusting amount of superiority in his voice.

[Omegonthesane]

The guard was briefly incensed, but amazingly enough had seen more insensitive tourists in his time, many of whom did not have the benefit of being immortal nobility.
"S-sure, my lord. If you wish to depart, though, come through the gate please, we'll need to register that you're not here in case of an emergency."

~~~

Tensions were by no means entirely absent between Silverleaf and Blacktree, as they hashed out a truce in the absence of the other delegates. The Code had been the aggressors, so it was the Code that ended up having to pay a small sum of reparations, a sum which was reduced by considerations of the Hunters' blatant aggression. To Silverleaf's dismay, there were no binding laws which could be used to punish excesses in war; thus, part of the new truce was to write such a set of rules and customs of war, forbidding the involvement of non-combatants in war, and requiring that prisoners of war be kept reasonably well and sold back for ransom, not tortured and executed.

In the end, the Hunters were able to resume what they thought were their old ways, fleecing and conning and staying on guard against one another, with the benefits of regular trade with the other tribes and reduced risk of death per capita.

[Sir Dancealot]

"I saw the corruption of the Enlightened, the harsh sun rising to the West and the shadows spreading from the Deep Forest. I knew that my grandchildren had the potential to do so much good in the world if given time." Stahl spread his arms and gestured around him. "All of this is for them to continue their growth and development in peace. Every resource they need is at their disposal to make wonders."

"I wasn't here because this new world is still nascent and very fragile. A divine spark could be enough to bring it all to ruin," Stahl explained. "You've upset the balance. It'll be centuries before it is stable enough for myself or any other god to walk here for an extended amount of time. I am sorry that you got caught in the transition, your very presence here now could be enough to make it collapse and destroy everything. I'm sorry, but you cannot stay here."

Her smile was small, sad even, "It wouldn't be the first time a world fell to my hands. She said quietly, "You'd think a god of creation would be better at making things. But yes, I have spent much too long here. The world is ready to meet my people." She looked back upon her family, her smiled cracked, and almost fell, "Surely they can stay? Their power is not much. It will grow with time, but by then the world should be stable. They deserve better than I."

[Ninjaman]

The guard was briefly incensed, but amazingly enough had seen more insensitive tourists in his time, many of whom did not have the benefit of being immortal nobility.
"S-sure, my lord. If you wish to depart, though, come through the gate please, we'll need to register that you're not here in case of an emergency."

"Alright." Nightblade said as they followed the guard. He whispered to Lady Fair just low enough that the guard couldn't hear it. "Don't you have some trick to get us out of this mess?"

[Justicar]

"Alright." Nightblade said as they followed the guard. He whispered to Lady Fair just low enough that the guard couldn't hear it. "Don't you have some trick to get us out of this mess?"

Lady Fair fought the urge to roll her eyes. "I'll see what my 'flower magic' can do."

She sidled up to the guard. "I don't think that's necessary. After all, we're merely want to walk around the fields a bit. Why, you could probably watch us from guard houses and warn us if there is an emergency."

She placed a slender hand on his shoulder. "Besides, what is there to worry about? The Code and the Hunters are finally have a truce, there are Steel Men units patrolling outside and there is peace in the Deep Forest first time in a long time. We'll be back before the ink even dries."

[Omegonthesane]

Lady Fair fought the urge to roll her eyes. "I'll see what my 'flower magic' can do."

She sidled up to the guard. "I don't think that's necessary. After all, we're merely want to walk around the fields a bit. Why, you could probably watch us from guard houses and warn us if there is an emergency."

She placed a slender hand on his shoulder. "Besides, what is there to worry about? The Code and the Hunters are finally have a truce, there are Steel Men units patrolling outside and there is peace in the Deep Forest first time in a long time. We'll be back before the ink even dries."

"It isn't about that, er, citizen," said the guard. "If the Clearing catches fire or something, we don't want people looking for you in the ruins. That's why we register who enters and leaves." That part of the argument had logical weight when applied to a building, but the Clearing was open-topped, and the guard hadn't thought through the problems. "Besides, Nightblade is a guest of the state rather than of a single family within it - the State is going to want to know it doesn't have to bother turning the Clearing upside down looking for him if one day he goes missing. It isn't about restricting travel, really."

[Justicar]

"It isn't about that, er, citizen," said the guard. "If the Clearing catches fire or something, we don't want people looking for you in the ruins. That's why we register who enters and leaves." That part of the argument had logical weight when applied to a building, but the Clearing was open-topped, and the guard hadn't thought through the problems. "Besides, Nightblade is a guest of the state rather than of a single family within it - the State is going to want to know it doesn't have to bother turning the Clearing upside down looking for him if one day he goes missing. It isn't about restricting travel, really."

Lady Fair brushed her hand across his cheek as if fixing a wayward strand of hair and glazed deeply into his eyes. "But Nightblade belongs to no State at this point. From what I heard in the market, Blacktree now rules both Ironbark and the Hunters. Nightblade is now... merely a Free Saumna. You wouldn't want to be known as a person that restricts the passage of Free Saumna, do you?" asked Lady Fair, shaking her head sadly.

"However, I understand that there a rules, regulations and guidelines that you must follow," she said soothingly but putting subtle emphasis on certain words. "In the spirit of cooperation, how about we compromise? I'll write my name and add 'plus one'. That way if there is a fire, you'll come looking for me and know that I'll have someone else with me."

She plucked the quill from his hand and wrote 'Desco Nocido + 1' in his ledger. "Is that better?"

[Justicar]

Her smile was small, sad even, "It wouldn't be the first time a world fell to my hands. She said quietly, "You'd think a god of creation would be better at making things. But yes, I have spent much too long here. The world is ready to meet my people." She looked back upon her family, her smiled cracked, and almost fell, "Surely they can stay? Their power is not much. It will grow with time, but by then the world should be stable. They deserve better than I."

"Unfortunately, a house is most vulnerable when the frame is going up.

Stahl paused and looked at the children, as if doing calculations in his head. "Unfortunately, power required for you to leave is tremendous and could unbalance the dimensional fulcrum. You'd need an anchor to reduce the impact. Something semi-mortal and with ties to Londorthell. One child would have to go with you, but I swear when the world is stable, they will be reunited."

At this point, Pabst had had enough. "Solanna darling, what is going on here? What is the Forge-Father talking about?" He couldn't help the fear that creeped into his voice.

[Omegonthesane]

Lady Fair brushed her hand across his cheek as if fixing a wayward strand of hair and glazed deeply into his eyes. "But Nightblade belongs to no State at this point. From what I heard in the market, Blacktree now rules both Ironbark and the Hunters. Nightblade is now... merely a Free Saumna. You wouldn't want to be known as a person that restricts the passage of Free Saumna, do you?" asked Lady Fair, shaking her head sadly.

"However, I understand that there a rules, regulations and guidelines that you must follow," she said soothingly but putting subtle emphasis on certain words. "In the spirit of cooperation, how about we compromise? I'll write my name and add 'plus one'. That way if there is a fire, you'll come looking for me and know that I'll have someone else with me."

She plucked the quill from his hand and wrote 'Desco Nocido + 1' in his ledger. "Is that better?"

