Rise from the Ashes IC

[Archpaladin Zousha]

The Baradans present in Midground are already aware of this.

[Krrth]

Hradani

The scrolls were carefully preserved and stored. The vials found were studied as best the exiles could, then all but one sent back to the Valley with the scrolls. After exploring the rest of the island, the Hradani had to come to a decision....stay here or continue on? They decided to see what lay further north....

[Kaiser Omnik]

Actions

Spoiler

Show

Baradans - Creation - Abstract/Class - Heirophant - (1/2creation+1/2 willpower+nature+bonus from way of the forest) (17d100)[829]
Baradans - Religion - Bolster - ({willpower+primary domain-creation strength}/2) (9d100)[377] - 493 /2 change to creation str
Baradans - Heal - (10d10)[77] - 100 = -23 essence
Hradani - Creation - The History - (creation+1/2 willpower+1/2 honor+bonus from fili) (9d100)[547]
Hradani - Expansion - Across the Sea of Slime
Hradani - Heal - (8d10)[41] - 50 = -9 essence
Saradites - Heal - (17d10)[107] = +107 essence

Please note that I do not add the bonus essence from your healing artifacts in these calculations; you will have to do it yourselves.

The Baradans would have lost a lot of devotion with that failed roll, but it just doesn't make sense in the context. I'll simply ignore the Bolster action this turn, but still subtract the essence for it.

Technology

Baradans - Hidden Paths - (49d10)[255]
Hradani - Education (bonus from fili) - (58d10)[353]
Saradites - Taxation - (92d10)[538]

The Saradites have attained level 4! They gain +1 to any stat!

[Archpaladin Zousha]

((Why are all the essence calculations "x"?))

[Kaiser Omnik]

((Why are all the essence calculations "x"?))

OOC: I just put this before I enter the results, which I need the rolls for.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Hradani

The corruption of the soil around the Hradani's portal continues to spread, now at an alarming rate. It will devastate a great part of the fertile valley in a matter of years.

Meanwhile, the exiled Hradani sail to the northern shore. There they find an arid land featuring low grass and thorny bushes.


Baradans

Tremors are felt everywhere on the continent. A few fissures open in the Baradans' forest, near Suncliff and other human settlements, releasing toxic fumes. Shortly after these events, dark elven raid parties attack the neighbouring villages. They do not engage the local militia very long; they quickly escape back through their tunnels. However, each party leaves behind a single, weak fungus man at the entrance of the targeted villages. One is left in the Great Forest and another before the gates of Suncliff. The Myconids are misshapen; their spore sacs are so big they hinder their movements and are an odd color. They also appear to have difficulty breathing.

A vision appears to the Great Circle of druids. It is one of the shapeshifting creatures that infiltrated the Hradani, the Ogres and the Lupines. The creature was in his (or her) natural, vegetal form.

"- Greetings. The Naradians know me as Vivianne. I am Archdruid of the Circle of Uvithile. Now you must be aware of the wounded fongus men. I must warn you not to try to kill them or move them. Doing so could result in the liberation of what we grew...inside them. You don't want to see that. You can try to heal them, but it will do them no good. It is not a plague this time. Why are we doing this? Simple. We need the Baradans to collaborate with us on a project. We knew that you wouldn't normally accept, so we devised this... Do not hate us, we simply want to restore the balance of Life and Death. Civilization has gone too far."

Meanwhile, Baradans arrive to the warm forest on the southern shore of the Lifegiver River. As they search for Tion's Grove, the hiding place of the Spriggans, they encounter many savage, and sometimes rabid animals. They are able to tame a few, but some must be put to death. Finally, the Baradans encounter a frightened spriggan who explains to them that his people made a deal with other humanoids, but have learned to regret it. The humanoids turned the home of the Spriggans into their base of operations and enslaved the majority of the population. He offers them to lead them there, but warns them that their new masters have incredible and terrible power over nature.

[Krrth]

Hradani


The spread of the Blight was of great concern. The spread would wipe out the valley in which most of the Hradani culture lived. Plans were made and carried out: Wychwood seeds, cuttings, and saplings were to be transported to another location as were the olive trees. Records were memorized and taught, although this proved to be difficult. Preparations were made to evacuate the valley. The difficulty involved soon lead to a revelation, and a new knowledge started to take form.

Geros and Jola were both to old to survive the move, so they decided to try something else. They both knew it would lead to their deaths, but that was the price of being chief.
Taking one of the seeds from the vials, they planted it in the blight. There they would nurse it and see what grew. With any luck, it would help hold back the blight.

In the meantime, messages were sent out to the other leaders.

