Lords of Creation: The Mortal Folly (IC Thread) [Archive]

Razade

2017-12-12, 05:59 PM

Joki: The First World

Joki awoke just as all its cousins, to a world unknown and a time long past. It remembered falling upwards, upwards from the muddy bottom of the world wide ocean and felt its lungs for the first time fill with the air of the First World. Yet there was nothing to discover, only endless waves. So Joki determined that if there was nothing to explore and nothing to see it would make something to explore, it would make something to see. From the muddy grounds beneath the rolling waters it pulled forth a land mass, a mighty and sizable place and breathed into the fertile soil the roots of vast forests. The Starlit land, for there was no sun. It drew furrows in the ground so that the waters could roll in and make mighty rivers and upon these passageways it wove something else. Something strange. A boat of great size, to ply the new courses that divided the lands.

Yet the skies were dark and Joki worried that the life that teemed upon the soil and the leaves would not yet see the work of wonder and wish to explore their new lands themselves and so it plucked from the shores a shell. It polished this shell and placed it into the skies, its silver light casting the lands in cold gloom. Just enough light to make one wonder what could possibly be beyond. Just enough light to hunt by. Just enough light to find comfort. But not enough of any of these things, for Joki wished to grant these things itself, nothing was for free.

Yet Joki grew bored of this land quickly, its barge too fast and too throughout to truly enjoy such a small portion of the world and so it turned the tiller of its mighty ship elsewhere and embarked upon a new realm forged by its own wanderlust. The mighty rivers of the Starlit Land gave way to the oceans of not the First World but a place altogether new. The Dim Archipelago yawned forth and here Joki found what it sought, a realm to explore endless and with abandon yet still tied to familiar waters. A place to tide its curiosity until the others put their marks upon the land. Until something worth exploring once more found its way to the First World.

AP: 16

Create Land -2AP: The Starlit Lands - Arisen from the depths of the waves, the Starlit Lands are in fact a continent criss crossed with mighty rivers which are wide enough to make it seem that the continent is in fact a series of islands. Temperate in climate and so far untouched, the lands are teeming with animal life and dense forests. These animals predate the very Sun in the sky and are thus nocturnal in nature. The landmass is dominated by mountains in the north, becoming rolling hills the more south one goes. [Earth (The Moon) 2/10]

Create Major Artifact -5AP: The Barge of the Twilight - Joki's personal craft, The Barge of the Twilight is a massive flat decked boat with at least four floors beneath. It moves on its own power though has sails and oars though they seem mostly decorative. The Barge of the Twilight can pass through any and all waters, even those of stranger tides. The Barge of Twilight grants a 1AP discount on the Bridge Plane Action. [Travel (The Planes) 5/10]

Create Land -2AP: Illvaren Ro - Illvaren Ro is a silvery disk that hangs in the sky, flat like a mirror and illuminated by its own light. Illvaren Ro orbits the First World, casting its soft light on the lands and waves below. [Earth (The Moon) 4/10]

Weave Plane -4AP: The Dim Archipelago - A land of endless waters and islands, the Dim Archipelago sits at an odd place within the newly minted multiverse, for it seeks to pass its waters elsewhere. No sun, no moon, hangs in the skies of the Archipelago, only stars. Joki and its Barge are master here, ferrying animals too and from the different islands. [Travel (The Planes) 9/10]

Bridge Plane -1AP: The Starlit Lands and the Dim Archipelago - The mighty rivers of the Starlit Lands can sometimes lead one to the Dim Archipelago. How this transfer occurs depends on the position of the moon and the stars and only Joki itself knows the proper method of reaching either shore safely. [Travel (The Planes) 10/10]

16AP - 2AP - 5AP - 2AP - 4AP - 1AP = 2AP

Gain Domain: Travel (The Planes)
Actions To
Create Major Artifact: The Barge of the Twilight -5AP
Weave Plane: The Dim Archipelago -4AP
Bridge Plane: The Dim Archipelago and the First World -1AP

Waxpapers

2017-12-12, 07:20 PM

Gabriel

Gabriel emerges as the hot magma of the Titan of Flame's blood is quenched, a wisp of flame which forms into a cloaked figure. They shiver, still soaked in cool water, and stand floating over the featureless, dark ocean. For a long time, Gabriel stays perfectly still, as steam rises from their wet shawl. The still waters give them a distinct feeling of unfulfilled potential, but Gabriel is unable to determine exactly what is missing. Abruptly, the waters part, and a continent rises under their feet. Gabriel looks upon the Starlit Lands, and feels again a sense of unease. As the moon rises in the sky, Gabriel sees the dimly lit continent, grand and beautiful, but disjointed, cracked and split by rivers beyond number. The forests teem with life, but the moon gives only a cold, dim light.

Gabriel looks upward at the moon. It is beautiful, but does not bring the warmth he so desires. Reaching down, he scoops up a handful of sand, heating it until it melts into a ball of molten glass. With a wave of his arm, Gabriel casts the orb upwards, where it brightens, growing hotter and hotter as it rises to hang like a tear of pure flame in the dark sky. The orb flares, suddenly, giving off an even orange light that warms the cold waters of the world. Gabriel walks on the crests of the waves which beat against the shore of the Starlit Lands, a dozen miles into the sea, and calls down a mote of flame from the new sun. It spreads across the waters, turning into a large, rolling plain. As the flickering flames die down, they become long, waving stalks of golden grass and wheat. A few trees spring up, rising off the tops of gentle hills, but nothing like the dense forests of the continent Gabriel left behind.

Gabriel looks upon the new land, and feels a sense of satisfaction- it is warm, open, and welcoming, just like she is. But it needs a people to welcome, and so Gabriel takes stalks of long prairie grass and binds them together with vines into crude bodies, before covering the straw with mud. They take sand from the western desert and dusts it over the wet mud. Finally, Gabriel plucks drops of glass from the sun, and forms them into eyes which shine with an echo of the sun's bright light. Gabriel's creations awake, short, ruddy, and hardy, well accustomed to living and farming in the grasslands and prairies in the middle of the continent.

Create land, -2 AP: Vitro Fusel- The Vitro Fusel is a burning, molten ball of glass that gives a warm illumination to the world it orbits around. It floats further from the earth than Illvaren Ro, and orbits more slowly, so it occasionally is eclipsed by the larger, dimmer and closer moon.

Create land, -2 AP: The Firelands- The Firelands is a continent, separated from the Starlit Lands by a wide channel of raging oceans that stretches north to south between the two continents. The continent is largely flat. Sparse forests line the east coast, where seeds from the Starlit Lands have blown across the channel. The forests fade into grasslands in the middle of the continent, which periodically burst into the massive wildfires which give the continent its name. The wildfires keep trees from growing in the center of the continent, and also create ash which makes the soil rich and fertile. As you go west through the savannah, the rolling hills grow higher and higher, rising into a mountain range along the west coast. In the foothills of the mountains, there is a desert which stretches north to south. [Plants (agriculture), 2/10

Create Mystical Race, -4 AP: Dryads- The first dryads are the embodiment of the prairie grass. They stand about four feet tall, and are stocky, with rough, sandy brown skin that parts in places to reveal the rippling cords of living and dead grass that form their bodies. They live inside the grass of the prairie, only rarely calling grass together to create their humanoid forms. They are natural masters of life magic, manipulating the grass of the prairies like it is part of their own body. They replant seeds in areas of the prairie scorched clean by wildfires, and start fires when the grass grows too think or trees start to encroach on grassland. Plants (agriculture), 6/10

Create Mystical Concept, -4 AP: Life Magic- Gabriel causes the warm light of Vitro Fusel to seep into all growing things, infusing them with energy and power.
Those who can sense this energy can manipulate it, causing plants to grow more rapidly, or taller and stronger. Experts can give animation to normally still life, creating constructs of grass, wood, and vine. This power grows greater under the shining light of the sun, and is most powerful at noon, but wanes when the sun sets. Plants (agriculture), 10/10

DyerMaker

2017-12-12, 09:38 PM

Vökr considered the creations of Joki and Gabriel. The Illvaren Ro diminished the darkness but created shadows and seemed a worthy creation. Gabriel's Vitro Fusel, by contrast, was harsh and reduced the length of darkness upon the planet by half. For the first time Vökr felt the emotions of sorrow and anger. He was pensive, yet calm. Vökr held forth his right arm and extended his forefinger, swirling it 'round. From the shadows came forth Vormur, The Maker a great worm of immense proportion, void of hue, filled with darkness, protected from light and heat, and unique unto itself. Vökr spoke to Vormur and gave The Maker a great task, implanting a vision to his creation—hunger for the earth beneath the planet's surface, its mountains, and seas. To create a system of caves and tunnels where those who desired solace from the light and warmth could call home. This would be Myrkfjord, The Darklands. Along his path, Vökr gave The Maker the ability to spread his seed, a magical radiation that would penetrate each tunnel and cavern; Galdurmaul. Within the center of Myrkfjord, Vökr would create a pool of black liquid and through this liquid one could travel to a place where light shall never have dominion. Varjo would serve as Vökr's throne of thought and his place of rest from toil on the planet.

Create Mythical Life (4AP): Vormur, The Maker; A unique mythical creature with a specific task. The great worm feeds off of the earth and is used to create Myrkfjord. Earth (Caves) 4/10

Create Land (2AP): Myrkfjord, The Darklands is an expansive series of tunnels and caves beneath the planet's surface, mountains, and seas. It should become a home for those who dwell in darkness. Earth (Caves) 6/10

Create Mythical Concept (4AP) Galdurmaul is a magical radiation only found in the Myrkfjord. It is the seed of Vormur, The Maker. Galdurmaul is akin to Dark/Wild Magic and will serve to protect those who dwell in the dark lands and provide them with a source of energy, a way to create wonderful things. Galdurmaul creates simply plant and animal life within Myrkfjord where none existed before. Earth (Caves) 10/10

Weave Plane (4AP): Varjo, The Plane of Shadow serves as Vökr's home when not walking upon the planet. It is a place void of light. Void (Isolation) 4/10

Create Portal (2AP): Svartalaug is a hidden pool of darkness that connects the Plane of Shadow with the First World at the center of Mykfjord. Mortals may learn of it when Vökr feels the time is right. Void (Isolation) 6/10

Action Points: 0/16 remaining.

New Domain: Earth (Caves)

Buufreak

2017-12-13, 12:20 AM

The conglomeration of fallen Titans amassed and churned, and from the great stone sinew of the Titan of Foundation, burst forth a creature. It had sharp fangs, massive claws, powerful wings, and indeed, varied details of all natural things, for it was of all natural life. And as it opened its eyes, it gazed and saw the great emptiness that filled the world, and the other sparks of divinity as they made their respective ways from similar birthgrounds as it.

It slowly made its way across the globe, using all senses as it went, taking in the forming geography. It, too, wished to stake a claim, but wasn't sure what or where. This troubling thought was quickly tossed aside, as it loomed low, down to the torrential depths, and places a single claw to the surface. Quickly and abruptly, the water whirled and began to part as great lands erupted from the ocean, a deluge pouring from the peaks and edges as they reached for the sky. And from this jagged territory, so came they to be the Claws of the Land, a savage place for savage life to be formed.

Then it gazed upon his new land, and immediately knew that from it, great and powerful life would form, but not without the subtle touch of godhood. The Beast sunk a cloven hoof into the still drenched soil, and with a powerful raking swipe, it stirred the mud and muck into a monstrous form, one in homage to itself, equally quadrupedal, equally ferocious, but not nearly the stature and power. The creatures first open their eyes, and from their first breaths and howls, corrosive acids expelled in place of their howls. And the Beast smiled, and named the monstrosity after itself. These Hounds of Apex would be the first of many, if the Beast would continue to have its way.

But the Beast was not yet satisfied with this, and wished to further excel one of these Hounds, so that it may speak for the Beast in manners that the Beast was not able to attend personally. He observed, and soon saw a natural leader of the Hounds: One that was larger, wiser, but most importantly, stronger, and used this strength to do many things, but most importantly to prove its superiority. It named this being as Horagona, the Caustic Maw, and filled it with its own power of divinity.

And the Beast rested, and gazed upon all that it had done, and it was pleased. But its contempt would be short lived, as it quickly grew bored, and wished to see what else this world had to offer since it first began siring life.

Create Land: The Claws of the Land are a series of massive and sharp mountains on an isolated land mass that reach from the shallow depths of the ocean to the clouds above, with some reaching even further still. The land is rough and rock filled, designed to test occupants in their strength of body and heart. (2AP - Creation (Genesis))

Create Monstrous Life: The Hounds of Apex are massive quadrupedal monstrosities, favoring the mentality of "might makes right." From their maws of serrated blade-like fangs, they are capable of spewing steady steams of corrosive acid. Though not the most intelligent of mythic creatures, they prove to be a formidable sort, and do not take kindly to trespassers. (1AP - Creation (Genesis))

Create Avatar: Horagona, the Caustic Maw is perhaps the most ferocious and savage of all the Hounds of Apex, and this pleases the Beast. It has chosen this specimen as its personal eyes and voice amongst this savage part of the world, to act in its stead as the Beast continues to other lands for other projects. (4AP - Competition (Superiority))

Starting AP 16, remaining AP after all actions 9.

Progress: 3/10 Creation (Genesis), 4/10 Competition (Superiority)

Toxic Mind

2017-12-13, 02:12 AM

As the Titan of Fire was shattered, a small part of its Primordial essence coalesced, drawn together by an innate need to create Order in a Chaotic Cosmos, a deep and unconscious need to impose ones will upon existence. The last thought the Titan had was the first of Avarin.

"Disgusting." Avarin's face was drawn in a cruel sneer. At least, it would have been, had the god possessed the facial features to create such a visage. Instead, the unchanging and cold gleam of armor shone as the newly formed god looked upon the world. It watched the Others, not deigning to give them the honor of kinship, create their lands, their planes. It was so chaotic, running about, spending energy here and there in flights of fancy. No. There would be structure. There would be Order. And if there was not... Avarin was forged in the death of a Titan. He had fire within him enough to do what was needed.

First, to ensure dominance. Respect was taken at the edge of a blade, and only the strong could hope to do so. Avarin did not require a weapon to assert his will, but sometimes the best way to ensure that no fight would happen, no authority would be questioned, was to make any fight seem impossible. His once-father would do nicely. There was no filial loyalty from the God of Order and Light, only his Law, and his Law decreed that Order must be impressed. He dove, faster than any mortal eye could have followed, had there been any to witness it. The water was no imposition, nor the earth beneath it. The shock of his impact threw a great geyser into the air, and when the spray settled, an island had formed, burning hot with the magma blood of the earth. Avarin did not see this, and if he did, he would not have cared. Mortals would name the island Lightfall, for stories would reach their ears that this was the first place, a sacred place, where the Lord of Light first set foot upon the world. Upon the island trees grew in perfect rows, their leaves and trunks symmetrical. The birds upon the island never sang out of tune or out of harmony, and the rivers of lava wound their way to the shore in perfect geometrical shapes. Mortals who visited Lightfall island would claim that their minds were much more ordered, less jumbled and chaotic, and far easier to ponder the great questions of the world.

Avarin reached into the core of the world and plucked out the spark that was once the Titan of Fire. He brought it with him back into the Void, and with the spark he fashioned a mighty weapon, a spear that only a god could hope to wield and not be consumed. The weapon glowed incandescent with the power contained within. Yet even this raw power was leashed by its Lord. Avarin poured his will into the spear, his desire to destroy the Chaotic forces around him. And the spear grew in function and form, such that no god with Chaos in their blood could hope to safely wield it, or long stand before it in battle. The spear was one with Avarin, and Avarin with the spear. Avarin named the spear Purity, for it would be a beacon against the darkness and chaos, ever striking down those that opposed Law and Order.

Avarin looked about, and saw that in his absence, another god had created a pathetic attempt to replicate the heat of the Titan of Fire. The light it provided was weak, nothing like the inferno it sought to mimic. Avarin would show them the error of their ways. He look a piece of his own roaring heart and placed it in the sky. It grew in size, massive and dwarfing its smaller brother. The light it gave upon the World was harsh, blinding, and searing. So radiant was this second star that it created few and long shadows, for there was little that could stop its gaze. Avarin knew it would ever watch the world for him, and through it he could monitor the comings and goings of mortals, as well as gods that walked upon its surface. Avarin was startled somewhat at the immense effort it took to use the star this way. He resolved to do more to bend this new creation to his will, so that it would serve, as all things served the Law.

"Gabriel. Flesh of my Primogenitor - Harken to my call." Avarin's voice rings like a clarion call across the Void, beckoning the god created from the other half of the Titan of Fire. Avarin waits, Purity held at attention in his hand, statuesque. There is little invitation in the summons, and far more the command of one who expects to be heeded, and obeyed.

Starting AP: 16/16
-2 AP Create Land: Lightfall Island - a Volcano created as Avarin forced his way to the core of the world.
This land is touched by Order, and thus each part of it, from the soil to the plants and animals,
reflects Avarin's dominance over chaotic forces. This even extends to those visiting the island. [Order (Obedience) 2/10]
-1AP Bless: Lightfall Island - the entire island radiates a Major Axiomatic aura. This causes crops, creatures, and even mortals to become more aligned towards Order and Law the longer they remain upon the island. Creatures of Chaos suffer headaches and nausea as long as they remain. [Order (Obedience) 3/10]
-5AP Create Major Combat Artifact: Purity - A spear of incredible power, Purity is, at its core, Avarin's will made manifest. It was forged to battle the forces of Chaos and Darkness, and leaps into the hands of its wielder with eagerness at the prospect of battle with such foes. [Protection (Purity) 5/10]
-3AP Infuse Major Combat Artifact: Purity +1 RCR - Where before the spear of Avarin was a mighty weapon, now it lives. Purity possesses all the boundless need to impose Order and Law as its creator. It is a straightforward weapon, seeking to quickly and finally snuff out any opposition. [Protection (Purity) 8/10]
-2AP Create Land: Titanus, the Burning Orb - Titanus is closer, and almost twice the size of its smaller brother, the Vitro Fusel. The light it provides to the World is harsh and long, dominating the skies with its heat. For all this, it cannot truly eclipse, in form or light, its smaller brother, and the two often hang together in the sky. Titanus is a mimic of the burning heart of the Titan of Fire, and thus, twinned with Avarin's Will, it strengthens even as it burns, and those that can live and thrive under its burning gaze are stronger for the experience. [Protection (Purity) 10/10]
Final AP: 3/16

Take Domain: Protection (Purity)
Actions to:
-5AP Create Major Artifact: Purity
-3AP Infuse Major Artifact: Purity
-2AP Create Land: Titanus, the Burning Orb

Zale

2017-12-13, 07:48 AM

Imagine the night sky.

It is a think of comforting darkness, a velvety void punctuated by the shimmer of the occasional star. It shrouds the world like a blanket, bringing with it the gifts of sleep and death.

In the time before time, when Titans fell, in the darkness a creature rose from the corpse of the Sky.

She slept, for a time, in that solemn void, far from light and land. As her kin shaped the world below her, the nascent goddess felt it, she knew it as a dream.

It was a beautiful land of comforting darkness, gentle lights, of motion and shape. Land rose from the primordial sea, lights grew across land and rose into sky- not harsh lights, not light to wake minds, but light to be.

And then came the first sunrise.

That harsh and terrible light.

That scar against the void.

And the dreamer awoke!

The stars twisted into shape, the shape of woman, the shape of a boat.

Suddenly, she was- Chipo, the Baroness of the Midnight Sea.

Her boat was small, barely more than a raft for one, and carved with all the constellations that could or would be. The prow of her raft glid across the star-filled void. Her oar touched upon the fabric of shadow and found purchase there.

She was a creature of many veils, of softly colorful clothing. Her hands gloved, her feet shod. Chipo's crown was made of candles that twinkled like stars, and her veil was the subtle substance of twilight.

Before the harsh light of the first day, she drove her craft. She reached out with one hand, and grasped the fabric of the sky, and wove from there a cloak.

It was the Cloak of First Night, and with it trailing behind her, the Baroness of the Midnight Sea crossed the sky of the world, from horizon to horizon. She rose from the sea, and set in the west, and as she went, the harsh light was muted and hushed, the primordial night returned, if for a moment.

And after this most harsh day, the world knew the temporary relief of the single night- and this was Chipo's first gift.

16/16 AP

-5 AP, Create Major (Utility) Artifact: The Cloak of First Night is a piece of woven void, studded with stars. It is part of the ancient primordial night from before the first dawn. Chipo uses it, every night, as she sails across the sky to bring, once more, relief from the light of day. It grants a -1 AP discount to Bless actions. Darkness (Night) (5/10)

-1 AP, Bless: Day-Night Cycle. For each Day, a Night. Light and darkness shall intertwine from hence forth. Darkness (Night) (6/10)

10/16 AP remaining, 1 artifact charge?

Lleban

2017-12-13, 12:35 PM

The last gasp of the titan of the sky blew over the empty waters of the first world collecting sea foam and clouds until it formed Madellena. As she traveled the world, she saw her compatriots raise lands, create life, and populate the sky above. Stretching her newly formed limbs Madellena race from one side of the first world to the other in her bestial form. As Madellena walked the lands her siblings had created, she was most fond of the Firelands. Crawling upon the continents shore to see grasses rise burn and rise again was all too enthralling. The Dryads to seemed especially interesting, living in the grasses making her laugh for ages. This world was missing something though, after consulting with the dryads, she decided to forge her own creations.

Inspired by the fire lands she used her full power to create a continent so large, it could bend the winds and ocean currents. Thus The Emerald lands were born,with beautiful soil, seasonal rains, enough space for life of all kinds to flourish. To link the Emerald lands with her source of inspiration, she created and archipelago to the bridge the gap between them, The Steps of Cinder. Pleased with what she had created Madellena returned to the sea. While she followed pods of whales there were no friends in the sea like the dryads on the surface. Perhaps she needed children of her own, something to watch the shifting clouds and storms with her? Embracing the primal power of her bestial form she laid a great many eggs, new life!!

Hearing the songs of her children, brought a tear to her eye. For the first time the whole world felt truly alive and it was beautiful. The songs of her children were so hypnotic she unwittingly gifted it a fraction of her power. Leviathan song

Create land The Emerald Lands: A massive continent 200 miles south of the Firelands extending into the southern hemisphere. The northern coast is dominated by hills, rocky plains, coastal savannas, and bays, cut by the occasional river. A mountain range extends from the Cinder steps down the eastern coast. The northeast is filled with a mixture of savanna and arid planes that look desolate during the dry season and verdant during the wet season. As one goes further south into the equatorial regions the elevation decreases as the Terrain becomes dominated by a series of gigantic rain forests and tropical marshes. Inland the the rain forests shift into seasonally fed monsoon jungles. Fires are endemic to the inland jungles during the dry season. In the southern hemisphere past the equatorial jungles lies the Savanhal. The Savanhal is a large savanna dotted by large fresh water lakes, deserts, woodlands and rivers. [Nature (Continents) 2/10]
Create land The Cinder Steps: A series of Volcanic islands extending from the western mountains from the Firelands to the Eastern Emerald lands.[Nature (Continents) 4/10]
Create sub race Tree Dryads: A subspecies of Dryad that inhabit the jungles and rain forests of the Emerald lands. These Dryads use life magic in order to create various idols and wood statutes out of branches and debris.[Life (birth) 2/10]
Create Mythical life Leviathans: Large whale sized creatures resembling marine iguanas with 6 legs and 4 eyes. Much like their mother they enjoy basking on the ocean surface following the turbulent storms. Wise yet social creatures, leviathans communicate with each other via hypnotic long low pitched hums that resonate throughout the sea. When a Leviathan begins to die it beaches itself in a great hurricane before its body slowly turns into Peridot. [Storm (lightning) 4/10]
Create Mystical Concept Leviathan Song: The songs of the Leviathan can be used to manipulate weather. Full mastery over the Leviathan language enables one to conjure powerful storms. Effectiveness of this weather manipulation is entirely seasonal.[Weather (monsoons) 4/10]

Ap remaining 16-2-2-2-4-4= 2
Weather (monsoons) 4/10
Life (birth) 2/10
Nature (continents) 4/10
Storm (lightning) 4/10

Razade

2017-12-14, 04:24 AM

Joki to Varjo

Joki sailed long upon the waves of The Dim Archipelago, the decks of the mighty Barge festive and bright and as animals danced and drank to the whim of their host. Joki itself sat at the tiller, drinking and singing and gazing into the starry sky above with a twinkle of mischief in its eye. For the first time the moon, Illvaren Ro, would go dim upon the first world as Night and Day were cast and in this new world the moon retreated to the skies over the Barge. Silvery light filtered into the waters but as the craft sailed, the waves drank deep the pale and cool glow until they no longer gave the argent light back.

The Barge of the Twilight had drifted into the Umbra Atoll, a realm no sailing ship could pass for there was no winds to push a sail and the waters no current for they were the darkness of Varjo itself. But Joki's craft could sail wherever it wished and the ship pressed on into Varjo proper with its lights and music and sound. A cacophony within the still penumbra. Joki had come to the throne of Vökr himself.

2AP

Bridge Plane -2: The Dim Archipelago and Varjo - The Dim Archipelago is tied deeply to the phases of Illvaren Ro and the heavens of the Mortal world. When both suns are at their lowest and Illvaren Ro passes to its dark phase, a passage opens between the Dim Archipelago, the dark still waters of Umbra Atoll. These Atoll pull themselves up from ink black seas, as placid and smooth as glass and the sky above is covered in the shining light of Illvaren Ro. [Earth (The Moon) 6/10]

2AP - 2AP = 0AP

DyerMaker

2017-12-14, 01:02 PM

Vökr appeared upon Joki's barge, taking the mirror form of the god itself—black as pitch and cloaked in darkness. Swirls of shadow encircled Joki's lights, dimming them to the point of distant stars. The music played on and was enjoyed by Vökr. Addressing the god of water in a baritone whisper that echoed in an ever-arching circumference, 'round and 'round: Welcome to Varjo...as a brother. Tell me...brother...what are your plans...for this...terrene realm?

Razade

2017-12-14, 10:40 PM

Joki: A Meeting in Darkness

Joki stands quickly as the God arrives upon his barge, all smiles as he bedecks himself in twinkling lights and heavy robes to keep the cold of the dark away. Everything Vökr was not. At the question however, Joki only frowned and offered a shrug. "You do me a kindness, to call me brother. You may call me Joki, and I thank you for your welcome to this most intriguing of realms." Pleasantries aside, Joki took his seat once more and poured its guest a drink with a motion to sit as well. "My plans? Why...I have none. I did not plan to be here and I do not plan to be wherever it is next I end up. I am simply moving, taking in all that I see and remembering it so that others will know what was in these early days. But such a question...what are your plans then? I think I'd be more interested in hearing those than you might find my own engaging. Yes?"

Westhart

2017-12-15, 11:21 AM

One last gurgle from the titan of currents signaled its end, as it slowly collapsed downward, enveloping the ruins of both the titans of foundation and of fire. From the frigid, black currents rose Oceran, and she watched the creations of her kin in delight, marveling over the new sights, and she continued to watch, noting everything. However, she felt that there was something missing, something wrong, and with that she traveled far to the north, far above, and she cast down her hand, and from that spot a mass of ice and snow leaped forward, and she smiled, a land of mazes, of crystalline wonders, sheltered from the glare of the noon day sun. This land would be own, and it would be come to be referred to as the Frozen North, a place of mystery, and wonder, but also one of cold. In the center of this, marking the northern most pole was a large mountain, piercing into the underbelly of the sky above. Oceran felt that this was a fair land, but she could see the heat of the sky fire, and she laid her blessing upon it, so the land would always be graced with her wintry touch.

