Gods of Mortals - IC

[Ipphli]

Malrion

Canyon of Purity

The party of dwarves peered out of the bushes towards the canyon before them. They'd seen some sort of humanoids down in the canyon, and so were being careful not to be seen. The rurm had been left behind, under the guidance of one of the geomancers and his golem. Soon though, soon they would make themselves known....

[Johel]

Centaurs

The horse-like humanoids were improving their mastery over bronze and copper as the decades passed. What little skirmishes there was between the tribes didn't justify to develop more advanced weapons but progress was made in ship building, as pieces of metal were used to reinforce the design.

Still, the few tribes who had ships navigated only on the rivers or near the coast. Sails were known but as most textile came from the Ogre Empire, it was too expensive to be used that way. After all, who needed a sail when the shores were never that far away ?

Blessed by their god, the centaurs thrived and their number grew. And while the priests found it now impossible to teleport safely over large distance, the unatural health of the nomads allowed the colonies to survive on their own.

Claking lands

The land was odd, here. Ga'kk could tell that just by smelling the stench in the air. The smell of burned wood, of rotting vegetation and of...what was it ? Sulfure ? The priests used some of the yellow mineral during passing ceremonies but never had Ga'kk smelled it so strong !!

Ga'kk wasn't born on this continent but he had been a mere baby when his parents moved there, following some mystic to "fullfill Slunush's will". Since then, the small clan had become a tribe on its own, with 143 tall, strong and healthy members.

But as they had just become used to their surrounding, violent earthquakes had force them to leave the mountains...just in time to avoid the tremendous volcanic eruption.

"-We will camp here tonight. Tomorrow, if Slunush shows us a sign, we will go further."

Canyon of Purity, Plain of the Warseeds, Virgo's forest

Everywhere else, wherever a volcano was, small tribes of nomadic horse-like humanoids appeared, fleeing away from the disaster as it unleash the planet's fury.

They soon began to hunt the beasts while building their yurts.

[ArlEammon]

Meeting the Centaurs

Star Dwellers met with the Centaurs receptively. They would welcome the horse-men with open arms and hospitality if they came in peace.

[Cpt. Soup]

Clackinglands

Not all was well in the Clackinglands, actually, things were getting pretty bad. The world was becoming bigger by the month and Clackers in many circles were none to pleased with that. There were many within the Clackinglands itself who had never been in the outerworld, some even doubted its existence.

The Dodge of the Clackinglands was firmly under the control of the College (The heads of the most prominent Families). In time, the Dodge was given certain powers, permitting him to bestow favors on members of the College, starting projects that would be to their Families' advantage. Restrictions were placed on all sea ventures, colonies could not be started without the Dodge's and the College's permission, the Colledge was naturally given prioity and controlled almost all existing colonies.

None of this sat well with many of the other Families, these restrictions and taxation for public projects were cutting into their profit while the College was living it in the pink. Almost all Families outside of the College's control had eventually gathered to issue a complaint to the Dodge. This particular Dodge had been elected to his post several times and he was quite familiar with the proper procedure for this, no one was able to locate him for the next few weeks and the coalition eventually got bored and fell apart. Several times this was attempted and with much the same result, the College itself was unable to make a decision on such things as it fell to the Dodge to carry out such duties. Dissatisfaction among the lesser Families was growing until a meeting of these Families was called. Several prominent Choreographers outside of the College made a proposal to them, to strike out to the world themselves, A mass exodus to forge a new homeland for themselves. The reception was mixed, many of the younger ones were enthusiastic about the idea while other conservative groups were entirely against what they saw as a betrayal and snub against Kazko's gift. But what other choice was there? to suffer under the self serving College? (admittedly, they'd all do the exact same thing in their position) strike out against them and topple the Dodge? They didn't particularly like the Dodge but to slaughter their own over such a thing was a bit much for them at the time when there was so much of the world still. For several nights they went over it and in the end the proposal was agreed to by even some of the conservative parties present. The massive project was underway, many families participated despite the Dodge speaking out against it. The exodus actually took a number of years, with the large transport fleets moving whole Families, supplies and wealth thoughout the time to the new homeland. These Families would become known as Knockers, as the College decided that they should no longer be considered true Clackers. The Knockers established a new city (Knocktown) in the new land were the Kadun was discovered while others moved out to start up more colonies to support them. There was still unrest in the homeland though as many who stayed chaffed under the College.

Throughout this time, Technological advancement among the Clackers (and Knockers) had not been idle. Further improvements and discovers had been made, even with little things such as the round little pellets loaded in arms, these fell out of favor as a newer pointed variety came into being. A far more astounding feat was accomplished in this age though, flight. The first true flying machine was constructed by Gusmo Froompwoomp, it resembled a large cloth bag filled with hot air and tied to a platform with a propeller. There was an unfortunate incident where Gusmo first had his assistants fly it within the Clackinglands, his workshop had since been moved to the outerlands after their smoking remains were recovered. Gusmo followed the initial prototype with a series of improved models that gradually increased in size.

