Blank Slate IC2

[Krrth]

Akteron and Alchaeus

Damn. I don't have the power to fight Moghor directly...but maybe there is another way. He can't take them to his domain if they've already left for one of mine. What do you think about moving people and cities into the Realm of Dreams? I dare say the Shades can keep everyone safe in my own lands.

[Mike_the_Mystic]

Zuli does some magic while he talks to Moghor.

Dude, yer races are ruinin mah forests, get em' out befo' mah mellow is harshed again mon!

[Johel]

Trollgroves

In the woods around Jin'Karthiad, cabals of grigs had gathered in the canopy. None was bigger than 40 grigs and each was led by one of Xiren's priests. No dryad had made the trip, mainly because it wouldn't have been possible to carry their trees without being spotted. The amount of Karthaidi troops around here wasn't as high as one could expect for the center of an empire but the pressure at the frontline was probably responsible. Still, stealth was needed for this and 10 cabals couldn't have made it if they had each traveled with dryads.

Yraku had been fighting for weeks when he had been invited to be part of this final strike at the Karthaidi Empire. Following the refugees, some advanced "freedom fighters" had been able to locate roughly the area where the Karthaidi Empire had gathered most of its population. The city was probably a mess by now...but nobody had tried to enter it yet.

"-So, what ? Did we get words from the others ?"
"-They say we'll send one cabal to scout. Maybe even make a viral attack or something, just to test the reaction of the Trolls. They must still feel pretty secure, with the frontline still far away."
"-What if they detect us ?"
"-Most of their troops are at the front, fighting Sanctuary's forces. And words from the South-East are that Yanze reinforcements won't arrive before a full week at best. Trust me, They can't afford to patrol these woods. They know what happen when they send lone sentries..."

A few cruel laughs burst as all grigs pictured mentally various images of what happened to their prisoners.
"-Anyway, when can we begin ?"
"-First, let's scout the city. If it's worth it, we will then act."

Spoiler

Show

400 grigs are spread around Jin'Karthiad. They are up to something.
Around 20 of them go on scouting mission, using their stealth as well as their magic to get inside the city. They then proceed to gather information, each as an individual.
1 Minor Act : (off screen) to create the invocation jars. Much like the trolls have their "vaccine" potions, their "anti-charm" potions and "nuke" potions, Xirenist now can produce small jars which summon Xiren's creatures :

• Swarm of flies
• Swarm of rats
• Swarm of centipedes
• Swarm of Fire Locusts (acid-blood locusts)
• Hellish Rats (large-sized dire rats)
• Walking Amanites (large-sized walking mushroom with poisonous tendrils)
• Mogrh Worms (parasitic undead worm)
• Otyughs (furious beasts)
• Shamblers (vegetal guardians)
  The whole Alliance Army are equipped with said jars.

Ocean, near the Island of Souls

They had heard the call. For a whole week now, they've gathered from every single outpost. But the bulk of the horde had just arrived from the City of the Depths : 200.000 Kappas, wearing weapons and armors made of coral, stone and algae, swimming like a huge school of giant frogs. Around them to keep them in lines, dominated Kalis ridding sharks.

Dozens of enslaved Sea-Wolves, most of them females, harnessed with complex system of saddles, belts, pulleys and various ropes, were used to drag a large rock on which many Nimones stood, Naïades at their sides, smiling confidently as the "fortress" advanced. Inside of it, tunnels had been dug to accommodate the babies of said Sea-Wolves. A whole room had been fitted as a "reversed pool", with a wide air bubble trapped at the ceiling. platforms and embrasures had been set along the rock so that giant harpoon throwers could repulse assaults from the killer whales.

The reason for this whole show of force was "The Call".
Xiren had spoken and she had ordered the City of the Depths to march to war. Half of the city's population was assembled there, ready to run for their goal : the Library and the Books of Eternity.

Finally, as a sign, the Blood Flower's avatar appeared in front of them.
"-My beloved children,

Dark times are upon us. The world is spinning into a bottomless hell of wars and misery but that's not like anything unusual for us, isn't it ?
Nevertheless, we must take steps to insure our survival. We must act so that none of the unbelievers would benefit from what had been pilled here for so long. On this island, secrets are sleeping. And it's up to you to discover them !! In my honor, bath this island with blood !!"

As she ended her speech, the army sheered her. But most of the sound was lost in the water. Then, the various divisions of Kappas swom around the Island of Souls, closing the distance with the bridge, the cliffs and the beach but remaining in high water. Then, taking the pieces from the fortress, they began to build large harpoon throwers.

It took them two whole days to deploy their troopss and build their warmachines. But at the dawn of the third day, the signal was given. Slowly, the whole army advanced in shallow water, the heads of the frog-fairies getting out of the sea. When the tip of the harpoons got out, the shelling began.

Hundreds of harpoons took off, each with a payload : invocation jars.
As the projectiles broke on the ground, huge swarms of insects and rodents began to pour across the island, as well as dozen of monsters. The bridge's ends were also bombarded. The thing lasted for three hours before the first warcries were heard.

Spoiler

Show

1 Minor Act : to boost the Kappas population one more time. This should also justify how they succeeded in capturing Sea-Wolves babies : they took the casualties and asked for more.

