Mythopoeia: RP of gods and nations (game thread, closed)

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Cawles Strix, Silverclaw

First came the confusion. People asked left and right whether or not Qartoq was truly there but Cawles didn't have an answer. Next came the despair when the news set in that Qartoq was truly gone. Krakari all over cried loudly as their Goddess went the way of the Old Gods and left them for good. Cawles couldn't believe it either and neither did her former priests and priestess. They still worked diligently but without a God to help them, followers left in droves for a new God being spread around through word of mouth. This God had slain some of the Ray-Das that raided their lands. This God preached power through force and justice which was quite the opposite that Qartoq preached. She preached subtlety and subterfuge but this God preached vengeance through flames. The Krakaris that lost loved ones during the raids were quick to throw their prayers through this new God, this Lysei. Division sprang up among the different believers but Lysei's teaching quickly became the popular religion.

Not all news were bad though as a university had arisen in the desert built by a God. Scholars from all over the world converged there to share knowledge and advance technology. Another group of scholars is being sent out but this time with Cawles. Her parents deemed Silverclaw no longer safe for the likes of her as the tensions began to rise between the different believers. This time the group not only composed of scholars but scholars that were touched by Qartoq. Cawles saw the logic in her parent's decisions but she still didn't feel any better about it. Hopefully the desert heat would make her forget or at least help her work.

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Khyber, Northern Coast of Ray-Das

The battle was short and frustrating. They knew where their weakest points were but they weren't able to make any headway even with the numerical advantage. The sudden surge of mercenaries threw off the whole attack as Khyber saw dozens of banners that belonged to several sellsword companies to thicken the Ray-Das lines. He used all his strength not to fly in and wreck as much havoc as he could. Even with all the plans and knowledge it was worth a few casualties and no headway. Their allies saw this as well and retreated so Khyber had to follow suit.

"Damn them all!" Khyber cursed as he arrived back on their ships. He was about to start hacking at the ship if it wasn't for a messenger that arrived from Silver Claw. It was a letter Gora and it read:

Their coffers won't last forever but ours is eternal. Keep up the good work and look to the west.

Khyber looked off of the ship to see a line of mercenary ships coming towards them to aid in the invasion. Khyber smiled and yelled out towards them.

"Form up!"

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Yvera, Highcrag

The agent arrived without a hitch as intended. Yvera outlined what the agent would do and what he shouldn't do in the realm of Luug. One wrong move and everything she had worked for would be up in flames.

She wrote a letter to Budraal to tell him that the agent has arrived and she gave the letter to one of the Luug to deliver to him. Now all the agent had to do was wait for an assignment.

Spoiler: Actions

(Minor)Send another group to University-scholars/believers of Qartoq for research and asylum
(Major)Hire five mercenary companies
(Major)Help Luug with agent

 

[JoJo]

High Prince Octavius, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Octavius waited for a while, but Lysei did not appear. He had no idea whether the god was busy or if he even had other nations to attend to, but he trusted that the deity had got the message and would appear in due time. For now, he decided his best option was to continue the ongoing political negotiations, so he sent for a special guest who had arrived that morning.

"Introducing High Prince Hwan, Archduke and Paramount Chief of Samosa, Head of the Royal House of Omn."

As the speaker cried the ceremonial introduction, a trio of grunting slaves brought in the prince in question into Octavius' room, hoisted on an elaborate wooden chair upon their shoulders. He was around the same age as Octavius, but otherwise was his polar opposite: short, thin and dark, wrapped in elaborate cloth and jewels. His legs were particularly covered and wrapped, hiding the twisted and broken state they had been in since a violent fall from a horse aged seventeen. Hwan smiled a toothy grin as the slaves gently placed his chair on the ground and left the room.

"Good to see you again, cousin,"

"You too, cousin." Octavius replied with a chuckle.

The two men shared a paternal grandfather, though their fathers had been born by different wives. When the two were young they were of the same royal house, the ancient lineage of Turin, but political realities had lead to Hwan's junior branch splitting off to form their own house of Omn. With his chocolate-coloured skin and almond eyes, the Prince's maternal Samosan heritage seemed predominate, a rarity for the Auroran royalty. Despite this, he was undeniably one of the most powerful men in Aurora, and perhaps the most who did not sit permanently in the Imperial Court.

"You need my support for abolition?" Hwan started.

"Undoubtedly," Octavius admitted, "Passing the law will be difficult, us nobles own the vast majority of slaves between us and many will want to keep the status quo. Together though and with the endorsement of Emperor Maximus, we may just have enough allies to force it through. What are your thoughts on the subject?"

"It seems the tides of our civilization are inevitability being pulled in that direction, better it is done now in a calm stable manner rather than by the sword in a few decades hence. It will not be easy though, in these modern times few will stand for the indiscriminate confiscation of property, even by the Imperial Crown. A civil war could be on our hands if the matter handled incorrectly."

"What do you think Parliament will want?"

"Full compensation for all owners, for one. They'll likely want delays too so they have time to ensure a paid workforce is ready before abolition takes effect, and the subject of indentured criminals addressed properly."

"Hm," Octavius replied, stroking his beard, "The treasury is low on gold right now, but I may have a solution to that..."

Before he could go any further, the Prince Regent was suddenly interrupted by a panicked slave bursting through the door.

"What is it?" Octavius asked in an annoyed voice.

"Sorry your Majesty, but there's a commotion up in Vallous' chambers! He requested you!"

"What?! My apologies Hwan, excuse me for a moment."

Octavius stormed up the nearest staircase to the next floor of the palace, hoping that nothing terrible had befallen his ally. As he reached the room people were already gathering around the door, muttering amongst themselves. He pushed past them and stepped over the mess around the door, among them empty bottles of whale oil and what looked suspiciously like a pair of palace maid undergarments. These were not what immediately caught the Prince Regent's eyes, however.

Painted on Vallous' bedroom wall was a giant black octopus, it's eyes looking down accusingly at the small crowd which had gathered below and it's tentacles curled menacingly. There was writing in old Auroran runes above and below the beast. The prophet himself was pacing up and down angrily, muttering to himself. On seeing the Prince Regent, he almost leapt forward.

"What does it say? I can't read this damned old script and no-one else will tell me!"

Octavius took a closer look, his eyes widening as he understood the curling lines.

"Remember Kaius," he trembled as he read the first line before moving on the second, "Never forgive..." he gulped, "and never forget,"

.​

General Omar, the battlefield west of Lot-Vos

"Onwards!" the General shouted as the Auroran fleets regrouped with their mercenary allies and elite brethen, before shifting into a new attack formation. With intelligence shared from the Krakari and these additional troops, Omar felt sure this would be their breakthrough move. If the halflings wanted to talk to him, they'd better be quick about it.

Spoiler: Actions, Part 2

(Major) - Attack Lot-Vos with Auroran navy, including hired mercenaries and elite troops
(Major) - Reattempt colonisation of areas exposed by Cyth's action which were previously scouted, same locations as last time.

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Khyber, the battlefield

Khyber saw the the Auroran navy with their mercenaries at their wings. They moved into an attacking formation towards the coast so Khyber told his troops the same. They spread out to cover as much of the landing zones as possible. With their numbers now, he didn't have to worry about the ranks being spread too thin. There numbers stretched from one horizon to another like a strong tide. The numbers that they carried into battle almost made him feel a bit bad about attacking them. Almost.

Spoiler: Actions

(Major)Attack Ray-Das again with elites and mercenaries

 

[Lil_Rimmy]

On the fields of battle

General Omar looked back at the bird, it hadn't moved since he took the message from him and seemed to be watching him expectantly.

"I suppose I better write a reply then," Omar shrugged, reaching for a quill inside his jacket.

"Oh, that won't be necessary," Without warning the bird disappeared in a flash and was replaced by a halfling. A gasp arose from the officers on the deck, many of them making the sign of the Father with their fingers.