Spoiler

Show

Religion:None
Creation:Nothing
battle:Heal
Tech:Writing
Expansion:Evacuating the Valley, moving south and east. A small group of settlers moves towards the Island in the Sea of Slime. The Exiles explore the new land they found.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Baradans

Tremors are felt everywhere on the continent. A few fissures open in the Baradans' forest, near Suncliff and other human settlements, releasing toxic fumes. Shortly after these events, dark elven raid parties attack the neighbouring villages. They do not engage the local militia very long; they quickly escape back through their tunnels. However, each party leaves behind a single, weak fungus man at the entrance of the targeted villages. One is left in the Great Forest and another before the gates of Suncliff. The Myconids are misshapen; their spore sacs are so big they hinder their movements and are an odd color. They also appear to have difficulty breathing.

A vision appears to the Great Circle of druids. It is one of the shapeshifting creatures that infiltrated the Hradani, the Ogres and the Lupines. The creature was in his (or her) natural, vegetal form.

"- Greetings. The Naradians know me as Vivianne. I am Archdruid of the Circle of Uvithile. Now you must be aware of the wounded fongus men. I must warn you not to try to kill them or move them. Doing so could result in the liberation of what we grew...inside them. You don't want to see that. You can try to heal them, but it will do them no good. It is not a plague this time. Why are we doing this? Simple. We need the Baradans to collaborate with us on a project. We knew that you wouldn't normally accept, so we devised this... Do not hate us, we simply want to restore the balance of Life and Death. Civilization has gone too far."

Meanwhile, Baradans arrive to the warm forest on the southern shore of the Lifegiver River. As they search for Tion's Grove, the hiding place of the Spriggans, they encounter many savage, and sometimes rabid animals. They are able to tame a few, but some must be put to death. Finally, the Baradans encounter a frightened spriggan who explains to them that his people made a deal with other humanoids, but have learned to regret it. The humanoids turned the home of the Spriggans into their base of operations and enslaved the majority of the population. He offers them to lead them there, but warns them that their new masters have incredible and terrible power over nature.

The Baradans are horrified by what this Vivianne has imposed upon them, but one of the Heirophants of the Great Circle, a former apprentice of Barada herself named Kaliel, volunteered to meet with Vivianne to ascertain her demands.

Meanwhile, the Great Circle contacted their scouts looking for the Spriggans, and when they compared their information, they assumed that the same people who had infected those poor myconids must have victimized the Spriggans as well. The Baradans then send a Heirophant named Quaria to take charge of the spriggan situation.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Baradans

Vivianne met with Kaliel a few miles from the center of Baradan population. She held a twisted staff, the same one that the miracle worker Daniel wielded many years ago.

"- It's a shame your leader is on a journey east. Oh well...I'm sure you are a reasonable man."

Vivianne lifted her staff which glowed with an eerie light. A circle appeared on the ground beside them.

"- Here's the deal. We need you to work on druidic rituals with us. We broke the seals of the Ogres and as a result, Death is slowly taking back what the humans took from it. But it's not enough. The humans, much like the Ensi, Aeriefolk and Merfolk, are still too comfortable, enjoying their luxury and their techology. Their way of life insults the nature spirits! It's obvious... And the only possible way to change this situation is to unleash nature's wrath upon them. To create powerful beasts for them to fear at night. To have the plants and trees claim back the land. By collaborating with us, you will gain something meaningful... You will be able to choose which populations to plague.

Now, bring a few other druids with you. You will come with me through this portal and we will work on the spells in our laboratories."

The exiled spriggans lead Quaria to the wooden walls that protect Tion's Grove. They informed him that the Circle of Uvithile has built a small fortress of Ironwood at the center of the grove, in which most archdruids seem to reside.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Baradans

Vivianne met with Kaliel a few miles from the center of Baradan population. She held a twisted staff, the same one that the miracle worker Daniel wielded many years ago.

"- It's a shame your leader is on a journey east. Oh well...I'm sure you are a reasonable man."

Vivianne lifted her staff which glowed with an eerie light. A circle appeared on the ground beside them.

"- Here's the deal. We need you to work on druidic rituals with us. We broke the seals of the Ogres and as a result, Death is slowly taking back what the humans took from it. But it's not enough. The humans, much like the Ensi, Aeriefolk and Merfolk, are still too comfortable, enjoying their luxury and their techology. Their way of life insults the nature spirits! It's obvious... And the only possible way to change this situation is to unleash nature's wrath upon them. To create powerful beasts for them to fear at night. To have the plants and trees claim back the land. By collaborating with us, you will gain something meaningful... You will be able to choose which populations to plague.

