Lords of Creation: Vicious Betrayals

[Shmee]

"Everybody wants this," the Lord of Carnage says, striking a pose that is probably supposed to seem sexy, but just looks grotesque. "My super sexy body!"

Nysv watches Artoran with great curiosity "Is that so? Well if your body is in such high demands my advice is that you should start charging for it... after all, nothing is free." Says the god of Shadows as it eyes the godling from head to toe. "Yes... I can see a reasonable price list. The leg should cost more than your arm but only if it doesn't include your hand. Mind you... you should include the cost of carving your own leg off... I suppose that's one of the disadvantages of having all this... meat and bones..."

[Fates]

Arziak smiles, returning to his primal form of a swirling ball of purple energy. What a curious family. I may consider joining them at some point in time. he thinks to himself.

[Arcran]

Nysv watches Artoran with great curiosity "Is that so? Well if your body is in such high demands my advice is that you should start charging for it... after all, nothing is free." Says the god of Shadows as it eyes the godling from head to toe. "Yes... I can see a reasonable price list. The leg should cost more than your arm but only if it doesn't include your hand. Mind you... you should include the cost of carving your own leg off... I suppose that's one of the disadvantages of having all this... meat and bones..."

Artoran laughs loudly at Nyv's joke. "That was a good one," he says.

Then he sees nobody else is laughing. "Wait, you were serious?" he says, looking at his arm with concern. "I'm kinda worried about what kind of favor you're gonna call in now...."

[planswalker]

Voimond - Geminus

"Afraid his favor might be more than him asking for a hand?"

[Arcran]

Voimond - Geminus

"Afraid his favor might be more than him asking for a hand?"

"Exactly," he says, actually looking somewhat worried.

[Shmee]

Nysv, the Moon

"Well... if I was to judge your strutting around, I could also assume that you are attempting to imitate the mating rituals that the lesser beings known as mortals tend to do from time to time. Perhaps mating with me is more of the type of 'favor' that you may be hoping for godling?"

[planswalker]

"Okay, I may be violent and a trifle rude, but I think such talk is repugnant. If that's how you two swing, take it somewhere else."

[Arcran]

Nysv, the Moon

"Well... if I was to judge your strutting around, I could also assume that you are attempting to imitate the mating rituals that the lesser beings known as mortals tend to do from time to time. Perhaps mating with me is more of the type of 'favor' that you may be hoping for godling?"

"If by 'mate,' you mean lodge this violenty in that mask of yours," he says, twirling Smasher, "then yes, very much so."

[planswalker]

"If by 'mate,' you mean lodge this violenty in that mask of yours," he says, twirling Smasher, "then yes, very much so."

"Like I said, if you want to put your "smasher" up his "mask" take it somewhere else."

[Shmee]

Nysv the Moon

"I'll let you in on a little secret..." says Nysv as it whispers into Artoran's ear "... I am not a male..." and with that Nysv turns towards its sibling "But you are right Sibling. I do prefer my privacy after all. But the godling doesn't need to worry. All I ask is what is written in the contract. Nothing more, nothing less. Anything else would be a breach of contract... and that would create problems."

[Arcran]

Artoran - The Moon

How could he not be male, yet be Voimond's brother? Artoran is puzzled.

"Sorry Nysv, but I try to avoid incest. You and Voimond are my parent, creater, things," he says, unsure what to call them. "And I believe the contract detailed one smashing. What kind of smashing that is is up to you."

He then turns to everyone. "Now if we could get some hot goddeses up here," Artoran says with a grin.

[Shmee]

Nysv, the Moon

"There is always the Lonely Angel... or the Changling Queen... or even Akna I suppose. I could convince them to come here... for a price of course."

[planswalker]

Voimond - Geminus

"Best to avoid Akna. She's very pissy right now. Sephyrdiam told me that it's because she's upset over the evil meddler offing herself, but I think he's just guessing at why she's upset. Whatever the reason, I suspect speaking to her in such a manner is more likely to see her tear you to shreds than anything imitating the mortal mating rituals."

