The combined forces threw themselves at the walls of the city once more only to be driven back by the tenacious halfling defenders. The invaders managed to pull back relatively unharmed though, so in the end neither side could be said to have won the day.
Jashiki's transformative power spread through the small group of targets, making them something new, perhaps even paving the way for more to become like them as well.
Difficulty: 11 Cost: 4AP
-Grant transmittable immortality of a sort to a small group of humans (eg vampires; immortality with a major instant-kill weakness, basically)
Elongated teeth
silver is repellent to them and where it touches them it burns them, silver to the heart destroys them instantly.
Can regenerate from all but silver inflicted wounds.
a bite transfers the blessing.
their strength is several times greater than before.
they can breath underwater.
Targets: 40 of the Ray-Das warriors still on my island and the top 10 water benders in the village. which is Ker-Hai and 9 others.
Gangari finished the next set of alterations to the university, now it would be able to create an avatar of sorts, a body and face to walk its own halls with and speak with those it desired to. It was constrained to within itself of course but otherwise free to interact with others.
The new soldiers, the Zalya, marched on command their footsteps sure and strong. They would make powerful, enduring soldiers though they could not replace all of the nations armies only supplement them greatly. Currently there was no enemy facing the Ajihvams for them to test their new creations against but perhaps that was for the best as one shuddered to think of what it would be like to meet such things on the field of battle.
Finally the genners made breakthroughs and their creations came to obedient life, it would take time, effort, and expenditure to produce and supplement their forces with them of course but already they were a step closer than they had been.
"Hey, your Majesty, down here sir!" suddenly a cry came from somewhere down below the Emperor, low enough that only he would be able to hear it.
"Huh," Maximus exclaimed, wiping away his tears and peering over the balcony. He could just about make out Aldren standing in the gloom amongst the rose bushes, a crafty smile on his face. "How did you know I'd be here?" he called back as quietly as he could.
"Ah, having a future-telling orb is always useful for this sort of occasion," the young man grinned, spinning his orb in his fingers. "Need any help sir?"
"Yes, Octavius is being mean again, he locked me up here until I say sorry for going against him," Maximus pouted, "How will I get down though, it's too high to jump?"
"Take this," Aldren unfastened a long rope from his back and threw it up to the young Emperor. After a couple of attempts, it was securely fastened to the balcony railings. Maximus tucked his long ceremonial robe into his silk trousers so it wouldn't get in the way and then slowly climbed down the rope, drawing on his past experience in the palace orchards.
"Where are we going now?" he whispered as he landed deftly on the ground.
"Lord Cassian has a house nearby, you know who he is right?"
"He was a diplomat, one of our highest, I think," Maximus said, trying to remember Ronin's lessons on important figures in the realm.
"That's right," Aldren nodded, "He retired last year to Nova Aurora with his wife but now he's back to stand up to Octavius. He wants to found a new commonwealth of Aurora in the original vision of the Father, where freedom is valued above the words of tyrants. Will you come with me to meet him?"
"I will," the young Emperor replied solemnly, "Uncle has gone too far, I want to meet this Cassian to see what he has to say,"
"Good," the man smiled, before bending down to whisper in the boy's ear, "Kaius knew you would say that!"
"Huh?" Maximus looked wide-eyed, "So he's with...?"
"Shhh," Aldren winked, "Follow me, the orb showed a route right through the middle of the gardens that'll take us safely into the city. From there, we'll be at Cassian's house in no time."
.
Katalia, Pomia, Isle of Maia
As Katalia returned to the house the Octopi were occupying with the gaggle of prisoners she had rescued, darkness was falling around the city. The dim light seemed a sufficient cover to hide them, especially through the back-alleys she had taken them where few people looked healthier anyway. She knocked firmly on the door, and a moment later it opened to reveal Badger standing in the gloom.
"You have them already?" the man asked in surprise.
Katalia shrugged. "It wasn't too hard. Just had to figure out where Dornan was keeping them, then he was easy enough to deal with. Even got him to tell me about his secret passages. Am I in now?"
"Yes, yes," Badger said distractedly, "Come in, there is bad news I'm afraid,"
Katalia raised an eyebrow and said "Oh? Well I guess I will find out soon, then." The Weaver followed Badger into the base.
As the pair walked into the chamber, the same rebels as before were gathered around the room, minus one or two less memorable characters. Mantis was standing in the middle, looking uncomfortable.
"Were you successful?" he asked Katalia.
"I was." She said without much formality.
"Yes," Badger nodded, "the families we freed are waiting in the other room,"
"Good," Mantis replied with a smile, "You have done well young lady, exceptionally for a new recruit in fact. Consider yourself a full member of the brotherhood of the Octopi,"
Katalia smirked and replied "So what's this bad news I am hearing about?"
"Sit down and I'll tell everyone," the old man gestured for her to take a seat.
Katalia took a seat and looked at Mantis with a curious gaze. This could be useful, she figured.
"Well, I'll cut to the chase," Mantis started, "We received another letter from the Phoenix today, just after our last meeting was dismissed. Octavius is reportedly either sending an assassin or multiple assassins after our leaders and they need trusted volunteers from among you to help secure base camp."
"Another recruitment drive?" Ghoul interjected with exasperation, "We're thin enough on the ground here already and I'm sure everyone who wanted to join our comrades down south would have volunteered last time?"
"Perhaps," Mantis sighed in reply, "Still, we cannot ignore their plea. Is anyone willing to stand in this time?"
Katalia looked around and raised her hand. "I can do it, taking down assassins is more my speed anyway."
"You?" the old man gasped, "It could be very dangerous, if the reports are to be believed,"
"I told you, I can handle it." Katalia chuckled. "I killed at least ten guards on my way to rescuing the prisoners, and they were already pissed about Appius."
There were further gasps and mutterings around the room. Mantis held up his hands to call for order.
"It would be rather unorthodox for a member as new as yourself to be sent into the heartlands, however if what you say is true you do seem rather well suited for the role, and I doubt we'll get many other volunteers," he looked accusingly around the chamber, "If you accept, you will have to set out within a couple of days. Would you do this for us?"
"Yeah. It should be fun to meet some of the higher ups. Might get closer to sticking one of these in Octavius this way, too." Katalia flashed a knife and quickly put it away. Octavius sure was making this easier for her, she figured she should send the guy a cookie.
Mantis looked at Badger, the man nodded, "Badger will help you prepare, he sent our last recruits out there," he added, "May the Father be with you Kathy,"
Katalia nodded and got up. "No time like the present, I suppose. Let's get going."
"Indeed," Mantis replied warmly. The other rebels thanked Katalia and wished her good luck before she and Badger left the chamber for the final time, to prepare for whatever might lie ahead.
.
High Prince Octavius, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia
Meanwhile back in the capital the Prince Regent was listening to the day's report, trying to get the argument between him and his nephew out of his mind.
"Your Majesty, I bring good tidings," the steward bowed his head respectfully, "Our genners were finally able to create the great flying reptiles you requested, as fire-breathing as you wanted, and the other project you inquired about was completed to equal success. We now ask humbly for your next orders."
"Excellent," Octavius laughed, "Finally something is going my way. Now take a unit of our bravest men and teach them how to ride those monstrous things, make sure General Omar has his newest orders too. Hm, for that matter whatever happened to the colonists we sent out to the middle lands?"
"I'm afraid they returned recently sire, they were caught in terrible storms,"
"Again?" the Regent sighed, "Order them to restock and try again, I won't rest until the entire coast line between Nova and Sirigarde is Auroran territory!"
The steward bowed and left. A few moments later a guard came running in, out of breath and sweating in his armour.
"What's the matter?" Octavius asked anxiously, sensing something was wrong.
"The Emperor your Majesty, he's missing from his room... and the whole palace as far as we can see!"
"What?" Octavius cried in alarm, his heart clutched in fear. Surely even the Octopi wouldn't go as low as to target a child... would they? Or was Maximus still angry at him and somehow had escaped his room? Either possibility seem incredulous. "No, this isn't possible," he lamented aloud to the guard, "Have every room, every nook and cranny in this damned building searched, leaving not a speck of dust unturned. Do it now!"
(Major) - Attack Lot-Vos and break through siege
(Major) - Create elite troops - dragon riders
(Major) - Colonise previously scouted area between Nova Aurora and Sirigarde
Daal couldn't help but smile as he read the reports coming in, all saying that the new system was working smoothly and that the foreigners were leaving much happier than they were before.
Almost gleefully, Daal wrote a tablet of his own to be sent off to the mainland. It not only included the formulas and standards of trade that his own thinkers had created, but instructions on how best to implement them depending on region and details on comfortable accommodations for the small-folk. As they certainly did not enjoy resting on loam piles.
The Silver Halls - Den of Mysteries
Haakan smiled as he saw his Silver Tribe working to enhance their prowess with their Runic powers. However, he could not feel truly joyous while the specter of Cyth'raul loomed over them. True, while they had freed themselves of the god's curse, the price they paid was a great one. The resources spent practically drained what little wealth Haakan had accumulated for the Tribe, and that was meant to fund a future effort against Jugaan and her Gold Tribe.
Jugaan, the mere thought of that wretched Luug caused Haakan's old wounds to burn. The Silver One knew he had to redouble his work if Silver were to prove themselves worthy of Gangari's knowledge and favor. To that end, he gathered his best Artificers to study the power of their rituals, and perhaps find a way to make them more efficient.
The Golden Citadel - The War Room
Jugaan stood by a map of the Gold Tribe's territory, centered around the tunnels that connected it to the rest of the Deep Tribes' land. With her were the few Lieutenants that Wos did not take to the Krakari front, and for good reason, a bag of rocks had more brains than those that stood before her had combined. "Why don't we just collapse the tunnels? It would take them weeks to dig through them...by then Wos and the others will-"
"For the last time, that won't work!" Jugaan slammed an exasperated fist on the table. "Most of the tunnels are so large that the Supreme and his lackeys will be upon us before their structure can be compromised!" With a sigh, Jugaan looked back down at the table, tracing the path of the tunnels to the chambers where they terminated. They were fortunate enough to catch wind of Budraal's plan, despite the Supreme's best efforts at "subtlety". However, time was still short, and most of the Gold Tribe's warriors were off fighting the Ray-Das. "We need to prevent any heavy losses..." Jugaan mused aloud as she looked over the distribution of Luug within her lands. "...have the laborers move north, to the edge of our caves, and work further. As they migrate, have them sabotage the tunnels."
