Looking for more active discussion? Join our Discord at https://discord.gg/x2s7fY6
Best Of
Reconciled
For context, I forgot to turn off my bashing script, so during one time I accidentally pressed tab. Nizrea, who was being admin played, was the target. So when I was lifting the pylon... y e a h. For amends, she demanded a shiny, which Knigi happily agreed to. So, I finally got it to her, had a lovely little scene.
You say, "I finished it!"
You give ornate armbands of Tanixalthas to Nizrea, the Star-Gazer.
You say, "...I hope they're good enough."
You say, "If you don't think so, I can remake them, the lil gap under is so your wings aren't pinched!"
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer's sharp fingers lift and flick in a wave of greeting before ornate armbands of Tanixalthas are shoved into her possession. "Shakra, hello, future Kin." The Grecht offers warmly, her usual excitement subdued JUST enough to take a moment and appreciate the exchange.
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer's deft hands flip the armbands over as the priestess insects them with a curious gaze. Yellow eyes drag over the near-black silver, and when she flips them over once more she pauses to trace a digit over the teeth of the Dragon's maw. "Yes, yes!" That excitement returns and her hair splays as she begins bopping on her toes, as per usual.
Knigi looks fairly anxious, bouncing on their toes, realizing they basically shoved the armbands in the Grecht's face. "H-Hello. Sorry I shoved them into your face... I've been really nervous to give them to you."
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer says, "As is expected, but these are even better than I envisioned, mhm, yes!"
Noticeably relieved, you say, "I'm really glad you like them. I've been told I craft fairly well!"
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer immediately begins inspecting the robes that swamp her arms and she pushes the sleeves up only for them to tumble down again. "Hm." She hands them back to you and then holds her arms out expectantly, "Over the robes for now." She decides, waiting for you to actually put them on her, the young priestess acting as if she's royalty.
Knigi takes a moment, then notices with a start. Still too small to quite reach the arms, they flutter their wings, and gently put one on the priestess's forearms, pressing the lever to make sure they stay on, without pinching, adjusting slightly to cause the robe to drape from the forearms still. The process is repeated, Knigi carefully affixing the other, care evident in their gentle, dexterous movements.
Satisfied, and with you higher now that she has the opportunity, Nizrea, the Star-Gazer grabs your wrists with her cold, sharpened hands and delivers the softest of squeezes to the tiny creature before her. "We are now even." She declares. And that's that. Just like her Goddess, zero fanfare, the young woman turns and returns to her duties with a fondness and reverence that only the Star-Gazer seems to pull off. Her newly acquired pieces gleam dully against the cobalt of her robes.
[HINT]: LOOK NIZREA.
Although she is young, this Grecht carries a hardened regality. Dark, sleek hair falls around her gaunt face and the midnight shade is a stark contrast to the yellow hue of her eyes. Although you can see her chin, the uppermost section of her face is hidden behind a bone mask that has been carved to mimic a dragon's skull. Soft grooves have been moulded into the uppermost seam of the mask to leave room for the ashen, bat-like ears that jut away from her head and the rest of her body is covered in the same, soft grey hue. Underfed, this priestess' religious robes almost drown her amidst their folds, however the material glimmers richly like jewels of a sapphire tinge. Pinning part of the rich blue satin to her arms is a set of ornate armbands of Tanixalthas, the tarnished silver melding beautifully with the deep cobalt of her garments. Further highlighting her dedication to the Dragon Goddess, this small woman has grown her nails into dark talons and when she smiles, you can see her teeth have been shaved into fine points.
You say, "I'm glad. They look really good on you."
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer's attention drifts, returning to their usual tasks.
You say, "I finished it!"
You give ornate armbands of Tanixalthas to Nizrea, the Star-Gazer.
You say, "...I hope they're good enough."
You say, "If you don't think so, I can remake them, the lil gap under is so your wings aren't pinched!"
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer's sharp fingers lift and flick in a wave of greeting before ornate armbands of Tanixalthas are shoved into her possession. "Shakra, hello, future Kin." The Grecht offers warmly, her usual excitement subdued JUST enough to take a moment and appreciate the exchange.
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer's deft hands flip the armbands over as the priestess insects them with a curious gaze. Yellow eyes drag over the near-black silver, and when she flips them over once more she pauses to trace a digit over the teeth of the Dragon's maw. "Yes, yes!" That excitement returns and her hair splays as she begins bopping on her toes, as per usual.
Knigi looks fairly anxious, bouncing on their toes, realizing they basically shoved the armbands in the Grecht's face. "H-Hello. Sorry I shoved them into your face... I've been really nervous to give them to you."
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer says, "As is expected, but these are even better than I envisioned, mhm, yes!"
