odin
Officer
Confused Wanderer in the War Zone
chuch
Posts: 161
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Post by odin on May 22, 2010 2:10:30 GMT 1
PC StatsThe HoodMorale:+++++ Economy:++ Military:++++ Espionage:+++++ Magic:+++++ Mass Appeal:++++
FerraMorale:+++ Economy:++++++- Military:++++++ Espionage:+++- Magic:+++ Mass Appeal:+++- The ShapersMorale:+++ Economy:+++++ Military:++++ Espionage:++ Magic:+++++ Mass Appeal:++ NazhedriaMorale:+ Economy:++++++ Military:+++++++ Espionage:++ Magic:+++++ Mass Appeal:+ The WandererMorale:++++ Economy:+++++ Military:+++++ Espionage:++++ Magic:++- Mass Appeal:+++++ Cerrak Morale:+++ Economy:++++ Military:+++++ Espionage:++ Magic:+++++ Mass Appeal:+++
KristialinStats Morale:+++ Economy:+ Military:+++ Espionage:++++- Magic:++++- Mass Appeal:++++ SepulcherMIA Morale:+++ Economy:++++ Military:++ Espionage:+++ Magic:+++++ Mass Appeal:++ X'yogg'thoth Morale:++++ Economy:+ Military:+ (and + of Oni mercs) Espionage:++++- Magic:++++ (death of prominent mages and priests) Mass Appeal:+ Novena the Diligent Guardian, Mother of Protection and Perseverance Morale:++++ Economy:+++++ Military:++++ Espionage:+ Magic:+++++ Mass Appeal:++
NPC Stats: Grand Marshal Umberto, right hand of the Pankrator, General of the Imperial Armies, Living Martyr Morale:+++ Military:++++++ Economy:+++++ Espionage:++ Magic:++ Mass Appeal:+++-
The Shona Hag. Witch of the Dark woods, mother of the Pankrator, prophetess of the wild. Moral:+++ Military:++ Economy:++++ Espionage:+++++ Magic:++++ Mass Appeal:+++ The Behemoth of Hoburg, the stone that weeps, love of the Pankrator Moral:++++ Military:+++++ Economy:++++++++ Espionage: Magic:+ Mass Appeal:++++
The Imperial Cult Moral:+ Economy:++++ Military:+++- Espionage:+++ Magic: ++++ Mass Appeal:+
Koushou, Oni King, Lord of Jouppon, Devourer of the innocent Moral:+++ Economy:++ Military:+++++++ Espionage:+++ Magic:++ Mass Appeal:+
Sithiuss lord of the C'tis, he who overcomes, slayer of men, the white leviathan. Moral:+++- Economy:- Military:++++++++ Espionage:+ Magic:++++++ Mass Appeal:++
The FallenMorale:+++++ Economy:+ Military:++++ Espionage:+++ Magic:+++ Mass Appeal:+++ Map (So far. Updates/ and upgrades will hopefully be forthcoming.)
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odin
Officer
Confused Wanderer in the War Zone
chuch
Posts: 161
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Post by odin on May 22, 2010 2:10:54 GMT 1
Spring, Year 0 of the Ascension Wars.
In one of the last quiet provinces in the world a towering figure sits at rest, using a large hill like a mortal man would a pillow. It watches the peaceful folk go about the business of the spring planting.
A lone woman approaches the behemoth. Her skin and eyes speak of far off provinces of the south. Despite her youth and exotic beauty, she wears the clothing of one of the wise women of the woods.
As she climbs the hill approaching the being's titanic head, she slows unsure of herself. Her body quivers, and suddenly all the trepidation disappears, her body taken over by a powerful will from afar.
She takes a seat on the hill beside the head and looks towards the peaceful hamlet, eye focusing on the smoke curling up from the town's chimneys. "I'm glad to have you back, son. I had heard that you'd returned but I needed to see for myself."
The behemoth speaks, it's voice the voice of mountains, "Not all of me has returned."
"No, but all the parts I care about."
The stony form remains silent.
"Things are worse this time."
The stony form remains still staring into the middle distance.
"Primordial things are free. Ancient enemies arise in the north and south. The great white one is back along with all the others you cast into the dark places. Death himself stalks the land. The people cry out for their Pankrator."
The giant form stirs uncomfortably, grinding away at the hill. As if the people below can feel the giant's unease, they pause in their work before returning to their tasks.
"There's still hope. The marshal's a good man. The fallen will answer the call, and the south is already in good hands."
"You have to much faith in the hearts of men."
They sit together in silence.
The giant is the first one to speak. "What will you do?"
"Warn the people. Tell them of what's coming. Try to unite them against the darkness."
