Lords of Creation: Boundless Wonder, Endless Strife. [IC] [Part II]

[Yeshon]

The Dreaming

As Ombra charged the Dream Lich tried to get away but the bindings tore into him. The golden energy began to tear him apart.

The Crone tapped her walking stick.

The lich roared as the shadows went straight through his dream-forged skull and into the dream at the center. The dream that started him on this path, of a world free of gods and suffering. This dream shattered as Ombra tore into it.

The Dream Lich dissipated, without the dreams of the gods no longer bound, they fell to the bottom of the Dreaming.

Until the only thing left was a thin glimmer of a ghostly man, he looks at Kipt and smiled before dissolving into the Aether.

Gwyn appeared next to Kipt and picked him up. "We need to get him to the Forest. I'll order the Inevitables to assist the Belsherai."

Anreydu

"Nah, we are still dead, so eating drinking, that's all out the window. Though sometimes we do enjoy the sensation."

At this point he comes to the Hall of Records, "Whelp here we are, some of the Inevitables serve as Librarians. So if you need help just flag one of them down."

[HalfTangible]

The Dreaming

As Ombra charged the Dream Lich tried to get away but the bindings tore into him. The golden energy began to tear him apart.

The Crone tapped her walking stick.

The lich roared as the shadows went straight through his dream-forged skull and into the dream at the center. The dream that started him on this path, of a world free of gods and suffering. This dream shattered as Ombra tore into it.

The Dream Lich dissipated, without the dreams of the gods no longer bound, they fell to the bottom of the Dreaming.

Until the only thing left was a thin glimmer of a ghostly man, he looks at Kipt and smiled before dissolving into the Aether.

Gwyn appeared next to Kipt and picked him up. "We need to get him to the Forest. I'll order the Inevitables to assist the Belsherai."

Ombra moved next to her, extended a sleeve, and a portal rimmed in darkness formed before them. Beyond they could both sense (rather than see) the Forest. Let's go then. He glared back at where he had returned from his dream. Had enough of this gods-forsaken place.

[Elemental]

Adelaide's Gallery

Zerachiel sipped his water.
"Thank you. I will have some dessert, but only a little."
He reached out and took a small pastry.
"I am sure he will be glad to hear that his creations inspired you in some small way. He is able to see you at any time you so desire."
The joys of having no schedule after all.


Anreydu

"Indeed, the sensation can be quite enjoyable, if a little intoxicating sometimes."
Jesaphina had only got drunk once, and that was after a week of partying. It took a lot to get a Belsherai drunk after all. Still, it was an experience she'd resolved to avoid.
"Thank you Sir Knight. You have been most kind."
With this, she bowed and entered the Hall. She'd probably start her studies with the history of the Goblin Emirates, and then move on to either optics or epidemiology, whatever she felt like at the time.

[rorikdude12]

Razorpine Forest

"Well, it is nice to meet you." Rivra speaks pleasantly, obviously warming up to Eom. She only realizes a few moments later that he speaks of conquest. "I don't think you will find it easy to take our forests from us." She says more harshly.

Eom frowns.

"Our God Eroberung has given them to us. We are merely redeeming our claim. Please take me to your leaders."

[AvocadoAvenger]

Eom frowns.

"Our God Eroberung has given them to us. We are merely redeeming our claim. Please take me to your leaders."

"Given them to you?" Rivra had no idea what he is talking about. She continues to lead him, and now the pair trail off into the deeper forest. "How could he give them to you if they are our home already?"

[HearTheRequiem]

Water Off A Peacock's Back

Led by the ring of Kalpan, Phenelope dived into the water.

The Grand Plume

Phiann blanched, looking confused.

"We give you art, you go away, then we give you more art when you come back. Was that not the deal?"

Adelaide's Gallery


Having finished her tea, Adelaide gently replaced the cup onto its saucer, and without looking, put it as if on a shelf beside her, where it hung suspended in mid-air for a moment before vanishing.

"You have my thanks, Herald Zerachiel. Do you feel your Lord would prefer to hold our conference within his own domain, or would he perhaps enjoy the ambience of my own Gallery? I can arrange an escort for him, and appropriate dining fare, if the latter would be the case."