She retreated to the mountain, and in her icy adobe fashioned a wonderful item, a frozen heart, containing a single one of the wintry roses that were scattered across her island home. This item would be one to fight off the intolerant heat, and aide her in any conflicts with it. Yet this land was not cold enough for what she desired, and she concentrated, using her divine essence to make a plane of ice, and this plane she would call the heart of winter, and it would be her permanent home. With this done the goddess stopped once again, realizing that none could easily travel to her world of Cold and she set in place a connection, a long tunnel that when walked through would reveal to the traveler all the sights of the wondrous plane she'd made. Her labors done she watched the creations of her siblings, tranquilly.

Bear with me, I'm new to this :smalltongue:
16 AP

Create Land -2 AP: The Frozen North. Made of almost pure ice and snow the land is cold and frigid, and few can live or survive here. There are a few gushing frozen rivers, and the wildlife here are all adapted to it, although there is not too much diversity. One of the main plants to be found her is a unique type of rose, which are frosty red in appearance. Due to its location and the way it aligns with suns, moon, and stars the land is in a constant state of twilight, and if one climbs to the peak of the sole mountain then it instead looks like a constant sunrise. The stars are always out, and the land is a mystery, a frozen jewel. (Cold (Winter) 2/10)
Blessing -1 AP: The Frozen North is always in a state of winter, and the temperature never rises above freezing. (Cold (Winter) 1/10)
Create Major Artifact -5 AP (Combat): The Ice Flower is a large heart of ice containing a single winter rose. The artifact is winter, frigid, uncaring, frost. Woe to the mortal that would try to get a hold of it, as they would slowly be frozen to death, their hands stuck to it, unable to let go as it drank up their warmth. (Cold (Winter) 8/10)
Weave Plane -4 AP: The Plane of Cold: Wracked by constant snows and hail, cold winds, and all kinds of terrible cold weather the plane is marked by many wonderful ice mazes, which if one shines a light on work as prisms. One could get lost in the marvels, when they visit, and there are all kinds of sights to see. (I wasn't sure which one this was honestly, so... My guess is cold, putting me at: (Cold (Winter) 10/10; Ice (Marvels) 2/10)
Bridge Plane -2 AP: If a traveler can manage to find her home, therein lies a tunnel, which connects The North to The plane of cold. The tunnel is long, and the air chill, flooded by a damp fog. (Travel (Endurance) 2/10)
16-2-1-5-4-2=2 AP left

Waxpapers

2017-12-15, 06:35 PM

Gabriel

Gabriel spends a long time simply basking in the glow of the warm sun, flitting as a golden wildfire across the plains. As the second sun rises high into the sky, Gabriel's fire brightens, but Gabriel pays the solar body little heed. As Gabriel's brother issues his summons, Gabriel condenses, the swirling flames solidifying into the figure of an elderly man holding a cast iron pot full of coals. Rather than immediately go to his brother, Gabriel sits, and thinks.

Gabriel does not move or make a noise for more than a day. Only when darkness began to cover the sky does he begin to stir. Following the path of Chipo as the goddess moves across the sky, Gabriel walks across the earth, blurring at times into warm flames, or an insubstantial wisp of cloth. Finally, Gabriel reaches the shore, and transforms into a column of flame, dancing across the water, before materializing on the shores of Avarin's volcano as an old woman, wearing a russet shawl and carrying a staff of gnarled wood. Gabriel walks slowly up the shore, coming to a halt before Avarin.

"Hello, brother. It's a lovely island you've made here."

Toxic Mind

2017-12-16, 01:45 AM

Avarin, Gabriel - Lightfall Island

Avarin eyes the other god for a moment before responding. "This?" He said evenly "Is nothing more than Nature asserting itself once more. Order is the natural state of the Universe. This island is merely the first expression of that Order and Law."

Avarin pauses to look once more at the god next to him. He summons Purity to his hand, and sets the base of the spear upon the shore. "Gabriel" He starts, "You and I are of similar stock. We have both created celestial bodies of Light. We both clearly see the value in Law and Order. We are not, however, alone in this existence. There are others, others who do not share our vision." Avarin gestures to the gods around them, as they pull Night across the world, and disappear into holes in reality. "Light, Order - these are the natural state of existence. See how they try to return to darkness - try to suppress the light."

Avarin has no face, but the resolve in his posture, in his bearing, is evident. "Gabriel. You claimed the title of Brother. Will you prove it now, and stand with me against the darkness? Will you help me ensure that Light and Order remain the dominant force in this world, that mortals might bask in their radiance?" Avarin felt no filial loyalty, not really, nor did he particularly feel much comradeship towards the other god. However, Gabriel had named him Brother, and Avarin had no qualms about using that to achieve his goals.

Zale

2017-12-16, 07:29 AM

Chipo - Far above the world, sailing upon The Midnight Sea

For a time, all was the slow drift of the night across the world, and then Chipo heard the distant refrain of song.

It bubbled forth from the sea's depths, song of multifaceted beauty- each note hanging in the air like a sparkling gem. It called to the depths of the air, to sky and wind and star.

The Baroness of the Midnight Sea, so usually given to silence, felt moved momentarily by this beauty.

She reached forth a gloved hand, and touched the void-sky as she drifted past. It curved under her touch, moving like water, as a long ribbon of it curved off, coiling and spreading after the path of her raft.

Chipo plucked six stars from the sky, and placed them as glowing eyes upon the long ribbon of void. She breathed into it the breath of life, and it woke.

A great dragon of the void, a leviathan of the midnight sea- it spun through the sea of midnight, casting waves up in the space between stars.

Then, then it began to sing. It was a deep song, a response to the songs of the sea. It was the music of the heavenly spheres.

And so the stars began their slow, stately dance as the leviathan's song echoed through the night-sky.

The Baroness of the Midnight Sea merely smiled in her small hidden way, and continued on through the night of her making.

10/16 AP, 1 artifact charge.
Domains: (6/10) Darkness (Night).

-4 AP Create Mythic Life: The Void Leviathan, is a singular creature at the present. It is a miles-long being of midnight void, with six stars for eyes. It sings the song of the heavenly spheres, and rides the midnight tide. It cannot bear the sun, and flees before it.

The Leviathan is sapient thing, but cares little for conversation. It reflects only on song and the purity of the void.

(10/10) Darkness (Night)

-4 AP Create Mythic Concept: The Song of the Heavens describes the motion of the stars. It is, in fact, their motive force- without it, they would stand still. The Void Leviathan is the greatest practitioner of this art, but others can learn it also. Most who do will simply learn the way of listening, and be able to hear the song, and know where stars will go, but the greatest of them will be able to redirect their dances- great choirs of talented singers can change entire constellations.

(4/10) Astronomy (Stars)

Claim Darkness (Night) as a domain.

2/16 AP, one artifact charge(?), (4/10) Astronomy (Stars).

Buufreak

2017-12-16, 09:39 AM

The Beast of Apex - Awestruck

The Beast quickly had it's boredom sated. It watched the glory of suns and moons filling the sky, now lit brightly and beautifully. The heavens above were spreading quickly, and the Beast wished only to match this splendor and glory with earthly creations of its own.

Bringing forth most of its might, it formed cosmos, earthly materials, and even some of its own power into a singularity. It created the Fount of Creation, an overflowing chalice that would pour the pure essence of life onto the world, and any mortal creature that would be nourished by it would find themselves more than mere animals.

But such power would be limited, even for such a divine object. The Beast resolved to pour even further power into it, wishing to see it's waters overpour and even flood the entire world with life, with monsters and sentience alike, and perhaps even more that it couldn't stand to imagine at the time.

Again, the Beast rested, more proud than before, as the water of the Fount bubbled up with glimmers of life itself.

5 AP Create Major Artifact (Utility, Create Life, Sentient Life): Fount of Creation, from who's waters will flow the creation force of life itself across the lands. (8/10 Creation (Genesis))

3 AP Infusion, Major Artifact: Fount of Creation (Relic) (11/10 Creation (Genesis))

Gain Domain Creation (Genesis)

1 Remaining AP

Lleban

2017-12-16, 03:13 PM

DyerMaker

2017-12-16, 10:59 PM

Joki: A Meeting in Darkness

Vökr moves around the barge as he continues to converse with Joki. You need not those robes...brother. The cold of darkness is a trick...of your own mind. Vorja is void of weather...neither cold nor hot. Vökr now took his preferred form before Joki, that of a tall (9 foot tall) ultra-thin humanoid, slightly darker than darkness. My thanks for the beverage...I need no sustenance. Plans...plans...many plans have I...brother. I will...create life...brother...life that cherishes knowledge and embraces...darkness. I have...enjoyed this distraction...Joki. Until then... Vökr removed himself from the barge and rode the shadows to visit Vormur, The Maker and inspect the progress of Myrkfjord. The large, underground continent of tunnels and caves was proceeding nicely as Vormur fed upon the earth of this planet.

Waxpapers

2017-12-16, 11:12 PM

Gabriel, Avarin- Lightfall Island

Gabriel stands silent for a long moment, mulling over Avarin's words as the armored God stares impassively at her. Instead of answering, she walks inland from the shore, shuffling to the rows of perfect trees which stand on Lightfall Island before turning to Avarin.

"Brother, you have noble intentions, but I am afraid your aspirations will lead you to ruin. You know well that what you are saying is a pleasant fiction. Order and light are not the natural state of the world. Neither is darkness. The world simply is, and we must do our best to make it pleasant."

Stabbing her staff into the earth, Gabriel plucks a single perfect apple from a perfect tree and holds it out to Avarin. "You have created something beautiful here. But you have done this by imposing your will on the natural world, not by expressing anything intrinsic to our world. And this," Gabriel gestures around herself, "this is beautiful because it stands out. This island is something unusual, just as the light of your sun is unusual when it shines through the dark. Make the whole world like this, and your work loses its value. The poetry in your patterns is only discernible because it is distinguished from the chaos of the waves."

Gabriel picks up her staff again and holds it straight, mirroring Avarin's Purity. "So here is my answer to you, brother. I am a light in the darkness. I am the fire for lost souls in the night. If you knock at my door in the evening, I will give you food, and shelter, just as I would for any traveler. But the night has value, too, and there is comfort in the warm dark. Should you ask for aid, or healing, I will provide it. But I will not trade my stick for a spear, to pierce and kill the night."

Razade

2017-12-17, 06:45 AM

Vökr moves around the barge as he continues to converse with Joki. You need not those robes...brother. The cold of darkness is a trick...of your own mind. Vorja is void of weather...neither cold nor hot. Vökr now took his preferred form before Joki, that of a tall (9 foot tall) ultra-thin humanoid, slightly darker than darkness. My thanks for the beverage...I need no sustenance. Plans...plans...many plans have I...brother. I will...create life...brother...life that cherishes knowledge and embraces...darkness. I have...enjoyed this distraction...Joki. Until then... Vökr removed himself from the barge and rode the shadows to visit Vormur, The Maker and inspect the progress of Myrkfjord. The large, underground continent of tunnels and caves was proceeding nicely as Vormur fed upon the earth of this planet.

Joki: From Darkness to Cold

Joki listens dutifully, all smiles and warmth even in a realm that had neither need or want of it. He listened to the plans of the darkness and drank in stead of its guest. For Joki needed to eat and needed to drink even if the other Gods did not because it was the illusion of need that was all that was needed. Just as the illusion of warmth and clothing and even a body was needed, in a place that had no desire for it. All of this was left unsaid, what need was there to voice it? Conversation was also just an illusion to beings who could show their will with but a gesture and have all the world around it follow.

"I look forward to seeing what you make, and all your plans when they come to fruition or ruin both. Brother." So too did Joki steer itself from the darkness, back to the mortal world to explore the other lands its kin had made. Vast jungles and mighty savanna dotted the Emerald Lands and the Barge of the Twilight rode this land hard and fast from the peaks of its mountains to the lowest reaches of its marshes. But the land baked under the light of the twin suns and everywhere the Barge traveled it pulled the light of Illvaren Ro behind it. These creases in the ground and stone filled and became The Moon Pools, bastions of the cooling and gentle light of Illvaren Ro.

Speaking of cool, as the Barge of the Twilight dipped back towards the Dim Archipelago into a new region of its waters. Vast iceburgs stabbed into the sky and a freezing mist coated the Barge so that even Joki had to take care. Stranger yet storms of fire and steam whirled about the Barge as in the skies above through the cloud the eyes of Titanus and Vitro Fusel shone through. Joki darted here and there, too and fro until it found itself in the Plane of Cold and hurried to make the Barge more comfortable. Soon enough vast bonfires raged on the deck, heavy furs coated every inch of open space and Joki was dressed to match.

AP: 4AP

Bridge Plane -1AP: The Plane of Cold and The Dim Archipelago - When Illvaren Ro is at its full face the night after both suns hang high in the sky, one can find their way into the Avalanche Islands and further into the Plane of Cold. The Avalanche Islands are litered with island sized iceburgs and a mist covers the frigid ocean. This freezing mist glows with a silvery light, protecting the frigid lands from the fury of Titanus. [Earth (Moon) 7/10]

Bless -1AP: The Moon Pools - Scattered around the Emerald Lands are basins of silvery water that sparkle like gems. These are the Moon Pools, sacred water that mingles with the light of Illvaren Ro. Those that drink the water find it nourishing however the pools have another purpose. To protect the Emerald Lands and its environs from the harsh light of Titanus. [Earth (The Moon) 8/10]

4AP - 2AP = 2AP

Toxic Mind

2017-12-17, 03:16 PM

Gabriel, Avarin - Lightfall Island

Avarin barely moves. "So be it." he says, and there is steel in his voice. "A warning, then. I will restore Order and Law to this world. Do not stand in my way, or I will show you no mercy - kin or no." The Lord of Light plants his spear in the ground, and a corona of radiance bursts from him. When it clears, he is gone.

Avarin - Alone

The god pondered. There were two options, and neither was particularly enjoyable, but both deserved a chance to willingly join. The first, the goddess of Silence, had already married herself to Darkness, but that could be broken. She recognized the worth of Law, that much Avarin was sure. The second, the bestial god, recognized the Law of Nature, that the strong ruled the weak. It was a Law of Sorts, though perhaps the god did not realize it.

He would approach the beast first, and then the other. More observation was needed to find if she followed the darkness, like the others.

Avarin, The Beast of Apex - The Claws of the Land

Avarin did not appear before the other god in a flash of light or power, for to be honest he found such displays rather rude. Instead, he announced himself at the shores of the god's lands, and began walking. His strides covered vast distances, true, but he walked all the same. When he found the spot he was looking for, far enough from the Artifact-Font to satisfy decorum, but close enough to be noticed, he announced himself. "I am Avarin. I am Order and Light. Let us speak of the Order of this Universe."

Starting AP: 3/16
+4 Rollover
Ending AP: 7/16

Westhart

2017-12-17, 05:35 PM

Buufreak

2017-12-17, 06:34 PM

First things first. +4AP brings my total to 5.

The Beast of Apex, Avarin: A Potential for Strife and Power

The Beast remained calm and still, recollecting thoughts and basking in the warmth of the twin suns. It enjoyed the warmth, the purity of the energy that flowed forth. But its calm would not be long lived as its interest was piqued. It stirred for but a moment, and instead sent Horagona in its stead. As the Beasts eyes and ears, the Avatar quickly made its way to the Sun God, and upon seeing him, bowed slowly. The Hound, too, was pleased with the warmth provided, and subtly beckoned the God to follow towards its master.

Toxic Mind

2017-12-17, 09:50 PM

Avarin, Beast of Apex - Judgement

Avarin watched the Avatar approach. He was of two minds on this development. On one hand, it was clear wisdom to not expose oneself to a possible hostile attack, and it spoke to the other god’s appraisal of Avarin’s martial strength that he took such precautions. On the other hand, was it cowardice or wisdom that drove such a choice. Avarin did not fear, for fear was as anathema to him as darkness and chaos.

Without a word, the god follows, spear in hand.

Razade

2017-12-18, 03:27 AM

Oceran looked up from her admiration of the lands to the south as one of her siblings glided into her domain, standing aboard a boat. She slowly traveled through her realm, admiring what she had made, and stopped close to the boat which now seemed to be afire. Oceran’s eyes had narrowed to a mere slit, as she stared at the raging infernos that covered the vessel, not sure whether to be glad for the company, or to be fearful of the flames. Her curiosity got the better of her though, and she hesitantly stepped onto the boat, leaving faint footprints of frost as she went. She used one hand to ward her eyes from the baleful flashes of the hungry flames. “A fine ship, but I wonder, what is all the flame for?” Her voice was young, and smooth, like ice itself, and she examined the ship, her face filled with admiration, a hand hesitantly running down the sides. Unlike the other gods, who may have taken this all for granted, she was of the curious sort, and deep down she hungered for something… she wasn’t quite sure of what, but her ideal would be something to survive the cold, and build, and live in harmony with it… What she really wanted were skilled craftsman who could survive the cold, and bring her tales of everything she may miss, but th idea wasn’t yet solid, instead it was more of a mush, a basic concept, something to be admired, and slowly locked into place and solidified… She shook her head, dismissing the thought, after all, it was time to entertain her guest! With little thought she carved a room, a banquet hall to serve the best of gods, and then gave a blessing of hospitality to it, so that there’d always be food and drink, and so that it would be comfortable to those within. She also made the area one of peace, as what was such a place if it were to be filled with the outrage of battle? That done she turned to Joki, giving a small, polite bow. "Will you come and sit with me, or must your barge be on your way so soon?" Oceran offers a sincere smile, she doesn't mind company, in fact she loves it, and she'd be more then willing to talk and discuss whatever's on the Joki's mind.

Shape Land, Bless -3 AP: The Tables of Oceran; This gigantic room is full of plates that always seem full with what the individual desires, cups of the same, and to each individual the room is always comfortable, whether they are used to cold temperatures, or the humid heats of the jungle. A man can always seem to find a seat here, and the room is pervaded by a peacefulness, and none may draw weapon nor wield magics out of anger. Travel (Hospitality 3/10)
Fixed the other AP spending errors, and everything should sit at:
Cold (Winter) 10/10, gained.
Travel (Endurance) 2/10
Ice (Marvels) 2/10
Travel (Hospitality) 3/10

AP Left: 3

Joki: Frost and Flame

Joki watched from the prow of its barge as the daughter of the Current Titan, a fellow cleaved from the roaring and mighty beast that all at once had wrapped about the world and snuffed out its siblings. A fellow...but not a family. For this was most certainly a God. Or a Goddess and Joki...Joki was not. But that did not dissuade the traveler from being all smiles and sweltering sympathy. "The fires, Oh Goddess, are to ward off the cold. Same as they are anywhere the chill of your frost finds favorable facilitates to form." Much like the cold of the Darkness, there was no need for the furs and flames but just as before that was exactly why they were needed. Because it was what was expected and what was favorable. A happy dillusion to keep one self comfortable.

With much wonder, Joki watched Oceran carve out her room though he did not budge from its spot. "Ah it's true, for the waves of this world are never calm. Do be seated however for we may talk for a time. I would simply not wish to be without my boat when it decides it is time to go to some...other harbor. There are so many too meet and so many places to see. The currents brought me here, and here is where you found me. Perhaps you'd favor coming onboard instead and see what there is to be seen? I have warm jackets aplenty and food enough for two. I've never entertained a God before. Or a Goddess."

Westhart

2017-12-18, 08:40 AM

Buufreak

2017-12-18, 10:59 AM

Zale

2017-12-18, 04:27 PM

Meeting death

Listening to the songs of her children, Madellena heard another voice. This was not one of hers, it was deeper, and far larger. Swimming to the source of this sound lead her to the Leviathan of the void, a peerless creature. As she began to pet the creatures scaly back she noticed a veiled woman calmly rafting beside her. This woman must have been born from the titan of the sky as well, nothing else could explain the connection she felt. Moving like sea foam carried by the waves, Madellena approached the goddess from the Leviathans back. Madellena's words left almost instinctively, as she motioned toward the leviathan Elder sister, I see you've been inspired.

Chipo and Madellena - Far Above the First World, The Midnight Sea.

The goddess turned, crown of candles twinkling like stars, veil fluttering in the weightless void. Her craft, carved and painted with countless images so delicately contrasted with the dark sky-sea.

Behind her billowed a cloak of darkest night, studded with twinkling stars. It flowed behind her, turning the brightness of day into the darkness of night.

Chipo then spoke to the sky-born goddess. Her voice was low and mellow- it was a warm voice that coiled out like smoke, it was a voice like a warm summer night.

Hello, and fair-meetings, my sister of sky. By which titles shall I refer to you, and by what names might I please you? I am Chipo, Baroness of the Midnight Sea.

She bowed, gesturing with a long-sleeved and gloved hand with one hand, as she held her raft-oar in the other.

And yes, I must admit to being touched by the songs of the sea- for they are truly a liminal thing, uniting sky and surf with sound and silence.

2/16 AP, 1 artifact charge.
Domain Progress: (4/10) Astronomy (Stars).

+4 AP Rollover.

6/16 AP, 1 artifact charge.
Domain Progress: (4/10) Astronomy (Stars).

Toxic Mind

2017-12-18, 08:04 PM

The Beast of Apex, Avarin - Any uneasy alliance of Power and Order

Horagona led his guest to the Master of Monsters. The Beast is best known for taking the appearance of a form that will be most pleasing, and with its Hounds all surrounding on the high peaks, it sat, a mass of fur and muscle, wings outstretched, but always bearing its signature crown of horns.

Here in its home, where most comfortable, there was no tension, only clear intention. In unison, the God and avatar howled, reverberating between the mountains. Slowly, meaningful sound was formed from the echos.

You have traveled far to see me, Sun God. What news do you bring?

The Beast of Apex, Avarin - These are Their Stories

"None, but that the world's grown cold." Avarin says flatly. "Surely even you have sensed it, God of Beasts - the Darkness that comes upon your pack and upon yourself, that drives away the warmth."

"Don't you hate it?"

"The Darkness is Chaos, coming to re-assert itself across this world. We can stop it, you and I, if we worked together. We could ensure Law and Order are not destroyed."

Razade

2017-12-19, 05:28 AM

She nods as he explains the fires, "I see, I should devise of something to keep individuals warm..." She gently sits dow as he offers, to do otherwise would be rude. "I admit, your barge is fascinating, and I ask, how are the other gods? Are they kind of heart, or are those beneath me ((navigation wise, she doesn't see herself as very 'above' morally or socially etc)) something to worry of?" She asks the question not as one trying to infiltrate the others, but as one wondering how an invitation to banquet whenever they wished would go, ill or not? "So, you travel as the boat wills? That sounds..." Here she pauses for a moment, not sure of the word... not quite fun, "Interesting." Her face is set in a pleasant smile, and she sits forward eagerly, intent on listening ot any news, thinking of something else that'd be a wonderful gift, and she sat up, "I have a gift for you!" She turned around, fashioning a leather bound book, simple but sturdy and handed it to him, a smile beaming across her face. "It'll keep a log of your travels, although you may tell it to stop or take back up if you so wish." She had no control over the thing, and it wasn't an attempt to spy... In fact, such a notion never occurred to her.

I'm thinking of grabbing a domain and portfolio dealing with crafts, does that screw with anyone's god idea here?
Oh, I may also need Cold (innocence)... Or would that be snow :smalltongue:
So, would creating such a book be a minor artifact? If so, -3 AP putting her at 0, and Travel (Hospitality) 6/10. If not disregard, she's at 3 AP, and 3/10.

"Other Gods? Are there other Gods?" Joki wonders allowed, tapping its chin with a playful smirk. "I certainly wouldn't know...I've only traveled into the Darkness. I can transport you there and you can find out for yourself. After all...what's the fun of knowing without experience? How can one measure themselves if someone else tells them how big the stick is?" Joki laughs, moving to dangle off the railings of its boat.

"Interesting..." Joki ran its hand along the wood of the wood and traced its grain. Felt the salt and the caked on sea weed beneath its fingernails. "Yes, it is interesting...oh...a gift?" With a small drop Joki lands onto the snowy soil below. "I do like gifts...but I'm so very afraid I have one of those. Several in fact! But perhaps I could give you something this time? Yes? As an apology, after all...what do you get for the Joki who has everything?"

It wouldn't really qualify for an artifact, just fluff. Good fluff, but fluff.

Buufreak

2017-12-19, 03:09 PM

Waxpapers

2017-12-19, 07:20 PM

Gabriel- Alone on Avarin's Island

Gabriel waits until Avarin has vanished, then lets out a long, low whistle, shaking her head. They step forward, and become a column of flame which skips across the waves, back to the Firelands. As they dart across the grasslands, Gabriel notes how the land has changed, in the space of a single conversation. The cool night has dimmed the fires which crown the prairies, and the dryads slumber. Which is remarkable, since Gabriel didn't even know they were capable of sleep. But most interesting was the hole, dozens of feet in diameter, which has emerged in the middle of a patch of trees on the eastern coast of the continent. Gabriel's fire runs up to the edge of the hole, but peering in, they are unable to see anything except miles and miles of tunnel.
Their curiosity piqued, Gabriel solidifies into the form of an old man, carrying a pot of glowing coals. Gabriel slowly walks into the tunnels that now run beneath the earth, his pathway illuminated by soft red light. Through darkness, he seeks the source of the tunnels.

Lleban

2017-12-19, 07:52 PM

Chipo and Madellena - Far Above the First World, The Midnight Sea.

The goddess turned, crown of candles twinkling like stars, veil fluttering in the weightless void. Her craft, carved and painted with countless images so delicately contrasted with the dark sky-sea.

Behind her billowed a cloak of darkest night, studded with twinkling stars. It flowed behind her, turning the brightness of day into the darkness of night.

Chipo then spoke to the sky-born goddess. Her voice was low and mellow- it was a warm voice that coiled out like smoke, it was a voice like a warm summer night.

Hello, and fair-meetings, my sister of sky. By which titles shall I refer to you, and by what names might I please you? I am Chipo, Baroness of the Midnight Sea.

She bowed, gesturing with a long-sleeved and gloved hand with one hand, as she held her raft-oar in the other.

And yes, I must admit to being touched by the songs of the sea- for they are truly a liminal thing, uniting sky and surf with sound and silence.

Madellena chuckled, patted her new friend on the back a chirping in her boisterous voice "I'm Madellena Singer of Storms, Mother of Monsoons, Lover of Life. Surely I'll get more titles as eternity progresses, but you can call me Madellena, even sister if it tickles your fancy." Madellena walked barefoot around the edges of the craft lifting her arm attempting to feel the night lights in her hand. Madellena furtively looked toward Chipo, worried she might sound silly. "Elder sister...I mean Baroness ..are there others like us out there, I remember seeing things but the images are hazy?"

Westhart

2017-12-19, 10:21 PM

She looks at him as he teases, her smile spreading into a wide grin, “I suppose that it would be better to figure out for my own.” She stops to think as he drops off of the ship, and slowly follows, trying to think of a gift, then smiles, “How about this?” In her hands is a small orb of Ice. “This orb holds a sliver of the fracture of the potential cold offers… To be used for and when you need it.” She nods, figuring that’d make up for the other gift, as a hostess always needed a gift for their guests! She doesn’t say anything in regard to his offer, if he gifts her something she’ll take it, and if not she won’t raise the point.

