Lords of Creation: Vicious Betrayals

[stack]

Terrogor, Oculus

Turning now to this new arrival, Terrogor twists his long powerful serpentine body around to face Alorn fully, the grin he had directed toward Voimond not fading a moment, his massively sharp teeth, glistening in amusement. "Well well, my old flesh appears. It was you who took the scales from your eyes and cast it out, that which was an aspect of your divinity. If you had meant for me to be destroyed, you should have destroyed me before I became Me. Now I am alive, will you seek to destroy that which you cast out, now that I have a mind of my own, without provocation? That never seemed your way Alorn."

"No, if you have found being on your own, I will not destroy you, not without cause. In trying to perfect myself I have failed. Now instead of my weaknesses being ruled by my mind they take form. I should have destroyed you before you had a mind, power. But now, now I will wait and watch. Give me reason and I will surely correct my error."

Agone, The Oculus

"Well Alorn, this little divinity is yours?"

"My shadow, the tattered remnants of darkness and chaos that clung to me, cast out into the void, now taken shape. I claim to kinship, though I do bear responsibility. Should it prove troublesome I will destroy it, but have not sufficient cause. Yet."

Material Plane, Vardheim

The great mountain shook. Wall cracked and fell, landslides covered roads, tunnels and mines failed entirely.

Despite the shaking, the temple stood. Once the mountain stood still, the city became abuzz with all the survivors working to restore order, digging out those trapped and reinforcing weakened structures, leaving little time to wonder at the cause.

The judge of Champions, however, felt the divine impetus behind the movement. And so to did Alorn.

[TechnOkami]

Sephyrdiam- Cataclysm

And then the world shook him from his thoughts.

As a God of Nature, the shaking of the world was something he could easily feel. To he who was so close to Nature, it was as if his own body was being torn asunder, all manners of chaotic convulsions now afflicting not only Nature, but himself as well. He could feel the lives of is creations fall as Nature's newly dead simply collapsed upon them. The splitting open of the earth was as fresh as newly cut wounds to his body, and the eruptions of the world like a breakout of sores. All those who held a connection to Nature should have felt it too, as well as Sephyrdiam's worldly pain.

And yet the worst of these feelings was an ever gnawing feeling deep inside, something truly horrid to its core. Why had he not felt this before? Was he too blinded perhaps by his pursuits for balance that it sowed the seeds of corruption? And yet... this ever slow destruction did not originate from himself...

Sephyrdiam turns to a section of existence.

...this came from another God.

Extending out with Nature's caress, Sephyrdiam sent messages to Voimond.

"My ally. I fear my actions with the Gyroscope might have summoned forth a beast, nay, a monster of corruption. Worst of all, it is a new divine. Though you are newly a part of Nature, surely you have felt it as well? I go in pursuit of the source."

Transforming now into a massive spirit-beast, something of its likes unseen before, even amongst the Elder Spirits. This creature he had transformed into was a cacophony of various animals, a great and terrible Beast of its likes never seen before.

Sephyrdiam charged to the source of the Corruption, simply to meet the Deity who now posed a clear and sincere threat against all of Nature.

"You, you who would strike against the very heart of Nature itself, what are you foul creature? Speak!"

[stack]

Alorn too seeks out the power that shook his temple. He awaits an answer to Sephyrdiam's challenge.

[Gourtox]

Agone, The Void- These gods just get weirder and weirder

He appears next in a puff of flame next to the nature god. "Careful lest you make another rash mistake. Although I must say I am not in the least bit pleased with this occurrence. This little divinity has some explaining to do."

[Zethex]

Within the Wyrm

As the divinities from above descended into the earth they witnessed an increasingly vile enviroment. First it was just some unnatural things far and few, but as they passed through tissues beyond the outer layers horrifying displays of all kinds disrupted the geological features of Cthonaeon's corpus.
When they reached what seemed to be the source they were surrounded by nothing more but living pulsating corruption as if the earth itself had been animated by evil. And although they could clearly feel a divine presence, it seemed to come from everywhere, for Gauron had gained consciousness but had still not focused his power enough to have a tangible body. And he was not in a hurry to get one with so many dangerously unknown beings lurking in his domain.

Spoiler

Show

AP 2 = 5 - 3 (Create Plane: Bowels of Corruption with Evil Domain)

Earth Domain
Evil Domain

Wow, so many people. I somehow didn't expect this although it should have been clear. Teaches me to not overdramatizise damage .
The description is mostly for TechnOkamis god as he "charged" towards the source. Everyone who teleported, just disregard what I describe.

[Arcran]

Artoran hasn't go to hit anything for awhile, so he follows the other gods. Anyways, a death by earthquake isn't very entertaining.

"Hey, you! You smash little people! Only little people can smash little people! You're bad!" he cries, enraged that somebody would kill mortals. After all, how can he make them kill each other if they're all dead?

