[PDQ] The Grand Mythos Game Thread

[Sehnsucht Engel]

The storyteller

He let out a puff of smoke.

"Between the second and third age, the gods continued as before. Eldarwen created Minas Kei, in the ghostfather's canyon. She flooded it with water, as the harsh desert climate outside the city walls would have made it hard for the mortals to survive otherwise. Auctor built the great library of Minas Kei, where her synthetics moved in. Nivix granted immortality to the five guild heads of the Mizzen, so that they could not die of old age. Zareth enchanted Evermoor to warn him of intruders and stop the living from entering, unless they could beat his new wardens. Pentar created a hundred swords, to be used by the knights of order and passed down from generation to generation."

He leaned back against a tree, and blew out a smoke ring. The children watched it fly.

"Roe created a new smaller moon in memory of his dead friend Petal. Aen made his own place in the hallowed court, as he did not already have one. There he could train, spar and hunt when he felt like it. Seith enchanted his mirror even further."

The storyteller smiled, glad that there was nothing that violent to tell about the period between the ages.

"Ailish and Sonitus returned from the broken heavens, carrying a fruit, which the godess planted in the mourning garden to counter its influence. The trees are said to bear fruit, but rot quickly if they are plucked. M'endar created a floating continent on Melanthios planet, while Melanthios himself activated the magic inside his planet so it could turn into one giant golem if it came under attack. One can't help but wonder what would happen to the mortals and creatures, should that ever come to pass."

He nodded, that was it. The third age was about to begin.

"A thousand years later, the third age begun."

<spoiler=OOC>Terratina and Floris informed me of their actions. However, should these posts not appear asap, their actions did not happen and I will come back to edit this post accordingly. Those not mentioned did not make an interage action.

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

Sonitus 8

"Where is mother?" She asked, as she wanted to meet her and tell her about the previous death god's actions, which had caused the end of their universe.

Auctor was silent, but looked up from her book and stared across the lake. On the other side, was several houses and mortals walking the street. She could feel pain coming from Auctor.

"I asked you a question."

The writer nodded in response, and wiped her eyes with her hand. "I'm certain Eldarwen is fine, though I'd advise against disturbing her now. She is not in the best of moods." Sonitus hoped nothing had happened to the godess, but why was Auctor crying? "She left a gift for you inside the palace. Well, it wasn't hers to begin with, but Ailish was gone for a thousand years. So were you."

Sonitus didn't think they'd been gone that long, though time mattered little to her when she had felt the skin of a godess against her own. Had they really done it that long? She blushed, and hurried inside the palace. Where was she anyway? It looked nothing like home.

"Welcome to Minas Kei, sister. The city of the blood sacrifice." Auctor said, just before Sonitus entered the gate. What did she mean by that?

Sonitus was directed by the servants to a room, which they had locked, but opened when she explained what Auctor had told her. They didn't enter the room with her, and the inside was filled with empty tables of different sizes. The table in the middle did have an item on it. She could feel the power, the hatred emanating from it. A plaque placed on the table had a short text about the item, where it was written that it was the armor of hatred. A brief history and description was written as well. Though what came as a surprise was that it said that it belonged to Sonitus.

"Why would they write that...?"

Ailish had created it, but the plaque clearly stated that the owner was Sonitus, as it had been decreed by the godess. Ah, of course, her mother wanted her to have it. She was not going to object, though Ailish might. She could give it back if the godess ever did.

Sonitus put it on, which took a while, as she had never wore armor before and was unused to it. It did look stylish, but its power felt like a curse. Amour had taken time to figure out, maybe it was just the same with the armor. She was glad to own something to remind her of her time with Ailish.

She cast another glance around the mostly empty room, and noticed that a book was placed on a table in the corner. The plaque belonging to the book only had a name written on it. The book of Alectra. She had so many questions since she had returned, and finding a book in a room for treasure was another one.

Sonitus opened it and began to read. It appeared to be a diary, with the first entry dating ten years ago.

Eldarwen 26, 2

They had been working diligently, despite everything that had happened. She was impressed, because clearly they were determined to go through with the experiment. They were in a large chamber, and the queen was surrounded by fifty synthetics. They avoided her, likely out of caution as they appeared as fearless as the other Ekiruru.

She would uphold her promise, if they finished today. Ten years felt like nothing to her, but she didn't know how long it was for mortals. Alectra was wearing her blue robe and shouting orders to the others, while making last minute checks. She was the only one in the room who was not a synthetic and they still treated her like their leader.

Someone pushed a button on the control panel, and the room lit up. They had not evolved much outside of this room, but when hundreds of synthetics put their hearts and minds into making something it was bound to evolve much faster. At the end of the room she saw the twenty-five prototypes lined up. Disgusting machines, which were all tall and intimidating. They had paid the price for making them, blood, sweat and countless hours. The time had come to see the result.

Alectra stepped up to the machine in the middle. She ran her hand along it, before turning around to adress the gathered. "Sisters, the day is upon us. We've all worked hard for this, but let's not forget those who made it possible and our forgiving queen." She gestured towards Eldarwen, and most turned around to bow, but she saw that the twentyfive in front of the machines did not. It came as no surprise. "I am not a talker, and I know you all want to get started. I only wish that we do not come to forget our friends in Evermoor."

With that, Alectra stepped away from the machines and the twentyfive synthetics each climbed into one. Eldarwen noticed how Alectra got down on her knees, as if to pray and soon the others followed one by one. Someone pulled a lever, and the machines were closed, a faint buzzing could be heard.

Alectra didn't pray for the godess aid, as she didn't believe she'd get it. She prayed that no one or nothing would interfere, as so much could go wrong if they did.

Eldarwen summoned her powers, and did as the agreement requested her to.
<spoiler=Action>DC11, 4AP.
Grant transmittable immortality of a sort to a small group of mortals.
+6 Forest, the Ekiruru are part of nature.
+4 Nature magic.
+2 Magical artifice

 

[Terratina.]

M'endaxius - Interage

Spoiler: ...After Olek's Onslaught, On the Shores of Almia...

After Olek's Onslaught, On the Shores of Almia​

The Deceiver watched as humans retreated in their wooden hulls, smiling. With a wave of the hand, the Verr snapped out of their defensive turtle formation and went back to wandering the land. Except for a small group of four Verr - a Phalanx, a Prophet, a Peon and a Phantom. They huddled over, examining the body of the fifth. The humans had retreated to the shores of their homeland, no conflict had occurred, this one had simply expired after fifty years of almost non-stop binary fission. Shadowshrieks had already began to gather, and were circling the sky, shrieking as was their namesake.

The Peon - named D'zil was the first to speak, shifting to create a new mouth, and a new voice. Not used to speaking, D'zil's voice was coarse and rough, like sandpaper. "It's... over?"

The one more eloquent in speech, adept at twisting the mouth to speak the tongues of other races, not to mention blend in with them as well, called Ktezr'Zsam replied,"They sail away, do they not? And so does the Creator. What say you Prophet of our apathetic Creator?"

Startled by such blasphemy, the response was instant, Ks'ensilsh was quick to correct the devious Phantom, "Do you expect a divine being to solve all your problems? Nay, as the Wyrm must struggle against the wan current, we must struggle. And look what effort has won for us!"

The military-minded one with large chitin-like plates interrupted the Prophet's ramblings. N'bedka rose from a squat and boomed, "Yes... Effort has won us a crowded continent with little room for expansion."

The other three nodded in agreement. Ks'ensilsh was simply dumbstruck, these dissenters talking their treacherous talk in front of a window to the Whispering Wyrm! Either fear from the threat of battle from before had driven them mad or the honeyed words of the Phantom had got the others on side. If so, that one was truly good at the role of the Phantom. An aspect of the Deceiver made flesh. Ksensilsh chuckled, "The Deceiver is proud to see such deception. But, here it is unneeded. A simple prayer is all it takes to make your grievances known. Come, pray. Pray with me..."

Spoiler: ...A Few Days Later, On Oculus Obscuritatis...

A Few Days Later, On Oculus Obscuritatis​

M'endar had once again retreated to its home away from home. Well, if the Hallowed Court could be called home, as it was meant to a home for all of the gods. However, twisted remnants from the bowels of the universe and distrust between the gods had turned into something else. M'endar sat down on an ornate chair and drummed its fingers on the ebony granite table. No doubt it would be the end of this chapter and a start of a new one. Now M'endar had time for a great work, which - to its pleasure - would not be interfered with by others. Suddenly, a rush of feelings and words entered its head.

"We request something from you, Creator."

"A gift from one who has given us a multitude already."

"One god, one race, many faces."

"We stand cornered in a crowded world."

"Deliver us a land to truly call our own."​

The last words were like a blend of the different voices and it created a new, beautiful voice of unity. M'endar was touched, but wondered at how to respond. It would grant their request, that was a given. However, M'endar didn't want to spoil the Verr too much. Give a child everything and it would expect its needs to be satisfied immediately, that everyone existed to serve it and gift it gifts. The others gods were keen on doing this, but for the Verr, they had to prove to M'endar that they were a valuable assets, one that deserved investment. Melanthios was the one more experienced with mortals, maybe help from him would be of use?

A message rang through the cosmos,

'Melanthios, I wish to speak with you.'​

Spoiler: ...A Few Moments Later, In the Library of the Gods...

A Few Moments Later, In the Library of the Gods ​

After that message was sent, M'endar appeared before Melanthios. It approached the god and gave greeting, "Greetings brother, this is a matter of mortals. My race wishes to have a land to call their own, but I am unsure of what to do."