[Elemental]

Adelaide's Gallery

Zerachiel smiled slightly.
"It is up to you as to the location of his meeting with you. Here, there, or another location, most are acceptable."
He took a bite of his pastry.

[rorikdude12]

"Given them to you?" Rivra had no idea what he is talking about. She continues to lead him, and now the pair trail off into the deeper forest. "How could he give them to you if they are our home already?"

Eom continued frowning.

"Our god has recently come into being, and so have my race. Our God, Eroberung, gave us this land as our birthright, along with his blessing in conquering it if need be. However, I hope your people will leave peacefully."

[Drowlord]

Doing the Crabwalk
The six silently drifted past huge forests of kelp, past shimmering shoals of fish weaving through coral reefs. They saw sharks torpedoing past them, and they saw undersea beaches of thousand-colored sands. They passed over undersea vents, and passed over hundreds of fish and turtles.
Then, as they came down a sparkling valley of white sand, they saw a moderately-sized city. Its tall walls were carven out of granite that was chiseled into marvelous designs and inlaid with gems. Its houses, made of marble and coral, rose to unearthly heights. None rose so tall as the huge cathedral in the very center, which had stained-glass windows which reflected and amplified the gentle golden light that stained the depths, and focused them in a work of incandescent brilliance through an image of their gentle god, Aquaeris. It glowed with blue fire.

[Yeshon]

The Forest

Gwyn bursts through the portal. The abrupt change in environment nearly sent her into a coughing fit.

"Uncle Belsheroth!" She called to nowhere in particular in the forest.

At the same time the Inevitables who had assisted Merolle in curing the godplague mobilised and made for the forest's gate.

"Lady Gwyn has requested we assist you in whatever capacity we can, in regards to Lord Kipt's ailment."

Anreydu

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Any subject that's not philosophical can be found here (though being a god's servant metaphysics is also covered).

But yeah, think of what would be scientific for gods. Otherwise the subjects you asked for are present.

Snow Haven

The voyage had gone off without a hitch, they had gotten a good price for the horses and caught a merchant ship going north. The merchants hadn't tried to betray them, pirates hadn't attacked.

All in all it had been a safe voyage. Sophia stood on the deck and sighed, "Finally."

[HearTheRequiem]

Adelaide's Gallery

The Countess pondered for a moment, before handing her plate back to the dessert-serving peacock.

"Very well. As your Lord has shown such courtesy to me, the absolute least I can do in return is host a banquet in his honour.

Could you kindly do me the courtesy of telling me where I might send his invitation? You, of course, are most welcome to attend yourself, in your capacity as Herald."

She smiles at this last statement, before turning to an ostentation of peacocks. Understanding seems to flow through their collective gazes, not exactly like lightning, but more akin to the flourishing ribbon of a rhythmic gymnast.

Smiling as her subjects took off to some unknown point in the distance, Adelaide once again turned to Zerachiel.

"And is there anything I can do to thank you, or even just as your hostess? Another drink, perhaps?"


How Tides Have Changed

Phenelope swam in silence, marvelling at everything she set her eyes on. Even the colours here seemed to dance, like tailfeathers caught in a breeze, or the skirts of Lady Adelaide as she danced. And the creatures - how unusual, how splendid! She found herself committing every moment to memory, her head teeming with a million half-formed inspirations.

And then she saw it.

The most wondrous sculpture to have existed. It was...Everything the Peafowlkin strived for. It was as though the jewels had been carved into this structure, then inlaid with smaller jewel sculptures, and the beauty went on forever.

Phenelope croaked out a question.

"W...What is that?"

[Drowlord]

A Crab With a Heart of Gold
The Druid reverently paused. "That is a cathedral, a place where we worship our good god, Aquaeris. He cared mightily for us, and blessed our first artists, our first people, and created us. He lived in our greatest city, Coralia, until he tried to save his sister's people. She attacked him, and he ascended, as not to destroy the earth with his strength and goodness. So we go there, and our greatest artists create images of him and everything, so we may remember his gentle sacrifice."
He paused, making a strange movement with his claw and touching his brow.
"Would you like to visit it?"

[Elemental]

The Forests of Starlight

Belsheroth was there in a split second.
"Gwyn? What happened?"
There was something very wrong here, Kipt's heart was beating rather strangely.

