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Bard Class Preview
With recent events having set the future stage for its release, I am pleased to announce our next class: Bard! By now I'm sure plenty of you may have figured out that this is the new neutral class I promised in my end of year post, so we've decided to reveal some of the details of it in advance. Obviously the class is still in development, so some specifics may change between now and the release.
To begin with, here is what HELP BARD will look like!
- - -
Performers and assassins both, the Bards of Djeir operate openly out of their historical sanctuary, the Theater of Shadows. Their origins lay within the founding years of Undercity of Djeir, arising as a theater that showcased a gruesome - yet celebrated - blend of traditional drama and bloodsport. As the Undercity became embroiled within the throes of civil war following the death of Jy'rilia Garilicci, First Empress of Djeir, the Bards emerged as an unexpected power.
As all the major and minor noble houses warred for the throne, opportunities for public theater spread thin as the safety of a manor's walls grew more attractive. Still craving entertainment, the nobles began instead to invite the Theater to their estates to host their dramas for them and their allies. This provided many opportunities for a Bard to glean the secrets and plans of each house in order to sell the information to enemy factions. It did not take long for the first hired kills to follow that, starting the Bards' long, storied tradition in aristocratic assassination.
The Theater of Shadows grew powerful with alarming haste, eventually turning the nobility against them. As most houses established a tenuous ceasefire in order to slaughter the Theater, a fabled hero-bard would pen his name into the history books using a blood-stained falchion: Vascsce, of common birth. A talented actor and lead performer in the Theater, Vascsce was already owed fame, yet the events the eve before the Bards' planned demise would elevate him to legendary status.
Vascsce was lover to one Nueciale Garilicci, a minor noble within her family line with little prospects, that had accidentally become privy to her elders' scheme. Learning of the plans through her, Vascsce sought to bring an end to the civil war and secure a future for him and his colleagues. Humming a tune, he set off to the noble quarters and demonstrated his other talent.
One by one, Vascsce felled the heads of each house in a deadly performance, the intensity of his humming growing as he continued manor to manor, deeper into the noble quarters of the city. Resistance mounted to levels impossible for him to overcome and Vascsce bared all he had as the tune reached a fevered pitch. Prepared for death, he was stunned instead to see a path cleared before him as guard turned upon guard in defiance of reason. He had poured every inch of his being into his work during the frenzied encounter - including his soul - heightening his tune to magical levels to discover the art of Songcalling.
By the time the morrow had arrived, any noble that had a stronger claim to the throne than Nueciale was dead. She was coronated as Empress, ending the brutal civil war and solidifying the Garilicci family's position as the royal line. One of her first decrees was to grant Vascsce "attro ca pa'sa" - the Grace of the Empress - forgiving him of any crimes committed under Djeirani law. Her next ruling act was to establish a relationship with the Theater of Shadows, enacting an accord that lasts even today.
In short, the accord established that the sitting Empress of Djeir would be patron to the Theater of Shadows, and in exchange, the Empress would be immune to any assassination or attack from them. Should a Bard carry out an assassination, they must perform certain ceremonial steps during the deed in order to be able to invoke attro ca pa'sa and be forgiven of any crime. Failure to complete the proper ceremony would find them instead subject to Djeirani justice.
And so it remains a rare affair for a Bard to carry out a cloak and dagger assassination. Those still happen, when the need is high and pay is higher still, but it carries great risk to the Bard. Without a public audience to witness their kill, they would be beholden to honesty of the victim's family that the ceremony was completed properly. The theater of bloodsport was reborn under the royal accord and the Bards leaned into their performance. With each hired kill, a Bard tried to out-do prior spectacles to gain fame and notoriety, and to stretch towards the legend of Vascsce. And with each kill, the Djeirani cheered and reveled.
Defined by their three skills of Performance, Weaving and Songcalling, the Bards use each one for both theater and killing. With Performance, the Bards utilise their falchion with flair while finding ways to throw off an opponent's pace. Through Songcalling, a Bard can sing forth songs of legend to affect their audience in a powerful manner that can be beneficial or harmful. And finally, the traditional Djeirani art of Weaving is used to conjure items of light to pin a target down.
Bards first came to the spotlight of wider Sapience during the events of the Grand Tragedie in the month of Lleian, 501 MA. Ostensibly, the play was put on as an offering to Nalibhtavi, the Replete in an attempt to entertain and please the hedonist Goddess. In reality, the drama was the front for a spectacle assassination, masterminded by the Bard Teclah Neri against the two Ash'aji noblemen invited to act the lead roles. Hoping to create her best performance, she instead horribly miscalculated the reaction of the Elder Goddess. Rather than being pleased at the bloodshed, She grew outraged at the desecration of theater. In Her final acts of existence, the Full One slaughtered almost every single of the Djeirani Bards.