[Arcran]

Nysv, the Moon

"There is always the Lonely Angel... or the Changling Queen... or even Akna I suppose. I could convince them to come here... for a price of course."

"As Voimond already said, Akna has a bit of baggage at the moment. Plus," he says, then mouths the word "pregnant," making the belly gesture as well.

The Lonely Angel is with Akna as well, which means baggage. Plus, she creeps me out. Goddess of endings and death? No thank you."

But the Changeling Queen could work. Don't know her that well, but at least she isn't pregnant or the goddess of death."

[planswalker]

Voimond - A favor to all goddesses

"Bad idea. She's likely to rip you a new one for suggesting that. You're better off making yourself a girlfriend. Or taking your chances with Akna."

[Arcran]

Voimond - A favor to all goddesses

"Bad idea. She's likely to rip you a new one for suggesting that. You're better off making yourself a girlfriend. Or taking your chances with Akna."

"Make myself a goddess," Artoran says, deep in thought. "Now that, that is a good idea! I need somebody to do all the boring day-to-day work on Curon anyways," the God of Carnage says.

[planswalker]

"... I... I wasn't..." Voimond pauses. "Fine. Whatever makes you happy."

At least if you do that, you won't be harassing other goddesses.

[Fates]

Arziak reappears on the moon, smiling. His form is similar to his first humanoid one, but he is now younger, his hair and beard are sandy, his skin is fair, and instead of a robe he wears simple peasant clothes. I've done some thinking, and I think I just might join your little jamboree. I was born here, after all, and so I believe it is my right. You seem nice enough people, and I suppose I could get used to your company. Besides, I've always wanted a shrine. The god pulls from the power of the temple in an attempt to achieve a communal spirit with the other gods, assuming they accept him.

Spoiler

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As I'm technically supposed to get permission from the leader, I felt it necessary to wait for IC approval.

[Arcran]

Arziak reappears on the moon, smiling. His form is similar to his first humanoid one, but he is now younger, his hair and beard are sandy, his skin is fair, and instead of a robe he wears simple peasant clothes. I've done some thinking, and I think I just might join your little jamboree. I was born here, after all, and so I believe it is my right. You seem nice enough people, and I suppose I could get used to your company. Besides, I've always wanted a shrine. The god pulls from the power of the temple in an attempt to achieve a communal spirit with the other gods, assuming they accept him.

Spoiler

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As I'm technically supposed to get permission from the leader, I felt it necessary to wait for IC approval.

"I see you got rid of the dress," Artoran states. "Sure, why not join the party!" he says.

"Although I am forced to decline your offer to procreate together," he says with a smirk.

[Lady Serpentine]

The Evershifting, who never actually left, though everyone seems to have forgotten her, frowns, looking a bit confused. "What gave you that idea, Voimond? Just because I have a sword in my arm doesn't mean I'm looking for a chance to use it on someone. And I actually was rather fond of Artoran, before he started making such a fool of himself.

Though I admit, given how he's been acting recently, I would probably have declined the offer, unless he was willing to allow me to make some sort of alteration to him or his creations in exchange, or he could convince me that the change from things as normal would be worth putting up with him.

And speaking of change, I had a rather interesting idea, Bloodborn. You spoke of 'making yourself a goddess'? While I've not been actively looking for a way to test my new weapons, it would be rather nice to have a chance. What do you say to a duel in the Void? If you win, you won't have to make a new goddess, or pay my price. If I win... I make you into a goddess."

[Arcran]

The Evershifting, who never actually left, though everyone seems to have forgotten her, frowns, looking a bit confused. "What gave you that idea, Voimond? Just because I have a sword in my arm doesn't mean I'm looking for a chance to use it on someone. And I actually was rather fond of Artoran, before he started making such a fool of himself.

Though I admit, given how he's been acting recently, I would probably have declined the offer, unless he was willing to allow me to make some sort of alteration to him or his creations in exchange, or he could convince me that the change from things as normal would be worth putting up with him.

And speaking of change, I had a rather interesting idea, Bloodborn. You spoke of 'making yourself a goddess'? While I've not been actively looking for a way to test my new weapons, it would be rather nice to have a chance. What do you say to a duel in the Void? If you win, you won't have to make a new goddess, or pay my price. If I win... I make you into a goddess."

