A Tale of Dieties - IC

[Raz_Fox]

This is your beginning. You awake upon a hill, verdant grass the first thing you feel. The sky above is azure, the shining sea below gently lapping against the shore.

Standing above the newly-awakened is a group of stones arranged in a circle, with a piece of parchment upon the center stone. Inscribed upon it in words of silver fire is the following:

Take care of this world - you may do as you wish with it as long as it is not broken.
Rewards shall one day come to those who care for it. Treat it as a trusted gift - it is yours now. You may change it, create those who will walk upon it and bend it unto thy will.

One day I will return, but even I do not know when that day will be.
Beware the Dragon Below. It is signed with the sigil of a phoenix.

You feel a sense of freedom, and a lifting of restraints. This world is truly yours to explore and care for.

Here are the rules once more.

* Every player gets 3 Major Acts, 5 Minor Acts and 1 Ceremony every turn. These can be saved up from turn to turn. However, only 3 unused ceremonies can be saved at a time.
* Turns begin every week, more or less. The time a turn lasts will depend on the pace of the game.
* All gods start at DvR 11. At DvR 16 a god can become a greater diety. Not guaranteed to become a greater diety at DvR 16, but if RP'd well the jump to DvR 16 will automatically boost you to greater diety.
* Greater Dieties gain +2 Acts, both Major and Minor.
* Unlike Blank Slate, Gods can assume mortal form at will. In fact, they can stay in mortal form as long as they want, and can begin the game in mortal form.


A Single Major Act can be used to:
* Gain a Domain.
* Up a Domain. (once/domain/day)
* Create an Artifact.
* Create an Exarch - a strongly divinely-blessed mortal, your champion.
* Alter an existing race.


Two Major Acts can be used to:
* Create an extradimesional plane.
* Create a completely new sentinent race.
* Create a type - or school, or path, or technique - of Magic.


Three Major Acts can be used to:
* Boost your DvR by 1. No more than once per five turns, no more than +5.


One Ceremony can be used to:
* Have two or more gods collaborate to do anything requiring one or two minor or major acts together. They can add in a bonus to whatever they do based on their domain, but all gods involved must sacrifice one ceremony to do so.


Minor Acts can be used to:
* Change landscape (no more than the size of Rhode Island)
* Increase Population of a mortal land.
* Create out of nothing anything that isn't strongly magical or sentinent.
* Create a city or several towns.
* Create a small number of servants of moderate power (around lvl 12).
* Create one servant with greater power (around lvl 18)
* Anything else not on the list - just ask me first. :smallwink:


Every God can do/have the following:
* Immortality.
* Grant spells within their domains - any spell, as long as it's thematically tied to their domains.
* Remote Sensing - My god-senses are tingling. Basically, sense the location of anyone with a DvR.
* Send messages to each other via divine magic - usually telepathic, but can be thematically tied.
* Create a building.


All of these things able to do must be roleplayed. No handwavium - Oh yeah, I did this but didn't mention it. Seriously, not roleplaying your divine actions spoils some of the fun of the game. Doesn't have to be a ton or very detailed, just take the time to do some.

[Krrth]

Ksharn

Ksharn awoke, and looked around. The Grasslands were pleasant and lush. Any race that settled here would have no trouble surviving. He hated it.

This will not do. I shall find a suitable home for my children, that they may grow strong.


Thus, he left and searched the world over. Finally, he found what he was looking for. A vast desert, not much more than rocks and sand, that stretched from the mountains directly to the ocean.

This. This place will test my children, make them strong, make them worthy to live.

Then, he took the rocks from the mountain and fashioned bones. He took the sand from the desert, mixed with water from the ocean, and fashioned skin. He took the heat of the sun, and made blood. These things he combined to create a lizard like being. He looked down on his creation and was pleased.

This will be the first of my children. From you, the rest shall spring.

Ksharn then animated the being with a part of his own divine spirit, breathing life into it. Then, once he was sure the creature could survive, he duplicated it, making both male and female, creating several thousand more. Looking over them, he spoke.

Go out into the world my children, and prosper. Life is a struggle, you must depend on your own strength and the strength of those around you. Do not suffer the weak to live in your lands, but remember there is more than one kind of strength. Now go.

Created the Vor.(2 major acts). Full description in status thread. Basically, 6ft tall lizard men.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Threxis

Threxis too awoke. The great chill one heaved himself upon his pincter limbs, their sharp chitinous points digging into the soft earth. He swung his vaguely humanoid head, armored with six points of oddly glowing light, three on each side of his head, around to look over the Verdent Grasslands and survey the world to which he was born. His mouth, as usual, showed no signs of amusement, though the constant fang-filled grimace that constantly shadowed his face might be mistaken as an emotional display. He chittered in some whirring tongue, his mandibles clacking audibly, and he pulled two extraordinarily long, and unnaturally dexterous and long fingered humanoid hands from his shell as he looked about.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi awoke in a blaze. The nearby gods were temporarily blinded by th bright light emanating from the pillar of flames. Once the fireworks stopped, Oghi walked to the center stone, read the parchment and then gazed at his surroundings. A young world, full of opportunities! Just what he needed!

The Fire God approached the shore. Oghi sounded just like a rumbling volcano when he spoke.

"This land is too peaceful. It will not do!"

And so Oghi summoned all his divine power and he raised a large archipelago from the depths of the ocean. The islands comprising the archipelago were riddled with mountains and volcanoes. They were not all barren, though. Oghi shaped rainforests, swamps and plains. Colorful, exotic flowers adorned the landscape of the islands, where it was summer all year long.

In the center of the largest island, at the base of an active volcano, laid a granite altar. The altar burned with a mystical flame.

1 Major act: Raise and shape the Pyre Islands.
The altar is nothing special. It simply burns. No act used on this...yet.

[Smiley_]

Leodin

The pink-armored god saw the landscape before him. Green and calm. Very good, he wouldn't have to go searching.

A ways away from the circle, he drew his sword and drove it into the ground. A great pulse of positive energy shook the ground and thousands of fleshy plant bulbs sprung from teh ground. The bulbs peeled away and decayed almost instantly, leaving a small furry humanoid in it's wake.

Made in his rabbit-like image, the Leponites would tend to this land. They would be many, but they would live in harmony with the landscape that supported them.

Leodin looked at his work and was pleased. He fashioned a few tools and dropped them in front of several of the rabbit-people.

Now that you have been made, get to work! The world won't help itself, now will it?

2 Majors for Leponites

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Threxis

The huge crab-like insectoid arachnid creature (to be shortened in future posts as the Arachnitoid) scuttled over to the rabbit-things, for even with it's size and strength the best description for the way it's chitinous taloned legs moved it over the land is stayed close the ground could only be described as "scuttling". It clicked and chirped and screeched lightly, as if speaking to itself, making notes in it's mind. He picked one up with it's two front talons, and extended it's head as he examined it with his long fingered hands. Its expression never changed, and it ignored the terror of the rabbit-thing. It did these things with almost detached coldness.

[zargh]

Alarnor


Alarnor awoke and gazed at the landscape around him.He noticed the circle of stones,walked to the center stone and read the parchment.

Lets get going and create this world then!

He walked a bit away from the circle,drove his staff into the ground. Several small circles started erupting from the staff,becoming bigger and bigger for every circle. When the circles stopped coming after a few minutes,around the staff had appeared several different creatures,but all of them looked old and held staffs in their hands. He then formed some tools and gave them to the creatures.


Now you have been created,do what you like with these tools.

2 majors for creating the elders

[Liquidcore]

A pleasant breeze softly shook the grass, making them dance to a melody only they could hear.
The wind carried the sounds of heroes yet to come, battles to be fought, honor to be won, pleasure to be had.
The azure sky hinted at ecstasy, with clouds dotting the perfect heavens.
The waves gently caressed the cliffs below, sighing in pure bliss. The stage was set.

The Defiled One awoke.

Blinking his eyes, He looked around. The landscape was pleasing, the grass tickling his bare feet, making him giggle boyishly.

“This land is perfect.” He spoke, his voice perfect in every way, yet so very wrong.

He started walking, going along the shoreline until he found a piece of land that pleased him above all others.
He focussed briefly, the landscape flickering, a peninsula coming to life. A Peninsula with steep cliffs to the North and south. The only way in was from the west, and to the east was made place for naval yards.

“I shall give you greatness.” He spoke to the land, and a city sprang upon the land, the greatest landmark being a gigantic tower reaching to the heavens.
“I shall name you….Babylon.” And as he spoke, the city burst into life, filled with humanoid creatures of every size, every one subtly different, but yet alike. Some had pincers instead of arms, others again had the legs of goats, yet others had two heads, three arms, but they all had one thing in common.

They loved it.

“Come to me, Raptus ” He spoke.
A man….woman…thing came to being before him.
A bald head from which a long, barbed, tongue escaped, topped off a splendid body, pierced in multiple places, wrapped in a heavy armour.
Chains adorned his armour, with sharp steel claws topping the fingers of his right hand. Spikes and sharp ends protruded from his elbows and knees, with thorn-like appendages spotting his armour.

“Lead these people, for you are the chosen one.” And for his chosen one, he created a number of servants, led by one particular servant, who appeared larger, more appealing than the others.

“Now then, thrive!” He commanded

Feeling quite pleased, He made His way to the tower, going to seat on the highest level to enjoy his view.

((3 Major acts used to create a race and a hero
4 minor acts used to alter the land, create servants (lvl 12) another servant (18) and to create the city.))

[Smiley_]

Leodin

Already playing with the creations of others?

Leodin himself appeared before the crab thing.

The world is not even a year old, and yet you have no respect for that which was made through the hard work of your fellow gods.

I do not wish to begin this age with conflict, but I must ask you to stop this behavior.

He snapped his fingers and the rabbit-folk that Threxis held were safely transported away.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Threxis

The odd creature stood tall on its talons and scuttled around Leodin in a rough circle, it emitted a series of odd chirps and clacking sounds, followed by some high pitched shrieks that set hairs on end. It became clear it was saying something, but only one word made itself clear: ...Observing...

[ArlEammon]

AmonAmon, watches the planet from the Moon. Rays from the moon enchant the soil, and the beings known as Elderlings, who would later become known as the Elves of the Evening would walk the planet.(2 Major acts to make the Evening Elves). In addition, Amon attempted to channel all of the energy from the moon that was possible. From the core of the Moon a laser(non-attacking laser mind you) struck the stratosphere of the planet, and magical energies reacted with eachother. Amon was attempting to absorb all of the energy from the stratosphere.
(Gain 1 Domain/ Weather, Create Elves of the Evening.)
3 Major Acts.

[Fan]

A wave of cold that chilled even the defic beings near by to their bones swept a small area near the moon, and thus was born Romanchuk, and with him came death, and its personafication. With a wave of his hand 500 beings were crafted from the void around the planet, and thus were born the reapers. Beings of entropy and death. it was with these 500 that he would claim the souls of those who died in violence, or in agony.
However he realized that he was not alone in this void, and sensed a being of a different presuasion near by. Thus assuming a more pleasurable form (The first pic) he decided to go, and visit this god. (using the standard sbility to sense the location of a deity.)


Two major acts to create the 500 reapers.
Three minor acts to empower the first 12 reapers.

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

... I...

A new world... two new worlds, though those beings surrounding the gargantuan Spirit Turtle seemed to ignore one. Lifting up its head, it saw flames descend, islands rise from the oceans, and multitudes of creatures spring into existence.

... Am...

Through its well-like eyes, it saw through the physical, into the heart of the beings, and was worried. Though some of the multitudes were wise, treating the land with respect, others were empty, fallow creatures, consumed with the visceral, self-gratifying pleasures of their deity. To be near them was spiritual agony for Shouheki, and a strange and alien thought crossed its mind - what point is there to their existence? Though the Spirit Turtle suppressed the errant feeling, it lingered on. Surely they could be made to see beyond the pleasures of now, and achieve the true peace of enlightenment?

... Here!

The Spirit Turtle rose off of its enormous shell, supported by massive legs, and began to walk into the ocean. As it entered the expanse, Shouheki sensed that the two worlds coincided, conjoined, and yet remained separate though inseperably intertwined. It also sensed that there were places where the boundaries, such as there were, between the worlds were blurred, and so it swam to the largest of them, leaving behind the other great deities. As it swam, the Spirit Turtle saw a great, angelic creature rise up and bring into being creatures that were filled with emptiness, though not consumed by it. They had no sense of being, only of existing, and could not be brought to spiritual peace.

After an age of treading the ocean, it came to where one of the crossing points existed. It was the Ocean's Heart, and Shouheki knew that this was a great and glorious place. Raising its behemoth head, it brought, from the Spirit Realm, the essence of land, shaped it, and made an island of peace amidst the raging tides. Onto this land, Shouheki created animals whose essence it could feel in the Spirit Realm - birds, insects, fish, creatures of the land, all made together and in perfect balance. Dragging itself onto the shore, Shouheki wandered this place for a time, then found the centre of the island, shaped for itself a lake with an island in the centre, above the Ocean's Heart, and laid its expansive bulk down upon it.

I Am Here. I Am Home.


Used
Major Acts: 2 - Realising the Spirit Realm (probably a good idea to introduce it now, as it'll become pretty important to my god)

Minor Acts: 3 - Create the island
1 - Create the animals
1 - Create the lake

Pool
Major Acts: 1

Minor Acts: 0

Ceremonies: 1

[pingcode20]

Fastolph Blowfield

Fastolph watched the others start working passively, before deciding to act. Far from being one of those pretentious gods who pretended to be distantly watching while the others worked, Fastolph was simply planning out where he would act first.

That, and having lunch.

After having a divinely delicious lunch, Fastolph decided to create a peoples to populate the planet, and share divinely delicious lunches with the world. Oh, and to keep tabs on others.

He created a peoples in his own image, and dispatched them to the world, planting a major settlement near every race that had arisen, and more arising where every other god created new races.

"Yes, that is... good."

2 Major: Create Halflings
1 Minor: 'Seed' world with townships

Will elaborate later when I've got an idea what the others are doing.

[Silverkiss]

Draco

As the gods worked on their bussiness, there was a sudden roar that made everything stop; all the creatures already created and all the gods looked, some with fear, others with interest, to the place the roar came. As they looked, a pillar of pure destructive power arose from the earth itself, and following it came to be a huge lizard-like creature, the first of the Pure Dragons, the being who would be called the Great Dragon Lord or the Dragon King.... Draco.

"I have awoken ! I am the Harbinger of Destruction, Draco ! But fear not, for destruction is present in the core of every thing, and I shall teach the world to use this destruction in peaceful ways. I have spoken."

With these words, the giant dragon called Draco, whose diamond scales reflected the light of the Sun itself, arose, and opened his four diamond-like wings. He rose into the sky, and looked at the world around. He focused his thoughts on each of the others gods, analyzing them with interest.

[Fan]

Romachuk continued to mull over the dieties that ahve been present, and their new peoples. His Reapers the ultimate force of death in the universe at this point were reaping souls particularly well, and the 13 had even gained exceptional power. This is quite nice.
Thus he picked up his sword, and went to go visit the other evil gods. (from the auras similar to his own.)

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

Hearing the roar of the dragon even from across the oceans, Shouheki raised its elephantine head to its neck's fullest extent, towering above the trees of the Ocean's Heart. Looking through both the Material Realm and the Spirit Realm, Shouheki could glimpse the new destructive deity. Around it swarmed the spirits of destruction, but also of righteousness. This awakened a strange feeling inside of Shouheki, but it was indistinct. Its curiosity assuaged, the Spirit Turtle retracted its neck deep into its body, laid its head upon the ground, and rested.

[Fiery Justice]

An old thing, it is, Chai, pulsating, forming, the foundation of all things that draw breath. The energy of it forms life, gives it shape and form, from the first it was born, given form and strength, giving, not taking away, defining, not questioning, making, not breaking, healing, not harming. Truly, Chai was a mighty force. Mighty as the storms, mighty as any other thing. The stars cannot quench it, the storms cannot drown it, the fires cannot burn it, the darkness cannot engulf it, the origin of all things. Chai is good. the being's thoughts paused for a moment, Good, Chai is good. It is Virtue. It is essence. It is... holy. As such, any that opposes Chai is evil. Evil, vile, unholy, to be opposed. What am I? I was formed from Chai, I am the master of Chai, its prime user. Does that make me holy or unholy? How can I be a master of what is essentially good? I am Chaim and I don'- a wave of cold burst at him, FILTH! FILTH! FOE OF CHAI! IT IS TIME TO END YOU!

These were the first thoughts of Chaim, God of Life, Master of Chai (Positive energy which infuses and maintains all life.). His first actions were, oddly for a god of life, quiet violent. Quiet suddenly, the God's might manifested in a storm of Chai, white and crackling, filling the air. The other gods find it mildly pleasant except, of course, Romanchuk, who knows full well its been made in opposition to him. In defiance of him. And Chaim was upon Romanchuk in an instant, scorching his unholy bones with the might of the Chai, the base element of life.

[Fan]

Romachuk quite surprised at the randomness, and obsurdity of the God of life's actions sent out a mental plea to all the other evil, and neutral gods asking their aid against this random attcker against whom he has never transgressed as he fought against the divine cloud. He called up a ball of Vile (BOVD deals eextra damage to you good guys.) energy more corrupt, and deadly then anything negative energy had ever hoped to be, and thrust it into the heart of the storm allowing pieces of the storm to grasp at him using soem fo the few souls he had gathered so far as a additional fuel as he flugn the ball of energy into the cloud of life.

[Fiery Justice]

The pain of the bolts certainly doesn't please Chaim in the least and it infuriates him further, I'll destroy you, foe of Chai, I'll grind your bones into a fine paste, and they shall mark my victory over you as plainly as the sun marks the sky! shouts Chaim, driving a lance of Chai into the undead Romanchuk and attempting to heal his own wounds at the same time.

[Fan]

Hmm, I wonder Romachuk thought ,and he wove a spell the gem in his great blades pommel dispearing as he cast the spell, and a great hole in reality itself spawned in the middle of this sotrm of life force, and he imbued it with the ability to drain the life from things around it. Then the spear went through his chest, and he grunted in pain a black ichor flowing from the wound that he sealed with a blast of negative energy,
(Using Apoclypse from the sky, and HARM.)

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi noticed that the world was getting crowded. He felt the presence of the new life forms all around the continent. He hoped to visit each and all of them, bringing with him the gift of joy, violence and, most importantly, FIRE!

Oghi heard the plea of the Death God. He was always up for a good brawl. Yet, he didn't answer. Why? Maybe because he didn't wished to leave his land. Maybe because, in a way, he felt drawn to the two deities. Whatever the reason, Oghi simply turned his back and created a few volcanic eruptions.

It was truly fascinating! What to do next?

[pingcode20]

On Settlements

The Halflings were more-or-less the only race given foothold in many areas, rather than a concentrated mass. But they were not badly designed, nor ill suited for their environs.

The First Halflings were nomadic, taking what food and water they could with them as they hiked overland, putting down roots only momentarily to gather more supplies before heading off. The ability to survive for long in one place had not risen yet, so they simply journeyed as they did, experimenting with foods and not-so-foods as they went.

One of these proto-settlements journeyed into the deserts - the domain of the Vor. The camp appeared overnight, less than a day's journey away, planted on arid lands.

[Fiery Justice]

This shall not defeat me! I am CHAIM! in spite of the fact that Chaim declares this so proudly, he's really being hindered, his motions are slowed and most of his energy has to go to healing himself and negating the pain. Nonetheless, Chaim manages to grab a hold of Romanchuk and begin frying him with yet more Chai energy.
(I don't know what armageddon means in this situation, sorry)

[Silverkiss]

Draco

As the battle between Chaim and Romachuk drew on, Draco suddenly felt the impulse to step in. As the opposing gods threw energy bolts at each other, suddenly a huge breath of energy was directed between them, stopping their latest attacks. Then Draco made himself visible to the two gods, appearing in his full draconic might between them.

"Stop this at once ! This is unnecessary destruction ! If this goes on, you will soon scar the land and destroy the very thing you wish to protect, Chaim the Healer. And you, vile god, you will have no souls to collect. If you wish to fight, do so elsewhere !!"

[Krrth]

Vor

Halflings

The Vor roamed their desert lands. It was a rough life, and dangerous. One night, they noticed a group of small beings camped right outside the desert. They looked tasty, but the Desert Lords command was clear....they were not fair game until they entered the desert. So they watched, and waited, not bothering to conceal themselves. Every now and then they took a bite of some sort of jerky.

[Smiley_]

Rabbit-folk

The Leponites of the hills saw these strange halflings. They were always moving place to place. How could anyone maintain a large family if they kept moving all the time?

Despite these peculiar traits, they seemed agreeable enough. Rather hairless in comparison,they were about the same size.

Through unseen divine influence, the first towns were spread across the land. These partially subterranean villages widened the borders of Leponite Lands. Of course, they never considered things such as "borders" before.

They were able to sustain huge families through the amount of food they cultivated. More food meant more children. More children meant more labor. More labor meant more small townships and farming colonies and more farming colonies meant more food.

Minor Act: Population Boom
Minor Act: Agricultural boost
Minor Act: Several townships created (they wouldn't have made things this quickly without a divine nudge)

I suspect the Leponites will be kinda like the Jakaru in. Anyone who makes an effort will be able to get a good sized handful of them as worshipers.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard slept, he remained sleeping while becoming more... complete. He continued to sleep, feeling the world. Gard knew that soon he would bend the races to his wishes, but not yet. No, he would stay trying to get complete.

Then he felt the great fight and spoke his first words. "This is not a good thing. This is definately not a good thing. It is certainly not good for me or what I desire."

Gard teleported to where the fight was and where Draco was. "I have to say I agree with that little good god. Stop your fighting, no good will come of it. Plus it is far too direct. Far too direct."

(Three majors, Gaining Gluttony, Sloth and Envy.)

[Fan]

Draco

As the battle between Chaim and Romachuk drew on, Draco suddenly felt the impulse to step in. As the opposing gods threw energy bolts at each other, suddenly a huge breath of energy was directed between them, stopping their latest attacks. Then Draco made himself visible to the two gods, appearing in his full draconic might between them.

"Stop this at once ! This is unnecessary destruction ! If this goes on, you will soon scar the land and destroy the very thing you wish to protect, Chaim the Healer. And you, vile god, you will have no souls to collect. If you wish to fight, do so elsewhere !!"

"He attacked ME. Out of the blue... Just screaming at me "I"AM CHAIM. I Kill YOU!" Seriously I dont even know what that thing IS. seriously I was just going to say hi to everyone then this guy attempts to melt my face calling me a abomination, and how I must be elimanted. You dont even KNOW me Chaim how do you know I must be elimnated? Anyway I'm not goign to try to talk to IT anymore. I'm just going to continue on my way to go meet the other gods.... Thank you for helping, and a thousand blessings upon you."
he does just that attempting to put a small blessing upon the good god as he passes, and glaring back angerly at the life god.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"Ah, good. Its finished. Perfect." Said Gard a smiler on his face, the fighting had stopped but the anger remained, perfect. "Now death god. Would you mind talking to me, in private. I'd be grateful."

[Fan]

"Sure. I dont mind talking with people. They just you know... Need to ask to."
Romachuk will go to the private place of Gard's preference.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard goes to an unexplored place on the material plane, hoping that Romachuk would follow him. Once there, Gard starts. "Hello, I am the god of Greed, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Lust and Pride. Plus to a lesser extent anger. I'm delighted to meet you."

"Now, what do you plan to happen in regards to souls?"

[Fan]

"Well, I don't have as many titles as you, but they are extremely important nonetheless. Anyway I'm the god of Death, Undeath, and Souls. My plans for souls? I plan to do with the ones I have reaped what any being does to those who have transgressed terribly. I plan to PUNISH them. Punish them for blasphemy, and their gall to attempt to resist the final end that comes to all things. Now that we have that out of the way why did you call me here? aside from a pleasant conversation that is."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"I've asked you here to see if an agreement can be made between us." Said Gard smiling, his fangs showing. "Now what percentage of souls do you expect to reap? Are their any types of souls, you expect to reap more often than the other souls? What will happen to those souls that you don't reap?"

[Fan]

"So far I'm the only one who has even begun to pay attention to souls, and I have reaped quite a few. Over 50% of all current dead infact. The reason I reap is simple. The more I reap souls the more power I gain. Destorying the souls themselves has nio value for me as what point is there in destroying that which gives me power? I plan on taking as many as ican after they have been reaped, and turn them into Wights, and Ghouls. sure they'll cuase some general terror at first, and I'll NEVER hear the end of it from the other gods, but you know what. I do what I like when it pleases me. If they kill me for it, Oh well. At least I'll have died happy."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"Good, now I have the information, I can put the deal on the table. Gods will not like you, you need somebody to help you, fight your corner, convince the other gods not to kill you." Said Gard, still smiling. "I want the souls who worship me or those that are strongly proud, greedy, envious, lazy, gluttonous and lustful."

[Fan]

"Thats a awful lot of souls. I will agree to give you any who worship you, or particularly embody your traits. However, only the ones who embody those traits most such as one who had multiple wives, or a genral who died in a battle simply becuase he was to stuck in his old ways. You will still be reciving 47.556342% of all souls who preform such acts which is sitll a good portion of most souls present within your terms."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"I see that you're receptive but I don't feel you understand my traits. How about I get my worshipers. I also get the souls of those who died due to envy, greed, gluttony, pride, lust or sloth. That seems fair to me, does it seem fair to you?" Said Gard.

[Fan]

((Maybe I should give Romachuk "rough estimates" as a domain.))
"Then we would have a deal. Just know that I plan on olding you to this agreement lest I turn these souls you will have recieved into something.... "unpleasant"."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard smirked. "I am glad we came to an agreement. Ectstatic really, and I'm looking forward to more agreement in the future. What do you think of the dragon god or any other god you've met.?"

[Fan]

"the Dragon god is okay. Now the life god is just stupid. Seriously he comes out of NO WHERE screaming obscenties at mer about how i'am a abomination, and i mustb e killed because in quote "I"AM CHAIM!" seriously what kidn of egotistical fool goes around screaming his name as a reason for killing someone? Absolutely ****ing crazy."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"Well, you can't really blame a life god for hating the death god. You can blame him for trying to kill you though." Said Gard. "I guess, thre true test kids to see how he acts with other evil gods. Do you think pride covers egotistical?"

[Fan]

"well over so. He literally came at me screaming about how he is CAIM blah ,blah, blah. Seriously this guy has more pride then even YOU."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard laughed. "Would you like me to talk to him for you? Chaim, I mean. Convince him to not be a raving lunatic whenever your around? After all, I need to fulfil my end of the bargain."

[Silverkiss]

Draco

As the fight finally subsides, Draco aproaches the good god, Chaim, trying to reason with him.

"Calm yourself, Chaim. The time to punish him will come, but not now and not here. We must first tend to this world the best way that we can. When the time comes, you can count on me... But now is not the time. I must leave you now, I have many things to do."

With these words, the Dragon King arose once again in the skys with his four diamond wings, dissapearing in the distance. Draco searched for a suitable place for his creations, and soon found what he was looking for. In the far eastern side of the continent, there was a good land; much like the land where the gods were given birth, it was a great lush grassland, with some hills and a few scarse mountains.

"This place is good. This shall be the craddle of a mighty empire, an empire that shall bring honor and enlightment to this land, and tend to it's denizens. Yes."

With one of his claws, Draco cut his own arm, letting his blood flow into the verdant grass. As the blood of the huge dragon god dropped, it created a gigantic pool of blood, which slowly started to take form. From the blood of Draco arose many other creatures, similar to the Dragon King himself; they were the first of the Pure Dragons. Their scales varied in color and shapes, according to their personalities and personal powers. Draco looked at his creations, and was pleased.

"Step forward, Dragon Lords !"

As Draco spoke this, the seven Pure Dragons created first stepped forward, and doing so were bathed in energy coming from the Dragon King.

"You shall rule over your brethren, and maintain peace and understanding in these lands. Now go, fly off and find places suitable for you to live. You all shall live away from society, only helping in times of need and giving advice."

As the dragons left their master, a few of them stood behind.

"Come now, I have a greater purpose for you.

Gathering the remaining Pure Dragons in one place, Draco looked at them.

"You shall become the ones to build up the Empire of Dragonia, and expand your rule over all of the nearby land. You will maintain order and peace inside of your borders, and strive to create a perfect society. But this form of yours will do no good. You will be better this way..."

The Dragon King lunged his back, and from his core he drew a powerful breath over the Pure Dragons remaining. The breath did not kill them, however, instead changing them, transforming their bodies and splitting their power. As the breath subsided, the Pure Dragons were different; they retained their draconic appearance, but were now humanoid and far smaller. They were also less powerful, and as such there were many of them.

"Now, I will help you by laying the foundations of Dragonia. But then you will have to fend for youselves. Honor me and you will always be in my graces, but I will not directly help you anymore."

Draco looked at the grasslands, and spew forth another breath of power. In the grasslands and hills nearby, many cities and towns sprung from nothing, houses, building, everything. The Dragonians were pleased, and quickly populated the newly created empire. Draco smiled. He flew high in the sky, and moved to the center of the newly created empire, to the foot of a great mountain. The great dragon roared, and all of his followers heard him.

"In this mountain, in the center of the new Dragonia Empire, I will create my palace. Soon it will increase in power and utility, but for now it will only be my home, and the main temple for my followers. Rejoice, for I will be always near."