"Huh..." was all that the General could manage in reply, he had to admit it was a good deal more impressive than water-bending, "Are you here to speak for your people?" he asked the bird-man.

"Aye, I am! On behalf of the King Wolf-Keal, we request to know why you have invaded us. This is a simple request, as you know we could care less when a fight starts, we simply wish to know.

Apart from that, we would request a cease-fire, at least between our forces. We have held you at bay, though your fleet and sailing skills are clearly something of renown. The Great God Jas-Hiki would be glad to help and protect you, especially considering the way you can command the waves.

We have quarrel with the bird-men, for reasons obvious and those less, but we have none with you. If anything, after hearing word back from our first contact on the Great God's island, you seemed like true soldiers and sailors, the kind we would wish to trade and ally with.

If we reach a cease-fire, we would be happy to meet any demands or such you may have, depending on how just they are. However, if for some reason those bird-men somehow overrun us, then you would be able to either spilt our territory with them or wipe out their weakened force and take it all for yourself. It's what those bastards deserve, anyway.

Regardless, what say ye? Remember, we would be fine with any deal, but we simply don't want to spill blood of those who don't deserve it. I doubt you brought entire stocks of gold and food with you, so I don't think you deserve to bleed."

General Omar raised an eyebrow.

"I am not party to the minds of our royalty, but I believe this invasion is in response for the attack on our trading allies, the Kratari. Know though that we do not wish to wipe out your nation, only to ensure that the waterways are safe for our traders. In-fact, I have a copy of our positions in final negotiations, sent by the Prince Regent Octavius himself."

He brought out a folded letter, opening it carefully before reading aloud.

"One, the Ray-Das are to cede territory (five standard counties recommended) to the Auroran empire. Two, certain industries are to be reserved for trade between the Raptor States, Aurora and the Ray-Das nation only. Three, the Ray-Das will not wage war against any Trade Federation nation and will allow the posting of certain military forces in bases across Ray-Das territory."

He looked the messenger straight in the eye.

"Agree to these three terms, and hostility will end from our side immediately. What do you say to that?"

The messenger shook his head sadly.

"I am sorry, fellow sailors, but those terms mean the end of our empire. Contact us if the terms change, but you ask far too much, when we could simply crush you. Good luck, I suppose."

The messenger flashed back into a bird and took flight, back towards the land.

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Wolf-Keal handed over the last of the money, and then turned to his men. Speech after command after order followed, and the attack rode out. It was all or nothing.

Spoiler

- Major - Hire 14 Merc Companies (-14 Wealth +14 dice (+4 already))
- Major - Attack and crush the invading armies.
- Minor - Use Elite Troops

 

[EmperorZuma]

Manor of Qartog

Jugaan proudly strode along the halls of the dead god, silently admiring Qartog's architecture. "Quite the intriguing place...I wouldn't be surprised if this the god dwelling here was the reason our previous settlement efforts failed."

Wos prodded some of the furniture with his spear as he followed Jugaan. "Why would a being of such power create such a...useless place?"

"Even gods could use dens, Wos." Jugaan ran a rough hand over the wall near her as she moved. "A place to hold an audience with their followers. A more curious question..." Jugaan paused, causing Wos to suddenly stand at attention behind her. "...is what made the god leave...or what killed her?"

"If something killed her, that would certainly be of use to us."

Jugaan nodded, aware that such a weapon, or being could be of great use in her relationship with Cyth'raul. "Indeed...but something like that may be beyond our reach." Jugaan looked around the room she and Wos stood in, peering down some of the halls. "Those feathered-men say this god was the god of death. Perhaps her former den could yield some deadly arts?"

Highcrag-Den of Haakan

Haakan was pleased, after weeks of trying to get their attention, he finally succeeded in pulling the Stone and Clay Chieftain's favor over to him. All thanks to a new addition to the Silver Tribe: Keplar. His return from the University brought with him the secrets of their Runic power, which he offered to share.

With this new bargaining chip, Haakan looked like a better horse to bet on, now having technology to trump Jugaan's faction's muscle.

Highcrag-Den of the Supreme

Budraal acknowledged the message from the Raptor States' agent. Quickly, he dispatched her to scour the capital, in an attempt to find anyone who tried to undermine his rule.

Spoiler: Actions

1. Counterespionage (employing the Raptor States' agent)
2. Implement Runic Tech
3. Search Qartoq's Manor for secrets (research military tech from whatever remains in the dead-god's home)

(Cultural-Give 2 more pop units to Gangari)

 

[Gabanuka]

The Silver Oak University

For the shrine of a fire god the Lyselium was far too chilly. There was little room for worship of Lysei in a desert, however out of respect the Genners had set up a small alter to their benefactor. Unfortunately they were given a place in the basement where even the Ajivhan sun could not reach.

The Genners were twenty in a university of thousands, few came to them for aid, fewer still for knowledge. Typically studies were limited to basic biology, people figured that since the Genners could form basic life there were in a suitable position to study it. Though there was great potential to their skill nobody had really done anything with it.

One of these nobodies was Agni Saua, the youngest of those blessed by Lysei. Today he was studying where it was rats went when they weren't in front of you, most would say this was pointless but one of the Genners was convinced of some kind of rat commune. This is what led to Agni wandering around the universities basements, nothing but a small Jyotiri to follow. While the others devoted their time to study Agni had embraced creation; when he wast running errands he pushed the limit of his new power, experimenting with it's potential. SO far he had created very basic organisms, the most interesting being his Jyotiri; a dumb floating ball of light which followed as he wished. Playing creator was difficult, even such a small thing drained him utterly. The spark of life was hard enough, but to create a body as well, as was maintaining it.

It was this which lead to the Jyotiri fading and Agni tripping over, landing non-too-gracefully on the stone floor. Either side of him shelves rose to the celing, weighed down with tomes and devices from all manner of schools. As he lay splayed across the ground he felt something digging into his back making the position even more uncomfortable rolling over revealed it to be a small statuette, presumably put down in the basement for storage. It was of a slave boy holding a torch, presumably part of a set accompanying a noble or a Vazin. Agni looked into the eyes of the statue, empty and without life. Then an idea dawned on him.


The Runeitry: Indraj-Alika
If the forge was the beat then Runes were it's song. Ever since his blessing and appointment at the Univeristy Indraj's life had been spent in music.

The Runeitry was one of the Universities best funded departments, an all purpose forge to the east and the enchantment halls to the west. Though much of his time was spent managing and teaching every week Indraj took the time to create himself; one day a sword, the other a shield, another just the axle of a cart. To everything he gave equal attention and affection, finishing each work with a blessing of some sort. While it was a school most of the Runeitry was dedicated to production; everything from arms for the guard to doors which required certain words to open, just as much of it went to those with coin as it did the City.

Today Indraj's task was of a much more delicate nature; recently a patron had asked for a smaller version of the ballistas he had seen on the walls. In theory it was possible, Indraj had worked out that much, however the scale asked for was ridiculous. As far as he could tell it was impossible for a thing that small to have the power necessary to launch a bolt, certainly not one which could cause damage. Perhaps he was looking at it the wrong way.

Spoiler: Actions

Implement basic chemistry
Research Genning golems
Research mechanics (cogs 'n stuff, as you can tell from th post my knowledge on the subject is lacking.)

 

[booksv2]

Spinning to land a final strike on Lysei Jashiki roars in rage and anger as ethereal chains covered in runes appear around him and hold him in the air. Trying to shake them off he can feel them sapping his powers and leaving him weakened as he hangs in the air over the battered and tattered Lysei.

The battle had been too fast and too slow at the same time. But it had still been somewhat boring. Cyth'raul continued to read the conjured up floating book with one eye while keeping another on Jashiki. How pathetic, the water god was like a old, toothless alligator snapping at fish. Lysei wasn't doing so well either, but at least the fire still roared within. Cyth'raul just looked up at the battered water god and said, "Are you done? For you are pinned, outnumbered and outmatched. Give up."

