Rise from the Ashes IC

[puppyavenger]

City on the Naram-Suen

A dream you say? we are merely explorers from the dessert who happened to stumble across the city....How do you survive in the life-stream/river without coming out?

[Ipphli]

Children of Uso

City on the Naram-Suen

The cleric smiles kindly. "We were created for it. Our god Uso made us so that we might live with him in the deeps of the ocean. I must admit I have seen little of this land, but it seems very...hostile to life. I'm surprised any can survive in it."

[puppyavenger]

City on the Naram-Suen


This land? he burst out laughing this is paradise compared to our homeland. Water/life within easy reach! how could someone complain about this.


Anyway, do you have anything you'd be interested in trading? that's really the stated purpose of the expedition, so actually fulfilling it couldn't hurt.

[Ipphli]

Children of Uso

City on the Naram-Suen

The cleric glances at the ranger on either side of him, then back at the stormcaller. "We have an abundance of foodstuffs back home. But I'm afraid we did not bring anything with us on this trip. But perhaps something could be arranged in the future. Tell me, do you rule this city then?"

[puppyavenger]

City on the Naram-Suen

I'm sure some of the creatures that live the same way you do in the life-stream/rive would be rather valuable to those back home.

We don't own or occupy the city, there's currently a trade talk going on between the Crimson Claw and some undead.

[Ipphli]

Children of Uso

City on the Naram-Suen

The cleric and rangers look amongst themselves, frowning slightly. They have a quick conversation in their own language before the cleric turns back to the stormcaller. "I see. Might you be so kind as to show us to the leaders of this city then? It is very important."

[Krrth]

Hradani

Tor Gunderson and his escort come across a great mound after a few days' travel. After investigating a bit, they find a hidden hole that leads 20 feet underground and a rope.

*Looking over at the scouts, Tor Gunderson asks*

Is this it then? Where whatever beastie thats been toubaling us resides?

[puppyavenger]

City on the Naram-Suen



The storm-shaper shrugs Sure he gestures to a few warriors who follow him as he escorts the Tritons to where the trade delegations are meeting. here you go

[Ipphli]

Children of Uso

City on the Naram-Suen

The cleric bows his head once more to the stormcaller. "I thank you. I will be sure to seek you out before we leave, so we might talk more of trade between us." Smiling, he turns towards the delegates. "Greetings! We are representatives of the Children of Uso."

[puppyavenger]

City on the Naram-Suen


Very well, we'll probably be leaving for the base camp soon, so seek us out in out there. he tries to draw a map of the unfamiliar area for a minute, then gives up and takes out a small vial of glowing water. Pouring a drop into his hand, he offers it to the cleric just drink this

assuming he does, he gains al the memories and knowledge that the storm-shaper gained traveling form the base-camp to the city.

[LongVin]

Followers of the Dark Father

Things were going well and according to plan. The power of the Drow was growing and allies were rallying to their cause. Soon they would be able to publically show themselves and restore their rightful place in the world.


For now they would need to continue to expand their territories and regain the lost knowledges of the ancients and of Vesper.

Expedition to the surface....

Under the cover of darkness, the small team emerges from the mountain caves. They were tasked with scouting out the surface world in the areas around what underground would be Drow land.

OOC: Anyone want to RP meeting with my expedition?

OOC@Omnik: What is happening with the Myconids

Orders:

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Battle: Heal
Religion: Bolster
Technology: Hunting
Craft: Divination Magic
Expansion: Establish new colony

Craft for last turn"

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Craft: Evocation Magic

[Kaiser Omnik]

To Longvin:

Repost of the Myconids stuff in case you missed it:

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The Myconids
"- We know those caves better than anyone. They are our grandparents. They care for us greatly! The caves stretch long and far. Trade, heh? We give you something and you give us something in return? Our god Mycellias has many treasures. Maybe you want to meet him?"