"But I thought you said-"
"We don't have the time to sabotage the highways in the south, but we do have time to block up the passages in our territory! We'll sacrifice the initial chambers and force them to come through the secondaries single-file, which will give us the advantage." Jugaan sighed as she continued to trace the tunnels. "Should that fail, a quarter of our forces will meet up with the laborers up north to protect them, while the rest draw our forces here..." Jugaan jabbed the symbol marking the citadel so hard she made a permanent crater in soft texture of the map. "...and make our final stand. If we bought enough time during the fight, not only will our reinforcements arrive, but we might also be able to turn the maggots on them."
"Why not use the Queen and her brood on the invaders now?"
"We need her to help build a safe haven more than we need to weaken our tunnels with those maggots burrowing through all the walls. They will be our weapon of last resort, and the Citadel should be able to withstand their appetite." Jugaan looked up to her Lieutenants, who also looked at her. It almost disgusted the Golden One to have to deal with such dead weight, Luug that had only achieved their station through raw strength, without a hint of cunning among them. With a sigh, she nodded to dismiss them, a silent order which they obeyed.
Once they had departed, Jugaan leaned on the stony slab and sighed again. "Oh Wos, only now to I realize how much I would miss your competence."
The Golden Road
The Supreme knelt against the high wall of the large tunnel, filled with his strong Fists. Gently, Budraal held his hand to the wall and focused, trying to feel out the signal he ordered his comrades to give when they were in position: A single, strong carve against the wall of their respective tunnels. Such a disturbance in the earth would be "loud" enough for Budraal to detect, but too weak for any other Luug not looking for such a change.
Finally, he felt it, like a silent chorus of strikes into the rock, Budraal smiled as he raised his massive claw to give the order to attack. "It ends now, Jugaan!" Budraal ripped away a large segment of the tunnel wall, broadcasting his command. "Charge!"
With that, the Supreme and his Fist stampeded down the highway. The Siege of Gold had begun!
1. Implement Economics Technology
2. Research Improved Rituals (effort to make rituals cheaper)
3. Settle the Mountains to the north of current Deep Tribes' holdings (employ the Maggot Queen for bonus)
Standing in the middle of a class of apprentice water benders Ker-Hai stopped in the middle of an explination on how to make a water whip and his hand rush's to his mouth as pain stabs through what feels like every tooth he had. Reaching in and touching them he hisses softly as he pulls his hand back out to see his finger bleeding from what felt like teeth, but all of them pointed and sharper. Looking at his finger his eyes widen as the little pinpricks and cuts all heal right in front of his eyes. Just as he was wondering what was going on another teacher across the room screams out in agony, grabbing a bracelet and ripping it off it crumples in her fist before being thrown at the wall. Instead of bouncing off the wooden wall the crumpled bracelet smash's through the wall and keeps going. Turning to each other and staring at each other Ker-Hai calls an end to the class and sends everyone home. Yelling at the other teacher to find out who else this had happened to Ker-Hai runs into the back room to a small statue of Jas-Hiki and stops to pray feverously for an answer to what this was. Hoping that it was a blessing and not a curse from another god.
Soon 8 other teachers had all gathered in the empty class room talking about what had happened and where they had been. Soon Ker-Hai slowly walks out and sits half on one of the close by desks, looking at the others and saying quietly to them as a silence took over inside the room.
"I have had no answer yet, Jas-Hiki has not answered me to if this was him or the curse of another god. So far tell me when it happened and what you were doing."
Each of them slowly raise their voice and tell him what they were doing.
The first 2 had been together teaching a class of other Aurorans how to create ice disks when they had a sharp pain in their mouths and found they had these teeth.
The next said she had been at home cooking and setting out dinner for a family party when her mouth had hurt and her hand and started to feel like it was burning as she set down some silverware.
For the rest it was much of the same. At the same time they had felt pain in their mouths and something had happened.
As they discussed it and what it could mean behind them water seaped through the cracks of the floor and formed a shape they all knew. Making a noise of ice cracking they all turned and most of them bowed, Ker-Hai staying up and taking a step towards his god.
"My lord, please tell us if this is from you or some other god."
As the group behind all murmured their agreement the water shape nods slowly. A liquid voice coming from it.
"Yes, it is from me. A blessing of unimaginable power and ability. You are now immortal, unkillable but for silver. You are stronger and can breath under water as well. But last and maybe most important, this blessing can be spread through a bite from your new teeth. Then they to will become just like you. There are 40 more of you on a ship to the north where the Ray-Das have pulled in. You will need to go and teach them what they are now."
As the water starts to drain and shrink the people in the room other than Ker-Hai start clambering at this new power and ability. Ker-Hai keeps his eyes on his god as he slowly slips away, only to stop at just about the size of a child.
"Let children grow to adults before you turn them, unless you can not help it because of something."
With that the rest of the water vanishes and only a wet stain on the floor shows it was there at all. As they all clamber and yell in excitement the room soon fills with loud laughter and praise.
He could hear them fighting. Metal on metal, and metal on flesh. The dying were heard in the echoes of the decrepit mansion but he also smelled the familiar smell of burning wood. The blindfold on his eyes prevented him from seeing anything and in his weak state, he was barely standing as it was but he heard them fighting. Yoren guessed that it was his family but it was hard to tell. He was so weak and malnourished that any resemblance to the proud patriarch of the Oscen family would be hard to find. He thought he heard Dehl's voice over the carnage but it was hard to tell with all the screaming everyone else was doing around him.
Then a body fell onto his cage which tipped it over. His cage fell to the ground with a resounding smash, knocking the door loose and his blindfold off. His arms were still bound but at least he saw. The body next to him had a spear protruding from its torso but in the haze of weakness, Yoren couldn't tell if the figure was friend or foe. Outside, he could see more figures clashing with sparks signalling the clash of two swords. He heard a sound from behind him then felt hands drag him out of his cage. Yoren looked back as far as he could only to see the grunts of the Severyn with bloodied armor and swords.
"Your friends are here..." One of them said. "Too bad we're leaving."
"They'll find you... they'll-" Yoren was saying in a daze but he couldn't finish as the ones dragging Severyn were beset by a masked assailant. Yoren was dropped on his broken wing, sending jolts of pain from his arm. Then a pot crashed through the window and erupted into flames. The sudden source of light blinded him but he was lucky as one of the Severyn soldiers was caught in its fiery blast. His shrill screams filled Yoren's ears but as the fiery Krakari fell to the ground, Yoren was unlucky enough to be right beneath him.
Yoren felt the full weight of the tough Krakari but he also immediately felt the heat of the flames. The Krakari rolled around in an attempt to extinguish the flame but Yoren's feathers were already on fire. It was an odd feeling at first but Yoren was soon consumed by fire and panic. More Severyn soldiers converged on Yoren with swords, water, and blankets. The last thing he saw that night was another burning Krakari, the look of helplessness and terror matched his own. Before he passed out, Yoren noticed it was a mirror he was looking at and that unrecognizable Krakari was him.
The switch to artificer was quick and the tour of the new workstations were a nice change of pace but Cawles couldn't help but feel extremely lucky. She was made a necromancer by one God and given runes by another. She wondered if there were others out there who were given gifts by multiple Gods but she wanted to focus back on her work.
Word from the front brought terrifying news. Cawles and her team had learnt of monsters that tore apart the Ray-Das defenders and delivered the Auroran and Krakari forces to the front door of Lot-Vos. While she saw some good news at that, Cawles couldn't help but feel sorry for the creatures that were brought up only to kill. Still, it was up to her and her team to find ways to end the war as soon as possible no matter how short-sighted they may be.
But then Cawles had another idea. She was reminded once more of Qartoq and the first time she had arrived to Silver Claw. The thunder boomed and lighting tore through the sky. In a curios way, she wondered if there was such a way to recreate the booming thunder without a god's work. With a new idea, she presented to her team and how quickly they got to work.
(Major)Research gunpowder-use university bonus
(Major)Attack Lot-Vos with Auroran forces-apply Luug reinforcements, +1
Gangari - 7/15 AP
Gangari sat upon the floor of his sanctuary having spent the past two months flooding his child with his energies. After a week of rest he unleashed one final spark of life into it. An hour later a form began to materialize from his sanctuaries western wall. First slowly taking shape from it's metals and then quickly transmuting its form into a creature of flesh.
He looked upon this form and noticed a resemblance to one of the women from his tribe, he couldn't quite recognize which though. After a second of looking upon her father she began to colour her form in a similar way to him. Blue eyes with a glow to them, silver hair, and dark skin. After observing him further she began to form a dress upon herself flowing and dark green.
After she took a moment to observe her form she walked towards Gangari and began to hug him.
After a few minutes she spoke in an uncomfortable manner, still unfamiliar with her new biology "What am I?"
"You're my child."
"Who am I?"
"What do you wish to be called?"
She looked around the room curiously for a few moments and then spoke quite calmly "Ashlif."
Gangari smiled and spoke "Ashlif, we have much to discuss."
- Study herself
- Study the University's libraries and records
- Study Ajivha's libraries and records
- Study Ajivha Culturally and Geographically
Ether sight is the ability to see the truth of things (see the true form of things that are shapeshifted, invisible, possessed, etc. The image would be juxtaposed over the form that everyone else sees. Invisible creatures would become merely transparent, shapeshifted creatures would appear to be flickering between their original form and their chosen shape, possessed creatures and objects would appear with a glow revealing the form of their possessor, etc.). This perception of reality is however based upon Gangari's interpretation of what lays beyond the dimensions and realities perceivable by mere mortals.