Noticeably relieved, you say, "I'm really glad you like them. I've been told I craft fairly well!"
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer immediately begins inspecting the robes that swamp her arms and she pushes the sleeves up only for them to tumble down again. "Hm." She hands them back to you and then holds her arms out expectantly, "Over the robes for now." She decides, waiting for you to actually put them on her, the young priestess acting as if she's royalty.
Knigi takes a moment, then notices with a start. Still too small to quite reach the arms, they flutter their wings, and gently put one on the priestess's forearms, pressing the lever to make sure they stay on, without pinching, adjusting slightly to cause the robe to drape from the forearms still. The process is repeated, Knigi carefully affixing the other, care evident in their gentle, dexterous movements.
Satisfied, and with you higher now that she has the opportunity, Nizrea, the Star-Gazer grabs your wrists with her cold, sharpened hands and delivers the softest of squeezes to the tiny creature before her. "We are now even." She declares. And that's that. Just like her Goddess, zero fanfare, the young woman turns and returns to her duties with a fondness and reverence that only the Star-Gazer seems to pull off. Her newly acquired pieces gleam dully against the cobalt of her robes.
[HINT]: LOOK NIZREA.
Although she is young, this Grecht carries a hardened regality. Dark, sleek hair falls around her gaunt face and the midnight shade is a stark contrast to the yellow hue of her eyes. Although you can see her chin, the uppermost section of her face is hidden behind a bone mask that has been carved to mimic a dragon's skull. Soft grooves have been moulded into the uppermost seam of the mask to leave room for the ashen, bat-like ears that jut away from her head and the rest of her body is covered in the same, soft grey hue. Underfed, this priestess' religious robes almost drown her amidst their folds, however the material glimmers richly like jewels of a sapphire tinge. Pinning part of the rich blue satin to her arms is a set of ornate armbands of Tanixalthas, the tarnished silver melding beautifully with the deep cobalt of her garments. Further highlighting her dedication to the Dragon Goddess, this small woman has grown her nails into dark talons and when she smiles, you can see her teeth have been shaved into fine points.
You say, "I'm glad. They look really good on you."
Nizrea, the Star-Gazer's attention drifts, returning to their usual tasks.
Knigi
4
Events post #308: The Second War of Night, Part IV: The Shadowrot
7/25/2022 at 3:09
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part IV: The Shadowrot
Though they knew their efforts at forestalling Shadow's encroachment were temporary at best, none expected the situation to deterioriate quite as fast as it did. Beset with eerie visions of Vo'acha, the Shadow, Sibatti and Jhura hurried to the Guardian's totem at Sterion while the rest of the Council followed shortly after. Runemaster Olto met them beside Vo'acha's totem, having apparently received the same vision: of the great serpent coiling around his totem while black filth and rot bubbled up from below.
Heated discussion ensued about what the vision could mean while the Runemaster attempted to examine the area, in particular the water of the frozen lake which seemed to feature in what he had seen. Arguments broke out when Olto requested the aid of a scientist to analyse a water sample, and discussion threatened to boil over into full out conflict as Bloodloch arrived at the scene demanding to know what was taking place.
Finally, Sibatti called on Inkh's services and asked that he analyse the water sample. Taking it to the megasizer device, with the aid of Litrix they discerned that there were traces of excess shadow in the water, far beyond what could be considered normal parameters. The Xorali scientist accompanied the Chairman back to Sterion and conferred with the Runemaster to bring himself up to date on the situation.
Litrix quickly performed a survey of the area with a strange array of tools and instruments, concluding the likely existence of a cavern or crevice below the frozen lake. With his makeshift expedition crew in tow, he paced the lake and breathed fire into the largest sheet of ice, melting it away to reveal an opening below. Both within and adjacent, thick layers of rot presided, dominating the cavern network with shadowy filth.
As adventurers explored, Litrix called on Aisling dur Naya to perform psychometry, hoping for some insight into how the rot had formed so far from the rift and, as far as anyone was concerned, so deep below the ice and out of sight and mind. Aisling's mental inspection yielded only images in black and grey, impressions of death, dozens of expiring shadowspawn, and the taint growing more foul with each one.
This seemed to confirm some theory held by Litrix as he immediately made known his belief that the totem was not responsible, putting paid to some theories about the power of the Guardians. The Xorali posited that each shadowspawn killed at the arch by mundane means was congealing in this cave instead of having itself dispersed to harmless essence. According to Litrix, such a thing should not be possible unless the Shadow had outside help. This ominous declaration set in motion another slew of theories and accusations, none of which have yet bore any fruit.
