Themeron Stirred, He manifested as god. He saw the distrust of the mortal Plain, the perfect time to stir havoc and deception. His realm was that of a fortress, yet it was barren and Destroyed, and all the more unsuspecting. He would begin his quest of destruction shortly.
"The Jashiki would be a grand place to start.... the routed gain the will to fight once more meaning elongation, and hopefully.... BATTLE MOST SWEET!" He set about creating plots, and began to create Manifestations, and vision so as to spread affluence. The Dreams were created, in order to give those hope in battle, to make his presence known to the world.
"It is a good time for Destruction."
Make presance known. Sow the visions of victory in the minds of mortals.
Sharo had left Irontooth several days before and was making his way through what had previously been a forest with quiet sounds and absent of any real danger other than falling or some wolves. He had been this way before when the original village had been built and those who lived here had settled down into a village both high in the trees and down on the ground, but that had all changed.
Now as he makes his way through the forest there is always noises, and many of they do not belong. Even when no wind shakes the upper branches of the trees the sound of them swaying can be heard at all times. Some of the Grat who live in the forest swear that it is the forest talking to itself, all across it the trees whispered. The trees themselves had changed in fact, many of them had in just the short time since the god had come and said it would offer them a great place had grown bark as strong as rock or had become much softer and supple enough to move quite a lot.
Not running like he would be normally through a forest Sharo moves at a slower but much quieter pace, keeping an eye out for everything and an arrow already at the strong of his bow. He had been told about some of the trees that resided in this forest now and he was very interested in finding them to see if the story's were true. Moving through the forest he freezes as right in front of him a thin vine hangs with some small colorful flowers dotting it sparcly. Looking at it for a long second he slowly moves around it and follows the nice back as it hangs from one tree or bush to the next. Eventually getting back to a tree with hundreds of vines growing from its branch's spreading out in every direction for a hundred meters or more. Sharo could smell the almost sickeningly sweet smell coming from the flowers and even though he himself did not want to taste he watched as a deer slowly makes its way closer to the main tree as it follows a vine that was to high for it to reach by itself. Starting to draw his arrow back in his bow he stops as he watch's the deer able to reach up high enough to start chewing on one of the flowers from a hoop that hangs low enough. As it was chewing on the flower the vine itself seemed to not be harmed almost at all but seemed to be twitching all up and down its length before much faster than any plant had a right to be parts on either side of where the deer was chewing on it wrap around its head. Watching the deer jerk back in surprise and try to bound away Sharo shakes his head as more and more of the vine wraps around the struggling animal before it slowly gets dragged back towards the main tree.
Standing there staring and breathing a little heavy Sharo glances to his right at the innocent looking vine next to him and scoots away from it. The now no longer struggling deer pulled up against the side of the trunk and starts turning as the vine unwraps from it. The end of the vine creeping along the forest floor back out into it as slowly the now dead deer is left on the roots and the vine soon goes still again. Staring at the now dead deer Sharo turns and starts making his way away from this interesting and dangerous plant. Making his way across the forest floor he comes across the other plant he had been warned about in the report he had gotten.
Standing in a clearing all alone is a lone tree. This one tall but thin it stands almost 60 feet tall and fairly thin it had wide branch's that reach out just short of the clearing itself. Getting to the edge of the clearing but staying out of it Sharo has no interest in stepping close to this one. Standing still and watching everything he steps over to the side and putting the bow and arrow he had been holding away he sinks his claws into the very hard wood of the tree and starts making his way up, quickly getting close to a small hide that had been set there before when some Grat had first found this tree. Getting inside and grabbing some dried meat from a basket he steps around to a small open window and looks down at the large tree.
-Just east of Irontooth-
Holding onto the side of the tree looking down at a trap that had been set up the day before Kesar listened to some of the other Grat beat the bush's to drive dozens of animals towards the spot where scores of live capture traps had been set up. Watching as small and large animals get caught Kesar smiles as he watch's, getting ready to start his experiments with these, his other ones on hold for this request.
-Research a new technology
Domestication of animals.
-Research a new technology
Smelting.
-Research a new technology
Metallurgy
Cyth'raul 4 points of worship.
Drya 1 point of worship.
??we must retaliate against these raiders and destroy them utterly and without mercy?
A small wave of nods and mutters of approval rose up in reply to Marshal Deorwine?s speech. There had been an increase in the number of raids launched by the rebel river tribesmen in the past weeks, although raids in the southern boroughs were a common occurrence, it was the strength of these raids which had caused concern and as a result many of the nobles demanded strong action be taken.
?Yes, I agree strongly with Marshal Deorwine?s words? spoke Godric a high ranking magistrate as he rose from his seat ?these river tribes men have continued to be an obstacle for Mereton prosperity for too long. They attack our farms, kill our people and loot our trade caravans. Whatever our response it must be swift and decisive and will hopefully lead to the utter destruction of their people; which in my opinion should have been done a long time ago?.
Mutters of approval from several nobles in the council could be heard but were cut short by the angry words of the small number of river tribe nobles in the room including Maks, one of the leading influential loyalist tribesmen. Insults and angry words were passed from one group to the next and in a few minutes the council chamber had erupted into a den of heated arguments.
King Edgar who sat at the head of the council chamber watched in a mixture of dismay and anger as his leading nobles came closer and closer to ripping each other?s heads off. Arguments in the council chambers were common, as is usually the case when you put men of power, influence and different opinions into a room together to discuss matters of state. But unlike most arguments this had spawned from talk of genocide against a people. While the king recognised that this talk was simple frustration from the increasing problem of the raids launched by the river tribes, it was out of line.
The King out of the corner of his eye, had also noticed that his wife; Queen Aileen who sat beside him in the council, had become visible annoyed at Godric?s words and if it wasn?t for queenly decorum, Edgar guessed his wife would either be involved in the argument or would currently be knocking heads together. But regardless there were important matters to discuss and the attention of the council was needed.
The King nodded towards the HouseCarl captain Wulfric and at once the man began to bang the end of his large axe against the council floor. He was joined by the other HouseCarls placed around the room and within a few short minutes the argument had been ended and the room was filled with silence. Edgar rose from his seat and after seeing he had everyone?s attention began to speak.
?My lords and nobles, the issue of the increase of the number and strength of the raids launched by the river tribes is a pressing issue and it must be dealt with? a murmur of approval rose from the council men ?However I do not wish to hear any more talk about the destruction of the tribes people, although a number of them continue to be our enemy. They are a minority, as the majority of the tribes have accepted the peace I offered them and now live peacefully within our great nation?. Nods of approval from Maks and a number of nobles both river tribesmen and Mereton greeted the kings words, the queen was also pleased and gave a small smile to her husband
After a short pause the king continued
?But know this, those that ignore my peace offer and continue to raid and kill my people will be giving a suitable response. The southern boroughs which are affected by the raids will have the garrisons of their bruh?s bolstered and patrols will be set up to deter any raid before it can take place. The rebel tribesmen are opportunists and if faced with a strong force will run back to their villages. Deorwine my friend I will leave these preparations in your hands and I expect that the matter will be sorted?. The marshal bowed his head to the King?s wishes and talk of approval spread throughout the council chamber.
?Now with that settled? The king spoke as he sat back down on his seat ?we have an important matter to discuss. Leofwine read out the letter? the old aide bowed and began to read out the letter that was received from Aurora.
The aide read out the letter within a few short minutes and was soon asked to repeat it several times by a number of different nobles within the council chamber. Talk began amongst the councillors on the nature of the letter, speculations on what Aurora was and their leader; Emperor Maximus.
??It is interesting to believe that other nations like ours exist?how did they know about us but we know nothing of them?must be soft in the head if he calls himself the light of the world? was what King Edgar heard as he watched the conversation grow, he allowed it to continue for several more minutes before bringing order and quiet back to the council chambers.
?I intend to send a delegation led by my son Prince Cyneheard to meet this so called Emperor and hopefully foster good relations with the Aurorans. I have presented this to you all to hear your advice and see if it is the correct action to take?.
A period of discussion followed the King?s words. There were nobles were in favour of the plan; while others were less enthusiastic and spoke of mistrust towards the Aurorans and their intention. In the end an agreement was reached, the delegation would go ahead as planned to create good relations and also observe this emperor and his nation, so as to better understand their motives.
- Send a delegation to Aurora
- Scout territory to the east for colonisation
- Train an elite unit
HouseCarls: specialising in open combat
They arrived with pomp and circumstance as the Aurorans welcomed their Krakari allies along with their athletes for the coming games. Aerith took all the celebration and formality in, regarding the hospitality of the Aurorans to be their thankfulness for the Krakari sticking with the fight in Lot-Vos. Khyber on the other hand, remained reserved but respectful of the Aurorans, giving thanks where thanks was due.
Later on in the night, they were invited to a gala where the Emperor was going to be present but with all bustle going on around Xule, Khyber found his chance at meeting with the Emperor slim at best. One of his missions was to tell the Emperor of their latest advancements in their weapons. The War of the Burning Tides taught the Krakari lessons in war and they took it heart especially with their plans to implement their crude rifles into better carbines. Speaking of Xule, the city was beautiful in Aerith's eyes but like the ever stoic Khyber, she kept her opinions to herself.