The guard's face turned at the attempted innuendo; the Lady Fair had touched his sympathies, but rules were rules. That said, she did seem to think that the rules required more restriction than was actually the case - and had misunderstood the problem, if she thought that the outgoings ledger was the place to put names.

"First, that's less than useless if you're going with him - that's the list of people to take off the list of guests. Knowing that '+1 official visitor' is gone doesn't help us detect which one and doesn't help cover up which one in the long run.

"Second, we weren't planning to restrict the movement of a Free Saumna, we just need to know that he's out if he's out and that he's in if he's in... Wait..." Something clicked behind the guard's eyes, and his voice dropped, hardly carrying two feet. "You're afraid of reprisals, aren't you? Whoever took over the Hunters might want to screw the old boss yet further, and if they're barking up the wrong tree for a while you get time to escape. I get you now. I don't think we've got a procedure for it, but well, things don't get entered if the report's misfiled, and it could be months before someone finds today's records under the sofa..."

[Justicar]

The guard's face turned at the attempted innuendo; the Lady Fair had touched his sympathies, but rules were rules. That said, she did seem to think that the rules required more restriction than was actually the case - and had misunderstood the problem, if she thought that the outgoings ledger was the place to put names.

"First, that's less than useless if you're going with him - that's the list of people to take off the list of guests. Knowing that '+1 official visitor' is gone doesn't help us detect which one and doesn't help cover up which one in the long run.

"Second, we weren't planning to restrict the movement of a Free Saumna, we just need to know that he's out if he's out and that he's in if he's in... Wait..." Something clicked behind the guard's eyes, and his voice dropped, hardly carrying two feet. "You're afraid of reprisals, aren't you? Whoever took over the Hunters might want to screw the old boss yet further, and if they're barking up the wrong tree for a while you get time to escape. I get you now. I don't think we've got a procedure for it, but well, things don't get entered if the report's misfiled, and it could be months before someone finds today's records under the sofa..."

Lady Fair tapped the edge of her True Face near her right eye. "I'm glad you see where I am coming from. I greatly appreciate your assistance. We'll just be on our way."

After they were out of earshot, Lady Fair whispered to Nightblade, "The main Blue Steel camp is in that direction. Think you can get us there without getting us into more trouble?"

[Ninjaman]

"How hard can it be? We just walk there." He said quietly. "Also don't ask me to do anything. You have your tricks, I have mine. It's just that mine usually.." He corrects himself "..Always involve killing people. And I get the feeling that you are not too fond of that."

[Ladorak]

"How hard can it be? We just walk there." He said quietly. "Also don't ask me to do anything. You have your tricks, I have mine. It's just that mine usually.." He corrects himself "..Always involve killing people. And I get the feeling that you are not too fond of that."

It is not long before they are intercepted by a sentry, who asks them friend from foe and then refuses to believe their answer when he recognized Nightblade. It took no small amount of the Lady's diplomatic talents to get them to the command tent and not whatever passed for a prison within the camp
Nightblade is the first through the tent flap

Nightblade, what a pleasant surprise he slipped his helmet on with one fluid moment, hiding the broad grin across his face 'Terribly sorry about the coup. Still, if I understood your words yesterday correctly this is good for you, by your own lights, is it not? They make you stronger by turning the whole of the Great Forest against you. You are more powerful than ever now you don't have a friend in the world, yes?' The Company Commander had in fact been expecting Nightblade to come to him for asylum and had many quips of this vain prepared. Not all were funny, or even clever, but he was damned if he was going to shield the murderous despot until he had heard each and every one. As he opened his mouth to deliver another the Lady Fair entered the command tent, and the words died on his lips

Mi'Lady... Worry and ruin are writ large on every line of your face... What is wrong?'


Ek'nidus' boiling body shivered when he was told that what he sees is a god of the Azure. He really was looking at someone presumably beyond his own power. Granted, Ek'nidus had not expected a god so... short in foreknowledge but it does not mean much for the Rockscale. How is he to explain himself to such a deity? Frankly he might not have been able to had this other being, Rubicon, not be much smarter.

In the presence of Facile Tellum, Ek'nidus felt he is being commanded to speak. His mouth jitters a couple times trying to think of something proper to speak. He should feel safe being dressed in full armor, incredibly bulky and heavy rock imbued with Akriot's fire. On Ek'nidus' back lay his massive metal spear, nearly doubling in length compared to him; a fantastic weapon for reach that his claws simply do not have. In spite of this he still felt inadequately too weak to speak. "I am Ek'nidus, the warrior-king," he opens up, revealing his title in full for better or worse. His coarse voice speaks unusually worse than most Rockscales, with Rubicon and Tellum both able to notice Ek'nidus' mouth soaking in blood red. "I've heard of the Azure but you are the first I have seen."

He is not Azure, he is Azure. I... I do not know exactly what I am, but I am no Azure. Greetings to you Ek'nidus, warrior-king
'I like that name. Ig-Nidious. It is a powerful name, you look powerful Ig-Nidious, are you? Are you mighty? Are you brave?'
Rubicon could easily sense the flow of Tellum's thoughts, if they could be called that, and quickly moved to divert them 'The Azure and Azure are an insular people. We create quite enough problems of our own. Maybe you would tell my... half uncle here a little of the Rockscales, your culture and history, your way of life. I sure he would be fascinated.'


The faceless god looked as the hunters turned loyal to the Usurper. He waved his hand, and a table with a pile of paper appeared before him. He used his blade to make a small cut in his right thumb. With his blood he wrote on the paper "THE FACELESS GOD CALLS FOR YOUR PRESENCE IN ATHRABETH. THE FATE OF THE WORLD DEPENDS ON IT." Once he had written the letters, he folded them up and conjured shadow ravens to deliver them to the gods. After he had done this he traveled to Athrabeth. Here he sat down in his seat, and waited.

Having banished his diplomat so soon, and mistrusting one titled the Murderer too much to risk his kin in the spider's den, Sol Invictus himself went forth to Athrabeth 'The Faceless God does not 'call' the Azure, much less the Azure. You request our presence, you beg our presence. What have you... asked me here for?'

[Omegonthesane]

Having banished his diplomat so soon, and mistrusting one titled the Murderer too much to risk his kin in the spider's den, Sol Invictus himself went forth to Athrabeth 'The Faceless God does not 'call' the Azure, much less the Azure. You request our presence, you beg our presence. What have you... asked me here for?'

Ischkathar had waited only long enough to avoid being the first to answer hateful Althasaar's demand, this time wearing the shape of a naked Saumna, its incomplete anatomy hidden by blue fire.

"Your pride amuses me, Azure. Even your whole family together are no more powerful than any one of the other gods... Anyway. If I had to hazard a guess, he's called us here to whine, because I stopped him from turning the Free Folk into his bootlicking slaves when no one else would dare."

[Ninjaman]

It is not long before they are intercepted by a sentry, who asks them friend from foe and then refuses to believe their answer when he recognized Nightblade. It took no small amount of the Lady's diplomatic talents to get them to the command tent and not whatever passed for a prison within the camp
Nightblade is the first through the tent flap

Nightblade, what a pleasant surprise he slipped his helmet on with one fluid moment, hiding the broad grin across his face 'Terribly sorry about the coup. Still, if I understood your words yesterday correctly this is good for you, by your own lights, is it not? They make you stronger by turning the whole of the Great Forest against you. You are more powerful than ever now you don't have a friend in the world, yes?' The Company Commander had in fact been expecting Nightblade to come to him for asylum and had many quips of this vain prepared. Not all were funny, or even clever, but he was damned if he was going to shield the murderous despot until he had heard each and every one. As he opened his mouth to deliver another the Lady Fair entered the command tent, and the words died on his lips