After the shelling :
Beaches : 25.000 Kappas attack, wave after wave. Their goal is to secure the beaches as well as an access to the inland.
Bridge : a force of 1.000 Swamp Jakarus and Swamp Trolls rush from the main land. If there is any form of resistance, they'll swarm it with sheer number, taking as much casualty as necessary. All the while, 5.000 Kappas climb at the bridge's foots and run towards both ends.
Cliffs : No assault there.
Fortress : Still surrounded by around 170.000 Kappas with Kali officers, Naïades and Xiren's Avatar.

[Smiley_]

Spoiler

Show

I think this deserves the question, Why would the Sea-Wolves even consider giving their young to a bunch of depraved murdering cultists even if they had captured certain "casualties"? Swift retribution time, in any case. I/m sure you expected this

Assult on the Island of Souls

Near the end of the second day, just as the Xirenists had made their attack, the foundations of the "floating fortress" began to rumble and shake. A monstrous wave swelled upwards, towering high over the rock. As it hit, the fortress, while not tipped over, was knocked back and forth, tumbling the occupants inside. Then the rumbling came again, but instead of another wave, the rumbling escalated into a deafaning roar.

Suddenly, the harnesed Sea-Wolves began to struggle in the chaos, straining at their chains and harnesses, pulling the whole fortress underwater. Before those inside could figure out what was happening, there was a loud crunch, the sound of snapping and grinding stone. Chains broke and the fortress suddenly began to rise again, moving faster and faster until it was forced above the water. It was launched into the air a good ways and when it had once again begun it's descent, a huge fluked tail threw a massive shadow over the floating fortress.

Empowered by the rage of an angry matriarch, a mother who's children are in danger, Orikuma, queen of the ocean, bellowed and brought her tail down. She was absolutely enormous even by sea-wolf standards, rivaling the titans in sheer size. The tail smashed into the stone wall of the fortress and left a big gaping hole from where water poured out. The young sea-wolves, recognizing their opportunity, escaped in the chaos. Orikuma breached, hanging in the air majesticly for a brief moment before bearing down on the fortress sending cracks down its walls and sending the stone edifice into the ocean's depths.

Naiades, Nimones and Kappas alike were left open to the dark sea. It was only a matter of time before the formerly-enslaved Sea-Wolves bore down upon them, tearing them to shreds and leaving them dismembered for the sharks to consume.

As suddenly as they had come, the sea-wolves had left. They were not numerous, even for a "civilized" race, but their strength was unmatched among mortals. The Naiades had underestimated the power that mere dozens held and could not anticipate that their loyalty and love for their matriarch and their children could break any charm that the Naiades had placed on them

then, from the coast, the Xirenist forces heard the battle-horn echoing through the sea mists.

Spoiler

Show

I assume you expected something like this, right? By the way, a pack of 120 or so sea-wolves is the equivalent of a modest army. They are big, powerful, but not very numerous.

[Krrth]

Isle of Souls

Akteron was not amused. The library had been designed to be a place of peace and tranquility, and now it was being attacked.

He quickly sent a message to Xiren

Sister, I don't know what has come over you, but you need to stop. Remove your troops from my Holy Island, or I will do it for you.


A message then sounded in the minds of all the invaders currently on his Isle.

If you are so eager for me to escort you through the doorway, then by all means continue. You are not welcome here. Leave now, or stay forever.


At that, the inhabitants of the Isle stirred. Shades, unkillable and highly skilled, manned the access ways. The adopted spirits of the Temples, the Temple Dragons started to arrive. Even worse, the guardians appeared, wearing items forged over centuries of practice.

The environment began to worsen. Winter sets in, the water growing colder every day. The troops that sleep find no rest, as nightmares stalk the dark.

Spoiler

Show

1 minor to influence winter, 1 minor to influence dreams. The forged items are those that have been worn by guardians and temple monks since forging was created.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Moghor Rezamir and Zuli

Spoiler

Show

Moghor's avatar, the World Serpent, is in presence of many worshipers. I assume Zuli has also taken an avatar form (or a dragonhawk form, or whatever you like). If not, please tell me. If Zuli decided to appear in his divine body, he would instantly kill all the mortals around Moghor.

Do not forget that Moghor's avatar is worth two avatars.

The massive Wyrm turned toward the troll god.

"You dare threaten me? Listen well, Zuli. Those mortals are acting on their own free will. It is between them and your trolls. They are not destroying the forests for the sake of destruction. If you wished the forests to be left unharmed, then you should have isolated the trolls from the rest of the world.

In fact, if one of us has acted foolishly, it's you. You actually destroyed a whole population of grig refugees. IN A SANCTUARY! If anyone should be punished, it's you. If you try to intervene in the war, trust me, I will make you stop. I will make you pay for your arrogance.

Don't underestimate me...mon."

[Johel]

Island of Souls

As no guardians bothered to protect the beaches, the first division landed without problem, charging straight to the Library. They found the inhabitants fighting against the conjured monsters. For the spirits who protected the island, monsters and vermin were a minor nuisance at worst but they kept the defenders busy while the Kappas launched the first assault.