Melanthios was surprised by the sudden message. Still his brother coming to visit him was a good thing. Melanthios placed his book down, and walked towards a more suitable place to talk in the library. M'endar appeared and began to speak of mortals, and lands.

Melanthios smiled and said "Greetings brother, I am happy to see you again. As for your problem, I might have an solution." Melanthios made an gesture with his hand ad his planet appeared. "You can have a piece of land on my world. Except for a small group of a couple of hundred Mizzen only Dues Filli live there."

M'endar thought on the idea, the Verr wanted their own land, so they probably didn't want to share with others. Seeing as Evalon was home to about six races or more, the Verr must have gotten sick of sharing. Then M'endar was struck by an idea, it replied, "I doubt they would want to come to another 'crowded planet'. They prayed for a piece of land to call their own... Why not a floating chunk of land in the sky?"

Melanthios seemed to think, he nodded. "Yes that could work. With the giant amount of magic on Salustutis, it could easily float. If the magic is bend correctly that is." Melanthios smiled. "I don't have any problems, with you making such an land in the sky. And I am sure I could tell the Dues Filli to trust your race, I mean they do worship you."

M'endar chuckled, "I hope they get along as well." It began to weave energy about, creating a blueprint for the magic of Salustutis to fill in. "This is will the great work for the end of this age. Be assured that the continent will be settled and will not go to waste. After all, the Verr did pray for this."

Melanthios was smiling. "I am sure they will get along well. And I have no problem with the continent being settled. But do keep it in one place, or at least keep it floating above the ocean. The Dues Filli wouldn't appreciate, something blacking their sun. I am sure you could understand that."

Meanwhile, on Evalon, the sight was a wondrous light show on the horizon. The four rejoiced as they saw their wish come true. From the knowledge they had from infiltrating the human lands, they lured starwhales and started to set off to the land made for them.

M'endar nodded and adjusted the blueprint, "There, it will circle the oceans of your planet, hopefully the Verr will be happy being away from the very thing they fear."

Melanthios nodded. "You also understand that anything you want to change about the planet, needs to be run by me first. I wouldn't appreciate something like, the oxygen being changed all of a sudden. Also I am working on a project, and so are the Dues Filli. So loud explosions, or flashes of light aren't that rare. I am just warning you."

"Of course... Best to oversee my own project personally then." M'endar said as it teleported away, "I look forward to seeing what yours turns out to be me. Ah... Don't tell me. I want it to be a surprise."

Melanthios smiled and wished his friend good luck. After that he went back into his study. Project Goliath wasn't quite finished, but it needed to be altered first.

Spoiler: Action(s)

Create the Floating Continent of Ys on Salustutis - DC - 15

Bonus(es) - Chaos [+4], Interage [+7]

 

[Floris2123]

Melanthios's Inter Age Action
Melanthios watched how Olek fell in battle. He was happy to see that the mad god was dead, it meant they had one less rival. And with that taken care off, Melanthios turned back to his own the planet. He gave Maeglin orders on what to do with the country. After that he returned to his library together with Akladai, he would spend the rest of the 1000 years studying and watching his race closely. Akladai would spent it studying, and Maeglin would spend it ruling the country, and also studying with his father and brother.

Spoiler: Dues Filli

The first 300 Dues Filli chose Maeglin as their king, and together they formed the Empire.

Spoiler: Flag of The Empire

The Dues Filli lived by the rules established by Melanthios. They put their new found knowledge to good use, and started to use the Golems to work for them. They didn't really trust the Mizzen, but because of orders of their king they left them alone. The trade with the Grigori continued, but when the mirrors were altered, the suspicion towards the Grigori increased. The trade agreement was continued, but the Dues Filli refused to let more then 10 Grigori on their planet at the same time. And they checked the supplies carefully, and destroyed it if anything was wrong with it.

Time began to pass fast after that, and the Dues Filli began expanding rapidly. Without anyone to stand in their way, and Maeglin commanding them, there was no limit to where they could go and what they could do. Like minded Dues Filli also started gathering in what they referred to as guilds.

Spoiler: Guilds

Guilds: The Dues Filli research together in what they refer to as guild, they are 16 different guilds. The leader of all the guilds are the original Striga. The guild named Striga is still the head guild, they keep an eye on the other guilds. There other 15 guilds in total.
The leader of all the other guilds: The Striga
The magic guilds:
Guild 1: The First guild focuses on light magic.
Guild 2: The Second guild specializes in dark magic.
Guild 3: The Thirds guild specializes in elemental magic.
Guild 4: The Fourth guild specializes in protection magic.
The building guilds:
Guild 5: The Fifth guild specializes in Golems.
Guild 6: The Sixth guild specializes in all kinds of crafts.
Guild 7: The Seventh guild focuses on weapons.
The war guilds:
Guild 8: The Eight guild focuses on tactics.
Guild 9: The ninth guild specialize in training soldiers.
The science guilds:
Guild 10: The Tenth guild focuses on the study of living things.
Guild 11: The Eleventh guild focuses completely on normal science.
Guild 12: The Twelfth guild focuses completely on magical science.
The society guilds:
Guild 13: The twelfth guild focuses on the economy.
Guild 14: The Thirteen guild focuses on how bout environmental and physical geography .
The mental guild:
Guild 15: The Fourteen guild focuses on the study of the mind.

At the end of the first millennium, Salustutis has 300 million Dues Filli living on it. The Dues Filli all lived in the same country, known as The Empire. Their technology had advanced immensely, and they used Golems to do most of the mindless and physically heavy work.

Melanthios had been watching his children grow. They had been advancing rapidly, and he was very pleased with their accomplishments. His own sons were showing their own talent as well. Maeglin was still sitting on the throne, commanding the new empire. And Akladai was learning new things everyday, he had almost read every book in the Library of the Gods. Melanthios had been busy with writing up the blue prints for Project Goliath.

Spoiler: Conversation between Melanthios and Nivix.

Melanthios looked down on his newest blue prints. The idea was insane, but still very alluring. He looked over his calculations again, they should work. Melanthios placed his hands on his head, he needed someone to look at this work. He had invested too much time in it to be objective. He needed someone who was as smart as him, to judge his work for him.

Suddenly he thought about Nivix. He had been working together with him a on all kinds of things during the last years. Mel hoped Nivix would be interested. Melanthios focused and send a message to Nivix "Greeting Nivix, I just had an very interesting idea. And seeing how you are always looking for new interesting ideas, I thought this one might interest you. I would be very thankful if you would join me in my library, and look at/rate my new plans." Melanthios looked back at his blueprints he hoped Nivix would join him soon.


It was a few minutes before Nivix flashed into the great library. It was a few more before he actually noticed that Melanthios was there. The madman, still in the avatar of a common Mizzen, was grumbling to himself about something or another. An impressive feat, considering that his current form didn't have a mouth.

However, the chemister eventually took notice of his surroundings and his companion. "Ah, Mel!" he shouted aloud, shifting his avatar back to its usual humanoid appearance. "Thought something had called me up here. What's up?"


Melanthios was surprised to see a Mizzen appear inside his library. Still he had seen him once before. Melanthios waited patiently for him to changed forms, he had to admit watching Nivix was never boring. When Nivix finally shifted back to his normal form, Melanthios smiled. "Well I just had an quite interesting idea." Melanthios walked over to a large wall, there was large table standing in front of it.

"I call this Project Goliath." Melanthios said grabbing his blue prints. He showed them to Nivix. "This spell, combined with enough raw power will allow me to alter the planet. Making it able to change into one giant Golem. So what do you think?" Melanthios asked handing over the blue prints.


Nivix was silent for a moment. His mouth shut into a hard, thin line, and his expression was unreadable as he scanned the documents spread out before him. Finally, after reading through the blueprints at least half a dozen times, the chemister looked up, his steely eyes staring directly into Melanthios'.

"Is this..." he began, only to cut himself off. He tried again a moment later. "You're trying to turn the entire planet into a living construct?"


Melanthios nodded slowly, he could trust Nivix to understand his ideas. "I am indeed trying to turn the planet into one giant living construct. I mean just imagine the possibilities it has, they are really endless." Melanthios said sounding excited and also a bit tired.


After a second's worth of hesitation, Nivix threw the blueprints aside. He hurled himself on top the table, reaching down to latch his hands onto the sides of his companion's face. "I don't know if I should kill you for thinking of this before I did," he growled, his eyes blazing with menace.

Not for long, thankfully. As he continued, the chemister's tone shifted from enraged to overjoyed, and he lifted Melanthios up into a crushing bear hug. "Or if I should kiss you for doing so!"


Melanthios looked into his companions eyes. He could see the menace in them, but he knew Nivix good enough to know that he would also react in a different way. Suddenly he was being crushed in a bear hug. "Well I would advice against kissing me, since that will probably not end well for you." Melanthios was smiling though.

If Nivix was this excited he knew it meant it could work. Melanthios freed himself out of his companions arms, and smiled brightly "I am very happy that you came over to look at my blue prints, Nivix. I have been working on them for days, and I have been so worried it might not work." Melanthios sounded very relieved.


Nivix dismissed Mel's worries with a wave of his hand. "Eh, everything works if throw enough energy at it. Seriously, it's rarely a matter of if you can do something or not, it's just how much power it's gonna take."

Picking up one of the blueprints, the chemister stared at it. "With something of this magnitude, it's gonna take a loooooooot of power, I can tell you that much."