Mi'Lady... Worry and ruin are writ large on every line of your face... What is wrong?'

"You're so funny." Nightblade said with a stone face. "But I came here to because Fair asked me to." He waved his hand at Lady fair.


Having banished his diplomat so soon, and mistrusting one titled the Murderer too much to risk his kin in the spider's den, Sol Invictus himself went forth to Athrabeth 'The Faceless God does not 'call' the Azure, much less the Azure. You request our presence, you beg our presence. What have you... asked me here for?'

"The fate of the world is at danger Azure. That is why I have called you." The Agent said. "I will tell the details when the others show up."

[Justicar]

It is not long before they are intercepted by a sentry, who asks them friend from foe and then refuses to believe their answer when he recognized Nightblade. It took no small amount of the Lady's diplomatic talents to get them to the command tent and not whatever passed for a prison within the camp
Nightblade is the first through the tent flap

Nightblade, what a pleasant surprise he slipped his helmet on with one fluid moment, hiding the broad grin across his face 'Terribly sorry about the coup. Still, if I understood your words yesterday correctly this is good for you, by your own lights, is it not? They make you stronger by turning the whole of the Great Forest against you. You are more powerful than ever now you don't have a friend in the world, yes?' The Company Commander had in fact been expecting Nightblade to come to him for asylum and had many quips of this vain prepared. Not all were funny, or even clever, but he was damned if he was going to shield the murderous despot until he had heard each and every one. As he opened his mouth to deliver another the Lady Fair entered the command tent, and the words died on his lips

Mi'Lady... Worry and ruin are writ large on every line of your face... What is wrong?'

"Normally, my good commander, I would have been more than glad to see the Hunters' murderous reign ended and replaced with something more benevolent. I may have even stated that I wished the Hunters would wake up to the realization that what they were doing was wrong," said Lady Fair. "However, I did not mean for it to literally happen that way.

"It all happened too quickly. I expected a grassroots protests and maybe armed conflict as a last resort. This was all too sudden and suspicious. It didn't help that I felt a wave of some form of magic at the moment of the Hunters' conversion. It was only my soul-binding that allowed me to detect it, but I noticed that other Steel Men and Masques in Great Clearing felt it as well, although at a lesser degree," Lady Fair explained.

"The effect seemed to diminished the further I got from Great Clearing. It seems to be the nexus of some sort. However, it's effects were powerful enough to reach all the way to Ironbark and compel a mass conversion. I met some of the 'changed' Hunters and there was a strange buzzing of magic about them, especially on members of Grey Company I ran into. The thought of a magic that can force people to change their minds and personalities in an instant turns my stomach," Lady Fair said with a shudder, "especially since we don't know who did it.

"Although I may have a clue. I had just come from talking with the Hunter deserter shortly before everything happened. He talked of his initial confrontation with Nightbark in a vague way someone does about dreams, as if it wasn't completely real to him. He mentioned a name: Magus." Lady Fair paused to gauge her audience's reaction before pressing forward.

"I remember old tales of Erste Stadt from the early days of the First Age. They spoke of a Steel Man who possessed great magical ability and was the one who founded the Enlightened. However, that was millenia ago. There was no way that such a person could still be living, even among pure Steel Men such as yourself. Is it possible that this Magus may have formed a cabal of followers amongst the Enlightened of Seaport? Could these 'Magi' be behind this spell? And what purpose could they have to do this? I have the feeling that this may be the beginning of something far greater and more dangerous than a simple despot in the Deep Forest."

[Justicar]

While the conflict between the Saumna grew and the Lady Fair left to mediate it, many Masques gathered in the town square to debate and argue. At first, it was just on the war, then the nature of war, then the nature of thinking people, the nature of life, the nature of the world and so on.

Many great thinkers congregated to share their ideas and theories. Individuals from all over the world came to watch this verbal sport. Even a few Peng scholars came to listen and transcribe the debates.

Eventually, the congestion in the center of town was too much, even for City of Free Trade. A field was set aside and a great school was built. There, students from all corners of the globe could learn about philosophy, debate and diplomacy. A special auditorium was even constructed to house the debates and allow watchers to review and comment on them.

The school became known as the Institution Oratoria. Debate and law became codified and taught there. All of the greatest diplomats have studied there at some point in their lives.

Points: 9

4 pts: Command Race to Build Diplomatic Wonder (Institution Oratoria): A school in Ortheum that teaches the art of diplomacy to anyone that can pay tuition, no matter their birth. Ambassadors of all races and nations were trained there.

Remaining points: 5

[Ninjaman]

Ischkathar had waited only long enough to avoid being the first to answer hateful Althasaar's demand, this time wearing the shape of a naked Saumna, its incomplete anatomy hidden by blue fire.

"Your pride amuses me, Azure. Even your whole family together are no more powerful than any one of the other gods... Anyway. If I had to hazard a guess, he's called us here to whine, because I stopped him from turning the Free Folk into his bootlicking slaves when no one else would dare."

"I am glad that you are done with your lies Usurper." The Agent greeted him. "You once told me, that if one being grew to enough power to enslave Londorthell, you would destroy it. Did you speak the truth?"


"Normally, my good commander, I would have been more than glad to see the Hunters' murderous reign ended and replaced with something more benevolent. I may have even stated that I wished the Hunters would wake up to the realization that what they were doing was wrong," said Lady Fair. "However, I did not mean for it to literally happen that way.

"It all happened too quickly. I expected a grassroots protests and maybe armed conflict as a last resort. This was all too sudden and suspicious. It didn't help that I felt a wave of some form of magic at the moment of the Hunters' conversion. It was only my soul-binding that allowed me to detect it, but I noticed that other Steel Men and Masques in Great Clearing felt it as well, although at a lesser degree," Lady Fair explained.

"The effect seemed to diminished the further I got from Great Clearing. It seems to be the nexus of some sort. However, it's effects were powerful enough to reach all the way to Ironbark and compel a mass conversion. I met some of the 'changed' Hunters and there was a strange buzzing of magic about them, especially on members of Grey Company I ran into. The thought of a magic that can force people to change their minds and personalities in an instant turns my stomach," Lady Fair said with a shudder, "especially since we don't know who did it.

"Although I may have a clue. I had just come from talking with the Hunter deserter shortly before everything happened. He talked of his initial confrontation with Nightbark in a vague way someone does about dreams, as if it wasn't completely real to him. He mentioned a name: Magus." Lady Fair paused to gauge her audience's reaction before pressing forward.

"I remember old tales of Erste Stadt from the early days of the First Age. They spoke of a Steel Man who possessed great magical ability and was the one who founded the Enlightened. However, that was millenia ago. There was no way that such a person could still be living, even among pure Steel Men such as yourself. Is it possible that this Magus may have formed a cabal of followers amongst the Enlightened of Seaport? Could these 'Magi' be behind this spell? And what purpose could they have to do this? I have the feeling that this may be the beginning of something far greater and more dangerous than a simple despot in the Deep Forest."