This would include the ability to see souls and other incorporeal beings or presences.
Appearance: Appears as a glowing outline of a woman, shimmering lashing tendrils of light flow from its form out at whatever is near it.
Powers/Traits: Ether Sight, Psionic Presence, Psionics, Incorporeal, Telekinesis, and Runic Magic (equivalent to Demiurge in terms of power).
Limits: Physically limited to Gangari's Sanctuary.
[hr]
Appearance: A tall woman with dark tanned skin, she has blue eyes with a slight glow to them, and her hair is a shining silver. Generally considered beautiful to the majority of mortals through a combination of physical beauty combined with a sort of psychic pull she emits. She usually appears wearing a green dress or robes.
Powers/Traits: Ether Sight, Shapeshfting, Teleporation, Physical Demi-god, Mild Psionics, and Runic Magic (equivalent to Demiurge in terms of power).
Limits: Physically limited to the the University and the land around it.
[hr]
Appearance: A tall woman with dark tanned skin, she has blue eyes with a slight glow to them, and her hair is a shining silver. Generally considered beautiful to the majority of mortals through a combination of physical beauty combined with a sort of psychic pull she emits. She usually appears wearing a green dress or robes.
Powers/Traits: Ether Sight, Shapeshifting, Teleportation, Physical Demi-god, Mild Psionics, and Runic Magic (equivalent to Demiurge in terms of power).
Limits: Physically limited to cities and the land around them (so long as they are in a "hexagon" in which silver-root has a node.)
[hr]
Appearance: A tall woman with dark tanned skin, she has blue eyes with a slight glow to them, and her hair is a shining silver. Generally considered beautiful to the majority of mortals through a combination of physical beauty combined with a sort of psychic pull she emits. She usually appears wearing a green dress or robes.
Powers/Traits: Ether Sight, Shapeshifting, Teleportation (limited to doing so while touching natural ground or material physically connected to or influenced by silver-root), Physical Demi-god, Mild Psionics and Runic Magic (equivalent to Demiurge in terms of power).
Limits: Physically limited to "hexagons" of land/sea/whatever in which silver-root has a node.
Katalia was approaching the Phoenix's base. The map she was given was pretty clear as far as instructions went, and she was nearing her destination. Her hair was gone now, and her entire head, and most of her body was wrapped in white bandages. A few of them flowed with the wind as she continued forward. Only her eyes were visible through the bandages.
Suddenly a group of four young masked men dropped out of the trees around Katalia, two armed with swords, the other two holding longbows. They looked at her suspiciously.
"Identify yourself," one said firmly, "This isn't a safe place for travellers,"
"I have been sent by the Mantis." Katalia said sternly. "Problems with nobility, apparently."
"Mantis eh?" the man cocked his head, "I recognise that name. Did you bring a signed letter?"
Katalia takes a bandaged hand out slowly, and reaches into her rucksack. After rummaging for a second, she pulls out the letter and hands it over to the man. "Indeed."
The group studied the letter for a few moments, muttering among themselves before turning back to Katalia.
"This is acceptable, come with us,"
They lead her along the forest path until they reached a small fort built with wooden fencing. They knocked three times on the door, a tired-looking guard opening the door to let them in.
"What's your name?" he asked Katalia.
I don't have one, they took it from me." She said bitterly. "But if you must call me something, I guess the spinner will work."
"May I ask why you are wearing bandages over your face?"
Katalia removed a few of the bandages, terrible burns could be seen under them. They were far worse than anything most people could withstand, her skin was a dark brown and some of it was even blackened. "Can't travel without them. Part of the reason I joined."
"Ugh," the guard tried and failed to hide his disgust, "Eh, welcome to Fort Phoenix, go straight on to find our new arrivals barracks."
Katalia nodded and walked through. This disguise hurt a whole hell of a lot, and certainly was inconvenient, but it seemed to have been worth it. She doubted anyone would recognize her in it, and after impressing a few people, she could easily get an audience with the Phoenix himself. Hopefully Lysei would find it within himself to restore her looks afterwards, because she absolutely would not spend the rest of her life looking like some campfire monster.
"Hello comrade," a Peshenese man greeted Katalia as she entered the room, "You arrived here today?"
Katalia nodded, she was toying with her bandages at this point, trying to get them back in the position they were in earlier. Undoing them easy, but putting them back was a pain.
"I'm Suko," the man continued, "this place will seem confusing at first but I'm sure you'll find your way around soon enough,"
"I was sent here to protect the Phoenix from assassins. Apparently Octavius sent out a bunch. I believe it would be in everyone's best interests if I met him sooner, rather than later." Katalia's eyes were scanning her surroundings. The bandages made her stand out, though she was trying to avoid any unnecessary conversations, being that she could only hide her voice so much.
"Huh," Suko chuckled, "There's one in particular we're watching out for, a lady like yourself no less. They say her signature is fire and yet we base ourselves in a wooden fort. Madness, I tell you," he sighed, "The Phoenix's quarters are in the centre of the fort, I warn you he prefers not to be disturbed most of the time,"
Katalia nodded and began to move away. "Thank you, Suko." Katalia's bandages swayed with her as she walked. Perhaps now might be the time, if he is alone. Katalia had a few things to tell Kaius, before he died. A bit of a shame she didn't kill him when she had the chance earlier.
Outside the entrance to the Phoenix's quarters stood two heavily armoured guards, talking quietly to themselves.
Katalia approached them. "I have been tasked by the Mantis with the personal guarding of the Phoenix. I presume he is inside? I would like to meet him."
"And who are you?" one of the men asked suspiciously, "Got a letter?"
"Better than both of you combined, that's who." Katalia brought out the Mantis' letter and handed it to the guard on her left.
"Hm," the guard scratched his head, "Seems legitimate, but this letter doesn't say anything about being a personal guard... Kathy?"
"Are you doubting my abilities?"
"The Phoenix handpicks his personal guards, such as us two," the other man said snootily, "However good you claim you are, you can't just walk in and demand a role. These are dangerous times, do you even have an invitation from him?"
"The letter we received said that the Phoenix needed protection from assassins. I can't very well protect him from assassins if I am in the damned mess hall." Katalia spat on the ground. "I don't like having my time wasted."
"Listen here lady," the guard said angrily, "I don't know who you think you are but according to this letter your job is to guard this fort from those assassins, that's the damn job you're going to do. Now get out of here and don't let me see you back around here again,"
Katalia began to undo her arm bandages. They draped themselves on the floor, revealing her charred arms. She looked them both in the eye and said "I am going to meet this man, even if I have to knock you out to do it."
The two men drew their swords hastily and pointed them at Katalia.
"Back off now, this is your last warning," one snarled.
Katalia took a step back, and as she did so, her bandages snaked out and wrapped themselves around the two guard's sword arms, pinning them down. "They call me the Spinner for a reason, fools. Now do I have to break your arms?"
The guard to the left lunged for Katalia despite his bound arm, kicking her in the stomach, whilst the right one shouted loudly.
"Get away Phoenix, now!"
Katalia coughed and created two more threads, she sent them directly at the guards with the intention of cutting them both in half before they could do anything more.
"Uggghh," the shouts came as the two guards were covered in silky threads, gagging them from further noise. Behind the door, there was footsteps and the sound of something metal being dragged.
"Forget this." Katalia muttered before snapping the guard's necks. Katalia unleashed her true abilities, and fire began to spin around her. She created at least ten fiery strands and with more than double the force she used to break the stone wall, she flung her strings at the door to the Phoenix's room.
The door was thrown from it's frames, clattering loudly inside the room and landing in a thick cloud of dust and woodchips. As the mist cleared, the form of Emperor Kaius III materialised in front of Katalia. His clothes were much coarser, his hair wilder and his face hardened but he was instantly recognisable as the same man. He stood firmly holding an iron sword, a defiant look in his eyes.
"I've been expecting you," he said simply.
"I supposed you may have." Katalia shrugged. "What do you think that will do? Nobody is coming, you might as well just give it up."
"Why?" Kaius said simply, shrugging his shoulders, "Since you're here, why all this? Lysei never even troubled to tell me the reason he no longer approved of my rule."
"You fell in line with Jashiki, god of the Ray Das. God who wished to destroy Lysei. Lysei saw that you would resist his attempts at reforming the nation at every turn, you threw away the eyes he gave you, and hid from him. Octavius wanted reform, Octavius had the gall to kill you, and when Octavius has served his time, Lysei will kill him too. Your family means nothing to Lysei, you are as meaningless to him, as a common slave was to you." Katalia set fire to the surrounding hallways, ensuring nobody would be able to come. She slowly began to walk towards Kaius.
"When we first met, I knew I should have just killed you and been done with it. But now you have gone ahead and caused all this trouble. Well, it's too bad you threw your lot in with Jashiki, because Lysei is just about to kill that god too."
"Fell in line?" Kaius spat, "Lysei never said I was only allowed to talk to him, he never even mentioned the existence of other gods. Your god is a jealous god. Shame, because we could have been good allies," he raised his sword defensively, "You can change sides you know that? Come with me, this is your last chance to escape from the slavery of Lysei. He only wishes to replace one tyrant with another, Octopi's goal is to end tyrants once and for all,"
"The slavery of Lysei?" Katalia burst out laughing. She couldn't hold it back. "Ever since I joined Lysei, I have had free reign over my own actions. He gives me vague instructions, but in reality I can choose to do what I want. I am here because I want to see Lysei's new world, not bring it back to whatever fiefdom you find comfortable! I enjoy the Octopi's existence, be assured they will continue past your death, but you can not ever have the throne again. The only way to ensure that, is with your death." Katalia flicked out a thread and wrapped it around Kaius' sword. The Weaver's eyes were brimming with excitement as she asked Kaius "Any last words?"
"The Father will find a way, always," Kaius replied angrily, cutting through Katalia's thread with quick swipe of his sword, "Kill me now and I will become untouchable," He breathed deeply, his overtures clearly weren't going anywhere. At-least he had the satisfaction of knowing Maximus and Lord Cassian would live to carry on his work, whatever happened today. With a cry, he leapt forwards towards Katalia swinging his sword towards her head.
