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Post by sinistral on May 24, 2010 18:05:08 GMT 1
Azog Deep beneath the ruined city, a woman descends into the depths of X’yogg’thoth’s lair. She was the only being who could withstand his psychic aura, the only being who could stand directly in his presence. She took great pride in this. Not even the puissance of the Child or the knowledge of the Sage would allow them to touch her master and savior, like she could. She arrives at her destination, X’yogg’thoth’s lair, a hole in the physical crust of the world as much as a hole in the veil holding the Elder Ones back. He slumbers now, but soon, he would awaken and bathe the world in the blood of the pathetic beings who would call themselves ‘Gods’ and the fools who follow them. She strokes her hand across X’yogg’thoth’s mottled flesh, and she convulses in almost orgasmic bliss. She could feel his power increasing. It was just a matter of time. *********** @shapers We wish to see that fool Umberto destroyed and his holdings scattered as badly as you do. We are willing to share with you information about his movements and dealings, for a modest fee. In case you doubt our abilities, we offer you this taste. We know you have made diplomatic overtures to the Titan Cerrak. Don’t trust him, or his followers. He has made arrangements with Umberto to take your lands for himself. @nazhedria Your offer is acceptable. You will have, not ‘creatures’, but great and terrible beings far older then this world to rend your enemies and crush their minds.
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Post by falconer on May 24, 2010 18:55:51 GMT 1
Sepulcher
In the great city of Maharis, the capital of Sepulcher, a great festival was being held. The Cult of Erasmus took to the streets in great numbers, spewing blasphemies against the Pankrator, and praising the greatness of Sepulcher's Lich-Lord.
"Glory to Erasmus, the Skull-God! The Tomb-God!" "Death to the Pankrator! Long live the Lich-Lord!"
Processions filed through the streets, burning and defacing Pankratorian symbols. At the head of each procession was carried a skeleton dressed in sorcerer's robes, an effigy of the peoples' new god.
From his citadel high up on Mt. Sepulcher, Erasmus watched the celebrations with a triumphant sort of satisfaction. It was only the beginning of a grand design, a mighty revenge upon everything his old enemy, the Pankrator, held dear. Millennia ago, the world was denied to him--now he was free to take it for himself.
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Post by Sayn on May 24, 2010 19:07:38 GMT 1
The HoodI shall send one of my High Priests, Ahnak, to you to discuss things.
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Post by The_JJ: Solaris Council on May 24, 2010 19:20:58 GMT 1
Ali ibn Wah calls a halt to the column. Ahead, on the dune, stands a man wreathed in white cloth. Ali shares an uneasy glance with his subordinate, then wordlessly rides on alone. "Most honored one-" "No time for that. There is a caravan making for a stop at the Soljan Oasis. One of their drivers is a good man, and came walking to me. Spare him, save the cargo. Kill the rest." The man raised his hand, and flung it downward, trailing sand and dust. When his vision cleared, Ali's savior was gone. Umberto: A scout, acompanied by a stranger rides into camp and makes for the Marshall. "Sir! He just-"
"No time." The man, covered in the trappings of the great desert nomads, bows. "Hello brother. We should talk."
ooc- One of the Wanderer's abilities is that of a judge, to see good or evil in those who wander. Is the Marshall a good man?
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odin
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Confused Wanderer in the War Zone
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Post by odin on May 24, 2010 20:17:23 GMT 1
We aren't looking for a lot of weapons, just one. A hammer fit for the Behemoth to wield. The Hood can feel that the veil is thinner, weaker, but not much. It wouldn't be noticeable to anyone without a similar level of power. It also appears that it isn't a local phenomena, and is happening across the material realm.
It's not apparent at what rate it's degenerating. For that your need more quantitative tests spread over a greater time interval. Umberto and The Wanderer: The Wanderer is having a harder time then normal. Maybe Umberto is to purposeful to ever truly wander, or maybe there's some magic shielding him. Umberto himself might be unsure of his moral standing. There seems to be more good then evil about him, but it's hard to be sure.