The Gates of the Aforementioned

This was Hazael's first official job as Gatekeeper, and already people were wanting to go in.
"I am not aware of any illness of Lord Kipt. I shall have to take this matter to Lord Belsheroth before I can permit you entry."
"Just let them in Hazael. And I'll need your help as well, appoint someone as your temporary replacement."
The gates opened behind Hazael.
"Please enter, Lord Belsheroth is expecting you. I will escort you to his location."

Anreydu

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She'll start on the easy stuff before getting into the heavier stuff. It's best to ease one's self into centuries of reading books.

Snow Haven

Nureen came up on deck, her cloak billowing in the wind
"Finally, that ordeal is over. I've never liked sailing.
"I'm afraid Marren liked it even less. I think he's got seasickness really bad."


Adelaide's Gallery

"Apologies Lady Adelaide. But I must leave now, but I am willing to deliver your invitation to Lord Belsheroth.
"Thank you very kindly for everything. Your hospitality was beyond compare."
Zerachiel stood and bowed.
"I shall leave once you have written your invitation."

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He's not trying to be rude, but he's not used to social engagements.

[HearTheRequiem]

Crabby, In One Sense Only

Phenelope listened in awe to her companion's story, nodding sagely.

"A noble story, and justly so. I will make sure my people know of him and offer the respect he deserves.

I would indeed like to visit. Is there anything I need to know, for example that movement? Is it a form of reverence to Aquaeris?"

Adelaide's Gallery

Adelaide nodded, pulling a scroll and a peacock-feather quill from nowhere, before writing a message on it and sealing it with a fingerprint.

"I understand. Please give my regards to your Lord along with the invitation, and I thank you for your company."


With this, she plucks two feathers from her hair, one purple and one teal.

"The purple will allow your Lord to find his way here, if you find yourself otherwise engaged. The teal will have my Peafowlkin recognise you as my ally.

Go with my blessing, Zerachiel, Herald of Belsheroth."

[HalfTangible]

The Forests of Starlight

Belsheroth was there in a split second.
"Gwyn? What happened?"
There was something very wrong here, Kipt's heart was beating rather strangely.

Ombra kneeled next to Kipt, but he didn't know how to help so he kept from actually touching Kipt. We were fighting a creature in the Dreaming - the Dream Lich. It got Kipt in the heart with the dreams of dark gods.

[Drowlord]

Coming Out of His Shell
The Kalpan smiled. "Yes, it is a sign of reverence. But you don't need to know much. We don't have a strict form of worship, and Elthiens, Woden, and goblins visit here occasionally; we allow any in our cathedral, whoever they are, no matter where they are from or what they do."
The bell atop the cathedral rung, a fine, sonorous sound. The bell was of Elthien make, as they were the experts on music in the area.
"It seems it's time for evening prayers. You can come, and, afterwards, I'll show you the glassworks so you can build your own stained glass."
He started towards the cathedral, waiting for Phenelope.

[HearTheRequiem]

Birds Of A Feather

Phenelope's eyes shone with delight, swimming after her guide.

"Oh, that would be just wonderful! Thankyou!"

[Elemental]

Adelaide's Gallery

Zerachiel accepted the feathers and invitation before bowing again.
"My Lord Belsheroth will arrive as soon as he is able.
"May you always know kindness Lady Adelaide."
He then departed for Geasa.


The Forests of Starlight

"The Dream Lich you say? That creature has caused no end of trouble."
Belsheroth thought through all his knowledge of medicine and healing.
"Someone get me bark from a Celestial Cedar, and I'll need some water boiling is a platinum vessel and a set of crystal glasses."
Various Belsherai immediately set about to these tasks. When the fire was lit, Belsheroth picked a few small orange flowers and threw them into the flames, causing a cloud of acrid smoke to billow out. When the vessel was placed upon the fire, he ordered the bark to be placed within along with the leaves of a small vine.
"I fear that his affliction is not purely physical in nature. If this smoke does not wake him within the next hour, I shall have to try more drastic measures. Gwyn, Ombra, prepare yourself to restrain him should he turn violent.
"And in the meantime, have some tea. It'll stop this smoke from clouding your head."
So he poured tea into two glasses and handed them to Gwyn and Ombra. In a third glass, he began to mix a brightly coloured concoction made from numerous small plants growing nearby.