"Will they listen?"
The woman laughs. It's a cold harsh laugh devoid of merriment. "Of course not. They never do, until it's to late."
The silence surrounds them once more. In stillness the echo of a smiths hammer echos throughout the peaceful valley.
"And what of you son? What will you do?"
The behemoth sighs, ages of weariness seem to cry out from his very core. "I'll stay here, with them. They're good people. They don't deserve what's coming. I'll shelter them as long as I can."
"It won't be enough."
Another long silence passes. The woman rises. She walks up to the stone face and plants a gentle kiss on it's cheek. Her form shivers once more and the power from beyond is gone, leaving a mortal woman. The woman quickly away from the statue. Quiet, as if fearing to stir the titan from it's reverie.
The giant sits, unmoving until the woman has left. A massive stone moves to cover it's face, hiding itself from prying eyes. In the silence thick streams of tears flow between the great stone fingers.
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Post by dargon on May 22, 2010 3:18:50 GMT 1
The light blue dragonborn walked deeper into his master's lair. Approaching Kristialin he stopped a yard short and bowed silently.
"What is it Apprentice?" Kristialin rumbled opening his eyes.
"One of my followers is ready to ascend Master." The dragonborn whispered.
"Really? Who is it?" Kristialin said rising to his feet and stretching out his wings.
"Alexander"
"Already? He has only just joined"
"He is a hard and devoted worker and has already mastered all of the skills I can teach him." The dragonborn bragged, proud of his latest prodigy
"Good we will need more of his calibur if we are to achive our dream" Kristialin said before speaking a word of magic, teleporting both speakers to begin the creation of a new dragonborn.
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Post by puppyavenger on May 22, 2010 5:37:04 GMT 1
Near the edge of Shaper influenceThe army gathered was impressive even by the standards of the age, more then ten thousand soldiers organized into regiments, battalions, and so on. Made more impressive by the fact that the soldiers are flying scaled bombardiers, leather-skinned ogres, and so on. At the front of the army a massive golem of ice and adamant conversed with a group of white-furred priest-savants. [shadow=red,left,300]Is Everything Prepared?[/shadow] Yes, we've got siege-weaponry maintained and constructed, the troops are marshaled and we've organized a time-table to make sure that we're well-placed to deal with any legionaries form the cen-[shadow=red,left,300] Bah! We Are Not Siegeing The Imperial City, We Are Attacking Governor With Delusions Of Grandeur. Tell The Infantry To March, and I Hope The Ritual Is Done? [/shadow] Yes[shadow=red,left,300]Wonderful[/shadow] The army I have near the border with the imperial citadel will invade the territory, with heavy support form mages (read: liquefy any non-magic or unprotected walls, rain fire down on enemies, etc)
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Post by Surly on May 22, 2010 9:40:15 GMT 1
In a quiet but certainly not peaceful corner of the world, a dark figure sits upon a black marble throne, contemplating a map of the world. After letting them wait in frightened silence for a few minutes, it addresses its subordinates one by one. "Daunus." "My Lord?" "Your people are particularly disobedient. You've been too pardoning. Execute more of them." "I - I will be certain to do justice to the truly treasonous as they deserve." "Your justice is weak. More corpses." "Y-yes, my Lord." "Ivora." "Yes." "This 'Hood' interests me. I have a letter written for its eyes, a proposal. You will deliver it, and work out any necessary details." "With pleasure, my Lord. Will there be anything else?" "Yes. Do not read the letter until the night before you speak with the Hood. Do not promise anything beyond what the letter offers. Do not even try to enchant him." "I wouldn't dream of it, my liege." "And don't lie. Start packing, it's only two hours until dusk." "Of course, my - " "Go." After a few more rounds of orders, Lord Anaxias rises from his throne. He calls his generals to his side and begins plotting marching routes on the map. As darkness advances across the sky, their work begins in earnest. Letter to the Hood Honored Being, I am confident that you have taken notice of my nation, as I have taken notice of yours since your ascension. Thus, I am confident that you can see as well as I can the great benefits we would reap from close trade relations. Your mages need supplies to work their spells; our alchemists can provide them. You need metal for your forges; our mines overflow with iron. Your people need to be fed; ours can give them all the food they need.
All I ask in return, for now, is that we collaborate on magical research and on espionage. I am sure you have secrets that many would die to hear, and I suspect my liches have a few tricks that are unknown even to your best students.
If this is not persuasive enough, I can also offer you protection. While your assassins move swiftly, they cannot slay ten thousand men in a night. We are close enough to intercept any force that might seek to topple you.
I await your answer.
