Divinity [IC | Closed]

[Bolkenia]

They were fifty. Most of them were young, they didn't have a family, a job ...
They were with her, free to live witohut the others. They believe in her. Soon, they start to grew some crops. After all, before building a city, they need to establish themself. There was water and the land needed. But she could ... enhance the land, once again. For now they were going to be her children. And a mother need to feed her children. She was thinking about how she would expanded the faith but for now, there was more importants things to do first.
She closed her eyes, take a deep breath ...
Action : Bless the crops to beeven more fertile.

[Novas Arcanum]

Earths Core,Rebirth

Terratus floated in the void and memories flashed before him like fire.He remembered as a boy when his father Stoneheart had taught him the art of hunting. Son you must be silent when striking the deer any movement at all could send it running. Terratus held his bow and shot the arrow, it flew into the abdomen straight and true with the might of the Maker.All his life he had fought to survive it was the way of the Mountainborn.He felt deep regret for all that he had done betraying the Maker and abusing his gifts he was not worthy of godhood.

Slowly this destructive spirit drifted into sleep.He remembered when his people the Terrachronians were raided by a rival tribe when he was twelve, and he took up his blade and had slain a man such as the ways of the Mountainborn. Their lands were harsh and unforgiving, but they were one with the stone, the earth flowed through their veins, and they not only survived but thrived.Terratus laid deep within the Earth and thought of all the suffering he had caused he knew that he was not worthy of this world, that he had betrayed his people.So his spirit drifted deep to Core, the center of the Earth and soon he slowly drifted to death...

But the Earth suddenly stirred and he felt great change take over.He soon awakened.

"Greetings lost spirit," A voice said.

"What where am? I who am I?"

"You are Terratus once the God of Earth, but now you are an earth spirit.You are between death and life, I am your conscious Epoch, you were once a god but soon you where disembodied" Epoch said.

"Oh was I good?"

"You got a lot of mortals killed I'll let you be the judge of that, but in my opinion no you were evil," Epoch said.

"What now?" Terratus said

"You have three options die, rise up as Terratus or be reborn as a different but same diety the choice is yours," Epoch said.

"Terratus sounds terrible, perhaps all that power went to my head I'd like to be reborn as someone better."

"Very well, absorb the power of the Core and be reborn," Epoch said.

Terratus soon absorbed the energy of the Core and emerged, he thought of who he wanted to be a diety who would help and stand for humanity, not harm it and to protect it from the forces of evil.He tried to change everything about him, his temper, his personality, his consciousness and even his gender he thought hard and long in the Core and soon something happened...

Action: Be reborn as Terrana Goddess of Earth

[Revlona]

It boiled in him, anger, anger like he never felt before, it threatened to burst out and destroy everything, but it was suppressed by an feeling of complete calm

This was all new to him, he walked through the town on stilts...Poxinza it was called...an odd name

As he walked through the town, he kept getting glances from the locals, he heard them mutter several things.

They seemed rather put off by the fact that he had emerged from the water still dry.

"Demon"

"Maybe we should tell the fox"

"Is he here for the fox?"

"The fox? Maybe it's what they call their shaman" Savarian thought

Either way, he was the person was the person that Savarian wanted to speak with in this town

Action: Find "The Fox"

[Chill beats LLC]

"No new horror can be more terrible than the daily torture of the commonplace"
- Mantras of V'yxh'zharhc -

---

Near the city of Ish'nar

Through his vessel's ears, Vyx heard the joyous cries of his new people. "Excellent, Phineas has done well, has he not?" he thought to himself, the expansive darkness muffling his inner dialogue. As the 20 approached the pit, he beckoned to them in a warming, soothing voice, sounding perfect to whoever would listen.

"Hear me, or hear me not, what I say is the Truth regardless. You who will listen will become great leaders of men, as Phineas has. I am the Great Slumberer, he of eternal beauty and knowledge. Will you not be freed by my Truth?"
"Why do you hide at the bottom of that chasm?" a man called out. Phineas went to the man and said, "The Slumberer does not hide out of malice.
His form is so divinely beautiful, he would drive any man who viewed him mad with ecstasy."