When they were finally given room to breath in their little compound, Khyber's men went straight to training whether it be with their swords or their crude, boxy rifles. Aerith was taken a back with the sudden sound of swords clashing and sparring but she saw Khyber's somewhat strict logic.
"I understand that the soldiers have to be ready at all times." Aerith began. "But we are in an ally's city, not an enemy city."
"In this day and age..." Khyber gave a crooked smile through his scarred face. "It pays to be prepared. If you wish to replace me, you must recognize this."
"I'm not implying that I don't know this." Aerith retorted. "It just strikes me as odd that your own soldiers would train and spar even in such a well-protected city like Xule."
"The Aurorans have had a problem with insurgencies as of late. From what I heard, an attempt was made on the Emperor's life which makes it implausible for him to show up at the Gala tonight." Khyber said carefully. "We have enemies too. The worst ones are the ones you can't see and the Severyn aren't exactly one for standing out in the open. Not only that but we have to look like we are ready as well."
"Because they will be watching for a crack in our armor." Aerith said as she guessed ahead of what Khyber had to say. He regarded her answer and responded with a satisfied grin.
"Not only that but it keeps the men from drinking." Khyber said. "No drunks on this security detail especially with my training."
Aerith looked at Khyber incredulously, not sure if it was a joke or truly genuine. So she stayed silent but nodded at his words.
"Get ready for tonight, you will be on the Gala floor." Khyber commanded, concisely giving out his order. "I don't want anything to happen. Especially to our hosts."
"These runes are extraordinary..." Cawles muttered as she looked at the runic tattoos of yet another individual. The tattoos themselves weren't all that amazing but the fact that the two Krakari before her had tattoos at such a young age with it spread out all over their body. They were also leaner and more athletic than most of the Krakari as well, at first Cawles assumed them to be athletes for the Xule games but instead she found their special nature. They had come at first light and asked to be seen by Cawles herself.
"We only ask for help in our quest." One of them said. "We are all but young but we all have a quest we must carry through. With your position, we hoped that you could tell the council of our plight. Any help would do."
"Alright, I'll write to them." Cawles said reassuringly. "But I can't promise anything. The council has grown old and complacent but I"m sure they would help."
(Major)Send Aid to Corvans-4 wealth, 2 food
(Major)Implement Gunpowder, ballistics for Carbines-Carbines are basic, muzzle-loaded, short-ranged firearms and slow to reload but +1 for future combat rolls
(Minor)Send delegation to Xule.
Gangari sat silently staring from the mountaintop out to the lands infront of him. It had been a long time since he had felt the strength to act in his veins. But it had finally returned.
His first act would be one of life. He remember the first time he had acted in this world, trying to help with the crops of the commoner. But he was stronger and wiser now.
He had thoughts about how he wished to bring life into the world, and after a time decided to be intelligent about it. He would release the "Spore of Andha" as he had called it into the wilds of the marshlands his children were settling as a test and he would cultivate it in the university so that if he succeeded his gift could be used by all nations of the world.
After sitting and focusing his power, he materialized in the skies above the marshes. He then caused clouds of the spore to form above the marshes and fall upon them infecting the plants within. From the ground it would look like a red snow was falling, for an hour or so.
[hr]
Rederick, The Southern Grat Shee Territory.
It had been three months since the Collective's settlers had left for the north. Three had returned, one screaming about demons. Legion scouts had come back spooked from the lands of the "Grat" as his father had told him they were called.
Rederick decided that as his father and his priests were overseeing the settling efforts in the marshlands beside the Legion, he would lead the recovery efforts himself.
Though his father had asked for this to be peaceful, it was decided a show of force was needed. Eighty men and women had volunteered for the expedition. Ten Justiciars and Seventy Legionaries. The Justiciars carried their personal weapons, the majority of which were decade old Krakari rifles and ornate cavalry sabres. The legionaries on their horses carried a variety of weapons, half of them carrying bows and crossbows to support their more melee focused comrades.
After the long march to their territory, they found what was left of the caravan. It appeared to have been quick and without warning. Judging by the dried blood and the few remains it was likely there were no more survivors. It had been looted heavily and it appeared the corpses had been dragged off to be, he guessed stripped. These "Grat" seemed to be little more than animals. After searching it for a few minutes, tracks to the northeast were found. Right into their forests.
Rederick organized the troops back into formation after dealing with what little was left and ordered the approach. Though as they walked in they felt exactly what the scouts described, something was wrong with the trees.
Inside the trees on the edge one of them have a slight bulge. Inside that one tree several Grat look out and see a large group of things moving. Watching them one of the squads who are staying in the hide make a small exclamation as most of them recognize them as the same things they had fought and killed before in the same direction they were coming from. The same squad run out the back of the hide and down the back of the iron hard tree bark and into the bush.
As the large group got closer to the edge of the tree line more and more Grat squads rushed to the edge of the trees and many of them climbed trees within a few dozen yards of the tree line and watch them from hides or behind branches as they wait.
Coming last as the group was a hundred yards from the trees the chief from the closest village gets there with his shaman. Both of them stand under one of the hides bursting with Grat ready to climb down at running speed and defend their chief if need be.
The chief looks at his shaman and sighs.
"Looks like there was more of them. What should we do?"
The shaman looks at the group getting closer and rolls the staff between his hands.
"Come Kessu, what else but seeing if they will talk and destroying them if they can't understand your ways."
Kessu smiles slowly and jumps out of the brush to stand in the open right where the group will get to and leans on his spear as he waits. 60 bows drawn behind him in hiding and 15 other Grat wait to jump out if something happens.
As the grat jumped out, the warband reflexively readied their weapons as the bowmen aimed out into the land around them, expecting an ambush. After a moment, Rederick halted the approach and dismounted from his horse. He pulled his spear from the sling on his back and ordered the Justiciars to follow him. As the Justiciars dismounted he approached the Grat, walking until he was about twenty feet away.
With a deep, angered voice Rederick spoke, "We have come to know. Why have you attacked us?"
Still leaning on his spear and seemingly relaxed Kessu watched the 10 get closer. Watching the rest of the group and flicking his eyes between them and the ones who have gotten closer he shrugs.
"We attacked and killed trespassing thresh. We have not attacked you... yet."
"Our settlers were unaware these were your lands when they entered them. What are thresh?"
"Thresh, um... food?"
Kessu stands straighter and scratches his claws down his spear smoothing its shaft as he stares.
Rederick frowned, it was just as he suspected "You killed fourty innocent people without warning to consume them. Did you not realize we'd investigate?"
"We attacked 40 thresh. why would we consider you would investigate? Deer or wolves do not come to us after to investigate when one of theirs die and are gone."
Waving behind him shaman Losic steps out of the brush and behind Kessu.
"Why did you come if not to kill and consume those who took down some of your clan."
Rederick responded after the second Grat spoke "To find out what happened and collect our dead."
Kessu and Losic look at each other and then back at the people across from them. Losic steps back into the bush and after a few minutes he slowly walks back out holding a swirling metal sign that everyone of the others who saw it recognized instantly as the same on their own backs.
Losic sets it on the ground and looks at Kessu for a second before backing up again. Kessu looks at the group.
"These are all that is left."
Rederick grimaced as he saw what was left. And then he looked back, the men behind him looked ready to open fire. If it was going to happen it couldn't be today, there weren't enough men. He looked to the Justiciars and they began collecting the bronze spirals from the ground.
He yelled, back to the groups of men behind him "Ignorance isn't a sin today." He then turned back to the Grat "If we were anyone else we'd kill you." he angrily sighed and then continued "Creatures such as us are not like deer or wolves. We care about death and how it happens. If you treat us or those like us like... Thresh, you will quickly find tribes of thousands descending upon your homes."
Kessu looks at the man in front as the rest collect the 28 spirals on the ground. He shrugs and waves behind him.
"We hunt those in our territory. How did we know you were more than deer?"
Kessu steps back and waves Losic into the trees.
"Come again later when you are not angry, we did not know who you were or are. Maybe we will let you see your chief of chiefs. Bring something good to eat or give."
Both of them step into the bush and Kessu runs over to behind a tree and runs up the back, looking out around it from 40 feet up watching them.
Rederick looked to the Justiciars and then to the men behind him. There was no point in staying. He wordlessly gave the order to leave and got back on his horse. After a minute of reorganizing, the warband quickly left the forests and the Grat lands behind.
[hr]
Jubal, The marshes in the west.
Jubal stared intently at the creatures on the branch infront of him. Lizards of a kind he hadn't seen before. He would catch one and send it back to the university. On second thought, this one interested him. Perhaps it would make a good pet. All they really wanted were plants anyway.
He had taken it upon himself to lead the expedition to the marshes his lord had asked them to secure for colonization. Delegates were being sent to the tribes in the area, bringing books and tools and food from the University to impress the locals. Gangari had stressed that if they were to succeed out here they would need the help of the Yish'Tai, a people the rest of the world hadn't heard from in decades. Word was that they had tore themselves apart as the deep tribes almost had. But time and desperation heal all wounds.
Jubal held out a piece of food to the black lizard and it greedily took it. He then held out another and motioned for his assistants to help him. After a few minutes about twenty of them were captured and held comfortably in wooden cages with soft fabric carpeting.