- - -
We'll have a bunch more of these snippets for you to feast on as we approach the release ready state!
I'm going to keep this thread locked so we can keep adding to it more easily, but I'll create a separate thread for comments and reactions.
To begin with, here is what HELP BARD will look like!
- - -
Performers and assassins both, the Bards of Djeir operate openly out of their historical sanctuary, the Theater of Shadows. Their origins lay within the founding years of Undercity of Djeir, arising as a theater that showcased a gruesome - yet celebrated - blend of traditional drama and bloodsport. As the Undercity became embroiled within the throes of civil war following the death of Jy'rilia Garilicci, First Empress of Djeir, the Bards emerged as an unexpected power.
As all the major and minor noble houses warred for the throne, opportunities for public theater spread thin as the safety of a manor's walls grew more attractive. Still craving entertainment, the nobles began instead to invite the Theater to their estates to host their dramas for them and their allies. This provided many opportunities for a Bard to glean the secrets and plans of each house in order to sell the information to enemy factions. It did not take long for the first hired kills to follow that, starting the Bards' long, storied tradition in aristocratic assassination.
The Theater of Shadows grew powerful with alarming haste, eventually turning the nobility against them. As most houses established a tenuous ceasefire in order to slaughter the Theater, a fabled hero-bard would pen his name into the history books using a blood-stained falchion: Vascsce, of common birth. A talented actor and lead performer in the Theater, Vascsce was already owed fame, yet the events the eve before the Bards' planned demise would elevate him to legendary status.
Vascsce was lover to one Nueciale Garilicci, a minor noble within her family line with little prospects, that had accidentally become privy to her elders' scheme. Learning of the plans through her, Vascsce sought to bring an end to the civil war and secure a future for him and his colleagues. Humming a tune, he set off to the noble quarters and demonstrated his other talent.
One by one, Vascsce felled the heads of each house in a deadly performance, the intensity of his humming growing as he continued manor to manor, deeper into the noble quarters of the city. Resistance mounted to levels impossible for him to overcome and Vascsce bared all he had as the tune reached a fevered pitch. Prepared for death, he was stunned instead to see a path cleared before him as guard turned upon guard in defiance of reason. He had poured every inch of his being into his work during the frenzied encounter - including his soul - heightening his tune to magical levels to discover the art of Songcalling.
By the time the morrow had arrived, any noble that had a stronger claim to the throne than Nueciale was dead. She was coronated as Empress, ending the brutal civil war and solidifying the Garilicci family's position as the royal line. One of her first decrees was to grant Vascsce "attro ca pa'sa" - the Grace of the Empress - forgiving him of any crimes committed under Djeirani law. Her next ruling act was to establish a relationship with the Theater of Shadows, enacting an accord that lasts even today.
In short, the accord established that the sitting Empress of Djeir would be patron to the Theater of Shadows, and in exchange, the Empress would be immune to any assassination or attack from them. Should a Bard carry out an assassination, they must perform certain ceremonial steps during the deed in order to be able to invoke attro ca pa'sa and be forgiven of any crime. Failure to complete the proper ceremony would find them instead subject to Djeirani justice.
And so it remains a rare affair for a Bard to carry out a cloak and dagger assassination. Those still happen, when the need is high and pay is higher still, but it carries great risk to the Bard. Without a public audience to witness their kill, they would be beholden to honesty of the victim's family that the ceremony was completed properly. The theater of bloodsport was reborn under the royal accord and the Bards leaned into their performance. With each hired kill, a Bard tried to out-do prior spectacles to gain fame and notoriety, and to stretch towards the legend of Vascsce. And with each kill, the Djeirani cheered and reveled.
Defined by their three skills of Performance, Weaving and Songcalling, the Bards use each one for both theater and killing. With Performance, the Bards utilise their falchion with flair while finding ways to throw off an opponent's pace. Through Songcalling, a Bard can sing forth songs of legend to affect their audience in a powerful manner that can be beneficial or harmful. And finally, the traditional Djeirani art of Weaving is used to conjure items of light to pin a target down.
Bards first came to the spotlight of wider Sapience during the events of the Grand Tragedie in the month of Lleian, 501 MA. Ostensibly, the play was put on as an offering to Nalibhtavi, the Replete in an attempt to entertain and please the hedonist Goddess. In reality, the drama was the front for a spectacle assassination, masterminded by the Bard Teclah Neri against the two Ash'aji noblemen invited to act the lead roles. Hoping to create her best performance, she instead horribly miscalculated the reaction of the Elder Goddess. Rather than being pleased at the bloodshed, She grew outraged at the desecration of theater. In Her final acts of existence, the Full One slaughtered almost every single of the Djeirani Bards.
- - -
We'll have a bunch more of these snippets for you to feast on as we approach the release ready state!