Smiling with bared teeth and trying to shake the chains around him off one last time Jashiki stops and hangs in them. Looking Cyth'raul in the eye and saying low, obviously weakened and finding it hard.
"Pinned, outnumbered and taken by surprise. What do you all want that you would gang up on me in such a manner?"

"Because, you have wronged." Cyth'raul replied as he turned a page.

Lysei began to walk towards Jikashi with sword in hand and said without emotion. "You invaded my home. You corrupted the Emperor of my lands and halted progress. This is unforgivable." The god of flames looked Jikashi in the eyes and continued. "You are from hereon exiled from Aurora. If you should ever return, expect a response similar to this one. Also, you are to serve Cyth'raul until he deems you to be no longer his prisoner."

"Please, I am an abstract concept given form." Cyth'raul muttered. With a waver of hands, the chains become manacles, marking Jashiki as a prisoner.

Laughing and throwing back his head Jashiki looks back down at the tattered Lysei.
"I invaded nothing! I was invited into your homeland. I cured curses, gave them power."
Looking at Cyth-raul as the chains become shackles.
"You have no power to bind me to another, nor keep me from where i wish to go. Do what you were planning to cowards and release me."

"You are rabid." Was the response. The manacles began to suck power from Jashiki, "Therefore you should be put down... a little."

Lysei looked at Jikashi with hatred in his eyes. "Kaius was weak, I was trying to fix him but you offered an easy way out. I can never forgive what you made me do. If you attempt to escape the imprisonment given by Cyth'raul, I will have no choice but to inflict another punishment similar to this one." Lysei then took his runic blade and looked to Cyth'raul. "I agree, Pactmaker" he said as he thrust the glowing blade directly into Jikashi's arm. Lysei said a few words of power and Jikashi could feel his arm growing weaker, he could tell it would be useless for fighting.

Roaring in pain and arching as his arm is stabbed Jashiki thrash's and tries to get out, glaring at Lysei and Cyth'raul.
"Next time come for me yourself coward! You are so fearful of me you need every other god in the world to attack me?! Coward i call you and coward you are. You should have worked with your precious emperor instead of cursing him, then maybe he wouldn't have asked me to save him."

Gangari pulled his spear from Jashiki's back and circled around to his front, only hatred to be seen in his eyes, he slapped Jashiki hard upside the head, and shoved his hand into Jashiki's left eye, his fingers grasping around through the socket until he ripped the eye loose. He screamed, punched him hard in the mouth and started to walk away from the mutilated God.
"Saved him? I'm afraid by offering him a path of leisure, away from the troubles of the world, you doomed him. I am no coward, but I do not play games with my home. I never went to the home of the Ray Das, I never tried to turn your people against you. You broke the one barrier I offered. That is why I have attacked you. If you try to return to Aurora, know that I will destroy you. This, is mercy."

Lysei turned to Gangari and said "Thank you for aiding me, friend. I will return the favor some time within the coming months, after I have recovered." He then turned to Cyth'raul and said "If he causes any problems, just call for me. I will ensure that this pact is fulfilled to the letter." With that, the god of flames and vengeance teleported out. Octavius had been calling for him and he could not afford to waste any more time on Jikashi.

Cyth'raul nodded as Lysei left. Afterwards, the Pact-forger yanked on the chain, walking downwards towards the bottom of the ocean.
"Come with me, let me show you something..." The deity muttered.

Snorting and being dragged down to the bottom of the ocean Jashiki looks at Cyth'raul as he is pulled.
"Like i have a choice till my power comes back."

Spoiler: Actions

Jashiki now has -2 violence and is missing an eye.

Lysei has 1 Ap.

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Gangari - The Ether, Ekaki, Qartog's manor, Silver-root, etc. - 11/15 AP

Gangari's mind was shunted from his body into the ether as he charged at Jashiki, he felt rage fill him and his body began to change becoming wrong and warped. After a moment the realization came him that this was how he appeared in the old days when he served his master upon the battlefield. He had no control over himself as he attacked the other god, a being he had never even spoke to before he condemned him.

His masters influence was lingering past his disappearance from this plane.

When Gangari finally regained control of his body again he found himself dripping in blood in the midst of a battle... somewhere... it didn't matter where... or when it was, it wasn't his place to interfere any more than he apparently already had.

He faded his avatar from reality and began repairing it, changing it back to it's previous form. Keeping the changes he had willingly made. Silver hair, tanned skin, and green robes.

Then he looked into himself, seeing bloody tendrils enveloping himself. It was odd looking at himself like this, this being the first time he had truly seen himself without illusion. He needed to cleanse himself before he could go back to mortals lest he turn on them.

He crafted a bronze runed sphere from the ether and fused the harvested eye with it, locking it within the center covering it with the bronze material. He began to focus upon it, granting it the capacity to contain his essence. Then he fused it with his avatar, placing it in the blank piece of flesh where his left eye should of been, creating a socket and then placing it inside, allowing the false flesh and false metal to combine. After a moment he began forcing the remaining influence of the old gods in him into the sphere.

With something roughly analogous to an eye in the socket, he would no longer need to use a patch to hide his cyclopean nature. He removed it and placed it within a pocket of his robes for later.

After a months work, he decided that he needed to return to reality before he became disconnected from it.

As he formed himself on the peak of Ekaki an echo of an absence hit him, just as Qartog had came into the world she was gone. Though he had never met her it was saddening to him for a creature not unlike him to disappear from the world. The sadness quickly became melancholy as he was all to used to the effects of time on the world.

He teleported himself to the Manor of Qartog and began to wander through its halls, though he heard mortals inside they weren't his concern. As he wandered visions began filling his mind.

Visions of things that were wrong. Unsure if they were warnings or simple memories of old returning, though they all included himself. Images of the fall of his home of Agerra, Images of the men his lord made him slaughter, Images of his tribe being slaughtered... Images of death.

He turned himself incorporeal and went to the library under his university, taking time to read and write in its halls, thinking about the past and future as it sat for him to watch.

He walked to his old cave deep in the the mountain, sealed during his ascension. Inside were things from the old days, things from his tribe. He moved them piece by piece to his new home under his university. The most important item was a bag of ashes from bodies and buildings, fragments of bone and glass. This was all that remained of his children and tribe.

With the veil of death left hanging in the absence of Qartog, the barrier between the worlds was thin to one able to see it.

He began to spread the ashen remains upon the floor and shelves in the depths of his new home while he worked upon his creation, congealing the fragments of the souls within and spreading them upon his first new life, hoping that they would come back to him as he began instilling them into his creation, urging it to grow again. Urging it into the lands of those who would offer him their minds.

Spoiler: Actions

- Created an "artifice of peaceful mind" to contain the remaining influence of his old lords in his mind using Jashiki's Eye as a component.
- Altered Avatar

- Began altering and growing The University of Silver-root to become a larger and more complex organism able to be more than a simple building.
(Should be difficulty 9, with a cost of 3 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll should be +4.)

Spoiler: Silver-root

A thousand feet under the ground are a series of massive spheres composed of diamond hard silvery living metal. Inside the spheres are large libraries accessible only by Gangari. Filling the shelves are thousands of thick tomes filled with runes upon runes each fulfilling different purposes, organized in complex patterns, entwined with eldritch rites, and growing from the shelves upon which they sit. Each sphere is both a nucleus and neural network. They all update simultaneously and are equal to eachother.

They connect through root like structures composed of the same material as their shells. Beyond being used to connect to eachother the roots also go deep into the earth like the roots of any other plant.

Studied in its entirety with the way it is organized, Runes and Patterns, it becomes clear that each sphere is the equivalent of a brain with the spheres connecting to eachother forming a sort of highly advanced neural network.

