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

[The Bandicoot]

The Divine Party
Yohalles's eyes glaze over for a second and then he blinks, smiling at Kipt. Your kind offer is accepted.....although I hope the name of the location will be enough to allow First-Touched to safely travel there.

The Fertile Valley

Thousands feet above the commune First Touched and three other Lloyas appear in the air. Immediately there is loud bleating and First-Touched struggles to right himself in the air. Stop! Be calm! See the land beneath you! Teleport to it! he closes his eyes and he disappears, reappearing on his knees in the commune. He looks up with a horrified look on his face. Slowly, one by one, the Lloyas disappear and reappear close to First-Touched. The last Lloya teleports mere seconds before it hits the ground.

So there's four lithe neon yellow sheep with two-fingered-one-thumbed hands instead of hooves in the middle of the commune. Three are laying on the ground breathing heavily and bleating meekly while is wearing a leather cloak and kneeling.

[AvocadoAvenger]

The Fertile Valley

Several Elthiens had stopped their daily work to investigate this new arrival. Elthiens have a natural curiosity, and it surely starts coming out now. The First to approach them is a male of about 23 with pale blue eyes. "Hello?" he asks out, as he approaches with a hand outstretched. There are many Elthiens gathering now looking to see what is going on.

[The Bandicoot]

The Fertile Valley

First-Touched himself looks to be middle-aged for a sheep. He stands up on his hind 'legs' and exhales. That was.....intersting?.....exciting?.....frightening? .....all three... looking at the Elthien he extends his hands palms down and slightly bows his head in a sign of submission. Hello.....we come under......an invitation our god has given us......it is our.....understanding that it was given to him from......another god.

[AvocadoAvenger]

Fertile Valley

There is growing commotion from the crowd. A woman makes her way to the front, and people move to let her by. She looks to be about forty and has bright white eyes. "Hello, my name is Cera" she says "And I am currently the leader of these Eltheins. We wouldn't know about your invitation unless it has something to do with our beloved creator, Kipt. Also, I must know by which means you came here? It seems... supernatural."

Divine Party

"Hm, it would seem that they have met. Let us hope for many years of peace between us." Kipt says this sounding celebratory, but maybe he is just in a good mood. He then addresses what Lilli said earlier by saying "Yeah, it seems like a bit more than a minor dispute though, unfortunately. This has been one of the worst conflicts between gods that I've seen." the good mood sounds gone from his voice now "It's a shame we all can't just get along better."

[Elricaltovilla]

Belsheroth fell to the floor at great speed, a crack heard as several bones broke, and was entangled by the vines. Kiloasa's axe pierced his chest, utterly destroying his heart. Wracked with pain, Belsheroth began to cough up blood.
So concerned... with those... you... can't help... Millions still suffer... and die... but... instead... you seek... vengeance!
Unable to move while impaled with the axe, Belsheroth idly thought of leaving his broken and dying physical body behind him and returning to the state of energy he was when he was born. But he decided against it.
He brought up one hand to his blindfold and removed it. He would look upon the face of his assailant.
Has your... lust... for blood... been satiated Nephew? There... is much that... needs doing...
He was wracked by spasms as his nervous system began failing and he erupted into a coughing fit. He looked directly into Kiloasa's eyes, his voice momentarily strong.
Remember the living who need you.
It would take some time to recover from these injuries...
The light in the sky got ever closer, many Gnomes looking up at it briefly out of curiosity.

The Entrance to the Forests

The shard Belsheroth had there was still connected somewhat to his main presence. It continued to work, but much slower and in complete silence.

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@Draken: I'm just assuming that they would find an unusual light in the sky momentarily distracting before they ignore it to go back to their work.

@Elricaltovilla: Yep. You nearly killed him. But he'll be fine, he has another body out there...

You are right Belsheroth, I must help those who have suffered by your hand. And I will start by exposing your crimes to the world. Kiloasa wove a great curse then, one that would display exactly what had transpired since the beginning of the divine party up until Kiloasa's defeat of Belsheroth. It would show the destruction of the Lokab Goblins brought about by the fall of the Archliches, the pleas of Kiloasa for caution and the utter lack of remorse on the part of the Starlight Reaper.
The Trial of Belsheroth has begun. All of creation will be your judge and I will be the executioner.

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Starting AP: 1 PAP: 0
Curse: The Trial of Belsheroth. All of creation now knows the exact nature of the events that transpired, from the beginning of the Divine Party, until the point where Kiloasa casts the curse. All of creation is asked to pass judgement upon the actions of Belsheroth, and Kiloasa will see to it that they are carried out. All relevant statistical data is rendered as well as anything else that would be required for someone to make a logical, rational and just decision about the actions that occured.

Final AP: 0 PAP: 0

Note: I'm not going to expect you to write out a response from every single one of your characters, but I'd appreciate it if all the gods could weigh in, at least.

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What on Earth is she up to?

Madame Woodsworth sat in her new keep in the middle of the Wood of Wolves. She had made the keep herself, shaped the stone and earth and wood with the druidic magic she had earned through years of hard work, communion with nature and the ridicule of her peers. They thought her a strange one, because she embraced nature while they fawned over technology that would only fail them. Nature provided all, and the Great Lord Kiloasa was nature. He would recognize her work, when she brought the Calasanctium Kingdom to its knees, begging for the Wildlings to save them from their failed technology, their pollution, their greed. Then, oh then, she would become his bride. And she would live and dance eternally in the Mistlands, forever with her one, true love. Of this, she was certain.

Lokab Empire

The daemons came again to the Lokab Goblins, this time with a new offer. An escape from the world, a place of peace and plenty. Sure, It was all a lie, but they didn’t have to know that. Many goblins took up the offer, many more turned it down, the stink of cowardice was too strong for their proud noses, and some few goblins tried to eat the demons, probably because they were hungry. No one was really sure.

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Say somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 of the Lokab Goblins that arent' dead yet take the daemons up on their offer. I don't know how many Daemons got eaten, but give me at least one, just for giggles.

Free Port

Big Momma smiled, or at least you think she smiled, "No problem childe, Willy!"

Willy entered the room, "Yes Big Momma?"

"Take our guests to the Explorer's guild."

"No problem Big Momma,"

He turned to the knights and Kuruk, "Follow me."

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If you want you can write the daemon encountering them

When a daemon came to Big Momma she merely asked it, "Now why would I do a thing like that? Free Port need me after all."

And with that the daemon departed, leaving a concerned Big Momma to wonder how much population she just lost.

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Assume 1/3 of Free Port's population takes the deal (it's not the best place in the world)

The Daemon approached Kuruk outside of the Explorer's guild. It smiled sweetly to the goblin and his entourage, then made its offer. Kuruk actually laughed in its face. "I have learned and experienced more vomiting for a week in the hold of a ship than I have in my entire life. Look at this city! There is a whole world of cities like this, and I want to see them all. I'll suffer if the fates demand it, because such suffering only makes the wonders of the world all the sweeter." He entered the Explorer's guild without even bidding the Daemon good day.

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If you want Saul or any of the other knights to take up the deal, I'll leave that to you.

The Hidden Isle

King Charles VI was not in a good mood. Last night a daemon had offered him a deal, he had said no of course, why should he believe such a deal? But when his morning tea was ready he heard the news a fourth of his people were missing. Obviously they didn't share his misgivings.

In truth, it was okay. Most of the people who left weren't irreplaceable and within four weeks the Isle was functioning properly again. Still, it grated Charles' nerves that his subjects would be so soft hearted. Was their life really so bad on the Isle? That they would abandon their duties?