He went on to theorise that the rot ran far deeper than this single layer, and responded to concerns about killing more shadowspawn with a reserved, bitter comment that the damage was almost certainly already done. It would spread, beyond the cave, perhaps even beyond Sterion, Litrix stated in bleak tones. And it did.
As midnight fell across the land, the rot emerged from the cave and claimed its first foothold in Sterion proper. Though its advance was slow, nothing survived contact with it, shrines and creatures and all other ephemera consumed into the black mass. All who stood within it felt sickened and weak, Duamvi far more than others. Large bells were brought forth by Enorian in an effort to repel the taint, but the pealing chimes served only to make it angry and more resolute.
Each subsequent night brought more of the same: the rot advancing further into Sterion and devouring all in its path. As the songline totems fell, followed by the totem of Vo'acha, the web of Dendaric energy and the labyrinth established by Duiran began to falter, bringing forth dozens of shadowspawn through the rift at once. And so it continued.
In the early days of Variach, after both Vo'acha and Kree-sa's totems had fallen to the rot and almost a full third of Sterion lay in the Shadow's grip, the Unbound Lord appeared beside the Shrine of Bells. Damariel's presence enraged the cloying darkness which twice tried to attack Him, lashing tendrils repelled by His brilliant aura of light. Visibly disgusted by the taint, Damariel spoke of Ohlsana's struggle against Her prison, and how the Shadow Mother was spending all Her will on driving the rot forward.
Infused with intelligence from Her, and bound so tightly to Her mind, there was little even the Gods could do against it, so-said the Unbound Lord, inwardly musing on a time where the Gods were far more powerful, and perhaps could have done more. As ever, Damariel counselled hope - He believed that as the rot spread, Ohlsana would not be able to maintain Her iron will over all of it at once, offering some scant relief as He insisted that She was not limitlessly powerful.
Upon hearing of someone - or Someone - lending aid to the Shadow, Damariel mused that He would not suspect any of His own kin of being responsible, troubled by the information. Still He projected hope, even while stating that the time of a united Pantheon had long passed and inwardly blaming Varian for the fact. As another assault by the darkness was rebuffed, Docent Eliadon asked of the Unbound God His thoughts on freeing Dejaani, Guardian of the First Flame, to combat Ohlsana. He offered no opinion on the idea, save to share that the Albedi Divine were entirely unlike the Sapience Pantheon, more akin to forces of nature than individual people.
As midnight drew nearer, Damariel assured those present that a weakness would present itself in time, and that when it did, they would fight back. Leaving the group with these final words, the Unbound Lord took His leave and was gone, the adventurers regrouping beside the arch in preparation for the midnight hour...
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 5th of Variach, in the year 504 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part IV: The Shadowrot
Though they knew their efforts at forestalling Shadow's encroachment were temporary at best, none expected the situation to deterioriate quite as fast as it did. Beset with eerie visions of Vo'acha, the Shadow, Sibatti and Jhura hurried to the Guardian's totem at Sterion while the rest of the Council followed shortly after. Runemaster Olto met them beside Vo'acha's totem, having apparently received the same vision: of the great serpent coiling around his totem while black filth and rot bubbled up from below.
Heated discussion ensued about what the vision could mean while the Runemaster attempted to examine the area, in particular the water of the frozen lake which seemed to feature in what he had seen. Arguments broke out when Olto requested the aid of a scientist to analyse a water sample, and discussion threatened to boil over into full out conflict as Bloodloch arrived at the scene demanding to know what was taking place.
Finally, Sibatti called on Inkh's services and asked that he analyse the water sample. Taking it to the megasizer device, with the aid of Litrix they discerned that there were traces of excess shadow in the water, far beyond what could be considered normal parameters. The Xorali scientist accompanied the Chairman back to Sterion and conferred with the Runemaster to bring himself up to date on the situation.
Litrix quickly performed a survey of the area with a strange array of tools and instruments, concluding the likely existence of a cavern or crevice below the frozen lake. With his makeshift expedition crew in tow, he paced the lake and breathed fire into the largest sheet of ice, melting it away to reveal an opening below. Both within and adjacent, thick layers of rot presided, dominating the cavern network with shadowy filth.
As adventurers explored, Litrix called on Aisling dur Naya to perform psychometry, hoping for some insight into how the rot had formed so far from the rift and, as far as anyone was concerned, so deep below the ice and out of sight and mind. Aisling's mental inspection yielded only images in black and grey, impressions of death, dozens of expiring shadowspawn, and the taint growing more foul with each one.
This seemed to confirm some theory held by Litrix as he immediately made known his belief that the totem was not responsible, putting paid to some theories about the power of the Guardians. The Xorali posited that each shadowspawn killed at the arch by mundane means was congealing in this cave instead of having itself dispersed to harmless essence. According to Litrix, such a thing should not be possible unless the Shadow had outside help. This ominous declaration set in motion another slew of theories and accusations, none of which have yet bore any fruit.