With honor and respect, Lord Anaxias of Nazhedria
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Post by Sayn on May 22, 2010 13:16:46 GMT 1
The HoodYour offer is generous. I see no reason not to accept.
And while I do not think my precious assassins would be able to slay a full ten thousand men in a single night, they do not have to. Killing a handful of select people would be enough.
The Hood.
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odin
Officer
Confused Wanderer in the War Zone
chuch
Posts: 161
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Post by odin on May 23, 2010 20:03:12 GMT 1
((Sorry this bit took so long. I probably should have tried to get it up with the rest of the thread.)) Umberto to The Shapers You'll pay for this. I'll not rest until every life you've extinguished has been avenged. I'll dance on your grave.
If you withdraw your forces from imperial lands immediately, I'll make sure to save you and you thrice damned priest-savants for last.
puppyavengerUnless someone steps in to stop you, and no one has an army ready to interpose at the moment, you should be able to make a significant land grab. C'tis to Nazhedria Agroup of C'tis envoys from the far south reaches the borders of Nazhedria. They say they have a message they want to deliver personally to Lord Anaxias. Umberto to Nazhedria Hail Lord Anaxias, general of the east.
If you're still loyal to the Pankrator, you'll join me in putting down this plague of pretenders. Together we can bring peace to the land and gather the resources necessary to re-seat the Pankrator.
If you'll take up arms with me, I'll make sure the priests of the Imperial Cult leave you and your unliving allies alone. I'm sure the Pankrator will reward you handsomely for your service to the empire.
Lord Marshal, Umberto
The Fallen With huge numbers of pilgrims flooding into the holy city, the streets of the capital are packed. Xavier has noted a growing number of pilgrims intrigued by the church of the fallen. The Hood The Hood, due to his nature has observed an interesting phenomena. The veil between the material world and the shade lands appears to be thinning. As far as you spy network can tell no one else knows about it yet, but it's only a matter of time before they discover the fact. The cause has yet to be determined, it could be because of the Pankrator's absence or some as yet unknown reason. The Wanderer Despite constant raids on slave caravans, the number of caravans heading south has actually increased. Eyes and ears on the border of the C'tis swamps reveal that the C'tis are paying ever increasing amounts of gold for human slaves. Upwards of five pounds of gold a slave in some cases.
The money has encouraged some less morally upright caravaneers to run the gambit in hopes of making huge profits. Imperial Cult to Cerrak Bishop Alquinas is a apostate most foul. The Pakrator's church declares him anathema. You will turn him over immediately to the custody of the Imperial Cult.
Primate Tetra
Umberto to Cerrak My sources indicate that Centurion Legius is among your number. Given these trying times a military tribunal has acquitted him in absentia for his previous.
All he need do to receive his pardon is return to active service with all on the loyal men under his command. Depending on the immediacy of your response, a promotion may even be in order.
Grand High Marshal Umberto.
C'tis to Kristialin I have heard a great many things about you work, and I have to say I am most impressed. I have only one question for you why do you waste your time among the pathetic pinkskins? Judging by your practices you know that the saurian form is superior in all things. Surely your dragonborn would be more at home with us then amongst the squabbling nations of man.
Sithiuss White lord of the C'tis Behemoth of Hoburg to Ferra Would Ferra and the her mighty smiths be interested in doing a commission? The people of Hoburg are not rich but we would be more then willing to trade the fruits of our labors for yours. Sepulcher Erasmus, due to his nature has observed an interesting phenomena. The veil between the material world and the shade lands appears to be thinning. The cause has yet to be determined, it could be because of the Pankrator's absence or some as yet unknown reason. Whatever the reason, it the trend continues all manner of strange happenings are bound to occur in the material realm. X'yogg'thoth Some of the cultists in the far East have brought back information of note. It appears that the border between the Infernal and Celestail realms is weaker in Jouppon then anywhere else in the world. While it might not have a direct impact on X'yogg'thoth's attempts to weaken reality, if the cause can be determined it might used to weaken the veil between this reality and the other side. Unfortunately the lands of Jouppon are inhabited by the inimical oni.