I'm going to keep this thread locked so we can keep adding to it more easily, but I'll create a separate thread for comments and reactions.
Ictinus
10
Announce post #3344: Neutral Class Preview
3/28/2022 at 13:17
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Neutral Class Preview
Hi folks!
With recent events having set the stage for its release, I'm pleased to announce our next class: Bard!
By now I'm sure plenty of you may have figured out that this is the new neutral class I promised in my end of year post, so we've decided to reveal some of the details of it in advance.
As of now, you can find what HELP BARD will look like in the forum thread I've created for the purpose: https://forums.aetolia.com/discussion/4349/bard-class-preview
Expect more soon!
Penned by my hand on Tisday, the 19th of Lleian, in the year 501 MA.
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Neutral Class Preview
Hi folks!
With recent events having set the stage for its release, I'm pleased to announce our next class: Bard!
By now I'm sure plenty of you may have figured out that this is the new neutral class I promised in my end of year post, so we've decided to reveal some of the details of it in advance.
As of now, you can find what HELP BARD will look like in the forum thread I've created for the purpose: https://forums.aetolia.com/discussion/4349/bard-class-preview
Expect more soon!
Penned by my hand on Tisday, the 19th of Lleian, in the year 501 MA.
Events post #292: Shattered Souls, Part VIII: The Replete
3/27/2022 at 23:48
Anonymous
Everyone
Shattered Souls, Part VIII: The Replete
While serendipity lingered in the air following Helera's departure and Their parting gifts, prophecy too rose to the fore. Breaking the fortuitous atmosphere, Midge, a socialite of questionable blood and even more questionable tastes, began shouting ill omens of doom for the world to hear. She claimed an enormous feast was nigh, made cryptic predictions of Elder Gods and Their siblings, and seemed to possess knowledge far beyond a mortal of her stature.
When pressed by numerous adventurers of Sapience, the woman claimed to have no memory of her supposed outbursts, becoming dramatic and upset when her questioners expressed disbelief. Nevertheless, the week wound on and the apparently mad woman's doomsaying continued unabated, growing more frantic and frenzied with each passing hour. Finally, her foretellings seemed to reach a fatal rubicon; she began to babble and scream as something took hold in her, causing her to shift, contort, and transform.
Her final utterance proclaimed a lavish series of titles: "Behold the Idol, the Mogul, the Glutton, the Never-slaked, the Lady of the Gilded City, Mother of Satyrs, Patron of Felosulnar, Beloved of the Smith, Breaker of Hearts, the Vainglorious, the Bringer of Victory, Hero of Glandor, Muse of Erja, Empress of Kysh, Covetous Queen, and The a" Strangled to silence mid-rant, all that was Midge was hollowed out, a prismatic, starry cloud billowing about her.
Gone was Midge, and in her place stood an Elder Goddess of sumptuous stature and a haughty demeanour. Her condescending superiority dwarfed even the imperious Elders which came before. Immediately She expected praise and worship for the gift of Her presence, enchanting Felix, the Gourmand into cooking a perfect meal for Her while She held court near the Eatery. In Her hair She wore a Bloodwood beetle charm - the self-same trinket carved by Haern as a gift for Yanai that the subsequent Elders had all somehow held. When asked of it, the Goddess callously crushed it to dust, naming it worthless garbage. This drew the ire of Caitria Cardinalis and much of Duiran, who departed from the Goddess' audience in disdain.
Seemingly concerned solely with Her own pleasure and amusement, She insisted that the Revelation all were expecting would come only if She was sufficiently entertained. Many balked at this, repulsed by so blatant a hedonist. Despite Her many, many detractors, only Iesid Mulariad and Ayastia crossed a line. With a snap of Her fingers, the Goddess transformed them to statues, forcing Iesid to fan Her with a palm leaf while utilising Ayastia as a footstool for Her comfort. Others were entranced by the Goddess, and She visibly basked in the attention from Qelres Misi, Tetchta Mesis, and Lin. All the while, the belaboured Gourmand rushed to and fro, bringing Nalibhtavi dish after dish in an attempt to placate Her. She rejected them all.
The following week, the Goddess reappeared amid great fanfare and ceremony, carried into Saluria in a palanquin. Puffing on a cigarette, She demanded the services of Izcantl, the jeweler, who, beguiled by the Goddess' power, hastily scurried to bring Her his finest jewels and ornaments. As a crowd grew about Her, She promised answers in exchange for entertainment, and while most recoiled, some stepped forward to make the deal.
First was Docent Eliadon, whose firestorms sheared the life from several gathered. The chaotic acts of murder kindled laughter in Nalibhtavi, and She agreed to answer his question. "Which two demands of the Maker did She rebuff?" He asked, to which She replied that Varian had demanded of Her, first an army, and then Her loyalty, both of which She rejected.