Umberto motions for his men to leave before taking a seat. "I'm not sure that we have much to talk about. Wine?" He reaches for a pair of army issue cups.
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Post by dargon on May 24, 2010 23:17:55 GMT 1
TJ was walking down the road when with a crack of displaced air Kristialin appeared before him. Used to this TJ just bowed his head and said "My lord, how can I be of service?" "I need you to travel to the southern swamps and act as my representative to the C'tis." "It would be an honor my lord." "Good but first I want you to deliver a message to Umberto and the good people of Hoburg" "Yes my lord." Kristialin nodded once, pleased, before disappearing again leaving behind several pieces of paper. TJ picked them up and began to run in the direction of the Imperial City To Umberto I would like my people to be able to practice their faith in public. What would this take to occur in the realms you control? To Hoburg I would like to see the Behemoth, in person, if that isn't a problem with you. To C'tis My representative is on his way and should arrive shortly, barring any unfortunate events. I hope to join him there in several months time.
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Post by Rationalgoblin on May 25, 2010 4:08:23 GMT 1
Deep within the forges of Cerra, Cerrak the titan has finally finished his mighty blade. More of a massive sheet of steel then anything else, the weapon is crude, but well suited for the enormous stone demigod's hands. "Not nearly my best word, and not even magical, but it'll do."He strides out of his forges, massive blade in hand. As he walks through the city of Cerra, he roars a mighty chant, and the smiths in his cult roar as one with him. "The iron, the iron! Awaken the iron!"As the shouts grow in intensity and power, a line of hammer-wielding men in faded grey chainmail form up behind Cerrak. "My servants! Today, we march to war. Not against the Empire and it's worship for the old Pankrator, but against the false gods, who would see the Pankrator's world burn in the fires of chaos. Tell me, would you rather have the peace of order, or the barbarity of chaos?"The hammer-wielders answer with one word. "ORDER!" "Then march with me, and we shall forge this broken blade of a world into a pure, unbreakable sword, burning away all it's impurities!"The army does not march out of the city, but waits, as more smiths and more former Imperial guards join it, even deserters from the main army of Umberto. Smiling, the stone titan turns to a simply dressed centurion, who has a brooding look on his face. "Cheer yourself, Legius. You are able to do my will, and aid High Marshel Umberto in one fell swoop. Surely that is a glorious deed."Cerrak to Iurt Unfortunately, you have gone crusading against the High Marshal, who is my ally, good Shaper. I intend to crush anyone who stands before the Empire and the Pankrator, and claim their land for my own. For you see, old one, I claim ownership over the Pankrators throne. I shall bring order where the old Pankrator vanished.
To stand against me is folly, and I suggest that you find a better target for me to assault, rather then your domain. If you can find a better foe for my might to attack, then I will leave you to fend against Umberto, without my interference.
Cerrak to Ferra Excellent. I propose that we begin utilizing the might of our alliance in earnest by invading the lands of the false god that seems to be to your southwest. Not the lands under the influence of the Empire, but the area under the influence of...Kyreis, I believe his name is.
We can divide his influence between ourselves, and reshape the mountains to bring forth more riches from the earth then ever before! What say you?
Cerrak to X'yogg'thoth Another of the unspeakable ones, I see. Well then, beings of chaos, let me introduce myself, through my messenger. I am Cerrak, Titan of the Forge, Bringer of Order, and He Who Sees the Future. I will bring order to this world shattered by the Pankrator's disappearance.
Now then, I am willing to have you play a part in this; indeed I recognize your ancient memory and vast experience as a great virtue in this case. However; do not presume to warn my enemies of my upcoming glorious victory over them. I will brook no tolerance in those who seek to bring Chaos and madness to my world, no matter their experience.
That being said, I am not directly opposed to your ilk; indeed I would rather storm the temples of the archbishops of the Imperial Cult, then fight you. Those arrogant fools need to burn.