Two more divisions advanced on the beach as their brothers were fighting, though "dying" was probably a more accurate description of the events : With shades and guardians fighting side by side on the narrow paths leading to the library, what was suppose to be a simple matter of numbers turned into a organized slaughter, Kappas rushing at their enemies only to meet their blades ready. The salves of harpoons, fired at point-blank range, didn't seem to harm the spirits in charge of the island, though many back off as the pressure increased.

However, the charge of the spirit dragons put an halt to the invasion. The former River dragons were thirsty for revenge and wouldn't let Xiren's followers destroy their new home. Not after what they had already done to the rivers.

The first division was annihilated but the sacrifice was worth it : as the first night ended, 50.000 Kappas camped on the island, their siege weapons ready. From the ocean, 2 more divisions began an endless convoy to supply the invaders with ammunitions and water. All day, the Library's positions were bombarded with harpoons loaded with invocation jars.

Spoiler

Show

About the "unkillable" Shade, what do you mean ? It is not possible to kill them at all ?!!

The Mobile Fortress

Immobile at the sea's bottom, the Mobile Fortress didn't react to the assault. It was unexpected, to say the least.

"-So...what was that ?"
"-I think we just lost the Sea-Wolves..."
"-Really ? Oh, I haven't noticed, thanks !! I mean what was this monster and how did it get that close without us noticing ?!!"
"-If you're so smart, how come YOU didn't notice it first ?"

The mobile fortress would need a new name. Or wouldn't it ?
While the Naïades discussed uselessly about the problem, the Fey Flower, avatar of Xiren, acted. Taking a single crab from the reefs around the Island of Souls, she licked it then let it fall on the seabed. By the time the tiny creature touched the sand, it has increased in size tremendously. Xiren's avatar repeated the process with hundreds of crabs until she felt there was enough of them.

The weak-willed but heavily armored Spiked Crabs were born. The avatar turned to the Naïades and spoke.
"-Here is the answer to your problem. Now, stop bickering and get busy with the invasion !! I want those books and I want them for YESTERDAY !!"

Spoiler

Show

1 Major Act to create the Spiked Crabs.
Colossal sized crabs with heavy spiked "armor". Nothing special about them, they are just oversized crabs but they are really weak-willed, so that Naïades can actually keep them under control.

[Krrth]

Isle of Souls

Even though many had died, the invaders continued. Even though they were his enemies, he still hated to see them die before their time. However, this did not keep him from attempting to finish what they started. Sadly, he sent his power out. The temperature, which was already near freezing, dropped drastically. Ice instantly began to form over the Isle. Even the seawater began freezing. Soon, anyone not protected from the cold began to die.

On the beach, defenses set long ago were activated. Blade Barriers sprang up, cutting off reinforcements (and incidentally, retreat). Those attempting to pass through quickly found themselves sliced into small pieces.

Spoiler

Show

1 Minor Act to Lower the temperature even farther. It is now around -20.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Akteron and Alchaeus

"- This could work, but Moghor may have a back-up plan. In the meantime, do you want me to help defend the Isle of Souls?"

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

Moghor to Xiren

Moghor sent a Krokuta to mock the Blood Flower's avatar.

"Another suicide mission, heh? Aren't you tired of always loosing? If you don't succeed this time, you will be laughed at by the entire divine community, for sure! Hahaha!"

[Krrth]

Akteron and Alchaeus

No, I think we've got this. Xiren is forgetting that even though I don't have vast numbers of living troops, if I have to I can recall all the uncounted number of souls in my realm.

I'd rather you go and find out more about what Moghor is doing. Once I've finished things here I'll join you. Take a squad of Shades with you.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Akteron and Alchaeus

Alchaeus nodded.

"- It will be done."

The Black Knight then turned to the other shades.

"- Move out!"

They instantly vanished.

[Johel]

Xiren's Avatar

"-What ?!!!"
This mere bag of mud dared to insult her ? With one swing, the avatar shattered it...and regretted her move immediately. It wasn't the right time to alienate Moghor.

Nevertheless, the little creature had hit a string, here : she couldn't let herself being beaten once more. Not with so much at stake. Akteron has acted directly as a god in mortal warfare. Xiren would do the same.

Isle of Souls, day 7

A whole week.
It's what it took to the Kappas to mae it to the Library's main doors. It should have taken less than two, given their overwhelming number, firepower and conjured allies. But the divine winter was too much.

Freezing in small huts made of stone corpses, the survivors sticked around fire camps, boiling snow to get the water they needed. The wards of the Island had been disabled by the priests but it had taken time and without the constant shelling to keep the local spirits busy, this might not have been possible. Now, convoys were bringing algae from the sea to be burn, as the mountain was devoid of trees.

"-Kappa, Kappa !! This whole invasion is doomed !!"
"-Kappa !! You say it, Kroak !! We ain't going home alive, tell you !!"
"-Yeah, Kappa !! We gonna freeze to death and...Kappa !! kinda hotter suddenly..."
"-Yeah...hotter...and wetter."
"-And smellier, too."

One of the Kappas peaked outside the hut. What he saw make him burst tears of joy : the snow was melting with the ground, creating a dark mud which flowed like shallow rivers, down to the frozen sea. Following the "river", a living blanket of insects, rodents, amphibians and reptiles creped from the massive hole that had appeared in the sky, just above a mountain, sulfuric vapors pouring madly from the green and black whirlpool as purple and blue lighting bolts connected briefly with the ground. Two dimension seemed to be about to merged but such thing was not possible.