Now, bring a few other druids with you. You will come with me through this portal and we will work on the spells in our laboratories."

Kaliel's brow furrows.

"The Baradans respect the land and its spirits. It is strange that you claim the spirits are angered. They have not told us of this insult. It is also strange that you call yourself a Circle. I had thought the Fellowship of Leaves had created such a practice."

Kaliel was trying to stall for time and figure out as much about this "Circle." If he could convince them there was a better way to achieve their goals without further loss of life, he would do his best to do so. Kaliel knew that Barada would have declared what Vivienne was demanding a terrible sin, and he was not about to be the Heirophant that turned his people against the allies they had cared for and trusted for so long.

The exiled spriggans lead Quaria to the wooden walls that protect Tion's Grove. They informed him that the Circle of Uvithile has built a small fortress of Ironwood at the center of the grove, in which most archdruids seem to reside.

((Quaria's a she.))

Quaria enters into Tion's Grove.

"I am Quaria of the Baradans. If you are of the Circle of Uvithile, then I am not your enemy...at least not yet."

[Kaiser Omnik]

Baradans

Vivianne:
"- The Circle of Uvithile has existed for a long time. Perhaps we are not listening to the same spirits. Now...if you don't accept our offer, we will have to start a real, full-scale war. There will be many deaths. The Circle may even be annihilated...knowing, at least, that we will have succeeded. But as you can imagine, this is not our first choice. If you collaborate, we will stop the expansion of the humanoids, maybe eliminate a few settlements that are troublesome, but no more than that. We will make sure that they never attempt to disturb the natural order. But the cost will be much less, if you think about it."


Tion's Grove

A few spriggans looked over the wall than swiftly disappeared. Ten minutes later, the wooden gates opened. An ogre in dark green robes walked outside.

"- Welcome Quaria of the Baradans. One of us is meeting with the representative of your Circle as we speak. I'll have to ask you to stay where you are until Vivianne's return."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Baradans

Vivianne:
"- The Circle of Uvithile has existed for a long time. Perhaps we are not listening to the same spirits. Now...if you don't accept our offer, we will have to start a real, full-scale war. There will be many deaths. The Circle may even be annihilated...knowing, at least, that we will have succeeded. But as you can imagine, this is not our first choice. If you collaborate, we will stop the expansion of the humanoids, maybe eliminate a few settlements that are troublesome, but no more than that. We will make sure that they never attempt to disturb the natural order. But the cost will be much less, if you think about it."

"Why do you fear the expansion of humanoids? We, the Baradans, are for all intents and purposes, a civilization. But we live in harmony with the land. We have dedicated our lives to teaching others to do the same. You ask us not only to abandon the principles that Barada taught us, but to turn back to the same principles she was trying to lead us away from in the first place. And in doing so would stab the allies we have made over the decades in their backs."

Tion's Grove

A few spriggans looked over the wall than swiftly disappeared. Ten minutes later, the wooden gates opened. An ogre in dark green robes walked outside.

"- Welcome Quaria of the Baradans. One of us is meeting with the representative of your Circle as we speak. I'll have to ask you to stay where you are until Vivianne's return."

"Is Vivianne your master in mind and soul then? Or may you speak for yourself."

Midground
The Circle of Midground, led by their Heirophant, a big bear-like man named Urth, assemble to meet with whatever ambassadors the flying black fortress has sent them. They hope to find Dynean there, and inform her of the Circle of Uthville's threat.

[Kaiser Omnik]

"Why do you fear the expansion of humanoids? We, the Baradans, are for all intents and purposes, a civilization. But we live in harmony with the land. We have dedicated our lives to teaching others to do the same. You ask us not only to abandon the principles that Barada taught us, but to turn back to the same principles she was trying to lead us away from in the first place. And in doing so would stab the allies we have made over the decades in their backs."

"It is not that simple. The others...they won't accept to live like druids. They are not like us. They are filthy! They must be taught a lesson...the kind of lesson that your Barada should have given long ago."

"Is Vivianne your master in mind and soul then? Or may you speak for yourself."

"- My mind is my own. What do you wish to discuss?"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

"It is not that simple. The others...they won't accept to live like druids. They are not like us. They are filthy! They must be taught a lesson...the kind of lesson that your Barada should have given long ago."

