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

[JoJo]

Emperor Maximus I, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Security was a growing concern following the attack on the palace, so on the advice of his ministers the Emperor investigated getting a new dedicated bodyguard to accompany him everywhere. Naleene was good at her job but she couldn't be everywhere at once and extra hands never hurt anyone.

Lord Deputy Quinn had suggested that he hire a sea vampire, noting their immorality would be very helpful in a survival situation and Maximus agreed. Thus the Alpha and Beta divisions of the Auroran armies' vampire regiment were scoured and a candidate brought to meet the Emperor. A well-built native man who appeared to be in his early thirties strolled confidently into Maximus' quarters, whistling as he did so.

"Your Imperial Majesty" the bodyguard growled as he sunk to his knees, "My name is Tetsu, they also call me Badger,"

"Wait, I remember you from years back," the Emperor intoned, "I thought the description General Xiad gave was familiar, you were one of our first vampires correct?"

"Yes, I was the original carrier of the strain our armies now use," Badger replied with a shrug, "I first fought in the Octopi war, I was young and idealistic then, as you are at that age. Afterwards I travelled to Oilean Uisce and met an old friend, who inducted me into the vampire order. Later I joined the military and trained on that island for years with the regiment."

"And you fought in later wars?" Maximus asked with interest. He couldn't quite believe that the young-looking man before him must be at-least eighty by now.

"Yes, too many than I care to admit," the old vampire grimaced, "The Ajivhan Civil War, the Second Ray-Das War, the Deep Tribes War and Auroran Civil War, to name a few. I fought for Roland Olin at first, until I heard that you were alive after which I defected to the Third Army that retook Nova Verde. Since then I've been doing mainly security work in Mereton, for King Cyneheard and his family for the last few years,"

"I saw the credentials, they were very impressive," the Emperor nodded, "Is it true you can also bend water?"

"Yes, I was lucky enough to be on Oilean Uisce at the time of the original gift by Jashiki," Badger replied, "Must be one of the few people in this land to have both of his gifts," he paused for thought, "If you don't mind me asking your Majesty, did you never consider becoming a vampire yourself? You have had access to us through the regiment after-all,"

"Oh I thought about it as a young man," Maximus smiled, "It would not be right though, the people want an Emperor who ages with them. It would not be healthy for a nation to have an eternal leader, nor would I wish to reign forever and a day," he sighed, "Besides, I am looking forward to seeing my elder brother again when I finally pass over to the other side,"

"Kaius," Badger nodded ruefully, "I never met him myself but I knew some people who did. They say he was a good man who died bravely,"

"He was," the Emperor said simply, "He was indeed," He turned away from the bodyguard for a while to search through a chest, before turning back holding a long gleaming sword.

"You have satisfied me, I think you should have this," he held out the blade for Badger to take, "This is the Sword of Truth, it was given to me years ago by the Father Lysei but I'm too old to wield it now. It glows blue when a truth is told, and red when a lie is overheard. It might come in handy when vetting people."

"Thank you," Badger bowed gratefully, sheathing the sword in his belt. "I am honoured to serve you,"

.​

Lord Seer Aldren, Highcrag, Free State of the Deep Tribes

The day he arrived in Highcrag, Lord Aldren was troubled. The visions he received through the orb were more confusing than any he had seen for a decade, flames and bloodshed engulfing lands far and wide, from the Deep Tribes to his own native isle of Maia. How much did they mean though? A generation ago he had thought he had seen the death of the Emperor predicted, only for the actual 'death' to turn out to be faked later. The orb seemed to have a mind of it's own sometimes, was it misleading him again?

"Good day," he shook the thoughts out of his head as he greeted the elder monk Ying upon entering the site he had come to study. The central chamber where the Council of the Deep Tribes met under Keplar had been blown wide open, the previously gloomy room now well-lit from the side where the cave wall was rubble. The peace-keeping Order of Lyseria has been deployed as soon as the news of the attack reached their island, while it was only one of a string across Aurora this bombing was in the most volatile territory of all. They now stood guard in their orange robes and sandals, each wielding a bladed staff, their simple possessions juxtaposed with the pair of metallic sky ships hovering in the background that belonged to the Order, recent gifts from the King of Ajivha.

"Blessings be upon you," the elder replied slowly, making the star-shaped sign of the Father with his fingers, "It is quite something isn't it?" he added, gesturing up at the destruction around him, "The Lord Supreme Keplar was only a few feet outside the blast radius, we are very fortunate he was not injured in the attack,"

"The council has convened elsewhere?" Aldren asked with a nod.

"Yes, not far from here," Ying replied, "In-fact, there's the Deputy Supreme right there,"

A bulky Luug approached the pair, relatively young compared to Keplar as Aldren remembered and with a distinctly brown shade to his rocky hide.

"Lord Aldren, it's been a while," Khaagan grunted, "The investigation into these terrorists is under way, we haven't found them yet but the net is closing. Do you wish to see the evidence we have collected so far?"

"Of course," the Lord Seer nodded, "I've brought with me several experts from Nova Verde, perhaps we can shed light on who is behind this so-called Resistance Army,"

.​

Bosan, the Cage, Land of the Grat Shee

Unbeknownst to Lord Aldren and Khaagan, as they spoke the Resistance Army was indeed active far to the north. Bosan had walked freely through the open border between the Luug of Aurora and the Grat as many did every day, travelling north through the sparsely inhabited mountains he remembered from his youth was breeze. Now he had finally reached his destination, the northerly-most fortress of the Grat, the Cage. It might not be the capital of the Grat, though Bosan wasn't entirely sure about that, but a target so deep into enemy territory would show the world that the Resistance Army could strike anywhere, at any time.

"Perfect," the Luug grunted happily as he snuck down a branch off the main road as instructed, finding as promised a cart full of explosives left for him by an undercover sympathiser. A scrawny horse was attached to the front, braying quietly. It would be his last journey but he had made peace with that, a fungus deep within his stones meant he would be dead within a few months anyway, so he might as well go out in a blaze of glory.

He leapt onto the cart and steered it back onto the main road, heading towards the Cage with a renewed vigour. He tore past the Grat guards at the front gate, shouts to stop following him but it was too late. Pedestrians threw themselves out of his path as the cart bolted down the main street, a couple being crushed under the wheels before they even had time to move. A large building emerged in front of Bosan, one of the entrances to the underground section of the Cage and he hoped an important one. A market was situated outside, so at-least they would witness his final act.

"Long live the Resistance Army! Long live the Luug!" he shouted as the cart crashed headfirst into the building, a second later engulfing the area in flames and debris. Silence followed shortly before the screams came, but of course Bosan could no-longer hear that where he had gone.

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Gangari - 16/21 AP

Days and nights bled together as time went on. His children were moving forward masterfully and the world settling for the most part. His alterations to the nature of things were beginning to settle as well, becoming almost a natural part of the world as time passed.

More work was needed though. The deserts needed to be irrigated and seeded, new plants were needed to pave the way for the new ecosystems, insects were needed to tend to the plants, herbivores to spread the growth, carnivores to control the herbivores...

He needed to begin somewhere. He envisioned a new sort of growth. A plant to spread like grass and to become a new layer of soil for plants to grow upon. Controlled and safe, it would make an interesting addition to the world. He began to release it. First in the deserts around Gokvahar's construction site, small patches of it in the wastes. Then in the marshlands of his children and the Yish. And finally in the forests to the south of the collective's marshlands. It would grow slowly at first but it was a beginning.

[hr]

Gangari, Dolmak, Huror, Juagua, and Keplar

In the middle of the night, four Luug would awaken to find themselves in a completely different place than where they had fallen asleep. Each sitting upon stone chairs in a circle with a stone table between them. The four were Dolmak of the Deep Tribes beside the Aetherial Collective, Juagua of the Deep Tribes under the Grat Shae in the North, Keplar of the Deep Tribes under the Auroran Commonwealth, and Huror of the Deep Tribes under the Grat Shae in the South. Between Juagua and Keplar there was a fifth chair, oddly with no one sitting in it. Though there situation as it was, was odd. Around them was Darkness and beyond their table seemed to be nothing.

"What the... where am I?" Keplar sputtered angrily as he suddenly awoke to find himself in the odd chamber, reaching besides himself for his customary weapon he kept in his sleeping quarters which of course was not present, "If this is some resistance trick, I'll have every one of your stones thrown off the top of Highcrag!" he spat at the other Luug around him.

Juagua jerks and looks around as yelling starts to go on, one of the other Luug in this place he recognized but the one yelling he doesn't know. Looking at him and then slowly looking more around he sets his hand on the stone table in front of him and grunts low as he feels that it is real. Growling at the one who was yelling angrily.
"Calm down, I did not do it and am surprised as well."

Huror looks at Juagua and then at the yelling one. Rather than the rough and slightly moss covered body's of the others his body was worn and had a sandy look to it. He starts to get up to look around ignoring the others slightly more in favor of looking around, the absence of both his guards and weapons making him wary of what had happened.

"When my guards get here, they'll show you all a new meaning of pain," Keplar snarled at Juagua, "By the time they've finished, you'll wish you had never crawled out of whatever poor grade ore pool you came from!"

Dolmak, a large Luug with a body coloured like coal with a glassy texture to it looked over the others as they came to observe their situation. As Keplar finished speaking Dolmak placed his hands upon the table and spoke "Settle yourself. If we were here to die we would be dead already. Gangari has brought us here to speak, to organize. Though when we had spoken last there was to be a fifth with us."

JoJo: "Hmm," Keplar grunted, looking angrily between the other Luug around the table, "How exactly do you know this is the work of Gangari and not another god? Lysei is still around, if the worship of many of my tribal subjects is to be believed," he said the last part bitterly.

Juagua humfs and slaps his hard hand on the table making splitting rocks sound. "If it is than we will deal with it then, though I know Gangari. If this is his work than we should sit and let him come to explain what is happening. If this is another god than we should listen then when we leave deal with it as best we can as mortals."

"There was only one god who gave a damn about our people and they were killed a generation ago," Keplar snorted, "I'll believe it when I see it,"

Horur speaks up from where he is standing next to his seat, for the first time.
"I have not seen any god really care, until I do ill assume this is to keep the Luug leadership out of contact. Look, the four of us are the four top leaders of the Luug."

"Fine, we may as well get the introductions over while we're waiting for something to happen," Keplar growled in agreement, "I am Keplar, Lord Supreme of the Free State of the Deep Tribes."

Dolmak shook his head slightly as Keplar spoke, waiting until an opportunity to speak again presented itself "I am Dolmak, Supreme of the Free Tribes in the South. As for proof." Dolmak turned his head and looked behind himself, a few seconds later Gangari appeared out of the nothingness. Gangari walked towards the table looking Keplar in the eyes as he approached.

As Gangari appears Juagua stiffens and looks over at him before introducing himself.
I am Juagua Supreme of the Free Tribes of the North."

Waving a hand at Horur after is he also says.
"That is Huror of the southern tribe, same people as me. Gangari, why are we here?"

"Well, better late than never," Keplar grunted, before nodding to Juagua, "Is Huror a Supreme too or is he your subordinate?"

Huror speaks up from where he had sat back down, intentionally being harsh.
"I am a Supreme in my own right."

"Good, otherwise you might as well not be here," Keplar growled in reply.

Huror looks over at Keplar and starts to get up before looking over at Gangari and settling back into his seat. Keeping his silence until they know why they had been called together.

As Gangari reached the table he spoke "I had come here to settle certain matters but it seems I'm dealing with others now." He turned his gaze back to Keplar and continued to speak "Why do you believe I've abandoned your people? Do you presume to know my plans?"

"A generation ago you promised to help the Luug seek independence," Keplar replied firmly, "Instead you stood by and did nothing while we were carved up like a pie by the Aurorans, Krakari and Grat in the thirty five year treaty in Xule. After all this time you now come back and presume to lecture me on faith?"

"A generation ago I agreed to help you seek independence. I informed you of the state of the tribes living with the Grat and informed you that you would need to speak to them yourself if you wanted anything from them. A generation ago the Aurorans offered you independence and you declined full well knowing you had my protection. Since then what have you done? You had those who tried to leave Aurora executed for abandoning your rule." Gangari replied in turn "I said that I would help. I didn't say I would do all of the work myself while you dug a deeper pit for your people."

"I had no choice but to refuse," Keplar grunted, "It's a dangerous world out there if you aren't sitting on a cloud all day, Cyth'raul's protection didn't help us last time we were invaded. So anyway," he looked back at Gangari, "What are we here to talk about tonight exactly?"

Gangari shook his head at Keplar's response before responding "We are here to discuss getting your people out from under the heel of Aurora." He raised his arm and pointed in the direction of Huror and Juagua "They are here to be assured that you won't attempt to annex them, and to be convinced by you to offer their armies should they be needed." Gangari lowered his arm as he finished and turned to look somewhere of in the distance briefly before turning his gaze back to Keplar.

Juagua relaxes his shoulders slightly as he hears Gangari wont be trying to force him or Huror into joining Keplar or trying to force their way out of the Grat. Looking between Gangari and Keplar as they talk he can feel himself stiffen for a second at the prospect of helping this Pile of rock that had tried to force something before but waits to see what kind of argument he can come up with for obtaining their help.

"I'm interested, but shouldn't we be helping them first?" Keplar gestured to the other Luug around the table, "The Free State makes our own laws, has our own currency alongside the Auroran one and even has our own army. We are essentially independent, aside from the seasonally tribute we pay to Nova Verde for our defence. If all the Luug are to be independent, we need our own states to start with,"

He turned to address Juagua and Huror. "If you have any influence on the Grat, convince them to give you an autonomous state like we and the Free Tribes in the South have. Then we can move our states closer together until reunion is assured and none of the invaders can stop us!"

Juagua looks at Keplar slightly interested. he goes over the words slowly in his own mind and opens his mouth to say something when Huror speaks up making Juaguas mouth slam shut.
"Free to wait for them to attack again, even if we came together we would need to chose a supreme and none of us would step down, meaning we would have to fight or find a way to chose. Then after we chose who it will be we have to keep the nation stable as we make sure we can feed our people. After all that, if that all goes to plan, we then have to build ourselves up enough that none of the other larger better equipped and better funded nations who want to get some new land and new people. We in the Grat have finally come to a place where we are treated as beings, treating us as Grat ourselves. You do not live in their nation, you have no idea how much that is a change."

"How do laws get written in the Grat nation?" Keplar asked Huror with a curious grunt, "I have always wondered that,"

He coughed noisily before adding, "I know only too well what you mean, we have too many worms in the Free State who put on airs and think they are 'civilised' Aurorans because they have some mouldy shrine to the Father in their cave," he spat angrily on the ground, "They will all have to be purged when independence comes,"

Huror comments to the first thing as Juagua stiffens slightly from where he is sitting.
"The chief and shaman make them, and if something happens outside the laws they figure out what to do."

Juagua speaks up even before Huror is done speaking.
"You intend to purge your own people? What about mine?"
Waving a large hand at the other Luug sitting, grunting.
"Theirs?"

"And is there any way a Luug could become chief?" Keplar inquired to Huror, before adding to Juagua, "Only those who are disloyal to the new state, those worms who would rather we remain a vassal suckling on the teat of the great glorious Aurora," the last part of his sentence dripping with sarcasm.