"Fool." Katalia muttered as she engulfed Kaius in flames, sending him back into the wall. The death was likely instantaneous, painless. He certainly had found some bravery in all this time. "Lysei is the Father." Katalia's bandages had burned away, and her clothes were ragged. She walked into Kaius' office, more skeleton than human. She felt drawn to him and noticed that the fires were unable to touch a stone on his person. She quickly scooped them up and left his body to burn. Katalia turned toward the ceiling and ripped a hole into it. As she did, she winced in pain. Her burns began to open up and bleed again. This disguise was a mistake. Katalia slowly ascended through the roof of the fortress and with a final burst of strength, flung herself toward the trees in the distance, stone in hand.
"There she is!" a cry came from somewhere behind Katalia as she flew over the burning fort. A group of Octopi men armed with longbows ran out of the smoke-filled doors, lead by Wen and Suko.
"That's her!" the ex-slave exclaimed loudly, pointing towards the crumpled figure lying amongst the trees, "Don't even let her get close!"
The men fitted their arrows and then without hesitation let them fly into Katalia. Again and again they shot, until every man had exhausted his quiver into her limp body.
Flames began to circle Katalia. She could see the arrows in her, but she couldn't feel them. Almost as if Lysei himself were intervening, a massive forest fire ripped across the area, creating a wall between her and the Octopi and in a massive inferno, Katalia left Aurora.
-------------------------
Lysei 6 AP
The world was at his fingertips now, Lysei could see through its eyes, with purpose. Jashiki would be found, and once he found him, Lysei would finally end this dispute. Surprisingly, Jashiki had surrounded himself with mortals, several immortals that he had created. Their eyes turned a fiery red as Lysei saw through them. One spoke, ?Jashiki,this will be your end.? Before Lysei walked through a portal with Cyth?raul close behind. He sent a quick message to Gangari about helping, and then turned his attention to Jashiki.
?I am afraid that this game has grown tiresome.? Was all he said before his great sword appeared. Gangari appeared where he was called to. His form appearing from the mists in the air. His bladed staff one again becoming a spear. He formed a large bronze shield in his left hand and started to observe his environment. Lysei smirked and hefted his sword, ?Now!? he yelled and the three engaged Jashiki at once.
Lysei, Gangari and Cyth'raul attack Jashiki: Total +14
Katalia has killed Kaius, but in the process has sustained a mortal injury. She is out of play until Lysei does something about her injuries.
The statue at the top of the mounting jerks up and some fear can be seen in his one eye as the 3 other gods appear with the obvious intent to attack and destroy him. Frozen for a second as they get ready and start to launch themselves at him
Jashiki can see beyond them to the whole of Oileán Uisce. Taking in everything for one very long second Jashiki bounds to his feet and raises his hands, gathering every ounce of his power and energy into them before thrusting them to the sky and push's his power out. Feeling it draining from him fast and making him feel weak. Watching the other 3 gods attacking he knows they will not be trying to stop what he is doing, rather trying to strike him down. Closing his one eye as he waits for it.
Speaking to all who believe in him and worship him as his power depletes.
"All who can hear this, on this day i die. Remember me."
Difficulty: 13 Cost: 5AP +4 water, +2 change
-Create a strong permanent enchantment (difficulty 11, immediate area of effect)
Surrounding Oileán Uisce an enchantment that makes it that no one can harm another on the island.
Maximus followed Aldren through the back alleys of Nova Verde, a cloak held tightly over his head so no-one would recognise him. He realised this was the first time he'd ever been out of the palace unaccompanied by the usual crowd of retainers, guards and eunuchs, and it wasn't much like he had imagined. Putrid smells wafted from drains at the side of the street, he stared at a bony man lying in the gutter as they walked past.
"What's wrong with him?" Maximus asked Aldren curiously, never having seen anything like it in his life.
"He's starving," the navigator said matter of factly, "More common out here than you might think,"
They reached a large house decorated with ornate sculptures and patterns, Aldren rapped on the door. A moment later it was opened by a familiar face.
"Greetings your Imperial Majesty, glad you could make it," Lord Cassian bowed to the young Emperor.
"You too," Maximus replied politely, "So you were sent by..."
"Yes," Cassian said quickly, shutting the door behind them, "I knew your brother quite well, indeed you and I met a couple of times when you were younger, you probably don't remember now?"
"No, not really," the young Emperor admitted.
"Oh well, I expect you meet a lot of people. Anyhow, there's one more guest we're waiting on."
As if on cue, there was another knock at the door. Aldren went to open it and in stepped a shadowy figure. Maximus let out an involuntary gasp when he saw who it was.
"Sorry I'm late," Prince Torus said, "Lord Olin wanted to discuss tax rebates and I couldn't get away until he finished,"
"But... but he's with Octavius!" Maximus cried, looking between Cassian and Aldren in alarm.
"Don't worry Max, I can call you that right?" the ex-diplomat replied gently, "Torus is here at my invitation,"
"Indeed," Torus chuckled, "Ever since I returned back from my expedition to the south seas, I've been unhappy at the direction the Prince Regent has been leading our nation. I tried talking to him and even Olin but neither will listen, they're too caught up in their grandiose plans to see the bigger picture. Me and Cassian go way back, when he got in contact with me a couple of days back I couldn't say no,"
"Are you sure we can trust you?" the young Emperor asked suspiciously.
"If I wanted to bring Octavius to this house I would already have done so," Torus shrugged,
"We need allies in the existing regime if this is to work," Cassian added sternly, "Only a unity government can bring our divided Aurora together. You understand this Max?" The boy nodded silently. "Good, anyhow now to business,"
For the next couple of hours, the group of three discussed the future structure of Aurora, Maximus found much of the language Cassian and Torus used confusing but they explained their plans to him in simpler terms as they went along and eventually they reached an acceptable deal to all three parties. The new state was to be known as the Commonwealth of Aurora, with ultimate sovereignty vested in the Emperor as before. Power however would be delegated to a new Parliament of Aurora, divided into a House of Nobles where any noble could sit, and a House of Freemen where an appropriate number of freemen from each duchy of the Commonwealth would be sent. It would be up to each duchy how they chose their members of Parliament. A bill would have to pass both houses before being put to the Emperor for consideration. A Lord Regent or Deputy would be selected by the Emperor from among the men of either house, however he would be required to maintain the confidence of both houses or else resign immediately. Furthermore, serfdom was to be abolished, and freedom of travel and worship within Aurora would be guaranteed for all. Eventually, all that was left to decide was the fate of Octavius and his allies.
"He must be brought to trial," Lord Cassian said, "He has repeatedly undermined the rule of law, there is too much blood on his hands for him to go free. That and the rumours about our former Emperor's demise," He gave Maximus a knowing look, of course they couldn't mention in front of Prince Torus that they knew Kaius was still alive.
"Unfortunately... I think that is true," Torus sighed, "Forgive me, I knew nothing of the plot to assassinate Kaius at the time, however my suspicions over time have only deepened. I have enough evidence I could certainly testify against him in law on a charge on high treason and regicide."
"That is what my sources have suggested too," Cassian added hastily, "How about you Maximus? Would you be accept seeing your uncle put before a court of law?"
Maximus nodded silently, struggling to find words. Inside him two forces were playing a tug of war, his desire for justice and his brother on one side and on the other, his continuing love of his uncle.
"For Kaius..." he managed to finally mumble, "No killing though, I want Uncle to stay alive,"
"Thy will shall be done," Cassian agreed, holding his cup up, "For Kaius," they drank a toast and then began preparations for the next day.
.
High Prince Octavius, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia
The next morning, Octavius was agitatedly waiting for news of Maximus. He had barely got a minute of sleep that night for fear of something befalling his nephew, although even at a time like this he still had other duties to attend to.
"Are Emir's ships and battalions ready?" Octavius asked, eager to get a side affair out of the way.
"Yes, they have been prepared and are waiting for him in the Imperial port at Pomia," Lord Olin replied smoothly, noting something down as he did so.
"Good. He has served us well, include an offer of a ducal title and protection if he would consider swearing allegiance for his island to the Imperial Crown." It was a long shot but perhaps Emir would consider a more permanent alliance, he was certainly a useful man to keep on one's side.
"Certainly your Majesty," Olin purred. At that moment a guard rushed in, red-faced and out of breath as usual.
"Sorry sir, the commoners are revolting again,"
"Again? At a time like this?" Octavius groaned, remembering what had happened last time, "Come, I'll speak to them myself, maybe knock some sense into their damn heads,"
He assembled his guards and then opened the palace gates, riding out upon the Emperor's traditional golden chariot. The soldiers stood in a semi-circle so he was protected from the jeering crowd.
"Who among you is your leader?" the Prince Regent shouted, "I wish to speak to you!" He then blinked in surprise as out from the crowd emerged Lord Cassian.
"You, I know that face! You were a diplomat for the Crown right?"
"Yes, I am Lord Cassian," the man replied, "We've come to ask you to release the priest Ramous and step down as Regent of Aurora, your Majesty."
"What?" Octavius exclaimed angrily, "On what grounds?"
"On charges high treason and the regicide of Emperor Kaius III," Prince Torus appeared from somewhere nearby, "We know you did it Octavius,"
"Torus? This is preposterous!" the Prince Regent sputtered, even his trusted allies seemed to be turning against him, "I am the divinely ordained ruler of this land, you have no proof of these allegations and none of you have the right to remove me!"
"I do," Maximus stepped forward, a pained expression on his face. Octavius gasped, feeling as if a knife had just been thrust through his stomach.
"Not you Max, not you too..." he muttered, putting his hand to his head in shock.
"I... I command you to step down, Uncle," the young Emperor stammered, tears streaming down his face. Octavius stared silently at him, shaking his head in disbelief. The guards looked at each other and slowly but surely turned around to face their Regent, weapons aimed firmly in his direction.
