Gangari had been watching Haakan for a few hours now as he went about his business, waiting for him to be alone.
Eventually the opportunity came after night fell on the surface.
As Haakan entered his home, Gangari walked from the shadows carrying a lacquered oaken rectangular weapons case with a golden seal on the top.
"It's been awhile since I've visited hasn't it." he gave a slight laugh "It's hard to keep track of the everything these days." He paused briefly "But that's not why I'm here tonight. I have a gift for you and your tribe."
He extended the case in his hands to Haakan.
Inside 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.
Haakan's initial surprise at his god's entrance gave way to humility as he saw the gracious gift. Taking the spear from the case, Haakan looked at the runes that covered the surface, in a attempt to discern their power, but he could not understand their meaning. Instead, he utilized the spear for it's intended purpose, quickly striking the blade against a wall of the den.
The blade so effortlessly cut into the stone that Haakan had to pull it back before the weapon dug itself completely into the rock. "A brilliant creation, Gangari. However..." Haakan looked down at the spear as he removed it from the stone and placed it back into its case. "...I do not know why you deem me worthy of such a gift. At most, I have simply benefited from the actions of another." Haakan's mind drifted to thinking of the Supreme, a hint of worry that since his Artificers failed to protect him, that Budraal would soon fall by Cyth'raul's hand.
"A month ago I made Cyth'raul understand that he will die painfully and slow if he brings harm to any of you again. But, I doubt he'll abandon his efforts to force conversion on the tribes." He sighed "I deem you worthy of such a gift because you have held my trust and spread my teachings for a year, and I need you and your people to survive the machinations of what I believe to be corruption incarnate."
He paused momentarily
"Just as you represent your tribe, Budraal represents all of the tribes here."
A second case appeared on the ground beside Gangari.
"As I tried to make Cyth'raul understand his position he attempted to extort me. If Budraal falls through his machinations, no matter how much sway I hold and no matter how outraged your people are, tribes will fall to his influence and another war will begin."
"I hold little sway in Budraal's territory and he has went to the effort of hiding himself. I ask that you bring him this peace offering so that he may understand that I don't intend to harm the tribes."
- A Spear of Lordship
- A small circular piece of living metal with a rune engraved into it intended to explicitly mark him as protected by Gangari to other gods.
- A letter stating "Though we have not spoken I know your likely opinion of me considering your interactions with Cyth'raul and his followers.
I wish to express that I do not desire control of the tribes, for the tribes to go against the teachings of the pale one, or to end or corrupt the worship of your creator.
In any case, your continued leadership is in the best interest of your people.
I have recently secured a sort of contract with Cyth'raul which guarantees that he will not harm anyone I consider under my protection under penalty of his death.
Though you are not one of my followers and it is doubtful you will become one, I wish to offer you this safety I have secured. The runic mark within the case will mark you as being under my protection and hopefully spare you from the machinations of those who simply desire power."
Haakan knelt, standing his spear up by the base, before Gangari. "Very well, I'll make sure the Supreme receives this, personally. Regardless of his response, I hope your wisdom reaches him."
"Thank you." And with that Gangari faded out from the room, leaving the cases and their contents behind.
When his god departed, Haakan quickly gathered the cases and some other personal effects to prepare for a trip to the capital. While, at the same time, re-tasking his Artificers to try again at improving their rituals.
The Golden Citadel - Throne Room
Budraal scowled as he looked upon the late Chieftain's vanity. Jugaan's throne room had the lavishness fit for a Supreme, and she no doubt intended it to be that way. With a grimace, he struck the marble throne was his good hand, causing it to shatter into a fine cloud of dust. "So, what will you tell your fellow Luug upon their return?" Budraal looked at a Gold Tribe lieutenant who surrendered the citadel after learning of Jugaan's death. He was strong, and had barely any independent thoughts in his mind. A perfect puppet to keep the Gold Tribe tame.
"That Jugaan led us in an attack on Highcrag to try and seize the Supremacy, and was justly dealt with by you, my Supreme." The newly-made Golden Chieftain responded as if he was reading off a tablet, the line drilled into him like he was a Tribeless recruit.
"Good, and...your proposed reforms?" Budraal eyed the Luug carefully, this had been a problem area for hours.
"Uh...the Gold Tribe will open the western highways north to all Tribes so that we may..." The Chieftain mentally stumbled as he fished for the right answer, finally dawning on it when Budraal gave him an impatient stare. "...oh, yes! So that all Tribes can continue to exploit the mountains!"
Budraal nodded, but stopped after noticing the Luug had stopped talking. "And...?"
"Oh...uh...we will defer to the judgement of the Supreme in all affairs dealing with not-Luug. Also, worship of the...thing, known as Cyth'raul, shall be punished with Tribeless status."
The Supreme sighed. "At least it's progress. Get out of my sight."
The new Golden One thumped a salute. "As my Supreme commands." He then quickly exited the room.
After waiting for the sound of his footsteps to bleed out into nothingness, Budraal consulted the tablets that had piled up during the day. The Gold Tribe had the fear of the Supreme put in them, but that didn't stop them from complaining about the new state of affairs in passive ways.
The best he could do at the moment was try and dispatch orders to keep them busy. Fortunately, there wasn't a lack of things for the Luug of the Gold Tribe to do.
1. Re-try Researching Improved Rituals
2. Scout the Mountains to the North
3. Research Meltingcaves (boon to Food production)
Emperor Maximus I and Lysei, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia
Maximus settled down in his chamber and tucked himself beneath the silk bedsheets, as always it had been a long day. There was almost complete silence, other than the occasional guard walking past outside the room and the rustling of the trees down below in the palace gardens. He habitually put the covers over his head in-case there was someone or something in the room watching him from the dark shadows... little did he know on this evening he had good cause to do so.
The soft sound of clapping could be heard around the room. Lysei magically sealed the door nearby shut and ensured not a soul would hear what he was about to say. Lysei appeared quietly next to Maximus' bed and began speaking. "Maximus." Lysei began, "You have done well. I didn't expect for you to kill your own Uncle. That was a surprising, if necessary development. Though you know, those who's actions directly result in the death of their kin are doomed to the worst possible afterlife. Or that's what they say anyway. I'm not sure I believe a word of it, really."
Maximus let out a small cry and held the bedsheets tightly over his head, quivering violently.
"I... I didn't kill him, he... he fell from the sky," he stuttered indignantly, "Are... are you a monster?"
"Oh? But you started the entire organization that brought upon his death, actively planned to put him in prison, and what do you think would happen to him there? I imagine that even if he wasn't issued the death penalty, he would soon have killed himself. Don't act surprised, I can read minds you know? I think I just figured everything out, actually. I'm no monster, you may call me Lysei."
Lysei the Father?" the young Emperor gasped. He had heard so many conflicting accounts of the god, from Kaius' grudging warnings to Ramous' enthusiastic appraisals he had no idea what to think. A hero to some, to others a tyrant. For now he kept the covers firmly over his face and screwed up his eyes so he couldn't see the god, ignoring the deity's accusations. "Why are you here?" he asked quietly.
Lysei smiled. "To congratulate you on your appointment as Emperor of course. It is custom that I meet with the new Emperors. I met with Kaius before, and now I am meeting with you. I am already a fan of the new name. The Commonwealth of Aurora. Has a nice ring to it." Lysei sat by the bed and said "Come out of the covers, boy. They won't save you from your duties and they certainly can't hide you from me. I haven't come to harm you."
Reluctantly, Maximus pulled back the bedsheets and opened his eyes a fraction, then closed them immediately upon seeing Lysei. A moment later he opened them again and this time they stayed open, staring up at the fire god with a powerful curiosity.
"Lord Cassian suggested the name," the Emperor admitted, "he has lots of ideas about how to make Aurora better, though he has to ask me about them first, too,"
Perhaps it's a good thing that not all the Octopi found themselves dead Lysei thought to himself. Even with Jashiki dead, he worried they might pose a problem, but it seems as if many of them were worth keeping. "I should tell you I just killed Jashiki. I know some of your friends had respect for him, but he was the reason so many have died recently." Lysei let his words sink in, he doubted a small boy would appreciate the gravity of what he had to say, but it was better to let him know now, rather than let him fester in confusion.
"Jashiki... he's another god I think..." Maximus replied, he remembered that Kaius had been working with the deity and he had something to do with water, otherwise he couldn't recall much of the god, "How can you kill a god?" he asked Lysei, "I thought you lived forever and ever?"
"All of the other gods joined me in the venture. He had attracted the ire of many." Lysei sighed. "I'm...sorry about what happened to your family. I did not intend to allow so many to slip through the cracks, though it was a risk I had take." Lysei patted Maximus' head, "You hold the future in your hands right now. The job you will take on is probably the least desirable one in the world. Many will grow to hate you, but when all is said and done, if you play your cards right, history will never forget your deeds. Do learn a lesson from Octavius, his many good actions did not wash away his bad ones, though his bad ones will not wash away the good either. You have time to learn, Vallous was supposed to help guide you, but circumstances dictate that I do it myself."
Maximus nodded, recalling that Kaius had given him similar speech last time they had met. He felt a new weight of responsibility on his shoulders but also purpose like never before in his short life.
"I'm going to be the best Emperor there ever is," he said proudly, "And no-ones going to hate me, you'll see Lysei," he reached out to tug on the god's sleeve, "Are you going to help me do things?"
Lysei smiled. "Some things, perhaps. I will be visiting again soon. Your attitude is good though, you will need it." Lysei slowly began to turn invisible and his enchantment faded from the door. "Good luck, Emperor Maximus." Was the last the boy Emperor heard from Lysei for a very long time.
.
Wen, Jashipolis, Oileán Uisce
Wen sat somewhat uncomfortably in one of the new inns on the edge of Jashipolis, he hadn't wanted to go somewhere so crowded but Ker-Hai had demanded a public place of meeting as a precondition, besides it wasn't even possible for the ex-slave to access the water bender village in the centre of the island. Finally the halfling himself arrived, hooded and looking around suspiciously he sat down opposite Wen.
"This better be good," he said plainly, passing over a drink.
"I'll cut to the chase," Wen laid out the wooden case in front of him. "Here's a gift from Gangari, a peace offering if you like,"
"Hmmph," the halfling grunted, opening the case. "Not a bad spear," he admitted as he took the weapon from it's case, "Does it do anything-else?"
"It marks you and those you care about as being under the protection of Gangari," Wen said, "Now that Jashiki is well... no among us."
"I suppose it's better than nothing," Ker-Hai sighed, putting the spear back in it's box, "So I guess we're all Aurorans now eh?"
"It's not as bad as it sounds," Wen shrugged, "The Emperor and the Lord Regent have promised to allow freedom of religion and of your community after-all."
"That is true, but only a couple of months ago they were hunting down my people," Ker-Hai said angrily, "I met this Cassian fellow yesterday and he seemed very reasonable but how can we guarantee his successor or the next will not decide a water bender or halfling minority is too much of a liability?"
"I suppose we have to trust in Gangari," Wen raised his glass, "He has promised to protect us two and I have no doubts he'll stick to it, he's already saved my skin once before... literally,"
"Aye, to Gangari," Ker-Hai nodded, meeting Wen's glass with his own, "The new guardian of Oileán Uisce, for better or worse."
Khyber stood stoically on the walls of Lot-Vos, an objective they had fought to the bone for. Many Krakari and Aurorans had given their lives taking this wall but they weren't done yet. Before Khyber were the slain Elites of Ray-Das, all dead before them. It was a mighty fight and Khyber learned to respect his foe for all the trouble they had caused him. There was something glorious that Khyber saw in their fighting. His hate gave way to respect as he looked at the dead bodies of his foes while his soldiers fought building to building in order to capture the city. At every street, at every corner, the warriors put up a fight even with the death of their Elites.
It would be a tough fight ahead of them but the lessons of this campaign have sobered Khyber. His soldiers listened to him faithfully and loved him for not sacrificing their lives needlessly. He talked to his soldiers, developed bonds with them but he was only following what the whispers said. He looked out ahead of him as the fires of the fighting tore into the night sky. The war of the Burning Tides was drawing to a close but its repercussions would be felt for years to come. He could feel it in his bones as he watched fires consume the shrines of Jashiki and statues of their leaders.
They were all crowded around their courtyard as their scholars brought out a number of clay pots. These ones were painted black and a black powder was poured into them. They were told to stand a good distance back from the pots as the scholars then put little strands of rope into the pots. Aerya was skeptical of their advancement so she had the Jaherys family bring their scholars to demonstrate their ability.
"Get back!" One of the scholars yelled as another lit the fuse. The fire crawled up the pot then into the pot. There was a brief silence followed by a bang as the clay pot exploded, sending shards of it every which way. The councilmen ducked and so did Aerya in order to dodge the incoming shrapnel. The scholar that lit the fuse flapped up and flew away as the clay pot exploded. After that, a silence settled before the scholar descended.
"And that is the power of this new powder." The scholar said, proud of their invention. "This new black powder holds unbelievable potential. It could give us an edge in the war and many wars to come. I'm sure you've all heard stories about Ajivah's mechanical army so I urge all of you to give us more funding to develop this new powder. It carries the thunder of the Gods!"
The council didn't need anymore convincing.
(Major)Attack Ray-Das within Lot-Vos to try and take the city-use Luug reinforcements, +1
(Major)Research Ballistics-use of bullets(using university bonus)
(Major)Implement Medicine-extend lives of Krakari, bonus to population growth
Maximus sat out alone on the palace garden lawn by a pond, thinking over his encounter with Lysei the previous night. He had been pleasantly surprised by the god's condemnation of his late uncle, perhaps they could work together after-all? Kaius' continuing absence weighed heavily on his mind though, nothing had been heard for a couple of months now and he was getting worried. He would have asked Cassian or Aldren about the matter but both were touring the new southern possessions of Aurora, so there would be no help there. Sighing, he picked up a few stones in front of him and began throwing them into the pond, trying and failing to skim them as Kaius used to.
