Pat
Three Thousand Club
Where roleplay and accompanying orders are posted.
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Age of Cats (IC)
- Thread starter Pat
- Start date
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- Tags
- adventure high fantasy
Where roleplay and accompanying orders are posted.
Beckoncall
World-Weaver and servant to the most-holy PC
DAWN OF THE SHARDS:
Allod had risen again, but the writing was on the wall -- stagnation, petty rivalries, conflicts over resources. It was not a question of if another fall would come, but when. That was when the magic of the worldshards was discovered...
The prime material plane, after the apocalypse that shattered it, was full of fractured lands, terrains and empires. The Felis looked out of their "fishbowl" in Nirvana covetously -- and great magics were employed to tether pieces of the prime material to Nirvana, so that travel by persons... and even transport of matter and resources... could be executed.
The greatest houses all tried to create their worldshards -- but only a handful of great personages or clans managed to create one -- a delicate alchemy of magic and intent was needed to manifest a shard of the prime material in Nirvana, and the investment to do so was often tremendous. Many attempts bankrupted endeavors to proceed. Some clans with good fortune quickly succeeded.
All of you are what remains of those who first attempted... and succeeded in creating Land in Nirvana beyond the Allod. The eyes and intrigue of the existing clans are upon you, and adventure and fortune beckons from the prime material, and with that no doubt rivalry and obstacles of all manifestations. The world ended, but it's shattered empires are full of survivors -- some climbing up from the ashes, others slowly dying out. Some inhabitants of the prime material may not give up their collapsing world so easily to the Felis. You must be prepared to fight in lieu of diplomatic means as necessary.
The names of Ancient Empires are still whispered in the void, and they are your only information at this time as to what may await you on the prime material. The map is known to all, and it is thus:
GAME STUFF:
A map will soon emerge of everyone's world shards orbiting the central Felis Continent of Allod, but I figured we'd get to the fun stuff as fast as possible before I do any more fiddly maps.
STARTING RESOURCES: Each PLAYER starts with a small amount of WEALTH (Which as you'd guess, buys/builds things) and DIPLOMACY (an abstract representation of freedom to act in your own interests, ie, free of meddling/objection of allies.)
ANGELS AND DEVILS START WITH 5 WEALTH. FELIS CLANS START WITH 3 WEALTH.
CLANS WITH ALLIES START WITH 1 (ONE) DIPLOMACY, CLANS WITHOUT ALLIES START WITH 3 (THREE) DIPLOMACY. You will learn how to use these and other resources as the game goes on.
(KEEP TRACK OF ALL RESOURCES ON YOUR CLAN SHEETS! IF YOU MAKE A DEAL AND YOUR INFORMATION IS WRONG/INACCURATE, IT CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE OUTCOME OF ASSOCIATED EVENTS. I will always put the gain of resources in BOLD so it is easier to find additions and subtractions in the thread, but doing your own book-keeping will keep things SIMPLE and speed the game!)
There are two types of posts in the main thread -- NARRATIVE posts, and ORDER/PROCESS POSTS.
EVERYONE GETS THE SAME NUMBER OF ORDER POSTS -- and everyone should post their orders before the next round of orders can begin -- if people can't keep up or ghost, automatic status quo orders or reasonable reactions to events will be posted for the player as a last resort... but we should find a pace to move at that is comfortable to everyone without leaving anyone behind. Orders involve building structures, spending wealth and diplomacy, Gaining these resources, Dropping units into the prime material plane, Pulling things out of the Prime material plane, and more as we will learn as the game goes. EVERYONE GETS 3 (THREE!) Orders per Order post, unless otherwise told they have more or less.
PROCESS POSTS are just me processing the results of stated order endeavors which will move the game along. With 9 players, I should have approx. 27 orders per round to process. This is doable, and we'll see between my energy level and how excited everyone is to post orders how fast the game moves. This leaves...
Narrative Posts:
Narrative posts are your descriptions and narrations of events and actions/communication between players and the world which are not orders and do not require my processing. I may run with some narrative posts or leave them as they stand, but narrative posts should allow things like communication between players, trade, and world development/building and the filling out of the game. There shouldn't be a limit on narrative posts (but if it causes complexity there might be) nor is there a requirement for a number of narrative posts.
Just keep in mind that ORDER posts generally govern you interacting with the world and me telling you what the result of those interactions are, and NARRATIVE posts are simply living and acting in that world to develop it and move the story forward as necessary/desired.
If you're confused or not sure how to proceed, wait for some of your peers to go first and that will give you examples of how to move forward, or talk to me directly. This should be a very detailed/heavy roleplay, but I think everyone can hang if it's something you enjoy as it unfolds. If you decide this RP is too "Game-y" or it's not your thing, or you have to move on to other pursuits, just tell me what's up and we'll save your progress until later or remove you from the game respectively.
AND SO, IT BEGINS --
From each world shard orbiting the Allod, there is access to THREE Vortexes (colloquially referred to as "Drops") that will put units in a general area on the prime material plane. You won't know what's there unless you explore. It's rumored that the first people dropping may have influence even on where these vortexes lead to!
For NOW, the worldshards are BARE -- you must invest wealth and other resources to grow settlements off of Allod -- Though your clan is able to sustain itself there indefinitely even if you don't develop it.
Some ideas for starting orders would be:
"Spend X wealth to build settlement/specific building"
"Scout Drop X with A,B,C units"
"Spy on Y"
"Gather information on the Allod"
Or whatever else you can think of!
At present, the worldshards spin around the central Allod and the Vortexes vacillate erratically in the gravity wells of these land masses. It's now time to Introduce your characters/clans and state your first intentions for the exploration and conquest of the prime material, floating tantalizingly beyond the Drops, how to proceed may be uncertain now, but will rapidly become clear!
Soon after the clans begin their first forays and actions, other clans and entities may introduce themselves to the story.
However for now, Simply state where and how you are/feel, what your clan plans to do, and I will process. Here is the backstory to refresh everyone!!! :
The wheel of ages turns once again... under the reign of resting gods and covetous felines!!!
It is the Dawn of the 18th age -- the age of man has ended, torn apart by the power vacuum of the previous pantokrator leaving creation and brought almost completely to heel by the warring races left behind before the new gods shall get around to remaking the world in their own vision. The war of the pretender gods is long past, like the end of any age the world is unchecked wilds and quiet ruins. Perhaps foreseeing this though perhaps also by pure happenstance, the Cats of the world escaped through fortune and guile from the great city of Bastion, to the Heavens of Nirvana to wait out the apocalypse. The divine work of the god Pasha, the shaping of the heavens by the great angel Batthiel, and the obsession of the mortal Bavan the Rich lead to the cats of Planet Avecury to be passed over by the end of the world -- invading a tiny corner of heaven in Nirvana, the feline races and clans developed in sophistication, culture, and stature and otherwise lounged while the ruins of the prime material plane remade themselves. Some of the cats, given divine names, were uplifted into sentience and ruled over the clans of their animal brethren... in as much as cats could ever be ruled, one would suppose. The great Pashite Holdfast, a floating island in the heavens, nurtured the feline beings and while the rest of the races hid or crumbled to nothing, the cats themselves saw their opportunity... There was infinite space for cats in Nirvana, but not infinite lands and territories to possess. Clans quarreled between each other and among themselves for a forgotten era as cat fought against cat for what property was to be owned, made, or claimed. Cat civilization rose and fell at least three times in the struggle for sentience, cohesion, and finally purpose -- with the fourth culture of the felines coming up with a brilliant and brazen plan...
The Cat peoples and other factions of Nirvana learned that by claiming lands in the prime material, they could create reflections of new territories in the firmament of heaven.
These new lands were called WORLD SHARDS, and all connected like spokes to the central hub of Pasha's holdfast -- the great floating island known as the Allod.
The time for fruitless bickering is behind the Feline races and the other factions of Nirvana. From heaven new Cat pioneers would explore and exploit the dying world below before the gods had a chance to remake it all anew....
From chaos and infighting great feline houses, and even the factions of some other creatures -- took it upon themselves this great new undertaking, the heist of the old reality before the onset of the new -- Beside, and sometimes at ends with the cats were the Custodes -- Humans sent to heaven in feline societies infancy to care for and guide them in their new home in Nirvana. No longer needed, they eagerly sought to create a world shard of their own and let the Cats uplift themselves further on their own. In addition to these humans, Rogue Angels, forgotten in the war of the gods and no longer needed to guide the felines towards a new destiny, sought to make their own world shard apart as well. Transient Devils, hiding in Nirvana after the hells consumed themselves at the end of creation, also sought their own world shard.... and perhaps strangest of all were the Dragonnewt Refugees -- A race that reigned supreme in the second age they too sought to finally remake a place for their very own in the heavens, though perhaps more quietly and carefully than the cat peoples....
Great Feline Leaders and their rivals united forces within their clans and formed bands of explorers, pirates, conquerors, and thieves. Will YOU be one of the great leaders to organize your people to scavenge the old world and build a world shard of your own in the heavens? Dare you face the threats and mysteries of the prime material world left behind to make a better day, a better world, for your peoples? Step forward and be Brave, and DARE!
LETS GET TO IT, PEOPLE! THE WORLDS ARE YOURS!
-Beck
Allod had risen again, but the writing was on the wall -- stagnation, petty rivalries, conflicts over resources. It was not a question of if another fall would come, but when. That was when the magic of the worldshards was discovered...
The prime material plane, after the apocalypse that shattered it, was full of fractured lands, terrains and empires. The Felis looked out of their "fishbowl" in Nirvana covetously -- and great magics were employed to tether pieces of the prime material to Nirvana, so that travel by persons... and even transport of matter and resources... could be executed.
The greatest houses all tried to create their worldshards -- but only a handful of great personages or clans managed to create one -- a delicate alchemy of magic and intent was needed to manifest a shard of the prime material in Nirvana, and the investment to do so was often tremendous. Many attempts bankrupted endeavors to proceed. Some clans with good fortune quickly succeeded.
All of you are what remains of those who first attempted... and succeeded in creating Land in Nirvana beyond the Allod. The eyes and intrigue of the existing clans are upon you, and adventure and fortune beckons from the prime material, and with that no doubt rivalry and obstacles of all manifestations. The world ended, but it's shattered empires are full of survivors -- some climbing up from the ashes, others slowly dying out. Some inhabitants of the prime material may not give up their collapsing world so easily to the Felis. You must be prepared to fight in lieu of diplomatic means as necessary.
The names of Ancient Empires are still whispered in the void, and they are your only information at this time as to what may await you on the prime material. The map is known to all, and it is thus:
GAME STUFF:
A map will soon emerge of everyone's world shards orbiting the central Felis Continent of Allod, but I figured we'd get to the fun stuff as fast as possible before I do any more fiddly maps.
STARTING RESOURCES: Each PLAYER starts with a small amount of WEALTH (Which as you'd guess, buys/builds things) and DIPLOMACY (an abstract representation of freedom to act in your own interests, ie, free of meddling/objection of allies.)
ANGELS AND DEVILS START WITH 5 WEALTH. FELIS CLANS START WITH 3 WEALTH.
CLANS WITH ALLIES START WITH 1 (ONE) DIPLOMACY, CLANS WITHOUT ALLIES START WITH 3 (THREE) DIPLOMACY. You will learn how to use these and other resources as the game goes on.
(KEEP TRACK OF ALL RESOURCES ON YOUR CLAN SHEETS! IF YOU MAKE A DEAL AND YOUR INFORMATION IS WRONG/INACCURATE, IT CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE OUTCOME OF ASSOCIATED EVENTS. I will always put the gain of resources in BOLD so it is easier to find additions and subtractions in the thread, but doing your own book-keeping will keep things SIMPLE and speed the game!)
There are two types of posts in the main thread -- NARRATIVE posts, and ORDER/PROCESS POSTS.
EVERYONE GETS THE SAME NUMBER OF ORDER POSTS -- and everyone should post their orders before the next round of orders can begin -- if people can't keep up or ghost, automatic status quo orders or reasonable reactions to events will be posted for the player as a last resort... but we should find a pace to move at that is comfortable to everyone without leaving anyone behind. Orders involve building structures, spending wealth and diplomacy, Gaining these resources, Dropping units into the prime material plane, Pulling things out of the Prime material plane, and more as we will learn as the game goes. EVERYONE GETS 3 (THREE!) Orders per Order post, unless otherwise told they have more or less.
PROCESS POSTS are just me processing the results of stated order endeavors which will move the game along. With 9 players, I should have approx. 27 orders per round to process. This is doable, and we'll see between my energy level and how excited everyone is to post orders how fast the game moves. This leaves...
Narrative Posts:
Narrative posts are your descriptions and narrations of events and actions/communication between players and the world which are not orders and do not require my processing. I may run with some narrative posts or leave them as they stand, but narrative posts should allow things like communication between players, trade, and world development/building and the filling out of the game. There shouldn't be a limit on narrative posts (but if it causes complexity there might be) nor is there a requirement for a number of narrative posts.
Just keep in mind that ORDER posts generally govern you interacting with the world and me telling you what the result of those interactions are, and NARRATIVE posts are simply living and acting in that world to develop it and move the story forward as necessary/desired.
If you're confused or not sure how to proceed, wait for some of your peers to go first and that will give you examples of how to move forward, or talk to me directly. This should be a very detailed/heavy roleplay, but I think everyone can hang if it's something you enjoy as it unfolds. If you decide this RP is too "Game-y" or it's not your thing, or you have to move on to other pursuits, just tell me what's up and we'll save your progress until later or remove you from the game respectively.
AND SO, IT BEGINS --
From each world shard orbiting the Allod, there is access to THREE Vortexes (colloquially referred to as "Drops") that will put units in a general area on the prime material plane. You won't know what's there unless you explore. It's rumored that the first people dropping may have influence even on where these vortexes lead to!
For NOW, the worldshards are BARE -- you must invest wealth and other resources to grow settlements off of Allod -- Though your clan is able to sustain itself there indefinitely even if you don't develop it.
Some ideas for starting orders would be:
"Spend X wealth to build settlement/specific building"
"Scout Drop X with A,B,C units"
"Spy on Y"
"Gather information on the Allod"
Or whatever else you can think of!
At present, the worldshards spin around the central Allod and the Vortexes vacillate erratically in the gravity wells of these land masses. It's now time to Introduce your characters/clans and state your first intentions for the exploration and conquest of the prime material, floating tantalizingly beyond the Drops, how to proceed may be uncertain now, but will rapidly become clear!
Soon after the clans begin their first forays and actions, other clans and entities may introduce themselves to the story.
However for now, Simply state where and how you are/feel, what your clan plans to do, and I will process. Here is the backstory to refresh everyone!!! :
The wheel of ages turns once again... under the reign of resting gods and covetous felines!!!