Charles sighed, in truth he no longer needed to even think about colonization, it would take a decade to regain their losses. Besides the people needed to mourn, 25,000 people weren't easily forgotten in the hearts of the loved ones they left behind.

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I think it's safe to say King Charles VI will be staying, but about 1/4 of the population just disappeared (we'll call it even distribution among racial lines).

Leilani prayed to Kiloasa, she prayed to Gwyn. She prayed to gods whose names she didn't even know. They had come, and her baby had left. Her sweet, sweet Tigak was gone from her in the night. The gods only knew where. She prayed that the child would be returned to her, her baby was the only thing she had left to remember her lost husband by.

"The gods have come to answer your prayers." A voice spoke behind her. She felt a chill settle on the back of her neck as the words reached her."I can take you to a world where your child is happy, and safe and healthy. Your husband is there too. You'll never be sad or lonely or hungry again. All your wants and needs will be met in the sweetest of ways. All you have to do is take my hand." The Daemon held out a clawed hand to the crying ravenkin.

"The gods really sent you? The Greenshadow and The Lady of the Shield and Spear sent you to bring me to my child?"

"Of course they did sweetling." The Daemon's honeyed lies dripped forth. "The gods are good, and kind, and just. They would never deny the prayers of one so pure as you. Come with me sweetling, your child is waiting." Leilani took the Daemon's hand, and vanished into the night.

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Leilani is a Ravenkin, her husband was a goblin pearl diver who drowned at sea. Their child was a "harpy" half-goblin, half-ravenkin. And yes, the Daemon totally kidnapped the kid so he could get the mom too. But don't worry, they'll both spend eternity in the Matrix, where they'll live out perfectly happy lives and never actually see each other again. Isn't that wonderful?

All sarcasm aside, this was supposed to creep you the hell out. I hope it worked.

[Elemental]

The Former Free Cities

As the king approaches Leiutenant Jennifer with around ten knights rides out.

"Hail King Stephen, I am Leiutenant Jennifer of the Order of the Spear. Will you allow us to escort you in?"

The King looked the Knight in the eyes.
Thank you for your offer, but there is no need Sir Knight. As you can see, I have my own escort.
He gestured to his bodyguard of one hundred. They all saluted the Knights in unison while Janela and Lord Carrin bowed.
But you may accompany us all the same.
Now... What are the arrangements for my servants and soldiers? Not to mention the valuables among my luggage...

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He never travels light.

Marren and Nureen Ride in a Vaguely Eastern Direction

Despite her best efforts, Nureen had only managed to work out that Sophia had gone "towards the Mountains of Winter". Which, of course, could be anywhere.
Still... Ancient legends spoke of a failed invasion by the so-called "Lords of Winter" who were said to have their stronghold in the East. So East they rode.
But when they questioned villagers and farmers, they said that they hadn't seen anyone matching Sophia's description.
After one particularly useless conversation with a storekeeper, Nureen decided to voice her opinion.
Damn. This Sophia is tricky. Usually Knights are easy to find.
Perhaps you should try sorcery again?
It's not that simple Marren. Even the most powerful divinations are vague at best. And I can hardly track someone based on a description and a name...
I need info Marren! And lots of it!

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In other words... It's going to take them a long time to find Sophia. Particularly as the divinations she's referring to aren't the ones recently created and are very much inferior.

You are right Belsheroth, I must help those who have suffered by your hand. And I will start by exposing your crimes to the world. Kiloasa wove a great curse then, one that would display exactly what had transpired since the beginning of the divine party up until Kiloasa's defeat of Belsheroth. It would show the destruction of the Lokab Goblins brought about by the fall of the Archliches, the pleas of Kiloasa for caution and the utter lack of remorse on the part of the Starlight Reaper.
The Trial of Belsheroth has begun. All of creation will be your judge and I will be the executioner.

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Starting AP: 1 PAP: 0
Curse: The Trial of Belsheroth. All of creation now knows the exact nature of the events that transpired, from the beginning of the Divine Party, until the point where Kiloasa casts the curse. All of creation is asked to pass judgement upon the actions of Belsheroth, and Kiloasa will see to it that they are carried out. All relevant statistical data is rendered as well as anything else that would be required for someone to make a logical, rational and just decision about the actions that occured.

Final AP: 0 PAP: 0

Note: I'm not going to expect you to write out a response from every single one of your characters, but I'd appreciate it if all the gods could weigh in, at least.

The fury that he had denied himself rose to the surface.
Then they will all die while you do nothing and their souls shall be mine!
Belsheroth grabbed the handle of the Obsidian Axe and pulled it from his chest, throwing it across the room, raising sparks as it skidded along the floor. Despite his injuries, he rose to his feet and faced Kiloasa.
Do you not see? While you stand here and seek justice for those who are dead, thousands continue to die?
I know death. I am DEATH!
I feel everything that dies! Instead of seeking my execution, go and bring healing to those who need it still!
All the while, Belsheroth's life blood flowed from his wounds, filling grooves in the floor. The grooves spelt out a key principle of Belsheroth's teachings:
Փնտրեք չէ հատուցման, երբ դեռ տառապում կյանքը.
Seek not retribution when suffering lives still.
He walked toward Kiloasa, staggering as his muscles began to seize up. He only managed four steps before he stumbled and fell to the ground.
A high pitched scream from something moving towards them very quickly was heard, and one second later, a mass of light the size of an elephant came crashing through the windows causing shards of glass to fly throughout the room. Brightfire hissed at Kiloasa and reshaped herself to appear very large and threatening.

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I'm not saying Belsheroth followed that particular piece of wisdom, just that it's something he believes in.
Don't worry about Brightfire, she's just trying to scare Kiloasa off using her instinctual approach.

[The Bandicoot]

Fertile Valley

There is growing commotion from the crowd. A woman makes her way to the front, and people move to let her by. She looks to be about forty and has bright white eyes. "Hello, my name is Cera" she says "And I am currently the leader of these Eltheins. We wouldn't know about your invitation unless it has something to do with our beloved creator, Kipt. Also, I must know by which means you came here? It seems... supernatural."

Divine Party

"Hm, it would seem that they have met. Let us hope for many years of peace between us." Kipt says this sounding celebratory, but maybe he is just in a good mood. He then addresses what Lilli said earlier by saying "Yeah, it seems like a bit more than a minor dispute though, unfortunately. This has been one of the worst conflicts between gods that I've seen." the good mood sounds gone from his voice now "It's a shame we all can't just get along better."

Fertile Valley
First-Touched pulls back his hood and nods, smiling. Yes.....it seems that your creator....Kipt.....extended the invitation to us.......through our creator.....Yohalles. I am First-Touched....leader of these Lloyas......and many others....as to how we arrived....magic given unto us by our creator....first he gave us life....then a purpose....then magic to aid in that purpose .

The Divine Party
Yohalles nods at Kipt and smiles. Then he looks off into the distance What he did was wrong.....but he IS right.....the time for vengeance is pass......in my humble opinion......Kiloasa your time is best spent.....helping instead of harming.