Currently through the work of Gangari there is a sphere under each of the "hexagons" composing Ajivha, Ekaki, his University, and the caves of the Silver tribe. A few inbetween the lands of the Deep Tribes and Ajivha have formed as well in a slightly lesser fashion similar to transmission pylons so that the connectivity of the consciousness is not easily broken between the the two lands.

The consciousness forming through the network is still nascent and will take time to awaken. It will require further assistance from Gangari to become fully Sentient and capable of using the gifts given to it to their fullest extent.

- Should have 8/15 AP at end of turn

 

[drmigit2]

Lysei, Aurora 1/15 AP

When Octavius finally managed to get away from Vallous, he made his way back to his meeting room. On returning, he was informed that Prince Hwan had retired to his chambers for the night and so he sat down at his desk to work on the Abolition Bill, but he simply couldn't concentrate. He was too rattled by what he had just seen to write, so instead he returned to his knees for the second time that day.

"Lysei, are you there?" he prayed silently, "We need to speak, urgently!"

Lysei appeared next to Octavius, his armor was beaten and worn, but he was grinning ear to ear. It made little sense, without context as Lysei looked near death, but through all of it, all he could do was smile. "What is it that has become so urgent, Octavius?"

Octavius didn't ask about Lysei' state, he was too focused on his own problems. "Well, we pulled off the fake death for Kaius, just as we planned but then..." he could barely bring himself to say the words, "He took his own life." Octavius looked guiltily down at the ground.

Lysei's smile went away and he cocked his head. "That?makes little sense. He was in league with Jikashi, and news of his defeat would not have reached him yet. I find it doubtful that he saw the error in his ways or something to that regard. Do you have the body?"

"The guards did the appropriate funeral rites and burned the body," Octavius replied mournfully, "He left a note and everything, but that isn't the worst of it. Today graffiti mentioning Kaius was painted in Vallous' room, the only conclusion I can reach is that someone knows what we did, Father help us!"

"I know what happened to Vallous' room. He was not happy about it either. I have sent my Weaver to investigate and kill those who would threaten the security of the nation. She is quite skilled in that regard and I suspect she will have them within the month." Lysei sighed started to ponder. Had Kaius really committed suicide? That was entirely out of character for him. Then Lysei jumped up and with a smirk said. "If you truly feel that badly about it, bring me the ashes and I can bring him back to life. The soul is what is important and as a god, it is within my power to revive people."

"I will try," Octavius replied hopefully, "though I fear the ashes may be hard to locate, he was being held in my estate over in Nova Aurora, across the West Sea." He paused and then changed the subject. "There is another important matter to discuss today. Your prophet Vallous informs me that we share the goal of abolishing slavery from this land, is that correct?"

"I can go there myself then. Would not take me long to find them." Lysei then shifted a bit and said "I have been testing the slaves, to see if freedom is what they wish. When I gave them the power to be free, enough risked their lives and died for a chance at breaking their chains. After that, I concluded that slavery would have to be abolished. So yes, we do."

"Good," Octavius smiled, "I'll need your help. I have been drafting a bill for Parliament that I have on good faith would make it through. In short, all slaves who were born into the position or sold because of debt, will be freed from ownership. Those who were convicted of serious crimes will remain in their position, I hope we can agree on that?"

Lysei looked at the draft and with a smile said "I think so. I will admit I did not think you would be moving so quickly. It looks like I may have made the correct choice. Now, there is one more thing. Would you like to know a secret?"

"Well, I haven't quite finished yet... there's a problem," Octavius admitted, "See, the nobles voting on this also own the vast majority of slaves. In short, they want compensation for the loss of their property, which is fair enough. The problem is that the Auroran treasury is particularly low after Kaius' repeated attempts to colonise nearby lands," he huffed, "Is there any chance you could provide a top-up in gold, or even a permanent renewing supply?" the prince asked.

Lysei pondered this. "I could create a gold mine somewhere nearby within the next few months. I will first have to recover from my fight with Jikashi. Speaking of, you will need to begin curtailing worship of the water god as soon as possible. I'm afraid he will recover eventually and while he will be weakened, removing his worship power from Aurora would help with ending Kaius' rebellion against progress."

"Could you not just make the gold... appear already smelted?" Octavius asked cautiously, "Forgive me if this question is naïve, I have no idea how your powers work, but I would be very surprised if there will be agreement to my bill until the funds are secured. And you were fighting with Jashiki?" he inquired "He's real too huh?"

"Well, I could just put a bunch of gold in your treasury. But the mine would be easiest to explain if someone did some investigations. I could make a mine that dispensed pre-smelted gold, but that would just be suspicious to anyone who looked deeper into the incident. I guess it just depends how obvious you want my influence to be on this."

Lysei chuckled a bit, then continued. "Jikashi is real, as is Cyth'raul and Gangari. Qartoq used to be real as well, but likely was so obsessed with the dead that she went ahead and joined them! Anyway, the one responsible for all of this trouble with Kaius is Jikashi. Just as Kaius began to oppose me, statues of Jikashi began showing up. The god and I have quarreled before, so it made sense. We gods derive our power from mortal worship, the more people worshipping us, the more we can do and the stronger we become. So, if you allow this worship of Jikashi to continue, you are quite literally feeding power to the enemy. It's essential you allocate his worship somewhere else."

"I suppose a self-replenishing mine would do, Parliament would probably agree to the deal as long as they didn't have to act until the compensation was secured." Octavius shrugged, "Is that the secret you were going to tell me then, about the worship I mean?"

"Yes, I'm afraid we aren't just asking people worship us out of vanity. It's quite essential to our power that mortals continue worshipping us. That's also why I began to work with the Krakari. In case Kaius pulled something against me. There are many secrets as to the working of gods. That is one. Will you help me by removing the worship of Jikashi?"

Octavius sighed, "We can ban worship of Jashiki publically, but that won't stop some people continuing underground... there's no way to police people's minds. There might be something I know that would help that though." he gestured to some of the papers on his desk. "The fires that wipe out nobles each week, people don't like them, they say it's 'unFather-like'. Halt those and I guarantee your worship would soar overnight."

Lysei laughed. Not in a way that a human would laugh, and the room rumbled a tiny bit. His armor began to reshape and flames began to emanate from his body. "This can be done, but only if a deal is made. Do you know what I gave to Kaius?"

"No, I do not," Octavius replied, "What did you give him?"

"I gave him the ability to see. To see what the nobles were doing. He took it as a curse and refused to act on it. The divine fires will stop only if the court will persecute those who abuse the commoners." With a wicked smile, Lysei reached out his hand and said. "I promised you power, are you ready to accept it, mortal?"

"Yes, I accept," Octavius took Lysei's hand and shook it, "The fires must be replaced by impartial justice, as the Father mandated. I will apply it without prejudice... assuming you hold your side of the bargain, of course,"

Lysei's flames began to envelop Octavius and invaded his mind. His fantasies of power began to take shape and his body began to take form to them. Lysei left Octavius in a shower of flames, he would go ahead and see if Kaius truly had died. He wondered what Octavius would do with his new powers.

Spoiler: Actions

Bless Octavius with superpowers. (Up to JoJo as to what they are) +4 Flames. DC: 5 1 AP

 

[Terratina.]

Cyth'raul, Ocean → Sliver-root → Highcrag - 14/15 AP

"I hope you learn humility by then." Cyth'raul dryly replied to the weakened water god. Suddenly, the deity rushed back to the surface, poor Jashiki was yanked along as well. Now, the two hovered above Cytundeb. Cyth'raul whispered something into the water god's ear then threw him towards the island. With that done, the Pactforger then began its survey of the mortal lands.

And in the desert, something was changing.