To the Centaurs

Griso Tinkting was leading a mining convoy through an untamed part of the barrens. They had mined out their last spot and Griso knew there was alot of unclaimed ore to be found in the lower shield wall. Equipment had vastly improved since the early ages but Clackers still made use of the large burrowing beetles, a number of which were present, being herded along by handlers. Griso noticed a fire in the distance, not an odd sight in the lightning prone climate, but it was odd though as near the shield wall nothing grew, leaving no fuel for such a fire. Griso pulled out a telescope to get a better look, there appeared to be more then just one, and too his surprise he could make out the outlines of strangely shaped creatures like nothing he ever seen before. he signaled to the others about his find and brought them over to discuss what should be done. They were armed reasonably against possible threats in the barrens as well as against burrowers that may go rampant, if they were a threat, they may be able to handle them as well. Griso lead the company on, spreading them out as they approached the fires while he sent several less able Clackers to report this to town.

Spoiler

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The first Clacker Schism has occurred, dissatisfied Choreographers have left with their holdings to found their own land, the Knocker Conglomerate. Relationships between the Greater Clackingland and this new power are tense at best for the time being. The Knocker Conglomerate's selected capital of Knocktown was constructed, after much deliberation, outside of Kadun controlled lands, giving them an upper hand in trade over the other nation. The Knockers, no longer true Clackers had cast off a good deal of their xenophobic habits and have actually begun attempting to assimilate themselves into the Kadun to a degree to create a more obvious distinction between themselves and the Clackers.

Kazko command: Flight! Clackers has created the first Dirigibles, flight across oceans has yet to be attempted though.

[Johel]

Clackinglands

"-I really don't like this land, Ga'kk. It seems hostile to all life. I even doubt our cattle will survive here."

Ga'kk said nothing, chewing the piece of dried meat he just had dampened into the gruel he and the rest of the tribe were eating this night. He too had understood that the massive horned cows wouldn't fit in this damp place, where the skies seemed to never open.

Not only the rotting smell of the swamp was disgusting but the everpresent sound of the thunder made the beasts nervous...and him too. It dulled his senses and if it wasn't for the scraping sound of something creeping on the ground, he would probably never have spotted the intruders. But he did...

Jumping on his four legs while his hands reached for his bow, Ga'kk stuck an arrow and aimed for the darkness, hoping this gesture would scare the invisible visitors. The rest of the tribe probably didn't understand what was going on but they imitated their leader nevertheless.

Ga'kk was ready. Whatever beast lived in this cursed swamp, it wouldn't dodge a dozen arrows. His clansmen weren't in danger. The livestock however...
"-Form the circle !! Protect the herd !!"
Yes, they had to protect the cows. He didn't wanted to hunt those giant beetles for food.

Spoiler

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There's no way for the centaurs to know if the lands are inhabited so they'll assume it's just a pack of nocturnal predators trying to kill a cow. Remember, centaurs don't speak Claker yet.

Also, they've just arrived in Clackingland itself. They lived the last decades in the volcanic mountains, herding goats and cows. They don't know of the cities on the seaside...

Meet the Star Dwellers

The first encounter with the Star Dwellers was a peaceful one. It happened somewhere in Virgo's Forest, as a centaur tribe was trying to cross it, searching for vast plains where their small herd would thrive. At first, Virgo's followers were thought to be angels, sent by Slunush.

Apparently, the "Children of the sky", as they would be known among the centaurs, already knew the basics of Ranulf's language, which the most educated centaurs (aka the priests) knew fairly well.

Communication wasn't a problem and neither was territory, apparently : the centaurs weren't the ones to carve for resources or lands, taking only what they needed whenever it was available...though the megafauna was hunted intensively to provide meat. In this context, the centaurs showed little hesitation when it came to speak, teach or exchange.

Soon, many more contacts were made. The secret of Fire Dust, the Art of the arrow, the Way of the pen, the teachings of Slunush about magic and many inventions such as the wheel were passed to the Star Dwellers, though the followers of Virgo, ridding the clouds, would probably find the last one useless.

In turn, the centaurs revealed to be hungry to learn about the surrounding lands, their fauna and flora, their landscapes and waterways...and of course about the "Children of the Sky" themselves.

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Centaurs are still pretty barbaric. The priests can write (they invented the first alphabet, after all) and aren't stupid. However, they are probably the exception, as most centaurs focus on hunting and herding. They see craftmanship as a hobby with benefits and concider hard manual labor as beneath them, unless it's related to their livestock or their children.

They are very religious but Slunush's cult isn't really strict : lit a candle in his honor, make a little prey for big events and explore the world.

[ArlEammon]

DwarvesVirgos

The dwarves were met with equal hospitality. Some dwarves would be welcomed by maidens running away from home... The maidens immediately took a liking to the dwarven men they found, thinking that they had lost their wings.