[Lady Serpentine]

Nysv the Oculus

"You seem to have misunderstood me. I am not offended that she has tried to spy on me... because simply she cannot. Others on the other hand, who have not mastered my art of passing unnoticed are not so lucky, and it is they who are calling for the dismantling of this place... not I. Perhaps next time you decide to take a bath, keep in mind that perhaps... just perhaps... someone is watching you. As to why I like my privacy? Lets just say that some things are better off left in the shadows. Maybe one day if you deal with me you will understand."

"What has offended me, is that she would make accusations and speculations on a whim without proof or evidence, and that is the reason why I am here, to set the record straight, and produce the evidence to disprove her speculation... perhaps deliver a verbal lashing... and then leave it at that. Surely your action would not be so different had someone done the same to you? If anyone else wishes to accuse Yiassel of something then that is own business... not mine."

"You are right... and as I have already explained, to throw the responsibility of everyone's presence here on me is simply the same type of wild accusations and speculations that I came here to end, save for my Sibling whom I needed to identify my accuser, Tharin who came here on my Puppet's personal request, and the Lonely Angel who wished to do business with me on a matter regardless of Yiassel. As for why the rest of you are here... go ahead and ask each of them. Some smelled blood in the water... others by the chance of luck... still it is none of my business not do I seek to make it so."

"You don't trust my motives? That is perfectly understandable. Let me spell it out for you so you can understand: I seek profit. Since no one has paid me to kill Yiassel or destroy this place, then I have no reason to act, nor shall I gain anything. It is the reason why I don't hold grudges either... today's target may be tomorrow's client."

"Fair enough. Indeed, my reaction would not be so different from yours in such a case. I was, it seems misled by your brother's rather more... Heavy-handed? Injudicious? Something of that sort... approach.

As for everyone being here, I think that you misunderstood me on that; I was not suggesting that they had all come here at your behest, simply trying to make sure that they would at the least remain neutral should a conflict break out by reminding them of one potential motive for your presence, and how it went against many of their natures," she clarifies, smiling a bit, as she's rather enjoying their verbal sparring, before turning to the Just Blade.

Alorn, the Occulus

Alorn turns from Terrogar momentarily to answer. "I am here of my own accord, hiding behind none. You know my domain, why are you surprised that I would be drawn here. The potential for battle between so many powers sends ripples throughout creation. how could I not feel them and be drawn? I know nothing of the actually conflict, though would offer my service as arbiter if such a thing becomes necessary."

"I am not entirely surprised to find you here, Alorn. But, to put it bluntly, since you seemed more intent on your accidental offspring than speaking up in her favor when Akna defended Yiasial, or offering your services in resolving the dispute, is it any wonder that I assumed you stood with Voimond?"

With that, the Evershifting turns back to Nysv, a grin forming on her face, as she returns to her true shape.

"Also, to address an earlier point of yours, Darkness... If it turns out someone is watching me the next time I choose to bathe, do you really think I would care, considering what I normally wear when out amongst the other deities?"

And then Alorn rushes off, prompting her to peer after him curiously for a moment... Before, rather suddenly, being hit by a roiling mass of change, all for the worse; Death, hatred, pointless destruction, and many more. All played a part in that one event. And more, for their was the corruption of nature, and the violent shaking of the land, accompanied by Sephyrdiam's own pain.

Taken together, especially with the fact that she'd been completely open, and in fact trying hard to sense such things, at the time it hit, it was hardly surprising that Kansheri was, for the moment, reduced to a slightly twitching body, her mind having retreated from the sudden onslaught, and not planning to come back out until it was sure it was safe.

[Gourtox]

Agone, The Wyrm-Evil of the Old One

"You associate yourself with this vile god? Show yourself! Face us as a god and answer us!"

[Arcran]

Agone, The Wyrm-Evil of the Old One

"You associate yourself with this vile god? Show yourself! Face us as a god and answer us!"

"I'm with you in smashing this stupid godling. Earthquakes are no way for mortals to die. He must pay for his actions!"

[TechnOkami]

Sephyrdiam- Bowels Of The Earth

Sephyrdiam turns to Agone.

"I may have made many a rash move, but I would not call answering a direct threat to Nature such a move, Lord of Fire."

Sephyrdiam turns to the Conch.

"I... am sorry what occurred with the Gyroscope incident."

His eyes glowed with Nature's strength.

"It will not happen again."

Entering the great maw of corruption, Sephyrdiam shuddered at the horrors he beheld before him. Everywhere he looked, everywhere he turned, a perversion of what Nature should not have been had manifested itself before his eyes. And yet, all around himself this deity could feel the presence of another divine to be the master of this psychedelic masterpiece.

"Come out, monster, and answer me!"