[Drowlord]

We're Getting Along Just Swimmingly
As the six entered the cathedral, they were bathed in soft, multicolored light. Two Elthien musicians were playing a soft song that soared to the marble rafters, alternating between a yearning minor and a hopeful and gentle major key.
The cathedral was filled with rows of pews that seated three people each. The six split in two groups, sitting in facing pews (Phenelope, Aqar, and Aris on one, the other three on the other). As they came in, almost last of the large crowd of Kalpans and other species, the song grew to a united major-minor seventh, a melancholy chord that marked the climax of the opening piece, and softly diminished through rippling arpeggios back to the simple tonic.
The light grew slightly darker, and a choir of Kalpans burst into a joyful four-part song. It was rather short, but very cheering. As they sung, a Klikit (virtually the same as a Kalpan, but darker in shell color and taller) strode up the blue steps to the altar of coral and shells on which reposed several candles. He lit them, then turned to the congregation.
"We gather this night to remember the sacrifice of our god, Aquaeris, in a brief prayer. This is a special occasion, though. Tonight is the night of the first meeting between the Kalpans and Woden, the beginning of a joyful union between four peoples; Kalpan, Woden, goblin, and Elthien. In honor of this, our song is a four-part piece to be sung by one from each race."
He paused, holding out four stone tablets with music etched on them.
"Who answers for the Kalpans?"
A tall Klikit stood up and nodded his head. He walked to the front and received a tablet.
"Who answers for the Woden?"
A young female Woden went up and accepted her music.
"Who answers for the goblins?"
A middle-aged goblin stood up and walked to the front, receiving a tablet.
"Who answers for the Elthiens?"
One of the two musicians accepted a piece of music. The four readied to burst into song.
Aqar sttod up. "This occasion is yet more special now, for our races, united in friendship, are now five. Who speaks for the Peafowlkin?"
He handed Phenelope a sheet of music. Strangely, though she had never read music before, she knew exactly what it said and how to sing it.
He whispered, "Good luck."

[Lady Serpentine]

Business is slow.

The hero business that is, the Inn itself is working wonders, though a well-stocked bar in a bustling city such as this would find it hard not to. A plan formed in the gods head and he grabbed his cloak off on wall, closed up early headed out to an open centre.


"Ladies and gentlemen! People of all races, creeds, colours and ages! I beseech each and every one of you! You bustle through your lives, eyes down and feet shuffling, trying to make it through to the other end quick and easy without stirring up trouble for yourselves. You avoid danger and any sign of excitement out of sheer unwillingness to change. Well my dear, dear people do I have something to tell you! I can see something in each of you, a spark, a spirit, a powerful soul that screams with your true destinies! There is a life outside of your jobs and your homes and that is the life of a hero, the life of someone who takes their ideals and follows them to find their destiny and that is the life for you! And you! And you!"

Galidyd's fingers point at very, very specific people in the crowd that had gathered around him. His hand then rises towards the night sky, the stars seeming to shine brighter when he does so.

"And, my dear friends, I can promise you something, if you follow a life of adventure, of danger and of heroics, then you shall be remembered forever in the stars, for the very act of you passing away will cause a new light to burst in being The greater your deeds, the brighter the star.

Now, if this appeals to you, if a life of excitement and treasure and wonder beckons, then come with me, for I am Galidyd and I am your guide."

With that he steps down from his stand and walks back towards Heroes Rest, awaiting the people that will be arriving, after all, he's seen their fates. The heroes amongst that crowd will someday become some of the greatest the land has known. But until then, they must be trained.

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Create Lesser Concept: Heroic souls create a star upon death.
AP: 13 - 1 = 12

Anarya Nachtstieg, Chosen of Savorla, was amongst that crowd, in a new suit of leather armor, Coal and Ember on her belt. Whether she is singled out depends on Galidyd's definition of a hero, of course, since she would certainly do great things, but her methods might give him pause, if he cared about such matters.

Still, it's a moot point; even if she isn't one of the ones singled out, she'll follow him to the Heroes' Rest, for her goddess told her to learn until she was needed, and he can most certainly teach her things that she'll need to know.

[Peafowl and Foul Dragons]

Savorla, who had let her body merge with the sea once more after choosing Anarya, felt a stirring of need and fear; not her own, of course, but that of another, a mortal, one who required protection.