Tetchta Mesis was next to step forward, dramatically severing a finger from their own hand and offering it to Elder Hedonism in tribute. Delighted by the gruesome spectacle, She deigned to answer another question: what did the Goddess desire most, above all else? A moment of vulnerability struck the Goddess while She continued puffing on Her cigarette, eyes downcast in contemplation. "An equal," She finally conceded in the midst of a dramatic, elongated sigh.
Czcienn Svin then attempted to mimic Eliadon's spectacle by forcing Tetchta Mesis to collapse a singularity, earning the ire of the Goddess for the lack of originality. When Aolin, the Lyrist of Omei, stepped forward and offered a song, Nipsy Cardinalis disrupted the proceedings by hurling insults at the Goddess and tempting Her wrath. The Arborean swiftly became a statue, bewitched by Nalibhtavi and forced to massage Her feet while She utilised its branches as an ashtray. Aolin's song followed, the Goddess deeming it acceptable. Her question centred around Nalibhtavi's apparent indifference to whether She fulfilled Her role, and what would happen if She did not. The answer came with little pause as She claimed that Fortune was Her overture, and that She was fulfilling Her purpose: to live, to love, and to be as She is. And then She was gone.
Nalibhtavi next appeared in Spinesreach at the Ironmaw Prison Complex. Admiring the newly built guillotine, She promised Sapience a spectacle, and proceeded to execute Iesid, Nipsy, and Xolotl for what She deemed to be slander against Her name. Pietre Marcelli soothed the temper of the Goddess with kawhe - fulfilling an earlier promise he had made to bring Her a drink. "Not unpleasant" came the feedback, high praise from One rapidly becoming infamously dissatisfied. Having won a question for his brew, Pietre conceded the opportunity to Qelres instead, who asked of the outrider first mentioned by Elder Fortune.
While considering the answer, Nalibhtavi forced Xolotl into service, this time requiring a manicure for Her nails. She revealed that the outrider was a scout of Oblivion, searching for one thing alone, and refused to say more on the matter. She then expressed a loathing for artwork, claiming that none had ever managed to capture Her perfectly on canvas or parchment. Offered an empyrean opium pipe by Qelres and a blend of godstongue by Feirenz Ourborian, the Goddess relaxed, contentedly smoking that which She deemed "dangerous and profound."
In place of a question, Qelres asked Her for a lock of Her hair, or a taste of Her cigarette. She declined both before reflecting on the lack of pleasure-driven mortals in this age, vexed by the lack of opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment She had found. Her parting words were advice: "Live like a God and hate like a Demon. Discard which no longer pleases you and replace it. Live."
A week following the public executions, Haratos of Djeir's Theater of Shadows announced the Undercity's intent to perform a Grand Tragedie, inviting Nalibhtavi to attend as guest of honour. The performance would share the tragic romance of Dhar and Ivoln and Their subsequent divorce. Much of the world was abuzz with excitement at the announcement, eagerly making plans to attend the show.
The Goddess made Her penultimate appearance at Grace Restaurant in a scenic part of the Vashnar Mountains. Harassing the waiter to bring her food and drink, She once more held court and attracted a large audience. Performing a remarkably accurate impression of Iesid, Sibatti dur Naya stepped forward to fan the Goddess with their own oversized palm frond, and She seemed to be at ease despite the poor quality of repasts on offer at the establishment. She mused on the repressed and tedious nature of the Creator and recalled Her memories of the Magician. "A bastard." She called Him, though fondness seeped into Her voice at the recollection. Of Her other Siblings, She spoke only with scorn, save for Darkness, who, She claimed, had been Her confidant and collaborator in Her own age. Promising to wear red for the Djeirani play, She dismissed the long-suffering waiter and disappeared.
In the Undercity of Djeir, the Theatre of Shadows was packed and afire with anticipation when Nalibhtavi finally arrived, boredly giving Her consent for the play to go forward. As the orchestra struck up and the opening prologue played, the audience was treated to their first and only glimpse of Lord Varyan (Caj Basso) in the act of His Creation. Soon enough, however, the stars of the show appeared: Lords Ivolin (Bonfiloro Ash'Aji) and Dohar (Ricci Ash'Aji). Playing a scene of timeless and farcical romance, they were received with laughter and merriment, delivering a stirring musical number in which Lord Aryonne (Sansin Mi'Mazi) and Lady Iyosin (Teclah Neri in her debut role) sang supporting verses.
Following an explosive opening number, Lady Iyosin took the fore of the stage, following sound with silence - or, more accurately, song with soliloquoy. The Djeirani-as-Goddess meditated upon the sublimity and peril of love, questioning whether the Gods would have begun Their relationship had they known it would lead to Their separation and estrangement. She parted the scene with a final question: "Is this a romance, or a horror, which these players play before you?" to which the audience's overwhelming affirmation was "yes." Little did they know that this affirmation would prove a chilling portent to the play's finale.