Another man called out to the creature, skeptical still. "What would you have us do for your Truth?"
"Great honor comes at a price, yes indeed it does. This is a smart man among you all, praise him for his natural curiosity. All I ask of you is loyalty and devotion, a willingness to accept me into your hearts and spread the word of the Maker and of my Truth. A cheap price for power among your peoples."

"He's lying!" One man shouted, and 2 of the 20 began to throw rocks, stones, and branches into the pit. Calmly, Vyx tried summoning another illusion. The five men stopped what they were doing as all sound and silence went blank for them. There was no light or dark, only a cold, lonely existence.
Then he revealed to those ten an image of his true self, without letting them know it was him. A cosmic horror of such incomprehensible alien features it drove one of them mad, and caused heart attacks in the other, killing him with fright.

The other 18 saw Vyx's power and stayed loyal. "Oh Slumberer," they pleaded, "Why have you driven them to damnation?"
"I am merciful, but I will not tolerate attack. I will keep my followers safe, and their enemies struck down. Now, Phineas," he commanded, Go forth with ten of my Truth seekers and find the other gods of the world, to other cities and other lands. Find for me a scribe, to write my Truth, a great warrior, to command armies to defend my Truth, and speak with the other gods, to alert them that the Slumberer has awoken. 8 will remain here with me, to bide our time and to build around this pit a house in which to live."

With that, tendrils of distorted reality, the pure essence of trickery and manipulation, emerged from the pit, and Vyz attempted to "Bless" ten of his followers by making them like Phineas, vessels of Him.
"You will all be extensions of my Truth. Go forth and spread it.

---

Action: "Bless" ten of his followers by making them like Phineas, vessels of Him.

[Camelone]

They have been caught off guard slightly this is good, what Dearthair Doiteain did not expect though was for there to be much more than he had originally thought there to be, it would make things more difficult but with the Maker with him there was nothing he had to fear. Now was the time to strike, to make the fury of the Maker felt to all who would oppress the children of the Maker and spread terror amongst them for he was Dearthair Doiteain the rage and anger of the Maker. Something in him began to stir, something deep within his soul, as if he was awakening a part of him that he controlled for so long on one hand it frightened him but on the other hand he knew what it is, it was the nature of the raging flame to expand and lash out at all caring not for those who stand before. It was an intoxicating feeling, so much power! Though the words of his father echoed in his mind, he should not revel in this power, no his flame would be controlled for the betterment of all of the children of the Maker directed towards the greater good of peace and justice. Closing his eyes he pointed his spear forward and breathed deeply trying to connect with the essence that the Maker bestowed upon him that granted the holy powers.

"I am the Keeper of the Flame and I say in the name of the Maker BURN!" With that he unleashed what was building up within his soul to smite the Bear and his warband. If he failed in this endeavor though he would let the fire that burned within him to strike all of them down with his spear alongside his brothers in arms who have dropped everything to fight alongside him, the fire burns deep within and it shall carry him through this day for the men who fight beside him and for the kin who stand behind them.

Actions- Use his flames to kill as many of the Bear's warband and the Bear himself before the melee is engaged

[Of the Quendi]

Woe to he who would provoke the ire of the Goddess, for she is quick to anger and slow to forgive.

~ Ruminations of the Philosophers ~

---

In the village of Ish'nar

As those men of Ish'nar with which she had no quarrel stepped forth to confront her Ishtarte the Destroyer nodded glumly. Great was the guilt and severe would be the punishment for her murderers, but their deed did not exist in a void separate from the ordinary village life. Those villagers did nothing, saw nothing, said nothing, when the elders doomed her to die were not innocent, if they would not receive Ishtarte's mercy it was altogether fitting and proper that they should die alongside the murderers themselves. Ishtarte nodded, a warm smile on her lips. Ish'nar should be purged.

The goddess stepped towards the men gathered to face her laughing mirthfully. The man who had spoken against her had pluck, that she could not deny. He would die with honor. Screaming in intolerable pain, yes but with honor nevertheless. "You will not stay their hands?" An incredulous Ishtarte taunted the man. "I suppose I ought to fall to my knees and beg for mercy then , aye?" Ishtarte chuckled. "What, pitiful mortal, makes you think you shall succeed where you have already once failed. I feared you not in mortal coil, I fear you even less in divine splendor." The goddess decreed her voice, changing between taunt and terror.