"It's over Octavius, you're coming with us," Lord Cassian called out to the man, "I assure you that you will not be mistreated,"
"No!" Octavius shouted as he finally snapped, why should all his great plans be for nothing? He thrust his hands at the crowd, shooting fire among them so they dived for cover, before taking off into the air, flying high above the protesters. "Time to get away, this isn't over yet!" he said to himself. As he began to fly upwards suddenly the ghostly form of Kaius appeared before his eyes, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Oh no you don't," Kaius whispered in his ear and then in an instant Octavius' fire went out, his powers abandoning him. With a final terrible cry he hurtled back towards the ground, his inevitable end speeding towards him faster than he could even register. A moment later the great man crashed into the palace gardens, by the time the protesters reached his body he was already dead.
The siege was repelled once more, the halflings continued to prove vicious defenders and their walls remained strong. The Krakari and Auroran forces were pushed back by hails of arrows and ballista fire, shapeshifting warriors and the occasional waterbender. Once more they were pushed back with little progress to show for it.
Jashiki offered little in the way of resistance, seeming almost oblivious to their attacks in spite of their obvious impacts. The god focused on something else, weaving an enchantment of as yet unmatched power on his island. As it finished the mortals on the island found themselves incapable of harming others. As the act finished the god collapsed beaten and exhausted before his attackers, left to face what they might do to him next.
While news from the warfront remained unchanging there were some successes to be proud of even in light of Octavius' demise. Triumphant settlers was always an occasion for excitement, and the dragon riders were certainly a sight to see as well. Perhaps with them on their side the Aurorans would finally be able to crack the walls of Lot-Vos.
A week had passed since the revolution in Nova Verde and life in the city was beginning to return to normal. A gathering was being held in the meeting chamber of the old Noble Parliament to inaugurate the new Parliament and it's executives, the men who would rule Aurora in the name of the Emperor. At the same time news of the successes in both founding the new colony of Medegarde, or middle lands, and the finished training of the dragon riders was spreading, the nation of Aurora felt like a new dawn was beginning after the darkness of the past year.
"Come forth, eh... Lord Myers Cassian," Maximus proclaimed from his throne, reading a script he had written earlier with the help of his allies and Ronin. The Lord duly came forward and knelt down before the young Emperor.
"I proclaim you Cassian, Lord Regent of Aurora, until I or the Parliament of Aurora declares otherwise," Maximus read, "Furthermore, for your services to the realm you are to be known as the Duke of North Medegarde for the remainder of your days and henceforth the first born male heirs of the body,"
"Thank you, your Imperial Majesty," the new Regent bowed. Next called forward was Prince Torus, who prostrated himself even more than Cassian.
"I proclaim you Prince Torus, Lord Deputy of Aurora, until I or the Parliament of Aurora declares otherwise,"
Then up came Ramous, the priest of Lysei still grinning at his recent reprieve from captivity. He knelt simply before the Emperor.
"I proclaim you Ramous, Lord High Priest of Aurora, until I or the Parliament of Aurora declares otherwise," Maximus said, rolling his eyes at the repetitiveness of what he had to read. Finally, the name of Aldren was called.
"Your services were of part... particular help, Aldren Timberlake," Maximus read, stumbling over the word, "For your timely use of your seer orb, you are hereby granted the title and role of Lord Seer of Aurora, until I or the Parliament of Aurora declares otherwise, and for the remainder of your days the title and style of a Lord, to be inherited by the first born male heirs of the body,"
The man thanked the Emperor profusely and then the four were presented together before the crowd, along with Maximus in front of them. He turned to the final part of his scroll.
"I hereby in... inaug... inaugurate this first government of the Commonwealth of Aurora, the Father Matthias, Lysei and the Imperial Spirit be with each one of you,"
Maximus sat back and relaxed, glad his part was finished. Each of four new Lords of the Realm gave a speech on their plans and intention, they'd already discussed that in detail with him beforehand so he spent most of the time exchanging quiet whispers with Ronin, pointing out some of the funnier looking nobles and freeman and listening to his explanations. The young Emperor felt more relaxed than he had for months, even if he had yet to hear from Kaius since Octavius' downfall. Still, he had other matters to attend to, the trial of Lord Olin would be coming up next week and the ongoing war in Lot-Vos still needed attention, he was sure his brother would appear sooner or later when the time was right.
.
Wen, south of Aurora
Wen watched silently as the shores of Maia disappeared out of view, Suko besides him as always. Whilst many Octopi were staying in Aurora to help rebuild now that Octavius had been defeated, a small group were leaving together for various reasons. Painful memories for some, for others like Wen, he sensed it would be too risky for a known rebel like himself to openly return to Nova Verde, even with the Imperial amnesty that had been granted. Besides, no-one quite knew what had happened to Katalia and the last thing he wanted was to encounter her again. Instead once Kaius' stone had been carefully sent away for safe-keeping, he and his partner were leaving with the small convey of ships for the island of the south. Badger approached the pair, passing each a tankard of ale and saving a third for himself.
"You two doing okay?"
"Sure," Wen nodded, "What's it like in Oileán Uisce anyway?"
"Ah, you'll love it," Badger sighed happly, "there's gleaming waterfalls, leafy forests, regular deliveries from home through the Auroran trading post... lots of halflings too!"
"Halflings?" Suko replied in surprise, "Aren't they dangerous?"
"Not these ones," Badger laughed, "Human and halfling alike live peacefully under Jashiki on Oileán Uisce, it's a great place to be!"
Wen nodded approvingly, the mention of the water god reminded him of Gangari. His regenerative ability had come to light in a recent clash with the authorities and he had no doubt the god of wisdom was responsible. He offered a prayer of thanks and pledged he would preach the name Gangari once they reached their new home.
.
General Omar, outside Lot-Vos
The siege had dragged on for yet more months but with no victory on either side. General Omar had resigned himself to not seeing home for a very long time but yet, there was a glimmer of hope. Along with the news that Octavius had been deposed, came the message that a new battle force had been assembled. Thus he and the other weary troops assembled one cold morning to watch in amazement as great winged reptiles came into view, their Auroran riders mere dots upon the giant beast's backs. As the dragons flew over and descended upon the high walls with their fiery breath, the soldiers arose in an orgy of excitement as they surged towards the city gates behind their airbourne brethren, hoping and believing this would be the moment they would finally break the siege of Lot-Vos.
(Major) - Attack and break siege of Lot-Vos with elite troops: dragons
(Major) - Scout unclaimed lands opposite Medegarde and Sirigarde for colonisation
Note - From now on, the official name of Aurora has changed from 'Holy Auroran Empire' to 'Commonwealth of Aurora' and all the constitutional changes mentioned in my previous post have taken effect. Below is a map of Aurora following it's most recent colonisation successes:
Slowly sitting up exhausted from where he had fallen on the rough ground Jashiki looks up at the 3 gods standing over him with weapons and clear intent. "So.... that time has come"
"It's good to see that you accept your fate." Cyth'raul smiled. A cloud of menacing whispers began to fade into existence, growing in number and almost mimicking angry locusts. This was a happy day indeed, there was nothing like the beginning of a grand experiment.
Lysei sheathed his sword. It disappeared in a burst of smoke and he stared at Jashiki. "It has. Your days in this realm are over." Lysei turned to the others and asked "So what now? Can we even kill him?" Lysei was looking at Gangari more than Cyth'raul, who had admitted shortly ago that it had no idea how to actually kill a god.
Gangari looked at the creature on the ground infront of him "He is an aspect of creation and therefore tied to the world. Though I doubt it's impossible to kill him, I don't know how." he let his weapons fade away before kneeling down and looking into the eye of the creature that was to be destroyed "He could be exiled from here." assuming they wouldn't catch onto what he was saying he continued "There are worlds beyond this one, he could be removed through force and tied to another in permanence."
Looking back into Gangari's eyes and staying where he is sitting Jashiki crosses his legs and rests his hands on his knees. "Smart, and true. I like you all have become part of this world, so death cant work." Cough softly and wiping his mouth as he looks at the 3 in front of him.
Lysei sighed. "And I assume you know how to as well. I don't know if you are simply trying to trick me into letting him live, or if this is truly the only way for this to be done. Your heart is too soft, Gangari. Either way, I don't particularly care how he is removed, as long as he is gone." Lysei clapped his hands and said "So be it then, we shall send him to some other world, he can bother them. Any ideas as to which world?"
Cyth'raul jabbed Jashiki, "Clear out your ears, he said that he does not know how to kill you, not that is it is impossible." The deity turned to the others, "Besides, I think killing would be too... boring anyway. Regardless, for the record, I care not for which realm this beast in thrown into."
Gangari looked at Lysei "I've never witnessed the actual death of a god. If I had the knowledge I'd share it." he turned his head back to Jashiki and thought for a moment before continuing "I have seen few lands beyond us, though I was told in youth that there are more than can be counted." He looked around himself before continuing again "Perhaps one of water or ice is appropriate."
Grunt softly when he is jabbed Jashiki stays where he is sitting. rubbing where it was and leaning his head back on the mounting wall. "Have you not already decided what you want don't with me?"
"Silence." Cyth'raul hissed, "You are in court and are being sentenced."
Looking up at it and shaking his head Jashiki laughs softly. "Sentenced yes, but this is not a court."
"Are you questioning our authority?" Cyth'raul snickered, "Know your place. But it seems that you simply do not learn."
"I only know of your power. Authority is given, this is only power." Jashiki closes his one eye
"Authority is power. Power begets power." Cyth'raul said, almost tempted to slap a hand across a frowning face in frustration. Again, he turned to the others, "Let us make the decision before my patience wears out."
"Gangari suggested an ice world. I find that agreeable. Gangari, locate the world you suggest, Cyth'raul and I will send him there." Lysei said without much emotion. This was simply part of the job, the enjoyable part would come after.
Gangari looked at Lysei and then at Cyth'raul before beginning to imprint an image of the world into their minds. Simply a ball of frozen water with a dying sun in the distance from it.
In turn Cyth'raul channelled divine power towards the defeated god, guiding him towards his final destination and prison.