He went on to theorise that the rot ran far deeper than this single layer, and responded to concerns about killing more shadowspawn with a reserved, bitter comment that the damage was almost certainly already done. It would spread, beyond the cave, perhaps even beyond Sterion, Litrix stated in bleak tones. And it did.
As midnight fell across the land, the rot emerged from the cave and claimed its first foothold in Sterion proper. Though its advance was slow, nothing survived contact with it, shrines and creatures and all other ephemera consumed into the black mass. All who stood within it felt sickened and weak, Duamvi far more than others. Large bells were brought forth by Enorian in an effort to repel the taint, but the pealing chimes served only to make it angry and more resolute.
Each subsequent night brought more of the same: the rot advancing further into Sterion and devouring all in its path. As the songline totems fell, followed by the totem of Vo'acha, the web of Dendaric energy and the labyrinth established by Duiran began to falter, bringing forth dozens of shadowspawn through the rift at once. And so it continued.
In the early days of Variach, after both Vo'acha and Kree-sa's totems had fallen to the rot and almost a full third of Sterion lay in the Shadow's grip, the Unbound Lord appeared beside the Shrine of Bells. Damariel's presence enraged the cloying darkness which twice tried to attack Him, lashing tendrils repelled by His brilliant aura of light. Visibly disgusted by the taint, Damariel spoke of Ohlsana's struggle against Her prison, and how the Shadow Mother was spending all Her will on driving the rot forward.
Infused with intelligence from Her, and bound so tightly to Her mind, there was little even the Gods could do against it, so-said the Unbound Lord, inwardly musing on a time where the Gods were far more powerful, and perhaps could have done more. As ever, Damariel counselled hope - He believed that as the rot spread, Ohlsana would not be able to maintain Her iron will over all of it at once, offering some scant relief as He insisted that She was not limitlessly powerful.
Upon hearing of someone - or Someone - lending aid to the Shadow, Damariel mused that He would not suspect any of His own kin of being responsible, troubled by the information. Still He projected hope, even while stating that the time of a united Pantheon had long passed and inwardly blaming Varian for the fact. As another assault by the darkness was rebuffed, Docent Eliadon asked of the Unbound God His thoughts on freeing Dejaani, Guardian of the First Flame, to combat Ohlsana. He offered no opinion on the idea, save to share that the Albedi Divine were entirely unlike the Sapience Pantheon, more akin to forces of nature than individual people.
As midnight drew nearer, Damariel assured those present that a weakness would present itself in time, and that when it did, they would fight back. Leaving the group with these final words, the Unbound Lord took His leave and was gone, the adventurers regrouping beside the arch in preparation for the midnight hour...
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 5th of Variach, in the year 504 MA.
Re: Iesid Mulariad
I've mentioned this to you before, but I really think one of Iesid's greatest strengths as a character (and one of your greatest strengths in writing him) lies in how he interacts with the Divine. Those are consistently some of my favorite snippets to read, or to be present for (even when it ends with Bamathis splattering his head all over a perfectly good bridge).
Beyond that, Eaku and Iesid have known each other for a long time and I've really appreciated having someone so willing to have ideas bounced off of them both IC, whether being mutually sad about that whole Aalen business or sharing ideas about the Sentinels.
Beyond that, Eaku and Iesid have known each other for a long time and I've really appreciated having someone so willing to have ideas bounced off of them both IC, whether being mutually sad about that whole Aalen business or sharing ideas about the Sentinels.
Eaku
1
Dragon Mom is not impressed
A verdant arc of energy explodes from the depths of the forests to streak towards the tallest tower that dominates above the City of the Dragon. It stretches out into a long, viridian spear that slams into its apex in a thundering of stone as debris falls to the streets below.
The guttural, bellowing voice of Haern, the Hunter resounds across the land, "It has been some time since I had a hunt worthy of My attention, Old Goddess."
A rumbling, amused sound trembles over Sapience as the Storm gathers over Spinesreach. As the viridian spear disperses on impact, the northern city is ensconced in the wing-span of Tanixalthas. Her wings beat and She rises into the sky over Her claimed perch.
The firmament shudders, yielding to the thunderous voice of Tanixalthas as She booms, "Should this world survive by My Gift, Child Hunter, you may have the privilege of bartering with Me for such an honor. Until then, I will bestow You the blessing of not sapping Your strength."
A great, booming laughter echoes from every crook and crevice of the forests, the beasts within all rising in a cacophony of sound that echoes with the Hunter's amusement.
The guttural, bellowing voice of Haern, the Hunter resounds across the land, "I look forward to it."