Xiren knew it and instead, she just went on to mess with the whole climatic process of the Island of Souls, creating a gigantic hurricane of pestilence from where the ever-decaying soil of the Cloaque felt upon the ground. As the vortex grew wider, a black, oily rain covered the whole island.

Like if the sudden increase in heat and nutriment had boosted their growth, plants began to flourish. Nice little flowers and pleasant bushes at first, like the ones found in Zuli's forests, the seeds probably carried by birds long ago. But soon, some twisted horrors replaced them, their rotting trunks overflowed with fat maggots as swarms of flies took off from everywhere. The sick trees were quickly strangled with thorned vines which kept growing on the ground as the small valleys between the mountains became lakes of muddy waters, where Xiren's creations would probably thrive (if the temperature remained above zero).

Incarnation of the entropy itself, Xiren's avatar appeared atop the island, her spiked roots floating around her like living snakes. With a smile, she admired her work before giving the finger to the spirits guarding the Library. As if this simple sign carried some dark magic, a red glow began to engulf the whole island, tainting the very ground, from which a thick yellow smoke began to evaporate, mirroring perfectly what already filled the sky but was slowly fading.

For a brief moment, the sky became blue again, a bright winter sun shining over the Island. Then the moment passed and thick yellow clouds formed, showering the Island with hot muddy rain during the day while, at night, column of vapors from the ground would replenish the clouds.

Though the Kappas were born in the ocean, they would probably love this place, which looked exactly like the legendary Putrid Swamp they'd heard the Naïades speak of with nostalgic voices. In fact, it was even better than the Putrid Swamp. It was a Tainted Island.

"-Praised be Xiren...Kappa !!"

Spoiler

Show

1 Major Act to take over the Rain domain from the now long forgotten Huang Long.
2 Major Act :
To transform the Island of Souls into the Tainted Island.
"Tropical climate" is perhaps not the exact term but you probably get the idea by now. Yes, it's a little god mode but you can undo it if you really want to. Just have to pay the acts and give a nice description.

[Mike_the_Mystic]

[spoiler]Avatars aren't stronger than gods, even those that are worth "Two Avatars"[/spolier]

Zuli, in the guise of a great bear.

No, no mon. Ju made yo people think it was mah people who did it. And did ju not realize dat Xiren had attempted to exterminate da trolls? Or how about dat befo da trolls wiped dem out, da grigs were infestin' da forests? HMM? Ah've always been uninterferin', unitl ah was pushed to interference. Ah won' be pushed around bah some big worm.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Moghor and Zuli

"I had enough of you, puny troll god! You don't understand at all. I thought you could be part of this...but I see you're a fool! I didn't intend to go as far as kill you, but if I must do it to preserve my utopia, then I will! Your trolls will be much better without you!"

The avatar and the worshippers around him disappeared inside a portal. Now, Zuli could feel Moghor's presence on a mountain peak overlooking the Trollgroves.... The presence of a full god, not an avatar.

Cracks appeared in the Giant King's golden skin. His body emitted intense heat.

"Let us finish this. You may laught at a Wyrm, but we'll see if you can handle the heat!"

[Smiley_]

Battle of the Isle of Souls, Night of the 7th Day.

As the battle raged on in the disgusting bog Xiren was so kind to provide, few people looked to the yellow clouds that covered the sky. Only a handful of the Xirenists noticed the dark figure fly in and perch on the top of the library walls. It stood up and faced the army before it, wearing a pitch black cloak.

He was a gangly thing, wrapped mummy like with many strips of parchment, each covered with hundreds of sigils, runes and words of power. Only it's two large black eyes were exposed with its long ebony beak.

Vrrn did not look too different from before, but those sensitive to such things could feel the energy of the powerful layered spells and protective charms that emananated from his frail form. Even those who were not saw the ring of glowing runes hovering in mid-air, the faint halo of golden light and a few crystal shards positioned around his body.

He removed an ornate gold-colored wand decorated with several smooth gemstones from somewhere withing the folds of parchment and pointed it at the raging battle below.

I have written Nine hundred histories, twelve hundred biographies and collections of knowledge form every civilized race and culture from across the world. They are kept behind these walls, and I will not see these wild brutes desecrate this holy ground. Turn back, foul creations of the vile Xiren, or I shall see every last one of you dead!

his words were soft, but they were clear to everyone on the battlefield. Still, it was only one man, and the Kappas were probably not that impressed.

[Krrth]

Akteron and the Isle of Souls



That is enough Xiren. You would attack my Home? That was bad enough, but now you start re-arranging my furniture? I think not.

With a wave, he changes the Isle back to what it was before. Then, he drops the temperature down so far, and so fast, that the water flash-freezes. The very waves in the ocean still, out to at least ten miles. Any creature without magical protection will be dead within the hour.

Spoiler

Show

1 major act to repair the Isle. 1 major act to drop the temperature to -60 within the span of a few seconds.

[Johel]

Twisted by the large amount of opposed magics at work, the Island seemed to vanish from reality itself for a moment. The second after, the Tainted Island was no more. Instead was a frozen landscape with thousands of frog-like ice statues spread along the path leading to the Library's main doors.