Opening his one eye and watching them surround him with their power and get ready to send him away Jashiki smiles thinly. "I hope none of you end up like this." Staring at Cyth'raul as he says it.
As Jashiki faded away he would find his missing eye in his hand, with a few words from gangari now echoing through his mind "Your children will survive."
Lysei completed the sealing spell with his own magic. He baked the mountain top in fire and when it faded, Jashiki was gone.
As he disappeared Jashiki let almost all the power that he had inside him drop away, staying in the world and spreading out to make the oceans around the island shake and boil as pieces of the ocean floor splits off from the bottom of the ocean and raises to the ocean surface. A pieces of land lifting from the ocean floor to bob on the surface before settling down and floating free in the water. As a few of them start to float away they seem to freeze and come back into an orbit around the island. In the place Jashiki had been sitting is now a piece of clear ice that will never melt in the exact shape and position as he had been when he had been banished. Each of the smaller islands float 2 miles from the shore and slowly start floating clockwise around the main island. Staying the same distance from each other and linked to the statue so they can never float away.
Difficulty: 15 +12
-Introduce a major change to the world's structure or its atmosphere without causing any lasting damage to the world (for example adding a new island)
Each island is half a mile across.
The first has 500 feet outer edge flat with grass while the rest inside is a deep perfectly clear pool of fresh water.
the next has a jagged spike of ice standing 50 feet above the surface of the island. The rest of the island is cold and has a mini climate of permanent winter.
The third has a pool of water in the center but it is always steaming. the island has a permanent mini climate of hot summer.
"He's doing what?!" Haakan stared incredulously at the messenger who gave him the news. "Budraal leading his own private force against the Gold Tribe? Inconceivable!"
In a bewilderment, Haakan quickly thought over what he should do. Undoubtedly, this was his chance to break the stalemate between his followers and Jugaan's, but there were so many consequences to what might happen next that what little time Haakan could ponder needed to be used carefully.
Surely, Budraal must have been aware that all he needed to do was ask to receive Haakan and his allies' aid in such an attack. The fact that he did not must speak to his intentions; but what might they be? "Hailing the Pale One's teachings must be his motive...breaking the Gold Tribe with his own fists without starting a true war among the Tribes."
With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the messenger and started to pace through the Silver Halls, the problem of how to proceed still taking up his focus. Even if he were to disregard the Supreme's intentions and move his own Luug to reinforce Budraal, that would take weeks. By then, the conflict was likely to be over, one way or the other; and if Budraal lost, then he would need his Luug to be where they are now to fight against Jugaan's inevitable claim on the Supremacy.
So, Haakan decided to consult what power he had beyond the raw strength of an army: the powers of Artifice. To that end, he dispatched his best Artificers to prepare a new ritual, one to protect Budraal from an enemy even he did not have the strength to fight: Cyth'raul. The god would no doubt be vengeful if Jugaan were to lose this fight, and its wrath could quickly undo whatever Budraal sought to achieve in ending the Golden One's defiance. Of course, to complete such a ritual materials were need to be acquired.
However, with all the bad will Jugaan had accumulated among the other Chieftains, Haakan had little doubt that they would be willing to provide for such opportunity to end her. Tablets were written and dispatched to anyone who Haakan knew would benefit from Jugaan's downfall, Os'lan in particular would no doubt sell the entire Iron Tribe just to ensure her death.
No doubt for doing this, Haakan himself would become a target, so the Silver One decided that he too must be protected. Secluding himself in his den, Haakan meditated as he drew power to new runes he inscribed on his body.
[HEADING=2]The Supreme Subjugation[/HEADING]
The fight through the tunnels of the Gold Tribe had been a hard one. For every easy chamber the Supreme and his Fists were able to secure, Jugaan would have set up an ambush in the next chamber, almost assuring that the first few Luug that entered were dead before their second foot could step out of the tunnel.
However, at every turn Budraal was there at the front to rally his Luug for another push. Surely, while some Luug were weary of another charge, the Supreme was there to make certain they charged regardless. Eventually, the Supreme's forces reached the outer fortifications of the underground portion of the vaunted Golden Citadel.
Unfortunately for Budraal and his forces, the greatest challenge in their long, bloody brawl was about to begin. Just as the vanguard started to bash down the gates to the citadel, the walls of the chamber began to give a low hum, and the Luug could feel a oddly-shaped mass coming towards them. "Maggots!" Budraal called out as he formed his ranks to prepare for the onslaught. However, what came next was not expected, as not only did maggots pour out of their little holes in the walls, but a Maggot Queen of incredible size came through as well! Luug of the Gold Tribe poured out of the tunnel the Queen had made. The antechamber became a mudbath as Budraal's forces not only had to fight off Luug that rivaled their strength, but also Cave Maggots that sought to eat their flesh, and their Queen, large enough to crush Luug under her hulking mass.
"Fight on!" Budraal rallied his troops as he clawed at Luug and Maggots alike, cleaving a muddy, bloody trail as he neared the citadel's gate. A few of his strongest Fists were able to catch up with him, and, ironically because everyone else was too caught up in the current battle, they were able to claw away at the gate and bring it down. Quickly taking out the posted guards before they could call attention to the intrusion, Budraal and his few Fists stormed the interior.
* * *
The Golden Citadel - The War Room
The closer Budraal came, the more craven Jugaan's lieutenants had become. Now that he was knocking on the citadel's very doorstep, the threat of impending death had made them even more annoying. "Not even the Maggot Queen is slowing them down!"
"Calm down..." Jugaan rolled her eyes and she inspects the information on the garrison they had in the citadel. "Why is our garrison here so small? There should at least be twice as many Luug in these halls than what we have."
"They were sent off, as per your orders. They should have made it to the new settlement in the north-"
"I said a quarter of our forces, not half!" Jugaan threw the tablet at the lieutenant unfortunate enough to answer her inquiry, causing it to disintegrate upon a sudden meeting with his face. "Idiots! No wonder why Budraal has gotten this close..." Sighing, Jugaan looked over a map of the layout of the citadel. "We need to play the same game we've been playing with the cave in the citadel. Pull our forces back from the gate and let-"
"What are you saying?! We can't give up the gate! If we do that-!"
"Shut up!" Jugaan threw a punch at the cowering Luug, smashing the rocks that made up his jaw and causing him to reel back. Turning to address the others, Jugaan missed the look of determination that grew on the lieutenant's face. "This fight is not lost! There is still a chance we can trap them inside the citadel and end this once and for all. Steel your courage, and pray that Cyth'raul-"
"Cyth'raul abandoned us long ago..." The lieutenant Jugaan sought to teach a lesson to had apparently grown a backbone. As he spoke, it was clear that he was speaking to his fellow comrades, not to Jugaan. "...where was the Pactforger when all this started? You could have asked for Budraal's death months ago, yet you throw us into the slaughter! We've been nothing but pawns in your 'game' with the Supreme!" Jugaan moved to silence the agitator, but the other lieutenants formed a barrier. "Your strength is lacking, Golden One, you are no longer fit to lead."
"You wish to challenge me? Now of all times?" Jugaan took a step back an readied herself. However, she was caught unaware as all four of the ieutenants in the room moved against her. "Traitors!"
Before Jugaan could make the first move, all of them suddenly came upon her. In a flurry of swipes and punches, Jugaan could feel her rocky scabs being pulverized. However, Jugaan wasn't the Gold Chieftain for nothing. She swiped and threw punches in just the right places to give her attackers pause. In a moment of indecision, they moved to back off, but Jugaan wasn't going to give them the chance. With a swing of her good hand she lopped off the head of one of her assailants, and before the rest could come back on her she cleaved off the arm of another.
The brawl continued, with the insubordinate lackeys wildly throwing attacks and Jugaan making calculated strikes until she finally stood victorious among the liquefying remains of her former lieutenants.
However, as the Golden One tried to recoup her strength, a familiar voice was heard by the entry way. "Jugaan..." The Chieftain looked up to see that Budraal had arrived, bearing wounds of his own but in far better shape than Jugaan. Taking a step into the light of the room, the Supreme glared at her, but there was no anger in his eyes, only exhaustion. "...it's over."
"Cyth'raul..." Seeing the end ahead, Jugaan finally resorted to beg to the divine for aid. "...if there ever was a time I needed you...please, help me. I'll pay whatever-" Before Jugaan could even finish her silent prayer, Budraal quickly closed on her, and with a single, deep strike against her chest, cleaved her in two.
* * *
Word of Jugaan's demise spread like wildfire, despite Budraal's best efforts to the contrary. Aside from the Luug half a world away fighting with the Krakari, the Supreme's victory over the Gold Tribe has known by everyone it a few days. It was then that the worshipers of Cyth'raul showed their true colors. Free of their many debts to Jugaan and her Tribe, many broke away from Cyth'raul, some returning to the old ways with the worship of the Pale One and Therax, while others flocked to Gangari, whose followers knew better than risk the wrath of the Supreme.
Of course, there was still a house to set in order, a Tribe that couldn't be extinguished for the sins of their leader. For a time, Budraal would remain within the Golden Citadel, working to keep the Gold Tribe, and all that they possessed, from being lost.
1. Conduct a ritual to put the most powerful protection enchantment (that the Artificers can produce) on Budraal, to ward off divine action on him.
2. Conceal Haakan.
3. Capture/Enslave the Maggot Queen.
(Cultural: Change the amount of worship the Deep Tribes give to Cyth'raul to 3, add 2 more points of worship to Gangari)
Only a few days had passed since Wen had arrived in his new home and already he had been called to a meeting. The Aurorans of Jashiki's island had come to discuss what to do about their deity's impending demise.
"We can't risk bloodshed with our halfling neighbours," one anxious-looking man said, "we're lucky enough as it is that the War of the Burning Tides has not touched our Uisce."
"What about our defences?" another replied, "There are so many large nations in this world who would gobble up a small island and make us all slaves without a second thought!"