Act one closed with the Unity of Dohar and Ivolin in a fanfare of confetti, giving way to a brief intermission in which the attendees purchased further food and drink and spoke amongst themselves. Many of the land's adventurers and notable personages attended from aboveground, dressed in their finest raiment. The Theatre of Shadows had rarely seen such a diverse audience - it was the furthest the Djeirani culture had reached from beneath the ground in some while, and the actors were abuzz backstage, celebrating their play's good reception. All, that is, except for Teclah Neri, who was focused upon the act to come.
When act two began, the narrator (Adonir Chiellini) detailed the two Lords' deteriorating relationship and their domestic squabbles, ultimately leading to the conclusion that the two should
pursue marriage counseling. Aided by Lord Aryonne and the enthusiastic audience, they tried - and failed - to reconcile their differences, but ultimately opted for a divorce. Approached by the Lady Iyosin, who inquired of them whether they truly desired this course, the Gods answered in the affirmative, begging the Goddess for separation.
Teclah Neri, who had carried a falchion onto the stage, then broke character - speaking her name, rather than that of the Goddess', and addressing the actors playing Dohar and Ivolin by their own Ash'Aji names. Confusion spread through the audience, and the brothers onstage became more terrified. They protested that "the Bards" could not do this to them... but to no avail. With ceremonial precision, Teclah Neri cut them both down upon the stage, to the delight and consternation of the audience. As chaos reigned, and dramatic sense was lost, Teclah declared herself to the audience and the realm before making a hasty escape from the premises of the Theatre.
Displeased by this upset, Nalibhtavi declared that She was no longer entertained, and waxed wroth, rising from Her seat to slaughter all that remained of the Theatre of Shadows. Elder Greed transformed the remaining bards into golden statues, their tormented frames transfixed all across Djeir in a final testament to Her power and sadism. The rest were brutally slaughtered, dismembered and eviscerated in a flurry of cutlery-as-weaponry - leaving Teclah Neri as the last remaining bard of the Theatre of Shadows. Declaring Herself bored by Her return, She stated that unlike the Elders prior, She would not be granting Sapience any of Her gifts; and that no one in the universe was worthy of killing Her except for Herself. The Goddess destroyed Herself as a final gesture of spite, leaving only chaos, terror, and mournful Djeirani in Her wake.
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 16th of Lleian, in the year 501 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
Shattered Souls, Part VIII: The Replete
While serendipity lingered in the air following Helera's departure and Their parting gifts, prophecy too rose to the fore. Breaking the fortuitous atmosphere, Midge, a socialite of questionable blood and even more questionable tastes, began shouting ill omens of doom for the world to hear. She claimed an enormous feast was nigh, made cryptic predictions of Elder Gods and Their siblings, and seemed to possess knowledge far beyond a mortal of her stature.
When pressed by numerous adventurers of Sapience, the woman claimed to have no memory of her supposed outbursts, becoming dramatic and upset when her questioners expressed disbelief. Nevertheless, the week wound on and the apparently mad woman's doomsaying continued unabated, growing more frantic and frenzied with each passing hour. Finally, her foretellings seemed to reach a fatal rubicon; she began to babble and scream as something took hold in her, causing her to shift, contort, and transform.
Her final utterance proclaimed a lavish series of titles: "Behold the Idol, the Mogul, the Glutton, the Never-slaked, the Lady of the Gilded City, Mother of Satyrs, Patron of Felosulnar, Beloved of the Smith, Breaker of Hearts, the Vainglorious, the Bringer of Victory, Hero of Glandor, Muse of Erja, Empress of Kysh, Covetous Queen, and The a" Strangled to silence mid-rant, all that was Midge was hollowed out, a prismatic, starry cloud billowing about her.
Gone was Midge, and in her place stood an Elder Goddess of sumptuous stature and a haughty demeanour. Her condescending superiority dwarfed even the imperious Elders which came before. Immediately She expected praise and worship for the gift of Her presence, enchanting Felix, the Gourmand into cooking a perfect meal for Her while She held court near the Eatery. In Her hair She wore a Bloodwood beetle charm - the self-same trinket carved by Haern as a gift for Yanai that the subsequent Elders had all somehow held. When asked of it, the Goddess callously crushed it to dust, naming it worthless garbage. This drew the ire of Caitria Cardinalis and much of Duiran, who departed from the Goddess' audience in disdain.