But Umberto is a treasured ally, and I cannot abandon him and his remarkably large army.
Cerrak to Hood The entire Counsel Theologica of the Imperial Cult, and Primate Tetra. If you are unable to slaughter all of them, then simply the ones who speak out most strongly against Grand Marshal Umberto. I have plans for him.
Do as I ask, master of death, and I will ensure that your servants have the greatest weapons in all Creation.
Cerrak to Umberto
I am glad that you are seeing things my way.
Incidentally, I understand that you are having trouble with the Counsel Theologica, and Primate Tetra in particular. If... a few of the ones who speak out most viciously against you (and by extension, me) were to vanish, would you look the other way, High Marshal?
Furthermore, I would like to meet with the Paymaster of the Imperial armies. I have much expertly forged equipment that I'd be willing to simply give out to the army, if I was granted a few key strongholds that currently defy your Pankrator-appointed will. I would be able to use them to more effectively wipe out pretenders, then your sadly overstretched armies.
Perhaps by aiding you, I will atone for my pride, and take my rightful place in the Celestial Realms.
Cerrak to the Shona Hag Dearest grandmother,
I trust you are doing as well as can be expected, due to the disappearance of my uncle, the Pankrator himself. However, I must ask you a favor. Send me your greatest warrior, to help me bring order to these realms filled with pathetic pretenders to the Pankrator's throne.
You know well that I have had no love for the Pankrator, and that I seek to take his vacated throne for my own use, but these... upstarts to the Pankrator's rule are more then I can bear. I would rather the Pankrator come back and imprison me once more, then have one of these deluded upstarts take control.
Help me, send me the forces of the wild, and I will bring order to this world, cherished ancestor. I will end the squabbling of the false gods. I have already allied with the High Marshal, and with your help and his, we can wipe clean the world for the Pankrator's return.
odin Cerrak will gather as many soldiers as he can from Cerra and the surrounding lands; even those who would not normally join an army, mostly bribing them with promises of wealth and prestige. Even hire any troops of mercenaries, if I can.
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odin
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Post by odin on May 25, 2010 9:48:19 GMT 1
dargonIs that the exact order that TJ takes on his trip to deliver the messages? The Imperial City, Hoburg then C'tis? Or was the list more of a flavor thing. @rgoblin Are you trying to only gather troops/mercenaries/sell swords from the immediate area? How fast do you need them?
Exactly how much in the way of resources are you willing to spend gathering the army?
In theory you could higher every bum off the street and put a sword in his hand, but he probably wouldn't last long. If you're willing to take more time to train and prepare them you'll get a better crop of soldiers. The same goes for distance, the farther afield your willing to go the more high quality soldiers you'll be able to find, of course depending on how far away they are that could be a time factor as well. Umberto to Cerrak Pankrator willing you'll have your pardon and more besides.
With campaign season entering full swing, I'm afraid I'll have great need of O'Brien's skills here. Was there some other intermediary I could send? If you insist, I'll not refuse an ally, but he'll be sorely missed.
(Although Umberto's message doesn't mention your other question, it would be foolish to think that the omission was an error.) Shona Hag to Cerrak If what you say is true there may be hope for us yet. With Umberto at your side, you might be capable of putting down the other Pretenders.
If you do, please act with haste. Not all the old ones have awoken, and it may take the combined might of the world to put them back down.
I'll send Gedrhart and his firbolgs to assist you. They are few in number but mighty warriors none the less. I wish there was more I could do, but while the creatures of the wild head my word, they are quick to forget when they are out of sight. I'm afraid that the few that made it to your lands would most likely have forgotten their purpose by the time they arrive.
Go with my blessing, and know that the hags of the great wood are with you.
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Post by dargon on May 25, 2010 10:04:24 GMT 1
to odin To Hoburg first then to Umberto, if he's in the Imperial City, otherwise yes in that order.