She raised her arms above her head. "Know you not your death when you see it?" She roared. "Your bravery shall not safe you, no more than your pitiful weaponry. Flee before me; or perish." She decreed. Then, reaching her arms further upwards, outward she began incanting. "Here me chaos." She chanted. "Enter the cosmos, come upon this earth, upon this village, strike down these defilers in my name that they may know that I am Ishtarte the Destroyer of Men." She roared, calling the forces of her dark element down upon her foes.

---

ACTION: Ishtarte summons chaos to smite her foes.

[The Federation of Kendor]

Kurin

Etlu had just finished showing his skills, to prove that he was really a God of War and warrior as he claimed. He then saw the young man, who was clearly impressed by his display of skill. He soon said, "I sensed your desire to be strong and legendary, warrior.". The man soon begged him, "Please Etlu, the God of War, teach me the ways of warrior. I wish to become a great warrior. However, as I am now 18, I have to work as a lumberjack before I can apply as a hunter or a bowman."

Etlu listened to the begging of the man, and then he responded, "Very well, I will accept you to become a follower of me, a warrior who is destined for a life of glory." The man soon said his name, before giving Etlu offers, "I forget, but I am Kiril. I will offer you a room in my house for you to stay, some food that I have, and my skills as a carpenter, if you wish." Etlu accepted the offer, and Kiril then led Etlu to his house, after Kiril had chopped a tree after the conversation.

As Etlu was led by Kiril to his house, he saw that the people living in the town were staring at a stranger, him. Etlu soon came into Kiril's house, with Kiril knocking the wooden door of his house. The door was then opened by a woman, who said that she was Kiril's mother. She then said to Kiril who was the stranger that he brought, and Kiril said that he was a stranger, warrior from a far away land that came upon the town and wanted to stay. He also said that Etlu would teach him to became the person that Kiril always dreamed to be, a warrior, which his mother knew as he always talked about wanting to be one, though having to be old enough to train to be one.

Kiril's mother soon accepted Etlu, after being reassured that Etlu wouldn't endanger him, her, or his father, who was now away, hunting. However, Kiril's mother still kept a watchful eye on Etlu. Kiril soon led Etlu to his room, a room that was enough for two people, after he put the wood in the workshop in the house. In the bedroom, Etlu talked to Kiril to tell what his father was like, a carpenter and Hunter, and that today, he was hunting for animals. Etlu then had Kiril find his father.

Actions: Have Kiril find his father in the woods, before introducing himself to the father and persuading him to have him train his son how to hunt and fight, with Etlu as his other mentor. He will also persuade his father to have him join his hunting trip.

[Agoi]

Waylon, God of Shadows
Nemos

After what felt like hours the leaders of the assassin's guilds, the various pirate crews, and the other 'less favorable' leaders arrived, some recognizing Waylon from when he had first brought them together. They sat around the table, chattering quietly for a bit before Waylon stood and began speaking.

"Welcome, Shadow Brothers," he began, "It's nice to see a few of you again, and it's a pleasure to meet the rest of you. My name is Waylon, I founded the first Thieves Guild. I helped all of your organizations craft codes of honor to live by. It saddens me to see that you have forsaken them."
"We found it more efficient to simply, ignore these 'codes." the leader of the assassins guild interjected.
"Aye, besides, we felt they were more like 'guidelines' anyway!" one pirate added.
"These codes were put into place not only to keep you from collapsing, but to also help you grow." Waylon continued, ignoring the interruptions, "And as you'll recall, they did this job exceptionally."

Another leader then jumped in, telling them that they've been far more successful since they abandoned the codes. Others joined him, eventually growing into a riot of laughter and yelling. Waylon stood silently for as long as he could handle it.

"Quiet!" he roared, "Any success is short term, the codes were a long-term solution. And now that I have returned, you will be putting them back into place!"
"On whose authority do you make these demands?" another assassin asked.
"On the authority of the shadows." Waylon sneered.

He raised his hand towards him his shadow starting to move on its own.