It is the Dawn of the 18th age -- the age of man has ended, torn apart by the power vacuum of the previous pantokrator leaving creation and brought almost completely to heel by the warring races left behind before the new gods shall get around to remaking the world in their own vision. The war of the pretender gods is long past, like the end of any age the world is unchecked wilds and quiet ruins. Perhaps foreseeing this though perhaps also by pure happenstance, the Cats of the world escaped through fortune and guile from the great city of Bastion, to the Heavens of Nirvana to wait out the apocalypse. The divine work of the god Pasha, the shaping of the heavens by the great angel Batthiel, and the obsession of the mortal Bavan the Rich lead to the cats of Planet Avecury to be passed over by the end of the world -- invading a tiny corner of heaven in Nirvana, the feline races and clans developed in sophistication, culture, and stature and otherwise lounged while the ruins of the prime material plane remade themselves. Some of the cats, given divine names, were uplifted into sentience and ruled over the clans of their animal brethren... in as much as cats could ever be ruled, one would suppose. The great Pashite Holdfast, a floating island in the heavens, nurtured the feline beings and while the rest of the races hid or crumbled to nothing, the cats themselves saw their opportunity... There was infinite space for cats in Nirvana, but not infinite lands and territories to possess. Clans quarreled between each other and among themselves for a forgotten era as cat fought against cat for what property was to be owned, made, or claimed. Cat civilization rose and fell at least three times in the struggle for sentience, cohesion, and finally purpose -- with the fourth culture of the felines coming up with a brilliant and brazen plan...
The Cat peoples and other factions of Nirvana learned that by claiming lands in the prime material, they could create reflections of new territories in the firmament of heaven.
These new lands were called WORLD SHARDS, and all connected like spokes to the central hub of Pasha's holdfast -- the great floating island known as the Allod.
The time for fruitless bickering is behind the Feline races and the other factions of Nirvana. From heaven new Cat pioneers would explore and exploit the dying world below before the gods had a chance to remake it all anew....
From chaos and infighting great feline houses, and even the factions of some other creatures -- took it upon themselves this great new undertaking, the heist of the old reality before the onset of the new -- Beside, and sometimes at ends with the cats were the Custodes -- Humans sent to heaven in feline societies infancy to care for and guide them in their new home in Nirvana. No longer needed, they eagerly sought to create a world shard of their own and let the Cats uplift themselves further on their own. In addition to these humans, Rogue Angels, forgotten in the war of the gods and no longer needed to guide the felines towards a new destiny, sought to make their own world shard apart as well. Transient Devils, hiding in Nirvana after the hells consumed themselves at the end of creation, also sought their own world shard.... and perhaps strangest of all were the Dragonnewt Refugees -- A race that reigned supreme in the second age they too sought to finally remake a place for their very own in the heavens, though perhaps more quietly and carefully than the cat peoples....
Great Feline Leaders and their rivals united forces within their clans and formed bands of explorers, pirates, conquerors, and thieves. Will YOU be one of the great leaders to organize your people to scavenge the old world and build a world shard of your own in the heavens? Dare you face the threats and mysteries of the prime material world left behind to make a better day, a better world, for your peoples? Step forward and be Brave, and DARE!
LETS GET TO IT, PEOPLE! THE WORLDS ARE YOURS!
-Beck
Pat
Three Thousand Club
"No time to waste!" Wimarc shouted as his kin first set foot alongside him on the viridescent plains of Mozaic, the worldshard that will serve as their new home. His people rapidly settled into a familiar discipline, quickly organizing into their designated work groups and then proceeding to trample through the long grass as cogs encircled his family, deftly attending to their arms and armor. "Love, have you spied the gears?" He inquired to his wife as his breastplate was fastened around his chest. The squires soon after departed for other tasks as quickly as they had come, leaving his household to approach the nearest vortex with the intent to quietly descend on Pa'ani or as close as they could manage to the geographically isolated island for reconnaissance, and, if opportune, exploitation. Hopefully rumor of this little jaunt to the prime material would not spread far, though it's status as the smallest of the regions known to Nirvana may not be an accurate measure of import.
"Kept their own company as of late I'm afraid." Ascilia amicably replied as she ruffled Sibyl's fur. "Once you've spoken to them of your designs, the four sequestered themselves to complete them." Ascilia reached out for Wimarc's hand. "Forgive me, but let us see what we're getting into before worrying about our new beautiful Mozaic or even contending with the other enigmatic powers-that-be, whether of or orbiting the Allod. Let us see what has transpired on the surface of Avecury with our own eyes, unclouded by heavenly concerns."
Lord Oilpaw smiled and returned the gesture, holding on while they, one by one, entered the drop in pursuit of adventure and fortune for the Felis. Though Wimarc could not help but fear his time was passing, perhaps one day songs would be sung of the brothers Marden and Meldon, always in concert with their dear sister.
"Kept their own company as of late I'm afraid." Ascilia amicably replied as she ruffled Sibyl's fur. "Once you've spoken to them of your designs, the four sequestered themselves to complete them." Ascilia reached out for Wimarc's hand. "Forgive me, but let us see what we're getting into before worrying about our new beautiful Mozaic or even contending with the other enigmatic powers-that-be, whether of or orbiting the Allod. Let us see what has transpired on the surface of Avecury with our own eyes, unclouded by heavenly concerns."
Lord Oilpaw smiled and returned the gesture, holding on while they, one by one, entered the drop in pursuit of adventure and fortune for the Felis. Though Wimarc could not help but fear his time was passing, perhaps one day songs would be sung of the brothers Marden and Meldon, always in concert with their dear sister.
1) Four hundred soot proceed to till the soil in preparation for the cultivation of crops, planting edible and useful fauna.
2) One hundred soot, supported by four gears themselves assisted by five cogs, construct bunkhouses fabricated out of patches of sod cut into triangles for shelter.
3) Wimarc with his pet spyder, his wife Ascilia (the Farseer) and her Summerborn bodyguard, his sons Marden and Meldon (Nobles), and his daughter Sibyl (Noble), attempt to visit Pa'ani.
2) One hundred soot, supported by four gears themselves assisted by five cogs, construct bunkhouses fabricated out of patches of sod cut into triangles for shelter.
3) Wimarc with his pet spyder, his wife Ascilia (the Farseer) and her Summerborn bodyguard, his sons Marden and Meldon (Nobles), and his daughter Sibyl (Noble), attempt to visit Pa'ani.
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Heyitsjiwon
One Thousand Club
The prismatic lights danced over the forest as the sun seemed to gently begin to crest over the horizon of trees. This was Pasha's will and gift to the Exelec, a place that they could call home. Through the generations, the Exelec were involved in conflicts that almost wiped out Felis-kind in the Allod, yet it was now that the Exelec could feel some semblance of safety and home... some semblance. A council of the Reclined was called to discuss and advise the head of this branch of the Exelec clan. In the shade, shadowy figured were perched among the boulders and branches of a small opening within the forest. Reclined with comfort, these Felis yawned as they waited for the arrival of the Sun-Touched. Some licked their paws and slowly groomed themselves while others lazily lay on the branches with their eyes half closed. The Exelec were not the kind of Felis to be startled easily. In calmness was power. Yet, their eyes narrowed as they saw a golden light begin to glint and glimmer in the midst of the trees. The Reclined continued to lounge among the trees, but kept an eye on this golden light as it approached. The light was soon followed by the outline of a felis, which walked closer and closer to the opening.
"Another wonderful day, Sun-Touched." One of the Reclined called out. BrightStar curtly replied "Quite." as he stood at the edge of the opening, casually looking at the comfortable Reclined. "How goes the day, Sir Boots?" BrightStar asked. One of the Reclined purred "Gooood, good. I believe I have found a spot to begin construction for our people. As your Castellan, I will help watch over the construction efforts, though I imagine that the Spectra and the Rainbow Loremaster will have more direct input on the design seeing how one is very cultured and the other is an artificer! But yes, the ground work has begun. We will build a lumber mill to gather building materials... I think the Loremaster mentioned something about making it stellar powered or something about astral magic. Then using the lumber, begin building a settlement in the clearing." BrightStar nodded and said "How goes the expeditionary team? Have they set off already?" The Reclined simply nodded and yawned. "StarSeer and WindBreaker have already set off to help with the expedition. We'll hear from them sooner of later." one of the Relined replied.
"Excellent, I have called the rest of you to have a... better understanding of your abilities. Without a doubt, each of you are accomplished Exelec Felis, having served our people through diligent efforts to become the leading experts of your respective fields. While the others begin their duties, it would be prudent to take our time and figure out what each of us are capable so that we may plan and coordinate." BrightStar replied. "Sir Boots, you are dismissed so that you may help the construction efforts, in the mean time... the day is young and there is much to discuss." BrightStar said as he got comfortable on a nearby branch.
---
Orders/Summary:
1. A task force is assembled to begin settlement building operations in the Auroral Grove namely to get a lumber mill operation set up to get access to building materials/lumber and to build upon the cleared lands with a settlement and farms (all imbued with Astral magic if possible seeing how the Loremaster is an artificer and the Motes help with religious/astral stuff especially when in mass)... solar powered lumber mills and homes?
100 Pashite Motes
1 Rainbow Loremaster
1 Spectra Winterborn
1 Reclined - Castellan
2 Wealth
2. An expeditionary force is sent through one of the drops to begin scouting and exploring the area that they land in.
5 Exelec Cloakleys
2 Exelec Agents
1 Reclined - Seer
1 Reclined - Spellbreaker
1 Spectra Winterborn
5 Spectra Springborn
3. Another group remains in Nirvana to gather intel and shake some paws to see if there's opportunities in Pasha's Allod
5 Exelec Cloakleys
1 Exelec Agent
1 Rainbow Loremaster
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Crocodile
Mister Zero
Tyrvandrix regards the oasis known as The Crossroads. The entirety of the Mercatores had gathered here, waiting for their new Trade Speaker to issue orders to guide them down the path to new deals and prosperity. Reality was opened up to them now even as they had been making deals and moving about for so long. The Devil Merchants had finally settled into a location and were ready to turn it into grand hub of trade. He had worked hard to get them this far and this people were used to being without a home since the fall of Hell and their liberation from the Order of Hell. The imposing Devil looks upon his people and the many soulbound Chattel that served as their laborers and servants... until they were either found to be worth soulforging into a Mercatores Devil or more likely to be turned into ten Denarius coins.
"We could turn them all into coin, but then we would lose our workers," growls Fallen Lord Galizir from the side of of the Trade Speaker. His skin was like oxidized silver, his hair tarnished gold and eyes of copper. Some joked that Galizir had been forged from the coins of greedy sinners when Hell still burned brightly.
"Yet the Denarius must be made soon or later. The Chattel serve well but in the end we must show stability. The last of the original Denarius coins are gone. Every last one sacrificed to forge our new homeland. New coins are imperative in the long term," replied Fallen Lord Acuthane from the other side of the Trade Speaker. She was towering and imposing with skin of polished onyx, her eyes, hair, teet and nails seemingly made of white crystal.
When the power struggle for control of the Mercatores had resolved, the pair had backed Tyrvandrix in his bid to build their people a new powerbase and purpose. Now they were his chief agents, and likely to remain close to him when not resolving issues for him. Tyrvandrix simply nodded to both comments and strokes his chin. He gestures as Chattel rushed about assembling a table and chair large enough for the Devils to sit as the five Troupe Speakers came forth and took seats. The Neverborn were entrusted to lead their troupes and seek trade. Now they were ready for their new tasks.
"My kin, the time for our growth has finally come. We have all been patient but the long wait is now over. I have seen a vision, a great settlement of trade that we shall build and make others comes to us as much as we have gone to them for so long. Our era of simply wandering is over. If we wander it will now be with true purpose over simply seeking contracts, profit and souls," Tyvrvandrix notes with a chuckle as several cover smiles, showing their own sharp teeth.
"To forge ahead, we much build a grand foundation. We will allow others to seek out the material plane. Let them get there first. Sooner or later all will trade with us and create access to goods that might be found. We are the Merchants of Hell and we have endured. Hell is gone and now a new real of contract and commerce shall be our legacy. The mortal races shall know the value of us and the price paid for poor dealing. The might of our kind will be seen. The wealth and wisdom of the Mercatores will continue to hold value if not increase. To this end we shall build a new grand market to host merchants from all realms and beyond, enforcing the deals there to create a trusted location of trade and negotiation. Beyond that we shall forge Glass Palaces to house ourselves. As always, hospitality must be upheld as well. A grand hostel shall be built to welcome and comfort visitors. We must make them feel safe so that their coin... and souls... will flow into our possession," Tyvandrix declared with a raised, clenched first as he bares his own sharp teeth with a cold smile.
"Galizir, you shall take two troupes and build the Bazaar Bizarre for us. Acuthane, you shall take two troupes and build the Halls of Visitation for our merchant traffic," commands the Trade Speaker to his two direct subordinates.
"Haxos, your troupe will build the Glass Palaces. I grant you command of The Crossroads full compliment of Chattel to have the labor to carry out the task. Go forth and make use prosper," Tyrvandri said as he held his hand out in a gesture of dismissal to all. The various Devils bowed their heads and rose to start organizing the work groups to being building their new home into something worthwhile.
Order Summary
1. Fallen Lord Galizir has been tasked with building the Bazaar Bizarre, the future heart of commerce in The Crossroads.
-1 Fallen Lord
-2 Neverborn
-8 Mercs
-20 Chattel
-3 Wealth
2. Fallen Lord Acuthane has been tasked with building the Halls of Visitation for outsider housing and hospitality.
-1 Fallen Lord
-2 Neverborn
-8 Mercs
-20 Chattel
-1 Wealth
3. Troupe Speaker Haxos has been tasked with building the Glass Palaces to house and comfort the Mercatores within The Crossroads.
-1 Neverborn
-4 Mercs
-60 Chattel
-1 Wealth
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Myocardial Infarction
New Member
Sabio walked to the center of the Illustrada encampment, Apprendido beside him. He paid the young man little mind; he would pick up the strengths of a leader in time. For now, he would focus on driving his people onward.
As Sabio walked, the milling Pilgrims saw him pass, and congregated. Soon he found himself surrounded by his people. He could feel their gaze upon him, their curiosity and longing. Hw wouldn't keep them waiting.
"We have always found our homes on the road, our bounty beyond the horizon. Today, I come to tell you that I have seen further than ever before. As the world collapsed, our ancestors walked the road to Allod, to the abode of glorious Pasha, who sheltered them in their time of dire need. Now our brethren have scorned Pasha's kindness. Allod is a pale shade of what it once was, and the fools who learned nothing from the past squable over the remains. We have walked these roads, eked out our living as we went. We learned the true lesson of our ancestors; not that Allod was our salvation, but that the road to Allod saved them. It was by traveling to Allod from the material world that they were saved, and so it is now that we will be saved by walking the same road back. We go to the material world this day!"