Nation Name: The Aetherial Collective (Some have been known to refer to it insultingly as Sammah Gangari-Tahna, though this is considered ignorant)
Capitol Name: (Government currently decentralized)
Territory description: The Marshlands previously controlled by the Yish'Tai.
Nation Perks:
Songs of the Spheres - Due to their knowledge and experience in the runic arts their technology is built around exploiting their aptitude for them as much as possible. Runes are applied to everything in their society and the arts are combined with every other field of knowledge and technology. (Research and Development Bonus)
Swords to Hammers - Following in the traditions of the Ajivhan's they pride themselves on the quality of their goods, every member of the armed forces is skilled in a trade beyond those of war just as members of the civilian population are trained in the arts of war. (Wealth production bonus when not actively warring)
Nation Flaws:
Trusting - Due to the multiracial and multinational nature/policies of the collective as well as the inherent trust placed on other Corvans, it is difficult for the Collective to counter spying efforts in their own territory perpetrated by Corvans. (Counter-spy penalty against Corvan Spies)
Plowshares to Swords - When defending their territory or dedicating their nation to war they produce less food, due to the militia. (Food production penalty when actively defending Collective territory)
[hr]
Race Name: Corvans (However Gangari introduced them to the world as "The Tahna," a name they hold dearly)
Creation: The process of becoming a Corvan (or member of the Tahna) can be broken down into two steps: A ritualized blood transfusion from a Corvan and the consumption of a Enchanted Substance known as Delysid (produced through means known only to Corvans and priests of Gangari) which causes the user to temporarily see the world through a form of Heightened Aether Sight muddled with visions of their ancestors.
Physical Description: For the most part they appear to be the baseline of their race. However on average they are athletic and have some unique features as described below.
The pupils of their eyes is beyond the normal black of the baseline of their race, seemingly drawing in and nullifying light around them. Their iris is bronze in colour and notably metallic in appearance.
On each of their backs is a metallic bronze runic pattern easily mistaken for a tattoo by those unfamiliar with them. Upon rebirth it is a small spiraling pattern on the center of their back, but as they age it grows and changes, covering their back in adulthood and becoming more and more intricate as they age.
Traits
Aether Sight - Aether sight is the ability to see the truth of things (see the true form of things that are shapeshifted, invisible, possessed, etc. The image would be juxtaposed over the form that everyone else sees. Invisible creatures would become merely transparent, shapeshifted creatures would appear to be flickering between their original form and their chosen shape, possessed creatures and objects would appear with a glow revealing the form of their possessor, etc.). This perception of reality is however based upon Gangari's interpretation of what lays beyond the dimensions and realities perceivable by mere mortals. This would include the ability to see souls and other incorporeal beings or presences.
Naturally Runed - They are born with the capacity for runic magic, including the ability to spread it. Their ability is dependent upon age and experience unless the development of their power is hastened. The young have abilities not unlike that of evokers. When they reach adolescence they become equivalent to runewrights in power. When they reach the age of twenty one they become the equivalent of artificers in power. Those who develop into arch-artificers through luck of the draw or Gangari's favour usually become or are elders in their culture.
Regeneration - Though not immortal, their bodies have the capacity to heal from any wound which they can survive. Their body mending and regenerating as they rest. The only exception to this would be wounds inflicted by an alloy of nickel and iron which slows the regenerative process in regards to said wounds to the levels of their base race (unless of course healing magic is applied).
Dependence - Regeneration is dependent upon them living in places in which silver root has a node for it to function. Aether sight and Naturally Runed are dependent upon Gangari or another God powering them as they are connected to Gangari like the Demiurge.
Note: This racial variant is a generational trait, and can be inherited by children. Note 2: The Majority of the nation at the time of their founding is of the human variety of Corvan.
[hr]
Social Values: Ideally everyone does their job and everyone gets what they need. Their values are descended from that of Ajivha and those Gangari have instilled into them. The pursuit of knowledge is placed highly as is artistic merit. Truth and Freedom are considered sacred and to the average person are held above most things.
Government: Ideally there are three people holding the highest position in the nation equally. One elected by the populace once a year to represent them, one holding the highest position in the military, and one holding the highest position in the priesthood. This trinity system was implemented by Gangari to protect both his own interests and the interests of his followers, though in reality it is possible that all three roles could be held by a single person.
Below the trinity are administrators who handle the day to day affairs in the absence of members of the trinity.
Economy: Planned Green.
Religion: Their religious practices for the most part are built upon the practices of the Gangari worshipers of the Ajivhan people from before their downfall. Though things have changed in that the majority see him as both their savior and to some degree their creator now.
Military: The Military is divided into three main forces. The Legion, The Justiciar Order, and The Civilian Militia.
The Legion is a defensive and offensive force split between two different operational doctrines. One of these doctrines is focused upon cavalry and soldiers wearing heavy armour supported by ranged forces. The other doctrine is focused upon the heavy use of guerrilla warfare, ranged weaponry, and lightly armoured raider units.
The Holy order of Justiciars founded in the days of mourning following the destruction of Ajivha was created by Gangari and his children for the purpose of hunting down and dealing with criminals with impunity. The men and women of this force are recruited from all walks off life, though they must ultimately seek out the responsibility themselves. Acting under the direct authority of Gangari, their role in this new age is to root out corruption, determine truth's, and protect the innocent by acting as judge, jury, and executioner. Though they hold no direct authority over other forces, they are treated as officers by all other branches of the military and at times will call upon them for assistance.
The Civilian Militia is exactly what it sounds like. At all times the civilian population is prepared to drop what they're doing and defend their lands. The militia forces are trained entirely around guerrilla tactics and entrenchment. The usual weapons found in the hands of a member of the militia are a crossbow and a barbed dagger.
Ideology: Mutual Survival, Cultural Development, and the Pursuit of Knowledge.
Name: Lord Commander Rederick
Race: Human Corvan
Appearance: A tall athletic man with dark tanned skin. His hair is a greyish silver which is generally kept short. In public he usually appears wearing a suit of bronze coloured chain mail armour with a green surcoat over it. In private he wears the clothes of a commoner.
Short History: Created twenty five years ago as a Corvan, Rederick was one of Gangari's few "new lives." Created from nothingness and considered one of Gangari's true children, he was raised and groomed for his role in life, Lord Commander of the Collective. Serving as both the lord commander of the Collective's military and the elected leader of the trinity he holds great power in his hands.
[hr]
Name: Seneschal Jubal
Race: Human Corvan
Appearance: A lean Ajivhan man of average height. His hair is a mess of greying black. He is usually seen wearing a set of green robes.
Short History: A man who died during the fall of Ajivha, he was reborn 25 years ago as Corvan by Gangari. Serving as the "high administrator", he has spent the time between the fall of Ajivha and the rise of the collective organizing the Corvans for the future, attempting to prepare them for the task of building and preserving a nation.
-Created a non-sentient species smaller than an elephant.
A semi-magical organism that once introduced into a plant or similar organism (algae and moss for instance) it begins to symbiotically infest it. On its own in an unconnected state it exists as a microscopic red spore which forms part of a red seed-like structure when touching other spores, for the ease of mortal distribution.
Cosmetic Changes
It causes photosynthetic cells and cell structures (leaves) to become greener and darken so as to better absorb light. It causes sap and sap like fluids to redden as the iron content of the fluid increases. It causes roots and root-like structures to redden as a pigmentation change. It causes fruits, seeds, pollen and similar things to redden as a pigmentation change. It causes ripened fruit to gain a slight bio-luminescent quality while in the dark. It also slightly sweetens fruits.
Useful Changes
- Increases nutritional contents.
- Creates minor medicinal qualities in a few species of plants.
[hr]
Once a spore is introduced to an acceptable cell (one containing a chloroplast) the spore attaches itself and begins to insert symbiotic organelles (similar to a mitochondria or a chloroplast) into the cell and then the rest of the organisms cells through its system like a virus, reproducing using the host organism in a harmless fashion. After infecting the organism to a point where the infestation can continue without its assistance, the spore breaks down.
The changes will begin to show in either a child organism (which also contains the introduced organelles) of the infected organism, or in more long lived plants (such as trees) after a year.
The spore and the infestation can be eliminated/killed through a runic ritual known to priests of Gangari.
The spore and the seeds they organize as are cultivated through an infested type of grass which produces the spore seeds during the same period in which it produces its own seeds. The grass is kept as a crop inside a few dedicated labs in the University of Silver-root.
- Introduced the Spore of Andha into the marshlands previously controlled by the Yish'Tai and begin to cultivate it in the University for clinical tests and distribution.
- Action is difficulty 9, with a cost of 3 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll is +4.
- Should have 12/15 AP at end of turn
1) Collaborate with Ashlif/silver-root to grow silver-root nodes as a technology. This will use both the nation and university bonuses.
2) Scout/Secure marshland territory previously controlled by Yish'Tai for settling, and attempt to collaborate with local Yish'Tai populations with the intent to absorb the tribes into the collective.
3) Study marshland flora and fauna for the purpose of survival in the marshlands and the ease of survival by determining properties and uses of marshland flora and fauna (intended as a food research). This will use both the nation and university bonuses.