With this, Draco threw himself at the mountain, working with his breath, his claws and his magic to build a great palace. The palace was a huge marble building, with many corridors and chambers. But it was even greater than it looked, for it extended to underground tunnels and caves inside of the mountain, the largest building ever made. However, only the Outer Palace is open to mortals. In the Inner Palace, resides Draco himself, along with other divine mysteries created by the Dragon King, and it would also be the place where the souls of the Dragon King's faithful would go to rest, alongside their master.


Two Major Acts to create the Pure Dragon race.
One Minor Act to empower the first seven Pure Dragons, now called the Dragon Lords.
One Major Act to change a few of the Pure Dragons into the new Dragonian race.
Two Minor Acts to create a many towns, one Minor Act to increase the population of the Dragonia Empire.
One Minor Act to create the Marble Palace. As it is such a huge building and will have other utilities later, I think burning one minor act to build it is necessary.

Acts Remaining: Only 1 Ceremony.

[Fiery Justice]

Chaim is really quite bitter about the whole intervention on the part of the destroyer god, but he's not stupid enough to keep fighting, "I could have ended death, you filthy thing. I could have ended death. Get away from me." he hisses angrily at the God of Destruction. His power oozes out of him in his rage, leaving behind literal streams of Chai behind him in the ground. In time he has reached a distant far from the other gods, far from the creeping of their mortal followers. Far from death and his unjust reapers. In this distance, Chaim studied his foe, he watched death grow, witnessed eternal pain, defied the filthy god who would rise a. And he was enraged. He was furious as the burning sky. But there was nothing he could do to fight it directly, he knew this for now. So he stepped back and began to design an art to allow mortals to draw on the Chai.

In time, it was perfected. Formed and established as the Phoenix Above would have wished it. Built to last, designed eternal. It was a form of magic for which Chaim was born to wield, it was a magic he could teach to others. It was the power of Chai. It was healing. Healing magic, obviously. All healing magic would innately channel through Chaim to any who used the magic. Chaim would deny none the right to use his healing might. He even completed the ultimate insult against his foe: Resurrection magic.

Chaim then sends a note to all the other gods:
As a general statement, I wish to offer anyone who has mortal followers a chance to learn to channel Chai or to have it taught to their followers. There is no charge and I will teach any. -Sincerely, Chaim

Two major acts used to found Healing Magic.

[Fan]

Gard

Gard laughed. "Would you like me to talk to him for you? Chaim, I mean. Convince him to not be a raving lunatic whenever your around? After all, I need to fulfil my end of the bargain."

"If you can, but to be honest I REALLY dont care about him. I have my own plans in case any of the good gods come after me. Many of which involved burning large amounts of power, but I happen to have enough in store that this isn't a problem."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard smiled. "I'm sure you do. I'll give it a try anyway."

Gard came to Chaim and smiled at him. "Hello, can we talk?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi was bored. Things got bad when the violent deity was bored. He watched the other gods and found out that many of them were busy teaching mortal "children". That looked interesting. And so Oghi went to the tallest volcano. He walked along the rim of the crater, wondering what type of creature he could make. He stared into the magma and got an idea.

"Hey you! Yes, I'm talking to you, volcano! I need a big explosion. My children must be born from an inferno or else they will be weak and cowardly! Hey, you're listening? I don't have all century!"

All of a sudden, the volcano erupted, sending a thousand volcanic rocks on the island below. Each one of those rocks turned into a young and vigorous salamander. Then, a river of lava flowed down the side of the mountain, ravaging everything in its path except for Oghi's holy altar.

2 Major acts: Create salamanders
Minor act: Shape the Pools of Agnmatan, a hilly region riddled with lava pools. The impressive Mount Ela stands proudly at the center of the region.

[Liquidcore]

Hearing Chaim's offer, the Defiled one replied swiftly.

"Healing magics? That sounds absolutely perrfect." He purred in a voice that sang of a million pleasures.

[Silverkiss]

Draco

Hearing the Life God's offer from inside his Inner Palace, Draco roared in response, a low roar that only Chaim could hear.

"I apologize for my intrusion in your fight earlier, Chaim. I would be honored and pleased if you could teach my mortal children your arts, lest they destroy themselves."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard continued smiling at Chard as he started working his power over pride.

Some of the dragons, eight to be precise, suddenly had a large amount of pride. They were excessively proud. Chard continued to smile on the outside but now he smiled inside as well.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Threxis

The Arachnisectoid creature suddenly grew stiff, and scuttled off. Before long it came upon the lands of the frozen north, the crown of the world. He chittered and hissed ...This place will do... Threxis rose up, and dug his talons deep into the iron-hard earth of the frozen north. A spike, heretofore unused, sprang from the bottom of his shell, and he slammed his whole form down, punching into the earth, and from the act yet more were born into the world.

They would start out large, and powerful, but they would only grow larger. The entirety of their purpose, until further use became apparent to Threxis, would be to build a system, a nexus of tunnels, all throughout the north and the world unbeknownst to the rest of the races, and if possible the gods. They would grow slowly, but they would never die of natural causes, only dying in a violent manner. This would most often come in the form of an unstable tunnel or cave that would fall upon them, but this would be unlikely as Threxis gifted them with the ability to sense such instability, to avoid it and if need be, repair it. They would dig and rest in a system based on size and age which were constantly increasing. The larger they got, the longer the tunnels they would dig and the deeper they would go, but at the end of this dig they would sleep, and the older and larger they were, the longer they would sleep. In their path the earth became cold, and wind would follow softly, though it would become fainter and warmer as they grew close to the Center of the world. Regarding their death, Threxis wished to keep his matters his own and it would not do for the servants of the death-god to be snooping around trying to locate the occasional soul deep underground, and besides that Threxis had no need for the souls of his followers as of yet, and had different plans for his creations. When they died, their forms would turn completely into a cold, thick, liquid substance known as Imulsion. Imulsion was intelligent, and all of it carried a piece of it's former self in it's mind. Imulsion liked to be deep, and it liked to gather, and so it would flow down and much of the stuff would form lakes, rivers, and perhaps even seas of the stuff. Imulsion had the ability to "infect" and alter a creatures mind and to a limited extent it's form. It would gain the Imulsions desire and travel deep into the ground to search for Imulsion. If large groups of such altered beings gathered, they would form societies near the Imulsion. Anyone born of an infected parent would be changed in that way from birth, and anyone who died with it in them, would become Imulsion as well as the stuff infecting them, and they would join the rest of the Imulsion. The beings would be known as Tunnelers in all languages, though they might gain other titles in time. Tunnelers were driven to mate every hundred years, with some small variations in time based on environmental conditions. They can choose not to mate, but they will emit pheromones that will attract other mating Tunnelers. When they mate, the coupling always results in a viable birth, making sure that despite the length of time between mating, there will always be more. to replace the few that die.

Content with this work, Threxis retracted the spike, and scuttled off to go observe the other gods' work.

2 Major Acts to create the Tunnelers. Yes they're completely sentient, though they think in similar terms as Threxis, though obviously with some differences

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard was pleased with his work on the dragons, it wasn't major enough to attract attention but it was good enough for Gard's purposes. Gard then thought about the rabbit creatures. He thought about it for a moment before deciding on gluttony. He picked one rabbit creature and decided that the rabbit creature and his descendants would be more gluttonous than is healthy.

[Fiery Justice]

Yes, that was irritating. Chaim says with some degree of distance to Draco's apology. Chaim looks at Draco and then at The Defiled One for a moment, Can you bring some of your followers here for me to teach? I doubt I'll be able to keep up with more then maybe four dozen from each deity.

Chaim looks at Gard, What is it? he asks mildly.

[Silverkiss]

Draco

The Dragon God leaves his Inner Palace and with a roar summons a suitable group of dragonians to his side, together with a few of the Pure Dragons. This group would learn Healing Magic from Chaim and then teach it to the rest of the Empire; and Healing Magic would thrive and every dragonian would learn it.

[Liquidcore]

"Of courrrse" The Defiled One purred, summoning some of his followers, and most importantly, his hero Raptus and his entourage.

"Please, teach them." He spoke, slyly running a finger down the lenght of Chaim's features. "I'd be verry grrateful" He said, giggling boyishly.

[Fiery Justice]

Chaim

Very good. Chaim states mildly at his new students before beginning to teach them the principles and methods of healing magic.

[Smiley_]

Leodin

The protector god looked down upon his people and was pleased. It was reassuring that the first years of their existence followed through so predictably.

He appeared before Chaim.

I will take you up on your offer, Life God. However, I do not wish to have you bothered by teaching a handfull of my people. If you would allow it, I would teach these people healing magic myself. It is your creation, so I leave that choice up to you.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"Do not be so direct with your attacks, lest you wish to seem like the bad guy." Said Gard smiling. Gard then smiled as he walked away. Well, that fulfilled his obligation. "Now, who shall be my next champions. Oh, how about Oghi's? They will do nicely."

One Salamander and his descendants will possess incredible sloth.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi watched what Gard was doing with one of the salamanders. He shrugged.

"Meh. Violence will find its way in that household one way or another", he thought.

Inspired by Gard's action, Oghi visited the mortals everywhere to bring them fire. He also taught them about the outside world (so they go on adventures and take risks) and the awesome parties that the salamanders threw back on the Pyre Islands.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Threxis

Seeking to learn more of the races of the world, and driven by an unknowable urge that had little in common with the mortal concept of simple curiosity, he scuttled into the lands of the Salamanders. Not wishing to create curiosity about what dwelt beneath, he did not come to them from underground, but instead scuttled upon the earth with his great piercing talons. He was far larger than even the salamanders, dwarfing them with his daunting size. He stood at his tallest end, over 40 feet tall. He left cold in his wake, though it was a natural cold that could be alleviated with enough heat, he was still as a chill wind in a land of fiery folk, clacking in his alien language and twitching oddly as he observed the curious creatures about him.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard went to the elves of the evening and spoke to one of the elves. As Gard spoke to him, Gard started giving the elf a strong lust. That strong lust would be passed on to the elf's descendants. Gard smiled as he left.

[Smiley_]

Rabbitfolk

Many Leponites were inspired to explore past the verdant pastures and roling hills on which they were born. Some traveled in bands into the desert, taking note of the plant life there. Others trekked north to the frozen parts of the world.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

A great fire illuminated the sky and Oghi crashed into the earth, not too far from the insect-arachnid hybrid.

"Hello there. You've found the salamanders? Beautiful specimens, aren't they? Who are you? I remember you from the awakening, but we didn't speak then."

The fire god had just finished teaching some of the most advanced tribes how to build rafts to move from one island to another and eventually to the mainland.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard came to the salamanders, choosing to stretch his leg. He then started to walk towards Oghi. "Hello there. Hello, your gods right? I don't think we've met though."

As Gard did that, he decided to make the halfling family of envy. One halfling would have great feeling of envy and would past that down to his descendants.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Threxis

Swinging his head over to the firegod, Threxis whirred and chattered, his ability to communicate with the other gods increasing slowly. ...Curious... he nodded at the creatures, he wasn't too good with inflection yet, but it seemed he was speaking of the Salamanders. ...Name....Threxis...True...Gods...Left... He spoke to Oghi, and the newcomer, together ...You...Are?...

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

"I am none other than the fiery Oghi, god of...well, fire! My children, the salamanders, remain young all their life. Look how they dance, feast and fight! They have the most interesting existence."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"I am Gard, lord of." Gard then took in a breath. "Greed, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Lust and Pride. What are you the god of? Did you say?"

A halfling suddenly became excessively greedy. He would pass that on to his descendants.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Threxis

Threxis clicked and clacked his mandibles before responding. ...Insectoids...Cold...Brutality... He looks at the two gods again. He had emotions indeed, but they were subdued and... odd. They would little understand his drives, or him theirs. That was the way of things, he supposed.

[Fan]

The high lord of death Romachuk checked his hourglass, and saw that time was here for another reaping. So he sent out his reapers into the more dense, and violent lands as they would reap the greatest bounties. Then he sent them out into the lands filled with the most dead the reaping was also having another odd effect. Normally the bodies of the dead took quite awhile to decay back to the earth, but once reaped, and put through judgement their bodies went back to the earth nuturing the soil, and new life sprung up from where they were buried. How funny that his reaping would cause the production of new life? Funny really.

[Darth_Malevo]

Bel-Shannon

In a universe run amok with change, there must be consistency. A continuum of existence, a status quo that cannot be denied. It must be forever continuing, with no pauses or gaps or leaks or breaches. A sort of maintenance, but one that requires a janitor unlike any other. A janitor that can never go off duty, or leave his post. To do so would let reality unravel at the seams, and that would generally fall into the category of unfavorable.

Thus maintenance became an aspect of the universe, perhaps one that is not appreciated, but one that is noticed when it is not present. Like with all aspects of the universe, maintenance cannot be left to its own devices, lest the entire universe become absolutely rigid in some perfect form of stasis. So a god was born, one tasked with making sure that everything was held together, and that the odd tear or fracture in reality was obliterated.

Then there was life, the pesky thing that- from the chaos of the universe- came into being as a bastard child of an orgy between magic, chemistry, and the whims of some previous power. Life was uncontrolled, unmaintained. It made so many holes in time and space and reality by its creation that the universe nearly reset itself. But it did not do that, and the being known as the Maintainer also became part of evolution. Its task was not only to safeguard reality, but to ensure that evolution went according to its own insane schedule. A schedule that the Maintainer took part of, and soon a God was born. The God Bel-Shannon, the quintessence of universal maintenance and that genetic aberration known as the evolution of life. It was its duty to ensure fish could not fly, and that birds did not get the wise idea of eating rocks instead of worms.

Unfortunately, a paradox occurred. The universe does not like paradoxes, and as such Bel-Shannon was nearly destroyed. How could a god charged with maintaining a constant universe also maintain the chaotic genetic crashes of organic life? The answer presented itself in a loophole: By never physically manifesting, and instead using the ordered laws of reality to ensure the proper precedents were in place for evolution to follow a path set in stone, rather than chiseling itself a new one. So Bel-Shannon set about this task, finding itself a race that would call itself the apex of evolutionary advancement.
__________________________________________________ _____

So began the Gnomes, closest in nature to Bel-Shannon. Their curiosity nearly obliterated them on several occasions, if only because the neighboring tribe was wondering just where the last tribe went. Were it not for an amount of timely evolution in the head, they may well have gone after the Dodo on its last jog. They developed something few other species had: common sense. A power so miraculous that it counterweighted their lethal curiosity, forcing them to pause before a stupid venture. Naturally, most ignored the millisecond pause, but it was something that generally saved them from becoming easy lunch for a growing population of alligators.

This went on for a bit, until Bel-Shannon finally grew tired of having to wait decades for the gnomes to grow a few brain cells more. Waiting itself wasn't the problem, the matter of being unable to address immediate evolutionary dangers was. So Bel-Shannon, infinite in Its glory, stretched hundreds of appendages out to affect the universe. Gnomes soon became quick to breed, and their genome quickly deteriorated into chaos. This, to the God, was a good thing. It ensured that the species its so secretly favored would be well on the uptake to change, if in a somewhat volatile state.

Yet Bel-Shannon, unsure of just what a species such as its would need to survive in the world outside of genetics, decided to hold back and watch. Much could be learned by observing, with the odd touch of a sharp edge to cut off unseemly events.

Power employed:
2 Major Acts to create the Gnomes, bless their overly curious souls.

[Fiery Justice]

Chaim

I'll teach you happily, says Chaim with a smile, looking up from his group of students, Though you'll have to keep up with A'rathic in order to do so. The students all laugh, and a dragonai lets out hiss that is the rough equivalent of a chuckle.

(The apostrophe is a guttural marker. At the once everyone is properly gathered up, I'll burn minor acts to make them all healers.)

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi also sent a few salamanders to study Chaim's magical tradition.

[Krrth]

Ksharn


Ksharn had been dozing in the sun when he felt something strange. One of his children was dying from his injuries, the first death of a Vor ever. He went to investigate, and saw a reaper waiting to grab the soul. At first, Ksharn was angry and prepared to destroy the interloper. However, he quickly had an Idea.


No, this is an opportunity to strengthen my people. However, I can't have the souls of my people stolen from me. How shall I deal with this..

Ksharn reached out and infused more of his divine essence into his people, binding their souls to him. This meant that until such time as they were reborn, they could not be reaped.

Now....to winnow out the weak.

He altered the connection somewhat. Those who died during the Rite of Adulthood were not completely protected. They were protected for one week after death. After that, they were fair game for the reapers or anyone else who wanted to hunt them....and was willing to risk being hunted in return. They would have one year to survive without protection, after which they were allowed to reincarnate.

There. The weak will perish and be hunted as they prey they have shown themselves to be. They will have a chance to prove they are not prey, but predators. Any that so prove will be allowed back.

1 Major act to enable reincarnation and binding of Vor souls to him. Full write-up in status, basic idea: Most Vor souls cannot be reaped, stolen, changed, or destroyed. Those that fail the rite of Adulthood (and thus die) have one week to prepare, and then must spend one year without any protection whatsoever.

[Fan]

Romachuk smiled he had been watching the Reaper in particular and had almost intervened when he had seen the god arrive. yet he stayed his hand interested in what the god was doing. yes that would do nicely. No conflict, and he still got his souls. Very nice.

[Krrth]

Ksharn

Ksharn looked at his work and was pleased. His people who had proven themselves worthy would be rewarded, those who were weak would be destroyed. He was getting hungry, however. He looked over at the Reaper and thought...

hmmm...A little Butter and Garlic, and that thing might just taste good....

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi decided to pay a visit to the god of the desert people. He was completely in his element in the searing desert.

"Hello there. I came to see how your creatures were faring in this environment. You really didn't make things easy for them, heh? I like that. You're bold! I hope you still teach them to enjoy life when they can."

[Krrth]

Ksharn


Ksharn glances over at Oghi, and back to the Reaper.

What do you think.....would that thing taste good?


*Pause*

Where are my manners. I am Ksharn, this is the realm of the Vor. No, I do not make things easy for them....they must survive on their own. I should only intervene if something they cannot handle occurs. So, what can I do for you?

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

Raising its head again from the island, Shouheki inspected the world. There had been a time of chaotic destruction, followed by an uneasy ceasefire, and now the propagator was teaching the arts of healing, actively combating its erstwhile foe. Another errant thought, in the same vein as the first, crossed the Spirit Turtle's mind; what point is there to unresolved conflict, if nothing is learnt? Surely there must be a purpose, otherwise all is...

Even the thought of a meaningless universe was too painful. Anyway, there was a purpose. The silver writing had told the assembled deities to look after the world. But why? asked the undermining thought, taking on a voice and life of its own. This greatly worried Shouheki, and so the Spirit Turtle decided to consult with the other deities. Surely those who had created their own peoples and races had a purpose in mind, and so they could tell Shouheki its purpose.

Raising itself up off of the ground, and trying to cast off the great pines and cyprus that had taken root upon its shell, Shouheki sent itself through the Spirit Realm, to find the leader of the people who lived in harmony with the earth.

Eventually, it felt the shadow of Leodin in the Spirit Realm, and came back through to the Mortal Realm. Raising its head high above the hilltops, Shouheki called out,

"God of the Field and Medow, tamed by mortal hands, answer me! What is your purpose?"

The cry echoes around, raggedly torn from an ancient throat made rough from disuse. The trees still standing upon its back reverberate to the Spirit Turtle's question, as though begging an answer, too.

[pingcode20]

Fastolph Blowfield

Fastolph managed to somehow appear behind Chaim, soon after his claim. It was like some variant of the super-butler-power well known in some circles.

"Yes, I think the Halflings wouldn't be astray with a little of that. Take your pick."

---

Deserts

The nomadic colony did not fail to notice the Vor, and Emilio Largefoot, the leader of the camp, quickly waved to the others.

"We've got guests, gentlemen. Chop chop, let's get the stew pots ready."

If there was any ability that a nomadic peoples would discover first, it was the skills of pottery - the ability to carry food and drink long distances and store them for extended periods of time was crucial when you could not get fresh food all the time.

Emilio waved to the watching Vor, as his fellow campmates were preparing the fire.

---

Lagomorphs

The Halfling colonies near the agriculturalist rabbit-men followed their settlements around incessantly, observing and learning their ways. However, they brought their own twists to the bounties of resources as some settled in each town.

Their long-kept abilities at pottery were melded into the agricultural tradition, reducing the amount of labour required. The Leponites were far better at it, though, and the Halflings mostly focussed on food preparation. At first, it was only curing the food and storing it away for later consumption, but then it progressed to preparing them into meals many times more edible (in some cases making the inedible edible) and more nutritious, to boot.

Through this, they quickly squirreled their way into many large families, and fairly quickly it became something of a 'must have' to retain a (much smaller) family of halflings as chefs - over time, they would diversify and take up cleaning duties, and other service works.

Minor Act: Halfling Talent at Food Preparation Established

---

Salamanders

The Salamander archipelago was a difficult one to discover - like the Vor, they had been created in difficult-to-challenge locales. Unlike the Vor, the archipelago eventually tempted a settlement into deciding to brave the waters to see what could be found on its islands to carry back.

They had no way to cross it easily, but somehow they managed to arrive, paddling little log boats laden with pots and jars once full of food. Later scholars would call it inexplicable in the extreme - there should be no way they could have made it to the Salamander's islands. The technology to cross the ocean just hadn't been invented yet!

And yet, somehow they did. It was almost certain that there was a little bit of divine meddling afoot in their arrival, but the actions of the Halflings once there would vindicate themselves.

---

Gnomes

The Gnomes were curious creatures indeed, and such curiosity could only be inflamed further by the arrival of a travelling halfling caravan. The people almost appeared to be an offshoot of the Gnomes - they certainly looked similar enough - but it was far too early in creation for subraces to be made.

"Hello? Is there anybody in here?" one asked, tenatively standing at the threshold of the booms and whistles of a Gnome-Home.

---

Greed

Greed. A deplorable sin. Amongst a nomadic peoples, there was no room for greed. Moreso among the halflings, whose very existence relied on absolute integrity among its members.

In a later age, he would have been executed for his fault.

As it stood, however, it was not a great enough sin to warrant death, and so the seed of greed was cast out from his people and left to die. Where he would go afterwards was anybody's guess, but in a time where plenty was not the norm, greed was not good.

[Krrth]

The Vor


The Vor watched the little things move around on the outside of the desert. They were doing....something involving a fire. The Vor thought that was a little strange, since currently fire was of no real use to them. A small amount of time had passed when the Vor smelled something...delicious. The odor was incredibly appetizing. When the small things wave for them to approach, they looked at each other, then decided as a group to try whatever was making this new smell.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard left the other two gods and saw that his creature of Greed had been sent out of the halfling group. Gard was not pleased, he was not pleased at all. Gard went to the halfling. "You are my servant. You are needed. Do you think allowing them to banish you, is the best way to get what you want? Of course not."

"You were the first one to fail me. You will have your gift now." Gard conjured five red jewels, one bigger than the others. One special thing about them was that merely seeing them caused you to desire them. "Now, use one of these to beg for forgiveness. Never let the big one go though. Good bye."

Greed went back to the halfling village and tried to get forgiveness.

[Fiery Justice]

Chaim

Chaim's lessons, at first, vary little. He teaches them to recite a few incantations and focus their wills towards calling up Chai. But he advances for sometime in teaching, guiding, and instructing, incantations give way to raw focus and will. The magic, to say the least, is complicated, involving a lot of channeling through Chaim (there's no other readily available source of Chai) and calling up knowledge and focus.

As the process continues they ascend up higher and higher ranks of healing, curing diseases, remaking limbs, and finally, at long last, Chaim explains Resurrection Magic:

"All resurrection magic relies on a few principles: Freedom of spiritual movement, souls cannot be contained beyond the reach of your will and I can't teach you to force them into a body.'

Chai must be ignited in every piece of the body, it must form the basis for the new life, not the heart, not the mind, not even the spirit itself can form the basis of the new life, it must be the Chai. When you become stronger, much stronger then you are now, you will be able to form the entire body from Chai, structure and control it. But right now, you are not nearly so strong.

In addition to all of these qualifications, you must have my personal aproval, which I will grant freely. The cost of such a spell is high, both in energy and literal cost. The best way to cast such a spell is with an extremely well formed diamond but other gemstones might funcution in a pinch.

When you undertake resurrection magic, there is a price. Romanchuk is selfish and greedy, he will not be pleased by the magic which gives life to the dead. I will protect you from his direct reproof, but you must be weary of his servitors ever after, for I cannot protect you from them. In enacting this magic, you establish yourself as a foe of death forever. I will show you, but given as corpses are in short supply in any area and I would not wish to force you to fight Romanchuk, I will not be giving direct instruction. You know the magic, you know how to focus your will, and you will now see it in action. After all that I have taught you, that should be enough."

Chaim teleported away and back and began the ritual. It involved a lot of chanting, magical energy releases and a very fine diamond, but the exact nature of the ritual is difficult to describe. It took ten minutes on the whole. Then it was finished.

You are done, you have learned everything you can learn this way. You may go.

[Smiley_]

Leodin

The protector god acknowledged Shouheki.

My purpose? What I do? Just as my people cultivate the land and watch over it, seeing that it is not destroyed or rendered sterile, I cultivate their hopes and dreams. Each mortal lives a life. This life, though short, is filled with countless experiences. Experiences of pain and happiness. Of success and faliure. I watch their hopes grow making sure that they too live for something. They live for their families, for their community and for the land they live on.

[Chappers]

Canvia

Some wise or pretentious creature once said something along the lines of 'there is never a beginning'. Tosh. I had a beginning, or rather I was created and before that is not important, anyway that is where I began. The sensation of being willed into existence, granted power, and let loose is a little odd to say the least. In fact it is probably impossible to describe so i'm not going to bother. I'll start after that with the sensations that hit me then...


I was kneeling on a grassy hill, hands out in front of me, and my breakfast spilling out of me, which was strange really because I didn't remember having breakfast. First impressions? Not good, as something that looked suspiciously like a mushroom travelled by at high speed.

Groaning I stood up and, gathering my dignity about me, 'looked' around. Odd, I wonder where I am? Ignoring the words on the stone I spread my gorgeous black wings and rose into the air with their steady beats. From up here the place looked even more bizzare with funny little things bouncing around all over the place. Maintaining a steady beat I soon had the whole of the place scoped out, I even watched as the little gods started to play with my new toy.

Thinking that i'd seen enough I opened my mind to the gifts that coursed through me, promptly falling from the sky with an undignified yelp as the pure pleasure of sentient life dreaming, scheming, and generally hoping their little socks off hit me. Recovering I started to explore this wonderful new sensation, mmmm life was going to be so much more...interresting.

I landed on what looked to be a shore. Sun and sand, lovely.

Hmmm...

Waving my hand I created a deckchair, cocktail, and sunhat. Laying back I started to think, what was I going to do, what indeed...

[Darth_Malevo]

Bel-Shannon

Boddypen was a normal Gnome as far as his species was considered. One of several children, he had been born with no serious crippling mutations, or anything that really helped him all that much. All he had to show that he was a proper Gnome was an extra toe and the inability to notice when he should have been in pain. Unfortunately, Gnomes being Gnomes, that meant he was quite lucky. His brother Hedwinkle had been born with no bones, and that had been a messy birth to start with. Or so his father told him with his lisp. He had been born with an overly large tongue, and it was things like that that made Boddypen wonder just what he will do to deserve just an unholy existence.

His entire tribe existed within the Shelter, a pitiful series of grass huts that had burnt to the ground several times before they actually tried burning them down to discover why they burnt down. It was the sort of head numbing logic that made Boddy question just what sort of patron deity his people had, and if that deity had a single marble in his/her/its head. Little to say of his distant cousin Berendo, who invented fire, and promptly led a very warm and very short life. Then there was Lidwinkle the Eunuch, renowned for his mastery of taming animals in a manner which generally involved a sharp object, standing behind the animal, and praying that a thin hunk of wood would be good enough protection for what's to come. Gnomes, each and every one of them, with about as much foresight as a blind ferret.

Boddypen, on the other hand, had a tad more foresight. Enough, at least, to tap a few of his brother Gnomes on the shoulder (Or shoulders, in Loopfoodle's horribly malformed case) when several wagons pulled up. Boddypen had seen wagons before, one of the other tribes having invented stone ones before nearly wiping themselves out in the process of seeing just how fast they can go. The technology had stuck, however, and it only took a small amount of scraping to get the stains off the wagons.

So there Boddypen was, creeping through the underbrush with four other Gnomes behind him. They didn't even have spears with them, though one did have a particularly large rock in his left hand. That's when evolution kicked in, and- like a lemming- his head popped up from the underbrush. Just to see what was going on, even though the intelligent part of him understood that these strange folk were probably not all that interested in negotiating, and more interested in culling the population for a bigger food supply.

His head popped back down, and there was a rushed conversation in the bushes, "<Anybody have a stick?>"
"<No, why?>" Garrick asked, the poor blighter twitching slightly as his condition kicked in.
"<Well, I figure we could tie that rock onto it and use it like a club.>" Boddypen replied, realizing too late that he just activated another part of Gnomish evolution.
"<Why stop there? Why not tie some animal sinew on the stick and propel the rock?>" Dwobni chipped in, a bit more loudly than required.
"<No, no, you know what happened last time we tried that! It took me a week to get all that sticky stuff out, a week!>" Another Gnome bleated from the back of the crowd, a riot of noise soon erupting from what was supposed to be an ambushing party.
"<Obviously, we should tie the rock to a piece of sinew, then to a stick! We'll still a rock after we use it!>"
"<A heavy object tied to a stick? That's just...stupid, even for you, Dalmadge.>"

And so it went on, a discussion on the fine points of sinew, sticks, and stones in the underbrush. If pottery and alchemy had been around, they might have brought some tables and herbal drinks to discuss the matter over. Wonderful for the curiosity of Gnomes, not so wonderful for the stealth of Gnomes trying to sneak up on a bunch of Halflings.