OOC: Sorry Longvin, but as I said, I would like it if you researched more magic-related tech before creating other schools of magic. Divination is an actual tech in the tree. I don't even think you have Mysticism/Knowledge of the Ether yet. Tech tree here

[LongVin]

Followers of the Dark Father

Myconids:

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"We would be very interested in meeting with your...god."

OOC: hmm....ok. Let me think of something. Might start creating artifacts then.

[puppyavenger]

Consolidation

With the discovery of the "Life-stream" as thew Narmen-Suen was called after several ad-hoc translations and bastardizations, life became substantially easier for the dessert clans. With easy supply of water, and its new healing properties(see below) life became less lethal and it was more and more common for caravans and clans to meet up accidentally well traveling. With several new settlements on the Streams banks and the area between them and the "heartland" becoming more and more populated, ventures began to set out to the Eastern and southern desserts.

Magic

With the sudden influx of water, experimentation with it became much easier and some inventive storm-shapers have managed to cure injuries simply be infusing water into the bodies of the wounded.

As well, through experiments with the omni-present sand in the desert, storm-shapers focusing on it have found that they're able to cobble together golems that last for several minutes. Along with shields and concealment powered by the element, many of the more nomadic storm-shapers have begun ignoring the other elements, focusing entirely on the sand.

Those focusing on fire meanwhile, have simply been able to isolate their element from anything. Summoning a fireball out of the burning dessert sand is fairly useful in combat, and he more strenuous task of pulling a fire-ball out of ones opponent is usually a quick way to end a fight and get a frozen corpse.

conversion? not likely, but might as well try

At the trading post with the Crimson Claw, many of the storm-shapers try the find some pupils. This is especially true with the Shapers running the post, who are very eager to find someone who they can actually carry out some research with. They very much emphasis that there philosophy is entirely computable with the worship of the gods, and include the "ensi-mind" in their mythos, not very hard as its a rather popular idea anyway.
[I'll make my creation later]

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Expansion: consolidate my hold over the Southern half of the dessert, send some expeditions east.
Tech: elementalism
Religion: "corrupt" the claw

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Naram Suen

The Dvergar merely wanted a trade delegation, and a non-military alliance with any they could.

Black Bastion

The Council agreed to Barada's terms, and allowed the Sisters to bring them their news.

[Johel]

Memorial

The Elder Sister agreed with the ogres. In the following months, many Spell Singers from Suncliff and Chelar arrived at Memorial. As soon as there would be enough of them to carry out the ritual, it would proceed.

The inhabitants of Memorial were informed of the incoming threath and given the choice to either stay and help to fortify the village or to leave for Chelar, Suncliff or any of the various outposts in the Western Lands.

Over the hills

Meanwhile, a delegation was sent deep into the Ogre Lands, in order to contact the various tribes but also to try to negociate with the Lupins. At the head of the delegation was an Elder Sister.

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Wanna talk to the Lupins first. Or at least try.

Black Bastion

When the doors of the Council's room opened, the enlighting presence of the Matriarch casted away some of the shadows. Her escort of young novices, all clad in the same bleach white veil, muttered on a low tone, their Spell Song projecting their feelings around. Mostly benevolent thoughts and pure hearted wishes, there were however stains of fear and worry.

"-Dvegars and...dead dvegars, thank you for hearing my pledge.
I stand before you today not as the religious leader of the Order but as the voice of all the poor souls of Suncliff, Chelar, Memorial and many other seeds of civilization which, up there, under the sun, are about to be wiped.

Every day, we surface-dwellers deal with the legacy of the old gods : wasted lands, tainted beasts, mystical storms,... all of this is our daily burden. But now, something much more sinister has awaken. The Lupins, followers of a ancient deity, have launched a genocide campaign to... purify the world, as they say.

We cannot stand aside as children are butchered. YOU cannot stand aside and close your doors to those in need !!! For soon or late, when all people from above will have been killed, the shadow of doom will reach the Black Bastion. Will you stand on your own tomorrow or fight at our side today ?"