Seemingly concerned solely with Her own pleasure and amusement, She insisted that the Revelation all were expecting would come only if She was sufficiently entertained. Many balked at this, repulsed by so blatant a hedonist. Despite Her many, many detractors, only Iesid Mulariad and Ayastia crossed a line. With a snap of Her fingers, the Goddess transformed them to statues, forcing Iesid to fan Her with a palm leaf while utilising Ayastia as a footstool for Her comfort. Others were entranced by the Goddess, and She visibly basked in the attention from Qelres Misi, Tetchta Mesis, and Lin. All the while, the belaboured Gourmand rushed to and fro, bringing Nalibhtavi dish after dish in an attempt to placate Her. She rejected them all.
The following week, the Goddess reappeared amid great fanfare and ceremony, carried into Saluria in a palanquin. Puffing on a cigarette, She demanded the services of Izcantl, the jeweler, who, beguiled by the Goddess' power, hastily scurried to bring Her his finest jewels and ornaments. As a crowd grew about Her, She promised answers in exchange for entertainment, and while most recoiled, some stepped forward to make the deal.
First was Docent Eliadon, whose firestorms sheared the life from several gathered. The chaotic acts of murder kindled laughter in Nalibhtavi, and She agreed to answer his question. "Which two demands of the Maker did She rebuff?" He asked, to which She replied that Varian had demanded of Her, first an army, and then Her loyalty, both of which She rejected.
Tetchta Mesis was next to step forward, dramatically severing a finger from their own hand and offering it to Elder Hedonism in tribute. Delighted by the gruesome spectacle, She deigned to answer another question: what did the Goddess desire most, above all else? A moment of vulnerability struck the Goddess while She continued puffing on Her cigarette, eyes downcast in contemplation. "An equal," She finally conceded in the midst of a dramatic, elongated sigh.
Czcienn Svin then attempted to mimic Eliadon's spectacle by forcing Tetchta Mesis to collapse a singularity, earning the ire of the Goddess for the lack of originality. When Aolin, the Lyrist of Omei, stepped forward and offered a song, Nipsy Cardinalis disrupted the proceedings by hurling insults at the Goddess and tempting Her wrath. The Arborean swiftly became a statue, bewitched by Nalibhtavi and forced to massage Her feet while She utilised its branches as an ashtray. Aolin's song followed, the Goddess deeming it acceptable. Her question centred around Nalibhtavi's apparent indifference to whether She fulfilled Her role, and what would happen if She did not. The answer came with little pause as She claimed that Fortune was Her overture, and that She was fulfilling Her purpose: to live, to love, and to be as She is. And then She was gone.
Nalibhtavi next appeared in Spinesreach at the Ironmaw Prison Complex. Admiring the newly built guillotine, She promised Sapience a spectacle, and proceeded to execute Iesid, Nipsy, and Xolotl for what She deemed to be slander against Her name. Pietre Marcelli soothed the temper of the Goddess with kawhe - fulfilling an earlier promise he had made to bring Her a drink. "Not unpleasant" came the feedback, high praise from One rapidly becoming infamously dissatisfied. Having won a question for his brew, Pietre conceded the opportunity to Qelres instead, who asked of the outrider first mentioned by Elder Fortune.
While considering the answer, Nalibhtavi forced Xolotl into service, this time requiring a manicure for Her nails. She revealed that the outrider was a scout of Oblivion, searching for one thing alone, and refused to say more on the matter. She then expressed a loathing for artwork, claiming that none had ever managed to capture Her perfectly on canvas or parchment. Offered an empyrean opium pipe by Qelres and a blend of godstongue by Feirenz Ourborian, the Goddess relaxed, contentedly smoking that which She deemed "dangerous and profound."
In place of a question, Qelres asked Her for a lock of Her hair, or a taste of Her cigarette. She declined both before reflecting on the lack of pleasure-driven mortals in this age, vexed by the lack of opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment She had found. Her parting words were advice: "Live like a God and hate like a Demon. Discard which no longer pleases you and replace it. Live."
A week following the public executions, Haratos of Djeir's Theater of Shadows announced the Undercity's intent to perform a Grand Tragedie, inviting Nalibhtavi to attend as guest of honour. The performance would share the tragic romance of Dhar and Ivoln and Their subsequent divorce. Much of the world was abuzz with excitement at the announcement, eagerly making plans to attend the show.
The Goddess made Her penultimate appearance at Grace Restaurant in a scenic part of the Vashnar Mountains. Harassing the waiter to bring her food and drink, She once more held court and attracted a large audience. Performing a remarkably accurate impression of Iesid, Sibatti dur Naya stepped forward to fan the Goddess with their own oversized palm frond, and She seemed to be at ease despite the poor quality of repasts on offer at the establishment. She mused on the repressed and tedious nature of the Creator and recalled Her memories of the Magician. "A bastard." She called Him, though fondness seeped into Her voice at the recollection. Of Her other Siblings, She spoke only with scorn, save for Darkness, who, She claimed, had been Her confidant and collaborator in Her own age. Promising to wear red for the Djeirani play, She dismissed the long-suffering waiter and disappeared.