Lysei, Kingdom of Mereton, Stowhurst, Council of Elders, 15 AP
Lysei was curious about this Kingdom of Mereton Maximus kept talking about. A new Empire with its own problems, raiders it seemed. He watched King Edgar make his speeches, and they seemed refreshingly reasonable. Lysei would watch him carefully in the future, but for now it seemed he had something else to investigate. These river tribes seemed interesting. The majority appeared to be reasonable, but those under a different ruler appeared to be less capable of coexisting peacefully. Apparently running raids on villages for supplies, money and murder. It all was too familiar to Lysei, he wouldn?t let them live much longer.
He couldn?t just run at the leader and chop his head off yet, however. Doing that would likely just make the invaders more dangerous for a time. He would need to send them a message, one that they could understand. Lysei would make it very clear that he did not approve of what they stood for, and that if they continued the consequences would be dramatic. He doubted they would listen, but that would just give him clear cause to escalate his own actions. Perhaps Katalia would be called out of retirement, though from what he remembered, she was enjoying the peaceful life of protector. For now, at least.
Lysei decided he would make his action sooner, rather than later and exited Stowhurst. Based on what he had gathered, the Riverlands and its neighboring cities would be the best area to search. There was little time, he feared that every moment wasted left another family dead. The god of fire flew through the air wasting no time scoping out the land. He knew his destination, there would be no hesitation.
"Are you sure we can pull it off?" Sharluk, a Drider, stared up at his master Kortence, another Drider with an inquisitive look. Kortence was a fairly large Drider, his four eyes each studying notes made by himself. He nodded in approval and said "Yes, I am almost entirely certain that with this method, we could transform just about anything into suitable farmland. It wouldn?t solve all of our issues, but the biggest problem our society faces is a lack of essential nourishment."
Sharluk shrugged, "Do you think we should share what we learned? The others still don?t trust us fully, I can?t believe the Ajivhans won?t teach us Genning. It?s Lysei?s own gift, and if anyone should have the gift it?s us! We have been around Ajivha for our whole lives, we have as much claim to this university as any of those primates."
Kortence glared at Sharluk and sighed. "I don?t know if it?s wise to hide anything. I realize we have much claim to Ajivha now, but we are still only here temporarily. This is the key to our future. We can not afford to risk it in petty feuds. Sharluk, I want you to gather three other Driders and run an experiment with these notes. Then, once they mature in a month or so, I want you to continue following the instructions. If I am right about this, it will revolutionize food development as we know it. But, eh, until we have anything concrete you have my permission to stay secretive." Sharluk nodded and skittered out of Kortence?s office.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Lysei, a burning village in Mereton
Madness, this was pure madness. Lysei stood over the portrait of insanity perpetuated by the marauders. The cacophony of screams, tears and wails physically abused the god. How long had these actions been going for? How many innocents had died in this manner? Who dared plague the lands in such a manner? Lysei looked down at the central hub of the town, and noticed that the majority of those who lived there were piled on top of a podium. Likely for a town crier or something to that regard. He dared not to investigate exactly what befell the poor souls. Beyond that, raiders were ransacking houses. Striking down anyone who decided to get in their way. There were approximately three hundred raiders within the village, by Lysei?s count.
The raiders were piling everything they owned into carts to take back on their ships. Most of their possessions having once belonged to innocent families. The screaming of mothers and children had all but died out. The god of fire could barely the presence of any of those who once lived in the village, they all had died except one. Lysei didn?t care what possible justifications they could make. He had seen enough. Lysei?s human skin faded as armor once again covered his entire body. Only the flames of his rage remained.
Lysei crashed to the ground, sending a shockwave through the village. The raiders turned from their spoils, not sure what to make of Lysei, one of them called out to a large, brutish looking man to take care of the intruder. Lysei locked eyes with the brute as he punched through a house next to him. Lysei ripped the heart out of a raider with a knife to a small boy?s chest. He teleported the boy to safety and yelled at the raiders, and to Mereton.
"I am Lysei, hear my voice, mortals! Those who's hands are coated in the blood of the innocent shall fall at my feet and burn!" Lysei began to radiate with power. The god walked directly into the center mass of the raiders, who at this point were too distracted by their ears having blown out due to Lysei?s yell to notice the god who now was beginning to disappear from view. In his wake, it began to rain fire on the village. Slowly at first, but with an alarming haste, the storm became inescapable as the entire village was set ablaze. Within seconds, the screaming returned. Only this time, it was the raiders who died in agony. For the first time in twenty five years, Lysei had revealed himself. Although everyone in Mereton heard him yell, the news of his revenge would spread faster than his own fire.
Lysei: Alter the weather over a village, fire rain! DC 7, 3 AP +4 Flames
Yell angrily at Mereton, effortless. (Though Lysei might need a throat lozenge)
Driders:
Research directed selection in order to produce better food sources. (University bonus)
Scout land south of Ajivha for eventual settlement
Research advanced settlement techniques (university bonus)
A grin spread from ear to ear as the deity watched the forest change, it only grow as an influx of power surged through Cyth'raul's being. However, there was a mild mote of disappointment. New nations, new deities... All sorts of things had sprung up and yet there wasn't a schemer among any of them. The old nations had grown complacent and the new ones were all too wary of a divinity bearing gifts. Well, the gift of opportunity, the opportunity for beings to help each other out, the opportunity for a deal. Mortals were so fickle. Of course, there was always that option. But such things had do be done carefully, and secretly. In spite of that, Cyth'raul desired to see just how far the power of Guidance could go, stupid reservations be damned. And so, there was another exercise of power.
Budraal waved his guards off as the Luug he requested appeared: Keplar, recently freed from his obligations to the other Tribes. As Keplar stood at attention, Budraal sifted through a pile of tablets, picking out a few and placing them before his guest. "Our expansion has brought new needs to my attention, Keplar, and I believe you are the one who can address the needs of the Deep Tribes as we become more prominent beyond our mountains."
"Me? My Supreme, I have not the strength of my broth-" Keplar was silence by a wave of Budraal's hand.
"Your mind, your creatively, these are the traits that brought you to my notice. They are the qualities that are...hard to find...outside of Haakan's cult these days, but they are traits we are in dire need of." Budraal leaned in close to inspect Keplar's still youthful form. His back-crag was little more than a rocky scab over his spine. However, it still bore several runes of Gangari's magic. "Even with these, your mind is still free." Budraal looked into Keplar's eyes to confirm the truth. "You may enjoy the tricks of that god's power, but that god does not hold your faith...is this true?"
Keplar hesitated for a moment, glancing over at a wooden chest stashed away in the corner of the den. However, after Budraal moved to block it from his view, he finally worked up the nerve to respond. "Yes, the power of these runes have served me well, but I do not worship the being that forged the first among them."
"That is good..." Budraal nodded as he moved to sit back on his pedestal. "...I need someone free from that god's, and Haakan's, influence to work on this new project." Directing Keplar's attention to a specific tablet, Budraal continued to speak as the Luug read from it. "A list of Luug not that different from you, who have displayed strength of mind over strength of claw. I need you to organize them. Go, with my blessing and authority, and recruit these Luug from their lowly positions in our society into a new company. An organization of Luug that shall advance the knowledge of all the Tribes, so that we all can prosper in this new age." Keplar looked up in surprise, seeing a look of respect in the face of the Supreme. "Perhaps even, given time, this organization could become a Tribe of its own. A Tribe that strives to understand the greater mysteries."
Keplar nodded, cradling the tablet under his arm as he bowed before Budraal. "I shall give my all to this task, my Supreme."
With that, Keplar moved across the territory of the Deep Tribes, surprising common Luug and Chieftains alike when he came, bearing the Will of the Supreme, and drafting Luug into an unknown service.
Then, in the deepest tunnels of the most lonely mountain, they began their work.
1. Research Institutionalized Research Methodology (bonus to research)
2. Research Refined Metallurgy (military bonus)
3. Research Tunnel Sabotage (bonus to defensive military actions)
Drya - Forests of the Grat Shee/Kingdom of Mereton 14/15 AP
Drya smiled and waved to the Grat Hunters as they headed back to their village, carrying several fresh kills with them. They were strange creatures, yet she found their skill and resourcefulness admirable. She would return to these forests in time, but the wanderlust had come upon her again and she was eager to be off. There was one land she had yet to visit, newly discovered by the rest of the world apparently.
Mereton. Another human nation, but wholly unconnected to Aurora and the old Ajivha. Drya had heard rumours of this recently discovered civilization during her travels, and she was curious to see what it was like for herself. Vanishing in a whirl of lights, she willed herself across the world and reappeared on a green riverbank. The air was crisp and clean here, the sounds of birds and insects gave the place a feeling of vibrancy and life. Humming a simple tune to herself, the nature goddess walked alongside the river, following its twists and turns across the landscape.
Several hours later Drya paused. In the distance downstream of her location, a faint plume of smoke could be seen rising into the sky. The sight brought unpleasant memories she'd tried so hard to suppress crashing back into her mind.
The stench of charcoal,
Smoke billowing all around,
Flames reaching for the sky,
Screams and yells from within the hut...
A sick feeling rising within her, Drya hid herself from mortal eyes and instantly transported herself towards the source. The scene that greeted her arrival was horrifiying. Fire rained from the sky and engulfed the riverside village. Men screamed as they died, writhing in pain as the flames consumed them. At the center of the inferno stood a man, the flames engulfing, but not harming him. So did Drya meet another of her kind for the first time, a god wholly unlike herself. Unable to look away, the young goddess watched as the village burnt to the ground.