[Krrth]

Sarathalus


The Children expanded there knowledge of life and it's possibilities. The Shapers worked hard to develop skills. The others, the Shamans, Benders, and Singers also worked hard. Soon, a new era of skill and power swept over the realm.

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Order: Expand and empower the skills of Shapers, Shamans, Benders, and Singers

[Smiley_]

Yakran Civilization

Humanity had more or less regained its footing after the devastating earthquakes of old. They were expanding westward with their advancements in engineering and smaller settlements, over time, grew into large cities. The first city was the humans' center of trade and the marketplaces were filled with merchants bartering dyes, textiles and other goods.

Varn encouraged the merchants to take risks if they could profit from giving services to the people. He also sought to make the old government more efficient and streamlined by eliminating several elements of the previous bureaucracy.

The city was also a place where magicians were able to meet and exchange knowledge. Some mages took an interest in the art of necromancy and began to travel to Yakru's Pyramid to see what could be learned there, but without much interaction with the masters of the art, the Deathincar, this endeavor was for the most part futile.

The army had also become stronger, being composed of both the living and the dead. With such a hefty force, Varn felt it prudent that better weapons and armor be developed should the need for them arise.

Haunted Wastes

The surrounding lands never needed to worry about rogue undead venturing forth from the sandstorms, but recently, lanky humanoid shapes had been seen venturing both east and west. Animals, both wild and domesticated, were found with their blood drained.

Ranulf and Kin sometimes got a closer look at these humanoids. They were for the most part naked, hairless, emaciated humans, but they had rough brown skin and large, red eyes that seemed even larger on the narrow skulls of the starved looking beings. From there mouths protruded two thick, oversized fangs among several smaller pointed teeth. These things didn't make any attempt at communication, but it was clear that they possessed a degree of intelligence.

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Command: Improve civilization infrastructure and commerce
Command: Develop known magics
Command: Improve weaponry
Command: Keep building mirror

Godly act: Make Desert Ghouls/Vampires. They are semi-sapient, but speaking is very difficult for them, given their toothy mouths. They do drink blood, but other than that, they are more like ghouls than traditional vampires.

[Cpt. Soup]

((Sorry about the the lateness of this response, was preoccupied for a while over on this end))

Clackinglands

"-Ahh!"

He was shot! That thing actually shot him! Griso screwed his face up in agony and looked down at his leg, a feathered stock of wood was sprouting from it. What is it? He vaguely recalled an ancient projectile weapon that launched sharped sticks.. a ridicules weapon in this day and age! But this critical train of thought was deeply buried under the prevailing panic of being shot at. Some of the others were similarly hit, and some of these were unlucky enough to be shot in more severe places. The armed and unharmed Clackers present took aim and returned fire at the creatures, they weren't soldiers, they certainly weren't anticipating a threat like this but they did the best they could.

Griso glared around until he caught sight of one of the supply wagons. Why hadn't he thought of this before!? A giggle bubbled through his clenched jaw as he limply rolled over to it. He kept it up as he tugged out a bulky decives from under the tarp. He set it down and hurridly checked the seals connecting the device to the fuel tank. He then pulled out a sparkmaker and lit the wick at the end of the nozzle. Technically, this device was supposed to be used to ignite dangerous gas pockets encountered in deep mining, but Griso was certain he could put it to good use in this situation!

[Johel]

Clackinglands

Ga'kk closed his eyes as a reflex, the sudden burst of light blinding most of the tribe while a high pitched wistle defened him.

There were many predators, now. He had seen them, though briefly. And they weren't the wild beasts he had imagined. Though they were still hugly, with their sluggish body and their large eyes...and what were those patch of skin where legs should have been ?

Anyway, whatever they were, the fact that they were holding tools, no, WEAPONS, was proof enough that they weren't mindless animals. It could be possible to talk with them in a peaceful way.

Ga'kk turned to see his fellow Centaurs...and saw the five burned corpses lying here and there, nothing but roasted piles of meat now. All thoughts about the peaceful way were shattered and he galopped toward the enemy, wielding a axe in his hand as he charged screaming. The rest of the tribe followed him...

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Hadn't plan for a fight. The "form a circle" meant "protect the herd", not "fire at will"... But I like the way you did it, Captain Soup. Gonna roll with it. One tribe isn't a big deal and I always wanted to see how mongol-like centaurs would perform against Hutts with musquets.

Slunush

As the Era of Travel came to an end, Slunush ordered the volcanoes to calm down. The smoke and fire weakened and Rashin (the planet) was at peace again. With the last rain of ashes, the Flame God sent a message to his people :

"-You have grown and spread around this world. Now discover its mysteries and marvels. Meet the chosen races. Learn and find your own way. But never forget the oath. My sanctuary await those who the faithful."

Having seen his people's progress, He sent a comet right on the icecap, melting it partially so as to raise the sea level of a good two meters. This, hopefully, would push the Centaurs to master the waters.

