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

[JoJo]

High Prince Octavius and Katalia, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Octavius came away from the Noble Parliament with a spring in his step, finally something had gone his way. It was with a sinking feeling however he remembered the next task in the day's agenda, to meet Katalia at Vallous' bedroom. The chamber had been left exactly as it had been found, corpse and all, to preserve any evidence the assassin may have left behind. The guards on watch that night had been scheduled to attend too. He made his way through the palace corridors, hailing Katalia when he saw her standing outside the scene of the crime.

"Thank you for coming," he sighed.

Katalia had a blank look on her face. She had told them to protect Vallous, this wasn't her kind of protecting. The poor guy had been stabbed to death with his pants down. Katalia looked up at Octavius and said "Lysei isn't going to be pleased when he sees this, if he hasn't already."

"To be fair, he apparently requested that most of the guards leave the corridor for his privacy, you can't blame us for that," Octavius groaned, opening the door in front of them. Vallous was lying on the bed, half undressed and surrounded by a dried pool of blood. His eyes were open, his face still in it's final expression of shock at the knife protruding from his guts. Smeared on the wall in blood was the rough shape of an octopus, albeit with only six legs. "Damn Octopi, what is wrong with these people?" Octavius muttered.

"The deal has changed, Octavius. All those associated with this group are going to die." Katalia took the knife out of Vallous' stomach and closed his eyes. "Good job on getting the bill passed." Katalia then turned toward the door.

"I was on patrol when he retired for the final time, eh... mistress," one of the guard's volunteered.‏

Katalia shot the guard a cursory glance and said "There likely exists Octopi in the castle itself. I want to personally interview everyone myself."

"Soldier, go with Katalia to help her identify the killer," Octavius snapped to the guard, before turning to Katalia, "The bill passed this morning. Interview whoever you like, but we follow the rule of law in this palace, even the Octopi will get a trial before their execution," he let out a short laugh, "and there won't be any reprieves after this, believe me,"

"Yes, sir, lead the way, mistress," the guard replied and began to follow Katalia.

Katalia stepped outside and brought the guard into a side room. She looked around and after feeling comfortable with the privacy said "you saw him last, tell me everything you know."

"He was with a woman... a comfort lady," the guard said uncomfortably, "We weren't meant to talk about it but he brought 'em back all the time. He ordered us to leave for some privacy right, but as I was leaving I caught a glimpse of her face. Couldn't put a name to her now, but I reckon I could pick her out of a crowd,"‏ He gulped nervously, before adding, "The comfort ladies quarters are on the bottom floor, towards the Sirius wing, if you're inclined to visit,"

"Then why haven't you locked it down yet?" Katalia glared at the guard and began walking towards the wing. "I want all of them rounded up."

"Of course, I'll pass the order on right away," the guard said apologetically and quickly left the room. By the time Katalia reached the quarters, around fifty or so women had been assembled and surrounded by guards. They were a varied bunch, aged anywhere from teenagers to middle aged and representative of every ethnicity found in Aurora, plus a haggard Krakari female. Some were nursing infants and all looked distressed at the sudden turn of the events. The guard who had given the order ran in out of breath behind Katalia as she arrived.

Katalia looked at the girls, on any other day she would have felt pity for them, today was not any other day. "In case anyone was wondering, I am Lysei's weaver. One of you likely has betrayed him by murdering his prophet. We will be thorough and I promise, whoever did this will pay dearly." Katalia motioned for the guard to pick out who was responsible.

"Hm..." the guard mumbled, "It was either that one... or that one,"

Katalia glared at the guard. "I can't torture someone on a maybe. It either is that one, or it isn't."

The guard looked again and pointed to a pair of mainlander girls standing near the back, most likely in their late teens. One burst into tears at his accusing finger and the other put an arm around her shoulder.

"It was definitely one of these two," he said with a nod of his head.

"Round them up then. I will interview them myself." Katalia shot both of them an eye. "Since I don't know which one of you did it, I will have to use other methods." The Weaver turned away and said "Bring them one at a time to the torture chambers."

"Certainly," the guard said, snapping his fingers. The two girls were dragged out of the chamber and to the palace dungeons, where Katalia's set-up would be waiting for her. The guard shrugged and chose one to go first.

"You first, pretty eyes," the guard motioned to the girl and thrust her into Katalia's torture chamber.

The torture chamber was bare, just a stone walled chamber with Katalia sitting in a chair.

Katalia lit a few strings from her fingers and said "Before we begin, I will give you one opportunity to buy back your life. I want to know the location of an Octopi base, if you give me that you are free to go."

"I don't know what you're talking about," the girl squealed, bursting into tears again, "I swear, it was Bryony who went with Vallous that night, she was always his favourite!"

"How would you know this?" Katalia queried. "Vallous was secretive about his escapades, I would tread lightly if I were you."

"Bryony always complained about him," the girl wailed, "she didn't want to go with him but he gave her no choice. She hated his guts,"

"That sounds unlike him." Katalia stated without emotion. "Besides, the Octopi don't kill for reasons like that." Katalia let one of the strings reach the girl, it hovered over her and the girl could feel the intense heat emanating from the string. "I want you to start telling the truth now, or I will take a finger."

"I swear, I'm telling the truth, I don't know about about Octopi," the girl screamed, covering her face with her hands, "Please don't hurt me!"

Katalia wound the firey loop around the girl's right pinky finger. The pain was intense as it dug through a bit of skin.

"Tell me where a base is or you lose the finger!"

"Ow!" the girl cried, "I told you, I don't know anything! Ask Bryony, I know she did it!"

Katalia sighed. The string dissipated and the weaver used another to open the door. "Keep this one for now, but send in the other."

"Yes Mistress," the guard said, looking a little shaken. He pulled the tearful girl out of the room and returned a minute later with the other one in tow.

Katalia nodded and said "Byrony, is it? The other girl seemed adamant it was you. So, I will make you an offer, tell me where the octopi bases are and I will let you go."

"I don't know nothing," the girl replied defiantly, looking around, "I didn't even know Vallous,"

Katalia sighed. "She said you were his favorite. Is this true?"

"What? Calla said that?" Bryony sputtered, "I... that isn't true!"

"Then who were you with on the night of the murder?"

"Eh..." Bryony looked down at the floor, "No-one that night,"

"The nobles don't like to have their whores sitting around. I highly doubt you were with nobody."

"Hey, sometimes we get a night off, you try taking one of those old fat arses every night for a week!" she replied indignantly.

"I did it for years." Katalia said bluntly. "Can anyone attest to your being off that night?"

Bryony didn't say anything, she looked down again at her feet.

"You killed him, didn't you?" Katalia sighed. "Why did you do it?"

Bryony looked at her and then suddenly burst into tears, covering her face with her arms.‏

"He kept forcing me to come with him, I didn't want to, and then... then..."

Katalia's didn't want to hear any more. "You can get out of this alive if you tell me more about the octopi. Otherwise I will have no choice but to execute you here.

"No!" Bryony cried, "This was never meant to happen, he said they wouldn't be able find me if I did it how he said!"

"They just wanted Vallous dead. You were used by them to accomplish it. I will let you come with me if you help me out. Who employed you?"

"It was Wen," the girl said tearfully, "He's one of the Octopi, they said they would help me,"

"That's Kaius' personal slave isn't he?" Katalia smirked. "That should be enough then. You did well." Katalia got up and said "This wall leads to the outside. I am going to destroy it and then you will run away. I will find you eventually and help you recover."

After that, Katalia started yelling "Vallous was innocent! I will not hear this treachery!" And she summoned a massive series of strings, cutting into the wall and collapsing it. Katalia created a smoke screen to cover the girl's tracks and raved for the next few minutes.

"Thank you," Bryony breathed and as Katalia created a smoke screen she ran through the dust cloud and out of sight of anyone in the palace dungeons. After a time, the guard from earlier put his head through the door.

"Is everything okay in here?" he coughed through the dust.

"Wen is the culprit." Katalia said. "Capture him immediately. I want him alive!"

"Yes sir... I mean mistress!" the guard corrected himself just in time and disappeared out of the dungeon. Several minutes later he and several guards returned with Wen, the Tianese man shouting and raving at his captors.

Katalia turned to Wen and had several strings grab him. "I don't know how I missed this. Kaius' whipping boy decides to grow a pair and starts an insurrection." The strings began to dig in his arms as Katalia said "You are probably going to die, but unless you like torture, I want a list of every Octopi member and their locations."

"Never," Wen spat, "I don't even know a tenth of all Octopi members, we operate on a need to know basis. You can take out one of us, or five of us, but that's only one tentacle... the beast will live on!"

"That's a finger." Katalia said as she surgically sliced off Wen's left ring finger. "I want a list."

"Ah!" Wen cried out as his severed finger fell to floor, "No, I refuse!"

"I won't let you die until I get that list." Katalia remarked without emotion. "This can go on as long as you want." Katalia cut off his other ring finger.

"Agghh," the man shouted as his other finger was dismember, "Take Lord Olin, he's the one leading this!"

"I don't believe you." Wen's left pinky hit the ground, liberated from his hand.

"Lord Olin.. and his son Roland!" Wen wept as blood began to pour from his wounds, "They're the ones who started this, they recruited me because they knew about my relationship with Kaius, they knew I would join!"

"Lord Olin has been meddling with the Driders and Nelind's estate. I don't believe you." Katalia cauterized Wen's stumps and cut off his other pinky.

"He's the one, I swear..." Wen cried out angrily, "You don't think a man can do two things at once?"

"I think you are still lying to me. Lysei would not entrust the future of his experiment to the Octopi." Katalia dug into Wen's thigh with fire. "I want to know who else is in charge."

"If Lysei is so sure about who is or isn't in the Octopi, why I was still free until now?" Wen grimaced in pain, "I might as well not say anything more if you're going to keep torturing me regardless!"

"I told you, it all stops when you tell me who else is in charge." Katalia's eyes grew wide as she smiled. "Kaius is still alive, isn't he? He would have the resources, and Lysei did say Jashiki corrupted him...and you fools worship that god." Katalia smirked as she said "that will be all, Wen." The weaver allowed her flames to consume Wen, she burned the rebellious servant until she was satisfied he would not survive. After that, Katalia left the castle, she would never report to Octavius, she had what she needed.

.​

Wen, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Wen closed his eyes and hoped for death as the fire consumed his skin, agony shooting through every part of his body. Suddenly he felt a splash of water over him, he cracked open a singed eyelid to see the guard from earlier standing over him with a bucket.

"You may be a rebel but I have to keep you alive, Prince Regent's orders," he shrugged apologetically.

"Uggh," Wen moaned, the fire may have gone out but the pain remained just as sharp across his body and limbs. People began to gather around the cell door, first palace guards and then other newly liberated servants, all ogling at the destroyed chamber and the mutilated man within it. He heard a familiar voice somewhere in the background.

"Let me through, he's my partner, for the Father's sake let me through!"

The familiar face of Suko appeared, contorted in a mask of horror. I must look as bad as I feel, Wen thought to himself.

"What did they do to you?" the man cried, cradling Wen in his arms.

"I am... finished," Wen whispered through burnt lips, "I didn't... give you... or anyone-else... away,"

"This can't be happening, there has to be a way," Suko said desperately, "Wait, remember that note we got from one of the men in the city? The one supposedly from a god. We thought it must be a hoax, but maybe... can't hurt trying right?"

He knelt down holding Wen's hand, together the two men prayed for Gangari's intervention into the nightmare.

 

[booksv2]

Jashiki, Lot-Vos, 9/15 AP

Standing above Lot-Vos and looking down at the city under siege Jashiki crosses his arms and frown, the skin and scales around his lost eye pulling and making the lips on that side raise slightly to show some teeth. Watching the army's around Lot-Vos start to gather themselves to attack again he tightens his clawed hands on his arms in anger.

Well, this is very interesting. I was hoping they would have thrown them off before now, but i guess 2 verses one is a little harder than one vs. one.