“I’ll take you up on the offer of a ride, if it is still open that is. I must ask though, how does one see all the wonders the lands have to offer in darkness, or is it more of a twilight?” She tilts her head, “Wouldn’t one want some sort of… balance? Not always light, nor always dark?” She shrugs, "Of course to each their own I guess..."

Toxic Mind

2017-12-19, 10:28 PM

The Beast of Apex, Avarin - Curiosity

I do not know this concept of hate, for I am not hate. I see power and I see growth. The night offers strife, and through it growth. The day offers order, and through it power.

Tell me. Which of the two will prove superior? That is the cause that will find my favor.

Show me the value of your order, and return. I will remain amongst mine until then.

"A demonstration, then." Avarin says, something almost akin to a smile in his voice as he inclines his head, just an inch, then disappears in a burst of radiance.

Avarin - Above the Midnight Sea

"SISTER. RULER OF THIS PLANE OF DARKNESS." His voice echoes like a thunderclap across the planes of the Midnight Sea. Avarin does not deign to enter such a place - will not, unless the being he sought decided to hide itself from his gaze. Then, he would show her that no Darkness can hide from the Light.

DyerMaker

2017-12-20, 01:39 AM

Vökr traveled through Myrkfjord and saw that it was serene and dark. It's walls and ceilings were soaked with the magical radiation of Galdurmaul. Soon, Vökr would create beings to share in this creation. Vökr was excited to see how this new life would grow and advance. He would call them, Halki'Koyu, The Deep Ones. A cherished day this would be. The god thanked The Maker, allowing him to continue shaping the Darklands.

Vökr would venture again to the surface to see what souls had followed him from the fallen Titans and what toil they had undertaken. To his amusement, Vökr saw a balance of Night and Day and thought it good. Some creations would revel in one more than the other, but the wisest of those would desire the opportunity to regard both. For, even in the light of day, Vökr would give shade to the beasts of the field, provide shadow for the hunter, and solace for those who dare dream.

Vökr would seek out the creator of this cycle within the void to learn more of its wisdom. In knowing and the retention of dream, he would delight in the company of Chipo, Queen of the West, Mother of Death, Author of Peace and sister to the god of Darkness.
To the regal dark of the Midnight Sea.

However, Vökr did not first see Chipo, but the tyrannical son of Flame, Avarin, who also sought audience. Vökr would watch for a moment to see what this being of metal and light might do and what maliciousness was about.

Zale

2017-12-20, 07:54 AM

Madellena chuckled, patted her new friend on the back a chirping in her boisterous voice "I'm Madellena Singer of Storms, Mother of Monsoons, Lover of Life. Surely I'll get more titles as eternity progresses, but you can call me Madellena, even sister if it tickles your fancy." Madellena walked barefoot around the edges of the craft lifting her arm attempting to feel the night lights in her hand. Madellena furtively looked toward Chipo, worried she might sound silly. "Elder sister...I mean Baroness ..are there others like us out there, I remember seeing things but the images are hazy?"

"A demonstration, then." Avarin says, something almost akin to a smile in his voice as he inclines his head, just an inch, then disappears in a burst of radiance.

Avarin - Above the Midnight Sea

"SISTER. RULER OF THIS PLANE OF DARKNESS." His voice echoes like a thunderclap across the planes of the Midnight Sea. Avarin does not deign to enter such a place - will not, unless the being he sought decided to hide itself from his gaze. Then, he would show her that no Darkness can hide from the Light.

The Convocation of the Gods - Above the World, the Midnight Sea

Sister Madellena, Mother of Monsoons, I greet you now. Once I found my abode and cease my wanderings, know you are welcome at any time to visit., Chipo said as the wind-and-sea goddess walked around her craft. Were it not for her nature, she would have smiled at her younger sibling.

In an act of pleasant indulgence, the Baroness reached forth into the sky and dipped a handful of void with a single twinkling star within. It resonated with the song of the heavens, in rumbling tones.

She let the star loose near Madellena, where it orbited around her for her to take up.

A gift, to commemorate our meeting- and as for our other siblings.. I have seen their works, but know neither their names nor their dispositions, only that one of them crafted that great and terrible day-

And with those words, the stars shuddered, for but a moment, as the Lord of Heat and Light rose into the heavens. He bore the spear of purity, and the heat of the day, so anathematic to the essence of the Midnight Sea.

His voice made the song of the spheres shudder and quake.

They were a pair, truly, one of blazing light, the other with a cloak of night.

Chipo spoke in response to his proclamation, her voice coiling out like smoke and night, the inky folds of her cloak billowing forth-

I greet you, O Grand Daystar. It is I, your younger sister, Chipo, Baroness of this void-dark sea. Meet also with your sister, Madellena, Mother of Monsoons and Singer of Storms.

By what names and titles might I please you, and what brings you to this grand convocation of the gods?

Toxic Mind

2017-12-21, 12:24 AM

The Convocation of the Gods - Above the World, the Midnight Sea

Sister Madellena, Mother of Monsoons, I greet you now. Once I found my abode and cease my wanderings, know you are welcome at any time to visit., Chipo said as the wind-and-sea goddess walked around her craft. Were it not for her nature, she would have smiled at her younger sibling.

In an act of pleasant indulgence, the Baroness reached forth into the sky and dipped a handful of void with a single twinkling star within. It resonated with the song of the heavens, in rumbling tones.

She let the star loose near Madellena, where it orbited around her for her to take up.

A gift, to commemorate our meeting- and as for our other siblings.. I have seen their works, but know neither their names nor their dispositions, only that one of them crafted that great and terrible day-

And with those words, the stars shuddered, for but a moment, as the Lord of Heat and Light rose into the heavens. He bore the spear of purity, and the heat of the day, so anathematic to the essence of the Midnight Sea.

His voice made the song of the spheres shudder and quake.

They were a pair, truly, one of blazing light, the other with a cloak of night.

Chipo spoke in response to his proclamation, her voice coiling out like smoke and night, the inky folds of her cloak billowing forth-

I greet you, O Grand Daystar. It is I, your younger sister, Chipo, Baroness of this void-dark sea. Meet also with your sister, Madellena, Mother of Monsoons and Singer of Storms.

By what names and titles might I please you, and what brings you to this grand convocation of the gods?

"I am Avarin, the Lord of Light and Order. And you are what brings me here, oh Bringer of Darkness. I sense the Eternal Law has some hold on you, which is the only reason we now cross words, instead of blades. My patience is not infinite - tell me why you have defiled the Light with your touch." Avarin's words are as hard as the spear in his hand, his tone without compromise or pity. The spear is leveled unerringly at the heart of the Baroness. Madellena is entirely ignored, despite the introductions.

Razade

2017-12-21, 03:10 AM

Joki: To the Midnight Sea

Joki takes the orb of ice with due reverence, bowing and nodding quietly as it stashes the bauble away. "I'll be sure to use it when it is needed most. Now come, come!! Come aboard and see the beauty that is the multi-verse my fellow friend of the Water Titan!" With a sudden flurry Joki disappears in a spray of river water, petrichor left in its wake as a gang-plank descends from the Twilight Barge. "Come come!! Rest and be at ease, we've all you could ever want. Let us away to the dark expanse of Varjo! We need not worry about the shine of the sun, for is it not said that those who dwell in the light seek the soft comfort of darkness? After all, the sun only exists because of your belief in it! Same for that other guy! I believe the sun simply reflects the shine from the moon. Stealing its spotlight, they'll have a cockfight at noon to settle their differences At midnight, rematch! To stir up their similarities, the determining factor in who gets control of the tides and no one dicides a victor unless they give a fair listen to both of the sides! "

All the while Joki mans the tiller...or gods the tiller or whatever it is is's the tiller. Through the Plane of Cold the Barge rolls upon icy oceans, through the Avalanche Islands it breaks until it reaches the expanse of the Dim Archipelego. Trough islands of flame and fortune the Barge ride as it changes from the massive multi-floored monster to a simple sloop with a simple sail. Joki laughs and sings all the while, the flames that warmed the boat turning to mists to wrap about the craft even as the skies turn to darkness. The prow dips into the milky froth of midnight but the destination is not Varjo for was it not said that the Barge travels to where it wishes and not where it is wanted? So indeed the slim boat moves into darkness yet the darkness is flecked with light. Joki and its guest are deposited into the midst of The Midnight Sea and no place other than right smack dab in the middle of the meeting between Night and Storm. Perhaps it was because the lord of Varjo was present. Perhaps it was some other reason. Regardless of any such contrivance one fact remained.

Joki and the Barge of Twilight had arrived to the meeting of the Titan-Spawn unannounced, uninvited and with a guest.

"I like your boat sister!" shouts the boatsthing, waving from the stern as it and the barge pulls up against Chipo's own ship.

Lleban

2017-12-21, 03:42 PM

Zale

2017-12-21, 04:33 PM

"I am Avarin, the Lord of Light and Order. And you are what brings me here, oh Bringer of Darkness. I sense the Eternal Law has some hold on you, which is the only reason we now cross words, instead of blades. My patience is not infinite - tell me why you have defiled the Light with your touch." Avarin's words are as hard as the spear in his hand, his tone without compromise or pity. The spear is leveled unerringly at the heart of the Baroness. Madellena is entirely ignored, despite the introductions.

Joki: To the Midnight Sea

Joki takes the orb of ice with due reverence, bowing and nodding quietly as it stashes the bauble away. "I'll be sure to use it when it is needed most. Now come, come!! Come aboard and see the beauty that is the multi-verse my fellow friend of the Water Titan!" With a sudden flurry Joki disappears in a spray of river water, petrichor left in its wake as a gang-plank descends from the Twilight Barge. "Come come!! Rest and be at ease, we've all you could ever want. Let us away to the dark expanse of Varjo! We need not worry about the shine of the sun, for is it not said that those who dwell in the light seek the soft comfort of darkness? After all, the sun only exists because of your belief in it! Same for that other guy! I believe the sun simply reflects the shine from the moon. Stealing its spotlight, they'll have a cockfight at noon to settle their differences At midnight, rematch! To stir up their similarities, the determining factor in who gets control of the tides and no one dicides a victor unless they give a fair listen to both of the sides! "

All the while Joki mans the tiller...or gods the tiller or whatever it is is's the tiller. Through the Plane of Cold the Barge rolls upon icy oceans, through the Avalanche Islands it breaks until it reaches the expanse of the Dim Archipelego. Trough islands of flame and fortune the Barge ride as it changes from the massive multi-floored monster to a simple sloop with a simple sail. Joki laughs and sings all the while, the flames that warmed the boat turning to mists to wrap about the craft even as the skies turn to darkness. The prow dips into the milky froth of midnight but the destination is not Varjo for was it not said that the Barge travels to where it wishes and not where it is wanted? So indeed the slim boat moves into darkness yet the darkness is flecked with light. Joki and its guest are deposited into the midst of The Midnight Sea and no place other than right smack dab in the middle of the meeting between Night and Storm. Perhaps it was because the lord of Varjo was present. Perhaps it was some other reason. Regardless of any such contrivance one fact remained.

Joki and the Barge of Twilight had arrived to the meeting of the Titan-Spawn unannounced, uninvited and with a guest.

"I like your boat sister!" shouts the boatsthing, waving from the stern as it and the barge pulls up against Chipo's own ship.

Madellena had little time to appreciate the midnight sea coursing through her fingers before a booming voice violated the tranquility of the sea. Seems her question was answered rather abruptly, and very rudely at that. Chipo.... defile hurmph, she'd give him a piece of her mind. Eyes white like lightning Madellena pointed at the glowing man as the winds picked up and clouds permeated the area "How DARE you threaten our sister! You don't have neither the power, nor the prestige to say creations been defiled! So put that stick away before you embarrass yourself further!"

In her umbrage she'd not noticed the arrival of Joki and Ocerean.

The Convocation of the Gods - Above the World, the Midnight Sea

There was no mistaking the Sun-Lord's intent, for his tone was demanding, and his spear blazed with a deadly light.

Chipo spoke once more,

O Lord of Light and Order, Day-Bringer, Lord of Heat and Flame, Scion of The Burning Titan- You know right in me, that I do have love for the law. For everything, there is a not, for every light- a dark. Such is the cycle of things, the rightness of things, the proper way of living.

It was not I that broke the endless primordial night, nor was it I that brought forth the great and terrible heat of your star. You think I seek to extinguish light? To spread darkness eternal- It is not so!

As she spoke, the goddess reached out a hand and touched the sky- ghosts of images flashed across them, of the darkness eternal broken by the rise of silvery Illvaren Ro, then of warm Vitro Fusel, and of the stillness of the void, where stars stood alongside the silver-red light of the eternal day. The dome of the sky was painted with reds and purples, in a state of eternally star-studded twilight.

And then a great and blinding light rose, a terrible light that blotted out stars and moon, that shattered the twilight sky into a burning day-

Titanus!

For all things have their place, and all things their order. The twilight world, where light and dark lived alongside is gone- we are cast into a world of strange duality rather than unity, of light and dark instead of shadow.

Night cloak billowing, veil shifting, Chipo raised her oar with a gloved hand and pointed it at Avarin.

Twas not I that shattered the sky or broke the immemorial tradition, nor deviated from the natural state of the world, but you. And yet still, I hope..

But then, came the booming fury of the Storm Mother. Chipo let the furious winds and rain pass her without comment, though she appreciated that her sister came to her defense. Then, again, a new sibling arose- a great barge that sailed the skies.

Welcome all, again, to this Midnight Sea. Introductions are perhaps in order.. The goddess trailed off to give Avarin a chance to speak once more.

Toxic Mind

2017-12-21, 06:34 PM

The Convocation of the Gods - Above the World, the Midnight Sea

There was no mistaking the Sun-Lord's intent, for his tone was demanding, and his spear blazed with a deadly light.

Chipo spoke once more,

O Lord of Light and Order, Day-Bringer, Lord of Heat and Flame, Scion of The Burning Titan- You know right in me, that I do have love for the law. For everything, there is a not, for every light- a dark. Such is the cycle of things, the rightness of things, the proper way of living.

It was not I that broke the endless primordial night, nor was it I that brought forth the great and terrible heat of your star. You think I seek to extinguish light? To spread darkness eternal- It is not so!

As she spoke, the goddess reached out a hand and touched the sky- ghosts of images flashed across them, of the darkness eternal broken by the rise of silvery Illvaren Ro, then of warm Vitro Fusel, and of the stillness of the void, where stars stood alongside the silver-red light of the eternal day. The dome of the sky was painted with reds and purples, in a state of eternally star-studded twilight.

And then a great and blinding light rose, a terrible light that blotted out stars and moon, that shattered the twilight sky into a burning day-

Titanus!

For all things have their place, and all things their order. The twilight world, where light and dark lived alongside is gone- we are cast into a world of strange duality rather than unity, of light and dark instead of shadow.

Night cloak billowing, veil shifting, Chipo raised her oar with a gloved hand and pointed it at Avarin.

Twas not I that shattered the sky or broke the immemorial tradition, nor deviated from the natural state of the world, but you. And yet still, I hope..

But then, came the booming fury of the Storm Mother. Chipo let the furious winds and rain pass her without comment, though she appreciated that her sister came to her defense. Then, again, a new sibling arose- a great barge that sailed the skies.

Welcome all, again, to this Midnight Sea. Introductions are perhaps in order.. The goddess trailed off to give Avarin a chance to speak once more.

Madellena had little time to appreciate the midnight sea coursing through her fingers before a booming voice violated the tranquility of the sea. Seems her question was answered rather abruptly, and very rudely at that. Chipo.... defile hurmph, she'd give him a piece of her mind. Eyes white like lightning Madellena pointed at the glowing man as the winds picked up and clouds permeated the area "How DARE you threaten our sister! You don't have neither the power, nor the prestige to say creations been defiled! So put that stick away before you embarrass yourself further!"

In her umbrage she'd not noticed the arrival of Joki and Ocerean.

Avarin weathered the storm with all the response of a mountain before a breeze. He does not move, does not even react, as though no one had interrupted his conversation at all. The spear Purity is a lighthouse in the squall, and even as clouds and lightning cover the god for moments, his place is clear, as the light shines undaunted. As the winds buffet the god, the fiercest and most turbulent turn aside, as though reluctant to place themselves near the spear's reach. Finally, it calms, and The Baroness speaks her piece.

There is an Order to conversation, and Avarin could admit he was annoyed that the Storm Mother was invited into it. He spoke first to her.

"I am Light, and Order. I have the only right - it is my purpose to ensure that Order reigns supreme. As for your foolish claims, I have all the power I need right here, whelp. I invite you to try it for yourself." Avarin raises Purity above his head, then levels the tip at the Goddess. The air around the spear crackles with barely restrained power. "Prestige? A child's concept - The strong rule over the weak, and take what they will, be it resources or fame or satisfaction of a wrong. Perhaps you need reminding of that."

Then, he turns his head to The Baroness, though his spear remains rooted at the Storm Mother, unwavering as the burning fury of Titanus.

"Are you blind? Can you not sense the Chaos in the Darkness? Order cannot be maintained unless it remains unchallenged, unchanged. Light and Order are intertwined, one cannot exist without the other. The Darkness hides and conceals, where the Light illuminates, brings the Truth of what was hidden. I am not destroying tradition, I am forging it anew for time eternal!" There is no denying the oratory, even if the argument falls on deaf ears. [Avarin's voice is impassioned, commanding, with an unyielding strength.

Avarin's tone shifts, and there remains only a hardness, an uncompromising will to back the words. "There can never be peace between Dark and Light. I had hoped you would renounce your foolishness. I see that was a mistake."

Westhart

2017-12-21, 08:04 PM

Oceran smiles glad that her gift had been accepted. She watched with some amusement as the ramp slowly slid down, and then, not caring much for dignity, rapidly scampered aboard. She listened with interest, watching as the Avalanche Islands roll by, and then the islands of flame (which may have caused her to shrink away from the boat’s edge slightly). Her eyes widen as she watches the ship change, knowing that it shouldn’t be surprised, but surprised none the less. She begins to think of how one would do something of the sort with the materials that the lands provided, metals, woods, and maybe even ice? As they enter the Midnight sea she giggles slightly, leaning over the edge and running her hands through the froth, enjoying the journey. Suddenly she looked up, one hand clenching the Heart of Ice that hung about her neck, as she looked at what looked like an argument that they were heading straight for the middle of… She watched with some trepidation, but when Chipo welcomed them she cheerily waved, her face as innocent as that of the virgin snows of her home. She eyed Avarin, the figure of sun and metal, and immediately noticed the spear in his hand. Her hands nervously worked the Ice Flower nervously. She hated the very idea of a fight, for such things were against her nature, fights stopped the traveler’s tales, stained the snow, and detracted from the marvels of the world. She stared at Avarin, shaking her head to herself, not liking the god much... or at all.

Buufreak

2017-12-21, 08:49 PM

The Beast of Apex - Alone to Toil

With the light of the Sun God gone, the Beast found itself perturbed, but unimpressed. It would have to wait to see what action Avarin would take, but would make no move until that day when he returned.

Instead, it chose for some sport: The Beast ascended to the highest peaks of its lands, and gazed out. It could see many mountains, but surrounding was vast waters. With a furrow of its fur and feathers, it howled once more, and the land below the seas beckoned. Surrounding its Claws were a great many islands, none larger than any mountain it had seen, but enough to sustain varying forms of life.

Deep down, the Beast knew what was coming. The Gods were born from the spoils of a great war, so how could it be that they would survive without knowing war themselves? These would be the battlegrounds of mortals, but also a stage so that the mortals could watch up close what celestial combat looked like.

The Beast would rest and ponder, not only of what life would fill these lands, but the future clash that is bound to be.

Create Land: The Chains of Strife are an archipelago that surrounds the Beast of Apex's favorite mountain range, from which it plans to sire many races that are capable of competing for greatness, while also being able to watch the skies as the Gods they worship are equally doing battle for superiority. (2 AP: Competition (Superiority))

6/10 Competition (Superiority)

3AP Remaining

DyerMaker

2017-12-21, 09:08 PM

Razade

2017-12-23, 04:48 PM

Joki: At the meeting of the Gods

Joki watched it all, the meeting between Dark and Light. The threats, the concessions, the ultimatums. A war was coming, of that it was certain. Yet when there was war there was profit and the wise came out on top while the foolish burned. This was the way of their world since time before time. After all, were they not the spoils of a war more ancient and cruel than any one of them could muster? Most certainly. Most certainly. Joki turned to its companion and with a single bow made itself scarce. "This is where you get off, my friend. The barge moves, and takes those with it it wishes. Until again, dear Sister. A simple thing like me has no place among such a meeting."

And then the Barge of Twilight was gone and Joki with it.

Darklady2831

2017-12-25, 03:02 AM

Slugs in the Dark, Myrkfjord

The depths hold many things, from horrid nightmares to the seemingly benign. The Halki'Koyu were neither of these, and yet they were both. From the darkness of Myrkfjord they arose, crawling out from under rocks and gathering in the embrace of darkness to awaken to the world around them. Eldest of the mortal races though they were, they were still newborn and held all the naivete that comes with youth. Unperturbed by the darkness the Halki'Koyu banded together in small groups and set off, driven by an insatiable curiosity not tempered by wisdom or experience. Into the darkened caverns they scattered in all directions, for they had but one goal: Learn. Five distinct groups were gathered, and each set off through a different tunnel, hoping to find that which they craved. For many days they journeyed, until their legs were weak, their stomachs empty, and their minds addled by hunger and thirst.

The first group came upon a vast cavern, many miles long. Through it ran a long river of dark water, flowing slowly from above and down into the deeper caverns. In this cavern, the Halki'Koyu discovered fungus aplenty. Long strands of luminscent lichen hung from the ceiling, shedding the dimmest of light upon the vast cavern and its fungal growths. Dozens of patches of brownish-yellow fungal caps grew in the brightest of these places; and the Halki'Koyu, hungry from their long travels, feasted on the mushrooms and the moss. Though most were merely sated by the foodstuffs, several became violently ill and a few were rendered into a hazy stupor from which they refused to rise. Unwilling to leave their friends behind, the Halki'Koyu of the first group decided to settle among the stalagmites surrounding the falls of dark water which descended from the southern side of the cavern. They would call their home Kara Sular, after the cold, dark waters that flowed through their home.

The second group drudged their way through the winding tunnels, taking this turn and that until they were thoroughly lost. The darkened caverns, long ago dug out by Vormur, held little in the way of sustenance save the magical emanations that permeated the whole of the Darklands. Slowly, one by one, the Halki'Koyu fell to starvation and exhaustion. Travelling ever downward, the survivors ate what little they could find, until finally they came to a vast cavern glowing with volcanic vents, humid and moist from the steam created by the evaporation of stagnant lakes. Here was a bounty that this group had never known, and having dwindled to only a hand of dozen of members, they resolved to settle in the shallow caves along the sides of the volcanic cavern. Here, the isolated and few in number began to study the magic that permeated the Darklands. They would call their home Derin Atesh, after the volcanic fires that gave their home life.

The third group travelled through sloping caverns, up and up, until they came to a blinding light that shone through a narrow cave mouth. Unafraid, they ventured forth, only to find a land of greenery and blazing heat. Curious as ever, yet wary of such a harsh light, they cautiously explored the surrounding woods before returning to the caverns, settling in one of the shallower caverns a few hundreds of feet below the earth and several miles of twisting tunnel away from the exit to the surface. Here, the third group made homes of wood brought down from the surface, lit flames using the heat of the blazing lights, and began to learn all they could of the above-lands from the safety of their darkened homes. They would call their home Sig Kapak, the Shallow Gate between the overland and the underland.

The fourth group, like the second, journeyed for many days through winding labyrinthine tunnels until they were hopelessly lost. They, however, did not find a haven in the deep, but instead were driven to the most horrific of acts to survive. The place they had found was scare and barren, only the barest hint of life showing itself. Thus did these Halki'Koyu descend into a tribal savagery, splintering into a dozen close-knit clans of brutal warriors. Minor skirmishes were plentiful over the scarce food, and over time a delicate flow and ebb took root, each tribe claming ascendancy for but a few scant seasons before another rose up and stole away their mantle of supremacy with a well-planned raid. Collectively, the tribes would call their home Vahsi Derinlik, the Wild Depths, for they knew in their hearts that they had succumbed to savagery where the others would not.

The fifth group, came upon a cavern much like that of the first group, yet rather than being split apart by a single flowing river, cascading falls of water fed into a massive underground sea many miles across and winding through dozens of pillars and islands. On the shores of this sea, fed by the heat of volcanic vents, grew great fungal growths with thick tough flesh. The fifth group settled upon these shores, learning of these growths and working with them. Hunting the shallows, these Halki'Koyu developed rudimentary arts of hunting and fishing, and fed upon the flesh of pale cave-fish without eyes. In time, they may come to explore the islands and pillars of stone that dotted the sea they had settled beside, but for now they contented themselves with eeking out an existence on the shores. They would call their home Gizla Sutunlar, after the hidden pillars that dotted their sea and stood silent testaments to the many mysteries of the deep.

Weekly AP: 2

1 AP - Create Mundane Concept: Mycology - The study of fungus, Mycology is integral to the lives of the Halki'Koyu. Without knowing which fungus is safe to eat, which fibrous lichen can be turned into fabric, which fungus can be used as medicine, and which can be used to build homes, the Halki'Koyu would be utterly lost in their subterranean home.

Remaining AP: 1

Lleban

2017-12-25, 07:05 PM

Vökr was amused by ramblings of his younger siblings. He made himself visible by taking his natural form, being darker than the pitch of night. The Primordial Darkness spoke, his voice was a calm baritone and echoed as if it came from all directions at once. Order...Chaos...Law...Darkness... Light...Storm. What are these infantile ramblings? The concepts of lesser creation? Is there chaos in darkness? As its author, I seek and have seen only balance. Is there no wisdom in these creations for those who may regard them both or one over another? Ramblings...primitive notions. Suffocating oppression. Oh, that the Titans perished to give rise to us...it seems that no enlightenment was transferred. Seek out yourselves in isolation and contemplate the innate. There will be no peace between light and dark because you do not wish it. And that, is chaos manifest. Hypocrisy.

Behind the Lord of Shadow appeared a great winged beast with serpentine and avian features. Its body elongated in coils with large scales and a spiked spine of shadow. It's wings, great and outstretched, large enough to provide great shade in the day and eclipse the moon at night. Its neck was strong and its head great with massive teeth, horns of shadow and eyes of void; filled only with stars. Behold, Avayl, protector of both the nocturnal and those of the day, father of dragons, maker of dreams. Avayl (A-vay-el), will gladly shed a scale for any of you who should wish to create siblings in his image. And most importantly, Avayl exists in both day and night, a living symbol that peace is not only possible, but that it already exists.

Madellena was intensely interested by the new creature twisting around Vökr. Putting aside her beef with the unpleasant armored man Madellena began walking down from the barge past Avarain down to Vökr. Each step she took to the god became a floating island, by the time she reached Vökr and his dragon the trail behind her resembling a staircase of sky islands from the midnight sea. At the Shadows side she mused, prodding at Avayl all the while "I believe we're all off the same mind Elder brother....save Avarain of course."