Artoran laughs. "A one on one duel? We have a deal!" Artoran says, floating off into the Void. "Whenever you are ready."

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I'm sorta broke on AP...... You're going to have to pay it.

[Fates]

How very disappointing. Arziak says in reply to Artoran's remark, with a heavy tone of sarcasm in his voice. Glad to join the family.
At the Lunar temple, a new shrine appears. It appears to be an opalescent, eight-pointed star, suspended in the air and crackling with lightning, with wispy, colorful, glowing spheres gyrating around it.

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Join Pantheon
AP: 2=2-0 (Lunar Temple Discount)

[Lady Serpentine]

Artoran laughs. "A one on one duel? We have a deal!" Artoran says, floating off into the Void. "Whenever you are ready."

Spoiler

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I'm sorta broke on AP...... You're going to have to pay it.

Kansheri grins, leaping after him, and snapping her black wings out just in time to prevent a collision once they're in the void.

"That would be now, Boodborn," the Mistformed replies, grinning ferally at him, and laughing a bit, as she triggers the growth of the Boneblade, which near-instantly springs to life in her hand.

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I'd be glad to, if it weren't for the fact that I quite literally used all of my AP on the combat artifacts and gaining two levels of Caster.

Shall we just hold the battle now and split the cost at the next rollover?

[planswalker]

Arziak reappears on the moon, smiling. His form is similar to his first humanoid one, but he is now younger, his hair and beard are sandy, his skin is fair, and instead of a robe he wears simple peasant clothes. I've done some thinking, and I think I just might join your little jamboree. I was born here, after all, and so I believe it is my right. You seem nice enough people, and I suppose I could get used to your company. Besides, I've always wanted a shrine. The god pulls from the power of the temple in an attempt to achieve a communal spirit with the other gods, assuming they accept him.

Spoiler

Show

As I'm technically supposed to get permission from the leader, I felt it necessary to wait for IC approval.

"Aye, you were born here, and may claim the powers inherent thereof. Know also that since it is the place of your birth, you may always claim the moon as home."

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you may claim the moon as a home plane. That includes being able to claim homefield advantage on the moon.

The Evershifting, who never actually left, though everyone seems to have forgotten her, frowns, looking a bit confused. "What gave you that idea, Voimond? Just because I have a sword in my arm doesn't mean I'm looking for a chance to use it on someone. And I actually was rather fond of Artoran, before he started making such a fool of himself.

Though I admit, given how he's been acting recently, I would probably have declined the offer, unless he was willing to allow me to make some sort of alteration to him or his creations in exchange, or he could convince me that the change from things as normal would be worth putting up with him.

And speaking of change, I had a rather interesting idea, Bloodborn. You spoke of 'making yourself a goddess'? While I've not been actively looking for a way to test my new weapons, it would be rather nice to have a chance. What do you say to a duel in the Void? If you win, you won't have to make a new goddess, or pay my price. If I win... I make you into a goddess."

"I apologize for speaking as though you weren't there. I was under the impression that you were the sort who would have found his current actions repugnant, and I am aware of your direct approaches to solving problems. I thought a touch of hyperbole was not out of place.

But I guess if you're actually willing to go through with that, it's not my business. Just do it off my moon. I still find the whole concept of imitating mortal procreation repugnant."

[Fates]

Well, let's see how the fight plays out first. As far as deific procreatin goes, it really depends on the effects it has on us gods- whether we undergo the same sensations, or if it can cause pregnancy...really, in respect for science, I support the idea of testing it.

[Selinia]

The guard she charges and the one nearest her both hurl their harpoons in her direction though not directly at her. trailing behind them is a net, it's two back corners tied firmly to the cave floor through metal rings set in the stone.

The two Onari behind her swim down and grab the harpoons as they pass Lem, ready to toss them back to their owners to tighten the net.