Rubbing his chin and looking down at the siege Jashiki watch's how the Ray-Das get ready and how well they have fought. Smiling slowly as he considers how well they have been making out he is glad his first patron race was these little people. Taking a deep breath Jashiki starts to gather his power when he remembers the defeat he had suffered, and growling he lowers his arms again as he remembers that trying anything violent is harder than it used to be. Snarling in rage and glaring down at the army's he looks to the ocean and remembers something he had tried to do before, and now may be able to do by himself without the help of other gods.

Raising his hands and pulling water from the air he changes it into the form of a creature, large and deadly but still water he pours his power into it to change it into a new species.

Thousands and thousands of the water shapes all over the land and in the water. Making the majority around Lot-Vos hundreds of them are also created in the waters of Oileán Uisce.

Spoiler: Action

-Creating or altering a non-sentient species smaller than an elephant. Difficulty: 9 Cost: 3AP
+4 water, +2 change.


Not hostile to the Ray-Das, extremely hostile to all other races.
not hostile to any with the sign of Jashiki, but if revoked by them will still attack.

running 25 mph, Speed in water 50 mph.
Size: 20-30 feet long from snout to romp, the tail is an additional 10-15 feet .
Weight: 6-10 tons.
Can breathe water and air indefinitely
Depth tolerance of 8 miles
Night-vision 4,000 feet
these jet black sea serpents are seen to be covered in large, black, blue-black or charcoal gray scales, their eerie yellow eyes glowing much like a cat's. Their hands and feet are webbed and tipped with wicked, black talons and their tail is covered in spikes like a stegosaurus
Carnivore.
the larger teeth in his mouth over 2 feet long to hold onto the thing being bit while the smaller teeth shred into creature
lives their entire life with at least one major deep water source inside their territory.
life time of 10 years.
mating period of 1 month a year with a only 2 eggs possible during that time. takes a full year to grow inside the eggs.
males are extremely territorial, area of 3-4 miles usually with a cave somewhere in the middle. also large area of water or something very deep.
Able to dig a cave for themselves if a natural one is unavailable using their developed and powerful forearms.
life long mating pairs.
can store energy from eating in their tail, making it bulk up. Can go for weeks without eating if they gorged on enough before.
Females are 20% smaller, that much faster, and when protecting their eggs more vicious than the males. They stay in the cave and rarely go out hunting because they almost always one or 2 eggs in the cave to be guarded. the male bringing food back, or something wondering close to the cave being snatched.
Egg's take 6 months to hatch, and it takes 1.2 years for the creature to grow all the way up. When they grow up they are chased out of the cave by their parents and have to find their own place.
the top of the mouth is its softest spot, a sword pushed into there if fighting it will pierce its brain and kill it instantly.
Behind the flare on the spikes on its head but under the scales is a gem which is created when they are still in the egg and grows as the creature grows. It is much like pearls but larger and with more colors. At the end of their lifetime its the size of 2 fists.

 

[drmigit2]

Lysei, over Lot-Vos

The god of flames was carefully watching over the battle. He did not wish to intervene, but was interested to see what Emir had been cooking up. It wouldn't be long before the Aurorans smashed through the walls and when that was done, Lysei would be that much closer to his victory. As this was happening, Jashiki began to make his own move, the god lacked Lysei's conquering neutrality and wished to take a direct approach. Lysei sighed, it had only been a short while since the two had clashed, but if Jashiki wanted to take sides in the war, Lysei supposed he would have to as well.

The god of flames took his form on the battlefield, and marched directly to Jashiki, who was busy creating creatures and said. "Your interference is unwelcome, but if you wish to fight in a war then so be it!" Lysei raised his sword and pointed it directly at Jashiki. This however, was a ruse. Lysei's actual intent was to undo the creation of Jashiki's water-bound blood hounds. Lysei cut at the creatures with his flames and stared Jashiki directly in the eyes as the battle raged on below the two. In a way, this battle was simply a personification of the two's inevitable clash. Lysei also decided to bring out his reserve weapon in the mean time and see just how dedicated Cyth'raul was to controlling its pet.

"Cyth'raul, your pet has decided to intervene in war, I would prefer he simply be put back on his leash, but if I have to I will fight him on the fields."

Spoiler: Actions

Send Cyth'raul a message: effortless

Hinder Jashiki: +6 flames (if he continues)

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Gangari - Silver-root followed by Aurora - 12/15 AP

Silver-root was finally starting to get clever with its actions after weeks or possibly months of pitting it against increasingly elaborate strategems in shatranj. It was getting better at predicting his actions and planning future moves instead of simply acting. He would need to raise it above its current state soon.

As he began to move the pieces back into their original places he started hearing pleas from Aurora, horrible pain behind one of them. He looked into the chamber and after a second of observing leapt into action.

In the corner of their eyes the two men would see a shimmer in the air. After a few seconds all but the two men inside the torture chambers began going unconscious rapidly and simultaneously. After the last had dropped to the ground Gangari appeared in the corner of the cell and looked upon the two men.

He quickly crouched down beside Wen and began to pour his energies into him. Pain ended, flesh and bone began to mend, missing extremities began to regrow.

Wen gasped as his body finished repairing itself, he clasped his partner warmly before turning to the god.

"Thank you Gangari... I... I thought I was a gonner there. A real god, standing right here before us! How can we ever repay you for this?"

"For now, you surviving will be enough. Is there anywhere safe for you in Aurora?"

"Not in this palace," Suko shook his head, "We'd be executed for sure."

"The island of Verde is where some of our allies are stationed," Wen added, "Though we don't know exactly where they are, our only contact was through intermediaries. Could you take us there?"

Gangari nodded and then spoke "Of course." After a moment the two would find themselves on the western shores of Verde with Gangari standing nearby. As Gangari had teleported them from the torture chamber he coated it in a thick layer of hardened ash in a small attempt to see that the attempted murder was discovered.

"Ah..." Wen sighed in relief as they appeared on a beach that was unmistakably Verdian.
"It's been too long since I was last here,"

"Thank you," Suko added, "Why are you doing all this for us? Are you opposed to Lysei too?"

"Actually" Gangari paused wondering what his relationship to Lysei actually was now, "I see myself as a friend of his. But his actions are bringing misery with them when there should be joy." He paused again "I helped you because it was the right thing to do."

"Fair enough," Suko replied with a sigh, "We would not seek to dictate to a god but we can say as slaves until this morning that despite his claim to care for the lower classes, Lysei has done very little to help our plight and has caused much suffering with the oppression of Jashiki worshippers."

Wen nodded and added, "Us two will honour you for the rest of our lives, and encourage our friends to do so too, for saving our lives today. Perhaps if you meet Lysei, you could tell him that the Octopi would be eager for a truce with him if he stops hunting us and stays in neutral in our battle against the Prince Regent. Octavius is our true enemy."

Gangari looked at the two and spoke "Then I will speak to him and try to keep him out of your fight." He then bowed to them, said "Goodbye," and faded into the air.

"Goodbye," the two men bowed in return at the spot where Gangari had been standing, then made their way inland to find their allies.

Spoiler: Note

Adjust Auroran worship to 7 for Lysei, 7 for Jashiki, 1 for Gangari

[hr]

Gangari reappeared a few miles to the north of where he had left the two men and began to channel his energies into motes of light. He willed them to seek out the most mistreated slaves in Aurora, though by now it was likely they had been freed. He wondered for a moment if it was his place to question what was happening in Aurora, it was likely he wasn't seeing the entirety of whatever plan Lysei was enacting. The slaves were freed but the things he was responsible for... He shook it loose for now and launched them out into Aurora. When one found their target it would shoot into them, leaving a small mark upon their flesh. It would be a rune of health and longevity, it would appear as a slight discoloration of the flesh where the light collided with them. He then willed two more to find Wen and Suko at a later time, following them from the sky until they were either placed in danger or a week had passed.

[hr]

Gangari - Silver-root followed by Ekaki - 10/15 AP

Gangari appeared in a small unused room in his university once he had finished his wanderings of Verde. He sealed the entrance to the room and made it appear as if it never existed to the outside. He then began to carve intricate runic patterns into the walls, floor, and ceiling. Their meaning would defy logic or reason in the face of mortals and likely gods as well. Though developing a strange beauty to them they would seem completely alien to those he had taught.

After he had completed his work he gave a small prayer to creation itself and then teleported himself to the peak of Ekaki.

He looked upon the lands and then spoke out to Lysei in the world "We need to speak when you aren't occupied."

Spoiler: Action

- Healed Wen of Octopi.
- Teleported Wen and Suko of Octopi to Nova Verde.
- Improved basic health of the fourty most mistreated slaves (now ex-slaves) in Aurora. This blessing will develop within a weeks time for Wen and Suko as well. It is intended as a much lesser, more constant form of the regeneration given to Wen to heal him of his wounds. While not capable of flat out regeneration of lost limbs they would heal faster than the average person and are more likely to recover fully from survivable wounds or toxins.
(Should be difficulty 7, with a cost of 2 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll should be +4.)

- Should have 10/15 AP at end of turn

 

[JoJo]

High Prince Octavius, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Octavius was sitting at his desk, dealing with the day's official paperwork when an unfortunate guard came to report on how the investigation into Vallous' death had fared.

"What do you mean, Katalia is gone?" the Prince Regent thundered, slamming his fist down once the message had been delivered.

"She vanished your Majesty, left a mighty great hole in the dungeons," the guard trembled, "All but ruined our best interrogation chamber. The two suspects she identified are missing too and presumed dead, this is all we found of them," he held up a bag of ash.

"Father's blood, what was Lysei thinking asking that wretched woman to help me?" Octavius groaned, "How am I meant to find these damn Octopi rebels when she kills all our leads? He'll be hearing a complaint from me next time I visit the temple. Who were they anyway?"

"A comfort woman and one of Kaius' old slaves,"

"Of course it would be," Octavius sighed putting his hand to his head, "Have Kaius' remaining personal slaves transferred to other Imperial estates, just in case they're in on the plot too."

"Of course sir... anything else?"

"What is that racket out there?"

"It's protesters sir,"

Octavius pushed open the wooden shutters behind him and looked out over the courtyard to see the four corners filled with common folk from the city, ranging anywhere from impoverished farm labourers to struggling families with a few more children than they could afford. It was hard to make out what their disunited voices were calling for but 'Where is the bread?' and 'down with the Regent!' were the two loudest chants to reach his ears.

"And this day started so well," he muttered to himself, "We don't usually have protesters, they must be hired by Octopi no doubt, trying to smear me on this day of all days! Well I won't stand for this, guard, have them cleared away at once,"

"But sir? What if..."

"Did I ask for your opinion soldier? Remove those traitors at once, with however much force is necessary!"

.​

Emperor Maximus I, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

"Maximus? Maximus!" Ronin chided gently from his desk, "I'm sure whatever is out of the window is very interesting, but you'll never make a good Emperor if you don't learn your sums."

"There's lots of people out there in the courtyard, they look upset," Maximus called back.

The tutor sighed and joined his student by the open window.

"What are they calling for?" the boy asked curiously.

"I expect they're hungry," Ronin explained, "this winter has been particularly harsh, and grain especially had a poor harvest due to the unusual weather in recent months. Bread and salted foods are usually the staple which get the common folk through these times."

"Why can't they just buy more food, or bake cakes or something instead of bread?" Maximus asked.

"It's not that simple," Ronin smiled tiredly, "Aurora is abundant in produce, enough to feed everyone, but the noble and freeman classes buy more than they need and leave the rest of the population with higher prices for what's left. It's just the way life is, for better or worse,"

"It's not fair," Maximus sighed, "I should probably go down and talk to the people, give them some of the palace supplies. We've got lots of spare food in the kitchen, I even saw it piled up this high this morning," he stretched his arms as far as they would go.

"That's a good idea," Ronin laughed, "We'll just have to ask your bodyguards... wait, what's happening down there?"