Huror had paused when Keplar started talking about purging those who don't want to change. Juagua grunts low and leans forward slightly.
"Not all the Luug you are talking about live inside Aurora. What about those we bring, if we do this, who say they wish they had never left?"

"Hmph," Keplar growled, "Any who dislike the new state would be welcome to leave and rejoin the masters they so love,"

Juagua looks at him before nodding slightly. leaning back in his chair again Huror goes back and answers something that had come up before, still seeming to consider what had been said as his answer was a little slow and drawn out.
"Yes, a Luug could become a chief or shaman. With support."

"Interesting," Keplar replied to Huror, before turning back to Gangari with a nod.

"I am inclined to accept your offer of help, depending on the answer to my next question. Can you guarantee that the Grat won't take advantage of our separation from Aurora and invade us again in the future?"

"I have a plan, a rather simple plan," Gangari replied, "If you agree to it and follow it, I will see to it that the Grat won't take advantage of your situation."

"What is this plan?" Keplar asked pointedly.

"Begin fortifying your borders and one month from now send a messenger to Nova Verde to declare your independence with my blessing." Gangari responded "If they respond with force, I will intervene."

"That seems acceptable," Keplar nodded, "We have had bad experiences with the gods before however, Cyth'raul's promise of protection did not save us from the invaders last time. I will agree though if you are willing to give a solemn oath here and now that you will never let the Grat take even one square foot of the current territory of the Free State, forever more, whatever happens from now. Can you swear that?"

Gangari stared intently at Keplar for a few moment in silence before speaking. "You speak as if I'm seeking your help. All those years ago you asked for mine and pledged your people to me in exchange. Since then you have done nothing for yourself. You accuse me of sitting and watching while you allowed things to turn sour for your people. The help that I agreed to grant you has taken decades to prepare in full. The original agreement is still in place. If you want my help you'll take it, otherwise feel fee to walk away and watch your people fall to Aurora further." He replied sternly.

"Of course, I am grateful for your help, I may have misjudged your lack of apparent action beforehand," Keplar replied in an apologetic tone, "But, surely if you have my nation's best interests at heart then it will cost you nothing to make such an oath? This is an issue of trust Gangari, the Luug have been betrayed so many times before that we are not eager to throw our loyalty around to just anyone. The Aurorans have their foibles but they are stable and let us live our lives as we wish within our own borders, with an oath to protect us against our powerful neighbour. Can you provide the same?"

"I will protect your lands as they stand now, but I cannot swear that they won't manage to capture land in the future." Gangari replied "If they manage to capture any of your peoples land in the future it will be retaken, but I will not swear to your victory in every battle. We're both aware of the realities of war."

"Of course, there are no certainties, but you would try everything in your power?" Keplar inquired, "That is all I wish to know. The Grat are your followers, they should listen to you if they have any respect for you,"

"I will do everything in my power." Gangari replied

"Then we have a deal," Keplar nodded, offering his stony hand for the god to shake.

Gangari took Keplars hand and shook it strongly.

"This is the beginning of a new age for the Luug," Keplar added confidently, "Now, if you don't mind it's time for me to go home,"

Juagua and Huror both have stayed quiet through this long talk between them and can feel various stages of feelings. Both looking between them and going over the conversation in their heads.

Gangari nodded his head and Keplar dissapeared from the room, to awaken where he fell asleep. Gangari then looked to the others in the room and spoke "We have much to discuss."

[hr]

Rederick - Gokvahar

After decades of work it was finally time. The mechanisms of the city were stable, construction was finished, and the foreigners had left. Today the city would rise into the sky.

Crowds of waiting citizens stood miles outside the city. Various members of the cults, legion officers, retired Justiciars, artisans, and farmers among the other various groups that had chosen to live within the city during its journey to the marshes for the completions to the mechanisms and defences of the city.

Rederick stood silently amongst the crowds waiting. Nothing needed to be said and if it needed to be it wasn't for him to say.

As time passed and restlessness began to set in amongst them, he heard or felt it in the distance. Rumbling tremors. It had begun.

The city began to rise from the sand and soil of the desert. Sand flowing like water from it as it began to leave the ground. Half the crowd stared open mouth in amazement, the other half began to cheer at the accomplishment of their people. Rederick merely smiled satisfied.

Within the month the city would begin its journey. Within four the world would come to see its glory.

Spoiler: Gangari's Action

- Create a lichen like moss designed to thrive in any environment. Intended as a source of nutrition both for plants and animals, through a quirk of its biology allowing other plants to draw nutrients from it as if it was soil. It can only grow on soil and other similar elements such as sand. As well it requires sunlight to grow and spread. In colour it is a rust-like reddish brown colour. It is similar to grass in how it grows and where it grows, and grass may in fact grow on it.
- It contains the spore of Andha, and should the rituals created to cleanse the spore from things be performed on the plant, it will kill the plant as it is an integral part of its cellular machinery.

- Action is difficulty 9, with a cost of 3 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll is +8. Autosuccess.

- Should have 13/21 AP at end of turn.

Spoiler: Aetherial Collective's Action

Major - Implement Telescopes.

Major - Research Botany.

Major - Secret.

Major - Secret.

Major - Secret.

Minor - Begin moving Gokvahar towards the marshes of the Aetherial Collective.

 

[booksv2]

Nations
Aurora
Aurora Took this time to spread themselves even farther out into the north, taking over the Archipelago and settling many small towns and city's. Three separate groups went north and each settles their area without any troubles. They also had two secret actions that went though just fine out of the site of other nations.

Collective
The large ship raised into the air, the surrounding crowd of people gasping as the sand flows off and chunks of rock falling as it shakes off. All who watched knew it had been build to fly but had always had small doubts. In the research department Botany was successfully researched and telescopes were implemented and spread out. Of the secret actions used two were sucesses. Those who were looking at the places the bombings have been happening find the Tabula Rasa floating around and focusing on the very center of the bombing, murmuring quiet questions.

Grat Shee
After Kesar drank the drink that had been left on his desk he could feel new energy and power flowing through his body, making him stand straighter than he has in years and feeling his mind clear. The rejuvenating potion and exploding arrows were both implemented, the researchers more than happy to stop having to try with the explosive arrows after so many failures. In the south two groups were sent into the desert to settle new towns, each of them were successful and very easily set down roots. A secret action happened deep inside the Cage, hidden from all.

Gods
Gangari
Gangari mixed together some of the spores with some moss, combining them together into one to make something that could not only survive anywhere with a minimum amount of elements but also feed other plants as well as animals.

Jashiki
After the first prophet had been chosen and left to roam around the southern part of Aurora in the previously Ray-Das nation Jashiki found another man who would do the same in the north. Finding someone who had been hurt by the lack of gods answers and had lashed out he moved him many hundreds of miles away and bless him with a new and amazing body.

Khalorean
Khalorean watched those he had blessed before and set a second blessing on one of them. Giving him hives of bugs in his arm he could not only control them but use them for many things. Not only are they under his control they are under the previous blessing as part of his body.

 

[JoJo]

Valin Molton, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

The man formerly known as Captain Molton couldn't help but grin to himself as he entered through the gates of Nova Verde. Over the last twenty or so years he had done a number of odd jobs for the Zayin, usually spying or theft of important information, with the occasional assassination thrown in. At the same time he kept an eye out for the two vamperic children he had been tasked to find, but with little luck until recently. Only a couple of months ago he had heard mentioned in a tavern that one of the masters at the Southern School of Gangari had a young assistant who matched the description for Opal. Crucially, she was rumoured not to have aged beyond the appearance of a small child in many years, something the drunkard had put down to dwarfism but Morton suspected differently. His attempt to break into the school on Oilean Uisce to find out for sure however had been thwarted by a pair of nosy guards and he had soon found himself on a prison ship heading for only the Father knew where.

Then it had happened. After a lifetime of ignoring his prayers, after a lifetime of being thrown in the muck again and again, a god had indeed appeared to him. Not quite Father Lysei but this god felt different, less judgemental and recognising of what he deserved. Valin had leapt at the opportunity to become free again and thus found himself in his present situation, preaching on the streets of Aurora's capital for the deity of the high seas.

"Jashiki!" he shouted out happily to the quikcly gathering crowd around him, he liked the ring to the name. He decided he'd preach the word for a few weeks in Nova Verde to keep his new patron content, before heading south again to Oilean Uisce. With his newfound power to transform into water at will, no-one would be able stop him finding Opal and returning her to the Zayin in exchange for a lifetime's bounty. Valin couldn't wait, now there was nothing in his way of his well-deserved reward, and then justice for the death of Roland Olin as promised. "Thank you, Jashiki," he added with sly chuckle.

.​

Elias, near Freetown, Isle of Avagarde

Meanwhile, down in the south the other target of Valin was perched in a grassy hideout, his friends Daiyu and Puggles crouched beside him. He didn't know how long he'd lived on Avagarde, the seasons seemed to flow into each other on the island and none of the children bothered to keep track of the year. It felt like it had been a long time though, so much that sometimes he wondered if there even was an outside world.

"There it is!" Daiyu hissed, pointing out of the hideout towards a wooden sail ship in the distance. "See, I told you so," she added smugly.

"I've never seen one so close," Elias replied with a shake of his head, "Do you think they'll see the island?"

"I don't think so, they haven't changed course so far," she shrugged. Elias peered closer at the distant ship, it's white, blue and red wave flag was unmistakable.

"It's a ship from Aurora!" he added, "That's where I came from,"

"One of them will land sooner or later, they get closer every time we see them," Puggles said darkly.

"We will be ready," Daiyu replied confidently, aiming her empty Krakari pistol at the ship and pretending to fire, "The giants haven't got a thing on us,"

.​

Lord Supreme Keplar, Highcrag, Free State of the Deep Tribes

It was only a couple of weeks since his meeting with Gangari but a lot had happened as preparations were made, walls were reinforced and documents readied. Today was the day that Keplar would make the official announcement to the Free State that they were to apply to Nova Verde for independence. If all went to plan, a messenger would be dispatched that evening.

As Keplar was adjusting the letter he was writing for the Emperor, he suddenly heard a muddle of footsteps behind him. He turned around slowly to see a small group of his ministers standing behind him with stony expressions, led by his Deputy Khaagan.

"We can't let you do this, Keplar," Khaagan growled, "There's too much at stake. The whole Free State will be ripped apart by your fairy stories about divine promises, or swallowed up like a morsel by the rats,"

"It's all true," Keplar grunted angrily in reply, "This is our last chance to escape the invaders before the worms among us become too numerous,"

"This is your last chance to step back, or step down," Khaagan spat, "You've lost your mind in your old age,"

"Never," Keplar replied with a snarl, "I told you before and I'll tell you again, I'll do what's right regardless of how it'll affect your share holdings or your standing with your Auroran friends. Don't think I didn't know about your little communications,"

"Fine," the Deputy glared back, as he did so a pair of bulky Luug guards emerged from behind the ministers and each taking an arm dragged the Lord Supreme towards the open window at the edge of the chamber.

"No!" Keplar cursed in rage, "You traitors! You blind fools! You're selling out our people for Auroran silver..." he noticed his old friend Wos standing near the back of the group, looking away in shame. "Not you too Wos," he mumbled in disbelief as he was unceremoniously thrown out of the open window. A final angry cry came from outside before a sickening crunch and then silence.

"Did we have to?" Wos asked after a moment of uneasy quiet from the ministers.

"Of course," Khaagan replied quickly, picking up Keplar's letter to the Emperor and throwing it into the fire in the corner of the room, "The old fool was one pebble too short and would have ruined us all. Now go and find a decent alibi, I'll make the announcement."

~​

A crowd of Luug had gathered in the chamber where Keplar was to make his announcement, they did not know what would be announced but all the signs indicated it would be something important. Some wondered aloud whether he would retire, or whether some breakthrough with their brethren on the other side of the border had been made. The great cavern was reserved only for the most important of matters, so all were curious to hear the latest development.

The crowd fell deadly silent as Khaagan approached the balcony, by tradition only the Lord Supreme appeared in such a fashion so his entrance immediately indicated that something was wrong. The Deputy looked bewildered and angry, he slammed his fist down on the solid rock edge of the balcony as he spoke.

"There... there's been a terrible accident! The Lord Supreme Keplar is dead, I repeat the Lord Supreme Keplar is dead!"

Panicked shouts and cries of rage filled the air, after over twenty five years under the same leader his sudden demise was almost unthinkable. After a time a new chant was started up by some in the crowd and quickly spread to many of the bystanders, filling the cavern with a ringing echo that grew louder and louder until Luug all over Highcrag came out of their cavernous homes to see what the commotion was about.

"Hail to Lord Supreme Khaagan! Hail to Lord Supreme Khaagan!"

Spoiler: Actions, part 1

(Major) - Settle the Balaenic Archipelago with navigation and advanced settlements bonus
(Major) - Settle the Balaenic Archipelago with navigation and advanced settlements bonus
(Major) - Settle the Balaenic Archipelago with navigation and advanced settlements bonus

 

[booksv2]

Jashiki 18 AP, Oilean Uisce

Keeping his eye on Lar-Kai and Valin as they preach and tell people he is back Jashiki smiles slightly. Still sitting on top of the mountain as he watches them he can feel something from this Valin, something different than he at first thought. Shaking his head and reaching out with his hand he nudges Lar-Kai and smiles as she jerks from the touch, looking around trying to find what it had been. Nudging her again and watching her start to move forward he keeps the small smile on his face as she steps out in front of a run away horse and uses her power to force it aside. As people stand around and halflings start running forward demanding to know how she has the power and who she is.


Lar-Kai

The nudging was getting worse. Each time it happened she was pushed into something that forced her to use her powers. This time was no different, the horse that had almost run her over was laying on its side with a gash in its neck from her water whip but no one seemed to care about that. Dozens of Halflings having run over to surround her and demand how she knows how to do it. Stammering out as she tries to back away.
"I-I don't know. I was walking and a light hit me and a voice saying it was Jashiki came from nowhere. Then i had this thing and now it keeps making me use it."

As she keeps trying to back away Lar-Kai can feel her hands wanting to pick at the pockets and money of those around her but a nudge at her hands just before hand makes her jump. Turning away and starting to run a few of them keep following her, yelling at her to stop.
"Stop! Tell us what you just said again. STOP!"

Running faster she looks back and shakes her head. She hadn't asked for this, and didn't want it. As she kept running she waves her hand back at those still following her and yelps in surprise as a wave of ice grows over their feet making them trip and skid to a stop behind her. She shakes her head and keeps running hard, trying to get to a new part of the city away from those who just saw her use these powers. Rumors of her existence and the fact she is a new water bender along with how it had happened had already started spreading throughout the city.

Jashiki

Shaking his head and letting her run he comments to the small pools of water around him as he opens his eye again.
"She will get used to it, soon she will be proclaiming her powers and me in every city center."

Running his claws through some of the water in the shallow pools around him Jashiki looks into the nations of the world. Moving slowly from one to another just watching he sighs, so many differences and new technologies. But, he things he can do things even in this new age and time.