(for those of you who missed it)
The guttural, bellowing voice of Haern, the Hunter resounds across the land, "It has been some time since I had a hunt worthy of My attention, Old Goddess."
A rumbling, amused sound trembles over Sapience as the Storm gathers over Spinesreach. As the viridian spear disperses on impact, the northern city is ensconced in the wing-span of Tanixalthas. Her wings beat and She rises into the sky over Her claimed perch.
The firmament shudders, yielding to the thunderous voice of Tanixalthas as She booms, "Should this world survive by My Gift, Child Hunter, you may have the privilege of bartering with Me for such an honor. Until then, I will bestow You the blessing of not sapping Your strength."
A great, booming laughter echoes from every crook and crevice of the forests, the beasts within all rising in a cacophony of sound that echoes with the Hunter's amusement.
The guttural, bellowing voice of Haern, the Hunter resounds across the land, "I look forward to it."
(for those of you who missed it)
Knigi
1
Re: LOVE
Just a little shoutout to @Maeve @Tetchta and @Paxe for making my time in Aetolia so far an absolutely wonderful experience. I have never had a consistent group of people and characters to interact with and enjoy, of such quality or that have been such excellent, outstanding people. You're all rockstars, and I deeply appreciate you. 
Events post #306: The Second War of Night, Part III: The Shrines, The Bells, and the Dragon.
7/22/2022 at 0:11
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part III: The Shrines, The Bells, and the Dragon.
Determined to make the most of the borrowed time bought by Duiran's work with the songlines, the adventurers of Sapience lost no steam in the weeks following the Shamanic rituals, steadfastly continuing their efforts in defence and resolved to continue preparing for war.
In Bloodloch, the promised machinations of Abhorash began to bear fruit. Following the Progenitor's instructions, the citizens of the Empire began drawing on their amassed quantities of slaves, lashing them to the shrines in Sterion. The goal was simple: corrupt the soul, the blood, and the sanity of the slaves such that the Divine might imbued within the shrines would wash over them, infusing them with the power of Bloodloch's Gods and raising them up from mere chattel into soldiers of purpose.
Experiments began in earnest under the eyes of Yettave, Rijetta, Almol, Kurak, Nipsy, and Dreadnaught, though more eagerly joined the effort soon after. Many were lost in the search for the correct balance to satisfy each God, and fighting soon erupted on the streets of Sterion as the forces of Enorian and Duiran, outraged by Bloodloch's callous disregard for life, sought to stymie the Empire's efforts.
With both sides' noses bloodied in the pitched battles that followed, the Empire persisted, hurriedly marshalling each new soldier home. Redoubling their efforts in the weeks after, their armies continued to grow, faceless legionnaires, shifting horrors, brutish rockfiends, and sentient, tainted ashes joining the Imperial Horde. The Empire spare none the whip, and training of their legions goes on...
~ ~ ~
In Enorian, the Beacon eagerly prepared evacuation plans for their innocent citizens while awaiting the return of the Rekindled Goddess. In conference with Rhulin Glintspear, once again forced to abandon his dreams of retirement, plans were made to hasten the repairs of their defunct Lance of the Gods, aimed not at destroying undead or Haekathi, but to burn the shadowbound to ash. The Engineer set the Beacon to collecting sand for the purposes of glassblowing, and they scoured the beaches and deserts of Sapience in preparation for the work to come.
The return of Ethne came in the form of an enormous, fire-fretted gateway opening in Enorian's Garden of Dawn. Thousands of Djinni Bellguards poured into the Prime from the holy lands of Rahiela, a Bellkeeper at the procession's head. The soldiers fanned out around the Garden in protective formations, and moments later the Forge Maiden arrived, Her Ogrish presence draped in an aura of brilliant flames.
Foregoing long conversation as is Her wont, Ethne recanted what She had learned in the forges of Rahiela, summoning Rhulin to Her side. The Goddess showed off a brilliant white metal known as dejanite, and made known Her intentions to forge a singularly large bell from the holy material while the adventurers worked at mass producing bells for the city's - the world's - protection. Passing instructions on the bellforging process to the Engineer, She bid him to construct for Enorian a specialised forge for the purpose, and he immediately set about the task.
While the Beacon awaited news, Bellkeeper Kayaazim had more to say. With the assent of Ethne, the Djinn began to recite the words of a prophecy, a series of ominous verses foretelling great tragedy, disaster, and the victory of the shadow, along with - it was presumed - predictions made of events that had already occurred. The Bellkeeper assured those gathered that it was incomplete, but that the work of Paimri's scholars in the translation was accurate.