"I already told you Fair, the Usurper is behind this. And Magus is indeed one of the Usurper's Imortals, so he could very well be behind this as well." Nightblade said calmly. "It shocks me that the existence of Imortals come as a surprise to you. After all, you are one yourself."

[Omegonthesane]

"I am glad that you are done with your lies Usurper." The Agent greeted him. "You once told me, that if one being grew to enough power to enslave Londorthell, you would destroy it. Did you speak the truth?"
Ischkathar snorted, and then laughed openly at the Murderer's accusation.

"What 'lies'? When, at any time, have I spoken a single falsehood since the beginning of this universe? Can you truly not comprehend the possibility that you are wrong?

"But to answer your impertinence, no such being yet exists. The Bloom lacks the power to enslave anyone. Manipulate, deceive, yes, but that is no more than you do with every festering word you have ever spoken to a mortal. The Bloom did not enslave the Hunters. The Hunters were based on transparent lie after transparent lie after transparent lie - all that was necessary to obliterate your toehold of evil was to show them the truth - that they had allowed themselves to become slaves, and that they would always be slaves so long as they followed Nightblade. This is all that the Bloom did.

"As to why? To prove wrong one of your own lies - the lie that I ever wanted war between the Saumna. To weaken the one being in creation who has demonstrated the desire to reduce the world to slavery, both through his defence of his own actions, and through the orders he has sown. The Hunters were an entire society designed to reduce the Free Folk to slavery. The Royalists wish for the Leogodai to be their King's slaves once again. The Chosen's entire belief system was that the lesser Azure should make slaves of other mortals. Am I really the only one to see the pattern?"

[Ninjaman]

Ischkathar snorted, and then laughed openly at the Murderer's accusation.

"What 'lies'? When, at any time, have I spoken a single falsehood since the beginning of this universe? Can you truly not comprehend the possibility that you are wrong?

"But to answer your impertinence, no such being yet exists. The Bloom lacks the power to enslave anyone. Manipulate, deceive, yes, but that is no more than you do with every festering word you have ever spoken to a mortal. The Bloom did not enslave the Hunters. The Hunters were based on transparent lie after transparent lie after transparent lie - all that was necessary to obliterate your toehold of evil was to show them the truth - that they had allowed themselves to become slaves, and that they would always be slaves so long as they followed Nightblade. This is all that the Bloom did.

"As to why? To prove wrong one of your own lies - the lie that I ever wanted war between the Saumna. To weaken the one being in creation who has demonstrated the desire to reduce the world to slavery, both through his defence of his own actions, and through the orders he has sown. The Hunters were an entire society designed to reduce the Free Folk to slavery. The Royalists wish for the Leogodai to be their King's slaves once again. The Chosen's entire belief system was that the lesser Azure should make slaves of other mortals. Am I really the only one to see the pattern?"

"I see your lies did not stop so easily as I had hoped." The Agent replied. "You see only the surface, but not the deeper meaning of things. And you expect us to be stupid enough to do the same. There is one thing you must know in this world Usurper, there are ends, and there are means. You think that your benevolent means mask your gruesome intentions. Meanwhile you are not able to see through the surface to spot the balance I seek to restore." The Agent says while staring at the Usurper. "You can try to justify your actions as much as you want Usurper. But it should be clear to everyone that you, and you alone, hold the power to enslave Londorthell, and I will not sit idle, praying you will not use it."

[Starsign]

He is not Azure, he is Azure. I... I do not know exactly what I am, but I am no Azure. Greetings to you Ek'nidus, warrior-king
'I like that name. Ig-Nidious. It is a powerful name, you look powerful Ig-Nidious, are you? Are you mighty? Are you brave?'
Rubicon could easily sense the flow of Tellum's thoughts, if they could be called that, and quickly moved to divert them 'The Azure and Azure are an insular people. We create quite enough problems of our own. Maybe you would tell my... half uncle here a little of the Rockscales, your culture and history, your way of life. I sure he would be fascinated.'

Ek'nidus stares blankly to Tellum as the Azure manages to completely misspeak the Rockscale's own name. Could gods possibly be this dense? Ek'nidus and the Rockscales had always lived believing deities to be omnipotent and omniscient rather than what Tellum is presenting himself as here. The thought that this Azure is simply tricking Ek'nidus by playing dumb has not crossed the Rockscale's mind. Tellum's apparent idiocy however did not keep the Rockscale distracted for long as he considers what else the Azure god had in mind by his own words. Power, might, and bravery are all that Akriot values and had placed that when Ek'nidus was created; he understands it better than any other demigod. It is something he would be glad to speak about... at least if it didn't meant he'd know where this conversation may go.

"Our way of life is not much, not any more than what you might have heard." Ek'nidus responds to Rubicon. As much as Ek'nidus would prefer to lie in order to divert Tellum's current interests it would be cowardice if the Rockscale were not to express the strengths and truths of his kind. "The Rockscales are warriors, at least how Akriot grew us. We grew up, survived amongst these lands, and... eventually we conquered the seas as well." While the Rockscales have certainly developed beyond simply battle, it would be hard to tell just by looking at activity in the Dust Planes. "And as for myself, I am indeed the strongest and bravest of my kind, as be-fitting of my title." Spoken with pride, if not the greatest of confidence, Ek'nidus almost wishes he could have been a diplomat instead of a warrior right now. He knew where he is heading with this; he pretty much brought this on himself. The Rockscale keeps himself from taking a step back, standing firm as he says to Rubicon, "Facile Tellum seems interested in me, beyond me simply talking about my kind." He then looks to Tellum. "You... wish for me to demonstrate my might to you?"

Still no points yet. Will have some proper actions hopefully later today.

[Omegonthesane]

"I see your lies did not stop so easily as I had hoped." The Agent replied. "You see only the surface, but not the deeper meaning of things. And you expect us to be stupid enough to do the same. There is one thing you must know in this world Usurper, there are ends, and there are means. You think that your benevolent means mask your gruesome intentions. Meanwhile you are not able to see through the surface to spot the balance I seek to restore." The Agent says while staring at the Usurper. "You can try to justify your actions as much as you want Usurper. But it should be clear to everyone that you, and you alone, hold the power to enslave Londorthell, and I will not sit idle, praying you will not use it."
"Hypocrisy and lies. I see no deeper balance because there's nothing to see - there is no 'balance'. There has never BEEN 'balance'. The means are a part of the ends, you disingenuous liar - I push growth because that is my end. You murder and spread horror because your ends are to murder and spread horror - all your talk of 'balance' is a transparent lie.

"As you see motives where no motives exist, balance where no balance exists, schemes where no schemes exist, so you have seen power where no power exists. I have no fine control over the Bloom - I was able to nudge it to test its psychological theories on the Saumna, but it has no plans of world domination. I have no fine control over Seaport, where the Steel Men yet live with my gifts. I have no fine control over the Leogodai Democrats or the Saumna Followers of the Code, who wish to do what is best for their people. I don't even control the Nezumi Augurs, who push theories on their tribesmen to see what sticks. All these beings drive their civilisations forward, trying to make tomorrow better than today, and in this way they grant me power, but they are six factions as fractious as any others. They would sooner cut one another's throats than unite openly under my banner.