With that said, Sabio retired, allowing Apprendido to make a path for him as Anciana grappled with directing the fervor of the Pilgrims.
As Sabio walked, the milling Pilgrims saw him pass, and congregated. Soon he found himself surrounded by his people. He could feel their gaze upon him, their curiosity and longing. Hw wouldn't keep them waiting.
"We have always found our homes on the road, our bounty beyond the horizon. Today, I come to tell you that I have seen further than ever before. As the world collapsed, our ancestors walked the road to Allod, to the abode of glorious Pasha, who sheltered them in their time of dire need. Now our brethren have scorned Pasha's kindness. Allod is a pale shade of what it once was, and the fools who learned nothing from the past squable over the remains. We have walked these roads, eked out our living as we went. We learned the true lesson of our ancestors; not that Allod was our salvation, but that the road to Allod saved them. It was by traveling to Allod from the material world that they were saved, and so it is now that we will be saved by walking the same road back. We go to the material world this day!"
With that said, Sabio retired, allowing Apprendido to make a path for him as Anciana grappled with directing the fervor of the Pilgrims.
1. A task force made up of 3 Waymavin and 9 Cancats will travel ahead of the Illustrada towards a vortex leading preferably to Silflay, with the orders of monitoring situations of note they come across while reporting back to the main encampment on what was discovered.
2. The Illustrada will move, one and all, towards the vortex. Pilgrims are to pack the encampment and travel as told. 2 Waymavin will coordinate with 10 Cancats to find resources close to the main body of the Illustrada. 10 Cancats will travel a short distance behind the main body, to keep an eye out.
3. [1 Wealth] Peligroso is tasked with pursuing a means to reduce the time necessary for the Illustrada to set up and tear down camp.
2. The Illustrada will move, one and all, towards the vortex. Pilgrims are to pack the encampment and travel as told. 2 Waymavin will coordinate with 10 Cancats to find resources close to the main body of the Illustrada. 10 Cancats will travel a short distance behind the main body, to keep an eye out.
3. [1 Wealth] Peligroso is tasked with pursuing a means to reduce the time necessary for the Illustrada to set up and tear down camp.
Heterological
Search it up
A breeze came from the west, traveling along the valley and shoved into an increasingly narrow space. By the time it had gotten to the spot of their future town, it became a strong wind, rustling the grass of the hills and echoing off the mountains. Several explorers had already taken note of the red ibex, crystals, the red-budded grass, and the layers of blood-red rock built into the mountainsides. Windracer felt at home among the bloody mountains, somewhat surprisingly. He had taken part in battles before, and he had witnessed the gruesome horrors of reality. This was palpable by comparison.
He snapped to reality. There were numerous other factions who had managed to claim their own worldshards, Windracer knew, and there was no doubt in his mind that they were already setting up. Scanning the small group with him, the Tsar made a few decisions.
"Skysearcher!" He called out to his second-in-command. "Take a small group with you. Explore one of the drops. Note dangers, terrain, and useful resources, and bring back whatever's easy to get."
"Yes, of course, sir," came the reply.
Windracer nodded at him and set up a second group to capture some livestock. Access to glue, milk, meat, and leather would be incredible. Finally, looking around him, the town needed to be built into an actual town. Nothing else that was important came to mind. He would supervise this task.
ORDERS:
A group of workers endeavors to capture, contain, and tame some of the wildlife in the higher mountains, most notably the red ibex and mountain goats are seen wandering up the mountainsides.
-10 Lahu Advance Guard
-1 Lahu Apparatchik
-5 mounted Tsarspaws
An expedition team is sent to explore one of the Drops, noting the terrain, any useful resources, and any threats or danger before returning.
-5 Lahu Advance Guard
-1 Lahu Apparatchik (Skysearcher)
-4 Tsarspaws
-5 Tabaxi Hireate
Other workers build up Moromu into an actual town, digging into the ground to create indents and using the mud from those indents to form triangular roofs. The workers have a secondary goal of taking note of and setting aside anything noteworthy they find in the ground.
-Tsar Windracer
-2 Wealth
-35 Lahu Advance Guard
-3 Lahu Apparatchik
-6 Tsarspaws
-5 Spectra Apprenti
He snapped to reality. There were numerous other factions who had managed to claim their own worldshards, Windracer knew, and there was no doubt in his mind that they were already setting up. Scanning the small group with him, the Tsar made a few decisions.
"Skysearcher!" He called out to his second-in-command. "Take a small group with you. Explore one of the drops. Note dangers, terrain, and useful resources, and bring back whatever's easy to get."
"Yes, of course, sir," came the reply.
Windracer nodded at him and set up a second group to capture some livestock. Access to glue, milk, meat, and leather would be incredible. Finally, looking around him, the town needed to be built into an actual town. Nothing else that was important came to mind. He would supervise this task.
ORDERS:
A group of workers endeavors to capture, contain, and tame some of the wildlife in the higher mountains, most notably the red ibex and mountain goats are seen wandering up the mountainsides.
-10 Lahu Advance Guard
-1 Lahu Apparatchik
-5 mounted Tsarspaws
An expedition team is sent to explore one of the Drops, noting the terrain, any useful resources, and any threats or danger before returning.
-5 Lahu Advance Guard
-1 Lahu Apparatchik (Skysearcher)
-4 Tsarspaws
-5 Tabaxi Hireate
Other workers build up Moromu into an actual town, digging into the ground to create indents and using the mud from those indents to form triangular roofs. The workers have a secondary goal of taking note of and setting aside anything noteworthy they find in the ground.
-Tsar Windracer
-2 Wealth
-35 Lahu Advance Guard
-3 Lahu Apparatchik
-6 Tsarspaws
-5 Spectra Apprenti
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Eliasdagood
Golden ball of bloody cuteness
“Alright, everyone! No time to waste!” Maya Akuma calls out to her forces. “First things first! We need a hospital built. Chances are we will frequently come back from the prime material wounded, and the less time wasted on healing up, the better! Beside that, we need a dedicated sector for modification.
Secondly! I have chosen Ustalav as our first point of contact with the prime material. I will choose forces to come with me, and everyone else will aid in construction of the hospital. Let the Triaxa be remembered for ages to come!” She smiles, hearing a cheer from her forces. Now they can finally begin to progress in earnest.
Secondly! I have chosen Ustalav as our first point of contact with the prime material. I will choose forces to come with me, and everyone else will aid in construction of the hospital. Let the Triaxa be remembered for ages to come!” She smiles, hearing a cheer from her forces. Now they can finally begin to progress in earnest.
-Spend 2 wealth for a hospital/communal laboratory
-Maya, 6 Infernal retainers, 6 celestial retainers, 1 Biomancer, 10 Carcassjacks, 5 Basal golems, and 5 Skintailors will make landfall in Ustalav
-Everyone not in the landing party will work on getting the hospital ready to run, along with other basics needed for their new town..
-Maya, 6 Infernal retainers, 6 celestial retainers, 1 Biomancer, 10 Carcassjacks, 5 Basal golems, and 5 Skintailors will make landfall in Ustalav
-Everyone not in the landing party will work on getting the hospital ready to run, along with other basics needed for their new town..
Beckoncall
World-Weaver and servant to the most-holy PC
Pat
--Wild growth and sudden settlement... The Stirring bones of Pa'ani.
The Oilpaw incursion could have landed anywhere -- but their goal and sense of purpose was Pa'ani -- so by providence or fortune they landed there. The wild growth was full of existing fruits and great nut trees, quickly gathered as the land was cleared for making more familiar terrain and crops by the soot. Some soot were entangled or struck by thorns in the ubiquitious black brambles that had grown thick on the neglected earth, the soot left the brambles alone when where they appeared to be stitches and sutures for the cracking earth, held together into some semblance of healing after the end of the world.
Purple Bagfruit was a quick favorite from the cleared land -- hard to find, but exotic, refreshing and fortifying. The Oilpaws of Mosaic could not guess how they grew, for they had no stems or roots, but grew thickest in the most difficult brambles, surely to protect them from less enterprising predators and gatherers. (Bagfruit becomes a commodity of the Oilpaw
Pat
)1. in the land cleared for crops and structures, great stalks seemed to burst from the ground and unfurl towards the sky, as if waiting for some change of seasons to expose them to the twin suns and chorus of stars, visible both day and night. Many shelters were made, a small base where the "Headfruit" was not too much of an obstacle... the fruits at the top of these stalks seemed like bejewelled cornstalks, mostly green and red, with rare yellow kernels that glowed day and night. The soot did not disturb these plants instead waiting for orders to so, and instead continued to plant catnip, meal crops, and clearing the tall grasses for vegetables and other larger fruits and vegetables. The Soot, Great in number, carved a great cratetr through the brambles and nested their advance base in the middle, ensconced in the natural defenses... (Decision point: Cut the beautiful and likely valuable headfruit, or seeing as it is a natural part of the ecological cycle of the land, or leave them alone, though they disrupt settlement?) -- (decision points can be resolved in a narrative post quickly or included on top of the next cycle of orders, in due time)
2. The smaller force of Soot, under expert direction, took a portion of the cleared land in an arc-shaped clearing cut in the harshest brambles, cutting the sod underneath, bleeding green blood, into sections of sod to quickly create suitable structures for safety and continued exploration if desired. The Gears plans, made flesh by the cogs and the commanded soot made great Tent like structures out of the thick surface sod, the main structures having underground storage, defense, and communal areas. It was during this time that the Oilpaws noticed they were being observed.
To the northwest was a great wooded area, called the Bogger Wold -- a swampy forest from which white centaur archers eyed the Felis through scoped bows. All throughout the east, Mobs of Satyrs had come to make everything from idle chatter to worried challenges to what they saw as an aggressive invasion, but weapons were not brought to bear yet, instead the satyrs brought horn and tuba, every passing hour more satyr were summoned to make their own mind of what was going on, which ranged from suspicion and fear, to a polite welcome and implied overstepping on existing beings territory -- The Satyrs would have to be driven off, or elsewise diffused, as the soot had obviously been upending their lands, mostly to the east, known as Cratyr.
Finally to the Southwest was the province of Trackless Caravan... A land of Tauren, Vegetarian cousins of the Minotaurs, those creatures thankfully long extinct the Tauren culture bore little resemblance to those creatures of chaos, but much to resemble in the fearsome mass of sinew of a giant bull creature.
3. Wimarc with his pet spyder, his wife Ascilia (the Farseer) and her Summerborn bodyguard, his sons Marden and Meldon (Nobles), and his daughter Sibyl (Noble) attempted to parley the quickly spiraling parley situatiion -- They had seemed to have kicked up the dust with three different factions, White Centaurs, Satyrs and Tauren all at once. Wimarcs Spyder quickly collected intel -- there seemed to be distrust and hostility between the Tauren and the Centaurs, each wanting to communicate first, each seeing the other's emmisaries as a challenge. Ascilia in the moment looked exhausted -- giving orders to the cogs with very specific instructions on how the Soot should move and act to avoid antagonizing the new "hosts" that surrounded them. Doubly she warned not to mistake the Satyrs excitement for revelry -- the farseer had considered myriad actions and outcomes and most ended in those hairy folk coming into the camp in violent waves. Wimarc was almost glued to his spider, gathering tactical and other useful information as the situation was rapidly coming to a head -- his noble sons and daughters awaiting Wimarc's decision to parley or slam their visors down to fight... (Decision point -- how to defuse situation? Can it? Parley? Fight? If so, with whom?)
Beckoncall
World-Weaver and servant to the most-holy PC
Heyitsjiwon
1.
The Exelec wasted no time getting to their work on the worldshard -- From the Auroral grove a special place of silverwood was chosen to be clear-cut, and from it rose a mighty Lumber Mill and construction house. Wealth poured into the project -- magical and industrial in scale, the delicate heart of the astral wood was left unharmed with the best the forests had to offer for the taking of the Felis. The Castellan masterfully coordinated the practical work, just as the Loremaster and Motes tended the plenty that was esoteric and magical. The motes had chanted of great gravitational forces that played on the worldshard, the ground moved through space, even though this movement was not evident to one standing there. The Rainbow Loremaster and Pashite motes came together with a stroke of genius and with astral magic, and deep pockets -- developed the first "Gravity Mill" -- astrally freezing the mill in place so that the world would grind wood and stone AROUND IT by virtue of the heavens moving in predictable ways. The mill was noiseless, yet wood and rocks pulped, sliced, or crushed as needed under the attention of the motes. Once the Mill rose like a great squatting giant on the surface of the worldshard, the lands around were cut efficiently and with a mind to conservation and cleared of boulders (drawn into the machines below the surface as readily as the wood on top of it) -- Great piles of Limestone, Marble, and Quartz were harvested from under the forests and indeed it needed to be -- the land must be cleared for farming -- and this meant tilling and upturning the soil and removing the great obstructions to planting, turning them into bars, pillars and bricks. (Decision Point -- Exelec may SELL this building material on the Allod for 1 wealth, trade it on the Allod for 1 Diplomatic Currency, or keep it to improve a future stucture.)
The virgin farmlands were all that were left behind of the turned earth and the stripped patch of silverwoods. The Mill belched flares of waste-light above the allod, giving the sky and stars a kind of pulse as the work of farming proceeded below... From the culled wood, a settlement of covetable houses rose from almost literally nothing, and in rows between these houses, plots of farms that stretched over "Ley-lines" that the Motes insisted were there -- and that the crops would grow prodigiously in accordance to the stars. In this way the settlement and the farms were almost one, rising up in a constellation of beautiful spirals.
Great herds of Silver-white hinds fled the construction (and destruction) of their habitat -- the Felis were surprised that these magical lands, so recently created, had any kind of life more sophisticated that the plant ecosystem. All the hinds scattered but one -- a huge Hind, as big as any giant moose of legend, stood defiantly on the edge of the new clearing and challenged farmers and builders to stay away. (Decision point -- The Winterborn knows this as a guardian spirit of the forest. Should the Spirit be Slain or driven off? Wealth spent to respect it with a Shrine? Should the thing be ignored?) The Winterborn Spectral strongly voiced his concern on this matter -- guardian spirits were most often untethered DEMONS (not to be confused with the more familiar DEVILS) or Fey -- neither of which should have access to Nirvana...