With a switch in state, Cyth'raul descended and although it was something repulsive for a god to lower itself and disguise itself as a mortal, the deity did so. The form of the olive-skinned humans was easy to mimic. With that done, Cyth'raul entered the University of Sliver-root and quickly came to the conclusion that it was a wondrous place.

Maybe it would be good to help?

The disguised god swiftly found a place to sit and concentrated its energies into the floor of the University, or was it just an Ajivam taking a short break from the desert heat? Only the divine would know. Satisfied, Cyth'raul exited the University and found a quiet corner to free itself from the repugnant flesh.

Free and flying, the deity went and finished the last task on the proverbial list.

It was simply polite to keep up with old friends, after all. "Jugaan, how fare you? A lot has changed in a small amount of time, it seems. Tiresome wars have been waged and so many things have changed hands. But, to me, it has been so silent. 'Tis a shame. And so I find myself wanting of conversation..."

Spoiler: Actions/OOC

Assist Gangari with +4 Guidance, with the -2 Contractual Constraint as well.
Speak to a mortal.

 

[EmperorZuma]

Manor of Qartog

"Jugaan, how fare you? A lot has changed in a small amount of time, it seems. Tiresome wars have been waged and so many things have changed hands. But, to me, it has been so silent. 'Tis a shame. And so I find myself wanting of conversation..."

Jugaan suddenly stopped in place as she heard Cyth'raul's whisper, causing several of the Luug working around her to pause and look up at her, only to be rushed back into what they were doing with a harsh glance from their Chieftain. Jugaan then quickly moved to a quieter place in the manor, away from prying eyes. "I fare well, Cyth'raul, all things considered. With the help of your creation, we have finally taken the lands we desired, and have found the den of a dead god!"

Jugaan looked around the architecture of the room she choose to pray in, thinking that perhaps Cyth'ral might be able to help in their investigation. "Cyth'raul, how much do you know of this 'Qartog'? Most of what I know came from the vagabonds that living around the manor that were...evicted when we settled the caves below. Even then, they did not know much."

 

[Terratina.]

Cyth'raul, Highcrag - 14/15 AP

"Good news, good news." Cyth'raul smiled, however the smile didn't last, "'Tis a shame that Qartog is dead. I do not know much about her, only of her domain and that she asked me to assist in building a place for herself. I accepted, the price being a favour that will never be cashed in. A shame."

That was all the Pactforger would say, no point in bellyaching.

Jugaan gave a low hum of understanding as she moved about the room she was in, prodding a vase out of curiosity, only to have it break under the stress of the bulky Luug's probing.

Then, it dawned on her. "Hmmm...Cyth'raul, what do you know of Gangari? Another Chieftain, one who thinks himself my rival..." Jugaan snorted a laugh at the pathetic notion. "...returned from those desert-people's University, apprently blessed with strange powers. He's converted his own Tribe to Gangari's faithful, and now seeks to bring more to this god's fold."

"Yes." Cyth'raul replied, "He strikes me as a hermit that is all too fond of sand."

"But he is not apparently afraid of more...solid places." Jugaan decided there was no point in hiding in such a secluded room, deciding to leave and walk down the empty halls of the manor. "The Silver Tribe alone is no threat, but I've heard from my subordinates in Highcrag that another Luug, a Moss one I believe, has also returned from the University, apparently gifted with the knowledge to propagate the power Haakan is 'blessed' with, without the need for Gangari to spread it...This is a complication."

"And you wish for 'something' to happen to this 'Haakan'?" Cyth'raul grinned.

Jugaan gave the closest thing a Luug could give to a smirk, though it quickly faded. "A thought, but I think events have progressed too far for such an act to stop this. The entire Silver Tribe is motivated now, seeing a chance to reclaim their former glory. If Haakan were to fall, another would just take his place, and perhaps even start more overt acts in the wake of such a death."

Jugaan shrugged to the empty air. "I must admit, I'm not entirely sure how to proceed. Currently, those faithful to you and under my sway outnumber Haakan's faction; but the Iron Tribe, which would never follow my direction because of Os'lan's distaste for me, and the largest Tribe among us, the Bronze Tribe, are unspoken for. If, as a bloc, they were to be pulled to one side of the struggle, the faction that wins their support would be able to crush the opposition. Unfortunately, at the moment, the power the Silver Tribe is able to distribute gives them a much more tempting offer than our side."

There was a stroke of the chin, perhaps the deity had overestimated the Luug capacity for treachery. No matter, the solution was simple. How boring the bidding game was, but if Cyth'raul had to play it, so be it. There was a low chuckle behind the words as the reply came shooting back, "Then we simply make sure that we have the more tempting offer, either by blessing or by curse."

"Ahh.." Jugaan nodded, her mind already dipping into the realm of possibility. "...that would certainly even the odds, if not tip them back to our side." Musing for a moment, Jugaan remembering an old tale she once read on the Lore Stones, an ability given to the Luug during Therax's reign. "If we were to match Gangari's power with one of our own...it could be the old art of Pathfinding. It was a gift that allowed the old explorers to easily find new lands to settle, though it apparently it died out among the Luug with Therax left us."

"Powers, powers, powers..." Cyth'raul droned on, "There is more to this than Gangari and the rest of the Deep Tribes. Soon the world will be filled with divinely empowered mortals; runic magic and waterbending are just the start. I urge you to think on this, carefully."

Jugaan scratched her chin, causing some dust to flake off and fall onto the nicely-polished floor. "Cyth'raul, can you curse a power in and of itself, or only the people that practice it?"

"I see no reason why I cannot do the former." Cyth'raul answered, "If anything, it would be an interesting test of my skills."

"Then yes, let us render Haakan's powers moot. Curse the practitioners of this 'Runic Magic' with some sort of malaise. It does not need to kill, just hinder those who have it so that no one else would want such a power for themselves." Jugaan thought for a moment as to what an apt price for this would be. A guarantee of worshippers would no doubt be a pleasing offer, but she did not know if she could actually bring any more Luug into the fold. After thinking for a moment, she went with her best bet. "To pay, I will work within the Bronze Tribe to try and pull them to your side. I do not know if all with come, but certainly a number will join if they see what fate your 'enemies' succumb to."

"An uncertain price, for an uncertain boon. Fair." The deity said as the book appeared once again and the terms of the Pact were recorded, "The Pact is done."

 

[IFS]

Gangari

Something went wrong, the god couldn't be sure of what but the roots didn't stretch deep enough and the effort of growing them drained resources it shouldn't have from the tree itself. The university was not dead of course, something so massive would take a great deal to fell, but it was weakened by the failure and its new roots were stunted and deformed, efforts to grow it further would be even more difficult as a result.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lysei

The flames settled over Octavius, imbuing him with power though of what sort remained to be seen. He certainly wouldn't compare to the weaver in strength, but he at least was now placed above other mortals.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Battle

A two pronged attack was launched by the invaders, Aurora managing to pull away all the mercenary forces the Ray-Das had employed leaving an opening the Krakari happily pressed. The advantage stayed with them until they had reached Lot-Vos itself! But there, their hired hands exhausted, the Ray-Das began their counteroffensive managing to push the invaders back to the sea and their ships. Fortunately for all sides involved the mercenary forces sustained the majority of the casualties, though in the end no significant ground was gained by either side.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Aurora

While the battle raged to the south the Auroran settlers made another attempt, though they soon returned once more without explanation. Their efforts seemed halfhearted, perhaps demoralized by past failures or by the superstitions surrounding the new land.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Deep Tribes

Searching through the manor revealed little, it seemed likely that the brigands that had once been called to the place had looted it after the goddess's departure. That or the goddess's secrets, if they existed, were quite cleverly concealed.