[pingcode20]

Fastolph Blowfield

Fastolph left Chaim to his own devices, and began examining himself. He closed his eyes, and saw his own divine spoor, and examined it more carefully. All gods gave it off - it was difficult to hide it, because it was based on power, and power was not something easily hidden.

But, still, he looked more carefully, and began to understand the nature of the divine sight.

Major: Secrets domain advances to Rank 2.

Greed

The halfling returned, bearing his 'gifts' of vice, instructed by Gard to try and subvert his colony. Fastolph was not the sort to allow this to happen - he had the reputation of the halflings to consider.

He assumed mortal form, and masked his divine spoor, intercepting the returning halfling at the limits of the latest encampment.

"Why, exactly, are you back?" asked Blowfield, to the returned 'Servant of Gard'.

"I seem to remember you being exiled."

The greed-infused halfling sweated nervously, and offered up one of the rubies. "I've come for forgiveness... I was asked to give you this."

"Transparent. I think your new benefactor has something left to learn. Come with me, and we can talk."

The halfling nodded silently, and followed the tall, authoritative halfling into the tent without complaint.

"Now, the jewels, please."

The greedy fellow turned over one of the rubies.

"I don't believe I asked for a jewel, my friend. All of them, please."

"Um... ah..."

"Now, Gordo."

Gordo handed over three more small ones, holding on to the large one nervously.

"Interesting. There is a reason why you don't want to turn over the large one. Reason more than the greed which saw you thrown out in the first place."

For a moment, Gordo resisted the urge to tell him. At the end of it, a flash of lightning erased such resistances.

"Please. Enlighten me."

"I was told not to give it up, under any circumstances."

"By your benefactor? Yes, I think I know who you are talking about, now." Fastolph held up the four rubies, and picked up a carved wooden goblet. He squeezed, and crushed the rubies into a blood red wine that turned the goblet into gold. He held out the goblet to Gordo.

"Have a drink. My treat."

Silently, Gordo took the goblet and drank down its contents. He felt his right ring finger become heavy - it turned to gold for just a moment, before fading back to normal.

"That, is how much you owe to Gard. That is the value of your greed. The rest is halfling, and halfling alone, Gordo Goldfinger. But, of course, you need not tell that to Gard - you are his servant, not his ally."

Minor Act: Queuing 12x 12th level servants.

Using one to subvert Gordo Goldfinger as Minor Servant. This is 'secret information', and is not apparent to Gard.

---

The Vor

Emilio waved the Vor over.

"Come, come." he said, as the other halflings worked on the pot. "Almost ready."

He used simple words and motions to convey the message, and seats were brought up for the Vor to wait. They didn't have to wait long, before a line of halflings brought forward wooden dishes filled with what looked a little like meat dropped in mud, with grass sprinkled on top.

Fortunately, the thick soup was not, in fact, meat dropped in mud, and it smelt appetising indeed.

[Krrth]

The Vor

The Vor looked around the camp...not nervously, but perhaps warily. They sat on the benches provided, and waited. Soon, a meal of what looked like meat dropped in mud, sprinkled with grass arrived. They looked at each other, and gave a shrug that just screamed "Eh, why not. We've had worse". They quickly devoured the meal, clearly enjoying it. After the meal was over, they tried to communicate with their hosts. Despite having just met, a surprising amount of communication was possible...the Vor seemed to have a knack for picking up new languages. By the end of a few days, basic communication was possible....and the Vor ate everything put in front of them.

Who....you? Friends?

The Vor smiled. This was perhaps not the friendliest gesture possible, given the large number of sharp teeth they possessed. Between the teeth, the claws, and the elaborate, beautiful tattoos, they looked rather fierce.

you....teach?

They indicated the remains of the meals prepared.


Vor have a Knack for learning languages (1 minor), Vor have invented Tattooing as an art form, and are quite good at it (1 minor)

[pingcode20]

The Vor

Emilio smiled, and nodded.

"Yes. We will teach friends."

There was nothing primitive about either language - it was simply a matter of working with simple words until understanding of each other's languages could be achieved.

"Come."

He made motions indicating the Vor should come over to the main cooking area, and while it was difficult, and their art was as highly developed as the tattoo artistry the Vor already had, it was still comparatively in its primitive stages, and the language barrier did not cause too much trouble in their endeavours to help the Vor learn some of the dishes they had been served during their stay.

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

Shouheki looked quizically down at the small, furry god. Shaking its shell in confusion, and raining needles down on the ground, it asked,

"Your purpose is to give purpose? That is... interesting. I thank you, Safeguard of the Leponites, for your insight, and I apologise for my intrusion."

Shifting backwards, Shouheki begins to open the way through the Spirit Realm. Perhaps there are other gods who know their purposes? But what if there aren't? Again, the alien thought rings through the Spirit Turtle's mind, gaining strength and volume. The other deities will know their purposes, and I shall find mine.

Shouheki begins to cast around for another deity in harmony. It takes longer to find, as the trace is weak, supressed, but still detectable. The Spirit Turtle finds itself drawn to a place near a settlement of more small creatures, these far less covered in fur, and surrounded by the spirits of happiness, prosperity and hospitality. Only a deity with a true knowledge of its purpose could create such creatures...

For now, I'm still in the Leponite lands. I'll move out soon enough.

[Emperor Demonking]

(Gard never sent him back to "subvert" the colony.)

Gard

Gard saw how Greed acted and was not amused. Greed was a failure, but still he hand Envy still around and fulfilling his goal. Soon, he would have another family of Greed and then he wouldn't pick somebody who was completely inept. How difficult was it to not get banished from a colony?

Gard then went to Sloth, to Sloth who had a great gift. Ten slaves, ten large imps to do the work that Sloth should do and to do even more. These imps were also immune to death throes. Hopefully, Sloth wouldn't mess up this gift.

1 minor: Create imps.

[Fiery Justice]

Chaim
Chaim wanders for some short time now that his teaching is through. He has no idea what to do, his old foe had not reared his ugly head of late. Doubtless he would, but now was not the time. Chaim traveled from town to town as a miracle worker, taking on the form of the local species, eventually coming to a Dragonai village. There, he consummates a relationship and continues on, giving the action very little thought. Of course, as many mortals discover (much to their dismay), he probably should have.

Chaim's son is born in a clutch without a clutch. Its the only egg produced by his mother, a singular event in Dragonai society. The egg grows and hatches a marble white scaled hatchling, the hatchling is given the name Hakuc. Hakuc is grows into youth in time, a bright and powerful gift for the healing magics rests in him and a wanderlust, an urge to see all there is to see. His might and wanderlust eventually set him off on a quest, called by he does not know what to he knows not where.

(1 Major Act to create an Exarch.)

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard went to Hakuc, deciding to take the form of a Dragonai, he was prepared for this. This great creature would soon fall into the six traps. How could it not become a creature of pride, and after pride the other five flow in easily.

Gard went up to Hakuc. "How are you?"

[Krrth]

The Vor


The Vor were quick studies and enjoyed the lessons. While they would never be as good a cook as the Halflings, the art of cooking caught on...almost a national pastime. The Vor and the Halflings parted company in peace.

It may have surprised the Halflings, but something important was about to happen. The Vor went home, and talked about them. A decision was quickly reached.

The next time the Halflings arrived at the original meeting spot, a group of Vor was already there and waiting for them.

[Fiery Justice]

Hakuc
The marble-white Dragonai, who has just finished healing a sick Dragonai child, looks at the Dragonai, "I am well, is there something I can help you with?" Hakuc inquires with a look of concern on his face. Hakuc's divine energy is a well-spring of Chai, an origin point of Chai as his father is.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"My son is in a terrible state. We fear he might die, but still everyone I have gone too has been unable to cure him. You are the greatest of all the healers. You are far above normal men. I was wondering, would you heal him for me?" Said Gard.

[Fiery Justice]

Hakuc
"Probably. Where is he? How long has he been sick?" Hakuc replies, focus and determination emanating from him in an echo-like effect that would have grabbed hold of any mortal in mere instants. Its probably not on purpose. Probably.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"He's two streets from here. He's been sick for two weeks. Please, you must help him, his life is in your hands." Said Gard acting as best he could. "Please, nobody is half as good as good at healing as you. Not even the god's themselves can match up to your skill."

[Fiery Justice]

Hakuc
"The gods sit on their thrones, mighty and unacting as the mountains. I will do something." he says, contempt lacing his voice, "Take me to your son."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"Oh, thank you. Oh thank you. I will. I will. Oh, you are certainly the greatest being. If their was any doubt that you are better than the doubt is gone now." Said Gard, rushing out. "Please follow me."

[Fiery Justice]

Hakuc
Hakuc follows quickly, awkward at the man's praises. They make him vaguely uncomfortable but he wouldn't wish to upset the man, so he keeps his mouth shut.

[Chappers]

Canvia

I woke up some time later with a plan fully formed in my head. First though I was going to need a little something.

Dismissing my dream chair and cocktail I flew to the centre of the continent, the blue sea looked like the perfect place. Now for the hard part...

Earlier I had been suprised by the power that flowed through me. This time though I concentrated on it, bringing it forward, and deliberately opening myself up to it. The power became visible to the mortal eye, wild dashes of colour, trills of music, a dozen different smells, all there one instant and gone the next. (Sometimes my own brilliance astounds me, it really does). I had never done this before but somehow it seemed easy. Pulling my wings down from in front of my eyes I gazed at the centre of the sea. The water began to bubble. I then let the power I had called flow down my gaze, the dream of what I wanted twisted into a power that convinced even me, let alone the land, that it was real. I blinked and before me was a pillar of white marble rising from the centre of the lake, towering at least a kilometre over it. At the top was a garden filled with trees and a pleasant little palace of gold and pink marble. Perfect.


1 minor act to change the landscape (create the pillar), I major act to make the pillar an artifact - full details in the status under the 'Pillar of Majesty'. Building created with little powers.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard hurries quickly, and then he turns a corner and vanishes.

Gard appeared in front of his Greed and spoke. "Give me your gift."

[Fiery Justice]

Hakuc
Hakuc tries to follow the man around the corner before he feels a disappearance of the man's life force. He's deeply confused. Had the man lied? Had the man been expecting him to follow? Unable to find the child, he goes back to his business, disturbed.

[ArlEammon]

AMon
Meanwhile, in a halfling village, a devilishly handsome man was seen luring a few women from the settlement. They would return to the halfling settlements with bitemarks on their necks. Otherwise they would be fine. Was this man a strange person who enjoyed having women attacked by animals?

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gluttony, a rabbit creature, came upon a bowl with a note attached. The note said. "Hello. I am Gard, your lord. Say good bye to your need to work. This artifact creates food, tasty food at that. Use this to fulfil your destiny and my goals."

1 minor - Create bowl of food.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Pyre Islands

As the halflings landed on the shore of Oghi's Archipelago, they were spotted by a band of salamanders wielding spears and stone knives. The warlike tribe (Skullbash Clan) chased the halflings into the jungle. Those salamanders were expert hunters and warriors. Some of them wondered how the little men tasted. Most simply enjoyed the chase as part of a game. The halflings ran as fast as their little legs permitted. They ran so far that they eventually reached the territory of another tribe, who quickly dealt with the belligerents. The "friendly" salamanders of the Feathered tribe (so called because they adorned their clothes and headbands with large, colorful bird feathers) studied the funny humanoids for a while before inviting them to stay in their village where a great feast was to be held. They assured the halflings that they had no intentions to eat them. The salamanders feasted and danced all night long. The food, which consisted in berries, oranges, coconuts, snake, monkey and boar meat, was truly delicious. The halfings also discovered that the Feathered tribe brewed an especially strong alcohol beverage.

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

Oghi

Oghi continued to shape the land of the salamanders, even to this day. This time, he went to the rainforest. Using a bit of his power, he transformed a large forested area. This part of the jungle was now bursting with life. The plants grew exceptionally fast and the animals living were especially vigorous. Paradise on Earth, right? Not exactly. Life in the jungle is extremely violent. It is home to numerous predators created by the Fire Lord as well as man-eating plants and deadly, strangling vines. One of those predators is the Roc, a species of large and ferocious birds of prey. The region is hilly, full of fissures and crevices. It is simply known as the Lush Forest.

Minor act to shape the Lush Forest
Minor act to create big cats of the dire variety (so our regular pumas, leopards and jaguars are dire versions of the animals)
Minor act to create Rocs, a family of giant birds of prey

[pingcode20]

Greed

Gordo Goldfinger shook his head defiantly. He didn't want to give up the last of his jewels, and he would not give it up, not even to the god of greed. "This, is mine. You gave me the jewels to get back into the camp, and now they are mine. Surely you have more."

---

Gluttony

Gluttony didn't exactly last long, not when the halflings' integration depended on their talent. Within the day, the creature and the bowl both disappeared, before any Leponites could discover it.

Halflings capture Gluttony and Bowl.

---

On the Archipelago

'Thank you.' was all the Halflings could say. The feast, on the other hand, was another matter entirely, and the Halflings took part whole-heartedly, enjoying the festival.

Predictably, a number of them woke up the next morning with no recollection of the events, half naked in bed next to other Halflings or, in a few more unpleasant cases, Salamanders.

The next morning, the camp healer, Fosco Chubb-Baggins, who had managed to avoid drinking a drop all night (leading to his nickname, 'Dr No'), approached the chief of the Feathered Clan.

"On the behalf of my camp, I thank you for your hospitality. We wish to return the favour - my people are excellent chefs, and we would be honoured if you would allow us to prepare the next feast."

At least, that was the idea. The actual message was communicated with a combination of gesturing, simple words, and a remarkable acrobatic display involving five halfings, a unicycle, and half a potato.

---

The Vor

Emilio was surprised at the Vor waiting for them - as was most of his camp. By now, language was not much of a barrier. Time had allowed learning of their language by the Vor (though the Vor's language was still a work in progress).

"Hello again, friends. What can we do for you?"

---

Amon

The creature that had been luring away women was a disturbing thought, indeed. The healers set to work examining those affected, but they didn't seem to have anything wrong, yet.

The Halflings could only wait and see.

---

Gnomes

Bodo Bouvar, head of the sixth halfling camp, followed the sounds of debate with some measure of curiousity. He arrived to find a group of strange, mutated creatures debating... something.

"Hello?" he ventured.

[Krrth]

The Vor

Your people gave us a fine gift when last we met. So we thought we would return the favor.

*They reach into a bag and bring out a kit filled with needles, and a box filled with ink.*

We wish to give you the right of safe passage in our lands.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Pyre Islands

The chief of the salamanders listened closely to the so-called Dr No.

"Excellent chefs, you say? How wonderful! Who would have thought that, of all the creatures that walk the earth, we would receive the visit of the best chefs the world has to offer? We gladly accept your offer, little one! Wait - did you hear that?"

Indeed, a small explosion shook the village at that moment.

"Another brawl. I hope no halfling was involved."

[Darth_Malevo]

Bel-Shannon

The original purpose of the stealth forgotten, Boddypen was the first to answer for his brethren. The entire group had been in debate, the subject of sticks, string, and rocks evolving into larger-scale subjects like "Why are we here?" and "Where's the grub?". Generally, nobody said anything about Bel-Shannon in a debate besides the odd 'Praise to it' seeing as anybody who didn't quite jive with the religion ended up an amorphous blob of mutations after the first week or so.

"Ah! A Gnome...but...you don't speak Gnomese, or Gnomish, or Gnomen. Why?" He asked, subconsciously inquiring and realizing it a bit too late. He also felt the odd urge to go back to the Shelter and have kids, but that could at least wait until after the rough sketch of Folwinkle's "Weights" system was invented. A standard unit of weight, who could have conceived such a notion besides a Gnome?

"And the wagons!" Roontwiss added, equally proficient in the language. Funny thing, mutations: You never know just what sort of surprise you're going to find in the pulsing, organic box called a womb.

"They have wagons, inferior ones, mind, but wagons! They must be Gnomes! Or just...you know...civilized." He remarked quietly, twiddling his three thumbs.

"And they're all the same! What a litter of identical twinsthat had to be!" Garrick said in a manner that might be considered a tad lewd. Another funny thing about evolution and mutation: It tends to latch onto life and not let go.

[Smiley_]

Excuse me. I'll handle Gluttony, thank you. He is my sub-plot. I had something thought out for him and everything. Now I have to slap some halflings around.

Gluttony

The halfling kidnappers were waylayed, due to the tightly knit community ties of the furry people. The quickly arranged search party had seemingly appeared straight from the ground and gave the halflings a "stern talking to." This involved several kicks in the ribs and booting them out of the township to find work elsewhere.

The gluttonous Rabbit-folk, a short creature named Bomba, eventually came to use the bowl in secret. Somehow living far longer than he should have, he became the owner of a large estate. However, Gluttony led to sloth and greed. He took the food of others and bartered it for a small private band of goons. Such a thing was before unheard of, and news traveled fast across the vast Leponite Empire.

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

Having found the deity of the nomadic creatures, Shouheki Spirit Walked through to him. The journey, taking it through landscapes imagined and unimaginable, was short, but long enough for the subversive thought to resurface. What kind of purpose was that? Obviously it didn't know, or it was deliberately keeping it from you. The voice took on a different tone. That pitiful immortal doesn't deserve to be ranked amongst the lowliest spirit of smoke! It should be des- No! Shouheki had no idea where these thoughts originated, but the sense that other creatures shared the god's mind with it was overpowering.

When the Spirit Turtle eventually reached the halfling township, disoriented and confused, the only thing that its majestic mind could think of doing was lying down and crying. It laid its shell down onto the ground, tree-like legs splayed around, raised its head up to the uncaring heavens and releasing all of the worry and concern, the fear, in one, long, choking ululation.

[pingcode20]

Gluttony

Lippe Underhill rubbed his ribs, after the Leponites threw him out. They would live to regret this.

Of course his fellows stood against him with the Leponites when Bomba's cries awoke the town - that was a mistake for sure. He should have just killed Bomba while he'd had the chance, and taken the bowl.

He would not make the mistake again. He turned, and left the town, heading overland to another town far off in the distance, to restart and rebuild. The Leponites had an alarmingly supermortal way of organising together and simply blocking actions without effort.

Planning was due, and the Halflings had to employ their almost ubiquitous nature to counteract this sort of thing in future. The bowl was lost to them, but at least the creature that had the bowl was now using it in secret, hiding it away from the others. He had succeeded a little, but not enough.

---

Fastolph Blowfield

Fastolph slowly walked over to the ailing Shouheki, and offered him a hand.

"Is something the matter?" he asked with a smile, helping the Spirit to his feet.

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

"It is... nothing. I shall recover. I apologise if I frightened any of your mortal worshippers - it was not my intent," said the deity, lowering its head, trying to get it level with the much smaller, though no less powerful, god. It closed its eyes, picturing the calm serenity it had felt at creation, or after it had created the Ocean's Heart. Eventually, Shouheki opened them, and turned to Falstoph.

"I have come to find purpose. I have asked the Father of the Leponites what his purpose is, and now I have come to ask you - what is your purpose?"

[pingcode20]

Fastolph Blowfield

"Oh, it's no worry. Come, take a seat." Fastolph conjured into existence some sort of seating-related object. Whatever it was, it was comfortable.

"As for what purpose do we exist? Well, I won't lie to you, that is a difficult question to answer. In truth, I do not believe that we have been made with one in mind. To the phoenix, we are nothing more than a garrison on this world, divine soldiers set down to hold the fort until the army returns."

Fastolph looked up at the sun, and shrugged.

"Everything else, is just practice. Of course, that all sounds like a load of hokey, coming from the god of hospitality, doesn't it? I think you're asking the wrong question. We all got a purpose at the beginning. After that, you just have to make your own. What do you think, Shouheki?"

[Chappers]

Canvia

This place is almost perfect, it was after all created by me, but it still lacks...something...what though? What does it need? The problem had been bugging me ever since I had created the tower, what was missing. It's beautiful, big, mine, what else could it possibly need?

Grrrr, I smacked one wing against the side of my head, nope. Still nothing. Maybe if I go for a stroll?

So that's what I did, I went for a stroll accross the continent and realised that the one thing missing from paradise, save myself at that moment of course, was noise. The creatures that the little gods had crafted were always making an irritating racket and yet...it could be beautiful.

When I got back to the Tower I pulled out my deckchair and cocktail (this time bright green and with a vicious kick). Downing the drink and closing my eyes it was not long before I started to dream.

Sounds surrounded me, trills, calls, voices without speach, the rustle of feathers. Harsh croaks accented lamenting cries and pure songs rose from animal throats. It was nice, real nice. I felt myself drifting away, my mind truly relaxing, my hands becoming numb. Something flowed through me. It felt delicious.

I jolted into consciousness to the harsh insistence of small little dreams pounding into my head. Blocking the thoughts out (but not as it turned out the pounding), I 'looked' around. The bright sun hurt the back of my eyes, my tongue felt like a carpet, and I seemed to be surrounded by hundreds of small and not so small things, all making a racket, all with wings, and all hungry. The smell was attrocious. I must confess that at this point I had a minor tantrum and opened myself fully to the...birds? Yep birds. They scattered.

A long time later I admired my handiwork, large birds with beautiful long necks, smaller brightly coloured birds, black birds, brown birds, something I could swear was an invisible bird. I've said it before and i'll say it again. Canvia you're good!

Canvia has just created an entire seas population of birds. All are sea birds. There are fish to feed them. This was the result of wishful thinking and a green cocktail so feel free to create whatever non sentient birds you like in the inland sea that were created by Canvia. Two species are important, one are multicoloured - each of differing hues - swan like birds but about twice the size and the tiny all white wren like creatures that they eat along with the fish. Used 3 minors (Birds/More Birds/Small Fish).

[Krrth]

The Vor

Over the years since the creation of their race, the Vor had been busy. While fighting to survive had taken most of their energy, something new had happened. Vor had been born who were not quite as strong or healthy as the others (although still stronger than most other races), but were much brighter. They had new ideas, some of which were good, and some of which were not. The good ideas flourished, and in time a city was born in the sand. The major river in the Desert ran through it, providing water to both the residents and the crops. Stone was brought in to build structures, although parts of the city were underground as well.

Vor build their first city. 1 minor act.

[Smiley_]

Leodin

The halflings had attacked one of his people? Of course, they had a reason to. That accursed bowl had been planted for such a purpose. However, the fact that greed had forced people living so harmoniously together to fight among themselves.

He wouldn't change the Leponite who had been cursed. It was to much. He had been touched by a god, and the only way to "fix" him would be to remove him. No. Even though he was tainted by greed and sloth as well, Leodin still loved this little furry butterball as one of his own children.

Bomba

Bomba had been forced to look over his situation after those blasted halflings had tried to carry him off. He was crafty, though, despite being "big boned" and rather silly looking in comparison to his more fit comrades.

He had been blessed with long life for some reason. Was it that bowl? Maybe. With this blessing from this "Gard" fellow, he could get up to all sorts of mischief.

The years passed. Bomba gained more influence, and had branches of his operations and dealings seep into other parts of the land. He offered services that would be considered "questionable" to others, for a price, of course.

But what was that? He felt something among the greed and gluttony. He felt pride. From pride, however, came a feeling of nationalism. He knew that his people had stood up for him. He would support his people as well. They could be made to pay up in time, but that didn't matter. He was a Leponite. He was brave, courageous and superior to any lousy, kidnapping halfling. He would show them.

He set himself up as Boss Bomba. An underground mafia of sorts formed. It was not entirely legal, but the other Leponites saw him as a helper in hard times and a symbol of the power of the people.

Bomba was a greedy, racist thug, but he was the people's thug.

Back to Leodin

His suggestions would suffice for now, but without a balancing factor, everything would fall to pieces. He had an individual born that would, in time, rise to became that balancing factor to "the Boss"

This child bore a birth defect. One of his eyes failed to form properly, but Leodin had plans for him, defect or not.

2 minor acts to make a particularly special individual. His time will come, but it isn't now.

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

Shouheki considered what the god was saying - Falstoph said that they did have a purpose, but it was a purpose that didn't seem... right. We are nothing more than soldiers, made only to stop some great demon from taking this world? Then why create the world, if it is destined to be attacked?

To the halfling god, Shouheki said,

"Maybe you're right. I cannot accept that we are but warriors - we are so much more. That our purpose is to discover one of our own? This is satisfactory, though then why create us in the first place?

Leodin said that he existed to give purpose to his followers. Perhaps that is the reason the Phoenix Above created us - to give itself purpose.

I thank you, Falstoph, for your wise counsel."

The Spirit Turtle made no move to leave, though, as it considered what the two gods had vouchsafed.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard looked at the halfling. "Is it my fault? Is it your gods fault? No, its your fault isn't it. You're incompetent. You greed for precious jewels? You gain favour with a god who will give you more jewels. You don't hoard the measly one you own. You taught me one thing. Choose a smarter minion."

"Now, I'll give you one more chance. Give it to me."

[Silverkiss]

Draco

The huge draconic god remained inside his Inner Palace, sleeping perhaps, but always aware of the happenings in the world. As their patron god sleeped, the Dragonian Empire grew, specially with the help of Chaim's healing magic. The god, who had teached a few of the dragonians before, was now also worshipped in the Empire, and every single dragonian knew at least a few basic healing quirks.

Feeling no need to wake up yet, Draco remained in his slumber, gathering his power.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

The Evening Elf, Gard called Lust found a crown. This crown had an amazing ability. The wielder could use it to make people like him, love him or lust after him. Gard smiled hopefully this will be a new Gluttony and not a new Greed.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Pyre Islands

The salamander known as Sloth was doing well. With the help of the servile imps, he bullied a number of salamanders into his service. With this new workforce at hand, Sloth undertook the construction of a splendid manor with a gorgeous view of the inland sea. Unlike his kindred, Sloth was not interested in living a dangerous existence. He sought to defend himself from anyone who wished to disturb the peace of his home.

A few months later, a full fort stood on the coast. Sloth asked one of his imps to name it for him. It was called the Fort of the Tides.

[Darth_Malevo]

Bel-Shannon

Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky, watched a being unlike any other. It did not watch with one eye, or with a limited series of senses, but with all of them. Its body was immaterial, and its mind bore the brunt of countless decades of evolution. When it looked upon the universe at large, it saw its favored people being...interacted with. This was unexpected, it was evolutionary. That did not do, it did not do at all. Its people needed guidance, they needed science, they needed mathematics. They would eventually produce these, as civilizations before them had, but they needed them now.

The mighty god, for the second time, exerted its power over the world. Time and space, once its mortal foes, swiftly parted for the divine energy being sent below. The god that it was, Bel-Shannon knew that its followers had to survive in this strange new world of...interaction.
_____________________

Unfortunately for Jebni and the Wheeler tribe, this meant that they were going to receive a very painful spurt in evolution. It was the sort of spurt that taught prehistoric man that if they stuck together, the wacky monsters trying to eat their giblets would think twice. Jebni would be the focal point of that evolution, which would come about during one of the many discussions regarding just what to do with the four-wheeled stone wagons. Some suggested that their newest invention have springs attached to the wheels so that they could go over mountainous terrain. Others remarked on the durability and safety of the wagons, and how a bit of magic could make them go a very long way.

Jebni was of the latter persuasion, having become the clan's leader on account of him actually making the first stone wagon. It was entirely a fluke, mind, but when he had invented one wheel, it only seemed right to make four more. Then a thing for those four to be attached to. It was quite popular at this point, and so far there had only been a handful of fatalities related to being in the way of them while they were in motion. Now it was time to take them to the next step, to see just how far they could push the laws of physics and reality with the magic they had.

"I propose a test." Jebni declared, the tumultuous roar of debate ceasing when he opened his mouth. "We'll modify one wagon with each of our ideas. Magic, the Alchemist's Fire, everything we want on one wagon. We'll also need three people to help man it."

His plan was met with absolute silence, before one Gnome opened his mouth in curiosity, "Gonna need lots of magic, where'll we get that?"
"Well, I'm sure we can just...wing it?" Jebni put forth, shrugging. "I'm not really a wizard, but I guess I could give magic a shot."
"And metal! We'll need it for clockwork!" Another Gnome put forth, and Jebni was quick on the uptake. Usually he had to spend a while before making a decision, now he could do so in the blink of an eye.
"We'll just find a mine! It can't be that hard to get one started!" The Gnome leader put forward, and there was a thoughtful silence at the idea. Magic, mines, organized work. It wasn't exactly normal, but it seemed that they had something in them. The something that let the Shelters be founded, the something that made the basis of their civilization.

And so, a previously unknown cohesion unlocked, the planning went on, the entire tribe setting to work to test out all of their ideas at once. What began as a hunk of stone soon became a block on four wheels, then one that suddenly had internal piping. What for, they had not quite decided on yet, but it was generally a good idea in their eyes to add things on if it would make something new. This construction went on as Jebni continued to evolve. His mind expanded, and he found himself doing things that were formerly beyond his reach. The designs went along easier, clay tablets- made by Jebni- littering the construction area. Smoke and fire went on well into the day, the entire tribe drawn into this one effort. This would likely be the epitome of their efforts with the Stone Wagon, and that made it special. Time went on, children were born, people died, the cycle of life going on as the wagon came closer and closer to completion.