The pair looked again at the crowd below them. Palace guards were marching out and surrounding the protesters, gesturing menacingly at them and poking them with thick wooden sticks. The crowd began to panic and push back, in a moment it turned into a full on stampede as the guards began cracking people over the head with their clubs and rest of the protesters fled towards the palace gates, trampling many of those too slow or old to reach the exit in time. Some of the unfortunates caught by the guards were dragged roughly into the palace dungeons, others simply left bleeding on the ground surrounded by their distraught kin.


"No! Stop! I order you to stop!" Maximus shouted desperately from the window but no-one could hear his small voice above the fray. He sunk down in despair, unable to watch the unfolding scene any longer. He looked despondently at his tutor but as wise as the old man was, he just as powerless as the young Emperor. How could he fulfil his promise to Kaius when this was happening? He remembered his brother's suggestion that he might have to work with a certain deity one day and realised it might be the protesters' only hope.

"Lysei," the boy prayed to the fire god, "Please help the people in the square and stop them from being attacked, they're only hungry and don't mean any harm to anyone, please I know you care about them..."

 

[EmperorZuma]

Bronze Trading Post

Daal walked among the wooden dens and the rocky crags that composed his Tribe's first attempt at constructing anything like a trading hub. Some traders, who either were independent or didn't feel like sharing their origins, perused the Luug's goods, which were mainly composed of rare metals or other mined materials.

So far, things were going relatively well, but there had been difficulties. These traders did not understand the Luug's perspective on bargaining and rarity. Some brought goods that had no value to the Luug, thus unable to conduct any trade. Daal could see that this could lead to a much larger problem and constrain the post's ability to grow. So, he commissioned some of the Bronze Tribe's brightest to somehow find a way to reconcile the Luug's outlook on value and allow for traders to promote their businesses.

The Silver Halls - Den of Mysteries

Armed with the knowledge of Gangari, Haakan brought together the finest artificers from across the lands of the Deep Tribes. All where wounded badly by Cyth'raul's curse, but when told of the chance to be lifted their affliction, the practically rushed to the place Haakan specifically prepared to carry out the ritual.

As the Luug gathered in their proper places across the rune-covered room. They began to focus their power into the runes, causing them to radiate with their inner power. "Free us of the pain, free us of the whispers, free us of this wretched curse..." The Luug began to chant as they invoked the runes' power, hoping free themselves of the Pactforger's disease.

Highcrag

Now equipped with the formula to create a substance that encourages food growth. The Moss and Clay Chieftains worked jointly to spread the knowledge across the Tribes,working hard to overcome the factional friction that had developed among them.

Spoiler: Actions

1. Research International Economics (bonus to trade/wealth)
2. Conduct a ritual to lift Cyth'raul's curse.
3. Implement Fertilizer Tech.

 

[Lil_Rimmy]

Lot-Vos

The city was surrounded, but they had brought the monsters down. They were outnumbered, but they had yet to lost a major engagement. Their weapons were ready. Their walls were strong. Deep below, soldiers clashed among themselves, not rebelling, but training. Builders set up fallback points, but the attention was on the Elites, led by Wolf-Keal, who was surrounded by the newly formed Druids.

They stood on the front gate, as the siege raged outside, the Combat Engineers on the walls fighting back with every trick in the book. Crossbows bolts screeched as they thudded into bird and human alike. But Wolf-Keal would not wait.

"Ray-Das! These people have come to take your homes! They intend not to loot or plunder, but to enslave and conquer! They thought us an easy target! We shall prove them wrong! Time and time again we have forced back their pitiful attacks, and this time shall be no different! Jas-Hiki has blessed up with the forces of nature, and we shall crush them under the tide of tooth, claw and steel! Tell me Ray-Das, who should be doing the plundering?!"

The only answer was the city lighting up in war-cry as the warriors of the Ray-Das flooded from the gates, slashing, chopping and shooting their way through the surrounded forces. There would be no fall, as long as the Ray-Das stood.

Spoiler

- Major - Reinforce the city (4th time, -2 Wealth)
- Major - Train an Elite (Siege Combat, -2 Wealth)
- Major - Break the siege (defiantly deserves a plus +67 to dice due to inspiration)
- Minor - All the Ray-Das prepare to in sync shed a single tear if Wolf-Keal dies.

 

[drmigit2]

Katalia, in Aurora's capitol

Katalia was on the hunt, though not for her usual reasons. That girl she had saved, Macaroni, or Byliny, or something to that tune was out in the world and if the guards saw her, there was a chance that both that girl and Katalia would end up in deep. Still, Katalia wonders why she let the girl go, she had incinerated people for much less, but Lysei hadn't complained about it, so perhaps she was fine. Katalia couldn't afford to question herself though, so she kept to the shadows and traveled under the cover of night, her god-like abilities letting her eyes pierce the night.

Some way ahead, Bryony stooped low behind a hedge, scanning her surroundings. She had no idea if the palace was sending guards after her so she wasn't going to risk moving openly, if she could get far enough south then she would be safe, in theory anyway. She prayed that Calla would be okay, she hadn't meant to drag the girl into all this.

A whisper cut through the surrounding hedges and made Bryony's spine shiver "You are new to this, that's quite alright". As Katalia stepped out of a shadow and chuckled. "Don't freak out now, people have a bad habit of doing that."

"Ah!" the girl let out a small scream but covered her mouth with her hands to prevent any further noise coming out. After a moment she removed it again. "Oh, it's just you," she sighed.

"Just me?" Katalia let out another chuckle. "Haven't heard that one in a while." Katalia looked around and sighed. "You did an alright job not getting caught, they probably think you are dead, so I doubt they will do much searching." Katalia looked up at the night sky and said "I have an offer to make you. This is pretty serious, so don't take it lightly." Katalia turned to Bryony and said "If you want, I could just kill you, that would probably be the easiest for you. If you want to hoof it out and hide for however long you can, that too is an option." Katalia paused for a moment and then continued, "Or I s'pose you could work for me or something?you will probably end up killing a bunch of Octopi as a starter."

"Hm..." Bryony wondered aloud, "I definitely don't want to die, I rather like being alive thank you! I don't know about working for you though, I don't think I could stomach killing any-more people," she looked guiltily down at the ground.

"Well, when you get the powers, you usually are pretty pissed, so it comes easy the first time. After that, I found it to be cathartic. But that's just me, Lysei didn't choose you directly, so I dunno if you would be cut out for it, but I figure it's worth a go." Katalia pointed at a nearby manor, it hung in the distance and was one of the few landmarks out this far from the cities. "What I used to do, was go into one of those, kill the owner, and if his children were likely to continue whatever he was doing, then probably them too." The weaver grimaced a bit and said "most of them made what you say Vallous did look like a prince charming's actions."

"Powers?" Bryony looked at Katalia in interest but the look faded as the woman kept on talking, "You killed children? How could you do such a thing?" she said in disgust, sighing and stared into the distance, "my soul is already tarnished enough, thank you for your mercy but I'm not going to help you kill anyone, all I want is an ordinary life," a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"You killed the prophet of the god of burning people, and now you want a normal life?" Katalia audibly laughed. "The work's dirty, but if you leave the little ones to fester, they will just lash out when they get older and that's not worth the headache. Killing only the father is like chopping the flower off a weed but leaving the roots, it's temporary and will end up with far more weeds."

"Only because your dirty prophet couldn't keep his hands to himself," Bryony snapped back, "All of you are the same really, all you people with power. Scrap away the names and the justifications and there's no difference underneath," she turned and began to walk away, "Good bye Katalia, thank you again for saving me, may the Father guide you to a better place in time,"

"Don't get yourself killed now." Katalia mused, "It's a rough world outside the palace." Perhaps Bryony would be done with all the killing, but the girl did just ignite a war, those unfortunates never got to rest. Katalia looked to the sky again, perhaps she would find Kaius soon, maybe she would kill him. Lysei hadn't given her directions in a while, and that probably meant he was busy with some other project. Maybe she could negotiate immortality out of him if she killed off the octopi, though would she really want it? tough to say now. The weaver of flames disappeared in a puff of smoke and Bryony found herself alone again.


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


After dropping off her new best friend, Katalia found herself with little to do. Turns out she had no idea where the Octopi were and despite her attempts to find them, the bastards were good at hiding. They hadn't managed to do a whole lot since Vallous died, and even then another priest quickly rose up to become the head. Katalia didn't even bother meeting the guy, was probably just another suck-up. Katalia retired to one of her favorite sports, sitting on the roofs of buildings in such a position that people wouldn't notice. It gave her a simple pleasure, an it's not like Lysei was paying her for doing this, so she couldn't pay for entertainment. It was then that something odd happened, Katalia could hear a kid's voice, Maximus was praying, and was asking for Lysei's help in front of the palace. This?had never happened before, and Katalia guessed this was the closest Lysei would get to a direct order, so she made her way to the palace. Katalia had forgotten the fact that she kind of pissed all over Octavius' rules, but when she saw guards beating civilians with clubs, she figured out what the problem was.

Katalia counted the weapons and quickly made a string for each of them, and before anyone could react, every single weapon the guards held was cut into pieces. Katalia stepped forward and revealed herself. "Now, last I remember, guards were supposed to guard people, not hit them with clubs. I guess that got lost in translation somewhere." Flames were flickering near her fingers and Katalia was smiling pretty widely. The protestors wanted none of this and most had cleared out of the palace area. Realizing they were clearly fighting Katalia, and that she was not one to be fought, they retreated back in the palace, likely to inform Octavius. Either way, Katalia looked up and saw Maximus in his window, watching the entire affair. Probably a good thing she didn't kill anyone this time, the weaver figured. She made a path of fire and waltzed up to Maximus' window.

"Didn't take you for the praying sort, I guess Vallous taught you something after all."

"You saved them!" Maximus laughed, clapping his hands together, "thanks lady, I can't believe they were doing that..." he looked down sadly, Ronin joining the pair and putting his hands on the young Emperor's shoulders.

"That was a masterful display young miss," the old man said warmly, "this land could do with more people like you. Do you think the Prince Regent ordered that? It beggars belief but he and Maximus are the only two people in this palace who have that high an authority,"

"Could it now? I think if everyone got their hands on fancy powers, then I guess things would get more interesting, but what is interesting to me, is usually destructive to others." Katalia stepped inside the window and dissipated her flames. "I suppose Octavius might have ordered this, maybe he is feeling a bit boxed in now that Vallous is dead. The Octopi probably will go for him next." Katalia shrugged, "but after he let Vallous get corrupted, I guess that might just have to be what happens."

"Uncle Octy is usually nice," Maximus affirmed, "It's just at the moment he's a bit... worried about everything, with all the wars and fighting and stuff. He said he would share his decisions with me but he never asked me about this," the child pouted.

"I guess he might still be mad about how I torched Wen instead of leaving him for interrogations. He was useless, only would have given misinformation. I was hoping Octavius might end up agreeing with me on it, but after seeing this I am afraid he needs a stern talking to. Not from me though."

"You torched Wen?" Ronin asked in a concerned voice, "Wasn't he Kaius' old slave? The rumours I used to hear about those two," he added with a chuckle.

"He was an Octopi leader. I figure everyone he knows will end up under investigation soon." Katalia shrugged. "Octavius is taking a while, usually when strangers given powers by Lysei show up in Maximus' room, he comes running."

"Well that's the half the palace then, heck me and him used to have drinks down in the serving quarters sometimes, seemed quite an educated chap for a slave," Ronin replied with a sad sigh, "Never would have had him marked down for a rebel, never can tell can you young Maximus?"

"No, you can't," the Emperor replied quietly, looking absentmindedly into the distance. At that moment Octavius burst into the room, his face red with anger.

"There you are Katalia, what the hell did you do to my guards, or for that matter my dungeon? Do you know how long those take to build, and the treasury is almost empty as it is," he fumed.

"I didn't kill your guards, and they were killing citizens. Good to know you gave the order, don't want to have that confused."

Katalia ignored his complaints about the dungeon and continued. "I need to talk to both you and Maximus about my discoveries, I think you will both like them."

"Fine," Octavius snorted, "At-least tell me you have a lead from those Octopi assassins, my spies have found a little but nothing conclusive,"

Katalia looked over at Ronin and made a shooing motion. "Private."