From behind Maximus a presence arrived, Gangari. He walked slowly and silently towards the boy king, before stopping about two and a half feet away. He crouched down to his height, smiled, and spoke. "Hello."
"Oh, hello," Maximus replied as he turned around to the strange man, he scrutinized his face but did not recognise him. "Who are you again?" he asked, figuring the man was probably one of the countless minor nobles who appeared at the court every few years for customary favours, that would explain how he'd got past the guards.
"My name is Gangari." The glow of his eye increased momentarily as he spoke his own name. "After a year of watching, it felt right to speak to you now." He paused, "Ah, but first. I have gifts for you."
He extended his arms towards Maximus and in his hands appeared from the air a lacquered oaken case with a golden marking on top. Inside the case was four objects. A spear, a bottle of reddish luminescent wine, a bronze puzzle box which seemed to change configuration in random ways once a minute, and a silver block which would become malleable like clay to the touch of the emperor.
The spear was large, silver, and coated in odd runic patterns. 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.
"The god Gangari?" the Emperor exclaimed as he took the four gifts with a curious gaze, he recalled hearing about this deity some time ago from Ronin. He couldn't believe they all wanted to meet him, maybe he'd get to meet Roe next. "Ouch!" he squealed as he put his finger on the tip of the blade and withdrew it sharply as the point pricked him. Next he picked up the silver block and cooed as it changed into a malleable lump in his hands. "You really are a god," he breathed, "What do the other two do?" he asked, pointing at the bottle and the box in front of him.
It took a few seconds for Gangari to respond, for a moment he was worried the blade had caused damage, but the cut thankfully appeared superficial to him. "The box, is a puzzle. I find tinkering with it helps pass the time between things. The bottle is filled with a wine, made from the fruit of my university." He paused, thinking about how odd that sounded out loud before continuing "Though I suggest you save that until you're a bit older."
"I'm very grown up for my age," Maximus said earnestly, making a mental note to try the wine as soon as possible, "I am an Emperor after-all," he continued, before hastily adding, "Thanks for the gifts, I like all of them, Lysei didn't give me anything when I met him," he pouted, "You seem like a nice god,"
"Lysei is definitely different," Gangari said "And you're welcome." He gave a slight laugh and paused briefly before speaking again "One of the reasons I have come here today is to extend an offer to your people. I have constructed a university close to the heart of Ajivha, a place of learning for all. Young, old, rich, poor, weak, and powerful. It is there that my art, a kind of magic is taught. With enough work it could perhaps amount to anything a practitioner desires." He paused to take a breath. "While it's doors are open to your people, I have been having the thought that perhaps distance has been its limit. With your permission I would like to establish a school on Pesh and in Jashipolis."
"Ajivha is a long way from here, I went there once," Maximus nodded in agreement, "You have my permission, Gangari," he added formally, magic fascinated him, especially since his flying trip with his late uncle and his encounter with the Genners and he was eager to see more.
"Thank you Maximus." Gangari Responded and then stood up "If you should find yourself in need of me or my advice in the time to come, Feel free to ask for it. I'm Listening." He bowed to the boy king, said "Goodbye Maximus" and walked off for a few feet before fading away back into the air he had came from.
The fighting in the city could have been much fiercer than it was, but the halflings knew their territory and cleverly hid among the buildings occasionally needling attackers and keeping them from being able to effectively push through the city. In the end the invaders did not gain or lose significant ground and what casualties there were were fairly minimal for either side.
The research was difficult, even the Krakari with their familiarity with poisons had trouble imagining the tiny balls of lead being able to slay others, yet they proved quite powerful in their tests. Those involved in the tests felt a mixture of excitement and fear at the thought of the new weapon being deployed among their forces, surely this would bring the remaining resistance in Lot-Vos to its knees.
The news of the vampires was met with suspicion by many, some feared that they would turn on them either due to old stories about such creatures or because they feared they would take revenge for Jashiki on the worshipers of Lysei. Even so there were those excited by the prospects of what they could grant, particularly soldiers who were eager to welcome such a power to their ranks.
More unanimously popular news was the successful establishment of yet another settlement, proving to many that Aurora's streak of bad luck had ended.
The scouts were happy to report their success, as were the scholars studying the meltingcaves though sadly the subject of the rituals continued to prove impenetrable to the scholars. The arts they had been granted were divine in origin even if they could be wielded by mortal hands and it seemed that they would take continued effort to attempt to improve upon them.
No one was completely certain of what tragedy befell the great nation, it was said that a shadow swept overhead and a cloud descended from it. The cloud (of what none of the survivors seemed certain) honed in on the Vazin who let out a terrible cry before collapsing his soul shredded inside its metallic body. Perhaps those shreds sought new homes among the autonomous soldiers the nation had begun to employ for soon a sort of madness spread to those beings across the nation, and driven by this madness they began the destruction of Ajihva. There were of course survivors, scattered to the winds, but the cities were abandoned and the people fled to join other nations or even the various tribes that settled the uncivilized lands.
Perhaps by divine protection the Silverroot university remained untouched by the tragedy, even sheltering a number of scholars and refugees in it. It was no longer bound to any one nation though, and while it was dangerous to access while the marauding automatons still functioned it remained a house of knowledge and learning for those willing to seek it out.
After his meeting with the gods, twenty five years passed in a flash for Maximus. Not long after his encounter in the gardens with Gangari, Lord Cassian finally broke the news to him of Kaius' death. Though part of him had suspected it for a while, that didn't soften the blow and for many weeks the young Emperor was confined to his bedroom, the rest of the palace muttering and wondering what odd illness had struck their monarch. Over time however his grief diminished until it was merely another painful memory to carry alongside that of his uncle Octavius and he rejoined court life again.
Over time, Maximus grew from a small boy to a headstrong youth and then finally a man. Those who knew him describe him as a reserved but strong-willed Emperor who cared deeply for the plight on his people, although he was sometimes accustomed to locking himself away from the world for days at a time and leaving control in the hands of his deputies. On his twenty first birthday, Lord Cassian retired from the Regency and handed executive government of Aurora over to the Emperor, though with the agreement of Parliament the position of Lord Deputy was maintained to keep a primary elected head of government.
In a similar manner Aurora itself grew in this time, flourishing under the plentiful wealth from it's new colonies and the educational advancements made in the new schools Gangari had set up. The belief of Lysei as the Father became fully accepted and it wasn't uncommon for ordinary people to use the two names interchangeably, although the priesthood maintained a complicated description of how the two supposedly were related for anyone who'd listen. Gangari became the second god of Aurora, filling the hole left by Jashiki for the worship from certain quarters, particular minorities and former Octopi.
Though there were some tensions down south among the halflings of Oileán Uisce, they largely accepted the Commonwealth's sovereignty as fait accompli and many worked hard to integrate themselves into their new nation. More troubles however came from the former nation of Ajivha where Auroran settlers had quickly arrived after the apocalypse that befell the country, initially welcomed by the remaining survivors who were desperate for any sort of state, regardless of it's origins. After some years passed however conflicts grew between the native Ajivhans and the new colonists over resources and land, the region spiralled into vicious civil war and terrible bloodshed was inflicted by both sides before the Auroran army had the chance to intervene.
Finally under the mediation of the Emperor himself, a peace agreement was reached between the major belligerents. The former territory of Ajivha under Auroran control was reconstituted as the Kingdom of Ajivha, an autonomous state within the Commonwealth of Aurora, directly answerable only to the Emperor and the Auroran Parliament. Chosen as King was Indraj-Alika, a compromise choice agreed upon by all parties. His Ajivhan heritage and links with Gangari would please the native side while his wife Didana, herself an Auroran Princess given to the Vazin's family by Kaius, and therefore culturally Auroran heirs would sooth anxious settlers.
Thus it was the year seven hundred and forty, or DCCXL, when Emperor Maximus I found himself at the funeral of Lord Cassian, held on the sacred hill outside Nova Verde after a state procession through the city. Everyone had known the end was coming, the ex-Regent had been declining for several years but that didn't stop the emotions from flowing for the man many said had saved Aurora from tearing itself apart. Besides the Emperor sat his wife Queen Amatia, and his own son and daughter, seven year old Prince Aurelius and five year old Princess Maria respectively. Behind him sat his sister-in-law the Dowager Queen Prima, his niece Princess Aelia and his nephew Julius de Verde. Born after his father Kaius' death, Julius was regarded by most of the court as a scandalous illegitimate son of Prima adopted into the Imperial Family out of goodwill, few knew his true heritage and the Emperor had no plans to change that, recognising that his elder brother had lived a year beyond his deposition would lead to a whole heap of questions that for the stability of the nation were better left unasked. Finally, as the highest ranked guest it was traditionally his turn last to make a speech.
"Lord Myers Cassian, Lord Regent of Aurora for twelve years and Duke of North Medegarde for twenty five, diplomat for many more, changed Aurora forever. That much cannot be doubted, more than any have perhaps for many generations," Maximus started, speaking the words without having to glance at the sheet before him, "It is no coincidence that we call the uprising against my late uncle twenty five years ago the Cassian Revolution, indeed his ideas shall be reflected forever more in our Commonwealth's name no less. It is now our duty to carry on those ideas and spread them to other shores, I myself shall guarantee that in my lifetime. In recognition of his works, the great port city of Eaupolis between Medegarde and Sirigarde shall forever be known as Cassipolis," The change had been planned for years, it was tradition however that naming only occurred after an individual had passed away, "It's with great sadness but also honour therefore, that I spread his ashes on this hill among that of my father, mother, brother, and of course Lord Cassian's good friend Prince Torus. May the Father through Lysei and Gangari guide his soul to the right place."
He took a handful of ashes from the pile left over from the cremation and let them sprinkle in the wind over the sacred hill behind him. As he left the stage, the other funeral attendees lined up to take their share and spread it too.
"Good bye old friend," Maximus muttered wistfully as his children came to join him, knowing at-least that Lord Cassian's last great plan was about to unfurled on the Channel Island of Xule. That he hoped would do the old man proud, wherever he was.
Interage Action - Set up three colonies on or near former Ajivha territory.
Note - Adjust worship to 10 for Lysei, 5 for Gangari.
Map - Aurora following both the successful colonisation from last turn and the three new colonies for the interage:
A light drizzle fell on the group of men as they trecked out towards the forest, the rain from the day before not having completely blown over yet. They were travelling in silence except for the two lead men who were bickering loudly.
"I'm telling you brother, we shouldn't have done this. This wasn't justice, it was murder! We didn't even know for certain she stole it, yet we killed her and whoever else that was screaming in there without any proof!" the smaller man said angrily. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this, it's not right!"
"Shut it Junius! We'll have all the proof we need once we recover the gold from the ruins, you'll see. Criminals must be punished for their sins, cleansed in the fires of our lord Lysei. He is proud of our actions, I know it to be so!" the other man retorted, religious fervor shining in his eyes. "Trust me, that ***** had it coming. If her family got caught in the blaze, so be it, she was a criminal so they must have been too. Their kind cluster together."
Junius just shook his head, nothing he could say would get through to his brother. He fervently hoped Lysei wasn't aware of what they had done, he didn't share his brother's convictions.
The stench of smoke was still thick at the ruins of the shack, despite the rain. The surrounding forest had been scorched thoroughly, there were no signs of life to be found in a wide radius. The men picked through the ruins, searching for anything they could salvage. There wasn't much to be found.
"I'm telling you Felix, it's not here." Junius said to his brother, who was frantically digging through the remains. "Come on, let's go home. We don't want someone to wander by and see us, how would we explain ourselves?"
"Oh I'm afraid it's too late for that, murderer," a new voice rang out. It wasn't any of the men who had accompanied the brothers, this was a decidedly feminine voice. It was a musical tone, yet it carried a hard edge of steel beneath it. Felix cursed and scrambled to his feet, looking around worriedly.
"Who was that? Show yourself!" Junius called out, glancing around as well. It had sounded close, yet the treeline was too far away for someone hiding there to be heard.
"Very well," the voice answered. Green and white lights appeared in front of the men and coalesced together, spinning in a vortex. As they stared rapt in wonder, the lights faded and a woman was left standing in front of them. She was stunningly beautiful, tall and slender with long brown hair worn unbound. She was dressed in a hunter's clothing, complete with a long, dull green cloak and a quiver of arrows. Sharp, vividly green eyes were aimed at Junius, as was the longbow she held drawn and ready to fire.
"M-Madam please, lower your weapon. We can work something out surely!" Junius stammered, droplets of sweat forming on his brow.
"No, we cannot." she replied, a cold look in her eyes. She loosed the arrow which took Junius through the eye, killing him instantly. As the rest of the men yelled and scrambled for their weapons, she drew and fired repeatedly. A single arrow was all that was required for each of them. As she looked down at the corpses of her parent's killers Drya didn't feel any satisfaction, only the pain of loss. As her gaze trailed over the devastated clearing her grief only increased. This wanton destruction, this senseless cruelty... it was horrific. Tears formed in her eyes and Drya slumped to the ground, mourning her loss.
Some time passed and Drya looked up. The rain had stopped and the sun was peaking through the clouds, it's brilliant rays warming Drya's skin. Her tears all dried up, she paused as she noticed the ground around her. A small area with her at its heart was no longer blackened and dead. New plant life had sprouted and appeared to be reaching out towards her. Smiling she ran her fingers through it and stood up. This must be why she had been reborn, why she felt nigh immortal. As she walked forwards the vegetation followed her, almost like it grew from her. Hopefully in time the forest would reclaim this land for real, the thought of that warming Drya's heart.