2. An expeditionary force is sent through one of the drops to begin scouting and exploring the area that they land in.
5 Exelec Cloakleys
2 Exelec Agents
1 Reclined - Seer
1 Reclined - Spellbreaker
1 Spectra Winterborn
5 Spectra Springborn
"INTO THE DROP!" One of the Reclined commanded, and the Cloakleys and Agents strode forward, followed by the rest of the retinue -- the seer had searched the Felis fragments of the Acashic records, and had learned of three of the realms:
Macrea was a great seafaring culture up to the last days... noble and confident city-states formed an empire, now no doubt in tatters.
Orspana was their trade and naval competition, a coastal nation of orcs that were consistent rivals even at the best of times... they disbanded thier hordes and reassembled as a kind of tribal democracy.
Skvyrus is a hilly and mountainous place -- said to have once been ruled by a race of flyers known as the Caelum. The lands they controlled were said to have shrunk to nothing in the end, only the highest peaks giving them refuge.
Falling from heaven the Exelec spread their cloaks and made a controlled fall for Macrea at the bidding of the seer.
The land was a disaster area. Macrea, once a coastal nation, sat atop a bone-dry cliff more than a full mile from the receded ocean -- the near-sea now a plated salt-plains filled with the corpses of countless ships. Some lost to battle, some lost to age, some simply lost as they sank in the salt-plates, as if gently lowered into their graves as the water ocean retreated. The Exelec scouted over this area... but decided NOT to land there. The graveyard of ships looked peaceful, but held hidden forboding. Continuing to control their fall, they headed for the cliffs...
The city-states too, lay in ruins, but in the coming twilight the soaring Felis, coming to ground, could see small fires all about the ruins. Some cities were little more than craters, but three stood the proudest, temples and halls of all purpose still standing amid the ruins, and the seer recalled their names:
Arcosephale, once legend for it's philosophers and men of science -- it was a dry husk of what it once must have been. The apocalypse had not been kind to Macrea, but seemed to have shown a certain spite for the proud Arcos...
Scythia, the sister city to the Arcos, in the worlds decline they depended ever more on the undead as their own population dwindled, until a cold, bloodless majority took over...
and Pytium, the greatest of all the states, it could not conquer all of Macrea simply because it stood alone and the rest of the land would unify against it. In the end times it worshipped snakes -- and they could be seen crawling in the streets or giant serpents spooled around tipping columns even before the Felis landed.
All looked to the Seer on where to proceed...
(Decision point -- which city-state will the Exelec explore (first?))
3. Another group remains in Nirvana to gather intel and shake some paws to see if there's opportunities in Pasha's Allod
In the great halls and manicured gardens of the ancient Felis paradise, Allod, little evidence could be seen that this was a land thrice-fallen. In fact, it looked as if it had never stumbled. Felis of every stripe strode with purpose or dallied with none, continuing the endless dance so many had come to see as stagnation and false-industry. But life went on.
The Exelec, now owners and residents of a world-shard, saw that they were looked at and treated differently. Some with fear, some with covetous, some with hope or promise of gain. The agents of the sun touched spread far and wide -- learning what they could of opportunities on the Allod.
Surely there were many, especially among the Aslani, who sought to buy their worldshard, but the Exelec would not sell it.
There were many among the Spectral that sought artifacts of the crumbling world, in particular those of the elves.
Many industrious clans had heard of the great inventions of the dwarves and gnomes, and bid the exelec search for these to improve life on the Allod and forstall any future catastrophe,
Then there was talk of "The Curv" -- a growing secret society that sought to eliminate the holders of the shards -- believing they must be united for a higher purpose. It was said the curve had so infiltrated the clans that many already walked among the Felis of the worldshards... that betrayal awaited, a coming storm...
Beyond this, There was Wealth and Diplomatic Currency to be gained returning with offerings or even just for making promises. The Enaitay had once again attempted to manifest a world-shard and failed, adding to the sharp and spinning magical debris orbiting the Allod with the rest of the new lands.
The worldshards were opportunity -- and it seemed everyone wanted in -- The sun-touched agents were welcome in the court of any clan to make or hear proposals, and many waited with baited breath for the first expeditions to bear fruit for the taking, paid in full for, at the Allod.
Lastly, the agents of the sun-touched learned that independent Felis were attempting to learn ways to descend to the prime material WITHOUT the need for a world-shard, but such technologies and magics were far more sure to strand than return interested adventurers.
The primary attitude the agents and cloakleys were met with was one of anticipation -- but few wished to show their cards with expeditions yet unproven, yet unaccomplished.
"Bring here the spoils, and talk of what you want, Exelec" seemed to be the pervading attitude. However, much was sought. Metals, Gems, wealth to be sure... Artifacts and what could be saved from the dying worlds knowledge -- but also there was a demand for beasts and seeds, and foods of the world not found in Nirvana. So much anticipation... so much TENSION... the envoys returned to the sun-touched swamped with requests and offers of audience with many great clans...
As a final business -- The Sun touched consulted with his Reclined to hear their Specialties...
There was already a:
Spellbreaker
Castellan
Seer
but the Reclined conversed deeply with their leader and revealed their talents... they were:
Construction -- both of the old ways, emerging styles, and the distinct way of the Exelec.
Agriculture -- In realms of plants both magical and non,
Astronomer -- Lending power to astral spheres but also demonstrating skills in predicting and even influencing the movement of objects in space...
Translator/Communicator -- A Xenolinguist and a student of many written, spoken, and gestured forms of communication...
Ballistics -- While the Exelec did not excel in this sphere, this up-and-comer had designs for large-scale cannons and tracked weapons.
Politics -- of the various clans, and of celestials and Infernals. Also a historial of political ways and patterns in greater known entities in the broken world below...
Logistics -- A champion of "making things go" -- of food and fuel, and spirit to get from A to B, and unexpected or aspired goals beyond...
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Twist
Going round it to be honest
"By His hand, we are all fed.
Give us Memeow, our daily bread.
Please know that we are truly grateful,
For every cup and every plateful.
Mrrow!"
Give us Memeow, our daily bread.
Please know that we are truly grateful,
For every cup and every plateful.
Mrrow!"
With the soft purr that followed the end of the holy prayer, the court of the Inbread could truly convene and plan their first move now that the prime reality had begun to settle. The first to speak was, as usual, Ceiling Cat, the thin Tabby practically jumping out of his olive green robe, the silent pauses of such proceedings maddening for the chatty cat "Of course, our first step should be to re-cultivate our land and produce the most divine bread on mass once again, your Breaded One" he beckoned, pawing at his own bread bonnet, the small fruits within matching his garments. "Our people cannot be without bread, as much as fish can be without water or humans without war, it is our very essence..."
Ciacatta rolled his eyes behind his spectacles, as Ceiling Cat rambled on, his stating of the obvious just an excuse to lengthen his monologue. He would, undoubtedly, be like this for the next fifteen minutes, his long ears content to hear the sound of his own voice, the rest of the courts words like white noise to the olive breaded orator. The Emperor turned his attention to one of the other members of the court, gesturing for the Exalt to speak with his finger as he lounged on his throne, the scarlet sash of his robes falling from his white belly as he curled up into it's soft embrace.
The plump Persian stepped forward, his Sourdough headwear matching his constant expression as he began to speak. If you could call it that... " Emperor...…. the building...…land..... people...… greatness....."
Ciacatta, the thirteenth of his line and descendant of the holy prophet, could only slump his shoulders in dismay as he strained to hear the mumbling moggy, Mumblar the ever living words almost unintelligible even with all his divine gifts. The long ears of Ceiling Cat would able to be understand the utterances of his blue furred friend but he was still chattering away, oblivious. How heavy the head that wears the bread, thought the young emperor, the proud court of the Inbread left to him by his father proving more troublesome than he could ever imagine. Already he was tired, and he hadn't even heard the third member of his court yet, the young tortoiseshell she cat whose name now escaped him. Lifting his hand to stop the exasperating Exalt, Ciacatta quickly spoke. "Yes, quite, Mumblar, your words as usual ring true. Take whatever you need as you go about your plans."
With a wave of his paw, he motioned for them to leave, their meeting officially over. The sour faced sage bowed and proceeded to leave the throne room, his purpled robes dragging behind him as the she cat followed one step behind. Oh how he longed for excitement thought Ciacatta, the stuffiness of his fellows and official proceedings grating at him. Such events were far more enjoyable when he was visited by his most divine guests, though not as divine as him of course, the politics of angels and devils amusing as they grasped for his attention.
He turned his back, and buried himself into his tremendous throne intending to sleep, drained by his meeting. Maybe he would join the excursion into the Vortexes Ciacatta pondered to himself as he closed his eyes, ignoring the ramblings of Ceiling Cat who was still going on.
Pacing back and forth now the talkative tabby was gesticulating with his hands as he spoke, attempting to emphasise his word with every movement. "...With our Pyroclast, we could make quick work of...." but his plans fell on absent ears as the most holy emperor was already fast asleep.
Orders
The 22 Pyroclasts of all varieties under supervision from 2 Inbread Exalts (Ceiling Cat/ She Cat) cultivate the land and prepare it for farming, the Pyroclasts "essence" enriching the soil while the Exalts work the winds into more favourable conditions. Displaced/excess resources (mud/ wood/ stone) will be put aside to be used in other orders e.g. stone for building, mud for clay.
Ciacatta and 14 High Croutons dive through a drop to explore the new land.
Reliant on orders above
36 ShockingBadHats and 1 Inbread Exalt (Mumblar the ever-living) seek to build a settlement using the resources at hand, helped and inspired by the Exalt's presence with the skilled builders/ carpenters etc of their kind taking the lead. ( 1 wealth + Resources found in order)
Beckoncall
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Beckoncall
World-Weaver and servant to the most-holy PC
Crocodile
:And the Devils received their orders, for the will of Tyrvandrix was law by contract. The Astral waste lay spread before the infernals -- the crossroads... a new place with an old reputation.
Some Chattle mewled that they were eager to please, some others just worked in silence... all eager to work with the powers the devils gave them to bring the material structures of hell into existence. The fallenlords were tired enough in the seductive practice of wielding infernal power, but the Chattle and lesser infernals gloried in it.
Tyrvandrix will would be made flesh, for he was the oath and the heart of darkness -- woe be him who defies the tree -- for they shall be cast out through the veils of pain and flame...
Word spread all the way to Allod Immediately -- and from it to all the clans -- the Baazar Bizarre was made whole and entire to the specifications of the Fallen Lord. Great stalls minded by shadows and arcane hands showed every delight in Felis, and many needful things from beyond. Moving in, attracted by it's splendor came genies, elementals, and ancient mum-miyah of the dust peoples cast to the wind, called to the banquet of the lord of feasts and carrion. No small amount of wealth was used in the endeavor -- it was strong enough to draw visitors from other planes -- wizards, planeswalkers, lost high clerics -- now godless, looking for a hint of the divine or a bargain on their chastities. The Bazaar Bizarre looked at all as currency and customer alike. Soon a thousand stalls, over half belonging to the Fallen Lords themselves, brought exotic, and drug, and magic, and curse to the invitation of the masses. From above, it looked like a great carpet asplash with gems of every hue, sparkles of every sheen... truly a monument to want and satisfaction...
Galizir cracked his knuckles and went for a browse. His master would be pleased.
Bazaar Bizarre Opens as largest Trade-hub in Nirvana, Superceding the grand market of Allod. There will be benefits to all players who use this market instead of the default market of Allod, though perhaps none will profit so much as the devils...
Visitor's pleasure: Any player that comes to the bazaar bizarre looking for something in particular will find three grand things on offer to solve their problem or fit their wishes.
ELEMENTAL WARES: Since the arrival of the elementals at the bazaar bizarre, elemental magics and defenses are for sale -- a cut of the proceeds will go to Tyrvandrix, of course -- but those seeking knowledge or magic of Fire, Air, Water, or Earth can find it here! Gird yourselves in protection from flame, or obtain such powers to burn thy enemies! It's all here! come see! Come see!
Mum-Miyah Lore: Ancient Kings of dust take up residence in the Bazaar -- buying and selling in the works and the words of the fallen world. Come to them with questions, or items you seek or sell!
(Genie perks TBA if market grows)
_____________________________________
Outside the great market were the halls of visitation -- Palacial Domuses -- these huge estates flowed into and under and over one another like an orgy of architecture. Everywhere lead somewhere, somewhere lead everywhere. Otherworldly guests and influential Felis made their stays here before and after trafficking in the Baazaar. All sorts of creatures, entities and beings filled the halls of visitation, and soon in coming were throngs of Felis eager to sample the wonders of the market and the pleasures of the halls... Costs could be steep, but none INTENDED to wind up chattle for lack of payment on a bill, did they?
(Halls of visitation may generate chattle over time. Most supreme living conditions are presently here eclipsing near everywhere on Allod.)
Acuthane rested in the "pools of flesh" -- soaps and slimes and other fluids aflow around him... Surely Tyrvandrix would not deny him his own enjotments, now his work was done as commanded?
____________________________________
Rising above it all was the Glass Palaces... floating on Pylons of Black Stone they caught the glimmer of the Bazaar and cast odd shadows, and a cycle of day and night on the lands below.
Ringed in Brass and shimmering rubies, it looked like a hanging gardens from the outside, and a panoply of earthly and infernal pleasures from the inside. No longer would the Mercatores wander -- for they were home. The crossroads was a complete and lavish paradise for the slaking or any lust -- intellectual or carnal or all in between. Tyrvandrix sat in his squat throne in the center of it all and listened for the whispers of pain and dread that hid beneath the cries of pleasure, thrill, and ecstasy. The chattle slaved tirelessly and seemed to crawl the structure like ants, running to every little need for care, any potential flaw in the pattern. And it was "good."
THE DEVILS WERE HOME, AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
Mercatores gain 1 Diplomatic Currency for new parties/entities brought into Nirvana.
Beckoncall
World-Weaver and servant to the most-holy PC
Myocardial Infarction
:1. A task force made up of 3 Waymavin and 9 Cancats will travel ahead of the Illustrada towards a vortex leading preferably to Silflay, with the orders of monitoring situations of note they come across while reporting back to the main encampment on what was discovered.
The Scouting party went forth as commanded, recon in force careful not to give away position if not necessary. They returned with much to report...
Upon taking a Vortex to Silflay, they found themselves in a province called by the locals as "Lepus" -- Lepus contained two types of rabbit people, that made no distinction between each other, though they were much different. The "Hunting Lepus" bred in the province, but spent most of their time hunting and gathering wwhat little couldd be scraped together in a region known as "The Grey Waste" :
Among them were the "Grazing Lepus" :
The Grazing Lepus sustained themselves in the easily harvested fields of what they called "The Verdance" to the east -- a wild land of peaceful collonaded forests and fields of carrots and lettuce. The Grazing Lepus detected the Illustrada, and bid they join them to eat peacefully in the Verdance, though there was a sadness in their eyes that was not evident in the much harder living "Hunting Lepus" -- One wondered if life was so much easier in the verdance, why did the grazers not settle there? Why did the Hunters eschew it's apparent gifts? The Lepus wwere not quick to loosen their tongues on the subject... but were greeted to the prime material and the chiefs of the Rabbit-folk (Hunter Constantine and Grazer Leigh) to settle within the province if they so wishe.