Peth manages to lay a nasty gouge into the side of one of the Onari guards, hitting on the edge of a plate of armor before sliding across flesh, but the now-damage protective gear served its function well, blunting the worst of the impact. The Lem did not have time for a second swipe before the net entangled her. Peth, used to the nets and webbings of swamp beasts, instinctively tried to pull free its moorings... and failed miserably. Against a dire spider, the beast's grip on the silk far outclassed that the silk had on whatever rotting logs were nearby, but the stone-set chains were shockingly stable.

Increasingly frantically, Peth yanks against her bindings, trying to find a fray or weak link. She has little luck, and falls back on a tactic she would never consider in a less dire situation: buying time.

"I do not understand! What breed of beast are you, that you wield tools and talk like Lem? You are no creature of the Marshes, or you would be feasting upon me now!"

[Jeriah]

Akna and The Lonely Angel

The Angel watches the scrum of gods and is amused. Until her mother falls to her knees, distraught. When Akna falls, the Angel rushes to her side and kneels next to her. "Are you all right mother? Is there anyone here who needs to be unborn?"

My friends are dead or fled, my children never seek my face. What is left to me? Please, daughter, tell me. What is left?!

I... I t-thought that Sephyrdiam and I were alike, primal gods of... of the world. I thought, perhaps just perhaps, we could bring this world back to its rightful place... together. But he is just so... weak willed, so easily swayed.

Suddenly Akna grabs her head, trying to cover her ears.

The voices, I hear them. They talk about me, despise me, revile me. They think me useless, worthless, and heartless.

Of all my children, are you the only one left to me, my daughter? Iyate, Gazardiel, you, and Kansheri, four children... are three lost to me? Am I even still relevant to this world?!

Yiasial is dead. Kelani is missing. Sephyrdiam is a coward. My allies are scattered to the winds, and my children, like seeds, have taken root elsewhere.

She again grabs her head in anguish.

Make them stop! I hear them.

Ugh! Why is this world so... wrong?! Things have become so... broken! I thought Voimond my friend, but I swear I hear his slander. He was there when you were born, my Angel.

Akna places a hand on Lonely Angel's shoulder.

For Gazardiel as well. Why has he turned his back on us? When they are here now or are coming or have left... bah! The tenses torment me on this, and I at last know your burden.

What should I do? What are we to do?

---

2Aquatic Onari cavern entrance

Peth manages to lay a nasty gouge into the side of one of the Onari guards, hitting on the edge of a plate of armor before sliding across flesh, but the now-damage protective gear served its function well, blunting the worst of the impact. The Lem did not have time for a second swipe before the net entangled her. Peth, used to the nets and webbings of swamp beasts, instinctively tried to pull free its moorings... and failed miserably. Against a dire spider, the beast's grip on the silk far outclassed that the silk had on whatever rotting logs were nearby, but the stone-set chains were shockingly stable.

Increasingly frantically, Peth yanks against her bindings, trying to find a fray or weak link. She has little luck, and falls back on a tactic she would never consider in a less dire situation: buying time.

"I do not understand! What breed of beast are you, that you wield tools and talk like Lem? You are no creature of the Marshes, or you would be feasting upon me now!"

The two behind her toss the harpoons forward as she fights, and the two originally throwing it retrieve them and fasten her down securely, entangling her so that she can barely move.

The one injured finished her job before allowing her wound to affect her, as a good Onari warrior. Falling to one knee, she grasps her side to staunch the blood flow.

The woman in front of her sneers at her words.

Disgusting! Why, in Akna's name, would we eat you?! That's revolting. We have had a fine harvest this year and have no need for such barbarism as consuming the flesh of some creature.

She looks genuinely nauseated and slightly pale at the very thought.

Another speaks up, We are not "beasts." Indeed, we have inhabited these waters far longer than your people have existed. What is it that one like you would want from such as us? Is it war that you seek? Conquest? Plunder? Slaves? Trophies?

[Shmee]

Akna and The Lonely Angel


My friends are dead or fled, my children never seek my face. What is left to me? Please, daughter, tell me. What is left?!

I... I t-thought that Sephyrdiam and I were alike, primal gods of... of the world. I thought, perhaps just perhaps, we could bring this world back to its rightful place... together. But he is just so... weak willed, so easily swayed.