All along her speech, the choral of Sisters supported the Matriarch with their Spell Song, increasing the psychological meaning of each sentence so that the message would be delivered beyond the limit of words. Through the chant, the Council (at least those members who were alive...) could feel exactly what the naradians felt.

The Great Journey : Domnann coast

On that bright day, as the sun decrease to the West, a large...thing could be seen from the coast, gliding on the waves. It eventually reached the beach, where people jumped from it to pull it on dry sand.

Quickly the small group of humans and dwarven was joined by strange, fish-like creatures. Together, they made fires with dead wood and set a few tents. They talked loudly, eating fish and drinking beer.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Hradani

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The scouts turn to Tor:

"- It must be."

Assuming they all go down, the group follows a long tunnel that goes even deeper underground. Finally, the Hradani find what looks like a chapel carved in the rock. There is some noise coming from inside.

Children of Uso

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City on the Naram-Suen

The ensi guards of the Crimson Claw drew their scimitar and stood in front of the tritons.

"- Children of Uso? Never heard from you. We don't even know what you are. Explain why you are here and how you found this city. Are you in league with gnomes and halflings? Speak!"

Followers of the Dark Father

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The Meeting

The myconid guard politely asked the dark elves to wait a few minutes while he was communicating with the other circles.

"If you leave your pointy sticks and other weapons here, Mycellias will greet you. He is a god, but weapons offend him."

Naradians

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Memorial

About a month later, the ogre leader returned to meet with the Elder Sister.

"- Greetings Sister. I have important news. You surely remember a young ogre girl who arrived a week ago, affected by a strange disease that none of your healers seemed to be able to cure? You'll be pleased to know that she has miraculously recovered. They say it is the work of an elderly man who came with the last group of refugees. I thought this would pick your interest."

Over the Hills

The Naradians met several reclusive ogre tribes on their travels, including some that had never encountered the Lupines. The wolf-men, as the ogres called them, were very much difficult to find. Either they lived in hiding or they knew humans were looking for them and made sure not to cross their path. Finally, the group discover an old watchtower that seems to be occupied by Lupines.

[puppyavenger]

[OOC] taking up the treaty-signing with Crimson claw again now if that's okay

The trading post

Waiting for when the Ensi Lord arrived was a delegation of twenty warriors in ceremonial and very shiny armor, along with eight Storm-Shapers and two Sand-worms with their masters. When he arrives with his delegation he is cordially greeted and they leave immediately.

When the reach the Pools, it looks as though a city has sprung up around it. Almost every nomadic clan has arrived, as well as representatives of all the farming and trading clans that have settled. almost ten thousand large tents surround the Pools, no the size of a large lake. Meeting him is the Storm-shaper authorized to sign the treaty, an old and withered Storm-Shaper who was alive when the Pools were first created, the oldest member of the clans left. greetings Lord, I trust you are well?

[Ipphli]

Children of Uso

The cleric smiles and nods his head respectfully. "Of course. We are tritons, a people that live in the far distant ocean. We were sent here by a vision to discover a holy relic of our lord, Uso. And I can assure you we don't even know what a halfling or gnome is, least of all being in league with them."

[Krrth]

Hradani


Tor made sure his sword was secure on his back before he turns and looks at the rest of the group. Quickly, he selected several companions to enter the room.

Tor Gunderson, with spear in hand and two handed sword on his back.

Korath Torson, with axe ready.

Dorn Torson, with long spear poised.

Terris Hrothson, master of the hounds and his pack.

Jola Torsdaughter, Fili.

Vern Yulson, he of the bastard sword.

Young Geros, orphan and servant.

The rest would stay in the corridor to guard against intruders and await the signal to enter or run.

Tor strode forward into the chapel.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Children of Uso

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The ensi guards looked at each other.
"- We have never heard of this Uso. Are you...pilgrims? In any case, this city is in ensi control and you may not enter it. Whatever you are looking for is probably not here anyway. When we arrived, this place was already in ruins."