"Of course," the tutor said and turned to Maximus, giving him a short bow "We'll continue your maths tomorrow young man, don't forget to read another chapter of the book I gave you,"

"Fine," Maximus groaned, rolling his eyes. Ronin gave a cursory nod to Octavius and Katalia and then left the room.

Katalia looked at Octavius, then Maximus and sighed. "So Kaius isn't dead. Jashiki probably kept him alive and now he is leading these Octopi. I guess someone needs to invest in better poison." Katalia glanced at Octavius before continuing. "I'm going to kill him."

"What?" Octavius cried in alarm, gripping onto a chair to hold himself up. Maximus just sat looking between the two, struck speechless by what Katalia had just said. "He isn't dead?" Octavius repeated aloud, "What proof do you have of this?"

"Wen." Katalia said. "He kept throwing out random lords names, leading me to think it wasn't a lord at all. Then I remembered Lysei telling me about how Jashiki had corrupted Kaius, and it clicked. Kaius has the resources, a deity backing him, and the motivation to do all of this." Katalia paused for breath. "He grew a pair, apparently."

Octavius shook his head in disappointment.

"I understand you weren't around the palace at the time but we all saw the Emperor's body, he was... well, very dead. Your theory seems rather tenuous from the evidence we have," he turned to Maximus, "I'm sorry Max for getting your hopes up but your brother is with our Father, and nothing will change that. Run along now while us grown-ups have a little chat,"

Maximus nodded silently, his eyes a little brighter than usual, and walked quickly out of the room. Octavius sighed in relief as he shut the door behind him.

"He's going to find out eventually." Katalia put out in the open. "I was gonna even say it in a flattering manner. Oh well, that's your funeral, not mine. I'm out to kill Kaius for betraying Lysei, not for you."

"What were you thinking?" the Prince Regent replied angrily, "Do you know what that boy has been through these last few months, and telling him his brother is still alive and you've going to kill him? Luckily he's too young to pick up on those other references you mentioned, which he'll never find out about, mark my words. Now that Max is gone, do you have any real evidence that Kaius is alive or just speculation?"

"I have enough." Katalia stated. "I don't need your help, this was out of curtsy to both you and Max. I don't suspect we will work together anytime soon, so I will tell you what I told Kaius when we first met. Be careful, lest we meet under my terms." Katalia turned around and began to move toward the window, and as she did, Octavius quickly said "According to my spies, there's a inn somewhere just outside of Pomia where among other sorts of ruffians it's rumoured the Octopi meet and recruit," Octavius added, "I believe it's called the Jolly Lobster or something equally tasteless. Might be worth checking out,"

Katalia nodded and jumped out the window, quickly making her way outside of palace grounds. That Max kid, he was certainly going to grow up to be interesting, at least that was what Katalia thought.

 

[JoJo]

Emperor Maximus I, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Maximus left his tutor room and morosely walked back to his private chambers, he felt stunned by the news that Wen was dead. Was Katalia telling the truth? He had never known the man that well but gone was his last direct link to the Octopi, though now he understood why his elder brother had convinced him to cut ties with the underground organisation he'd founded.

Maximus crept into his room and collapsed onto his bed, turning over in his mind everything which had happened that day. He was less concerned about Katalia's suspicions about Kaius, Aurora was a vast empire and even he didn't know where his brother was currently. What he couldn't stop thinking about was his uncle Octavius, it was becoming too hard to deny. First the man had deposed Kaius, now he was running roughshod over the ordinary people and since Lysei's servant had thankfully stopped his latest act, that could only lead to one conclusion. Lysei wasn't controlling Octavius, everything his uncle had done was by his own freewill.

"I have to talk to you Uncle," Maximus said to himself quietly, "Make you see how you're not being a good person, before it's too late!"

.​

Emperor Kaius III, Southern Forests, Isle of Maia

Beneath the leafy trees of Maia's southern rainforests, there was a gathering of all the heads of Octopi, for the first time since Kaius' followers had acceded to the group. The Emperor himself sat at the head of the meeting, from his right to left were Lord Cassian, Aldren, Queen Prima with young Aelia on her lap, Wen and Suko. Earlier they had all consulted the navigator's red orb and were considering what they had just seen.

"Well, it seems beyond doubt now that Katalia is on our tail, or at-least will be soon," Kaius started, "Of course we expected that from Wen's report. The question is, how to deal with her before she causes too much damage?"

"I think I have an idea," Lord Cassian volunteered. He began to explain his plan, the others listening intently. Once he had finished, they were agreed.

"Wen and Suko, will you do the honours of staying with me?" Kaius asked.

"Of course," Wen replied with a grim smile, "I wouldn't mind a chance for pay back against the she-demon,"

"Excellent," the Emperor smiled, "Cassian and Aldren, what are your plans?"

"My contacts tell me that the common people in Nova Verde are becoming... agitated," Lord Cassian said, "A meagre harvest this year, combined with the perception that the Prince Regent is spending too much attention routing out corruption in the nobles and not on the more immediate problems of the poor. Me and Aldren are heading to the capital to see if there's much of a movement forming and whether we can direct it towards opposing Octavius."

"You have my blessing," Kaius nodded. "My wife and daughter will also be returning to Nova Verde after this meeting, but they will take a longer route via Pomia to fit in with the cover that they were holidaying on the Isle of Verde."

After some more discussion, the meeting was adjourned and the group bid their farewells, not knowing when they might meet again. Kaius sighed as he passed his infant daughter back to his wife, he was missing so much of her growing up but he couldn't keep his family around for much longer with the coming storm they'd all seen in the red orb. He could only hope he'd make it through to the other side in one piece to rejoin them again.

 

[Terratina.]

Cyth'raul, Highcrag → Over Lot-Vos - 10/15 AP

There was no delay in the reply.

I am Khyber of House Kraai. "My family is one of the most prominent where I come from. We hold much say in our people. I swear to you that if we take this city, I will travel to Talis post haste and spread word of your accomplishments. They will take my word, I assure you."

"I hope the battle goes well for you then, Khyber of House Kraai." Cyth'raul responded. However, there appeared to be a development that dredged away the drudgery, how fitting for the water god to do that.

"Cyth'raul, your pet has decided to intervene in war, I would prefer he simply be put back on his leash, but if I have to I will fight him on the fields." It was just like gods to intervene in mortal affairs, however, Jashiki was going against his orders.

"I see... We have to find some way in truly chaining him up, since words on the end of a sword do not seem to reach him." Was the reply. There was nothing worse than one who broke their word.

And so, Cyth'raul followed Lysei's words back to Lysei himself. What was happening simply wouldn't do, even if the cost was great. The greater good was more important than letting a vengeful water god do as he would please, for both the divine and the mortal. The god of guidance would simply have to guide the power being shaped to the aether.

Spoiler: Actions/OOC

Send messages.
Hinder Jashiki with +6 Guidance.

 

[IFS]

Jashiki, Lysei, and Cyth'Raul

The combined effort of the other two gods reduced Jashiki's workings to dust, for a brief moment malformed and mishapen creatures emerged in the water only to collapse and die. The god's action thwarted the battle would continue below unaffected by divine schemes.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Gangari

The healing took quick and immediate effect over those chosen, though it was weak enough that to outsiders it was not necessarily indicative of divine intervention. Well their wounds did not close before their eyes they did overcome illness and injury with surprising swiftness.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The battle

The Auroran forces swiftly joined the encamped Raptor forces and added their numbers to the siege, unfortunately for them even together the walls of Lot-Vos were strong and bristling with defenders and their efforts to weaken them were at first unsuccessful. Encouraged by this the halflings threw open the gates and charged into the invaders, an action which proved foolish in spite of their newly restored shapeshifting powers, the invaders encircled the halflings and drove them back through the gate inflicting significant damage on it in the process.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sammah Ajihva-Tahna

One of the settlement attempts was foiled by a lack of preparation and supplies, but it's counterpart was successful establishing a new settlement along the lake to the south-east. Of more significant news was the completion of their secret project, the wheels were in place all it would take now was to take the effort to put it into motion.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Deep Tribes

The ritual was a costly affair but ultimately successful, the curse of Cyth'Raul was thrown off and the Luug were prepared in the event the god attempted another curse on the wielder's of rune magic.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rok'lo Sha

The nation had struggled to hold its disparate tribes together since it's early days and the period of isolation it had entered had failed to resolve that. A combination of disease and these differences led to the nation fragmenting back into small tribes once more and scattering them throughout the swamp.

(Cyth'Raul no longer receives worship from Rok'lo Sha)

 

[Gabanuka]

Grand Ajivha: The Tahna-Loha
Indraj-Alika

Indraj stood above the Tahna-Loha; a grand forge build deep under the street of Ajivha away from eyes of man or god. He remembered his job, one of the frantic notes sent down during the Vazin's seclusion: 'Make me an army'.

Zalya they were called; solider, for that was all they were. The bodies were simple, a magnificent merge of magic and technology. Each was as the Vazin; clockwork puppets able to move as a man, laced with runes and enchantments, coated in the same thick armour. Crafting the perfect soldier was easy, the issue was making enough of them. Each piece of clockwork required intricate forging as well as enchanting, it took Indraj days to make even the smallest wheel or lock. Every joint started life as a disc on metal which then needed to be sheered down to an even smaller size. Even when more familiar with the design a single Zalya took months to finish and once done would hardly even work. So he tried again.

Altered designs; now each cog could be used for multiple purposes. Specialised molds; a gear would need only be cooled before assembled. A work force; ever man knowing his job and doing it. Ajivhans were good at doing their job, divide a big job into lots of little ones and they could do anything, even build an army from scratch.

Once the bodies were complete it was up to the teams of genners to set to work, breathing life into each individual Zalya. There was no needed for the intricacies of the Ayasa-Vazin; these were not souls bound to armour. The Zalya followed orders, as any good Ajivhan does; the quick, simple orders one tends to give on a battlefield. Naturally this meant that each unit required a commander, a man of flesh and blood to lead his dimwitted forces. However unlike soldiers there was no fear to the Zalya, no exhaustion. The order was given and it was carried out even if there was just a leg left to do it. When fighting Zalya there were two options; lose or destroy them all.

Indraj looked down upon his works, his Vazin at his side. Though there was no emotion to the metallic face Indraj could almost sense the pride. Ajivha has its army.

Spoiler: Action

Army conversion. The bulk of Ajivha's forces are now Zalya, Ajivhan's taking the role of commanders. Zalya are automatons which can follow simple orders as given by a commander who is imprinted on his forces. They have no sense of person but aren't mindless and can differentiate between friend and foe; if an enemy shows up and says 'don't kill me' the guy is dead. If their commander is killed the Zalya reverts to its default setting and acts solely on the last command given.

Each is armed in the typical Ajivhan style; large square shields (essentially a Roman Scutum but with spikes on the base) and spears placed into tight formations. Each carries a short sword on its side but they are less effective with it than the spear. Due to their restrictive limbs they cannot function as archers, boring fleshy Ajivhans have that job.

Perk: Relentless
Ajivhan forces get a reroll on the first two rolls of combat

 

[JoJo]

Katalia, Pomia, Isle of Maia

Katalia was sitting at a grubby table, drinking her third beer of the evening. The Jolly Lobster had turned out more or less precisely as she had expected, a dingy sailor's inn just outside Pomia filled with rough talk, laughter and gambling. A bright eyed girl of about seven served the drinks, her father a hulking shadow behind the bar, giving an angry stare to any patrons who looked to cause trouble. A few sailors winked at Katalia as they past her table, one even approached with a fist full of dented silver coins which he flashed at her from his closed palms.

"Could I buy yer a drink missus?" he slurred, "Me and lads would love to get to know yer better, heh,"

"Would you now?" Katalia chuckled. "I guess that might be arranged, though only if you let me get to know you a bit better first."

"What's t' know?" the swarthy sailor burped, "The name's Sam, come from Samosa and I work on a ship. What's yours?"