Auroran scouts sucessfully located sites for potential colonisation north of Medegarde and south of Oilean Uisce. Meanwhile, the constuction of Jashipolis to become Aurora's second citadel was finally completed, to much applause.
Raptor States
The Kratari were keen to build good relations, sending both aid to the newly arisen Corvans and a delegation to the upcoming Xule games in Aurora. They would be prepared for the worst however, with the successful implementation of their firearm technology.
Deep Tribes
The Luug's research into refined metallurgy bore fruit, however their other studies failed to find any useful results.
Mereton
The delegation of Mereton reached Auroran shores in good time, hoping to connect their fledging nation to the wider world. At the same time, their new House Carl units were trained but less sucessful were the scouting efforts to the east, the Mereton scouts returned empty-handed.
Grat Shee
In a bid to improve their lot, the Grat Shee sucessfully research metallurgy, smelting and the domestication of animals.
The Collective
The new nation suceeded in their research of silverroot nodes and marshland food, however their scouting of the marshlands was less fruitful and they returned with no real useful information gained.
The Driders
The spider people's research into advanced settlement techniques and better food brought success, however their actual scouting trip to the south of Ajivha ran into difficulties when they were on the recieving end of a particular harsh heat wave.
Gods
Drya
The nature goddess blessed the Grat Shee Kesar with the ability to assist the growth of any animal or plant.
Lysei
With the exception of one small boy, an entire village of raiders burned under Lysei's wrath.
Gangari
Gangari created the Spore of Andha in the southern marshes, for future research in the university who knew what uses might be found?
Cyth'raul
With an act concealed from the other gods, Cyth sucessfully carried out it's latest deed.
Themeron
Themeron announced his birth to the world, every mortal nation from the Grat Shee to the Kingdom of Mereton hearing his battle cry. Whether any worship would be forecoming would await to be seen.
As the flames flickered and died, nothing was left except for a large black scar on the land. Fury rising within her, Drya stormed up to the one standing in the center of it all. Clad in full armor, power radiated outwards from him. This was no mere man that Drya approached, this was a being with even stronger than herself.
"You! Why have you done this? This... this atrocity! What did this poor village do to you that could possibly justify such a response?" she yelled. Her usual, gentle aura of vegetation twisted and changed, the vines growing thicker and sprouting vicious thorns, as she glowered at the god before her.
And there she was. The first of the two new gods Lysei felt. She had wandered into his domain, and gazed into the abyss. It appeared she disliked what was within it. The god of flames had no need to explain himself, but he also liked being understood. Clearly she did not witness the full event.
"Raiders ransacked the town, killed everyone. This was their punishment. Buildings are nothing compared to the lives lost today. I am sending a message." Lysei stared at a pile of ash and said "right here, one of the raiders raped a woman in front of her mutilated children. The others were laughing." Lysei was able to recreate the images of what the town had gone through in Drya's mind. The god of flames did not enjoy reliving this nightmare, but it had to be done.
Drya closed her eyes and observed the images the other immortal shared with her. The screams, violence and brutality on display shook her to her very core. She saw the god descend into the chaos and save a child, before laying waste around him with a terrible fury. Men clawing at their faces as they were consumed, the groaning and crashing of houses falling to pieces, the stench of smoke permeating the air... it horrified her.
Stepping backwards involuntarily, she shook her head and dispelled the images. She glanced back at the god before her.
"I see, you had your reasons for this. While I sympathize with you, was it really necessary..." Drya said, gesturing to their surroundings, to completely destroy everything in the immediate vicinity? What if there were children hiding under beds, or within cupboards? And what of the creatures in the soil, the seeds of plants. They are all gone now, this land reeks of death. It is a terrible tragedy."
"There wasn't." Lysei stated bluntly. "Plants grow back with time, but these raiders will be forgotten. A dead village cares not for its fate, but those that lead the raiders still live. They will remember what I have done, and if need be I will do this again. Such people are not fit to live in the world I am forging."
Lysei looked at the sky, it was black now. Ash mixed into the winds and scattered above them, drowning out the sun itself. The only true source of light was Lysei himself, still burning. "What is your name?"
"You may call me Drya," she replied. "Plants may grow back with time as you say, but that does not make their loss any more heartbreaking. Life is a precious thing, one should not treat it so lightly. Even beings such as ourselves would be nothing without this world and its inhabitants."
Stepping away from the burning god, Drya clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. A green glow began emanating from her and flowed into the scorched earth.
"I will now restore this land to life and create something to remember those who have died. It would be best if you left, so I can concentrate. Before you go however, I would know your name."
"I am Lysei." Was all the god of fire said before disappearing into the smoke.
The glow around Drya swelled in intensity, the earth shifting and heaving as energy flowed into it.
-Create a local change to the world's structure
Drya stimulates the growth of new life where the village used to stand. Over the course of several weeks a small, beautiful forest grove will grow, teeming with life. A large, ornate stone will be situated in a clearing in the center. Etched on the stone are the words:
This grove stands in remembrance of those who lost their lives here.
May their souls rest in peace.
Maximus strode through the palace, firing off orders left and right as preparations for the games were made. So far the Krakari and Mereton had accepted his invitations, while not as many as he had hoped at-least those two were the one's he wanted to speak with most. Perhaps some others would arrive later, if he was lucky.
He felt a drag on his sleeve and with a sigh turned to see his Lord Deputy Roland Olin bowing profusely. The man then arose with a slick smile on his face. The Emperor's heart sank, this was one of two men he'd been specifically trying to avoid.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Olin purred, "I most apologise for interupting you in this busy period but there is an important matter that needs your attention," He thrust a bunch of papers into Maximus' face. The Emperor glanced over them, barely hiding the scowl that appeared as he skimmed it's contents.
"This again Roland?" Maximus exclaimed angrily, "For the last time, I will not treat my drider subjects any differently from any other race, understand?"
"But your Majesty!" the Lord Deputy simpered, "Last week another child down south was taken by one of their young, this simply can't be tolerated much longer,"
"I trust that drider will face the full force of the law then," the Emperor replied sharply, "We don't punish men for the actions of their kin though, or you would not be here now, eh?" Roland glowered at the reference to his late father, sometimes Maximus wished he could do the same to the son and be rid of a nuisance forever but he knew deep down he'd feel terribly guilty afterwards.
"Parliament wants action, you can't hold us up forever," Roland Olin said darkly, "The drider problem will remain a festering wound in the heart of our nation until a permanent solution is found, one way or another,"
With that he flounced off. Maximus was about to continue when the other man he'd been trying to avoid appeared at his shoulder.
"Uncle," Julius de Verde said huskily as the Emperor turned, praying this wouldn't be another conversation about the youth's status. His nephew greatly resembled Kaius, though his gaze somewhat colder and angrier. Perhaps justified, given that by the timing of his birth rather than bearing the title of Prince that he was entitled to he was instead a mere Lord, a bastard in his own family.
"Julius," Maximus forced a brief smile, "Anything the matter?"
"One of the dogs has got a hurt paw... again," he held up one of the many flat-faced court mutts who were descended from Maximus' own Pugsley of his childhood. Unfortunately the beasts did seem particularly inclined to injury, perhaps owing to their ancestor's magical origin and impractical appearance.
"Send him to the head stablehand, he knows what to do with dogs," Maximus replied quickly and then hurried into his office before Julius had time to stop him further. At his desk sat his wife Amatia, looking through a bundle of papers.
"Any news on the assassin?" the Emperor asked wearily.
"Not really," the Queen shook her head, "Oileán Uisce has been blockaded off and all the major settlements searched, no person matching the assassin has been discovered. May I visit the island myself while you are in Xule? I feel being there myself would help the investigation."
"Of course," Maximus nodded, "Just stay safe there, you know I couldn't manage without you," he bent down and drew Amatia into a long kiss, placing his forehead on hers as their lips gently met. They would bid each other farewell before Maximus departed of course but such affectionate displays would not be seen as proper in front of the Imperial Court.
"You too, I'm not sure I'd trust a dragon," she replied with a smile. Ever since the attack on the boat the Emperor had taken to travelling by a small carriage mounted on the back of a dragon, containing only a few passengers known to him and a loyal rider. Though air travel had taken some getting used to, Maximus had to admit it was very efficient and as his son Aurelius joyfully proclaimed after his first ride, actually rather fun. By the end of the day the Emperor and his firstborn would be in Xule, ready for the official opening of the Games a couple of days afterwards.
(Major) - Settle previously scouted land north of Medegarde
(Major) - Settle previously scouted free land south of Oileán Uisce
(Major) - Upgrade Xule into a citadel
Gangari manifested himself on the outskirts of the Grat forests and began following the trail into the whispering woods as his son had months before. Occasionally hearing movement in the area around him, he looked one of the hungering watchers right in the eye before continuing along the path.
The one who had looked into the eyes of the strange trespasser slowly moved back and ran farther ahead to sound the alarm. Climbing up into the bowers of the trees around and running along bridges and roads build into the high tree tops. Sending out a warning below the hearing of others, calling the rest to arms and warning.