They said little was known of what lie south... there were mountains...
On the descent from heaven the scouts saw that the Grey Waste was full of ruins, seemingly a great nation -- the Lepus called it Abracorn, was slowly being devoured by the wastes... but they sai the ruins ended and cities began if one explored that way. They advised not to pass the wastes to the northeast, for there had been a great meteorite fall in an area now known as the "Great Devoid" -- The WayMavins wondered what to make of the lepus, their stories, and this locale. Craters often contained meteoric iron and other materials from the Dark Tapestry fallen to the prime material. They would ask their superiors what was to be done.
2/3. The Illustrada were to move to the prime material, one and all -- and so they did. Peligroso spent wealth and resources building a great staging area on the world-shard -- such that bases could be quickly fabricated here and packed and unpacked wherever the illustrada sought to land. Apprendido was credited with spear-heading the tech, but Peligroso "cracked the whip" that made it work, that and Anciana's driving of the pilgrims.
The rearguard scouts reported that strange burrowing took place in the "Verdance" to the east of the landing zone -- but the grazing lepus would not talk of such things. When the hunting lepus were asked, they simply replied "The verdance is not for us, and if you stand tall, it is not for you either. Hunt the wastes with us, and learn our ways, new neighbors and travellers... if we can grow together and rely on each other's strength, we may work together" -- yet why did they not work with the grazers? It begged many questions.
But the Illustrada had moved, perhaps this landfall being their new home, or the first of many campings these wandering people would establish.
Decision Point -- Join the Hunting Lepus in their search of the grey wastes, or follow the gentle grazer Lepus into the Verdance. Lepus Province itself was warm and dry, but there was little in the way of food or resources -- the rabbitfolk took what they needed from the neighboring provinces and brought it back to use... which made it even more curious -- if the verdance was so much more fecund and rich -- why did all rabbit folk live at it's edge?
Illustrada gain perk "Rapid Deployment" -- They can move their entire settlement back to the worldshard or to another location via the worldshard as a single order without cost.
(mark Rapid Deployment on your sheet)
Beckoncall
World-Weaver and servant to the most-holy PC
The Felis of the Tsar were committed, and even if they were not the ever present Apparatchik were there for additional "incentive" -- felt even when unseen these Felis were hell-bent on preventing Tsar Windracer's disappointment. "The disapproval of the Tsar is a poison that all must drink, unless we prefer the nectar of his happiness..." The advance guard had heard it all before. They would not falter... and the Tsarspaws saw the opportunity to demonstrate their skill and jockey for the most boastable deeds for the time being more pressing than any machinations of the apparatchik. Now was a time of Adventure -- The world spinning below them to be seen, and the spans of the new land they had already come to possess. There was glorious work to do.
1. On the worldshard, the blood mountains were wild and mysterious still. In the lowlands, the Advance guard built a great netted coral in one of the red-running rivers as the Tsarspaws spent all morning herding goats and Ibex into ever greater herds... a stampede if you will. The Apparatchik noted the rivers ran red not with actual blood, but the runoff of IRON-rich soil that rose in spires and spikes at rivers sources and at the mouth of rivers where they poured into the more clear lakes of the little lowland of the shard. Mining prospects may bear fruit on the worldshard -- iron to be sure, but what else perhaps in abundance?
Nothing to think of now. The Advance guard held their places at the trap at the side of a mighty river, and the mounted Tsarspaws ceased bedeviling and chasing the goats and Ibex and began to drive the great herd towards the trap. At first it seemed as if the damnable weight of the throng would shatter the trap and they would lose them all, but the river did it's work of slowing down the mob of beasts and giving them instead to the nets and traps. The advance guard worked their paws raw pulling the beasts out by the dozen before they drowned, The goats falling into line easily enough domesticated -- or perhaps it was the calming and cajoling effect of the Apparatchik. The mounted Tsarspaws brought the Ibex to heel quick enough by challenging the top breeding males of the herd while the mass was still confused -- the Tsarspaws had already picked the largest and mightiest specimens for their war-mounts, so they simply placed themselves on the top of the Ibex herd hierarchy after a few stubborn jousts with the most vicious and elder bull Ibex. The task was a massive success... and the advance guard, already sore and limping from the weight of labor hurriedly assembled great fences to bring the animals to pasture. (10 advance guard are "disrupted" and unavailable for next orders until/unless given rest or otherwise restored)
The job was huge. But a relatively small number of Lahu had proven sufficient. Glue, Milk, Meat, Leather and Bone was to be found in great surplus -- and the apparatchik promised that if more work and time was invested, the Ibex and goats could make for good labor animals as well as further transportation as beasts of burden.
Even before Momoru began to rise with the work of the rest of the Clan, the farms and pastures framed the settlement. It was a good job.
2. The Lahu expedition through the Vortex was discrete, so they had some agency over the area they had scouted over, drifting slowly from the heavens and sending hirate scouts ahead of the rest to gather intel in the stretch of terrain it looked like they would make landfall... intel was gathered:
Southern Ursgrad... Province of Gower : This area was a relatively low-sophistication confederacy of towns until the apocalypse filled it with monsters. Ursgrad now belongs to the "Myrdrall" -- the product of horrors breeding with terrestrial animals. There are plenty of intact artifacts and buildings here, but it's needless to mention how dangerous it is.
Further south of that is Province Prax: A wildland that pushed most civilization out in the apocalypse or buried it. Lush pastures, rolling hills, it's not apparent what might be the dangers here but the apparatchik warn that every stable ecosystem has apex predators... and this ecosystem is VERY stable.
Even further south is Ustalav -- a nation rising from the dust of the world's end. A proud and strong people, they survive with superstition and distrust that protects them from the vampires, werewolves, and other monsters (real and imagined) in the countryside. The greatest settlements of Ustalav are castle-cities that can almost ignore the fact that the world ended outside the walls -- Castle cities are ruled by vampire lords or powerful wizards.
The expedition, perhaps to avoid dangerous contest, or perhaps to land where they perceived it most peaceful, decided to land in the Province of Prax...
Prax Province was a wide belt of green pastures and copses of trees, filled with birds, grazers, pack hunters, and soon they were to find, large ambush predators that culled all populations to maintain a sense of balance. Prax was a quiet lowland, kissed by gentle winds in stark contrast to the everblowing gales and hardness of the terrain of the worldshard.
The large ambush predators, it was quickly learned, were beasts called "The Gresh" -- basically the cross of a crocodile with a giant great-white shark, these burrowing ambush predators would pass themselves off as logs or boulders or slowly creep up on their prey. While a significant threat to most wildlife and probably most sapient life -- to a pedigree such as the Felis -- to a cat -- they were boring and clumsy hunters one could easily avoid. Still, the apparatchik wondered if it were possible to build anything lasting in Prax because of the Gresh, but for now as a hunting, harvesting and potential farming ground it showed potential -- Gresh were easily repelled by local plants and the feces of certain birds that ate them... repelled enough not to disrupt potential crops at least. Far to the south was one of several increasingly thick and forboding forests that banded the approach to Ustalav in the south... there, they sensed they were being watched by predators more dynamic and challenging than the gresh, but they kept to the wood so the scouts paid them no mind, for now. The Tsarspaws hunted a great gresh for sport and skinned it, mounting it's skull on a fancy banner quickly fabricated by the Advance guard -- this Gresh banner was to be offered to the Tsar upon their return...
"The land submits to us, but what shall we do with it?" they asked their great leader.
3. Momoru, under the brilliant and watchful eye of the Tsar himself and the majority of his apparatchik, was being built into a new center of power for the Lahu and Felis-kind. The Apprenti took an artistic bent to how the settlement was designed -- earth was displaced in slats that were made into roofs of both surface dwellings and a network of trenches that ran through the landscape. All laborers worked tirelessly, and with pride, as momoru continued to take shape -- the ground was cleared and anything special was set aside for the Tsar's pleasure and scrutiny. Gold bonuses flowed for the best designs and hardest workers, and labor from Allod was paid for to add extra weight to the construction force. It was by these means that Momoru rose up from the valley just as it dug into it's red surface. The indents and lower levels of the houses protected from the ever-howling winds, and structures popped up both in and on the ground like mushrooms. Momoru was a worthy Town now -- and added to the morale of the Tsar's People. +2 special currency : Morale -- this currency can be gotten to get units to perform better than they normally could, or serve when they otherwise would/could not.
Two things were pulled from the land in the construction of Momoru -- one could be kept, but one would have to be destroyed to make room for development: (choose 1, the other MUST be lost)
A) The blood Geyser -- this was, well, a literal spring of blood that sprouted forth from the ground, as if part of some sunken well of blood rather than from the wound in some creature. The blood could be used to make Food and Fertilizer -- or it could be plugged up forever -- which the apparatchik said might preserve the worldshards magic rather than drain it... but the idea of burgeoning crops and such an abundance of blood pudding and other foods was tempting...
B) A great Ruby was unearthed at the center of where ground was broken. If destroyed, it would grant 5 wealth to the Lahu, but if left intact it was a glorious and proud wonder/monument that had the potential to be a magical focus. Most wanted to destroy the Ruby (as it would make the Clan and community much more wealthy) but leaving it intact held promises of more potentially...
This might present a tough choice to the Clan, but there were gains for going either way. It raised questions though -- to what extent could the young worldshards be exploited? How far should one push to find out?
1. On the worldshard, the blood mountains were wild and mysterious still. In the lowlands, the Advance guard built a great netted coral in one of the red-running rivers as the Tsarspaws spent all morning herding goats and Ibex into ever greater herds... a stampede if you will. The Apparatchik noted the rivers ran red not with actual blood, but the runoff of IRON-rich soil that rose in spires and spikes at rivers sources and at the mouth of rivers where they poured into the more clear lakes of the little lowland of the shard. Mining prospects may bear fruit on the worldshard -- iron to be sure, but what else perhaps in abundance?
Nothing to think of now. The Advance guard held their places at the trap at the side of a mighty river, and the mounted Tsarspaws ceased bedeviling and chasing the goats and Ibex and began to drive the great herd towards the trap. At first it seemed as if the damnable weight of the throng would shatter the trap and they would lose them all, but the river did it's work of slowing down the mob of beasts and giving them instead to the nets and traps. The advance guard worked their paws raw pulling the beasts out by the dozen before they drowned, The goats falling into line easily enough domesticated -- or perhaps it was the calming and cajoling effect of the Apparatchik. The mounted Tsarspaws brought the Ibex to heel quick enough by challenging the top breeding males of the herd while the mass was still confused -- the Tsarspaws had already picked the largest and mightiest specimens for their war-mounts, so they simply placed themselves on the top of the Ibex herd hierarchy after a few stubborn jousts with the most vicious and elder bull Ibex. The task was a massive success... and the advance guard, already sore and limping from the weight of labor hurriedly assembled great fences to bring the animals to pasture. (10 advance guard are "disrupted" and unavailable for next orders until/unless given rest or otherwise restored)
The job was huge. But a relatively small number of Lahu had proven sufficient. Glue, Milk, Meat, Leather and Bone was to be found in great surplus -- and the apparatchik promised that if more work and time was invested, the Ibex and goats could make for good labor animals as well as further transportation as beasts of burden.
Even before Momoru began to rise with the work of the rest of the Clan, the farms and pastures framed the settlement. It was a good job.
2. The Lahu expedition through the Vortex was discrete, so they had some agency over the area they had scouted over, drifting slowly from the heavens and sending hirate scouts ahead of the rest to gather intel in the stretch of terrain it looked like they would make landfall... intel was gathered:
Southern Ursgrad... Province of Gower : This area was a relatively low-sophistication confederacy of towns until the apocalypse filled it with monsters. Ursgrad now belongs to the "Myrdrall" -- the product of horrors breeding with terrestrial animals. There are plenty of intact artifacts and buildings here, but it's needless to mention how dangerous it is.
Further south of that is Province Prax: A wildland that pushed most civilization out in the apocalypse or buried it. Lush pastures, rolling hills, it's not apparent what might be the dangers here but the apparatchik warn that every stable ecosystem has apex predators... and this ecosystem is VERY stable.
Even further south is Ustalav -- a nation rising from the dust of the world's end. A proud and strong people, they survive with superstition and distrust that protects them from the vampires, werewolves, and other monsters (real and imagined) in the countryside. The greatest settlements of Ustalav are castle-cities that can almost ignore the fact that the world ended outside the walls -- Castle cities are ruled by vampire lords or powerful wizards.
The expedition, perhaps to avoid dangerous contest, or perhaps to land where they perceived it most peaceful, decided to land in the Province of Prax...
Prax Province was a wide belt of green pastures and copses of trees, filled with birds, grazers, pack hunters, and soon they were to find, large ambush predators that culled all populations to maintain a sense of balance. Prax was a quiet lowland, kissed by gentle winds in stark contrast to the everblowing gales and hardness of the terrain of the worldshard.
The large ambush predators, it was quickly learned, were beasts called "The Gresh" -- basically the cross of a crocodile with a giant great-white shark, these burrowing ambush predators would pass themselves off as logs or boulders or slowly creep up on their prey. While a significant threat to most wildlife and probably most sapient life -- to a pedigree such as the Felis -- to a cat -- they were boring and clumsy hunters one could easily avoid. Still, the apparatchik wondered if it were possible to build anything lasting in Prax because of the Gresh, but for now as a hunting, harvesting and potential farming ground it showed potential -- Gresh were easily repelled by local plants and the feces of certain birds that ate them... repelled enough not to disrupt potential crops at least. Far to the south was one of several increasingly thick and forboding forests that banded the approach to Ustalav in the south... there, they sensed they were being watched by predators more dynamic and challenging than the gresh, but they kept to the wood so the scouts paid them no mind, for now. The Tsarspaws hunted a great gresh for sport and skinned it, mounting it's skull on a fancy banner quickly fabricated by the Advance guard -- this Gresh banner was to be offered to the Tsar upon their return...
"The land submits to us, but what shall we do with it?" they asked their great leader.