The Hradani

As the Hradani walked inside, they discovered that the chapel was bigger than they imagined. The ceiling was especially high. Even if the inside was only lit by torches, Tor and his comrades could still distinguish the paintings on the walls. They depicted various scenes of torture as well as "medical experiments". Strangely, some of the people in the paintings displayed joyful expressions. The back of the chapel was a mess. The benches there were mostly broken and rubble was scattered all over. Something was definitely happening in the front, though (opposite of the entrance). A dozen people clad in black leather suits pierced with silver needles sat near an altar. Tor was shocked to recognize one Hradani who was thought lost. Three naked women with black feathered wings stood around said altar. Their bodies sported several piercings and tattoos. One of them was also holding a barbed whip. Finally, the Hradani thought that they saw large cages stored in a shadowy area of the room, not too far from the women's position.

"- Thus endeth the lesson", said the first fallen angel, Myra. "Oh, we have guests. More disciples of pain?"

"- I don't believe they are, dear Myra", said the second angel, Serena. "I know their kind. I have tasted their flesh before. I remember it clearly. They are Hradani."

"- So they are", replied the third and most beautiful of the angels, the one holding the whip. "Welcome to our sanctum. Have you come seeking vengeance? You want blood? Or are you here because you are deeply affected by your loss? Tell me...are you really in pain? Because pain is bliss. You learn so much from it...

If you are here to fight, it is hopeless. For I am Lamia, one of the Master's favored. You have never encountered someone quite like me. And I am sure that the disciples here will be happy to join me in teaching you a lesson. Only suffering and pleasure are real. You'll come to understand. If you live."

The disciples stood and drew their weapons, while the other two fallen angels, also known as erinyes, grew fangs and claws. Lamia walked behind the altar and opened the cages, freeing the monstrosities held inside, some sort of horribly scarred, vicious beast-men.


Glass Shelter

The warlord, the dreaded Akpe was an impressive man. Strangely, he didn't look decomposed like other death knights. His skin was also darker than most ensi. He grew a black beard plaited with golden threads. The warlord carried a long curved blade and wore a ceremonial scale armor as well as a royal headdress. The emissaries from the Glass Shelter noticed crackling energy in his presence; the elders of the tribe explained that according to ancient texts, this was the sign of a mortal champion, one who had held a bit of divine essence in his body.

As he arrived at the Pools, Akpe seemed pleased.

"- I am well, thank you. You know how to treat a Lord. So, those are the legendary pools? Quite impressive, I must say."

The warlord gestured toward a golden chest and a servant immediately picked it up and brought it to him. He ordered him to open it as to reveal its content to the elder: a scroll case.

"- This contains our treaty. A piece of parchment that will link our fate. Today is an important day...one to remember. Finally, we are reunited with our brothers. The will of Sesketh will be done...the Ensi Empire will rise again. Now, I know that there are humans among you. To them I say this: you are welcome to join us. You have more in common with us than with any other nation. The Desert folk are strong and bold and deadly, not weak and cowardly like the Men of the plains and hills.

Thanks to the water from the Pools, we will easily spread the knowledge of war to our allies. And we will crush any who oppose us. We will be victorious. For those empowered by the Ensi Soul cannot fail!"

[LongVin]

Followers of the Dark Father

Myconids:

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The Drow rather reluctantly put their weapons down and glance around nervously at the Fungi creatures keeping a careful eye on them, waiting for their supposed god to arrive.

Craft:

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Artifact - Rod of Shadows: The rod of shadows is an onyx rod that is attuned to the shadows and the shadow world and allows the user to more easily find locations in which the connection between the two planes is weaker to allow clerics to more easily tap into the well of shadows. This is an important step in allowing for the Followers of the Dark Father to reopen gateways into the Tunnels of Vesper.

[Johel]

Memorial

"-Well, this might be interesting. Lead the way, chief. I'm right behind. Let us meet the girl and her saviour."
One nod to her guards and two faithful warriors, clad in white, wearing spears, followed the Elder Sister.