Melanthios had a sly smile on his face. "Well I just happen to have made, a planet filled with the riches and most powerful magic and resources there are. So I can just use those to power it."

Melanthios looked at Nivix. "You know Nivix I am happy that you are here. I mean if it wasn't for you, who else would work with me on these. Well slightly insane projects." Melanthios said chuckling softly.


"Well, luckily for you, you've got a few ideas that I can't allow to go unobserved. Something on this scale... Tch, I haven't done anything like this in thousands of years." Nivix shook his head as he discared the schematic. "Besides, I need somebody smart to talk to every once in a while. I know they try, but Mizzen can only think so fast, ya know? Drives me crazy..."


Melanthios nodded. "I know what you mean friend. The Dues Filli are researching and growing nicely, but none of them are even close to me. Even Kain the 1080 year old Striga, hasn't quite reached the level I had hoped yet."

Melanthios then seemed to cheer up. "Though my sons present themselves as more of an challenge. Akladai even managed to beat my at chess the other day. It might have been 1 victory against 799 losses but still it is an start."


"Mmmph. There you go again, always talking about your demigods like they're your kids." Nivix sighed dramatically, looking up at the ceiling. "I just don't get it; why are you so eager to raise these people up and give them so much power?"


Melanthios smiled. "I can't really explain it.. There is just something about teaching people that is very fulfilling. I mean you teach them what they need to survive first, and after that they slowly began to discover themselves. Just seeing my children grow and mature is beautiful. I have seen how Akladai and Maeglin are around each other, it is just like watching 2 real brothers."

Melanthios sighed happily. "You should try it sometime Nivix. There is nothing quite like raising someone, and watching them mature. And eventually seeing them turn into their own person. With their own dreams, and their own desires."


"Mmmmmph." Apparently Nivix wasn't going to give more than a noncommital grunt on the matter.

"Anyway, was this all you had to show me? Or was there something else? How's The Project going?"


Melanthios looked up. "Well The Project is going as slow as ever. Making progress is almost impossible sadly." Melanthios liked the challenge but the lack of information was frustrating. "And well I actually wanted to ask you one more thing. You see the Goliath needs a core, you know for controls and such. It will also be the place, where the main power will be gathered." Melanthios handed Nivix the blueprints to something called "The Heart" Melanthios asked Nivix "Do you think that could work? Or does it need to be stronger?"


Not bothering to move his head, Nivix snatched the papers out of Mel's hand and lifted them upwards. "Not bad," he began dryly, "but not perfect either. Sure it'd work, but you'd get more efficiency out of it if you put in a couple of backups as well, in case this one ever fails."

After a second, the scientist's eyes spread wide in recognition. "Wait, controls?!" Turning, the god gave Mel a bewildered look. "You're going to let someone drive this thing?!"


Melanthios nodded. It was indeed best to make a couple of backups, he noted that down on one of the blueprints. He then looked up as Nivix seemed shocked. "Yes of course. I will train someone who can control it, I mean how else do I know it is going to be put to maximal use?"

After Melanthios had concluded his talk with Nivix he left. Melanthios teleported to his planet, he began pulling all the magic on the planet to him. The immense amount of magical energy was all he needed. Melanthios began his spell, as the earth started to shake. And as soon as the earth had began shaking, jut as soon was it over.

Melanthios was still standing on his planet, he felt tired. He had used his own power to alter the planet, he let go off the magical power of the planet returning it to where it belonged. Melanthios turned around and teleported again reappearing inside his library. It was time to craft the core of the being.

Spoiler: Actions

Make Salustutis able to transform into a gigantic Golem.
Difficulty: 19
Usage: -
Domain: Arcane magic +6 Wisdom +4 War +2 age ending action + 7

Teleporting to Salustutis
Difficulty: Effortless

Teleporting to the library of the gods
Difficulty: Effortless

 

[Doc Gnosis]

Ailish - 2,30

It was nice speaking with you again.

The moment she returned to Eld, the goddess returned to the old tree that sheltered her. The two had chatted for quite some time; Ailish let Him commune all He wanted to her, discussing the minutiae of the world, how some of the people there had settled on his boughs, and a subtle change that braced the world. She asked the tree what he meant, but even He could not quite express it. 'Kinfolk were scattering into the winds,' but what did he mean by this?

She asked if the tree was still happy, and he reassured her that never had he felt so fulfilled after they last spoke. Curiosity piquing her, she bade the tree farewell and left to find these 'scattering winds.'

Her travels took her beyond the city of Ayamine, into the forests and plains seemingly untouched by Eldarwen, her children, or her people. Past the small villages she came upon a vast cascade; water trickled down rock and wood, carving a path to the ground where it flowed beyond Ailish's gaze. Something about the sound of the rushing falls made the goddess feel calm, and feeling fatigued chose to rest here and collect herself.

Examining herself, she realized that the jar of the black Honey was exhausted, and that which covered her clothes had hardened into stiff ebony splotches. First thing she did was soak her robes into the water; it was honey that caked the fabric, and she felt certain that it wouldn't contaminate the water too badly. She also saw that her misshapen form has smudges of the treacle stuck to her. The next thing she did was bathe in the falls until all the honey was washed off. Much time had passed scraping and scrubbing her body to remove every black spot on either her or her clothes, before she got out. Then she slept with her robes out to dry, and her stony metallic skin exposed to the elements.

The morning came with a blinding pain in her chest. Ailish opened her eyes and saw purplish folk gathered around her, but more noticeably she saw a dagger in her, blood sprayed from the wound.

She screamed.

Many more of the purple people emerged from the green and gathered around her with their own knives in hand; each trying to slash or pry their way past the goddess' chitinous form. Seeing their faces, she saw in their eyes hot directionless fear and rage; all of it directed to her. Mouths creased into scowls with dabs of black covering their lips; splotches of red coating parts of their body due to Ailish's blood. More knifes pressed into the cracks between the plates, and more into her eyes. "Why are you doing this!?" An anguished cry went out, but there came no answer. Even as the world turned black.

******

There came much rejoicing as the unnatural fiend was killed; each pondered what part of the body it could keep for luck, or burn to ward evil spirits, or devour to inherit what power it had. They certainly were not coming back to the falls, not with the black goo mingling its way into their river water. The fiend must have plagued their source, and now it was time to find better grounds. Each wildling took what they could before leaving. But they would not get far as one by one they fainted and fell into a slumber. The black and red fluid must have been hexed or something.

******

Ailish came to, and noticed the plethora of wounds gaping across her body. In a haze of panic she closed them all, and did not want to linger here long; if someone wanted to stab you the moment you arrive somewhere, that place must have little to reveal. She re-adorned her form with the red and white robes; they were clammy, but she felt better that she was wearing something. Her progress was however stopped when one purple plant blocked her path.

"How!?" She yelled at the goddess. "Why kill them!? Why come!?"

Stony eyes turned red. "I sought knowledge, and it seemed for naught." She hissed out before shoving past the person.

"They did not need to die!!" The purple one screamed at her. Ailish made one last glare at the plant, tranquil fury filled her.

"They're lucky if they don't die." Those were her last words before resuming her return to the city.

******

'I'm not leaving this city again.' Ailish found things much calmer in this city Eldarwen crafted. The tree's words still confounded her, but she was in no mood to venture outward for answers; not by herself. Perhaps if she could ask Sonitunes or convince some of the people to accompany her. It would make such travels easier in the future with an escort.

No! I've taken enough advantage of this world. No more!

She had all but dropped the 'scattering winds' when she felt something strange from the palace. It can't be where it's coming from can it?

There was one place to go, and she would find this source.

<spoiler=Action and Notes>Gift 50 wildlings with clarity and inner-peace at the expense of a sense of guilt{DC: 9?, AP: 3?}[+8 Lore?][Assist from +2 Honey of Sin?]

Should this succeed, these wildlings will be speckled in red and black splotches on the face; they cannot be removed in any way, magickal or otherwise. It will ground them with a sense of remorse

On another note, if I'm missing anything please let me know.

EDIT: One more thing. The scattering winds mentioned is the portal to Evalon. Apologies for the confusion

 

[Dogmatic99]

Zareth 30 , 2​

Time passed, slowly but surely, as time usually does. Evermoor grew with its ever expanding population. The changelings were an interesting addition to the original inhabitants and the strain that Zareth had helped create had decided to go down the route to reincarnation, making some of his most avid followers nothing but passing guests in the afterlife.

The warden project had proven a success as well. It was nothing that the other gods might notice but additions could help in big ways. During the slaughters of the previous age Zareth found that Evermoor was getting a greater influx of new souls than it could handle, or rather, more than the souls could handle. So many freshly fallen crammed together, most of them with creatures ans races they had never seen before. It could get very frightening if you weren't expecting it. Once the crisis had been handled Zareth set about threading the various portals together, linking them so that there was an element of order given to his kingdom and from the balconies and towers of The Charnel Palace he could see all of Evermoor.

Thanks to those changes there were now a set number of entrances into Evermoor, one for every species of the living. The doors leading to his kingdom were still many, scattered throughout creation. But where that soul arrived in Evermoor after stepping through said gate.