"Even if they were united, even if they were one faction instead of six, I am the god of Ambition. If anyone wins, I lose. Not because someone must come to usurp me, no - if the desires run out, my power will run out, and then I will be nothing but a memory. So even if I had the power to enslave the world, if I resembled in any aspect the monster you think I am, then you would be praying that I would use that power, and in so using, rid myself from the stage for all eternity.

"...But perhaps I have misjudged you. Perhaps you can show tangible, real evidence of the 'balance' you gibber about. Perhaps you can show you are capable of spreading anything but murder, fear, malice, evil and darkness. Is this the case?"

[Ladorak]

Sol Invictus sent his mind out in a thousand directions and busied himself with the ordinance of two worlds until the argument became a dull tone in the background. It was just like being back home.

*******

The Commander turned to Stone, only then remembering to remove the helmet once again 'Staff Officer, send a runner to the smithy tents . Get me some metal dust from the grindstones and be quick about it.' He went to Stone's desk and took out a quill and a vial of ink. It took him some time to locate the paper, he drew something with the uneasy hand of one who has dictated for decades. By the time he was done the runner was back. Using the gift of vial the sprinkled the dust upon the page. It glowed blue for a moment and he seemed satisfied with the result.

The set the page down before the two of them. It was a stylized blue flame. Beneath it in black he had written 'The Omen of Change.' Once they'd had time to look at it he had Stone burn the page. 'Do either of those things mean anything to you?'

******

Tellum smiled and whooped like a child, casting his arms about and jumping around. He was pleased, this journey was off to a fine start. He had already largely forgotten why he had left in the first place. He vaguely remembered it was bad and therefore didn't try too hard to remember the specifics, the dimwit displacing here a sagaciousness that the wisest god would envy. Now he had something new to fight and all was well in the world.

Rubicon was quick to add, as she watched him running in circles from the corner of her eye We mean no disrespect. This would just a feat of arms, for sport

'AND HONOOOOOOUR!' he yelled to the skies, still running in circles, but with his arms held wide out either side.

She can only look at the King trying desperately not to either laugh at the uncle or hit him... Her half-uncle. 'Yes. For sport and for honour.

[Omegonthesane]

Sol Invictus sent his mind out in a thousand directions and busied himself with the ordinance of two worlds until the argument became a dull tone in the background. It was just like being back home.

Not noticing the Azure leader's inattention, the Usurper realised its misstep, and turned directly to Sol.

"...My earlier comment about your pride was an affront to the dignity of a principled deity. I am sorry I said it. Althasaar was indeed wrong to show any of us so little respect, I should not have chided you for taking umbrage."

[Ninjaman]

Not noticing the Azure leader's inattention, the Usurper realised its misstep, and turned directly to Sol.

"...My earlier comment about your pride was an affront to the dignity of a principled deity. I am sorry I said it. Althasaar was indeed wrong to show any of us so little respect, I should not have chided you for taking umbrage."

"Respect? Just another one of your false ideals." The Faceless god replied. He was shocked that the Usurper was aware of his birth name, yet his usual composure did an excelent job at hiding his surprice. "And this Althasaar you speak of, I highly doubt he should show anyone more respect. He has been dead for a very long time."


"Hypocrisy and lies. I see no deeper balance because there's nothing to see - there is no 'balance'. There has never BEEN 'balance'. The means are a part of the ends, you disingenuous liar - I push growth because that is my end. You murder and spread horror because your ends are to murder and spread horror - all your talk of 'balance' is a transparent lie.

"As you see motives where no motives exist, balance where no balance exists, schemes where no schemes exist, so you have seen power where no power exists. I have no fine control over the Bloom - I was able to nudge it to test its psychological theories on the Saumna, but it has no plans of world domination. I have no fine control over Seaport, where the Steel Men yet live with my gifts. I have no fine control over the Leogodai Democrats or the Saumna Followers of the Code, who wish to do what is best for their people. I don't even control the Nezumi Augurs, who push theories on their tribesmen to see what sticks. All these beings drive their civilisations forward, trying to make tomorrow better than today, and in this way they grant me power, but they are six factions as fractious as any others. They would sooner cut one another's throats than unite openly under my banner.

"Even if they were united, even if they were one faction instead of six, I am the god of Ambition. If anyone wins, I lose. Not because someone must come to usurp me, no - if the desires run out, my power will run out, and then I will be nothing but a memory. So even if I had the power to enslave the world, if I resembled in any aspect the monster you think I am, then you would be praying that I would use that power, and in so using, rid myself from the stage for all eternity.

"...But perhaps I have misjudged you. Perhaps you can show tangible, real evidence of the 'balance' you gibber about. Perhaps you can show you are capable of spreading anything but murder, fear, malice, evil and darkness. Is this the case?"

"Balance is no lie. It is the only truth in this world, and I seek to defend what you seek to break. I kill to restore the balance, and only to restore the balance." TheFaceless God replied
"Oh yes, free will, you speak so much about it. But If the Bloom is really free how can you know what it will do. You set things rampant, expecting something will stop it eventually, and I for sure will. The bloom could control the Hunters, what should make me believe it would not seek to control the other armies of Londorthell? Why would a being of free will choose to only squash your single oppressor, who had done it no harm, and wouldn't in the future? It's simple. Becourse they isn't free will, there may be in theory, but in reality your creations did exactly what you wanted them to. And it's because even if you give them free will, it is you who define what they want to do with it." The Agent spoke.
"God of ambitions. Possibly your greatest lie yet. What have you inspired? What grand ambitions have you implanted into the minds of mortals? None. You have made some minor tweaks here and there but in the end, it has nothing to do with ambition. Look at Nightblade, he's an ambitious man. He would stab me down if it would pay off. Have you created anything like that. No. You have created laws. Puppets who follow their daily routine. Who's only thoughts are how to provide for their family. You have nothing to do with ambition. And when you claim to be a god of ambition but does not inspire ambition, there is only one conclusion I can get to. You are the ambitous one. The rest is just a facade. A shield to earn allies while smite me for "evil" ways." The Agent continued, staring at the Usurper.
"Any god who speaks of evil is no god of ambition. Your mortal ideas about good and evil are the death of ambition. They are foolish labels made to keep them in control. What in the world would make that the truth?" The Faceless God replied. "I have not become the faceless god for my belief in such silly thing. I have become the Faceless God to do what is necessary. To do what others cannot. To tip the scales back in place. My means are of no importance, only my goal. Balance. And I will do whatever it takes to keep it. Starting with crushing the being that seeks to destroy us all." He pointed at the location of the bloom on the large map.

----

The Royalists form a public audience in King's Seat. They proclaim that the Democrats speak of equality, but deny them their right to speak. They had to build King's Seat in order to get a voice. What does equality matter if everyone is equaly oppressed? Power corrupts, and only a golden king could truly rule the Leogadai. As word of the speech travels to Prime Quary, The Crown's First Brigade see the wrong they have done by aiding the Democrats and leave Prime Quary to defend King's Seat.

----