Up to a mile away from the Island of Souls, the sea itself seemed to have been frozen still. The waters were covered by a thick icecap while under it, only the violent streams prevented them to become a gigantic iceberg.

Further away from the island, out of the shallow water, many Naïades shivered as the roaring sound of cracking ice reached the fortress.
"-Someone doesn't share our vision of heaven."
"-Yep...Too bad it's a god."
"-Enough small talk, sisters !! With the Blood Flower gone, what do we do ?"
"-What do you mean ? We've lost half of the army back there. Nothing but dead spirits remain on this forsaken island and I doubt it will ever change now that they're aware of our interest."
"-So we fall back ?"
"-We fall back. The Kappas can handle ghosts and spirits but a god is out of their league."
"-Xiren will not be happy. She'll ask for sacrifices."
"-She'll get them. We still got Kappas left.
Messages were sent and, in a confused but still unique move, the whole remnants of the army gathered around their equipment and escorted the fortress to the City of the Depths

Spoiler

Show

This kinda defeat the purpose of Nokumo's intervention but yeah...
So, we move to humans, then.

Trollgroves

Spoiler

Show

No information about what's inside the city. I'll assume that the grigs found the city empty except for the garrison troops, which they avoid. 75.000 people must eat and drink a lot so there must be some kind of movement between the catacombs and the surface to supply them. Some grigs have spot this and just follow it and discovered the entrance of the catacombs, though they don't know what's inside (but they have hints : for who's all this meat ? )

All in one single spot ?
That's it, yeah. I mean, that much food and water can feed thousands of people. Tens of thousands. And as most of the refugees have been track to this city...

This was logic, indeed. Yraku could now understand it. The Trolls were a despicable people. What were they thinking ? That nobody will spot the thousands of fleeing refugees on the roads ? That no grig, who are master of stealth, will even try to investigate ? Yraku wasn't sure that the whole troll population was down there but anyway, he and the other priests had a mission. The holy quest given to them by Xiren had to be accomplish.

"-Pass the word. We'll begin tonight, at sunset. May the Kind Mother give us the strength."
"-She will."

-------------
The ceremony had been long but finally, it reached its end.
Knife high, Yraku offered a bloody sacrifice to the Kind Mother, dropping the mutilated body of a Lycian into the purple flames while begging the goddess to lend him some of her divine strength. All around Jin'Karthiad, small purple fire camps could be seen as other priests chanted Xiren's glory, the piercing voices of their followers filling the air in a disharmonious song.

Ten large red and black clouds rose from the forest, swirling above the city before falling upon it. The rituals had cast the Über Ebola virus once more. But when its previous incarnation had just been a highly aggressive killer, this one was a true monster, an avatar of pestilence and decay, a flesh eating virus which attacked every living forms, killing most of them in a matter of hours. Airborn, it made its way through the cyclopean stonewalls of Jin'Karthiad, using every single tiny hole where the wind could blow as a highway leading to its preys.

Letting the sentinels scream in agony as their very flesh was being devoured by the virus, the plague soon reached the refugee-filled caves of the catacombs where the true feast began... Yraku would have been pleased but, sadly for him, despite her name, Xiren was not a kind goddess. The rotting bodies of the grig priest lied near the fire camp, a grim smile on his face as the virus consumed up to the marrow of his bones.

Spoiler

Show

1 Minor Act to cast a flesh-eating virus on the refugee. the whole civilian population, that was gathered inside Jin'Karthiad, is killed. With the ongoing war, I doubt their is enough Voodoomancers to heal the victims on the spot and even if there were, they too would be affected and probably use their magic to heal themselves first.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Jin'Karthiad

Moghor also had its share of fanatics. One of his high priests had traveled with the grigs to the heart of the Trollgroves. Like his brothers, he didn't especially like the malevolent fey. However, Moghor had sent him to Jin'Karthiad with an important task, and he would need the grigs to accomplish his goal. With their help, he had been able to spread the red dirt infused with divine energy around the capital. Some of it had also been put in the bags of the city guards, who would bring it back inside with them. Who would suspect dirt to be dangerous?

Of course, the erda felt the effects of the Ebola virus, like all of Xiren's worshipers, once the ritual was completed. But Moghor didn't need him anymore. He had done his job. As the first trolls died of the plague, their corpses were instantly reanimated by foul magicks. The city was quickly overrun by the undead hordes...

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

Just before the virus hit the catacombs, a pair of large yellow eyes materialized in the darkness of the room. Eyes of a snake. The women and children were deadly afraid of this "apparition", but the creature spoke kindly.

"Do not fear, for I am here to save your souls. The trolls have fought well, but the truth is that your god is weak. He can't defend you anymore. But that is no problem. I will take it from here."

The entire catacombs were swallowed in the shadow of the beast.