Closing his eye again and this time just looking around and in his own island Jashiki smiles as he feels children running around and other older people working. Pausing as he can feel a child both young and old at the same time he stiffens, grumbling to himself.
"I told Ker-Hai to not change children. I hope he had a good reason to let it happen."

Shaking his head again Jashiki watches the water vampire teach a few of the royal children about the land and some of the past. Sighing as he sees that he is left out of the history. Standing and moving to the castle in a second he keeps himself invisible as he walks through the halls. Looking at those serving and meeting and moving through it, not showing himself to any he makes his way to one wing of the palace and into where a child is sleeping. Looking down at it and brushing the back of his claws against its cheek lightly as he smiles.

Closing his hand and walking to the door Jashiki sets his hand on the outside and the water inside it boils, burning the wood in his pattern of a raindrop surrounded by waves. Feeling a child walking up behind him down the hall trying to keep quiet and out of the sight of the adults. Smiling slightly he turns around just as Daigoro comes around the final bend and sees him.

"Who are you?" the young prince wrinkled his nose as he came up behind the mysterious figure, he peered around to make sure his sister Erica wasn't hiding nearby in wait for him.

Looking down at him and tilting his head slightly Jashiki lowers his hood from the full length cloak showing his reptilian head.
"A god, Jashiki. You are Daigoro, a young prince of Aurora."

"You are really ugly," Daigoro replied honestly with wide eyes as he saw Jashiki's face, "Are you really the god they called this city after? My tutor Wen told me you were gone away," he said the last part suspiciously.

Laughing softly and opening the door behind Jashiki steps through and to the side so the young boy can see the still fine baby's. Lifting his clawed hand through the cloak and touching his face lightly.
"You are the first to say such to my face, I like that honesty. Wen... I know him. He did not lie to you, but I have come back. Why have you come here to see the servants baby's young prince?"

"I'm hiding from my big sister," Daigoro admitted in a hushed tone, "She's really annoying and she keeps trying to put my hair in braids, I think she wishes I was a girl too." He grinned slyly, "She hates babies though, so she'd never look for me here,"

Nodding and closing the door softly Jashiki steps closer to the baby's and looks down at them.
"I knew your great uncle when he was emperor, and was there when your grandfather took that seat. I believe that in the future you might even gain that seat. Come here boy, I want to teach you something now before life teaches you differently."

"You knew the old Kaius?" Daigoro exclaimed as walked slowly towards Jashiki, "My father and my brother Kaius would get to become Emperor before me so I bet I'll be really old then, at-least I wouldn't have to wait for Erica because she's a girl,"

"Yes, I knew the old Emperor and your grandfather both. Life is funny young man, now..."
Looking down at the boy and setting one hand over the crib in front of his Jashiki asks.
"What is the difference between you and this baby?"

"He can't say anything?" the prince suggested quixotically, "He smells like milk?"

Reaching over and rapping the back of his claws against the boys head just enough to sting Jashiki asks seriously.
"What is the difference? Think, no royal is stupid. What is the difference between you the young prince of Aurora and this a servants baby?"

"Hey!" Daigoro cried indignantly, "I don't know, I get to be a ruler when I grow up and he gets to be a servant?"

Looking down at the young man and then down at the baby Jashiki says softly.
"There is no difference other than who your parents are. You and he are the same."

"Not exactly the same, he can't even walk properly," the prince replied as he looked down at the cooing baby, "I see what you mean though,"

Smiling slightly and putting his hands under his cloak again Jashiki turns to the boy and asks him lightly.
"Do you wish to have a present? Your smarter than I thought and more honest as well."

"Yes please, I love presents," Daigoro enthused happily, glad that the serious part of the discussion was over.

Reaching over and setting his palm against Daigoro's forehead a water drop forms much like a birthmark.
"As long as your honest, you will see the truth."

"Eek!" the prince squeaked as he felt a brief burning sensation against his forehead, he turned to look in a mirror once Jashiki had finished.
"Cool," he exclaimed, admiring the mark just hidden beneath his fringe, "Does that mean I can tell if my sister lies about putting bugs in my food again?"

Looking at the boy from behind Jashiki says to him.
"The next time you see Wen, tell him you see the world through an eye of ice."
Smiling slightly Jashiki looks down at the baby before pulling his hood up over his head again.
"It means you will see the lies in others and the world. All and every lie."

"Thanks!" Daigoro smiled, "You are now my favourite god, I will tell him that,"

Laughing softly Jashiki pulls his cloak around him.
"Pray if you need advice or help. Or to talk I guess, since a young man such as you always wish's to talk about something. Remember, be honest."
Turning Jashiki steps through a wall and is gone.

"Bye," Daigoro waved as the god disappeared from view. After a couple of minutes he started to wonder if it hadn't been some strange dream, except every time he looked in a mirror the mark was still there. He hoped his mother wouldn't make a fuss over it.

Stepping down back on his island and smiling to himself Jashiki closes his single eye and says softly.
?Grow little boy, you have a future ahead of you.?

Spoiler: Action

DC5 AP 1
Bless Daigoro with the ability to see every truth and lie in the world, from spoken to actions to society. Also giving him a greater intelligence.

 

[JoJo]

Lord Protector Faustus Caeso, Nau Ajivha, Kingdom of Ajivha

The Lord Protector of Padonia smiled as he shook hands with King Indraj-Alika on the garden looking down on the coastline below the city. Neither realised but it was the same place which Emperor Kaius and a young Maximus had met the Vazin of old over fifty years ago. The two men were good friends, even if they rarely had a chance to see each other, and so formal greetings were quickly exchanged before they moved onto what they really wanted to talk about.

"It was a fascinating read," Faustus said as he handed the copy of A People's Republic that Indraj had sent him back, "Did you have any luck tracking down the editor?"

"Yes and no," Indraj admitted, "The university library had several more copies, which I have here with me. It seems that one source copy was sent from the North School of Gangari in Nova Verde, after which it was mass-produced from Silverroot. Luckily I have an old friend who works the North School, he was able to confirm that the original manuscript was sent from the South School of Gangari in Oilean Uisce by an anonymous source. That I suspect is where we will find this CW."

"Great work," Faustus smiled, "It's heresy, no doubt, but an appealing one. It's amazing how Octavius was able to predict our current problems even half a century ago, prophetic even,"

"Things never really change," the King shook his head, "Have you heard about the chaos in the Deep Tribes?"

"Yes, that's one of the issues I came here to discuss," Faustus replied quickly, "I've heard second-hand reports that a group calling themselves the Octavians has arisen in the far west of the country, mainly younger Luug who grew up under Auroran rule. Their motives are unclear but well, could it really be a coincidence?"

"Seems unlikely," Indraj mused, "Octavius wrote other books but I can't see a group of Luug being enthused by the economics of the Nova Aurora province, or the latter-day sayings of Father Matthias. It is curious,"

"I'm planning a visit to the Free State to find out," the Lord Protector nodded, "I can arrive on the pretext of meeting with Khaagan, then slip away to the west to find this group. I want to see how Octavius' ideas would translate into the real world,"

"Good, stay safe up there, I hear there have been clashes already," the King replied, "I myself will leave for Oilean Uisce soon, ostensibly to meet with the High Prince Aurelius. Perhaps then I can shed some light on this mystery,"

.​

Master Wen Sung, Jashipolis, Isle of Oilean Uisce

"You're doing very well today, good work," Wen congratulated Prince Daigoro as he handed in the last of his mathematics for that day. The boy seemed to have somehow made a sudden leap in his studies within the last week, understanding complicated concepts at the drop of a hat, the old teacher had never seen anything like it in such a young student. "What is that?" he added, brushing aside the prince's fringe to reveal a drop-shaped mark on his forehead, just under the hairline.

"I now see the world through an eye of ice," Daigoro replied solemnly before flashing a mischievous grin and dashing off without saying another word. Wen shook his head, recalling that he had seen the mark before that week, on the door to the servant's nursery.

"An eye of ice?" he murmured to himself, remembering what Ker-Hai had told him about the water god's final resting place years before. "Could it really be Jashiki is back... and he's made contact with this child?"

.​

Emperor Maximus I, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

It was early in the morning when Maximus received the message that his loyalest minister was returning immediately by sky ship to discuss the recent events in the Free State which he had inadvertently witnessed. The Emperor quickly threw on some ceremonial robes and retired to his private quarters in wait for the Lord Seer.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Lord Aldren bowed quickly as he entered the chamber, "I have just returned from the Deep Tribes as soon as I could, I trust you have heard the sad news,"

"Yes, the death of Keplar," Maximus nodded with a sigh, "I heard yesterday. I knew he was getting older as we all are but I didn't expect him to pass away even before he had a chance to retire. Is it true that he fell?"

"He fell out a hundred foot high window from his own chambers," Aldren shook his head, "Only the Father knows how he managed that, but his guards were at the door throughout, so we know no-one else was in the room at the time,"

"Took his own life perhaps?" the Emperor noted, "He always was difficult to read. More importantly though, has the transition of power gone smoothly?"

"Unfortunately, no," the Lord Seer gulped, "Khaagan has been accepted as Lord Supreme in Highcrag and the council seems largely supportive. A number of rival claimants have arisen in other parts of the country however, in particular in the north a Luug calling himself Voslan has declared himself as the leader of the Luug Resistance Army and is calling for all Luug to rally around him. They apparently want independence for the Free State, along with reunion with their brethren living in Grat and Collective lands, by force if necessary,"

"At-least he has finally revealed his identity," Maximus nodded, "Now maybe it'll be easier for us to cut the head of this snake,"

"The other notable uprising is that of a group calling themselves the Octavians, in the west of the Free State, lead by a Luug known as Rogaan," Aldren added.

"The Octavians?" the Emperor exclaimed in suprise, "You mean after my late uncle?"

"Apparently so," the Lord Seer replied with a shrug, "We haven't been able to establish exactly what they want, they seem to be mainly younger Luug, ones who grew up after the war. They seem more moderate than the Resistance Army, at-least,"

"How bizarre," Maximus sighed again, "Did the council in Highcrag request any help?"

"Yes, they asked for peace-keeping troops to be deployed immediately to help smooth the transition," Aldren nodded, "The Order of Lyseria is already there but they don't have the manpower to cover the entire country,"

"Fine, send the Padonian army in," the Emperor replied, "They are the nearest and have a good relationship with the Luug. And tell the Ajivhan army to prepare for deployment too, if back-up is needed later,"

"Certainly," the Lord Seer nodded, "The orders will be sent right away," At that moment Maximus' attendant Damia burst through the door, an urgent look in her eyes.

"Excuse me, your Majesty," she apologised profusely, "The Empress has taken a turn for the worse, I think you should come at once!"

Spoiler: Actions, part 2

(Major) - Recreate elite unit: whale riders
(Major) - Research steam-powered ships (+Wealth)
(Minor) - Deploy the Padonian Army as peace-keepers in the Free State of the Deep Tribes
(Minor) - Convert the second Meretonian Army into the Balaenic Army
(Minor) - Adjust worship to 68 for Lysei (10 of which from the Deep Tribes), 20 for Gangari (5 of which from the Deep Tribes), 12 for Jashiki and 8 for Khalorean

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Aeross, Silver Claw

The rest of the guild members gathered around him as laid out the newly-printed maps. The Rotary press provided by Gangari lead to leaps and bounds to when it came to mapping out the new regions. As soon as he laid down the maps, his fellow guild members began to paint in the missing regions along with creating their own illustrations as little embellishments. Aeross marveled at the incredible expansion by not only the Republic but also of the other nations. Aurora had settled in a new Archipelago which didn't surprise him one bit and the envy in the current administration was palpable. Valerys proposed for another colony in the far north where the snow was more plentiful than the rain. With the cramped living space, it was easy to see so many Krakari jump at the chance of moving somewhere new and exciting. It truly was an exciting time to be alive. He thanked Gangari under his breath as he brought in more maps for his fellow guild members to pour over.

Aeross also glanced at the newest maps provided by cartographers and adventurers alike. He came across a new map with their colony firmly established in the "Ghost forests". Its true name to the guild and to the Republic was the Yish forest, named after the supposed people that used to dwell in the area. He had read in the archives about that area's history before the Collective was founded. Apparently, there used to be a humanoid race that lived there. They were like the Aurorans but more taller, lithe and adapted to the perils of living in such a unfriendly environment. Now the settlers claim to hear the ghost of the Yish'tai leaping from tree to tree although it is mostly told by Krakari mothers to their children so they would not fly at night.

Then someone burst in through the door with hurried steps.

"They've made more arrests!" A guild member said yelled out. "They've captured another Krakari linked to the assassination! And Aeross, I have a letter from your mother."

Aeross took the letter out of the haggard Krakari's hands and opened it. He scanned it quickly before realizing that he had to go. "Gerkos, can you contact the guild house in Rostrum? I need to be there right away."

[hr]

Yoshera, Hall of Raptors

The hall was abuzz with the news of the authorities capturing another Krakari linked to the assassination and the interrogation yielded another name. Yoshera was delighted at the news but it interrupted yet another senatorial meeting much to his chagrin. The two assassins was sentenced to life in prison but he felt that was not enough to sate the cry for vengeance in the Krakari people. He thought that hopefully this would ease some tensions. Expanding territory had been doing well in moving people's thoughts away from losing their leader but it would only distract them for so long.

"We have the south but now we must have the north. There are untapped riches beyond the Grat lands and while we have this truce, we must expand." The President said to the senate. He had made the proposal by letter this morning but now he had to be in front of the people to truly sway whatever second-guessers there was. Vaherys looked quite unassuming to be President with his brown feathers and dulled beak but he spoke with an air of authority behind him. Just as Yoshera watched the senate meeting, a finger tapped his shoulder. He looked over his side to see a messenger with a letter in his hand. Yoshera thanked the young messenger and sent him on his way nonchalantly. He looked at the paper and its printed lettering, addressed to him but with no return address. He cursed himself for dismissing the messenger and he struggled to find him again.

He sighed as he opened the letter to reveal a two lines among the whole paper. It said: "Would you like to learn more? Take a train to Talis."

Spoiler: Actions

(Major)Settle East of Avis
(Major)Settle North of Avis
(Major)Settle North of Rostrum
(Major)Colonize northern coast, near the tundra
(Major)Implement steam power, engines, conductivity, revolving parts, into steam-powered automobiles:bonus to settling, gold, population growth

(Minor)Name new southwest colony "Avis"
(Minor)Name area surrounding Avis the "Yish deep woods"
(Minor)Name age, "Age of Exploration and Expansion"

 

[booksv2]

Grat Shee, Shifting sands.

Standing on a dune looking at the wind whipping the sand into little spirals before dying again. The sand all around shining and making the sun glare into his eyes as he stands looking out into the area that was not claimed. The Grat territory behind him while the one ahead has yet to be claimed, though he thinks that to will change. Turning to look at the large group of settlers who were coming after him Curos smiles to himself and waves them forward, knowing that they need to settle now.

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

Cage

Kesar was feeling so many years younger. The potion his apprentice had made up had made him feel as young as he was before this peace that went throughout the land had started. Bustling through a doorway holding a dozen pieces of paper and wood he puts them on his table and starts working on something new, something no one has every seen before. He hopes.