Further discussion was interrupted by Rhulin's declaration that the forge was complete. They hurried to the industrial district where the Engineer presented to them a massive foundry, equipped with an enormous furnace and similarly impressive crucible. The forge was outfitted with everything they could need, including detailed instructions on the Djinn's process of forging specialist bells.
Opting to christen the forge personally, the Rekindled Goddess lit the furnace with some of Her own fire, and, expertly working the metal in a technique blending that of the Djinn with Her own considerable expertise, soon produced the first hand bell. Rasani Morrog received the first bell with reverence, and, following Ethne's departure to Her own forge, began to learn. Firing up the furnace and working the crucible, the Godsmith followed the steps with care, imbuing some of her own spirit into the craft. Bolstered by her Duamvi host and her devotion to Damariel, Rasani concluded the process by anointing the bell with holy oils, the task complete.
Vanguard Sryaen immediately began drawing up plans and assessing the resources on hand to maximise their efforts at the bellforge. With Rasani, Roux, Jhura, and others experimenting with harmonics, spirit, and durability and the efforts of Damonicus, Eoros, Ranae, and Kalena put forth on blowing glass for Rhulin, a busy atmosphere prevails in Enorian, the city galvanised in preparation for what is to come...
~ ~ ~
In the north, Spinesreach worked in a frenzy, pursuing a variety of projects. While still maintaining the largest share of Sterion's vigil, work continued with Litrix on developing spirit-laced ordnance to drive back the shadowspawn. The Ascendril and the Spireans had conspired to produce countless bulbs of raw elemental spirit, and the city was eager to begin.
Initial experiments proved highly volatile, with Lenoriel Ali'vani-Ourborian discovering the indiscriminate nature of spirit, finding herself reordered into a horrific - albeit highly structured - mass of tumours. Undeterred, Litrix bid them to find ways of protecting themselves against the raw spirit and discussed plans for imbuing it into blades, explosives, and other weapons of war.
Working with Chairman Inkh in his rare moments of freedom from the news boards, Litrix also began making arrangements for a preservation facility. Requesting donations of steel and elemental ice, the Xorani promised a large facility, aimed at housing seed and life samples for future growth in the event of mass loss of life. The donations came in force, thousands of commodities offered up for the cause, and, with Burkhart Straton once again employed for the task, construction has begun.
All the while, debate raged fiercely throughout Spinesreach on a singular topic: The Dragon's Boon. A request was made to the Sun Drinker to lend Her aid to Spinesreach's war efforts in the form of harnessing part of Her storms. Dragons do not engage in charity, however, and the topic of a price for the First's gift was rampant on the city channel and in the news.
A town hall was hastily convened and negotations for the power of the storm were underway. The Spireans agreed to build for the Sun Drinker a temple worthy of Her impressive might, as well as to allow Priests of the Dragon Cult of Dehkay Plateau to preach within the city's walls, the latter a personal requirement added to the negotiation table by the First Dragon Herself.
Not only would Spinesreach honour Tanixalthas materially and spiritually, however, but with an additional promise of Legacy. Thus did the Lion of the North abandon its long-standing moniker, publicly affirming themselves as the City beneath Her Wing and restyling themselves Dragon of the North. With Sky Dreaming satisfied by this accord, She consented to allow the Spireans a way to harness Her power. Nizrea, the Star-Gazer would be their contact for this endeavour, and the Spireans have begun plotting out locations to erect massive pylons in order to channel the wrath and fury of the unfettered storm...
~ ~ ~
Though the network of songlines in Sterion continued to waylay the breach, shadowspawn soon began entering the Prime through the rift, stretched out to impossible thinness by the totemic arrangement but soon taking on their most robust forms the instant they broke free. Duiran continued to hold sentinel over the Guardian Totems as one continued to inexplicably lose power, which they tirelessly sought to shore up with each passing day.
With the influx of shadowspawn chaotic and unpredictable, vigil remains steadfast, and the world stands on the brink of open war with Czjetija. When the rift will eventually breach in full, none can say...
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 12th of Haernos, in the year 503 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part III: The Shrines, The Bells, and the Dragon.
Determined to make the most of the borrowed time bought by Duiran's work with the songlines, the adventurers of Sapience lost no steam in the weeks following the Shamanic rituals, steadfastly continuing their efforts in defence and resolved to continue preparing for war.
In Bloodloch, the promised machinations of Abhorash began to bear fruit. Following the Progenitor's instructions, the citizens of the Empire began drawing on their amassed quantities of slaves, lashing them to the shrines in Sterion. The goal was simple: corrupt the soul, the blood, and the sanity of the slaves such that the Divine might imbued within the shrines would wash over them, infusing them with the power of Bloodloch's Gods and raising them up from mere chattel into soldiers of purpose.