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odin
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Post by odin on May 25, 2010 10:30:54 GMT 1
Hoburg to Kristialin Sure. Why not? There isn't much that we could do to stop you, and talking never hurt right? The Imperial Cult to Kristialin TJ is waylaid before he can deliver his message to Umberto. A passing priest recognizes him as a follower of Kristialin. With an group of fanatics and flagellants, the priest waylays flightless dragonborn and has him bound, gagged, and drug before the Counsel Theologica.
Primarch Petra stands before him. "You may beg for mercy and renounce the false god you worship. A heartfelt plea for forgiveness may earn you a painless death." After Petra takes a seat, outside of spitting distance, he motions for a priest to remove TJ's gag.
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Post by Sayn on May 25, 2010 12:25:52 GMT 1
The HoodThe hall is dimly lit, with only a couple of lamps fighting to light it up. There are no furniture, no decorations and not a single servant in sight. Except for a single chair to the far end of the hall there was nothing. Ahnak always shivered slightly when entering the hall, and he was supposed to be one of Death's own High Priests! One step in front of the other. He stopped a couple of feet from the chair, now occupied. Had there been someone sitting in it when Ahnak first entered? He bowed deeply. "My Lord, I have come as you asked."The figure in the chair seemed to nod, but Ahnak wasn't sure. A voice like a whisper strengthened to speaking levels began to talk. "Good. I have a couple of tasks for you..."You'll know if we succeed. So, how high are my chances of being able to assassinate the entire Counsel Theologica of the Imperial Cult and Primate Tetra? Or at least a lot of the Counsel.
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Post by Sambucus on May 25, 2010 15:05:07 GMT 1
Ferra.
Very well, we shall begin working on the hammer right away. Very well, they won't know what hit them.
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Post by The_JJ: Solaris Council on May 25, 2010 17:36:45 GMT 1
Wanderer and Umberto: The Wanderer considers for a moment, then nods. "Sure." The Wanderer takes a sip. "You have a plan, I assume, or at least some idea of what is going on?"
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Post by dargon on May 25, 2010 20:17:10 GMT 1
The Imperial Cult Incident As the gag is removed TJ croaks quietly forceing everyone to lean forward to try and hear him. "Alright, alright I'll repent. I just have one request. I want to make my confession in public to show what happens when one falls from the true path." This little speech seemed to take alot out of TJ as he almost collapses and is breathing heavily afterwards.
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odin
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Post by odin on May 25, 2010 20:36:32 GMT 1
@sayn If your trying to get a large group, it's usually best to try and hit them all at once, usually the problem is that they wont be in the same place at the same time. But that's not an issue with the Counsel, since they are in session. Killing Petra and a majority of the Counsel wouldn't be difficult. Having your agent making it out alive or captured would be nearly impossible. Keeping your involvement secret would also be extremely difficult.
Also, while you could probably get the majority of the Counsel, getting all of them will be very hard. The security on the handful that are still alive after the initial attempt would be extremely tight. Umberto and The Wanderer Umberto takes a long pull before answering the question. "I've got an idea yes, at least in regards to what's happening in the here and now. I try to leave the metaphysical to the theologians.
As far as plans, I do what I can, Pankrator willing, it'll be enough."
He stares into his glass, not looking up. "Before we continue, I've got a question for you. Not to put a damper on the conversation but, why shouldn't I kill you where you stand? Without you, the people of the Great Desert would be without a leader, and another Pretender-ship would be easily brought back into the fold." He continues to look into his glass, unwilling to make eye contact. Imperial Cult Incident The gathered priests whisper amongst themselves, debating the wisdom of letting a heretic address a crowd.
Petra holds up a hand for silence. He grins at TJ, a smile at once grandfatherly and cruel, "Granted. Take him away, tomorrow he'll make his confession, before the masses and the eyes of the Pankrator."
After TJ is removed from the room, the gathered men burst into discussion. Discussing TJ's fate.
((I assume you've got a plan for TJ's "confession" if you want to PM it to me, we can talk about it and then I'll make a post about it.))
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