Soon 4 full squads assemble and start making their way back, surrounding and getting ready to jump down to attack this trespasser.
Noticing the hunters preparing to pounce upon and kill him, Gangari stopped and sat upon the ground before speaking in a tone just loud enough for them to hear "Go Ahead."
Several look at each other before half a dozen arrows streak out of the foliage and impact on the sitting figure. Each arrow skids off or drops to the ground, the Grat staring in surprise and trading looks of wonderment and worry. 2 of the captains drop out of the trees and step through the brush to look at the sitting figure, their squads staying close behind with notched arrows but not drawn back.
The one who had stepped through the brush speaks first.
"Our arrows bounce off your hide. How is that? How did you know we were here?"
"Your arrows bounced against my hide because I desired wholeness. I saw you because you were there." He smiled, stood up, and then continued. "I am a spirit. What your arrows struck was not flesh, it is something I merely desire to appear as flesh. I saw you because you aren't as invisible as you like to think."
The leaders look at each other and one mutters under her breath.
"More spirits."
The one in front looks to Gangari and reaches back to slide his bow back into the sheath on his back along with the arrow back in his quiver.
"So, you are a spirit. I believe you. Why have you come here? What do you want?"
Motioning at one of the smaller Grat at the back of the group she slides back into the brush and runs away.
"One of your Shaman spoke to my son a number of months ago. He attempted to warn you of the tribes beyond this forest and your shaman took it as a threat. I have come to speak to the same shaman, explain to him what my son attempted to warn you of."
The Grat standing in the lead straightens and says to the captain in sub vocal. "I remember this, you remember right? On the edge before we took down the tree cats and got their tails as ornaments."
Playing with a striped cat tail hanging from his belt the leader nods slowly and looks up at the taller Gangari. Ribbing his palms together his claws click softly several times before he speaks again.
"I remember that, I was there. Threat... No threat... we will wait till our shaman comes, we sent for her."
He smiles thinly at Gangari for calling her a him.
A few dozen minutes later the small Grat comes back leading the shaman back through the brush and into the path. She walks forward slowly looking at Gangari, her staff head bright with a spiked metal that reminds Gangari of the swirls of his people.
Gangari bowed to the Grat Shaman and then spoke "Hello. My name is Gangari. My son came to speak to you to understand why you hunt, and then he attempted to warn you. From what he had told me you took what he said as a threat. I have come to give you the same warning he had and to teach you of the tribes you share the land with and of their pride." He paused "You believed those you killed to be as deer. Though they are of meat they think as you do. They band together to survive, and that which threatens their survival is destroyed for the betterment of the tribe. The men beyond these forests exist in tribes numbering in the thousands and continue to grow. If you hunt them without warning they will in turn hunt you. Their hunters will come in groups of hundreds, swarming through your homes like murderous insects and they will not hear reason." He paused again hoping they would understand. "But if you work with them and approach them as you do your own kind, then your strength may grow with theirs and you will both prosper".
Kessu nods slowly and looks up at Gangari as she listens. her eyes looking him over as her ears listen to what he says.
"Going to these... Other tribes as our own may sound easy to you Gangari, but it is not for us. We are the true people and all others are not, why would we go to them as if they were us? I... Understand what you mean by they are out there in tribes and larger than we are some of them, but here in this new forest it would be very hard for them to attack and kill us, though they may try. We only attack those who trespass, or are in an area where we are settling. I have more questions about what we found before than about meeting others as equals."
Lifting an axe from her belt and showing it to Gangari, a rune on the sides.
"Amazing things were found, they do things that others just like them can not."
"That axe and the other objects you found were made by my children as I taught them to. The symbols are part of a magic I empower them with. If you desire I could teach you ways to harness these magics and create similar things." He paused and continued the conversation from before "All tribes, even those I have spoken to, especially those a spirit have spoken to, believe themselves to be the true people. While you may be the tribe that is correct, you may be the true people destined to master the world, that doesn't mean the other less true people have to be destroyed in your ascent to power. Each tribe holds a strength similar but different to the strengths of the others, if you were to rise to power would you not like your tribe to hold the strength of the others beside your own to make yourself even greater?"
Looking up at him and smiling slightly Kessu drops the axe back into her belt and leans on her staff as she considers what he said.
"Yes... I'm sure they all believe they are the true people. Everyone has their own strength in their own aspect of their life and world. While we rule forests others may rule some other aspect of the world. Yes... we would like to hold others strengths as our own as well. In some things we are not so good at doing, like digging deeper into the earth and drawing out the pieces of it that may be used."
Kessu steps forward and sits down a few feet from Gangari, tapping the ground in front of Gangari with the tip of her staff.
"Sit. Since you are a spirit you know of the other tribes outside our territory, I would listen and hear what you have to say about each."
------------------------------------------ Southern most tip of Grat Shee territory
Kesar looks around at some of the other shamans that had been called here. Looking back to the plant that had just been planted in the soil and the ones who had planted it stepping away quickly. The seemingly innocent plant sits there in the dirt still as many watch it. Slowly Kesar steps forward and puts his hands around the small seedling, looking out at the rest before closing his eyes and letting the power inside him flow out to surround the plant before sinking into it. Standing there for a few long seconds Kesar winces and his eyes fly open, jumping back and stumbling away leaving bloody footprints as the tree he had been standing over starts to grow noticeably. Little roots that had been poking from where Kesar had been standing slowly sink back into the ground as everyone watches in wonderment, the tree soon growing to the size of a small but mature tree in front of their eyes. Kesar waves and calls out to some who were now standing to close, his warning to late as some roots shoot up out of the ground to spear the small group of Grat that had moved the sapling to here. Each of them jerking and spasming as more and more roots shoot up to stab them, soon their body's lose their shape and they look more like meat that has been ground down.
Looking at what is left of the 3 Grat who had been standing to close many look to Kesar again wondering if what he tried to do actually worked. A squad of Grat step forward holding boards of wood, long and a few feet wide they set the but where they know the roots haven't grown to yet and let the board fall into the area under the bowers of the tree where any who walk will die. Looking back and forth between each other they hesitate long enough Kesar pushes through them and starts walking along the board. Keeping to the center and walking slowly he soon gets under the spreading tree limbs above him and takes a deep breath as he keeps walking. Letting it out slowly as no roots shoot up and nothing happens. Smiling he raises his hands over his head and cries out his elation.
"It worked! This stabbing tree will not see anything made of wood, if it is thicker than 2 fingers. We can walk over it like this and make hides and more in the tree now. I just need to get to more of them so they start growing like this."
Turning and running back he jumps off the board and motions them to lift it, looking back and making a face he calls the rest to leave. Leaving the tree to grow and surprise any who walked under it they all walk away towards the looming forest far ahead.
Implement a researched technology
domestication of animals.
Themeron Had kicked it into gear, it was time. People to become his Loyal subjects awaited his guidance, and he knew just were to start. Themeron had arrived to one of the river Villages of the Mereton Kingdom. It was under siege from the fearsome raiders. Victims to their torment he happened upon a blacksmith, he was fighting for his life against a Group of the savages, armed only with an axe, Theremon in the ethereal form thought to himself.
"This will do Gladly."
He entered the mind of the mortal.
"Besieged Mortal, you appear to be in a position of unfavorable odds, and a position in which you are not likely to survive. That is where I come in, I can grant you the power of 10 men, to become a warrior without pere. In return I require you to serve a purpose. I am Themeron, the god of war...."
The Mortal heeded the voice. "Themeron, I will listen! Just help me!"
"I wise choice." The Blacksmiths eyes lit up with a flame of rage, his Axe writhed with a resentful sentience. With the full force placed in a swing several of the Raiders met their dooms. But more were to come. They came from behind, grappling him, intending to hold him down and slaughter him, he would not have it. He broke free from their grasp, sending them asunder. He corned one of the raiders and proceeded to behead him in the most brutal way possible, the others, now with their moral buckled began to falter. The attacks continued but to no avail. This went on for sometime but the conflict reached it's end, the blacksmith had emerged victorious, but with his village gone he had nowhere to go.
"Excellent! Excellent!" Theremon rejoiced
"I am alive. This power, it is like nothing I've ever experienced."
"That display of power is what the world needs to know. now I require you to fulfill my charge. Go forth, to wherever you can find battle or power. Spread my glorious name through word or preferably, power. Relinquish your name, you shall know be known as Thandel, the First of the Faithful."
"As you wish. I shall obey my lord."
With a grin Theremon returned to his old fortress. The thread had begun to spin, it was only a matter of time.
Imbue the First Faithful. Continue Spread of influence. (Blessed a single Mortal-AP 2 Cost)
Weeks of talking and teaching those who came to him in the Grat woods. If he could talk enough of them out of killing the curious, they would survive. After he believed they understood he brought his Magi to the woods to begin educating them in his arts, instructing them to teach them in the simple forms for now, realizing they wouldn't need or likely understand the more complicated forms until they discovered them on their own.
Before he moved on to let his children take over for him here he gave the shamans he was instructing three things. A bag of an odd rice-like grass which could be used to propagate his spore. A bag of the spore which he instructed them in the use of. And a green crystalline sphere, which he instructed them to bury near where they harvested food for their livestock.