[Cpt. Soup]

Clackinglands

Griso made a strangled cry as he let loose another torrent of flame at the charging creatures. The Miner Foreman didn't have protective goggles and had to turn his head away from the blinding glare of the fires whenever he pulled the trigger. The other Clackers were quickly cut down, a few at a time. Griso released the trigger of the device before the bloody thing exploded and turned to peer through the black smoke. Suddenly, one of the things came screaming through the wall of smoke, waving and axe as he charged at him. It was all he could do just to bring the tool up to block the axe as it came crashing down at his head. The device was nearly hued in half and was sent flying out his hands. The stunned Griso crumpled to the ground from the force behind the enraged monster's swing. Griso couldn't bring himself to get up or to try to crawl away, he could hear cries and intelligible curses, a sign that he wasn't the only one left among them.

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Since Ga'kk and his Centaurs are in blinding anger over the horrific deaths of their kin I think the sensible thing to do is to slaughter the survivors. Doesn't matter to me which way you go, take them prisoner, kill them, attempt to talk, or something else. Just know that the real soldiers are going to eventually show up in maybe a few hours, they may or may not attack you if you remain in the area.

One more note, the Clackers don't really look like hutts, they have wheeled feet and their appearance was primarily based on the Wheelers from return to oz (the book version, that it).

[Johel]

Clackinglands

Ga'kk, his face half-burned by the last burst of flames, grinned his teeth as he swang his axe at the little slug with the "Boom Stick". The head rolled on the ground, just as did the bodies of some of the fleeing creatures, whose curious patch of skin seemed to serve a purpose after all.

While the centaur leader was still furious, most of his kinsmen had kept their cool and, upon realisation that the intruders weren't beasts, took prisoners.

One of the Centaurs approach the mighty leader as he was still panting, his sigh and hearing gone in a flash of light.
"-Ga'kk, it's over. Ga'kk ?"
"-WHAT ?!! *pant* AH !! IT'S YOU !! GLAD YOU'RE ALIVE !! THOSE BASTARDS !! WE'VE SHOWN THEM THE CENTAURIAN PRIDE FOR SURE !! THE DEADS ARE AVENGED !! HOW MANY ?!"
The other centaur guided the chief back to the firecamp while the rest of the tribe gathered wounded and deads from both side.
"-20 deads, 40 wounded. We don't know for those scum but a few may have escaped. The shaman will try to talk to them but look at this...thing."
The damaged "boom stick" was presented to the chief, who didn't even look at it, his eyes starring blankly at the fire's lights.
"-It's more advanced that most of what the Ogres do. These slugs...They aren't just one of the chosen races. They are... civilized. Only a city can produce something that complex. We better move as soon as the worst burns will be treated. Ga'kk ? GA'KK ?!!
"-TOLD YOU TO SPEAK LOUDER !! I CAN'T HEAR YOU OTHERWISE !! DAMN, WILL THAT WHISTLE EVER STOP ?!!
The young centaur sighed turned to the remnants of the tribe. Of the former 143 males, females and children, only half of that could run at full speed if needed. And seeing how the "slugs" were moving, rolling effortlessly among the mud on these weird organic wheels, he doubted that would be enough. Their chance was to get back to the mountain.

But maybe their destiny wasn't to run away. That night, Slunush's message reached the mind of the shaman. The Flame God asked his children to meet the other chosen races, not to hide from them...

[Cpt. Soup]

Clackinglands

Griso was confined with the few other surviving Clackers. What were these things? What the hell were they doing in the Clackingland!? Lots of questions filtered through his mind, some he muttered to himself out loud until the other prisoners nudged him into silence so they could sleep. Attempts to communicate with the beasts failed. oh they tried to speak with him, but he couldn't understand a single damn thing they said. He stopped trying to insult them awhile ago, as any curses he spat out were met with blank looks. After some time he felt certain that the creatures weren't planning on eating them, perhaps he'll survive this horrible situation yet. With any luck, the miners he sent back to town were bringing reinforcements even as he thought it, he just hoped he wasn't shot in the expected slaughter.

Assuming that the centaurs remained in their camp and are expecting and waiting for more Clackers to arrive, they do so. The miners did return and they brought with them a number of soldiers, lead by a Choreographer at the urging of the College. These Clackers were armed and well trained, seeing the burrowing bugs creeping about with out supervision and surveying the camp in the distance, they deduced something of the situation. The Soldiers began to roll toward the camp, they had clear orders, to capture the invaders and kill any that resist.

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How about a meeting of the minds? I've got something that would take care of that pesky language barrier.

[Johel]

Clackinglands

Because of the wounded and prisoners, the Centaurs hadn't moved that far away from their camp site, though they were heading away from the marshes, toward the mountains where they came from in the first place.