[TsukikoJ]

Yatel - the Lunaeri & the Onari

Spoiler

Show

Entering into the Queen's courtroom, they find the floors laid of polished stone and the roof some fifteen feet above supported by granite pillars. Of walls, however, they see nothing, for the court is in the open air.

The queen sits on the edge of a throne upon a raised dais, two large, young banths flanking her. Her long, black hair falls gracefully across her red shoulders, hiding her breasts from sight. Her beauty seems to fill the very air, and all the Onari about her are in obvious awe of her. She smiles faintly as the Lunaeri kneel and bids Callassandra to approach the dais, escorted by two armed guards.

What brings you to our city, child?

Intimidated by the majesty of the queen and her court, the Lunaeri girl keeps her eyes cast downward as she approaches the dais. "Thank you for welcoming our people into your city, Your Grace. I am Callassandra. My retinue was sent out by the Lunaeri people to establish relations with neighboring peoples, and, well, now we're here. Though we appear young and our race is fairly new compared to your own, we long for a place in the world for ourselves. The wisdom of our father, Gazardiel, has taught us to treasure all things that are beautiful. This city of Yatel, its people, and its queen are surely that. I can only take it as a sign from our father that we were meant to be friends."

The Citadel - Gazardiel & Alorn

Spoiler

Show

Alorn, the Citadel

Alorn watches the world, seeing the comings and goings of the mortal races, sensing the impeding conflict.

He call to his ally, "Gazardiel, how fare your people? I fear they may have to prepare themselves. Though it may be yet distant, war is coming. I can feel it. The mortal races will mirror their patrons and the powers are ever ready to shed blood. Our fellows have taken steps to prepare their people, it would be wise to learn from them."

"My friend. I thank you for your advice and your warning. I have neglected to teach my children in the ways of defending themselves, and one day they will need to whether it is to defend themselves or the creations of our allies.

There is much to be done."

With that, Gazardiel enters the Void, traveling close to the Vale. When he arrives, he observes his children continuing to build their city. The shaking of the world has hindered their efforts considerably, though at least it had come while the work was still being done and not after the city was completed.

They needed his help more than he had expected, especially with war brewing.

The Lunar Vale - The Lunaeri

The Lunaeri are not numerous in number. Fortunately for the construction efforts, those they do have are young and able-bodied. But the earthquake had shaken them to the core. Having recently recovered from the influenza, the Lunaeri are more troubled than ever with another setback such as this. The work on their city continues nonetheless, nearing completion.

One day, a young Lunaeri man can be seen approaching the city. He enters the Vale from where the Tears of the Mother exit it and walks beside the great river as he makes his way to the city. Groups of Lunaeri gather on the nearly completed ramparts, much to the dismay of the workers. Though he is still a good distance from the city, he draws the eyes of all. The Lunaeri seem to possess some sort of inner light, a gift from their creator. This individual, however, shines with a radiant silver light that cannot be missed, even with one's eyes closed.

He is led through the city's gates but unable to move further. A large crowd of curious people has gathered out of curiosity and block the way. Before the crowd, the radiant Lunaeri kneels in respect, speaking as he rises to his feet. "Brothers and sisters, my name is Maedro. While I am of your image, I am not technically born of the Lunaeri people. I have been created by Gazardiel, yet I am Gazardiel. I come to lead and guide the Lunaeri-kind so that together we might carve out a place in the world that can be made beautiful for all to share."

The Lunaeri treasure physical beauty as is their nature and their purpose, yet differences among them are considered to be rare and that much more interesting and beautiful. Maedro appears as an adolescent, as the Lunaeri oft do. But he has pale golden, wavy hair that falls to his shoulders. In a way he even resembles the Lunethi, with golden skin and warm green eyes. He towers over the crowd but is not physically intimidating; he is taller than most, yet his muscular body is slender and moves with grace. But more noticeable than his breathtaking image is the radiant light that shines from him. From his first entrance into the city of the Lunaeri, he is nicknamed "The Shining One."

None other than Gazardiel could have created such a being, so there was no doubt among the people as to Maedro's words. Within a few days of his arrival, he is named High King of the Lunaeri and begins making changes. He makes the glass Sept of Gazardiel his palace, dictating advice and law to his newly appointed advisers. The populace is sorted into five houses based on their lineage from the time the Lunaeri first walked the earth: House Vanyar, House Corbryn, House Rhysill, House Galastrion, and House Draemon and those who follow each of the original families. The lords of these houses would work with Maedro to run the city and guide the people.