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Post by Rationalgoblin on May 24, 2010 1:27:59 GMT 1
In the forges of CerraA titanic, stone figure stands before an even more massive forge, hammering at some branch-like length of steel without an anvil, and roaring blasphemies about the Pankrator as he works. At the crescendo of his curses, a much smaller priest, dressed in simple robes of red and bearing the sigil of two crossed hammers enters the forge room. The great titan nods at the priest, saying only one word. "Alquinas."For his part, Alquinas bows deeply to the once-caged titan, avoiding the being's one jeweled eye. "Great Builder, I bring messages from the south. The Imperial Cult desire for you to bring both I and Centurion Legius back to our respective organizations. A pardon is waiting for Legius, while I am to be executed." Mighty Cerrak laughs deeply at this, his chuckling like the earth breaking and splitting. "Such arrogance.. They do not yet see what I do, I shall humor them, Alquinas. After all, while they do not believe in the correct Pankrator being myself, they still believe in one, and I can easily guide them to worship my splendor... Have your acolytes send the messages that I now speak. Send also messages to the various Pretenders to the Throne of the Pankrator."And with that, Cerrak turns back to his forging, roaring out the messages to be taken to the Empire instead of curses against the Pankrator. Cerrak to Imperial Cult I will turn Bishop Alquinas to the custody of the Imperial Cult? What arrogance, presuming that I would do so without a whisper of defiance. I refuse, for I am the Twice-Blind, he who sees past your petty power-mongering.
I was never a friend of the Pankrator, but your posturing, your demanding that a simple priest be dragged to the capital in chains, and your declaration that humble Alquinas is not something a true servant of the Pankrator would do. I refuse, and a third time, I say to thee nay.
Perhaps if you had a more bargaining tone and were willing to trade me something for my trouble, I would spare a thought for sending you Alquinas, but in your arrogance, I will only have Alquinas stand in the capital on your kneeling backs.
Keep in mind though, that though I presume to challenge you, I am far from the only pretender to the Pankrator's throne. I am even more kind then other "pretenders"; I would rather the world fall back into the control of the Pankrator, then into the clutches of the false gods. If you are willing to see me as an equal, I am willing to help you.
Cerrak to High Marshal Umberto Ah, Marshal Umberto! Legius speaks highly of you! It is good that you come to me with a soft tone; certainly softer then the arrogant bishops of the Imperial Cult.
I am afraid that I will not be able to return Legius to your service for now; he is too useful against the various false gods attempting to usurp the Pankrator's throne, myself not included, of course.
However, I am willing to deal with you honestly; the various rebelling provinces around my sphere of influence will be returned to the Empire by Legius's hand, if I am able to take the domains of the false gods for myself. For example, the land of the so-called "Shapers". Is this an acceptable deal, High Marshal?
Cerrak to the Hood Greetings, Hood, master of death. I, Cerrak, would like to deal with you. I would like for you to slay troublesome irritants for me. In return, I will forge mighty arcane equipment for your assassins to use. Is this acceptable?
Cerrak to Ferra Greetings, fellow scion of the earth. I, Cerrak, would be pleased if you would conclude an alliance with myself and my flock. We two shapers of stone and mountain would be mighty indeed if we united in the arts of war. If you are not convinced, we could defeat some of your more troublesome foes, if you name them.
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Post by dargon on May 24, 2010 2:01:18 GMT 1
To Sithiuss Lord of the C'tis Is it so wrong for the humans to seek a more perfect form? In any case I would like to send a dragonborn into your territory to see you and your people in person with your permission.
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Post by Surly on May 24, 2010 3:14:43 GMT 1
Nazhedria to Umberto Hail Grand Marshal Umberto, right hand of the Pankrator, greatest living general of our age.
Few things indeed would give me as much pleasure as to see the Pankrator's old enemies driven before your armies, or my own.
I must warn you, though: I do not intend to act as in the days when He watched over my shoulder. He forgave those who questioned his rule. He did not seek to put down distant threats until they drew close. I will not be so merciful. Nazhedria to C'tis The envoys are allowed into the antechamber to Anaxias's fortress-tomb, where a group of spellcasters check them for hidden weapons and devices and try to read any violent intent in their souls. They are then ushered in for their audience, followed by a few well-armed wights and living soldiers.
Anaxias addresses them simply: "Let me hear what Sithiuss has to say." Nazhedria to the servants of X'Yogg'Thoth I understand that you can call lesser creatures of the Other Side into this world. And I am given to understand that the land of the Howling Pits is not fertile enough to produce all the food you need. I would like to arrange a trade, food for creatures. Would you accept?
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Post by puppyavenger on May 24, 2010 5:02:54 GMT 1
On Campaign Sitting in a temporary camp he'd formed out of a convenient small mountain, Iurt stood and listened to the messenger from Umberto. After turning the messenger into a suitable response and sending him on his way, Iurt started composing some messages that had slightly more importance, and calling for messengers to carry them. To Umberto The Messenger comes back with a few small holes on his body and in his bones, when an air current goes through one of the holes, the message is played out by echo's
"Oh come now, are you really able to disparage me for causing death? YOU? You were the thug who breaks the back of those reticent with their pay-offs, a petty despot clinging to your patrons coattails for legitimacy. Where does that leave you now? Besides, if I extinguish a life, surely it simply goes to its final destination, do you have that little faith in your masters legacy? Well I suppose I'll just have to prove you right"
After the message is played tow or three times, the messengers bones collapse in on themselves, making a rather unpleasant mess, barring healing magic Cerrak Hail Cerrak, Lord of the Earth, He who See's the Shape of Things to Come.