The work was done within a month, the supergnomish Jebni having rigged a control system that even he didn't understand. It was complex, it was knobby, and most of all it worked. Well, it had to work, at least. He built it, and therefore it worked. That's just how logic worked for him, and he didn't really mind. If it didn't work for some reason, he wouldn't really have all that much time to worry about it, now would he?

Overhead, the air rumbled, and an ominous storm began to brew. Ominous storms always brewed in Gnome lands, especially whenever they actually got together to do a civic project. It was practically a rule.

And so the civic project was completed, the Gnomes of the Wheeler clan stepping back as Jebni inspected the completed project. It was a tangle of tubes, pipes, levers, and gemstones combined into a single wagon hewn from stone. It was just what they agreed upon, and now the tribal leader- as well as two relatively unimportant Gnomes by the name of Dalgel and Dalbert- stood before the finished product. Each one had been made a special white tunic, sewn to be comfortably tight for "maximum maneuverability". I.E. 'We don't want to have to look too far for all the bits that go flying'

At the top of the wagon was a hatch made from limestone, with an iron bolt on the inside to prevent anybody with funny ideas from jumping out. Dalgel was first to go in, climbing into the interior with a squeak and the click of machinery. Jebni went in last, not bothering with any speeches. The entire tribe was watching and that- generally- meant they were more interested in seeing what would happen than hearing some Gnome say a bunch of meaningless words.

The interior was very cramped, and that was to a Gnome's point of view. Levers and switches were everywhere, little stone dials and iron gauges pointing towards a crudely painted "Green" section. Jebni sat in the higher seat of the new super wagon, tapping the copper armrests with hooked fingers. "Ready?" He yelled towards the two Gnomes sitting not two feet away from him.

"Yes, and could you please move your left foot? I think it's touching the emergency brake." Dalgel replied, with a minor "Sorry," from the Gnome leader.

Overhead, the storm reached an apex. Lightning boomed and thunder crackled, Dalbert moving from his spot to the back. There was a tiny hole there with a copper rod next to it, which the Gnome quickly shoved through it. Finally a crash of thunder, which impacted on the rod with enough force to rock the wagon's interior. Electricity coursed through the machine, and the crowd outside watched without so much as a blinked eye.

The stone wagon remained motionless for several seconds, Dalbert rising up a stink as he roasted. Then, with a low sputtering sound, the wagon trundled forward. Wheels turned, things pumped, something in the background made a beep beep beep sound. Red gemstones lit up, followed by yellow ones. The entire machine lurched to life, creating a slow, steady pace. It was moving at the speed of three miles per hour, and a few Gnomes kept pace with it, looking expectantly.

There was a bang, followed by a second bang. Deep within, a reservoir of Alchemist's Fire went off, the explosion funneling out of the back. Clockwork sparked, Devices activated, and Jebni's lips flapped as he was suddenly pushed into his seat. Dalgel let out a scream, and the people outside watched as the wagon exploded into motion. Chunks of dirt were thrown up, clouds of dust rising as the vehicle went from three to eighty in less than ten seconds. The entire vehicle careened towards the cliff, the people inside able to watch from the handy glass window installed on the front. To put it in simple words: They were doomed, and the only thing left was to start pulling levers and switches. They did just that, and- lo and behold- something happened.

That something happened between activating some type of coil and praying that Bel-Shannon made it quick. The sound of tearing fabric filled the ears of those gathered, and the reality around the two Gnomes and their ride was bent into a sort of L-shape. Of course, it was a momentary bend in reality, but it really saved their backsides from instant death.

Instead of dying, they simply...vanished. A burning set of ruts were left in their wake, and the two Gnomes soon found themselves screaming, widdling themselves, and praying that they survived the trip. 'Round and 'round reality they went, where they stopped...well, only Fate knew, but he or she certainly wasn't talking.
______

Back at the site, Ninto the Gnome stroked his chin. This was certainly...unusual, even for Gnomish projects. Two people just going out of reality? That was liable for...bad things, and if it was one thing Gnomes didn't like, it was bad stuff. He felt an odd yearning at that point, the yearning to stay together with the others.

"Don't suppose any of you lot would be in another project? I was thinking something a bit more permanent, something we could really set our feet down on. Of course, it's still in the starting stages, but I think that- with a bit of work- we could really get the idea going."
There was a thoughtful silence as the Gnomes considered this idea in light of recent events,
"Will we still have to go and hunt for ourselves each day?"
"No...probably not." Ninto replied
"What about," Another Gnome asked, and Ninto sighed inwardly. Who would have known that founding the first Gnomish city would be so...complicated?

But it would be built, and perhaps- just perhaps- the fate of Jedni and his underling would be found out.

1 Minor Act to make Jedni a Greater Servant, 1 Minor Act to make a City, 1 Minor Act to produce the Stone Wagon, not quite an artifact (divinely produced), but still powerful enough to be on par with a city. Just to be safe, that is.

Stone Wagon is essentially a Gnomish Delorian from Back to the Future, minus the time travel powers. It'll send them zipping about the world, so they can visit the odd country or so. Already have a guy lined up to receive the poor buggers.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi sent a message to all the gods.

"Hello friends! Is anyone interested in creating a new plane of existence?"

[Liquidcore]

The Defiled One and Bel-Shannon

It was a rather nice day, or rather, it was a nice day. If you asked the servants of the Defiled One, it was a perfect day, orgasmic even. But no-one really had time to ask, because on this rather nice day, something ...quite spectacular happened. With a fizz and a bang, a wagon, made of solid rock, came out of nowhere, and rammed into a house in the middle of the city, crushing 4 inside (victims were later describe as screeching for more as they were healed), before rolling through five more houses, and finally coming to a stop against a statue of the Defiled One, with a BANG that made everyone who heard it writhe in pleasure. All in all, it was a rather nice day.

Jebni stopped screaming as the wagon crashed into the statue something having been smashed off of it and flying through the now-broken window. It had missed Jebni by inches, and was currently lodged in something back there. What it was, the Gnome did not want to ponder. "Did we...just hit a cat?" Dalgel asked. "Four of them? Four tall cats? Who were doing...whatever that was?" "...It's possible." Dalgel bit his lip, thinking about just what they may have witnessed in those scant milliseconds. "Damn straight it is! Let's go and check!" Jebni roared, climbing out of his seat. The interior was quite a mess, broken glass having flown everywhere. The gemstones were almost entirely red, and several gauges had dipped into the "Low" zone. Overall, this was hardly a good start to going forward. Jebni, however, was nonplussed. He clambered through the interior that stank of steak, and pulled out the bolt keeping the hatch attached. With a single push, forty pounds of stone were flipped over. A hairless, gaunt face poked out of the sudden hole, searching the area.

"That was quite the show." A voice called out from behind the gnome. "You could make that into a weekly spectacle." the voice spoke again with a laugh. "Now then, give me a good reason not to take your skin and wear it as a coat."

Jebni, curiosity getting the best of him, whipped his head around. His feet swung forward, and the tiny Gnome fell into the bowels of the wagon. "Hostile natives! Hostile natives! Deaf Comm Five! Deaf Comm Five!" He screamed, to no effect. There was a whispered conversation inside, followed by, "Soo...turns out the anti-savage system is...uhh...savagely broken. I suppose I couldn't just beg to your merciful side?"

"Give me a reason." The voice spoke, softly purring. The gnomes inside could hear the sound of nails scraping the stone as it spoke again. "Though I must admit, the crash was just splendid"

"We're...good at...fixing stuff?" Jebni put forth, "We could...fix...those cats we ran over. Right? Uhh...no need to...you know, kill us." "Or wear our skins as coats!" Dalgel shrieked from within, having figured out that stone wouldn't protect them forever from whatever was outside.

"Those weren't cats, they were servants of our lord." The voice put forth, before cackling madly. "Perhaps I should bring you before the master, yes?"

"Wat?" Dalgel asked, "Is he the one with the huge-" "Perhaps..." Jebni interrupted, "We should. Yes, we should, shouldn't we, Dalgel the Coward?" A few minutes later, the two Gnomes exited the stone wagon, heavily laden. Each one carried a large leather backpack, objects stocked high. There was also a pistol crossbow at each of their hips, experimental devices that had been made as emergency backup weapons for the emergency backup anti-savage system.. The Gnomes shared a look before looking at their hideous new guide, Jebni helping Dalgel up before producing an object on a keyring. He pushed the single gemstone on it, and there was a whup whup sound, followed by the hatch swinging shut and bolting itself. "Never know who might try and steal your wagon!" Dalgel commented cheerfully, the terror on his face having faded in the face of explaining technology.

"I must warn you, those who come before the master, tend to want to stay under his perfect gaze." the creature said, it's voice suddenly extatic at the mere thought of the god. "Come on then." The thing said, patting a toothed blade on his side, cutting his finger in the process with a gasp of pleasure. "And no backstabbing"

"Hardly need to stab when you've got a Heckler & Scotch Crossbow..." Jebni chirped, following after the monster. "Quick, the Imagographer! We have to record this place" He hissed to Dalgel, who produced a large box encrusted with magical symbols. A small lever had been attached to the side, which the Gnome pulled furiously. Each pull was followed by a flash, and a cry of "Only three months to develop!" from the techno-Gnome.

The walk was short, but very informative to the gnomes. The architecture seemed to defy all logic, with large cilinders blaring music that hurt the ears. Soon enough, they stood before the tower. "Welcome, to the tower of Babylon."

Click. Flash. Scream. Dalgel lowered the Imagograph before looking up at the tower, his ears pounding from the music. He had learned several things about architecture from them, and that was good. Very good, in fact. It meant he'd have more to share on the return trip.
"Yes, tower of Babylon. Nice looking thing, so your boss lives here? Upkeep must be a right pain in the wahooli." Jebni remarked, looking the giant tower over.

"Not really...the stone is sentient. The souls of our dead are gathered by it and keep it alive"

"Soul magic, eeh? Must be some pretty awful people to be denied an afterlife." Dalgel remarked, and Jebni nodded. "Not by a longshot." He said, to a sideways glance of Dalgel. "Can the tower expand of its own accord? Or can people shape its growth? Why don't you use that to make your houses, places of business, why aren't you using this technology to make your city so much bigger?!" He rattled, his mind racing. Up above the world so high, Bel-Shannon had a twinkle in seven eyes. "If you can so easily imbune stone with souls, why not put part of your soul into community projects? Why one tower?!"

"Make people lust after it, the greatest reward imaginable is being assimilated with the tower, it's a blessing from our lord." The thing replied with a laugh. "An entire afterlife of unearthly pleasures"

Jebni frowned, thinking, "So you've made only one tower...because you want to use it as incentive to be good? I...I'm speechless." Jebni said, the last word coming out as a curse. "May I take a sample of it, by chance?"

"Be...good?" The thing said, before laughing madly. "You could call it that, though it's more of a promise of afterlife than anything else." He paused, licking his lips. "Ask the lord when you see him."

Jebni nodded, "Right, of course. So, when do I see him?" The Gnome asked, "Because so far I haven't seen any lord or master or boss...not even a foreman."

"Then stop talking, and start following." the thing stated, before proceeding into the tower. "I must warn you, do not touch anything, no matter how alluring it may seem."

Jebni nodded, looking to Dalgel and winking. The two Gnomes followed after the strange monster-thing, the fear that any alien in a new world should feel replaced by awe and a burning curiosity that had nearly rendered their species extinct so long ago.

"We will pass through 7 levels before reaching the top, be wary." the thing spoke, as it entered the first door.

Jebni and Dalgel followed, with Dalgel holding his image-making machine up for photography. Jebni produced a jar from his pack, unscrewing the lid and looking about for anything that might make a good sample of this strange, exotic place.

Made together over MSN

[Emperor Demonking]

(when the new turn begins)

Gard

The halfling Envy awoke to find a cloak on top of him, attached to that cloak was a note. "take this gift from Gard. It rants invisibility and muffles sounds. It should allow you to take what you want."

A gnome awoke with a newfound sense of pride, a pride he would pass on to his descendants.


Another gnome gained greed, he also felt like he was replacing someone but that feeling soon passed.

Gard sent a message to Oghi. "What would this plane be like?"

1 minor for the cloak.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi, in reply to Gard

"I don't know yet. It would need to embody the shortness of life and its violent nature. Of course, there will be fire. Lots of fire."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"I can't help you then. I don't like violence, it isn't proper." Said Gard breaking off communications. Gard had an idea though, a great idea. He would grant those that served him powerful magic. He would have to think about this magic further.

[Liquidcore]

The Defiled One smiled, and the world changed again.
"I proclaim myself the master of disease"
And it was done.

"Now then, my servants, rise!"
A new city sprung up, this time, surrounded by marshlands and swamps, inhabited by an altered form of his followers. Where once they were beautiful and perfect, now they were bloated, with vile pustulence covering their bodies, filled to the brim with diseases and sickness. Their weapons rusted, yet sharp, their movements fast and swift, as if they were not bloated at all.

"Lead them, Plagnus" He spoke, and a huge man in plate armor sprung out of nothingness. He towered above all men, and an aura of pestillence hung about him.
From his pores crawled maggots that would change into loyal followers in time. His weapon was powerful enough to fell mountains, and carried the deadliest plagues known to man.


The Defiled one smiled, his will had been done.

3 major acts used: Gained Domain: Sickness
Created Exarch Plagnus
Altered race (there are now 50/50 of each kind)

Two minor act used: created city
Altered landscape

[Krrth]

The Vor

It had been one hundred years since the Vor were created, the eldest among the races of the world. Many things had occurred, the Vor had changed, and nothing would stay the same. The original 5,000 Vor had become 25,000.

Koralis had slowly grown around the major river through the desert, covering miles of buildings both above and below ground. Every year it was added to, giving the Vor a place to store goods.


The Halflings had become valued friends, and had been granted safe(ish) passage through the desert. The Vor would not hunt them, and they would be welcome in the cities and towns of the Vor. They were still on their own with the desert, of course.

The desert was increasingly harsh, with little water, extreme heat, and sand storms capable of stripping flesh from bones. In this Hell, the Vor grew stronger. Only the strongest, in mind, body, or soul, lived to breed. Thus each generation was slightly better than the one before it.

Ksharn looked upon his people, and was pleased. They had learned to fear....and they had learned fear....and they grew stronger because of it.

[Darth_Malevo]

Bel-Shannon

The ancient god struck once more as the world surged with energy, and it grabbed the reigns of this power with ferocity. Rays of energy reached into the Plane of Magic, and new forms of sorcery arose. It would utilize the natural creativity of the Gnomes to the fullest, providing them with the tool to sculpt what they pleased of life. Of course, Bel-Shannon did not expect instant success, but its actions had laid the foundations to a new layer of its envisioned society.

But just as its people below were affected by their god, so too was their god affected by them. The magical burst of energy had its own backlash, the deity becoming that much more like its people. It became the overseer of inventions, the patron of revolutionary ideas. It was fitting, really, that it would look over something so...Evolutionary as inventions.
______________________

Pride:

Daldar the Gnome was, up until today, relatively normal. He had lived and worked like all the other Gnomes, using all four of his arms to help build the new city. He hadn't been particularly adept at much, but his overly large head had made him quite intelligent, and that was a useful trait in city building. He had helped design some of the buildings sprouting up around the city, each one serving some vital function. Be it a storage shed, house, or some form of theater or forum for debate. New ideas were flourishing like mad, the population growing at a phenomenal rate now that there was an abundance of room to fill up. Already, large groups of people filled the streets, the odd wizard or sorcerer-Daldar included- working on the latest project: Running power throughout the city.

Imps and lemurs had been summoned en masse for the project, just before they were butchered for the materials required. Some Gnomes had suggested that they use copper wires, but the first few tries of putting magical energy into a copper wire ended up with the person on the other end getting his head blown off. When they used organic material, particularly the muscle of summoned creatures, the magic flowed perfectly, and even had the sense of stopping at the last piece of linked muscle. Now the only thing they had to do was get enough of the material to interlink the entire city. But that shouldn't be a problem, the lower planes always had an abundance of organic creatures.

But Daldar continued his work, too curious (and perhaps just a bit too proud) to simply use recycled living matter. His first attempts were failures, the magical energies simply unwilling to form into solid, constant matter. But lately he had been succeeding, requiring only the tiniest sample of flesh or blood to turn a pool of energy into a mass of magically-conductive muscle. He had discovered this form of magic, and it was his alone to investigate. He kept organized documents on it for his untimely demise, yes, but he was still the only Gnome to know of this new magic. He had taken the pleasure of naming it, calling it Chi. Apparently some Gnomes up north had some different concept of what Chi was, but Daldar...he liked the name. It fit what this was, a simple act of magic that would relay something much more complex.

And, as Daldar worked on laying down more of the wiring, a fire burned inside of him. A fire that demanded he take this further, a burning pride that would not let him stop here, even though it meant he would probably die in the process. A new chant began, this time he intended to make a whole creature.
__________________________

Greed

Garzig was yet another Gnome, one who- all too suddenly- had found himself concerned with just how much he had. It wasn't unusual for a Gnome to want something new, but this sensation told him that he wanted more of what he already had. More food, more drink, more space to put his inventions in. It didn't really sit well with him, but he did like Mama Gipka's pies, and it would be nice to get some extra storage space. So he had tried to express this, explaining to the local officials (which, strangely enough, he wanted to replace) that he wanted to make an addition. They had told him it would take some time to build a bigger house, but- still strangely enough- Garzig couldn't wait. He was abnormally patient, seeking only immediate gratification. Why was this so? Why couldn't he just...be gratified? It was a burning sensation in him, one that wouldn't be starved off unless he obtained something. His children suffered through it as well, and he knew that in a few years they also would start chafing.

He left society with his goods, him and his children abruptly packing up. They slipped under the radar of the public's notice in the pandemonium of a city full of inventors, a wagon of goods going out to never return. It would be later noted that, when they finally paused long enough, their next destination would become yet another cultural center. A new city, filled with different Gnomes, of a more greedy persuasion. Amazing, later historians would note, how one little chink in personality could cause such a difference.

2 Major Acts for Chi, the magical art which allows the creation or modification of living matter. You could create a scorpion, or give a scorpion six stingers, or create a scorpion with six stingers. The only real limitation is your power.
1 Major Act for gaining the Inventions domain
1 Minor Act for founding a city of greedy Gnomes.

[Krrth]

The Vor

As time progressed, the Vor has really only two major art forms...Cooking, and Tattooing. The Halflings had raised cooking to an almost magical form....and the Vor DID raise tattooing to a magic form. This new form of magic spread quickly among the Vor.



2 major acts to create Tattoo magic. This involves an intricate set of Tattoos depicting a scene of some sort. The power of the Tattoo is set when made, and must be related to the scene drawn. No being can normally have more than 5 tattoos, although rumors of a sixth tattoo exist. Use of the tattoos quickly exhausts the user. By some strange quirk, only the Vor can make magical tattoos, although anyone can use them once created

[ArlEammon]

AMon
Amon the moon god began granting halfing and gnomish people magical powers. The cult of the moon began springing up in settlements. It seemed as if Amon's presence was with them each night. The handsome devil began to lure more halfling women from other encampments over time....

He was quite at a loss for what to do. Hopefully he would be able to flex his muscles again soon. For now, he simply waited.

[Darth_Malevo]

Jebni and The Defiled One

Jebni and Dalgel followed after the freakish mutant, their eyes gleaming with what could be gathered here. Jebni's hands shook a bit from glee, and Dalgel loaded what appeared to be some sort of jar into the Imagograph.

The trip through the first room was a tough one to be sure, the entire room was filled to the brim with gold, diamonds, gems and other valuables. At the far end of the room, stood two statues of the beautiful Defiled One.

Click, flash, click, flash. A constant repetition of flashes, the Gnomes looking over the assortment of wealth with confusion. "Why's all this gold and gemstones just...lying here? Shouldn't people be, you know, spending it?" Jebni asked as he moved past the massive mountains of wealth.

"See those people counting it? Polishing the diamonds? They asked the same question and went and touched it, now they're here to count and clean it for ever"

The Gnome tugged at the collar on his jumpsuit before nodding to his guide, "Let's get to the next level, shall we?" He then shot a look towards Dalgel, who dutifully took another picture.

"Let's." Raptus said, moving into the next chamber.

Jebni followed after the man-thing, Dalgel sharing a look with the Gnome leader. "<This isn't very...right, is it?>" Dalgel asked,
"<Right? As if, but did you hear what they did with the stone?! They can make it alive!>"
"<Yeah, and I have to admit, those gemstones looked mighty nice...>"
"<Very, now, let's be quiet and pretend we're delighted to be here before he decides to eat us.>"

"Secrets, secrets, always with the secrets." Raptus stated, as the duo entered the next room.
The sight was...different to say the least, there were beautiful, not to mention naked, women and men everywhere.
"Sight for sore eyes, is it not?"

Dalgel watched in awe, but Jebni just nodded and grabbed his companion by the collar, dragging him along. If Dalgel had his way, they'd probably be there all night and all day, doing what, Jebni would rather not think about. They weren't even Gnomes, and still Dalgel fell to their looks.

Jebni's grip on his companion was tight as steel, Dalgel being dragged by his heels as he whistled towards the women. "Hey, bay-bee!" The enticed Gnome yelled, "Mail me some ti-"

With a smack upside the head, Jebni corrected his companion, the two Gnomes then walking on in silence. Obviously, Dalgel wouldn't be allowed to keep the pictures he took of that room. At least, he wouldn't be allowed to visibly keep them.

"Touching them means dieing, they'll show their true form, you don't want that, at all" Raptus said, walking into the next chamber. "Keep up!"

Jebnis and Dalgel followed close to the heels of Raptus, Jebnis keeping his tight grip on Talgel's collar. The two Gnomes were going to have a long, hard journey ahead.
____________________________

Joyriders Beware

The giant stone wagon sat in the middle of the city, totally inert. The latch shut, and the hole in the window letting the air inside, and a bit of smoke outside. Gemstones on the inside flickered and shined, gauges hissing and steam wafting into the air. Gears spun and clicked, watertight sacks filled and emptied, and in the back a pair of fans rotated, pouring cool air into the empty interior.

A small group of followers had gathered around the car, and had started touching it, some going as far as to lick it even. The wagon did not give any response to the touching, though it seemed to be somewhat...displeased with the licking. If a machine could be displeased, that is. Though, considering it was Gnomish, it's fully possible that it could well be alive in some way. Inside, the piece of statue lodged in the gears came dislodged, a series of gears formerly jammed finally kicking into motion.

On the back of the wagon, a series of cloth bundles popped open, large sheets unfolding near the back. They looked like sails, attached to the back of the wagon via a series of ropes. They harmlessly fell to the ground.

This was...unexpected, but the machine remained inert for now, not giving any reaction to the people. It could not move on its own, but it seemed eager for one of the people gathered to try and enter it, to see if they could somehow best it in a fair confrontation rather than poking it on the outside.

One of the onlookers gleefully kicked the inert machine, rubbing his painful toe with an ecstatic smile.

At this juncture in time, there seemed to be a sudden change. Gemstones that were formerly green or blinking yellow became a deep red, and somewhere within the bowels of the machine a red diamond came to life, seeming to squint with anger.

"Criminal scum! Stop right there!" A voice from inside boomed, various gears clicking into place. A pair of nozzles sprouted from the rear of the machine, smoke pouring out of them as internally a pair of airtight leather sacks puffed up, ready to expel their load at the next person to kick the machine.

The onlookers, delighted at the sudden change of inertia to activity, kick it again to see what would happen.

The words 'You asked for it' might be said here, but who would be there to say it? The nozzles, true to their purpose, spat out twin tongues of flame. The crowd was quickly engulfed in Alchemist's Fire, a ring of oxyphosphor that encircled the entire wagon, particularly dousing the statue. Eventually the flames died down, the sacks of fuel emptied from the encircling inferno.

The machine did not shoot at the healers, instead laying content. Obviously it thought the intruders had been warded off, just like it had been enchanted to think. Unfortunately, the Gnome inventors had never considered that there might be a species that enjoyed pain.

Soon enough, the touching began again, and again the machine was kicked.

The wagon did not response this time, though the nozzles pointed towards the crowd again. They were spent for fuel, and that meant the machine was essentially unarmed against the kicking and touching.
_______________________________
Vampires? In MY Gnomeland?

If somebody thought that a cult springing up would not be noticed, then they were fools. If they thought that a cult that snuck around at night would not be noticed, then they obviously forgot they were in Gnome lands. Their meetings in the Gnome city, magical things they were, would soon find an extra guest. One with four muscular arms, as well as a badge. He had come to this...Cult of the Moon. His superiors had never dealt with a cult before, neither had he. But he was confident enough that whatever this group was, whatever they did, he would be immune to it. Especially with his new form of magic.

So he had followed them to their doorsteps, his four arms folded, and his blue silk robe carefully mended from last night's...incident with casting. He had become much more powerful in the art, and his progress was advancing in leaps and bounds. Stupid creatures were so simple to spawn, but as they got more cunning, Daldar's control slipped. He knew he could do better, however, and that much he was sure of.

His lower right arm unfolded, gently rapping on the door of the cult's meeting ground.

1 Minor Act to make Daldar a Greater Servant Chi Master

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

And so Shouheki returned to his island, considering all that he had learned from the two gods. They are right. There must be followers to be given purpose, and they shall give me purpose. Raising its head above the trees, the Spirit Turtle looked around at the island, perfect and balanced, and realised that the balance must be maintained. For an age the gargantuan deity sat and waited, thinking how best to balance a creature that was intended to be uncontrolled, willful.

The Spirit Turtle cast its mind around, seeking the followers of the other deities, and what it saw both filled it with inspiration and caution; they all exploited the balance of the world, upsetting it, to create their own. This spurred Shouheki to a new realisation - for balance to exist, there must be opposition. With this in mind, the Spirit Turtle began to shape the essence of the Spirit Realm, burgeoning ideas extrapolated upon. But even as it did this, it sensed a strange and alien being, a being that seemed bent on unbalance, on chaos, but above all on change. Shouheki saw that change of any kind caused imbalances, lessened the struggles of some only to increase that of others a hundredfold. And so Shouheki did more than shape essence into two followers - it shaped the essence of the Ocean's Heart itself, and made it so that, when it had followers to populate the land, they would have always been upon the island. Shouheki made them to last, to be eternal, unchanging, but perfect in its eyes.

The first it shaped out of the Spirit Realm was born of the spirits of life, of healing, but most of all of the spirits of the Spirit Realm itself, of Shouheki. These took on Shouheki's own form, though different; turtles that stood upon their hind flippers, and walked as well as they swam. They were shaped to be beings of healing and spirit, and especially reflections of Shouheki. What the Spirit Turtle did not realise was that there was a part of itself that was not in agreement with these grand ideals, and that sought to destroy. And so the kappa were born - equal parts beings of peace and warfare, healing and suffering.

The second created were born of the spirits of the elements, harsh as stone and life-giving as water, and of the Spirit Turtle's own self. But Shouheki had been discouraged by what it felt in the kappa, and a part of its questioning self reared up, giving strength to the elemental spirits, and a strange form to these servants. They were created as foxes, standing upon their hind legs, and so were called kitsune.

When they had been created upon Shouheki's Inner Island, Shouheki gave them commandments - enlighten yourselves, achive inner peace, and pray that you may live on in the Spirit Realm after your death. It showed them the power and majesty of the Spirit Realm, and told them to venerate its inhabitants as gods. What Shouheki did not see was how different the two peoples were.

The kappa took Shouheki's message of peace, and twisted it through their violent perception. The only way to have peace in the mind, they reasoned, was to have peace in the body. The only way to have peace in the body was to have no war. And the only way to prevent war was to conquer, bring everyone underneath the guidance of Shouheki, and end dispute.

The kitsune took Shouheki's message of peace, and twisted it through their apathetic perception. The only way to have peace in the mind, they reasoned, was to detach oneself from the world, to gain a greater perspective on it, and focus utterly on the spirits of the Spirit Realm.

They both retreated to their own parts of the Ocean's Heart, though they left the grove surrounding the Inner Island free of their influence. The kitsune settled in the plains and forests, growing crops to sustain themselves and killing the animals as sacrifices to Shouheki. The kappa settled on the rivers and lakes, fishing and harvesting the water-weeds that grew around their simple huts.

Each eventually discovered a magic within them, channeling the spirits that were their essence into the Mortal Realm. They both created shrines and temples to Shouheki, one for each tiny village or hamlet. Neither created cities, and they would not, for Shouheki had made them to want for the simplest things.

Gaah. Apologies - I'm still tired, so that is probably awful writing.

Pool
Major Acts: 4

Minor Acts: 5

Ceremonies: 2

Used
Major Acts: 4 - Creating the Kappa and Kitsune

Minor Acts: 0

Ceremonies: 0

Pool
Major Acts: 0

Minor Acts: 5

Ceremonies: 2

[ArlEammon]

Jebni and The Defiled One

Jebni and Dalgel followed after the freakish mutant, their eyes gleaming with what could be gathered here. Jebni's hands shook a bit from glee, and Dalgel loaded what appeared to be some sort of jar into the Imagograph.

The trip through the first room was a tough one to be sure, the entire room was filled to the brim with gold, diamonds, gems and other valuables. At the far end of the room, stood two statues of the beautiful Defiled One.