"Call me Kathy." The fire headed woman said. "I come from everywhere, and nowhere. Octavius and his goons attacked my village a little while looking for heretics. So now I'm here, trying to forget!" Katalia made a sad laugh and took a big shot of rum.

"Why I'm sorry, who's Octavius?" the man asked, indiscreetly flexing his muscles, "I could sort 'im out for yer if yer like missus,"

"I doubt it." Katalia said loudly. "He is the bastard regent to the emperor. Paranoid as all hells, I doubt he would think twice before sacking this town if he caught wind of any heresy."

"Eh, okay," Sam sputtered, looking alarmed. Several heads had turned to listen to Katalia's rant. "I don't know about any of that political nonsense missus, I'll be going now," in a flash, the sailor stumbled off into another room of the inn. Katalia settled back down to her drink, as she finished it the serving girl brought her another.

"Free on the house miss," she said cheerily, leaving a mug before the woman. It was only when Katalia lifted it up she saw a note was attached to the bottom.

"Fourth table on the left, from a friend,"

Katalia looked at the note, then turned to the table that sent it. She downed the drink then walked up to the table. "From a friend, eh?" She looked around at the solitary person at the table and said. "Can't say I have a ton of those now."

"More than you might expect," the cloaked figure greeted her, smiling grimly beneath his hood, "I hear you have had a run in with the Regent's men, you wouldn't be the only one,"

"Can't say I'm surprised. He seems to be picking a fight with everyone, especially people who worship Jashiki. An island nation who persecuted people worshipping a god of water, it's just fuckin' ridiculous." Katalia sighed. "Took my family they did, barely got out myself."

"Ah uh," the man said with an interested look, "Well, let me show you a little secret," He raised his hand and made the beer in his glass levitate out floating in the air for a second, before falling back in with a splash. "The water benders, they call us. We were invited here by the last Emperor but once Octavius took control, he came down on us like a ton of bricks. You've heard the rumours, that he poisoned Kaius III right?"

Katalia's eyes grew wide. She whispered, "That was amazing. I had heard of magic being a thing, but never had I seen it in person. I had heard the rumor about Octavius being behind the poisoning, but I thought it was just conspiracy craziness from drunks. Is it true?"

"I think so," the man shrugged, "Though I'll admit, I've not seen any concrete evidence either way, that's what trusted people have told me," he reached forward to shake Katalia's hand, "Call me Badger, by the way,"

Katalia took his hand and said "Kathy, for now. If you earn my trust then I might tell you my real name." Katalia flashed a toothy grin and sat down. "So, Badger, if the crown is after you, then how have you managed to avoid them for so long?"

"Well obviously, Badger isn't my real name either," the man laughed, "I wouldn't ever tell me yours either, it's not a good idea in this game. The Crown's men are a blunt instrument, they stick out like a sore thumb in a place like this, if they even dare to turn up," he looked around furtively, pointing to a stocky man facing away from them the other side of the room, "See that fellow's armour-shaped tan around his arms and neck. Mark of a soldier, nine times out of ten,"

Katalia's eyes grew wide. "So he heard?" She glanced back and forth and caught the man's glance. "I think I need to be more careful in the future. Guess you really never know who is listening in."

"Maybe, maybe not," Badger shrugged, "He hasn't done anything yet, they're usually as deaf as a turtle. You're just lucky I heard and was able to send a message with young Eva before that mouth of yours got you into trouble," he grinned. "What are your plans then?"

Katalia shrugged and said "Well, I was thinking of starting a nice little shop in the country, maybe marry a Luug and start a dancing school." She changed her tone and said seriously "I have no idea what I want to do at this point. Kind of looking for a direction to show itself, maybe I can eventually move on from this, but that won't be for a while."

"Would you be interested in..." the man looked around furtively again, lowering his voice, "Well, interested in helping us fight Octavius? There's a whole group of us around these parts,"

"I don't know." Katalia said in an equally hushed tone. "I mean, of course I would want to, but I also like living. What would I need to do to get in?"‏

"Just a good word from yours truly, and an introduction," Badger smiled, "We need all the support we can get, a whole lot of our men were sent south recently. Besides..." he looked somewhat awkward, "the soldiers tend to go easier when they're searching you women than us men, always useful to have a girl on the team,"‏

Katalia nodded her head and said "I guess it's worth a shot then! Not like I got a whole lot else to do, other than get drunk in here." Katalia stared badger in the eyes and asked "so where and when should I meet these people, then?"‏

"Come to this house tomorrow evening," the man said, passing her a small map with some squares and arrows drawn on, "It's not far from here, I'll be there with some others,"

Katalia carefully studied the map and placed it in a pouch. "Alright then. I guess I will see you tomorrow." Katalia gave a quick wink and left the tavern. The Jolly Lobster had been far more fruitful than she ever could have imagined. Good thing these Octopi suckers were prodigious in their recruitment efforts.

.​

Emperor Maximus I, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Maximus trundled idly through the palace corridors, it had been some time since his encounter with Katalia and he still hadn't been able to approach his uncle properly. Whenever he arrived at Octavius' office, he had been informed that the Regent was busy, whilst at meal times they were never alone. The palace guard had been stepped up since the protests, Octavius was never seen now without several standing around nearby.

The young Emperor approached his uncle's door and knocked loudly so he would be heard. A few moments later, a window at the top of the door moved open, a bloodshot eye staring at him for a second before closing. The door then opened.

"It's only you," Octavius sighed, "Come in Max,"

Maximus walked in, except for his uncle the room was empty. The prince waved his hands after he had gone through and a band of fire appeared in front of the door. The boy leapt back in alarm.

"Don't worry, it won't set anything in here on fire," Octavius chuckled grimly, "It's just for protection in-case anyone tries to get in,"

"You look tired Uncle Octy," Maximus noted, this was somewhat of an understatement. Octavius didn't appear to have slept for days, his eyes were wild and bloodshot and his hair look like half of it had been scratched out. "Why would you want to stop people getting in?" he added curiously.

"Well, my boy," the Regent started, "I'm sure by now you've heard of the Octopi. These insane criminals murdered Vallous and no doubt I'm their next target," he sat the Emperor on his lap, "You're the only person left I can trust, you know that Max? Even my wives think I've gone mad, they refuse to share a bed with me now. Olin and Torus perhaps I could but who knows any more, maybe they are Octopi too?" he groaned, "Someone close to me is leaking information, I know that for sure. If only I knew who..."

"Why don't you try making peace with them, the Octopi that is?" Maximus inquired, "I bet they wouldn't kill you if you didn't try to ban their religion and hunt them down all the time,"

"You don't know these people," Octavius sighed, "Give them an inch, they'll take a mile. Everything I've done, it's been for the good of this nation. I've freed the slaves, restored Parliament, what more do they want? It's a poisoned chalice being a ruler, they'll hate you whatever you do," he turned to look Maximus in the eyes, "One day when you're older and you lead this nation, you'll realise the same. Some days I wish I could just leave it all behind..."

"Why don't we go on holiday?" the young Emperor asked desperately, scrambling for ideas, "We could put Prince Torus or someone in charge and just go. Leave the court behind for a month, Verde is so much warmer than here in winter,"

"Oh Max," the Prince Regent laughed tiredly, "You know I can't abandon my post, not with everything that's been happening. I won't give up on the people of Aurora, even when they give up on me. Run along now, I've got a bill to draft,"

Maximus sighed and walked out, despairing in his defeat. Could one the ideas he'd planted germinate into something more in Octavius' head? He only hoped so, before it was too late for his uncle to turn back.

.​

Lord Cassian, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Down in the lower parts of the capital, Lord Cassian lowered himself from his horse and surveyed his surroundings. Aldren followed behind on his own steed, his red orb stowed safely in his back pocket.

"Where now?" Cassian asked.

"I saw us entering a square, with markets sir," the navigator replied slowly, holding his head in concentration, "I think it was... that way," he pointed to the left. The pair pushed their way through the thronging streets before finally coming upon a quiet farmer's market at a crossroads between four streets. A thin Peshenese man, at closer inspection a priest of Lysei, was giving a sermon in one corner to a small crowd. The two travellers went to listen and to their surprise found him condemning Octavius. When he had finished and the crowd began to dissipate, they approached him.

"Who might you be?" the priest asked kindly.

"I am Lord Cassian, a retired diplomat for the Crown," Cassian replied boldly, "this is my personal assistant, Aldren,"

"Call me Ramous," the man said, "A disciple of Vallous, Lysei rest his soul,"

"We were eh... surprised," the ex-diplomat admitted, "by parts of your sermon."

"My condemning of the Prince Regent?" Ramous chuckled. "I get that a lot, no-one's come for me yet though, Matthias willing," he made the star shape of the Father with his fingers.

"I thought your creed endorsed him?" Cassian asked surprised.

"Well," the priest sighed, "When we first saw his flight in the palace gardens with the young Emperor, we thought his rule must surely be divinely inspired. Since then though he has done little for us common folk, other than freeing the slaves and using that as an excuse to give the slave-owners huge compensation payouts, many of us were beginning to become sceptical. Then last week happened, huh,"

"What happened last week?" Aldren interjected.

"We held a peaceful protest outside the palace about the rising costs of bread, and the Regent set his men on us. We were saved by no other than Lysei's weaver herself," the priest's eyes shone in admiration, "There is no clearer sign in my eyes, heaven's blessing is with us and not with Octavius. He must be held to account for his crimes, sooner or later, that is the god of justice's will,"

"I agree," Lord Cassian nodded, "No-one should be above the law of this land, not a Regent or even an Emperor." He jingled some coin bags hanging indiscreetly around his waist, "I'd like to help your cause, are there others I can talk to?"

"Many others, from all faiths and walks of life," Ramous grinned, "Come with me, I'll introduce you to a few,"

.​

General Omar, outside Lot-Vos

While the first attack had been unsuccessful in breaking through the city's walls, the Auroran officers were pleased at the losses inflicted in the enemies in their later assault, especially compared to the few their own suffered. The night before the next invasion, General Omar dutifully showed his subordinates the revised attack plans.

"Here, here and here," he pointed out on a map, "Glory or death, there's no turning back at this point. Now lets show these halfling bastards the error of their ways!"

Spoiler: Actions

(Major) - Attack Lot-Vos and break through siege
(Major) - Research dragons again with the helper of master genners
(Major) - ???

Note: As a result of news spreading of recent positive actions by certain gods and lack of presence of others, adjust Auroran worship to 8 for Lysei, 5 for Jashiki and 2 for Gangari

 

[booksv2]

Jashiki, Lot-Vos, 9/15 AP

Feeling his creations fail and die Jashiki lowers his hands and looks down at Lysie and can feel Cyth'raul close by also. Staying for a second and looking down at the god in front of him and the battles beyond Jashiki turns and moves through space to his island.

Oileán Uisce

Stepping down on his island at the top of the the mountain jashiki sighs and walks over to where he had carved out the shallow bowl. Looking down at it and setting his hand on the wall he turns and sits down criss cross next to the bowl and closes his eye. Letting himself still and make it look like he is a carved statue, his tail curving around and in front of him on the ground.


Ver-Jie, Oileán Uisce

Looking around the corner of a house watching his mother look for him Ver-Jie pulls back slowly away from the corner and turns to run away, very intent on getting away from his mother and go exploring. Running along the back of houses and skidding to a stop next to a small woodshed he closes his eyes tightly and concentrates. Almost 5 minutes later he finds what he is looking for inside him and he changes down into an eagle, squawking and looking down at himself he shakes his wings before taking a few steps forward and starts flapping his wings frantically to get into the air. Flapping more and more to get more air he circles once around the village before turning towards the single mountain in the distance and starts flying towards it.