Reaching the edge of the forest, the new goddess gazed upon the countryside. She had a role to play now, this was her purpose. This beautiful world, it had chosen her to be it's protector, it's shield against the destructive nature of the sentient races. Smiling, Drya disintegrated into a whirl of lights again, vanishing from Aurora for the time being.
OOC: This takes place very near the end of the timeskip, so Drya has just now entered the game.
Too long has he spent away from the Raptor States. Too long has he spent his days in the mud and fire as his soldiers take Lot-Vos street by street. Too long has it been since he walked into the Hall of Raptors with nothing but fire in his eyes. Now there was nothing but smoke in the eyes of Khyber Kraai, patriarch of the Kraai clan.
The whispers still awake him at night but true to his word, he spread the word of Cyth'raul's gift to the city of Talis in the south. They would take his word more openly than those of the Krakari living in Silverclaw where Lysei remains popular. The teachings of Gangari have also become known but mostly through the Strix clan who's matriarch still studies furiously in his name. Gangari granted her knowledge and asylum as Ajivha crumbled around it. He had only heard stories of its downfall but he couldn't imagine destruction at that level. The Aurorans own that area now and they had paid a high price in supporting the Krakari. He owed them a debt for which he hoped would be repay soon.
Khyber let out a lengthy sigh as he watched the sunrise due to another restless night. His eyes drifted from the rising sun to the wall of trophies he had taken in Lot-Vos. They ranged from large axes to lithe swords and daggers, all taken from the Elites that had faced down his soldiers in the thick of it. He held nothing but respect for them even for this long. The cries of "Khyber the Conqueror!" still linger in his mind.
He had to review what was new with the Raptor States but there was a mix of good and bad news. A new Oscen had ascended Yoren's seat as patriarch but proved to be more trouble than anything. Khyber predicted he would be gone soon with regards from Severyn which had risen from the grave. Khyber knew he would tasked to finding them soon enough. But with an ineffective Oscen at the head of finances, the coffers have remained stagnant and even report loss. Even all the treasure that the Ray-Das held in their treasure room were mysteriously gone from sight.
But with the bad came the good. A new weapon was in the making, one that would change warfare as he knew it. The scholars report of a weapon that propelled lead balls at high speeds, and these "bullets" would rip through flesh and armor alike as if passing through air. The council has been extensively testing the new weapon but so far, he hadn't seen anything of it yet although he lamented how useful such a weapon would have been in the streets of Lot-Vos. Not only that but the use of medicine had become common place here and he was relieved to hear such news.
Even at this early hour, the time of reflection was short as he had to get to the Hall of Raptors to appease the council and make another appearance along with giving him a mission to complete since he wasn't getting any younger. Although tedious, he preferred that over laborious micro-managing of his clan. So, Khyber put on his clothes and fetched his swords before he set off for his new mission.
She was jolted from her sleep by the sound of rain hitting her window. Cawles still had memories from the fall of the Ajihvans. Some say their own machines turned on them, a bitter reminder to not play God in the realm of Gods but others say it was a tragic mistake-a variable not seen by the Emperor before he was turned into one himself. Either way, the outcome remained the same. From outside, she saw the chaos and total collapse of the Empire. Hundreds of years of history all burned and tossed to the sand. The University remained untouched but survivors flocked to it, asking for entrance.
Cawles and the other scholars accepted them, sheltering them from the wandering automatons. Through the use of magic and their own inventions did they stave off the rampaging automatons. But with all their survival, they were almost unable to progress in the scientific field as their main contributor fell to the sands.
Cawles got up from her bed, feeling the soreness that came from her age now. 25 years was a long time helping looking after the University and all her inhabitants. She helped the other Arch-Artificers also from their mysterious companion that roams the halls but otherwise is particularly helpful. Cawles looked outside to the see the flags of Aurora blowing in the wind.
Everything had changed when the Auroran Empire intervened. Known as the Auroran Commonwealth now, there was finally order among the the ruined state and soldiers put down the automatons nearest them, securing a safe passage for those who wanted to get back to their homes although for many, there were no homes left. So there was some protest by the original settlers which Cawles had to settle personally, seeing as the fighting would even spread to here if things escalated.
In the halls, there was a clamor among the Aurorans followed by an intense prayer to Lysei. They gathered at the shrine and prayed. Cawles followed them and asked what the problem was to which they responded:
"Lord Cassian has passed away." One of them said, looking solemnly at the dark clouds.
"People pass as the wind do, that is the fact of life." Cawles said in agreement. "But there gusts can bring much change. Be happy for what he has done and remember him for the lessons he brings." Cawles said, consoling the grieving Auroran. "The Gods know... we may find wisdom in them for the coming storm."
Interage Action-Conquer Lot-Vos,
Note: Adjust worship to 5 for Lysei, 3 for Gangari, 3 for Cyth, correct me if I'm wrong
The others had left at this point, including Gangari, but Lysei had not quite yet abandoned the body of Jashiki. He had lied when he said all he wanted was for Jashiki to be gone, in reality he wished the greatest suffering imaginable upon that beast of a god. He had delayed Lysei?s plans for years, and the damage he did to Aurora was beyond description. He had to sacrifice two Emperors, suffer a rebellion, and personally take multiple months of his life to deal with him. Lysei still had a limp from the damage incurred from their first fight. Jashiki was lucky that Gangari had a gentle heart, for those who did not personally slight him anyway. The lizard was stuck in ice now, it was a shame he couldn?t be roasted. Lysei turned away and sighed. It was time to put the past behind him, there was no longer any room for Jashiki. The future was too bright to be swallowed up by his tides.
Lysei slowly walked out of Jashiki?s cave, leaving a trail of fire behind him. Normally rock would be quite fireproof, but Lysei was purposefully directing these, he wanted Jashiki?s base erased. There was not to be a single trace, other than the god?s icy statue. Artifacts caught fire, the walls caught fire, even the water itself found itself burning. Nothing would be spared, Lysei could no longer dwell on the past. He turned around only once, Jashiki?s statue defiantly standing amongst Lysei?s flames. Satisfied, he left and turned his sights to Aurora, or rather what was below Aurora.
Dwelling beneath the surface, the Drider Queen Elisandre had made her nest. Those before her died in the harsh Auroran winter, but she had managed to make it beyond what was expected of her race. She had adapted, and through evolution the Driders would only become stronger. Lysei stared at all she had made in the year since he had begun their creation. It was truly a marvel what she had accomplished. Still, they would need more. Lysei began to create more Driders and at a faster rate than anyone could have thought possible. These creatures could adapt to the elements, were agile, clever, predatory, and strong. The perfect creatures to make a social experiment with. Without Jashiki?s interference, Lysei could finally put them to the test. He created two more Queens and quickly dispersed them through the world. The first Matron he created, he placed in the Auroran underground, the second however, he sent to the Raptor States, hoping to make a normal relationship there. The first Queen named herself Naleene, after the Mistress Nelind, the second named herself Salo and hid under the Raptor States, revealing herself only to Cawles for now. Feeling his work done, Lysei left the Driders to their own devices for a time. They would likely serve his purposes, even if indirectly, which was all Lysei needed.
Emir:
Down south from Aurora, sails were blowing in the wind as Emir and his soldiers rushed to what he could only call the perfect suicide. He had managed to sneak on board enough of Aurora?s secret weapon to burn down the entirety of Ajivha?s new robot army. The Vazin too had become one, probably hoping to become an immortal. Boy would Emir have been disappointed if that failed. A few of the dragons cried below the floors of the ship, they had to be chained in order to safely transport. Emir shrugged it off and watched the Sand Bird fly overhead. The men he had been given by Aurora were less than stellar. Rejects from the primary assault mostly, people who Aurora couldn?t trust on the battlefield. Yet, they were perfect for this kind of operation, and they were loyal to whoever commanded them. That was enough for Emir.
He never had bothered to learn their names, being detached from them would make it easier when they died. He left the other Genners at home, they would live on past the month. Whatever they did, he hoped they would live good and long lives. They had done more for him than he could ever have imagined, yet they still had the audacity to claim that they owed him a debt! No, it was Emir who owed them now. One good act does not replace years of loyal service, and the best way Emir could think to repay them, was to erase their wanted status, and kill their greatest enemy all in one swoop.
The battle plan was fairly simple, Ajivha would never expect an arial assault, and even if they did they would also never expect the kind of arial assault offered by Emir. He had enough of his weapon to ensure that the Vazin died, the only issue would be if the university attracted too many of the insects, though that also was unlikely. He stared at one of his many clay pots and smiled. It was almost time now, the Vazin would die.
Ajivha
The Vazin had gathered himself for a speech, one of the many he had to make that day. Local gatherings always required a certain degree of attention, and as he gathered himself, he turned to admire the status of his guards. The Zalya had served faithfully and to this day were quite impressive. He himself having become similar, the Vazin cracked a metal smile and continued to walk to his destination. He was standing outside of a building, at a courtyard slightly raised above the onlookers. With the Ray Das and Auroran war continuing in a rather skewed manner, many had asked the Vazin for his opinion on the matter, he decided it would be best addressed to an audience, and publicly.
?I have witnessed what the Auroran and Krakari have suffered from the Ray Das, and I have also witnessed the suffering brought to the Ray Das by their enemies. It is thus, with a heavy heart, that I can not provide support to either side. I do not feel as if Ajivha has a spot in this sort of conflict, and our Zalya will stay where they should be, protecting our nation, not participating in petty politics. I will not waste my armies on the shores of Lot Vos for a political favor, and I will not sacrifice Ajivhan lives so the Ray Das can evade punishment.? It was at the end of that statement, that a member of the audience tossed a clay pot at the Vazin.
Such action was not unheard of, in fact it had happened before to other leaders. The Zalya quickly spotted the one who threw the pot, and began to move to grab him. The first intercepted the pot, which caused it to smash into pieces right before the Vazin. Sometimes such pots were filled with dung, other times with glass or some other nasty shrapnel. This time, it seemed someone had filled it with insects. Hundreds of vaguely purple insects burst out of the pot and quickly swarmed the Zalya nearby. As this happened, a few onlookers pointed out that dozens of the pots seemed to be falling from the sky. As they hit the ground thousands of the insects swarmed Ajivha, mostly buzzing into whatever Zalya they could find. The Vazin quickly escorted himself out, but not before a few of the insects could work their way into his circuitry.
After a few minutes, the Vazin began to scream. It was a harsh piercing scream as his vocal box was compressed and altered by the distress his body was going through. He could not tell what, but he was being drained of any and all magic and it was excruciating. He screamed for assistance, that the Zalya were to destroy those responsible. Destroy them all, in fact. The Vazin kept yelling and yelling and the insects had worked their way into the Zalya too. Running on reserve magic, the Zalya interpreted the Vazin?s order in the worst way possible. The order quickly spread through all infected Zalya, which at this point represented the majority of the Zalya in the city. They were to wipe out the inhabitants of Ajivha, in order to secure the safety of the Vazin.
The Zalya were quick and brutal, quickly abandoning the Vazin to his agony, they turned the streets red. Civilians found themselves surrounded by mad robots, driving spears into their sides. Zalya burst open the doors to homes and killed all living organisms. They were cold, merciless and efficient. Emir watched from overhead and heard nothing but screams for hours. He couldn?t tell what was happening, but had no intention of investigating further. He was in cloud cover at the moment, and he could not imagine what could cause an entire city to yell in agony.
Flames burst through the city, candles were tossed and quickly set entire neighborhoods ablaze. Those that survived the initial assault of the Zayla, quickly found themselves trapped in a smoke laden death box. Ajivha?s walls, high and mighty as they were, proved an inescapable prison for this who inhabited it. Any hope of escape was gone, the citizens of Ajivha hid under the ruins of their homes and just waited. Eventually the Zalya fell lifeless, and the bugs began to lift themselves, a haze above Ajivha. They were searching for magic, and quickly found it in the university. They hovered above and around the building, entranced by its aura, but unable to consume it.
Emir stayed airborne with his troops for some time, twenty of the best dragon riders among his army. They each carried at least a dozen pots on their own, and had unleashed all of them. It was time to examine the chaos, and ensure the Vazin remained dead. Emir had reason to believe that a soldier he had managed to sneak in was correct in saying the Vazin was meeting in front of a particular building. It was also true that this building was large, and had plenty of places to hide. Emir hoped the Vazin still lived, so that he could see the man for himself.
What he did not expect, as the warlord exited cloud cover, was to see all of Ajivha in ruin. Buildings were toppled over, most of the residential district was ash, blood was everywhere. The city was a horror story, it was unspeakable what he had caused. Yet Emir showed no emotion, he glided down with his bird and ordered the soldiers who had come with him. ?Find the gate switch, I want it open at once. Let the others in, we will begin clean up.? The soldiers simply nodded and flew off with their dragons.
Emir dismounted the Sand Bird and continued to find the Vazin. It was fairly easy to spot the half man, as he was much more decorated than any Zalya Emir might come across. He was weak now, only about five insects crawled on his body. He raised his eyes to Emir and blinked, unable to speak. He looked defeated, and Emir smiled. The warlord brought out a knife and slowly ran it across the Vazin?s metal face. It scraped across his ears and onto the top of his head. ?Do you know who I am?? Emir asked. ?I am the great Emir, the one who escaped your clutches more than a year ago. You tried to murder me, and now look at you. A literal shell of a man too weak to do anything but look on as your city crumbles. Look into my face and despair, old man.? Emir revealed another pot of insects and smashed it upon the Vazin?s head. The bugs dug into his eyes and began to eat him from the inside. Emir heard a weak groan as he walked away from his adversary?s corpse. It was time to rebuild a city.