Click, flash, click, flash. A constant repetition of flashes, the Gnomes looking over the assortment of wealth with confusion. "Why's all this gold and gemstones just...lying here? Shouldn't people be, you know, spending it?" Jebni asked as he moved past the massive mountains of wealth.

"See those people counting it? Polishing the diamonds? They asked the same question and went and touched it, now they're here to count and clean it for ever"

The Gnome tugged at the collar on his jumpsuit before nodding to his guide, "Let's get to the next level, shall we?" He then shot a look towards Dalgel, who dutifully took another picture.

"Let's." Raptus said, moving into the next chamber.

Jebni followed after the man-thing, Dalgel sharing a look with the Gnome leader. "<This isn't very...right, is it?>" Dalgel asked,
"<Right? As if, but did you hear what they did with the stone?! They can make it alive!>"
"<Yeah, and I have to admit, those gemstones looked mighty nice...>"
"<Very, now, let's be quiet and pretend we're delighted to be here before he decides to eat us.>"

"Secrets, secrets, always with the secrets." Raptus stated, as the duo entered the next room.
The sight was...different to say the least, there were beautiful, not to mention naked, women and men everywhere.
"Sight for sore eyes, is it not?"

Dalgel watched in awe, but Jebni just nodded and grabbed his companion by the collar, dragging him along. If Dalgel had his way, they'd probably be there all night and all day, doing what, Jebni would rather not think about. They weren't even Gnomes, and still Dalgel fell to their looks.

Jebni's grip on his companion was tight as steel, Dalgel being dragged by his heels as he whistled towards the women. "Hey, bay-bee!" The enticed Gnome yelled, "Mail me some ti-"

With a smack upside the head, Jebni corrected his companion, the two Gnomes then walking on in silence. Obviously, Dalgel wouldn't be allowed to keep the pictures he took of that room. At least, he wouldn't be allowed to visibly keep them.

"Touching them means dieing, they'll show their true form, you don't want that, at all" Raptus said, walking into the next chamber. "Keep up!"

Jebnis and Dalgel followed close to the heels of Raptus, Jebnis keeping his tight grip on Talgel's collar. The two Gnomes were going to have a long, hard journey ahead.
____________________________

Joyriders Beware

The giant stone wagon sat in the middle of the city, totally inert. The latch shut, and the hole in the window letting the air inside, and a bit of smoke outside. Gemstones on the inside flickered and shined, gauges hissing and steam wafting into the air. Gears spun and clicked, watertight sacks filled and emptied, and in the back a pair of fans rotated, pouring cool air into the empty interior.

A small group of followers had gathered around the car, and had started touching it, some going as far as to lick it even. The wagon did not give any response to the touching, though it seemed to be somewhat...displeased with the licking. If a machine could be displeased, that is. Though, considering it was Gnomish, it's fully possible that it could well be alive in some way. Inside, the piece of statue lodged in the gears came dislodged, a series of gears formerly jammed finally kicking into motion.

On the back of the wagon, a series of cloth bundles popped open, large sheets unfolding near the back. They looked like sails, attached to the back of the wagon via a series of ropes. They harmlessly fell to the ground.

This was...unexpected, but the machine remained inert for now, not giving any reaction to the people. It could not move on its own, but it seemed eager for one of the people gathered to try and enter it, to see if they could somehow best it in a fair confrontation rather than poking it on the outside.

One of the onlookers gleefully kicked the inert machine, rubbing his painful toe with an ecstatic smile.

At this juncture in time, there seemed to be a sudden change. Gemstones that were formerly green or blinking yellow became a deep red, and somewhere within the bowels of the machine a red diamond came to life, seeming to squint with anger.

"Criminal scum! Stop right there!" A voice from inside boomed, various gears clicking into place. A pair of nozzles sprouted from the rear of the machine, smoke pouring out of them as internally a pair of airtight leather sacks puffed up, ready to expel their load at the next person to kick the machine.

The onlookers, delighted at the sudden change of inertia to activity, kick it again to see what would happen.

The words 'You asked for it' might be said here, but who would be there to say it? The nozzles, true to their purpose, spat out twin tongues of flame. The crowd was quickly engulfed in Alchemist's Fire, a ring of oxyphosphor that encircled the entire wagon, particularly dousing the statue. Eventually the flames died down, the sacks of fuel emptied from the encircling inferno.

The machine did not shoot at the healers, instead laying content. Obviously it thought the intruders had been warded off, just like it had been enchanted to think. Unfortunately, the Gnome inventors had never considered that there might be a species that enjoyed pain.

Soon enough, the touching began again, and again the machine was kicked.

The wagon did not response this time, though the nozzles pointed towards the crowd again. They were spent for fuel, and that meant the machine was essentially unarmed against the kicking and touching.
_______________________________
Vampires? In MY Gnomeland?

If somebody thought that a cult springing up would not be noticed, then they were fools. If they thought that a cult that snuck around at night would not be noticed, then they obviously forgot they were in Gnome lands. Their meetings in the Gnome city, magical things they were, would soon find an extra guest. One with four muscular arms, as well as a badge. He had come to this...Cult of the Moon. His superiors had never dealt with a cult before, neither had he. But he was confident enough that whatever this group was, whatever they did, he would be immune to it. Especially with his new form of magic.

So he had followed them to their doorsteps, his four arms folded, and his blue silk robe carefully mended from last night's...incident with casting. He had become much more powerful in the art, and his progress was advancing in leaps and bounds. Stupid creatures were so simple to spawn, but as they got more cunning, Daldar's control slipped. He knew he could do better, however, and that much he was sure of.

His lower right arm unfolded, gently rapping on the door of the cult's meeting ground.

1 Minor Act to make Daldar a Greater Servant Chi Master


The Cult of the Moon was simply a group of followers who thought of strange but harmless rituals. Typically, they drank wine, symbolic blood, and wore skin paint that made them pure white. Dances around fires were common. They did, however, have followers capable of magic.

[Smiley_]

Leodin

Thankfully, those moon vampires were staying away from his rabbit-folk. Of course, the vampires appeared to use seduction for their purposes, and the leponites were quite different than most races in form and taste.

Regardless, trouble was afoot. He took out his mighty pink blade and stared at it, thinking that he would have to make sure the others knew that his people were not a rather prolific bunch of intelligent cattle. No, he would see the Leponites through to the end of this world if such a time ever came.

He looked down at his people. They were a strong race, always seeking for self improvement. With his divine power, Leodin sought the same for himself.

He imbued him self with the power of his sword and armor, allowing himself to become one with the design. That was not enough, though. Armor and weapons had to be used well, not just be made well. With another burst of power, he gave himself authority of such matters.

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

Leponite Empire
population: 650,000 individuals

The empire had progressed amazingly well in the first century of existence. Towns were built, and those towns became cities. These cities became great centers of trade for goods and services and great roads connected the nations population centers creating a large, interconnected system.

The borders of the leponite empire stretched further and further. However, to keep this time of prosperity continuing, many of the rabbit folk began to create high quality goods from wood, stone and metal. People would need tools, and there were more people every year waiting to start a farm or become a merchant. Also, through seeds of distrust planted by Boss Bomba and his gang, they began to make weapons and armor just in case one of the other races tried something funny.

To help with the massive workload, the Leponites also began to use animals for labor, transportation and food. It was a quick transition, for this meant that they would ultimately be able to support even larger families on the same amount of land, seeing as how labor could be allocated more efficiently.

1 Major Act to gain the Craft Domain
1 Major act to gain the warfare domain
1 minor act to establish leponites' ability for crafting high quality goods.
1 minor act to establish their knack for animal husbandry

[Darth_Malevo]

Vampires? In MY Gnomeland?
Daldar watched the Cult intently, a notebook and pen in his upper hands as he carefully wrote out a report using such long words as 'vampirism' and 'pagan/occult rituals'. He could probably even pronounce the "/" put in there, of such status was he. That's just what he was, too, a Gnome of status. The words flowed onto the piece of parchment and as he was informed of several things. He watched the strange ritual, the...barbaric thing that they performed here. They seemed to have no understanding of what variation was about, simply following a pre-set style of dance, one after another. The face paint was something else that offended him: They tried to become a singular, pale-skinned person with that mask of paint. It was one thing to evolve and mutate, but to try and become one constant, uniform thing?

It was...foreign, and some of the Gnomes had actually acquiesced to it! Lower arms folded, the government agent watched the heretical dance with his quill furiously scribbling. Then, he felt it. He felt the magic, witchcraft that filled the air with power. To what effect, the government official did not know, but he would not be part of some dark summoning ritual. With the snap of a finger, the stuffy magic in the air was cut clean through, a quartet of slobbering mastiffs having been conjured from thin air. Their anatomies were intricately known to the sorcerer, and he waved to the cult. "Right, right. This stops, it simply stops. No more witchcraft, no more warlock tomfoolery. You lot are all going to disband now and come with me. Last thing you want to do is any little vampire tricks," He reached into his robe with his lower right hand, before pulling out a gleaming gold badge, "Because you're all under arrest for Vampirism, unregistered witchcraft, and several other laws that will be named later on. So come along quietly, because this religion is over."

One Gnome arresting an entire religious gathering, could it be done? Daldar would fancy that yes, yes you could do such a thing. Especially when you were right to do so. Especially when a foreign religion came onto your soil and tried to make unnatural wizards out of everybody around you, tried to make...adversaries in your career path.

Daldar might be called paranoid, too proud to let another faith reside in the same place as his. But he fancied that he was just upholding the law as he saw it.

[ArlEammon]

Amon and Daldar

Hello there, Daldar... The handsome devil said soothingly. "I am surprised you are angry at such peaceful religions... Surely we can talk about this." He outstretched his hand.

[Krrth]

Ksharn

Oghi


A plane, you say? I had been considering doing so. What did you have in mind?

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi and Ksharn

Oghi appeared to Ksharn. He stretched his arm and conjured a great ball of fire in his palm. The flames danced before the two gods and produced a vision. What Ksharn saw in the fire was a chain of floating islands under a blazing sun.

"I am sure we could arrange for your followers to have a few safe locations in there, depending on how you foresee their afterlife."

[Krrth]

Ksharn and Oghi


*looks at the ball*

I'm not sure "safe" is the word I would use. I don't wnat them to be "safe". I want them to fight, even in the afterlife. A few "safe" zones would probably be useful though. No sense in letting them get killed without any chance on their part.

*pause*
I need to do something, though. All of these souls just wandering around is getting annoying. I can't even take a nap in the sun without tripping over a soul. Tell you what, how about...

*The discussion continues on. Eventually, they come to an agreement*

Ksharn draws upon his power and might, and throws it into the ether. There, it combines with that of Oghi to create something wonerful...and new plane of existence.

one ceremony to create a plane with Oghi

[Darth_Malevo]

Vampires? In MY Gnomeland?
"Peaceful religions?" The government official hissed, "I hardly qualify wild magic and blood drinking 'peaceful'. I do, however, qualify an orderly line for shackling and a trial as 'the law'." He did not shake the devil's hand, his eyes looking the monster over. "So, will you do the smart thing and go along with this, or will there have to be an...altercation?" His eyes narrowed, and his lower arms flexed. Around him, magic grew, and the government official knew that right now things would probably end poorly.

"Say, have you heard about the latest project we're working on? It's a nifty little thing, we're getting a power grid set up. It'll provide a magical current throughout the city, the only problem so far is materials to actually build it. Bet you can't figure out what's acting as the power conductor..." He remarked with a cheery face that said: You, your freaky brethren from beyond this world, and probably your followers after I rig the trial they'll face.

[ArlEammon]

"Peaceful religions?" The government official hissed, "I hardly qualify wild magic and blood drinking 'peaceful'. I do, however, qualify an orderly line for shackling and a trial as 'the law'." He did not shake the devil's hand, his eyes looking the monster over. "So, will you do the smart thing and go along with this, or will there have to be an...altercation?" His eyes narrowed, and his lower arms flexed. Around him, magic grew, and the government official knew that right now things would probably end poorly.

"Say, have you heard about the latest project we're working on? It's a nifty little thing, we're getting a power grid set up. It'll provide a magical current throughout the city, the only problem so far is materials to actually build it. Bet you can't figure out what's acting as the power conductor..." He remarked with a cheery face that said: You, your freaky brethren from beyond this world, and probably your followers after I rig the trial they'll face.

"Daldar Daldar Daldar.." The Handsome Devil hissed. "These people do not drink blood. They drink wine... Please, inspect their drink before you accuse them of debasement. The worst thing they've done so far here is get drunk and have a wild party. Daldar, I am god of the Moon.. I will offer this city my services if you will allow my people to live in peace, forever. IF you do NOT allow them to live in peace, there will be worse than hell to pay. In other words, I've come from the Moon. Now take me to your leader."

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi and Ksharn

"You have a deal!"

1 ceremony to create a plane with Ksharn.
Will write a description and think of a name when I have more time. Suggestions are welcomed, especially from Krrth, obviously.

[Darth_Malevo]

Vampires? In MY Gnomeland?
"The Moon, eh?" Daldar asked, cocking an eyebrow. "Never put much stock in believing Moonmen, especially ones who throw rowdy parties. Now, no matter how much I may like you foreign types, you've still got charges against you: Unlawful Sorcery, Criminal Formation of a Mob of more than Eight Persons with Intent to Worship Pagan Gods, Unregistered Divinity Status, not to mention the fact that you owe the government quite a hefty sum in taxes on your private estate, as well as...ah yes, I believe we can skip most of this and head straight to: Threatening an officer of the law, followed by implying the future of a city with malicious intent." Daldar's hands slipped behind his back, and out came a pair of manacles, ready to arrest the devil for crimes stated.

"Unfortunately for you, our leader isn't much into talking with loony Moonfolk right now. I'm sure the local Magistrates will be more than willing to listen to whatever guilty pleas you have, so just put your arms behind your back and get your little...Mooncult here to do the same. A wagon'll be here to take you to the nearest processing house, and you'll get a fair trial and all that...stuff." The Chi user said, mildly uninterested in the fable being woven. "Say, quick question, though: If you're so high and mighty, why don't you just...zap us off the map? Make moon stones fall on us, flood us, that sort of stuff. Why bother going through the followers if you can just gut us with 'Divine Magic', eh?"

[ArlEammon]

"Mr... There are a lot of us out there, and many don't even know me well..
"Let say this, one last time.... let go of these people and leave them alone and things will go well.... In fact, why don't you take me with you and leave them here? I'll even pretend to be your prisoner."

[Darth_Malevo]

Vampires? In MY Gnomeland?
Daldar shrugged, "Arright, you'll come with me, and the rest of your followers'll stay here under lock'n'key. No barricades, but if they try somethin', the dogs'll get 'em. So get the cuffs on and we'll get a move-on." He mumbled, scratching his head. The cuffs were still out, but this lightening his workload a bit. So long as the demon was under lock and key, that meant the cult was...technically...just a mob of people. No worship involved if there isn't something to worship, right?

Right. That would work, at least, that would work according to Daldar's relatively polluted logic. He still felt that it would be right to arrest them all and throw them in jail, but he knew things had gotten all politi-cal. What with Gods and cults and the fate of the city and the like, he was just one official. Certainly not the sort who'd possibly decide his people's fate, that was for other officials to do. Especially when those other officials were expendable, and he was him. He valued himself, for some odd reason. Probably another of those countless odd things about him and his people.

[ArlEammon]

Vampires? In MY Gnomeland?
Daldar shrugged, "Arright, you'll come with me, and the rest of your followers'll stay here under lock'n'key. No barricades, but if they try somethin', the dogs'll get 'em. So get the cuffs on and we'll get a move-on." He mumbled, scratching his head. The cuffs were still out, but this lightening his workload a bit. So long as the demon was under lock and key, that meant the cult was...technically...just a mob of people. No worship involved if there isn't something to worship, right?

Right. That would work, at least, that would work according to Daldar's relatively polluted logic. He still felt that it would be right to arrest them all and throw them in jail, but he knew things had gotten all politi-cal. What with Gods and cults and the fate of the city and the like, he was just one official. Certainly not the sort who'd possibly decide his people's fate, that was for other officials to do. Especially when those other officials were expendable, and he was him. He valued himself, for some odd reason. Probably another of those countless odd things about him and his people.

When they got to where Daldar wanted Amon to be at, Amon waited for some kind of sign for him to speak. Certainly something strange was going on. This weird man was not afraid of him just walking out of the fire and offering him power. Amon was wondering exactly what he could do for the city. He wasn't into slaughter and murder. Perhaps he could turn the entire city into an orgy of hedonistic extacy.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard laughed as he gave his worshipers, his chosen ones and those with great Greed, Lust, Gluttony, Pride, Envy and Sloth his newly created Enchantment magic. This magic could only be casted by those born with the power but the higher levels of Enchantment had to be learnt.

Gard also created a city on the world, those that worshipped Gard or who died due to Greed, Lust, Gluttony, Pride, Envy or Sloth would be sent their when they died.

2 major + 1 minor.

[Fan]

Romachuk had brooded for the past years allowing his power to grow, and his reapers to grow stronger, and stronger. (Sorry forgot this thread existed in beta thought it had died in Gamma.)
Thus with a wave of his hand he gifted his people with Necromancy the magic of death, and of power.
He will then call on Gard. He has a grand idea. :smallamused:

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard appeared in front of Romachuk.

[Fan]

"Ah, Gard. I see you answered my call. Now let us discuss the offer I have for you. You see all the supposed "good" gods are creating planes of peace, and tranqulity for their people's to dwell. While the people's who happen to not quite follow their ideals are trapped forever in Limbo. Now thats not quite fair to them now is it? Tell me Gard what do YOU do with useless detetrius that takes up space? Well, tell me."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"I give it to a mortal and see if they can use it for something important." Said Gard. "Though I presume that isn't the answer you were expecting or looking far."

[Fan]

"You have assumed correctly. What I plan to do is to create place that will for all intents, and purposes serve as a soul furnace. Turning the otherwise wasted souls that would continually fuel the power of both you, and I. Now, as you may have guessed all the "good" gods wont be happy with this. So, I'm going to expend some of my power to veil it as a place of Judgement, and a place for sinners who have wronged their prospective gods. I will let a steady flow of souls through, but a certain precentage of them will be fed to the immense fires that are innate to the plane. I need YOUR help to make this plane Gard, and I will even expen the majority of power to create it."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"I'm afraid that I'm unable to help you. Though I will argue you case with the good gods, I don't think its the best idea for me to do it. I'm sorry." Said Gard. "Sorry."

[Kaiser Omnik]

"You have assumed correctly. What I plan to do is to create place that will for all intents, and purposes serve as a soul furnace. Turning the otherwise wasted souls that would continually fuel the power of both you, and I. Now, as you may have guessed all the "good" gods wont be happy with this. So, I'm going to expend some of my power to veil it as a place of Judgement, and a place for sinners who have wronged their prospective gods. I will let a steady flow of souls through, but a certain precentage of them will be fed to the immense fires that are innate to the plane. I need YOUR help to make this plane Gard, and I will even expen the majority of power to create it."

OOC: FF, you should really check with Raz before doing anything like this. I'm not sure he wants souls to be used as fuel in a (metaphysical or real) furnace...

[Fan]

"Tis fine. I will merely have to divert my power elsewhere. Speaking of which.. Are you interested in Necromancy?"

@ Omnik

Its not so much as being used as fuel as being drained into pathetic husks, and tossed aside as "falures for redmeption" it has alotr of RP potential, and it would be made of win. Well EVIL win.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"Necromancy seems interesting. What are you suggesting?" Asked Gard.

[Fan]

"Merely that you allow some of my more advanced reapers to teach them appropriately. Nothing more. Nothing less. Consider it a act of good will."

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

"fine, you can teach my worshippers necromacy." Said Gard.

[Fan]

Romachuk placed his hands together, and smiled in a way that would have made most other deities cringe as he spoke.
"Eeeexcelent."
Then Romachuk sent out his First 13 reaoers beings of massive power, and great skill in the art of reaping. Yet their necromancy was how would one put it.... Unrefined, so Romachuk empowered their spellcasting with another TWO MINOR ACTS.

Acts spent so far this turn:

2 major to make Necromancy. Them magic of Death, souls, and Entropy.
2 minors to gift the first 13 with greater spell casting. The first 13 now have a total of 5 minors spent on them, and where created with a major act. Crazy.
Acts left:
2 major (one left from last turn.)
1 minor.
and 2 ceremonies.

[Silverkiss]

Draco

A great hoar is heard by all divine beings and all those in or near the Dragonian Empire, and from the depths of the Marble Mountain, as it is now called, the great Dragon God rises, flying to the sky. With him comes a torrent of power, ushering the Empire into a new age of advancement and understanding, with a great populational boom and many civic works; the building of many towns and the honing of building skills.

The Dragon God looks over the Empire, by far the greatest and widest kingdom of mortals, and is pleased. My children are doing well. Draco flyes to the skies with amazing speed, feeling his newfound powers, the very powers he was gathering in his long slumber.

"I am awake once again."

-------
The Dragonian Empire

A counsil was being held, a counsil between the Dragon Lords, to decide the fate of the Empire.

"I say we go out and conquer them all, these inferior mortal tribes. They are nothing compared to our greatness and our power !" - Spoke Inarius, the Aspect of Power.

"No. Rivers of blood will not be the answer." - Replyed Methros, the Aspect of Balance.

"Methros is right, Inarius. There would be no sense to such slaughter." - Daigus, the Aspect of Justice, agreed.

"Let there be friendship. It is that what we lack. We are too isolated, left to ourselves. We must learn from the other mortal tribes, share from their knowledge, and give ours in return. We have only to gain." - Suggested Ardregon, the Aspect of Dreams.

"I agree with Ardregon. Let the mortal tribes have a chance." - Spoke Nairin, the Aspect of Love.

"No ! We must conquer them ! Why share our knowledge, when we can gain theirs with brute strenght ? Let all the rewards be ours !" - Inarius was furious.

"The Great Dragon would not be pleased with such senseless destruction, Inarius. Beware of your words, lest they betray you." - Methros replyed, impassive.

"You seek to defy me, Methros ?" - Asked Inarius, in fury, but his only answer was silence. "Too afraid to answer, weakling ?"

"Enough of this ! There shall be no conflicts inside the Counsil. Calm yourself, Inarius." - Spoke Darigazz, the Aspect of Wisdom, the head of the Dragon Lords. "You did not give your opinion yet, Alexa. What is your view ?"

"The only certain thing for mortals is death. Whatever is the path choosen, that will not change." - Alexa, the Aspect of Death, answered.

"Hum. Then I have made my decision. We have no reason for war. Send forth messegers to every corner of the civilized world. Let us make ourselves known, and hope for the best. Counsil dismissed." - Darigazz flew off, and the others soon followed.

...

With the Counsil's decision, messegers where sent to everywhere that sentient people lived. They carried messages of friendship, as well as gifts to the rulers and goods and knowledge to trade. The Dragon Lords lay in their distant homes, waiting for the results of the embassadors' missions.


Three Major Acts used to increase DvR by 1.
Five Minor Acts used to increase population and civic levels in the Dragonian Empire.

Acts left: 2 Ceremonies.

[Fan]

Romachuk chuckled as he descended to the Planet, and he viewed the mortals that he was unseen to.
'He considered them petty, violent, and unworthy of the life they so jealously horded.
These things made him sick.
So, he broke off one of the many thousands of blades in his sword, and from that he crafted a scythe. This scythe would be the bane of all living creatures sucking the very life force from their bodies, and storing it within the Scythe where it would be corrupted, and twisted to be spawned later as wraiths, and ghouls. And he gifted this to the first, and most powerful of his reapers. With this it would be UNSTOPABLE! (evil dialouge. MWAHAHAHA!)

1 major act spent to create the scythe of aeons.

[Smiley_]

Leponite Capital City, Vadim

Dellis (pronounced kinda like "Dallas"), put his hands over his face and groaned. He was a novice commander, bearing an eyepatch that covered a deformity he had since birth. He had covered the spot where the missing eye should have been with an eyepatch. He could at least pretend that he used to have two functional eyes.

But that didn't matter now. Right now, he was being assigned as a magistrate of the worst city possible.

Let me get this straight, You're sending me to Ulm to be in charge of the law enforcement there.

The large, heavily set rabbit-man sat behind a table, staring at the young Leponite. As the High Commander of the Leponite Defensive Advisory, his desicion was absolute.

That is correct.

To enforce the law where the only authority is "Boss" Bomba? What is my "duty", to accept bribes from his goons and look the other way? We have no footing there!

Is there a problem with my orders?

Dellis glared at his commanding officer before bowing his head and submitting.

No, Sir.

If anyone was paying attention, this is where the two minor acts I used last turn went. They went into this young, rather unremarkable officer. I have grand things planned for him.

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

The Spirit Turtle was pleased with its creations - they lived in peace, yet their very existence made the others contain themselves, balancing each other out. This made Shouheki pleased.

Casting its eyes into the Spirit Realm, Shouheki say that, unlike before, some of the spirits were becoming more powerful than the rest - powerful enough to influence the Mortal Realm simply by their presence. They were Arashi, the Sky Asunder; Chisei, Heart of Oceans; Hokori, Dust Drinker; and Jiwari, the Earth Aflame. They embodied the pure essence of the four elements, and they were almost powerful enough to come through the Veil, the barrier between the worlds, unassisted.

Pool
Major Acts: 0

Minor Acts: 5

Ceremonies: 2

Used
Major Acts: 0

Minor Acts: 4 - The four elemental spirits (Arashi - Air, Chisei - Water, Hokori - Earth, Jiwari - Fire)

Ceremonies: 0

Pool
Major Acts: 0

Minor Acts: 1

Ceremonies: 2

[Raz_Fox]

Inarius brooded in his cave. Fools, the lot of them. Oh, how he wished he could make them pay.

You want power? Domination? Serve me, and I will make your dreams come true.

Inarius looked up sharply. "Who is there? Who dares to breach my cave?" The grim chuckle came seemingly from beneath him. Greetings, Inarius. You want things, I want things. Perhaps we can help each other. You may call me... Layux. I can give you power beyond even your wildest dreams, mighty dragon. All I want is your service. Bow to me, bend to my will and I will be your slave, Inarius. Together, we can subjugate those who dare to call themselves your masters and all of the weak, the lesser races who should bow to the ultimate perfection - the dragon. What do you say, Inarius? The voice was sweet and seductive, and its honeyed words were incredibly tempting. "We have a deal, Layux."

Layux's savage laughter filled Inarius's cave. Done and DONE! Together, Inarius, we will do great things...

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi was pleased with the plane he had created with his newfound ally, Ksharn. But he had other things to do on the material plane. So he traveled to his archipelago, to a large, flat terrain the locals called the Plains of Ash; it was so called because it laid in the north of a volcanic island. Most of the region is desolate. However, a small portion of the plain was made fertile thanks to the ash blown from the volcanoes. Compared to the other salamanders, those who inhabited the Plains of Ash had a tempestuous character. Oghi knew exactly what they needed. And so, the Fire God blew in the smoke and ash of the volcanoes to from twelve elementals, collectively known as the Tempest. Those creatures embodied the wrath of nature, the storm and the volcanic eruption, utterly impossible to tame. They roamed free around the islands and the inland sea. However, the salamanders who dwelled in the plains would be able to channel some of the elementals' rage and destructive power with shamanistic rituals. This way, they would become the undisputed masters of the island.

If possible, I'll spend two minor acts to make the 12 tempest elementals, because they would have to be a bit more powerful than level 12. If not, then only one minor.
One more minor to give those salamanders an affinity with shamanism

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

Pyre Islands

The salamanders weren't nearly as organized as the Dragonians. As there existed no central government, many chieftains received the visit of the imperial emissaries. They were all entertained by the gifts, but most of them were still suspicious of the stranger. In any case, the Empire was far away, and there was no way that it would threaten their domination in the region anytime soon. All the chieftains agreed to maintain some relations with the Dragonians. After all, trade with the outside world could only be beneficial...right?

[Darth_Malevo]

Vampires? In MY Gnomeland?

Daldar led the supposed deity throughout the city, his prisoner bound a very sturdy pair of no-frills manacles. The sort you'd use to imprison a criminal before getting him into proper irons. The trip had been on foot, the fancy new "Wagonmobiles" having yet to become ready for mainstream usage. Granted, with the Chi user's level of authority, he could probably have ordered the entire warehouse district firebombed and been hailed as a hero for rooting out such heresy. But he was a Gnome, and part of him still wanted to find out what made this Devil so interesting, especially since it was a well-known fact that Devils couldn't hold the attention of a proper Gnome for more than a few minutes.

The trip led the duo across several districts, city construction crews working furiously to erect new buildings and lay down cobbles. A few had assembled a Cobbling Machine, which was currently locked in a fierce competition with a Gnome in a rubber suit to try and lay down more cobbles. The contest burst through the streets with a clatter of stone, Daldar and his prisoner following in the rapidly-closing wake. The Gnome officer kept going until the two approached a single structure in the center of the city: A squat, sprawling stone structure ringed with high fortified walls. The front gate, wrought from steel, was open. Various acolytes walked, flew, and hovered inside and out of it. Daldar and his prisoner went inside without any real flair, a series of gemstones glowing as they looked over the press of bodies. Everything went as it should, and the large four-story complex soon opened one of its many doors to them.