On the day of Maedro's official coronation, he stands on the marble steps of the Sept that functions as his palace. A crown of silver, crystal, and amethyst sits on his head. "And now, a gift from Gazardiel," proclaims the King, beckoning to the mountain range that surrounds the Vale. Foliage can be seen sprouting from the earth, even high in the mountains towards the colder peaks. "The Gardens of the Moon." Trees are a part of the Gardens, though the majority of the foliage is made up of mosses and low-growing plants. The plants flower during the night, drawn to the light of the moon, not unlike the Lunaeri themselves. The day of Maedro's coronation also marks the more-or-less completion of the first Lunaeri city. "And now, may we enjoy a fortnight's worth of festivities to celebrate the completion of our city, Tamriel. Then we must continue our work."

Once the raucous festivities come to an end, they return to their regular work. Additions are continuously added to the city while others explore, harvest, and walk among the Gardens of the Moon. A few dozen members of House Galastrion visit the Sept and the High King regularly. Gazardiel has bestowed the gift of metalworking on the Lunaeri people to teach them to defend themselves. House Galastrion would primarily make up the smiths of the Lunaeri, skilled with their hands and with an eye for detail. Unlike other peoples, the Lunaeri's metalworking habits place more focus on well-made armor though weapons are produced as well. Crude weapons and armor have no place among the moon children for each is made with care to both serve its purpose and to decorate its wielder. They are tools of war, but also serve to identify each man who bears them. Weapons and armor become works of art, each precious and prized to the Lunaeri who makes them.

The Citadel - Gazardiel

And now his work was done. He would continue to guide his children using his alternate form. My children are not the only ones who need to learn to fend for themselves.

With the new kingship of his avatar, the Eternal Youth had further cemented his relationship with his children, making the guidance of them one of his own domains. His works were beginning to become an important part of the world and his days of being a minor godling were beginning to wane. Gazardiel's body begins to arch in his throne as he is filled with greater power and the strength of the warrior.

Spoiler

Show

Beginning AP: 10AP (8AP/2PAP) [7AP + 3AP (3.29.12 Rollover)]

Gain Portfolio Element [Lunaeri-kind]: 1PAP

Gain Divine Level [Warrior]: 2AP

Create Avatar [Maedro, High King of the Lunaeri, the Shining One]: Lunaeri-kind Portfolio Discount + 2AP

Mold Land [Gardens of the Moon]: Beauty Domain

Teach Populace [Metalworking - The Lunaeri]: Sept of Gazardiel Utility Artifact

Gain Domain [Lunaeri]: 1PAP + 1AP

Ending AP: 3AP (3AP/0PAP)

Beauty Domain: Exhausted
Preservation Domain: Available
Lunaeri Domain: Available
Sept of Gazardiel: Exhausted

Here's the breakdown of my actual AP spending to gain the portfolio, level, and domain:

Spoiler

Show

Lunaeri-kind Portfolio:

Spoiler

Show

Create Race [Lunaeri]: 1AP & Beauty Domain
Create Utility Artifact [Sept of Gazardiel] (Teach Populace Artifact): 2AP & Beauty Domain

Lunaeri Domain:

Spoiler

Show

Create Race [Lunaeri]: 1AP & Beauty Domain
Create Utility Artifact [Sept of Gazardiel] (Teach Populace Artifact): 2AP & Beauty Domain
Create Concept [Grace Magic]: 2AP & Preservation Domain
Create Avatar [Maedro, High King of the Lunaeri, the Shining One]: Lunaeri-kind Portfolio Discount + 2AP

Divine Level:

Spoiler

Show

Create Race [Lunaeri]: 1AP & Beauty Domain
Join Pantheon [Guardians]: 1AP & Preservation Domain
Create Utility Artifact [Sept of Gazardiel] (Teach Populace Artifact): 2AP & Beauty Domain
Create Concept [Grace Magic]: 2AP & Preservation Domain

For my own sake:

Spoiler

Show

Actions:
Create Race [Lunaeri]: 1AP & Beauty Domain
Mold Land [Lunar Vale]: Preservation Domain
Join Pantheon [Guardians]: 1AP & Preservation Domain
Create Plane (with Guardians) [The Citadel]: 1PAP
Create Utility Artifact [Sept of Gazardiel] (Teach Populace Artifact): 2AP & Beauty Domain
Create Concept [Grace Magic]: 2AP & Preservation Domain
Teach Populace [Grace Magic - The Lunaeri]: 1 Free Teach Populace Action
Gain Portfolio Element [Lunaeri-kind]: 1PAP
Gain Divine Level [Warrior]: 2AP
Create Avatar [Maedro, High King of the Lunaeri, the Shining One]: Lunaeri-kind Portfolio Discount + 2AP
Mold Land [Gardens of the Moon]: Beauty Domain
Teach Populace [Metalworking - The Lunaeri]: Sept of Gazardiel Utility Artifact
Gain Domain [Lunaeri]: 1PAP + 1AP

[Shmee]

"Fair enough. Indeed, my reaction would not be so different from yours in such a case. I was, it seems misled by your brother's rather more... Heavy-handed? Injudicious? Something of that sort... approach.