3. Momoru, under the brilliant and watchful eye of the Tsar himself and the majority of his apparatchik, was being built into a new center of power for the Lahu and Felis-kind. The Apprenti took an artistic bent to how the settlement was designed -- earth was displaced in slats that were made into roofs of both surface dwellings and a network of trenches that ran through the landscape. All laborers worked tirelessly, and with pride, as momoru continued to take shape -- the ground was cleared and anything special was set aside for the Tsar's pleasure and scrutiny. Gold bonuses flowed for the best designs and hardest workers, and labor from Allod was paid for to add extra weight to the construction force. It was by these means that Momoru rose up from the valley just as it dug into it's red surface. The indents and lower levels of the houses protected from the ever-howling winds, and structures popped up both in and on the ground like mushrooms. Momoru was a worthy Town now -- and added to the morale of the Tsar's People. +2 special currency : Morale -- this currency can be gotten to get units to perform better than they normally could, or serve when they otherwise would/could not.
Two things were pulled from the land in the construction of Momoru -- one could be kept, but one would have to be destroyed to make room for development: (choose 1, the other MUST be lost)
A) The blood Geyser -- this was, well, a literal spring of blood that sprouted forth from the ground, as if part of some sunken well of blood rather than from the wound in some creature. The blood could be used to make Food and Fertilizer -- or it could be plugged up forever -- which the apparatchik said might preserve the worldshards magic rather than drain it... but the idea of burgeoning crops and such an abundance of blood pudding and other foods was tempting...
B) A great Ruby was unearthed at the center of where ground was broken. If destroyed, it would grant 5 wealth to the Lahu, but if left intact it was a glorious and proud wonder/monument that had the potential to be a magical focus. Most wanted to destroy the Ruby (as it would make the Clan and community much more wealthy) but leaving it intact held promises of more potentially...
This might present a tough choice to the Clan, but there were gains for going either way. It raised questions though -- to what extent could the young worldshards be exploited? How far should one push to find out?
Crocodile
Mister Zero
A missive dispatched to every land in Nirvana. It bears the mark of the Mercatores as it seal as if the ash grey parchment and glowing red writing would not be a give away. Any inspection confirms it is only a message with no magic on it save to preserve the message... and allow the reader to make a fateful decision. Hospitality.
Greetings!
I must assume if you are reading this missive you are the reigning authority of your land. I send this missive to all lands to announce two matters. First and foremost, the Mercatores have built what we proudly declare to now be the greatest market in all of Nirvana. We welcome all traders of all outlooks to the Bazaar Bizarre! Come and barter your wares. Seek your fortunes. Plumb the depths of knowledge and lore our sellers might offer you. Know that all who come in peace and honest trade are welcome as guests within The Crossroads. No trader, negotiator or seeker of services need fear traveling the Stellar Sands. Those caught even attempting banditry... shall be made example of.
With that matter handled, my second point of business. I, Tyrvandrix, shall be performing a Grand Tour of Nirvana in celebration of the opening of the Bazaar Bizarre. I shall present myself to each court, chamber, altar or other place of rule, bearing gifts of the Bazaar and seeking to renew ancient pacts of business and trade. Many of you have sampled the services of my kind in the past and survived for it. Others of you have made the grim error of treating us as mere fiends to be dismissed. So I send this missive ahead out of courtesy and respect to all lands I intend to visit.
You have but one decision to make from this point on. Hospitality. As I extend it upon those in my lands, know that you will now have to decide if you will extend it to us. I solemnly swear that any display of Hospitality shall be welcomed and shown the deepest respect. No Mercatores shall work mischief or violence in your lands for I have forbidden it to those who show us such. Should you choose otherwise, then that restriction will no longer remain. I will pass through your lands and you may reap what you sow in what is to be a mission of commerce and good will.
May the sands flow in your favor,
Tyvandrix
Trade Speaker of the Mercatores
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Beckoncall
World-Weaver and servant to the most-holy PC
Eliasdagood
:The Triaxia Waved goodbye to their envoy/scout team and looked at the beautiful desert around them. The grand hospital would rise from the sands -- but it would have to be done right. The Biomancers and Carcassjacks equipped with burrowing gear and beasts dug the sand down to bedrock -- otherwise the shifting sands would eventually take the structure -- any structure left long enough in the ever-moving desert. The Basal Golems and Retainers too brought their raw power to the project, and soon wealth poured out on the best materials and plans to make the great Hospital and Research Center.
Triaxa gains perk -- Second chance -- wealth can be spent to bring units otherwise slain back from the dead, if they can be gotten to the Hospital quickly. This is more likely to work on rank and file (NPCs) than Characters (Named protagonists)
The Biomancer wondered why Maya had chose Ustalav as the point of initial contact -- a cold country of superstition and oppression -- distrustful of outsiders and especially those that possessed the traits of animal hybrids (such was their fear of Lycanthropes and other changelings) -- But her words were not to be questioned. Her will would be revealed.
The Felis drop-team was intercepted on their skyfall by a great red and black ray of negative energy... had they been captured?!
The Drop-group prepared for the absolute worst as they were pulled from their initial dropzone in the countryside to the inside of one of the great castle-holdfasts. They appeared in a great arena, which also was decorated like a court of sorts -- the audience in robes of judgement, the leaders in black lacquer and leather with cruel eyes and torches.
Inquisitors. Witch-hunters. A zealous mob awaiting spectacle. The Triaxia had landed themselves in DEEP trouble, it would seem...
"SEE THAT EVEN THE HEAVENS ARE FOULED AND MUST BE BROUGHT TO HEEL WITH CLEANSING FIRE!?" The Grand inquisitor, his face echoing from inside some kind of cage giving it a scary echo barked and riled the hundreds, if not thousands of his followers at the arrival of the Triaxia under a enslavement shield of simple, but powerful magic.
"DEMONS AND ANGELS descend with these creatures -- creatures of fur that walk like men, like the lycanthropes of the wild that wait beyond our walls to consume us, that seek to poison our population with their curse!"
The Divine and Celestial Retainers, at these words took defensive positions at the ends of the bubble. It appeared that it would only be so long before the mob, or something worse was loosed upon them.
"I have brought you the seeds of sin that even now seek to infect our world! We shall bring those who will fight us low, and the rest will brook no secrets from us by the time we are done with them."
The Biomancer withdrew to the middle of the formation with the skintailors, who were even now making subtle changes to the carcass jacks to optimize them for a horrible one-sided battle or some bid to escape... there were just too many of the devout madmen standing in judgement of them -- they were a Expeditionary force captured by foes who had laid this trap and were ready for what came next -- however horrible.
"EVEN THE ANGELS MUST BURN, THEY THAT STAND WITH THE HERETIC, THOUGH THE WORLD IS SHATTERED THE GODS HAVE NOT LEFT US, WE MUST SHOW OUR FAITH, AND OUR BURNING HATRED FOR THE *OTHER* THAT MUST BE CAST THROUGH THE VEILS OF PAIN AND FLAME!"
Time was growing short for grandstanding and soon something truly horrible would befall the Triaxians -- Decisive action, Storied words, SOMETHING would have to be done to spare the otherwise, as their hosts would have it, doomed expeditionary force.
Decision Point -- Attempt to intimidate or reason with the mob and it's masters? Lash out breaking their bonds and attempt to escape? Wait for their prison to fall and cut into the ranks of the enemy throng? Something else? A decision must be made, and quickly -- or the Triaxia landing party will be brief and tragic...
Beckoncall
World-Weaver and servant to the most-holy PC
Twist
:The rolling fields of the Inbread were pristine and virgin -- forged of new magic and full of promise. Upon it they loosed the Pyroclasts who brought their volcanic powers to slash and burn a vast area for settlement, returning the nutrients of the land to the soil while infusing it with their own minerals and richness... the brown soil gave way to rich black stone, which the pyroclasts pulverized into the most fertile volcanic soil... Pulling from the ground the elements of production and infusing down into it the paradoxical enrichment of the searing flame. When the Pyroclasts were done it looked more like a lava plain than the rolling hills and oceans of grasses -- but the good had been done, and good would come out of it. Under the smell of that black sand was the rumor of freshly baked bread... grains would take hold here as would the settlement planned... and a bumper crop was already anticipated. Mumblar babbled something about a "great ceremonial loaf" -- a cottage roll the size of indeed a cottage near the center of the settlement. A house of bread, that once enchanted could be a house of worship...
Stone fused by the Pyroclasts and pulled from the earth both were piled onto magical pallets that rose high off the ground, Clay and stone buildings, great in number and rising in complexity as they grew closer to the center "temple of victuals" -- the bread temple was dwarfed by great houses for the Constabulary Comestible, and ajoining courthouse, the Square of Milk and Nourishment, the Royal Parlors of Provision... the first grains of the land were shoved en masse into great clay ovens and baguettes the lengths of lances were quickly destributed among the populace and laborers as they worked their mundane and magic works upon the settlement -- coin flowed freely to promise all was quality and inspired, Incorporated with rock that were the bones of this worldshard and clays that were it's skin.
Badhats of every profession and description raced hither and yon, to and fro, stopping only to hear the inspirations of the Exhalts before continuing a tireless excited labor. Their new home rose like a yeasted bun, like a dome split with a golden street as if it were made of butter that ran to the lesser districts and tied it all together.
The Badhats sang a folksong of their individual expertise that came together to form a Jack of all trades:
And in this way every job found a place, and worked in unison to make the great settlement, which was set to produce a glut of many foods, (not just breads) but also a great market of Quality Mundane Tools -- enough for export, or if they kept it all perhaps it would push forward yet another build...
____________________________
It was during all this production that the High Croutons, accompanied by Ciacatta -- made planetfall on the coast of Mwangi. A land of sandy and secretive beaches and deep jungles in the lowlands, and seemingly cleared lands for plantations in the highlands... these great walled plantations stunk of slavery of the wilder people of Mwangi -- Tobacco, Citrus, Truffles and Exotic Fruit bloomed from these holdfasts, but only at the cost of toiling natives in the fields... and who pray-tell were the doubtless steel-shod boots of the Slavers? It could not be seen. Whoever they were, they glowered invisibly upon their thralls, no longer needing to lord over their servants, with promises of reprisal being enough...
Perhaps out of listlessness or perhaps to prefer the lovely landing on the beaches, the Felis skimmed over the plantations and landed on the golden shores lined with blackest jungle. Ciacatta at this point bothered to open one eye, too relaxing was the falling flight from heaven to truly pay attention to... as he stirred the high croutons brought him up to speed on what little was known...
From the jungles poured a coalition of three tribes - all with different body paint, armor, and adornment.
They threw themselves at the Felis' feet, their lazy fall from the heavens likely seeming most impressive to the locals.
Their teeth were filed pointed, in the style of a carnivore like the Felis -- the tribes looked at the teeth of the cat-folk, the golden light they descended upon, the robes, scepters and affectations of the newcomers, and fell to the sand hailing them as gods.
"You are the sharptooth that need not eat it's kin? You are the predator that has transcended the need to hunt? Long have your comings been whispered in Mwangi -- that the Clans would be brought under your sway, willing or unwilling, and in doing so cast down the cruel ones and take their place as rulers with a gentle fist... (erm) ...paw."
These creatures, these hominids were some kind of cannibals... but it was not the first time the Inbread showed up at a party and everybody seemed to lose their minds... they used the awe to their favor, and chose their next words carefully -- for did not the natives want to use the Inbread as saviors in a war they might just as well nap though? Or perhaps it was best to play god, and sway the masses and change this land to something more suitable to exploitation, occupancy or conquest...
Decision point -- Ciacatta must decide how to address and speak to these natives -- avoid or embrace entanglements? Ask for gifts and leave? Some other course of action? They would need to proceed carefully... for as adulant as many of the natives were, there were two more that were tense at this meeting. Fear, fear and aggression lay just below the submissive surface...
Chordling
Bardbarian, the Divine Chordia of Concordia
Ping pressed a paw against his chest, the ancient prayer beads were secured close to him by his grip. The Panthera had arrived. They were safe. They rejoiced. But Ping knew this was only the beginning. There was work that needed to be done.
Orders
1. Task forces distribute tents and food rations.
2. Task forces begin construction of prayer hall
3. Spend one (1) wealth to send an investigation group to Skvyrvs to examine its wildlife.
Where one task force =
Keeper x 1
Harmony x 1
Trackless x 3
Harsh x 5
Orders
1. Task forces distribute tents and food rations.
2. Task forces begin construction of prayer hall
3. Spend one (1) wealth to send an investigation group to Skvyrvs to examine its wildlife.
Where one task force =
Keeper x 1
Harmony x 1
Trackless x 3
Harsh x 5
Eliasdagood
Golden ball of bloody cuteness
Maya sighs softly to herself. This is… not ideal. But to lose her composure is to lose everything, so she does her best to keep herself together.
“My apologies!” She calls, offering her best smile.
“It would seem our entrance was overly dramatic. I assure you, we mean no harm. Quite the opposite! Our people owe much to humanity, who cared for us when we were still small, and did not understand the world. Now that we stand as you do, we wish to aid those who gave us so much. We come with no intentions to harm you. Indeed, we wish to help be a part of your salvation! If you allow us, once we learn more of this world, we will hunt those that threaten you, to repay the debt of generations of care as best we can.” Honestly, part of Maya just wants some of these lycanthropes to experiment on, but if it helps earn the trust of the humans to hunt them, even better!
———
Beatrice, the biomancer who has been chosen as second in command to Maya, looks over the parchment, and pauses for a long moment, before nodding. She writes back a simple enough message. Triaxa are usually to the point, unless there’s a reason for overly flowery language.
“While our leader is currently scouting the material plane, I have no doubt in my mind that she would be honored to host the Mercatores in our home. We look forward to your visit, and will be sure to have proper accommodations arranged.
Beatrice, second speaker”
“My apologies!” She calls, offering her best smile.
“It would seem our entrance was overly dramatic. I assure you, we mean no harm. Quite the opposite! Our people owe much to humanity, who cared for us when we were still small, and did not understand the world. Now that we stand as you do, we wish to aid those who gave us so much. We come with no intentions to harm you. Indeed, we wish to help be a part of your salvation! If you allow us, once we learn more of this world, we will hunt those that threaten you, to repay the debt of generations of care as best we can.” Honestly, part of Maya just wants some of these lycanthropes to experiment on, but if it helps earn the trust of the humans to hunt them, even better!
———
Beatrice, the biomancer who has been chosen as second in command to Maya, looks over the parchment, and pauses for a long moment, before nodding. She writes back a simple enough message. Triaxa are usually to the point, unless there’s a reason for overly flowery language.
“While our leader is currently scouting the material plane, I have no doubt in my mind that she would be honored to host the Mercatores in our home. We look forward to your visit, and will be sure to have proper accommodations arranged.