[Elricaltovilla]

The King looked the Knight in the eyes.
The fury that he had denied himself rose to the surface.
Then they will all die while you do nothing and their souls shall be mine!
Belsheroth grabbed the handle of the Obsidian Axe and pulled it from his chest, throwing it across the room, raising sparks as it skidded along the floor. Despite his injuries, he rose to his feet and faced Kiloasa.
Do you not see? While you stand here and seek justice for those who are dead, thousands continue to die?
I know death. I am DEATH!
I feel everything that dies! Instead of seeking my execution, go and bring healing to those who need it still!
All the while, Belsheroth's life blood flowed from his wounds, filling grooves in the floor. The grooves spelt out a key principle of Belsheroth's teachings:
Փնտրեք չէ հատուցման, երբ դեռ տառապում կյանքը.
Seek not retribution when suffering lives still.
He walked toward Kiloasa, staggering as his muscles began to seize up. He only managed four steps before he stumbled and fell to the ground.
A high pitched scream from something moving towards them very quickly was heard, and one second later, a mass of light the size of an elephant came crashing through the windows causing shards of glass to fly throughout the room. Brightfire hissed at Kiloasa and reshaped herself to appear very large and threatening.

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I'm not saying Belsheroth followed that particular piece of wisdom, just that it's something he believes in.
Don't worry about Brightfire, she's just trying to scare Kiloasa off using her instinctual approach.

Kiloasa washed the room in green flames. The Obsidian Axe reappeared in his hands, the only spot of darkness in the room. The bloodied words that Belsheroth wrote burned and reshaped themselves.
Նույնիսկ քաղցր խոսքերը նեխում է, երբ խոսում է մի ջղային լեզուն.
Even sweet words will rot when spoken by a sour tongue.
Don't you dare lay claim to wisdom you do not understand yourself, Belsheroth. I have already made arrangements to care for the Lokab Goblins, my sons have pledged their support and aid, and even Gwyn has done more to help them that you ever did. It falls to me to see that those responsible for their suffering meet justice. It falls to me to do the work that no one else will do. The guilty must be punished. Kiloasa made no move against the Wandering Star, he merely waited for the curse to reach its mind.

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I hope I'm not godmodding with the star here, her reaction is whatever you want it to be, I just want to see it, I guess.

P.S. Any thoughts on Madame Woodworth?

[Draken]

Geasa

Merolle could hum and sing all he wanted to avoid the argument flaring between his brother and his nephew.

But when tasked with rendering verdict on the actions of others, the Verdigris Legion is bound to analyse and deliver as he believes most correct.

Thus, efficiently as ever, arrives Merolle's judgement.

"Belsheroth, The Starlit Reaper, is death. All matters of demise and ending are under his purview, althought not matters of decay, which are mine to oversee."

"Over the course of three thousand years, an elite of the Lokab Empire communed with the avaracia in spite of their lords and creators. Forgiveness for such a blasphemous act has been given to the avaricia, whereas tacit approval was given to the goblins of Lokab, both well within the rights and purviews of their makers."

"But the goblins of Lokab commited a great sin against one who is not their guardian and creator, but a third who had nothing to do with it, this was death, represented thus by he who holds it in purview, Belsheroth, the Starlit Reaper. The undead goblins held in thrall their dead, preventing the emissaries of death from taking these souls to their proper places in the design of the gods. For such a crime, many centuries did they battle off the anhydrut lineage Resolvo sent by the inevitable host in defense of the rights of the gods."

"Upon awakening, Belsheroth took matters to his own hands and laid low those who slighted his domain and in so doing caused great..."

There is a pause while Merolle evaluates his wording options.

"Woe unto the living. It is known as fact that the liches of Lokab knew of the liches of Calasanctium and of their fate, but still elected to raise a system that would crumble around their wards should they ever fall, by god or by any other, a great arrogance or an act of great spite, it matters not. For it is fact."

"I find no fault in the choices of Belsheroth. It is his charge to care for death and for the dead, that he does, that he did. The living are not his purview, nor are the unliving, lest they sin against death, then they are his enemies, and it is his right to cast them down beneath regard."

With that out of the way, Merolle returned to his usual routine as if nothing had happened.

[Elemental]

Kiloasa washed the room in green flames. The Obsidian Axe reappeared in his hands, the only spot of darkness in the room. The bloodied words that Belsheroth wrote burned and reshaped themselves.
Նույնիսկ քաղցր խոսքերը նեխում է, երբ խոսում է մի ջղային լեզուն.
Even sweet words will rot when spoken by a sour tongue.
Don't you dare lay claim to wisdom you do not understand yourself, Belsheroth. I have already made arrangements to care for the Lokab Goblins, my sons have pledged their support and aid, and even Gwyn has done more to help them that you ever did. It falls to me to see that those responsible for their suffering meet justice. It falls to me to do the work that no one else will do. The guilty must be punished. Kiloasa made no move against the Wandering Star, he merely waited for the curse to reach its mind.

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I hope I'm not godmodding with the star here, her reaction is whatever you want it to be, I just want to see it, I guess.

P.S. Any thoughts on Madame Woodworth?

Your sons act with kindness, but they do not do enough.
And need I remind you that I showed the Goblins kindness long ago?
Perhaps I should have let their souls suffer without rest...
And then... Not so long ago... I offered you my greatest tool to share with them, but you declined stating that druidic knowledge was the way. But I see no druids going among the Goblins healing their wounds and protecting them from harm.
Belsheroth coughed and then exhaled. A spark of light rose from his chest.
If I am to be struck down by your hand Nephew, I would have one final request...
Give the spark to the one most worthy among the Goblins, and they shall become a great healer to rival the most powerful of my Clerics in that art!
An obsidian amulet formed around the spark, encasing it in an amethyst.
Care... For them...
Belsheroth closed his eyes and fell unconscious.

Brightfire flinched slightly as the room filled with flame. Needless to say, she neither understood, nor trusted the images that entered her simple mind.
She spoke to Kiloasa, but did not drop her aggressive stance.
How is it that they die when they do not live? They are not-life.
Why does it matter when they break?

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The amulet is meaningless. It's simply a vessel such that Kiloasa can transport the complete knowledge of Divine Magic and then give it to a Goblin, at which point, they become a Cleric and the amulet becomes valueless.
Though, I expect the amethyst in it is probably worth a King's Ransom.

And he's not dead, he's just resting so he can regenerate himself.

Note: Brightfire isn't being mean or anything, but she's a rather simple creature who's only experience with living things are Gods, the Belsherai and others of her kind, and they have a significant energy signature. The souls of mortals barely register to her senses.


As for Madame Woodworth, she's crazy.
I mean... Institution level crazy.

[Elricaltovilla]

Your sons act with kindness, but they do not do enough.
And need I remind you that I showed the Goblins kindness long ago?
Perhaps I should have let their souls suffer without rest...
And then... Not so long ago... I offered you my greatest tool to share with them, but you declined stating that druidic knowledge was the way. But I see no druids going among the Goblins healing their wounds and protecting them from harm.
Belsheroth coughed and then exhaled. A spark of light rose from his chest.
If I am to be struck down by your hand Nephew, I would have one final request...
Give the spark to the one most worthy among the Goblins, and they shall become a great healer to rival the most powerful of my Clerics in that art!
An obsidian amulet formed around the spark, encasing it in an amethyst.
Care... For them...
Belsheroth closed his eyes and fell unconscious.

Brightfire flinched slightly as the room filled with flame. Needless to say, she neither understood, nor trusted the images that entered her simple mind.
She spoke to Kiloasa, but did not drop her aggressive stance.
How is it that they die when they do not live? They are not-life.
Why does it matter when they break?