"And because they do not live like us we should force our views and beliefs on them? It was that kind of thinking that Barada sought to free us from. Before she came, the Baradans were a divided people, each tribe with its own beliefs and morals that they sought to force all other tribes to fall in line with. It held us back. Barada taught us to look past our foolish pride and to see that the differences are what makes all life special. An eagle would drown if it tried to live in the water, just as a fish would suffocate if it tried to live on the land. It is the same with people. Our allies would not reach their full potential if they tried to be us, and we would not reach ours if we tried to imitate them. Your Circle seems to have forgotten what it means to live and die. The way of the world and its differences is what gives it its beauty. We, the Baradans, will not aid you, and we shall devote our every endeavor to prevent the harm you would seek to cause."

"- My mind is my own. What do you wish to discuss?"

"Why have you subjugated our spriggan allies?"

[Kaiser Omnik]

Actions

Spoiler

Show

Hradani - Expansion - Evacuation
Hradani - Heal - (8d10)[45] = +45 essence

Please note that I do not add the bonus essence from your healing artifacts in these calculations; you will have to do it yourselves.

Technology

Hradani - Writing - (29d10)[147]

IC post coming soon

[Kaiser Omnik]

The Baradans and the Circle of Uvithile

Suddenly, Vivianne collapsed in pain at Kaliel's feet.

"- Please help me! The Ancient One...It's here! It...it has been manipulating us, everyone...seeding chaos and madness in our minds! The Circle, the Drow, even the fallen angels... And now it has come! It has come..."

Vivianne now seemed lost in her own mind.

Meanwhile, the eyes of the druid discussing with Quaria turned red with blood. As tentacles grew out of his back, he gripped his staff and prepared to crack Quaria's skull...but was interrupted when a lightning bolt blasted him away. A bald, blue-skinned man in priestly robes walked to the Baradan. His body was semi-transparent.

"I don't have much time. I'm Latimer, by the way. Nice to meet you!

No, wait...I remember now. I'm just a projection. My true name is...Leiff, Lord of the Void. This is the best form to interact with your species. Yes... But more to the point. You must report this to your Circle: Dynean is under the control of an alien entity. As we speak, she is casting a spell that will send me and other outsiders back where we come from. It will also do much more, terrible things, and bring other sorts of beings ... If you and your allies don't pull her out of that nightmare... Then this world is lost. This is the ultimate test. You must ensure the survival of humanity...and the rest! I did what I could. Now all is in your hands. I will be watching."

Latimer turned around. Behind them, the grove turned dark and menacing. Rotten trees grew and grew to the point of concealing the wall of the Spriggans. Quaria also noticed that Latimer was fading away.

"Good luck."

And he finally vanished. At the same time, the allied ambassadors arrived inside the Black Citadel flying over Midground. It was oddly silent. The angels were nowhere to be seen. Then they came to the chambers of the Lord of the Citadel, where he stored several bottles of liquid pain. On the throne sat the fuming remains of a Deva. Above the throne, those words were written in blood: The Ancient One. The ambassadors felt dizzy; not only because of the smell. Soon, the walls and the floor started to ripple like water. Large, floating eyeballs appeared all around the ambassadors and exploded shortly after. Some furniture bursted into flames while the windows were ripped apart by powerful vortices. Fortunately, the ambassadors had time to teleport away before reality collapsed upon itself. From afar, all the people of Midground could see was the castle violently imploding.

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

In the North

The people of New Athanasia were enthralled at the sight of a colossal statue that had just risen from the ground. They didn't understand what it represented, but they still were unable to look away. They felt like they were in the presence of a true god. The statue seemed almost alive. It depicted something akin to a half-beast, half-insect creature whose entire lower body was composed of giant intertwined maggots. It was anything but natural. And to those who listened, it whispered... But whatever it said, it was just too alien.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

The Baradans and the Circle of Uvithile

Suddenly, Vivianne collapsed in pain at Kaliel's feet.

"- Please help me! The Ancient One...It's here! It...it has been manipulating us, everyone...seeding chaos and madness in our minds! The Circle, the Drow, even the fallen angels... And now it has come! It has come..."

Vivianne now seemed lost in her own mind.

Kaliel wasted no time, channeling the power of the land to try and help Vivianne shake off whatever was compelling her.

Meanwhile, the eyes of the druid discussing with Quaria turned red with blood. As tentacles grew out of his back, he gripped his staff and prepared to crack Quaria's skull...but was interrupted when a lightning bolt blasted him away. A bald, blue-skinned man in priestly robes walked to the Baradan. His body was semi-transparent.

"I don't have much time. I'm Latimer, by the way. Nice to meet you!