Experiments began in earnest under the eyes of Yettave, Rijetta, Almol, Kurak, Nipsy, and Dreadnaught, though more eagerly joined the effort soon after. Many were lost in the search for the correct balance to satisfy each God, and fighting soon erupted on the streets of Sterion as the forces of Enorian and Duiran, outraged by Bloodloch's callous disregard for life, sought to stymie the Empire's efforts.
With both sides' noses bloodied in the pitched battles that followed, the Empire persisted, hurriedly marshalling each new soldier home. Redoubling their efforts in the weeks after, their armies continued to grow, faceless legionnaires, shifting horrors, brutish rockfiends, and sentient, tainted ashes joining the Imperial Horde. The Empire spare none the whip, and training of their legions goes on...
~ ~ ~
In Enorian, the Beacon eagerly prepared evacuation plans for their innocent citizens while awaiting the return of the Rekindled Goddess. In conference with Rhulin Glintspear, once again forced to abandon his dreams of retirement, plans were made to hasten the repairs of their defunct Lance of the Gods, aimed not at destroying undead or Haekathi, but to burn the shadowbound to ash. The Engineer set the Beacon to collecting sand for the purposes of glassblowing, and they scoured the beaches and deserts of Sapience in preparation for the work to come.
The return of Ethne came in the form of an enormous, fire-fretted gateway opening in Enorian's Garden of Dawn. Thousands of Djinni Bellguards poured into the Prime from the holy lands of Rahiela, a Bellkeeper at the procession's head. The soldiers fanned out around the Garden in protective formations, and moments later the Forge Maiden arrived, Her Ogrish presence draped in an aura of brilliant flames.
Foregoing long conversation as is Her wont, Ethne recanted what She had learned in the forges of Rahiela, summoning Rhulin to Her side. The Goddess showed off a brilliant white metal known as dejanite, and made known Her intentions to forge a singularly large bell from the holy material while the adventurers worked at mass producing bells for the city's - the world's - protection. Passing instructions on the bellforging process to the Engineer, She bid him to construct for Enorian a specialised forge for the purpose, and he immediately set about the task.
While the Beacon awaited news, Bellkeeper Kayaazim had more to say. With the assent of Ethne, the Djinn began to recite the words of a prophecy, a series of ominous verses foretelling great tragedy, disaster, and the victory of the shadow, along with - it was presumed - predictions made of events that had already occurred. The Bellkeeper assured those gathered that it was incomplete, but that the work of Paimri's scholars in the translation was accurate.
Further discussion was interrupted by Rhulin's declaration that the forge was complete. They hurried to the industrial district where the Engineer presented to them a massive foundry, equipped with an enormous furnace and similarly impressive crucible. The forge was outfitted with everything they could need, including detailed instructions on the Djinn's process of forging specialist bells.
Opting to christen the forge personally, the Rekindled Goddess lit the furnace with some of Her own fire, and, expertly working the metal in a technique blending that of the Djinn with Her own considerable expertise, soon produced the first hand bell. Rasani Morrog received the first bell with reverence, and, following Ethne's departure to Her own forge, began to learn. Firing up the furnace and working the crucible, the Godsmith followed the steps with care, imbuing some of her own spirit into the craft. Bolstered by her Duamvi host and her devotion to Damariel, Rasani concluded the process by anointing the bell with holy oils, the task complete.
Vanguard Sryaen immediately began drawing up plans and assessing the resources on hand to maximise their efforts at the bellforge. With Rasani, Roux, Jhura, and others experimenting with harmonics, spirit, and durability and the efforts of Damonicus, Eoros, Ranae, and Kalena put forth on blowing glass for Rhulin, a busy atmosphere prevails in Enorian, the city galvanised in preparation for what is to come...
~ ~ ~
In the north, Spinesreach worked in a frenzy, pursuing a variety of projects. While still maintaining the largest share of Sterion's vigil, work continued with Litrix on developing spirit-laced ordnance to drive back the shadowspawn. The Ascendril and the Spireans had conspired to produce countless bulbs of raw elemental spirit, and the city was eager to begin.
Initial experiments proved highly volatile, with Lenoriel Ali'vani-Ourborian discovering the indiscriminate nature of spirit, finding herself reordered into a horrific - albeit highly structured - mass of tumours. Undeterred, Litrix bid them to find ways of protecting themselves against the raw spirit and discussed plans for imbuing it into blades, explosives, and other weapons of war.
Working with Chairman Inkh in his rare moments of freedom from the news boards, Litrix also began making arrangements for a preservation facility. Requesting donations of steel and elemental ice, the Xorani promised a large facility, aimed at housing seed and life samples for future growth in the event of mass loss of life. The donations came in force, thousands of commodities offered up for the cause, and, with Burkhart Straton once again employed for the task, construction has begun.