A raven lands on Nightblade's arm. He talks to it in Raven language before it flies off again. In Ironbark the Grey Company receives the raven. The raven speaks to them but the company is unable to understand it. The company discuss the situation for some time before the leader concludes that the raven has come to speak mock them, telling them that they are weak, and that it is't afraid of them. After a few opposers where stabbed, the Grey Company returns to the ways of the hunter.
The Grey Company then tries to convince their fellow Hunters to return to the true path again, but apparently firing arrows at them was not the right sollution. Instead they decided that firing arrows back was the reasonable response. The Grey Company did not enjoy this turn of events and a long tough fight followed leaving Ironbark desserted except for a few remaining hunters, too afraid to move at the risk of getting shot by the opposition.
Luckily for the Hunters word spread to Great Clearing and the few loyal Hunters gathered to travel back to Ironbark, where they form the Ironbark Guardians Loyal Company.

----

The Whisperer travels with the Chosen to The Azurian Desert. Here they build yet another city by the coast. Aqua et Harena Civitatem lay far enough away that their kinsmen would hopefully leave them alone. They raise an army, The Solemn, to defend the city.

29 pts
2 pts Command City (King's Seat): Political manouver to take back The Crown's First Brigade. 1d6-1d6 (http://orokos.com/roll/211029) 2 (sucess)
0 pts Command Army (The Crown's First Brigade): Defend King's Seat and cut it off from other gods
1 pts Command Avatar (Nightblade) Command city (Great Clearing): Politcal Manouver to take back the Ironbark Guardians Grey Company. 3d6-3d6 (http://orokos.com/roll/211032) 1 (sucess)
2 pts Command City (Ironbark): Politcal Manouver to take back the Ironbark Guardians Brown Company. 3d6-3d6 (http://orokos.com/roll/211038) -3 (failure)
0 pts Command Army (Ironbark Guardians grey Company): Attack Ironbark Guardians Brown Company. (2d6+x)-(2d6+x+1) (http://orokos.com/roll/211040) 0 (mutual destruction.)
2 pts Command City (Great Clearing): Raise army (Ironbark Guardians Loyal Company)
0 pts Command Army (Ironbark Guardians Loyal Company): Defend Ironbark and cut it off from other gods.
1 pts Command Avatar (The Whisperer): Command race (Mountain Azure) Create City (Aqua et Harena Civitatem) in H7.
2 pts Command City (Aqua et Harena Civitatem): Raise army (The Solemn)
0 pts Command Army (The Solemn): Defend Aqua et Harena Civitatem and cut it off from other gods.

19 pts

Forgot we changed the rules for PM rolls, but since they were always the same on both sides it should not make much difference.

[Justicar]

"I already told you Fair, the Usurper is behind this. And Magus is indeed one of the Usurper's Imortals, so he could very well be behind this as well." Nightblade said calmly. "It shocks me that the existence of Imortals come as a surprise to you. After all, you are one yourself."

"I doubt Blacktree is behind the spell," said Lady Fair, misinterpreting Nightblade's words. "I know of no Saumna with this level of power." She dismissed the rest of Nightblade's words as delusions of a madman.


The Commander turned to Stone, only then remembering to remove the helmet once again 'Staff Officer, send a runner to the smithy tents . Get me some metal dust from the grindstones and be quick about it.' He went to Stone's desk and took out a quill and a vial of ink. It took him some time to locate the paper, he drew something with the uneasy hand of one who has dictated for decades. By the time he was done the runner was back. Using the gift of vial the sprinkled the dust upon the page. It glowed blue for a moment and he seemed satisfied with the result.

The set the page down before the two of them. It was a stylized blue flame. Beneath it in black he had written 'The Omen of Change.' Once they'd had time to look at it he had Stone burn the page. 'Do either of those things mean anything to you?'

"Only vaguely, Commander," she replied. "One of the lesser gods, I believe. Its name does not show up much in the history books."

[Ninjaman]

"I doubt Blacktree is behind the spell," said Lady Fair, misinterpreting Nightblade's words. "I know of no Saumna with this level of power." She dismissed the rest of Nightblade's words as delusions of a madman.

"Not Blackbark, he is just a simple mortal. No, The Usurper. He is a god. And he seems like just the kind of person who would pull this off." Nightblade explained.



"Only vaguely, Commander," she replied. "One of the lesser gods, I believe. Its name does not show up much in the history books."

"Or it could be yet another title, most gods have many" Nightblade replied. "Omen of change. Could be the Usurper. Only god who directly aligns himself with change."

[Justicar]

"Or it could be yet another title, most gods have many" Nightblade replied. "Omen of change. Could be the Usurper. Only god who directly aligns himself with change."

"Not necessarily, Nightbark. Father Stahl also is the god of change," explained Lady Fair. "However, I don't think he is behind this. Magic is not his way."

[Ninjaman]

"Not necessarily, Nightbark. Father Stahl also is the god of change," explained Lady Fair. "However, I don't think he is behind this. Magic is not his way."

Nightblade wonders why she calls him Nightbark, he concludes that she probably isn't as smart as she thinks she is and replies. "I thought of the Forge Farther, but The Omen of Change, doesn't sound like him."

[Starsign]

Tellum smiled and whooped like a child, casting his arms about and jumping around. He was pleased, this journey was off to a fine start. He had already largely forgotten why he had left in the first place. He vaguely remembered it was bad and therefore didn't try too hard to remember the specifics, the dimwit displacing here a sagaciousness that the wisest god would envy. Now he had something new to fight and all was well in the world.

Rubicon was quick to add, as she watched him running in circles from the corner of her eye We mean no disrespect. This would just a feat of arms, for sport

'AND HONOOOOOOUR!' he yelled to the skies, still running in circles, but with his arms held wide out either side.

She can only look at the King trying desperately not to either laugh at the uncle or hit him... Her half-uncle. 'Yes. For sport and for honour.

"Erm, yes, for honor," Ek'nidus chimes in as a response. He can see Tellum's fantastic and insane response and is not sure whether the Azure would actually get to fight or if he would accidentally crush the Rockscale in a bear hug of happiness. Still, he had brought himself into this despite knowing this would be a bad idea; he can't back out of this now. At the least there are nothing but sand krakens in sight, so in the case things get out of hand no one else may get hurt.

Ek'nidus pulls out his massive spear from his back. At double his length he places it point down into the sand. As the warrior-king, Ek'nidus is well-versed in all forms of weaponry he gets his hands on; those created from the Forge Son's gift is no exception. As such, he is ready for any form of conditions Tellum may set on him... hopefully. "How shall we fight, with weapons, with every limb in our bodies, or with both?" Ek'nidus would prefer being able to use his limbs and tail if need-be, but he wasn't exactly in the best situation to make demands. "I am ready, whenever you are." Ek'nidus had to be brave, especially if he is to prove himself to a god.

Yeah still no points yet. Will try again tomorrow morning.

BTW Lad do you want to roll for this or simply work this out without rolling? (not that it'd be spending points anyway)

[Omegonthesane]

"I have seen only one being with your callous disregard for mortal agency and mortal lives. That being was my father and grandmother, Makhleb. The god who I killed, because it stood for nothing but evil. The god whose godhead I usurped and harnessed, so it could be a tool to drag the world up instead of down. Like you, Makhleb never admitted that it was wrong in any way, but at least it did not have the audacity to claim that its wicked deeds were somehow necessary or beneficial. The idea of good and evil was not a shackle on my ambitions, it was the BIRTH of my ambitions! Where before I could simply entertain myself while the world burned, once I understood good and evil I could not stand by while I had power to drive the world to a better age! I could go on, but you've made it clear that - unlike me - you will automatically dismiss anything that doesn't meet your already defined conclusions as a lie. You have done more than enough to show that your concept of 'balance' has no place in this world, I do not need to help people see that."