The sphere was the core of a mechanism he was developing, taking advantage of the spore and it's wonderful properties. The first kind would be used to grow that which the spore infested, causing its offspring to split and develop equally as well as giving them stronger and better attachments to its parent so that they would develop properly.
As he worked he was starting to see the limitations of what he could accomplish alone. Perhaps if he worked hard enough his children could grow strong enough to assist him in creation.
After leaving the Grat forests he rested.
[hr]
Rederick, The marshes in the west.
The researchers did their job but the scouts hadn't. The diplomats were having success talking to the Yish'Tai but couldn't convince them to join. Requests for the Legion to secure such and such so so and so could do such and such were constant. Either he dedicated his men to the important things and lost ground or spread his men too thin in this death trap to accomplish anything.
They'd focus on settling. Scouts would be sent where they were needed. If this didn't work, prayer was likely to be the only solution.
[hr]
Jubal and Scout Ford, The marshes in the west.
"Wonderful isn't it?"
"What?"
"His gift. The Spores. Do you not see? They're doing wondrous things."
"I see a fire spreading through their veins but not what it's accomplishing."
"He says in time it will make sense... You wouldn't be here unless you have news."
"I have reports from Silver-root."
"What?"
"They've managed to expand her influence. Slightly. But in time they believe they'll manage to encompass the continent."
"Really? How did they manage that?"
"Some kind of sacrifice or ritual."
"They didn't send the research?"
"No."
Why?"
"They said they needed an escort."
"Why?"
"They want to use the data as cover to smuggle a project out that the Aurorans are apparently close to stumbling upon."
"How many?"
"They want Twenty Legionaries and a Justiciar to meet them on the Auroran border."
"What's the project?"
"They wouldn't say."
"They answer to me."
"They wouldn't say, but considering they're asking for a Justiciar it's important."
"Task a Justiciar and give them the details."
-Created a non-sentient species smaller than an elephant.
From the distance it would appear to be a large metal tree with black leaves but upon closer inspection it would be noticed that it was more like a rune-covered obelisk with tree-like branches sticking out of the top.
The outside of the resonator is a shell of silvery living metal with a shape similar to an obelisk, but becoming like a tree by having a branch structure covered in large black leaves and a root structure under it. The inside is a dark green crystalline structure constantly absorbing, storing, and channeling aetherial energies into and through itself and then into the environment around it.
It uses resonance frequencies and aetherial connections to channel energy into and manipulate the Spore of Andha and the organisms it has integrated with. The purpose of this specific breed of Resonator is to cause the organisms within its sphere of influence to continue to undergo a sort of twinning effect in regards to its offspring, doubling the amount of fruit, grain, seeds, etc. it produces without damaging the organism or the soil which it draws it nutrients from through careful manipulation of the ether and the mechanisms of the spore.
Once a year in the summer months resonators produce a crystalline sphere which acts as a Resonator seed if buried. Over the course of a month after it is buried it will develop a root system and after the first month it will begin developing in full above ground.
Each resonator holds a sphere of influence amounting to a 1 kilometer radius.
If a Resonator exists within a "hexagon" in which silver-root has a node, silver-root will be able to interface with it and take control of it to influence and modify it and therefore the organisms it influences.
- Gave Resonator Seeds to the Corvan Researchers in the University (for research purposes), the Raptor States, and the Grat Shae.
- Gave spore samples to the Grat Shae.
- Shared Spore use methodology with the Grat Shae.
- Shared Spore reproduction knowledge/techniques with the Grat Shae.
- Action is difficulty 9, with a cost of 3 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll is +4.
- Should have 9/15 AP at end of turn
First Major - Settle Marshlands (starting in center and going outwards from there), and continue attempts to collaborate with local Yish'Tai populations to absorb them into the collective.
Second Major - Implement Marshland Research.
Third Major - Dependant.
If able to apply a tech being implemented this turn to a roll this turn: Implement Drider Settling Methods (and apply it to the above settling action).
If not able to apply a tech being implemented this turn to a roll this turn: Implement Drider Directed Selection.
Minor - Send Spore samples to The Raptor States, The Drider Meritocracy, The Deep Tribes (The Silver Tribes and associated Tribes), and the Commonwealth of Aurora (Through the Kingdom of Ajivha).
Minor - Send Spore use methodology to The Raptor States, The Drider Meritocracy, The Deep Tribes (The Silver Tribes and associated Tribes), and the Commonwealth of Aurora (Through the Kingdom of Ajivha).
Minor - Send Spore reproduction knowledge/techniques to The Raptor States, The Deep Tribes (The Silver Tribes and associated Tribes), and The Drider Meritocracy.
Minor - Open Diplomatic Embassy on University Grounds (Corvan Researchers are opening a trading post to distribute the spore, they aren't openly declaring nationhood yet).
Minor - Make Spores available through the University (Free, but they do accept donations *cough* some pre-stockpiled food or a unit of wealth would be nice).
Minor - Make Spore reproduction knowledge/techniques available through the University (Free, but they do accept donations *cough* some tech would be nice).
Minor - Make Spore use methodology available through the University (free).
Minor - Make Silver-root node growing research available through the University (free).
Minor - Copy Drider directed selection and settling methods through the University.
Minor - Send the Drider directed selection tech to the Raptor States.
Minor - Send Artificers and Priests to the Grat Shae to share basic rune techs and teach willing Grat.
Cyth'raul looked upon the risen Luug with a smile.
Life and death were mortal matters, and therefore it would be expected that the divine would be above them, even to the extent where the divine could kill and revive at whim. However, there was a certain satisfaction that came with a job well done. Both mortal and divine could appreciate such things.
"Jugaan, it is good to see you again." Cyth'raul said.
With a gasp, the former Golden One awakened. In a shock, she got up and quickly looked around, on guard. However, upon seeing Cyth'raul, Jugaan quickly grasped the situation. "Pactforger..." Jugaan knelt before the feet of the god. "...ah, I knew you had not abandoned me."
"Pacts extend beyond death." The god grinned, "Rise, much has changed since... your demise and there is much to be done." Suddenly, the deity grew solemn, "I deeply apologise for my inaction, Jashiki had to be stopped."
Cyth'raul then placed a hand on Jugaan's head and fed her mind images of what had occurred, both in the god-battle and what had happened after she had shuffled off the mortal coil.
"Ahhh...." Jugaan nodded as she began to comprehend just how much the world had changed since Budraal killed her. While the actions of the divine and the rise and fall of natons filled her with intrigue, it was the state of the Tribes that concerned her the most.
With a look of understanding given to Cyth'raul, a sign of forgiveness for not preventing her death, Jugaan mused aloud. "Tragic, my Gold Tribe appears to have been neutered by Budraal's hand....yet I see that there are still many who hold you in their hearts." With a mixed look of relief and pleasure, Jugaan smiled as the fire of her ambition worked to rid her of what remained of the grave's chill. "Such opportunity! There may yet be a chance to undo all the damage that foolish Supreme has done....and more."
"Good to hear." Cyth'raul said as the deity echoed Jugaan's nod, "However, I am sure you realise now an eternal Pact connect us, yes?"
"Past experience gave me an inkling, though I must admit ignorance to specific details." Jugaan decided to guess, if only to test her recently revived faculties. "My life for my service, I assume?"
"Yes." Cyth'raul stated, "You will also act as some sort of prophet for me, I do realise springing this you is quite unfair but I do believe the terms are fair. Very few people have come back from the dead."
"A reasonable proposition, as far as I can see. However, depending on how you wish for me to spread your word, it may prove difficult to perform such a duty." Jugaan heaved her shoulders in a half stretch/half shrug. "Budraal seems to be working hard to remove your worship from the nation entirely. To re-emerge and start espousing praise of you would probably just end with my body cleaved in two once more."
Jugaan looked as if she'd say more, but instead she closed her eyes for a moment, and sighed, realizing the details were not really adding to the discussion. "I must work in the shadows for now, to repair my Tribe from within. Then, I must work towards the Supremacy, and finally rid the Tribes of that decadent brute. As I do this, I shall do as you do, and whisper. Those who listen, will listen, and those who do not....will have no choice when I sit upon the Supreme's throne."
Looking back at Cyth'raul, Jugaan gave an inquisitive look. "Will you hold our Pact to be true if I do this? The work will take a long time, patience is required."
"Of course." Cyth'raul grinned, however, it soon shrank, "But bear in mind that I am not so cruel as to give you a task you cannot complete. Jugaan, I believe this plot will require more than me raising you from the dead. It will require me making sure that you cannot die again."
The deity let that bombshell sink in.
Jugaan took a deep breath. "Are you proposing giving me immortality? To never feel the draw of the pools, or suffer no injury?"
"Correct. It seems necessary." Cyth'raul replied.
"Interesting..." Jugaan smiled, seeing the possibilties unlocked when she no longer had to fear Budraal's claws. "...then by your will, let it be done."
There was a raise of the hands, "And so, let another Pact be put in place: eternal servitude for eternal life!"
Her soul was given a god's guidance, if it were to leave her body again, it would return. An anchor to the realm of the living. As for harm, Cyth'raul's blessing would guide it away from her.
DC 11 - Grant Jugaan genuine immortality and invulnerability. +4 Guidance.