The Wardens themselves were a group of souls that had shown themselves to be dedicated to Zareth's cause in life. They were those that had tended to the dead or those that had seen too much of it in their life time. One from each race. That isn't to say that they were a group of dead undertakers. Zareth had chosen his guardians carefully, they had each walked very different paths in life and were suited to comforting those that had died and sending any living mortal that had stumbled onto Evermoor (or gone looking for it) on their way with a cautionary tale to tell. They served as a good force of public relations representatives, as well as serving as Zareth's eyes and ears in Evermoor thanks to each one sharing a small psychic link they shared with their god.

Times were good in Evermoor. With a new system in place Zareth could look back to the world of the living and the other gods, safe in the knowledge that his home was well guarded.

*****​

He was wandering through the fields of Evermoor when Zareth found something out of place. One of the gates to the outside world, but it wasn't linked to the nexus that guided the lost souls. The first gate. I haven't used this one in an age. Zareth thought to himself. Did anyone ever find themselves in the crater he made when he and Car crashed to Evalon's surface?

He placed a hand on the door and gently pushed it open. Letting the world of life and breath slowly was over him as his eyes were filled with a different kind of light as he left the twilight world of the dead and dying behind him.

Evalon smelled fresher than before. And the canyon seemed... different. Before him stood a grand, colorful city. Adorned with bright and intricate spires, with a waterfall bringing sound and vitality to a piece of the land that had once been somber and barren. Zareth would shortly come to admire the beauty of this new place but upon first seeing it his first thought was simply: When did that get there?

Had he really been away that long? Had he become a celestial hermit? They couldn't blame him, he was dealing with five times the population the other gods were! Ironically, life had made the death god a workaholic. Is that ironic?... it's an internal thought what does it matter?... I'll ask Nivix later. Either way this was unacceptable, missing something so massive happening outside his front door. he would have to do something about that, but for now he'd enjoy a holiday and explore this new city.

 

[drmigit2]

Seith, the Clankers and Girigori

While Seith improved his mirrors, his own race that had only now been sprouting began to move. They were small, metallic, yellow in color and survived off a perpetually moving clockwork mechanism. They were flat on the ground, but could become vertical if needed, had a single eyehole at the front and two earholes in the back. Their mouths as would be called, were more a bunch of rotating saws and their arms were connected to an unending array of tools. The Clankers, as they would be soon named quickly became one of the largest races on Coelus, rivaling the Girigori, but in a peaceful manner. The two worked hand in hand building fantastic structures that were unrivaled by any populace. Spiraling towers, gigantic arches, towering homes and colossal megaplexes that reached to the stars became reality with the Clankers.

Yet, it wasn't enough. They had to expand, it was their purpose. They built towers with the hope of reaching the stars, but quickly fell into disarray when the buildings reached their limits. But then, a discovery was made. Other planets existed nearby, reachable by whales, but they lacked the tools nessecary to command such beasts. The Clankers thought and puzzled for years until they came up with a solution. Bridges from one planet to another, they would simply connect the planets! Then, they could build wherever and whenever they wanted. Soon, thousands of Clankers left their projects to begin this grand masterpiece. It started slow, but they quickly began to figure out what materials to use and it was simple from there. The first bridge went to Evalon finishing near Eldarwen's portal in the ditch. Without rest, two new bridges were built to Salustius.

The Clankers at Salustius were met not with open arms, but with hostility. The natives that called themselves Deus Filli distrusted them and claimed to have something better. The golems were very ineficient and worked slowly, but it seemed something else was at work. A fear of outsiders was quickly determined and after enough silent prodding, five hundred were let in, though secretly they began multiplying to begin larger projects.

After that, the Clankers then began building three bridges to Eld. This project was doomed to fail however, as near the end they reached an impasse, a shield blocking all entrances. The Clankers to this day still hammer uselessly at the shield hoping to someday reach a new destination. Who knows what materials they could find there, and with so little development, Eld could become their own project in itself.

Outside of the bridges, the Clankers also encountered the Mizzen and began working with them. The effects of this are still unknown but whatever comes from it, will probably be big. The Girigori especially prize the Clankers and have treated them with the utmost respect, unlike another race that sprung up without welcome. The Kinderven.

The Kinderven had brutalized the town of Marilia and soon began to spread like wildfire. Their inability to cope with society soon spread fear and though they were contained, it took over a thousand years for the Girigori Senate to decide on an action. By then, some of the Kinderven had taken the bridges to Evalon and began spreading their filth further. The decision was simple, Isolate all the Kinderven on a single city which would be called Quadraginta. There they could live and not disturb anyone. Should they leave, detainment awaited them and the truly violent ones were quickly put down like animals. Even then, the Mizzen and Girigori scientists were very curious about the effects of the disease, one even made an altered version to cast on himself.

Seith through all of this, watched. With unending curiosity, his rage quickly left him and a new world engaged him. A world of preparation for the inevitable. If M'endar's allies would not stop his impending attack, then Seith would have to redouble his efforts in order to save himself. His first order of business, finishing his staff. Deep in the cores of Coelus, a grander gem had been forged through unending pressure. A purple diamond encahnted with the power of a god. Seith took this gem and placed it on his staff. It would grant the wielder the power of change. Currently, the only one wielding it would be Seith himself, but once the threat of M'endar was dealt with, it would go straight to one of the planets.

Spoiler: Actions

Finish the Spark of Change and make it into a +2 item: DC 13, +7 Change, +6 enlightenment.

 

[Terratina.]

M'endaxius - 24/30 AP, 2/2 MP

Zs'Wua'Itzala didn't want to leave this world, nor her post. She had chosen to watch the other races, their developments, and memorise their movements - the path of the Phantom. And she loved it. For year, she watched the Dwarves, secretly laughing at their stubbornness, and the Humans. There she watch those strange races while in the shape of them. Pity she never got to become of the famously xenophobic Lainir. The irony would be delicious. It was quite eerie seeing M'endar's mark on some of the Changlings - had the Verr's patron god turned its favour to something else? But she had to only turn to the sky to get her answer, Oculus Obscuritatis, one of many of M'endar's gifts that proven its devotion.

The Verr, of course, devoted to M'endar in turn and Zs'Wua'Itzala was no different. One final prayer. She had been the best of the best. The only Phantom to linger in a settlement of another race for years, perfectly blending in, copying the mannerisms and never getting caught. She had to leave all that behind down, to go to another realm. At least she would be reward for her duty, or so she hoped. It wouldn't be long now. Soon her comrades would find her and sent her out to the sea. Then the sea would have its way with her. No trace would remain. That's what scared Zs'Wua'Itzala, even if she knew her soul would have peace. Suddenly, something blocked out the sight of the sky. Were those... robes?

***​

M'endar glanced at the dying Verr. From her prayers and those of others, Zs'Wua'Itzala was good at reconnaissance, gathering valuable information and sending them via Shadowshriek to the Collective. M'endar didn't have long, this one was near to expiring. Rather than mince words with the dying Verr, M'endar stayed silent. Their eyes met, Zs'Wua'Itzala was probably wondering what the god would do to her. It gave smile in response as if to silently say, "Trust me." Either way, the poor thing wouldn't have a choice in the matter. M'endar was her god, not that M'endar expected piety or fealty. This was just an experiment after all. So were the Verr themselves. Energy gathered in its hand as it called out to allies for assistance.

'An apprentice will be born soon, but the birth will be difficult. Assistance would be more than welcome.'​

Then it struck Zs'Wua'Itzala, she found herself alive. No, more than alive. In a state of flux, yes, that was the simplest way to describe it. Between life and death. Between divinity and mundanity. Shadows gathered and merged with her, shades of M'endar's energy, no less. At one point it could be said that the gathering of shadow blotted out Niv. Divine essence engulfed her being. M'endar just stood there, orchestrating the whole process. Other Verr gathered to watch from afar. They were surprised at their god's appearance as M'endar had a reputation of apathy throughout the Collective. Was this to spell an age of god and mortal working together to achieve what neither could do alone?

Spoiler: Action(s)

Turn a mortal or creature into a demigod [+4 Domain, -4 Drawback] - DC = 15

Bonus(es) - Deception [+4], Chaos [[+4]

Spoiler: Zs'Wua, Demigod of Shadows

[http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/shadowbeast.jpg/]


​

 

[JoJo]

Roe - 28, 2

Roe lay quietly in the cage, absent-mindedly licking his paws. Even in his fox form, it wasn't difficult in the slightest to escape from such a roughly carved wooden trap but he'd let himself be caught deliberately. It was always good fun to surprise a mortal when they came to inspect their catch and if they had the guts to stay even after being confronted by a talking animal, he'd sometimes give them a wish or two as a reward. Only if they seemed nice though of course.

He cracked an eye open at the sound of footsteps, someone was coming. It was a very young girl, probably not much older than five, skipping along as little girl's often did. She halted in front of the cage and bent down over it. Roe had to stop himself flinching when he saw her face, one side from her cheekbone to her forehead was terribly disfigured by a scar, so much that one eye was closed entirely. He watched with interest as she reached down and undid the cage door, letting it swing open.

"Shhhhh Mr Fox, run away now before my Papa gets here, otherwise he'll kill you and eat you for dinner!" she whispered to him earnestly. Roe crept out of the trap cautiously, no-one had ever done this before and he was unsure how to respond. Now he was out he could see her face better and the contrast was even clearer, her remaining eye radiated warmth from it's dark brown depths and she smiled kindly at him. It was a strange effect, almost as if some twisted craftsman had welded the face of a Grigori and a devil to each other, but oddly comforting. He stared silently back at her with his wide fox eyes, gently asking a question to her subconscious mind.