Ajivha, in ruin. This, was more than he had bargained for. Emir walked casually through the city with his armed legion to look for survivors. They would be helpful for rebuilding, which he figured he might as well spearhead. Emir could hear some faint screaming beneath rubble and ordered a few of his men to help him clear out the mess. They quickly excavated and found a woman under the hulking corpse of a now defunct Zalya. It was trying to choke her, but lessened its grip just as it deactivated, perhaps gaining some sanity. Either way, in the end it managed to shield her from the rubble, that part was likely just a coincidence. Emir kicked the robot off the lady and while his guards ushered her to safety, Emir looked at the construct closely. It was so ironic, he just couldn?t believe that Ajivha was so prone to destruction. The head easily came off as he carefully lifted it and the rebel leader turned warlord looked it over. He tossed it to the ground and said, ?Take her to the university. We will begin rebuilding from there."
Striding from the shadows was a silver humanoid creature, featureless save for a glowing red orb where its left eye should be. As it noticed the groups of armed rebels looting the area it shreaked a vile scream and it's hands turned to claws as it's fingers became long serrated blades. As a rebel walked forward with his blade, the creature leaped into him, impaled him with a claw, and lifted him into the air for the other rebels to see before shreaking again.
The group of rebels immediately began to retreat, save a few which threw clay pots full of their magic eating insects at the creature. It seemed to have been related to magic in some regard. Either way, if the Ajivhans had more to their arsenal, they figured it would not be able to deal with their secret weapon. The group began to yell out to the leaders of the assault.
As the pots crashed against the creature flames consumed all but one of their contents. This anomalous pot dissapeared in a burst of bright light, blinding the rebels who had tossed them. The creature took advantage of the temporary blindness of the pot throwers and sprinted into them. It tore into their flesh before they realized they were even blind. After shreaking again it resumed its slow stride towards the retreating rebels.
The Rebels quickly organized and began to take form against the creature. A massive swarm of the insects, previously consumed by the magic of the robots, found themselves enthralled by the magic aura of the creature. Millions of the creatures hung over Ajivha once again and began to move to overwhelm and consume the monster that had arrived. The buzzing of the insects drowned any noise the city could understand. Under the cover of this, the Rebels began to retreat.
As the insects converged on the creature and attempted to consume it, the creature burst into flames turning it and the insects swarming over it to ash. A moment later the creature would once again emerge from the shadows of a ruined building. Invisible to all but Emir it slowly and silently walked towards him, past his guards.
Emir and the other guards were in full retreat. He had been on the other side of Ajivha when news broke loose of the creature. It had apparently been made of fire or some other ridiculous composition. Emir didn't care very much. He had what he wanted for now and ordered a mass retreat. They would need to plan a method of removing the creature, the sand bird swooped down and Emir quickly began to fly out of the city. The others used whatever methods they had to escape. Even as high in the air as he was, Emir could see the eyes of the creature burning. He had always struggled with the concept of gods, perhaps one was after him now. Still, others had escaped their wrath and while he would be happy to explain what had happened, this one did not seem much for talking. He ordered the sand bird to double up on its speed.
As Emir took flight, the creature shrieked in anger before dissapearing again. As Emir sat upon the sand bird he would realize that shortly after he had left the city it had frozen in mid air, stuck. After a few minutes of waiting like this the creature strode through the clouds towards Emir, grabbed him by the neck and lifted him into the air by it.
Emir's eyes grew wide for a moment, before he realized what he was dealing with. "Freezing time? You just revealed yourself. You are either Gangari or Lysei." He was having difficulty breathing, but didn't bother to resist. "Killing me would do very little to help bring Ajivha back to where it once was. Without me, the men might go insane. Not even you can stop what they will do. Ajivha's survivors will be raped, murdered and raped again." He began to laugh. "But go ahead, doom this country twice. I lived to see the Vazin die, I can rest easy knowing I accomplished it."
"Do you have any idea what you have done?" a voice burned into Emir's mind "I give you a single chance. Call off your raiders and creations or face something far worse than death."
"Call them off?" Emir began to laugh harder. "And what? Leave you to mourn the ruins of what once was? Of course I realize what just happened, I was there and I caused it. Frankly, I don't even feel that badly about it. The Vazin tried to have me executed for refusing to contribute my military expertise to some backwater refuge that would eventually become a mining colony. He tried to make an example of me, well I just made an example of him and his city. I am the only one left who can rebuild Ajivha. You caught me in the middle of rescuing those trapped under the rubble. I am the one person who could possibly salvage these lands." Emir smiled, "I won't leave Ajivha in ruins, not if I can help it. It's either me, or one of those mercenaries I hired. Make a decision."
"You seem to think those are the only choices." The voice returned. The creature raised its left hand and covered Emir's face with it, it held it there for about five seconds before lowering it again. As Emir gained a view of the creature again, it's face matched his own. "You killed thousands and think yourself worthy of power. I gave you a chance to redeem even a shred of yourself and you laughed in my face. You have doomed a nation to death, the punishment is eternal damnation. Do you have any final words?"
"Ajivha too, then. While we are spending some quality time together, please do inform me of how this leaderless group of mercenaries responds to having the run of Ajivha. I hear such tales always end happily. No matter, I won." Emir showed very little fear as he stared back into his own visage. To be honest, he expected to die from this somehow, earning a god's personal wrath would certainly be high up on his achievements.
The creature took the full appearance of Emir down to the last detail, punched into Emir's chest leaving the interior of his lung exposed to the outside and then dropped him from the bird onto the ground far below where he would die on impact.
Emir?s body was quickly recovered, though it had been almost unrecognizable, the Sand Bird quickly left Emir?s body and flew back to Aurora, to return to its masters. What really tipped the army off was its lack of return. With the monster gone, they quickly went back into Ajivha and now leaderless, looted without restraint. This lasted a few days, before Gangari returned. With a burning passion, he slaughtered the Marauders in their sleep, eventually driving the majority of them out of his city. It was however, far too late. The Marauders took with them the majority of what made Ajivha recognizable, leaving behind only bricks, and of course the university. Still numbering in the thousands, they would spread across the Sammah territories and ransack what remained of the Ajivhan settlements, overpowering any Zalya that remained loyal and had their way with those who would call the settlements their homes.
Eventually, the Aurorans did show up, in spades. Vasha returned home to replace Emir, and with the assistance of the Aurorans, drove out the Marauders and brought them back in line. Unfortunately, this took months, and in that time irreparable damage had been done to those who once lived in the proud nation of Ajivha. Very few of those involved in this tragedy would meet justice, as Lysei was preoccupied with matters he found important, and Gangari held onto what remained of his city. Some would deem this the Rape of Ajivha, and they would be right to. The exact nature of how Ajivha fell was marred by Aurorans, as they did not wish to claim responsibility for the apocalypse. Thus, the blame would fall to Ajivhan meddling with forces beyond their comprehension, and Emir?s name was silenced. Those who lived in Ajivha, however, knew well what happened. Many would remember Emir as the man who, with great help, escaped Ajivha?s clutches, only to return and destroy it. A fitting memory, Vasha thought.
Driders:
Upon hearing of the destruction Ajivha suffered, Ellisandre offered her Driders to aid with the reconstruction of Ajivha, under the condition that they were allowed a city themselves. Auroran officials found the terms acceptable and the Matrony of Ellisandre found its home within the ruins of the once proud lands of Ajivha. They quickly began to build their own home, and discouraged those of other races from entering. Not all of Ellisandre?s Matrony would find themselves in their home of Tel?Zetton, as it would soon be known. Driders are naturally curious, and they spread through the other settlements.
Adapting to human culture was odd, and hard. At first they were treated like monsters, but relations would normalize over time. Though Salo still kept her Driders a well guarded secret under the Raptor States. She did not wish to risk her children at the hands of the Krakari, but when the time was right, perhaps they could mix between species. Naleene stayed in Aurora and quickly brought herself to Aurora?s aid, offering soldiers and other helpful Driders in return for guaranteed safety. This too was workable, though Driders initially had to deal with persecution and odd glances. Within the twenty five years however, they found themselves as another part of the strange world they occupied.
Katalia:
The light had finally returned. Katalia could see once more, yet her god did not appear. She expected after all her efforts Lysei would at least say ?Hey, good job killing my worst mortal enemy. Have a cookie, and immortality. Then maybe she could figure out how to kill those who had turned her into a pincushion. Wouldn?t be hard, to say the least. Katalia was unable to tell exactly where she was, but it was clear she would spend a great deal of time there. She looked down, her body was a skeleton. More tricks, just what she wanted. ?Lysei! I did what you wanted, at least talk to me. It has been years!?
?I have been evaluating your performance, Weaver.? Lysei said in his deep, but soothing voice. ?I have to admit, your dedication is impressive. However, I no longer require your services in Aurora. It appears you have managed to set the stage perfectly for the rise of Emperor Maximus the First.? Katalia stayed silent, she didn?t want to think about what being useless might mean. Lysei continued, ?However, my sights have been set on Ajivha, it seems trouble has arisen due to a Genner, and as such you will need to preside over my experiment. Keep the Driders safe, Katalia. It is very important you do so. I am giving you a new body. Use it well, and try to stay alive for more than a year, this time. You are now and forever, my hand.?
Lysei?s voice disappeared and Katalia blinked. She was surrounded by Driders, all smiling. They were staring up at her, clearly intent to see what she would do. Katalia looked down at her body again. She was no longer human, nor was she Drider. She was something else entirely, her body had been replaced by parts gathered from the old robots of Ajivha. She was more machine than human, it was odd. The Driders however, did not fear her. In fact, for the first time Katalia felt wanted by those around her. She would not rule them, but she would serve as their protector, until such a time when her services were needed. She moved her legs, and they made a metallic scratching noise, probably trying to fit perfectly. Her eyes were now a fiery red, glowing in the Ajivhan sun. She spoke in a grisly, and vaguely feminine tone ?I am the hand of Lysei, his avatar on this world. Understand I will never allow any harm to come to you, as long as you stay within my protection.? The Driders clapped and presented her with gifts. One of the gifts, was a mirror and in that mirror Katalia saw herself. She looked like Lysei used to, a suit of armor without a person within it. He developed his own person over time, and she lost hers. Still, the look was fitting, she liked it.
Lysei:
It was really a lot to take in, all the information that had happened over the twenty five years. The mortals reacted well to Jashiki?s death, the Aurorans even wrote a song about his battles. Lysei had spent most of his time protecting the Driders, and coaching Maximus. It was important to weigh in on certain decisions made by the Emperor, but Lysei found in Maximus exactly what he wanted. Behind Lysei, the ghosts of the thousands he killed. Souls did not simply leave, and he himself was responsible for their wellbeing. Qartoq could have possibly handled such a feat, but she was gone, and Lysei had to quell their anger. There was so much blood, much of it justified, but some of it innocent. Lysei could see in himself a tinge of regret, a piece of him that would eat away at his own well-being if not dealt with. The Ray Das stayed quiet, the Aurorans had a better government, Jashiki could no longer terrorize him, Gangari and Cyth?raul remained at odds and he himself, the most powerful being in the world, could not afford such regret. Lysei turned to the damned souls behind him. Kaius and Octavius chiefly stared at him, behind them the first man he had killed so long ago, with him the dead child who he raped and murdered. Behind them, the nobles of Aurora and the Oscens he had killed when he came to the Raptor states. Ber Sam too stared into Lysei and with her, the fifty other war leaders Lysei incinerated. Many Octopi too were in the crowd, victims of Katalia?s wrath. Lysei could see all of their faces. He closed his eyes and they vanished. They would return eventually, starting with Kaius. The god of flames shook his head and turned to the world. It was time to act again.
Create Vastly Superior Race: The Driders.
DC: 17 +6 Flames, +12 Interage= 18
Race Name: Driders
Race Description:
Driders are larger than normal creatures, akin to Centaurs, with spider bodies and human torsos. The difference between a Centaur and a Drider, aside from Centaurs not existing and Driders being very real, is that a Drider is covered from head to toe in a protective black exoskeleton. While the top half of a Drider does resemble a human, they are unmistakably covered in their chitinous exoskeleton, forming a natural armor that protects them from most conventional weaponry, though piercing and blunt force type weapons are more effective against the exoskeleton than most other types of weaponry. Driders will have anywhere between four to twelve eyes, which can come in a number of colors, located on the front of their heads. The variance comes from their Matrony, which is the Queen they descend from. Because of their rapidly evolving nature, the Driders are known to have serious genetic differences between breeds, though it is difficult to say if one Matrony is inherently better than another.
While the Luug are big and hulking, the Driders are much more sleek and elegant, though they do reach a similar size. These creatures can run upwards of twenty five miles per hour on a good stride, though they are more commonly known to move at human speeds unless threatened. Their feet are naturally coated in a mixture of their own webbing and electrostatic hair, making them adept at climbing most surfaces. Their legs are similar to spiders, and end in a very sharp point, enough so that a Drider could theoretically impale a person on their feet, if they were so inclined, though most of the time they use their fangs for defense.
Driders have a few serious weaknesses, which can come to bite them. They only gain a new exoskeleton once per year, and during their period of molting they are very vulnerable to attack. They also have segmented limbs, and while this normally is not a serious issue, if things get jammed between joints the damage can be catastrophic to the Drider?s tissues. Every Drider has eight legs, and is very mobile on them, disrupting this mobility can cause severe confusion, though it is not an easy feat to accomplish.