She took one of Avayl's chest scales and clapped it between her hands. As she blew into her palms 4 smaller pale blue dragons with wings that extended from their long forelimbs to their tail tips, each with an individualized crest on their forehead. Ištānu, the largest, flew north, Sūtu flew south, Saddû flew east, while Ziqziqqu flew west. Each of the Dragons danced around each other and their father before flying in the four cardinal directions followed by a great gust of wind and cloud.

Total Ap=10

Create Land Stairway to Midnight- An archipelago of sky island that spiral up from sea level to the dome of the sky like a large staircase. The islands have a variety of micro climates ranging from tropical forests, deserts and icy mountains. Nature (Continents) 6/10

Create Sub Race: Wind Dragons- Created from the scale of the original dragon, Ištānu, Sūtu, Saddû, and Ziqziqqu are the first wind dragons. All four are immortal, and will reform from storm clouds if they perish in combat , though any children they have will be mortal. Despite their lithe light bodies, their pale blue gray scales are as hard as steal and nearly as flexible. Wind Dragons have truly gargantuan wing spans that extend from their enlarged forelimbs to the tips of their tales. Wind Dragons are normally peaceful creatures, but when forced into combat will let loose a powerful lightning bolt from their mouths. Storm (Lightning) 6/10

10-2-2= 6

Razade

2017-12-25, 10:57 PM

Joki: The Darkness

From the vaults of the sky to the very roots of the world, Joki steered its mighty barge into Myrkfjord, known to many as the Dark Lands. The barge followed the mighty tunnels dug by the Galdurmaul. In the darkness the Barge shone with the light of Illvaren Ro, and as it moved this light settled into the gems and there was the bounty of Joki. These veins mutated, forming into powerful veins of glowing silvery spiderwebbing that riddled the dark world and cast its silver glow to illuminate the shadowed reaches. But this light served another purpose for when the moon above was in the middle of its cycle, these veins of Moonstone as it would become known would take mortals to a world beyond. For all those seas that Joki traveled led to that endless sea.

But these were not the interesting things Joki discovered in the world below, oh no, it was the first of the Mortals. The slug people of Halki'Koyu that Vokr, its brother, made outside the eyes of the Gods. It was here that Joki and its barge rode the tunnels to their gatherings, and it was here that Joki watched with interest. For in the world there were the Gods and now these simple fragile things and yet still there was Joki...not of one but most certainly not of the other.

AP: 2 + 4 = 6

Bridge Plane -1AP: The Dim Archepeligo to The Dark Lands - Appearing as a shine in the gems that glitter in the dark world of Myrkfjord one might find a pathway in the various caverns and tunnels when Illvaren Ro was at its half cast face. These bridges are known as Eytungel Ro, the Shadow of the Moon. Within the Archepilego, tunnels ran throughout the various islands in mimic to the First World. [Earth (The Moon) 9/10]

Bless -1AP: Moonstone - The link between Illvaren Ro and the deep reaches of the world are blended, transforming veins of silver and diamonds into Moonstone. Moonstone is a hearty mineral and can be forged into lightweight armor and weaponry. Under the light of the twin suns, Moonstone offers a cooling sensation and provides illumination under the light of Illvaren Ro. [Earth (The Moon) 10/10]

6AP - 1AP -1AP = 4AP

Gain Domain: Earth (The Moon)

Darklady2831

2017-12-26, 01:48 AM

Arrival of the Wanderer, Kara Sular

Many things dwell in the depths, but for the most part, light is not one of them. Thus, when the light of Illvaren Ro shone through the presence of Joki, the denizens of the deep were alerted instantly to his presence. The Halki'Koyu, having believed themselves alone save for the other groups, stood on the shores of the Black Waters, staring out to the light that though soft, was still dazzling to the People of the Deep. A few cautious fishermen grabbed crude harpoons and boarded the fungalwood rafts they had fashioned, casting off from the shore and paddling towards the barge of the Wanderer. All totalled, three rafts went out, each crewed by a pair of Halki'Koyu. In these early days, they had not split into castes, and thus the emissaries were not scholars or mages as they should have been, but simple folk who had yet to learn of the wider world above them.

Clambering over the sides of the barge, the Halki'Koyu shielded their eyestalks from the light before squinting and peering to the traveller than had come to them. Brandishing crude harpoons, four of the fishermen watched warily, while the other two cautiously stepped forward and spoke in their strange, slimy tongue. "Where comes you?" asked the first, while the second hesitantly pondered and then spoke. "Why comes you?"

Razade

2017-12-26, 02:11 AM

Joki: At Light's First Glory

Joki watched these crude boats, frowning all the while. What simple craft. What stupid craft these things trawled dark waters with. When they came onto the craft, for they were not opposed in the slightest, Joki was ever the friendly host. "Welcome" came the silvery speech of the being, clear and crisp and smelling of petrichor. "Such interesting questions you ask, so interesting indeed. I have come from the mighty heavens above and the roiling waves below. I have traveled the darkness and sailed the starry seas. I have witnessed Light to drown out the blackness...and I have conquered it all. Come closer, little things, for the tales I have to tell. Come closer, and I shall teach you all you need to know. To master this darkness...to master the waters you sail."

And so saying, the Barge of Twilight shifted and its decks catered to the slimy host that found themselves in the presence of perhaps not a God...but something close enough. Food and drink aplenty for the cold and huddled mortals. Libraries of books, wondrous designs for ships that could sail the cold lakes and rivers that dwelt so far below without need of wind. Nets to catch fish aplenty, and the worth that all this work entailed. To turn the beasts of the lands to the beasts of fortune, and also their worth their in. For if one mastered the beasts, all their bounty was the owner's own.

AP: 4AP

Create Mundane Concept -1AP: Ship Building - Joki's Barge is but a template, a boat before all boats. As such, Joki's mastery of ship building extends to the lesser races. [(Fire (Inspiration) 1/10]

Create Mundane Concept -1AP: Fisheries - Consisting of simple traps and perhaps slightly more than simple fishing rods and reels, Joki is the patron of those who find sustanance from the waves and as such was the first God to teach such concepts to the lesser races. [(Fire (Inspiration) 2/10]

Create Mundane Concept -1AP: Barter - There is no free meal in Joki's world. Fish for services, services for fish. The basics of Bartering are established. [(Fire (Inspiration) 3/10]

Create Mundane Concept -1AP: Husbandry - Joki's presence in the animal world is well known, for it was Joki who formed the first land and thus the first simple creatures. Through its teachings, it showed the lesser races how to befriend and utilize the beasts of the world for their benefit. [Fire (Inspiration) 4/10]

4AP - 1AP -1AP -1AP -1AP = 0AP

Jonagel

2017-12-26, 05:56 PM

The Gift of Song, Northern Coasts of the Emerald Lands and Steps of Cinder
Introducing the Oule

As the Leviathans caressed the waves, following the stormy waters closer to the northern coasts, they serenaded the ocean with their mystical songs.... and for the first time in decades, the Leviathan’s song would come from the vocal chords of a new beast. Dozens of lizard like creatures, perked their heads, and in response to the serene sounds, crooned a note back to the mighty Leviathans. In that instant, the Goddess Madellena heard the noise. The same tune, made with a new instrument -- something new on the First World. What started as an bizarrely instinctual response to the Leviathan’s call, ended with a profound sentience as Madellena herself sang one solitary note back to the creatures in excitement. With that note, sounding much like “Oh-oo-leh”, the Oule were birthed into the world.

Within an instant, the Oule were formed from the species that heard the Leviathan’s song. Over a thousand Ouleans appeared along the Northern Coast of the Emerald Land, with a few hundred hundred appearing on the shores of several islands from the Steps of Cinder.

Immediately aware of themselves, the Oule realized they towered over what they once interacted with – physical, mentally, and spiritually. Hermits and large family units began developing, but they all fell into one of two major
groups.

The first group were those of the Steps of Cinder. The three islands closest to the Emerald Lands saw tribes coalesce on each island. The closet island to the Emerald Lands, and also the largest of the three, was lush with old volcanic soil. Rich with food, the island was a green paradise, and the Oule here were the largest – all of them easily reaching 7 feet in height. The first Isle was named “Tolu”, after the first Leviathan the Oule heard before their Goddess.

The second island though smaller, was equally lush and vibrant with life. What it lacked it arable land, it made up with a massive natural harbor, rocky sand bars creating a deep circle, safe from even the strongest storms. The Oule here were superior swimmers (More webbing, larger gills, and a longer tail), and the first to create (very) makeshift rafts. This second isle was named “Douthua”, after the first sound the Oule heard the Leviathan’s sing.

The third island may have been the smallest of the three, but it was the closest island to the Emerald coast which had an active volcano. It had been decades since an eruption, but smoke still trickled from the top of the high peak. The Oule here were the smallest, but had the most unique features – vibrant colors, intricate spines, harder scales, and some more exotic or deadly features... This third island was named “Ka'allaqur” after the Leviathan the Oule (wrongly) believe leave within the volcano.

The second group was scattered along the north coast of the Emerald Lands. Though most were simply extended families gathered together in small hamlets, there was one large community that formed in the midst of a delta. The abundant food meant the population quickly exploded, but just as quickly they found that something was needed to ensure a constant supply of food when the Storm Mother did not visit with the great monsoons for months on end. The largest number of people who could understand the Leviathan’s song lived in this delta given the population density. Whether this select group were told to work together with their kin by the great beasts or the Lady of Life is only known to these Singers, but this group of 15 original Singers helped unify numerous families. This combined with their suggestion to plant and harvest an over sized rice grain led on a systemic basis helped ensure the people of the Delta were able to continue to grow and give birth to new Oule during the drier months. The rapidly growing community would come to be known as “Hual’ Zatir”.

1 AP - Mundane Concept: Agriculture
This came via the systemic harvesting of the over sized rice crop

The Singers, as of right now, have no magical impact -- I understand that will likely come from a God / Mythical Concept.... right?

Aldurin

2017-12-26, 07:11 PM

Out in the Frozen North, a small pocket of air formed within a layer of ice. The location was empty and remote, just like this small bubble in the ice. Then, a faint sloshing noise could be heard, and then the sound of scraping ice.

It was lost, but without a destination in mind it decided that didn't matter. It pried an orb of the material it was in contact with, using it as an eye. It assessed it's tiny prison of ice, and decided the material was beautiful. It didn't know how it got here, but didn't consider seeking the memory to be a priority. It reached forward with part of its slushy mass, carving a simple circle into the frozen surface. Then inspiration hit it all at once, and in a matter of seconds it encased every surface of its domain, carving elaborate symbols on impulse. It looked again, and it loved the results. This was the beauty of this material, and he never wanted to leave.

Eventually the scraping grew louder, then a harsh rumbling followed. Animals scattered away from the blank patch of ice, then watched with concern as spires rose into the sky, twisting into themselves as they spread further and higher. Eventually they twisted into themselves so far that they couldn't twist into themselves any further. Then they kept going.

It wanted to make more art of this ice, but it only had so much surface, only so much space . . . It decided to try making more space, then realized the space itself could be art in conjunction with the ice. It reached as far as it could with its mind, dragging the ice with it. Guided by its will, the ice did not crack or collide with itself, but slid through each other. Eventually it found that it could reach into places that weren't here, but still places of their own.

More ice continued to funnel into this creation, and any nearby divine beings could sense the fabric of reality struggling under some new burden within this twisted mass of ice. Then on the Plane of Cold, this twisting mess of frozen beauty found its way in, taking root in patches of the native ice as if it were an invasive plant.

Weave Plane -4 AP: The Wonderlabyrinth is composed entirely of Klixoliox's tunnels of ice, which bend space to weave into impossible complexity. A path may overlap itself many times, yet never tread over the same steps. (Space (Folding) 4/10)

Bridge Plane x2 -4 AP: The original site of Klixoliox's appearance in the Frozen North is now one of the connecting points into the Wonderlabyrinth. Go through any tunnel of ice in the area and you might end up on the other side, though it's easier the less you try. A similar area appears in the Plane of Cold, whose ice tunnels are more distinct for their lack of art which actually aids the process of entering or avoiding the Wonderlabyrinth. (Space (Folding) 8/10)

Create Land and Infuse Land -5 AP: On top of a portion of the Frozen North spanning for hundreds of miles, a part of the Wonderlabyrinth extends through the Planar Bridge. Near endless tunnels that twist into themselves. Klixoliox's infusion allows the ice tunnels to overlap in space, occupying folds in reality that prevent them from colliding. (Space (Folding) 10/10, Growth (Branches) 3/10)

Infuse Plane -3 AP: The Wonderlabyrinth embodies Klixoliox's desires even more now. Even carvings within the ice impossibly fold upon themselves, and the tunnels fold over each other even more than their portion in the Frozen North. The ice in this plane is in a locked state of matter, no matter the temperature it will always be a solid though the plane is always cold. While the plane has outer boundaries, the furthest reaches of the tunnels chase those boundaries further out as they expand in all directions. (Growth (Branches) 6/10)

Remaining AP: 0

DyerMaker

2017-12-26, 07:27 PM

Vökr had spent enough time in discourse and conversation with his younger siblings. Every soul had heard his view. Ignorance was the only excuse one had at this point to continue or support a feud between day and night or light and dark.

Vökr whispers to Joki
The Lord of Shadows felt the Halki'Koyu rise. As always, he watched from a distance to see his creation's progression. Seeing Joki bridge Myrkfjord to the Dim Archepeligo, Vökr was curious. He then watched Joki interact with the Halki'Koyu and teach them in the ways of water, advancing the race in a way that pleased Vökr. The Lord of Shadows whispered to Joki across a great distance to regard his toil.

Vökr beholds the Halki'Koyu
The Primordial Darkness appeared in Derin Atesh and felt the warmth of the volcanic fires deep within Myrkfjord. Vökr approached the Halki'Koyu with subtlety and propriety. He could see their embrace of the magical radiation within the whole of Myrkfjord—Galdurmaul and understood their pain and hardship in the earliest of days. Vökr would aid his creation for their betterment and was excited to see how his creation would use these new concepts and what might they create.

AP 4/16
Create Mundane Concept (1AP) Metalworking: Vökr would show the Halki'Koyu how to fashion useful items of all types using the metals surrounding their environment within the deep of Myrkfjord. Artifice (Toil) 1/10 AP
Create Advanced Concept (2AP) Metallurgy: Vökr would enable his creation to study the lava flows and the metals within the earth and their engineering and chemical behaviors. Mixing base metals and ores to create advanced alloys. Artifice (Toil) 3/10 AP
Create Mundane Concept (1AP) Stonecraft: Stone in the earth of Derin Atesh was plentiful and the need to use it to create lodging, art, and long lasting structures would aid in their developing civilization. Artifice (Toil) 4/10 AP

Toxic Mind

2017-12-27, 12:03 AM

"If you will not see reason then we have no more use for talk." Avarin's voice booms out across the expanse. "Eventually," he says menacingly "you will all see the error of your ways." With that final prophetic warning, the Lord of Light is gone.

Avarin - Lightfall Island

"Imbeciles. Half are corrupted, and the other half mistake corruption for nobility and peacefulness." Avarin digs his spear into the ground of Lightfall Island in anger. He thought for a long time. If he was to remake this world, he would need allies - both mortal and divine. If he could not find them among the erstwhile children of the Titans, than he would create them himself.

The Shorgo

Avarin knew he would need mortal servants, beings who could claim the world for his own use and purpose. He reached into the Heart of Titanus, and pulled out a spark, radiant as the body it came from. Around it he molded the metals of the earth, a bronze cast almost as radiant as his own armor. He sewed flesh into the metal, for they must be mortal, and not of the gods. Their skin would forever be the deep bronze of their metallic birth, for all would know at a glance that they were the chosen of the Light. He spread them across the island, and gave them a simple command. Respect the Law, and Create Order. Then, almost as quickly, he dismissed them from his mind.

Drot

Avarin knew how to create more gods - he supposed they all did, in some fashion or another. He decided then that he would make another who he could turn to his purpose. If Avarin was born of the Titan of Flame, perhaps that was the key to proper Law and Order. So the Lord of Light retrieved what remained of the Titan, and took it with him to twist it to his purpose. As he created and formed the new god, he realized something was terribly wrong. There was no Law or Order left in the spark of Flame, he had consumed it all in his birth. He could not, would not, allow a creature to be born without Law within it, but the power was too great, it could not be safely stopped. Instead, Avarin pressed his own being into the creation, fueling it with his own Law. What he created was Him and Not-Him.

Avarin faced his new creation as it emerged from the amniotic fusion of Flame and Light and Order. "Name yourself, and prove worthy to hear the Law."

Starting AP: 7/16
+4 Rollover
Ending AP: 11/16

Darklady2831

2017-12-27, 03:42 AM

The Wanderer's Lesson, Kara Sular

Though wary of the unknown, the intrinsic curiosity of the Halki'Koyu won out in the battle of motives. Nearly instantly disarmed by the friendly demeanour of the traveller, the four fisherman who were brandishing their harpoons lowered the crude weapons and marvelled at the shift in scenery and content before their very eyes. The second of those who had spoke blinked it's white bulbous eyes and swivelled its eye stalks about, marvelling at the books and knowledge held within. The first gawked incredulously, turning around and quickly moving to the edge of the barge to look down at the dark water. "Moved, we have not!" He exclaimed, turning back to the other Halki'Koyu that looked to him for guidance.

The second speaker peered curiously at the traveller, and then hesitantly took a step forward, extending one of its arms with all four of its slender digits splayed to show that it held nothing. Cautiously, it touched Joki, before recoiling and looking at its fingers. "Miraculous." the Slugfolk whispered to itself, gesturing to its fellows. "Sit we must, learn we shall!" It spoke, motioning for the group to gather around Joki and his tales. "Done this, how have you? Come so far to teach us, what have you?" The second speaker asked, its fellows gathering and asking questions of their own. All the while, observers watching from the shore and wondering what was happening out there on the mysterious craft in the dark water.

The Fiery Depths, Derin Atesh

While in the middling caves their fellows settled and grew and learned from a strange traveller from a far-off land, the denizens of the low caves of Derin Atesh learned at the foot of their god, studying the lava flows and the way that heat could alter the properties of certain stones. They learned to cut the stone and fashion it into bricks and blocks. As they learned, they eagerly applied that knowledge to their lives. Those caves in the sides of the deep caverns became shrines to learning, places where the curious would learn at the foot of the experienced. Domed huts of stone sprang up in semi-circles around the entrances to these caves, and in time more circles of domed buildings would spring up along pathways leading away from them.

Tools of glittering copper became commonplace in these communities, and the people thrived on the slimy lichen and algae that grew near the warm sulphurous vents and the steamy pools of water. The beasts of the deep, once deadly predators, became respected foes thanks to the invention of the spear and the axe. The largest and burliest of the Halki'Koyu were granted armour of brittle plates to supplement their chitinous backs, and in time this grew to be a widespread practice. When one of talent was found, they were given their first copper scale, and in time they earned more until their bodies were decorated with dozens of them. Those without great talent wore simple cloth spun from lichen and woven with metal needles.

The first city in Derin Atesh was founded, and in time it would come to be known as holy ground, where the Halki'Koyu first met their god and creator: Vökr. Thus would it be named Vökr-Sehri, the City of Vökr.

flyinglemur

2017-12-27, 04:11 AM

A withered old man emerged from the blazing titan's power. This being walked out slowly, weighed down by a ball and chain shackled to his leg. His mind was instantly flooded by a barrage of memories and thoughts. The experiences of his progenitor were imprinted into his mind, but warped and changed. He saw the creation of the world, vitro fusel, titanus, and purity. He could feel an instinctual drive in himself, a drive to bring order. But most of all he remembered the days of the titans. He remembered the cataclysmic battles between the titans and the power of the titan of flame. He could see it, the blazing beast in all it's glory. He could feel it's flame, it's life.

And then it stopped. Reality asserted itself and the god looked around. He saw Avarin, glowing with his holy light. He could feel his law, how he wanted that law. But, he could also feel Avarin's fire. Avarin was filled with life, but the god could feel no life in himself. He felt empty, aged. He looked at himself, at his pitiful form. He realized that there was no life in him. The fire of the titan had burned out. The power that had birthed him was consumed in his creation. Avarin's law had shaped him and brought him into being, and that was the only thing left in him. He was a hollow thing, all he had was the law Avarin gave him, and desire. The desire to gain life, to create order, to become something more. He should never have existed, and only the will of Avarin and chance had allowed him to be. He was born indebted to life itself. But, he was determined to change that.

He heard the call of Avarin. He responded, he knew his name by instinct. "I am Drot"

"I am worthy of your law. I know it well, and I want it. I'll prove it, watch this."

He concentrated and called forth his divine power. He moved the threads of reality and forged a new plane, divided into two parts. One piece was a beautiful land, it was filled with vast rivers, breathtaking cliffs and forests, massive fields of crops, caverns filled with jewels that can be plucked right out of the stone with just your hands, and battles that you can never lose. Food is bountiful and anyone inside will see their dreams come true. The other half was a horrible place of fog. There is no weight there and any beings inside float aimlessly. The fog makes them ill, they are rendered weak and nauseous, and feel like they are losing life. Their bodies become cold on the inside and outside. There is no way to counter that effect apart from leaving the fog.

Drot called this new world The Jeweled Lands. He sought to impose his law on it, and so he funneled some of his own divine essence into it. He imposed his will on it inscribing it with universal laws that no one could go against. All mortals who enter the realm would have to spend equal time in both halves of the world. First they will be dropped into the cold miasma. They will suffer there for an allotted time, that they themselves choose upon entering the world. Then they will enter the heavenly fields and stay there for as long as they spent in the miasma. After that they will be returned to the mortal realm at the same place they were in before they entered the plane. All Gods who enter will fall to the miasma and will never see the heavenly field unless Drot allows them. They can leave the miasma at any time, but only to return to the normal world or another plane. For now Drot declares that he and Avarin are the only gods who can enter the field. Drot wrote these laws into the plane. The plane itself will maintain them, like a perfect machine performing it's programming. The Jeweled lands were now complete, it was the world of his dreams, the perfect world.

But, how would mortals get there, he wondered. He searched the world for an answer and saw it when he came across Avayl. He remembered Avarin's meeting with the other gods, and knew that Voki was giving out scales from this beast. He also knew this beast was a symbol of twilight and compromise between light and dark, something Avarin hated. He resolved to use Voki's gift to create beings of light, purifying the darkness within. He claimed the scale and split it's aspects in two, separating the form of the dragon, and the power of the dragon.

He used the form of the dragon to create a new kind beast by tapping into the power of his plane. They held a similar form to Avayl but Drot removed the aspects of darkness, turning them a dull grey color and making them mere animals. While shaping them Drot changed their animal minds so they would always follow a set of laws. The laws were simple, never defeat a sapient mortal. Instinctually the new beasts follow this law. As predators they attack any sapient, but they will never truly do the person harm. They can only feign attacks and look scary, but never win. Drot let these beings spread across the skies of the heavenly field as part of it's riches. Any mortal in the fields can have epic battles with them that feel authentic, but their victory is assured. He named these creatures the grey wyverns, as they are grey and they aren't truly dragons; they just look like them.

He used the power of the dragon to create something equal in strength to the dragon, but without the shape and purpose. He decided to create something closer in shape to Avarin than the reptilian dragons, and so the giant Surtr was born. Surtr is a massive being standing twice as tall as the trees of the forest. He's wreathed in a golden flame that doesn't burn, but it does warm those around him. He has no proper neck or head, instead his face is massively enlarged and takes the place of his torso. He can magically change his size with his maximum being the previously mentioned size and his minimum being around 5 feet tall.

"Hello Surtr." says Avarin. "You will be my agent on this world, you shall travel throughout the lands to bring people to the Jeweled Realms and spread the law of Avarin. In exchange, I give you my undying support, and, my divine essence." Drot takes a portion of his power and gives it to Surtr. This links Surtr to Drot and the Jeweled Realms. Drot transports himself and Surtr back to Lightfall Island. He finds an empty spot and opens a golden portal to the Jeweled Realms. It's a massive oval large enough to fit Surtr and surrounded by the same golden fire Surtr is. Even the few things that are too large for the portal can still enter magically if they truly wish to enter the Jeweled Lands."This is my Golden Gate Surtr, by my power you and anyone you take with you can instantly return here. You, the Jeweled Lands, and The Golden Gate are all my creations and you are connected by my essence. Go Surtr, and spread order." Surtr bows and then leaves to fulfill his tasks. Drot turns to Avarin.

"Avarin, do you see now that I'm worthy to hear the law. I know it by heart. Do you see what I have done. I've built a new world of order for the mortals. It follows perfect laws that can not be broken. And it will do wonders for our cause. Any mortal who is willing is spend time in the miasma for us is truly committed to order, thus we can weed out those who truly care about law and those who are chaotic in their hearts. And once they've done that they will be rewarded in the Heavenly Fields. The splendor of my manse will make them realize the boons order provides, and they will be certain to want more. The mortals will love order and because my portal is on your island they will be forced to spend time in the place where light is most powerful. My giant is an incredible being who will work tirelessly to spread knowledge of the law. And if you still doubt me, then let me hold Purity. I know from your memories that no chaotic god can hold it, but I will be able to. I shall give it back immediately, you have my word."

Ap: 16
Weave plane -4 AP: The Jeweled Lands- A plane split into two halves, one half the heavenly field filled with food, riches, sights, and battles that can never be lost, and the other is a cold miasma that makes anyone inside ill and drains their life and strength. [Death(Illness) 4/10]
Infuse Plane -3 AP: The Jeweled Lands- The Jeweled Land is now a manse that obeys the laws of Drot. Any mortal who enters will spend an amount of time of their choosing in the cold miasma, then they will spend the same amount in the heavenly field, then they will be ejected from the plane. Any Gods who enter except for Drot and his chosen, Avarin, will only see the cold miasma. They can leave at any time, but only to the first world or another plane. [Death(Illness) 7/10]
Create Monstrous life- 0 AP using the Manse power: Grey wyverns- Grey wyverns are large flying carnivores in the shape of a dragon, but they're not really dragons. They instinctually can not kill or hurt sapient mortals, but they will attack them. This behavior creates impressive mock fights were the mortal feels like they are having an epic battle with the beast, but they are assured victory. They live in the heavenly field of the Jeweled Lands.
Create Mythical life -4 AP: Surtr- Surtr is a giant wreathed in a golden flame, which provides warmth, but doesn't burn. He has no neck or head, instead his face is massively enlarged and encompasses his torso. He can change sizes with his maximum being twice as tall as large trees, and his minimum being five feet tall. [Life(Giants) 4/10]
Infuse Mythical life -3 AP: Fabled life Surtr- Surtr has a portion of Drot's power and so is linked to Drot. He is tasked with convincing mortals to enter the Jeweled Lands and spreading knowledge of the Law of Avarin. The power of Drot allows him to instantly transport himself and anyone he carries to any portal to the Jeweled Lands. [Life(Giants) 7/10]
Create Portal - 2 AP: The Golden Gate- The Golden Gate is a portal to the Jeweled Lands. It's a massive oval surrounded in golden flame that provides warmth, but doesn't burn. It can easily be walked through by anyone and even those larger than it still fit through if they truly want to reach the Jeweled Lands. [Fire(Warmth) 2/10]
16 AP- 4AP- 3AP- 0AP-4 AP-3AP-2AP= 0 AP

Razade

2017-12-27, 04:47 AM

Vökr whispers to Joki
The Lord of Shadows felt the Halki'Koyu rise. As always, he watched from a distance to see his creation's progression. Seeing Joki bridge Myrkfjord to the Dim Archepeligo, Vökr was curious. He then watched Joki interact with the Halki'Koyu and teach them in the ways of water, advancing the race in a way that pleased Vökr. The Lord of Shadows whispered to Joki across a great distance to regard his toil.