So, after a moment to consider things, she acted.

In the section of the Grand Plume containing the Drake, time stopped for everyone save Pfiann, who, moments later, heard a voice in his head; a soft voice, gentle in tone, and alluring to most, though even if one didn't find it attractive, it was still beautiful.

"He means to take some of your kin as his property, though for what use I do not know. But it is almost certainly not one they would wish... If you would have aid, I can give you the means to defend yourself?

[HearTheRequiem]

The Dawning Chorus
Trembling slightly, Phenelope walked forwards to join the quartet, and waited for the song to begin.

Sweet and Savorla

Pfiann heard the voice in his head, like the gentle peal of the ceremonial crystal bells.

Slightly wrongfooted - What was the correct way to respond to head-voices? How could you bow to them? - Pfiann settled for responding mentally, as calmly and politely as he could.

"...My name is Pfiann. You...would help me?"

[Lady Serpentine]

[Fair Warning]

Pfiann may get the impression that whoever he's speaking to just nodded, and gave him whatever the Peafowlkin equivalent of a smile is. So apparently, there very well might be a way to bow, though his conversational partner doesn't seem to mind that he didn't.

"In a sense, yes. I would say that I would give you the means to help yourself, but that would still count as helping you, just indirectly, so I doubt the distinction really matters."

[Drowlord]

Sing, Ye Peoples
The other four smiled at her, then began.
The Kalpan and Woden began an intricate melody that was slow, simple, and sweet. It sounded like woods and streams, like shades of color slowly lacing through the air. The Kalpan melody turned minor just to give it a little definition, and the Woden part went deeper and clearer. They had been in different keys, but now the Kalpan tune began modulating into the same key as the Woden melody. They grew more triumphant, and finished their climax in beautiful unison.
Then the Elthien started chanting a cheerful melody that sounded almost like a dance, and the Kalpan and Woden singers began adding it to their melody. It was as if a beautiful lake in a forest had just been bathed in joyous sunlight.
Then the goblin tune came in in discordant minor, but quickly modulating through skillful trills to a brazen but joyful melody that was deeper than the Elthien but more somber. The moon had risen on the little sunlit lake, giving it silver light like the sun's gold. The goblin melody was very different, almost chromatic, but it was soulful and beautiful in a deep way. Then it was Phenelope's turn to add her voice to the melody.

Requiem:

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Each song is intended to capture the feel of a race. If you want, I can make up a Peafowlkin song, but for now I'm leaving it up to you.

[HearTheRequiem]

Mental Acuity, And Mentally, A Cutie

Pfiann turned his thoughts to imagining a long, sweeping bow, hoping that would be sufficient to convey the feeling.

"Then I would be most grateful for your assistance...What may I call you?"

And Now, The Quintet

Phenelope took a deep breath, and began to sing.

Drowlord:

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You seem to have a far greater knowledge of music than I, and I wouldn't want to disappoint you or ruin the scene with an awful description of song. Would it be okay to ask you to describe it, please? If it helps, I like the idea of incorporating a cadential trill, if that would be okay?

[Drowlord]

The Fabulous Five

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Sure. I think I can see how this tune will go now.

Her song began as a high, fluid, major melody that wasn't that outstanding on its own, but it enhanced the sound of all the others, tying them together with a trilling song that lifted the entire song to lofty heights. It then quickly added a scillintating tune that wove above all the other lines, alternating from breathtaking minor to artistic major, going higher and higher until it reached a trilling cadence that marked the beginning of a new theme for all the other voices, one that supported the high voice and was a simple foundation for its awe-inspiring trills and lyrical tones. It sped up until she almost had to gasp for breath, then began a descending diminuendo that led softly into the piece's final line. The Kalpan voice took the tonic, the Woden took the third, the Elthien sung the fifth, and the goblin the minor seventh. Her part had nothing. Then, as the melancholy chord floated away, she finished the song with a triumphant tonic one octave higher.
The lines of people in the pews were silent in rapt wonder for a minute or two. Then the bell rang, and most of the people filed out, talking quietly. The other four singers stayed, though, as did Aqar and Aris, who walked up to her.
The Klikit spoke. "You did really well. I've heard that piece before, and sung it yet more, but I've never heard it as beautifully as it was today, with you. By the way, my name is Katra. What's your's?"