Spoiler

Show

1 major act to "save" all the trolls hiding in the catacombs, including males, since I suppose there were many guards down there. They are not on the material plane anymore.
1 minor act to make the curse of the Flesheaters more potent

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

The Clash of the Empires

The war raged elsewhere in the Trollgroves. The animal lords had succeeded in decimating most of the colossi operating the first Juggernaut, but Sjornir, their king, was still resisting with all his strength. His people had nicknamed him the Tempest, and for good reason. He was a force of nature. Sure, he was greatly wounded, but he didn't care. Fleeing wasn't an option. Meanwhile, the fire drakes were keeping the enemy busy and making it impossible to focus on Sjornir or the Juggernaut.

Then, the reinforcements arrived, and the tide of the battle began to turn. From great fissures in the ground, Moghor's trusted lieutenants joined their comrades in fighting the animal lords. High Cleric Felaar and his fire elementals; the Cereberus; Moloch and his undead armies, including mohrgs and chilling bones; as well as the four titans, Mercury and the others.

Last but not least, Moghor himself showed up, in the form of his avatar, and began swallowing one animal lord after another.

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

Alchaeus and his shades had just found the source of an arcane disturbance in the Trollgroves. There, they found a great pillar of earth encased in a circular wall of fire. The small area around the pillar was a dead wasteland. Since the entire trollgroves were sacred and its trees made extremely resistant by Zuli, that could only mean one thing: there were powerful magicks at work. There was probably an artefact stored there. As soon as Alchaeus stepped forward, a being appeared before him. A being he recognized from the God Games, so long ago...

"- Totolkan."

He was changed. His body looked like a real patchwork; it integrated parts from all sentient creatures of Earth, as well as pieces of body armor made from divine metal. The modified jakaru towered over all of them.

"- You are but a shade of yourself, Black Knight. Literally. How...pathetic. If only you had stayed in the service of our King, you would have seen so much! Experienced so much power!

I have seen civilizations rise and fall. I have learned from the mistakes of our ancestors. Now, I have what I need to become perfect. Wait, what am I saying? I am already perfect!"

"- We'll see about that."

The shades readied their spells and weapons. Totolkan stood still. At Alchaeus' command, they all charged the jakaru. What they thought would be an easy fight was the opposite. One after another, these heroes of the past, these champions of their race, got beaten to the ground. No blade or arrow was able to pierce his flesh; no fireball or earth lance seemed to get past his personal anti-magic shield. After a few minutes, only two were left standing: Alchaeus, his two crystal blades drawn, and Totolkan.

"- As you see, my body adapts to any attack. I have access to many defenses. You are a forger, don't tell me you didn't notice something strange? You can't figure me out...am I right? You don't understand why my life force seems to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time, or how it can flow through the ground and back to me. Hahaha...looks like you have met your match."

Totolkan started to walk away when Alchaeus jumped on him. He slashed with incredible agility, but the jakaru was still able to parry the blows. He sent him flying 20 feet back.

"- Please, let me finish this. I'll be back to you."

As Alchaeus recovered from the attack, he saw Totolkan chanting an incantation. Once he completed his spell, the sky tore open and swarms of elementals, as well as quite a few fire drakes, emerged from the portal.

Spoiler

Show

1 minor act to create portals
1 minor act to bring more Spawns of Moghor in the material plane
The Fire Drakes don't need a new act, as I already spent 3 minors on them.

[Smiley_]

Isle of Souls

Vrrn walked through the library doors, brushing snow off of himself as he went. He made his way inside to a room in the far back. Here, he rummaged though various scrolls while muttering to himself. Finding what he was looking for, he opened a scroll and quickly scanned its contents.

Rolling it back up, he dashed silently to one of the guardians, his black cape rippling behind him, and placed the scroll on a nearby table. It was one of Vrrn's many histories, this particular one on Alchaeus when he was the Black Knight.

This is of the utmost importance. I am to understand that he returned as a shade, a hero of the past. Where is he now?

[Krrth]

Guardian #2

Alchaeus? Currently, I believe he is currently investigating Moghors plan for this world.

[Smiley_]

Vrrn

Vrrn shut his eyes and shook his head.

So, that's why I cannot find him anywhere around here. Is there any way of finding his location? Where he is now?

Suddenly, he smacked a palm against his forhead.

Gah! How could I have not seen it before? Finding him shouldn't be a problem as long as this is indeed the same individual.

Vrrn knelt down and traced a circle on the ground around himself with his finger. As the circle on the ground began to glow, he removed some stones from somewhere on his body and cast them down.

A little smattering of sky and earth magic... contact with the Spirit Weave... perhaps a prayer or three... this could take a while.

He continued to scribble markings and symbols within the circle. Within three minutes, he was done. He stood up slowly and looked at the guardian.

He wasn't too hard to find. There is a huge well of magical activity in the Trollgroves that no one could miss and, as luck would have it, there he is. He's the only being I recognize... You did send him alone, didn't you?

[Krrth]

Guardian #2

I believe a squad of Shades was sent along to help him.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Moghor Rezamir to Akteron

Moghor sent a telepathic message to Akteron, Lord of the Dead.

"Dear Akteron...in these times of trouble, only a few gods are left to make things right. Even less are reasonable enough to make the good decisions. I believe you are one of them and that is why I want to make you a proposition. You have a virtue that most lack: the virtue of prudence. You are also a wise and intelligent god, and as such, I think you will come to embrace my project. I tried to organize the world. I failed. The other gods continued to bicker endlessly, unable to focus on what was really important: the survival of the pantheon as a whole.