Meanwhile the Krakari agent turned up nothing, if there were agents hidden in the deep tribes it seemed they had managed to avoid detection this time.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sammah Ajivha-Tahna

The university once more proved to be the grounds for fantastic successes, the new theories regarding chemistry spread quickly and advances were rapidly made in other areas. New theories on basic mechanics were quickly developed as well and advances were even discovered in the strange art of genning. It would of course take funding and effort to spread or implement the discoveries but no one could doubt the impressiveness of the achievements being made.

 

[JoJo]

High Prince Octavius, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Octavius' scalp burned as Lysei moved through him and then in an instance the god was gone, leaving the man in a confused heap on the floor. He cried out as the heat poured through his body, reforging it with fire. He blinked and in that moment saw several acts of corruption happening at the hands of nobles across Aurora, he shook his head and the images disappeared from view. The pain slowly ebbed out of him and he got to his feet, looking at his hands in amazement. Though he felt nothing and nor was he being injured in the slightest, flames were dancing on his hands.

After admiring his newly found power for a couple of minutes, Octavius pushed the flames back into his hands and instead thought instead about a dream he'd had ever since he'd been a boy, would it be possible now? Suddenly he found himself hovering above the ground, a pair of flaming wings beating from his back.

"Woah!" he laughed aloud as he floated out of the open window, far above the palace gardens. People below, from princes to peasants, stopped what they were doing and starred up at amazement at the airbourne man.

"Look at me!" Octavius shouted, "I'm flying, Father Matthias I'm flying!"

"Uncle Octy!" He heard a cry and looked down to see his nephew the Emperor waving at him from a seat in front of the main courtyard. Octavius swooped down over onlooker's heads, knocking off a few hats as he swept past, and grabbed a hold of the boy, pulling him by his arms into the air.

"Hey!" Maximus cried in alarm, "What's happening?"

"We're flying my boy, flying!" Octavius laughed, "Don't worry, you're quite safe. Lysei gave me these powers."

He thought he saw the young Emperor's brow momentarily knit when he mentioned the fire god's name, but then it passed to be replacement with astonishment.

"Where are we going Uncle?" Maximus asked excitedly.

"Up," the Prince Regent said simply and the pair shot upwards towards the heavens, Maximus clinging onto Octavius as tight as he could.

"Woah..." It was an amazing view, the whole city of Nova Verde, the nearby sacred hill and the other mounts rolled away as far as the eye could see. Right on the eastern horizon, the tropical Middle Auroran Sea sparkled like a jewel. Octavius darted through the clouds, up and down and around in circles, glancing around him as if he was searching for something hidden out of sight.

"What are you looking for?" Maximus asked curiously.

"The holes..." Octavius replied quietly, "Many of our earliest tales say the first humans came to this world through holes in the sky, many centuries before the Father incarnated as Matthias."

"How would they do that, wouldn't they fall?"

"Some say they came in flying boats with wings," Octavius paused for thought, "Some others, on the backs of flying whales!"

"Flying whales?" the young Emperor exclaimed incredulously, "They aren't real, are they?"

"Who knows?" the Prince Regent shrugged, "Not any-more they aren't, apparently. And nor are the holes from what I can see."

After exploring some more, the pair descended back towards the city and into the palace gardens, where onlookers gathered below in amazement. As they landed, every person present bowed before then, noble and commoner alike.

"My friends," the Prince Regent called out, "I have received a message from Lysei the Father himself. From this day forth, all worship of the god Jashiki to be considered heresy within the borders of Aurora, to be met with the usual penalties of banishment or death. I command you in the name of the Emperor to smash every statue, tear down every tapestry, convert every priest! Go now and do not return until this is done!"

"Huh," Maximus exclaimed, "I didn't...!"

"Shhh, I'll tell you later," Octavius whispered hurriedly, covering the boy's mouth. The crowd departed as fast as their feet could carry them, bringing news of the holy revelation to everyone they encountered. By nightfall mobs were gathering around the city and knocking on doors, raiding temples and burning every piece of memorabilia related to Jashiki in any way. Some priests of the water god were hacked to death where they stood, others given the choice to repent before the angry crowd and swear allegiance to the Father and Lysei. Those who did were allowed to escape with their lives, those who refused were thrown into the fires built up with wooden statues of Jashiki, the city guards standing by with approval as this happened.

Families around the city hid as the mob ran out of priests to interrogate and turned on the populace, beating oaths of loyalty out of any who were found carrying trinkets of the water god and then robbing them, their homes and shops for good measure. By the time dawn broke the next day houses were still burning around the city, many people afraid to show their faces from would be remembered forever more as the Night of the Tall Flames.

Spoiler: Note

(Minor) - Adjust Aurora's worship points to 8 points for Lysei, 7 for Jashiki

Note that Octavius now has the power to fly, summon fire from any body part and can see acts of corruption committed by nobles within Aurora.

 

[EmperorZuma]

Jugaan's Den, Formerly Qartog's Manor

The Golden One nodded with approval as her Luug went about reshaping the dead god's former home. Tunnels were dug to connect it with the settlement below, and the walls outside were being fortified with strong earthworks. Even if the dead god's secret remained hidden from her, Jugaan would see that the god's den become one for herself.

As she stood for a moment to admire a earthen fortification, Wos approached. "Golden One, I...I find it odd that were remain here, the dead god's den revealed no secrets to us."

"The den still has use..." Jugaan turned to face Wos, seeing a clear puzzled expression on his face. "...this feat of construction is strong, designed by a god to be a proper den. I plan to make it the new home for the Gold Tribe."

"We're abandoning Highcrag, our other settlements?!"

"Of course not, I'm just choosing to make this god's den my own, to get away from the brutish fools in the capital." Jugaan almost winced at the sharp pain that shot through her shoulder, memories of Budraal's attack now refreshed. "From here, we can project our power far further than if I was restricted to operating within the capital."

Wos nodded, looking to the east where the mountains gave way to forests and plains. "It is an advantageous position."

"Yes, between our settlements blocking advance north and those feathered-people to the east, we stand at a position of opportunity." Jugaan paused as she turned back to the budding fortress. "But first, my new den needs to be reinforced, in case others grow jealous of our advantage."

Highcrag-Den of the Supreme

Budraal was displeased by what the Raptor States' agent had learned. While she had apparently found nothing of note, her notes did not even reveal any new knowledge that the Supreme did not already posses. "Lazy spy...these feathered folk are not proving their worth!"

Crushing the weak paper to the point of disintegration, Budraal ordered his most loyal servants convey a tablet of private matters to the Krakari agent. If she could not find a saboteur, or at least more pertinent information with this insight into Luug affairs, then she no longer had a purpose in Highcrag.

Spoiler: Actions (2/3)

1. Transform Qartog'sformer Manor into a Citadel.
2. Counterespionage (employing Raptor States' agent).

 

[Gabanuka]

Grand Ajivha: Palace of the Vazin, The Vazin's Private Chamber

Again came the knock on his door. Again came the food from his kitchen. Again the Vazin took his meal alone.

He was unsure how long it had been,this self imposed exile. Days blend together easily when you have nothing to do but think.

The Arena had been his breaking point. IN but a few years the world as he knew it was changing around him. At first it had been simple; maintain a smile, make some deals, ally with the most beneficial god. Then, before he knew it, wars were breaking out, Gods were plotting like men, his grand city became the centre of knowledge. The benefits were staggering but something just felt wrong to the Vazin; what kind of God acts as a man? All powerful being as petty as his courtiers, throwing gifts to the masses, begging for some kind of stage. As normal his meal was accompanied by a list of events, though he no longer ruled as he had Visor Dhurta kept him informed, every once in awhile the Vazin sent an order out trusting to would be done.

Recent events intrigued him; a young Genner had made some interesting advancements, his trusted smith had crafted some new trinket to sell. He mulled over the papers for awhile, various thoughts and concepts floating around his head. In the end his orders were clear.

Finishing his dinner (or was it lunch?) the Vazin closed his eyes in rest.

Again came the knock on his door. Again came the food from his kitchen. Again the Vazin took his meal alone.