Beatrice, second speaker”
Pat
Three Thousand Club
Pressing his signet ring into the last of the green wax seals, Wimarc released the restless spyder whirring in his lap and watched the clockwork tarantula scuttle out of his private study in record time, a bundle of missives tightly squeezed in it's unyielding chelicerae... Though whether or not enough clans would answer the call to arms was an uncertain matter, the myriad contents of the letters bid distant worldshards sympathetic to his cause to lend gold and made promises of repayment. Perhaps he was right to fear his absence would leave him blind to moves such as this, but now breathless in the wake of executing his response after scrutinizing endless calculations of the grand design by candlelight for hours without sleep, he lit his pipe and pondered if he had really made the right choice leading his people into this most precarious of endeavors and answered his own question eating at him with only a shake of his head. The very lowliest and faithless of the Felis did not deserve to be held and spent as currency by the likes of devils, even those who remain welcome in Nirvana. He hadn't been gifted with the astute foresight of his wife, yet Wimarc could see two diverging paths lying ahead of Nirvana that consumed his thoughts as of late. No matter. Another marketplatz would be built. All he, all anyone could do really, was do his best to address the many uncertainties that remained. Pa'ani and Avecury would have to be left to the judgment of his heirs for the time being. "Rieke." He walked to the door after he had gathered himself, graciously inviting her inside.
"So the long wait is finally over." She bluntly greeted in return, taking the closest seat available to her. It would be inaccurate to simply describe her as the greatest of the sootpaws, but her attention to detail and chastizing straightforward brevity that had catapulted her into the privileged ranks of their top five overseers did do much to set her apart from her oft unquestioningly obedient peers. Always they jockeyed for positions in which they could further prove their worth following whatever is the plan of the moment to the letter, doing everything in their power to surpass their superiors by merit and merit alone. Rieke though, she had the mind of a gear, not a cog. Maybe she didn't know when to leap out of the way, but by God she knew how to press any issue unseen. "You've been busy. I've noticed you have half the clan out purchasing construction materials and the other clearing enough land for another Allod. So I have to ask, what's the next big project? Some sort've flying 'catsle'?" She quipped to Wimarc, smirking and leaning back in her chair as she quietly snorted with laughter.
"Well," he puffed, "maybe one day we will create an exacting replica of a historical Bastien landmark. But that's not why I summoned you here." He pulled out a desk drawer and handed her a lockbox. Opening it, he showed her the rings inside. "This time around you get the platinum band. I'll leave the rest - handing out the golds and delegating the silvers and coppers, to you. As for your assignment, we're going to be building a lavish marketplatz to rival that devilish bazaar. Monopolies... Especially ones run by literal hellspawn, are bad for the economy. We're looking to change that. Understood?"
"We don't have the funds for that, at least, not on our own. My, you really have been busy, haven't you?"
"I'm in the process of taking out loans from like-minded worldshards." Wimarc nodded in the affirmative. "We'll be paying them back as quickly as we can, as expected. Even so, it's going to take quite awhile to square away debt of this magnitude. That's where Ascilia comes in to turn our fortunes around. She'll keep the beastfolk of Pa'ani preoccupied with gifts and dreams." He said. "In the meantime, we focus on bringing goods of value to our new marketplatz. Go inform your crews, Rieke. Sooner this is underway the better." He dismissed her.
Reaction: Headfruit are left alone but are selectively bred in an attempt to create red, green, and yellow (glowing) varieties.
Reaction: Satyr land is returned and where possible restored. All three factions of Pa'ani beastfolk are warmly greeted as new friends.
1) An eight wealth marketplatz is built on Mozaic, inspired by Bastien/Muurdaan architecture with elven, dwarven, and pashite iconography and motifs.
• Three wealth and one diplomacy from
Pat
, diplomacy is used to encourage patrons frequent the new Marketplatz. Four hundred soot laborers, Wimarc.
• Two wealth from
Myocardial Infarction
. Four waymavin, two hospitalers (Guerrero and Peligroso).
• Two wealth from
Heterological
.
Heyitsjiwon
. Twenty-five motes, reclined castellan, reclined construction.
Oilpaws bring the commodities of food and purple bagfruit to market. 'Nectar' is also brought to market if successfully mass produced.
2) An herbal infused wine dubbed 'Nectar', is attempted to be made from crushed and fermented purple bagfruit mixed with catnip. A barrel of condensed purple bagfruit paste is also produced, in addition to a keg that is left unaltered by the herb.
• One hundred soot, two gears, two cogs.
3) A silverwood bow is produced (made from donated materials and enchanted if possible by Ascilia), that, accompanied by a keg of nectar, and a barrel of condensed purple bagfruit paste, are bestowed as gifts upon the centaurs, satyrs, and tauren respectively by Ascilia and her three children, Marden, Meldon, and Sibyl. They promise greater gifts to come in a future trade fair, and ask the satyrs in particular if they would borrow them examples of their finest horns and tubas for study so that they could see if their forging expertise could improve their designs.
• Two gears, three cogs, one farseer, three nobles.
Reaction: Satyr land is returned and where possible restored. All three factions of Pa'ani beastfolk are warmly greeted as new friends.
1) An eight wealth marketplatz is built on Mozaic, inspired by Bastien/Muurdaan architecture with elven, dwarven, and pashite iconography and motifs.
• Three wealth and one diplomacy from
Pat
, diplomacy is used to encourage patrons frequent the new Marketplatz. Four hundred soot laborers, Wimarc.• Two wealth from
Myocardial Infarction
. Four waymavin, two hospitalers (Guerrero and Peligroso).• Two wealth from
Heterological
. Ten Lahu Advance-Guard, two Lahu apparatchik.
• One wealth from
Heyitsjiwon
. Twenty-five motes, reclined castellan, reclined construction.Oilpaws bring the commodities of food and purple bagfruit to market. 'Nectar' is also brought to market if successfully mass produced.
2) An herbal infused wine dubbed 'Nectar', is attempted to be made from crushed and fermented purple bagfruit mixed with catnip. A barrel of condensed purple bagfruit paste is also produced, in addition to a keg that is left unaltered by the herb.
• One hundred soot, two gears, two cogs.
3) A silverwood bow is produced (made from donated materials and enchanted if possible by Ascilia), that, accompanied by a keg of nectar, and a barrel of condensed purple bagfruit paste, are bestowed as gifts upon the centaurs, satyrs, and tauren respectively by Ascilia and her three children, Marden, Meldon, and Sibyl. They promise greater gifts to come in a future trade fair, and ask the satyrs in particular if they would borrow them examples of their finest horns and tubas for study so that they could see if their forging expertise could improve their designs.
• Two gears, three cogs, one farseer, three nobles.
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Myocardial Infarction
New Member
Sabio rubbed the bridge of his nose, as he read the missive sent by Wimarc. He knew its contents to be true; Tyvandrix declared as much himself. As he considered its ill tidings, he turned to Apprendido, beckoning him to summon the Hospitalers. There was little choice but for him to address this matter, and he saw little way to do so aside from throwing his lot in with the Oilpaws. As much as he despised them for learning nothing from the primal forces that had brought the oldworld low, the devils could only be likened to those very primal forces. Best to keep them from exerting their will unabated.
Sabio acknowledged Anciana, Guerrero, and Peligroso as each made their way over. As Apprendido attempted to join them, Sabio held up his hand to stop him, and bade him leave the Hospitalers be. He then turned to his trusted advisers.
"The devils have spent their time productively, building a market all their own. It's likely that many have already been attracted to this market, and away from older channels of commerce. We cannot allow them such power over all trade throughout Allod. The Oilpaws have reached out to us, and most likely to others, in an attempt to break this monopoly."
"Guerrero, you will select our finest warriors and join the Oilpaws. This missive will lead you to them."
Sabio then hands the missive to Guerrero, before continuing.
"You will aid, however required of Wimarc, in the planning of this market, in both its short term and long term defense. You will also ensure that we have unrestricted access to this market."
"Peligroso, you will go with him. If I am to invest the wealth of the Illustrada into this project, I expect it not to be wasted. You will make certain of this."
"I will take my leave, in the meantime. I will bargain with other clans, to see if we can further this pet project of Wimarc's. Anciana, you will carry on here. Keep our pilgrims in line, and be courteous to the Lepus. Have a contingent scout the mountain range to the south. Apprendido will remain here to assist you."
With that, Sabio took his leave.
Sabio acknowledged Anciana, Guerrero, and Peligroso as each made their way over. As Apprendido attempted to join them, Sabio held up his hand to stop him, and bade him leave the Hospitalers be. He then turned to his trusted advisers.
"The devils have spent their time productively, building a market all their own. It's likely that many have already been attracted to this market, and away from older channels of commerce. We cannot allow them such power over all trade throughout Allod. The Oilpaws have reached out to us, and most likely to others, in an attempt to break this monopoly."
"Guerrero, you will select our finest warriors and join the Oilpaws. This missive will lead you to them."
Sabio then hands the missive to Guerrero, before continuing.
"You will aid, however required of Wimarc, in the planning of this market, in both its short term and long term defense. You will also ensure that we have unrestricted access to this market."
"Peligroso, you will go with him. If I am to invest the wealth of the Illustrada into this project, I expect it not to be wasted. You will make certain of this."
"I will take my leave, in the meantime. I will bargain with other clans, to see if we can further this pet project of Wimarc's. Anciana, you will carry on here. Keep our pilgrims in line, and be courteous to the Lepus. Have a contingent scout the mountain range to the south. Apprendido will remain here to assist you."
With that, Sabio took his leave.
1. [2 Wealth] Guerrero and Peligroso are to take 4 Waymavin and unite temporarily with Wimarc and the Oilpaws, to assist in the market's construction, along with opening the market to future Illustrada influence.
2. [2 Diplomacy] Sabio will leave with 2 Waymavin and 8 Cancats to rally clans without worldshards to unite their efforts with the Oilpaws, with the promise of future reward and dealings with the Illustrada as they travel oldworld.
3. Anciana will monitor the remainder of the Illustrada, and have the remaining Waymavin along with 10 Cancats scout the mountainous region to the south of Silflay.
2. [2 Diplomacy] Sabio will leave with 2 Waymavin and 8 Cancats to rally clans without worldshards to unite their efforts with the Oilpaws, with the promise of future reward and dealings with the Illustrada as they travel oldworld.
3. Anciana will monitor the remainder of the Illustrada, and have the remaining Waymavin along with 10 Cancats scout the mountainous region to the south of Silflay.
Crocodile
Mister Zero
Turn 2
Tyrvnadrix walks the market even as pieces and samples were collected from the vendors for the Grand Tour. The Bazaar had been publicly announced but now was the time for it to be shown rather than simply spoken of. Substance mattered most in a mercantile exchange and he was proud of what had been drawn to his lands and made sustainable. All that mattered now was to fully begin to bring the flow of peoples and goods to his lands.
“My lord, Troupe Masters Bivni, Vasalgo and Zalak have completed preparations for their troupes to escort you and carry your gifts and samples across Nirvana,” Acuthane reported as she walked at the left hand of Tyrvandrix.
“And Troupe Masters Haxos and Posarnox are also prepared for the expedition to the Material Plane as you requested. Shall I go with them?” Galizir inquired from the right of Tyrvandrix with an eager smile.
“No, I need you both here to protect our growing settlement. Leave the scouting and gathering to the expedition. I have something far more entertaining for you both to administer here and perhaps entertain our guests while we’re at it. It is time for a culling. Select the ten senior most Chattle and prepare the Games of Ascension for them. Hopefully at least one of them will prove worthy of becoming one of us. Those who fail? Soulforge them into Denarius Coins. We need the resources in case our planar expedition fails to yield anything substantial initially,” Tyrvandrix said as he walked through the Bazaar towards the gathering clusters of forces about to depart.
One was a trio of Troupes that had intermingled their Troupe colors into a pleasing pattern that made the group look almost festive and inviting. Then again Mercatores troupes always tried to look this way to show they meant no initial harm. It was how they were treated upon arrival that would dictate whether they would be excellent guests or live up to the reputation of fiends.
The second group was clearly two separate troupes but they also grasped the importance of their task as well. For their home to grow and prosper, they must find new resources and clientele to tap into. The Material Plane was perfect for this opportunity now that their home was built and ready. The flow of servants, souls and materials could begin. The once grand diplomats and merchants of Hell were primed to embrace their nature fully again after countless millennia enduring the life of wandering merchants and mercenaries.
“My brothers and sisters!” Tyrvandrix declared before that gathered devils with a proud smile, showing his sharp teeth. “We stand here upon the precipice of our own Ascension. We are no longer the mewling servants of a forgotten Hell. We are our own masters now! Forged and bonded by our love of coin and intrigue! Our chains are broken! And we no longer must wander aimlessly for we have built ourselves a new paradise. The Crossroads only exists because of all of you, my kin! In time we shall find others to join us, to be forged into eternal flesh as our own! Our ranks shall swell and our home will grow! Go forth and carry out the Great Work!” Tyrvandrix commands, spreading his arms wide and palms open.
The two troupe clusters start to move to depart. Tyrvandrix nods to his two lieutenants before moving after the larger group to begin the Grand Tour and show all that his people were ready to strike new bargains and honor old ones.
1: (1 Diplomacy) Trade Speaker Tyrvandrix embarks upon the Grand Tour across Nirvana to bring gifts of the Bazaar Bizarre and entice the various clans and peoples to make trade with the Mercatores and visit their grand market and luxuries as a mission of good will.
-Tyrvandrix
-3 Neverborn (Bivni, Vasalgo and Zalak)
-12 Mercs
-30 Chattle
2: Troupe Masters Haxos and Posarnox embark on an expedition to the Material Plane with their troupes working together to scout their landing area for resources and peoples.
-2 Neverborn (Haxos nd Posarnox)
-8 Mercs
-20 Chattle
3. (1 Diplomacy) Fallen Lords Galizir and Acuthane remain to defend the Crossroads but also announce the Games of Ascension. The ten senior most Chattle are to compete and be tested for the the enjoyment of an audience of honored guests in a life or death game. Those who succeed will be uplifted into devils. Those who fail will be Soulforged into Denarius Coins. Gambling on the Games will be hosted for amusement and potential development of wealth or favors.
-2 Fallen Lords (Galizir and Acuthane)
-10 Chattle (The Tested)
-40 Chattle (Servants and Staff)
-Tyrvandrix
-3 Neverborn (Bivni, Vasalgo and Zalak)
-12 Mercs
-30 Chattle
2: Troupe Masters Haxos and Posarnox embark on an expedition to the Material Plane with their troupes working together to scout their landing area for resources and peoples.