Their track was easy to spot but so were the soldiers, as the centaurs lived a life of herding but also of hunting. Rather than fight, they retreated, though they knew they wouldn't be able to outrun their foes with a third of their tribe incapable of running.

After two days, the tribe stopped in a clear spot. The ground here was less muddy than the one of the swamp and the slopes of the mountains gave them the advantage of height on their opponents. From their position, they waited, bows, axes and spears ready, for what would probably be their last charge.

The priest of Slunush insisted however to let one prisoner behind.

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Works for me.
I let you introduce this.

[Cpt. Soup]

Clacking Lands

The Clacker soldiers followed the trail left by the retreating Centaurs. The abandoned prisoner, Griso, was picked up as they moved. After hearing a fairly embellished account of what happened, the commander sent several men with a report, back to Groovetown with all haste.. The commander decided to let the Centaurs gain ground on them, even though they could have easily closed the distance with a day. Aside from waiting for an update on orders from the College, they beasts may just lead him back to their hive.

More then a day later they were intercepted by the returning messengers with some additional forces, much of which were several hours behind, wagons and some of the nastier war implements were included. Most surprising of all was the presence of one of the College, the Speaker. An older Choreographer and considered to be the one closest to Kazko, or perhaps the loudest Choreographer, but the idea is Kazko hears him above all others. They pressed on with renewed zeal to be escorting the most enlightened Clacker of their time, until they reached the foot of the mountain and where the trail ended.

The commander sent out scouts to hunt through the ever present murk of the Clackinglands for sign of the creatures. They didn't have to look far to see obscure forms lurking above. They returned swiftly and the Commander began preparations for battle as the beasts seemed intent on making a stand. They spread out in a wide line, many carrying firearms wicked baoets while a scattering of manic Clackers hefted fire belching devices, refined especially for military application, behind this line stood several teams carting boxes of iron balls with wicks standing out of them. More Clackers stood behind this battle line setting up items under orders from the Speaker. Before the commander could commence the attack the Speaker requested a moment to speak with the creatures. This seemed pretty rediculess to the Commander as they were made aware that the things couldn't understand language, even more that the Speaker would possibly expose himself to these dangerous animals, but he was nowhere near high enough in rank to disagree with the Clacker.

The speaker rolled up behind the battle line and lifted a conical device to his mouth. His voice carried across to the Centaurs with supreme ease. He started speaking in an odd language that neither the Centaurs nor surrounding Clackers recognized. He paused shortly after as if expecting a reply before commencing in yet another tongue, it's possible that some may recognize this as the Ranulf language, a hint of distaste is carried with it as if the words are leaving a bad taste in his mouth. Next he abruptly speaks in the tongue of the Centaur, nearly perfectly save a few translated Clacker terms flavoring it.

<Salutations squares! I greet you and your breed! Can you dig what I'm saying!?>

The speaker dropped his arm back down to his size and rubbed his nose. A few moments more and the Speaker would start up in yet another language.

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Act of god: Kazko has granted one of his Clackers, the knowledge to comprehend and speak in all existing languages, with some consequences for it. This Clacker, the Speaker, is essentially the first Avatar of Kazko now. The Clacker is still very mortal. He became as he was some weeks before this encounter, and has already started preparations for instructing some student several less xenophobic students of these tongues. No more awkward charades for first encounters now!

[Johel]

Slunush

Clacking Lands

"-Stay calm !! Hold your spear more thigh..."

Ga'kk being blind and deaf, it was now his brother, H'urt, inexperienced but nevertheless fierce, that led the tribe in this dire hour.

H'urt could feel the tension in the air, as his fellow centaurs trampled the ground nervously, some wielding bows, others lifting spears. This morning, the moral had been high, the alcool of milk helping to cheer the mood. They had really thought they would win.

Then the sun had lighted the whole valley and this vast horde had appeared... Hundreds of those weird creatures, rolling around on organic wheels, with those carts and weird items like the one which had killed so many of their brothers and sisters...

All of them knew they wouldn't win this battle. But they would fight nevertheless. Because there was no other option, right ?

At this point, a strange voice rose through the air. It first spoke weird words but soon, the familiar sound of Ranulf language echoed across the mountain. Though only a handful of centaurs knew the meaning of the words, all had heard at least a few of them. Then came the surprise...

<Salutations squares! I greet you and your breed! Can you dig what I'm saying!?>

"-This...thing speaks our language, too ?"
"-Means they've already met centaurs."
"-Or Ogres... Or Ranulfs."
"-Why would they teach our language to races we haven't even met ? What'd be the use ?"
"-Right... T'arr ?"

An old female advanced. Priestress of Slunush, she spoke the Ranulf better than any other centaurs of the tribe. Putting her hands to form a cone, she answered back :

"-We get you sound and clear !! Greetings to you, too. It seems we started on the wrong...hew...foot ?"
T'arr hoped these footless creatures would understand the expression and translate adequately to their own language.
"-H'urt and Ga'kk, of the F'urr Clan, wish to speak to your leaders and dissipate any misunderstanding. We are peacefull and simply seek lands for our beasts. Tell them to come up there and I give you my word that no harm shall be done to them."