The Wanderer's Lesson, Kara Sular

Though wary of the unknown, the intrinsic curiosity of the Halki'Koyu won out in the battle of motives. Nearly instantly disarmed by the friendly demeanour of the traveller, the four fisherman who were brandishing their harpoons lowered the crude weapons and marvelled at the shift in scenery and content before their very eyes. The second of those who had spoke blinked it's white bulbous eyes and swivelled its eye stalks about, marvelling at the books and knowledge held within. The first gawked incredulously, turning around and quickly moving to the edge of the barge to look down at the dark water. "Moved, we have not!" He exclaimed, turning back to the other Halki'Koyu that looked to him for guidance.

The second speaker peered curiously at the traveller, and then hesitantly took a step forward, extending one of its arms with all four of its slender digits splayed to show that it held nothing. Cautiously, it touched Joki, before recoiling and looking at its fingers. "Miraculous." the Slugfolk whispered to itself, gesturing to its fellows. "Sit we must, learn we shall!" It spoke, motioning for the group to gather around Joki and his tales. "Done this, how have you? Come so far to teach us, what have you?" The second speaker asked, its fellows gathering and asking questions of their own. All the while, observers watching from the shore and wondering what was happening out there on the mysterious craft in the dark water.

Joki: In Darkess and to Ember Fields

Joki remains standing as the slugfolk move about, not even moving as its touched though a winkle of its nose denotes that it's not exactly thrilled at the contact. It wiped the slime of the slugfolk off its silvery robes, heaving a sigh as the Darkness whispered in its ear. "So many questions and so little time...I must away before the errand is revealed to be more than it appears. I will return, fair friends, with knowledge more than you can handle. Take in what you've been given...and whisper in the silver light for more when you wish. Regard me well, my friends. Regard me well."

And Joki turned and where there was light and sound and books...there was water and darkness...and books. For the gifts of Joki did not disappear even though the barge moved. There were other Gods to meet, other races perhaps that walked the world and it would be remise if it did not meet them. So it turned its Barge of the Twilight to the Emberlands in search of Gabriel, a fairer flame than the Sun that blazed within the sky. For they had much to discuss, the warm flame had not been present in the Midnight Sea after all. News of war was never good, but one should be well informed.

Westhart

2017-12-27, 09:16 AM

Oceran watches, her face perplexed. Why did they insist on fighting so? She shook her head, and silently left, not offering a word of departure, which struck her as impolite, but then, what would she have said? Cool, nice to meet you guys, ready to go have a huge ass war now? She quietly left, heading home, and when her foot gently touched the snow (so gently it left no mark) her eyes widened in astonishment, for there was something else here. She sped forward, each step gently raising a soft of puff, she wasn’t glad, yet neither was she at odds with this creature, for she knew not what it was, nor its intents. She did admit to herself that it was beautiful whatever it had done, although the tunnels would perplex any explorers, even the most ingenious… She picked up a small ball of snow, her wintry breath hardening it, and when she sat it down there stood Tieer, the guide, a guide that if pleased with an explorer would show them the hidden wonders of the arctic, doing the best it could to keep them safe and to help the survive. Knowledge she imparted within, to help it navigate the labyrinths of ice, and if there were too many exploreser to help create more of its own. That done she laid it gently on the snows, under which it burrowed, and went off, exploring The North. Oceran left for the Plane of Cold, and sat at the dining hall she’d made, but then it occurred to her, that such a place was incomplete as was. With that she set back to work, crafting rooms, rooms one could sleep in comfortably, without the worries of being stabbed in the night.

I think there has been 2 rollovers since my last AP action putting me at 8 AP, if I am wrong then I have 4, and need to cut somethings out...
Midnight’s Rest (Shape Land & Bless): One of the finest sleeping places, here the beds always seem to conform to one’s desires, soft or hard as they wish, the rooms somehow are always warm and clean, and like her table, the place is under constant protections, so that none either cast spell, nor wield blade against another. Travel (Hospitality) 6/10
Tieer (Create Mythical Life): Rare creatures of the Arctic, Tieers are excellent guides, and know almost everything needed to be known about both The North, and The Plane of Cold. They seek to help those that please them (which varies, some might see the offer for a clear light blue gem as a valuable treasure regardless of worth, while others will look for the kind and so on.) and can offer anything from a direct guid, to unseen aide (such as finding the rare berries suddenly nearby). Travel (Hospitality) 10/10
If I screwed up and there was only one rollover then I guess she did not make Midnight’s Rest, and thus Travel (Hospitality) stands at 7/10.
Gain Travel (Hospitality), 1 AP left.
Edit: and yes, as a sidenote, she did not yet investigate the other god, simply marveling over part of what it made so far. :smalltongue:

Toxic Mind

2017-12-27, 10:44 AM

Avarin, Drot - Lightfall Island

Avarin was disappointed. He had expected a great warrior, a strength equal to his own, and instead - this. The godly power was real enough, but Avarin still considered it a failure. Still, it had its uses.

"Drot." Avarin says forcefully, both command and acknowledgement.

"I have no need to test you - that you are my creation is trial enough. I am pleased with your creations - go, and spread Law. Fear not the gods of shadow and chaos, for where there was once one, now there are two. Grow in strength, for a time will soon come when we must destroy the unbelievers."

flyinglemur

2017-12-27, 03:30 PM

"Yes, Lord of Light." replied Drot who then vanished into the Jeweled Realm. Drot was happy that Avarin knew his devotion and accepted his work, however, Drot was tired from creating so many things at once, so he resolved to rest and regain his strength. Drot arrived in the Heavenly Field transforming into a withered corpse. He was glad Avarin had not seen this form. He fashioned himself a golden sarcophagus and sealed himself inside. There he would stay until his power returned to him. For now, Surtr would wander the world and complete his mission. Surtr was an instrument of Drot's will, and he was absolutely certain that Surtr wouldn't do anything he disapproved of.

On the mortal world, Surtr wandered in search of sapient beings. Surtr traveled for a few days before finding an entrance into Myrkfjord. He saw the darkness inside and realized that place must be a stronghold of chaos, so he resolved to enter and bring law. Surtr traveled into the depths. His golden fire lit the way and protected him from the cold of the Darklands. After journeying for several days he found ,Vahsi Derinlik. He watched silently for a time as the Halki'Koyu of that place fought each other. He thought to himself, "this is what chaos looks like, no wonder I've been tasked to deal with it, I shall go down there and bring them to a better place."

He went to the center of the Wild Depths and revealed himself by enlarging his size to it's maximum. He towered over the meager buildings of the Halki'Koyu and his golden flame shone through the darkness. He said, "I am here to aid you, I can bring you to a land of riches and plenty. Any of you who wish to come simply stand with me. You can stay as long as you wish, as long as you stay an equal time in a cold miasma. The miasma is bad I warn you, but it's worth it. And the miasma is probably still better than the awful thing you call a life." This wasn't necessarily a lie, the miasma was in all likelihood probably still worse than the Wild Depths, but at least anyone inside knew when they would be free and knew they would see a land of pleasure, Surtr thought. "The slugs here can never find solace, only pain," he concluded.

"Do any here accept my terms" boomed Surtr.

DyerMaker

2017-12-27, 05:49 PM

On the mortal world, Surtr wandered in search of sapient beings. Surtr traveled for a few days before finding an entrance into Myrkfjord. He saw the darkness inside and realized that place must be a stronghold of chaos, so he resolved to enter and bring law. Surtr traveled into the depths. His golden fire lit the way and protected him from the cold of the Darklands. After journeying for several days he found ,Vahsi Derinlik. He watched silently for a time as the Halki'Koyu of that place fought each other. He thought to himself, "this is what chaos looks like, no wonder I've been tasked to deal with it, I shall go down there and bring them to a better place."

He went to the center of the Wild Depths and revealed himself by enlarging his size to it's maximum. He towered over the meager buildings of the Halki'Koyu and his golden flame shone through the darkness. He said, "I am here to aid you, I can bring you to a land of riches and plenty. Any of you who wish to come simply stand with me. You can stay as long as you wish, as long as you stay an equal time in a cold miasma. The miasma is bad I warn you, but it's worth it. And the miasma is probably still better than the awful thing you call a life." This wasn't necessarily a lie, the miasma was in all likelihood probably still worse than the Wild Depths, but at least anyone inside knew when they would be free and knew they would see a land of pleasure, Surtr thought. "The slugs here can never find solace, only pain," he concluded.

"Do any here accept my terms" boomed Surtr.
Vökr was never far from Myrkfjord. Upon seeing the mythical child of Drot harassing the Halki'Koyu, Vökr thought it amusing. He spoke to the giant in his fashion of calm, baritone echos.
Young Surtr, have you fallen ill and wandered into The Darklands? Do you remember the direction in which you came? If you are truly confused I shall point the way, but know that you do not serve your master's interest by molestation of the Halki'Koyu nor do you anger the first-born of the gods. With a simple thought, Vökr snuffed the golden fire of the giant. You see Surtr? Is your mind truly open? We are closer to the planet's core and thus, warmer here than upon the surface, where your master takes its rest. For Myrkfjord is not a place of chaos, but a prolific dwelling for those who are born of darkness and cherish its solace and embrace. For no two creatures are created with the same hopes, dreams and desires. Take your leave young servant and I shall whisper to your master from afar that you did your job well. Be honest in your dispatch and content that the Halki'Koyu are thus. My creations are however, of free will and should choose to follow you if my speech is without truth. Vökr then summoned Vormur, The Maker, that the great worm might serve witness to the savage Halki'Koyu of Vahsi Derinlik and the Lord of Shadow himself made manifest before the tribes.

flyinglemur

2017-12-27, 06:37 PM

Surtr spoke, "My master does not sleep on the surface, he sleeps in the Jeweled Lands, a place of plenty and safety. How can you say that darkness aids the Halki'Koyu. Some of the tribes live well enough, but these do not. These Wild Depths are a place of suffering, and the people here are suffocated by the darkness. They resort to savagry to survive. There is no need for savagry in the Jeweled Lands. I can give these people a better life, and I'm certain they will choose the truth, the truth of light. "
Surtr was certain of his rightousness, just like his forefathers, but uncertain of his power. He saw the strength this god of darkness held in his domain, connected as he was to Drot he knew he could not strike down a god and feared what Vokr might do.
He said, "I shall leave, but know this Vokr, the forces of justice grow stronger every day. People of the Wild Depths, hear my decree, there will always be a place for you in the Jeweled Lands. All you need to do is leave this place and find Lightfall island. That is where your suffering will end. "
Surtr disappeared in a flash of golden radiance. He found himself at the Golden Gate and crossed the threshold.
Surtr immediately saw his master's sarcophagus. It was opened and Drot stared at his creation. Drot answered Surtr before he had the chance to speak, "I know Surtr, you are connected to me and so I heard all that happened. Worry not about this day, you have proven your worth. Vokr is a fool. The slugs heard your message, and that is enough. Go and travel the world, find more Gods and mortals. Some will join our cause, even if most do not. One day that life we are owed will be returned to us. The Blazing Titan will rule again. "

Darklady2831

2017-12-27, 08:25 PM

Joki: In Darkess and to Ember Fields

Joki remains standing as the slugfolk move about, not even moving as its touched though a winkle of its nose denotes that it's not exactly thrilled at the contact. It wiped the slime of the slugfolk off its silvery robes, heaving a sigh as the Darkness whispered in its ear. "So many questions and so little time...I must away before the errand is revealed to be more than it appears. I will return, fair friends, with knowledge more than you can handle. Take in what you've been given...and whisper in the silver light for more when you wish. Regard me well, my friends. Regard me well."

And Joki turned and where there was light and sound and books...there was water and darkness...and books. For the gifts of Joki did not disappear even though the barge moved. There were other Gods to meet, other races perhaps that walked the world and it would be remise if it did not meet them. So it turned its Barge of the Twilight to the Emberlands in search of Gabriel, a fairer flame than the Sun that blazed within the sky. For they had much to discuss, the warm flame had not been present in the Midnight Sea after all. News of war was never good, but one should be well informed.

Those Left Alone, Kara Sular

Suddenly and without warning, the traveller was gone, and the six were left on their rafts with piles of books of fragile paper and supple leather. Looking between each other, they knew that what had just visited them was a God. With great care they guided their rafts back to the shore and recanted their tale to the stunned onlookers. Soon the entire cavern was aflutter with the news of the strange being that had appeared and given such gifts of knowledge before leaving just as quick as it came. So enamoured were they with this new knowledge, these tantalizing ideas, that the six Fisherman cast aside their previous roles. Elevated in the eyes of their peers, the six became the elders and leaders of their people.

The first order of the six was the construction of a city on the shores of the dark waters that the Traveller had appeared upon. In the centre of this new city would stand the Grand Archive, a great stone structure of connected domes and halls built to store the fragile books given to the Halki'Koyu by Joki. Living quarters were dug below the halls of learning and the shelves for books and scrolls, and below them were built vaults meant to house the most precious of knowledge. The Six claimed this as their seat of governance, and thus the central chamber was built as a grand circular hall with a dais at one end and numerous seats arranged in a semi-circle around the sides. Here would the Halki'Koyu come to discuss their home, their ways of living, and their ideals.

Around the six gathered those eager to read the gifts of knowledge and those with zeal to preserve and protect it. In time these acolytes were given shelter and became the hands of the Six. Tasked with protecting the Grand Archive, preserving the texts, and furthering the spread and creation of knowledge, the acolytes and the Six became known as the Epistolary Chamber. Warrior-Scholars, Scribes, and Contemplatives made up the members of the Epistolary Chamber, with two of each of the Six each claiming to be of one of these three disciplines.

Thus would Kara Sular become the birthplace of the Epistolary Chamber and the site of Irfan'Sehri, the City of Wisdom.

"Yes, Lord of Light." replied Drot who then vanished into the Jeweled Realm. Drot was happy that Avarin knew his devotion and accepted his work, however, Drot was tired from creating so many things at once, so he resolved to rest and regain his strength. Drot arrived in the Heavenly Field transforming into a withered corpse. He was glad Avarin had not seen this form. He fashioned himself a golden sarcophagus and sealed himself inside. There he would stay until his power returned to him. For now, Surtr would wander the world and complete his mission. Surtr was an instrument of Drot's will, and he was absolutely certain that Surtr wouldn't do anything he disapproved of.

On the mortal world, Surtr wandered in search of sapient beings. Surtr traveled for a few days before finding an entrance into Myrkfjord. He saw the darkness inside and realized that place must be a stronghold of chaos, so he resolved to enter and bring law. Surtr traveled into the depths. His golden fire lit the way and protected him from the cold of the Darklands. After journeying for several days he found ,Vahsi Derinlik. He watched silently for a time as the Halki'Koyu of that place fought each other. He thought to himself, "this is what chaos looks like, no wonder I've been tasked to deal with it, I shall go down there and bring them to a better place."

He went to the center of the Wild Depths and revealed himself by enlarging his size to it's maximum. He towered over the meager buildings of the Halki'Koyu and his golden flame shone through the darkness. He said, "I am here to aid you, I can bring you to a land of riches and plenty. Any of you who wish to come simply stand with me. You can stay as long as you wish, as long as you stay an equal time in a cold miasma. The miasma is bad I warn you, but it's worth it. And the miasma is probably still better than the awful thing you call a life." This wasn't necessarily a lie, the miasma was in all likelihood probably still worse than the Wild Depths, but at least anyone inside knew when they would be free and knew they would see a land of pleasure, Surtr thought. "The slugs here can never find solace, only pain," he concluded.

"Do any here accept my terms" boomed Surtr.

Vökr was never far from Myrkfjord. Upon seeing the mythical child of Drot harassing the Halki'Koyu, Vökr thought it amusing. He spoke to the giant in his fashion of calm, baritone echos.
Young Surtr, have you fallen ill and wandered into The Darklands? Do you remember the direction in which you came? If you are truly confused I shall point the way, but know that you do not serve your master's interest by molestation of the Halki'Koyu nor do you anger the first-born of the gods. With a simple thought, Vökr snuffed the golden fire of the giant. You see Surtr? Is your mind truly open? We are closer to the planet's core and thus, warmer here than upon the surface, where your master takes its rest. For Myrkfjord is not a place of chaos, but a prolific dwelling for those who are born of darkness and cherish its solace and embrace. For no two creatures are created with the same hopes, dreams and desires. Take your leave young servant and I shall whisper to your master from afar that you did your job well. Be honest in your dispatch and content that the Halki'Koyu are thus. My creations are however, of free will and should choose to follow you if my speech is without truth. Vökr then summoned Vormur, The Maker, that the great worm might serve witness to the savage Halki'Koyu of Vahsi Derinlik and the Lord of Shadow himself made manifest before the tribes.

Surtr spoke, "My master does not sleep on the surface, he sleeps in the Jeweled Lands, a place of plenty and safety. How can you say that darkness aids the Halki'Koyu. Some of the tribes live well enough, but these do not. These Wild Depths are a place of suffering, and the people here are suffocated by the darkness. They resort to savagry to survive. There is no need for savagry in the Jeweled Lands. I can give these people a better life, and I'm certain they will choose the truth, the truth of light. "
Surtr was certain of his rightousness, just like his forefathers, but uncertain of his power. He saw the strength this god of darkness held in his domain, connected as he was to Drot he knew he could not strike down a god and feared what Vokr might do.
He said, "I shall leave, but know this Vokr, the forces of justice grow stronger every day. People of the Wild Depths, hear my decree, there will always be a place for you in the Jeweled Lands. All you need to do is leave this place and find Lightfall island. That is where your suffering will end. "
Surtr disappeared in a flash of golden radiance. He found himself at the Golden Gate and crossed the threshold.
Surtr immediately saw his master's sarcophagus. It was opened and Drot stared at his creation. Drot answered Surtr before he had the chance to speak, "I know Surtr, you are connected to me and so I heard all that happened. Worry not about this day, you have proven your worth. Vokr is a fool. The slugs heard your message, and that is enough. Go and travel the world, find more Gods and mortals. Some will join our cause, even if most do not. One day that life we are owed will be returned to us. The Blazing Titan will rule again. "

The Coming of Daemons, Vahsi Derenlik

In the dark tunnels of Vahsi Derenlik, savagery was justified and indeed the only way that those early Slugfolk had been able to survive. It was ingrained into their being, and as they eschewed the curiosity of their birth for savage caution, superstition set in. So it was that when the Golden Giant, Surtr, wreathed in flame and bellowing loudly of cold and pain and plenty, he was met with fear and revulsion. So dark it was that the light of Surtr was blinding to the savages of Vahsi Derenlik, and they scattered like frightened animals. What the giant had first assumed to be stone buildings were revealed in the light to be pillars of stone carved with primitive warnings that had been defaced and overwritten many times. The tribes that lived in these barren tunnels would carve out markers to show ownership of their lands, and when the powerful were eventually brought low and turned weak, the newly strong would erase the writings and place their own.

Such was the savagery of the Halki'Koyu within Vahsi Derenlik that they fought not with copper and strategy, but with bone and instinct. None answered the Giant's call, fleeing into the darkened tunnels that were too small for him to follow. The brave and foolish peered from the shadows as Vökr came upon their home and cast aside the blinding light of golden flame. They watched as the Golden Giant and the God of Dark made their short exchange, committing to mortal memory the occasion of the coming of blinding fire and its defeat by the cold embrace of dark. Truth there was in both of their words, yet the Slugfolk of Vahsi Derenlik were too young and too superstitious to understand it. To them, beings of great and terrible power had battled in their home and tempted them with wonders beyond their reckoning. To them, a demon of fire and a spirit of dark had fought jealously over their souls.

Starting AP: 1

1 AP - Create Organization: The Epistolary Chamber - A gathering of scribes, contemplatives, and zealous warriors, the Epistolary Chamber is the ruling body of the Halki'Koyu in Kara Sular, and acts akin to a priesthood of knowledge itself. They preserve tomes of knowledge given to the Halki'Koyu by Joki the Traveller, maintain the Grand Archive in Irfan'Sehri, and provide education and guidance to the people of Kara Sular. The Epistolary Chamber is overseen by the Council of Six, who's original members were the Six fishermen that had gone to meet Joki on the dark waters of the River Kara.

Remaining AP: 0

Westhart

2017-12-27, 09:11 PM

Ocerna had meant to visit the golding that had found its way to her home, however her mind was lead further astray, and her eyes widened. "What where these strange creatures?" Oceran rose to er feet, and smiled, a smile that slowly turned down, her eyes widening, "What if they didn't like her? After all cold was not the best thing to deal with for most..." She dismissed the thought, and began striding, the ice before her sifting until she found herself outside what would be Irfan'Sehri. She carefully strode forward, not bold whereas the other gods would be, sticking to the shadows, watching them, interested, but also... afraid? No, that wasn't the word... She was nervous, that was it, nervous that she'd be driven out, for that was the inherent curse of both ice and cold, it seeked to expand, yet almost all also seeked to avoid it. Thus her dilemma... She shrugged, and continued to watch... Maybe something would come up that she could help with, until then? She was patient.

DyerMaker

2017-12-27, 10:14 PM

Ocerna...She dismissed the thought, and began striding, the ice before her sifting until she found herself outside what would be Irfan'Sehri. She carefully strode forward, not bold whereas the other gods would be, sticking to the shadows, watching them, interested, but also... afraid? No, that wasn't the word... She was nervous, that was it, nervous that she'd be driven out, for that was the inherent curse of both ice and cold, it seeked to expand, yet almost all also seeked to avoid it. Thus her dilemma... She shrugged, and continued to watch... Maybe something would come up that she could help with, until then? She was patient.
Vökr whispers to Ocerna
Vökr took notice of his sister Ocerna as she watched the Halki'Koyu of Kara Sular. Ocerna, he whispered in soft baritone. Are they not a wonder? ... Welcome Lady of Cold and Travel ... Know that you are favored in Myrkfjord and Vorja—The Plane of Shadow. Seek whatever you will and embrace your curiosity. I welcome you as a sister—an equal among gods. Consider the Halki'Koyu and notice the knowledge that Joki, The Wanderer has bestowed upon them. This race will build great ships and commerce will rise with them. Perceive that there is neither Law nor Chaos in my dominion; neither Good nor Evil, but a state of equilibrium. Enjoy.

Westhart

2017-12-27, 10:27 PM

Ocerna looked to Vökr, her eyes glad, and she gave him a short bow. "If only all were so kind, but... Conflict brews it seems." She shakes her head, her lip curling in distaste showing what she thought of it. "Conflict brings them nothing really..." She shrugs, "I thank you brother, and do know that you and those under your guidance are always welcome to my homes, and may the snows be gentle to them." She looks down, her eyes flickering as they interact. "If you want them to be true masters of trade then they must be polite, teaching manners never hurt..." She leaves off, her head tilted, asking his permission before she taught them such things, after all in the end it was his home, and she had no wish to take it over. No, she may have left the frigid lands, but they were still there, constantly upon her mind.

Lleban

2017-12-28, 02:07 AM

Children in The East
After Madellena saw off her new dragons she waved her elder sister goodbye. She wondered why the other gods seemed so standoffish, we all knew Avarin was wrong, why not snuff out his illusion now. Nonetheless she traveled until she heard new songs, not the whales nor the leviathans but something entirely new. As she sang back the songs intensified becoming a choir of new and old voices.

By the time she reached the steps of cinder communities of Oule had already begun to coalesce into villages along the beaches and river banks. Impressed, especially by the Oule ingenuity, Madellena decided to enhance the agricultural prowess of the community introducing irrigation, and dams, allowing them to penetrate further inland. Curious about the creatures that resided on her creation she descended to the largest community of the Oule and issued a challenge. "Oule, Oule, I have a request. The first world has many islands, it'd be a shame if no Oule ever saw them all. So...the singer who visits every island of this world and meets me in the Westerlands shall receive a great boon." Realizing that that challenge may have been a bit much Madellena decided to add "Don't despair children, if you need wind, sing for wind, if you want sustenance cast your nets into the seas, and if your afraid, sing for Ištānu, Sūtu, Saddû, or Ziqziqqu. " After a brief pause she raised her hands "SO WHO WILL TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE!"

AP starting 6
Create mundane concept Irrigation-The art of irrigation canals extending the waters reach beyond rivers and creeks can allow farmers to till new feilds Nature (Continents) 7/10
Create mundane concept Dams- Damming smaller creeks can help control seasonal flooding along with storing water during dry seasons. Nature (Continents) 8/10
Create land The Westerlands- As Madellena issued her challenge thousands of miles from the Emerald lands a large continent rose from the sea. The northern coast is dominated by a gigantic desert, dotted with the occasional mountain range and plateau that extends hundreds of miles inland. South of the desert lies many steppes that transition into temperate forests. The southern coast of the Westerlands consist mainly of fjords, inlets and bays covered with thick boreal forests. Nature (Continents) 10/10
Create mundane concept sailing- The use of winds to drive ships from one locale to another Weather(Monsoons) 1/10

Create mundane concept choirs- Singing in harmonious groups to create sounds no one individual could Art(Song) 1/10

Claim domain Nature (Continents)

Razade

2017-12-28, 03:20 AM

Goaty14

2017-12-28, 01:12 PM

As both gods and mortals alike fought over their dominions, they paid little attention to the Dryads in the Firelands who, given the time, harnessed Vitro Fusel to create other, varied creatures. Some large, some small, yet all of them functioned off of Vitro Fusel's life-giving rays. Many of these creatures acted upon instinct and their own self-thought, while others tended to follow one another aimlessly to and fro. These creatures, while primal in thought, are too be known as the Woodfolk.

As the Woodfolk travel around, meeting various dryads and in a constant state of improvement, some aspired elsewhere, as the firelands were good in that they provided constant warmth and protection, they split off from the flock and went their own way. With no general direction, they all appeared to follow Vitro Fusel, apparently a belief to follow their life.

Create Organization: The Horizon Walkers These are the woodlings that split off and followed Vitro Fusel
Create Organization: The Wonderworkers A small band of dryads whom work constantly to edit and improve other woodfolk.
2 AP left.

Cosmix

2017-12-28, 04:19 PM

Avarin - Lightfall Island

"Imbeciles. Half are corrupted, and the other half mistake corruption for nobility and peacefulness." Avarin digs his spear into the ground of Lightfall Island in anger. He thought for a long time. If he was to remake this world, he would need allies - both mortal and divine. If he could not find them among the erstwhile children of the Titans, than he would create them himself.

The Shorgo

Avarin knew he would need mortal servants, beings who could claim the world for his own use and purpose. He reached into the Heart of Titanus, and pulled out a spark, radiant as the body it came from. Around it he molded the metals of the earth, a bronze cast almost as radiant as his own armor. He sewed flesh into the metal, for they must be mortal, and not of the gods. Their skin would forever be the deep bronze of their metallic birth, for all would know at a glance that they were the chosen of the Light. He spread them across the island, and gave them a simple command. Respect the Law, and Create Order. Then, almost as quickly, he dismissed them from his mind.