As for everyone being here, I think that you misunderstood me on that; I was not suggesting that they had all come here at your behest, simply trying to make sure that they would at the least remain neutral should a conflict break out by reminding them of one potential motive for your presence, and how it went against many of their natures,"

"Also, to address an earlier point of yours, Darkness... If it turns out someone is watching me the next time I choose to bathe, do you really think I would care, considering what I normally wear when out amongst the other deities?"

"I am not my Sibling's keeper. Nor am I in a position to judge his tactics considering how many times he has purchased my talents to aid him. If my Sibling's stance bothers you, then you should address your grievance directly to him. If you fear his wrath that much that you require for me to deliver your message, then I will gladly do it... after we discuss payment of course."

"In any case, I am done here..."

With that having nothing else to do or say, Nysv departs. Anyone seeking it, would find it in the Spire of the Blood Contracts.

[planswalker]

Sephyrdiam- Cataclysm

And then the world shook him from his thoughts.

As a God of Nature, the shaking of the world was something he could easily feel. To he who was so close to Nature, it was as if his own body was being torn asunder, all manners of chaotic convulsions now afflicting not only Nature, but himself as well. He could feel the lives of is creations fall as Nature's newly dead simply collapsed upon them. The splitting open of the earth was as fresh as newly cut wounds to his body, and the eruptions of the world like a breakout of sores. All those who held a connection to Nature should have felt it too, as well as Sephyrdiam's worldly pain.

And yet the worst of these feelings was an ever gnawing feeling deep inside, something truly horrid to its core. Why had he not felt this before? Was he too blinded perhaps by his pursuits for balance that it sowed the seeds of corruption? And yet... this ever slow destruction did not originate from himself...

Sephyrdiam turns to a section of existence.

...this came from another God.

Extending out with Nature's caress, Sephyrdiam sent messages to Voimond.

"My ally. I fear my actions with the Gyroscope might have summoned forth a beast, nay, a monster of corruption. Worst of all, it is a new divine. Though you are newly a part of Nature, surely you have felt it as well? I go in pursuit of the source."

Voimond - the Moon

Voimond does indeed feel the backlash to nature, and responds to his allies words by traveling himself, choosing to hang back for now and observe.

So much for getting a chance to sit back and relax. I wonder what the odds are that I will need to start a fight AGAIN...

[Jeriah]

Contact - Onari-kind

One day, one of the servants to the queen of the Onari asks for an audience with Her Highness.

A guard outside of the Queen's Courtyard informs the servant girl that her request is currently not possible.

The Queen Mother is currently meeting with an important foreign delegation, but you do have the right to petition your mother. Come again later.

---

2

Yatel - the Lunaeri & the Onari

Intimidated by the majesty of the queen and her court, the Lunaeri girl keeps her eyes cast downward as she approaches the dais. "Thank you for welcoming our people into your city, Your Grace. I am Callassandra. My retinue was sent out by the Lunaeri people to establish relations with neighboring peoples, and, well, now we're here. Though we appear young and our race is fairly new compared to your own, we long for a place in the world for ourselves. The wisdom of our father, Gazardiel, has taught us to treasure all things that are beautiful. This city of Yatel, its people, and its queen are surely that. I can only take it as a sign from our father that we were meant to be friends."

Gazardiel, second son of The Mother. Yes, I have been aware of your people since nearly the time you were created. The appearance of new stars in the sky heralded the birth of both your creator and yourselves.

She seems genuinely friendly towards the delegation, but a tiny muscle in her cheek twitches almost imperceptibly each time Gazardiel is referred to as "father."

[planswalker]

A guard outside of the Queen's Courtyard informs the servant girl that her request is currently not possible.

The Queen Mother is currently meeting with an important foreign delegation, but you do have the right to petition your mother. Come again later.

Servant's Request - High Onari Court

"I understand, but the need is pressing. I have information that she will want to hear to avoid an inter-species incident. Please, when she has the time, tell her about my request."

[Jeriah]

As I said, you'll have to come back later. She can't be interrupted while meeting with a foreign delegation, unless you have credible evidence that the delegation poses a significant risk to the Queen Mother herself.

[Selinia]

Yiasial, Gone

The small army of gods seemed to dissipate rapidly as its leaders temporarily called off their apparent vendetta. She supposed she ought to be satisfied at this outcome, but she was not. There was a near-zero probability that this would not repeat. She had somehow become a catalyst for conflict, in direct opposition to her purpose. The armored goddess saw one remaining solution.

She rose to her feet, indigo mail clanking softly with the motion. The visor turns to her ally.

"Watcher of Birth, I must ask a favor. I need leave this world. I cannot fulfill my function so close to it. From the furthest rings of creation, I can observe, unable to act or be acted upon. Nothing more than an essence, if that. Perhaps I shall be punished for my failure. In any case, I will be unable to act here. I must request that you continue to uphold our alliance - some must still act to hold this world together, even if I am not among them."