~~~

The Bloom was intrigued by the new developments in the Hunters - its analysis of their psychology had been sound, yet somehow a number of them had returned to the old ways, because they thought a bird had mocked them when it spoke no actual words. A scan of their minds indicated that their regression was genuine, rather than motivated by a desire for a bald-faced power grab. This did not fit with their existing theories, and they did not have a stronghold in the Hunter city, but they did know the Saumna often cultivated Fimvor, to ride or to hunt.

Thus the Bloom followed through with some of its earlier design plans, and created a specific breed of Bloom-compatible moss, capable of digging its roots into flesh and feeding off of mammals. Artless as ever, the Bloom named this material Parasite Moss, and referred to large enough clusters of it as Parasite Nodes.

It also modified samples of Fimvor, reducing brain capacity to make the new life form susceptible to fine Telepathic control, weakening immune responses so the new life form would not violently reject parasites without prompting, and increasing the capacity to contain food and water in its stomach or as fat, as well as to spread oxygen around its body as fast as possible, so that it could go as far as possible at surprising speed between refuelling at Bloom strongpoints. Designed to carry Parasite Nodes, these beings would be designated Node Carriers.

Thus, the Dark Wood began to be seeded with Node Carriers. Through the Telepathy of their Parasite Nodes, they could place false visions into the minds of many observers, making them see an ordinary Fimvor instead of a Bloom creature - for the Bloom did not yet understand the concept of Soul Binding, and did not realise that doing this to a Masque was amazingly counterproductive.

The Bloom contemplated directly interrogating the new Ironbark Guardians Loyal Company, seeing if they would willingly state their rationalisations, but decided against it after comparing with the data from Great Clearing, of the widespread fear and concern its experiments had caused despite having so nearly brought peace to the Saumna. The knowledge that the plants surrounding them could influence their decisions like a surgeon with a scalpel would surely terrify them all for no real purpose.

It remained in the area to investigate, however. The most likely possibility was that a power similar to itself had brainwashed the Grey Company, and it was intrigued to see how such a powerful entity could operate contrary to its knowledge of the Saumna mind to make them desire a life of violent coercion.

0 points: Create Life - Parasite Moss, a kind of moss which grows on living flesh and can connect to the Bloom, allowing for mobile Bloom clusters to exist at least in theory. Functional clusters of Parasite Moss are generally called Parasite Nodes by the Bloom.
0 points: Create Life - Node Carrier, a subspecies of Fimvor with severely reduced brain capacity, weakened immune response, improved stamina, and much larger stomachs, to be the perfect host for Parasite Nodes

[Starsign]

As life moves on for the Rockscales, they find changes happen once again in their lives. The bravery within these creatures have prevailed up in Coil'Northus. In these lands lay a young prodigy by the name of Indall'fenz. Originally she was a medical worker, providing treatment for the Rockscales who struggled to survive within these lands. However in her free time she had researched and experimented on the many plants which had populated the Infested Lands. In her experimentation she had learned about various poisons and liquids which could be coated into something more productive. Demonstrating it to the other Rockscales, she introduced a new sort of craft to everyone, one which improves their ability in combat and provide a new form of medicine, if limited in its use at times.

Elsewhere, the Steelscales begin growing tired of living above the waves in places where they feel they can't belong in. The Steel Flats are still available to them but they know the Rockscales had not all come to accept them yet. In addition their pirating life would come to an end for each individual as they fell into the water. They knew this needed to change and the Steelscales have been radical already in their developments. So willing to further sacrifice their original bodies, they began using metallurgy to replace organs in their bodies. In this case they replaced their lungs with metal and changed their bodies to allow themselves to survive underwater. If land may not accept them all, then the sea shall do so instead. Though not all Steelscales live under the sea, those that do will have a home of their own to create.

9 points to spend.

Advance Race (Potioncraft): Due to the Rockscale Indall'fenz, the Rockscales have learned how to create potions and poisons using the plants and fertile lands provided by the Infested Lands. With this the Rockscales and temper their weapons with poison and heal injuries and some diseased with potions, allowing them to develop in this art. (-4)

Advance Race (Seadwelling) The Steelscales had enough with living just on land and chose to make their new home firstly by adapting to the sea itself, able to survive on the bottom of the sea where they may construct their own world from there. (-4)

[Omegonthesane]

The people of Ironbark were not as completely converted as the Bloom had aimed for, but even as the haze of magic faded, most of them still accepted the Bloom's logic. From the ranks of the 'new' Hunters, the Shining Blades, a glorified thieves' guild with a few famous thefts to their name, had become something of a police force, exercising their weight as apex predator to prevent their lessers from public violent offences. From the ranks of this guild came the Ironbark Guardians Rainbow Company, who dressed in lurid, clashing colours yet were able to sneak reasonably well in broad daylight. In the dark, when colours faded to shades of grey, the Rainbow Company uniform was better camouflage than any of the earlier Hunter military colours, being reduced to a murky blur instead of a motley display.

The Rainbow Company turned their eyes outward, primarily worried that the Code would overreach and try to stop Hunters from being Hunters, but they also made ready to stop the Loyal Company's worst excesses. The pack was not strengthened by killing its own.

~~~

As Magus left the Great Clearing, it occurred to him that the world had grown more dangerous since his journeys began, with many factions vying for power and their own obscure objectives - most notably the beating he had had to suffer from Nightblade to maintain his cover, and the general hostility among the gods towards the Bloom. He had never been a precisely inept fighter, but after years of avoiding danger, his skills were rusty; he resolved to not leave them untrained, and to hold nothing back in augmenting physical strength with sorcerous might. Never again would someone violently oppose Magus' Will and emerge unscathed.

~~~

The Steel Men of Seaport were weaker and more decadent than Stahl had ever intended… which was still stronger and tougher than many races, but the conveniences of magic had removed or mitigated many of the ways in which life put them to the test. More pertinently, they were ruled by a cabal of sorcerers, who were all too aware that those of their subjects who were Soul-Bound had a legitimate grievance that could never be redressed in the form of the resulting power gap.

Capturing and experimenting on large numbers of Nezumi, the Seaport Cabals desperately sought a method of reversing Soul Binding and restoring to so many Steel Men what had been taken from them. The closest they came to success was to modify the process of Soul Binding, creating a new and similar process, which they called Soul Tethering to avoid confusion.

A Soul-Tethered individual was only protected from magic during their waking hours, and could suppress that protection if they so desired. This limit was not intentional on the part of the Seaport Cabal, but neither did they seek to remove it, for if nothing else it made emergency healing more efficient. The mechanics were not well understood, but while a Soul-Tethered could project their soul into metal just like a Soul-Bound, the link was weaker and the resulting improvement in the tool was noticeably reduced in comparison. All this was a worthy price, because Soul-Tethering could be reversed, and even re-done to a person who had had it reversed, without any permanent harm done. The rituals to go from mage to Tethered and back took a matter of hours, and required the participation of the Tethered-to-be or Tethered-to-stop-being in question, but this was considered infinitely better than not even having the option.

~~~

The Leogodai Democrats were mildly concerned by the actions of the Royalists, but ultimately felt that there was nothing to gain from interference at this stage. The stone lions needed neither food nor shelter, so it was difficult to coerce them into any particular society - had the Royalists refrained from raising a rebel army inside Prime Quarry itself, and refrained from claiming that all Leogodai should submit to them, they might not even have been treated as a threat. As it was, the only ones submitting to the Royalists were those who truly bought their propaganda, and while they were wrong, they weren't really oppressed yet.

Many of the Democrats were astounded at the poor arguments that had won over the Royalists. Every Leogodai was corruptible, the Democrats were well aware that every Leogodai was corruptible, and it was precisely because of this that they wanted leaders chosen by the people, accountable to the people.

~~~

The Realm of Desire reflected the wishes of those who beheld it, and it had had a long time for many beings of many kinds to observe - and indeed, the mere act of having their wishes shown to them often adjusted the wishes of observers Over the centuries, as Heresy once had, many swirling piles of desires coalesced into beings embodying those desires - monstrous spiky bladed creatures born of a desire to harm, hulking cuddly brutes born of people's desire to be protected, utterly beguiling fiends born of carnal lust - or simply of desire to be accepted or loved - and many other forms, for many other wishes. It would not be long before these Daemons began to have a more direct effect on the world that had ultimately spawned them...

Power roll Turn 16 (http://orokos.com/roll/210529): 2d6+3+6 19
Power rollover Turn 15: 1 point
Total 20 points

1 point: Command Avatar (Heresy) to Command City (Ironbark) to Raise Army (Ironbark Guardians Rainbow Company)
Command Army (Rainbow Company) to defend Ironbark. As Althasaar is no longer the only god defending the city, it cannot be cut off from all gods.