The Shorgo-Lightfall-Great Awakenings:

Thrown from their perch in the sky and cast down onto the mortal plane (more specifically Lightfall), the creations of Avarin landed none too softly upon their home-to-be, and many craters were made as the still glowing creations were told their purpose.

Respect the Law, and Create Order.

Each and everyone of these new creations knew what those words meant, lifting themselves from their landing local they began to search for others to bring about Law and Order. For how else can one create order, if not with social power? While they did clump up into groups, they were scattered and separated as a whole.

Confused, these beings just whispered to one another, creating names for each other and seeking an answer to a question: Where is our leader? None wanted to make the first move, to grab for power. For if they found conflict in this, then would that not be chaotic and in turn be an insult to the purpose they were just given? This lasted so long that the darkness of night had nearly consumed the day. As the cold of night (to them) began to lick upon their skin they began to huddle together, looking almost pathetic as they shared their heat with one another.

While most of these beings were scattered among the land, a few landed inside the scorching volcano, sinking deep down the molten heart. While most were never (or maybe not) seen again, one emerged from this molten furnace, slowly climbing up from the molten lake and then the far cooler edges above the inner part of volcano.

This one was far taller and stronger than his kindred, bathed as he was within the primordial heat of the earth at birth. He glowed brighter than all the others when they were born, for his inner flame was filled with absolute courage. As he bellowed down to those huddling beneath him, his voice could be heard by all on the island, for nothing had the will to intrude upon him as even the air and waves cowered, letting him speak to all on Lightfall without punity.

"I am Shagor'gath Voice of Law, Bringer of Order! Hear me all who are tasked to bring our Purpose into being! I shall lead as no other can, and we shall be Right! We shall be Shorgo!"

With these words these lost beings were finally united, at least united in name, as Shorgo or "Right".

Starting AP: 2
-2 Raise Hero-Shagor'gath: Calling himself the Voice of Law and Bringer of Order, Shagor'gath see's himself as the rightful leader of all the Shorgo. His vision seems pure, mainly because his voice leads most mortals to never question his wisdom, even nature seems hesitant to get in his way. A shining example of a Shorgo, he is greater than any other in physical strength and in the amount of heat he can produce; however, his form is more brutish than other Shorgo and not even he would call himself handsome. Naturally able to lead others, he cannot see that he is just as blind to the purpose of Avarin's Law as any of the other Shorgo.

End AP: 0

flyinglemur

2017-12-29, 03:14 PM

Surtr's drive was re-invigorated by his master's speech. He walked through the Golden Gate, returning to the mortal world. He saw the Shorgo and heard the speech of Shagor'gath, and he was impressed by how well his cousins were following the righteous path set out for them. He appeared before Shagor'gath, grew to his maximum height and bowed to him, to show that all the decedents of the Blazing Titan were united. Then he went forth into the world. He wandered for a while before he found the Westerlands. He could tell these lands were newly risen out of the earth. He decided to camp in the great southern forests and plan a course of action to spread law in these untamed lands.

Lleban

2017-12-30, 12:32 AM

Joki: A Challenger Approaches

With no sign of the warm flame, Joki drifted across the Cinderlands in its own thoughts. All that remained, the lands that it had not seen, were those of Avarin. One would imagine no warm welcome would be forthcoming from the Lord of Light. Not after weapons were brandished and drawn. Not after the Midnight Sea was made the first of many battlegrounds to come. Yet...a sound? Song? Here in the land of Cinders so close to the first lands. Joki pulled the Barge of the Twilight towards the chorus.

In the skies above the Oule the Barge came to land, above Madellena and her people, banking on the clouds like sandy beaches as storms crackled. "And what of you, dear Cousin? What will challenge you? Or who? The Sun, or the Moon?" Came one deemed the Wanderer's call. "Perhaps you should travel the islands beyond and visit all that lay beyond like your people below? A simple feat for one who travels the globe, a simple feat for one who rides the storm. So like the seasons, I too wax and wane. I will take your challenge, if you take mine."

Madellena had to suppress any form of vexation she had at being interrupted, brother Joki should know better than to interrupt her in front of the mortals, their so impressionable. Sighing she addressed Joki sparks flying from her hair "How about this eldest brother, I'll cover the Dim Archipelago, and you'll visit the islands of this world. BUT, a challenge between gods must be interesting, whomever completes their challenge first must create something for the other!" Madellena nearly forgot the mortals before them and hastily added "Of course no mortal has to race us, but any who complete the challenge will be rewarded."

Jonagel

2017-12-30, 11:51 AM

Madellena had to suppress any form of vexation she had at being interrupted, brother Joki should know better than to interrupt her in front of the mortals, their so impressionable. Sighing she addressed Joki sparks flying from her hair "How about this eldest brother, I'll cover the Dim Archipelago, and you'll visit the islands of this world. BUT, a challenge between gods must be interesting, whomever completes their challenge first must create something for the other!" Madellena nearly forgot the mortals before them and hastily added "Of course no mortal has to race us, but any who complete the challenge will be rewarded."

The Oule across the Steps of Cinder and Emerald Lands all saw the images and heard the words as their Goddess soared across the ocean Hual' Zatir. The Singer sin particular saw details, a new future -- expansion, growth, exploration. Singers began busily working and discussing these new concepts or irrigation and dams with those immediately near by, but this all came to a halt in Hual' Zatir as their Goddess appeared before them in the sky. The Oule began humming tunes of graitutude, humility, awe, but there was one who Singer who stood silent in the crowd. His name was Na'ul, and while the others had already begun discussing marvelous new lands to explore, growing families, and furthering their Mother of Storms to the land and sea, he sat silently seeing deeper into Madellena's words. As she spoke of calling the winds and Dragons to guide their way, he knew in that instant of what she spoke. It was more than the song, it was a connection to something deeper, cosmic he thought. He realized, the Leviathan's Song was more than the Oule had realized -- it was not only connected to their Goddess, but to the entire world around them -- seen and unseen. The world would need to understand, see beyond the physical, and a leader would be needed.

3 AP
Create Hero - 2 AP: Na'ul is the first Oule Singer to truly understand the Leviathan's Song, and instinctively master the control of weather around him. He will devleop into the first ruler of Hual' Zatir, and found the first Oule place of learning -- The Conservatory.
Create Organization - 1 AP: The Conservatory is a place of learning, focused specifically on the Leviathan's Song and the spiritual connection to the First World and the Life Mother. It is a strange combination of monastery and music school, and will be a pivotal building block for Oule society to come.

I'll post more next week, and respond / elaborate. I just wanted to get the ball moving on a few things before the Rollover. Sorry!

Razade

2017-12-30, 06:05 PM

Madellena had to suppress any form of vexation she had at being interrupted, brother Joki should know better than to interrupt her in front of the mortals, their so impressionable. Sighing she addressed Joki sparks flying from her hair "How about this eldest brother, I'll cover the Dim Archipelago, and you'll visit the islands of this world. BUT, a challenge between gods must be interesting, whomever completes their challenge first must create something for the other!" Madellena nearly forgot the mortals before them and hastily added "Of course no mortal has to race us, but any who complete the challenge will be rewarded."

Joki: To Challenge the Challenger

Joki smiled, for vexation was its very mission. "Yet Cousin, I have you at a disadvantage! For I have traveled to all the lands yet two!" Impression was its sole execution, and with a flourish Joki drifted down from its barge to the Cinderlands below. "I have plied the dark waves of the rivers that lie bellow our very feet, in shadow and in solitude I have witnessed the ever moving minion of Vokr. I have sailed the mighty oceans that divide the lands, from these very cinder flats to the Emerald Lands of your own creation and left moonlight in my wake so the Suns that burn so brightly would do nothing to harm the verdant crescent. I have crossed the cold lands of the North, in furs and finery and even found myself in lands still colder. I was present where life began, where the fabric of this very world folds and your journey should best begin. The Starlit Lands, where the Sun and Moon were not when its rivers first ran. Dear Cousin I shall take you there hence and bridge once more the lands between. As a favor to you, for I have a head start. You see dear Cousin, I have done these things you ask and only three remain. Shall I be hunted by a great beast in the scars of the world? Vexed by the Sun? Return to the Midnight Sea by the bridge you have made in the skies above? All shall be easy for Joki, dubbed The Wanderer."

Inspire, and bring the mortals ever further beyond their realms of comfort. He had taught the slugs of Vokr to build boats, so too would he impress upon the Oule the craft of shipmaking. "A gift, for your people as well. The rivers and passageways are mine, and I give them providence over those that run above the ground." With a snap of its finger, Joki willed forth from its Barge the tools and lumber for mighty craft. What fun would it be for only the Gods to compete? "And yet still, a handicap. The Sun's lands are a danger to us all. Surely this is known. Yet stirrings of its own creations tug at the tapestry of Creation. When we meet back in the Starlit Lands to determine who is the winner of our game...I will show forth a token of their respect for me. I will be the shade to their sun parched lands. What say you?"

AP: 4AP

Teach Populous -1: Ship Building - Just as Joki taught the Slugfolk, so too are the Oule taught the craft of boat making. [Fire (Innovation) 5/10]

4AP - 1AP = 3AP

DyerMaker

2017-12-31, 03:46 PM

Vökr to Sig Kapak

Vökr had been watching the Halki'Koyu at Sig Kapak for some time. He was both proud of their ingenuity, living nearest to the surface, and afraid for their safety. The Lord of Shadow would appear before his creation in the twilight of their fires and when Illvaren Ro was at its brightest. Vökr spoke softly to the Halki'Koyu and weaved the tale of the planet's first days when all was darkness until the present and all that had happened in between. The inhabitants here, at Sig Kapak, would need this knowledge for survival. Vökr also called for Vormur, The Maker so that they might see the great worm and know his deeds. Then, he brought the Halki'Koyu to the surface and called for Avayl, The Father of Dragons. As the gargantuan beast knelt before the Primordial Darkness, Vökr explained that Avayl's purpose was peaceful—protecting all creatures of both night and day. When they returned to the dark land of their home, Vökr spoke to the Halki'Koyu of the dangers they might encounter, given their proximity to the surface. As the god spoke, the Halki'Koyu of Sig Kapak would grow in physical stature and agility. Vökr would leave with a graceful farewell, for the Halki'Koyu would never see him again in this form. As the Halki'Koyu slept they would dream of what had been, what was, and what was to come.

AP 4/16

Create Mundane Concept (1AP) Recorded History: The Halki'Koyu of Sig Kapak would be given the responsibility to record the history of their species. They would do so by drawing on the cavern walls of their home and carving upon the gathered wood they might find and through other means they might discover. Artifice (Toil) 5/10

Bless Creation (1AP) Strength & Dexterity: The Sig Kapak sect would possess more physical power than any other of their kind. They would be more agile, with greater reflexes and balance than any other sect of Halki'Koyu. They would be taller, more broad shouldered, muscular, and fast. Artifice (Toil) 6/10

Remaining AP 2/16

Lleban

2018-01-02, 05:13 PM

[QUOTE=Razade;22708754]Joki: To Challenge the Challenger

Joki smiled, for vexation was its very mission. "Yet Cousin, I have you at a disadvantage! For I have traveled to all the lands yet two!" Impression was its sole execution, and with a flourish Joki drifted down from its barge to the Cinderlands below. "I have plied the dark waves of the rivers that lie bellow our very feet, in shadow and in solitude I have witnessed the ever moving minion of Vokr. I have sailed the mighty oceans that divide the lands, from these very cinder flats to the Emerald Lands of your own creation and left moonlight in my wake so the Suns that burn so brightly would do nothing to harm the verdant crescent. I have crossed the cold lands of the North, in furs and finery and even found myself in lands still colder. I was present where life began, where the fabric of this very world folds and your journey should best begin. The Starlit Lands, where the Sun and Moon were not when its rivers first ran. Dear Cousin I shall take you there hence and bridge once more the lands between. As a favor to you, for I have a head start. You see dear Cousin, I have done these things you ask and only three remain. Shall I be hunted by a great beast in the scars of the world? Vexed by the Sun? Return to the Midnight Sea by the bridge you have made in the skies above? All shall be easy for Joki, dubbed The Wanderer."

Inspire, and bring the mortals ever further beyond their realms of comfort. He had taught the slugs of Vokr to build boats, so too would he impress upon the Oule the craft of shipmaking. "A gift, for your people as well. The rivers and passageways are mine, and I give them providence over those that run above the ground." With a snap of its finger, Joki willed forth from its Barge the tools and lumber for mighty craft. What fun would it be for only the Gods to compete? "And yet still, a handicap. The Sun's lands are a danger to us all. Surely this is known. Yet stirrings of its own creations tug at the tapestry of Creation. When we meet back in the Starlit Lands to determine who is the winner of our game...I will show forth a token of their respect for me. I will be the shade to their sun parched lands. What say you?"

Interested in Joki's proposition she shrugs her shoulders and responded with a light smile, willing to humor this trickster god " Fine then Joki, take me to this Dim archipelago, but do you truly believe Avarin and his ilk are a threat to creation?"...After a brief pause she reconsidered. Jumping upon the barge she chimed "Well I suppose it doesn't matter so long as you don't subscribe to his poisonous view. You'll find out what token I provide once I provide it. "

On the barge Madellena sang a quiet, almost solemn tune reminiscent of the songs the Oule first sang. As her pitch deepened To Leviathans began to flank the barge and responded in kind. Realizing her host might be a bit left out, she said in a lyrical tone "Joki would you like to learn Leviathan song?"

Buufreak

2018-01-02, 09:07 PM

The Beast of Apex - Profound Boredom, Conquest's Beginning

The Beast had watched in anticipation in hopes that true competition would have started. It found itself disappointed, and growing in boredom quickly.

It let out an ear splitting howl. No words were truly formed, but the intent was entirely clear. God of Sun and Law. Heed me, and appear.

The Beast then, with only the future of life in mind, turned to a new world. One that it could oversee and make the purest and most advanced of lifeforms, ones that would be able to shape the world as well as the gods themselves, through sheer force if necessary. This life, this Evolutionary, would take on the form and power of the best of what was available, and through victory would they grow in incredible ways, stealing the very life force and genetic advantages of whatever had fallen to them.

The Beast was happy again, but needed to give its creation a home of its own, to thrive and grow until the time came that it could reach into the First World. With thought and want, it envisioned the perfect land, savage and wild in all ways, a true dog eat dog and man eat man world. And in an instant, it came to be. The Beast named it the Great Wilderness, and with a swipe of its claws did it tear through reality, and making its home in the middle of its mountains too into its throne to watch this new land grow, and all life within flourish.

For a single moment, the wild was calm and still. Then quickly, it flooded with the Beast's new life, and the life of the First World. Bloodshed was but a cost of power, and it would flood the wilds sooner than later. It is from here the Beast can make a front onto the world, to show it its grand vision of life itself, even if that meant the other Gods would also bleed.

Wow, the holidays, amirite? Okay, missed 2 rollovers, so I should be sitting at 11.

Weave Plane 4AP - The Great Wilderness - for all intense and purposes, the Great Wilderness is a mirror of the First World, and will change with it as more land appears. However, the land remains estranged and savage once placed, neglecting the changes made by God and man alike to make it tame. Lavish jungles, towering mountain peeks, and frozen tundra are but a few of the biomes here, each filled with all appropriate animal life, living in everlasting competition, as it should be. (War (Conquest))

Bridge Plane 2AP - Connecting The Great Wilderness and the First World at the location of the Beast of Apex's throne, the center of the mountains known as the Claws of the Land. (War (Conquest))

Create Mythic Life 4AP - The Evolutionary - Not a singular creature, the Evolutionary are a currently primitive and savage race that are no smarter than any other animal they may encounter. However, they display a unique capability to take on any racial trait of anything they might kill and devour, including one another. (Competition (Superiority))

10/10 Competition (Superiority) - Domain gained
6/10 War (Conquest)

flyinglemur

2018-01-03, 01:03 AM

Surtr pondered for a while before being struck with inspiration. If he couldn't find followers, he could simply make them, just as Avarin had done. Surtr fashioned a new race of animal, one built to follow the law. He called them the Painted Giants, and just as Surtr's form was more perfect than Drot's, the Painted Giant's form was more perfect than Surtr's.

They were large creatures, standing nine feet tall, with strong unblemished forms. He divided them up into three castes, aswell as the kings and queens to breed and produce more Painted Giants. They would work together to establish homes, and serve as perfect examples of the law in all it's glory.

Surtr knew that the Painted Giant's animal minds could recognize each other, and so he exploited that. He imprinted on them an instinct, to recognize all the higher creatures of law as Painted Giants of a higher caste, to be followed and protected above all else.

He created these new beings and spread groups of them throughout the boreal forests in the southern coast of the Westerlands. He then returned to Lightfall Island. He place a small population of Painted Giants there as well, before deciding to rest and regain his energy.

Starting AP: 4
Create Monstrous Race- 0 AP using the Fabled Life power: Painted Giant- The Painted Giants are a race of mammals who look humanoid, but are nine feet tall and always have unblemished skin. They are omnivorous gathering leaves, fruits, and hunting any animal they can kill. They live between 30 and 40 years and grow quickly, maturing in only 3 years. They live eusocially with one king and one queen as the only breeder's, all other individuals are sterile. When either of them dies one of the sterile Painted Giants becomes fertile and takes their place. They live in small nests which consist of large patches of cleared out and flattened land, with a shallow square dug into the ground where the Painted Giants sleep. Nests usually consist of groups with 50-100 adult individuals, and when nests get too large a pair of Painted Giants become fertile and leave to found a new nest. This doesn't happen very often however, as Painted Giant's birth rate is usually only a little higher than their death rate. Painted Giants work together very well, although this is derived from instinctual behaviors. They are no more intelligent than dogs. They have three sterile castes:

Pure Giants: The Pure Giants have bleach white skin and act as workers. They clear out trees or rocks in the nest, gather plants for food, and care for the young. They are the caste that can become king's or queens and if they do their skin quickly changes to a golden color. About 50% of a nest will be Pure Giants.

Burning Giants: Burning Giants have bright red skin and act as soldiers. They are much tougher and broader than the Pure Giants. Their arms are stronger and longer, but their hands are far worse as they have weaker and less dexterous fingers, and they lack fine motor control. These factors combined means they cannot perform the work of the Pure Giants as they simply end up destroying the materials the Pure Giants recover. They patrol the nests and surrounding area looking for intruder's of any kind, including Painted Giant's from other nests. They also act as hunter's, and kill any other animals they find to bring them back as food. Their bodies are much hotter than most animals or the other castes, so a favorite tactic is for several individual's to grapple large prey and attempt to crush them with the animal either dying from the blunt trauma or from overheating. About 25% of a nest will be Burning Giants.

Sweet Giants: Sweet Giants have bright pink skin and act as food storage. Sweet Giants are fed most of the food the other castes recover and quickly gain large amounts of weight. This is not reflected in the appearance of their body which remains similar to the Pure Giants, however that is a result of the magic of their creation. They become very heavy and lose the ability to walk, forcing them to simply sit on the ground. The food they receive is converted by their bodies into a very thick liquid called giant syrup, similar in appearance to honey. It quickly replaces their blood and fills most of their organs. This syrup is highly nutritious and forms the primary food source for the Painted Giants, in general at least 75% of the food the other castes eat is first converted into Giant Syrup. This allows the Painted Giants to store food without it rotting, and so Painted Giants can gather large amounts of food in times of plenty without it going to waste and survive times of scarcity. The Sweet Giant can make their hands bleed out Giant Syrup at will, and do so on the command of any other caste. When this is done the syrup will seep out of the center of the Sweet Giants, and form a tear drop shaped object about the size of a tennis ball, called Giant's gold. The outside of the tear will partially solidify further allowing Giant's gold to be held. This process is painless. One piece of Giant's gold is the equivalent of a medium sized meal. Giant's Gold spoils in about 2 days and so keeping the Sweet Giants is necessary for it to be an effective food source. About 25% of a nest will be Sweet Giants.

The caste of a Painted Giant is determined upon their maturity and is determined by the amount of Giant's already present in each caste. The individual will transform into what ever is needed to maintain the 50/25/25 ratio described above. This process is not consciously controlled by any giant as none have the intelligence that would be needed for that. Instead it is simply a magical process inherent to their species. The skin of an immature Painted Giant starts out white and turns red or pink if they become Burning or Sweet Giants, respectively. Those becoming Burning Giant's experience the morphological changes at the same time. This process takes no more than one week.

The Painted Giants instinctively recognize any being created by Avarin or any of his creations. Sweet Giant's will be willing to give them Giant's Gold, and Burning Giants will protect them before anything else. Painted Giants can be trained to perform more work than just that by the descendants of Avarin, but this is difficult as the Painted Giants follow their instincts relentlessly which makes it difficult to get Pure or Burning Giants to leave the nest. Furthermore, since nests require large amounts of food and space, any who wish to exploit the Painted Giant's will have to live near naturally occurring nests, or go through the very difficult process of creating a new artificial nest.

Claim Monstrous Race- 1 AP: Drot claims the Painted Giants. They accept the orders of Drot and Surtr above all others, as Surtr created them and is inherently connected to Drot. Life (Giants) 8/10

4 AP - 0 AP- 1 AP = 3AP

Edited to fix AP point mistake

Cosmix

2018-01-03, 03:46 AM

The Shorgo-Lightfall:

Even Shargor'gath, self-centered as he was, felt honored as Sturt's bowed in respect to him. Staring with but a slight waver in his confusion the great Shorgo thought: Even greater beings acknowledge my right, my vision, as truth! Now Order must be forged...

Speaking once more to the Shorgo of Lightfall, he pointed down into the volcano and bid them to enter so that they may stay warm and in the light during the cold darkness of night. The night disturbed the Shorgo, for they could not comprehend what was held within, and the cold it held was a danger they could feel deep down to their cores. In short, they were afraid of the unknown.

Shargor'gath showed no worry, and in his flames the cowardice of ignorance inside the others could be forgotten. Shargor'gath looked upon the stones and rocks of the volcano as a molder of clay would, and bid those around him to sculpt the surrounding region to make indents and paths. While his flame alone was strong enough to do this, large groups of other Shorgo would often fail unless the rock was near the lava.

The Shorgo were split into three separate groups, a few trusted leaders that were particularly loyal to Shargo'gath, a quite a few hunters and gatherers to obtain food (while Shorgo don't need a lot of food when near a great deal of heat, they still need at least half a mans worth), with the rest working on homes and other necessitates.

The change in attitude seemed instantaneous, with all the Shorgo having been placed in a hierarchy and given a goal they gained a self-confidence that bordered on prideful in a matter of days. Shorgo are creatures that take pride in their work, and a maker of tools is often just as proud of his work (if not more so) than the leader above them in the hierarchy. With this confidence the Shorgo made quite a village, Firgor (Fire Home), for it was the birthplace and heart of fire said Shargor'gath.

Starting AP: +2
-2 Create Society-Shagath: The Shorgo have a society to cling to, centered around the volcano on Lightfall. It's currently little more than a hunter-gatherer society that has enough resources to sustain itself. I'll get into details about it in the next post.

End AP: 0

Razade

2018-01-03, 05:22 AM

Interested in Joki's proposition she shrugs her shoulders and responded with a light smile, willing to humor this trickster god " Fine then Joki, take me to this Dim archipelago, but do you truly believe Avarin and his ilk are a threat to creation?"...After a brief pause she reconsidered. Jumping upon the barge she chimed "Well I suppose it doesn't matter so long as you don't subscribe to his poisonous view. You'll find out what token I provide once I provide it. "

On the barge Madellena sang a quiet, almost solemn tune reminiscent of the songs the Oule first sang. As her pitch deepened To Leviathans began to flank the barge and responded in kind. Realizing her host might be a bit left out, she said in a lyrical tone "Joki would you like to learn Leviathan song?"

Joki: To the Dim Archipelago and Beyond

"I fear all those who seek to impose their own illusion upon my own. For we each should be permitted to experience this world as we see fit. Ye Gods, your mortal folk and even simple Joki. If you so wish to be away however, then let us linger no longer!" Joki gives a snap of its finger, the Barge of the Twilight transforming from its flat and broad shape to a light skiff with sails strong enough to handle the Goddess of Storm's winds and made of such fine woods befitting a Goddess. The sails snapped and soon the First World was gone, a simple dot and then nothing as the Barge passed between it and Elsewhere and then...The Dim Archipelago.

The skiff came to a stop in gentle winds, open oceans on either side with a looming Sargasso of ice covered sea weed that glittered in the starlight above. The winds were chill and off in the distance the Avalanche Islands loomed, a cold shadow lost in moonlit fog. Joki sat at the tiller, gazing upon its home and even as the Goddess of Storm sang, so too did the winds join in with her song. A song of home and a song of the free winds. "Ahh...yes Cousin?" With a start, Joki glances back to its companion as if lost in thought. "If you'd so teach me, I would learn it. Most humbly, dear Cousin."

AP: 3AP

Bridge Plane -1AP: The Wonderlabyrinth and the Dim Archipelago - Where the Dim Archipelago touches chaos and winding lands, it asserts its own order and in to place is that better seen than the
Hoarfrost Sargasso. Where the Wonderlabyrinth is a mess of tunnels and pathways that pass upon one another, the Hoarfrost Sargasso leads those seeking a way out into the open waters of the Archipelago. One can even find boats passed from The Starlit Lands to the Archipelago washed in the icy oceans. [Air (Freedom) 1/10]

3AP - 1AP = 2AP

Toxic Mind

2018-01-03, 04:15 PM

Avarin - The Void

The scurrying of ants was of no concern to the Lord of Light, and so the actions of his "chosen" went entirely unnoticed by the god, though they likely did not realize this themselves.

Avarin had watched and waited, discerning, judging, for a great deal of time. He would require more power, greater strength, if his purpose was to be achieved. He had hoped to sway more of the fledglings to his side, but had only succeeded in uniting them against him. His one ally was his own creation, and a poor one at that. It was as it should be - Light stands against the Darkness.

Avarin forged again, with the same purpose and veracity with which he had forged his mighty spear. A breastplate worthy of the Lord of Light, capable of turning aside all but the most fierce of blows. It had, also, another more insidious design crafted into it. Its brazen surface reflected the foe who had dared to stand before Avarin, and within it they saw themselves failing, and being crushed beneath Avarin's heel. It was the Armor of Subjugation, and within it one was shown their proper place in the Universe - beneath the Light, always. Like his spear, Avarin poured a portion of his own essence into the breastplate to give it such properties, that it would ever reflect the god's view, and no others.

His craft done, Avarin returned to Lightfall Island once more, concealing his presence on the island from Mortals, content to wait, for now, and think upon new ways to spread the glory of the Light.