"You are not this world's most stable guardian, but you are perhaps its fiercest. One day soon, a threat to all your children shall emerge. I know not what form it will take, but consider this a final warning - when it arrives, you must oppose it. Fail, and all your daughters, and their daughters, and theirs forevermore shall be broken and shattered beyond all hope. One does not reason with the collapse of the universe."

"I leave what tools I can. Fare thee well in their use, my ally. We shall not meet again. And... if you have the time, please look after Inale for me."

Mailed hands wrapped briefly around the edges of a deep purple helm. They lifted. And the suit of armor collapsed to the ground, empty as if it had never been worn.

The goddess was never heard from again, true to her word. But sometimes, upon the world below, some mortal seeking purpose might find themselves guided strangely, brought to places where the world was weak and needed strength. Never common, and with nothing shared but their singular purpose, they wandered the lands in the name of their Quest.

And perhaps, far beyond the furthest stars, a single mote of shadow fled outward.

Spoiler

Show

AP:
2 - 1 (Create Concept - Cosmic Upkeep) Good!Domain Use
1 - 1 (Create Organization - The Wanderers) Cosmos!Domain Use
= 0

PAP:
1 - 1 (Create Concept - Cosmic Upkeep)
= 0

Some mortals have a knack for finding what's wrong with the universe. They're closer to it than gods - on the ground level, where problems show up as more than a funny scent in the atmosphere. Guides have an uncanny sight, able to tap slightly into the vision of the oculus. Mechanically, they're focused casters in the vein of Beguilers or Warmages, but with a focus on the Divination and Abjuration schools. Wardens, in contract, hunt and destroy Things That Should Not Be, rather than merely warn others of their presence. They're known for their restless ways and strict moral code - despite having no formal organization, only the most upstanding individuals are ever called to become Wardens. Mechanically, wardens are just re-fluffed Knights with a grudge against cosmic threats.

Wanderers are strange individuals who use what seems to be divine power, but lack a patron god. They are few in number, but tend to recognize one another and form small bands, often with Wardens and Guides. Their precise origins vary, but all share an almost compulsive drive in their duties. Mechanically, they're an alignment-flipped Ur Priest.

All three of these classes are globally available, and will probably have at least a few representatives in any race with Good aligned characters. They tend to be a little distant from their respective societies, but anyone who wishes to use them is free to do so.

Further,

YIASIAL IS NO LONGER AN ACTIVE GOD

She effectively no longer exists, has no AP, gains no AP, cannot be targeted, etc. The same is true of Inale.

Her artifacts go to the Cosmic Conclave, and Adminship of the Conclave goes to Akna. While Akna technically now owns the set of artifacts, I would kindly request that she share with other members when they need to use them.

For convenience's sake, here is the full list of artifacts Yiasial is dumping on her:

The Oculus (Utility Artifact, discounts the creation of a combat art 1/week)
The Vessel (Armor, Combat Artifact)
The Reduction Scepter (Black Hole on a Stick, Combat Artifact)
The Lens of Doom and Loss (Scrys Enemy Weakness, Combat Artifact)
The Lens of Smoke and Lies (Pierces Enemy Deception, Combat Artifact)
The Lens of Writ and Measure (Analyzes Enemy Abilities, Combat Artifact)
Null Profusion (Smothers divine power, Combat Artifact)
The Radiant (Laser Lance, Combat Artifact)
Grace of Aeons (Ability to revert self to a recent state in time, Combat Artifact)

Total of Eight (8) Combat Artifacts, and One (1) Utility artifact. As mentioned, these are now in Akna's possession to use as she sees fit, I have no true authority over them. I really would appreciate if they were used for the good of the team though.

Thank you for reading. I should be back with a more interesting deity soon.

EDIT due to request that the Oculus be destroyed rather than passed on. Consider it gone.

[planswalker]

As I said, you'll have to come back later. She can't be interrupted while meeting with a foreign delegation, unless you have credible evidence that the delegation poses a significant risk to the Queen Mother herself.

"Very well." The servant will walk off and wait until the delegation leaves.

[Lady Serpentine]

The hunters leaping into the trees find Onari already there... as that's exactly where the one who spoke came from. With arrows nocked and strings already drawn, the Onari are extremely lethal at such close range. Another Onari from in the trees speaks up.

Why don't you all head back down to the ground and let's talk about this, man. You don't want to, like, mess with her groove.

The Onari woman does not reply until all the Nayleth are back on the ground.

Assuming they do, she speaks.

Most visitors take the road...

They do indeed return to the ground, chittering sullenly about the necessity, though their displeasure doesn't go so far that they're foolish enough to take longer than they have to about it.