Spoiler: Action

Settle southeast of shifting sands

Secret Action

Secret Action

Secret Action

Secret Action

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Gangari - 13/21 AP

Gangari flew around the countryside watching events as they unfolded. Keplar was dead, the murderer was made Supreme without tournament, the rebels began to openly reveal themselves, even more factions appeared... It was only a matter of time until an open war broke out between the factions which meant it was only a matter of time until the Aurorans involved themselves.

His plan as he had written would unravel if they weren't brought under control.

With tired eyes he made himself appear in the home of Keplar followed quickly by the Tabula Rasa that he had created. In another room was Khaagan, frozen in time for the moment.

Gangari walked over to the fireplace, and kneeled down infront of the still fire as the Rasa watched its surroundings rewatching the events from earlier in the month. As Gangari reached into it the creature looked at him questioningly. Gangari with his hands in the flame began to speak "I didn't like him, I didn't respect him, and I didn't trust him. I likely would have killed him myself before this was all over. But he was finally doing his duty. This shouldn't have happened." He stopped as he pulled his now ash covered hands out of the fire holding a piece of parchment covered in ash. "By our hands these lands will be saved."

He began to clean off the paper with his hand as he teleported himself to Highcrags spawning pool with the Tabula Rasa beside him "He's still needed." The Tabula Rasa nodded in response and kneeled down infront of the pool. It then reached its skeletal hands into it. After a few moments of sifting its hands through the primordial mud it pulled them out and spoke "He will rise tonight. He will watch and wait until the time comes that he is needed."

Gangari nodded and spoke "Follow him. Watch over him. If he breaks rank stop him." He dissapeared as he finished speaking, starting time in the city again and leaving the Rasa to study the old city in the shadows.

[hr]

Elsewhere small saplings of trees were beginning to appear. In the deserts upon the strange moss that was beginning to grow, in the marshlands upon the strange moss that was appearing, and in the forests in the south upon the moss that was beginning to spread throughout.

It was an odd thing, light almost greyish bark and pitch black leaves. Time would tell how it turned out.

[hr]

Rederick - Gokvahar

As the city flew and its people rested, Rederick stood on the walls watching the land below from so high. It looked peaceful below, calm. Watching made him feel like for once his people had control over something. The magnificence that his people had gained had given them a future, perhaps even one without war some day... But he knew better. As long as there were people there was war.

There was always the hope though. The world was changing and perhaps in time it would change for the better. The winds of fate were never clear.

Elsewhere word was reaching him of a new god rising, something of strange potential working its way into Aurora. He hoped that it wouldn't result in the inevitable of it, Aurorans were quite Zealous in their faith and any changes to it tended to cause them to turn on themselves. Something that seemed like it was already happening with the situation in the north.

The Luug were primed to tear themselves apart because of the effects the Aurorans had on them in their occupation. Some clinged to their ancestors, some clinged to the new faith, some clinged to the dead god that had torn them down, and others violently rejected the others in favour of their own path. The Luug that had followed Gangari from them saw what had become of their homeland most of all. All that they could do was watch while their people changed

Spoiler: Gangari's Action

- Create a type of tree specifically designed to work in symbiosis with the moss created last turn. It is designed to survive in the conditions in which it grows, adapting rapidly over generations to improve itself to work in its environment. The first generation will have a light almost greyish coloured bark, their leaves are large and dark almost black with medicinal qualities when boiled. During the harvest seasons they develop large orange-like red fruit with a slight luminescence that makes them visible at night.
- Spread saplings of said trees throughout the areas where the moss produced last turn was introduced into nature so that the trees may grow upon it and the soil below it as intended.

- Action is difficulty 9, with a cost of 3 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll is +8. Autosuccess.

- Should have 10/21 AP at end of turn.

Spoiler: Aetherial Collective's Action

Major - Research Revolving Components.

Major - Research Alchemical gunpowder (Upgrade for Smokeless Powder).

Major - Research Rifling.

Major - Secret.

Major - Secret.

Minor - Continue moving Gokvahar towards the marshes of the Aetherial Collective.

 

[booksv2]

Nations
Aurora
Aurora had another huge round of settlements going up in the north, three distinct groups going and spreading the Aurorian influence out into the world. Each of them settling easily making those who were settling down feel that they could have doe even better if they had been asked. Their research of steam powered ships went very well and plans were both drawn up and tested. The only black point in this few months was their attempt at a whale based elite unit failed.

Collective
Te Collective spent this few months researching revolving components, a stronger form of gunpowder and rifling for their guns to go with that, all of them coming through the testing phase and now sitting ready to be implemented in the future. They also have a few things that were done in secret.

Grat Shee
The Grat had a lot of secrets done this time, the only thing that could be seen by others that they had sent out a group to settle down into the desert.

Krakari
The Krakari had a goo few months in which three of their four groups sent out to settle new areas worked, east and north of Avis as well as a new settlement up north right next to the frozen tundra. Their greatest accomplishment would have to be their creation of Steam-Powered Automobiles giving them a huge bonus to both their ability to move things and people.

Gods
Gangari
Gangari spread trees that went with the moss he had done before, their fruit well made for others and easy to grow no matter where they are as long as they have the moss to grow with.

Jashiki
Jashiki went to the palace of the Aurorian settlements on his island and found a child he liked, giving Daigoro eyes that can see the truth and lies in everything from the lies that people tell to how they act and even to how society acts.

 

[JoJo]

Emperor Maximus I, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

The Emperor strode along the corridor as fast as his ageing legs could carry him, brushing past surprised servants who quickly bowed as he tore past. He reached the door of Amatia's chambers, nodding to Badger and Naleene who were guarding the room as requested. He walked through and knelt before his wife's bedside, offering his hand to her. She was deathly pale, the disease that started in her lungs seemingly having ravaged her whole body piece by piece until there was almost nothing left of the woman he had married. Maximus' cousin Princess Rhesa stood by, having cared for the Empress for the last week.

"My dear Maximus," Amatia murmured, struggling to open her eyes, "I fear this is the end, I feel my life slipping away,"

"No," Maximus replied softly, tears streaming down his face, "You are going to get better, you are going to walk again,"

"I feel free again," the Empress whispered, barely audible, "The pain is leaving me, like my soul at any minute will leave my body and float out of the window there,"

"I don't know what I'd do with you," the Emperor's voice cracked, "I will be alone in the world again,"

"You will never be alone," Amatia replied firmly, "We will meet again on the other side soon enough... I can already see..."

With that, the Empress let out a shallow breath and then fell still. The room fell silent, Rhesa stepped forward after a moment to check Amatia's pulse, shaking her head with a sigh.

"My deepest condolences, she's gone," the old royal said, tears in her own eyes. Maximus growled, he had been expecting this for a long time but that didn't change anything. He slammed his fist down angrily on a nearby bedside table and then stormed wordlessly out of the room.

~​

Some time later, Maximus sat alone in his private chamber, his head in his hands. A small knock came from the door, he looked up to see Damia enter apologetically.

"Do you want someone to talk to?" the attendant asked gently, "I've had enough losses in my life to know the pain, believe me,"

"It never gets any easier," the Emperor sighed, "My brother Kaius, my uncle Octavius, now Amatia. I don't know what to do," he turned and looked into Damia's eyes as she sat besides him, almost startled by the warmth in them. He laid his hand on hers, "I'm glad I have you to talk to though," he added.

"I too, but..." Damia started but she never finished her sentence however as at that moment Maximus reached forward and kissed her on the lips in reply. She hesitated and then returned his embrace, sinking her tongue into his as they fell into each other's arms. Maximus didn't quite know why he did it, feelings perhaps that had been bottled up for years that were suddenly released with Amatia no longer there to hold him back. He felt terrible even wording it like that. They did not leave each other's sides for hours later, until an embarrassed bedside maid crept in to provide drinks and then hurriedly left the room.

.​

Lord Supreme Khaagan, Highcrag, Free State of the Deep Tribes

The sound of gunfire and the occasional explosion filled the air as Khaagan sheltered behind the buttresses of Highcrag's walls. The forces of the Resistance Army had launched a dawn raid on the city, catching the council loyalists and the Padonian peace-keepers by surprise. Cannons were quickly loaded and now were blasting regularly at the Luug milling around the base of the walls, their own artillery returning fire at key spots.

"Lord Supreme, sir!" a Padonian captain shouted from nearby, "The front gate has been breached by explosives!"

"Concentrate everything on blocking it!" Khaagan hurled back, "These rebels cannot be allowed into the city, if they melt into the population we will never be able to root all of them out!"

The man disappeared and within a few minutes, the fighting seemed to fade into the background as the rebellious Luug scurried away back into the mountains, dragging their wheeled artillery behind them. A few casualties remained in pieces across the short-lived battlefield, they would be collected later and returned to the spawning pool as customary.

"That wasn't so bad," a Luug officer remarked, "If that's all they've got, they'll never take the capital,"

"Fool," Khaagan spat, "You think that was even a tenth of their forces? That retreat was no unplanned loss, it was coordinated in advance. They were only testing us and looking for weak spots, mark my words soon enough Voslan and his real army will attack this city. That day will be the one the future of the Deep Tribes is decided,"

Spoiler: Actions, part 1

(Major) - Settle west of Balaena with navigation and advanced settlements bonus
(Major) - Settle south of Mereton with navigation and advanced settlements bonus

 

[Viirin]

Khalorean 19 AP

Khalorean rested for a day. He knew he would need his energy to meet another god. Lysei, god of the flame.
He had an idea. One that he felt the other god would agree was a good idea; and following of their mutual agenda. But Khalorean wasn't strong enough to create a species all his own yet; so he redesigned one to fit within the parameters of both gods' abilities. They could work together.

The idea was a creature. One far larger than a human; but just as smart. Maybe slightly more. A genius. Many geniuses, as there were more of them needed than just one. Listening to prayers, and not just of his followers- but still restricting himself- he listened to the unprayed prayers of the victims of the Auroran justice system's failures. Some of the strong thoughts that he picked up were clearly just the correctly persecuted complaining about their come-uppins, but some were genuinely found innocent when they should have been guilty. Some of them were human failures that let the wicked escape.
Some were corrupt constabularies paid to overturn rulings or circumvent the presentation of evidence. Some people were found guilty when they should not have been- many times because the guards and guard captains felt they needed to "make the public feel safe because the perpetrator was caught" and they didn't care if it was an innocent instead. The people felt better, what else matters?

This angered Khalorean. This was not justice. This was ridiculous and inexcusable. That is what had to be fixed. Lysei could help.

Planning on getting the aid of the god, the thought began to materialize-
Focus on which guards were corrupt. Which constabularies. When were they in court? Khalorean would have to time this right, with the right people, in the right way. In the right places. Find these evil people who make evil flourish, and deal with them immediately.
A giant spider, one whose interior was made of molten rock and searing flame, a hardened carapace and an intimidating size. One who did not act out of self-gain, but social stability- this was needed. Some of those who escaped Justice so far would flee when the divine judgement came. Maybe the Judge could emit a portion of its own power (though cooling itself down slightly in the process) as an attack so it didn't have to run at things. That made sense.
But a spider doesn't suit all purposes. A scorpion helps with this. Maybe the Judge could have a segmented thorax that could unfurl into a stinger, too.
But where would they live? They could increase and use their heat to dig easily. Just like most insects, they would require a somewhat large number of themselves. They could start lower and work their way up in population on their own, though.

The forefront of the minds of many attendants at a court hearing called Khalorean's attention. A man was just found innocent of killing an entire family. There was mountains of evidence, as the saying goes- proving it was him. The man started laughing maniacally as the verdict was read. What happened?
Someone within the jury was paid off, and was able to sway the rest of the jury in the deliberation chamber.

Another public hearing in another town, far to the south. There was very little evidence against this man, who.. circumstantially... seemed rather... questionable. Why was he running from the scene? That was barely even addressed. There didn't even seem to be any evidence- not just of him, but of anyone besides the murder victim and their own destroyed door and reports of things missing from dusty shelves.
Who killed him? Why? Something was wrong here. The constable had chosen to accept a bribe and not allow the prosecution to present evidence that would prove everything.

To the northeast. A small island village, just starting out. A man was convicted as a thief for stealing some small keepsake from a neighbor. The verdict was the standard punishment. But he didn't steal it.
The lady had misplaced it, called her visiting neighbor a thief, but then she realized... she just misplaced it. But she had already pressed charges, and had to stick with it, right?

A "domestic disturbance" to the far west. A woman claimed to have been beaten and raped, but the guard who arrived at the scene was friends with the rapist. He couldn't arrest his buddy, now, could he? That guy made awesome barbeque, and he had planned his kid's birthday party. Clearly the woman was just crazy and making things up. She probably even hit herself so she could place false blame.

Khalorean was pissed. He pointed these things out to Lysei, and reminded him again of his idea.
Summoning forth his power, he began.

In all the places he had seen, the ground changed. An eight-foot diameter area in the center of the rooms, specifically. Stone glowed. Wood burned. Carpet turned to blaze. The ground erupted, and out came a Galan at each place. "I speak for The Beholder of the Deep Oath!" screamed the arachnids. "Justice has been subverted here, and I come with a message!" The spiders turned to the ones to blame. "No more."
The woman who lied about the thief admitted her mistake and apologized.
The constable who wouldn't let evidence through was crushed against a wall by a Galan foreleg.
The juryman who accepted a bribe was dragged screaming into the hole the spider came from.
The guard who let a rapist go free was burned to death.
The constable and guard captain who convicted an innocent man were pounced on and eaten.

Spoiler: Actions

drmlgt2 said in a PM that he'd help me with his fire bonus, which I kinda need; so I'm assuming he'll do it... somehow? I don't know, I'll leave it to Books to figure out. With that in mind...

Difficulty: 11 Cost: 4AP (15 AP remain)
-Creating or altering a sentient species roughly comparable to a human.
Species Name: Greater Alpine Lavablood Arachnid
"Gala" for short. Refer to themselves as Galans. Can look up "Devil May Cry Phantom" on Youtube to see one in action.
Very laid-back most times, but retain the most of their energy for their breath weapon for executions, and flame eruptions during combat. Live mostly underground in large maze-like networks they create by melting the rock and dirt around the cave walls, crystallizing it and making the tunnels that much more resistant to collapse.
Some instead choose to live high up, though they require help to build homes that way. Naturally unbiased creatures; perfect judges that always look at things objectively and compassionately. Yes he killed someone, but why? Because the law failed to protect his loved ones and it was revenge? Then he is innocent of wrongdoing; his punishment was the loss of his loved ones.

 

[JoJo]

Lord Protector Faustus Caeso, Westor, Free State of the Deep Tribes

The Lord Protector of Padonia breathed a sigh of relief as the fortress of the Octavians came into view, as he had been directed. It was not really a fortress, rather a collection of huge boulders that were somehow arranged in a rough circle around a grassy hill, met on either side by two taller peaks. Some said that the Luug of old had moved them there, before the great fighting had started.

"Hail, I have come to speak with Rogaan, my messengers came ahead yesterday," Faustus called to a pair of young-looking Luug guards, "Where is he?"