The air inside was filled with the smell of sweat and burning bacon, several Gnomes having exploded themselves in the main concourse alone. Several more seemed on the path to it, their backs having been laden with chemicals and various pieces of machinery. The entire concourse inside of the building was a hub of activity, Gnomes garbed in bits of clockwork and machinery running between shop-sized buildings in the complex. Some moved with wagons of materials, others carrying sheaves of paper about the place. The odd "Eureka!" and "I've done it!" rang out across the area, but the two eventually made their way further inside. Moving across countless drab halls, cutting across the quasi-alleys that exited within this city palace/madhouse.

Eventually the scenery changed to relatively bland stone hall guarded by patrolling Gnomes in scale armor, several sporting fancy longswords that looked liable to explode. The Gnomes, with a bit of rushed conversation, quickly moved aside. None of the press of bodies remained here, and in their place were several statues, each one memorializing some previous ruler, as well as their manner of demise. Most involved the words "Testing" or "Experimenting with". At the end of the avenue of statues were several doors, and Daldar ran towards one before loudly banging on it. A bleating sound filled the air, followed by the door swinging open of its own accord. Daldar moved inside with his prisoner, the two entering into a relatively luxurious office. The floor had some sort of synthetic animal skin covering its entirety, and a fire had been set up along the far wall. A wooden desk was one of the few pieces of furniture in the room, the other pieces being three chairs. One of which was behind the desk, and filled with the body of a relatively amused looking Gnome.

A brief exchange of Gnomish words and the Gnome behind the desk looked to the God of the Moon, his shriveled face contorted into a sunken smile, "A God, hmm?" The smiling Gnome took a writ from Daldar, who decided to open his mouth.

"One with a long list of crimes..." The government agent remarked, "The least of which being tax evasion on his property, which he claims is the Moon. The most severe of which is threatening an officer, not to mention...witchcraft."

"Witchcraft?" The Gnome behind the desk, presumably a leader, said. His tongue made a slight clucking sound, one that somebody might expect from a chicken or rooster, "That's quite...serious, don't you think so, Mr...?" He turned to the Devil, obviously unphased by the fact that a giant handsome extraplanar being just got marched into his office unannounced and charged with not paying taxes on a celestial body. If there was one thing the Gnome behind that desk could do, it was remain calm, collected, and completely intent on finding the bottom of the matter.

[ArlEammon]

Vampires? In MY Gnomeland?

Daldar led the supposed deity throughout the city, his prisoner bound a very sturdy pair of no-frills manacles. The sort you'd use to imprison a criminal before getting him into proper irons. The trip had been on foot, the fancy new "Wagonmobiles" having yet to become ready for mainstream usage. Granted, with the Chi user's level of authority, he could probably have ordered the entire warehouse district firebombed and been hailed as a hero for rooting out such heresy. But he was a Gnome, and part of him still wanted to find out what made this Devil so interesting, especially since it was a well-known fact that Devils couldn't hold the attention of a proper Gnome for more than a few minutes.

The trip led the duo across several districts, city construction crews working furiously to erect new buildings and lay down cobbles. A few had assembled a Cobbling Machine, which was currently locked in a fierce competition with a Gnome in a rubber suit to try and lay down more cobbles. The contest burst through the streets with a clatter of stone, Daldar and his prisoner following in the rapidly-closing wake. The Gnome officer kept going until the two approached a single structure in the center of the city: A squat, sprawling stone structure ringed with high fortified walls. The front gate, wrought from steel, was open. Various acolytes walked, flew, and hovered inside and out of it. Daldar and his prisoner went inside without any real flair, a series of gemstones glowing as they looked over the press of bodies. Everything went as it should, and the large four-story complex soon opened one of its many doors to them.

The air inside was filled with the smell of sweat and burning bacon, several Gnomes having exploded themselves in the main concourse alone. Several more seemed on the path to it, their backs having been laden with chemicals and various pieces of machinery. The entire concourse inside of the building was a hub of activity, Gnomes garbed in bits of clockwork and machinery running between shop-sized buildings in the complex. Some moved with wagons of materials, others carrying sheaves of paper about the place. The odd "Eureka!" and "I've done it!" rang out across the area, but the two eventually made their way further inside. Moving across countless drab halls, cutting across the quasi-alleys that exited within this city palace/madhouse.

Eventually the scenery changed to relatively bland stone hall guarded by patrolling Gnomes in scale armor, several sporting fancy longswords that looked liable to explode. The Gnomes, with a bit of rushed conversation, quickly moved aside. None of the press of bodies remained here, and in their place were several statues, each one memorializing some previous ruler, as well as their manner of demise. Most involved the words "Testing" or "Experimenting with". At the end of the avenue of statues were several doors, and Daldar ran towards one before loudly banging on it. A bleating sound filled the air, followed by the door swinging open of its own accord. Daldar moved inside with his prisoner, the two entering into a relatively luxurious office. The floor had some sort of synthetic animal skin covering its entirety, and a fire had been set up along the far wall. A wooden desk was one of the few pieces of furniture in the room, the other pieces being three chairs. One of which was behind the desk, and filled with the body of a relatively amused looking Gnome.

A brief exchange of Gnomish words and the Gnome behind the desk looked to the God of the Moon, his shriveled face contorted into a sunken smile, "A God, hmm?" The smiling Gnome took a writ from Daldar, who decided to open his mouth.

"One with a long list of crimes..." The government agent remarked, "The least of which being tax evasion on his property, which he claims is the Moon. The most severe of which is threatening an officer, not to mention...witchcraft."

"Witchcraft?" The Gnome behind the desk, presumably a leader, said. His tongue made a slight clucking sound, one that somebody might expect from a chicken or rooster, "That's quite...serious, don't you think so, Mr...?" He turned to the Devil, obviously unphased by the fact that a giant handsome extraplanar being just got marched into his office unannounced and charged with not paying taxes on a celestial body. If there was one thing the Gnome behind that desk could do, it was remain calm, collected, and completely intent on finding the bottom of the matter.


"I am Amon. Lord of the Moon.. and I am tired of my people being oppressed by such useless laws. My magic is not witchcraft. My people are not vampires, yet. Those are halflings... Please listen to reason."

[Darth_Malevo]

Daldar grinned ferociously, eying the Devil up and making a few quick calculations regarding muscle mass, magical conductivity, and the runes required for the binding process. As far as he was concerned, this case was in the bag. With a pretty bow tied on, too!

"Yet...that's the problem." The Gnome Regionar said, rubbing his temples, "You are doing witchcraft. Sure, you don't have eye of newt, or a child's bottle cry, but...it's still magic. You're still warping reality, without a license! You could very well tear the fabric of this city apart and I assure you, it has happened before, on several occasions. And the Vampires thing...you lot going around, scrawling poetry on public property, seducing fair maidens...sucking their blood out. Sounds like jolly good fun when you read it in a book, but we've dealt with," He pulled the writ up, reading the words carefully, "Vam-py-ren before. Not glorious, at all."

"The property's obviously minor for a Moongod. You can pay us in...Star Metal? Yes, I believe that's in your domain, Amon. Star Metal, right enough. Give us a few hundred pounds of the space stuff, and you'll be able to keep your little planetary property. The other stuff, well, I don't suppose you can think of any alternatives, now can you?"

[Smiley_]

Nasty Border Town of Ulm

Another slow day. Nothing ever happened. Dellis was no more than a figurehead placed there for some pretense of state authority.

There was a knock at his door.

Come in.

A scout wearing leather armor came into the room

There is a small band of odd creatures coming towards the city.

Halfling?

No, sir... We don't know what they are.

Do they know they have been spotted?

No sir!

Very well, prepre one of the larger labor beasts for me. I will take a small group of men to check them out.

Wouldn't the chargers be better? The labor beasts are herbivores and are not violent at all.

They don't know that, now do they. This is just a show of muscle to make sure they won't try to be difficult.

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

The dragonians saw the large beast from a long way away. They percieved several smaller shapes moving alongside the behemoth. As they came closer, the dragonians could see that this thing was a gargantuan reptile, supporting it's massive bulk on four thick legs. It's neck and tail were disproportionately long and thin. The beast wore a row of aromred plates on it's back and neck.

It took the dragonians a while to notice the others. There were a band of small furry creatures. Well armed it seemed as well. A group of crossbowmen rode on the behemoth's back and several others were on the ground, armed with finely crafted spears.

One of the furry creatures, wearing a finely crafted set of leather and bone armor and an eyepatch, hopped down from another beast, something like an oversized disproportioned bipedal lizard, and made his way to the dragonians.

Who are you strange people. We have never seen such people as you before. I ask that you state your intentions, for we will suffer no ill will!

[Fan]

The reapers contiue to hunt the souls of Krrth's people the First One hunting well this year with the new gift of the Scythe magnifying the power he gained from the reaping , and allowing him to transport the souls easier for JUDGMENT at the hands of Romachuk.

[Silverkiss]

Dragonian Group near Ulm

The group stops at the sight of the behemoth, although they are less scared than the leponites might think. The reptilian creature remembered them of the Pure Dragons back in home, and the Pure Dragons had far more reasons to be feared than this behemoth. Still, they said nothing, and just waited. The group's leader, a large dragonian with silver scales and deep shapphire eyes, moved forward, kneeling before the leponite and offering him a present; a box of well-crafted jewelry made from the best smiths from the Empire. The jewelry mostly depicted dragons.

"Hails, furry-people, we come from the far lands of the East, from the mighy Empire of Dragonia. We bring you this as a sign of friendship, and seek to trade goods and knowledge with your people. I am sure we have much to learn from you, and our rulers wish to befriend every other civilized nation in these lands. We come with the blessings of the Great Dragon, and seek to bring no harm, only friendship and joy."

[ArlEammon]

"The property's obviously minor for a Moongod. You can pay us in...Star Metal? Yes, I believe that's in your domain, Amon. Star Metal, right enough. Give us a few hundred pounds of the space stuff, and you'll be able to keep your little planetary property. The other stuff, well, I don't suppose you can think of any alternatives, now can you?"

"Little worm..." Amon broke out of the manacles easily... "LISTEN TO ME!! YOU HAVE UNTIL THREE NIGHTS TO LET THESE FOLLOWERS OF MINE GO! OR YOU"LL GET YOUR STAR METAL ALRIGHT!" Amon then disappears.

[Smiley_]

Dellis pondered the Dragonian's words for a while as if in thought. He couldn't let them go onto Ulm. Bomba's goons would be waiting to sieze their goods as soon as possible and butcher the rest.

He took out a map from his pocket and said something to one of his soldiers who fetched something from the smaller reptile's saddlebag. Dellis was given a stick of charcoal which he used to mark the map. This he handed to the dragonian.

Follow the paths I highlighted. Also, the marked cities are to be avoided at all costs, do you understand? Including this one behind me.

He turned and mounted his beast and looked at the dragonian one last time.

That is all I can do for you now. I bid you farewell.

[Silverkiss]

"Thank you for you advice. Could you give me your name, friend ? I will be sure to remember it. I am Nazz'Rius." - Said the dragonian, still holding the jewelry box for Dellis to pick up, while another dragonian took the map and guarded it safely.

[Smiley_]

Dellis called back to the dragonian.

I am called Captain Dellis from the city of Vadim. I am the chief magistrate of Ulm, the city you see yonder, but it is not but a title.

The leponite greeting party turned around and headed back towards the city, the huge armored behemoth following slowly behind.

[Darth_Malevo]

Vampires? In MY Gnomeland? Not anymore!

Daldar looked at the Regionar, the Regionar sharing a look with the government sorcerer. "You know what this means, right?" The officer asked, the Regionar stroking his chin.

"Meteor showers, and no doubt the sky will fall." The Regionar said with a sigh, "Help captive by the moon, what has this world come to?"

"That's just it." Daldar replied, "It's come to this. Gnomes verses a bunch of Vampires, just like the old days, back when we didn't have the repeating crossbow, or alchemy! If we're going to survive..." The Gnome commented, wringing his hands, "We're gonna have to go..."

"Savage?" The Regionar volunteered, to a nod.

"More than savage. We'll have to become creative."

The word hung in the air, and it's true what they say: Wars are not decided by slogan-brandishing rabblerousers, but by poker-faced men who don't even know the names of those they're about to send to their death. Or those that they're going to kill, except for a select few.

"I'll need money." Daldar volunteered,
"Done." The Regionar replied, pulling out a solid platinum chit from within the folds of his robes.
"And minds."
"The entire complex is at your disposal." The Gnome leader replied, Daldar writing down a long string of numbers on the platinum chit.
"And-" The Gnome official began, before being cut off.
"Whatever you want, it's done. We're fighting somebody with a following, not to mention a somebody with magic at his disposal. I want the problem gone. No more bloodsuckers."
"Death to the Vampyren." Daldar gloated, raising his upper left arm with energy.
"Death to the Vampyren..." The Regionar said with much less gusto as Baldar left to organize the hunt. A magical 8-ball rested on his desk, glowing in the faint light. He gingerly lifted the weight with one hand before shaking it, looking at what might appear:

"Bugger."
_______________________________

And so it began. With vast wealth and brilliant minds, the beginning of the Vampire Wars was brewed. Not by some racial malice, not by the guidance and instruction of some foul god, but by the pride of a single Gnome. One Gnome who would spearhead the conflict against these unnatural wizard. One who propagated his own sorcery, one that would find much use in the conflict ahead. Three days before the conflict began.

Unless, of course, Fate decided otherwise. But that's the funny thing about Fate: It never shows its hand early enough.

[Silverkiss]

The group of ambassadors led by Nazz'Rius followed Dellis' map, arriving at their destination after a few days of travel...

[Darth_Malevo]

Freaking Fuzzballs!

High above one of the wilder cities of the Leponites, reality decided to take a small vacation. One long enough for a roughly brick-shaped object to transition into reality, then fall from high above with an accurate whine. Boddypen manned the Mk. 2 Stone Wagon, his keener-than-normal wit helping to guide the crew in their running around and screaming. Even so, there was still an respectable amount of running and screaming for Gnomes flying without actually controlling their flight via flailing arms and legs.

Of the twelve-Gnome crew, so far only three were panicking madly, and- thankfully- only one had wet himself. The remainder had decided to stay in their seats, screaming madly as they pushed the gemstone buttons and pulled the levers Boddypen told them to. Eventually the wailing quieted up, a sail unfolding by itself along the top of the wagon. Two wings stretched out from the sides, and eventually the entire wagon jerked back as it caught a particularly powerful updraft.

Which tore the sails off. Bugger this, thought Boddypen as the Stone Wagon made a heroic descent from the heavens. Or rather, a burning descent, one that had its own plume of smoke behind it because somebody have fired the thrusters before they had reached halfway on the Bobbing Water Gizmo.

Regardless, Boddypen was always one to look out for his own neck, and he found a very good way of doing so. It was a well-known fact that stone was damn near unbreakable, and that's why they built the wagons from it. It meant that maneuvers that would shatter a metal or glass machine instead made the Wagon shudder and bounce the crew inside around. So long as the majority of the crew kept themselves seated in some way, then it wouldn't be so bad. Boddypen's throat went raw from yelling as he tried to guide the Wagon towards what appeared to be a treeline of some sort. If he was lucky, then the remainders of the sails would catch some sort of wind, and he could crash-land the vehicle in the forest.

If he was unlucky, then he'd impale them clean on a tree, or send them into a cartwheel that would snap all of their necks when they hit the ground. Safety buckles or no safety buckles. It seemed that the other Gnomes onboard had realized this as well, for those seated and screaming had shut up, instead working to try and maximize their chances of survival. Parachutes deployed from the back, the crew jerking forward. The three not seated went clean through the windshield, the backdraft that came through the Gnome-shaped holes tearing a fourth out of her seat and into the skies.

Eventually, with the sound of a keg of thermite, a manner of control was restored. That control lasted for exactly four point five seconds, which was long enough to aim the wagon for a swath of trees perpendicular to the descending wagon. What came after was messy, loud, and echoing across the land. Something exploded, something else ruptured, and more besides was damaged in the landing. Thankfully, it seemed Boddypen survived, if with a few scratches and bruises.

Unfortunately, Boddypen and the remaining members of his crew had survived outside of a very wild city ruled by a very bad fuzzball.
________________________________________
Dragons = Bugger
The second Mk. 2 Stone Wagon entered into reality quite peacefully. No blazing trails of fire, no screaming reentries into the atmosphere, and certainly no casualties. As a matter of fact, Captain Leopold had exited himself and his crew on top of a beautiful cliff. The sun was setting in the distant, the waters were illuminated, the trees seemed to glow. A strange geological formation was behind them, a pair of large caves from which a breeze came at a constant pace. Each gust of air rocked the wagon slightly, but it wasn't anything that could tip over several tonnes of stone.

There was a beep, beep, beep as the Wagon went into reverse, the wheels turning around as Leopold guided his crew forward. This was new Gnome lands, where they would set down a beacon, and await more Gnomes to come over and start a new colony. He thought about what to name this new land, and Leoland seemed nice. Or Leodonia.

Unfortunately, he forgot about that right quick when his Wagon turned around the entire way, and the entirety of the caves and the mountain they were attached to came into view.

"That's no cave!" Somebody in the back screamed,
"It's a bloody dragon!" Leopold said, just before fainting.

[Silverkiss]

Dragons and Gnomes

The pure dragon stared down at the stone contraption, curiosity on his eyes. The moon reflected on his light-blue scales and he seemed happy. He extendes his claw, grabbing the stone vehicle and lifting it from the ground on his palm, until it was on his eye level. Then, with a rough and cavernous voice, the dragon spoke, but his voice was gentle.

"Good evening, my little friends. I haven't heard of nor seen any of your kind yet. Who might you be, and what brings you to our lands ?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi decided to return to the Plains of Ash a few years later, in the guise of a salamander, to observe how his creatures were faring. He came upon a large settlement in the central region. In fact, it was the first salamander city he ever encountered. He learned that it was called The City Between the Earth and the Sky, or more commonly, the Middle City, because it was thought to be located on sacred ground, where the spirits of the air met with the spirits of the beasts. It was a marvelous sight. The architecture of the wooden buildings incorporated flame motifs. Outside the massive palisade, he caught a glimpse of the hundreds of tents that made up the outer city. They were salamanders from other clans who came here to acknowledge the leadership of the Storm Blade tribe. Oghi wandered the streets of the Middle City and was surprised to find that the salamanders were also an artistic people. The city was full of expressive paintings on murals, as well as misshapen but meaningful stone and clay sculptures. Oghi guessed that the last sculptures were made by salamanders in their image, but were violently trashed when they were deemed too faulty. They embodied the essence of violence and wildness. To Oghi, they were perfect.

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

Kitsune and Kappa

The shapes appeared as dots on the ocean, little more than insects crawling on the map of their small world. Those that saw them though them to be whales, sea-birds, or even ocean spirits on a physical sojourn. Most, however, didn't even bother to look out at the ocean. After all, what could possibly exist in the world that was not on the Ocean's Heart and created by the Spirit Turtle?

A few days later, the 'dots' had grown to very noticable smudges, and those creatures who regularly went out on the ocean began to tell stories about them, pointing them out to the others, until everyone on the eastern coastline had at least heard of these approaching objects. It was not long after that that the shapes became obvious - ships. Ships that were so much bigger than anything that the children of Shouheki had ever seen built, that rivalled and surpassed even their greatest houses in size. The only thing that was bigger, they would say amongst themselves, was the Spirit Turtle itself!

Eventually, the ships landed, spewing forth strange creatures, speaking a language that none on the island could understand, but it was obvious that they came in peace. Thankfully, they arrived near a kitsune village, so the outlook was mutual. The kitsune, as they could not understand a word that the strange people said, assumed what was to them the most likely and logical explanation - these were spirits made flesh, able to do great and might things, and so bowed down in worship.

Silverkiss, I hope that the Dragonians were coming to my island, and that you don't mind there being a language barrier for the time being.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard smiled, his city was doing great. Gluttony was doing great, Pride was doing great, Sloth was doing great and Greed was doing astonishingly well. and if they master Enchantment they would only get better. Gard smiled, he was happy.

******

Envy, a halfling was walking through his town, invisible. He was taking everything that wasn't indentifiable or broken. He then hoarded those items in a locked room. Sometimes he sold the items but that was a rare occurance. Envy found a wife and had children before passing away.

The two children of Envy had greater goals than their father. They weren't envious of little items. They were envious of land and titles. The Envy children agreed. The halfling kingdom would be their's.

[Darth_Malevo]

Dragons and Gnomes

The crew inside of the wagon looked positively terrified because they were terrified. Each and every one felt stark terror at the giant dragon, but it was soon being overwhelmed by the urge to investigate just why this one in particular hadn't decided to gobble them up or flame broil them. Leopold was left unconscious in his chair, and his second in command- Bunkrick- was left to negotiate. The one-eared Gnome grabbed the brass speaking tube next to the chair, pushing a button beneath it. On the roof, a small panel slid back to reveal a compartment beneath. A bronze megaphone slowly rose from the compartment before facing the dragon, Bunkrick's voice echoing across the open area.

"We are Gnomes of the City of Gears, named so for our culture! Now, would you be so kind as to move aside, so we might claim this place from the grips of the natives in the name of Gnomes everywhere?" Bunkrick asked politely, unknowing that he was speaking to a native.
_____________________________________
Burn, baby, burn! No, really.

Some distance from the Middle City, a wagon arose from the murky depths of the water. It surfaced in a manner that might be compared to a ship sinking in reverse, the rippling water falling off of it as it moved forward. For no sensible reason at all, the interior of the vessel was illuminated with a red glow, the crew unnecessarily whispering inside of the transport. Machinery clicked and gemstones glowed bright green, so far the crew having suffered no mortalities. The air gauges read three-quarters full and rising since they surfaced and the propellers seemed to running fine (and the golem powering them doing quite a fine job of moving around in a circle).

Captain Pilto watched the approach with satisfaction, the periscope showing him a city further ahead. A city with several rafts docked in its warfs, as well as...things moving along it. "Captain's log," Pilto began, memorizing what he said as he said it, "It appears that we have rematerialized outside of a city. My crew and I are going to go ashore, and see if the natives are peaceful. If they are, then we'll have burned through a lifetime of luck and speak no more of our previous fears of cannibals, alligators, or the near-mythical cannibal alligator."

The crew, naturally, did not pay attention to the rambling Captain. They knew he had contracted Ocean Madness as of when they materialized, and as such had been guiding the vessel all by themselves, leading it to the shoreline of the city. Naturally, the approach of the wagon would be noticed, but the crew was confident that the stone armor would protect them. From what, they did not know, but it was generally assumed that they would be invulnerable inside the vehicle.

None of them would even suspect what was coming.

[Smiley_]

Freaking Fuzzballs

The gnomes were busy collecting themselves when they heard the voices.

I think it came from over there. See, you can make out the damage that thing did to the trees

Faster than the gnomes expected, they had been surrounded by the leponites, each armed with a crossbow leveled at the unfortunate travelers.

What do you make of it?

Halflings, it seems. I guess they're getting braver. Right, then. Round em' up so they don't try anything funny.

[ArlEammon]

Strangely, nothing fell from the sky that day, three days later...
Except for a single, shiny, metal ring....(2 Minor Acts to create a powerful magic item. The item addicts the wearer, and slowly makes the wearer more powerful.... The wearer becomes greedier, lustier and eventually makes others around him like him.) The Ring of The Black Moon.

[Emperor Demonking]

Gard

Gard looked at the ring as he felt its power. As he looked at the ring, he said. "My prescious. It fits me so well. Did a god create it? Or did reality create it for me?"

Gard focused a small bit of power to write "Gard's Ring" on the ring. Whether it worked or not, he left.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Gnome, the other other white meat

A salamander patrol came upon the mysterious device of the gnomes. They were armed with bows, spears and handaxes. The salamanders looked at each other, than at the wagon that was slowly going their way.

"- What do you suppose that is, Fiz?"
"- Don't know. Never saw such a beast before, Rab."
"- I saw it emerge from the waters. Is it like an alligator?"
"- You're a fool! I already explained to you that cannibal alligators were a myth!"
"- Don't be too sure..."
"- So, what now? Do we poke it or something? It's been some time since I was in a fight. I feel my blood boiling!"
"- I think it has more to do with the hot summer sun. Let me try to talk to it first."
"- Talk to it? Are you serious?"

Rab turned to the wagon and shouted:

"Hey, you! Stop in the name of the Great Leader!"

[Darth_Malevo]

Freaking Fuzzballs

Boddypen looked at the crossbows, his companions doing the same. They had scattered along the crash site, the rivets on the wheels having explosively unattached. The ricochets had caused quite a ruckus, and the Gnomes were forced to abandon the interior when the boiler went critical. Thankfully it went upward rather than outward, though that left an unsightly hole in the roof of the wagon. Bits of metal and the odd cog or spigot laid about the ground, the Gnomes surrounded by destroyed trees, scraps of metal, and the odd gemstone that had once served as an indicator.

When the strange creatures with the crossbows appeared, the Gnomes had shared glances before grouping together instinctively. Boddypen raised his voice as the Gnomes began to retreat into the hole-riddled interior of their wagon, scuttling up the stone stairs.

"Lay down your crude devices, we come only for land!" He yelled, thinking about just how many there were, and how many of them there were (One less, it should be noted, seeing as the boiler came down on the wagon's technician. It would take at least a week to try and scrape the artificer off of the bottom of it.).
_______________________________________________
They go well with a bit of salsa, too.

Pilto perked up as a very loud voice went through the glass and stone, the wagon halting as he stepped on the brake. "Bugger was that?" He yelled, the crew glancing amongst themselves. "Did we run over another crocodile?"
"Nope. Though I do think the natives want us to stop..."
"Why's that?" Pilto asked, biting his lower lip.
"Well, it could be that we just broke into a city in a giant scientific marvel that rose from the sea." Another suggested,
"But...that's entirely normal!" Pilto cried, scratching his head, "Stuff like that's completely normal back in the city, heavens, I saw some bugger try and make a flying machine out of matchsticks when we left!"
"But it can't be normal for a bunch of people in a city with rafts...can it?" The Gnome from before asked, likely the most logical person in the red-bathed interior, "And what about this light? They've seen us, so why should we keep only one light on?"
"Because it's part of the new stealth procedure! All things that are sneaking about must have a red light on them, and only one!"
"But I can't see! I might hit the ejection button!"
"Bugger that! Just get the mics on, I'll ask the natives about seeing us!"

There was a click, and the Audio Mast of Projection sailed up from one of countless hidden compartments. Pilto grabbed the brass speaking tube, and promptly screamed into it,

"Hey, inferior natives! Could you please give some feedback as to how you located our presence?" He asked, his voice coming out of the AMP with the same decibel level as a fog horn.
__________________________________________________ _______
Oh great, now there's going to be a fellowship.

Daldar's War grew quickly, the Gnomes working furiously to invent weapons for their very first war. Of course, being unfamiliar with war, they really had a learning experience with it. The first part of that was that you couldn't just swamp your enemy with soldiers and expect everything to solve itself. You had to have an invasion plan, a funding plan, and a pulling out plan. Really, Gnomes only had experience with the first two. They could amass quite a hoard of wealth with machines, and they certain could make Vampire-killing machines, but they had no idea on what to do after they got done with the killing and making money.

Daldar, on the other hand, had a plan for that. He knew that when he killed the Vampires, he'd take everything that made them superior. He and his cadre would use Chi to inherit the advantages of the Vampyren, and they would ascend and overthrow the current administration. One that did not reason with foolish devils, or allow the people to worship pagan deities. He did not believe his ears when he heard the Regionar, and he knew it was a mistake to even give the devil the power to try and assault the city. But any assault from above would fail now, the city having been fortified with a wealth of Gnomish devices.

Unfortunately, it did not need an aerial assault. Its neighboring city, the less reputable City of Coin, was the recipient of a very magical ring. Particularly, its ruler, Garzag the Greedy. He had been eating a magnificent meal, one that had come from the pockets of the Gnome inhabitants of his city (who were all descendants of Garzig the Wealthy and his children). He had been celebrating the downfall of yet another corporate rival earlier that day. Now he controlled exactly thirty percent of the City of Coin's corporate interests, from the lumber cutting industry to the Coin Column (the city's only legal newspaper).

His attention focused on the plate and wine glass in front of him, he did not notice the ring that suddenly appeared between two overly large diamonds ones. It was only later that he noticed it, when the power had well seeped into his mind. It was at that point that Garzag the Greedy realized that his city, for all of its wealth, was still lacking. They gave too much money to the City of Cogs, had asked for too little interest from a place that- for all intents and purposes- had banished them.

They had been forced to inhabit inferior land, to tame beasts that the City of Cogs would never touch with a ten foot spear. Garzag's ancestors had done all of the work, and still the City of Cogs was the place that shined, the place that had the cleanest air. The City of Coins was in the background, and it was withering, consuming the natural beauty of its surrounding landscape so that the City of Cogs would always have a surplus of goods to use in inventions that would rarely, if ever, appear in Garzag's inventory.

"You know..." Garzag said to nobody in particular, "It'd be nice if, just once, I'd be able to turn a profit." He subconsciously toyed with the new ring on his finger, unknowing of any listeners that might be spying on his extrovert musings, "A large one, one like they had back in the beginning of the city. One that would let me get ahead of this stupid rat race with the corporations. Is that too much to ask for, really?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Outside the Middle City

Rab looked at Fiz, then at the wagon.

"Oh, that's because...Hey! I'm the one asking questions here! Why are you here? In the name of Oghi...what are you?!"

[Smiley_]

Freaking Fuzzballs

Dammit! They were being difficult. Still, they had nowhere to hide now. The Gnomes could hear the leader of the small band talking.

Seems that the halflings want to talk. Very well, then. We'll let them talk on our terms. Get some heavies in there. I don't want any of my men injured.