The Runeitry: Indraj-Alika

Indraj was at his workbench, tweeking some of the recent designs he had made. The forge was too large to deal with the scale he wanted; the cogs needed to be smaller than a man's finger nail, as delicate as a sand-crystal. His last few days had been spent with a small wheel of iron and a chisel, picking away until it was the shape he envisioned.

Today the work was interrupted by one of the Universities annoying little Ibis. He was about to lay into the boy but the words stopped him dead.

'Orders from the Vazin sir, he has a Job for you.'

Spoiler: Actions

Implement clockwork
Implement advanced genning
Hidden actions (minor)

 

[JoJo]

General Omar, the battlefield west of Lot-Vos

The General sighed as the last of the Auroran troops sailed their way back into the blockade formed by the Trade Federation ships. The battle had raged for days but neither side could seem to get an advantage, perhaps both being tactically cautious. Omar had finally decided to order a temporarily halt to restock and take count of where they stood.

"Casualties?" he asked dejectedly.

His second in command, Captain Fallan, looked down at the scraps of paper he'd been passed by various officers of the seven battalions that lead the attack.

"Well, there's good news and bad news," he started, "the bad, well we're out of mercenaries and I doubt there'll be many more coming over the horizon any-time soon," he paused to take a sip of water, "on the bright side though, all of our battalions are still largely intact, we're easily ready for another assault when the order..."

"What are we waiting for then!" General Omar thundered, "the new Emperor has given us a divine task to fulfil, protecting holy Aurora, and what are doing here? Two great nations, matched by no more than a bunch of South Sea raiders and their hired hands! We are failing his Imperial Majesty..."

Captain Fallan stared at his superior, he'd never seen the General lose his cool and calm demenaor before. He supposed the stress of battle could get to anyone after a while, especially if you would have to explain any failures to the King of Kings himself afterwards.

"I assume you want to attack again?"

"Of course I bloody do!"

.​

Prince Torus, Great Channel Island


"Are you sure this is the one?" Prince Torus asked as a vast island appeared over the horizon in the direction the small fleet was sailing.

"Absolutely," the young man replied, looking up from his charts, "there's only one island that matches the description of the one from which the great voice of Cyth'rual came, this has to be the isle we're looking for. Great Channel Island, I believe our scouts labelled it when they explored this archipelago while back, also known as Cytundeb by some."

"Excellent," Torus smiled. It had been worth leaving the Imperial Court to sail on the calm waters of the Channel, he had needed a holiday for a while and he trusted that Octavius, Lord Olin and Vallous would be able to manage without him. Overseeing a minor project like this was the perfect excuse to escape for a while.

Soon enough the expedition had landed on the beaches of the island, where sailors began unloading piles of wood, tools and supplies. The place seemed to be deserted, as far as they could see.

"Perhaps we were the first to get here?" Torus enthused to the young navigator, "Not that it matters anyway, the voice was very clear about what would happen if any of us mortals tried to lay claim to it,"

The pair then offered a short prayer to Cyth'rual thanking it for the island and promising good intentions, before they went to help the rest of the crew assemble Aurora's newest trading post.

Spoiler: Actions

(Major) - Attack Lot-Vos with Auroran navy, including elite troops
(Major) - Reattempt colonisation of areas exposed by Cyth's action which were previously scouted, same locations as last time
(Major) - Establish trading post on Great Channel Island/Cytundeb

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Khyber, the battlefield

The men were getting restless at the lack of any real progress. They had made progress before and nearly reached Lot-Vos itself! Still, Khyber could no longer rely on the mercenaries sent but he did know that Gora would help one way or another. Even Khyber knew that war wasn't necessarily good for business in the long run. This war had to end fast and that Krakaris would do anything in his power to do so. They had all either perished or fled in the last battle but the Krakris still had their advantages. The Sacred Band were eager and ready to make a mark on history itself so Kyber decided to use them once more. He collected his troops and commanders once more, devising plans and battle tactics but a messenger marched in their command room aboard on of the many ships.

"Sir, the Aurorans are sailing out once more. They seek to meet the Ray-Das in battle!" The messenger said. Khyber nodded and turned to his fellow officers.

"Then we must honor our agreements and help our allies. In this conflict, one cannot support with another. A shield wall is strongest with men to hold it. Send the word to the Sacred Band and the men. We fly with them." Khyber said and just like that, the officers rushed about to their troops to bring the word.

"Once more into the breach..." Khyber muttered as he readied for battle once more.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Cawles, the University

Cawles arrived at the university with some ample talk about her. She didn't expect any less as she was the last person Qartoq privately spoke with. Her powers also drew eyes to her as well. Still, she was there to learn and help her nation in any way she could.

With a new group of followers came a new group of orders from the Elders. They are to find anything to help with the war effort. She frowned at such a request. They could look into a number of technologies to help their race and their allies but she could see that the faster they could end the war, the less lives would be taken by it.

She met Gylen, Solaire and Kyros with his little pet. They all seemed good people but Solaire seemed a bit disenchanted ever since Qartoq left and Cawles couldn't blame her. Gylen is the one that leads the scholars here and there she also learned of the other God that gave them powers in the form of their tattoos. She wondered if she was going to receive powers as well. Along with her necromancy, the power of the runes seemed interesting to wield.

Cawles went to work right away, diving into the depths of the libraries for anything that could help them fight the halflings. Some sort of chemistry was already used in the university but Cawles wondered about the more advanced chemical reactions and mixtures. Using the information of the past discoveries, she wondered if there were any chemical reactions that would produce a mixture able to be harnessed. She brought her hypothesis to her peers and began research.

Spoiler: Actions

(Major)Attack Ray-Das with Sacred Band
(Major)???
(Major)Research advanced chemical reactions-using University bonus

 

[EmperorZuma]

Cytundeb-Bronze Settlement

Daal returned to the island the Bronze Tribe claimed after his failed attempt to rally the Supreme into action. In the weeks that followed the inital settlement, the colony had done well. The inital tunnels that dug into the sand had been solidified, and the dig towards bedrock had bore fruit. While procurement of food was still a problem, the colony looked like it could be self-sufficient within the year.

However, while Daal rested in his meager den within the colony, he felt something...odd, in the sands that were above him. Normally, the Luug would sense sand as a formless pile, with definitions of objects within the sand being fuzzy and hard to make out. Right now, Daal could clearly see that something with amnipulating the sand, driving it downwards and compacting it. "What is this...?" Daal mused aloud before summoning a guard detail to follow him to the source.

Soon, the group emerged from the tunnels and found what was causing the disturbance: a group of humans building on top of the sand. Perched behind a shallow dune, the Luug were not immediately spotted, but their intention wasn't just to spy. "Mhmmph, they dare seek to lay claim to our land..." Daal muttered with a tone of distaste, but also a hint of boredom hung on his words. "Come..." Daal beckoned his guards to follow him over the dune. "...let us see if we can spare ourseleves the effort of ridding this island of vermin."

The Bronzed One approached the outskirts of the outpost, scaring the laborers that saw the monster that towered over them approach. Once he felt like he had come close enough, Daal shouted in the Common tongue, though the sand around him still shifted as the Luug spoke. "I am Daal, Chieftain of the Bronze Tribe! I wish to speak to your leader!"

The men spoke among themselves briefly in their native language, before one ran off and returned moments later with an old man dressed in fine robes and sporting a long white beard. With a raised eyebrow, he gave the Luug a short bow.

"Greetings," he said in Common, "I am Prince Torus, Duke of Manor and Envoy of Aurora in these seas. I see we are not the first to reach these isles, who might you be?"

Daal grunted with slight frustration as he repeated himself, lowering his hulking form so that neither person had to strain their neck to look each other in the eye. "I am Daal, Chieftain of the Bronze Tribe. I demand to know why you are here, the Deep Tribes claimed this island months ago."