"It may be hard for humans like you to tell," a Luug chuckled as they appeared behind the Lord Protector, "But I am a she, not a he. I am Rogaan, chieftain of this tribe. I received your messager, Lord Caeso,"

"Ah, I am sorry," Faustus replied quickly in embarrassment, before moving on, "I have been anxious to meet you ever since I heard bout this group, how did you even come across the work of Octavius?"

"A friend in Ajivha sent a copy to me," Rogaan laughed, "I had been thinking similar thoughts myself for a while and it just laid everything out better than I could have ever said myself."

She beckoned the Lord Protector to follow, showing him groups of Luug working together forging weapons and sorting food.

"Everyone here is a comrade," she added, "There are no nobles, all may come to our committees to debate our decisions. The produce of the whole group is pooled together and then distributed according to need, rather than who has the most pieces of silver,"

"It's incredible," Faustus breathed, "And it really works?"

"Yes, there are few cheats among us and those that are found out are shamed and put back in line," Rogaan nodded, "The people are sovereign here, not some faraway Emperor on the other side of the world. The truth is that there is almost always enough food in this world for everyone, if the greedy do not horde it,"

"I wonder... could this work in Padonia?" the Lord Protector muttered to himself, before addressing the Luug leader, "What are your immediate plans?"

"Between you and me, we wait for Khaagan and Voslan to destroy each other, then move in to take the remainder," Rogaan replied swiftly, "The whole Free State is being torn apart by pointless nationalism and sectarianism, our goal is to reunite all Luug within this state alone to begin with and start building a true Octavian state. Others of any race or creed may join us, if they wish to do so freely,"

"I would like to offer your group my formal support," Faustus said, "My army is deployed as peace-keepers, we can help get this off the ground if we play our cards right,"

"And what would you want in return?" Rogaan asked slowly with a suspicious eye.

"Your support in turn," Faustus said simply, "If Padonia ever decides to go down the same path as you,"

"We will offer all the help we can that situation," she smiled, "We are all brothers and sisters in the Father, after-all."

"The Luug have faith in him now too?" Faustus asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Many of us do, it is his principles which Octavius' work is based on after-all," Rogaan replied, "Personally, I feel he was a gifted man rather than a god, but there are many other views within this group. We debate but also try to be respectful to those who believe. The important part is the universal values he taught,"

"Indeed," the Lord Protector nodded, "I would raise a glass to that if I had one!"

.​

High Prince Aurelius, Aquilonia, Isle of Balaena,

For the official celebration of the finishing of the settlement of the Balaenic Archipelago, a great ceremony had been planned several months in advance. With the Emperor's recent bereavement however it instead fell to his heir to take his place, so thus in the first month of summer the High Prince Aurelius stepped out onto the boardwalk of the port of Aquilonia. The bustling city reminded him of much of Padonia, cosmopolitan and trying to make it's own way without the sometimes stifling traditions of the old countries. The climate was noticeably colder than the tropical islands where he had grown up even in the warmer months, he wrapped his thick coat around him as he was greeted by Prince Theodoric of Mereton, both his nephew and first cousin once removed by various family connections.

"Welcome, uncle," Theodoric grinned, "You didn't bring my little cousins? I was looking forward to seeing them,"

"Too much trouble," Aurelius laughed heartily, before inquiring,"So this is to be the capital of the new Archipelago?"

"Indeed, the isles are to be a federation," Theodoric nodded eagerly, "All the communities of the islands send a representative to the assembly, to be chosen how they wish, who then governs. It will be a light hand, most of the communities here just want to manage their own affairs without interference,"

"Seems sensible," Aurelius nodded as they walked along. Soon enough they entered the assembly chamber, there certainly seemed to be a diverse mixture among it's members. Every human ethnicity was well-represented, along side a smattering of halflings and Driders. The Luug were conspicuously absent, but then the Prince supposed that it would be a long way for them to migrate, and that they would not desire the marine lifestyle of the islanders. "Well, it's busy," he added, "I still can't believe you're running as a candidate for leadership here, seems only yesterday you were a mere squire,"

"It's good experience," Theodoric shrugged, "I won't be ruling for a long time in Mereton, if my father's health is anything to go by!"

.​

King Indraj-Alika, Grand Ajivha, Kingdom of Ajivha

In the palace in Grand Ajivha, a number of irritated merchants were squashed into a small waiting room, muttering darkly amongst themselves. On the other side of a door sat the King and his heir, wondering how to deal with the impromptu protests. Rumour had it that a general strike would be reaching the palace gates by that evening.

"What are they complaining about now?" Indraj-Andna sighed, reaching for the sword in his belt and imagining how satisfying it would be to cut every protester down one by one.

"It's these new taxes, to be fair they are awful," Indraj-Alika shook his head as he showed his son the recent correspondence from Nova Verde, "A fifty percent hike on iron and tin-producing mines? This will price half Ajivha's resources out of the market, we're already flooded with enough cheap ore from the Deep Tribes as it is,"

"It is the will of the Emperor!" Andha replied fiercely, "Who are they, or we, to question his judgement?"

"I am very fond of Maximus, but he is just a man," the King replied sternly, "He has little idea of what goes on this far west, and anyhow, I would be very surprised if he dealt with minutiae this detailed, especially with his recent bereavement. These laws have the hand of Lord Quinn all over them, how that imbecile got elected as Lord Deputy I'll never know,"

"Gangari have mercy on your soul, Father," the Prince shook his head sadly, "One day you will be called to account for this heresy against the Emperor, in this life or the next,"

Spoiler: Actions, part 2

(Major) - Refound whale riders elite unit
(Major) - Implement steam-powered ships (+Wealth)
(Major) - Research fiat money with scientific research and university bonuses

Adjust worship to 18 for Jashiki and 12 for Kharolean. Keep Lysei and Gangari the same.

 

[booksv2]

Grat Shee, Southern edge of the forest.

Standing at the edge of the forest and looking past the last few trees into the land that had been taken by the Luug from before Crina frowns hard. Her old habit of clawing at things when she thinks coming back as she slowly shreds the wood of the tree under her hand. Her mind going over and over a few points as she stares.
"I could not take over being the chief of chiefs but i kept my army. These moving rocks attacked us but we can not attack them back, and even those inside our own nation are not stopped from moving. Should i just attack without caring? If i do and don't get enough than my life will be offered as compensation to them."

Fighting with herself and still watching the lands beyond she stands there for a long time.


The Cage

Kesar stands in the doorway to one of the labs and is stunned, the technology that had been kept secret even from him had just been demonstrated and it was terrifying and amazing all at once.

Spoiler: Actions

Secret action X5

Jashiki 16AP

Sitting inside the ocean and his eye closed Jashiki hums low and steady, the sounds weaving their way through the water and into the islands around as well as the ocean floor. Humming low and making the water start to shift and roil where he is he can feel pieces of the world close to him. A rough form being created in front of him he can feel it start to grow to the size he wishes. Smiling to himself and reaching out he claps his hands together forming all the little pieces of animals and other things into one in front of him. Giving it a shape that would not only be able to go in water but on land when it wished.

[spoiler-Action]

Difficulty: 7 Cost: 2AP
-Creating or altering a one-off living creature smaller than an elephant.

Several tons it stands 20 feet tall.
it has extreme strength in its legs and claws.
It can eat anything, but its favorite meals are meat and Magic.
It usually lives in the water and uses its tail to swim very fast but can come on land to attack and eat things as well as rest.

Spoiler: Picture

[/spoiler]

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Khaagan, The Tabula Rasa, and Dolmak - Highcrag

As the day of the offensive on Highcrag passed into night, something strange began to happen around Khaagan. The shadows around him were becoming darker and more solid, almost oil like upon the walls. As he finally noticed them they slowly began to stretch and move, extending towards the center of the room. And as he saw this he felt that they were watching him.

"What sorcery is this?" the old Luug muttered, shaking his head as he eyed his battle plans lying on the table in front of him, wondering whether it would be prudent to cover them up.

A large skeletal creature emerged from the ground where the shadows touched as Khaagan muttered. Its bones were of obsidian, its flesh was of wax, and it was covered by a cloak formed of the same oily shadows that were in the room. As it finished forming it stretched its arms to the sides before lowering them back to his sides. For a few moments it sat in silence before finally speaking "Why did you go against the will of a god?"

"A god? Don't talk to me about gods," Khaagan spat angrily at the creature, "They have brought nothing but trouble and division to this land since Cyth'raul first spoke to the Luug," he stood up, "Are you one of those necromancy tricks? Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about, I've seen the Order command the dead to rise with my own eyes,"

"Trouble and division were caused by the god you decided to pledge yourselves to. You chose the chaos of deception over the order of enlightenment. That isn't the fault of others." The creature replied and took a few steps towards Khaagan "If you desire I could be called one of those 'necromancy tricks,' but I am here as an Emissary of the God Gangari."

"Gangari?" the Lord Supreme gulped, surely this had to be some sort of illusion, surely he couldn't know about what had happened to Keplar? He suppressed any outward signs of emotion as he had learned to do in contests between Luug as he replied slowly, choosing his words one-by-one, "And why are you here, Emissary of Gangari?"

"To see that justice for the dead is carried out and to see that the others follow the laws of your ancestors." The creature replied.

"What is justice?" Khaagan asked rhetorically, spreading his arms wide, "A pebble for a pebble? Revenge? My conscience is clean, everything I have done has been for the good of this nation. Take me now and there will be no clear leader in Highcrag at-all, Voslan or one of his equally detestable allies will take the whole lot. Hmph," he grunted and sat back down besides his battle plans.

"You overestimate your importance Khaagan. Do you think my lord is as shortsighted as you?" the creature replied before continuing his tone growing stern "You ask what justice is creature of stone. Justice is what is right in this age and my lord in his wisdom has decided what is right. You say that your conscience is clean and yet you hid your crime. As it happened I was watching, as I look at you I know why you did it, and as he has spoken you have been judged guilty by your victim."

"The old fool was deluded anyway," Khaagan muttered, before adding quickly with a desperate note, "I can offer you much: worship, followers and temples. I have many in my sway, you only need to say the word!"

"Faith means nothing if it is forced. The promises of following him by your people have never been fulfilled. His temples were despoiled during the scouring and he has no desire for the temples of your creator, the dead god of Aurora, or the corruption your kind slaughtered your own in the name of." the creature replied "Do you have any words in your defence before you are sentenced?"

"Keplar would have destroyed the Deep Tribes if left unchecked, and you will too," Khaagan exclaimed furiously, "Go fuck yourself and your stupid mewling rats!"

"Yes, he would of. But he was to be removed from power once the transition was over. If you had allowed him to send the letter the revolution would have been satisfied with his 'assassination' and the beginning of a new regime, and your people would have been on their own path again." the creature replied before turning to the door and raising its arms to the side again.

Suddenly against the walls Luug appeared. Everyone within his regime with a clear claim to power packed evenly against the walls frozen in time though able to see and hear. And then the door opened and two creatures walked in. The first unknown to those inside due to never having met him was Dolmak. The second was quite recognizable, Keplar. Whole in body.

The creature walked to the side as they appeared, pressing standing against the other Luug as Dolmak took position between Khagaan, Keplar, and the door. Blocking it.

"Curse your tricks!" Khaagan snarled, charging at the reanimated corpse of Keplar with an animalistic growl. He smashed his mighty fist against the ghast's face, slamming it into the nearby chamber wall.

Keplar took the blow and allowed himself to be smashed into the wall. After a moment a sound somewhere between a laugh and a growl emerged from his now ruined face as he grabbed Khaagans arm and started crushing it in his grasp and tearing it off.

The Lord Supreme bellowed in rage as his left arm crumbled beneath the corpse's grip, with another blow he knocked the ex-leader's head clean off but the body continued to fight, holding Khaagan by his stony throat and squeezing with incredible force. He flailed with his remaining arm but realised too late it was futile as the life was crushed out of him. Both bodies fell at the same time with a final crunch, all that remained when the dust cleared was an indistinguishable rubble pile of grey and brown rocks.

As the fight finished Dolmak walked towards the pile of rubble and stood behind it facing towards one of the groups of Luug. The Tabula Rasa, the creature that had overseen this took Dolmaks position at the door. Dolmak cleared his throat and the other Luug in the room unfroze as he began to speak "I am calling for a tournament. Right now. Anyone who desires to challenge my rule may approach one at a time."

"Who do you think you are?" a smaller Luug spoke up from the sidelines, "We moved past primitive tournaments years ago here in the Free State, the people must decide the next leader, as was promised to us,"

"I am Dolmak of the free tribes in the south. The Supreme of those who didn't give into Cyth'raul." Dolmak replied calmly and clearly "A revolution is prepared to tear down your gates and murder you. After my supremacy has been confirmed, a vote will be held if you desire it for an... 'arch-chieftain.' But a strong and competent head is required in these times and the ways of the past cannot be abandoned now of all times."

"The Free State must decide it's own destiny," the Luug replied firmly, "If the Free Tribes of the South wish to assist us then they may, but we must be lead by one of our own. We have been separated too long for you to understand the complexities of our politics, much has changed since the great catastrophe. The council would never confirm a foreigner for the top position, besides,"
There was a general murmur of agreement around the chamber.

"If the council doesn't agree with me then they will no longer be the council." Dolmak replied his voice becoming stern "You call me a foreigner because you've abandoned our ways. I understand your politics and I understand you cannot be trusted to truly rule yourselves with the corruption within your ranks. A position will be created to represent my rule in these lands when I leave for my tribe in the south, you may elect them if you desire. If you don't agree with my rule and wish to challenge me, one at a time."

"This is idiotic, we are more civilised than this," another council member added, "Guards, arrest that Luug!"

A pair of bulky Luug peered nervously around the doorway and then marched up to Dolmak with their rocky chests puffed out. One roughly shoved the leader of the South.

"You're coming with us!" he barked.

As the guard barked at him the Luug in the room froze and Dolmak grabbed the one who touched him by the arm, twisted him around and kicked him to the ground leaving cracks in his back before time started again for them. He looked at the other guard as time started again and said "I suggest walking away." before turning to the rest and continuing "I said one at a time. Now, If you're not going to abide by the old ways perhaps you'll understand this. At any time an army could be upon this city, at any time a god could be upon this city. Cyth'raul cannot protect you anymore and the auroran father won't get in the way of either of them. If you don't follow me nothing will stand between you and the revolution and after they've burned through you my army will burn through them. Your denial of me will have accomplished nothing more than further killing."

"What course of action do you suggest to protect ourselves against these rebels?" one of the councillors asked desperately, "They are willing to blow themselves up just to damage our walls for Lysei's sake, how are we meant to fight that?"

"I will deal with them as I am dealing with you, if they refuse to listen then they will face the wrath of a god." Dolmal replied "If they refuse to disperse after, they will be given a chance to surrender in exchange for a truce. Those who do not will face the might of my kin and my god."

"If you can truly drive them to surrender, you have my vote," the councillor replied, placing his blade on the floor. There was a general murmur of agreement, despite a couple of dissenting voices at the back calling their preferred candidate.

"I support Wos!"

"I support Goran!"

After a few minutes of discussion, an emergency vote was taken. When all was said and done, over two thirds of the Luug had stepped towards Dolmak.