"If you must know, my name's Fallen Petal, I live here," she told him, "now you've really got to go Mr Fox, you don't want to be eaten do you?"

~​

Roe woke with a start and almost rolled off the hay he had been sleeping on. He tried to close his eyes again to see if he could dream his treasured memory for just a little longer but the house around him refused to vanish. Realising it was futile, he leapt up and then reached for the tool rack to pick up the nearest sword, weighing it in his hands. Today he was finally ready.

The little wooden hut lay on the edge of Eldarwen's garden, with small flowers dotted around and encircled by a row of trees to give it's residents privacy. The young god stepped outside, admiring his handiwork. It hadn't been hard magically to build but it had taken a while to perfect something that was just as she would want. He smiled, he couldn't have improved it with the help of all the other gods combined. With one final look, he neatly leapt off the Hallowed Court and tumbled headfirst towards Evalon, straight for the city of Minas Kei.

Half-an-hour later, Roe swam down into the depths of the lake that filled Evermoor canyon, the cool water lapping pleasantly against his bare skin. He had passed through the city invisibly, not even bothering to trip any of the mortals there up as he often did, finding his way past the high wooden buildings to the obscure lake in which lay the gate to his destination. For any mortal the long dive would have been almost certainly fatal but Roe of course didn't need to breathe. Finally a gigantic set of tarnished golden gates loomed out of the darkness, strangely they seemed to be open as if someone had recently passed through them. He dived through without any further hesitation.

Suddenly he found himself in rolling fields, the empty grasses stretching far into the distance. Far away he saw a great white palace, standing high amongst everything else. It was not these though that made the young god draw out his sword and hold it nervously in front of him, turning slowly in every direction. It was the beings that only now he began to see, shadowy wisps of grey nothingness who hung across the fields like an ethereal mist, barely separate from one another. Faces materialised from thin air and then disappeared just as quickly as the ghosts gathered around him, their whispers filling his ears with countless questions, praises and threats.

"Petal? Petal!" he shouted into the distance, this wasn't going to be as easy as he'd thought.

Spoiler: Action

DC 7, 2AP - Roe creates a small house in the Hallowed Court. I've written about a couple of other people's creations in this post so if there's anything factually wrong in this post, be sure to let me know. Also:

 

[Floris2123]

Melanthios 24AP, 2MP
Melanthios had successfully finished project Goliath. He had to do one more very important thing, he grabbed a white book from one of the forbidden shelves. He opened it and began to reading. The book seemed to have been written by a madman. But he finally found the fragment of the book that he needed. It detailed a horrible sacrifice, he would need to sacrifice 100 million people for it.

Melanthios read the ritual again, but kept coming to the same conclusion. The only way to generate that much power was sacrificing that many people. Melanthios closed the book and put it back on the shelf, feeling disgusted. But he needed that artifact, without it Goliath would be worthless. Melanthios sat down on his favorite chair sighing loudly. Suddenly he had an brilliant idea, he could make it with the help of another god. It would be weaker, but he didn't have to sacrifice anyone for it.

Suddenly Melanthios head M'endar in his head. 'An apprentice will be born soon, but the birth will be difficult. Assistance would be more than welcome.' Melanthios smiled. He had always known that his brother would make an apprentice just like him. Melanthios focused and made another small orb, he had made this one a few time before. Its power could be shaped into anything, and the knowledge would aid both his brother and his first apprentice. The orb teleported before M'endar and fused with his magic to create his first apprentice.

Melanthios then began editing the ritual. It took him a while, but eventually it all seemed to fit. But the kind of magic he needed was very rare, The only one who possessed it was Zareth. Melanthios also had some questions for Zareth, but they would have to wait, this needed to happen first. Melanthios send a message to Zareth. "Brother I humbly request your aid. Could you perhaps send a little bit of your power my way, to aid with making an item of power?" Melanthios hoped his brother would respond, and that he would also be willing to answer his questions. Suddenly a bird made of shadows entered the library, it fused with his power and the orb began to be filled with power. Melanthios smiled, it seemed his brother had heard him.

Spoiler: Action

Aiding M'endar with creating his demigod.
Domain: Arcane magic + 6 Wisdom + 4

Sending a message to Zareth
Difficulty: Effortless

Create: The orb of infinity (+ 2 item)
Difficulty: 17
Usage: 6 AP
Domain: Arcane magic +6 Wisdom +4 War +2

Spoiler: The orb of infinity

 

[Dogmatic99]

Zareth 30 , 2​

Spoiler: Zareth and Melanthios have a grand day out.

Melanthios had watched the Dues Filli for ages. What he had never understood, was this thing called 'love'. What he understood were things like, love for children and family. But passion and such were strange to him. He has just made contact with his brother about making an item, but it seemed he needed his help again. "Thank you for helping me with creating my item brother, but I have to ask your help again. I have a few questions you see, and I think you are the only one who can answer them. Would you be willing to talk to me, and answer my questions?"

Zareth had made himself invisible to the natives of the new settlement, Minas Kei they called it. He weaved through the crowded street, he had learned from before that the Ekiruru didn't take fondly to interlopers. When he found a quiet spot he took on the form of a tall Ekiruru with pale green skin and adorned in black bark and leaves, with white lily like petals for hair. So this is what it was like being a plant woman. He/She strode out into the street and carried on with the tour. His petals pricked up when Melanthios's voice rang through his mind. "Of course I do. I'm in Minas Kei right now, you should see it. Though I suggest you dress inconspicuously... by our standards anyway."

Melanthios began to think. He really didn't want to look like one of those women, Melanthios focused and lost his form turning invisible. He teleported besides Zareth and looked at him "How about this? Is this inconspicuous enough?" Melanthios asked on an unhearable frequency.

"Should be fine." Zareth replied on the same mental frequency, trying to look casual as he held a conversation in his head. He waved at a passerby in an attempt to look sociable. He stopped at a marjet stall and weighed a vegedable in his, now slender, hands. The little things in the living world were what he enjoyed the most, and this city was built out of them. "So what did you want to talk about?"

Melanthios looked around. It was nice enough, nowhere near the Dues Filli cities though. "I wanted to talk about love, Zareth. What is love Zareth? I was under the impression you might know, since you seemed to be in love with Eldarwen, if I am not mistaken."

"What?" Zareth gasped, dropping the produce onto the ground. She recovered herself and quickly scooped up the vegetable while forcing a giggled apology to the vendor.

Melanthios looked a bit confused. "Why are you getting all confused? You are in love with Eldarwen right?" Melanthios didn't understand his brothers strange reaction.

"I - I... I wouldn't say so." Zareth turned and walked off down the street at a pace. "I don't think so. I cared for her in the beginning, I was looking for a - a home and, and I liked her." She took a breath and composed herself. "And I won?t deny she's attractive. But we were both younger back then, we've changed - I think - but people go in different directions in life. What's brought all this on brother?"

Melanthios followed his brother while listening to him, love sounded confusing to him. "Well I have been watching my race, and I have seen many couples and married people. And I just wondered what is so different about this love is they kept referring to. I mean why is it so different from other love?" Melanthios asked looking around the street, he didn't see any of this love here. He then looked back at Zareth. "I still don't know anything more right now though. Could you perhaps please try to explain it?"

She let out a long breath. Where to begin? Countless couples and lovers had found each other in Evermoor and Zareth had taken an interest in the early days. He had seen romance play itself out again and again. But he had always seen it from the outside. "You mean romance." He thought back to when he was young, what he felt for Eldarwen. "Physical attraction."

Melanthios nodded. "Yes those things. What are they, what do they mean?" Melanthios asked sounding curious.

"Mortals have been trying to get a handle on that since they first walked." She remembered what one of the Rowan called it. "Our most primal and most noble of desires." A smile crept across her newly formed face. It was a good saying, She would have to write it down some time. "No one can tell you what it is. Romance is to you... what it is to you. The only way is to experience it for yourself."

Melanthios looked at his brother. "Well I don't feel any of this physical attraction, so I highly doubt I will ever experience it for myself. As well as I find no women in existing right now interesting enough." Melanthios said bluntly.

Zareth arched an eyebrow. There were other reasons that mortals looked for comfort in each other's arms. Thousands of reasons, lots of them far from noble. "Well there's a lot out there, you can't have seen them all." She dashed into a nearby alley. "Take a form, go native for a day! Let's romance some plants, laugh and dace and flirt and live life on the mortal side of the street! come on!"

Melanthios walked after him. "I am afraid I have." He said sighing. Melanthios listened to the proposal, he then sighed loudly. "You know how much I value you brother. And I just want you to know, that I would probably haven't done this for someone else. But I guess I owe you for explaining romance to me." Melanthios said taking on the body of an Ekiruru. She looked at her new body "And now what?" She asked Zareth.

Zareth laughed out triumphantly. She snapped her fingers and a mirror sprang out of the wall, big enough for the two to see their new shapes from head to toe. "I knew we'd look good but damn! We're photosynthesising in all the right places!" Then she thought seriously about her temporary sister's words. "I don't know. Let's do mortal things! Let's have fun, I'm on holiday!" She laughed excitedly and ran into the street like a manic puppy.

Melanthios looked at her own body, what was the difference between bad and good looking she wondered. Melanthios sighed when her sister ran off, her sister was lively as usual. How ironic for the god of death, Melanthios chuckled and then ran after Zareth. "Come back here!" She called running after her.