Starting AP: 15/16
-5AP: Create Major Artifact - Armor of Subjugation - +2 RCR - a bronzed breastplate infused with the Light of Avarin, capable of turning aside the blows of gods, and shattering the weapons of mortals who dared stand before him. [Order (Obedience) 8/10]
-3AP: Infuse Major Artifact - Armor of Subjugation - +1 RCR - the Armor shows the opponent their own weaknesses and failures, the inevitable crushing of themselves and their creations beneath Avarin's might. Such images are distracting and disheartening, weakening gods, and causing weaker mortals to be able to do little beyond bow and plead. [Order (Obedience) 10/10]

Take Domain Order (Obedience)

Ending AP: 7/16

Razade

2018-01-03, 11:50 PM

My dear friend,

The Wayfaring Guide, or as it has become known in many circles in the Library City of Irfan'Sehri The Manual of the Planes, is a difficult conversation to have I’m afraid. This oddity is said to be penned by Joki, known to the slug people of Kara Sular as The Wanderer. Thirty volumes of the book are known to exist but oddly each seems an inexact copy of one another. Parts of the manuals are the same yet the chapters within are often out of order, entire chapters either being omitted or contain wildly varying content. Experts of the Guide believe that these are intentional, each book a separate facet of what many Wayfarers claim as a “universal aspect of knowledge”. Others are less philosophical about the matter, simply owing the differences to mistranslations, apocrypha and bias from individuals seeking to create a definitive version of the Guide itself and by extension the words of a God.

As such, providing a full translation of such a chaotic work would be impossible in our present medium. I have provided some excerpts from the first eight books of the Guide, known to many as the Exordium. I hope that the times in which we live will grow less chaotic and that you may join me in Irfan’Sehri.

Forever yours,
Alwerolhpa, Prime Scribe of The Epistolary Chamber

Before all things, came darkness and in a moment there were the Gods and then the multiverse. Yet the dark was not banished and the light did not take the mantle of creation. Whyfor, thought the Gods, and so the first war was a war of words.
- first excerpt from Brotherhood in Darkness, The First Book of the Wayfarer's Guide

The war need not have been fought, for the Gods did not see the truth before them. Darkness, and The Light, are make believe. They exist only because the Gods exist, perpetuated by those who seek to destroy the other. Such is the folly of the children of the Primordials. Such is the farce of the Gods themselves. For though they are extensions of these principles they are as much the make belief of the Darkness and Light themselves. One sustains the other, the other sustains the one. So too shall the war, that fanciful conflict, drag on for all time. War is but an illusion and the escape is merely believing you are free.
- second excerpt from Brotherhood in Darkness, The First Book of the Wayfarer's Guide

There is no solitude in the cold. Where one expects to find the harshness of biting winds and snow there is comfort in rich blankets of white. So too does the cold move all beings to offer their home, for even a slumbering bear will rest well when the rabbit comes into its cave to escape the frigid air. The cold makes enemies into friends, until the thaw. For cold is but a falsehood, a mere absence of warmth. So too is hospitality, for friends soon become bitter rivals.
-excerpt from A Warm Fire in Cold Places, The Second Book of the Wayfarer's Guide

There is no comfort in warmth. All of these are lies told by crackling fireplaces. Fire is a roaring thing and those who invite it to banish the cold invite only devastation and ash. Folly is at the hand who holds the torch, fooled into thinking there is a need to destroy the very necessity for fire in the first place.
-excerpt from Pleas from the Bonfire, The Third Book of the Wayfarer's Guide

There is no salvation in the storm. The rains that douse the mighty fire drown the humbly lily. Those who pray for rain soon curse the mud beneath their feet and those who ask the heavens to yield are answered only in the roar of the storm.
-excerpt from A Song of Seasons, The Fourth Book of the Wayfarer's Guide

Do not despair for the hate of Gods shall pass, and dictators die. One is never truly bound if they feel themselves boundless and one is never mute even if they feel themselves voiceless. Fight not for a new world, but the world that extends beyond the facility imposed upon you. You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful. Use this power to make life a wonderful adventure.
-excerpt from Of the Suns and Moon, The Fifth Book of the Wayfarer's Guide

You are not prey. Nor are you the hunter. All who walk creation fear and this fear makes them strong but strength is deception for what is strength but weakness by another name? The man who wields a spear to slay giants risks being taken down by ants. To believe one is strong is to think others weak, to think one is weak leads women to impose their desires upon others, to impose is to limit and you are each limitless. Strength is a fabrication, for you are already strong enough.
-excerpt from Prowling, Pouncing and Pernicious Pugilism, The Sixth Book of the Wayfarer's Guide

All is an illusion, for each of us wish to live in a world most comfortable to us. Most certainly too does the grass and as such to deny the illusion is folly so long as even a single blade exists. Walk free and center your desires upon yourself. If you are the master of your illusion, then each of you are a God.
-excerpt from No Man is an Island, The Seventh Book of the Wayfarer's Guide

Even Gods may die.
-excerpt from Sailing the Midnight Sea, The Eighth Book of the Wayfarer's Guide

Lleban

2018-01-04, 02:08 AM

Joki: To the Dim Archipelago and Beyond

"I fear all those who seek to impose their own illusion upon my own. For we each should be permitted to experience this world as we see fit. Ye Gods, your mortal folk and even simple Joki. If you so wish to be away however, then let us linger no longer!" Joki gives a snap of its finger, the Barge of the Twilight transforming from its flat and broad shape to a light skiff with sails strong enough to handle the Goddess of Storm's winds and made of such fine woods befitting a Goddess. The sails snapped and soon the First World was gone, a simple dot and then nothing as the Barge passed between it and Elsewhere and then...The Dim Archipelago.

The skiff came to a stop in gentle winds, open oceans on either side with a looming Sargasso of ice covered sea weed that glittered in the starlight above. The winds were chill and off in the distance the Avalanche Islands loomed, a cold shadow lost in moonlit fog. Joki sat at the tiller, gazing upon its home and even as the Goddess of Storm sang, so too did the winds join in with her song. A song of home and a song of the free winds. "Ahh...yes Cousin?" With a start, Joki glances back to its companion as if lost in thought. "If you'd so teach me, I would learn it. Most humbly, dear Cousin."

AP: 3AP

Bridge Plane -1AP: The Wonderlabyrinth and the Dim Archipelago - Where the Dim Archipelago touches chaos and winding lands, it asserts its own order and in to place is that better seen than the
Hoarfrost Sargasso. Where the Wonderlabyrinth is a mess of tunnels and pathways that pass upon one another, the Hoarfrost Sargasso leads those seeking a way out into the open waters of the Archipelago. One can even find boats passed from The Starlit Lands to the Archipelago washed in the icy oceans. [Air (Freedom) 1/10]

3AP - 1AP = 2AP

Madellena forcefully put a hand on his abdomen speaking in his ear "For a beginner its best if you sing from your diaphragm. Don't worry about the volume, and worry less about the weather, whatever you unwittingly conjure your barge can take it." She continued to move her hands to adjust Joki's posture while lecturing "Control will come with practice, just finish whatever tune you start. Now repeat after me." She started with a low guttural hum that slowly shifted a steady aria. As she sang a whirlwind of ice and lightning circled the barge.

flyinglemur

2018-01-04, 02:28 AM

Drot rose from his sarcophagus. He had regained his power and saw that Surtr had used his own. First, Drot decided to construct a new building in his plane. He needed a proper place to put his sarcophagus, instead of just letting it sit in a random spot in the heavenly field. He used the power of his manse to build a Golden Sepulcher at the very start of the Jeweled Lands, right in front of the dividing line between the cold miasma and the heavenly field. He placed his sarcophagus there and decided that it would be a meeting place in the Jeweled Lands, where he could freely deal with others in a more controlled environment than either of the two halves of the manse.

Afterwards he entered the First World. Drot had realized that mortals were fast becoming among the most important beings in the world, and he knew that they were his personal salvation. As an ally of Avarin he knew that the other Gods would care little for him and his plight, and the monsters of the world had far too little life in them to be of any use for Drot. But mortals, they were perfect for his plan. He knew that the other Gods would guard their mortals jealously, just as Vokr had prevented Surtr from bringing the denizens of the Wild Depths to the Jeweled Lands. And since Avarin created the Shorgo he feared dealing with them, as he was afraid of accidentally running afoul of his powerful master. Instead Drot decided to forge his own species of mortals. He scoured the earth is search of a way to do this, until he reached the deserts at the edge of the mountains of the Firelands. There he saw a group of jackals and watched as they survived in the harsh desert climate. He saw that the desert was unforgiving and felt a pang of sympathy for the wild beasts. They struggled just as he struggled, fighting to claim life while surrounded by death. He decided that he would transform these animals into a sapient species he could deal with as he pleased.

He took all the jackals in the Firelands with him, and returned to Lightfall island. While there he took a piece of Surtr's fire, which would quickly reform for Surtr. He brought the jackals to the cold miasma which siphoned their life, and he left them there until their bestial natures were drained away and the jackals were half dead. Drot took both their life and bestial nature, but kept them separate from himself rather than absorbing them.He then brought them to the Golden Sepulcher. He forged coffins for them and placed them inside, leaving them in the Golden Sepulcher. By the time he placed them all the Golden Sepulcher was filled completely by the coffins, he even had to remove his own coffin to make room. He divided up Surtr's fire and instilled a piece in each. He returned the life he had taken from them, but the life was not taken by the jackals, it was taken by the golden fire. This caused the golden fire they all had to grow in strength. Then he returned their bestial natures to them. The golden fire was the very essence of Drot, Surtr, and life giving law of the blazing titan. This forced it into competition with the animalistic instinct and mind the jackals originally had. However, the golden fire had consumed the life of the jackals causing it to grown stronger than the bestial nature. Soon the golden fire consumed that too destroying the animal minds of the jackals, and leaving only the intelligence and law Drot wanted. The golden fire finally grew strong enough that it was able to effect the whole form of the jackal. Drot quickly emptied the coffins and destroyed them. He took the bodies to the grasslands of the Firelands, near the desert. He held them, suspended in the air as they changed and morphed. The golden fire gave them new bodies, not unlike those of the Painted Giants, but with their jackal heads intact. It gave them new life and brought them back to full health from the brink of death. It also gave them new minds, as it had been fed enough power that it was able to bring them sapience and understanding of the law.

Drot used his power to bless his new creations. Then he placed them on the ground and spoke to them. "I am Drot, your creator, hear me. Live in these lands and follow the law that is in your hearts. Honor the dead and preserve their memory, for I am in truth dead. Honor Surtr, he is my giant and your blood brother. You will know him by his golden flame, the same flame that is your heart and soul. In exchange, I give you the same promise I gave to Surtr. I will give you my undying support. And I will give you some of my divine power. I can not directly give you my essence, as I did Surtr, but I have already strengthened you with my power. You are connected to me and my creations, my Painted Giants will always work for you, and if you feel that the world is weighing heavy on your shoulders simply call Surtr. He will hear you and he will arrive to help you and if you wish, to bring you to the Jeweled Lands. It is my place of plenty and glory, and you can go there any time, simply by asking Surtr to take you and paying some life in the cold miasma. "

Drot left the Firelands and returned to the Golden Sepulcher. He placed his sarcophagus back in its spot, and decided to rest for the rest of the day. His face had a massive grin on it.

Starting AP: 3 AP
Alter Land-O AP using the manse power: Golden Sepulcher- It's a massive golden colored sepulcher in the Jeweled Lands. The insides are colored a dark brown and intricate geometric designs are carved into the walls. Two golden flames sit atop stone cubes, these fires light the room and fill it with warmth but do not burn. Drot's jeweled coffin sits in between the stone cubes. The sepulcher is located at the very beginning of the Jeweled Lands and sits just in front of the dividing line between the cold miasma, and the heavenly field.

Bless creation-(1 AP): Drot's chosen- The Esom are connected to Drot and his creations. They can call for Surtr at any time and Surtr will hear them as though they were right next to him. The Painted Giants will listen to them on the same level as they would listen to Drot and Surtr. Life(Giants) 9/10

Ending AP: 3 AP- 0 AP- 1 AP= 2 AP

Edited to add ending AP.

Toxic Mind

2018-01-04, 10:25 AM

Avarin - Lightfall Island

It let out an ear splitting howl. No words were truly formed, but the intent was entirely clear. God of Sun and Law. Heed me, and appear.
The howl split creation with its force, carrying its message even to Avarin on the shores of Lightfall Island.

Interesting.

Avarin wondered, for a moment, what the god of beasts could want. He had not expected to hear from him after the other gods had allied against him, stymied his purpose, and shunted him away. Avarin briefly wondered if this was a trap, then discarded the idea. the Beast was a patient hunter, but if he wanted a fight, he would challenge Avarin head on - honor demanded no less. And now, Avarin feared no one god in the cosmos.

Avarin, the Beast - Claws of the Land

Avarin stepped out from the beam of light, calm but alert. His spear was at his side, and he was ready and armored, if it was needed. He could sense, all around him, the duality of this place, torn between this world and another planar one. The ghosts and shadows of the twin worlds merging into one another flitted in the corner of his vision.

"Speak." Avarin says, without preamble.

flyinglemur

2018-01-04, 11:04 AM

Surtr heard the beast's call and saw Avarin's response. Surtr desired to prove himself before the master of law. He quickly followed Avarin, running faster than he ever had before. His strides were massive and his determination was intense. He arrived in the Claws of the Lands as quick as he could. Although of course, Avarin had already gotten there by the time he arrived.

Buufreak

2018-01-05, 10:35 AM

The Beast of Apex, Avarin, Surtr - A gathering of Laws

The Beast greeted Avarin in the same silent way as before, but with a slight glint in its eye. Perhaps the sight of a giant ablaze drew its interest.

I have grown bored here, Sun God. Bored of watching. Bored of waiting. My realm is prepared, and my Evolutions are amassed, seeking more power. I. I seek more power. I will be strong,
and the strong survives.

You have grown strong, Sun God, and found strength in numbers. Already Gods are forgotten to mortals. We will not be.

Toxic Mind

2018-01-05, 07:14 PM

flyinglemur

2018-01-05, 08:07 PM

Surtr was surprised by Avarin's words. After all, Drot certainly seemed to want mortals under his fold, and he had assumed Avarin would as well. Of course, Avarin was infallible was he not, and higher than Drot in position. Perhaps that was it then, someone of Avarin's high station simply couldn't be bothered to deal with the mortals when he clearly had more pressing concerns. Still, he found it so strange that such a disagreement would even exist among his faction.

"Oh great Lord of Light," said Surtr bowing as he spoke, "Are you certain there is no value in dealing with mortals, after all the other gods certainly are concerned about them? I saw this myself when Vokr kept me from bringing law to the Wild Depths. At the very least, if we turn the mortals to our side their gods might see the error of their ways."

Toxic Mind

2018-01-05, 08:38 PM

Avarin eyed the avatar of his child for a moment. It seemed a parental lesson was needed. "Do the great beasts of this land concern themselves with the movements of ants? No. They crush them underfoot when they become a nuisance. Mortals will bow before the gods because that is their place. We do not ask, we do not convince. We demand. That is the Order of the universe. The strong rule the weak and the weak are ruled by the strong. Who is stronger than a god?"

Buufreak

2018-01-05, 08:42 PM

Mortals reflect progenitors. Strong Gods make strong mortals. The weak already drift eternity, and their marks on the world fade into nothing. Do not fade, Sun God. Do not fade, Law God. Beast God will not fade.

Become strength. Bring world into strength, for strong is true Order over the weak. Power over the weak. The weak die, the strong survive. Weakness only brings more Chaos. Fear is Chaos. Look and see.

The Beast moves aside, and shows where its infinite wilds branches across the land, and from it, its creations are already growing. Some with wings, some fangs, others claws. The smallest cower in fear, unable to evolve and grow, while the titanic reign. It is a simple system, but it begat the simplest of Order: the strong prevails over the weak.

Sun God wise to see the Natural Order. Wise to survive? Wise to succeed? Sun God must be Strength God.

Mechalich

2018-01-05, 09:57 PM

Those Born of the Sepulcher, the Esom

Cast into the Firelands by the hands of Drot, the jackal people emerged between light and darkness, seeking and wandering. Females and males of the first generation bonded and traveled together. They hunted and scrabbled for the necessities of life, taking bone and meat from kills, scavenging sinew and skin to form crude belts and girdles. Widely did they disperse as their children emerged, and much did they endure. Savanna and desert and further did they travel, following the soaring vultures and the migrating herds. Though they had learned to fashion tools of stone, some among their number encountered the dryads of the woodlands. Though few Esom would venture far into such confined quarters, they were still able to observe and learn the fashioning of bough and board, and to split logs into panel and plank.

The life of the firelands was hard, and even from the beginning there were accidents. Esom fell and did not rise again, the breath of life gone out of their bodies. Mindful of the command of their progenitor the elders did not simply let such bodies lie - for that was the way of animals lacking the divine spark within. Memories of their coffin wombs were dim, and it was beyond their means to fashion workable facsimiles. Therefore they turned to other tools to preserve the memory of those that had fallen. Where there was stone they enclosed the lost within cairns. When there was not - and on the grasslands this was often - they buried their dead within the earth and raised up markers of bone or wood to acknowledge the sight.

From the dryads the Esom learned also of the Woodfolk. Venturing deep into the grasslands they saw some of these beings. Formed of fiber and leaf, they were strange to jackal eyes, and distance was kept. Yet, they soon discovered a point in common. Like the jackal people, the Woodfolk too could fall and die. Sometimes they would come across such remains among the grass. In these cases, it was decided that the dead must be honored, no matter their origin. Pits were dug and fibrous corpses lowered below to be returned to the earth. Faces and places were preserved in recitation, and later in strike marks on thin boards.

Most Esom were satisfied with the momentary practice of grave-building, but some did not consider this sufficient. These began to compose testimonials, recording all that had been of the fallen. They would weave these together with the tales of others, placing the dead in the context of continuing life. The placed inscriptions up the markers, and planned greater things. When disease struck down one of the most honored elders of the first generation - a venerable male with many hundreds of descendants - they cleared the land around his grave site and raised up a great circular mound of stone and earth in his memory. Inscriptions and objects were placed within, so that even should the records of the living fail there would be evidence of the life lived. Drot's name was placed alongside such offerings, that the god might know he too was always remembered. These vigilant ones then swore that they woudl devote themselves to the great memorial project all their days, to insure that nothing might ever be forever forgotten. So began the Requiem Way.

Starting AP: 2

Create Mundane Concept -1 AP: Burial - The Esom have learned to venerate the dead, and have created an array of practices and traditions suitable to memorialize those who have died.

Create Organization -1 AO: Requiem Way - The Requiem Way is an affiliation of artists, historians, scholars, and storytellers devoted to recording the evidence and tales of those who have passed, of all natures.

Ending AP: 2 AP - 2 AP = 0 AP

flyinglemur

2018-01-05, 10:31 PM

Surtr heard both the gods before him. He understood Avarin and he understood the Beast of Apex. And then he thought of Drot. Drot was a god, yet he was not strong. His body was feeble and lifeless. Then he though about himself. He was stronger than his creator. He could crush Drot's body under his heel. And yet, Drot created him. It was Drot's power that gave him everything he had, and Drot's own divine energies had made him yet stronger. The weak begat the strong, and made it ever stronger.

Surtr saw this conflict, but he quickly quashed that thought. After all, Avarin was still stronger than he was, and that would always be. "I understand oh Lord of light," said Surtr bowing just as he had before.

Surtr turned to the mighty beast. "Beast of Apex," spoke Surtr this time without bowing, "Avarin is already strength incarnate; he is certain not to fade. And neither will my progenitor."

DyerMaker

2018-01-07, 04:24 PM

Vökr travels Myrkfjord

Vökr spent a great deal of time in Myrkfjord and considered it worthy to travel the whole of his creation. He had visited most of the Halki'Koyu sects and regarded their progress as a species. Vökr decided that Myrkfjord would benefit from a varied landscape. In his travels, Vökr discovered the skull of a perished Halki'Koyu. The Lord of Shadow would mold the skull into shadow as a powerful tool and where the skull was found he would form tree-sized mushrooms in a variety of subtly-lit, luminous colors using the skull and the magical radiation of Galdurmaul. These mushrooms would grow from the vault floor and hang from the ceiling like great stalactites. This new habitat will serve as inspiration and a place of reverence for those who dwell in The Darklands. Vökr would call it, Vidak Keshyo (Midnight Jungle).

AP 6/16

Create Major Utility Artifact (5AP) Skull of Transmutation: -1 AP for Alter Land. The Skull of Transmutation allows Vökr to readily Alter Land, shaping it into the manifestation of his vision. Magic (Transmutation) 5/10

Alter Land (0AP) Vidak Keshyo: The Midnight Jungle is a Myrkfjord biome of tree-sized mushrooms in a variety of subtly-lit, luminous colors created using the skull and the magical radiation of Galdurmaul. These mushrooms will grow from the vault floor and hang from the ceiling like great stalactites. This place will serve as inspiration and a place of reverence for those who dwell in The Darklands. Magic (Transmutation) 6/10

Remaining AP 1/16

Toxic Mind

2018-01-08, 09:18 AM

"The Avatar speaks the truth. It would take all of the gods of shadow to extinguish my Light, and it will not be so for long. We waste time with these discussions. For what purpose have you brought me here."

Buufreak

2018-01-08, 09:51 AM

Toxic Mind

2018-01-08, 11:10 AM

Sun God goes where he pleases, is not brought here. But Sun God underestimates the Dark. Titan underestimates. The Dark is Flesh of My Flesh. My Flesh is not easily broken. Sun God will do well to accept help from God of the Earth. Together Light and Strength can set True Order.

"You propose an alliance? Ensuring the Order of the Cosmos through strength?" Avarin had considered such ideas before, but after the failure to recruit others, had accepted that he would undertake his crusade alone. Now here was an opportunity, perhaps, to work with like-minded others.

"I would be amenable to such a thing."

Lleban

2018-01-08, 05:43 PM

Dragon's Journey

Toward the Frozen North Ištānu flew, the dragon felt jealous their younger siblings had found so much. Mortal races in the fire lands, unclaimed roosting wilds in the south, and islands a plenty in the west. But what was here for a dragon,ice, rocks..delicious seals and yaks?! Ištānu let forth a roar of lightning in anger. As Ištānu fly further he recognized something unheard of everywhere else, a field of roses peaking from beneath the permafrost. How could these plants survive in such a harsh environment, it was moving in its own way. The Leviathans had not told him about this, with all their strength Ištānu called out "Oceran...Oceran!! Tell me the meaning, of these roses. Tell me of the frozen north!!"

Cosmix

2018-01-09, 03:44 AM

The Shorgo-Lightfall-All Hail None But One:

Shargor'gath sat upon a crude throne, more a bulge of stone with a fur coat placed over it. Skulls of animals were placed along the sides, all killed by Shargor'gath himself, with a few shorgo skulls mixed into the intimidating scene. No beast or shorgo after seeing this would dare to challenge Shargor'gath, sadly for a few shorgo they had not seen the throne and actually thought they could disobey the Voice of Law's command (even if in minor ways).

In front of this throne sat the greatest cave that the shorgo had found and expanded, it sported smoothed rocks as tables and large furs at the back to keep the heat in the room at a deadly temperature for humans. There were fourteen shorgo in the room discounting Shargor'gath. Two wore nothing and were covered in scars, remnants of their sacrifice still on their person. Four wore heavy sets of fur, made to keep them warm whenever they chose to leave Firgor to hunt and gather materials, as well as large axes or clubs made out of crude stone. The last eight were of little importance, people that the other shorgo saw as leaders but Shargor'gath had deemed to have no importance in religious or warrior work.

The shorgo in the room were conversing with one another on matters of day-to-day life, if not for the Voice of Law on his macabre throne an outsider would have imagined this to be almost a friendly get-together. However, with a simple 'hmph' the room became silent and all eyes gazed upon the Voice.

"Good. You all did well to arrive here early, and I hope this meeting will not negatively impact your work?"

While that was stated as a question, the shorgo in the room have learned from experience to never talk before being singled out. One of the skulls belonged to a particularly eager shorgo that always tried to speak up. As the shorgo were thinking this, Shargor'gath waved his hand at the naked shorgo as a apathetic ruler might.

"Bleeding Ones tell me of Firgor's construction progress, and of the peoples willingness to follow your words as my own." His tone held that of purposeful distance, while his crude eyes looked similar to a predator looking at prey. With but a small shiver showing their fear, the naked shorgo were kneeling in reverence and the larger one spoke up.

"Great Voice, all shorgo now have permanent homes within the stone, we've begun to focus on having the Unfit sacrificed in an appropriate way for your glory. None have dared challenged us since the, uh, incident last week. We are still deeply ashamed we could not spread your glorious message without having you purging the unbeliever that was keeping the shorgo from accepting your message. We are on watch for others that call upon the "Lord of Light". We-"

"Enough, Bleeding One, that's enough for now." The naked shorgo almost stumbled upon speaking again, but was able to awkwardly silence himself. Shifting his hand's position to the warriors, Shargor'gath bid them to speak.

"Warriors, tell me, how has fortune been to you? I expect no matter the answer that the gathering of food has not been handled poorly."

Same with the naked shorgo, the ones covered in furs top to bottom shivered at being spoken to directly. Unlike them however, the smallest in their number spoke. They knew they were the only one who could speak, the one that was designated to face punishment.

"Great Voice, forgive me, but the prey around our holy home has become sparse. While the land can take our touch for a time, it seems that our inner heat is too much for it." The shorgo began to breath erratically. "Worry not! We've already secured new hunting ground to feed Firgor, but this discovery has forced us to cut into our travel rations somewhat-"

"Enough."

Silence filled the room, only the faint noise of hot air could be heard past the large cave, but that was easily forgotten when Shargor'gath rose form his throne. His posture was relaxed, as one would expect form a creature that far surpassed any other shorgo, and he casually strode over to the warrior. As he was standing over the now trembling creature he asked something that surprised them:

"Why did you not see this happening? The stone melts to your flames, the birthplace of all shorgo. Did you expect the puny creatures and plants outside to be able to withstand what stone itself could not? I'm surprised that you could not see this before it began to happened. Worry not, I shall be merciful."

Without another word the shorgo's arm was removed, too fast to be seen as anything other than a blur, so was the strength of Shargor'gath that none questioned this. Turning his back to the quickly dying shorgo, he spoke passively as he was thinking of where to incorporate the arm into his throne.

"Bleeding Ones, tend to his wound as best you can. Afterwards throw him outside of Firgor if he still lives, with only an axe, and tell him he needs to kill something impressive before he is allowed back into Firgor. If he does so his failure is forgiven. We are done here."

All the shorgo (that still held conciseness) bowed before him, quickly gathering everything they had and left. The Bleeding Ones dragged the near-dead body out with them.

Shorgo cannot normally have a would cauterised, being immune to all heat being used as a weapon, so the only course of action Bleeding Ones can take to stop the bleeding of a limb removed from the shoulder is either tie some cloth to the wound, or use molten lava to "fill in the gap". Both options lead to incredibly high mortality rates, but the strong shorgo bodies lead to it being possible to survive with these savage and untrained 'medical treatments'.

Luckily, the shorgo punished on this day was fortunate enough to have not died to these ill-thought-of practices. His name was Garoon, a now banished warrior sent to kill some large creature single handily (both figuratively and literally) with but a stone axe.

Rage and grief filled Garoon. He felt abandoned by his fellow warriors, felt saddened by the loss of his arm, and was enraged that the Law he so desired to follow had abandoned him to a suicidal fate. He'd not feel this way if the punishment fit the crime, but all Garoon did was fail to notice something no other shorgo had before, that the other warriors failed to notice! He was even braver than them, speaking to Shargor'gath, but that bravery was not seen.