"Order!" called the head of the trading post, peering at the assembled Aurorans, "Many have proposed a motion to request the accession of our island to the Commonwealth of Aurora, and I see the merit in that idea. The question is though, can they trusted?"
"Aye!" Wen raised his hand, realising this was his time to speak, "I used to work in the Imperial Palace, I knew both Emperor Maximus and Lord Regent Cassian well. They are both honourable and would respect our and the village's way of life if we requested it."
"Very well, your point is noted," the head replied, nodding to a nearby clerk, "It's time to take a vote. Raise your hands for yes, stay down for no."
.
Lord Cassian, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia
Lord Cassian sighed as he spun the concealing stone in his hand, he'd had a sinking feeling for a while this might happen. Wen's letter was clear and to the point, Kaius was dead, murdered by the Weaver. The only consolation was that she had been struck down too and disappeared after the assassination, hopefully for good. Now the only question was how to break the news to Maximus, it wouldn't be easy for the young Emperor to hide his grief from a court who largely still believed that Kaius had been dead for almost a year. The stone itself would be hidden deep in the palace vaults, stored in-case anyone should need it in the future.
The fate of Jashiki too weighed on the Lord Regent's mind, as a follower he'd received the water god's final message some time ago. Though he'd only met the god once briefly in the company of Kaius, he respected the deity without whom the Octopi revolution would have been impossible and he regretted that as a mortal there was nothing he could do to protect Jashiki from the attacks of other gods. On his desk lay a second letter, this one from the Aurorans of Oileán Uisce, requesting accession to the Commonwealth following a vote in light of what was happening. Cassian studied the letter for a while and came to a decision.
"Give the order to split our ongoing settlement project in half," he told a nearby steward, "One to continue to the north of Sirigarde, the other down south to Oileán Uisce,"
"And of the water-benders and their village sir?" the man asked.
"Tell the men to do no harm to them and to bring good tidings, to both Auroran and halfling. All may become citizens if they wish, otherwise they shall be free to run their own affairs,"
Cassian smiled as the steward departed to pass on the message, even if the water god was to perish his jewel would remain untarnished, Aurora would see to that.
(Major) - Settle and secure Oilean Uisce and territory north of Sirigarde
(Minor) - Cassian sends out letters to all other nations informing them of recent constitutional changes in Aurora and his rise to Lord Regent, all previous treaties and agreements will continue to be honoured as before
Gangari looked at the ice statue which now occupied the place in which Jashiki had been. While he was unsure of the fate of the creature, it would survive. He stood from his position and looked towards the two gods still standing there and the land behind them briefly. He reformed his spear in hand and looked into the eyes of Cyth'raul accusingly "Cyth'raul. You poisoned my child and diseased the Luug who came to learn my arts. We both know why." he pointed his spear at the point where cyth'rauls heart should be "Can you explain why your corrupt mind would think your actions would be consequence free?"
"I was simply doing mortals' whims, I believe you know how I work." Cyth'raul shrugged.
"You first claim to have authority over an equal and now you claim to be the slave of your lessers." the tip of Gangari's spear began to develop barbs "If you're a slave to mortals then present the creature that asked you to poison my child. If you're not then answer my damned question."
Cyth'raul scoffed, "For all your wisdom, you do not understand the beauty of a Pact and expect me to answer to a threat. Hmph."
Upon seeing Gangari prepare for combat, Lysei raised an eyebrow. He had thought the fight was basically over, but now both his allies were about to kill one another. He watched in silence, waiting to see how this would end.
"The beauty of a pact? I see no beauty in the suffering of my friends and family."
"You could have always formed a pact with me to protect such a thing." Cyth'raul grinned.
Gangari's eye began to glow red "You could have always denied whatever pact that brought you to harming them. Just as my followers denied your extortion and I denied my urge to murder your followers in retaliation."
"What can I say? The terms were fair." Cyth'raul stated with a shrug, "I would point you towards the Luug who asked for the... 'extortion' but she appears have left the world of the living, so to speak." There was a shake of a head as Jugaan's final pleas echoed once more through the deity's mind, perhaps because of pity?
Gangari turned his head momentarily towards Lysei before snapping back to Cyth'raul. He now understood, Cyth'raul was an idiot whom he was never going to get a straight answer from. As he spoke his voice more and more gained a demonic and hateful quality "I have a pact for you. You will never bring harm to my followers, my friends, my children, or my creations directly or indirectly after this moment. In return I won't hack you limb from limb. If I discover you are responsible directly or indirectly for any suffering that comes to them, I will hack you limb from limb. If you turn down this pact I will hack you limb from limb. If you do not respond in the next minute I will hack you limb from limb." He paused to let what he was saying sink in "Do you accept this pact?"
"Yes." Cyth'raul said and left it at that.
"Well I think that about settles it then." Lysei said hoping to de-escalate the situation. "Come now, we soon shall have peace at the rate things are moving, let's not sully it yet."
Gangari's eye returned to its usual blue and his expression became neutral again after Cyth'raul answered. His voice returned to its usual tone as he spoke "Good." He then looked at Lysei "Agreed, spoiling the peace to come would be disspointing."
"Peace is agreeable, yes." Cyth'raul replied, "We are done, so I shall leave."
With that, the deity faded away to other horizons.
After Cyth'raul left Gangari spoke again "Apologies for that, but it needed to be done before I snapped." He thought about something "Before you leave, do you have any objections to me taking custodianship of this isle?"
Lysei shrugged. "I have everything I want now. Take of Jashiki's what you will." Lysei turned south and said "This leaves us with the war then. I feel we should end it, for everyone's sake. They wouldn't listen to me though, perhaps you could convince surrender from them under the condition we protect them from abuse? Perhaps we should do this together."
"I agree. Though the Ray-das are at their core irrational, if we approach them now it is likely they will attempt to fight us. Perhaps we should approach them in a month when they realize the severity of their situation."
"At the cost of a few thousand lives." Lysei lamented.
"If you wish to deal with this now, I'll accompany you."
Lysei sighed. "No, you are probably right. I am still exhausted from this whole effort. Let's reconvene in a month and end the war."
"Agreed."
- Study herself
- Study the living metal statues/golems installed in the university
- Study Zalya Controllers
- Study Zalya
With every movement of Yoren's box came the pain. It shot up from every joint in his body with every little movement as he was carried on a horse-drawn wagon. The only bit he could see were through his breathing holes that showed the world through little holes but through its smell, Yoren could smell the salt of the ocean. He was along the coast, that much he could tell but where he was going was another matter. He didn't know how long it had been since he had been carried out of the mansion. Before he was stored in his wooden box, he was attended to by the Severyn but they did little to numb the pain.
He felt the wagon stop and its riders get off followed by the sound of men going to the wagon. Then there was light as the cover for his box was lifted. It had been too long since he had experienced the full sunlight and instinctively, he put his broken arm up to cover his eyes which resulted in more pain.
"By the Father, this one smells!" He heard as his vision started to come to back to him. Above him were Auroran workers and above them were seagulls flying in the wind. How he envied them.
"They won't smell any better, boys!" Another one said which Yoren guessed to be foreman. "The boss said they would have feathers. This one barely has any feathers." The foreman asked an unseen figure behind him.
"Its cause most of it got burned off. Our people have an interesting way with dealing with criminals. If you're a thief, they cut off your hands but if you're an arsonist then..." The unseen figure said.
"I get it." The foreman put a rag to his mouth as the smell of a rotting Yoren started to permeate. After a few moments, he saw someone's hand give the foreman a bag full of gold. His hearing was still intact and the sound of coins clinking was a sound all too familiar with Yoren.
"Consider this an advance payment." The figure said. "Tell your master that it was a pleasure doing business with him. Oh and tell him that this is but a taste to come."
"Heh, I think we can all benefit from this arrangement." The foreman said, weighing the gold in his hands. Then he motioned to the workers. "Come on boys, load up the cargo!"
Just like that, Yoren's world was bathed in darkness once more but a fire burned inside Yoren.
I will survive... He thought to himself as he was loaded onto a creaking boat. Wherever he was going, or whoever he was going to serve would not extinguish a flame that had already bathed him. It didn't matter how long or how quickly he would get back but he set himself on it. He swore to himself that he would get back as the waves jostled him back and forth. He promised to himself as he was fed slop through one of his breathing holes.
And as he was lead out of his coffin and onto a lavish mansion by the sea, Yoren looked to the horizon.
While the war dragged on, the Oscens were almost lost without their Patriarch to keep them in line but luckily Gora was still alive to rein them in but even then the effect was felt throughout the capitol. Business slowed and their commerce began to freeze as the shopkeepers and traders grew afraid of the newest threat within Raptor Soil. The Severyn had been a merchant family much like the Oscens but through stealthy means, they had overtaken them and scattered the Severyn to wind which everyone believed until the news broke. Gora was still a businessman but he was old and without a proper Patriarch, signs of in-fighting began to show within the Oscen clan.
There was progress in finding Yoren but that was lost when they had lost sight of him when they assaulted their old Estate. A fire had consumed the building and scattered the Severyn once more but also scorched any hope of finding Yoren in the chaos of their departure.
Aerya was now in an even more precocious position and she had to help lead the families carefully through it all. Word had come in of Auroran reformation, Ajivan implementation and Luug civil war. The world was changing around them and she wished for her own nation to partake in revolution. The war still dragged on but she sent orders to Khyer to end it. Reports have it that he has lead the troops well despite the stalemates. He had saved dozens if not hundred of Krakari lives from being squandered and his military prowess has been growing.
Then she heard the successes of Cawles in the university but lack of a particular success. Cawles sent a report back to the capitol of a process she was trying to accomplish, a revolutionary process that could turn the tide of the war and even history itself but Aerya saw the naive trust that Cawles had at the university. So, Aerya told her to research some other material while she gathered some Strix scholars to work on their on without the use of the university's resources for fear of discovery. The Krakari were growing to become envious of Ajivah's own success.
The time would come for the Raptor States to shine like a diamond but first they had to get out of the rough. Aerya looked to the future and saw that destiny for the states whether or not she would be there to see it.