"Our last experience with such things left three members of a pack with broken minds before they died, and killed the rest, save for one Shaper," Vsal explains, frowning a bit, and unconsciously flexing her claws. "Forgive us for being wary of your road."

[Zethex]

So many hostile strangers

There they were. So many powerful strangers. Affronting him. Threatening him. Wretched beings...
Few are the positive qualities that would ever be used to describe Gauron and bravery is surely not one of them. And so he stayed hidden.
Hidden but observant.
Just as they seemed to learn about him from his essence that surrounded them, so too did he, being all around them.
First to come was the fierce spirit beast that accused him of being a monster. It embodied the polar opposite of Gauron.
Following him, two warriors. One a protector of the wretched, the worthless and the weak. The other one a violent brute eager to assault him and anyone else it seemed. This one could be useful.
And last came the lords of burning agony. Self-righteous elders, one of them the creator of the very thing that Cthonaeon, Gaurons "father", swallowed and which still made the very center of the world off limits.

As far as welcomes go, this one was terrible.

Spoiler

Show

Yeah... At the moment I don't see any incentives to introduce myself. Doesn't mean I won't come out if I am given a good reason to.

Also I guess that the Gyroscope is located in the stomach region. No corruption will be seen there as long as it still is there. Any creatures I create will be far from it. So if future stories require a mortal base near the heart of evil, this would be the place.

AP 2

[planswalker]

Voimond - Heart of Darkness

Deciding that he is bored with waiting for others to act, Voimond will take a stab in the dark and say, "Look, new divine presence, whatever or whomever you are, know that I am not hostile towards you specifically. If you would like to speak to me and hold a civil conversation, I shall not attack you if you and I can converse in a civil manner. I am an ally to some of those hostile to you, but I am here as much to ensure that they are not rude as to ensure you are not. If you'd rather not make contact and continue to hide, though, that's fine with me. I always can do something else with my time."

[stack]

Alorn - Heart of Darkness

"There are grievances to be addressed, but you may not be as culpable as you appear. If you show yourself I will withhold judgement until after you speak in your defense."

[Q'telun]

"Void take it Nysv!" With that exclamation the Angel takes off in the direction of the Spire. When she arrives she knocks on the wall.

[Arcran]

Voimond - Heart of Darkness

Deciding that he is bored with waiting for others to act, Voimond will take a stab in the dark and say, "Look, new divine presence, whatever or whomever you are, know that I am not hostile towards you specifically. If you would like to speak to me and hold a civil conversation, I shall not attack you if you and I can converse in a civil manner. I am an ally to some of those hostile to you, but I am here as much to ensure that they are not rude as to ensure you are not. If you'd rather not make contact and continue to hide, though, that's fine with me. I always can do something else with my time."

"Yeah, me too! I'll let you talk first. Then we smash," Artoran says. What's this called? Di-plo-ma-cy. Dimplomacy! This was easy. He could do it all day.

[Gourtox]

Agone, Heart of Darkness Draw out the Coward

"You attack our creations and hide like a child. Well if you won't come out voluntarily, then I shall make you come out!"

Flames Rage and roar growing in intensity until they burn with an impossible brilliance. They stretch from his hand growing into a sword. "You shall pay!" He slashes about wreaking havoc. Flames leap and burn searching for the unseen god.

Spoiler

Show

AP 3 PAP 3
AP 3 PAP 2= -1 PAP Create Artifact( Fire Domain Discount; Discount from Alorn's utility artifact to create combat artifacts)
AP 0 PAP 2 = -3 AP Initiate combat

(2d6+2)[12].5 (+2 from warrior + .5 from combat artifact)

[Arcran]

"Yes! Smashy time!" Artoran shouts, looking around for the other god.

[Shmee]

"Void take it Nysv!" With that exclamation the Angel takes off in the direction of the Spire. When she arrives she knocks on the wall.

As the Lonely Angel knocks on the Spire's wall, the god of Shadows appears behind her. "Ah... godling. I was expecting you. As you can understand, the Oculus was no place to negotiate. Too many prying eyes you see. Now then... tell me... what makes you believe that mortals do not fear the darkness enough?"

[TsukikoJ]

Yatel, Callassandra and the Queen

Gazardiel, second son of The Mother. Yes, I have been aware of your people since nearly the time you were created. The appearance of new stars in the sky heralded the birth of both your creator and yourselves.

She seems genuinely friendly towards the delegation, but a tiny muscle in her cheek twitches almost imperceptibly each time Gazardiel is referred to as "father."

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Children of the Moon revere the Abundant Mother as well. The great river that helps to provide for our race is named for her greatness and nature. I welcome you to visit us in the Lunar Vale if you ever get the opportunity. Though I am biased, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. In fact, we would be thrilled if there was an opportunity for our cultures to interact and exchange culture and knowledge."