As they passed through the village, many settlers stopped their work, bowing slightly or whispering a blessing to the holy woman and her escort. While most of the population was outside the walls of Memorial, working the fields or searching for additionnal food, wood or stones, the few inhabitants who staid inside were busy with the fortification and the ritual preparations.

In the outer areas of the village, many recent tents and hutts of unusual size had been built, sheltering the ogre refugees as they came. There, two Sisters were taking care of the sick and the wounded.

"-So, where's this elder you spoke of ?"

Over the hills

"-Shall we attack, Sister ?"
The adept of Narade hesitated. Sure, their orders were to negociate but as she and her group traveled the Ogre Lands, the tales about the violence and blood frenzy of the Lupins had pushed the Sister to concider a different approach. However, her faith in Her way remained.
"-No. Let them hear us. We advance, slowly, in sight of their sentries. My children, let sing the 4th Psaum to Her grace !!"

And so, a peaceful chant announcing them, the small group of Sisters advanced, escorted by their bodyguards. They were about a dozen, 1 Elder Sister, 4 Sisters, 4 guards and 2 Ogres guides, walking fearlessly toward the watchtower.

Western Coast

It had taken time but finally, they had reached it.
While some colons had settle at Memorial, other had kept walking to the North West, through the waste land.

Nothing but dust, glass and tainted beasts, with the occasionnal poisoned wells and ruins of the past. Until today. They had reached the ocean. Or so it seems from the taste of water, though they could clearly see lands right across the few kilometers of sea.

"-That spot will do. It's a bay, protected from the wind and strong streams. The waters are calm and I bet it's full of seafood around here. I say we settle here, send a messenger back to Memorial, and do our best to improve this spot. Who's for ?"

Loads of hand were raised.
"-Then it's set. We stay here."
"-How will we call the place ?"
"-...Maybe it's a bit too soon for that, yet."

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Expansion :
the Naradians settle there
8. Suncliff
19. Chelar
20. Memorial
21. "outpost which still needs a creation act but which increase the Order's sphere of influence"

This gives a good idea of how the Order expanded during the 5 first turns.

[Krrth]

HradaniDome!


Tor looks at the....thing before him.

You'll be the one we own a blood debt to, I'm thinking.

Without being called, the remaining four allies enter the room behind him. His daughter the Fili stands in the entrance observing so that win or lose, the fight would be remembered. A young scout stands at the ladder ready to run and report if the battle goes poorly.

I'll not be knowing what it is you and yours have been doing here, but I am knowing it ends now. I'm here for blood, aye and vengeance too. But what I'll be giving, and you'll be getting, is Justice.

As for what ye be, I know enough. Ye be slavers, such as controlled my people generations ago. We destroyed them then, we'll destroy you now.

I am Tor, son of Gunder, son of Troc, son of Lan, son of Gideon. Know me and despair.

With that, Tor strides forward, and suddenly throws his short spear with all his might at one of the fallen angels. His other hand reaches back and draws his massive sword. Taking a two handed grip, he charges the leader.

HAVOK! BROTHERS, DEATH AND GLORY AWAIT! AWAKE FROM THE DREAM, AND FIGHT!


The remaining allies glance at each other, ready their weapons, and cry"

THE MORNING COMES, AWAKE!


Korath and Dorn, the sons of Tor, immediately charge to engage one of the angels. Vern and two of the Algai’d’siswai engage the wounded one.

The two remaining Algai’d’siswai look at each other and smile. Looking back the worshipers, loosing the tight hold they had been holding on their anger, they RAGE. No longer aware of wounds, or fear, of anything beyond the need to kill the enemy they wade into the "disciples".

Terris gives a whistle, and his pack dives into the beastmen. Nipping and biting, they dart back and forth through the foe occasionally pausing to break a bone or rip a throat. Standing slightly back, Terris darts his long spear in and out of the fray, teaching the beastmen the price of not paying attention to him.

Young Geros defends himself as best he can from the beastmen.

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Round one, FIGHT! Tor, Korath, Dorn, Vern, and Terris are wielding weapons taken from the temple.