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The amulet is meaningless. It's simply a vessel such that Kiloasa can transport the complete knowledge of Divine Magic and then give it to a Goblin, at which point, they become a Cleric and the amulet becomes valueless.
Though, I expect the amethyst in it is probably worth a King's Ransom.

And he's not dead, he's just resting so he can regenerate himself.

Note: Brightfire isn't being mean or anything, but she's a rather simple creature who's only experience with living things are Gods, the Belsherai and others of her kind, and they have a significant energy signature. The souls of mortals barely register to her senses.


As for Madame Woodworth, she's crazy.
I mean... Institution level crazy.

Belsheroth's Mansion

Kiloasa's rage was almost sated, almost. He never expected Merolle to understand what Belsheroth's actions had wrought, but surely the loss of such a powerful and stable civilization had to mean something to the god of Civilization itself. The time for Kiloasa to act as a savior to the goblins would come soon, after Belsheroth's crimes were answered for.

A petty trinket. A single bauble to be given to a single goblin, that was Belsheroth's idea of repayment? It was sickening. Though he had never vomited before, Kiloasa felt the primal urge to do so now. Belsheroth had an army of Belsherai to aid him, and what did he do with them? Nothing of import. Souls had found their own way to the afterlife before the creation of the Belsherai. The could have found their way again. Kiloasa crushed the amulet in his fist, leaving the powder on the floor.

Do not insult me further with these token gestures. You shame yourself. It didn't matter if Belsheroth heard him or not, the message was clear.

Kiloasa left the Palace of Belsheroth, but not before imparting his own understanding of life to the Wandering Star. Everything from the smallest microbe to the greatest gods was alive, and Kiloasa imparted that understanding to the star.

Wildings

Among the goblins they walked in secret. Small things were done, simple things, during the time of the Archliches. The Wildlings were masters of disguise, especially those Druids of Form, who could assume the form of any living creature so completely that even the gods themselves had difficulty seeing them for what they were.

They dared not act openly, only Druids of Faculty had the mental fortitude to withstand the Archliches Geas, and even then not very well. So the few Wildlings that could brave the harsh desert and roving bands of geassed guardsmen had been forced into hiding, helping one or two goblins at a time escape to safer lands.

They had heard the call when Kiloasa made Trisengiis. What he knew, they knew. It was time for the Goblin exodus. The Cretaumfolk would come to free the Lokab Goblins, to redeem them in the eyes of the Manyfold Guardians and save them from the Archliches. But they had no time to act. Belsheroth made his move and the Empire fell around them. As soon as the geasses were lifted, the Wildlings revealed themselves. They swept up the goblins in as many great groups as they could. Most by force. But it wasn't enough, no amount of power could have saved all the goblins and this was a task that demanded no less than perfection.

Their actions weren't enough. They weren't good enough.

[Xondoure]

The End of the Great War, 3000 Years Before

"Strange is it not, that the god of death would be the one to save the lives present here." Hallorn spoke from his vantage point atop the hill. His men had long since pulled back from the city. Only Imil remained beside him.

"Belsheroth acts as he must. In the end all things but the gods belong to him, for he is the master of the end. In protecting the beginnings of things he ensures more ends to come." Imil laughs. "Or in other words any expansion of life is an expansion of death as well."

"Then he has failed in his purpose. This could have been the battle to end the war. But instead the conflict will continue."

"I expect he thought he would be present to end those that would come next. He could not have known the gods must sleep."

"Yet slumber they do, and my work is now much easier."

"Of course father."

"Tell me son, will you join me in this endeavor? Now that I have had time to explain the truth to you."

"You know I can't. I know the labyrinth nearly as well as you do, and I'm better at navigating it. If there's a chance I can get anyone out… I have to try."

"I understand, and I pray you succeed. I promise in my own way, I do as much as you to see our people free again." Hallorn rose to his feet. Isanvrede glinted as he turned to walk away from the site of his defeat. But where Isanvrede had touched the earth frost remained. And it was growing. Within days an Iceberg loomed over the city. Within months it was buried beneath it. Within a year the world slept underneath the white blanket of winter. The age of ice had begun.

Out of time and out of place

He was born in the dark. Out of place and out of time. The child of wanderers. Lost between the dreams of gods his cries reached out through the depths of the plane. An innocence like none this place had known. And with his first breath a door opened. For the child would be allowed to pass through to the realm of mortals. For better or for worse he was left squalling in the hands of the man he would know as his father. A man who had suffered through all scope of understanding in order to raise his god born anew.

"Rest easy child." He told the squalling infant. "You are safe now."

Arranan the boy

The road was a wonderful place to grow up. And Arranan grew fast. For thousands of years nomadic tribes had ruled the space between goblin lands and vinterike territory. They were the free folk. They lived hard lives, but the only bonds between them were ones of friendship and family. They were led by the wildlings, and walked along the paths made by the migration of elk and mammoth. For times they would stop to meet with pockets of civilization, but soon they would take to the roads once more. And though the winter skies could be harsh, twelve years passed until the boy understood the concept of loss.

In those early years Arranan grew up without knowledge of his destiny. He learned to run and swim and climb like no other. His best friend had once tried to teach him to fly, but that had ended poorly for both human child and ravenkin chick. Most of all the boy was an incurable prankster. He knocked food from the campsites, stole precious family heirlooms and switched them with others, drew on the faces of sleeping nomads and spent most of his time getting out of the shackles that had been tied around his wrists as punishment. He never really went far enough to hurt someone, and for the most part his escapades were met with smiles and hidden laughter. A fact which did not help in preventing future incidents. And then came the attack.

It came during the night when the caravan had stopped. Druids moved out to confront the beast but the wyrm tore through their ranks with barely contained glee. A horrified child watched unblinking as the faces of those he loved twisted into burning flesh and sizzling eyes. Fire surrounded him on all sides. And over the roar of the flames came the endless screams of not one but dozens of wyrms together in flight. Then a hand was on his back and before he could blink all of that was gone. In their place was an unfamiliar landscape surrounded in ice. Gasping with relief Imil collapsed onto his knees; embracing the boy.

"Arranan thank goodness you're okay."

"Where are they? Where did they go? I- dad what happened?"

"Don't worry now my son. We escaped. It's over."

"But we can't just leave them! You could do something, you have to do something. Please dad. Don't just…"

"You are what's most important right now Arranan. I'm sorry but there was nothing I could do. And even if I could, I would not if it were to place your life in jeopardy."

"But Serra is still-" possessed with despair Arranan began to break down. His body collapsed into his fathers chest as tears froze once parted from the warmth of his face.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I prayed this day would never come." Imil sat rocking the boy as the night drew on. In his mind he could hear the screams of the dying echoing his own fears. Those wyrms had been led by Ganehlun. Which could only mean his father had sensed the presence of his old foe. Somewhere within Arranan's heart the fool had begun to stir.

Spoiler

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AP Actions since the start of the game:
4 - Labyrinth
1 - Spirit Foxes
1 - High Roads
1 - Bless
3 - Domain, Journeys: Protection
4 - Wyrms
1 - Serpent's Range
2 - Infuse
1 + (2) - Domain, Mind: Cunning
1 - Lords of Winter
1 - Bless
2 - Infuse
1 - Join Directors
2 - Infuse
1 + (2) - Domain, Deceit: Theft
2 - Vinterike
4 - Hallorn
1 - Ice Age
Remaining AP: 15
AP in parentheses is PAP
In itallics was spent this turn
This is the first in a series of posts about Arranan

[Elemental]

Belsheroth's Mansion

Kiloasa's rage was almost sated, almost. He never expected Merolle to understand what Belsheroth's actions had wrought, but surely the loss of such a powerful and stable civilization had to mean something to the god of Civilization itself. The time for Kiloasa to act as a savior to the goblins would come soon, after Belsheroth's crimes were answered for.