Of course, I won't surprise you if I tell you that I value my survival above all else. My worshipers are a mean to an end. Some may serve me particularly well, but I have no love for them. The only important thing is that my dogma be spread. I believe all the gods feel the same, even if they try to hide it.

Anyway...what you must remember is that, while I may not share your moral, my goal is not too different from yours. The way I see it, the only way to ensure our survival is to build a new world order where the influence of the other, bickering gods won't be felt. Yes, I am ready to leave the old world in ruins if I must. Everything that has a value to me will be saved. Have you seen what I have done with the women and the children in the catacombs? Is that the work of a diabolical, destructive deity? Or the work of a god with vision?

Join me and you will be able to shape the new world to your liking. Unlike the last one, this world will be complete from the start. The mortals will benefit from all our combined knowledge. Their leaders will rule with strength, but also great wisdom, if you accept to take a part in this project. What's better: leaving the mortals to suffer in the old world or save the ones we can and create a utopia for them? Don't fool yourself, the old world will never recover from the wars of the gods. This is the only other alternative."

[Smiley_]

Vrrn

You mean you didn't send him alone?

Vrrn slowlr shook his head, a worried expression coming over his face.

Whatever happened, that squad of shades isn't there anymore. There isn't a second to lose! I am most grieved that I have to leave this place after being absent for so long, but I fear the worst may come to Alchaeus if no action is taken.

The glowing circle and symbols faded as Vrrn turned and left. His body seemed to ripple and then he was gone.

Nokumo

To the other gods, it seemed that Nokumo was absent. Truth be told, he was actually quite active as a greater deity, present in every birth of a new child, in the grass and flowers that slowly grew and were trampled by the warring powers on the world, and many other things that were taken for granted. He saw the bickering of the lesser gods, but he was not angry or disappointed.

Alone in the cosmos with no peers, he took to hundreds of minor creations, taking pleasure in the simplest of things. Giving a passing Jakaru the resolve to rebuild his house after it was destroyed by grig raiders even though it would be destroyed again within a month, painting beautiful sunsets that everyone ignored since they were caught up in ever escalating conflict, and occationally polishing the moon (the real one) so that it would continue to serve as a universal symbol of beauty to the mortals below, not that any of them had the time to appreciate it.

Despite these setbacks, Nokumo had found that thing that Kuto had failed to. He had found happiness.

Humanity

Whereas most of the world was experiencing war and disease, Humanity benefited from its interaction with te sanctuary. The Island nation had begun a cultural and scientific golden age. The ragged townships had blossomed into large cities. In exchange for gold and precious stones, they were able to trade for many of the luxuries avaliable in the Sanctuary. Great coastal ramparts and fortresses were built strong and tall like the Giant King who was revered on the rocky island. Libraries and observatories had also cropped up in respect of Akteron. Massive trade barges would go back and forth between the island and the mainland, each with a well armed escort. Warships were constructed with stronger hulls and there were whispers of a "miracle ship" in the works in the workshops that were far underground in a massive cave that opened out to the ocean.

All in all, humanity was faring very will in these times. No longer were they the scraggly race ekeing out their existence among the stones, but a recognized power.

Spoiler

Show

Dumping four minor acts into influencing a golden age for Humanity

[Johel]

Xiren

The Clash of the Empires

It was celebration time for the Fey Folk. All across the Continental Forest, from the Swamp's borders to the Trollgroves, each band was dancing and singing, having heard the news about Jin'Karthiad. With most of the trolls deads, the war would end soon.

Even if grigs loved the endless cat and mouse game against the Trolls, they had been the mouses for too long. The Folk as a whole was weakened, a shadow of its former self, forced to fight a desesperate guerrilla for nearly two centuries, during which they had lost bands after bands after each passing week.

But now, as the few remaining troll warriors faced the Coalition armies, things would change. Even with the reinforcements from Yanze, Sanctuary would win the war. Or so was the general opinion.

"-All Hail the Kind Mother !! For she's never let us down !! She guided us back to the safety of the night and inspired us to accomplish marvels in her name !! We are the Fey Folk and we shall not fear anyone !! For we alone are the chosen race !! We are Her children !!"
"-WE ARE HER CHILDREN !! WE ARE HER CHILDREN !!"
"-All Hail the Kind Mother !!"
"-ALL HAIL THE KIND MOTHER !!"

Similar pledges erupted everywhere in the slowly vanishing Continental Forest. Countless sacrifices were done in the name of the Goddess and shrines were erected everywhere. Weakened but alive, the Fey Folk was entering a new age.

Spoiler

Show

Most of the grigs and dryads get out of the war. Those who had arrived at Sanctuary after Zuli's blind killing will continue to assist the army but that's a minority. However, they are the less chaotic of Xiren's fairies and shall prove usefull. Some may even worship Moghor.

The Swamp

Bright red lights in the dark night. Screams of terror and pain. That's what some sprites witnessed near the small island of filth where the Tree of Decay stood. And then, it began to spread : greed, selfishness, cruelty, anger, envy and all kind of sins, paving the way of decadence among the "heretic fairies".