Driders will all come from the same mother, a Matron who spends most of her life incubating her eggs. Once hatched, the eggs are raised by the Driders most qualified to raise children. Because it is done publicly, it is not uncommon to see an entire swathe of Drider Children moving together at once. It is also very difficult to keep the youth out of trouble, as they are likely to attempt to consume anything possible. Driders only eat meat, and never actually stop growing. Most Matrons are large enough to fill a room, though most adult Driders measure in at seven feet tall and about five feet long. Because of their rapid development, Drider youths will spend almost all of their time looking for food to consume, and because of their instincts, sometimes will eat sentient life. This is uncommon and treated very harshly by the Drider community, but is more common than they like to admit.
Driders have medium lifespans, averaging in at 65-70 years of age when they die. Some of the older Driders can by then be large enough to be impossible to bury. When a Matron finally reaches a point in which she is too old to continue her duties, typically around the age of sixty, she will give birth to another Matron, who must find a mate as quickly as possible in order to begin producing children. Any Drider could realistically become a Matron, however their culture expressly forbids sexual intercourse unless for Matronhood, as too many Matrons could cause a surge in population that their food production simply can not meet.
Perks:
Vastly Superior Race: Lysei went ahead and splurged on the Vastly Superior action. I am going to figure that means I can add a few more perks. Will need to discuss this with IFS.
Webs: Driders have spinnerets which produce spider silk in large quantities. This is very difficult to escape from, though a sword is capable of doing it. They can fire their web in a straight line in order to quickly grab things. It is worth noting that Driders do have a finite amount of webbing that they can use in a day, so abusing it is unrecommended.
Venom: Drider venom hurts. It is a neurotoxin that contradicts core brain functions. Those who suffer Drider poisoning often suffer massive hallucinations, followed by incredibly high fever, swelling of the afflicted area, seizures, and death in extreme cases.
Carapace: Driders have an enhanced Carapace serving as natural armor.
Enhanced Physical Attributes: Driders are extremely agile, reasonably strong, quick on hearing, but are especially sensitive to movement around them. This is due to the many hairs on their legs complimented by a very acute nerve system on their feet. This is less effective if they are not grounded, but a Drider will still have limited use of their sensing abilities if suspended in the air. Especially if something hits their web. Their eyesight is reasonable, but without a connection to something, a Drider is in a bit of a pickle, especially if it is in the dark.
Adaptive Matrony: Drider Matrons can drastically alter their own genome and create unique sub-species within the Drider culture. These changes will offer some benefits, but can also be purely cosmetic.
Flaws:
Critical spots: Their carapace isn?t perfect, many joints are weak to having things lodged in them, doing so is extremely painful to a Drider and can impair movement.
Hunger never sleeps: Juvenile Driders are perpetually hungry and always searching for food. Failure to constantly eat can result in a smaller, malnourished Drider. This can cause serious problems and also gives the Driders their aggressive reputation.
Important characters:
Elissandre: First Matron to her name, and the sole surviving Matron of the massive Auroran winters. She leads the Driders in Ajivha and while technically swears fealty to Aurora, is very much her own person. Driders born under her have the traditional four eyes, ranging from a bright red to a dark green, and are more tempered to extreme weather than other Driders. Elissandre herself is known as a survivor, being extremely practical, if a bit cold. She views other races as untrustworthy, and prefers to keep to her own kind. She is somewhat reverent to Lysei. Her Matrony is famous for wearing hand-knit sweaters, a sign of Lysei?s commitment to the race, even in troubled times.
Naleene: Named after the Mistress herself, though with a bit of her own twist, this Matron is famous as the Drider war leader. She specializes in combatant Driders, varying in eye count. While her Driders lack the environmental temperance that Ellisandre?s gained, they have flexibility in their strain and Naleene is capable of designating certain factors, specifically muscle mass, intellect, agility, sensing abilities and whatever else she decides to focus on. Naturally she can?t simply make someone good at everything, so she has to pick and choose. It is rumored that Driders directly under Naleene guard Maximus himself. While Ellisandre went to Ajivha, Naleene is firmly in Aurora. She has very positive views of other races, and is generally sociable. She also enjoys the finer things in life and is less reverent than other Matrons.
Salo: The youngest of all the current Matrons, her Driders are famous for being much more spindly and light than the others. They are very tall, but also much skinnier than expected, they match the Krakari of the Raptor states and live within their territory. Their venom is also much more potent than other Driders, and acts very quickly to paralyze a target. If untreated, those afflicted by Salonian venom will quickly die of organ failure. Salo is fairly shy, and small for a Matron. Her Driders are extremely stealthy and capable of infiltration that most would not see coming. Assassination is also a talent of theirs, though Salo is not too huge on it. Salo is the kindest of all the Matrons and the most open to friendship, though she is very careful about who she meets.
King Indraj-Alika stood before the gathered crowd, enjoying the sight he thought he wouldn't see for many years. Just five years after the bloody civil war in Ajivha had ended with the Nau Agreement, he felt the kingdom stable enough for him to visit the nearby island of Xule for a few weeks without the whole country falling apart. Power had been left in the capable hands of his Queen Didana, an Auroran Princess by birth though she'd spent her teenage years being educated under the Ajivhan system and had picked up quite a few of their ways. He had always been surprised at how his settler allies treated their wives and adult daughters like children, as if they were incapable of any reason or good judgement. Privately he'd found the shock and spluttering when he announced his Queen as steward quite amusing, indeed the first time he left the kingdom within a few days a small group of disgruntled native generals had tried to organise a coup. The uprising was so effectively and perhaps viciously put down by Didana that no-one had questioned her ability to lead again, so Indraj had few worries about leaving her in command this time.
He made a quick gesture when he saw Emperor Maximus appearing from the other side of the stage, orbited by a number of assistants, bodyguards and scribes. He wondered how the monarch felt about his role, having held the throne since he was barely more than infant, he couldn't have known much else. Indraj himself didn't mind the authority despite his reserved nature, the role of head of Silverroot University had fallen to him naturally in the chaos following the automaton uprising and over time the university had come to be seen as the symbol of Ajivhan survival, his name well respected across former Ajivhan lands. When the civil war had finally come to end, the two sides needed a candidate who wasn't tarred by the bloodshed of the previous four years and Indraj had inadvertently found himself nominated for the top position. At first he hadn't been sure about running a kingdom but there were no end of nobles and ministers to give advice and in the sense it was like maintaining a very large, complicated machine. He sometimes marvelled at how the son of a common bandit had risen to such a high position, that he believed he had Gangari to thank for. Still, on the rare day when the kingdom was quiet, he'd travel from his palace in Grand Ajihva to Silverroot and tinker with some metalwork like he had in the old good days.
"Your Imperial Majesty," he bowed as he came before the Emperor, aware even his royal status was dependent on the word of Maximus. As his sleeves slipped back, the golden spirals that showed his position as a demiurge of the Wisdom God were briefly revealed.
.
Emperor Maximus I, Isle of Xule
"Arise, my loyal servant," Maximus nodded formally as he met Indraj's blue-eyed gaze, there would be time to talk with his vassal later. He looked out over the crowd that had gathered for the great opening. Besides him a small vase of ashes stood, Lord Cassian had requested that some of his remains be taken to the island when the grand announcement took place. Xule had changed immeasurably since it was settled just over twenty five years ago, having arisen from the azure main only months before that. It was said that when the first colonists had arrived the island had been largely a barren windswept rock, with not even enough soil to farm easily. Now the majority of the island was covered by a sprawling metropolis, all centred around a gleaming marble inner city whilst Aurorans from every corner of the Commonwealth lived in the outer suburbs, taking advantage of the lax trading regulations the island was known for. Sitting between northern and southern Aurora, and with the Ray-Das to the east whilst the Raptor States and Deep Tribes lay to the west, it was not surprising that many called Xule one of the four great cities of Aurora, along with Nova Verde, Jashipolis and Grand Ajihva.
Besides Maximus stood the Lord Mayor, the ceremonial head of the city. He was giving a long and rambling speech about the palace to be unveiled and finally the signal was given for the Emperor to come forth. As Maximus cut the ribbon to the Palace of Nations, invoking the name of the Father Lysei as he did so, he couldn't help recalling the letters he had penned several days ago and as they spoke would be travelling to every head of state in the known world. He liked that image, the brainchild of Lord Cassian exploding out across the Earth as a glorious cumulation to the ideals the old man had fought for.
Dear [Head of State],
Your country is hereby invited to send a delegation to the Council of Nations, a new diplomatic organisation to be based on the island of Xule in a new Palace of Nations. The organisation is designed to make diplomatic and trade communications between nations much more convenient and any delegations shall be hosted as personal guests of Aurora. Furthermore, the city on Xule is hereby declared a province of free trade for any nation who wishes to set up a trade post, in exchange for a nominal percentage of sales as rent.
To celebrate the occasion, your nation is also invited to the inaugural session of the Xule Games, to be held in six months time from the dating of this letter. Send your fastest, strongest and bravest to a contest of international sportsmanship held on the island of Xule, complete with a spectacular ceremony of the best of Aurora. I hope to see you there personally.
Yours in the name of the Gods,
His Imperial Majesty Maximus I, by Grace of the Gods, Emperor of Aurora, King of Kings, Light of the World and Son of Heaven
A special copy had been sent to the Raptor States, their allies in the Trade Federation and fellow victors in the War of the Burning Tides whose anniversary would be celebrated soon. Two somewhat more measured copies were being delivered to the Ray-Das and Deep Tribes, aware of the past conflicts that had left the nations on somewhat sourer terms. Finally, two altered copies were to be sent to the Kingdom of Mereton and the country of Grat Shee, more recently discovered states who the Emperor was keen to build a closer relationship with, especially Mereton. Auroran legends told of a faraway land in which the Novaren people had originally settled after arriving from another world, in the past most scholars had believed that the mythical country was destroyed at the same time at which Father Matthias and his kin were taken prisoner by Turok since no other modern nation had existed where the people resembled the Novarens. Now the discovery of a new kingdom of pale humans in the far south excited even the most sceptical of Auroran historians and many explorers were making eager plans to find out if the tales told of an earthly paradise were true after all.
Minor Action - The above invitation to the Council of Nations and the Xule Games is sent to every other known nation in the world, including the new ones.
Also, a small PSA on terminology concerning Ajivha:
[li]Aurora refers to the entirety of the Auroran nation, including the Kingdom of Ajivha. If the remainder of Aurora must be differentiated from Ajivha, the term other provinces or rest of Aurora is recommended.[/li]
[li]Auroran is a nationality rather than an ethnicity, any mortal who is a permanent resident of Aurora is an Auroran regardless of ethnicity or species. In the case of Ajivha, the proper term for differentiating between the long established and newly settled populations are natives and settlers respectively.[/li]
It had finally come time for Gangari to speak to Cawles. He had been meaning to for about a year now, but there was always more to do and so little time to accomplish any of it.
He watched and waited, picking a time when she would be unoccupied and alone. Eventually he appeared to her, coming from the shadows of the room she was in.
He materialized one of his lacquered oak cases beside him on the floor and then spoke with a smile to alert her to his presence "Hello."
Cawles turned to see Gangari before her. She bowed before the God that had bestowed her the runic powers she had now. There had been much progress in the university but word from her homeland of their progress left with an uneasy look on her face despite the God's presence.
"Gangari..." Cawles said as she rose from her bow. "I thank you for all you have given me. This university is truly a gift for all. Is there anything you need of me?"
"You are welcome. Among other reasons, I have come to you today to offer you a gift." Gangari evaporated and rematerialized the oak case and its contents in his hands before extending it to Cawles, offering it to her.
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.
She curiously opened the case and touched the spear, feeling its unnatural properties. Her eyes wandered around the polearm, seeing its mystic runes before her eyes finally went up to Gangari.
"I thank you for this gift." She began. "I hope I will serve you well for the time to come." Cawles said with hope in her voice despite all the trouble that was happening now.
"You're welcome." Gangari said and then half-frowned "I've been hearing talk of trouble in your homeland lately. Is there anything I can do for you or your people?"
In less than a day the future he had planned had been ripped from him and those he had called friends. So much death. It had been the second time since his rising that he had been bathed in the ash of a people. He did what he could to stop it but it was a lost cause by the time he determined the cause.
He had taken his bloody vengeance upon the murderer Emir and used his face to hold the chaos at bay. Killing the bandits outright would have drained him too much, leave him unable to rebuild. So he scared them and used "Emir" to weaken them. They began to desert, the survivors organized, the city was retaken, and then the aurorans arrived to rebuild. He knew full well it was the Aurorans that had attacked, but they as an empire had made a blind deal. Those responsible would die in time, and their souls would find only misery in the afterlife as Emir had.
In the 25 years of rebuilding Gangari spent his time resurrecting and reincarnating those he decided worthy, those who called to him in life, those he couldn't save. They were reborn as a creature of his own design, Corvans. Closely resembling their old forms save for a few details, they would awake in the ruined streets of Ajivha just as the invaders were finally ejected. He would organize them, educate them, and lead them while they were leaderless.
Over time they divided into four major groups.
The city dwellers which remained in Grand Ajivha, deciding to continue their life as it stood before the fall of their nation. The scholars and artists which moved into the university, eventually becoming the core of Gangari's priesthood. The desert and plains dwellers which chose the path of the nomad, wandering the wilds of Ajivha, deciding to move beyond their pasts.
And then there are those who consider themselves the agents of Gangari. Men and women functioning in a role akin to warrior cults or explorer guilds. They would wander the world, on a mission of discovery and vigilant warfare. Their original task to hunt and assassinate the bastards who ravaged Ajivha during the 25 years of rebuilding and reestablishment.
- Created transmittable racial variant
Name: Corvans (However Gangari introduced them to the world as "The Tahna," a name they hold dearly)
Creation: The process of becoming a Corvan (or member of the Tahna) can be broken down into two steps: A ritualized blood transfusion from a Corvan and the consumption of a Enchanted Substance known as Delysid (produced through means known only to Corvans and priests of Gangari) which causes the user to temporarily see the world through a form of Heightened Ether Sight muddled with visions of their ancestors.