[Raz_Fox]

Rashin

He had slumbered, tarried over-long in the depths of the earth. Well, he was awake now, and he angered at what he saw. The children of Kazko were arrogant and wasteful of his body, taking taking taking and never giving back. They attacked the centaurs, who sent supplications up to him. They... and their impudent god... deserved rebuke.

A new emotion flickered within Rashin's ethereal breast. An emotion like unto the sea, powerful and enveloping, bringing both blessing and curse. If any mortal dared give him counsel, they would have told him that it was pride.

And he whispered unto Raskur son of Deparys, a Guardian of the Wolf. Raskur spoke Rashin's words of deadly pride unto the Ranulf, inflaming their hearts with the same valor and pride that dwelt in Rashin's heart. The Ranulf readied for war, the Guardians and the Farscouts and those auxiliaries from each tribe that were inflamed by the words of Rashin.

Across the face of Rashin, the drums of the Ranulf beat a new and dangerous rhythm, as the Ranulf bands faded away back through the wildways to the heart of Rashin. On the lip of the Clackinglands, in a grove of black trees, the Ranulf warriors gathered.


Camp Skarmyr

Nath son of Naeron stood on the edge, looking down into the accursed lands of the Clackers. His black fur was matted from rain and blown about by wind, but he stood in the shadows and watched as small fires sprang up in a tiny village near the camp.

Nath half imagined he could see the silver fur of Sarynalt in the tiny street below, his luxurious coat no doubt soaked with Clacker blood as he gave into the beast. Some of Rashin's children were like the Kin, wanting battle and constant hunting of Rashin's enemies, and Sarynalt fought like a score of Kin caught within the beautiful pelt of the Fox. He often returned from hunts with his fangs and claws still wet with blood.

The war had begun. Nath was ready to fight for Rashin, but he wondered momentarily as he looked down on the quenched flames, slain by the rainstorm above. Was it worth becoming like Sarynalt to serve Rashin?


At one of the Wildways of Rashin's Continent

The Wildways are arcane even to the Ranulf, who can no more explain how to use them or why things happen within them then anyone else. Rashin alone can control the Wildways perfectly, and he often sets pawns in his long games into place via the Wildways.

In this case, a young Ranulf and a Human maid had lost but an hour, while outside the Wildways over seven years had passed.

He lay the frightened maid down, sniffing in the familiar scents of home. Ah... this was best indeed.

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Sorry for forgetting you, Smiley_, but here's the next part of Human/Ranulf meeting.

[Cpt. Soup]

Clackinglands

The Speaker grinned at himself for a moment before raising the cone again. He responded in a cheerful tone, speaking in Ranulf again.

"Are you tripping? I'm going to get down to the skinny here. If things here get alittle hot, you're all going to be in bits and pieces, if there's going to be talk, it'll be on our terms. Now don't misunderstand, I want see see peaceful resolutions come around, as much as you I'm sure. Lets flip this proposition of yours over, we'll have a good long talk on this side here, send a friend or two. If we can't reach agreement, and things turn ugly, then by all means throw your little sticks at us."

Elsewhere in the Clackinglands

The College of Groovetown began receiving reports upright walking beasts attacking outlying towns within the Clackinglands itself! How could this be? Were they connected with the creatures that ambushed that mining team!? The threat was deemed sufficient enough to activate special defensive measures. By order of the College, all lightning towers outside settlements were collapsed and capped, rendering them inert. Following this, all settlements began regularly feeding a special powder into the largest furnaces while organizing militia and regular soldiers.

The powder had a profound effect on the ever clouded Clackinglands, the lightning became highly energized, and without the towers active in the unsettled areas, it became an ionized deathtrap. Companies of Clacker soldiers, meanwhile, prepared themselves for war with the unknown foe.

Kazko

The voice and thoughts of Kazko flirted its way to Rashin as he began his war.

Setting your toys on my followers Rashin? Not that I'm surprised, this confrontation was a long time coming, but what is motivating you? What do you hope to achieve in this?

[Johel]

Clackinglands

"-What's he saying ? What's he saying ?"
"-He...They wish to clarify the situation. We are... invited to meet at their camp."
"-And if we don't wanna go down ?"
"-Well... They...didn't say anything about it but maybe is it a proof of their good intentions ?"
"-...Not sure about that."

But H'urt waved his hand nevertheless. As a result, a young child advanced, guiding Ga'kk who, despite his blindness, kept a proud look.
"-We're going down, together, brother. You, me and T'arr. There's no way we can win this one in a frontal assault."

He turned to the rest of the tribe.
"-While we'll speak with them, get as far away from here as possible. The volcano might still be active but it should be possible to pass through the mountain anyway. T'arr, give the Holy Flame to your apprentice so that Slunush's blessing will remain on our people."