Garoon was weak, his bodily temperature could not sustain itself in his wounded state, but even so he began to stumble forward. Thinking bitter thoughts of all the other shorgo and how there had to be a better way. How could such great beings as shorgo be lead by such a corrupt soul? Looking up at the suns, Garoon thought of that blasphemous shorgo.

"If only there was a Lord of Light, but then no monster like Shargor'gath would lead us. Though... would Shargor'gath even be afraid of such a being?"

2 AP
-1 Create Organization-The Bleeding Ones: This is the priestly order inside the shorgo, they see scars and injury as the path to becoming stronger. The saying "what does not kill you makes you stronger" is clearly a powerful message to them. They worship Shargor'gath because of his strength and follow his every command. For now they are his most reliable followers. They offer up Unfit shorgo to be sacrificed to Shargor'gath in bloody rites of cannibalism (while leaving the victim alive) that ends with drowning the Unfit in lava.

-1 Create Mundane Concept-Shorgo Stonework: Shorgo use their inner heat to create complex and smooth works of stone. It takes a great deal of energy to do so, and only shorgo can use the techniques naturally, but the results are fantastic when the Shorgo work together.

End AP: 0

Buufreak

2018-01-09, 06:21 PM

Then the Gods agree. Beast God will align with Law Gods, and together we pack. Pack of Strength. Pack to create the Strongest. Name your terms, Sun God.

Toxic Mind

2018-01-09, 06:34 PM

"None but these: We will be the Lords of Order - we preserve the first Law, that the Strong Rule the Weak. We will further our own strength so that Law and Order will remain supreme, and defend each other if we are denied a fair fight. No more than that. Our creatures and mortals will fight for dominance, as is right -
these conflicts will not affect our allegiance."

Avarin inclines his head to the others as a gesture of respect. "If there is nothing further, I must go - I sense one of my sons, who heralds most troubling tidings. If you have need of me, call."

Garoon - Lightfall Island: A Stranger's Offer

Garoon is lost in his thoughts, so much that he does not even notice the stranger until he is almost on top of him. The other sits around a fire, stoking it. He is shrouded in a cloak of animal skins, though here and there, metal glints underneath the furs.

"You look lost and hurt, little Shorgo. Would you care to sit by my fire for a moment? It provides wondrous heat.."

The stranger's voice is calm but strong, and he gestures to a stone near the fire, more a command to sit than a question. Garoon can feel the heat, and indeed it feels most soothing.

Starting AP: 11/16
-1AP: Create Pantheon - Lords of Order. Sphere - Strength. The Lords of Order preserve the first and most predominant Law: The Strong Rule the Weak. [Strength (Resolve) 1/10]
Ending AP: 10/16

Razade

2018-01-12, 05:02 AM

Madellena forcefully put a hand on his abdomen speaking in his ear "For a beginner its best if you sing from your diaphragm. Don't worry about the volume, and worry less about the weather, whatever you unwittingly conjure your barge can take it." She continued to move her hands to adjust Joki's posture while lecturing "Control will come with practice, just finish whatever tune you start. Now repeat after me." She started with a low guttural hum that slowly shifted a steady aria. As she sang a whirlwind of ice and lightning circled the barge.

Joki: The Dim Archipelago

Joki seems a little uncomforable being touched but makes no move otherwise, simply letting out a powerful whistle that moves the ice and storms about the boat to add to the maelstrom its kin was calling. For if Joki was to learn to control the weather it was best done with as little sound as possible for who had time to sing when on a boat? Yet the song resonated through the Dim Archipelago and a mighty wind moved the many islands of the Stairway, moved to the far Starlit Lands where neither the suns nor moon ascended.

With a sigh Joki stopped, and gave a bow for it was deeply honored to have the knowledge it had been given. It would place it in its manual, one day soon sure enough. "I give you thanks dear Cousin, for with this I will tame the winds that move my sails. Yet our travels must surely now begin. You to the Planes and me...well...I will wander the world before I can no longer do so. Already I feel my time has drawn close. Come and dwell with me here, in this land, when you too cannot step through the world as you once have. I will make us a city, a city for all the Gods, from the Gods as well. I bid thee....fair well."

And with that Joki, and the Barge, were gone. Gone into the Mortal World for one last and long travel.

AP: 6AP

Alter Land -1AP: The Stairways to Midnight and The Starlit Lands - The Stairways to Midnight are moved from their current location to above and around The Starlit Lands, in doing so the cosmic fabric that was so weak is bolstered yet allowing anyone to travel from the Planes, to the Stars to The First World. [Air (Freedom) 2/10]

6AP - 1AP = 5AP

Buufreak

2018-01-12, 02:33 PM

The Beast nodded, and without a word vanished from its de facto throne. It made final preparations of ascension, joining with Avarin and Drot to bring forth True Order through Strength to the world. As a final act as a mere demigod, it once again bathed Horagona in divine essence, and named it the body and mind of life itself, judge and jury of disputes of strength, and the driving force for all things the Beast should deem worthy of success.

The Beast drew away from the First World, no longer belonging there. It made peace with its new distance, and forged a new home amongst its ever changing wilderness, where ever changing bioforms grew and amassed.

The Beast was ready for War, be it of creations, or Divinity itself. Just as the Originals were born of a Titanic war, so the Beast wished their wars would spawn even greater beings.

Starting AP 5

Create/Join Pantheon 1AP - Lords of Order
Infuse Avatar 3AP - Horagona, Herald of War and Change

10/10 Domain - War (Conquest)

5/5 Domains, Ascension to Lesser Deity, 1AP remaining

Cosmix

2018-01-13, 02:26 AM

Garoon - Lightfall Island: A Stranger's Offer

Garoon is lost in his thoughts, so much that he does not even notice the stranger until he is almost on top of him. The other sits around a fire, stoking it. He is shrouded in a cloak of animal skins, though here and there, metal glints underneath the furs.

"You look lost and hurt, little Shorgo. Would you care to sit by my fire for a moment? It provides wondrous heat.."

The stranger's voice is calm but strong, and he gestures to a stone near the fire, more a command to sit than a question. Garoon can feel the heat, and indeed it feels most soothing.

Garoon-Lightfall Island:

Garoon was surprised to see a fire in front of him, both because Garoon did not expect to find anyone outside Firgor and that his own senses had not informed him of the warrior before he spoke. How worn out was Garoon to have missed that? He did not know, but the throbbing stump inflamed around the stone in his shoulder drained him greatly. It felt like an icicle had stabbed him, as the stone stole the heat of Garron and released it into the air. Shorgo are tough, so if Garoon is to die from this crude stone then it'll be a slow death.

Stunned for a moment, Garoon sat down near the fire with only a nod from his head showing his acknowledgement of the strange man's words/order. Putting his feet into the flames, Garoon let out a deep sigh from the instant relief as the cold pain in his shoulder could almost be forgotten for a moment. With a voice full of gratitude Garoon spoke:

"Thank you warrior, the warmth of these flames eases my heart. I am Garoon, hunter tasked to kill a great beast single-handily with nothing but this axe." Garoon almost forgot the object, but held it up to the warrior to gaze upon, it was clearly made from molten lava cooled carefully. "Who might you be great warrior? I know most if not all of my fellow warriors, yet I cannot remember someone who wanders the outside like you, nor one who's skin shines through furs as much as yours." It was blunt, but respect could be heard within it. Garoon could already tell this warrior was something special, though nothing more than that.

Razade

2018-01-13, 06:20 AM

Joki: The Shorgoth

Joki passed back into the Mortal World, the First World, and found itself at Lightfall Island. Here there dwelt a monster, for Joki was present when the Sun declared War on all of Creation and Joki knew that only the Gods could fight back. Only the Gods could fight a God...and Joki was afraid that none would fight. Yet its words were spoken, indeed, upon the First World as well. Joki was an enemy to all who sought to control and demand. Joki longed to be free...and how long would it take for this monster, for this devouring flame, to cast its eyes outside of the First World...and to the worlds beyond. So much that was left unexplored...would it be fun to simply explore the edges of the cosmos, running from the Sun? So Joki conspired with itself, silent in contemplation aboard its Barge.

For the Sun had something that lay on the First World, a people much like the slugs in the dark and the singers of its Cousin. Mortals. Such a curious existence...such a treasure...such a disaster waiting to happen. For the war would come to them first. So Joki conspired, and plotted and planned and came up with a solution. It moored its Barge on the Shores of Lightfall Island and took to a form that would leave little trail. For it was the Wind, it was the Dust, it was the warmth of the Magma that ran like blood through the Island. It spoke to the Shorgo, placed perfectly tilled rows of wheat and barley and tightly woven nets for fish, it sang in the wind to use the guts of the fish caught to make the wheat and barley grow. It taught how to preserve the crops, to make of it beer and how to use the fish to clarify the draught. For beer, the libation of Joki, the blood of the Not-God, would be a downfall to the Mortal peoples. In time, perhaps. In time. For beer made all cheerful, and beer made all eager to find ways to skip work. Beer made people dance, and it was thus that the dance was taught to the Shorgo. Tight, orderly, a waltz by any other name. No music but the rhythm of their hearts and the pounding of their feet...for now. But music in plenty. In time. In time, perhaps. And so much more.

And so Joki, the Wind, the Dust, the Wanderer, fled as quickly as it came. For there were monsters on the Lightfall Islands and Joki was not ready yet, not ready yet by far, to fight them. But in time, perhaps. In time.

It boarded the Barge and set sail once more, for it had a duty to perform. A task. Yet the Barge was its own master and it pulled the God towards the Starlit Lands. The place of its birth and where the Stairs to the Midnight Sea had migrated. Drawn towards its home, and ever further into the Dim Archipelago, Joki went. Its travels on the First World were over. So little time, so few places to roam. A bet lost but for the best intentions of Man. Yet even as the Barge moved, so too did Joki. The Gods themselves had lessened in number and Joki pulled hard on the tiller. To the Cinderlands it went, to the body of Gabriel it was drawn. How could the Barge, how could Joki, leave such a thing in such a place. The body of a God was not to be wasted and Joki pulled at the rigging and screamed at the sails until it could scoop the slumbering body of the First Flame into the Barge.

Then all was darkness as the Barge ascended, up and up and up and up into the night sky where Illvaren Ro hung and there in the silver light was Chipo. Another God, another body and Joki snatched it too. Took it before the Barge passed back into the Dim Archipelago. Back to where Joki once belonged.

Joki: Joki: The Dim Archipelago

But the journey of Joki, not a God but denied the lands of the First World just the same, was not finished. For Joki was clever but not clever enough by half, and at the center of the Dim Archipelago, where all things of the Planes turned, did it find itself. With Chipo and with Gabriel it pulled the islands near and with the bodies of the Gods it fashioned for itself a city. For if the First World and its many places were denied it, it would make a haven for the Gods and for itself...and with what better resources than the Gods themselves?

With Chipo, in which the city would be named, Joki took the sinew and made bridges across the islands for travel. From Chipo's bones it did make the many buildings and moorings for a city required places to live. From the many organs of Chipo it did fashion sails and awnings to protect from the winds and the weather of the Dim Archipelago and from the Heart...oh yes...Joki took the Heart and with the body of Gabriel, the First Flame, Joki crafted something beautiful.

For Chipo was not simply a single city but a sprawling metropolis and at the heart, the literal heart in many ways, of The Dim Archipelago it placed the burning and beating muscle and wove it into a tower of such height that it could be seen from far and wide. Here, here, Joki would reside when not on its Barge. The Tower of the Keystone resided. The walls moved, breathed, sighed and from within there was a power. The city light up with dazzling lights. A beacon. A light to call all travelers of the Planes themselves.

Chipo and Gabriel would not be forgotten. They were the first to be enshrined, their temples sitting at the base of the Tower of the Keystone. The other Gods could come and make their own Temples, for Joki was not one to deny its family what they would desire. In time. Perhaps, in time, there would be no need for war and the Gods could oversee their creation from the heart of Existence. In time, perhaps, Joki could heal the wounds already made and prevent others from forming.

In time. Perhaps. In time.

AP: 5AP

Teach Populous -1: Fisheries - Being an island nation, Joki teaches the Shorgo to use the seas to feed themselves [Fire (Innovation) 6/10]

Teach Populous -1: Agriculture - Man cannot live on fish alone. Joki teaches the Shorgo to till the land. [Fire (Innovation) 7/10]

Create Mundane Concept -1: Brewing - Beer is the natural creation when you have too much wheat. Joki teaches the orderly Shorgo to make beer. [Fire (Innovation)8 /10]

Create Mundane Concept -1: Dance - Even an orderly race like the Shorgo can learn to dance, the chaos part of a larger and interconnecting movements to make something beautiful and structured. After all, after you learn to make beer what really comes next? Dancing and singing of course. [Fire (Innovation) 9/10]

Alter Land -1: Chipo, The City of the Planes - Created from the bodies of the first dead Gods, Chipo is a massive network of islands moored to the goddess of the Midnight Sea and lit by the body of Gabriel. [Fire (Innovation) 10/10]

1AP - 1AP - 1AP - 1AP - 1AP = 0AP

Joki gains Fire (innovation). Joki ascends to Lesser God.

Toxic Mind

2018-01-13, 02:21 PM

Garoon-Lightfall Island:

Garoon was surprised to see a fire in front of him, both because Garoon did not expect to find anyone outside Firgor and that his own senses had not informed him of the warrior before he spoke. How worn out was Garoon to have missed that? He did not know, but the throbbing stump inflamed around the stone in his shoulder drained him greatly. It felt like an icicle had stabbed him, as the stone stole the heat of Garron and released it into the air. Shorgo are tough, so if Garoon is to die from this crude stone then it'll be a slow death.

Stunned for a moment, Garoon sat down near the fire with only a nod from his head showing his acknowledgement of the strange man's words/order. Putting his feet into the flames, Garoon let out a deep sigh from the instant relief as the cold pain in his shoulder could almost be forgotten for a moment. With a voice full of gratitude Garoon spoke:

"Thank you warrior, the warmth of these flames eases my heart. I am Garoon, hunter tasked to kill a great beast single-handily with nothing but this axe." Garoon almost forgot the object, but held it up to the warrior to gaze upon, it was clearly made from molten lava cooled carefully. "Who might you be great warrior? I know most if not all of my fellow warriors, yet I cannot remember someone who wanders the outside like you, nor one who's skin shines through furs as much as yours." It was blunt, but respect could be heard within it. Garoon could already tell this warrior was something special, though nothing more than that.

"My name is Avarin. I come from a distant place to visit the Shorgo. Tell me about them. How do they live? Who do they worship? If you answer truthfully, I will give you a gift, for the Truth and Law rewards those who are faithful to it." The stranger stokes the fire with his spear, and it roars higher in response, spreading light and heat farther. The spear remains unharmed.

OOC: I'm operating on the assumption that the Shorgo have only ever heard "Lord of Light" and don't know his name.

flyinglemur

2018-01-13, 03:50 PM

Surtr was the last member of the meeting to leave. He saw how the others bound themselves to this alliance and did so as well, on behalf of Drot. He wandered off, in search of somewhere to spread law.

Drot arose from his slumber. He saw that Surtr had gone off in search and decided to let him be for now. He stepped out the Golden Portal and gazed on Lightfall Island. He saw the Shorgo, something had gone wrong. These new inventions, they couldn't have been made by the Shorgo, someone was interfering with them. It could only be a God. He quickly left the island and traveled to the Firelands. He needed to see his creations, and ensure that someone hadn't destroyed them while he was gone. A wave of relief washed over him as he saw that they were perfectly fine. Better than that even. They had spread out and named themselves, the Esom. They had begin to honor corpses. They had followed his instructions perfectly, and he was overjoyed.

That joy however quickly turned to paranoia. If someone was working to hinder the Shorgo, they might want to hinder the Esom. He knew that only a god could challenge a god, so he resolved to find the interloper and deal with them as best he could.

At first he assumed Vokr had done it, so he traveled into the Dark Lands to confront him. While there he noticed something strange in the dark, a glimmer. He inspected this light. It had some strange quality to it, and he could feel something in it. He could feel some energy, some life. He recognized the life of the Blazing Titan and seized the light. In an instant he was transported to the Dim Archipelago. Drot didn't recognize the this place. He could tell that he had reached a new plane, but what plane. The only one he knew was the one he himself created. Drot wandered in this new world. He had no idea where he was, but he could feel the flame of the Blazing Titan and was drawn towards it. This led him to the great city of the planes. He saw Joki. Drot could tell that he was a God, but he didn't know him or his allegiance, so he paid him no mind. He continued until he reached the center of this city, and it was there he saw what had happened. He could feel the life of the Blazing Titan in the tower and saw the temples to Gabriel and Chipo, recognizing them as monuments to the dead. The walking corpse smiled, then he laughed. He laughed for the first time in his wretched life. His laugh was loud enough that it could be heard by anyone in the Dim Archipelago, although of course only Joki was there to hear it. Two gods had died, and their bodies taken by some vulture, but he was still there. To live you need to have life, and keep it. Drot knew how to keep life, but he had none. Yet he was still better off than those who had life, but couldn't keep it.

He went over to that new God he had seen and spoke, "Did you make those monuments over there? I've never seen anything like it. A tomb for a God. If only I had known about this sooner, I could've made those two fools their own coffins. Something to really marvel at. I still can if I piece together their bodies. So, who are you that stole these corpses? You've made my day. "

Starting AP 6:
Join Pantheon -1AP - Lords of Order- Life(Giants) 10/10
Claim Life(Giants)
Ending Ap: 6 AP - 1 AP = 5 AP

DyerMaker

2018-01-15, 02:09 PM

Vökr returns to Varjo and, for a moment, looks toward the Dim Archipelago to ponder the death of Chipo and Gabriel and how their apathy became fatal. If this fate could befall the two, it was possible for the whole. Vökr whispered across the verse to Oceran, then Madellena, to see if these sisters were present as he could not sense their power. Weeks would pass as Vökr set upon his throne, placing dreams within the Halki'Koyu, Vormur, and Avayl; maintaining some level of sway upon his creation and seeing the First World through their eyes.

AP 5/16, None

Lleban

2018-01-15, 06:11 PM

Joki: The Dim Archipelago

Joki seems a little uncomfortable being touched but makes no move otherwise, simply letting out a powerful whistle that moves the ice and storms about the boat to add to the maelstrom its kin was calling. For if Joki was to learn to control the weather it was best done with as little sound as possible for who had time to sing when on a boat? Yet the song resonated through the Dim Archipelago and a mighty wind moved the many islands of the Stairway, moved to the far Starlit Lands where neither the suns nor moon ascended.

With a sigh Joki stopped, and gave a bow for it was deeply honored to have the knowledge it had been given. It would place it in its manual, one day soon sure enough. "I give you thanks dear Cousin, for with this I will tame the winds that move my sails. Yet our travels must surely now begin. You to the Planes and me...well...I will wander the world before I can no longer do so. Already I feel my time has drawn close. Come and dwell with me here, in this land, when you too cannot step through the world as you once have. I will make us a city, a city for all the Gods, from the Gods as well. I bid thee....fair well."

And with that Joki, and the Barge, were gone. Gone into the Mortal World for one last and long travel.

AP: 6AP

Alter Land -1AP: The Stairways to Midnight and The Starlit Lands - The Stairways to Midnight are moved from their current location to above and around The Starlit Lands, in doing so the cosmic fabric that was so weak is bolstered yet allowing anyone to travel from the Planes, to the Stars to The First World. [Air (Freedom) 2/10]

6AP - 1AP = 5AP

Wandering the Dim archipelago seemed remarkably simple, yet entirely unique with each island forming a wall in this epic labyrinth. Each island had its own life adapted lo live with only the twilight. There was little song here and even less wind. As Madellena sang she noticed leviathan song had little effect in this realm, no winds, no rain, things just felt static here. As beautiful as this place was, this silence could not stand, and with that she molded the sand into the form of an Oule, with the addition of wings, allowing them to spread throughout the archipelago.

As Madellena left the Dim archipelago she appeared not at the starlit isles where she began but curiously enough beneath the first world within a great expanse of tunnels. Whose domain was this, where was she, Madellena called out "Hello, where am I!"

Ap total 12
Actions Create Mythical race: Sirens-Though they resemble Oule with wings. Sirens have bodies made of sand that slowly harden and crystallize into ceramics as they age. Sirens use their voices to draw sailors to the various islands of the Dim archipelago. Not only are there voices enchanting, they have a mastery over leviathan song itself. Each Siren is very proud if its domain and fiercely territorial against Sirens other who infringe upon them.
Art (song) 5/10

Ap final 8

Razade

2018-01-16, 06:22 AM

Joki: The Dim Archipelago - Chipo

Joki sat, perhaps for the first time, without motion. There was so much more to do...to prepare for the other Gods that might come to the mighty city it forged. Perhaps they would come to claim the funerary rites of their brethren. Or perhaps they would merely come to reside in the city of Chipo. Who was to say. Who was to know. Not Joki, most certainly and for that reason it lingered and prepared more fully.

From the heat of Gabriel's funeral pyre, the body of a Goddess of Flame, Joki made a forge and from the remnants of bone and sinew of Chipo it forged an anvil and upon these mighty stations...Joki made life. Of a sort. Not true life, not like the Gods and their Mortals and Monsters. No. Joki could not do that for that was the domain of the Gods and Joki...Joki was not of that ilk. They were...automaton. Fake and forged and moved as such. They ground like clock gears and whirred and whistled and worried. They were Elementals, base processes of a more vast and terrible engine than Joki could envision. They were materials. Made of Material. The Water Elementals would weave and wander the waves of the Dim Archipelago and entice towards the city. The Earth Elementals would build and maintain. The Air Elementals would push sails and provide breezes of cool air with the Songs of the Leviathan and the Fire Elementals would heat the mighty forges and homes of the Dead, light their way. All would defend.

In this way Joki reached out and was once more on its Barge. It would return, return the city of Chipo but a task still remained. One more plane, a realm of disparity, remained and Joki pushed off from the shores only to find itself in a bridge between realms once more. For the Crown of Gabriel was made and the Jeweled Lands were tied to the lands of the Dim Archipelago. To offer succor and freedom for any and all who might seek to leave such a place where there was no freedom and no real choice for a binary solution...well....that was no solution at all.

AP: 5AP

Bridge Plane -1AP: The Dim Archipelago and The Jeweled Lands - A ring of islands surrounds Chipo, a place for those who flee The Jeweled Lands to find refuge. A place where there is uncertainty but also saftey. A place to allow the spirits of the Dead to travel to whatever destination they require. These islands are known as the Crown of Gabriel. [Air (Freedom) 3/10]

Create Mythical Life -4AP: The Elementals - Joki cannot make true life and no truer showing could be made than with the Elementals. Forged from the fires of Gabriel's dead body and the bones of Chipo, the Goddess of the Midnight Sea, Elementals are semi-intelligent but potent and powerful beings made up of the four Elements of Fire, Air, Water and Earth. These beings obey Joki and inhabit every corner of the Dim Archipelago. Each have their own functions, each their own tasks. [Creation (The Elements) 4/10]

5AP - 4AP - 1AP = 0AP

DyerMaker

2018-01-16, 01:20 PM

As Madellena left the Dim archipelago she appeared not at the starlit isles where she began but curiously enough beneath the first world within a great expanse of tunnels. Whose domain was this, where was she, Madellena called out "Hello, where am I!"Hello sister. You have reached Myrkfjord. These are the Darklands. Consider the Halki'Koyu, Mother of Storms. Notice what I, Vökr have taught them and the knowledge that Joki has imparted. Absorb this to teach your flocks. Then, teach the Halki'Koyu about Life and Nature, if it is your desire. For you have already spoken with Avayl and have created magnificent dragons in his image. You are welcome here and within Varjo, the plane of Shadow.

Lleban

2018-01-19, 01:25 AM

"Myrkfjord ahh." As she responded, Madellena took a fresh breath of air " Where can I find these Halki'Koyu, I'm sure I could endow them with something quite useful, perhaps something even unique." Realizing how far she was from her destination she created an artifact that was faster than all others. With a flourish of her hands, and a spattering of Leviathan song the Mount of lightning was born. A metallic, almost robotic, horse with an extra pair of legs capable of moving like a lightning bolt. Before mounting the Stead she queried "Why don't you come to the surface sometimes, I know the sun hurts but the Oule would love to see you and learn from your wisdom"

Ap start:8
Create major combat Artifact:Lightning Stead Made from the stone and metal of the dark lands, the Lightning Stead resembles a creature with the body plan of a horse with a diamond horn jutting out of its forehead. Normally inert when exposed to Leviathan song The Lightning stead can travel as fast as a lightning bolt.

Ap end: 3

Claim Domain Storm (lightning) 11/10

DyerMaker

2018-01-19, 10:53 AM

"Myrkfjord ahh." As she responded, Madellena took a fresh breath of air " Where can I find these Halki'Koyu, I'm sure I could endow them with something quite useful, perhaps something even unique." Realizing how far she was from her destination she created an artifact that was faster than all others. With a flourish of her hands, and a spattering of Leviathan song the Mount of lightning was born. A metallic, almost robotic, horse with an extra pair of legs capable of moving like a lightning bolt. Before mounting the Stead she queried "Why don't you come to the surface sometimes, I know the sun hurts but the Oule would love to see you and learn from your wisdom"
Oh, sister, the sun is no bother. No matter its position in the void, it is a perpetual creator of shadow. I simply prefer that which I am and will trouble the Oule to bless your creation. Seek life within the tunnels and endless caverns of Myrkfjord and you shall find the Halki'Koyu.

Buufreak

2018-01-20, 10:14 AM

The Beast of Apex - Alone in the Wilds

Savagery was everywhere. Creatures existed in forms unknown to themselves for mere minutes before being killed, fueling all new evolutionary advantages to an ever greater predatory chain. The Beast was at home. This was its dream, to watch as the world is in constant strife and evolution, propelled to greatness.

But this was a world of its own design, and not the First World. Certainly some of its creations began to spill over, but most were small and meke, and were quickly snuffed out by native predators, and of course its Hounds. It was the natural way of things, and nothing would force the Beast God to change it.

The Apex smirked what it could at this, and began to form thought into idea. It beseeched the Herald to search out the world and find places that did not obey this natural law and thrust it upon them, so they too can evolve and be strong.

Horagona shook off the morning dew from his fur. He took his first step off his home of mountainous island and began to wander out into the world, in search of any that could be taught, by force if necessary.

Again pleased, The Beast continued to think and smirk. Natural selection wasn't the only law of nature that could be taught to the people. They were, after all, of the Gods, and itself had said the greatness that brings. With a wave of its claw, a single Evolutionary in sight was twisted and reformed, over and over, taking on radical shapes in the process, until reaching its absolute limit and perishing.

The Beast sneered at the weakness it witnessed, and wished upon the people that they would not only become greater and stronger, but they could design greatness as well. It bestowed this semblance of arcana onto its Herald, so that it too could be taught.

Become strong. Breed strong. Manipulate until you are strong. These are the tenants and natural laws.

Sitting on 5 for the week, +1 for PAP

Create Mundane Concept: Natural Selection - The idea that life happens for no reason other than it was the strongest and thus deserved to survive, and weakness is naturally bred out or killed off to make room for others. 1/10 Law (Natural Law)

Create Mythic Concept: Biomancy - Also known as polymorphing, a blend of arcane and divine magic, used to warp and shape life into a more powerful, more pleasing, or more useful form. 5/10 Law (Natural Law)

1 PAP remaining