(Major)Break siege of Lot-Vos, apply Luug reinforcements
(Major)Retry research of gunpowder without university bonus
(Major)Research medicine
Thus it came to pass that Jashiki was sealed forever more from this universe, by the mutual consent of the other gods. Nevertheless, the island monuments he created in his last seconds on this world would continue to stand long after the water god's name had become legend among mortals.
Aurora
Under the new direction of Lord Cassian, Auroran settlers found success in securing Oileán Uisce and the land north of Sirigarde for their Commonwealth. Although the whole island was now under Auroran sovereignty, the water benders of the village would continue to run their own affairs and travel freely across the island as freemen of Aurora. Furthermore, scouts were able to explore the strip of land between Ajihva and the Ray-Das' western territories and identified a number of locations that would be suitable for future settlement.
Deep Tribes
The Luug taking precautions as ever, their best artificers conducted a ritual to put the most powerful protection enchantment they could on Budraal to ward off divine action from any wrathful gods, unfortunuately they were unable to find the right spell and nothing came of their research. On the other hand however, Haakan himself soon found the runes he inscribed on himself could conceal him from any and all gods if he so chose. Only time would tell if this measure would be effective, however. In the mean time, there would be celebrations following the successful capture of the Maggot Queen, as well as a religion conversion as support moved among many from Cyth'raul to Gangari.
Raptor States
The researchers of the Raptor States finally found some inspiration and made a double breakthrough, advancing both the fields of medicine and gunpowder amongst the bird people. Some saw it as ironic that one would save lives, the other take them away more efficiently, others simply saw it as civilisation's progress.
Siege of Lot-Vos
The combined forces of the Aurorans and the Krakari, backed by the Luug and with the assistance of the newly trained dragon riders, were finally able to summount the walls of Lot-Vos and within a short period of time the elite troops of the Ray-Das lay slain. With the enemy inside their city the halfling leaders were faced with a terrible choice, keep fighting against dwindling odds or surrender to the allied invaders.
Thoughts were occuring to Gangari as he watched the chaos of the world unfold. The banishment of Jashiki kicked off hundreds of different thought tangentially linked. The Luug civil war, the Auroran succession, the war with the Ray-das, the death and rebirth of Vazin Andha...
The time he wasn't spending lost in thought he was creating tools. The world needed some kind of permanence without stagnation resulting. These would be his tools of permanence, in the hands of the right people they could be used to keep minds from being lost as they faded away.
Ten large spears he had decided to name "the Spears of Lordship" were sitting upon a table in his sanctuary. They would hold the memories of those who hold them. He had decided upon nine people to give them to, the tenth he would hold himself until brighter days.
He began materializing laquered oaken cases around them with his mark engraved onto the center of their tops, a golden ring surrouding eight spirals connected at the center.
He hadn't heard word from Lysei, so he decided to deal with this first.
- Create ten Spears of Lordship
Each is a large heavily runed living metal spear that has an appearance nearing that of a polearm. To its wielder it is light as air and feels cool to the touch. They are eternally razor sharp (the speartip has a monomolecualr edge though it will thicken/blunt itself when such sharpness is unwanted by the wielder) and if thrown will teleport back into their wielders hands.
The actual length of the weapon is determined by the size of the wielder as the spears will adjust themselves to stay appropriate to their wielder.
As they are held they record the knowledge, skills, and memories of the wielder to make them available to the future wielders of the individual weapon in a subconscious and guiding manner.
- Action Pre-rolled
Ashlif - Grand Ajivha
Mortals were a curious thing to the creature known as Ashlif. Greed, Lust, Hate, Fear... The most basic drives were still alien concepts to her. She spent most of her time walking along the rooftops of the grand city, watching the creatures whom her father had created her from and modeled her after.
Though she took no steps to mask herself, few noticed her and even fewer questioned her presence.
Sometimes she would see creatures of metal slaved to the creatures of flesh walk in packs, they seemed to be a new addition to their world considering the reactions of some who witnessed their presence. They were interesting, not for their simple existence but for the complexity of their being, their mechanisms seemed to be not unlike the ones sustaining her. So she watched and waited. She would find her way into their storage area at night, and begin to disassemble them slowly and carefully observing the interactions of the magics in their bodies before reassembling and repairing their form to mask her work.
If she could improve them then she could improve herself.
- Study Herself
- Study Zalya Controllers
- Study Zalya
A crowd had gathered for the official opening of Aurora's newest city on the site of it's former trading post, now upgraded to a fully fledged trading colony. Lord Cassian had travelled south from the capital, representing the Imperial Crown on a tour round it's most recent possessions as preparations were being made to extent it's reach yet further south.
"Today, marks a new era in this island's history," he started, checking the script in front of him, "As part of a united and free Commonwealth of Aurora, led by our holy Emperor Maximus. Let us pray to the Father Lysei that his grace shines on these shores for many more years."
The people bowed their head's reverently, in deference of their faraway monarch.
"Accordingly, I hereby name this trading city as Jashipolis, in honour of the late god. This is to become the second city of Aurora, the capital of the south, and in the future our second citadel, once work has been finished."
The crowd cheered as Cassian finished his speech, however inwardly he was not in as good spirits as he appeared. A few days ago he'd broken the news of Kaius' death to Queen Prima and she hadn't taken it well, to say the least. Worse, she was with child again, how could even they explain a new infant to a court unaware of Kaius' survival for the year after his deposition? So many headaches, and he hadn't even told Maximus yet...
"Lord Regent, sir!" one of his administrators called, "There's a man from the water bender community who wants to talk to you,"
"Who is he and what does he want?"
"He says his name is Badger and he wants to talk about... vampires, sir,"
"Vampires?!" Cassian exclaimed in alarm.
~
Badger looked furtively around as he greeted Lord Cassian, the young man had been searched several times and asked to prove his claims of vampiric powers. To their amazement he had sat underwater for over twenty minutes and then lifted a heavy boulder to the surface. It was certainly not a feat any ordinary man could have performed.
"So it's all true then?" the Lord Regent breathed.
"Yes, a true blessing from above," Badger smiled, "Got the bug from my younger brother who was given it Jashiki himself. Immortal with the exception of silver-based weaponry, apparently, as well as the gift of strength and being able to breath underwater. Most importantly of course, one bite and any of your men can be exactly the same,"
"This could be useful," Cassian said to himself, such a gift would be very incredibly potent for the Auroran armed forces but it would have to be managed carefully. It could only be given to a select number who were known to be loyal, after-all such immortals could be terribly difficult to dissuade if they turned against their leaders. "What do you want in exchange?" he asked Badger.
"A secure job among your spies," the man replied, "That's what I always dreamed of doing before... well," he lifted up his shirt to reveal a small octopus tattoo.
"I thought you seemed familiar," the Lord Regent nodded, "We can offer you a job, and if your employment should end for any reason, an annual allowance of ten gold pounds from the Crown to be paid for the rest of your life,"
"I warn you, you may be paying that for a very long time," Badger laughed, reaching out to shake Cassian's hand "I'll accept, the retired life isn't for me anyhow. Now, who do I bite first?"
(Major) - Defeat Ray-Das forces within Lot-Vos using Auroran army and elite dragon troops
(Major) - Settle territory between Ajivha-Nau and western Ray-Das lands, with scouting bonus from previous round
(Major) - Form elite unit: water vampires
Notes - Adjust worship to 9 for Lysei, 3 for Gangari
-Updated map of Aurora is as follows:
The settlement of Oileán Uisce by the Commonwealth of Aurora was an unexpected development to Gangari, at-least they weren't exiling the Ray-Das.
He had spent enough time thinking about what could have been though, it was time to continue.
After watching for a few hours the opportunity arose as the Auroran Wen found himself alone.
Gangari materialized from the shadow of a building and approached him from behind. Stopping a few feet behind him before materializing two lacquered oaken weapons cases with his symbol upon them beside himself on the ground.
He smiled and spoke "Hello" to alert him to his presence.
"Huh...?" Wen jumped and spun around, before sighing in relief when he saw who it was. "You gave me a fright, I thought you might be... someone-else," he said, wiping his brow, "Thank you for your gift last time, I assume that was you?"
"I assume you mean the Healing? If so, you're welcome."
"Yes," the man nodded, before adding, "Is Jashiki really dead? I didn't even know a deity could... you know..."
Gangari took a moment to think before responding in a sombre tone "Jashiki's still alive, he's just not here anymore." Instead of risking giving the whole truth out loud and another deity overhearing him he used telepathy to relay the second part "I convinced the others to exile him rather than take the time to figure out how to end him."
"Huh," Wen shrugged, he didn't really know what to think about the affairs of gods any more, it made less sense the more he learned, "What are those then?" he pointed to the cases besides Gangari.
"Oh, yes of course." Gangari picked one of the cases up and extended it with both hands towards Wen, offering it to him "This is a gift for you."
Inside the case was a large silver spear coated in mostly unrecognizable runes. The shape of the blade or tip was nearing that of a polearm but was still recognizable for what it was. It was light as air, cool to the touch, and its tip was far sharper than anything that could be manufactured by mortals.
"Thank you, though I am not much of a warrior," Wen admitted as he took the spear in his hands, "What does it do?"
"It marks you and those you care for as being off limits to Lysei should he discover you." He frowned as the memory of his discussion with Lysei was dug up again. "My attempt to broker a truce failed."
"That's a shame," Wen sighed, "Still, now that Jashiki is gone we are no longer fighting him and so hopefully he'll leave us alone. You have my eternal gratitude though, for this and your earlier intervention." He bowed before the god. "I am your humble servant, tell me anything you wish for me to do and I will try by the best of my ability."
"This second case contains another spear. It is intended for Ker-Hai, Jashiki's chosen. Me approaching him so soon after what has happened would likely prove unwise. I ask that you present it to him as a peace offering for me."
"I will do this, from what I've heard he lives on this very island," Wen bowed again and took the second case reverently.
Gangari nodded his head and said "Thank You" before fading back into the shadows he had came from.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.