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

The three centaurs arrived at the Claker camp, each wearing their full equipement for battle.
The lower body, horse-like, was covered by long cloth, the same color as dust and straw. Motives had been sewed on a darker tone, figuring the Clan's symbol. This light vestment hided numerous patches of leather, linked together with bronze staples. Numerous strings and ropes held the whole thing while also supporting pockets, small bags and items along the flanks of the creatures.
The upper body was naked, with body painting, mainly yellow, ochre and white. In their beard and hair were attached many small crafted bones, bronze amulets, rings and other "sacred" jewels, each carrying its own signification about the wearer's age, wealth, bloodline, deeds and fame.

As they approached from the first line, T'arr spoke in Ranulf :
"-We are here to exchange words, not blows. I am T'arr, Holy Servant of the Flame God."
He then designated Ga'kk and H'urt.
"-Here are Ga'kk and H'urt, from the F'urr Clan, leaders of this Tribe."

[Cpt. Soup]

Clackinglands

The solders parted the line to permit the centaurs passage through, some of them broke away to escort the them to where the Speaker intended to meet with them. The Soldiers and assistants present wore drab coloured surcoats, tunics and breeches, over these, the soldiers wore steel cuirasses, or lighter disc sewn leather versions. The assistants wore wide belts and crossing their chests instead of armor, from these hung tools and several had bags slung from their shoulders. All the clackers, in addition to helmets, wore some form of eye protection, most had slitted leather bands while others wore darkened goggles. The soldiers glared at the Centaurs as they passed but would turn back to watch the main group.

The centaurs and their escort were met with a grinning Speaker and several of his assistants. The Speaker wore extremely gaudy clothing in contrast to the dull attire of his underlings. His own goggles were so wide that they covered a significant portion of his face, making his grin seem bigger still. The Choreographer swept a hand through his graying hair and curtsied to the Centaur. He continued to grin and bobbed his head as T'arr spoke.

"Mmhm.. So these young studs here are in charge? Ohh.. Seems like one had a bad run in with one of our handy-dandy firethrowers, my condolences. Where was I.. Ah yes! I am generally known as the Speaker, you may also call me lord, master, your greatness, boss, or, if you'll indulge me, God."

He stopped for a moment to beam at them again.

"While I can't say this with certainty.. This language we are speaking, I don't believe it is native to your sort. Even at my age I really do have marvelous hearing! While the murmurings of your lessers were far too away to make any sense of, it notably lacked the growling and the squawking that inhabit this bestial tongue. If I am mistaken, please take no offense to my mocking the crude language, I really mean nothing by it!"

The speaker gives off the impression that his mind is not entirely right.

[Johel]

Slunush

Clackinglands

The three centaurs were somehow fascinated by the large quantity of devices around them. Of course, they knew of bronze and there were rumors about stronger alloys. But never had the centaurs seen such things. The armors and weapons were made of grey and shiny metal, nothing similar to the somewhat brown or greenish colour the bronze eventually got.

As for the Speaker, though noisy, it didn't impressed the centaurs that much. Probably because two out of the three of them didn't understand Ranulf...

In Centaur :
"-So, what does he say ?"
"-Hum... That he's call "the Speaker" and that we are welcome."
"-Sounded a lot more than that when he said it."
"-I'm summing it up for you."

T'arr smiled to his host, ignoring his claim to godhood and answering the question
In Ranulf :
"-It isn't, indeed. This be the language of the Ranulfs, one of the chosen races. They are travelers like us, though we do not share the same believes. They are all fur and claws. Our ancestors met them centuries ago, on the Western coast of our homeland. Since then, their language has been the one of trade, along with the ogre, another chosen race. Have you met any of them ?"
He had used the term "Ranulf" and "Ogre" in their respective language, so that the Speaker would understand exactly what it means if he had already heard of these races.

In Centaur :
"-Whachyou're telling him ?"
"-He askes if Ranulf was our native language. I answered him it isn't and explained how we met the Children of Rashin."
"-Stop fooling around !! Tell him we'll leave the area and that the prisoners have been left up there, tied but unharmed, though some are wounded from the last fight !!"
"-It might not be a good idea to inform him that our people just ran away and left our only bargain chip."
"-What were we going to do ? Those slugs are a dead weight !! But ya right. Let's win some time."

And so did T'arr.
In Ranulf :
"-H'urt want to know how you mastered the Flame God's gift ? Slunush doesn't lend his power so easily."

Spoiler

Show

The question is honest : the centaurs use a powerful magic fuel to lit their own fires and have never found anything more inflammable than the Fire Dust. So, they think the Clakers use the same. Swamp gas and fossil oil are unknown to the centaurs.

[Cpt. Soup]

The Clackinglands.

The Speaker looked between the conversing Centaurs as they took turns talking. At times he trembled as if he had just heard a very funny joke and was struggling to keep his composure.