A petty trinket. A single bauble to be given to a single goblin, that was Belsheroth's idea of repayment? It was sickening. Though he had never vomited before, Kiloasa felt the primal urge to do so now. Belsheroth had an army of Belsherai to aid him, and what did he do with them? Nothing of import. Souls had found their own way to the afterlife before the creation of the Belsherai. The could have found their way again. Kiloasa crushed the amulet in his fist, leaving the powder on the floor.

Do not insult me further with these token gestures. You shame yourself. It didn't matter if Belsheroth heard him or not, the message was clear.

Kiloasa left the Palace of Belsheroth, but not before imparting his own understanding of life to the Wandering Star. Everything from the smallest microbe to the greatest gods was alive, and Kiloasa imparted that understanding to the star.

Entrance to the Forests of Starlight

The shard of Belsheroth at that location flickered out.

Halls of Death

The dust of the amulet rose slowly into the air and drifted down onto the Mortal Plane, settling over the Lokab Empire.
Brightfire watched as it fell, and then turned to Belsheroth.
Starlight? You broke them by accident. Help crazy food but not-food fix them when you're better, and everything will be alright.
Brightfire was smiling. Well... Kind of. But when Belsheroth didn't respond, she grew worried.
Starlight?
Starlight?? STARLIGHT!!!
But then Anzhela was there. Belsheroth had summoned her and she had been waiting for Kiloasa to leave.
Hush little one. There are preparations that need to be made.
She strode over to Belsheroth as Brightfire looked at her warily and kneeled beside her creator.
Father... What would you have us do?
Anzhela... I had hoped this would not end this way... I am tired now, and wish to rest...
And what do you need us to do?
Go... Go to Kiloasa... Help him...
Father! He sought to murder you! I would rather eat the heart of a Daemon than associate with that miserable, worthless, barbaric-
Anzhela.
-murderous, home-wrecking, abandoning-
Anzhela!
-lunatic?
Do this for me... He has demanded blood, and you must placate him somehow. Do not worry about me, I'll be fine in a day or two. Maybe three. Possible an entire week.
Tell him I'm permanently incapacitated, that should make him calm down.
Fine. But I'm doing this under protest.
Anzhela turned and left.


The Void

Usually a good place to start when it came to the search for a God, but Anzhela was out here for a different reason.
She needed to think. This was going to stretch her diplomatic ability to the extreme. Oh well... There was no point delaying so the crazed God could attack them...
Lord Kiloasa, a disenfranchised individual requests audience.

[Elricaltovilla]

[The Void

Usually a good place to start when it came to the search for a God, but Anzhela was out here for a different reason.
She needed to think. This was going to stretch her diplomatic ability to the extreme. Oh well... There was no point delaying so the crazed God could attack them...
Lord Kiloasa, a disenfranchised individual requests audience.

Kiloasa was walking along the roads of Geasa when Anzhela approached him. Although he turned to look at the Belsherai, he didn't bother to respond to her. Instead he kept walking a direct line towards the Mausoleum. He could sense what used to be his daughter there. It was time to pay his respects.

Kiloasa stood in the garden inside the mausoleum, completely silent and completely still, maybe for a moment, maybe for eternity. His Obsidian Axe was held in one hand, the other resting on the gravestone with Aor's name on it.

She was my eldest. The Arch-Druid said, it was unclear if he knew that Anzhela was there or if he was even talking to her. When I gave birth to her, there was more of me within her than any of my other children. I loved her and I gifted her with all I had learned, in hopes that she would be a better God than I. Perhaps I was wrong to put such weight on her. I know that I was wrong to have trusted her so much to be on her own. I should have been a true father to her, instead of what I was.

This is a better place for her than what I could offer. She was closer to Merolle than I ever was with her. It's nice here, beautiful. She would like that. The Treefather vanished then, and reappeared in the Mistlands.

The Mistlands

Kiloasa walked past all the other gods that were present, and returned to his chair by the fire. I am sorry my friends, but I no longer feel the desire to celebrate. Forgive me.

And he sat there for a long while, staring into the fire.

[Elemental]

Kiloasa was walking along the roads of Geasa when Anzhela approached him. Although he turned to look at the Belsherai, he didn't bother to respond to her. Instead he kept walking a direct line towards the Mausoleum. He could sense what used to be his daughter there. It was time to pay his respects.

Kiloasa stood in the garden inside the mausoleum, completely silent and completely still, maybe for a moment, maybe for eternity. His Obsidian Axe was held in one hand, the other resting on the gravestone with Aor's name on it.

She was my eldest. The Arch-Druid said, it was unclear if he knew that Anzhela was there or if he was even talking to her. When I gave birth to her, there was more of me within her than any of my other children. I loved her and I gifted her with all I had learned, in hopes that she would be a better God than I. Perhaps I was wrong to put such weight on her. I know that I was wrong to have trusted her so much to be on her own. I should have been a true father to her, instead of what I was.

This is a better place for her than what I could offer. She was closer to Merolle than I ever was with her. It's nice here, beautiful. She would like that. The Treefather vanished then, and reappeared in the Mistlands.

The Mistlands

Kiloasa walked past all the other gods that were present, and returned to his chair by the fire. I am sorry my friends, but I no longer feel the desire to celebrate. Forgive me.

And he sat there for a long while, staring into the fire.

Goodness... Now he was acting all mopey... Anzhela followed Kiloasa to the Mistlands, not a fun journey for someone not familiar with navigating the portals. She bowed to the gods present.
Lord Kiloasa. I must speak to you about an urgent matter concerning the survival of my race and the continuance of our sacred task.


Halls of Death

Meanwhile... Belsheroth continues to bleed. But at least his liver was starting to grow back.


In Council at the Guardian Temple after the Sign from the Heavens

Nameth stood as the other councillors entered the chamber. Several of the Councillors had gone missing, and now they number merely fourteen, not the seventeen dictated by tradition.
As you are all aware, we received our promised sign.
The question now is... How should we go about spreading the word of the Gods' return?
Jacqueline Forrest, a lawyer from Snow Haven spoke first.
"Your Grace, would it not be best to wait until the Herald arrives to confirm? I do not doubt that we have received a sign from the Heavens, but acting too soon could be against Lord Belsheroth's plans."
You are correct of course Councillor Forrest.
Now we turn to other matters...
Sir Knight...((Whose name manages to elude me)) Your Order makes war against the Free Cities of the South. Might we be enlightened as to the cause of your crusade?

Spoiler

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He's a bit annoyed because he never gave support to the Crusade and that it went ahead anyway.
Not that would have changed anything because the Order of the Spear isn't controlled by this Council, so all he could have done was order royal funding to be withheld. Or you know... Sent tax assessors in to make sure the Knights weren't abusing their tax exempt status to hoard gold.

[Elricaltovilla]

Goodness... Now he was acting all mopey... Anzhela followed Kiloasa to the Mistlands, not a fun journey for someone not familiar with navigating the portals. She bowed to the gods present.
Lord Kiloasa. I must speak to you about an urgent matter concerning the survival of my race and the continuance of our sacred task.


Halls of Death

Meanwhile... Belsheroth continues to bleed. But at least his liver was starting to grow back.