Because flying becomes very easy after a while when the instincts of the body take over Ver-Jie's mind goes back to think over what he had been learning at the school. After the bending class was done Ker-Hai would always come over and tell them story's, and that was undoubtedly the best part of the day according to the class of 11 year old's. Yesterday the story had been about where their gift had come from, centering around their god Jashiki and this island. According to the story Jashiki had broken part of the mountain and used the water that had been held deep in the mountain from when the island had been created and one drop of his own blood to create a water that would give people control of its brothers. While he had been listening Ver-Jie had asked if there was anymore at the mountain or if it is where Jashiki lived, but the answer to that had been less than satisfactory to the boy. So today he was determined to go and see if he could find where the story had taken place.

An hour later just as he started getting tired from climbing in the air so much he came even with the top of the mounting, and forgot his tiredness as it was overwhelmed with his excitement. Circling and finding a place that was flat Ver-Jie landed a bit heavily on it and scrunched up his body and eyes, again taking a little to change back because this ability to change into so many animals was new. Shaking himself and standing up he looks around and slowly walks across the flat but rough ground at the top of the mountain. Now fearful at coming here and maybe disturbing a god in his home he moves forward slowly all the while looking around. Walking around a boulder sitting on the ground Ver-Jie freezes as something comes into sight, a large statue. Walking closer slowly and looking up at it he almost trips as his feet catch on the tail laying across the ground in front of it, stumbling and catching himself by crabbing onto the lap and looking up quickly at the face. Staring for a good ten minutes wondering if it will move he slowly climbs up on the lap of the statue and reach's up to touch the face. Touching it very lightly at first then rubbing his hands on it Ver-Jie mumbles to himself.

"It looks alive. Even more alive than the ice statue Wave Master has in the classroom."
Looking around and hopping back off the lap Ver-Jie see's something and runs over to stand on his tip toes, looking into the rough clawed out stone bowl. Reaching in and touching the bottom of the bowl he looks back over at the statue and then at the bowl again.

"Its the Bowl of Deep Water!"

Laughing and jumping up and down he runs back to the statue and climbs back up on its lap to try hugging it. Turning back around and sitting in the lap between the stone arms resting on the legs Ver-Jie wiggles into the surprisingly comfortable stone and snaps his fingers.
"I bet the guys would love seeing this place. Its not even that far from home."

Wiggling down and sliding off the lap to the ground he waves at the statue and runs back to the edge of the mountain and squeezes his eyes shut tight as he mumbles the little rhyme his dad had taught him to change. Changing again into the eagle Ver-Jie hops off the edge of the mountain and starts flying back to the village that can be seen very tiny in the distance. Not being able to wait to show this place to the rest of his friends.

 

[drmigit2]

Cyth'raul turned towards Lysei as Jashiki made his exit, "Twice now, and you are just letting him go?"

Lysei sheathed his sword and shrugged. "What is it you would suggest? As per the pact, he is yours to do away with, not mine. That is why I called you here."

"Hmm..." The Pactforger paused with a stroke of chin, there was a weird sensation - something was being drained out of the deity. Nothing Lysei needed to know about, anyway.

"He is too dangerous to be kept around here, pet or otherwise." Cyth'raul suddenly announced, batting away the previous worry like it was nothing, "Therefore he should be removed. I admit I require help."

Lysei raised his brow at the idea. "Truly?" He started to laugh, this was too perfect. "So be it then. I will aid you in this endeavor. How is it you wish to carry this out?"

There was only word needed in the deity's reply, "Swiftly."

"Is there even a way to remove us?" Lysei pondered. "I admit I have done little research into the idea, but last I understood we were quite immortal."

"And powerful." Cyth'raul grinned, "Well, we can only find out if we try."

"We will need to find him." Lysei stated. "Help me do so, and we can put an end to him."

"Of course." The Pactforger replied, the terms of this new Pact were already being written up in the deity's mind.

Lysei channeled energy outward and smirked. "Beings of this planet, I declare an end to the terror of Jashiki. Locate him at once, so he can be dealt with once and for all." And with that, energy rushed through Lysei's body and into the minds of mortals, will-o-wisps invisible to all but the divine took possession of their eyes, combined with Lysei's own searching, this would surely bring him to the god he sought.

And then Cyth'raul's power of Guidance joined Lysei's own power, nothing but an invisible wind guiding the power onward. Fitting, seeing as the Pactforger favoured the subtle over the overt.

Spoiler: Actions

Lysei: Locate Jashiki: +6 flames
Cyth'raul: Assist Lysei: +4 guidance

 

[JoJo]

High Prince Octavius, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

That evenning Octavius was sitting on his new throne, listening to Prince Torus' report of the day's affairs. He had ordered one to be carved specially at the right hand of the Emperor's seat and was trying the chair out for the first time that day.

"Yes, the Emperor has been overseeing a new foodbank for the commonfolk of the city," Torus added.

"Has he?" Octavius said, "He's taken this caring for the people thing to the heart, hasn't he? I'm proud of the boy," He was pleased how Maximus was shaping up, perhaps in retrospect he should have pushed for him to be Emperor six years ago instead of Kaius. Hindsight could be irritating sometimes.

"There is something you should know however," Lord Olin came in from the side where he had been watching the conversation. "I visited the foodbank earlier today to congratulate the young Emperor and there was a priest preaching against your rule, calling for your deposition no less."

"What?" Octavius cried in alarm, "Find out if the man is still there and if he is, bring him here at once! I will not let radicals hijack my nephew's good will!"

Olin bowed and departed quickly with a troop of soldiers behind him. A few minutes later they returned with a thin bearded Peshenese man in chains, who they dumped on the floor in front of Octavius. Maximus hurried in after them, accompanied by Ronin and a handful of retainers.

"Ah excellent Maximus, come sit here and watch," his uncle beamed before turning to the priest, "Speak, what is your name?"

"Ramous," the man said, "disciple of Vallous, servant of Lysei,"

"A priest of Lysei?" Octavius exclaimed in surprise, "Are you not aware that your divine has endorsed my rule, does this mean nothing to you?"

He shot fire from his hands, surrounding Ramous with a momentary ring of flames. With a flick of his wrist, they vanished as fast as they had appeared.

"I teach what is right," Ramous replied defiantly, "The words of Lysei, as told by his late prophet Vallous, are far more valuable than these mere party tricks. I warn you your Majesty, you too must change your ways before His justice is met upon you,"

"Liar!" Octavius shouted angrily, how could this man worship the god who supported him but oppose him so thoroughly? There was only one explanation he could conclude, "You're Octopi," he snarled, "Not satisfied with Jashiki heretics, you're going after Lysei's followers now too. Olin, rid me of this turbulent priest, I think our treachery cell in the dungeons has just finished being repaired this morning,"

"Certainly, your Majesty," Lord Olin said smoothly and began motioning to nearby guards.

"Wait!" a small cry came from somewhere behind him. To Octavius' surprise, Maximus ran out and placed himself between Ramous and the guards with his arms spread like a shield.

"As Emperor I order you to stop!" Maximus shouted, "He's right and you can't just lock someone up for just not agreeing with you, you need to listen to everyone and not just your advisor's" the boy shot Lord Olin a glare.

"Ha ha," Octavius laughed in disbelief, "What has got into you recently Max? Are you really going to defend this traitor?"

"Ye.. yes," the young Emperor replied nervously, his lip wobbling but holding his ground, "If you want him... you'll have to get through me first!"

"No," the Prince Regent replied quietly, sighing to himself, "I understand you're upset about your brother and want to carve your own path Maximus but this matter is too important to leave to the judgement of a child. You will not speak to your uncle like this, even if you are Emperor. Guards, take his Imperial Majesty to his room and keep him there until he calms down and is ready to apologize to me,"

"No, wait!" Maximus cried as he was picked up by the soldiers and unceremoniously hauled out of the chamber, up to his room and dumped onto his bed. With a click the door was locked behind him. He ran up to the window, looking down at the dark garden below, tears streaming from his eyes.

"What should I do now Kaius?" he prayed quietly, "I don't know what to do, Uncle won't listen, why is this so hard?"

.​

Katalia, Pomia, Isle of Maia

Some way outside the crumbling four hundred year old city walls of Pomia, the meeting place of the local Octopi stood. The house itself wasn't in great condition either, it's wooden walls desperately needed a repaint and it's shutters were beginning to slide off, though they were still sufficient to keep any observers from looking in. The dwelling was unremarkable for it's street, the other twenty or so houses looked about the same, nothing marked it differently other than the crude map in Katatlia's hands.

Katalia sighed. She had to put on her poker face. This was a den of her master's worst mortal enemies. She could feel Lysei was too busy with other matters, so this was her mission. There was little doubt that this was the place, well hidden she supposed. The weaver put on her surprised eyes and waked to the door. She knocked a few times.

A grill in the door slid away and a pair of eyes blinked at her for a second, before slamming the grill shut. A moment later, the door openly slowly.

"Shhh, come in quickly," Badger hissed, motioning at Katalia to enter.

Katalia quickly shuffled in looking nervous, but without saying a word. She was surprised to see Badger running the front door. She was hoping he would show some irredeemable factor soon, because she was starting to like him, and that would be a problem later.

"Glad you can make it," the man added, "People often don't show up after we talk to them, they get cold feet I guess," he shrugged, "Want to meet the rest of the gang?"

"Absolutely" Katalia said. "What is this meeting all about?"

"Mainly our strategy and targets, one of our guys returned recently from down south and has some orders from higher ups," Badger said proudly, leading Katalia into a darkened chamber. Around eight or so men sat there, mainly in their early twenties though there was a solitary older man with a white beard, a bored-looking woman with short hair and a scruffy boy of about twelve. They all stopped talking when Katalia entered the room.‏

Katalia stammered a bit and said "Hi?" She moved her eyes back and forth and kept looking back at Badger. Basic techniques the girls at brothels would use to make clients feel empowered if they were looking for such a fantasy. Many were.

"Welcome," the older man said warmly, standing up to shake Katalia's hand, "You may be nervous but don't worry young lady, we're all quite friendly here. They call me the Mantis,"

Katalia shook the man's hand. "I have been going by Kathy, but I guess you all like to go by animal names. Maybe I should change it then?"

"Use whatever you like, as long as it isn't your real name and you won't be identified by it," Mantis laughed, "I've heard of the Scimitar, the Phantom, even the Phoenix. Not everyone here today is an animal either, eh Ghoul?" One of young men shrugged, looking somewhat embarrassed to be picked out.

"Well I guess Kathy will work then, for a while." Katalia looked at a chair and asked "Should I take a seat?"‏

"Of course," the man shooed her to her seat, "Now, let's begin todays meeting. First of the agenda, our new instructions from our leaders. Ghoul, you have the letter from the Phoenix?"

"Yes," the young man stood up, clearing his throat, "essentially, the Phoenix wants us to turn our focus away from Lysei's followers for the time being and towards the state. Octavius is the Octopi's number one target, but realistically he's never going to come this far down without a hundred guards in tow, so instead we're to aim for any administrators or stewards who are unjust and the land would be better of without. Any operations must be watertight, no bystanders, our reputation of standing with the people depends on it,"

Katalia was sitting quietly. This sounded similar to what Lysei would do, if only Kaius wasn't in charge. Katalia shrugged off her doubts and asked "What methods do we use then?"

"Intimidation is usually our first response," Badger chimed in, "You'd be surprised how many overindulgent priests will loosen the purse strings as soon they find an octopus painted on their holy alter, or quietly turn a blind eye to Jashiki worship in exchange for not seeing their house go up in flames when no-one is around,"

"That's... very Lysei of you guys." Katalia chuckled. "But we aren't going after priests right now, are we? What about these administrators?"

"Yes but for the poor rather than for the nobles," Mantis laughed, before tackling Katalia's question, "The same basic idea with these administrators, it's a lot easier to intimidate them into doing what we want than going any further. If they are a particularly hard nut to crack, well that's when we start considering whether an assassination is in order," he sighed, "it's not an easy choice to make but it does send a clear signal to the other lords and stewards that they better not cross that line,"

"Makes sense I suppose," Katalia nodded, "So who is this Phoenix guy? He sounds important."

"The Phoenix is the leader of the Octopi," Mantis replied, "I've never met him but I gather he must be some sort of noble, supposedly he has hundreds of men at his disposal down south."