Quite simply, I feel that there is no reason for conflict between our people's, and I would like to propose an agreement of non-interference between our people's. If that's acceptable, perhaps we could organize some sort of trade agreement or cooperative pact? The Hood Greetings Hood.
To be blunt, I feel that we both have something we want form the other. Specifically, you have the facilities to process and manufacture fine items form raw materials, but lack the materials themselves. For my people it is the reverse. Therefore 'd like to propose something of a trade agreement with your city, is that acceptable?
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odin
Officer
Confused Wanderer in the War Zone
chuch
Posts: 161
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Post by odin on May 24, 2010 7:20:40 GMT 1
Imperial Cult to Cerrak You'll burn for this. And your other crimes.
When the Pankrator returns he won't be as merciful as last time.
Rest assured Alquinas will once again see the grandeur of the Imperial City. Flayed and hung from the milestone.
Umberto to Cerrak It is good to hear that there are still men of reason in this time of madness.
The deal is acceptable. I cannot speak for the Pankrator, but I'm sure helping in this matter can only help your lot. If you stay true to your word, I'll demand that we share the same fate. If you're to be lock away once more I'll share your prison.
Don't worry overly much about the Primarch and his lot. I'm not sure they could find their own ass without using a map. They're much to busy with theological matters to do much in the material.
Give my regards to Legius.
Your Humble Comrade in Arms. Umberto
C'tis to Kristialin When put like that, it does seem a far more noble cause. Of course, we'd be more then happy to host a delegate.
I also have been aching to show an outsider our work. We await the arrival of your envoy.
We also can quickly make accommodations if you should wish to make a personal appearance.
Umberto to Nazhedria Your message fills me with hope and relief. Together, nothing will stand against us. If your words had been else, I would have had no joy in matching wits with one of the best minds of our age.
Your words have more truth then I like. If the Pankrator had done more then imprison his enemies, we'd not be suffering half the problems we are now. But it's not my place to question, only to serve.
Extreme times call for extreme measures. When the Pankrator returns, he'll recognize the souls of the faithful and the faithless.
May these words find you in good health and fortune.
Your Humble Comrade in Arms. Umberto
P.S. Cerrak the twice blind has pledged his armies to the cause as well. There may come a day when he to must be dealt with, but for now we can count him a friend.
C'tis to Nazhedria The C'tis are indeed armed. The lower C'tis in the delegation hiss at being disarmed, but the high C'tis quickly rebuke them. The low C'tis similarly read poorly restrained hostility and fear, but the high C'tis seem to be there in good faith.
The oldest of the high C'tis steps forward.
"Sithiuss, sends his regards, and a token of his affection." He gestures to a C'tis, who dumps a chest unceremoniously to the floor. The high delegates wince at their lower brethren lack of finesse and open the chest revealing it to be full of gold.
"Sithiuss, regrets not being able to meet you in person but for the time being such an action is impractical. He speaks highly of you and your skill. He admires you transformation to an eternal form, the life of a human being to constraining for a man of your greatness. He..." The delegate goes on for several minutes praising Anaxias, before cutting to the point.
The C'tis would like to buy all of Nazhedria's necromantic reagent supplies. And secure a trade deal for a large percentage of future production.
Umberto to the Shapers Is it alright if I save Umberto's response for the EoT post? It boils down to Umberto's pissed but I think it would be cool as flavor text. That and the cool parts probably wouldn't be something that anyone would be able to see.
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Post by Sambucus on May 24, 2010 7:51:31 GMT 1
Ferra.Greetings, Cerrak. I accept this alliance you speak of, as it will benefit both of us. Very well, however... We can't make large quantity of weapons. As we have food, and we are still cautious as to who we are speaking to.
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Post by Sayn on May 24, 2010 13:56:50 GMT 1
The HoodHood tests the boundaries of the Shade Lands with his mind and powers. Only a kind of small test to see how bad things are. Speak their names. Very well. Trade would be most beneficial for us.
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Post by puppyavenger on May 24, 2010 17:03:11 GMT 1
To Umberto sure, why not To Hood Wonderful, If you are interested, I would like to organize some face to face negotiations between proxies to see if some greater agreement can be come to
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