"Do you accept the headship of this council that has been offered to you?" the smaller Luug who had spoken earlier asked Dolmak ceremonially.

"I accept." Dolmak answered.

The Luug around him nodded, their decision had been made. There was still much to do however, as the bodies of Keplar and Khaagan were cleared away and the threat of attack by Voslan's forces continued to hang over them.

[hr]

Voslan and Dolmak - The Deep Tribes

As Voslan was meeting with his lieutenants they suddenly found themselves in the dark of a long abandoned chamber in the mountains. He and his lieutenants found themselves even spread around the center of the chamber in a circular fashion. In the center of the chamber was Dolmak the leader of the Deep Tribes in the south who was looking Voslan directly in the eyes. Voslans lieutenants were paralyzed, frozen in time. Though they able to see and hear what was happening around them.

"Who in Cyth?raul's name are you and what are we doing here?" Voslan snarled after a moment, glancing around his surroundings with a panicked eye.

"As it now stands I'm the current leader of the tribes." Dolmak replied calmly "My name is Dolmak, the Supreme of the free tribes in the south and now the closest to a supreme Highcrag has. You are here to submit to my rule and cease your attacks or face me in tournament."

"A tournament?" Voslan exclaimed with a crafty smile, "Well, you have more guts than the rest of those worms up in Highcrag. Was it you who got rid of that coward Khaagan?"

"I would claim that it was me but that would be a lie." Dolmak replied "I was there, but no he was killed by another. Keplar rose from his grave and dragged Khaagan into his. Odd fateful things these days."

"Good riddance," Voslan grunted, "I will face you, seven of my inferiors have tried to take this position from me by challenge, all ended up in the ground," he spread his arms wide, "What sort of arena is this though? If we are to fight for the future of our people, let it be out in the open with countless witnesses."

"An arena observed by enough officers that even should they challenge me there will be enough to spread the word of tonights events." Dolmak replied "Where would you suggest?"

"The Resistance Army encampment, east of Highcrag?" Voslan suggested with a sly grin, "If you have the guts, that is,"

Dolmak stared into his eyes for a few moments before replying "So be it." A second later they would find themselves in a relatively clear part of the Resistance camp. Voslans Lieutenants were still frozen as they were, and should any luug or projectiles try to cross into the circle the lieutenants formed they would become frozen as well.

"Do they still tell the old tales in the Collective?" Voslan asked as he flexed his stony muscles and started to walk towards Dolmak, "It is said that the first two Luug were brother and sister, pulled out of the primordial mud by some forgotten god. The two quarreled incessantly over who was to lead the new race, eventually they fought and the brother slew his sister. From her broken body the first spawning pool was formed, and from there we all descend," he stepped within a few feet of his opponent, "From the very beginning, our race has been founded on the strong purging the weak. Once I have destroyed you, I will have proven my worth not only to my own race but also the Southern Tribes. For that, I thank you,"

"We tell our stories as we actually remember the name of our 'forgotten god'," Dolmak replied casually backing away from Voslan and strafing around the circle "Do you know why you'll fall?"

"Tell me, why?" Voslan spat as he continued to stride towards his opponent, "Worms are even easier to crush when they tell you how they intend to beat you in advance,"

"Your god abandoned you." Dolmak replied as he moved at Voslan with unnatural speed and headbutted him before swiping at his chest with his right hands claw.

"All things must pass," Voslan heaved as he was thrown back, regaining his balance shortly and barrelling back towards Dolmak with the force of a rolling boulder, "Better to die on your feet than live on your knees as a pet for some vermin god, eh?"

"Only if you're expected to live upon your knees." Dolmak replied as he sidestepped Voslan before he was hit. As Voslan turned for another attack, Dolmak swiped at him with his claws again.

"We'll see," Voslan grunted as he reached forward, grasping onto Dolmak's right arm, pulling him in close despite the clawing against his torso and punching him in the face.

Dolmak grunted as he was punched, small cracks appearing on and spreading across his face from the impact. With his left arm Dolmak grabbed the forearm of Voslans free hand and started squeezing to the point that the cracks spreading made it clear it was being crushed.

With an angry shout, Voslan tried to withdraw as the damage to his arm became serious, Dolmak's grip was too strong however and his left arms splintered under the Luug's grip, before crumbling entirely into dust.

Dolmak stared at Voslan unimpressed before swinging his claw into Voslans neck from the left through to the right.

Voslan's head shot clean off, landing with a crash at the feet of one of his officers. There was silence throughout the camp, every pair of eyes trained on Dolmak, some with fear, others with loathing.

Dolmak looked around himself and at the body on the ground. He shouted out to the Luug outside the circle "My name is Dolmak and I am your Supreme. If you wish to challenge me, approach one at a time" and Voslans Lieutenants unfroze.

Not a single Luug from the Resistance Army stepped forward.

"The attacks stop now." Dolmak shouted "Anyone who violates my rule on this will be shot and their bodies burned. Go back to your tribes and there will be no retribution for this war. Spread word of today and know that we declare freedom in two months time."

One by one, the Luug silently filed away from the scene, some muttering amongst themselves or casting angry glances at Dolmak, none saying anything to his face though.

The month ahead would be long for Dolmak as he returned to Highcrag. Rebuilding and reorganization had to begin before they collapsed under the weight of Aurora's influence again and the council that had formed from it needed to understand the sacrifices that needed to be made for the tribes to survive the future.

[hr]

Rederick - Gokvahar

Word came to Rederick daily now as the city approached lands he hadn't seen in a decade. Preparations were beginning for their arrival. Some kind of novelty rocket system was going to be set off the night of the arrival, parades were to be held, old flags of the conquerors were being burned, new arms were being produced for the legion, explosives were being prepared to bomb the obelisk in the east...

He didn't order that and his men wouldn't go that far without word from the triumvirate. Cawles could of but he doubted she would with how she had focused herself, Dolmak was in the North 'reconciling' his people so he doubted him as well. That would need to be looked into, though something told him that it was best left alone.

Another thing caught his attention as he looked over his letters. The Krakari had apparently created a horseless carriage. Even with magic at his disposal, it seemed to him a wonder of these days. The forward march of civilization wasn't slowing a bit it seemed.

Spoiler: Gangari's Action

- Various blessings upon Dolmak. Will be described if brought up again.
- Action is difficulty 9(?), with a cost of 3 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll is +8. Autosuccess.
- Difficulty selected because I have the AP to spare and the roll succeeds either way.

- Should have 18/21 AP at end of turn.

Spoiler: Aetherial Collective's Action

Major - Research Elongated Bullets.

Major - Research Powder Cartridges

Major - Research Sanitation.

Major - Implement Botany.

Major - Secret.

Minor - Move Gokvahar to the Aetherial Collective (If my count is correct, this is the last turn needed to do so)

 

[booksv2]

Nations
Aurora
Aurora sent two more expeditions to the north and they both settles down perfectly. Their whale riders also came together after the rough patch that had the last time, their elite status confirmed. They implemented steam powered ships and started researching a new kind of money.

Collective
In the Collective they had a round of researching that all worked, elongated bullets and powder cartridges as well as sanitation were all looked into and so far the plans and ideas are ready to be used. They also implemented botany as well as had a secret action.

Grat Shee
The Grat had a huge round of secret actions from all the rest of the nations.


Gods
Gangari
Gangari placed several blessings on a Luug so that he could become the supreme of them.

Jashiki
Jashiki created a creature that ate everything from water to magic and was insistent in its hunting on both water and land.

Khalorean
Khalorean Expected help with his creatures but it never came, meaning that his own power was the only one used in the creation of his new race. He did not have enough and even though they started to form they collapsed before they could even take a single step.

 

[JoJo]

Emperor Maximus I, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

The whole Imperial court went into grieving upon the death of Empress Amatia but life had to go on and so the Emperor buried himself in his duties, filling every waking hour with new policies and distractions to keep his mind off his loss, aside from a few snatched minutes each day with Damia. He didn't seek to excuse his newfound mistress, it simply was. Thus a month later, whilst grim tidings still arrived daily from the Deep Tribes, he set out to introduce his new monetary system to his ministers.

"The idea of fiat is that the coins are worth whatever value you put on them," Maximus explained, "There is no need for them to actually contain the equivalent amount of precious metals," he gestured across the three piles of currency on the table in front of him, "The small bronze ones are pennies. There are twelve pence in a shilling, for example these silver coins here. Then twenty shillings equal a whole pound," he finished by directing the audience to a large, gold-plated coin.

"So the designs can change?" Lord Quinn asked, comparing several shillings with each other.

"Yes," the Emperor replied, "There is one standard side depicting the monarch, which would be the same across Aurora and our dependencies. The other side would be decided by each province, which would have the authority to mint their own coins. Numbers would have to be strictly agreed to prevent inflation from too many coins being minted each year,"

There was a general murmur of agreement among the ministers, the idea seemed to go down well. At that moment Lord Aldren entered the chamber, bowing quickly.

"Apologies for my lateness, your Imperial Majesty," he said, "I have just received word that your great nephew Prince Theodoric has been elected as Lord Protector of the Balaenic Archipelago by the assembly there,"

"Very good, as I hoped," Maximus smiled briefly, "Have my congratulations sent at once,"

"I believe there is something the Order of Lyseria wishes to show you, I saw them on my way in," the Lord Seer added. Maximus nodded and followed him out of the chamber, into the palace courtyard along with his bodyguards. There a circle of warrior monks stood with their eyes closed, chanting slowly in low voices. An elder stood apart from the rest, he walked up to the Emperor quickly.

"Your Imperial Majesty," he bowed, "We have a demonstration of our new technique we would like to show you. We originally learned this from the Driders of Saranda and adapted the spell for our own uses. Observe,"

The chanting reached a fever pitch and the ground beneath the group began to shift. Out crawled several skeletons, rusted armour still clinging to their bones. With some difficulty they picked themselves up and started to dance in a circle, turning their head's to nod respectfully towards the Emperor. Maximus couldn't help but laugh at the display, it was so ridiculous.

"It's not very respectful, those could be my comrades," Badger growled from somewhere nearby.

"Lighten up, it's entertainment," Maximus retorted, "though, it's not very useful I admit,"

"Yes, about that," the elder replied, "We would like to humbly request funding to research the military use of necromancy, our Order only keeps what we need to sustain ourselves, the rest goes to the poor. If fully utilised, our chaplains could assist every Auroran army and raise the dead wherever they can be found to help their living comrades. Only in the defence of a good cause, of course,"

"I would be interested to see the results of that," the Emperor nodded, "You may have your funding, use it wisely,"

.​

King Indraj-Alika, Jashipolis, Isle of Oilean Uisce

Indraj-Alika exited the meeting chamber after a long discussion with High Prince Aurelius and Ker-Hai, it had been routine but he felt good progress had been made. Now it was time to do what he had really come to Oilean Uisce for. He looked around the corridor, noticing a small face peering at him from behind a plant pot. It was one of Aurelius' sons, the little one with almond eyes rather than the large pale one he noted.

"Aurelius Dai... Daigoro isn't it?" he asked. The boy nodded silently in reply, the King scratched his head, "We're related somehow, aren't we?"

"My aunt Maria is married to your son," Daigoro replied quickly with a grin.

"That's... that's right," Indraj admitted after a moment's thought, "You are a sharp little chap. Are you being tutored at the South School of Gangari?"

"Yes, Master Sung teaches me and Erica," the boy replied, "He comes to the palace every second, fourth and fifth day of week,"

"That includes today," the King exclaimed, "Can I meet with him?"

"Why?" Daigoro asked suspiciously.

"I just want to ask about a book that was found in Ajivha's library, one that supposedly came from your school," Indraj replied honestly. The young prince stared at him for a moment, almost as if he was searching for something around him, before nodding his head.

"Okay, come with me," Daigoro replied happily, gesturing for the King to follow. He led Indraj down a set of winding corridors and up a flight of stairs before reaching a small study at the top of the palace. He knocked on the door with his small fist.

"What is it?" a tired voice came from inside.

"The King of Ajivha is here to see you!" the young prince shouted back, before scampering off down the staircase before anyone could stop him.

"Eh, thank you!" Indraj called after him as the boy disappeared, shaking his head as the door opened.

"I... greetings, your Majesty," Wen murmured in disbelief, "What do I owe the honour of this visit to?"

"I'm looking for more information about where this came from," Indraj said straight to the point, holding up his copy of A People's Republic. Watching Wen's horrified expression as the request sunk in, he saw without a doubt who CW must really be. "I mean you no harm," he added hastily, "No-one else knows why I'm here, I just want to talk about the book,"

~​

Some time later, the pair sat across a table in Wen's dusty study, sharing a drink of whale oil. The old tutor had needed something strong after the shock of the King arriving at his door, and Indraj was eager to ask his own questions.

"How did you get hold of the manuscript in the first place?" Indraj asked Wen, "I mean, after all these years for a new work of Octavius to appear is quite incredible,"

"It was shortly following the Cassian revolution," Wen admitted, "After Octavius died, all his letters and writings were sent to the new school of Gangari on this island for safe-keeping. It was worried that the fervour of the time might lead to the loss of important historical documents. For a few years they were mostly just locked away in storage, once I found out about them I started to sort through them to build up a picture of his motivations. Among some mundane letters I found an incomplete manuscript, the original People's Republic. Of course it wasn't called that then, it had no name at-all. I was hooked though, I admit,"

"So you did finish the work?" the King nodded with a knowing smile.

"Yes, only many years later," Wen nodded, "Maximus after all is a fair Emperor and for a long time I saw no need for such revolutionary ideas to be exposed to the world. As I grew older I began to ruminate on monarchy and succession, and it's greatest weakness. We may have a just Emperor now, and I'm sure Aurelius would do us proud, but what then? Young Kaius and Daigoro are sensible children but eventually we will roll poorly and end up with another Julius de Verde, or a Roland Olin who wears a crown. I decided that the world must know about these ideas, even if they may not be needed for generations,"

"And it doesn't bother you that Octavius couldn't live up to his own standards?" Indraj asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I think you have to separate the man from the work," the old teacher replied slowly, "Octavius was certainly a flawed man and one I can't forgive for deposing my dear friend Kaius, and quite possibly ordering his eventual death at the hands of Katalia. His ideas though are a legacy worth preserving, in my eyes at-least,"

"Very true," the King said, standing up, "Master Wen Sung, I would like to ask you to come back to Ajivha with me. There are some very important people who would like to meet you and hear your ideas, among them the Lord Protector of Padonia and possibly representatives from the Deep Tribes too. Will you accept my request?"

"Well," Wen sighed, "My tutoring will be on hiatus for the next couple of months as my students are on holiday, I could leave the school for a time. I am old though, I haven't travelled in years and my daughter Opal needs looking after as always,"

"Her mother?" Indraj asked hesitantly.

"Oh, she's adopted," Wen said absent-mindedly, "I never was one for womenfolk, my partner Suko died several years ago,"

"I'm sorry," the King replied quickly, "your daughter is welcome to come with you and we would pay handsomely for your time. I assure you that my ship is among the finest on the seven seas, you will find it as comfortable as any quarters on land."