-2 Neverborn (Haxos nd Posarnox)
-8 Mercs
-20 Chattle
3. (1 Diplomacy) Fallen Lords Galizir and Acuthane remain to defend the Crossroads but also announce the Games of Ascension. The ten senior most Chattle are to compete and be tested for the the enjoyment of an audience of honored guests in a life or death game. Those who succeed will be uplifted into devils. Those who fail will be Soulforged into Denarius Coins. Gambling on the Games will be hosted for amusement and potential development of wealth or favors.
-2 Fallen Lords (Galizir and Acuthane)
-10 Chattle (The Tested)
-40 Chattle (Servants and Staff)
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Heyitsjiwon
One Thousand Club
A group of Motes gathered near the edge of the settlement as BrightStar approached, hearing news of the recent discovery. "It must be a manifestation of Pasha! The worldshard was made with his divine magic! How could anything else make much sense? Perhaps, this is a test? There should be no demons or fae in Nirvana!" such claims were being made by the Motes who excitedly gossiped to each other. Some were even reciting Pashite prayer. BrightStar looked to WhiteMaw, his Translator, and the Spectral Winterborn and nodded. The three acting as envoys began to approach the Great Hind. The Motes fell silent as they watched the group move forward, but the silence was short lived as they soon solemnly began to sing a hymn asking for guidance and wisdom. BrightStar stopped before the Guardian Spirit and slightly bowed his head. He began to speak "Hail Guardian Spirit, I am BrightStar, head of the Exelec clan. First, I must apologize. When we created this world shard from the remnants of Pasha's magic, we did not expect there to be residents who already resided here. I apologize for startling you and your herd with our constructions and promise to be more judicious and cautious when it comes to the Forest for clearly it is not just our home, but the home to others as well. We also are curious as to how you and your kind have come to be in this WorldShard. Are you in the grace of Pasha?"
---
Back in Macrea, the scouting party set its eyes for Pytium. It gently landed on the outskirts of the city when one of the Exelec Agents took off its hood. Among the Exelec stood a Dragonnewt, it spoke "A city that worshiped the bastardized spawn of our people... how quaint." WindBreaker spoke "Yet, proof of your people's impact in this plane, Ka'tuum. Despite the ages that have passed, their mark remains." Ka'tuum nodded "The ages have been... trying for our people." Windbreaker nodded in understanding. Ka'tuum's forefathers had been the first Dragonnewt arrivals in Nirvana, seeking shelter. It was a curious time to see such an elusive race suddenly appear in Nirvana, but the Exelec welcomed the two Dragonnewts and cared for them. Perhaps it was due to their sense of honor or duty, but the two refugees and their spawn continued to stay with the Exelec and have long worked with the clan as advisors and agents of the clan. Ka'tuum was the most current generation of the first Refugees.
Ka'tuum then spoke "I wonder how well these... distant relatives of mine will even understand their ancient tongue and heritage." WindBreaker replied "Regardless, we are here with you. Even if these relatives of yours no longer recognize you, then we can teach them a history lesson and teach them to respect their elders. How swiftly do the youth forget of the blood and sweat that those before them have shed." Ka'tuum nodded and began to head towards Pytium proper.
---
"The Curve? What kind of name is that?" One of the Reclined said. "If they claim to be working on behalf of the Felis, then they should have picked a name that reflects it at the very least! Like the Claw! Or or... the Hissy Fit!" The Council purred in agreement when the Astronomer spoke "Still to MERGE the worldshards? That is a novel idea... now if that could even be done... who knows? But it is our business to find out, is it not?" The Astronomer met a chorus of purrs as well. "I will lead a group to begin studying the magics of the WorldShards. Hopefully, it will bare fruit and at least tell us more about the goals of this 'Curve'". The Political Reclined then spoke "It is also of great concern that these extremists have already planted moles in the Great Clans. We must return to our roots and focus on intelligence and counter-intelligence efforts to stabilize the fragile balance of Nirvana. Such subversion may lead to a war if we do not address it swiftly, a fate that will benefit no one in the end." The Council nodded in agreement. BrightStar spoke "It has long been the belief and goal of the Exelec to promote peace and balance in Nirvana. If either are threatened, then we act. In order to be ready to act, I hereby establish the Ministry of Executive Operations and Warfare to begin pursuing the strategic goal of preserving peace and balance in Nirvana through intelligence and counter-intelligence efforts." The Reclined began to chant "MEOW, MEOW, MEOW" in approval.
---
Decision Points:
1. Trade the refined Limestone, Marble, and Quartz for Diplomatic Currency in the Mozaic Marketplatz
2. As a Guardian Spirit of the Forest that was immaculately spawned from the domains of Pasha's Allod, the giant hind is approached with respect and reverence to see if it is an agent of Pasha and to see what wisdom this being may have
BrightStar, Translator/Communicator, 1 Spectral Winterborn, 50 Motes
3. The scouting party begins with landing at Pytium to begin making contact with the natives and to learn more about the area and its inhabitants. The taskforce will use Ka'tuum's status as a Dragonnewt to facilitate this effort.
5 Exelec Cloakleys
Ka'tuum - Exelec Dragonnewt Agent
1 Exelec Agent
1 Reclined - Spellbreaker
1 Spectra Winterborn
5 Spectra Springborn
Orders:
1. Lord Oilpaw has approached the Exelec with a proposal and investment opportunity, which the Exelec have an interest in. The Exelec sends a taskforce to help oversee the investment with a sum of money.
2 Reclined (Castellan and Construction), 25 Motes, 1 Wealth
2. Given the information of the recent Enaitay attempt at creating a worldshard and of the Curve, a task force is assembled to study the magics of these magically manifested lands in an attempt to learn how they can be made, merged and manipulated as they orbit around the gravity of the Allod
1 Reclined (Astronomer) , 2 Rainbow Loremasters, 25 Motes
3. With the rumors of an extremist group on the rise, a taskforce is assembled to form an organized intelligence/counter-intelligence network (named the Ministry of Executive Operations and Warfare aka. MEOW) in order to combat subversive elements in Nirvana that threaten peace and balance.
6 Reclined (Politics, Logistics, Ballistics, Translator/Communicator, Agriculturalist, Seer), 5 Cloakleys, Exelec Agent
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Heterological
Search it up
TURN 2
Skysearcher marched up the hill, banner in hand. The scent of fresh morning dew engulfed him on all sides, pushing out the doubt in his mind that they could actually claim this land. Of course, farming was their priority here, but eventually the gresh and who knows what else would come and destroy everything here. Everything that they would create today would be gone soon. It was one of the great questions of life: does anything anyone do every really matter? It was all dust in the wind, blowing away, becoming lost in everything else. But that didn't matter to him, at least, not right now.
He reached the top of the hill and, looking down at the rest of the Prax Province, down south, where Skysearcher had sensed those animals in the woods. They were watching, he was sure. They would attack eventually. But not now. And he would show them. In a swift, decisive move, Skysearcher plunged the banner into the ground. The gresh skull faced the woods. Anything in there would clearly see the royal blue and the golden insignia of the Lattan. It was a clear warning to the foresters. Don't mess with us, or this'll happen. Clear as day.
That task swiftly finished, Skysearcher looked down at his task force and began his orders. The Tsar had given him perhaps one of the single most important tasks. He would not let him down.
DECISION:
The Ruby is destroyed, the geyser is kept. +5 Wealth
ORDERS:
A task force, led by Skysearcher, begins creating fertilizer and planting crops in the Prax Province, keeping watch for any gresh or other animals. They grow some of the gresh-repelling plants to deter them, and Skysearcher is tasked to bring back some of the local flora back to Momoru for examination. The mounted Tsarspaws utilize their ibex to haul fertilizer and plow the farmland.
20 Lahu Advance-Guard
2 Lahu Apparatchik (Skysearcher)
5 Mounted Tsarspaws
5 Tabaxi Hireate
A second group is assigned to start a mining expedition. This is centered around a spot where red crystal grows from rock. This group is overseen by the Tsar. Both crystals and some rock are collected, along with any other noteworthy thing found in the stone.
Tsar Windracer
10 Lahu Advance-Guard
1 Lahu Apparatchik
10 Tsarspaws
5 Spectra Apprenti
Finally, the smallest group contributes to the new marketplace, bringing with them commodities of glue, milk, meat, leather, and bone.
10 Lahu Advance-Guard
2 Lahu Apparatchik
-2 Wealth
Skysearcher marched up the hill, banner in hand. The scent of fresh morning dew engulfed him on all sides, pushing out the doubt in his mind that they could actually claim this land. Of course, farming was their priority here, but eventually the gresh and who knows what else would come and destroy everything here. Everything that they would create today would be gone soon. It was one of the great questions of life: does anything anyone do every really matter? It was all dust in the wind, blowing away, becoming lost in everything else. But that didn't matter to him, at least, not right now.
He reached the top of the hill and, looking down at the rest of the Prax Province, down south, where Skysearcher had sensed those animals in the woods. They were watching, he was sure. They would attack eventually. But not now. And he would show them. In a swift, decisive move, Skysearcher plunged the banner into the ground. The gresh skull faced the woods. Anything in there would clearly see the royal blue and the golden insignia of the Lattan. It was a clear warning to the foresters. Don't mess with us, or this'll happen. Clear as day.
That task swiftly finished, Skysearcher looked down at his task force and began his orders. The Tsar had given him perhaps one of the single most important tasks. He would not let him down.
DECISION:
The Ruby is destroyed, the geyser is kept. +5 Wealth
ORDERS:
A task force, led by Skysearcher, begins creating fertilizer and planting crops in the Prax Province, keeping watch for any gresh or other animals. They grow some of the gresh-repelling plants to deter them, and Skysearcher is tasked to bring back some of the local flora back to Momoru for examination. The mounted Tsarspaws utilize their ibex to haul fertilizer and plow the farmland.
20 Lahu Advance-Guard
2 Lahu Apparatchik (Skysearcher)
5 Mounted Tsarspaws
5 Tabaxi Hireate
A second group is assigned to start a mining expedition. This is centered around a spot where red crystal grows from rock. This group is overseen by the Tsar. Both crystals and some rock are collected, along with any other noteworthy thing found in the stone.
Tsar Windracer
10 Lahu Advance-Guard
1 Lahu Apparatchik
10 Tsarspaws
5 Spectra Apprenti
Finally, the smallest group contributes to the new marketplace, bringing with them commodities of glue, milk, meat, leather, and bone.
10 Lahu Advance-Guard
2 Lahu Apparatchik
-2 Wealth
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Beckoncall
World-Weaver and servant to the most-holy PC
Chordling
:The Panthera were not many, but they had made do with little, and stretched their labor as they stretched their rations.
On the Astral mountain of their worldshard, conditions were tougher than even they were used to -- Tents and food were distributed to the clan as they stood on a great blackrock outcropping swept with platinum-white snow.
The Felis Clan shivered but chuffed away the cold. Bold embraces of brother and sisterhood in the biting winds as the task forces met together and proceeded with their tasks.
With some of the wood brought from Allod and from the living stone of their new home, they carved a prayer hall out of the rock face over the opening of a great cave that gave shelter.
The Prayer hall, humble but strong, came up around this cave and the Panthera worked the stone interior smooth with all their strength and with awakening powers to shape, with difficulty, their world shard. At last, the prayer hall stood strong atop the craggy cliff, it's cold interior now warm with warm fires and vented smoke gave the whole structure to appearance of an incense burner -- the firelight dancing with the swirling astral light of the astral mountain.
When the work was complete, the least exhausted of the task forces were assembled into a final group to travel by vortex to Skvyrvs to examine the wildlife and to be wary of what else may lay in store...
Cold Skvyrvs. Familiar weather. It was like a homecoming to the Panthera, while most other Felis would be sent shivering.
Cold and beautiful. Snowy birds of every plumage nested in struggling ancient trees, and on the snow itself. As the relentless snows fell, wherever the Panthera walked birds rose up or flew overhead. The task force caught fabulous Birds of Snowy Paradise, with great crests like peacocks with tails resembling the intricacies of snowflakes. Highmount Ibis of considerable size were hunted and captured, their great feathers making warm liners for pathera cold-gear. The scouts could not capture so much, but if greater labor were expended, the Panthera would gain access to Luxury feathers and poultry. As it was, the Keeper and their task force ate well and garmented themselves with feathers that lent themselves to be ostentatious, but were fashioned humbly by the Panthera. The scouts made four discoveries:
A) Silver and Mercury -- while the scouting center of emphasis was on wildlife, it was impossible to miss the frozen-skinned pools of mercury and the patches of Silver that laid in strange configurations in the highlands. Were these minerals that came up from the earth, or the ruins of something greater that fell in the apocalypse? The Felis could only wonder, and would report and await further orders. As for wildlife here, great slimes, some as big as dwellings, skimmed the exposed metals for oxidation and other waste products in the metals. They were Lithovores, so posed no threat to the Panthera.
B) Valley reptiles -- Between the high mountains and mesas of the province, small tribes of vegetarian reptile people lived in constant fear of the skies. In these lowland valleys they often gathered and settled around thermal vents which kept away the cold... but not the great birds of prey and the Flyers of the highlands -- The winged folk of fallen civilization who called themselves the "Once Caelum" -- Raptor/Humanoids of varying humanoid appearance they informed the scouts that the reptiles of the lowlands were their prey, and they were not to interfere with their hunting grounds.
C) The Great White Raven -- In a Black swamp at the center of the province, a place of decay and death, was the "White Raven of the Underworld" -- or so it called itself. Huge in wingspan, a gargantuan creature it drew power from the death of the swamp. It crowed to the scouts, who heard it's words in their minds...
"If you are cold, take refuge under my wing. If you are hungry beg of my crop. Worship me, please, if even a little, for I am a fallen pretender god -- passed over in the reign for the end of the world, and left behind by the winning divines who've yet to divide the spoils of this world. I have so much to offer for your regard -- embrace me so neither of us may fade away..."
The Panthera had heard of thirsting and forgotten pretender gods that stalked like beggars for worship and offering -- but such things were the stuff of myth, not something to be found on an initial excursion. They would have to decide to avoid this creature, handle it diplomatically, or even perhaps to challenge it... as such things were known to be a drain of the yet already dying world.
D) Descendants of Caelum -- The aformentioned flyer peoples of the highlands, they were gracious to the Panthera Visitors and impressed by their hardiness. "You cannot fly, but you walk the cold as it was your own, and for that you have our respect. If you wish to be flown to the ruins bones of ancient Caelum, simply hail for us and we will take you to our culture, our shamans and our leaders... but we stress the lowlands are not for you. The vegetarian reptiles are our food... not some oppressed cause to liberate -- a needed food source for the Fallen children of Caelum. Do not meddle with the natural order -- but you are welcome to trade and perhaps align your goals with ours."
Quite a scouting mission indeed... and plenty of intel beyond simple wildlife. But how to proceed?