All the while, debate raged fiercely throughout Spinesreach on a singular topic: The Dragon's Boon. A request was made to the Sun Drinker to lend Her aid to Spinesreach's war efforts in the form of harnessing part of Her storms. Dragons do not engage in charity, however, and the topic of a price for the First's gift was rampant on the city channel and in the news.
A town hall was hastily convened and negotations for the power of the storm were underway. The Spireans agreed to build for the Sun Drinker a temple worthy of Her impressive might, as well as to allow Priests of the Dragon Cult of Dehkay Plateau to preach within the city's walls, the latter a personal requirement added to the negotiation table by the First Dragon Herself.
Not only would Spinesreach honour Tanixalthas materially and spiritually, however, but with an additional promise of Legacy. Thus did the Lion of the North abandon its long-standing moniker, publicly affirming themselves as the City beneath Her Wing and restyling themselves Dragon of the North. With Sky Dreaming satisfied by this accord, She consented to allow the Spireans a way to harness Her power. Nizrea, the Star-Gazer would be their contact for this endeavour, and the Spireans have begun plotting out locations to erect massive pylons in order to channel the wrath and fury of the unfettered storm...
~ ~ ~
Though the network of songlines in Sterion continued to waylay the breach, shadowspawn soon began entering the Prime through the rift, stretched out to impossible thinness by the totemic arrangement but soon taking on their most robust forms the instant they broke free. Duiran continued to hold sentinel over the Guardian Totems as one continued to inexplicably lose power, which they tirelessly sought to shore up with each passing day.
With the influx of shadowspawn chaotic and unpredictable, vigil remains steadfast, and the world stands on the brink of open war with Czjetija. When the rift will eventually breach in full, none can say...
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 12th of Haernos, in the year 503 MA.
Events post #307: The Auguries of the Djinn
7/22/2022 at 3:48
Anonymous
Everyone
The Auguries of the Djinn
And it shall come to pass that when the song of heaven lies forgotten,
So shall the people of the sun cry tears of grief.
Ere despair there will be hope,
And the three shall convey upon them their solemn charge.
By the five shall they seek the peal,
And know paradise.
When the gates of sanctuary have opened,
Light and fire shall be as one.
Thousands shall die by ancient accord,
And fell sorcery shall be vanquished.
And in the Age of Midnight,
War shall ravage the holy lands.
The devil-black shall shirk His war-made bindings,
And passion shall be snuffed by She Who Burns.
And when the spine of reality is mending,
From ruin shall come madness.
The grains of sand shall fall more swiftly,
And order shall shatter aged pacts.
And when the black pyre flees the wrath of empty night,
And sundered time bequeathes a bounty broken,
Five will come and six will fall,
What follows after stained by war.
Then open will the violet eye of twilight,
Ancient evil from its slumber woken,
Sibilant, its clarion call,
Seeping in through breach and bore.
And yea, then shall the mother of shadow reach out and touch the land,
And all the light of all the world shall be as darkness.
All the clouds shall weep their tears of blight,
And hope shall wither on the vine of despair.
Thus shall be eternal night.
- From excerpts translated by the scholars of Paimri fio Oihia, recited in their own words by Bellkeeper Kayaazim
Penned by my hand on Gosday, the 13th of Haernos, in the year 503 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Auguries of the Djinn
And it shall come to pass that when the song of heaven lies forgotten,
So shall the people of the sun cry tears of grief.
Ere despair there will be hope,
And the three shall convey upon them their solemn charge.
By the five shall they seek the peal,
And know paradise.
When the gates of sanctuary have opened,
Light and fire shall be as one.
Thousands shall die by ancient accord,
And fell sorcery shall be vanquished.
And in the Age of Midnight,
War shall ravage the holy lands.
The devil-black shall shirk His war-made bindings,
And passion shall be snuffed by She Who Burns.
And when the spine of reality is mending,
From ruin shall come madness.
The grains of sand shall fall more swiftly,
And order shall shatter aged pacts.
And when the black pyre flees the wrath of empty night,
And sundered time bequeathes a bounty broken,
Five will come and six will fall,
What follows after stained by war.
Then open will the violet eye of twilight,
Ancient evil from its slumber woken,
Sibilant, its clarion call,
Seeping in through breach and bore.
And yea, then shall the mother of shadow reach out and touch the land,
And all the light of all the world shall be as darkness.
All the clouds shall weep their tears of blight,
And hope shall wither on the vine of despair.
Thus shall be eternal night.
- From excerpts translated by the scholars of Paimri fio Oihia, recited in their own words by Bellkeeper Kayaazim
Penned by my hand on Gosday, the 13th of Haernos, in the year 503 MA.