"No matter, these things are inevitable as one grows older," Wen muttered, staring off into the distance before snapping back to Indraj, "I will come and meet these leaders."

"Great," Indraj smiled in relief, "We sail for Xule tomorrow, be ready,"

Spoiler: Actions

(Major) - Build Great Wall along the Costa Nord
(Major) - Settle north of Sirigarde with settling bonuses
(Major) - Implement fiat currency (+Wealth)
(Major) - Research / upgrade necromancy into military necromancy, usable in any location where Aurora has previously fought a battle, using university and research bonues
(Major) - Secret action

(Minor) - Send fiat currency knowledge/technology as a gift to the Krakari Republic, the Collective and the Grat Shee. Invite all of them to join Aurora in an interchangeable currency union of the pound, with the aim of boosting international trade.

 

[booksv2]

Jashiki, on the coast of the mainland.

Standing on the beach just south of the Auroian capital Jashiki has his cloak wrapped around himself, shielding his face and body from those would wish to see it even if none are here at the moment. Looking out at the edge of the ocean and closing his eye he looks out at his prophets and smiles, sending them each a message that makes them jump.
"Tell them, this is a time for heros and villains. The villains have been here, now it is needed for the heros to come."

Opening his eye slowly and looking out at the bubbling surface of the water Jashiki turns sharply and walks to the small 10 building village that had been sitting here for time unknown, but abandoned now. Walking into it and setting one of his clawed hands on a building he looks at it and snarls low, his claws digging in as he steps into the square covered in dead bodys. Looking at those who have lived here butchered making him even more angry he sets one hand softly on a child's head and looks down at it sadly. Whispering softly.
"The villains are everywhere everywhere are they not child?"

Staying where he is as thudding steps come up behind him a loud crunch happens, the beast he had created taking a large bite out of one of the buildings. As it chews Jashiki doesn't even look back as he orders it.
"Find them, kill them. Strike fear into their hearts, all their hearts."

The creature pauses and turns, leaving him alone in the ruined village. Standing slowly and looking it over he whispers to the wind, knowing it will carry it to the ears of the Aurorian emperor.
"I have heard to many cries of fear and pain. The once calm ocean is boiling with blood. It is the time of heros, and i will raise them to deal with this time of villains."

Spoiler: Hero of Vengance

Standing up form the ruined village and turning away sharply Jashiki steps back to his island and into the forest. Walking through it slowly wrapped in his cloak he pauses as he feels someone close by, several miles from any city or village. Looking in that direction Jashiki can feel with surprise that it is one of his creatures, though not an original. Moving again he appears in the air behind the child vampire and looks down at her. Watching for the moment.

Opal felt a cool breeze on the back of her neck, instinctively she reached for the knife at her belt, before glancing behind herself so see there was nothing there. More than twenty six years had passed since the small girl had arrived on the island but she could never quite shake off the fear that one of these days one of the Zayin's followers would arrive to take her away again. She clutched tighter to the basket of mushrooms she was taking back home and walked quicker, despite this she still felt safer in the woods than in Jashipolis. At-least here she almost certainly had only the owls for company, rather than countless men and halfings whose intentions she could only guess.

Catching sight of her grabbing at a knife and a few of the thoughts that had flicked through her mind making him sigh softly, the wind brushing against her again as he comes out of the air. Stepping into the open in front of her Jashiki says softly.
"You are far from your home."

Opal caught her breath, she reached for her knife again, staring insolently up at the figure with her wide blue eyes.
"How would you know?" she replied tensely, sizing up her opponent quickly and guessing how fast he could run.

Looking down at her Jashiki smiles slightly and keeps himself hidden in his hooded cloak. Still speaking softly.
"Put the knife down little vampire. Yes, I know what you are."

"I'm not going back to Mother Zayin," Opal cried angrily, "She's mean and horrible and I never liked her anyway. I'm happy here,"

Pausing and tilting his head slightly Jashiki comments under his breath.
"Mother Zayin?"
Jashiki speaks louder.
"I do not know who that is. Now, if I lower my hood will you put the knife down little vampire?"

"You aren't?" Opal exclaimed, slowly returning her knife to her belt with a suspicious glance. She decided to give the figure a chance, and she could always run if he tried anything funny.

Waiting for her to lower her knife Jashiki raises his clawed hands and lowers his hood. Looking down at her with his face uncovered now.
"See? I am not sent by anyone. Since there is no one living who has the authority to send me."

"Jashiki?" Opal gasped in astonishment, the face was unmistakeable from statues and artwork Wen had shown her, "You're... the father of the vampires," she added, "but what would you want with me?"

Walking over and sitting cross leg'd in front of her Jashiki looks at her closer to her own level.
"This time is one where villains roam free and do whatever they wish. As you have seen given your response. Why was a child like you turned into a vampire? I asked those I made to not change children. I have come to you because I need Hero's."

"Mother Zayin made me into one," Opal replied truthfully, "After my first mama and papa died, she came to my village and said she was going to take me to a nice orphanage. Instead it was a horrible mansion and she bit me in the neck and turned me into a vampire. She had lots of other children there, I think most of them were vampires too,"

Frowning and looking to the side for a second Jashiki spits onto the ground and looks back at Opal.
"I see, that changes what I had in mind. But, I still wish you to be a Hero for me little Vampire. You will be going to the mainland soon with the man who has been your father for these long years."

"Yes," Opal nodded happily, "Me and Papa Wen are going to Ajivha, maybe even further. We're going to meet with the King and some of his friends,"

Nodding Jashiki tears the bottom of the cloak he is wearing and reaches up to wrap it around her neck, it turning into a silver looking necklace with a single aquamarine gem.
"This isn't silver, but it looks like it. Wearing this no one will think you are a vampire. And it will help you."

"Thank you, Opal replied with a smile, "It's very pretty. How can I be a heroine though?" Her mind was cast back to the many months spent in the grounds of the Zayin's mansion, learning how to control her newfound strength and how to be the least suspected assassin in Aurora, the Mother's praise for her exceptional abilities beyond that of her other children but also the brutal beating she received on the night she tried to escape.

Looking into her mind Jashiki can see most of what happened to her. Setting a claw on the necklace it glows for a second before going back to normal.
"You are the Heroine who will find those the law can not touch and who have hurt many just because they can. The nobles, the rich, the officers. If you do not wish to use the assassination skills you were made to learn tell me Opal."

"I couldn't kill the Emperor back then," Opal admitted with a pained expression, "Mother Zayin he was evil but I wasn't sure and he looked too nice when I saw him. I'm glad I didn't, I met him later and he was nice." she straightened up though with the ghost of a grin on her face, "If there was someone who was definitely bad though, I wouldn't mind killing them. I mean, if I had to,"

Smiling back her sharp fangs match his own as he nods.
"You will be in charge of finding who is evil and who is not. Those you see as evil and are evil who are an important person, you go and kill them. Leave behind this symbol."
Reaching down and drawing on the ground he makes a circle with an X in it.
"Put this where they can see. Let them know they are being hunted for their deeds."

"Uh huh," Opal nodded, studying Jashiki's mark on the ground, "Should I tell Papa Wen what I'm doing?" she added.

Frowning slightly and brushing the symbol out Jashiki looks back up at Opal.
"Do you think he would object to you doing this? Or try stopping you?"

"I don't know," the girl shrugged, "I don't think he likes killing people much, or he might think it's too dangerous. I wouldn't know until I ask him though,"

Nodding again and standing up Jashiki sets his clawed hand on her head for a second.
"Tell him if you wish to, it is up to you. There may be other Hero's in the area and they will have the same type of jewelry. Be careful, and be amazing."

"I will," Opal said confidently, adding "Thank you," For a long time she had felt directionless, just existing in her ageless body as her adoptive fathers grew older and lay cold in ground respectively, not knowing what to do with a future that potentially stretched out into eternity. Now she had a purpose, a calling. Perhaps she could even give the Zayin a visit herself some time, a small smile of vengeance forming on her lips as she imagined this.

Smiling back and starting to turn away Jashiki pauses and says to her half turned away.
"Do you wish Wen could stay with you?"

"Sometimes," Opal said after a moment, realising what he was asking, "He could have become a vampire though if he wanted to, through me. He said he didn't though, he wants to go when his time comes, to meet some old friends again," she bit her lip, it wasn't something she liked to think about.

Nodding Jashiki looks down at her. smiling softly and kneeling next to her he says lightly.
"He wants to meet old friends who have gone before him. When you want to be done with this job I have given you, and want to stop and leave. I will end it and send you to the same place. When you finally wish to stop."

"Thanks," Opal smiled appreciatively, having the option there took a lot off her mind, even if she hoped to live for a long time into the future.

Smiling and getting up Jashiki steps away and gives her a little wave before lifting his hood and showing up behind Wen. Stepping up and setting a clawed hand on his shoulder, everyone else in the room frozen.

"Ugh, what the?" the old man spluttered, almost spilling his drink over himself. Indraj sat frozen in front of him, a piece of cake half inside his mouth, "Is that... Gangari?" Wen asked, it had been half a century since he had last seen a god in the flesh.

Smiling slightly and moving over Jashiki says to the very old man.
"No Wen, its me. Though we never met face to face we have known many of the same people through the years."

"Wait, I know that face," Wen peered closely at the water god, "You are Jashiki? I thought you were gone years ago,"

Nodding and making a small wave out at the world.
"I came back, and see I am needed. I came to thank you Wen, you have done much for this world."

"Well, a bit," the old teacher replied modestly, "I have tried to make this small corner of the world a little better, even if it doesn't want to be,"

Taking the glass from Wens hand Jashiki pulls what is in it out and fills it with a very clear water. Setting it back down in front of him and resting his hand on wens shoulder again.
"What you have done will change more than you know. When it is your time, I will be here to help you move on."

Turning Jashiki leaves, everyone in the room moving again.

"Thank you kindly," Wen exclaimed, before turning back to Indraj, who raised an eyebrow at the old man talking into thin air, "Oh, don't mind me, just remembering something," Wen added hastily.

Spoiler: Hero of Change

Badger grunted as he returned from the courtyard where the necromancy display had taken place, he had to admit it had been amusing to see the skeletons dance but he couldn't shake off the feeling he might have known one or two of them in his long life. He entered his chambers and picked up one of his dumbweights, heaving it up and down as quickly as he could. Vampire or not, he still had to train regularly to keep his body in good condition.

Stepping through the wall right in front of Badger Jashiki pauses in his cloak and watches as the man freezes looking at him, holding a lump of iron in his hand.

"Who are you?" Badger exclaimed gruffly, "And how on Earth did you do that?"

Looking at Badger and around the room slowly Jashiki smiles and says to him as he moves into the room more around a set of weights.
"You do not recognize the father of your gift?"

"Jashiki?" the man whispered, "They said you were dead,"

"I was.. gone. But I was brought back and am regaining my power. As well as raising some mortals to help me."
Looking Badger over he smiles.
"Your an original."

"I got lucky," Badger replied modestly, "I was one of first Aurorans to reach Oilean Uisce, right place at the right time,"

Nodding slowly Jashiki looks at him and smile slightly.
"Ah... You were on those ships, one of the soldiers. I remember something about you. Now your a private guard to the emperor."

"It's a dangerous world," Badger nodded, "Only a few months ago a Luug carrying a bomb managed to get inside the palace and detonate himself. Who better to protect the Emperor than a man who cannot die?"

Walking over and looking at Badger closer Jashiki lowers his hood to let the man see him. Looking at him carefully.
"What do you think of the way things have been going in the country? Not how it is ruled, but how whats been happening to the people."

"I've seen a lot of wars in my time," Badger admitted, "The way I see it, things tend to stay the same whoever is in charge, being chosen by the Parliament didn't stop Roland Olin from starting the worst civil war Aurora has even seen. I'm not being paid to think, though,"

Tearing a piece of his cloak off and lifting it it shimmers and becomes a upper arm band of silver looking metal with several hanging aquamarine stones.
"Than here is payment to answer it. Do you agree with how the people are treated? or do you see evil and villains everywhere you look?"

"Honestly?" Badger looked Jashiki in the eyes as he took the arm band and tried it on his bulging right arm, "I see a good man ruling over an empire filled with corruption. There are more souls in Aurora than the rest of the known world combined, power has to be delegated. Unfortunately, that is where the wolves lurk,"

The silver looking metal doesn't burn his skin like actual silver would. Looking at Badger and thinking it over Jashiki nods once before reaching over and touching the band, it becoming gray and iron like.
"Than become a Hero and protect those you can. You are the Hero of Change, standing between the good and evil and showing them that change is possible."

"How do I become a hero?" Badger asks seriously, glancing with a pleased nod at his new arm-band, "I was a member of the Octopi once, I fought against injustice. Nowadays it doesn't rear it's head so openly though,"

"It does in new ways, the ways where laws are written without thought by those with to much power. You are to stand there like your name sake and force them to see what would happen with it. You can be a Hero by being there for the people among these empowered people."
Smiling lightly Jashiki gives a small laugh.
"Fighting with words and actions rather than a sword, but you will do good Badger."

"I will try, I have the Emperor's ear," Badger smiled, "That's got to count for something right?"

Nodding Jashiki sets his clawed hand on his shoulder and lightly squeezes it as he looks down at him.
"Not only that, another will be around with jewelry similar to your own. She is also a Hero of mine, but is the Hero of vengeance. You can help her by telling her who is to far gone into evil to allow to stay. If you wish."

"If I see her, I will do that," Badger replied confidently "A woman fighter, that must be quite a sight,"

Smiling slightly and nodding Jashiki kept his peace letting this warrior find out himself what kind of fighter he is sending.
"Tell your emperor if you wish, but do not let him sway you from justice and the light."

"I will think on it," the man nodded, "He is getting on a bit now, I don't want to confuse him!"

"Yes, he is getting old. I hope you stay here to both defend the people and the next emperor when it comes to that."
Stepping back from Badger Jashiki nods and smiles.
"Two have accepted so far, good."

Turning Jashiki walks back through the wall.

Spoiler: Hero of Water

Tension was rising in Highcrag, everyone could feel it in the air. The Resistance Army was gone but the old regime clung on with a new leader, despite the mood among the common Luug. Whether it would bubble over or simmer down as the month wore on was anyone's guess, Ying kept himself busy patrolling the streets with his bladed staff and making sure that the Luug army wasn't too heavy-handed when dealing with protesters.

Stepping from the palace in Aurora Jashiki stands over the city of Highcrag, someone here who held both pieces inside themselves that he needed. Looking down at the almost old man walking the streets holding a bladed staff and seeming to keep the peace. Making him smile as he shows both things needed for the job about to be offered.

"No, no, no!" Ying chided as two groups of Luug growled at each other as they walked past, rival tribes no doubt, "Now is not the time, you hear me?"

Smiling and laughing to himself Jashiki drops down and lands heavily behind Ying, the Luug on the street freezing as he straightens. His hood down from the beginning.
"Hello Ying."

Ying narrowed his eyes as he stared up and down the figure in front of him, "What is going on here? Why has everything stopped?"

Looking around Jashiki waves at them and they start moving again, but this time flowing around Ying and Jashiki without seeing them.
"I wanted to have a talk with you, without them interfering."