Gazardiel, The Citadel

The Eternal Youth walks the halls of Alorn and Agone, observing the domains and powers of his allies. Where his halls and throne room are decorated with images of beauty and aesthetic perfection, his companions' halls contain tapestries, statues, and other depictions of the glory of mortals. Leadership, nobility, honor.... war. He had already helped his children prepare to defend themselves with the help of Alorn's influence. But in reality, being a god seemed to be far more dangerous.

Ideas filling his being, he returns back to his sector of the Citadel and busies himself. His creation is largely inspired by his companions - a mighty forge burning hot with divine essence that would be used to equip him for war in case the need ever arose.

Finished his work for now, Gazardiel returns to his throne room to observe his creations once more. He smiles faintly as he watches Callassandra conduct herself with the mighty Queen of the Onari. His gaze lingering on Yatel, he sees the Banths - creations of his mother. Inspired by lions, one of the most majestic and beautiful animals that roam the world. A thought crosses his mind. The eagle and the lion, the kings of common birds and beasts. He would create one to rule over them all. (no, not a ring)

The image appears in the god's mind. Here and there he tweaks his idea until he's satisfied. The creature's lower half is inspired by the fierce lion, its hind legs clawed and powerful. The front half in the image of the eagle: fearsome talons, sharp eyes, a deadly beak, and great white wings flecked with gold. They are larger than common lions, but not quite as large as his mother's Banths. His creations, Gryphons, would be companions for his children once they learned how to interact with them. For now, they would populate the area surrounding the Lunar Vale.

Spoiler

Show

Beginning AP: 3AP (3AP/0PAP)

Create Utility Artifact [The Angel's Forge]: Preservation Domain + 2AP - The Angel's Forge is a utility artifact that discounts creating combat artifacts.

Create Subrace [Gryphons]: Lunaeri Domain (Similar to how others are creating races designed to work with their mortals, the Gryphons will become animal companions to the Lunaeri very soon.)

Ending AP: 1AP (1AP/0PAP)

Beauty Domain: Exhausted
Preservation Domain: Exhausted
Lunaeri Domain: Exhausted
Sept of Gazardiel: Exhausted
The Angel's Forge: Available

For my own sake:

Spoiler

Show

Actions:
Create Race [Lunaeri]: 1AP & Beauty Domain
Mold Land [Lunar Vale]: Preservation Domain
Join Pantheon [Guardians]: 1AP & Preservation Domain
Create Plane (with Guardians) [The Citadel]: 1PAP
Create Utility Artifact [Sept of Gazardiel] (Teach Populace Artifact): 2AP & Beauty Domain
Create Concept [Grace Magic]: 2AP & Preservation Domain
Teach Populace [Grace Magic - The Lunaeri]: 1 Free Teach Populace Action
Gain Portfolio Element [Lunaeri-kind]: 1PAP
Gain Divine Level [Warrior]: 2AP
Create Avatar [Maedro, High King of the Lunaeri, the Shining One]: Lunaeri-kind Portfolio Discount + 2AP
Mold Land [Gardens of the Moon]: Beauty Domain
Teach Populace [Metalworking - The Lunaeri]: Sept of Gazardiel Utility Artifact
Gain Domain [Lunaeri]: 1PAP + 1AP
Create Utility Artifact [The Angel's Forge]: Preservation Domain & 2AP
Create Subrace [Gryphons]: Lunaeri Domain

[TechnOkami]

Sephyrdiam- Wood and Flame!

As the great storm of fire raged all around him, Sephyrdiam formed a seed in hand, burying it deep into his palm. There it took root, and a tangle of verdant life soon blossomed forth, and forming in his hand was a weapon befitting him: a scythe. Its construction looked to be mainly of living wood, with its blade coursing with temporal energies, honed with entropic energy. The head of the scythe behind the blade was reminiscent of an hour glass.

With weapon in hand, Sephyrdiam prepared to strike, as time itself began to bend around his blade, collecting and coalescing into a strike of power.

"You are not alone in this fight, Agone."

The next time Agone would strike, Sephyrdiam's scythe digs deep into this God of earthen corruption, cutting deep as time itself tore through his unformed form.

Spoiler

Show

AP: 3=1+2 (rollover)

AP: 2=3-1 (rollover) Create Battle Artifact: Scythe of Time (Domain Discount: Cycles)

AP: 0=2-2 Aid an Ally: aiding Agone in his fight against the new one.

[Zethex]

The walls seemed to resist the assault for a short time, but they were no match to the searing blade.
Muddy stuff leaked out of the biggest wounds and slowly hardened into a massive tumor of black stone. Suddenly a single question intruded the minds of all the gods present.
<Whooo aare yyoouu?>

Spoiler

Show

I lost the first round with a 10. Roll can be found here in the OOC.