"This is a day of new things!" Zareth called out to her sister, out loud this time, as she turned to look at Melanthios. "I've never been a woman before, I've never lived a day as a mortal before. I can't remember being this spontaneous before! I wonder if they have an arena. The Ekiruru love those. Let's go to an arena and hit things!" She threw her arms into the air. She was determined to have as many adventures in one day as possible. "For one day in a thousand years let the death god live! Woooo!" For the first time she saw the odd looks she was getting from passers-by. She pointed at a young Ekiruru who was staring at her. "And maybe I'll see you later." she winked.

Melanthios felt herself slowly getting dragged into Zareth's madness. "Hitting things sounds good to me!" She called out, slamming her fist through a nearby wall. Making a lot of Ekiruru really confused. "Now let's go visit this arena of theirs!" She said running after her sister. Melanthios felt free somehow, like her burdens were washing away.

"Well this is nice." Zareth said, taking a bite out of her snack. A group of Verr were doing a performance in one of Mias kei's many parks. It was a dance, depicting the great flood that defined their people's history. It was a melancholic piece but it allowed the Verr to show off their flexibility and range in shifting. One of them could make their body ripple and shift like flowing water to show them drowning. It was almost hypnotic. "I mean it's no, punching people in the face while others cheer but it's nice."

Melanthios nodded his head. He would have liked to fight in the arena, but this was nice too. The Verr were very interesting indeed, this city looked different then he had expected. "So is there is something else you want to do on this day? You know one of your only free days?"

"I still haven't seen how my addition to the Changeling people went, they seem fine when they're dead but I've never seen them in the flesh. If I remember right their main settlement is up on the coast south west of here. Come on." She teleported to the main hold of The Grey Tide Clan. It was colder there, and a bitter waves were crashing against the shore. This township was a much simpler thing than Minas Kei but the buildings were adorned with the grey and purple banners that these Changelings used as their symbol. Zareth was able to take his usual form. Pale skin and horns blended in here among The Grey Tide.

Melanthios nodded. He looked at the Verr group once more, he saw that they were called the 'Tantlus Theater Troupe'. Melanthios then teleported just like Zareth, he took his own form and wrapped himself in a black cape. "This looks nice." Melanthios said looking around. "A bit cold though, but as least not as cold as some places I have been." Melanthios was happy that he was back in his own form, it just felt more natural.

"They could have settled anywhere... maybe it's nicer in the summer." Zareth wandered through the village. The homes were of a charming design, rows of sturdy wooden cabins, some of them with little smoking chimneys. Combined with quaint little shops. There were a few horned people walking the streets, the town seemed prosperous despite the seemingly barren land it was built on. In the town centre was a building of note, it was small in size with flat roof tops and built like a horse shoe. In the middle of it was a courtyard. A group of young Changelings were sat in rows, with their legs crossed. At their head was an older clan member; he was dressed in rags and his eyes were covered by a black blindfold. Zareth had seen priests like this before.

"You see that one with the largest horns?" He whispered to Melanthios, pointing at the tutoring priest. "He's one of their highest seers. He's seen Evermoor."

Melanthios looked around the city. It was a nice village, but it wasn't really his style. The horned people seemed to be quite clever. They were able to live where they lived, even if the land around it was barren. Melanthios looked at the largest horned changelings. "Why is he wearing that blindfold? Is that because he is blind? Or is it like some sort of tribute to you?" Melanthios was interested in this race.

"It marks him as a Ghost Seer. They're the highest position one can reach in Grey Tides society. They have no possessions of their own, are given no rights of parenthood over any offspring they may have. But each one is given the same respect of a king." He walked into the compound, watching the disciples with their closed eyes and hushed chanting. Zareth switched to a mental form of communication. "The Death Seers wander the planet, calming the restless dead and helping lost or tormented souls find their way to Evermoor. He's one of the best." he nodded to the Ghost Seer. "Not only did he find a gate, he stepped through it... on purpose. He saw what no living eyes were meant to see and he paid the price."

Melanthios nodded. He had respect for the Ghost Seer's, but he didn't envy them. "That sounds like a very honourable profession. But I am glad my people don't have things like that. Also wouldn't he be dead, if he stepped through it?" Melanthios sounded curious.

How to explain the intricacies of Evermoor's version of reality. "The gates are sort of an exception. One side exists in the world of the dead but the other has to occupy living space. Which means there is a certain overlap as to what can and can't step through. A few have stumbled on them by accident, if they were wounded or had come upon a scene of death. Others have gone looking. Even a few of your Filli have come knocking, looking for knowledge no doubt. The wardens send them packing but they demand a certain price, make those who come back a living message to the overly curious. And then there's what Evermoor itself does to them. Vartok, the Changeling warden, he was the first of the seers and he demands their sight. To see the world of the dead is to blind yourself to the world of the living. He will never see the sun again."

Melanthios nodded. "That makes sense. Also I can't say I am surprised, some of the Dues Filli tried to go into Evermoor. I mean they are really curious, and some just don't know when to stop." Melanthios looked around. "So what kind of a price do they usually ask?"

Zareth sucked his breath in through his teeth. How to say this tastefully. "Each warden has a challenge of their own, one that a living soul must pass if they wish to get into Evermoor. If they prove themselves worthy then I take over. The Ekiruru face a trial by combat, the Dwarfs must make something in their warden's workshop. The Dues Filli warden challenges them to a game of riddles. If he wins, which he always does, then he takes their knowledge. The thing that gave them such pride that they thought to challenge death. And sometimes, if they annoy him, he takes their hands so when they do start learning again they can never write or pick up a book again." A macabre smirk teased at Zareth's face as he looked at his brother. "He's a bit twisted your lad."

Melanthios looked at Zareth. "Each guardian which judges a person, is member of their own race? What is the Dues Filli one called?" Melanthios was curious he wondered who it was.

"Demens, I think that's how he says it." The peace of the courtyard was broken when a young Changeling burst in on the meditating monks. The boy was young, his horns had barely begun to sprout. He stumbled in with childish energy and shouting at the top of his voice.

"The pack is back! The pack is back! The hunt master's fighting with Aedrin on the beach!" He was wide eyed and panting for breath. The disciples sprang to their feet in confusion. Once the young boy repeated what was happening most of the younger monks made a run for the beach, leaving the Ghost Seer in their dust.

The old man hobbled on. "Is anyone there who could help an old blind man find his way to the shore? The pebble paths are rather treacherous for the likes of me."

Melanthios looked at Zareth. He didn't really understood what was happening, but he felt like he needed to help. "I will help you sir." Melanthios said as he walked over to the old man. He grabbed the man?s hand, and helped him up. "Are you alright sir?" Melanthios asked.

"Oh yes lad thank you. At least one of you stayed behind, not to be drawn off by the thrill of violence. One day our people will overcome our blood lust, lest we become like those packs that roam our dear Evalon." The eldrly priest rose to his feet, taking his walking stick in one hand. He took Melanthios' arm and, ironically, started to lead the god down to the coastal path. "But it looks like I will be needed soon."

"The Packs, they're another tribe of Changelings aren't they, why would you be fighting with them?" Zareth chimed in.

The Seer looked in his direction, never breaking stride. "A stranger in these parts eh? Yes though I would call them a collection of folks. They've been paoching the phoenixes that nest on our lands, those birds are sacred to our clan. We tried warning them off, it seems they didn't listen and one of the village swords has decided to take matters into his own hands."

They made their way to the beach where they found a circle made up of Grey Tide clansmen and a feral looking group of fighters. They had formed a ring around to warriors who were clashing against each other with lightning fast strikes. The air rang with the sound of steel and wild roars.

Melanthios listened to the story of the old man. He remembered it all, he would write a book about it later. "I think you and their race have much to learn old one. Only through unity and equal respect can a nation truly flourish. At least that is the philosophy which I believe in." Melanthios said looking at the fight. "Do you want to interfere brother?" Melanthios asked looking at Zareth.

Zareth let his mind stretch out beyond the shell of his form, touching those of the two men in the circle. "One is the alpha of this pack, the other is a respected swordsman of this clan." His eyes went distant as he scouered through their memories until he had found both sides of this story, some of it may need explaining since his brother hadn't been there when these people were created.

"Changelings bond with their tribal animals, one that lasts for life. The dragons are common but The Grey Tide bond with the moonlight phoenixes. It's another kind of love, you could say. The packs have been killing the phoenixes that live here and stealing them away when they are reborn as chicks. Those birds are under the protection of The Grey Tide Clan. The packs don't have any animals to bond with, they're forced from other people's territory where ever they go, they never had the chance to bond. It seems these warriors caught them while they were bringing some chicks back to their camp. The swordsman in the circle challenged their leader to a duel to save any bloodshed.?

Melanthios nodded. "Alright I can understand that. What I don't understand is, why do they steal those eggs?" Melanthios still thought unity would be better, though unity was something these races might never get.

"Differences can be a hassle sometimes. Why aren't we all united?" It was time to act, Zareth wasn't about to let someone be killed before his eyes on his days off. Perhaps there was a way everyone could win. Zareth altered his form, just a little. His horns grew longer and his teeth sharpened into fangs. His hair began to grow and stick up like the fur of a wild animal and his fingernails elongated into vicious talons. He swirled his clothes around into a black cloak, with the final touch; a black blindfold coving his eyes. "A bit of both clans, just what they need. I'll be back in a moment."

The Death god fell on the fighters like a wolf as he challenged them both to combat. He drew midnight from its sheath, locking both combatants blades in place. Startled and outraged they attacked him all at once. The fight was over in seconds and the two clansmen were left utterly defeated. They were forced to accept his terms. Any non-bonded animals were to be returned to the wild and both groups were to return home. The Pack and the swordsman were to meet him in the forest outside of the town at sundown.