Physical Description: For the most part they appear to be the baseline of their race. However on average they are athletic and have some unique features as described below.
The pupils of their eyes is beyond the normal black of the baseline of their race, seemingly drawing in and nullifying light around them. Their iris is bronze in colour and notably metallic in appearance.
On each of their backs is a metallic bronze runic pattern easily mistaken for a tattoo by those unfamiliar with them. Upon rebirth it is a small spiraling pattern on the center of their back, but as they age it grows and changes, covering their back in adulthood and becoming more and more intricate as they age.
Traits
Aether Sight - Aether sight is the ability to see the truth of things (see the true form of things that are shapeshifted, invisible, possessed, etc. The image would be juxtaposed over the form that everyone else sees. Invisible creatures would become merely transparent, shapeshifted creatures would appear to be flickering between their original form and their chosen shape, possessed creatures and objects would appear with a glow revealing the form of their possessor, etc.). This perception of reality is however based upon Gangari's interpretation of what lays beyond the dimensions and realities perceivable by mere mortals. This would include the ability to see souls and other incorporeal beings or presences.
Naturally Runed - They are born with the capacity for runic magic, including the ability to spread it. Their ability is dependant upon age and experience unless the development of their power is hastened. The young have abilities not unlike that of evokers. When they reach adolescence they become equivalent to runewrights in power. When they reach the age of twenty one they become the equivalent of artificers in power. Those who develop into arch-artificers through luck of the draw or Gangari's favour usually become or are elders in their culture.
Regeneration - Though not immortal, their bodies have the capacity to heal from any wound which they can survive. Their body mending and regenerating as they rest. The only exception to this would be wounds inflicted by an alloy of nickel and iron which slows the regenerative process in regards to said wounds to the levels of their base race (unless of course healing magic is applied).
Dependence - Regeneration is dependant upon them living in places in which silver root has a node for it to function. Aether sight and Naturally Runed are dependant upon Gangari or another God powering them as they are connected to Gangari like the Demiurge.
Note: This racial variant is a generational trait, and can be inherited by children.
DC 11, autosuccess. (Interage equals a roll of 12. Wisdom +2 bonus applied. Runic Magic +2 bonus applied. Maximum DC=16.) If I'm wrong about the DC of this action, I'm one point off from being able to create a superior race so this as an interage action should be sufficient.
[hr]
Ashlif - Grand Ajivha
Twisted broken forms burning from fires untended, souls dancing in the streets, bodies weeping and screaming and begging.
Anger. Hate. Rage. These were things she was coming to understand. After weeks and months of wandering the streets amongst the Ajivhans, watching them, working with them, trying to become like them. The machines she attempted to study had turned on them, killing friends she had made, those she had watched, those her father had asked her to watch over.
Insects. Chittering, swarming, consuming insects filling the streets. They were the cause, released by the invaders. The invaders, she had seen them before. Their colours looked like ambassadors from the nation across the sea.
Beside her father and the hunters they had trained, the creatures responsible were cleansed from Ajivha. The Aurorans occupied her lands now, but her father had convinced her they weren't all to blame.
The times she wasn't hunting she had spent working on ways to help the survivors. Working her metals into the new buildings, creating tools and objects, leaving suggestions for project heads on their desks.
She had spoken on occasion to the survivors, though not for long, and usually not as herself.
Her father had taken to speaking to her frequently. Teaching her, questioning her about various things, passing on ideas. It would soon be time to continue his work he had said, he didn't want to leave her aimless. He left her tools, and books, and servants. He told her to live.
Squating on a large rock looking over some of the bustle down below Sharo slowly scratchs his claws over the hard stone below him. His eyes focused on those below who, for the first time in the history of the clans, were setting up permanent residance. Many of the buildings being made still hiden and hard to see unless you know what your looking for a few of the larger and more important ones were out in the open and not hiden at all. This was the third clan he had watched set up and Sharo was pleased, things had gone forward quickly and easily.
As he squats there watching the village get build he hears someone climbing up the rock behind him, but he doesn't worry as he recognizes the sounds of the even number of claws on the left foot. Saying back to shaman Kesar as he climbs up behind him. "Is this not incredible shaman of mine? The clans settling into permanent homes and places, no longer nomads and walkers."
The sub vocalization easily reaching the slightly small Grat climbing up the back of the rock and standing just behind and above chief Sharo. In one of his clawed hands a staff with feathers and unique rocks tied to the top with surprisingly thin leather strips. He first looks down at Sharo then at the Grat down below working with wood and other materials to make strong buildings. Unlike his chief he speaks in a voice that anyone around not Grat would be able to hear, though maybe not translate.
"A wonder indeed. Who would have imagined that 10 years ago when the last chief on his death bed that he wished for the clan to move beyond the walking life to one like the ones we used to hear about to the south of our original circuit."
Looking down at Sharo Kesar softly taps his tail with the base of his staff and turns away to start walking back down the rock. Sharo stays where he is for a few more minutes as he remembers back.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 years before
On the woven mat in front of a much younger Sharo and even younger Kesar lays a gray Grat. His extreme age evident and the old scars along with the missing arm shows that his life has been tough and long. Looking up at the 2 of them with eyes almost blind he softly hisses through his fangs at them.
"One day... We will move from these lands and tkae lands of our own... Where the clan will live and thrive, not stagnate like here."
Sharo and Kesar look at each other and each of them look in wonderment at the other as they consider those words. Looking back down at the old Grat and Sharo sets his hand on his shoulder.
"We will do it, we will move somewhere else and become a great clan, filling the world."
The old Grat smiles slightly before lifting his one clawed hand to Sharo's head and breaths out softly.
"Yes... You will."
His hand slowly falls, his old but still sharp claws scratching Sharo's snout leaving a few scratch's on it as the old Grat dies.
Sharo's hand lifts and his claws lightly touch the parallel scars that run down the tip of his snout. Turning away from the bustle and leaping down from the top of the 20 foot rock he lands and catch's himself before standing and picking up the bow and quiver of arrows, throwing them on and loping out to the south. Low to the ground and running at a pace he can sustain for hours he soon leaves where that village was going up and gets to the edge of the forest. Running between the trees and slowing to track the scents around he stops next to a particularly large tree. Pausing to catch his breath before he jumps on the tree and easily climbs up the vertical plane to get to wooden planks sticking out from the side of the tree with a hold just big enough for a Grat with a bow on their back to fit into. Climbing inside and stepping on the planks he is still a little incredulous that he has a hole at the top of a tree, and it was very well made. A nest against the other side of the tree trunk from where he had come in consisting of sweet smelling grasses and puffed up sewn up animal skins.
Dropping his bow and quiver on a mostly bare table he spreads out the hide map on the rough wood and looks at it. Where the villages are and which clan had built each, on the edge of the map some random scribbles about other nations that he had heard rumors about. Shaking his head and leaving it alone he picks up some jerky and chews on the tough meat as he thinks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern edge of the territory
Rashi was a great scout, he was the best scout in the whole clan that had settled the southern most area they had chosen. His squad was behind him going slower and listening out for any signal that he had found something, but unknown to them or anyone else but Rashi was that he always went farther and scouted more land than they asked him to just in case there was something just outside where he had been asked to scout. This time it had worked, just at the edge of the territory was a group of thresh. Turning back towards the squad and loping through the tall grass keeping low and keeping his presence to a minimum he was soon back, calling out to them as soon as they were in eye shot. "Brothers! A group of thresh with moving things are at our border."
The rest of the squad perk up and rush forward to him, their voices overlapping till the squad head hissed at them to quiet them down and semi interrogated Rashi. After finding out that there were 8 squads that he could see the squad head turns back and starts heading back towards the village, saying that they will need a few more squads to take care of these thresh in case they are thresh'kreel.
thresh translates to food.
thresh'kreel translates to iron food.
Over the years, Cyth'raul grew more bitter. The whispers swirled around inside the deity's head, concocting plans as Cyth'raul wandered over the world incognito. It seemed the mortal races had no need of a divine power that would give them anyway they wanted, for the right price. Just a little gratitude. However, there was a sight that brought a wave of refreshment which washed away the clouds of boredom: the awakening of new nations and the second spring of divinity. Cyth'raul could smell it in the air. Those which had called themselves the Grat intrigued the god, they didn't seem to be similar at all to any of the other races. The deity was tried of wandering aimlessly and so, Cyth'raul suddenly threw away the disguise as a Grat passed on by. Immediately, the Pactforger floated across then said, "You do have a leader of some sort, yes? You would honour your nation by bringing me to him or her."
The Grat scout was making his rounds on a piece of land north of his village, the rest of his squad behind him several hundred yards. As he was turning to take in the dip in the land when something shows up out of thin air. No scent, no sound, no movement. Just there without any indication, and in the instant he takes in it coming into sight he jerks an arrow out and pulls it to point at the thing as its words ring out in the air and register. Looking up at this thing still holding the arrow in the bow pointed at it as he considers.
"We do have a leader. Why would you want to meet him?"
"I... have a proposition for him. I specialise in deals and I believe we could come to an agreement." Cyth'raul grinned.
Behind both the scout and the creature the other 4 of the squad each pull their own bows and wait to see what their scout does. The scout looks from the thing to the rest of his squad. Considering everything he slowly lowers the bow and puts the arrow back in its quiver. Waving his hand subtle at the rest to put theres down he looks at the much taller thing and nods.
"Okay, ill take you to Chief Sharo. But he will chose what to do with and about you."
Turning he waves at the creature as he starts running into the forest. About 20 minutes later he stops and looks back to see the thing still right behind him. Pointing up at a very well hide up close to 70 feet in the air.
"He is in there. We will be down here waiting for you."
They were understandably cautious but still, Cyth'raul was keen to dispel their fear. The deity thanked the scout and his squad for bringing in a what must've been to them a rather strange being. Well, time to give them a name. The deity floated in where a 'Chief Sharo' was said be and gave an introduction, "I am Cyth'raul, the Pactforger. I am here to greet you on behalf of the divine beings in this world. I am also here to present you with an opportunity: whatever you want, whatever you desire for your nation in return for one simple thing - worship. Take your time if you must though doubt will not be appreciated."
As the creature was going up the scout on the forest floor calls out sub vocally to the hide high in the air.
"Chief Sharo! Visiting thing that wishs to talk to you!"
In the hide the sound of someone calling could be heard, if faint. But the message came across, and because of it Sharo was almost ready when the thing came into being inside. Looking at it and tilting his head slightly as it introduced itself Sharo nods slowly.
"I am Chief Sharo, Chief of Chiefs for the Grat Shee. You say you can give me, us, whatever we want in exchange for worship? Why would you do this? What are you?"
"A god." Cyth'raul grinned, "As for my reasons, just look to my title of Pactforger."
Looking at it for a long minute before moving backward while still facing Cyth'raul and sets his hand on the map still layed out on the wooden table. His claws tapping the part of the map where the Grat nation was outlined.
"A deal, yes? than give us a place the Grat can live easily. A perfect place for us. To defend and life and thrive."
Sharo's eyes holding Cyth'raul and standing as straight and tall as he can.
A hand scratched a chin as Cyth'raul mulled the deal over. It was relatively straightforward but there were some things that needed to be ironed out.
"Two things." The Pactforger announced, "One: details about you yet-to-be haven and two: as Chief of Chiefs, I assume you have the authority over your nation's religious aspects, yes?"
Looking at it and Sharo's eyes sliding to the side.
"i have say over the warriors, the fighters. but the rest, that is up to the shamans."
Sliding his clawed hand over the map and looking at it then Cyth'raul.
"What do you want to know about our haven?"
Cyth'raul gave a slight nod and said, "You want somewhere you can thrive, however, I do not know in what conditions you thrive in. In order to avoid disappointment, I need details."
Nodding and stepping around the side of Cyth'raul and picking up a spear, walking back to set it back down next to the bow and arrows. Waving his hands over them and looking at the god.
"We use spear and bow to hunt. We only eat meat, so even in a place where thresh can grow and eat that plant life."
Shuddering and closing his hand around the shaft of the spear.
"We need places to hunt, to build, to hide. We need somewhere with lots of animals, lots of places for them. The plains out there are great for hiding but doesn't have enough thresh. Here, in this forest, are many more and are great for hiding and building. But the trees and the bush and even the amount of thresh in it, we wish there was more and greater."
"So, a massive forest then? But where?" Cyth'raul asked.
Looking down at the map and sliding his claws over it slowly till they touch the northern part of the taken land. The already large forest. Circling it and stabbing it with his claw.
"Here, there is a forest already. We have villages in it, all of them hunt areas empty. We are used to moving after but now we have to stay and learn stay. Making this forest and as much as u can greater. As large, as full, and as virulent as you can."
"I had assumed so." Cyth'raul nodded as a book appeared from nowhere and the terms of the Pact were written down, "That is enough. I will take my leave now to fulfil my part of bargain. I expect you to fulfil yours soon afterwards."
And just like that, the deity disappeared.
Cyth'raul reappeared up the forest where the Grat called their home. The deity called to the seeds beneath that had yet to sprout, to the trees which made up the forest and gave them their new instructions for growth. The forest would spread. Bark would become like iron and thorns like daggers; just as Gangari had his University, Cyth'raul decided to add some individual flare to the forest. The surge of awakening had given the Whisper in the Dark plenty of power to play with and the deity was content to use it to shape the forest. Whispers poured from every orifice, giving the whole forest a nascent sentience with only one directive: "Grow."
Causing major changes to the topography of a land - DC 11, 12 + 2 (Or whatever I have) Guidance.