A rumor was whispered : the Tree of Decay, this infamous sanctuary blessed by Xiren herself, was inhabited again. A odd thing, as only a Dryad Queen was suppose to be able to lift the wards. Could some of Xiren's daughters had risen to that level of power, despite the ruthless hunt of the trolls ?

The fact was that, at the swamp's borders, the tribes of Swamp Jakarus and Swamp Trolls were being restless, leading raids against sprite communities while spreading back Xiren's creations.

Spoiler

Show

Forgotten by mortals for centuries, the Scepter of Sins comes back to pervert the sprites. With the help of xirenists, a mysterious power is rising inside the Swamp.

[Krrth]

Akteron to Moghor Rezamir


Brother, I understand what you are asking, but I cannot leave this world. I have duties to those still here, and those duties bind me even closer if this world is to end.

That does not mean I am unsympathetic however. If you wish to create a new world, one more to your liking, then perhaps we can come to an arrangement. I would be willing to help you create a new world if we can come to an agreement.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Moghor Rezamir to Xiren

He then sent a telepathic message to Xiren, Lady of the Swamps.

"I am grateful. Your grigs and dryads have proved useful. However, I have also been forgiving...really forgiving. Now, come and pledge your service to me. In exchange, I guarantee that I won't interfere with the development of the Fey Folk on this world...unless you directly interfere in my plans, of course. It's a win-win scenario."

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

Moghor Rezamir to Akteron

"Words of wisdom. I expected nothing less from you, brother. I will remember your answer. I will invite you to join me when the time has come. In the meantime, I hope you will understand my actions. You may come to hate me, but I am only doing what must be done."

[Johel]

Xiren

Being of pure chaos and evil, Xiren knew no rule or morale and wasn't bound by concepts like honour. At most, her pride would prevent her from acting logically like it had so many times. But not today. Today, the Kind Mother was too weak to oppose Moghor's wish.

She could feel it : her brothers had changed, their self-centered nature having given them powers beyond imagination while her own "generous" nature had made her "share" her divine might with the whole creation, "blessing" most mortals. The result was that, now, her realm was her prison : in there, she could at least compete with visiting gods. Out there, she was way out of their league.

And most of them were pissed at her. What had she done to deserve such wrath ? All she wanted was to have fun... Moghor, while not a ally and even less a friend, was the only one who could somehow help her. And so, she did her best to send a friendly telepathic message.
To kill Kuto had been a lot easier than that... small thoughts went out of hands.

"-My dear little brother (yeah...sure),

It's with all the love a sister can wish to her sibling (I'll strangle you with your own guts !!) that I accept your invitation to assist you (trick you and feed you to my centipedes, rather).
We may have had words in the past (and I'm gonna force them back your throat, one day) but today, with my help, you'll maybe finally achieve greatness (...Him ? HA !!).
Nevertheless, I'm curious to know exactly what you're expecting from me (Like I care !!).
As entertaining as it would be to see you begging me, I am and remain the Kind Mother and, as such, will help you with all the loyalty and devotion you may imagine (watch your back, sucker...)
Your beloved sister (one day, you'll call me mom and lick my roots),

Xiren (All hail the Queen !!)


This done, she try to forget her shame and began plotting her revenge for the imaginary wrongs Moghor's going to do to her. It would always be possible to betray that fool... that powerful fool...

[Smiley_]

Nokumo

It was almost time. Akteron and Moghor were on the verge of ascention, and it was about time too. Moghor was still being Moghor and Akteron was still being Akteron. He would have a chat with them when they came.

As for that Xiren, she had nowhere to go. What had the poor thing gotten herself into? The thought had crossed his mind to put the thing out of it's miserable existence, but such matters were not for him to decide.

The job he did have was gratifying, but it was incredibly taxing. Would Moghor and Akteron understand, give up what he had, or would they simply continue on as they had before, simply larger, more imposing versions of their former selves continuing to go through their usual motions? Again, it was not for him to decide. Still, Moghor might see him as an obstacle. He was an ambious being and, while that was not a bad thing for all true progress comes from ambition, might prove to be a complication in the future. Would he settle for anything less than the position of utmost authority?

Nokumo waved his hand and something began to happen in a nearby star. Something was being created far beyond the comprehension of the others, for now, at least.

Over the past century, Nokumo had grown and developed as a greater deity, becoming something far more than he could have ever anticipated.

Spoiler

Show

the last 3 major acts are used. Eagerly anticipating Nokumo finally getting some company.

----------------------
Trollgroves
As Alchaeus was watching the patchwork being work, he suddenly felt a slender, sturdy hand on his shoulder. He couldn't see who it belonged to, but a voice whispered something in his ear.

You certaily didn't make it easy finding you, running off into these woods like that. Don't worry about who I am. Just get back to Akteron.

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Trollgroves

Alchaeus nodded.

"- Good luck. You will need it."

He then vanished.

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

Moghor Rezamir to Totolkan

Moghor sent a telepathic message to his servant, Totolkan.

"The time has come. I have to prepare for my ascension. Deal with these meddling fools while I'm away. You can call upon the power of the Titans if you need to. They won't be of any use after I complete the ceremony.

Rejoice! Soon, your King will be among the most powerful beings in the multiverse!"

Spoiler

Show

One greater god of good, one of evil and...one of "neutrality", I suppose.