No, wait...I remember now. I'm just a projection. My true name is...Leiff, Lord of the Void. This is the best form to interact with your species. Yes... But more to the point. You must report this to your Circle: Dynean is under the control of an alien entity. As we speak, she is casting a spell that will send me and other outsiders back where we come from. It will also do much more, terrible things, and bring other sorts of beings ... If you and your allies don't pull her out of that nightmare... Then this world is lost. This is the ultimate test. You must ensure the survival of humanity...and the rest! I did what I could. Now all is in your hands. I will be watching."

Latimer turned around. Behind them, the grove turned dark and menacing. Rotten trees grew and grew to the point of concealing the wall of the Spriggans. Quaria also noticed that Latimer was fading away.

"Good luck."

And he finally vanished.

Quaria tried to thank Latimer for saving her, but he was gone before she could say anything. She asked the Spriggans for forgiveness that she had to leave them so soon, but she had to return to the Great Circle with this portent.

At the same time, the allied ambassadors arrived inside the Black Citadel flying over Midground. It was oddly silent. The angels were nowhere to be seen. Then they came to the chambers of the Lord of the Citadel, where he stored several bottles of liquid pain. On the throne sat the fuming remains of a Deva. Above the throne, those words were written in blood: The Ancient One. The ambassadors felt dizzy; not only because of the smell. Soon, the walls and the floor started to ripple like water. Large, floating eyeballs appeared all around the ambassadors and exploded shortly after. Some furniture bursted into flames while the windows were ripped apart by powerful vortices. Fortunately, the ambassadors had time to teleport away before reality collapsed upon itself. From afar, all the people of Midground could see was the castle violently imploding.

The Circle of Midground were greatly disturbed by this.

"This foe is beyond any of us. Only together will we be able to stand against the tide of this."

((I'll be making another post later for other things the Baradans are doing. Barada's journey, the march of progress for their civilization, that kind of thing.))

[Archpaladin Zousha]

The Baradans

Following the events that have started this new crisis, the Baradans stepped up the training of their warriors. The ease with which they allowed the Circle of Uthivile to intimidate them could not be repeated. The Bear Warrior caste of the Baradans underwent a magnificent transformation. A band of them travelled into the wilderness on a vision quest and found that where before they could only channel the strength and ferocity of men, they now truly had the might of the bear. They were now true Bear Warriors. The Green Stalkers underwent a transformation of their own, becoming more and more interested in exploring the wilds and seeing what lay beyond the horizon. They learned to adapt to whatever lands they travelled to, gaining connections to the land that even the Hierophants marvelled at.

During these trying times, Kaliel and his fellow Hierophants tried to find some way to cure the madness of the Circle of Uthivile, so they could lift their infections and see the truth of what the land willed. A number of Baradans travelled north, towards the Ogre Lands and the Sea of Slime to establish a new community. They brought their teachings and way of life to the Steppes, making a permanent settlement in the Hradani lands, calling it Grasshome.

Meanwhile in Tion's Grove, Quaria began to speak with the Spriggans, trying to learn everything she could about their curse and what could be done about it. In addition, the Baradans demanded that all allied with Dynean to meet at Midground, the site of the recent disaster, to call a council and decide what steps to take in the future.

The Hierophants took their ways and began to truly teach them to the next generation, preserving their knowledge for new generations. The Green Stalkers, now calling themselves Horizon Walkers, discovered other things, how to use their talents with animals to develop a stronger bond with them. The animals could now serve as the servants and allies of the Baradan people.

Spoiler

Show

Battle: The Baradans are going to attempt to cure the madness of the Circle of Uthivile with their spiritual power
Battle: Heal from that battle
Creation - Concept - Prestige Class: Bear Warrior
Creation - Concept - Prestige Class: Horizon Walker
Expansion: Founding Grasshome
Expansion: Developing a more permanent residence in Midground
Religion: Convert the Circle of Uthivile after curing them
Religion: Try to find some cure for the curse of the Spriggans to bring them back into the Baradan fold
Technology: Education
Technology: Animal Handling

[Kaiser Omnik]

I think I'll have to end this game. It was fun, but it's not really designed with only 2 players (ok sometimes 3 with Armin) in mind. Thanks for playing.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

I'm going to miss this.

[Krrth]

It was fun while it lasted. Ah well.

[Kaiser Omnik]

I'm sorry. I could have tried recruiting again, but the plot was too advanced now. By the way, Leif (or Latimer) was one of the great Elemental Lords that my other players met in a previous game, Gods of a New Star, and the Ancient One was a chtuluesque horror they had also briefly seen.

Well I hope to play in another game with you in the future! Oh wait, Krrth already does.

[Krrth]

I gotta admit, I was enjoying the game, and I'm enjoying the other one as well.

But then again, I also prefer games with at least some rules.