"I heard he's six foot tall and has hooks for hands!" Ghoul added enthusiastically , "Well, at-least that's what the people I met down said,"

"No, that's the Phantom you idiot!" the young boy sitting to the left exclaimed, "the Phoenix is the one who came back from the dead after being murdered,"

"Order," Mantis said firmly, holding up his hands to silence the group, "This isn't the time to be discussing rumours. Anyhow, does this answer your query Kathy? The Phoenix is the man our orders ultimately come from, for better or worse,"

Kaius... how funny, he certainly did little to hide who he truly was. Anyone with half a brain in politics should be able to figure it out. Katalia could hardly hold herself back from laughing, but she had to infiltrate this group if she wanted to meet Kaius. Katalia was suppressing a grin when she said "Absolutely. Now who's my first target?"‏

"Lets start with a task that's none of us can crack," Mantis said, stroking his white beard, "there's an old steward in the north wing of the city who has several Jashiki worshipping families under imprisonment and is reportedly considering selling them to the Imperial Penal Colonies. Intimidate him into releasing them or otherwise achieve their freedom and we will make you a full member of the group," he looked around, "I warn you, he has quite the taste for women, none of us men were able to get anywhere close to him and regrettably he doesn't exactly take a fancy to Lioness, no offence," he shot the short-haired woman an apologetic shrug, "You may be those families last hope Kathy,"

"Can I kill him?" Katalia asked bluntly.

"If you have no other options, yes," the Mantis replied with a sigh, "I imagine someone... like yourself... might find that a little hard, it's not easy to take a life, even for a good cause, and of course you mustn't risk yourself being caught,"‏

"I never told you what I did before Octavius came." Katalia winked at Mantis and Badger and said "We had plenty of travelers come to our village, and the stuff they brought would was unbelievable. Also picked up a few tricks from them." Katalia got up and said "I will come back with those families, you will probably want to find a place for them to stay. What was the steward's name?"‏

"Huh, well I wish you luck then," the old man said with a smile, "Appius Dornan is his name, you won't miss his offices, they're the tallest building in that part of Pomia,"‏

Katalia closed the door behind her and waltzed out. Perhaps she had been too open about her killing abilities, but frankly if she hid them too much it would probably end up driving her insane. This was for the best, besides, it would be so much more fun if she could just kill them all.

~​

The night air was unusual in this town. Katalia had gotten used to the way the capitol smelled of stale sewage, and frankly the lack of any smells was starting to get to her. This town was too quiet, and Katalia was ready to make a scene. She was dressed in the same elaborate phoenix dress that she had once tempted Kaius with, only this time she had a few?extra pieces. She couldn't kill anyone with her flame powers, at least not directly. That would blow any cover she might have, so instead the Weaver packed a ton of knives in various locations. She had not really practiced too much with them, but she had enough of a mastery over her powers that she figured it wouldn't matter too much. Besides, this was supposed to just be a regular infiltration, go in, get the pompous lord drunk, get out with a few extra families and a pile of dead guards.

As Katalia neared the domicile of Appius Dornan, she could see shades in the windows drinking wine and having a wonderful time. He was having a small party, with only guests that he knew personally, but it would likely be easy to get invited in once whoever was in charge saw what she was wearing. Katalia approached the door and the two guards standing post raised their hands. "I don't know what you think yer doin, lady, but this party is for invited guests only."

Katalia made a quick bow and said "No need for that, gentlemen. I am Mistress Co'deq Manivette, concierge to Lord Olin. I have been tasked with delivering a sensitive message to Mister Dornan right away, and to show him a good time for cooperating with the prestigious house in regard to the traitors." Katalia flashed a warm smile and the two guards looked at each other in a confused manner.

"Do we let er' in?" The first asked. "I don't know" the second replied "What harm is a woman gonna do? Just let her pass." The first guard shrugged and opened the door, "Don' lemme see ya causin' trouble, hear me?" Katalia nodded and passed through into the estate. It was smaller than anything a Lord would own, and fairly bare. This clearly belonged to a local steward, as opposed to someone of larger importance. Still, Katalia had gotten this far. She was debating at this point if she should just start killing, but then she realized that she had no idea where the prisoners were. She would need to sweet talk Dornan into letting her in, lest the prisoners end up lost; so she scaled the stairs and eventually reached to room where Dornan was entertaining his guests.

Katalia opened the door gently and could see Dornan with three others, two were men in uniform and another was a woman, wrapped up closely in the more decorated soldier's arms. All were sipping on mediocre wine and Katalia could see guards running patrol in the area. She kept note that it seemed there was never more than a couple guards in the room, though how many were in the complex was impossible to know. The four looked at Katalia in a puzzled manner and she bowed. "Hello everyone, I am Co'deq Manivette, which one of you is Appius Dornan?"

The man in civilian clothes, raised his wine glass and in a slightly slurred manner said "That would be me." He tried to rise out of his chair, but fell back in and said "How did you get past the guards, I told them this was a private get together!" Katalia laughed and began to walk to Dornan as she responded, "I have been sent by Octavius himself, to congratulate you on your success in apprehending those traitors, and to confirm you have them in your possession still. He has decided to speed up the extradition process and bring them to the labor camp tomorrow. Your payment will be given as we take them away." She touched the man's cheek and said "Perhaps when business is done, we could get to the other reason I have been sent here." The two soldiers eyed Katalia, but said nothing, seemingly trying to get a further grasp on the situation before making any decisions.

Despite his guests being uneasy about Katalia, Appius was more than happy to see her and seemed to sober up fairly quickly. "Well why didn't you say so earlier?" He took hold of Katalia's gloved hand and gave it a gentle kiss before motioning for her to follow. "Come, gentlemen. I was actually just telling you about these folks. A rowdy lot they are, worshipping the god who empowers the Ray Das. I can hardly understand it, but I would be glad to remove them from my house sooner rather than later. Could probably use the money to add a new wing to the house."

Dornan spent the majority of the walk talking about his adventures, what he had done for the town and how he had managed to single handedly kill a water bender, though his most engrossing story was how he managed to use his escape chambers, within the dungeon, to trick a group of bandits into getting lost within the dungeons below, starving to death somewhere in the dark. Katalia doubted any of it was true, though he did show her his special exit, but humored him for the time being, looking as weak and ditzy as possible, as per Mantis' recommendation. After ten minutes of walking down corridors and stairs, Katalia found herself staring into the vacant faces of those who dared to still openly worship Jashiki, or at least as openly as one could considering the unending persecution. Most just seemed like regular families, caught in the cross fire of Lysei's battle against Jashiki. Still, Katalia didn't feel that badly for them, they directly gave power to Jashiki and that was problematic. All the same, having these guys on the loose would be worth killing Kaius. Katalia could see a number of guards in the room, ten or so in total. That plus the four people who accompanied her, meant that she would probably need to play this conservatively.

Dornan looked at Katalia and said "So what do you think? Would the crown accept these?" Katalia shrugged and said "Probably would", and used a string to pull a knife from her dress, planting it square in Dornan's throat. The others were in complete shock as Katalia quickly loosed more knives into them. The guards turned to her and Katalia whipped out her five other knives. She spun them like a blender and the guards quickly found themselves unable to maneuver around them, and Katalia cut them to ribbons. One guard attempted to escape, but the flames chased him and sliced his calves. He screamed up, but nobody could hear him. His last sight was of the knife burying itself into his chest.

Katalia walked slowly up to Appius' still warm corpse and pulled a key out of his pocket. She then pocketed it herself and began to put up the Octopi sigil. She used the knives to cut off several limbs from the surrounding bodies. Using Dornan's head as a centerpiece, Katalia impaled it and eight other limbs onto the stone wall, making an octopus. The prisoners simply watched in astonishment as Katalia made the sigil while simultaneously walking to and freeing the prisoners. "You can tell no one of how I did this, not a soul. Not anyone who asks. Do you all understand?" They all nodded and followed Katalia out of the Manor. She had managed to get almost no blood on her dress through the entire ordeal, which she found quite amusing and patted herself on the back for not ruining another dress. The only real stain was a splotch on the crest feather, from Appius' own squirting neck. Katalia thought it looked surprisingly nice with the bring orange plumage. The Weaver scouted ahead and used Dornan's key to get out via a his own escape route. Katalia hoped this would be enough to impress the others into letting her in.

 

[EmperorZuma]

The Golden Citadel

Jugaan paced the halls of her palace after finishing a day's work of reading reports and issuing orders. She was glad that her plans in Highcrag had gone well, though with every follower of Cyth'raul she won over, Jugaan knew she was only strengthening the factional line between the Tribes. "Golden One..." The familiar sound of Wos' voice drew Jugaan from her thoughts. "...might I ask you something?"

"Oh?" Jugaan's head perked up as she turned to face Wos. He had only recently returned from Highcrag, but already submitted a report for review. "You may."

With a nod, Wos began. "Golden One, aside from my dispatch to uphold our promise to the Pactforger, we seem to have been...stagnant...as of late. I...find this odd, especially when we've done so much in so little time. Expanding our territory to equal the lands of the Bronze Tribe, building this fortress..." Wos gestured to the dark halls of the former dead god's den. "...after all this, why has our progress slowed?"

A smile grew on Jugaan's face. "You've been part of the Gold Tribe since you crawled out of your spawning pool Wos, right?" Seeing a curt nod from Wos, the Chieftain continued. "Then you've seen us be like this for quite some time! Why are you so uncomfortable with this peace?"

"Because we've done so much! I wish to know why we stop now!" Wos appeared to get somewhat agitated, but brought himself back under control before Jugaan had to posture to but him in his place.

"We are not stopping..." Jugaan postured her strength anyway, weary of a challenge, even from a loyal supporter. "We are consolidating, because we are still small, compared to the other Tribes. Our lands are vast, but we are spread thin. We need to wait for our spawning pools to bring out a new generation of Luug before we can expand further." Jugaan paused, turning to leave, but then beckoned for Wos to follow as she apparently didn't want to end the conversation there. "Though, you're have a point. While we have to postpone our expansion, that is a poor excuse for what other may see as resting on our laurels."

As the pair walked, the mostly unblemished halls of the Quartoq's former manor began to give way to the earthen fortifications the Luug added. Eventually, Jugaan and Wos ended up on top of a walkway that was open to the outside, where both of them could look out to where the mountains gave way to the forests below and then to the plains of the Krakari. "The war between the feathered people and the little ones, I think it provides an opportunity. Wos, I want you to go down to the Raptor States and tell them that I wish to offer them aid, and that they should send an envoy to come and discuss an arrangement."

Wos bowed at the receiving of these new orders. "It shall be done, Golden One." With that, the Luug vaulted himself over the fortification and started down the mountain side.

Bronze Trading Post

"Paying for food with sandstone?!" The trader Daal had "invited" to discuss the effect of the new plans that the Bronze Tribe had put in place for trading. "Coal for textiles?! These exchanges are outrageous! What's the point of even sailing here if the only profit I can make here is by selling metal? I came here to buy the stuff!"

"Your experience is noted..." Daal had to force himself to relax in order to make sure he didn't cut the little man's head off with one good swipe of his claw. "...now get out while you can still do so in one piece."

The trader looked like he was about to meet the threat with one of his own, but he was silenced when Daal heaved himself up to his full height. The trader quickly left, leaving Daal to fret over the terrible result of his Luug's work. "I guess there's no way from here but up." The Chieftain carved a new tablet to his researchers ordering them to try again, or else try their luck at the bottom of the Gulf.

Spoiler: Actions (2/3)

1. Make a treaty with the Raptor States
2. Reattempt research of International Economics

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

The flight was short but still not easy. Not only were winds treacherous but the memory of Qartoq leaving them was still a fresh wound and these Luug occupying the abandoned lands didn't exactly help either but they had a proposition to be had so the show had to go on.

The envoy arrived at the foot of the newly built fortifications but the Manor still retained the intimidation without all the armed Luug walking about. She was lead into the building which seemed to be relatively untouched which she happy about at least even though Qartoq was long gone.