Kiloasa did not turn away from the fire, but he did speak with Anzhela. Well child of Belsheroth, what would you have me do? Shall I take up the mantle of the god of Death now? It is some minor purview of mine, however neglectfully I have treated it. Or perhaps you are here for blood as well? I will not give it freely, but you are welcome to try and take it.

Spoiler

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If Aor hadn't died, Kiloasa probably wouldn't have acted so violently. While she was still alive, he had a much stronger connection to his "softer side". But now that she is dead, he's not only grieving, he's lost a lot of his empathy.

[Exachix]

The Divin- The Mistlands

Lilli nodded, and stood. "In any case, I should return to matters my mortals are engaged in." Her form flickers. "In answer, Kipt, we shall see how this engagement evolves." With that, she dissipated from the Mistlands.

The Lokab Empire

Lilli had seen the images sent to her by Kiloasa, and had not yet reached a verdict. She appeared, in the form of a robed and concealed human, boots of heavy leather, to wander. She cared no more for these beings than she cared for any other, save her own mortals.

But still she wondered the place so wrought with slaughter and death, contemplating her stance on such matters.

Monte Mora

In the end, the armor ended up being worn by Akric, the Kalpan head of the guard force. The guard had been recruited today by a crazed ranger turned captain of a ship. The Elthein seemed like a distinguished citizen, with a decent trading empire under him that he acquired by trading Hipogriff eggs. Only recently had he turned paranoid. Akric, the leader of the patrol he had recruited for security, was told things like "The Bloody Lady has returned," and "The Guild is coming for me." Best he could tell, the man was either delusional, or made some kind of enemy in the Fell Knives, or both.
Anyhow, Akric had promised him that he would see his ship out to sea, and was accompanied by three Kalpans and two Elthiens, both mounted. How the man's crew still was willing to sail with him remained a mystery to Akric.

Monte Mora

The squad was being watched, though they were possibly unaware. Litan grinned from his perch, concealed within cloak and mask. The rest of his group, down on the seafront, didn't wear such masks, but Litan's status as a 'friend' of the guardmen meant he had to take extra precautions. Watching the group, he muttered a small prayer to both Ombra, to keep him safe and his trickery secure, and Lilli for this good hunt.

They would claim two of their prey today.

Free Port

Parvis finished his contemplation, and decided that the best plan of action requires some information. He contacted a number of his subordinates within the port, and began to inform them of orders. To Find out more about the Gregory of House Raptor, and his organizations here in Free Port.

[Yeshon]

Free Port

One of the knights present accepts. A goblin named Kaltar, he had lost his mother to sickness, his sister to drowning, he was ready to leave. Sandra flatly refused, Saul didn't even respond as he followed Kuruk into the explorer's guild.

Inside the guild a fat and balding human man used a two pronged device on a piecee of paper on his desk. Willy walked over to him, "Master Hans?"

The fat man looked up with bleary eyes, "Oh! Willy my boy what can I do for you today?"

He looks over to Kuruk, "Oh hello there, what can I do for you?"

Geasa-Belsheroth's Mansion

A shard of Gwyn appears after Kiolasa left and regards the wandering star. She gave no judgement it was not her right to judge a god. On top of that she thought Belsheroth acted harshly but prudently. There was no guarantee that the Archliches wouldn't trap the souls of the dead again, he was right to cut the head off.

Besides Belsheroth had been correct in what he said, Kiolasa did far too little to help his own people. Now that he had his chance he wasted it on a weapon to harm a god, rather than repairing the rift between him and the Empire.

"Hail Star! I beg of you may I attend my uncle?"

The Former Free Cities

"A room has been prepared for you in the former Council chambers, I will guide you there if you wish it."

When the entourage reaches the gates, the king finds the streets lined with knights, and the sidewalks filled with his new subjects. There is a lot of noise, but only a few cheers.

It was only the first quarter of the city filled with crowds however. The population had dropped to meager 10,000 from its nearly 100,000 before the massacre wrought by the ghouls.

The Council

The knight stood, "We've called the crusade because of an attack on the order itself. We have reason to believe that the Free Cities created a type of monster that can transmit itself through their bite. So we called the crusade to end the government that dared to support such an abmoniation."

Free Port

Parvis can find this information with relative ease:

Gregory of house raptor, a native of the Calasanctium kingdom, devotee of Gwyn and Belsheroth, and an all around impeccable gentlmen. He came here in his youth to acquire a rare item. After saving a woman from a mugging in the West End, he decided to enforce some stability when he had the resources. He went back to the Calasanctium kingdom to plead for resources to conquer Free Port, he was denied flatly. He returned to Free Port as a merchant. Building up a few trade companies, he's the first in the city to start using contracts. Beyond that, he keeps a squad of highly skilled mercenaries on staff to serve as body guards and vigilantes here in Free Port.

On a more personal level, he is known to keep a romantic relationship with a human woman named Sasha. There are rumors that he has had an illegitimate child by Sasha, but no one knows if there is truth to the rumors.

He also has friends in the higher echelons of the Order of the Spear.

Sophia & Thomas

They left as soon as breakfast was over. They headed East again, according to Thomas the cave was only a half day away. That was good, tonight was the first night of a full moon. But, after a few hours of silence, Sophia couldn't take it anymore.

"So, how do you know about this sword? I didn't tell you anything about it."

"A few days ago a very old woman (a witch I think) came to me and showed me the cave. According to her, it's the only weapon that can kill me."

"And you didn't bring it?"

"No I cannot, the handle itself burned my hand. The woman promised a knight would come this way that could use it."

"And who was this woman?"

"She called herself 'The Crone.'"

Sophia started at that. The Crone was an elusive figure in mythology. There were thousands of interpretations, but really all they had was a figure that appeared briefly in the lands of the Lokab Empire. No one even really knew what goddess she represented. Though Master Chronicler Alexander theorized it was an aspect of Gwyn, representing her wisdom.

"We're here." Thomas crouched down and crept forward. Sophia followed suit, leaving her horse behind.

She followed Thomas through the light undergrowth in the mountains. She lost sight of Thomas for a moment only to feel his hand on her shoulder.

"Stay down!" He whispered. Sophia looked up, a wyrm rested in front of the cave. "Y-you're joking."

Thomas shook his head, "That was not here a two days ago."

"Great, so what are we supposed to do now? Have you ever killed a dragon?"

Thomas stood, "No, that's what makes it exciting."

"You are not-"

The huge Ice-kin transformed in front of her eyes, and loped for the dragon. She had been right, the blood red fur was unmistable. He was that huge werewolf who terrorized the country side.

The Wyrm noticed his approach, but the wolf was too fast he leapt atop the wyrm's wing and ripped it off. The Wyrm howled in pain, but recovered quickly. Swiping the wolf away with its claw. The wolf staggered back. Raising its other claw, it brought all of its weight down on top of the wolf very nearly crushing its spine. The wolf howled in pain.

Sophia cursed and charged forward, brandishing her sword. The wyrm turned towards her, Sophia dived behind a rock as fire washed from the wyrm's mouth. She cursed again. Thomas dug his claws into the wyrm. The wyrm howled and brought its jaws down on top of the Thomas' arm very nearly seperating his elbow.

But this freed Sophia to charge and she drove her sword deep into the wyrm's gullet. The Wyrm roared and swung its neck into Sophia sending her sprawling across the rock. Sophia raised her sword only to be greeted by half a blade, the rest remained buried in the dragon's neck.