5 points: Create Demigod (Achilles) "Magus' Will", the mechanical representation of the combat ability of the current mightiest sorcerer ever
2 points: Command Demigod (Magus' Will) to defend Magus

1 point: Command Avatar (Magus) to Command Race (Nezumi) to Expand City (Seaport)
3 points: Advance City (Seaport) with Soul Tethering, a reversible form of Soul Binding. It is less potent than the original, it provides no protection from magic while the Soul-Tethered person is asleep, and a Soul-Tethered person can concentrate to suppress their own protection from magic if they so desire.

5 points: Create Race in the Realm of Desire - Daemons, beings formed of the desires of those who enter or observe their home plane. Usually a lasting daemon is formed of many similar desires from many observers, so that only those who hit a common nerve are truly widespread.

3 points remaining
+3 activity to next roll
+6 Orders to next roll

[Ninjaman]

"I have seen only one being with your callous disregard for mortal agency and mortal lives. That being was my father and grandmother, Makhleb. The god who I killed, because it stood for nothing but evil. The god whose godhead I usurped and harnessed, so it could be a tool to drag the world up instead of down. Like you, Makhleb never admitted that it was wrong in any way, but at least it did not have the audacity to claim that its wicked deeds were somehow necessary or beneficial. The idea of good and evil was not a shackle on my ambitions, it was the BIRTH of my ambitions! Where before I could simply entertain myself while the world burned, once I understood good and evil I could not stand by while I had power to drive the world to a better age! I could go on, but you've made it clear that - unlike me - you will automatically dismiss anything that doesn't meet your already defined conclusions as a lie. You have done more than enough to show that your concept of 'balance' has no place in this world, I do not need to help people see that."

"You have killed mortals too Usurper. I do not kill becourse I want to, but becourse I have to if I want to protect the balance. I do not kill more than I have to. I am not cruel and heartless out of desire, but out of necessity. I have only one ideal. Balance must be restored. That is what I fight for. I will give anything for the balance. I have given everything. I would give my life if it served to restore the balance. I have shown you nothing Usurper. Without balance the world would be destroyed. Or perhaps that is what you want."

[Ladorak]

'The Usurper is not a name I know. I could be that the symbol belongs to him. I know only of the name I wrote. Do not ask who told me this, I am sworn not to say. I will say I trust them, but I don't trust their source. I would also ask you not to repeat it.'
'My friend told me they were told this months ago, that Ironbark would fall from within. That a thing not unlike the blessed father of my people and called by that name would will it so.
'It has something deep under ground far far away. Something alive but very different to creatures like us. I wish I could tell you more, but this is all I was told. The blue flame god used whatever it is to... do whatever it did in Ironbark. I asked Sha'Va to divine the truth of this, he says it is so, he said the forest knew.' he sighed 'I had not thought to involve you in this Milady... Or you Nightblade, but maybe it is well you came to me. I confess I have no idea how one might fight such a thing, or even find it. I fear we may all be at it's mercy and I fear what it could make us do. That is the sum total of what I know.'

In the desert around Aqua et Harena Civitatem many Azure found a peace not unlike the one the Mountain Azure had found on jagged and cruel cliffs. It burnt their skin and scorched their feet. To many bored immortals used to pampered living this was a type of bliss. In so doing their discovered the great sand wyrms. Obviously the territorial monsters came thundering to the attack, then they would stop, as all wild beasts did. Confusion gave way to a docility the great beasts would normally reserve only for their young. Then the Azure did what all bored immortals would do in that situation. They climbed on top. At first it was just to see how fast you could go and for how long you could hold on, but as equipment and experience it evolved into something much more. Thus was the army of the Harena Wyrm Riders formed. Azure who in battle forsook their shapechanging ability to direct the monstrous beasts.

*********

The repentant of Civitatem Hyacintho thought themselves forever lost to the graces of the father, despite being spared their betrayal was a debt they knew they could not repay. So then when bands of Saumra began appearing at the city they were first met with puzzlement and then, when their identify was understood with open arms and great re joying. All knew the story of the the Blue Speakers, who Bellum had been welcomed back to the bosom of the family because of these people? Surely what had happened once could happen again.

The Speakers knew, they had been told by the ancient ways of blood and root. They knew finally there a city for their own, one to rival Ironbark and Great Clearing. Here they would be truly safe, here they could make any endangered Saumra safe. They knew they were distant kin to blessed Sophia Bellum, second only to the Great Mother in every Speaker's heart, yet they also knew these ones had fallen, and were repentant. Forewarned of all this the Speakers, despite the huge gulf in power between them and the Azure, forged a very equal relationship with the immortal shapeshifters of the city.


Sorry for skipping the big fight scene. I'm tired. I'll do it tomorrow, sorry.

19 points
-13 create avatar: caeruleum luna
-2 train army in Aqua et Harena Civitatem. The Sand Wyrm riders
Same trick as Omega pulled, city is not cut off
-1 avatar: Casters Peak expands with more mountain azure
-1 avatar: Civitatem Hyacintho expands with saumra

3 remaining

[Justicar]

'The Usurper is not a name I know. I could be that the symbol belongs to him. I know only of the name I wrote. Do not ask who told me this, I am sworn not to say. I will say I trust them, but I don't trust their source. I would also ask you not to repeat it.'
'My friend told me they were told this months ago, that Ironbark would fall from within. That a thing not unlike the blessed father of my people and called by that name would will it so.
'It has something deep under ground far far away. Something alive but very different to creatures like us. I wish I could tell you more, but this is all I was told. The blue flame god used whatever it is to... do whatever it did in Ironbark. I asked Sha'Va to divine the truth of this, he says it is so, he said the forest knew.' he sighed 'I had not thought to involve you in this Milady... Or you Nightblade, but maybe it is well you came to me. I confess I have no idea how one might fight such a thing, or even find it. I fear we may all be at it's mercy and I fear what it could make us do. That is the sum total of what I know.'

"This is all grave news," said Lady Fair. "Either there is a cult of Magi or an immense subterranean evil, but we're still operating on rumors, trusted or second-hand. We need more facts. I would like-" She was interrupted by a great ruckus outside the Commander's tent. The trio left the tent to see what the commotion was all about.

A small group of Saumna had returned from a hunting trip. It appeared they had successfully killed a pair of large fimvor. They knew the Steel Men greatly enjoyed eating fimvor steaks and there was more than enough for most of the Company. However, most of the Blue Steel soldiers were giving the corpses wide berth as if there was something wrong about the animals, but couldn't quite figure out what.

Something about them bothered Lady Fair as well. Looking at the animals made her eyes ache and her vision blur. She closed her eyes and then focusing hard on the fimvor. Their images started to part like a haze for her. What she saw made her gasp.

The fimvors were no longer the fine specimens they'd appeared to be moments before. A strange scab-like moss seemed to cover a large part of their bodies and crept up their necks. Tiny, vine-like tendrils seemed to be burrowing into the edges of the fimvor's eyes. Their stomachs were bloated and distended. Faint, dried remnants of blood stood out along the edges of the moss where tiny hooks were digging into the flesh. Tiny clusters or knobs of fungus were scattered haphazardly along their hides. Whenever someone got too close, the clusters seemed to reorient on the approaching individual until they moved away again.

She looked back at Nightblade and the Blue Steel Commander. "By all that is holy, what is going on here?!"