Once Budraal assured his puppet Chieftain's position upon the return of the Gold Tribe's forces. He returned to Highcrag to act upon his success. With the Gold Tribe now no longer blockading the northern mountains for colonization, the Supreme orders that other Tribes migrate north, to carve out a greater domain for the Deep Tribes.
The Deep Tribes settle the vast mountain range to the north.
On the southern border of the Grat's area a squad was racing through the grass towards where they know a village was set up. When they are close the rolling hills and waving grasses don't show where it is, hidden among the dirt and grass expertly. Running through where a clump of grass is into a large building dug out of the inside of the hill. Rushing in and past a few people putting the finishing touch's on it with light and breaking holes in the sides and ceiling they rush to the chief of this village at the back of the long building. Slowing and the leader of the squad stepping forward they make their report to the scared Grat.
"Chief! a group of thresh are moving along our border, 8 squads at least. We wish to take 4 more squads with us to find and take them."
Looking over at them and chewing on some meat chief Zraco steps forward and looks closer.
"40 thresh, 5 squads are enough to take them yes? Than 4 more shall it be."
Waving his hand and calling 4 other squads forward and some bow makers he has everyone fill their quivers before nodding and letting them go.
"Go, and send a scout when it is done. Butchers and cooks will follow and finish up after. Others also to bring back the hides and anything else."
The leaders slamming the heels of their spears on the dirt floor and leaving they spread out when outside and running back towards the edge of the territory.
half an hour later they are back to where they had first found the caravan. Each of them sending a scout forward and following behind them as they track and follow the obvious signs of movement. Soon the caravan is in sight and the scouts go back to join their squads, the leaders moving forward this time to look over the moving things and what they have with them.
After another half an hour of scouting out them as they move and finding which of them, if any, are fighters they call their squads forward and the leader of the one who had found them set out the plan. Todes speaking to them quietly and sending squads out to get ready.
"Fragi, take yours and get ahead of them. Take out the horses they are using to move. Then rush in and kill everyone in those things. You two, left side. Take the horses then rip through everyone else. Make sure to get any thresh'kreel first and chase after any who get away. Gdran, right side. Don't attack with us. When we do it will be the only free side, get any that run past you. As many we you can. We will take the back and rip up through till we all meet in the middle."
As the 4 others move into position and slowly move where they are Todes waits another few minutes to make sure they are not ready before calling the attack by firing an arrow that catch's one of them as they run beside one of the large things talking to someone. Seconds later 34 other arrows fly out and hill a dozen and a half of the creatures and half a dozen horses. As the right side stands and sends out another volley they each drop their bows next to the quivers they had taken off and taking up their spears jump forward and rush the caravan from that side and those in front keep picking their targets with their arrows.
Todes sets his own bow down and rush's forward with his squad behind him arranged in an arrow head. As they rush over the back of the caravan 2 of them jump in the back of the large things the horses had been pulling while the rest spear and drag the people who had been driving them off. Tearing out there throats as they pull their spears from their body's, their muzzles dripping with blood as they move forward take over the next one. The Grat who had gone into the back of the first one jumped out seconds later when they found nothing living inside. Rushing forward and joining into the attack of the drivers as 2 others jump in the back of this moving thing. This time there is living things inside and they found out the hard way when an axe comes swinging down tight and fast to hit the first Grat in the arm, but sharper than anything he had found before it slices through his arm and hits his chest before stopping. The one who follows jumps in and buries his spear in the thresh'kreels throat before dropping his spear and pouncing on the other creature in the space, ripping its throat out and throwing it out the back before screaming out at the top of his lungs.
"THRESH'KREEl!"
The rest of the Grat heard the scream, knowing what it means they each take more care when attacking and taking down their own opponents. Over a dozen of the ones being attacked had turned to the only open direction and taken off as fast as they could. Some of them on horses over half of the ones that ran either got a spear stabbed into their body's or jumped from behind to be sent into whatever life was after this one by sharp claws and sharper teeth.
2 of those who had been attacked got away on horses, one with an arrow sticking out of his back and the other free of injury. Of the ones running only one got away totally, the rest either taken down in the initial trap or a few minutes later when chased down and jumped.
Back at the caravan everyone was dead, everyone who had been in the caravan other than the 3 who had escaped were dead and many of them were dragged into the middle of the caravan while a scout was sent back to bring back others. The squads tear through the things some of the thresh'kreel had been riding in. Throwing out bags and tools some of them were pulled out and set in a different pile. Each of these had a small glowing symbol on them and from what had been seen in the attack they were different and powerful. One of these is an axe with blood on it, standing over the pile was a Grat who's arm just above the elbow down was gone. A bandage tied around it the one who had seen it was telling others as they worked how easily it had slices through his arm, even though these thresh had not been overly strong so something else was happening here.
Sharo climbs out the side of his hide and along a hung rope bridge to another larger building hanging between 3 trees. Climbing into it and waving off someone trying to help him he walks over to a large map on the wall and slaps his hand on the spot of the northern forest. Talking to Kesar behind him and looking at him.
"I got visited by someone calling themselves a god. They said they will make this forest here wild and large, in exchange for worship. Organize a scouting party, actually do two. Send one towards the forest and one towards those mountains we see in the east to see what kind of animals and if there are any place we can settle."
Sharo looks over at Kesar and tilts his head slightly.
"You had that idea a few years ago, about keeping animals and not just hunting them? Can you see about testing that out a few times and if that will work?"
Kesar scratch's his chin and looks from the map to Sharo before shrugging.
"I can try, no promises though."
Khyber entered the hall, escorted by his soldiers at the behest of the council who saw Severyn as a perpetual threat in their capitol. Upon entering, he saw several Krakari lined up for him along with the new members of the council. Even with the advances in medicine, old age still found its mark.
Representing the Aquilas was the skinny Aeryn who stooped over the other members due to his freakish height. Next to him was the stout Jak of the Strix clan who assumed control after Cawles decided to stay in the university and live the rest of her days there. The calculating Gora was replaced by Dehl who seemed more vivacious than his predecessor. Finally on the elder council, Khyber saw his father on the throne of the Kraai. His father was elderly but he still clung to life as if it was a sword to an opponent's neck.
Nonetheless, Khyber found it odd that there were several younger Krakari lined up in front of the families as if they were on display.
"Ah, Khyber." Dehl called out, waving his hand to him. "Look at our contestants for the Xule games!"
Khyber scanned the Krakari, noting their muscular physique but the notion of games left Khyber a bit hesitant. "Games? Where?"
"The Aurorans of course!" Dehl exclaimed. "They've invited us to their new city for some games so we've collected the best we have at the moment."
"We must attend, Khyber." Aeryn spoke out, pointing to him. "And you are going."
Those words floored him. Why would they dispose of him when Severyn was about? They needed him if they were to make any headway in bringing down Severyn. The Aquilas had done a poor job in bringing them down and with the war in Lot-Vos, it took time to restructure and reorganize his men along with retraining them to use their new weapons. Sometimes he damned their tradition and the word of the council.
"If I may ask, why?" Khyber asked, making sure to keep calm in a situation like this. He was old now but sometimes the fire of his anger would flash in situations like this.
"A sign of good faith, that's why." Jak said in a dull tone. "Its appropriate to have the great Khyber Kraai be there to talk to the new Emperor. We owe Aurora a large deal in fighting the Ray-Das. It is only fair you are there."
Khyber was well aware of the sacrifices Aurora gave in fighting the halflings but this Strix had no right telling him what the Aurorans would appreciate and what they wouldn't it. "I agree, in exchange may I ask for an audience with you all next meeting then. I will need time to arrange my travels and my men and-"
"Don't worry with that, Khyber." Aeryn spoke up once more. He signaled to the guards to let in a guest and the creaky doors were opened to reveal an Aquila in their trademark white armor. "My granddaughter will accompany you on your trip to Xule. Her name is Aerith and she's quite a fan of your campaign in Lot-Vos."
The equally tall Aquila bowed with respect to Khyber who only returned the gesture out of instinct. "Pleasure meeting you." Khyber said sharply.
"The pleasure is all mine, conqueror." Aerith said. "I look forward to being under your tutelage."
"Tutelage?" Khyber asked aloud, more and more confounded by the council's decisions. "I never asked for this."
"Because you never saw yourself free to foster a child!" His father said angrily. "You've been to preoccupied with our armies but you never gave a moment to continue our line. Now your cousins stand poised to assume the family name."
"I've been to preoccupied because I've been fighting a damn war!" Khyber finally said, his anger finally beginning to show. "The Aurorans are the only ones I owe a favor to and not to this council." Khyber stormed off in a huff with the rest of the council held in a silence.
Outside he met his troops and his steward.
"Ready my belongings." Khyber said to his steward. "We leave for Xule as soon as possible."
"But aren't we to leave with the Aquilas as well?" His steward asked as recorded Khyber's orders. "I was told by an Aerith Aquila we were to leave with her for Xule."
"Damn Aerith and damn the Aquilas." Khyber said, flying off with his troops leaving the steward behind.
Drya wandered for a time, observing the world she was bound to. It was far vaster and more diverse than she had ever imagined as a mortal, with different races and nations scattered across its entirety. Invisible to mortal eyes she walked the streets of Ajivha, explored the caverns of the Luug, soared alongside Krakari and sailed with the diminutive Ray-das. She must have spent an entire week swimming in the oceans, fascinated by the sheer variety of life that existed below the waves. Racing dolphins, marveling at reefs and playing with fish, it was truly a joyous experience.
Eventually she found herself deep in thick forest, far to the north. This place was different to the forests she had grown up in, she could feel a faint presence in the air and soil. The result of another being like herself? It was impossible to be sure, yet it seemed the most likely explanation. Nonetheless the surroundings were comforting, the vegetation reaching out to brush her and small critters running around her feet. Wherever she stepped there was a flurry of activity and life.
Several hours later the goddess paused. She had stumbled onto tracks she didn't recognize, too organized to be wild creatures, yet clearly not human or Krakari. Her curiosity piqued, she jumped into the canopy, travelling swiftly above the ground. It did not take long to find the creatures, they were swinging between the trees in what appeared to be an above ground village. Small and scaled, they traversed the treetops with startling grace considering their appearance. Impressed by their ingenuity and deeply appreciative of how they'd adapted rather than destroyed the forest for their settlement, Drya made a decision. Reaching out to the foliage around her it shifted, forming a walkway to a group of the creatures. Walking up to them as they turned to observe her, the vegetation returned to its natural state behind her.
"Greetings honourable denizens of the forest! May I inquire as to the name of your species and for directions to your leaders? I would speak with them if I may?" she asked with a warm voice and a gentle smile. A small cloud of white butterflies whirled around her briefly, before dispersing through the village.
Several of the Grat sitting on platforms on top and in the tree top look up quickly as something starts walking towards them. A few of them grab bows and spears from next to them to get ready to attack this thing. As butterflies swarm past them and into the rest of the village and it speaks they look between themselves and one of them steps forward. Holding a staff with some plant leaves and rocks tied around the end he stands in front of them all and looks up at the thing.
"You speak, and ask for our leaders. why?"
The goddess looked at the weapons trained on her and laughed softly. She addressed the one that had spoken to her.
"I merely wish to propose an arrangement with them. I mean you no harm I assure you, quite the contrary in fact. Your people have pleased me in how they live their lives, I would love for the chance to show my appreciation. As you can see," she said, calling the nearby trees to her and running her hands across the branches, "...I am no mere mortal."
The one in front looks back at a few of the Grat with arrows or holding spears and waves his staff at them. As they lower their weapons and look at each other the one looks back at the creature and shrugs.
"You could be one of many things. The way we live is how we have always lived, but in one place rather than many."
Eyeing her and scratching his neck as he does his staff slowly tilts till its at a 45 degree angle pointing to the east.
"That way, maybe. Shaman Kesar will be the one you wish to talk to. He... you will see creature."
Waving forward several warriors still holding their weapons even they are not quite held towards her.
"These will take you close. but you will be stopped before you may meet him."
Drya's smile deepened and she clapped her hands.
"By all means, lead the way!"
The ones who had stepped forward turned and climb down the trees holding up the platform. Once they get to the ground they look back to make sure the creature is following them. One starts moving out and waves for her to follow while the other 3 wait and follow behind keeping a close eye on her. Soon 15 more Grat step out of the bushes and from behind the tree trunks high above, many of them with arrows drawn and pointed at her as the ones who had escorted her stop and dart away out from the small clearing that they had come to.
One of the squads on the ground step forward and look at her with much fiercer eyes.
"Who are you? Why are you here?"
"You may call me Drya," she replied, giving a slight bow. "And you are?"
Looking at Drya and tilting his head at the absence of fear or worry he answers with a less fierce voice.
"Squad kera. Grat hunters."
"Hunters you say? I am something of a huntress myself actually, even if I no longer have the need for it. So your people are called the Grat? You truly are fascinating. Do you speak for all of your people then?"
Looking at her agask when she asks the last he shakes his head hard and steps back.
"NO! I am no chief."
Looking at a few of the other Grat around and raising one hand in a little motion another jumps down from a tree and puts the bow in her hand back in a small case on her back. Stepping forward and looking at Drya then at the first Grat. Saying softly facing more towards the other Grat.
"We should get Kesar. he can speak for all if it is needed."
"Oh my deepest apologies, I did not mean to offend. Please fetch this Kesar, I do not mind waiting," Drya replied.
The 2 Grat look at each other and the first turn and disappears into the brush. Not 20 minutes later he comes back with a shorter younger Grat holding a staff with a decretive head walking through the bush. Looking at Drya and laughing softly Kesar steps forward to right in front of her and looks up at her.
"You are a goddess yes? It is so interesting that after we move down here into these lands we have met two gods so quickly. You are a hmm... Huntress yes?"