[Kaiser Omnik]

Followers of the Dark Father

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Myconids

The guards brought the elves to an immense cavern full of overgrown fungi and multicolored pools. In the far back of the cavern, a giant myconid sat upon a stone throne. He was at least twice as large as the common drow.

"- ComE fORth strANgers. You, lEAve uS."

The other myconids immediately left the room. As the drow walked to the throne, they thought they heard whispers coming from the "god"'s direction.

"- I am thE god myCEllias. State YOur BUSiness."

OOC: Mycellias kinda looks like the one in the back on this image.

Naradians

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Memorial

The ogre leader gladly led the Sister and her escorts to the camp. There, a white-haired man holding a twisted staff and an ogre girl of about 9 years old came forth. The girl looked a bit shy.

"- Oh, what an honour to meet you, Sister", said the elderly man. "My name is Daniel and this little lady is Vivianne."


The Watchtower

The Naradians could discern at least five archers on top of the watchtower. A lupine soldier opened the door at the base of the tower and walked outside. He was about 100 feet away from the group.

"- No further! Carry the plague, maybe... What are your intentions?"

OOC: Yes, his speech is broken.

[puppyavenger]

The Pools

The assembled crowds cheered when Akpe finished his speech. The Storm-Shaper, after reading through the treaty and making sure it wasn't disadvantageous to the Pools, signed the treaty. Today the peoples of the dessert are united! Together we shall recreate the Ensi Empire! Those who oppose us shall to torn away like the flesh of a fool in a sand-storm!

[Johel]

Memorial

"-Please to meet you, Master Daniel. I heard of the miracles you've been performing on our patients. If you can, I'd like you to explain your methods. Any knowledge should be shared freely, don't you think ? We will, however, provide you with what you need if you agree to assist and teach the adepts of Narade."

The Watchtower

The group stopped right on their feet and the Elder Sister spoke while the chorus kept singing.

"-We come in peace !! We've heard of the atrocities you've done and seek to understand your motives. The Ogres gave us their version of the story. We wish to heard yours. We aren't sick !!"

[LongVin]

Followers of the Dark Father

Myconids:

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The leader of the Drow drops to his knees before the god and motions for the others to do so also. "Greetings to you great Mycelias. I am Fanar, faithful servant of the Great Lord of Shadows and his physical council here in the world below. We have sought you out for we wish to learn from you and your...people and establish trade with your lands."

[Ipphli]

Children of Uso

The cleric seems taken aback, then smiles. "Could we please just speak to whoever rules this place? I heard there are trade negotiations taking place. We, too, represent a large and prosperous people. I am sure there is some way we can aid one another."

[Kaiser Omnik]

Glass Shelter

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OOC: Forgot something. The Warlord has also given you more treaties on blade magic and poison making. You now have the option to use a creation act to make the Warblade (Abstract/Class) and the Assassin (Abstract/Class) with a bonus to the roll. One creation act for each, of course.

Naradians

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Memorial

"- I am so sorry", said the mystic. "I do not control this ability. It comes and goes. However, maybe I could assist your medics in hopes of learning from them? Maybe the teachings of your people will allow me to understand my powers better."

The Watchtower

The lupine looked more appeased now.

"- How can I be sure you safe? It can affect any of you. Only blessing of Aresk protects us! This a curse. Bad, bad curse! Need to find the source. And eradicate all that came in contact with it."

The creature sounded confused.

Followers of the Dark Father

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The Myconids

"Ah...hum.."

At that moment, the drow thought they heard whispering...again.

Cut it out!...Yeah I know you want to see...

Mycellias twitched in his throne.

"It is the FIRst tiME in years that I hear ABOUt the shAdOW lord. You did GOod in cOMing to ME mortAL. My people can TEAch you druidIC MAgic and give you THE SEcreat to make new, IMproVED species of fUNgi...for a PRIce."

Children of Uso

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The guard stops to think.

"- I'll see what I can do. I will go speak with our leader. He may accept to see you after he is finished with his work. You may not enter the city, however. Stay here."