Zareth returned to his brother and the seer. "Looks like you won?t be needed today sir." He lifted one side of the blindfold beamed at his brother. "Looks like they'll be giving unity a try... with some help that is." He mentally whispered to his brother.

Melanthios smiled and nodded, he mentally replied with "That was good work brother, I am proud of you." Melanthios looked around, but nothing else seemed to be happening. "Where shall we go now Zareth?" Melanthios asked out loud, not bothering to hide who they were. Zareth could see a grin on his face.

"To the forest, looks like I have work to do."

"I should say so!" The seer chimed in. "Don't you have a kingdom to run? The fellow at the gate wouldn't stop talking that up when I was there." The two gods looked at him in surprise. "Oh don't act so shocked." He scoffed heartily. "These dead eyes may not see what others deem important what they do pick up is always interesting."

Zareth couldn't hold back a laugh before taking flight towards the forest, landing in a fallow clearing. The Ghost Seer was left to make his way home alone. Today had been interesting indeed he had been interesting indeed, though no one would believe that he had met his patron god. "Who was the other one?" He pondered aloud as he hobbled back the way he came.

Melanthios nodded, he had indeed work to do. He was genuinely surprised by the old man's reaction, though it was a positive one. Melanthios followed Zareth by also flying, and he landed besides him. "So what is the plan now Zareth? Try to unify them?" Melanthios asked sounding curious.

Zareth dropped to the ground and started digging throught the dirt and fallen leaves with his hands. "None of them came looking for violence, The Pack was.. well they were just lonely and a little frightened too." It was hard to believe such emotions could come from a people that had Carnivox's blood running through their veins. "They were just looking for the same bond the others of their kind had, only they went about it in the wrong way. No one wants to be alone and everyone wants someone to make them feel safe and warm." His fingers found something hard and cold. He brushed some leaves aside to reveal a rotting wolf skull. "Ah ha!" he picked up the dishevelled corpse in his arms, brandishing it at his brother. It should work as a template. "And what's more comforting then a puppy?"

Spoiler: Actions

Creating or altering a non-sentient species smaller than an elephant. DC 9, AP 3. Create Direwolves (patron bond mates The Pack (Carnivox strain of Changelings)
+6 Death +2 Combat
Assist Mel in making orb of infinity: +2 crafting +6 death

 

[Belmarc]

Aen and M'endaxius

Aen had been brooding on it for awhile, but it was time. He still had not restored his honor, and the one responsible still had to pay. He would need help though, for a fitting vengeance. And he knew the perfect god for the job. It was amongst the Verr that Aen found M'endar, and he drew up behind him. "Hello once again. I'm here to ask for your help, though the last time I asked you not to give it. In fact, that's what it's about."

M'endar turned around and saw the honourable god. Even after all these years he still held that against Seith? Then again it had its own grievances against that silver god that dared to call himself M'endar's brother. For M'endar its only brothers now were Melanthios and Zareth. Seith had rejected M'endar in all notions, and that was the punishment he got for that. M'endar brushed away thoughs of hatred, calmness was needed now. It placed a finger on Aen's lips and being talking telepathically, "We are being watched and I dare to think what the observatory can do now. State your terms, I am willing to listen, but do not desire that others do as well."

Aen nodded. Did the god of light have no boundaries? 'Thank you for the warning. When I asked you to stay your hand in the battle against Olek, you listened. However, Seith gave me his unwanted aid, and so he made me break my promise. I'd like to return him the favor. If he enjoys uneven fights, let us give him one.'

M'endar had to stop its smile from escaping its face. Once again whispers entered Aen's mind, "I believe it is time I visited my 'younger brother', if he can still be called that after all he has done." A hand turned into a fist at the memory of all the slights throughout the millennia. "I am more than happy to help you with this Aen, after all, I have some scores to settle with him as well."

Aen grinned. He was glad some of the gods were trustworthy. 'Lead the way, friend.'

M'endar chuckled, "If you insist..." The god of lies then focused on Seith's location, put an arm over Aen's shoulder and teleported them to its brother.

"Hello, Seith. I've come to return the favor. After all what was bought must be paid for." Aen drew his sword and struck at him in one motion, without even a glance back to see if M'endar would back him up.

Of course, M'endar would back him up. To assist, M'endar created illusionary copies of itself and Aen, then charged up Aen's sword with chaotic and corruptive energy. Greetings, brother." It spat.

<spoiler=Action>
Attack Seith +6 Combat, +4 Runic, +2 Chivalry
Assist +4 Chaos, +4 Corruption, +4 Deception

 

[drmigit2]

Seith

"They're...insane."

Seith shook his head when he saw Aen speaking with M'endariux about attacking him. He decided that perhaps now would be a good time to call upon his allies, several messages were immediately sent out to Zareth, Ailish, Pentar and even Roe. This attack would be the doom of both M'endar and Aen as far as Seith was concerned. The message was simple. "Aen and M'endar are attacking me. I would appreciate it if you came to the observatory to stop them."

That done, Seith called over Lennonous to help with the defense. His demigods and the staff combined to create a force almost equal to M'endar's own power. He stood his ground and got ready to defend. First was M'endar who made copies of all of them, which was honestly hilarious considering who Seith was. He instantly figured out who the real duo were and kept tabs on them as they drew nearer, his demigods all ready to help with the attack.

First, M'endar had to be removed. With him gone, Aen might be reasoned with. All the assets Seith had been gaining were for this. He and his group made an all out attack against the real M'endar. Finishing this quickly was the key after all.

Spoiler: Actions

Send a message to multiple gods: effortless.

Attack M'endar: +8 Change, +6 enlightenment, +4 Bravery, +4 Hope

 

[Belmarc]

Aen 30, 2

Seith had brought others to fight for him. The lesson would not be learned this way, but so be it. Aen called for Grix, who was with him in a moment. The dragon was attacking as he appeared, a divine wind tearing at his enemies where it didn't belong.

Seith was using an unfinished item of power. It was foolish, to test an used weapon in a fight like this. It seemed he had more than one lesson to learn. He focused on Seith's workings on the weapon and actively fought against them. He altered his swing to strike at the weapon as well as Seith. He was determined the god would not get the help he wanted from it.

<spoiler=Actions>
Hinder Seith's item creation
+6 Combat, +4 Runic

Grix attacks with the others
+4 Wind

 

[Arrogancy]

Isond: 8

Isond waited in the doorway. His master was hunched over a desk, in the exact same position that he had been in when the war god had left. Vantric was busily writing on a sheet of paper, and every so often would stop and turn about, sifting through several stacks of paper that had accumulated on the desk before ripping a piece out and writing on it, forgetting about the previous one. It was all very tiring for Isond, especially since the activity seemed to be an exercise in pointlessness. Every sheet of paper was covered in esoteric scrawlings about the most random things. The price of dwarven iron. The location of the most northern human settlements. Weather conditions in lainiri colonies across Evalon.

None of it made any sense, and he sometimes wondered whether Vantric actually had any plans, or was simply trying to throw off everyone else by collecting piles of useless information. Knowing his master, Isond doubted that it would be anything so simple. In all likelihood there was some angle that was only apparent to someone as twisted and deranged as Vantric. Unfortunately, that was a short list, and most of the names on it couldn't be bothered with trying to decipher the ambitious god's erratic actions. Almost all were occupied with their own moronic actions.

Isond waited. Vantric hadn't noticed his presence yet, and he was too happy that he seemed to have gotten the drop on his mentor for once to draw attention to himself. "Are you going to just stand there or are you going to come in?" Vantric said, not pausing from his work. The war god let out a slight hiss. He knew it was too good to be true.

"I was waiting to be called in, sir." Isond said. It was a joke, something to get under his master's skin, calling him 'sir'. Isond was determined to be as uncontrollable as possible, and Vantric knew it. Sometimes he suspected that Vantric picked him in part for that quality, much as he disliked it. Over the last age, however, something had settled down between the master and apprentice. There was a degree of peace, and respect, if no less loathing between the two.

"Where have you been?"

Isond shrugged. "You were so preoccupied that I decided to take a brief leave of absence."

"And just how long was this 'leave of absence?'"

"It's tough to say, and I can't say I've been keeping close track. Time moves very strangely when you're immortal, have you ever noticed that? It has no consistent flow. It could have been a month, possibly a year, maybe a century. It's been a while though. Long enough that I'm surprised you haven't moved from this place."

"Are you done making observations that are both inane and obvious to anyone who's been with us for any brief length of time?"

"Well I thought it was interesting."

Vantric turned to face his apprentice. "I have a feeling that I'll regret this. Why were you on short leave?"

"This job is exceptionally stressful. I took a much needed break."

"Virtually everything I tell you to do is what you do yourself anyway in your spare time. It's just somewhat more directed."

"I wasn't talking about the tasks you give me, I was talking about dealing with you. You make me sad, sir."

"I'm sorry for that." Vantric rose up, pushing his papers in a cluttered pile. "I however, have no need for you currently." Isond raised an eyebrow. He'd thought for certain that Vantric would have some trivial task for him. Not that he was complaining.

"Something I should be concerned about?"

Vantric flashed a smile. "Not yet." With that, he vanished. Isond walked up to the desk a began sifting through the papers. Something told him that this wouldn't end well.