"You have met another goddess? So that must be what this presence is... apologies that is not important. I am indeed a huntress and I have no need of my divine powers for that. I have had many successful hunts in my time, there is nothing quite like a successful kill. Something I am sure your hunters would agree with."
A few of the hunters around smile showing razor sharp fangs and laugh softly. Kesar laughs louder and waves his staff at the Grat standing around.
"Oh yes, they understand that very well."
Looking over Drya slowly and leaning on his staff Kesar looks up at her and shrugs.
"Why come to us. We are new and just started building a few years ago."
"Well I didn't intentionally seek you out you see, it was more of a happy coincidence. I revealed myself to you however, because your way of life interests me greatly. You are living within this glorious forest, working with it for mutual benefit. Most races..." Drya continued, her eyes hardening "...would destroy the forest, tear it down and savage the land for their own use. This destruction, it pains me greatly. Your people are proof that their is another way, you can live together with this world, not against it. All I want is to show my appreciation, to assist you how I may."
Nodding as Drya talks Kesar scratch's his claws down the staff he is leaning on shaving a few thin slices off.
"We live like this because we do not eat the plants like the thresh. As everyone knows there is less thresh in places sparse of trees and plants. We use the trees as homes and to hunt while on the plains we use the rolling hills and grasses to hide and hunt. Every place has its own ways to do so. But we could not destroy these trees anymore than our own homes because they are. I thank you for coming to assist. Seeing as you are a goddess I am sure you have a few good ideas of how to help those who live in and with the trees and nature."
"I have some idea yes." Drya answered, smiling deeply. Stepping forward she laid a hand on Kesar's brow and closed her eyes. A deep green glow pulsed through Kesar briefly before the goddess lifted her hand.
"I have blessed you with the power to encourage growth. It will affect animals and plants both, I trust you will use this wisely. Continue to live the way you do and I shall assist you again in the future."
Stepping back from Kesar, Drya turned to the rest of the Grat and grinned.
"Now, who wants to show me how the Grat hunt? I would love to see such a fierce people in action."
Blinking as Drya steps forward and a green glow settles over him Kesar shivers and looks down at himself as he feels something has changed with himself. Waving at one squad and saying slightly absentmindedly.
"Go with them, they are going out to hunt some of the large cats deeper in the forest. I need to go talk to Chief Sharo about what happened here. Have fun, yes? I am sure we will talk again."
Drya gave another slight bow and walked over to the squad. Unslinging her bow she followed the hunters into the forest. It had been too long since she'd done this and she was eager to see how these Grat's methods compared to hers.
-Place or remove a blessing/curse on a single mortal for the term of his/her life.
Kesar can accelerate the growth of any plant or animal. He can choose to decrease the time it takes for it to reach maturity (species that would take years to grow will now only take weeks), or he can alter their shape, changing one feature into something different.
A new age was dawning, the old one having fallen into decline with the imprisonment of Jashiki and the fall of Ajihva. The nations and gods alike continued their efforts but expansion slowed for a time. It was not long after the decline began that the proud city of Lot-Vos was finally conquered by cunning Krakari agents ferreting out the remaining resistance, their efforts aided by the great loss of morale among the halflings from Jashiki's downfall.
In other parts of the world colonies were founded, even reclaiming some of the ruins of once great Ajihva. Sadly the destruction had been thorough and what the machines had left untouched the sands had destroyed, all of the accumulated knowledge of Ajihva was lost save for what was contained within the University, and even that was held to be distributed at Gangari's leisure.
Finally perhaps even more significant than those actions of the nations were the actions of the gods. Lysei took it upon himself to rework the failed designs of his genners and the race of driders soon arose once more, though they had yet to claim a true home of their own they found shelter in Auroran settlements and in the ruins of Ajihva. Gangari likewise created a new race through the modification of some of the survivors of Ajihva's collapse and with his blessings they began to find prosperity once more though they remained but a fraction of their lost kingdom's greatness. Last but not least were the workings of Cyth'raul who entered into a pact with one of the new fledgling nations, changing their forested lands to be more to his own liking and imbuing them with a slight will of their own.
But what truly marked the dawn of this new age was not the successes of the existing nations or gods, but the emergence of new powers. All the gods could feel the arrival of the two new deities, though one had yet to truly announce his presence to the world, and the gods and nations alike would be hard pressed to ignore the gradual rise of the fledling civilizations of the Grat Shae and Mereton. These new powers were younger and less developed than the existing ones but they were eager to claim their place in the world and to change it according to their wills.
Maximus sighed contently as he settled down for the night in his cabin, his personal boat slowly sailing along on it's journey back to Nova Verde. He sorted through a few letters, groaning when he saw another from Lord Deputy Roland Olin. He couldn't stand the man and suspected the feeling was mutual, when the elder Lord Olin had been executed for crimes against the people shortly after the deposition of Octavius his son had disappeared from public view and many expected him to stay that way. Following the retirement of Cassian however the younger Lord Olin had reappeared among the official opposition and quickly became a rising star, eloquently distancing himself from his father's offences whilst offering an alternative path to the traditional Cassianism which had dominated Parliament since the revolution. Two years ago when the previous Deputy stepped down for health reasons, the opposition had mounted a campaign behind Roland and secured the confidence of both houses of Parliament, leaving the Emperor with little choice but to swear in the man. There wasn't much one could do, as Lord Cassian had always said one had to respect the will of the people.
Suddenly, Maximus heard a small clatter behind him, breaking his train of thought. He turned around to see nothing but an empty room.
"Is that you Lysei?" he called out, "You know, that stopped being funny after the third time..."
Without warning a shadowy figure leapt out of nowhere, slamming Maximus in the chest with a well-aimed kick. He fell to the ground with a thump, a glinting blade sailing over where his head had been a moment before. He grasped a ceremonial sword lying by his desk and thrust it wildly in the direction of his assailant, who leapt back nimbly. The figure was short, barely higher than his waist and disguised with black cloth, a face mask covering their entire head. Maximus barely had time to register anything more before the assassin threw themselves back at him, a single punch sending the Emperor flying into the back of the cabin, his sword lost somewhere in the darkness. The small figure walked up to him, their blade pointed firmly at his chest.
"Wait!" the Emperor cried aloud, silently praying to Lysei, Gangari and any other divinities that came to mind to save him, "What do you want? I can... I can help you!"
The assassin shook their head and silently raised their short sword above their head. Maximus instinctively covered his face and then looked through his fingers as the door opened with a mighty crack, his wife standing in the doorway with a pair of drider guards behind her.
"Maximus?!" she called out. The assassin glanced around and then fled as the arachnid soldiers tore after them, leaping nimbly through an open window and out onto the deck.
"Seize him!" the Emperor cried feebly as he struggled to his feet with the help of the Queen and they followed the driders as they pursued the assailant over the ship. The figure ran to the bow and then with a quick glance behind threw themselves overboard. The group reached the side of the ship and looked over into the churning waters below, no sign of the assassin greeted them.
"Mother of Lysei!" one of the driders exclaimed, "they're gone!
~
"How did he get in?" Amatia thundered as an impromptu meeting was held in the Emperor's cabin. Along with Maximus and his wife, his Minister of Defence Lord Omar had been drafted hastily from another ship on the fleet and the Drider head of the Guard Naleene had been awoken to join the conversation.
"Our guards stationed at the Emperor's door were poisoned somehow," Naleene spat, rubbing her archanid legs together nervously, "Still alive, thank Lysei, but out cold. This was a professional job, no doubt about it,"
"And you can't remember anything else?" the Queen turned to her husband.
"He was short, too small to even be a Toro Islander," Maximus shrugged, still feeling dazed from the attack, "Either a halfling or a dwarfen human, dressed in black. That's as much as I saw, his face was covered,"
"I'm afraid, your Imperial Majesty," Omar said slowly, "That from what you say about this mysterious assassin's anomalous strength for his or her size, and their watery escape, there's only one possibility: a sea vampire."
"I thought they were all accounted for years ago as part of Project Typhoon," the Emperor exclaimed, "You mean to tell me there's more out there?"
Project Typhoon had been one of the more successful ventures at the tail end of the last age, under the tutelage of Badger three divisions of sea vampires had been created from the best recruits to the Auroran army. The Alphas were physically large and incredibly strong even by vampire standards, deployed on the battlefield to assist the front line. The Betas were smaller and more agile fighters, designed to hold defensive positions and wield ranged weapons in particularly dangerous condition. The third mysterious Gamma division were spies and assassins, posted behind enemy lines as a last resort.
"Unfortunately it's quite possible, the virus is so easy to spread," Omar admitted, "Plus, it is thought that Jashiki created quite a few halfling vampires who left our nation shortly before the securing of Oileán Uisce and returned to the lands of the Ray-Das, that would fit with why the assassin was so small yes?"
Around the room what this meant was digested, Naleene being the first to speak it aloud.
"The Ray-Das tried to assassinate his Majesty? That's an act of war!"
"Caution," Maximus raised his hand, "We can't leap to conclusions, there could well be a halfling militia operating in our own lands. But..." the sentence was left unsaid, it was easy to see how the Ray-Das could send one of their own to hide amongst Aurora's halflings.
"What are you going to do?" Amatia asked Maximus anxiously, "Your safety must come first, I can't... lose you,"
"Double the guard," the Emperor said to Naleene, "Send out reinforcements to Oileán Uisce, have them search every dwelling and hiding hole for this assassin, we must know the truth. No stone must be left unturned, you understand?"
"Of course, your Imperial Majesty," the Drider bowed and then scuttled out to begin preparations. It would be an interesting night, at-least, she thought.
.
Wen Sung, Jashipolis, Isle of Oileán Uisce
As the Emperor had planned, Jashipolis had grown immensely from it's origin as a mere trading post. The protective blessing provided by Jashiki had attracted a good deal of attention from the generals of Aurora and two decades ago the main barracks and training outpost of the Auroran army and navy had moved to the city, often using the dense forests behind the metropolis for mock battles. The blessing meant real weapons could be used without risk of injury and for this Oileán Uisce was very popular. Jashipolis was not only a military base however, it was also host to the largest school in Aurora after Silverroot University, the South School of Gangari. Here promising students aged anywhere from five to twenty five were taught the newest discoveries and knowledge found across the land by an array of teachers. One of them was Wen Sung.
Wen had taken his new surname shortly after arriving on Oileán Uisce, as a slave he'd never needed one but now freed people kept on asking and eventually he and Suko had settled on Sung. It was one of the more common names from the Isle of Tian but that suited both men perfectly, after their days in the Octopi neither wanted to draw attention to themselves. After a stint working for Ker-Hai Wen had found himself falling into a career he'd long considered but never had the opportunity to do: teaching. First he helped instruct children from the waterbender village, then he secured a job at the new school Gangari opened on the island teaching the younger classes the proper use of language. On this particular day Wen was instructing a class of eight year olds on writing Auroran numerals, showing them each symbol on the board in turn.
"X means ten, L means fifty, C one hundred, D five hundred and so on. Any guesses what M is?" The children shouted out various numbers ranging anywhere from seven hundred to ten thousand. Wen thought he heard the correct answer somewhere over the hubbub. "Yes, M is the symbol for one thousand. You can use four of them at once! I think that's enough for today, you may leave."
Wen started to organise the papers on his desk as the children streamed out of the classroom eagerly, once the last had filtered out he went to the store cupboard next door to see if he had any snacks left over. As he opened the door he blinked and then almost shouted out in alarm when he saw a small figure sitting morosely inside. She was a girl of about six, blond and staring at him silently with wide blue eyes. She appeared to be dressed in some sort of black clothing, though it was torn and misshapen. In her hands was the last of his ship's biscuits.
"Oh, what are you doing in there?" Wen asked in surprise, not recognising the child from around the school. She continued to stare at him wordlessly. At that moment there was a knock from somewhere behind Wen, he looked around to see a pair of bored-looking soldiers standing at the entrance to his classroom.
"Excuse us sir," one said, "We're searching the school on Imperial orders. You haven't seen anything suspicious, have you?"
"Like what?" Wen asked slowly.
"We're searching for a highly dangerous suspect we've been tracking, the size of a halfling and dressed in black. Possibly armed. Does that ring any bells."
"Well..." Wen looked down at the girl, she shook her head and was mouthing something silently. He sighed and turned his gaze back to the soldier, having made up his mind. "Sorry, I haven't seen anyone like that today,"
"Okay, let us know if you do," the man nodded and they left the room. Wen knelt down to get a better look at the child, what could she possibly have done to warrant such a response? A chill ran down his spine as he remembered the atrocities that had occurred under Octavius, surely Maximus wouldn't? These were questions that would have to wait, he tried his best to put on a smile so she would know he was a friend.
"I'm going to get your out of here sweetheart, what's your name?" he asked in Common, hoping she at-least spoke the language.
"Opal," she said quietly after a pause.
"My name is Wen and I'm going to take you somewhere safe, Opal," he said as calmly as he could before gently picking her up in his arms and carrying her through the back exit, glancing over his shoulder repeatedly for the soldiers as he walked, thanking Gangari when they didn't reappear. As he jogged through the forest behind the school he noticed her clothing was oddly damp and smelled of salt, as if she'd been swimming the sea. Perhaps she was a stowaway, he thought. "You can stay at my home for a while, Opal," he told the girl reassuringly. Her head was turned away but he thought he saw her nod approvingly and relax a little in his grasp. What Wen didn't see was a small smile dancing across the child's face, a pair of pointed white fangs briefly peeping below her top lip before disappearing back into the depths of her mouth.
(Major) - Upgrade Jashipolis to Citadel
(Major) - Scout north of Medegarde for colonisation
(Major) - Scout free land north of Mereton for colonisation
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