A few minutes passed. Then, the gnomes could see four of the creatures, compleately covered from head to toe in sturdy steel armor. Each bore a tower shield and a hefty war-axe.

Their clanking footsteps could be heard as they came up the stone stairs.

[Darth_Malevo]

But inside of a Stone Wagon

Pilto gave this some thought before replying, a burst of white noise echoing across the valley as he tapped the speaking tube. "I think, therefore I didn't die!" He said, quoting a famous Gnomish philosopher's last words. He then gave it a bit more thought before continuing, not sure if the savages were natives, or if they were fellow explorers like him. "We're out here to explore and conquer in the name of Gnomes everywhere! Are you natives by chance?" He asked, balancing the odds. There were about thirteen of them, and an entire city of these people. Odds were, the Gnomes would probably be horribly butchered, but there always was the decimal percentage of a chance that they might come out on top unscathed.

It was a decimal percentage Pilto would rely on. Unless, of course, his crew could finish planning their mutiny of the obviously insane captain.
______________________________________________
Freaking Fuzzballs

Boddypen watched as the armored things climbed up the stone ramp, the rest of the crew looking amongst one another for a solution. Boddypen was the first to come up with one and he employed it swiftly. He rushed into the interior of the wagon, pulling out one of several cabinets in the back. This one in particular was stenciled with the words 'In case of Savages'.

The warriors outside heard several clicking sounds before Boddypen returned, effortlessly hefting a very large crossbow of his own. Only this one looked like it was a crossbow sandwiched between two more crossbows, and bisected by another crossbow sandwich. In the back a cylinder had been attached, another Gnome holding the back of the weapon up. Boddypen swiveled the weapon at the four targets, his hands on both of the grips and fingers tight on the triggers.

"Not one more step, or they'll have to search really hard for you!" He shrieked, using a very poor choice of words, "We want only one to come inside, and one only! Or we'll shoot! I mean it, no lying, I'll shoot this thing!"

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Middle City

The one named Rab approached Fiz and whispered something in his ear.

"Yes, we are natives. Does that mean you are invaders? My friend Fiz says that he will rip you to pieces if you don't surrender."

Rab whispered something else.

"Or he will cook you and eat you for dinner. He doesn't know yet. Are you edible? If so, what do you taste like?"

[Darth_Malevo]

Gnome tastes like....chicken. Just like everything else does.

Pilto was about to open his mouth when First Mate Pilnig jumped him with a screwdriver. The ensuing scuffle was quite messy, and ended when Pilto found himself staring down the barrel of a pistol crossbow. The body was tossed into the boiler, and Pilnig- by way of tacit election- took command.

"We assure we, we mean no harm! We're just...explorers! Gnome explorers, and we taste very foul!" A new voice declared over the AMP, "Forget the whole invasion thing, we just want to [unintelligible word] stuff. You know, get down there, stretch our legs, take a few drawings. That's fine, right? No need to eat us, or anything! Because we taste bad, like I said!" The new captain said with panic, knowing that thanks to his insane predecessor this wouldn't go quite as smoothly as expected.

Of course, they could always abandon the mission, but where would they go? Back home, to the Vampire Wars? That was pure murder, and this assignment was the safest way out of serving. Unfortunately, it seemed like now they were going to be murdered by a bunch of foreign monsters that wondered what he tasted like. How should he know what he tasted like? He never even really wanted to do this stupid assignment, and now here he was, leading it! The only thing that could possibly make it any worse was what was happening right now: Hostile contact.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Salamanders who happen to love the taste of chicken

"You said we? You have a different voice... Are you saying that there are several people living inside that...thing? We won't eat you if you come out here to talk. I assure you. You may even get to meet the Great Leader."

[Smiley_]

The four heavy infantry looked at the gnome, their helmets obscuring any emotion. They knew that such a weapon would probably use armor piercing bolts.

However, the leponites made things to work and their armor was designed to withstand such abuse.

The four quickly fanned out and each, while behind their large shields, pulled out a powerful looking hand crossbow and pointed it at the gnome.

Two kept their sights on the gnome with the odd weapon while the other two pointed their weapons at the other gnomes.

One of the armored leponites silently and slowly nodded at the gnome. What would the move be?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leodin

Leodin watched as the other gods began making magic. Magic of unusual fast recovery. Magic of the dead. Even magic of tatooing.

He decided to make his own magic. He made Battle Magic, a strange power that officers could use to bolster their troops, turn the tide of battle and rally men to a cause. It could not be taught like other magics could, rather, it was given to those who has strong personality, strength of spirit, and a power of authority. ((Namely, good officers, warlords, possibly some "battle mages" who serve as buffers and and so on))

2 major acts to create new magic: Battle Magic
((This is learned by, good officers, warlords, possibly some "battle mages" who serve as buffers and troop support and and so on))

[Darth_Malevo]

Then they should really check out the local Kentucky Fried Gnome

Pilnig looked amongst the crew, who all shrugged. "They seem nice enough sort..." He said, the machinery buzzing and whirring around the gathered people. "At least, they seem nice enough to keep their word."

"Well, I sure as hell am not going out there without at least a Windle Automatic." One of the security officers demanded, going towards the rear of the vessel.

"Bring up one of the Crucifiers while you're at it, will you?" Pilnig said, "Never know when we'll encounter a Vampire!"

"Oh, and could I get one of those fancy new swords the guards at the palace are sporting? They look pretty cool!"
"Do we even have one of those?"

There was a pause from the back, followed by the opening of several drawers, the clinging of metal, "Yes! Oh, and whaddya know, we've got a few health potions to boot!"

"What kind?" Pilnig asked, "Lesser? Or did we actually get more than a single Critical this time?" He felt an odd sense overtake him: The one where he was more concerned with how much treasure was onboard than the things he was about to face. What the hell was going on with him?! First murder, now looting! Looting with a sense of superiority no less!

"Whoot!" Came the yell of the security officer, "We've got a couple criticals and...who the hell puts gold in a cabinet?! Whatever, we've got money, too!"

"Take what you can, let's get ourselves armed up before meeting these savages!" Pilnig commanded, the rest of the crew- caught up in what could only be called Adventurer Fever- meeting the new order with cheer. For whatever reason, they liked this sensation.

It took a little under ten minutes before the door hatch came open, and twelve Gnomes- each one armed and armored so heavily he or she clanged when they walked- exited the wagon. Two lugged a large metal box between them, while the remainder looked well armed enough to take on an army. Crossbows, pistolbows, swords, flasks, vials. The works, they were the first actual adventurers in the world. Going out into the unknown with the urge to find treasure, violence, and some sick amusement from the two.

"Hail!" Pilnig yelled to the Salamanders before him, "You wish to take us to your leader, yes?"
________________
Gnomish Standoffs are fun

Boddypen kept his fingers on the trigger, several other crew members watching the crossbows pointed at them with a wary glance. "Just. One. Emissary. Nobody more, and nobody has to get hurt." The Gnome leader said, knowing that somebody- soon- would get an itchy trigger finger.

Behind him, a pair of crew members ruffled through the back, looking for something that might help with crowd control. The complex super-repeater would do a great deal of damage, yes, but it could still only hit so many with its hellishly fast firing rate. For this many, they might need something a bit more...fiendish.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Gnomes in robot suit

Rab looked at his comrade Fiz.

"- They are...smaller than I imagined. Are they halflings?"
- I don't think so. The halflings I have heard about are supposed to be much friendlier. And what's with all this armor?

Rab waved at the gnomes.

"- Yes, follow us into the heart of the city. But I'll ask you to leave your...boat here. Don't worry, we won't steal it. There's no way we can operate that thing."

[Darth_Malevo]

Iron Gnomes, can they see, or are they bli-*BONK!* Yeah, pretty much blind.

Pilnig nodded, producing a keychain with a rock attached to it. He pushed the red ruby on it, the wagon giving a loud beep before the door slammed shut. The AMP went back into its compartment which then sealed with a hiss of air. It looked as though the entire thing had just made itself into a fortress, which- in a sense- it had.

"Don't touch it. Really, I wouldn't do it." The expedition leader said, his companions nodding. "Now, lead us forth, unto treasure and plunder!" He said, looking to his fellow Gnomes for approval. There was a "Hurrah!" followed by several dangerous looking objects being brandished about in a relatively dull display of joy.

To be honest, they were probably more of a danger to themselves with all the weapons laden on them, but there was the off chance that they might actually take somebody with them in the detonation. That was what Pilnig was banking on here, and hopefully these natives would know that too. Or they might just say "To hell with it" and eat them anyways. But there was Adventuring to do, and the mental disease currently festering in the entire crew would not let them resist the urge to go out and risk their necks for treasure. So they followed after their new leader, clanging all the while like an orchestra being fed to a pack of rabid wolves.

[Smiley_]

The leponite who seemed to be in charge of the band made some hand signals to the others. They all stepped back down the stairs and left the gnomish contraption.

The gnomes were alone. Everything seemed unnaturally quiet.

Then the whole thing lurched, jumped, and was being lifted into the air.

------

Outside the gnomish doodad

When the heavy infantry climbed out of the contraption, the "leader" gestured with his hands, first two open fists, then one with three fingers extended, and the last with the index finger and thumb extended.

Thirteen, armed and ornery. Right.

The commanding goon nodded to another leponite, thrusting his thim into the sky. The other blew a simple silver whistle and the labor-beast teams went to work.

The leponites had rigged a crude, quickly constructed pully system around the flying machine and began to hoist it into the air with the help of two tamed brachiosaurs.

The lead rabbit-man shouted up to the gnomes.

Alright, then. Is that how it is? You will relinquish your weapons and come with us. You do whatever I say, whatever it is, and you might not be hurt. If you fail to comply, we drop your little contraption and you all die horriblly. Understood?

[Darth_Malevo]

Gnomes: We can be very negotiable, you know.

Boddypen felt the wagon rock underfoot, and looked towards his fellow Gnomes. Either they went with these savages to be fed to their bloodthirsty god, or they had to fight their way out of this forest with no viable means of aerial travel. There was always a third option, as Boddypen knew, but this time the third option wasn't presenting itself very openly. That left negotiation, but these savages didn't seem all that interested in negotiating.

Well, there was always trying. If not, there was always time for dying. "Arright! We'll cooperate, but we keep ourselves lightly armed! We also wish to take samples, other than that, you will have control as to where we go. Agreed?" He argued, praying that the wagon did not drop. If it did, that meant so many things would have to be tested. Things he did not want to test right now.

But, if need be, he would test them. Then he would get home- somehow- and try to report his findings. "<See if you can send an alert.>" He whispered to the Gnome behind him, who scurried towards the front of the rocking wagon. He climbed into the captain's seat, the array of buttons and levers presented to him. Hopefully he could get the AMP to work after the crash because, if it was broken, they would not last long here at this rate.

[Ipphli]

Uso

He tossed and turned in his sleep. Every time he thought he was comfortable, he felt as though something were stabbing or poking him. Finally he could take no more of it. His eyes snapped open and he looked around himself. There was plenty of water around, which was good. But there wasn't as much of it as there should have been. Someone or perhaps several someones had diminished his waters. And there were people...traveling on his water without paying him his due.

Very angry now, Uso swam up towards the open air. When he broke the surface, a massive wave was created that crashed upon the shores of the surrounding lands. Storm fronts quickly swept the continent and the surrounding waters, signs of his displeasure.

Looking about himself, Uso realized things were...different. There were others like himself out there, and they'd been busy. Frowning, Uso studied the surrounding waters. There, he thought to himself, those would be perfect. Uso gathered up all of the large reptiles he could find. Taking them, he molded them into a shape more akin to his own. When he was finally satisfied with them, he set the creatures at the mouth of a river surrounded by jungle. There he showed the creatures the rudiments of building homes and tools for themselves, as well as how to build ships and fish for their food.

Next, Uso gathered up handfuls of water and bits of lightning and threw them together. The resulting creatures, all 12 of them, looked like human-esque shaped hurricanes or water spouts. These Uso sent out to all the sea-faring peoples to inform them that the Lord of Storms had arrived. They were all instructed that if they did not send a pray towards him at the beginning of every voyage, there was a good chance that voyage would be their last.

Finally satisfied, Uso headed towards the closest territory he could find, to introduce himself.


2 majors used to create Atarns, crocodilian humanoids. Better description in the status thread.
1 minor to boost their technology level to something akin to the other races. I'll spend more if it requires it.
1 minor used to boost population.
1 minor used to make them impressive ship-builders.
2 minor used to make 12 enhanced Storm-wraiths.

[Krrth]

The Vor

A storm like none had seen before hit the city of Koralis. Much of the city was damaged, and many Vor were injured. Since the Vor were at home in the water, none drowned, although debris did kill a few. Afterwords, the Vor rebuilt, learning techniques that would stand them in good stead in the times ahead.



1 minor act to give the Vor a talent for engineering.

[Smiley_]

Gnomes, gnomes, everywhere!

Eh? What was that? Armed?

the head Leponite grinned maliciously.

Well, it's your lucky day. I recieved word that the boss wants to see you personally. I guess we can't have you feeling uncomfortable, being guests and all. Right then, throw the first switch!

The leponites driving the brachiosaurs reached back and pulled a lever. The Gnomish contraption came tumbling down and snapping to a stop.

Second lever!

This unpleasantry continued until the hapless gnomes had finally touched ground.

Now you will be coming with us. Do as we say, and no one gets hurt. Now, OUT!

The rabbit man turrned and thought to himself "The boss? Yeesh, have some mercy on them!"

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

Kappa

It was a storm of legend. Though brief, it created a surge that travelled up the rivers and streams, polluting lakes with salt and the debris of many kappa villages. Thanks to their ability to swin, very few actually died as a direct result, but it wasn't long for the effects to be shown. The kappa were essentially freshwater creatures, and the salt now swirling around in the lakes, the closest things hey had to markets and metting-places, weakened hundreds, to the point that many believed that they were all going to die for their transgressions against the Spirit Turtle, Chisei and Arashi. Their prayers were increased a hundredfold, and a new element was introduced - it was almost a call for vengeance, a primal scream against the harshness of the world.

Kitsune

Thanks to their slightly less aquatic lifestyle, most of the kitsune were able to weather the raging seas, though almost all who lived in coastal villages, including those who had worshipped the draconic newcomers, were wiped out. The harsh winds that accompanied, though, killed many. Storms decimated whole towns, and khamsin, huge dust-storms such that had never been seen before, were kicked up on the plains, levelling huts and houses, blinding those on the fringes, and stripping the very flesh from the bones of those unlucky enough to be caught in the centre. Crops of all kinds failed, causing widespread famine, and disease ran rampant as those who survived huddled together in fear and squabbled in the dust for precious grains. The only thing they seemed to agree on was that it was due to their impiety, and so they began to build great temples to Shouheki, to Arashi, to Hokori, to Jiwari, and to Chisei, bowing down before their images, asking for nothing more than salvation and retribution.

The Spirit Realm

Every action has a reaction, and a reflection in the Spirit Realm, and the awakening of a god is no exception. The storm that raged in the Mortal Realm had echoes here, echoes that were etched in death and shaded with destruction. The lesser spirits of death, of suffering, all spread out, almost exploding with joy at the abundance. Some, though, were less exstatic, and instead looked on sadly at what they were unwillingly doing. The great quartumvirate, the embodyments of the elements, felt the pleas of those mortals with which they were connected. The pleas for help were easily answered, with everything from fresh rain to wash away the salt to fertility that could feed the masses. What they could not enact, though, was the prayer for revenge. At least, not on their own.

The Inner Island - Mikokoro

The four manifested around the Spirit Turtle, eager to demonstrate their compassion for their charges, only to find the deity somehow... different. Whenever they had greeted the god before, it had been met with a feeling of peace, of tranquility. But now, Shouheki radiated anger, vengeance, and, above all, power. It also seemed to be having difficulty staying where and what it was - it would flicker, sometimes into the Spirit Realm, sometimes into a constellation, but always the feeling was there. The spirits waited, too afraid to make their presences more known, until Shouheki raised its elephantine head up, up into the sky, and roared a challenge. Immediately, its eyes began to burn with unearthly radiance, until their brightness made even the elements themselves look away. Suddenly, the Spirit Turtle was no more. Instead, a new creature descended from the heavens, from beyond the Mortal Realm. It seemed to be serpentine heads, intertwined, and massive - each one as large as one of the shrines built in its honor. And so it turned its shining eyes upon the Ataran Jungle, and the stars themselves shifted. And Shouheki was there, raining down destruction upon the servants of the agent of its children's suffering. The greater spirits were dragged along, too, and felt the wrath of the Heavenly Serpent infect them, change them, and turn them into unthinking executors.

Shouheki's numerous heads would reach down from the skies, lift some poor creature high into the sky, and destroy it utterly, leaving only the soul and what little spirit energy that could be gained through such a death. Then, they would simply bite into the earth, ripping it from the ground and removing it to the Spirit Realm, where any caught in its maw would be paralysed by the sheer foreign-ness of the environment, before being tormented by its alien inhabitants, even more easily affected by their god than the more powerful spirits.

Arashi unleashed the glory of the winds upon the peoples, making the mighty typhoon seem like a gentle zephyr. Hokori revealed the power of rock and stone, undermining and upheaving the solid earth beneath them. Chisei turned the element with which they were so comfortable into an enemy, and Jiwari created flames that would have impressed even Oghi in their blistering heat and terrible destruction.

No, it's nothing personal, and sorry for the rough welcoming :smallwink:. I was getting a little bored with the Spirit Turtle, and this was the perfect opportunity. Of course, nowhere near the whole population of the Atarns will be wiped out, not even enough to make your act meaningless, but enough to get your attention, so to speak.

I feel a god war on the rise...

:smallbiggrin:

[Ipphli]

A large bolt of lightning blasted into the side of Shouheki. There stood Uso, terrible in his anger. He held Hokori and Jiwari in his hands as he stared daggers at this intruder. He called out to him in a loud voice, "STOP! Those are my children you are killing, fiend. Perhaps you'll understand my concerns if I broke a few of your toys in return? I do not know who you are, or why you are doing this, but I will kill you and yours....well, maybe not all of your servants here. Perhaps I will just take them as my own. But you will most certainly die!"

As he spoke, the 12 Storm-wraiths appeared behind their lord, ready to aid him in his struggle. Uso glances behind himself at them, then smiles at this intruder. "Besides, it seems you are outnumbered."

[Krrth]

Ksharn

Ksharn was woken up from his nap in the sun by a sudden storm.

He was not happy.

After a quick look around, he noticed that his people were rebuilding, and most had survived.

That made him more happy.

He went downstream to look for the source of the storm, and found Uso and Shouheki fighting.

I hate to interrupt your playtime, but which one of you caused that storm to hit my people?

[Kaiser Omnik]

Iron gnomes

The two scouts led the heavily-armored gnomes in the city. The town was bursting with life. Peasants and merchants haggled in the street, sometimes resorting to fist fights to reach an agreement. Children and young adults practiced grappling in outdoor arenas. A few curious salamanders approached the group, but they were quickly sent away, as Fiz explained that the gnomes were guests...or lunch. Either way, they were to be brought to the Palace of the Four Winds. 30 minutes later, they finally arrived at the palace, the seat of power of the great khan of the Storm Blades. The royal guards were much more impressive than their kindred. First, they were twice as large as the other salamanders in town. They also wore masterwork brigandine armor and wielded halberds. Once Fiz and Rab got an authorization, they entered the main hall with the gomes and led them all the way to the Chamber of Trials...which was simply a fancy name for a lounge. The khan was resting on a pile of cushions when the guests showed up. He was also a Greater salamander, just like his elite guard. He lifted his head up, visible unimpressed by the iron gnomes.

"- Great Leader! May your life be long and your death glorious! We bring you these little people, who have come from the belly of a strange, metallic beast!"

"- Is that so? Little people...tell me three things... how your race is called, why you are here...and why I shouldn't kill you right now, just for the fun of it."

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

Oghi

One of the twelve spirits of wrath (collectively known as the Tempest) was hunting on the coast of Redrock island when the tidal wave struck. This particular spirit was commonly referred as Panther, because it vaguely ressembled one of those big cats. In fact, it was hard to determine exactly what he looked like, because the elemental's true form was shrouded by a cloud of smoke and ash. With great agility, Panther lept from rock to rock, until it was safe from the water. Of course, it didn't fear the storm. After all, it was born from the fury of the elements. But Panther didn't like to get wet...

In another part of the inner sea, where the two gods were fighting, a large quantity of water was boiling. All of a sudden, the superheated water erupted upwards and transformed into steam. As the sky cleared up, a giant, red-skinned humanoid could be seen... Informed of the situation by the elemental spirit, Oghi had decided to investigate the cause of the tidal wave himself.

"Hey! What's happening here? You're fighting?! Why wasn't I invited? Oh, you too are here, Ksharn. How has it been buddy?"

[Krrth]

Ksharn

Oh, hello Oghi. It's been good, you? I'm not sure which one of these yahoos dumped a bunch of water on me while I was napping. Oh, and killed a bunch of my people too, I guess.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

"Hey. I'm good. Oh, a shame for your followers. I think some of mine have also died because of this. Fishermen. There are not a lot of them. But you know what they say...death is always a violent thing. Oh, right, that what I say. It's still true.

So, which one of you has done this? Not that I'm complaining. This is a work of art...wrath of nature at its finest. Not a big fan of water, though."

[Krrth]

Ksharn


To be honest, I'm more upset about the nap. Most of my followers survived, and they will be the stronger for it.

[ArlEammon]

Amon
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the world.... Amon blesses a city with power...(1 minor act to create a city, 1 minor act to give it Moon based powers.) This city would be a place where his philosophers as he called his preists, would be granted magical powers over the Moon. Rarely, one might become powerful enough to become or create a vampire.
2 Minor acts used

[Darth_Malevo]

We're going on a roaaaad trip, a roaaad trip...

Five Gnomes left the wagon (one having perished during the descent, his fragile neck snapping in half) in stained overalls. Each one wore a padded leather vest with several pockets and holsters on it. Various spanners, hammers, screwdrivers, and similar objects filled the vests. Three sported hand crossbows strapped to their hips, the tiny weapons seemingly harmless. The two near the center of the six-person double column carried a large box between the two of them. Boddypen was near the front, the super-repeater having been disassembled and left onboard the wagon. Boddypen produced the stone remote on the keychain with a small flourish as he left, pressing the red gemstone on it with gusto. There whup-whup! as the wagon's ramp folded up before bolting shut.

"Alarm's on, so don't go trying to steal it!" Boddypen warned, then realized the situation he was in, "Please..." He added out of necessity.

The Gnome leader looked around, particularly studying whatever route they might take. The wagon had cut quite a large swath through the forest before it even landed, and that in itself had been a miracle. "Now, whenever you're ready, you're fully welcome to lead us...sir."

Inside of the Wagon, a single Gnome remained. Faithfully, Messenger Murmut did his duty, preparing a signal inside of the machine. Flares would have to be arranged, calibrations made, Devices prepared. Unfortunately, that meant working quickly and quietly. When you're about to send a giant flash of light into the heavens above, it's quite hard to do that. Hopefully the others would lead the furballs away, and he could send the message before running off. If not, well, he always did wonder what the afterlife's retail market was like.
_________________________________________________
Iron Gnomes

Pilnig nearly made a mess of himself at that last bit. Here he was, an Adventurer and his party, in a den of what he would consider dangerous people. His instincts told him to search for traps and kill everything on two legs that was over the five foot height limit, but he knew that his mission had become a bit more than "Kill everything and claim it in the name of Gnomes everywhere". Now it was entering the area of that most abominable thing, politics. There were always politics, even in the City of Cogs. There were always squabbles over invention patents, and even the occasional duel when somebody accused somebody else of plagiarism.

"Greetings, O Mighty Lizard Thing! We are Gnomes, of the City of Cogs! We come to...explore, yes, explore!"

There was a clattering from the back as the two overly armored Gnomes carrying the box set it down, each one undoing various latches and locks on the carrying case. There was a sharp ripping sound as they tore off several pounds of duct tape before opening the lid. Inside was a large cylinder made from glass, with a complex series of flutes and internal pipes leading from the mouthpiece to a infinitesimal hole at the opposite end.

"We present to you, as a piece of goodwill (and a piece of mass destruction), the Noisy Cricket!" Pilnig hefted the large whistle from its carrying case, staggering under the weight as he moved towards the Salamander King. "Be careful, though, it's mighty...big! And dangerous!"

[Smiley_]

Blistering, blazing bunnies!

The seargeant, (for that is what I am going to call him) counted the gnomes. Hmm. only eleven came out. Fragile things, some must have died during the descent. Also, there was no use checking without breaking the device open, and he didn't feel like overstretching his authority.

Squinting at the gnomes suspiciously, he made his order.

Alright, then. Follow me. You, keep a watch on the device.

He led the gnomes out of the clearing made my the flying machine. After about 15 minutes of travel, the sargeant stopped and turned around. He took out a silver whistle and blew rapidly three times.

Before they could react, the gnomes had smelly bags forced over their heads and they were knocked out from behind with some heavy, blunt force.

I thought you said you wouldn't hurt them, sir.

"Hurt" can mean so many things. They'll be fine. B'sides, they refused to give us unconditional cooperation. Also, I don't want them know where we are. Right, carry them back to base and have them cleaned up and presentable for the Boss.

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

Boddypen awoke on a soft bed and with a throbbing lump on the back of his head. All he could make out were some blurry pieces of furniture, and a fuzzy shape that might be a person.

When his head cleared, he could see that he was not tied down or in a dank prison or anything, but rather was in some sort of comfy guest room.

The door opened and there were some voices before the door closed again. The gnome could see that the other person in the room was a finely built female leponite.

[Darth_Malevo]

So, looks like there might be Half-Gnomes

Boddypen awoke with a groan, rubbing the bump on his head. The second thing he noticed was that he was in a guest room, one that was quite cozy. Burning fire in the corner, soft bed with pillows made from stuffed feathers, mattress. All the amenities that the Gnome overlooked in favor of reaching down for his hand crossbow. Which, naturally, was missing. Though he still had his vest, now stripped of screwdrivers and nails and anything else that might make a really good weapon.

When his eyes settled on the apparent female, his face screwed up in confusion. The obviously ugly woman was built all wrong, even for a fuzzball. Her curves were in every wrong place, her thighs were too skinny, she looked like she would snap in half with just one child, let alone a whole litter! Was this some attempt at seduction, giving him a woman of an entirely different species, one who probably only knew how to fight? It defied reason, but then Boddypen's more political side came into focus. They didn't know anything about Gnome culture, and he certainly didn't know anything about theirs.

"Hey, lady!" Boddypen yelled, springing up from the bed. His short frame bounced once or twice on it, "Where's the others and- more importantly- where's the box?" He asked, now sitting on the center of the bed, legs folded Indian style.

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

Ataran Jungle

The Heavenly Serpent did not take heed of any of the assembled deities, unless to increase the ferocity of its attack even more. It was mindless, a force of destruction, implacable by almost any means. For this reason, the small part of it that was still conscious brought forth a new powerful spirit from the Spirit Realm, a spirit unlike the others. While the quartumvirate of the elements appeared as random, mutant shapes, confined only by their will, this one appeared as a serpent, long and thin, with a dragon's head, twining its way through the sky. It was Yosei, and it shone more brightly even than Jiwari, with the same intensity as Shouheki's rage-maddened eyes. It opened its great jaw, as though to roar out an attack, but instead what came out was a voice. A voice filled with mystery, with power, but also with fear and respect. It cried out to the assembled gods,

"Shouheki is lost! It came to seek retribution for the death of its children, and as it came it lost that which made it our god. It is nothing more than anger and destruction now. Please, help us to restore it to the Spirit Turtle, and we shall be grateful!"

The words of the serpent broke through the haze trapping Arashi, Chisei, Hokori and Jiwari, and they awoke as if from a long nightmare. Each one, ashamed for its actions, retreated into the Spirit Realm, leaving a wake of smaller spirits. These spirits were easily infected, many before they had broken through the Veil, and joined Shouheki in its continued destruction.

This could end badly :smallwink:.

Pool
Major Acts: 0

Minor Acts: 1

Ceremonies: 2

Used
Major Acts: 0

Minor Acts: 1 - Yosei, the Morning Star

Ceremonies: 0

Pool
Major Acts: 0

Minor Acts: 0

Ceremonies: 2

Hmm... I hope you guys don't mind me being too shamelessly derivative.

[Smiley_]

The leponate looked somewhat startled at the gnome's sudden movements.

Settle down. You'll work yourself into a fever and undo the bandages I put on you. If by the others, you mean the other ten they brought in, they are being taken care of just as you are.

She sat down in a chair and stared at the door with a conflicted expression.

As for a box, I dont know what you are talking about.

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

Leodin

The protector watched from a distance as Shouheki lost it. He sighed and gathered his shield and blade and set off to meet this angered god. If it couldn't see reason, he would have to beat some sense into it.

[Ipphli]

Uso

Uso glances at the two newcomers before shrugging. "I think that may have been me. My mistake. It was an accident." He turns his attention on the rampaging god before him. "This, though, is no accident. And he's killing my people by the dozens!" Throwing the two elemental spirits aside, he charges straight at the beast, a longspear apparently made of coral appearing in his hands just in time for him to stab at it. At the same time, the storm-wraiths begin gathering up the surviving Atarns and escorting them out to sea, away from this madness.

Uso glances over at the other two as he tries to find an opening to kill the crazy god. "Sorry to be rude, but mind helping me here? Your people's might be next after he's done here."