The Wyrm tried to bath her form in fire, but Thomas grabbed its throat and wrestled it to the ground! The Wyrm's tail slashed across his back, but he kept holding on. Sophia came again running over the rocks and brings her broken blade into the Wyrm's upturned chest and through its heart, finally destroying its body.

Thomas's form began to revert and he fell over on his side. Sophia scrambled over the dragon to see to him, "Thomas are yo-"

He couldn't change back, she knew it before he said anything. His eyes were still yellow, his canines still enlarged, even the fur was only slowly fading away. "No."

"GO!" He cried, she looked up, the moon hadn't risen yet, why was he- "Arrgh!"

"Run!" She obeyed.

Sophia scrambled into the cave, through the darkness she ran blind. But somehow knowing where the walls were. She heard a blood curtling howl behind her and ran faster.

She heard the wolf's claws scraping the stone behind her, getting closer and closer. Finally she saw a light at the end of the tunnel. She could feel the wolf's breath upon her. She burst into the chamber, she didn't have enough courage to look behind her. In the middle of the chamber was a sword, the very sword she had been looking for. The wolf's claw bit into her armor. She dived and found her hands wrapped around the handle.

Then things happened very fast, the sword came free from the ground. She spun and the blade cut through the wolf's neck. The wolf landed on top of her. Sophia bit back a cry as she kicked him off. She looked over at the friend, too tired to stand. Tears gathered in her eyes, she shook them away.

"Find your way to the horde my friend, may your madness finally be at an end."

"It is."

She looked up and saw the shard of the goddess Gwyn.

"Though the reason for his most recent bout of madness eludes me. Perhaps Vargull discovered my plans."

"G-Gwyn?"

"Yes child, and you are Sophia, my newest champion."

"Champion? Me? You haven't taken a champion since St. Hellsbane."

"And as his direct descendant it is appropriate that it comes to you."

"His desc- you mean I-" she shook her head, "But you never put any stock in lineage, at least not in your teachings!"

"I said it was appropriate, not that it was a qualification. You Sophia, have courage, honor, but most important of all compassion."

Gwyn slammed the but of her spear into the ground and the runes on Sophia's sword glowed,

"The only thing you lack is skill. But that. That is easily remedied."

Time sped within the chamber so that one hour in the real world was half a month within the chamber.

And so began Sophia's training under the First Knight.

Spoiler

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Craft Artifact: Rune Blade -4AP
Ending AP: 0

[AvocadoAvenger]

The Mistlands

Kipt looks at Kiloasa, and is about to talk to him when Anzhela shows up. He figures it would be rude to abandon Yohalles anyways. He does think that he could talk to Kiloasa to help, though. In result, Kipt takes a long glance at Kiloasa. "Wisely spoken, friend." he says to Yohalles.

Monte Mora

Not having much better to do, the guardsmen helped load the ship some while two stood watch. "See, I'm telling you that you have nothing to worry about." ((Ironically enough)) Akric said to Brist, the Elthien man.
The ship is now about to sail, so two Kalpan guards are in the water already. Akric plans to see the ship a ways out with his guard, with two guards on either side, him in front, and another in rear. A runway has now been cleared for the Elthien riders to take flight. Everything seems to be going according to plan...

Fertile Valley

"Did he?" Cera replies with audible excitement in her voice. "It is nice to meet you, and a pleasure to welcome you to the fertile valley. If you have any questions about us, feel free to ask them; I'm certain there is much we have to learn about each other."

[Xondoure]

What may be perceived as the present

A god was in an argument.

"It is time to act!"

"Patience Arranan, we can't be sure of that yet. Being thought dead is a remarkable advantage."

Arranan paced around the fire twisting his twin swords in hand. The fox with whom he was speaking with lay comfortably as his eyes followed the young warrior.

"Any advantage at all is meaningless if we sit here for eternity doing nothing!"

"Until we know the consequences of our brethren awakening a neutral stance is to our greatest advantage."

"Or we could strike now before the other gods get back on their feet."

"Would friends like to know what Dien thinks? Dien believes subject Arranan proved a most successful prototype. Dien suggests we continue with the manifestation of the Renati."

"Watch yourself puppet." Arranan said as he swung down with his blade removing the head of the mannequin. The head rolled along the floor in haphazard circles before coming to a stop.

From its place on the ground the head continued. "Dien meant no offense. Arranan has proven himself a worthy aspect. This has already been noted." The rest of the body bowed towards the warrior as it spoke. Lystelle laughed at the puppet's antics. She had been sitting to the side; plucking the petals from a periwinkle.

"Dien is pleased to entertain."

Faydin growled in disapproval.

"Stop playing with the puppet Reisen. If you have something to say speak it with your own voice."

"Very well Faydin." The golden furred serpent whispered. His coils stretched all around them; circling off the conversation.

"I agree with your assessment, the time to act is not yet upon us. Though it will soon arrive."

"You've been saying that since I arrived Reisen."

Lystelle cocked her head. "But Arranan, that was only five minutes ago."

"It was five minutes here. That doesn't mean the rest of the world has been waiting on us."

Lystelle sighed. "However long it's been I'm sure things won't have changed that much."

"It's been two thousand years! Of course the world has changed!"

"Does anyone want to know what I have to say?" Spoke the flames.

"Not really."

"Oh."

"Then we are agreed?" Reisen asked.

Yes.

All at once the aspects shifted into infinite six winged butterflies. Each wing reflecting a different picture of the world as the eyes of the spirit foxes became the eyes of a god. In that flurry of movement the aspect of Arranan added one last thought before the fool returned to itself.

"Okay so I was wrong. Nothing has changed."

Spoiler

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All AP Spent:

Spoiler

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This is all the ap spent since the beginning of the game. It's organized into blocks of seven with the domain directly afterwards. And I've had Journeys: Protection and Mind: Cunning for a very long time. I believe my last expenditure of AP before the timeskip was infusing the winter lords and blessing the vinterike. The game started on may 10th with 15 AP for the starting gods. Reisen became a lesser god on the 24th with domain gain mind (cunning) the same week he joined the directors. Therefore he had gained 8 rollover AP prior to this action. Since then there have been six rollovers. Which would put him at 30 AP plus whatever PAP he had spent in time, however I believe he ran into the lesser diety wall last week and only gained 2 ap. As a result the total AP should equal 15 + 8 + 27 + (8) = 58.
Starting Domains, Change: Transmutation, Illusion: Trickery
4 - Labyrinth
1 - Spirit Foxes
1 - High Roads
1 - Bless
3 - Domain, Journeys: Protection
48
4 - Wyrms
1 - Serpent's Range
2 - Infuse
1 + (2) - Domain, Mind: Cunning
38
1 + (1) - Lords of Winter
(1) - Bless
2 - Infuse
1 - Join Directors
2 - Infuse
1 - Ice Age
1 + (2) - Domain, Deceit: Theft
26
2 - Vinterike/Northern Kingdoms
4 - Hallorn/???
1 - Lesser concept, constant flow of time
1 + (2) - Domain, Time: Transience
Remaining AP: 16

This is here mostly for my benefit. I'd suggest everyone else does at well, as it might be a good idea to check everyone's math.

I might add that I've spent PAP today because I decided to post this early. I think it should be fine, he won't be fighting anyone soon and today or tomorrow the rollover next saturday is the same.

One last note: the aspects only talk in different fonts when speaking with each other. When communicating with the outside world they all sound as if they're speaking in dark orange. Of course they still don't sound the same IC but... you get the idea.