Suddenly Akna grabs her head, trying to cover her ears.

The voices, I hear them. They talk about me, despise me, revile me. They think me useless, worthless, and heartless.

Of all my children, are you the only one left to me, my daughter? Iyate, Gazardiel, you, and Kansheri, four children... are three lost to me? Am I even still relevant to this world?!

Yiasial is dead. Kelani is missing. Sephyrdiam is a coward. My allies are scattered to the winds, and my children, like seeds, have taken root elsewhere.

She again grabs her head in anguish.

Make them stop! I hear them.

Ugh! Why is this world so... wrong?! Things have become so... broken! I thought Voimond my friend, but I swear I hear his slander. He was there when you were born, my Angel.

Akna places a hand on Lonely Angel's shoulder.

For Gazardiel as well. Why has he turned his back on us? When they are here now or are coming or have left... bah! The tenses torment me on this, and I at last know your burden.

What should I do? What are we to do?

All of a sudden, a voice is heard coming from behind Akna "Perhaps your mistake is placing your trust on unreliable kin and allies. I can guarantee you, that good and reliable allies can be found..."

Says the Creepy Masked Girl as she bows to Akna "... for the right price of course, as the Darkness would say. Forgive my intrusion Lady Akna, but perhaps I can help you find a solution to your problems."

[Lady Serpentine]

Kansheri, if she had a way to know what was going on with Akna, would have gone to her as well. But, being embroiled in affairs of her own, and was on another plane from her mother until she was about to duel Artoran, she's blissfully unaware of what's going on with her.

"I apologize for speaking as though you weren't there. I was under the impression that you were the sort who would have found his current actions repugnant, and I am aware of your direct approaches to solving problems. I thought a touch of hyperbole was not out of place.

But I guess if you're actually willing to go through with that, it's not my business. Just do it off my moon. I still find the whole concept of imitating mortal procreation repugnant."

The Changeling Queen shrugs as she waits, thinking about what she knows of Artoran's fighting style. "I'm not entirely certain what you mean about my 'direct approach to solving problems'. I've only dealt with one thing so far, at least personally, and there I simply tried to sway people to my side.

Certainly, I have no fondness for how he's going about this, as I said - that is the reason I would have imposed a price in the first place. But my rejection of his proposal would have been as polite as the way his request was phrased deserved, which admittedly probably wouldn't have been very, and verbal, if those were possible.

Besides, why do you think I put the penalty on his loss that I did? I dislike the idea of his creating a deity as his plaything, but that doesn't mean I won't help him make himself a goddess... As my Nayleth say, 'Be careful what you ask a Shaper for; they might decide to give you exactly that.'."

[planswalker]

Kansheri, if she had a way to know what was going on with Akna, would have gone to her as well. But, being embroiled in affairs of her own, and was on another plane from her mother until she was about to duel Artoran, she's blissfully unaware of what's going on with her.



The Changeling Queen shrugs as she waits, thinking about what she knows of Artoran's fighting style. "I'm not entirely certain what you mean about my 'direct approach to solving problems'. I've only dealt with one thing so far, at least personally, and there I simply tried to sway people to my side.

Certainly, I have no fondness for how he's going about this, as I said - that is the reason I would have imposed a price in the first place. But my rejection of his proposal would have been as polite as the way his request was phrased deserved, which admittedly probably wouldn't have been very, and verbal, if those were possible.

Besides, why do you think I put the penalty on his loss that I did? I dislike the idea of his creating a deity as his plaything, but that doesn't mean I won't help him make himself a goddess... As my Nayleth say, 'Be careful what you ask a Shaper for; they might decide to give you exactly that.'."

"I apologize. I had assumed that his current displays were horrendous enough that if he propositioned you in that fashion, you'd find the appropriate response to be an immediate and physical. Part of my assumption is that I am not sure my nephew truly understands the spoken word without physical stimuli. It appears I am mistaken on multiple accounts."

He comes over and whispers in her ear. "Also, I was trying to discourage him from actually making his banal offer to someone."