When she reached Jugaan, the envoy bowed her head to show respect seeing as this was their manor now.

"Chief Jugaan, I am here on my people's behalf to hear your offer. I hope we can make progress today unlike that messy business we have in the West." Yvera said, trying to inject some humor into their meeting.

"Indeed, such business is why I've requested your presence." Jugaan gave a smile, if only to attempt to comfort her guest. "You see, while my Supreme would have out stay out of such conflict for the moment, preferring not to entangle the Luug in such a matter, I have no such compunction. Instead, I wish to make an offer to the Krakari, one that both our people will find advantageous."

Stepping down from her earthen throne, Jugaan beckoned for the envoy to follow her as she led the pair into a sort of "war room", where the detail of the conflict was kept surprising up-to-date. Jugaan specifically requested the most recent information about the war before the envoy arrived, to display that the Luug could be "worthy" of being an ally. "So far, the Ray-Das have put up a strong defense of their capital. Even if it falls, there is no guarantee that this war will end, dragging out the losses all parties sustain. What I'm offering is an addition of Luug might to the battlefield." Jugaan moved towards the table, picking up a marker near the location of the Golden Citadel and placing it near the Burning Tides front. "I can't give you the same kind of force that the Aurorans have seen fit to provide. However, what I can offer is enough Luug to...augment your nation's current forces."

Yvera scanned the Luug's map momentarily, seeing what they knew or perhaps things her nation didn't know but the glance was merely cursory as Yvera looked back at Jugaan.

"Your people would go to war for an enemy that hasn't slighted them? I'm quite surprised, Chieftan." Yvera said curiously. "It is true that we are facing difficulty against the troublesome halflings and we seek to end this war as fast as we can. Both our nations are rich in gold so what what exactly would send a Luug warrior screaming towards a Ray-Das halfling if not for coin?"

"The orders of a Chieftain." Jugaan answered the question matter-of-factly before actually getting to the real meaning of Yvera's question. "And this Chieftain desires what the Ray-Das have in their coffers, not only gold, but items from beneath the sea that no Luug has access to. For the Tribes' such material would be extremely valuable."

Mocking a victory for the alliance for the siege of Lot Vos, Jugaan swept aside the pieces representing Ray-Das forces and instead placed an Auroran, a Krakari, and a Luug marker in the space of the capital. "This, is of course, why I'm discussing terms of a deal instead of simply sending aid. When the capital is taken and its coffers looted, I wish for my Luug to take a cut of whatever is plundered. Specifically, I wish any materials that were dredged up from the seas surrounding the island."

"This cut would depend on on us breaching the city first but we are willing to pay you a portion up front if you prefer. Our merchants have calculated a rough estimate of the Ray-Das coffers but we can make changes for allies." Yvera said proudly. "The mines are another matter. No doubt the Ray-Das will fight hard for whatever land they have left. I do no doubt that they will torch their mines once we get close but in the chance that we are, the Aurorans must be included in the conversation. They are the ones who have bore the brunt of the invasion and I foresee them looking for ways to replace their lost wealth and that includes any undiscovered ore deposits. They are smarter than their human appearances make them out to be."

"I do not want the mines, the Aurorans can have them if they want. What I want are the materials the Ray-Das have already procured. Surely the Aurorans will accept us getting this share if they can have the sources." Jugaan idly traced one of her duller claws around the Ray-Das on the map. "As for advance compensation, that will be unnecessary. This is an investment, should it prove to have been made poorly, I will simply recall the forces I sent. Of course, I will make their departure won't leave you in a worse place than when they first arrived."

From across the table, Jugaan extended a hand to Yvera. "So, envoy, do we have an accord?"

With the confirmation that the Luug wouldn't take the mines, Yvera was more than happy to take Juugans's hand. She gave ithe Chieftan a firm shake before breaking off in a happier mood than she arrived.

"I'll tell my superiors right away." Yvera said, happily. "I hope this will signal a beautiful friendship between our nations."

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

Khyber, outside of Lot-Vos

The new firebombs arrived and right away, Khyber had his soldiers train with them. This concoction proved a deadly mix. When the viscous fluid was put to flame, it stuck to anything and burned hotter than anything Khyber had ever felt effort. Putting out the flames turned out to be a grueling task as the fire clung to any material it touched which would to be prove more than an inconvenience for the Ray-Das soldiers.

With his new tactic developed, he found a way to use it when he heard that e Aurorans were making another push, He gathered his troops and set out once more and this time he told his troops to drop the bombs on ballista emplacements and concentrated troop clusters. Hopefully the new bombs would be a deciding factor in this battle.

Spoiler: Actions

(Major)Accept deal from the Deep tribes

Spoiler: The Luug Accord

The Deep Tribes would basically suspend 10 Wealth in a "loan", which would be to pay for five +1's to the Raptor States' military rolls in fighting the Ray-Das, to be applied as the Krakari see fit. When applied to a winning battle, the +1's applied are not lost and can be reapplied to later rolls. However, the Raptor States can't give more +1's to a single battle than they themselves are able to put into a battle. (So the maximum +1's they can apply in a single battle is only enough to double their current bonus.)

Should they lose a battle where one (or more) of the +1's is used, those +1(s) are lost and the Luug 10 Wealth "loan" loses 2 Wealth. At the end of the conflict, the Wealth that was not lost is given back to the Deep Tribe's treasury. This would then be the end of the deal.

(Major)Attack Lot-Vos with Auroran forces-apply Luug reinforcements, +1

 

[booksv2]

Ver-Jie, Oileán Uisce

The next day after coming home to a mother who was quite angry at him Ver-jie went back to the school and sat through another day worth of teachings about water bending and the ability to shift into different animals. When it comes the time for the Wave Master to come tell them stories Ver-Jie took the time between to run around to most of the class and tell them in secret that after class he has something to show them. Getting back sitting down before anyone comes in. That day the story was short and simple, and when it was over pretty much the whole class ran out and scattered. Each of the kids running away and coming back together just outside of the town behind a large house and when Ver-jie got there he had a hard time keeping in his excitement inside.

Whispering to the group and telling them about an awesome place he had found he convinced them to go with him. All of them turning into eagles and hopping around on the ground they finally all get into the air and start flapping away as quickly as they can. All of them flying towards the single mountain and keeping close to Ver-Jie as he fly's.

It takes a bit longer than it had the day before because there was almost 45 of them, but eventually they all land on the flattish area at the top of the mountain and turn back into kids. When Ver-Jie has he runs towards where the statue had been and calls back at to his friends.

"Come on! Its just around the boulders!"

Running around the bolder from before and slowing he stops in front of the giant rock statue and turns around just as the majority of the group followed him. As they skid to a stop and gape up at the statue Ver-Jie runs over to the bowl and points at it as he calls back.

"Look, its the Bowl of Deep Water from the stories. The same one Jas-Hiki used to make the original water benders."

The rest of the kids run forward and jostle each other to look at it, then running back to the statue and looking up at it they all climb up on it. Some sitting on its lap and some climbing higher to hang off his shoulders and the rest sitting around it they all agree that its an almost perfect place to use as a hideout. As some of them climb all over it one of the kids trip and start to fall head first into the wall just behind the statue, only to go into the dark patch of the wall and into a cave beyond. Startled from falling and yelling out to her friends on the other side they all pile into the cave to find that it could easily hold them and maybe even the rest of the kids from the village if they ever come up here. Soon they were all exclaiming to each that it was the most perfectest hide out in the world and they all swore that on pain of never eating sweets again they would never tell an adult about this place.

After a few hours of playing and exploring the cave behind the statue a few of the kids started bringing up the point that they should go back to make sure their parents don't come looking for them. Just as they start to leave Ver-Jie raises his voice above the rest and calls out for them to wait, as they turn to look at him he sets his hand on the leg of the statue and looks up at it.

"We should tell Ker-Hie about this place."

When a few of the kids in the crowd start complaining and saying he is an adult Ver-Jie yells out over them.
"We should because he is the Wave master! He should know about the statue of Jas-Hiki but we can keep the caves to ourselves."

Murmuring among themselves and a few arguing most of them agree. They all run back over to the edge of the cliffs and one by one they change into eagles again, falling off the edge and letting the wind catch them under their wings and lift them. The flying back to the village was easier and faster than it was from, each of them finding their own place to land and change back before running home.

When Ver-Jie lands and changes back he doesn't run home but runs to the temple they had set up on the edge of the village and slips inside. Walking quietly along the edge and looking inside one of the doors he opens it to Ker-Hai practicing his water bending. Coughing softly and saying quietly behind him.
"Wave master?"

Turning around and looking at Ver-Jie Ker-Hai smiles and lets the water fall back into the bowl he had been using.
"Ver-Jie, its good to see you. Your mother was here before looking for you. What can i do for you?"

Walking closer and looking up at the slightly taller Wave master Ver-Jieshifts from leg to leg before blurting out.
"We found a huge statue of Jas-Hiki on the mountain with the Bowl of Deep Water from the story."

Ker-Hai sits down in a chair and leans against his knees as he thinks it over. Then he smiles and reach's out to ruffle Ver-Jie's hair.
"Thanks for telling me. Maybe ill go up and take a look at it. Now get, your moms looking for you."

As Ver-Jie runs out and goes to his mother the statue on the mountain opens its one eye and smiles slightly at the fun the children had had around him. Closing his eye again and letting himself still again he feels out with his power, keeping it hidden among the energy of the world.

Spoiler: action

secret.

 

[EmperorZuma]

The Golden Citadel - The War Room

"The first groups have arrived on the battlefield, Golden One." Wos reported from a tablet sent from the field. "I'm marshaling more Luug to come with me to form the last reinforcement group."

"Good..." Jugaan responded absentmindedly as she moved a couple of markers across the map. "That should be more than enough to take the capital, if not the whole of Ray-Das."

Wos looked up at the Chieftain for a moment, thinking of an question to raise, but not having the courage to do so. Finally, he settled on a phrasing that he could bare to speak. "What if it isn't, Golden One? What if the setbacks this alliance has had to deal with deepen?"

"Then I will save as much of our investment as I can." Jugaan looked over to Wos with a smirk. "Should this siege drag on into what may be an eternity, I will dispatch orders for our forces to return. The Ray-Das treasury isn't worth wasting the entire Tribe, nor is our 'reputation' with the Krakari."

Wos nodded, imagining that he would have to be the one to answer for a withdraw, if ever that order were sent. "The Tribe will do as you will, Chieftain, now and forever." With a nod of agreement from Jugaan, Wos let himself out, to gather his forces and set off on the long road to the Lot Vos front.

Highcrag - Den of the Supreme

"SHE DID WHAT?!" Budraal practically roared at poor Lew'pan, who had to dodge a flying tablet thrown at him by the Supreme. "The ***** musters her entire Tribe and sends them to the other side of the world, and I'm only now hearing about it?!"

"Many apologies, my Supreme!" Lew'pan knelt back down into his supplicant pose. "The Gold Tribe is fiercely loyal to Jugaan, it's nearly impossible to get any of them to divulge her secrets! The Glass Shifters were only able to confirm what was little more than a rumor when we saw the forces leaving with our own eyes!"

Budraal growled so loudly the walls of his den shook, causing a few lightly-mounted pieces of architecture to collapse. "Jugaan knows better, this clear defiance of my authority!" The Supreme had half a mind to muster the might of the Deep Tribes and bring Jugaan's precious citadel down around her, but he knew better. Should Tribe clash with Tribe, all that he and the Supremes before him would be undone. The Pale One's last lesson must not be defied. However, Budraal also could not allow Jugaan's continued independence. If he did, she would no doubt challenge him and take the Supremacy for herself.

So, Budraal ordered Lew'pan to find the greatest fighters he could, Tribal status did not matter, so long as they held to ties to the Golden One. He would form a strong force, one that could hit Jugaan while her own Luug were far away and unable to protect her.

The Fists of the Supreme would form and smash Jugaan, once and for all.

Spoiler: Actions (1/3)

3. Form an Elite Unit (Fists of the Supreme-Open Combat)