[The Bandicoot]

The Mistlands
Yohalles smiles and lightly bows.

The Fertile Valley
First-Touched looks around curiously. These buildings....permanent? You stay in one place? Why would you do that? he seems honestly curious.

[AvocadoAvenger]

The Fertile Valley

"Yes, we live here. We grow food, and raise families, and make things from wood. I take it you do not?"

[The Bandicoot]

The Fertile Valley

We do not.....we travel....we eat what.....nature provides......we help migrations.....we help travelers.....wanderers.

[AvocadoAvenger]

The Fertile Valley

"Fascinating..." Cera says, contemplative at their way of life. The original male Elthien, now next to a female, speaks again "Actually, there are some of us who do live a bit like that. I used to be a ranger, living with nature in the razorpine forest."

[The Bandicoot]

The Fertile Valley

A.....ranger? What does a ranger do? First-Touched looks extremely interested. The other three Lloya are on all fours munching on grass looking up at the conversation.

[Draken]

Arranan and Imil

A strange sound echoed in the nearby woods, and a number of birds fled the trees.

And the earth trembled under heavy steps, announcing the dreadful thing to come. Soon their owner was revealed, as the head of a titanic monster came from the woods, followed by another and six more in turn, all connected to the same body, all clad in the same smooth skin of black metal plates. A new breed of wyrm, perhaps? It certainly looked the part, and a swing of blade-like wings tore down the trees to give it passage.

From her part, the geasan hydra stared down at the hominids beneath it, glaring with pupilless black eyes.

[AvocadoAvenger]

The Fertile Valley

Cera looks a bit disgusted at the mention of rangers, but puts it aside and says "Long ago, there was a great Ice age. Rangers are Elthiens who abandoned their homes to live only for themselves in the Razorpine Forest just north of here." The couple looked a bit dismayed at how their leader obviously disliked rangers. "Some of us came back..." he said under his breath. "But that is all history. Say, was your race around in the Ice age?"

[The Bandicoot]

Fertile Valley

Our race has been around for...... First-Touched looks up at the sky and then holds out one hand with the two fingers and thumb extended. Three light cycles. he looks at the former ranger If you wish, you may come with us, help guide the beasts and men of the earth.

[AvocadoAvenger]

The Fertile Valley

The Elthien thinks about the offer for a moment, turning to his girlfriend for input. "That does sound very intriguing..." he says, glancing at Cera for approval. "It would be interesting to see how they live from the inside. They certainly are very new." He turns back to his girl, looking for a definitive answer. "It could be good." His girlfriend says to him, looking up. "Alright." he says with resolve "I'd love to. By the way, I'm Randon, and this is my fiance, Ella."

[Elemental]

Kiloasa did not turn away from the fire, but he did speak with Anzhela. Well child of Belsheroth, what would you have me do? Shall I take up the mantle of the god of Death now? It is some minor purview of mine, however neglectfully I have treated it. Or perhaps you are here for blood as well? I will not give it freely, but you are welcome to try and take it.

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If Aor hadn't died, Kiloasa probably wouldn't have acted so violently. While she was still alive, he had a much stronger connection to his "softer side". But now that she is dead, he's not only grieving, he's lost a lot of his empathy.

Your blood for the murder of my Father? How petty...
He created us better than that.
And as for the mantle of death... You took that up long ago. But no... It is not the desire of my people that you should fulfil Belsheroth's role, merely that you speak on our behalf among the Gods and protect us such that our purpose, more sacred than any other, can be fulfilled.
In return, we shall serve you.
Anzhela bowed to Kiloasa and offered unto him her sword.

Geasa-Belsheroth's Mansion

A shard of Gwyn appears after Kiolasa left and regards the wandering star. She gave no judgement it was not her right to judge a god. On top of that she thought Belsheroth acted harshly but prudently. There was no guarantee that the Archliches wouldn't trap the souls of the dead again, he was right to cut the head off.

Besides Belsheroth had been correct in what he said, Kiolasa did far too little to help his own people. Now that he had his chance he wasted it on a weapon to harm a god, rather than repairing the rift between him and the Empire.

"Hail Star! I beg of you may I attend my uncle?"

Brightfire hissed at Gwyn.
What are you, food but not-food? Go away!

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She's still young and still doesn't understand many things. Now she's confused because Belsheroth and Gwyn are similar and she thinks Gwyn might try and eat Belsheroth.
It is after all, the way of the Wandering Stars to eat their dead.

The Former Free Cities

"A room has been prepared for you in the former Council chambers, I will guide you there if you wish it."

When the entourage reaches the gates, the king finds the streets lined with knights, and the sidewalks filled with his new subjects. There is a lot of noise, but only a few cheers.

It was only the first quarter of the city filled with crowds however. The population had dropped to meager 10,000 from its nearly 100,000 before the massacre wrought by the ghouls.

King Stephen motions to Jennifer to come ride beside him.
Tell me... Had the city faced a plague prior to your arrival? Several people seem to be... Missing...
He's not an idiot, he has a map in his study that showed this particular city to be much more heavily populated.
Perhaps a census is in order...

The Council

The knight stood, "We've called the crusade because of an attack on the order itself. We have reason to believe that the Free Cities created a type of monster that can transmit itself through their bite. So we called the crusade to end the government that dared to support such an abmoniation."

A monster you say? Well... It is true that such things cannot be allowed...
But I note that it's odd that so few Clerics travelled South with you.

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This is me guessing, but I'm assuming the Knights wouldn't have wanted too many clerics around in case they stumbled onto the truth.

Marren and Nureen still can't find Sophia

Are you sure she's a Knight Marren, and not a Fell Knife?
I tried tracking one of them once and didn't find a thing, much like now.
I'm pretty sure she's a Knight. A Fell Knife wouldn't have gotten her shoulder ripped open so easily.
Nureen stopped "her" horse in its tracks.
How could I have been so foolish!
Marren stopped also and turned in his saddle to look at her.
What do you mean?
I've been looking for a Knight I know next to nothing about, when I should have been looking for the traces of the magic you used to heal her!
And believe me, I know all about your healing.
Is that even possible?
Don't they teach you Clerics anything about arcano-magical theory?
She concentrated and felt the weave of the dream web as it ebbed and flowed under the influence of Morsein. Next to her, she felt Marren's power, a shining spark in an otherwise empty landscape.
And there was another spark, very faint, but it was the same as his alright.
Hmm... We're actually pretty close.
Wait... What was that near her?
Lycanthrope!
What? Where!?
Not here, but your Knight is in danger!
Nureen urged her horse into a gallop and rode in the direction of Sophia, Marren did likewise and yelled ahead to Nureen.
How is it that we always end up in situations where both of us want to swear however much we can't?
She yelled back.
When we get home, I'll pay a sailor to swear for us!

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@Yeshon: They won't barge in or anything. I rather doubt they'll even find the opening of the cave. But they'll be there if you want them.

And note: Marren won't swear because he's a Cleric, and Nureen won't because she's both a lady and rather old, despite her attempts to conceal her age.

Over the Lokab Empire

There was a meteor shower that night, the sky filled with celestial sparks.
But unknown to the inhabitants below, huddled in their homes behind barricaded doors, this was a blessing in disguise.
Tiny fragments of crystalline dust fell over the houses and were breathed in by Goblins.
At once, the minds of the lucky few were filled with knowledge. Knowledge of healing and protection, unrivalled by all save the Church of Belsheroth.