In the Undercity of Djeir, the Theatre of Shadows was packed and afire with anticipation when Nalibhtavi finally arrived, boredly giving Her consent for the play to go forward. As the orchestra struck up and the opening prologue played, the audience was treated to their first and only glimpse of Lord Varyan (Caj Basso) in the act of His Creation. Soon enough, however, the stars of the show appeared: Lords Ivolin (Bonfiloro Ash'Aji) and Dohar (Ricci Ash'Aji). Playing a scene of timeless and farcical romance, they were received with laughter and merriment, delivering a stirring musical number in which Lord Aryonne (Sansin Mi'Mazi) and Lady Iyosin (Teclah Neri in her debut role) sang supporting verses.
Following an explosive opening number, Lady Iyosin took the fore of the stage, following sound with silence - or, more accurately, song with soliloquoy. The Djeirani-as-Goddess meditated upon the sublimity and peril of love, questioning whether the Gods would have begun Their relationship had they known it would lead to Their separation and estrangement. She parted the scene with a final question: "Is this a romance, or a horror, which these players play before you?" to which the audience's overwhelming affirmation was "yes." Little did they know that this affirmation would prove a chilling portent to the play's finale.
Act one closed with the Unity of Dohar and Ivolin in a fanfare of confetti, giving way to a brief intermission in which the attendees purchased further food and drink and spoke amongst themselves. Many of the land's adventurers and notable personages attended from aboveground, dressed in their finest raiment. The Theatre of Shadows had rarely seen such a diverse audience - it was the furthest the Djeirani culture had reached from beneath the ground in some while, and the actors were abuzz backstage, celebrating their play's good reception. All, that is, except for Teclah Neri, who was focused upon the act to come.
When act two began, the narrator (Adonir Chiellini) detailed the two Lords' deteriorating relationship and their domestic squabbles, ultimately leading to the conclusion that the two should
pursue marriage counseling. Aided by Lord Aryonne and the enthusiastic audience, they tried - and failed - to reconcile their differences, but ultimately opted for a divorce. Approached by the Lady Iyosin, who inquired of them whether they truly desired this course, the Gods answered in the affirmative, begging the Goddess for separation.
Teclah Neri, who had carried a falchion onto the stage, then broke character - speaking her name, rather than that of the Goddess', and addressing the actors playing Dohar and Ivolin by their own Ash'Aji names. Confusion spread through the audience, and the brothers onstage became more terrified. They protested that "the Bards" could not do this to them... but to no avail. With ceremonial precision, Teclah Neri cut them both down upon the stage, to the delight and consternation of the audience. As chaos reigned, and dramatic sense was lost, Teclah declared herself to the audience and the realm before making a hasty escape from the premises of the Theatre.
Displeased by this upset, Nalibhtavi declared that She was no longer entertained, and waxed wroth, rising from Her seat to slaughter all that remained of the Theatre of Shadows. Elder Greed transformed the remaining bards into golden statues, their tormented frames transfixed all across Djeir in a final testament to Her power and sadism. The rest were brutally slaughtered, dismembered and eviscerated in a flurry of cutlery-as-weaponry - leaving Teclah Neri as the last remaining bard of the Theatre of Shadows. Declaring Herself bored by Her return, She stated that unlike the Elders prior, She would not be granting Sapience any of Her gifts; and that no one in the universe was worthy of killing Her except for Herself. The Goddess destroyed Herself as a final gesture of spite, leaving only chaos, terror, and mournful Djeirani in Her wake.
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 16th of Lleian, in the year 501 MA.
Announce post #3343: Oblivion's Portent & Lexadhra, the Indelible
3/28/2022 at 0:58
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Oblivion's Portent & Lexadhra, the Indelible
Hi folks!
With the return and rebirth of Niuri and Her transformation into Lexadhra, it is my pleasure to present to you: Oblivion's Portent.
Portent is a three player instanced dungeon located off the shores of the Dyisen-Ashtan Memoryscape, accessible via the ghostly ferryman at v71389. Once on the shores of memory, you will need to TRAVERSE MEMORY in order to enter the dungeon proper. Inside, you will find a number of challenging boss encounters to overcome as well as 'trash' style denizens to fight through on your way there.
NOTE: The instance will not start until you have three people inside.
Unlike Beneath, Portent is a non-linear dungeon experience; after the first boss, you may choose to tackle any of the subsequent three in any order before taking on the final encounter: the Avatar of the Other. As you proceed through the dungeon, an echo of Lexadhra will recant the Tale of Revelation that was just told to the world, allowing those who were not present to experience the story for themselves.
Completing the dungeon will award currency in the form of 'silver pennies' - this remnant of Azhoa (the world before) can be spent in the shop adjacent to the shores of memory for a variety of rewards!