[HearTheRequiem]

Katra among the Peafowlkin

Phenelope smiled and curtsied, her tailfeathers fanning out behind her, making tiny swirling eddies of current in the water.

"You are most kind, I thank you. And I apologise for imposing upon your quartet. I am Phenelope, of the Peafowlkin. How may I address you all in turn?"

[Drowlord]

My Goodness, It's Phenelope
The Elthien said, in a bright voice, "You weren't imposing on us at all. We just hadn't known about you before we began, that's all. I'm Sabrin, an Elthien."
The goblin's deep, rusty voice spoke, as he turned his head towards the Peafowlkin. "I'm Koraak, a goblin."
The young Woden smiled at the Peafowlkin. "Nice to meet you. I'm Rose, a Woden."
"And I'm a Kalpan, more formally a Klikit, and, as I believe I have said, my name is Katra. I'm glad we could meet you, if only for a short time. You are welcome in the city of Delphinus whenever you feel like it."
His voice radiated authority and kind, understanding respect.

[Lady Serpentine]

[People Talking Without Speaking]

Indeed it does, and Pfiann receives a tolerantly amused laugh, along with a sense of thanks for the respect behind the 'action'.

"My name is Savorla, also known as far too many things to list here and now. But you can call me Savor, if you prefer..."

With that, an ornately tooled leather belt, studded with moonstones of all shades, and inlaid with silver, appears around his waist, bearing a holster of much the same design, containing an elegant, though supremely functional, revolver.

"Here is my aid. Her name is Storm, and she can speak to you as I have been."

HTR:

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Do you want to play Storm, or have me do it?

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Starting AP: 15 (11 + 4 (Rollover 11/08/12))

Create Artifact - Storm (AP -4): A sentient and highly magical revolver, created by Savorla for the use of Pfiann.

Storm allows her user to create lightning without the necessity for the proper weather conditions, or control where existing lightning strikes, in addition to making any round fired from her follow any metal on the target, and leave a trail of electricity in the path of the bullet, which jumps to anyone nearby. She is capable of telepathic communication with the person using and/or wearing her, as well as other of Savorla's artifacts if in close proximity to them, though they cannot speak directly to anyone else unless that person has telepathic abilities of their own.

The technology to create revolvers and the ammunition for them does not exist as yet, leaving the user reliant on divine favor and/or magic to keep themselves supplied with bullets, though the control of lightning remains regardless of whether or not they have rounds.

[Yeshon]

Snow Haven

"I know a doctor in Snow Haven. Should we take him there?"

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@Mattsdelf: Gah! I missed the post with Jib and Drestin! My bad.

The Hidden Isle

The three islanders break out laughing, "No! We mean she founded the order! She isn't an member of the Scepter!"

Then the goblin thought for a moment, "Huh, come to think of it I guess she technically~, Bah! I slept through theology."

The sounds of hooves reach the trios ears, "Ah! Here's one of them now."

A knight crests a hill riding on the back of a beautiful Bay. From this distance it's hard to tell, but you're fairly certain it's a human.

Drestin

Jorik smiles, "You want wood? I got wood. What rate are you looking for? Glass art's valuable, but we need a standard exchange rate if you're going to keep coming back."

Tobi motions for Drestin to bend down so he can whisper, "Dock workers guild enforces warehouse contracts, s' if yah make one 'e has to honor it."

"What're you whispering about?"

"Nuthing."

The Forest

Gwyn laid Kipt down, "The Dream Lich won't hurt anyone else."

She sat down and accepted the cup of tea but instead of drinking she merely stared at the contents.

As she sat contemplating a Varakhut flanked by several Kolyaruts appeared.

"Lord Belsheroth, we are the Inevitables that assisted Lord Merolle in discovering the cure for the God Plague. What would you have us do?"

[HearTheRequiem]

Interspecies Relations

Phenelope curtsies again.

"Pleased to meet you all. I am sure we would be glad to host you, were you to visit The Grand Plume - assuming you had access to your Druid, I mean."

Voices In My Head

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Savoria. You have a thousand gratitudes for your aid."

C'nor:

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Feel free to play Storm! It's your creation, after all.