?Damned raiders. I will show them justice!? Lysei was pacing back and forth over the oceans. It was difficult for him to feel private, due to his status, but in the ocean he felt a peace. In that peace, he contemplated. ?I could just burn the leader, but that would only lead to another rising in his place. What I need is something public. Perhaps I should allow the people to decide his fate.?
Lysei smiled and said ?I had always played with this idea. I guess now is as good of a time as ever for it.? Lysei reached for the magma within the earth itself as he formed his own structure. He made it rise high above the sky, with a spiraling staircase above the ocean that would reach to a building large enough for most nations to see. It would be his courtroom, and his home. Lysei set the magma in place, and allowed it to cool. He would begin decorating it once it settled.
Driders
Ellisandre was busy birthing young, as per the usual. So in her place, the Drider Menaloath, who was renowned through the Drider community for his elegance in speech, was taking her messages. A younger Drider approached Menaloath and said ?The Aurorans wish to speak with a leader of some sort. A diplomat, specifically. Naleene has made it clear that we exist. The others are saying you are best suited.?
Meneloath looked down at the Drider youth with his six pale blue eyes and sighed. ?My job is to serve as Ellisandre?s voice here, not in Aurora. Who will help guide us, who will realize our dream of a Drider state?? The youth looked down and said ?The Aurorans can help us do that. You are the only one skilled enough to make sure we get what we need from them. Someone else could help us here.? The Drider elder smiled and said ?I am merely toying with you, of course I will go. Ellisandre?s instructions have been sent to the council. We need more food stockpiled for when we leave, and we should research more ways for us to market our silk. The smaller Drider saluted and skittered off to the council with Meneloath?s response. He sighed as he prepared to leave his own fledgling nation. Aurora would not be at all similar, he feared.
Lysei: Make a courthouse, DC:9 3 AP. +4 flames bonus.
Driders: Stockpile food
Scout south of Ajivha for settling purposes
Send a diplomat to Aurora.
Wos paced the more empty halls of the citadel, cooling his heels after another spat with the new Golden Chieftain, Plaas. The Luug was an utter buffoon, giving no orders, beyond standard den-keeping, that didn't come straight from Budraal. Most of the Tribe knew it, but Plaas' inherent strength kept him on top. Even the mighty Wos had to admit, in a one-on-one fight, he would surely lose.
However, that did not stop him from making every meeting a shouting match. To try and instill a sense of self-worth into Plaas so that he would at least take his own initiative for once. Unfortunately, in the many years sense his return from the battlefield, Wos had yet to make any progress. Though that did not stop the Supreme from sending Luug to batter and bruise him into submission, the results of which left many scars and broken stones on the warrior's body.
Somewhat depressed, Wos found himself wandering to the Maggot dens, where Budraal had ordered Rugaan, the Maggot Queen, and her brood to be stored until the Tribes had a use for them. The walls of the den where reinforced with metal, leaving the maggots with nothing to eat except what food the Luug brought them, which was never enough. Thus, Rugaan was forced to eat her children, giving herself nourishment and saving herself from watching his children die.
Oddly, Wos had formed a sort-of kinship with the beast. Both were servants who flourished under another leader, but now withered under the oppression of another. On a whim, he gathered some loyal Luug to him and tasked to Rugaan's den. He ordered them to hone their skills at taming the wormy beasts. To coordinate their strikes at the strong metal like one would mob an opponent. He promised them each a generous reward if they were able to damage the walls of the maggots' cage.
The Great Den of Minds
Keplar was intrigued by where several Luug "scientists" were going in their private ventures, but was still frustrated in the effort to combine and conduct the many researchers' abilities into a concert that could be focused on the most pressing tasks.
However, mindful of the burden the Supreme but on him, the Luug steeled himself once more and set to his tablets. He would organize these Luug into a Tribe one day, but when that would be depended on them.
In the meantime, he also finished the work of inscribed the effort that was a success. Hopefully the Iron Tribe at least would find the new methods useful.
1. Research Offensive Maggot Taming (Military Bonus)
2. Implement Refined Metallurgy
3. Research Institutionalized Scientific Development (same research-bonus tech as before, renamed because this sounded better)
The expansion of Aurora would continue, with the settlement of land both to the north of Medegarde and also that bordering the lands of the Ray Das and Kingdom of Mereton. In the latter settlers marvelled at ruins of long abandoned stone buildings, the home of their forefathers? Only time would tell. At the same time, as the opening of the Xule games began the island city was finally transformed into Aurora's third citadel, a worthy title for the great metropolis.
Deep Tribes
Contrary to earlier troubles, the Deep Tribes research into Offensive Maggot Training and Scientific Development were both successes. Similarly, the implementation of Refined Metallurgy went without a hitch.
Grat Shee
The Grat Shee implemented a trio of new technologies: the domestication of animals, smithing and of course metallurgy. These they hoped would benefit their growing nation for many years to come.
The Collective
Through the hard work of their most ambitious settlers, the Corvans managed to secure a small patch of land in the marshlands. It wasn't much but they would call it home for now. Many of the native Yish'Tai population, scattered and without a unified state since the collapse of their nation, came to join the fledgling country. Additionally research into the marshland and drider-directed selection were implemented into the roots of the new nation.
Drider Meritocracy
Aware of their hungry young, the Driders collected food for harsher times. While their diplomat safely reached the shores of Xule in good time however, their scouts heading south were less successful and ran out of supplies, causing them to return empty-handed.
Gods
Drya
Drya's magic worked it's wonders and within a few weeks a small forest grove emerged from the charred ruins of the village, unparalleled anywhere in the world for it's biodiversity. In the centre a remembrance stone would stand forever more for those who died in Lysei's fires.
Lysei
Unfortunately, despite the god's best efforts the magma from which he built his courthouse was of the wrong consistency and within hours the rock staircase crumbled back into the azure main, leaving not even a island where it stood.
Gangari
Gangari attempted to create the Spore of Andha but the magical plants would not grow and died half-formed, unable to perform their intended purpose.
Cyth'raul
Cyth'raul's blessing was cast right and granted upon the Luug Jugaan both eternal youth and invulnerability against harm.
Themeron
Themeron blessed Thandel, First of the Faithful, in his ways and through him was forged a warrior who few could rival.
There were seven of them, organized into a row with their arms tied behind their backs. There would be no escaping this doom although one of them tried his hardest to wiggle out of the rope vice that held him to the wooden pole. For his troubles, the butt of the carbine silenced him and he remained still. The small crowd fromed around this grisly congregation held their breaths as the council spoke.
"Seven criminals stand here today accused of the worst possible crimes. Arson, murder, rape, and most importantly their allegiance with Severyn. The only punishment is death." Aeryn yelled out and one by one he read off the crimes that each individual committed, ending with a prayer to Lysei. A squad of Krakari soldiers assembled in front of the criminals with their new firearms in hand. The commanding officer arrived with the squad and formed the men up some distance away from the criminals.
But these soldiers looked different in comparison to the regular Krakari footmen. No longer did these soldiers represent their respective clans but now they wore these new uniforms with the primary color of grey. It was basic in design which was easy to reproduce in high numbers. The uniforms were merely cotton but with leather armor covering the limbs and a holster for their carbines on their backs with scabbards for their swords on their hips.
"This new age brings new laws and from now on, the punishment of death will be known!" Aeryn said. "Now, Commander Terth, carry out the punishment."
"Ready!" The soldiers cocked their weapons and a symphony of metal clicking and adjusting was heard.
"Aim!" The barrels of the carbines raise to meet the criminals. A few of them break down and start crying at the sight of their impending doom while some remain stoic in the face of the firing squad.
"Fire!" The rippling sound of the carbines firing in near unison sent the crowd back in shock. Never had such a weapon existed in their lives and in a world of magic, this technological feat frightened them. The wall of bullets ended the lives of the men quickly, ripping through their bodies with relative ease and even through the wooden poles that they were held to. A cloud of smoke from the discharged firearms hung close to the ground. The crowd remained silent for quite some time even as the soldiers filed out.
"My council members," Aeryn finally spoke out to his council members. "With the lessons we learned from Lot-Vos, the Krakari need to fight as one. No longer can families shoulder the burden of wars or sit idly by as Krakari lives are lost."
"What you are suggesting will be difficult." Jak said in a hushed voice. "This may be a new age but old habits, as they say, die the hardest."
"We will need to go to the other families in order to see this through." Dehl mentioned. "This will be an expensive endeavor."
"Cost should be the least of our worries." Aeryn said. "We all need to be united in our efforts and then we shall see who is loyal to us. We must assemble our fastest Krakari to bring forward this new reformation of our military. They shall be assembled into a unit of soldiers loyal only to our nation."
"In order to form the new military, there may be a need to dismantle the old one which lays another problem." Dehl said, looking to Khyber's father for any comment. "He still carries your word, it is tradition."
"You speak of tradition when you wish to tear our old ways down." Khyber's father spat out. "He may hear me but he may not take it to heart. Khyber is no longer than man we knew him to be when he set sail for Lot-Vos and our armies are loyal to him. His gift by Cyth'raul has lead to that. I will see what I can do."
"You best get to it then." Dehl said. "Before I will see what can be done about him."
(Major)Improve existing technology-Reformation of military into regiments
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