Alongside this release, we have also drastically reduced the costs of the rewards from the Beneath dungeon shop, and added a new figurine set to it!
Speedruns are not yet available for Portent but will be enabled after we've monitored the release and made any required balance tuning to the encounters. This is a difficult instance but hopefully it's also a fun one with lots of unique mechanics!
As for Lexadhra, She joins us as a permanent addition to the Sapience Pantheon. Having reformed from the ley with scattered memories, projecting Herself in the guise of five Elder Gods in an attempt to anchor Herself properly in time, Lexadhra exists now as the Goddess of Memory, and HELP LEXADHRA is worth a read! While She aligns Herself with Spirit, Her tastes and interests are vast...
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 16th of Lleian, in the year 501 MA.
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Oblivion's Portent & Lexadhra, the Indelible
Hi folks!
With the return and rebirth of Niuri and Her transformation into Lexadhra, it is my pleasure to present to you: Oblivion's Portent.
Portent is a three player instanced dungeon located off the shores of the Dyisen-Ashtan Memoryscape, accessible via the ghostly ferryman at v71389. Once on the shores of memory, you will need to TRAVERSE MEMORY in order to enter the dungeon proper. Inside, you will find a number of challenging boss encounters to overcome as well as 'trash' style denizens to fight through on your way there.
NOTE: The instance will not start until you have three people inside.
Unlike Beneath, Portent is a non-linear dungeon experience; after the first boss, you may choose to tackle any of the subsequent three in any order before taking on the final encounter: the Avatar of the Other. As you proceed through the dungeon, an echo of Lexadhra will recant the Tale of Revelation that was just told to the world, allowing those who were not present to experience the story for themselves.
Completing the dungeon will award currency in the form of 'silver pennies' - this remnant of Azhoa (the world before) can be spent in the shop adjacent to the shores of memory for a variety of rewards!
Alongside this release, we have also drastically reduced the costs of the rewards from the Beneath dungeon shop, and added a new figurine set to it!
Speedruns are not yet available for Portent but will be enabled after we've monitored the release and made any required balance tuning to the encounters. This is a difficult instance but hopefully it's also a fun one with lots of unique mechanics!
As for Lexadhra, She joins us as a permanent addition to the Sapience Pantheon. Having reformed from the ley with scattered memories, projecting Herself in the guise of five Elder Gods in an attempt to anchor Herself properly in time, Lexadhra exists now as the Goddess of Memory, and HELP LEXADHRA is worth a read! While She aligns Herself with Spirit, Her tastes and interests are vast...
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 16th of Lleian, in the year 501 MA.
Re: Mildly Irritating: Aetolia's Pet Peeves
I feel like establishing a good, healthy IC/OOC separation used to be so common in Aetolia that everyone took it for granted - this thread, as of late, really suggests we ought to bring back the practice.
Lin
6
Announce post #3342: Events & Communications
3/24/2022 at 16:31
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Events & Communications
Hi folks,
This is just a quick PSA that if you're present at an event or in a room with an animated NPC, there is an extremely high chance that your tells and other communications are going to be overheard by the Gods or Admins running things.
With that in mind I would like to politely request that you put your explicit RP in tells on hold if you're in attendance at one of these.
Thanks!
Penned by my hand on Falsday, the 21st of Midsummer, in the year 501 MA.
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Events & Communications
Hi folks,
This is just a quick PSA that if you're present at an event or in a room with an animated NPC, there is an extremely high chance that your tells and other communications are going to be overheard by the Gods or Admins running things.
With that in mind I would like to politely request that you put your explicit RP in tells on hold if you're in attendance at one of these.
Thanks!
Penned by my hand on Falsday, the 21st of Midsummer, in the year 501 MA.
Re: Battlefield Experience - A proposal of a new reward system
Because I was told this needed clarification, let me show you an example:
You'll notice that the artifacts included are QoL artifacts, that the class does not really rely upon, however they are always welcome. It's just a path that in the end you become a more complete user of the class. It's a journey that builds you. That's especially true if you were not a transcendant to being with. And the honors line is just your congrats, you've completed the combat path of this class. I don't know how applicable the path system is, but I really like the idea as a whole.
You'll notice that the artifacts included are QoL artifacts, that the class does not really rely upon, however they are always welcome. It's just a path that in the end you become a more complete user of the class. It's a journey that builds you. That's especially true if you were not a transcendant to being with. And the honors line is just your congrats, you've completed the combat path of this class. I don't know how applicable the path system is, but I really like the idea as a whole.
Saltz
3
Re: Drawings of Aetolia
A little bit of fanservice and an amusing recent development for Akarn and Aren.
The Raccoon.
No, he does not want to hold it.
Akarn
6