"Mhmm? The Ranulf? I thank you for applying a name and a face to this tongue! Not only them but these Ogre.. I've misjudged you, you're more worldly creatures then I imagined!"

The speaker paused for a moment and scratched his throat before continuing, abruptly switching to the Ogre language:

"From what you've said, I'm led to believe that you may also have an understanding of this language as well, assuming this is the correct one... It certainly is an improvement on that Ranulf speak."

"I'll answer your questions now. We have received no such gift. What we have we took with our own power, we are what we are through the grace of ourselves. God, no no, not me, I refer to the actual one, gives very little in comparison to several similar beings we've encountered. As you have given me your God's name I shall grant you the name of ours, Dazzling Kazko, the Layer of the Groove.

I speak on behalf of god, and to god, thus I am known as the Speaker. If you are at all feel uncomfortable with the knowledge that you speaking to the voice of god, then I permit you leave to lower our eyes, least they burn up in their gazing upon my magnificence."

The speaker Grinned at them before continuing in the same language.

"To your other question, we, as a people have had no such meeting with the creatures you've described. I'm sure you're wondering how I may have such an astounding grasp of their unrefined tongues then? Certainly curious.. perhaps I know yet others still?"

The Speaker's grin widened yet again.

"I wish to ask a question now.. Your own language is of interest to me, what precisely does <slugs> mean? I felt a bit of venom in a phrase that particular word was used with, it certainly has a loathsome sound to it.."

One of the Speaker's assistants leaned toward him and muttered to him in their language.

"Boss, what precisely are you talking with them about?"

"Oh just Jiving right now, but you have leave to kill them if they make any sudden lunges or reach for weapons, I do hope it wont come to that though.."

[Johel]

The Clackinglands.

"-...Ok, now I'm freaked out. How does it learned to speak Ogre like that ?"
"-He, H'urt, he... not it."
T'arr did his best to smile as the Speaker switched to ogre.

"-Well, that's a word we use to describe...hum... an animal...which creep on the ground...and leaves a lot of slime...and that the children find tasty...with a lot of salt. No offense but that's the way my people saw you at first. Our homeland has no liveform with...wheels instead of feet. We've invented the wheel only a few centuries ago.
After the...first contact and its regretable results, most centaurs don't exactly have a good opinion of... hum... I don't think you've told us how your kin call itself. Kazko is your sheppherd, right ?

The youngest chief step ahead.
"-Enough talk !! He understand us so let's get to the point !! We go. Sorry for your loses. Those who survived are up there. I and the rest of the tribe's going to leave this forsaken land. Take care of your wounded and don't try to stop us or there be more blood."
"-...H'urt. *kof !!* Soldiers...Shiny metal...Boom sticks..."

While T'arr seemed a bit stiff and H'urt was clearly not in the mood for diplomacy, G'akk just stared blankly, his white eyes incapable to see what his ears could listen.

[Cpt. Soup]

The Clackinglands

The Speaker renewed his grin when T'arr spoke of Kazko.

"Nheh.. Shepherd you say? Is that what your god is to you? Oh.. It's becoming difficult to make up my mind about your kind, You seem to have looked quite down on us, a point that pleases me, and yet you picture yourselves as cattle and and pets to your lord god."

H'urt abruptly cut in with his ultimatum. Oddly, the Speaker's initial reaction was to spin around and do a little jig.

"That's good! oh.. the spirit, the fire! You're certainly looking solid! Now don't get too hot and heavy just yet, as your wise wise mother dear here mentions.. There's a lot of heavy characters here toting toys, and they're just itching for an excuse to play with you. I've heard you before and am in full knowing of your buddies skipping out, and I do apologize most profoundly for eavesdropping on your perceived-to-be private talk, but I really thought you could use the feeling of security."

"It really doesn't matter that your friends got away. You see, now that we know they're here, there's going to be no stopping until they're rooted out. It's not necessarily my group here that's going to roll over them, but you'd better hope it is. It's in your best interest to Cooperate with me here, this is going to sound completely crazy, but I want you to lead me to your village and then surrender it to my custody."

"Certainly sounds insane? You could say I want to be your friend, the best friend you'll ever have in this paradise! You see, I am a part of a big..uh.. group-of-well-learned-people, we're the top leaders of the land you could say. I went along with these boys here to make sure they didn't shoot you all dead before I could have a good talk with you and decide whats to be done. I left early on in the debate over the sudden splash you made in our lives, and how you're to be dealt with. While I can't say for certain.. The general opinion is likely divided between exterminating you and all evidence of your existence, and the more practical suggestions of capturing you as specimens for study and dissection or to breed as laborers and slaves. Before you get the wrong idea, I'm not in either camp, as I said, I want to be your friend."

The soldiers around them tensed up, and clutched their weapons readily. Perhaps they sensed the change in mood or that little dance the Speaker did was a signal to expect trouble.