"Of course, but who are you?" the old monk exclaimed, "You don't look much like Father Lysei, no offence intended,"

Shaking his head firmly Jashiki says to the man.
"I am glad I do not look like Lysei. My name is Jashiki and I should be part of Aurorian lore."

"Ah, I have studied your tale," Ying nodded, before wrinkling his brow, "Wait, didn't Lysei seal you forever more in another world? This is unexpected,"

Smiling Jashiki laughs.
"I am a tale now in Aurora? Well, I hope to change that. But no, he sealed me in another world and it would take another god to bring me back. Which one did. Now I am gathering my power again and gathering Hero's to help me."

"Can you give me an honest answer?" the old monk asked, "Are you on the side of righteousness? Traditional Lyseism teaches that you were, well, evil. I have heard about enough conflicting accounts though to know that not everything in those books is true,"

"Ah, tales from Lysei."
Shaking his head Jashiki looks out over Highcrag and mutters to himself for a minute before answering.
"I am on the side of the people. That... Thing you all call the father attacked me a very long time ago without warning or need. Make your own judgment about how I am Ying, your own eyes will avail you far more than old storys."

"Very well, I will hear you out, I've seen enough conflicts to know few are one-sided," Ying nodded, "Heroes you say?"

Nodding Jashiki walks over and takes Ying by the shoulder. Moving them both to a drinking place with Jashikis hood up this time. A glass of Yings favorite drink gets set down and Jashiki speaks from the depth of his hood.
"I am a god of water, change and vengeance. I have found a Hero of vengeance and change. But I need one of water, someone who can do both and more."

"I have known a halfling who could move water with his bare hands," Ying noted, "Am I to gain that power?"

Laughing softly Jashiki shakes his head and a small dagger gets set down on the table between them. Silver with aquamarine stones on the hilt and sheath.
"You and the others will get powers according to your calling. For you, you will become water. But you would not take this job for the powers would you Ying?"

"Well, not entirely," the old monk chuckled, "I wouldn't say no to something to impress the ladies with though!"

Chuckling with him Jashiki watches him from his hood.
"You would have to be like water. Ever changing and vengeful when needed but also calm and soothing. Soothing the hurts of the wronged and keeping them from the fangs of evil. You already do this and I believe that you sometimes wish you could do more."

"One mortal man, or even a whole band, can't stop a people tearing themselves apart if they really want to," Ying agreed, "Yes, there are times when I wish I had the power to prise two sides apart,"

Watching intently Jashiki nods enough for the hood to move.
"But, one mortal man with the powers given to him by a god can change things in a piece of that world. One piece at a time. You would lose your home and friends and family. Traveling the world. But you would stop the villains of it from taking their evil out on the innocent."

"I have no family anyway," the monk replied, "My home is but a simple monastery on the island of Lyseria. I am used to travelling, this is no problem for me,"

Smiling slowly Jashiki nudges the dagger closer to Ying and pulls his hand back under the cloak.
"Take it than Ying, but remember that you would become my Hero. If I felt a need for you I would send you to a place to deal with something you might not understand."

"That I accept," Ying nodded as he took the blade, studying it carefully in his hands, "I only hope I'm not damning my soul with this decision,"

Shaking his head Jashiki leans back.
"No, I don't believe so. Though if you worry about your soul and body you should meet another of your new fellows. They could give you a body that would not fade and would in fact be stronger than you have now. If you wish it."

"Vampirism?" Ying raised an eyebrow, "I've heard the stories, never met one. Might as well be hung for a sheep rather than a lamb I suppose, if you could put me in touch with one then I would appreciate it,"

"Go to the palace of Aurora, in the capitol. Ask to speak to Badger. Show him the dagger. He will help you, but remember that silver will then burn your skin and can kill you if it hits your heart. That dagger is not silver so it will not hurt you afterwards. Badger can tell you more when it happens."

"Thank you, that may be a while depending on how long these fellows take to sort out their lands," the old monk gestured to the Luug walking obliviously past them, "Perhaps by Autumn time I will be able to travel there,"

Shaking his head Jashiki stands and looks down at Ying.
"You will need to leave within the week, head east. You will know what to do here to quell the rebellions and uprisings but you need to be moving on. Do not worry about spreading my name to others, just do what needs doing. Now Ying hero of water, this will not be the last time we meet and you may always pray to talk to me."

"Very well, I will leave," the monk bowed, "I will head to the Channel Islands and then beyond, to seek this corruption. There are more than enough monks here to do their task, anyway,"

Nodding Jashiki sets his hand on Yings shoulder for a second and says down to him softly.
"Find it and cut it out where you need to then you can heal the body. You will have much work to do, but I know you are up to it."

"Farewell," Ying replied as the god of water disappeared into thin air, leaving him alone in a quiet corner of Highcrag once again. He wondered for a moment if it had been a dream but then weighting up the dagger in his aged hands, he knew it had been all too real. Slowly he got up and walked away from the area with the aid of his staff, ready for whatever might come next.

Going from the last hero and stopping in the middle of the ocean Jashiki closes his eye and smiles. Reaching out to the three trinkets he had made for his new heros he finds them each and Gives each of them their own special power with another aswell for his other aspects.

Spoiler: Action

DC:7 AP2
Bless a small group of people[3]

Give Ying the ability to change his body to and from water.

Give Badger a greater mind and understanding of people.

Give Opal the ability to see an aura around those who have been wronged and have wronged others.
[Red around those who have wronged many and blue around those who have been wronged.]


Give all 3 a magical sense for when things are wrong.

 

[JoJo]

King Ver-Jie, Bar-Shk, Kingdom of Ray-Das

"Bring forth the prisoner for clemency," King Ver-Jie sighed, crossing another name off his list quickly. It hadn't been an easy day for the halfling monarch and he wanting to get through this as quickly as possible. A female halfing was brought forward, glaring defiantly at the two guards who held her.

"An escaped prisoner, would have been out in Padonia by now if she hadn't fled," one of the guards added, "Earlier for theft, now found guilty on charges of sedition and heresy,"

"Well, what do you have to say about that?" the King asked the prisoner, it seemed a cut-and-dry case to him.

"I make no excuse for my petty theft, that was wrong," Lar-Kai said boldly, "I come before you bringing news of the glorious return of the Father, not Lysei but Father Jashiki. Water restored to it's rightful place, to put out the fires in this land,"

"Jashiki?" Ver-Jie spluttered, recalling the god he had known of as a child, "Surely not? What proof do you have of this extraordinary claim?"

"This," Lar-Kai waved her hands towards the nearby water fountain, the liquid rose and then formed into the shape of a giant watery snake. The beast writhed and leapt towards Ver-Jie, disappearing in a flash as quickly as it had appeared just before it struck the halfling monarch.

"A fellow water-bender," the King gasped, "But you're decades too young, me and my generation were the last to be given the powers..." he trailed off as he realised what this meant.

"Repent and dedicate this land to Father Jashiki," the prophetess said simply, "For he is back and watching over us all,"

"Release this prisoner at once," Ver-Jie commanded, offering a hand to Lar-Kai, "Come, we have much to discuss. A proclamation will have to be made, after-all this time..."

.​

Rogaan, Highcrag, Free State of the Deep Tribes

In the weeks following Dolmak's coup, Highcrag had gone from bad to worse. The threat from invasion by the now defunct Luug Resistance Army was gone but organisational chaos reigned among the civil service of the city, with the council members and their new leader constantly clashing with each other and giving contradictory orders to those lower down the chain. Grievances that had been silently nursed since the rule of Keplar resurfaced with a vengeance and mutterings of revolution were on the street. Into this disorder the Octavians injected themselves, filtering into the city over five days so their entry wouldn't be noticed.

Rogaan strode down the high street, openly for the first time in months. The plan had started immediately upon the entry of the first Octavians into the city, handing out copies of A People's Republic in small groups before dispersing as city guards arrived, if they bothered to attend at-all. Rumours about the movement rising in the west had already been fertile and so it was with little difficulty that five days later as planned a great rally could be held in the centre of Highcrag. Behind Rogaan marched her followers and cityfolk, indistinguishable. As the crowd reached the square where the council chamber lay, they were stopped by a regiment of the Luug army, fully armed and defiant.

"Stop right there," the Luug commander spat, "Disperse or we won't hesitate to fire,"

There was commotion from the crowd of Luug, gunfire exploded from somewhere behind them and they parted to reveal several units of the Padonian army in formation, guns firmly aimed at the Luug army.

"I am the Lord Protector of Padonia," Faustus Caeso called from his position in the middle of the formation, "Stand down and let the people through, or we will be forced to engage with you under the peace-keeping agreement your own council signed with the Imperial government,"

"Nonsense," the Luug replied angrily, "Peace-keepers or not, we have a right to defend our own territory. Retreat or we won't hesitate to use force to remove you from this square!"

"Not so fast," another part of the crowd drew back to reveal a group of Lyserian monks, bearing among them a number of bladed staffs and not insignificant firearms either, "Go ahead and today will live down the ages as infamy, attacking your own people for demonstrating. Put down the weapons and we can all talk,"

The three sides stood glaring each other, fingers cocked around triggers and formations tightly held, each waiting for another to make the first move. Before any could though they were suddenly interrupted by a commotion from behind.

"Stop!" a shout came from the chamber of the council. The army reluctantly parted to reveal Dolmak as he marched into the square, backed by the council's private guard. He strode up to Rogaan, stopping just short of her so the pair were face-to-face.

"What do you want?" he asked simply.

"The right to choose our own government, rather than the pick of a god, and a council vetted by a faraway monarch," Rogaan replied.

"We did what we had to," Dolmak said gruffly, "the Free State was inches away from becoming a failed state and it's inability to deal with the Resistance Army was threatening not just here but the Grat lands too."

"For disarming the Resistance Army, we are grateful," Rogaan nodded, "That threat is gone now though, it's time to hand back the keys and all these Luug assembled here today agree. Khaagan may be dead but the rest of the council who allowed Keplar's assassination are still sitting in the seat of luxury,"

Dolmak looked over the assembled crowd of Luug, some holding makeshift weapons, others growling angrily under their breath.

"What do you intend?" he asked.

"To rebuild as an Octavian state," Rogaan fixed her gaze on him, "The mines a few Luug have grown rich off exporting to the east will be nationalised and all trappings of nobility the Aurorans brought here will be abolished. A new society for the common Luug will be forged right here in these mountains,"

"And your borders?"

"We will not let the Resistance Army rise again. We are willing to join with any who choose to freely and I pray that the reunion of the Luug people will happen one day, but not by force."

"Say I was to stand down, how could I know we wouldn't be attacked when our backs are turned?" Dolmak added directly, nodding towards the many protesters carrying weapons, "I know a desire for vengeance when I see it,"

Rogaan paused, she wasn't sure how to answer this. Justice was a strong emotion and she couldn't vouch that a few of her followers wouldn't go too far. At that moment one of the Lyserian monks interjected.

"We can escort you and the council out of the Free State, it might be wise in the circumstances,"

"I will leave then," Dolmak said to the monk, before turning back to Rogaan, "I trust that you will treat this land well,"

"As well as we can," she replied confidently as the Lyserians led Dolmak away through the crowd to where their sky ships were waiting in readiness. He was taken aboard one whilst the other council members were herded towards another two as they emerged blinking from their chamber, dazed by how quickly their deposition had occurred. There was a cheer from the assembled Luug as the sky ships took off southwards, a few objects were thrown after the departing aircraft to ensure it's occupants had got the message.

"Rogaan for Supreme, Rogaan for Supreme!" the chant started, all eyes turning to the Octavian leader. Lifting herself up onto an overturned cart so all could see her, she prepared herself for the impromptu speech of her life.

"In the land we are to forge, I will not be your Supreme, the people will be our Supreme!" This received a hearty cheer, "I will however be your humble leader, if you judge me to be sufficient for this role. Today the revolution starts here, tomorrow it will reverberate around the whole world! A new age is dawning not just for the common Luug, but also for the proletariat of all mortalkind. I ask you all today, whether Luug or Drider, human or halfling, to join in building this grand future together!"

Rogaan stepped down and the crowd exploded into ecstasy, rushing around her to tear down the old Free State flag and in it's place fly the Octavian banner: a white four-pointed star of the Father on a red background. She couldn't help but smile as she locked eyes with Faustus Caeso, who nodded back to her with a jubilant expression.

"Thank you," she mouthed to him. It was really happening, a People's Republic was now to be built. Rogaan knew the path ahead would be tough but she couldn't wait to start.

Spoiler: Notes

Adjust worship to 25 for Jashiki, 15 for Kharolean, keep the others the same. Jashiki is recognised as the official patron deity of the Kingdom of Ray-Das.

Also, I hadn't made one for a while so enjoy an updated Auroran Royal Family Tree:

Spoiler

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Gangari - 18/21 AP

The world continued to change around Gangari. He did what he could but lately his own hands had become too blunt an instrument. It took effort to avoid the apathy, the sleep that had taken the others before him. Changing nature had become one of the few things that could keep him aware of the world.

It was slow but worthwhile work watching his creations integrate themselves into the ecosystems where they lay. The lichenous moss worked its way into the ground and the plants around it worked their way into it. The trees grew into the moss and the insects worked their ways around the trees.

The next step, a more numerous, more developed pollen was needed to begin the changes to the other plants. To speed their adaptations and add further variety to the plants. He envisioned a small flower. Its petals were of different colours and they were patterned in odd almost psychedelic ways that were reminiscent of the kind of thing one would see in a dream. Its pollen was red in colour, another carrier of the spore so favoured by Gangari. Its pollen would mix easily with other plants as well as its own, in the same odd way in which pollen of other plants would easily mix with the flowers. Odd traits and quirks would come with the mixing of species and the new varieties would eventually homogenize again but the plants that would come out of it and the changes caused would last. The flowers themselves would eventually homogenize and settle into their own colour and trait groupings but for a time he would have further sway over things.

After a short time of thinking about his new plant Gangari left his new creations to the world. Spreading them amongst the areas he previously spread his moss and his trees to, intending for it to live on the moss as the trees do. To both further and slow the spread of his changes to the world.

[hr]

Rederick - Yish Marshlands - Government District

Rederick sat passively on the balcony of his old home watching the city now hovering over the water to the southwest. Ships went day and night between it and the various districts. So much had been built and so much was incomplete.

Much was being discovered now that their people had time to rest. The cause of festering had been discovered, new medicines and poisons were being created, new weapons were being manufactured (something he was becoming tired of even though he was the one to order the designs), new breeds of the damned swarm he had commissioned were being trained, new types of walls were being tested, new plants were being farmed, another generation of the machines were being constructed in full...

Rederick smiled softly. His people had come so far from the day his father had dragged them from the ashes. Though he wouldn't see it in life, when he looked at them he saw that they would find peace in time.

Spoiler: Gangari's Action

- Create a non-sentient species smaller than an elephant.
- Action is difficulty 9, with a cost of 3 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll is +8. Autosuccess.

- Should have 15/21 AP at end of turn.

Spoiler: Aetherial Collective's Action

Major - Implement Sanitation.

Major - Secret

Major - Secret

Major - Secret

Major - Secret