"We are here on the invitation of the great Cyth'rual, who decreed this island a neutral territory for trading only," Torus replied firmly, returning the brute's gaze, "I assume you are aware of the watery fate that awaits any who break that pact, and besides, we are only here to trade. Should we go to my quarters to talk more? It's not much but it's better than standing out here all day," he added with a chuckle.

"I doubt I would fit in one of your dwellings..." Daal looked around with a shrug. "You small-folk make your den entrances too small." Returning to the subject, Daal hadn't remembered Cyth'raul decreeing anything about the island. Then again, he hadn't really been paying attention to much beyond the management of the Tribe. Regardless, Cyth'raul was Jugaan's god, Daal was certain that he could deal with that problem when it came up. "Arrangements have changed..." Daal finally spoke of the topic at hand. "...Cyth'raul has allowed our claim to exist through a new Pact. This island is ours." Daal paused, looking toward the shore to see the supplies the Auroran had brought to build the trading post. "However, if you are so set on building this outpost, then perhaps we can come to our own arrangement." Daal grinned a toothy smile, showing the sharp rocks that made up the Luug's mouth.

"I have my doubts about your claim, pacts are rarely so easily broken, especially ones heard by half the world," Torus replied with a smile of his own, "Nevertheless, I think we can come to an agreement. Is it true that your race has huge stockpiles of mineral wealth? Aurora is in the market for such goods right now..."

"Such trade can be carried out elsewhere, by others of our kind. The arrangement I offer is to allow this outpost to exist, for a modest fee. Because, while you may doubt our claim, and I can give no proof of my deal with Cyth'raul..." Daal leaned in a bit closer so that only the Prince could hear. "There are at least five Luug for every small-folk on this island. I do not care for using force, especially when this world is already plagued with war. However, if it ever were to come to violence..." Daal paused a leaned further back. "...I believe the saying is: the outcome would be a foregone conclusion."

"Pah," Torus shrugged, "This is no war expedition, we are but traders and labourers, I'll give you that. Do not forget though that behind this small group lies countless more men in Aurora, it would be a great waste for both our nations to fight over a meager island such as this, which believe me is what would eventually happen if your race was to initiate violence on us." He raised a querying hand, "What would be this modest fee?"

Daal let the threat wash over him, for it was hard to take the small-folk seriously when they talked about nebulous figures on the other side of the continent. "For now, I will allow to finished constructing your outpost, when you finish and trade begins to flow, I will send one of my Luug to come collect a...tax. It should be a..." Daal paused as he thought about what a good price would be. "...quarter of whatever profit this post generates. Do you agree to this arrangement?"

"Not quite," Prince Torus replied shaking his head, "Ten percent would be a more equitable figure, and first I would like to see some proof from your god that the pact has indeed changed. Do that and you have yourself a deal,"

"Has this island sunk back into the sea?" Daal growled, stamping his foot down and digging it into the beach. "We have been here for months. If the Pactforger believed her pact broken, it has had plenty of time to act. Certainly the fact that the island is still here is proof enough of the new deal."

Daal then lifted his foot back out of the ground and grunted, now annoyed by the Prince's continued obstinance. "This island is ours, you have no right to be here in the first place. I have no reason to give you an equitable price. A quarter of whatever this outpost procures or I see no reason to allow you to be here."

"The gods move in different ways to us mortal folk," Torus pointed out, "Perhaps they have not had time to consider this isle yet. Are you really willing to risk an entire three counties for the sake of a few gold pieces? Ten percent, proof can be put aside for now, how's that sound?"

Daal held his stance for a moment, considering the Prince's offer. His bluff had got him nowhere, but to accept the offer now would be to basically admit he was lying the whole time. Was the island worth his posturing? Daal was not sure, but he knew the loss of face for letting a foreign power squat on the Deep Tribes' land would certainly cost him dearly in the eyes of the Supreme and the other Chieftains.

Sighing, Daal lowered himself once more. "A. Quarter. If you do not accept this price, then I will give you until the next sunset to leave. Anyone who remains after that stays at their own peril."

"I'm afraid we cannot accept that high a price, not without evidence of your claims," Torus shook his head sadly, "Let's not come to blows over this though, come back tomorrow and we can talk some more. This trading post will benefit both our nations, tax or not."

Daal stood up, erect and with a frustrated grimace on his face. "I will not return tomorrow, not until after the sun sets. If you are still here, then it will come to blows."

With that, the Bronzed One rallied his guards and left, returning to the settlement. While he doubted the Aurorans were dumb enough to remain on the island, he marshaled his forces and planned for an assault on the outpost, in case they stayed.

 

[drmigit2]

Katalia, the palace

Octavius sat back down in his office, blood still coursing through his veins like it hadn't for years, not since he'd seen battle as a young man. He had really flown, in front of all those people and carrying the Emperor... 'not like my usual self' he chuckled to himself.

Suddenly he heard group of people shouting outside his door, mostly deep and gruff but one high and shrill cutting above the rest.

"What in the Father's name is going on out there?" he called out to them.

"We have a woman here to see you-" The guards began before Katalia cut them off and barged into Octavius' office. She shoved the guards away and said "You are all lucky Lysei told me to stay restrained! I could paint the castle with your guts if I wanted." Then she closed the door and looked at Octavius, took a deep breath and said "I am the Weaver, apparently someone is threatening Vallous because he had a hand in killing Kaius, right?"

"Don't say that so loudly!" Octavius replied alarmed, glancing around the room, "Yes," he continued in a hushed tone, "Earlier today someone pained a giant octopus on his wall, with the words 'Remember Kaius, Never Forgive, Never Forget'! Dear gods, they must know..."

Katalia chuckled. "So you did do it! I was only guessing before but this makes it so much better. Kind of a shame, Kaius was a terrible ruler, but he wasn't a terrible guy. I warned him about opposing Lysei, surprised he had you do it instead of me though. Sounds like you need a stack of bodies, I can do it. Chances are good they will strike again and when they do, I will sweep up whoever moves, get some information out of them and then add them to the pile."

"Yes, I need you to find these people immediately, if this gets out the whole regime could be finished," Octavius said urgently, "I'd rather we follow the rule of law though, I ask that anyone you catch is handed over to the palace tribunals for a fair trial," he sighed before adding, "You can always carry out the final sentence, if you wish?"

Katalia shrugged. "If that's how you want it done. Just one thing though, sometimes the people involved would be inconvenient to put on trial. If I think that might be the case, I suppose I could come to talk to you about it, or would you rather I just make em' disappear?"

"Talk to me first," Octavius replied confidently, "I have fears that some of these terrorists may be high up in the court, perhaps even sitting in my Parliament as we speak!" He thrust his fist down angrily on the table, "It could be politically inconvenient for them to just disappear, so confer with me before acting." He paused for thought. "Do you have anything you wish to request to help the investigation?"

"Yeah." Katalia said, and smirked. "A map of the palace, with any hidden compartments and other such things would be nice. Aside from that, I think we can have some heads rolling pretty soon." Katalia took out a knife that Octavius immediately recognized as the one Lysei handed to him a while back. "Make sure this ends up in Vallous' possession. Lysei needs him to be capable of defending himself."

"He'll have it within the hour," Octavius said, taking the knife from Katalia, "This will help you," he added, opening a drawer and taking out a fading map drawn on parchment, which he gave the Weaver, "This has everything on, even the serving corridors,"

"Works for me." Katalia took the map and rolled it up before stuffing it in one of her boots. "I will be watching. Make sure you keep this a secret." Katalia then walked out the door, Octavius could briefly see the guards who she had knocked out rub their heads and groan before she closed the door.

Katalia was looking at the map and found a few good hiding spots. Before the guards could wake up, it was like Katalia had never even been in the palace. She would be watching for any suspicious activity, nothing would get by her.