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

Vantric: 29, 1

He had been looking toward the dwarven lands more often recently. It was a long time before he found exactly what he was looking for, but it was worth it. He appeared in one of the dwarven underground cities, keeping his form from the sight of mortals. His business was too delicate to be handled with a corporeal form. Along the streets were crowds of dwarven people pressing past each other trying to go in a hundred different directions. Vantric drifted by them. He had a specific target he needed to find.

It wasn't long before he arrived at a small stone house. It was squat, built in solid brown rock, though carved might be the better word. The house was virtually indistinguishable from any of the others built on this street, or several dozen other streets nearby. Vantric moved silently in, and began searching the house for his target.

He found Kalin in the bedroom, quietly sleeping. The dwarf was alone in the house, Vantric knew. He had spent much time studying Kalin, and was certain he would work for the task he had prepared. Kalin was exceptionally uninteresting. He was a knight of moderate prowess and moderate standing. He had served several of the dwarven noble houses, and had left employment with honors. He had no interest in politics, and little interest in rising above his station. He was happy enough to consign himself to the hand fate had dealt him. Let's fix that. Vantric thought.

"Kalin." He whispered, just at the edge of the sleeping dwarf's hearing, a sound more in the mind of Kalin than in a literal sense, "There is much for you to do. You know this." The dwarf stirred slightly, but did not wake. "The dwarven kingdom needs change to come. They are a people tied to tradition and obedience. They are slaves to their way of being. This must change. You know this. These people need a champion. I have decided that you, Kalin, will be my instrument. You will be the change of being that drives peoples to rise, and empires to crumble. Begin my work."

With that, Vantric left, disappearing once more into the shadows just as Kalin awoke.

Spoiler: Actions

Influence one mortal- DC 5: Domains (+6 Ambition) Changes Kalin to become a force of revolution. He will be a staunch opponent of the government and the old order of the dwarven peoples.

 

[Terratina.]

M'endaxius - 24/30 AP, 2/2 MP

M'endar laughed at Seith. He would call on his allies, but M'endar had more. It also wondered if it could get the others gods to attack if a prize was offered. Aen had already called on his ally, the demigod Grix, so M'endar thought about inviting other people to the party. First a message was sent to Melanthios and Vantric while in the mist of battle.

"Seith has served himself on a sliver platter. I suggest you help me with finishing off the main course."​

Bringing in other gods, those who hadn't met the god of lies was risky, but M'endar hoped some would rise to the bait. After all, the demigod of Seith's would lie in ruins after the chaos was over. It was strange to see the demigod with the independent streak, the ascended Grigori, came to Seith's aid. But, there wasn't time to think about that now, the message had be sent.

"I offer a prize for those who aid in me getting Seith's head. Join me and Aen in this great battle!"​

Spoiler: Action(s)

Send a message to Vantric and Melanthios - DC = Effortless

Send a message to all the other gods except Pentar, Ailish, Roe, Zareth and Seith - DC = Effortless

 

[Doc Gnosis]

Ailish - 2, 30

She stared. She stared in a mix of awe and fear - not of the city but the area itself. As incredible as this city within Eldarwen's palace was, the land echoed memories of some anguish. It was as if some violence or anger had transpired; worse still it was anger that resonated within her. But Why? Why do these emotions stir?

Little by little, her feet took her deeper into this new city. Some of the people stopped and stared at the strange creature she resembled; each face was barely hiding their baffled responses, before leaving at a faster pace. Ailish was unsure if they were going to run away or summon help to oust her, yet the people continued their business with only an uncertain stare to distract them. It was only when the goddess walked to the palace did the people start to panic. With blades and magic in hand, they proceeded to bind and harm Ailish. She could only express confusion to the resistance.

<spoiler=Note>Ailish is now in Minas Kai

 

[Floris2123]

Melanthios 24AP,2MP

Melanthios returned home after having a day out with Zareth. It had been a very interesting, and fun day. He was happy that he got to see his brother again and his orb was still busy with gathering power. Suddenly a message ripped through his mind "Seith has served himself on a sliver platter. I suggest you help me with finishing off the main course." The war had started? Damnit M'endar! He needed to learn some patience. Melanthios focused and called his two sons, who both appeared momentarily.

Maeglin stepped forward, "What happened father? Why did you call us?" Melanthios looked up, it seemed his sons had felt his concern. "The war has started, and I need your help." Akladai and Maeglin both looked shocked. Maeglin recovered first, he nodded and said, "My sword is yours father, as it has always been." Akladai looked a bit pained. "Is there no other way?" he asked, looking at his father.

Melanthios walked towards him and opened his arms, he hugged his son tightly and placed his hand on his head. "I am sorry my son, I know you don't want to fight her." Maeglin looked saddened as his father hugged him. "But sometime life makes us do things we don't want." Akladai slowly nodded. Melanthios let go of his eldest son "If you really don't want, you don't have to help." Akladai shook his head "No.. I will help, father. You made me the man I am today, I haven't forgotten that."

Akladai grabbed his staff and Maeglin put on his armor. "Then we march to war, but make sure that you don't fall. If either of you two die I would never forgive myself." Both the demigods nodded. Akladai spoke, "We know father. But you made and trained us, it will take more than one deranged god to take us down." Melanthios smiled as he placed his hand on both his sons. "Then let's go, we need to help our allies." Melanthios, Maeglin and Akladai teleported into the observatory.

Melanthios and his sons appeared in a flash. Melanthios aimed at Seith and shot off a purple beam of pure destruction, strong enough to drill an hole straight through an planet. Akladai shot a beam along with his father, his spell was a death curse spell, his strongest one so far. He saw Sephariel fighting for her life, he looked away. He deeply regretted what he was about to do, but he couldn't let his father down. Maeglin grabbed a strange weapon and fired at Seith, his magic was shot through the weapon, focusing into a red beam.

Spoiler: Maeglin's gun

Spoiler: Actions

Teleporting to Salustutis
Difficulty: Effortless
Assist with Attacking Seith.
Arcane magic +6 Wisdom +4 War +2, +4 Leadership, +4 Forbidden knowledge

 

[Arrogancy]

Vantric: 29, 2

Isond: 8

He returned to the fortress. Things were already beginning to be put in motion. Those seeds would bear fruit, eventually. He would just have to cultivate them carefully. He let a smile slip when he entered back to his study. Isond was poring over the papers. "I don't recall giving you permission to look through my things." He announced as he entered.

Isond looked over his shoulder. "I needed some information." He replied.

Vantric was about to reprimand his apprentice before he received a message. "Seith has served himself on a sliver platter. I suggest you help me with finishing off the main course."

It was M'endar. Seith? In trouble? He smiled. "It seems you're lucky, Isond." Vantric said, drawing his weapons. "I have some work for you. Prepare for battle."

The war god looked surprised for a moment, but complied readily enough. "What's happening?" He asked.

"We're going to kill a god."

Vantric left in a wave of shadow departed, with Isond close on his heels.

The pair arrived in Seith's observatory. It resembled a battlefield now, though. The energies of three gods were clashing, with several demigods thrown into the mix. "It seems the party has started without us. Quite rude, wouldn't you say?"

"Quite rude."

"Would you teach our hosts a lesson?"

Isond smiled, "I'd be happy to sir." The war god dashed forward. He followed the dragon, Grix, striking down one of Seith's proteges.

Vantric turned to M'endar. "I got your message." He then turned toward Aen and Seith. "I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't looking forward to this." He sent his own power out to M'endar, shielding him and hiding him from Seith's vision temporarily. This was going to be a good fight.

Spoiler: Actions

Isond

Attack Lennonous- (+4 War)

Vantric

Hinder Seith attacking M'endar- (+4 Secrets)

 

[Pappytech]

Nivix - 30, 2

Nivix toiled away in his lab, alone for the first time in who knew how long. He had spent the past few centuries upon Evalon, leaving his various projects and experiments unattended for far, far too long; he had a lot of work to do if he ever wanted to get this place sorted out.

But the silence and isolation felt... odd. Unsettling, in a way. The chemister couldn't understand why he was acting this way; he had never had problems with being alone before. Hell, he had accomplished some of his greatest feats up here in his lab, away from the prying eyes of others. He didn't need companionship to function, he didn't need to have someone to talk to or to bounce ideas off of. He could take care of everything by himself, without any outside aid or interference! He was a god; there was no limit to his drive or abilities!

...So why did he feel so lonely?

"I offer a prize for those who aid in me getting Seith's head. Join me and Aen in this great battle!"

It took Nivix a few moments to notice that the strange thought was not one of his own making, but a message from one of the other gods. M'ender, or whatever he... she... it called itself.

Thinking back, Nivix couldn't recall a time when he had ever interacted much with M'ender. If memory served right, the last time they had seen each other had been when Aen sought to create the Changelings all those years ago, and even then they hadn't exactly spoken to each other. So why would it seek him out now?

Then again, did it really matter? If M'ender was to be believed, then social interaction awaited! Why was he bothering to sit here and contemplate other gods' motivations, when he could be out there finding them out for himself!?

With a single burst of energy, Nivix willed himself away from his laboratory, shifting his consciousness across the infinite space that separated him from Seith's observatory. Accompanied by a thunderous peal, Nivix abruptly resumed his physical form, a delighted grin nearly splitting his face in two. "Well, well, well!" he shouted as he observed the various battles that raged all around him. "What do we have here, eh!?"

Spoiler: Actions

Teleport to Seith's Observatory: Effortless