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

Oghi replied to Uso.

"I don't know. The little serpentine dragon has asked us to help him calm the Big, Heavenly Serpent. But on second thought...a brawl would be fun! Who am I to say that rage is bad? Just stay clear of my islands!"

Oghi turned to the great Serpent, conjuring a lance of molten rock in on hand and a large, oval shield in the other.

[Ipphli]

Uso

Uso calls back. "He'll be plenty calm once we knock him unconscious!"

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

The Serpent screeched in pain as it felt the coral spear pierce its side. Turning all of its heads on the attacker, Shouheki surrounded Uso in a screaming vortex of gigantic heads with snapping jaws. Uso's comparatively small size gives him an advantage, as the bites most often miss their mark. Those that do hit, though, bestow wounds that would incapacitate any lesser being, and kill any mortal.

Though the Heavenly Serpent was unthinking in its rage, it still had enough primal instinct to realise that this tactic wasn't effective. Its heads backed away, retreating into the stars, covered in gashes and marks from the spear of the Storm god. As its heads were just about to dissolve into the constellations that burned brightly despite the sun shining nearby, they charged, this time with the fury of the elements. The heads would intermittantly spray gouts of flame, spew cages of lightning, create tempests, or even just blow with a breath that froze everything it touched. None of this fearsome arsenal was brought to bear on the fleeing Atarans, though - all was focussed, soul and spirit, on Uso.

[Smiley_]

Leodin

Leodin smiled to himself. He had a reputation to uphold as a goody two-shoes god of fuzzy rabbit people, but really, he wanted to brawl as well.

He drew his great blade and hefted it in his hand.

Very well, then. I'm all for calming him down a bit!

In a whirlwind of divine steel, Leodin had launched himself behind the heads and began carving away.

He was laughing as he did so. He enjoyed the thrill of combat and the potential risk to his person. Enough of the stuffy old responsibilities, he was alive!

[Ipphli]

Uso

Uso backed away, conjuring a large shield for himself, as well as a suit of fine scale mail that covers his body like a second skin. Glancing at the others, he quickly focuses on the beast before him. Despite his wounds, he calls a storm to himself. The skies quickly darken, and thunder and lightning resound throughout the area. Most of the lightning strikes seem to hit the beast, and the thunder is near deafening.

[Krrth]

Ksharn


Ok, NOW you're starting to annoy me. Not only are you killing my people, but you're messing with my domain as well. That's two. Perhaps it's time to show you my other domain.


At that, Ksharn draws upon his domain of Fear. He begins to radiate fear...he seems more dangerous, more lethal. Any mortal in the area immediately knows that Death, and perhaps worse than Death, is here. Even the Gods feel a twinge of unease.

You. Yes, you, Turtle Butt. Knock it off.

At that, he gives Shouheki a swift smack upside the head.

[Darth_Malevo]

Sealed boxes are sealed for a reason, you know.

"Large crate, about eight feet by three feet by four feet. Two opposite grips for people to lug it around with, sealed with several different bindings. Should prove a bugger to open, though I would like to meet the locksmith that can beat the H-lock."

Boddypen picked at his bindings, scratching his chin in curiosity at his new surroundings. "Say, you wouldn't happen to be the boss, would you? The violent furry thing from before said we were to meet some sort of boss here, and- if it's all the same to you- I'd rather just pack up my stuff and, you know, call home."

The Gnome expedition leader left his bed at that, staggering a bit sloppily as he found himself with a loose control of his motor functions from the blow. "Right, home sounds very good. Back in my nice little flat, with my plans..." He said wistfully, before shutting his yap. Now was the time to be a diplomat with keen ears, not a homesick Gnome who missed the city.
__________________________________
Shadows that kill

It was a normal day in the City of Cogs, which is to say that it was filled with explosions, catastrophe, and the machinations of countless brilliant minds in an effort to advance science to phenomenal levels. Unfortunately, this also coincided with phenomenal mortality rates. This, in conjunction with the near ceaseless defensive construction efforts of the Gnomes, made the air thick with magic.

It was on this particular night that the first conflict of the Vampire Wars began, right along the cobblestone streets that led to the City of Cogs. It was a fast trade route, one that- recently- had gone out of commission. That meant one of two things: Either somebody had tested a new invention, again, or there was yet another mystery to solve. So the Gnomes sent out their usual envoys: a government agent at the head of a squad. As it so happened, this government agent was Daldar, who had since taken the role of leading almost all out-of-city assignments. Nobody had questioned the four-armed Gnome, but that certainly didn't mean that they weren't suspicious. As a matter of fact, they were so suspicious that they actually let him lead the assignments in the hope that- eventually- "something awful" would happen.

And so it began, six well-armed and well-armored Gnomes leading an investigation into what would soon become a battleground. Their means of transport were simple: A pair of simple chariots, each one drawn by only a single dodo bred for speed. Unfortunately, this felt like a different sort of investigation. He thought on this as the two chariots moved over the streets, the hooded lanterns on each vehicle cutting through the magical gloom. Though an amazing boon to casters, the magical fog that occasionally descended upon Gnomish cities also proved to blind all magical scrying for quite some distance. Thus, the Chi Master's supernatural senses were dulled, and even he could not detect what had gone through the trading outpost. Everything seemed...different, the wagons abandoned, some knocked over. Eventually he signaled the investigating squad to halt, the chariots slowing before parking in the middle of the street.

"Dismount and look for survivors." Daldar commanded, clambering off the back. He had chosen to wear scale armor for tonight, though he had mutated his skin well enough to act as a layer of leather armor in itself. He had become stronger yet, and he noticed his powers were increasing at an ever-expanding rate. No longer was he constricted to mere servants or bodily modifications, now he could truly manipulate the body. He was in his prime, and this mission felt like just the job.

Overhead, storm clouds brewed. Lightning, seemingly out of nowhere, came down with deadly force. Several wagons were overturned, but still the Chi Artist continued, the squad following behind him with weapons readied. The wind too picked up, and several pieces of burning wreckage smashed into abandoned building fronts. This storm was not natural, and it was certainly not friendly. Still they pressed on, but this time sprinting from cover to cover. This freakish weather only served to agitate the fog, which quickly turned into a whirlwind of hail. The storm was nearly blinding the investigators, who ducked into a seemingly abandoned chapel to recover their wits.

The inside, as it would be, was not empty. With a sickening crunch of bone and a scream, the a battle began. But it was not a normal battle, it was one between Gnomes. In the shadowy confines of the chapel, the vanguard of Garzig's army and the sole squad of Daldar came to blows.

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

As the other gods begin to lay into Shouheki, a small part of it, the same part that had summoned Yosei, whispered weakly into the raging storm that was the Heavenly Serpent. What am I doing?

But Shouheki ignored the voice. The Heavenly Serpent became confused - which of the powerful attackers to strike down? The heads began thrashing about, sweeping the smaller gods away with their necks, trying to gain enough space to focus once more on Uso. The great jaws worked independantly, and yet with common purpose, attacking each and every one of its attackers, countering spears with teeth and swords with flame. As the divine might of those surrounding Shouheki truly revealed itself, the Heavenly Serpent screamed once more in rage. As it did, the terrible light that burned in its eyes streamed out, and its maws, too, began to shine out. If the light touched the ground, or a plant or mortal creature, it showed the twisted reflection of the Spirit Realm. But when the blinding white light touched a deity, the deity became wreathed in unearthly white flames, flames that seemed more figments than reality, but that caused great pain, for they were both searingly hot and cold beyond belief, agonisingly painful and disturbingly pleasureable. These flames were the essence of the Spirit Realm, brought throuch the Veil by the conduit of Shouheki.

[Krrth]

Ksharn

The light hit Ksharn, and his being exploded in agony. Unfortuantly, Ksharn didn't care. Like his children, he took everything in and made it work for him.


Pain?!!? You think a little pain is going to stop me? Boy...Girl.....IT....whatever you are, you've got a lot to learn about pain. I think we're the perfect teachers to help you learn it.

With that, he exerted himself and grabbed one of the heads. He forced it to turn to the side, letting the beams of light hit one of the other heads.

There! Pain indeed. If I had a Grandmother, she would have hit harder!
Pain Is Just Weakness Leaving The Body. Ooh-rah.

[Ipphli]

Uso

Uso grunts as the light hits him. He staggers a moment, but manages to speak through gritted teeth. "I'm sorry, alright? I didn't mean to hurt anyone's pets..."

[Smiley_]

Leodin

Leodin invoked his protection domain to shield himself from most of the fire. When the deluge of white flame passed, he let out a divine shout that filled the other gods fighting the great spirit-monster with a burning passion for battle and desire for victory, strengthening their blows and bolstering their resistance to pain or injury. ((battle magic in action))

He slammed his shield into one head while shalshing at another.

Aye, We'll just have to keep at it until we find the sane Shouheki!

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

Elsewhere, in a mannor far far away...

The leponite stared blankly at the gnome and then snorted, trying to contain her laughter.

Do I look like "the Boss" to you? Oh don't you wish. Then I guess you could coax me into letting you go with your halfling charm and dashing good looks...

She coughed and let out a bit of laughter before wiping a tear from her eye.

Well, now that your up, we can get you into something presentable. I had to dispose of those awful breeches you had, though. They were absolutely horrid.

[Fan]

Romachuk smiled wickedly as he viewed the battle raging down beloww. he saw a opprutinity most profound beneath his gaze to gain a ally. One that would be needed in the coming battles.
So, taking his honor guard of the first 13 (all superfied hero deities. 5 minor acts to be specfic, and they started out pimp to begin with. Also the first is wielding a artifact.)
And assumed the guise of one of his first Reaper. His particular favorite while dealign with mortals.
"excuse me, but what do you think your doing?"

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

The head which was bathed in the Spirit Essence was not, as could be presumed, immune to the agony of Planar displacement, and began to flail wildly. The light spilling from its every orifice died, and while it was still thrashing about with its teeth, the movement seemed weaker, slower, almost as though the neck was being dragged through thick mud. Eventually, the head came to a complete stop, dangling straight down from the stars to the water's surface, just barely touching.

The other parts of the Heavenly Serpent could feel some small portion of that part's death-throes, and so changed tactic yet again. Instead of creating a constant stream of the agonising light, the heads began to simply call up a burst of it after gripping their target in their toothy maws. However, it was obvious that they had little control over how quickly the Spirit Essence came - sometimes, the jaws would have to clamp for an extended period, sometimes the light would explode forth just before Shouheki had a chance to bite. Either way, the eyes of the Heavenly Serpent would glow more brightly mere moments before releasing the energy from across the Veil.

That's right, it's a boss battle.

[Krrth]

Ksharn

Gotcha!

The rest of the heads change tactics

....

You're making me Hungry! You wouldn't like me when I'm Hungry!

Hulk Eat!

[Raz_Fox]

Inarius

Inarius convened the Dragonian council again - Layux had spoken to him and told him what to do. He grinned as the six Aspects entered the council room.

"Good evening, my brothers. I have learned of something terrible happening. The gods themselves have gone to war - they battle in the sea, tossing destruction around carelessly." Inarius allows this to sink in. "I convened us together that we may unite and bring peace to the war-torn region around them. They shatter the homes of the primitive Vor, the cities of the peaceful spirit-folk and every race and tribe can feel the affects.
My brothers, we must act now. We must use the power of the Dragonian Empire to help the primitives who cannot hope to rebuild their lives as the gods carelessly break the creation given to them. The gods act like petulant children, and we, greastest of all mortal races, must help our fellow mortals.

Nairin, your heart must be moved by the plight of the poor mortals crushed by the gods. Ardregon, how can these poor primitives dream to aspire when they are cast aside by their own gods? Methros, the gods have broken the balance; we have been given the task of repairing it. Daigus, the mortals must be given justice for what has happened to them. Alexa, so many have already died, and more will follow if we do not act - killed in their prime, in their youth, by the carelessness of the gods. Darigazz - you must see wisdom; they need us, beg for us to step in and save them from the gods. I... plead that the council will recognize my words as truth, that we may be able to help the poor primitives."

Layux was right - even though it was humiliating to suck up to his "peers," the knowledge that he was decieving the pompous fools was like a fire lit inside the heart. He put on his best "sorrowful" face, and looked at Darigazz with eyes blurred with crocodile tears.


Leodin

Wherever Leodin was, he heard a voice reverberating inside his head. Leodin, lord of protection and master of the harvest, I bring tidings to you, a humble friend wishing to bring you news. The gods make war in the sea - the mortals need to be protected from the careless divine wrath that is being unleashed. Of course, you could sit by and watch as your fellow gods break the world. It is entirely your choice.
We will speak again...

[Smiley_]

Leodin

The god was unsure where the voice in his head came from. It might have been him, it might have been through some other source, he didn't know.

What he did know was that it was time to end this little facade. It was fun, but these nagging voices were right.

Gods cared little for subtlety. He could protect cities from divinely aggravated weather and other calamity, but direct divine action was another thing entirely. Only those areas strongly under his influence could he hope to do so much. Right now, how to direct the serpent's wrath away from the mortals. The oceans were as secluded as it was, but civilization had even emerged there.

Leodin spied a bare mountain range, completely free from any kind of dwelling or structure or any people at all. It would surely cause the mountain to collapse, but leodin had to take that chance.

He grabbed his blade and, with surprising strength, drove it down into the heavenly serpent. Like a little furry armored meteor, he drove the spirit-beast down to the mountain and anchored it's bulk to the mountain range. He ignored the blasts of fire, even if they hurt. He could take it. Most others who did not have the fortune to be gods couldn't.

As he did, he took his now free hands and began to grapple with the heads, tying them together and knocking others out before they could explode on him

Now would be a good time to snap out of it, Shouheki. You get worked up over a few deaths? Bah, my people die all the time, natural disaster, old age and disease, not to mention domestic disputes, but this behavior is inexcusable. What would happen if we all overreacted like this? Dammit, you are going to see reason if I have to beat it into you, you self-righteous teabag!

Again and again, he struck with his fists, each time hitting like a heavy sledge. The fire of his battle magic pushed him to keep fighting with such strength and vigor.

Now snap out of it, or we might end up killing you! Not temporary-being-able-to-return dead. Dead! How will you help your people then? Trust me, you need to stop!

[llamamushroom]

Shouheki

The light died from the eyes of the Heavenly Serpent. Each and every one of its monstrous heads fell, lacking the strength even to slow their descent. They crashed against the mountain-top, and a quiet, but carrying voice, echoed around the world,

"What have I done?"

Shouheki dissolved into stars, each one as bright as the spiritual fire it had blasted its peers with but moments before. As the stars fled into their rightful place in the sky, finally allowing the sun to shine through, a shadow of the Spirit Turtle appeared in their wake. It looked up at Leodin, its erstwhile mentor, and whispered,

"I am sorry."

With that, the shadow, too, dissolved, leaving nothing but a large fox with too many tails. It looked around it, eyes filled with grief beyond measure, and ran.

The Grieving Fox ran into the Desert of Trials, an empty wasteland of sand, with only the occaisional glimpse of a Vor to break the monotony. As it ran, the Fox began to cry, tears shed in compassion for all of the lives so callously wasted by its wrath. The tears evaporated in moments, but soon more began to flow. And then, tears began to flow from the sky itself, Arashi weeping at seeing its god so miserable. Feeling the eyes of its child upon it, Shouheki ran faster, faster than the winds themselves, kicking up a huge sandstorm behind its fleeing paws. Eventually, it ran out of desert to run through, but then all it did was turn around and run back.

After a while, the Grieving Fox came to a stop in the centre of the desert. Feeling once again the eyes of its children upon it, Shouheki raised its head in a howl. As it did, its myriad tails shifted faster and faster, as though it were trying to beat away the memory of what it had done. Around it, the rocks and stones melted, becoming liquid fire, and the sand turned to molten glass. In an instant, this mixture flowed over the god, trapping it inside.

Shouheki nuzzled into itself, feeling safe in the enclosed space, and began to think.

What purpose is this if when I try to enact it, all I do is destroy? What point is there to existing, if all it ever comes to is destruction?

The deity tortured itself, mulling over every aspect of its existence, every reason for it, but it dwelled upon every reason against.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Oghi

"Huh. That was one strange god. I don't understand why he said he was sorry. Why be sorry? This was hella fun! I hope we do it again sometime. Until then, farewell!"

The god turned into a fireball and flew towards the Pyre Islands.

[Fiery Justice]

Chaim's Plot

For nearly a hundred years, Chaim has been working on something. At last the gods begin to feel its pulsating energy. But they still can't tell what it is he's planning on doing. The magical principles which he is using are, frankly, a little beyond what they understand. Leodin has some idea what he's doing, its a mixture of healing magic and raw divine power, but Leodin doesn't know where Chaim is going to get a proper focus for the magic, it'd be nearly impossible to focus that in any ordinary object (or even in an artifact.).

[Silverkiss]

Dragons and Gnomes

The great dragon chuckled at the little creature's bravado, although he didn't seem angry.

"So, Master Gnome, would you kindly tell me how exactly you will claim this very place from the grips of me and my brothers ?"

-------
Spirits and Dragonians

The dragonian group was astonished to find such strange creatures in such a marvellous place, and even more surprised about the creatures' reactions. Knowing not what to do, the dragonians just stood by, little by little learning to communicate with the kitsune, and sharing from their culture.

-------
The Counsil of the Dragon Lords

As Inarius exposed his ideas, the other Dragon Lords were absort in thought, using their divine-empowered abilities to see through the eyes of the stars, to hear through the wind, to feel the pain of the mortals slaughtered by the rampart Spirit God. Then, the Head spoke:

Darigazz: "You bring disturbing matters to the Counsil, Inarius, and your chance of attitude is weird, to say the least. However, what you say is true, and I hope the change in you is for the best."

Methros: "Wait, Darigazz. We should not force ourselves into the matters of the other races and gods. They may as well have to recover from this hit alone, to prevent balance."

Nairin: "That may be true, but we need to at least offer our helping hand for those that may need it the most."

Darigazz: "Yes, I understand your concerns. Send forth the fastest messegers to the area around where the conflict happened. Tell them to give the message that we are willing to help, if help is needed. But it is them that must come to us for help."

-------
Draco

The Dragon King watched the conflict unfold from the sky, flying far above the other gods. He was sad at Shouheki's rampage, a senseless destruction with no meaning and no purpose. However, he did not intervene. When Shouheki was finally subdued and fled, taking the shape of a many-tailed fox, Draco followed the Spirit God.

When Shouheki finally stopped running and enclosed himself in a cocoon-like structure, Draco knew what to do. He lowered himself to where Shouheki was, just outside of his protected space, and whispered into the Spirit God's soul, his low roar bypassing every defense and every protection Shouheki thought he had.

"Do not dwell alone in your sad thoughts, Spirit God, lest you destroy yourself in grief and sorrow. I bring advice, if you are willing to take it."

[Krrth]

Ksharn


Ksharn watches as the rampaging God runs off

That...was different.

*looks around*

And he left us with the mess, too.

[Darth_Malevo]

Warning! Do not stare at the Gnome in his knickers!

Boddypen let out a "Whut" before looking down, his eyes bulging as he saw that- indeed- his overalls had been removed, leaving him in his knickers. He felt like voicing a few choice words towards the fuzzy woman-thing, but decided that- in the name of peace- he would not hurl them at her. He decided to correct her instead, "Not a halfling, I can tell you that much. Too roguish, not enough smarts. I can tell 'cuz I'm a Gnome, and that means I have this."

He held his right hand up for inspection, the scaled surface looking reptilian. It was a recent addition, and he had yet to figure out just what purpose it fulfilled. "Mutations, the Chi Artists back home tell me it's something to do with my gen-e-tics." He explained, walking from the bed. "Now, where's these clothes you want me to wear?"
_______________________________________
Dragons and Gnomes

Bunkrick looked amongst the crew, the interior machinery going haywire as it was lifted above. "Well, first we have to send up a signal. In the mean time, we'd have to run around and pray the natives can't kill us all. It's got some flaws, I'll admit, but it certainly won't look good for those natives when the rest of us get here! Any opinions on the plan?" Unfortunately, the words 'Me and my brothers' didn't register, and he only heard a question about how they planned to get rid of the natives. Overall it didn't seem that complex to him, seeing as the only other species to be encountered so far were Halflings (Who seemed more political than anything) and the Vampires (Who, as he knew, went down easily enough to a crossbow to the face).
____________________________________
Up and Up!

Jebni and Dalgel ascended the remainder of the tower, each level holding many things to take photos of and overcome. Jebni made it to the last level with Dalgel at his heels, the Gnomes making an excellent progress until it came to that part. It was the Trial of Envy, where Jebni's more curious nature led him to nearly fall for the carefully-laid trap. Dalgel saved him in the end, however, by pointing him to the only other door in that chamber. Even then, they barely made it, Dalgel having to carry Jebni near the end.

The chamber they entered was, to say the least, beautiful, the floors were made of gold, platinum and silver, inlaid with diamonds and all kinds of shiny gems. Music filled the chamber, the same kind they heard before, it had taken some time to get used to, it being not so much music as a cacaphony of noise.

Servants filled the chamber, all had claws for hands, yet all were divinly attractive. In the centre of this room, sat a creature of perfect beauty, glorious in every way, it looked like a man, in his early twenties, with eyes that shone of knowledge, power and lust. He was surrounded by the women-things, who were feeding him, combing his hair, rubbing oils onto his perfect body and so on...

Raptus fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "My Lord! I bring you these outlanders, they wish to speak with you."

"Yep! Wanna talk with you, 'bout stuff." Jebni declared, and Dalgel's Imageograph took several pictures. The box gave a click-click-whuuur sound before the Gnome imageographer gave a shrug and holstered the device.
"Stuff?" The Defiled one purred. "Please, be more specific." it said, his voice pure music, reminiscent of lullabies or serenades.
"Well, this tower of yours, for one. How did you manage to acheive a successful Spirit-Matter transfer?" Jebni asked, his divine blessing letting him resist the temptations of the Defiled One a bit more effectively than Dalgel, who was swaying on his heels.
"Now why would I share that knowledge? What do I gain?" He said with a smile, rising from his throne, his movement graceful, gliding, perfect.

"I do like rewards."
"Trading...information?" Jebni asked, a horrified look on his face. "That's...why wouldn't you just share it?!" He asked, confounded on the deepest levels.
"Maybe it's my little secret? Can't only take in this life, sometimes...you have to give." He said, a playful smile on his lips.
Dalgel's lower lip quivered, and his mouth opened, ready to spill the beans. Fortunately, Jebni's hand clamped around the less-powerful Gnome's mouth, muffling his words. "What...sort of gifts?" Jebni asked, cocking an eyebrow like one might **** the lever of a Stronginthearm Crossbow.

"Well, for one, maybe your god and I could be friends, that way, we can help eachother, I could give you so...very much." He purred, licking his lips.
Daldar began to nod his head, but Jebni kept it still with his one hand. "Right, our god doesn't even speak to us beyond divine channels. But I suppose you couldn't hurt us all that much. Now, what is it you want?"
"Everything, nothing, and all in between." He spoke with a giggle. "If we share one secret, we share them all....we swear loyalty to eachother, for ever."
"That's a bit of a heavy deal, don't you suppose?" Jebni said, his eyebrow lowering. "I'm willing to set up a trade agreement with you, though. Gnome ships go in, bringing technology in in exchange for money."
"Why would it be a heavy deal? We each lose an enemy, gain a friend, with all the benefits that brings."
"Well, when you put it like that..." Jebni said, thinking. "It'll need to be documented, you know. By documenters. And diplomats."
"Oh, no, I trust you. It just needs to be all documented, with provisions and such. That way neither of us have to be personally involved!" Jebni said, suddenly realizing- with a spark of horror- that he didn't want to offend the thing before him.
"I like to get personally involved" He spoke, grinning. "But, if you so wish, Raptus is eager to serve."
"Right." Jebni said, "Now, would it be all right with you if we took some samples while we're here? The properties of some of your buildings are...intriguing."
"Oh yes, as long as you promise to let me know what you find out." It laughed curtly. "It's a simple procedure really, just put the souls in the materials."
"...Right." Jebni agreed, "Well, other than that, I don't suppose you have any goods you'd be interested in sharing right away, now would you?" He asked, thinking, "Any...gifts of goodwill?"

"There are so many gifts I could give you...I could teach you so many things...all will come in time little ones."
"...Right." Jebni agreed, "Well, other than that, I don't suppose you have any goods you'd be interested in sharing right away, now would you?" He asked, thinking, "Any...gifts of goodwill?"
"There are so many gifts I could give you...I could teach you so many things...all will come in time little ones."
"Right..." Jebni said, finding himself suddenly possessing the urge to be entirely somewhere else. "Uhh...listen, it's been great and all, and...I don't suppose you'd be interested in, you know, just...zapping us out to the front door, maybe?"
"Leaving so soon? Very well, if you insist." He spoke, lowering his head, making his way back to his throne. "Raptus will show you out, and deal with your...paperwork?" He said, sitting down, the smile having faded from his lips.
Jebni nodded, "Right, well, uhh...cya later! Hopefully some traders will be over here in due time, and you'll be at the bleeding edge of Gnomish technology!"
"I'll be sure to come over sometime, or send one of my little subordinates." He spoke.
"Sounds like it'd be a...blast!" Jebni said, rapidly retreating after Raptus, dragging Daldar behind him.
The Defiled One waved at Daldar, giving him a smile. "Step on the pedestal to your left, it should be quite the experience, it's the fastest way down."

Daldar nodded, nearly hypnotized by the Defiled One's words. He gave a sharp twist, Jebni's grip on his robe loosening from the swift motion. Quick as a wink, Daldar bolted for the pedestal, leaping towards it.

As he stepped on it, his body was filled with emotions, his every sense screaming in estacy, he felt pain and pleasure at the same time, the scent of sewage filled his nose, together with the sweetest perfumes. And in a flash, it was over, and he was standing before the tower.

Daldar looked around a bit before being joined by Jebni, the two Gnomes sharing a look with one another. They then looked to the front of the tower before looking towards the crashed wagon, now surrounded by curious onlookers. They left a trail of dust in their wake as they ran from the tower, screaming all the while as they fled this crazy place. Eventually more Gnomes would come in their place, seeking trade and riches amongst these people. Some would stay forever, others would simply visit on their vacations. But, no matter what the intentions, trade was established. An alliance was formed, one of two, but still an alliance and vow of protection.

[Silverkiss]

Dragons and Gnomes

"Oh, I see. That is actually a good plan. I'm sorry to say that it would fail here, though. You see, you could be crushed before ever sending any signal. Even if you did, you would soon get caught, and would die horribly. Oh, and no matter how much men you bring, the natives have a decisive advantage in, well, size. And they fly, too. Are you really sure you want to continue with your little plan ? I am sure the natives wouldn't be too shy to trade with your people, if that was an option. There could be much to be learned."

[Kaiser Omnik]

David and Goliath

The great Khan of the salamanders got up and took the strange "instrument" in his hands. He lifted it with ease.

"Interesting...is it supposed to be a weapon? It doesn't look like one. If it is as dangerous...and powerful as you claim, why are you giving it to me? Maybe it's designed to explode in my hands? IS THAT IT?!"

The khan looked especially imposing.

[Ipphli]

Uso

Uso frowns as he watches Shou leave. He shakes his head as the shield and spear vanish and he turns towards Ksharn. "Very odd. Thank you for your aid, all of you." He turns to look at the others. "My name is Uso, the Lord of Storms. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to straighten this mess up so my people can return."

With that Uso and the Storm-wraiths set to work. The simple village at the mouth of the river as gone. The small delta that the river had been was now a huge bay, filled with debris and bodies. After the debris had been cleared from the water, what was left proved to be a deep, sheltered bay. The 13 beings brought the Atarns back and helped them start over, assuring them that this trial was over, and they would be stronger for it. Uso personally promised his people this would never happen again so long as they believed in him and offered him their worship, thus empowering him enough to defend them.

[Darth_Malevo]

Dragons and Gnomes

Bunkrick looked at the large dragon before him, various cogs in his head clicking into face. "Oh." He said, before very suddenly realizing his life was on a wire. "And what would the natives have to offer beyond your valuable scales, and the hoards of gold we know you lot keep?" He asked into the speaking tube, before slapping the lid down and looking to the crew.

"<Right, you lot! We gotta send a signal! The captain's out, and that means we gotta send a...blue flare, if I think right. Hut, hut! Get the flares, atta step!>" He yelled in Gnomish, trying to make some encouraging sounds as he waited for a reply from the massive dragon. Which, he now realized, was a native.
___________________________________________
Bugger, we've been had!

"What?!" Pilnig yelped, "It's a sonic amplifier! It's...a really loud whistle, to be blunt. It's much more complex, though, especially considering all the calibrations you can make regarding wavelength, distance, decibel: It's the ultimate whistle!" He said with a note of pride, "You'll never see another one like it...at least until the factory is up and running, then it'll be a household thing."

He thought for several very short seconds before continuing, "And it's not like you'll be able to recreate it or anything without some really precise instruments, and from the looks of your...ships," He said the word haughtily, "You really don't have tools like that."

[Silverkiss]

Dragons and Gnomes

The great dragon let out a massive laughter at the gnome's reaction, before continuing:

"We can offer many things, not only material trades but also knowledge. You see, we, the Empire of Dragonia, wish to know better the other civilized people of this land. We only seek for the growth and advancement of our society by absorbing any useful knowledge from the other tribes of the world."