ACTION: Create a 'Shade' from my shadow to show my power to these leaders.

[Ism]

Akzakunefir
Ish’nar

It was with great relief that Akzakunefir saw many turn from the path of the pit creature, and such a victory was a strong symbol for his power, as new devotees flocked to him. He thanked them all for their praise, quickly as he could, hurried back to the house he had been building. After all, he had a duty to finish the work he had begun, and he could not leave its owner without a home could he.

Soon he returned to the site, and moved to his tools hastily. No sooner had he applied the mortar than he heard shouts from the Temple. Oh what a day it had been, and already some new issue had arisen. Akzakunefir sighed, “Oh the joys of divinity,” he muttered, before gingerly he set the brick in his hand in its proper place and he walked, though given the venomous shouts that filled the air it was a almost a run, to the Temple of the Maker. When he arrived, he found Ishtarte standing between a large mob and the Temple.

“What is happening here?” Akzakunefir asked, loudly, so he could heard over the din.
One of the members of the mob turned to him, and said quickly “That witch sought to curse our friends and family, and since we stood up for them she’s decided to curse us all too!”
The god of Builders nodded glumly, a frown dominated his face. He was certain that there was more to this, certainly Isharte must have some reason for her actions. But whatever they were, Isharte had come into this town in the name of friendship, all the while harboring these sour thoughts. Such a thing was a deception, a violation of hospitality, and something Akzakunefir could not allow to go unnoposed.

“People of Ish’nar, hear me! Throw yourselves down before me, kneel in worship to me, that I might have the strength to guard you now!” he shouted this as loud as he could, but he could not spare the time to see how many would follow his command. He shut his eyes and spread his will out around him. To aid in this, he focused upon the wall, the greatest symbol of his power. Just as the wall wrapped around Ish’nar, so did his will wrap around the people gathered before him. Just as the wall guarded the village, so would his will guard the people. He only hoped it would be enough.

Action: Akzakunefir builds a spiritual wall with his will around the crowd to absorb Ishtarte’s curse.

[Mystra]

Finally, an insane Empyron finds himself on top of the tallest mountain near Chrysalis. "Maker, hear me. If I am your Chosen, save me from the fall." WIth his entire tribe watching, Empyron falls from the tallest mountain, intent on trying his miraculous power one more time, if not, he will die.

Action:
A desperate attempt for worshipers and a display of his power, Empyron risks his life to be saved from his fall from the mountain.

[G-Tech Corporation]

8
Alia
[1 - 5] = -4

Her head slammed against the grimy stones, over and over. A despair enveloped Alia, and the tendril of her strength that she sent to the portal was feeble and formless. It barely carried with it the conception of revenge upon the persons within the Library, and the portal seemed almost to strengthen upon learning that it was to serve the sons of men, swelling larger and becoming firmer in the corporeal world so that it might support their passage. Blackness took her then as she endeavored fruitlessly to end her existence- when day came anew still Alia languished within the jail of the Tyrant of Nemos, unable to remove herself from the passages of the world, her will utterly spent. In the morning she rejected the food brought to her, but at length the guards hauled her up out of her cell, half-carrying half-dragging her to the court of the Tyrant, where the tall black-haired warlord sat upon a throne of beaten brass amidst gossiping courtiers.

The burly soldier contemplated the witch his men had caught at length before speaking in measured tones.

"Your doorway has brought much knowledge to our city, sorceress. Already the priests speak of a new age of enlightenment. What are you called?"

Alia: Exhausted

Mortem
[2 + 1 - 1] = 3

Put to the test when the Reanimated began breaking into their hiding places and homes, the people who remained within Mortes Vacoi fought like tigers. The puppets that danced on Mortem's strings were weak things, compliant but nothing like a man, in truth, and though fearsome, fear had little sway over men and women who already despaired. It was not long before that which had not already been destroyed of the village burned like a tinder, and his homonculi were scattered as straw in a threshing beside the bodies of those they had sought to capture- indeed, the villagers triumphed before the dawning of the new day, his orders to take the prisoners alive having been rather specific. Soon only a handful of his servants remained to the God of Death, and his takings of captives were paltry.

-30 Reanimated
+5 Captives

Yatzang
[8 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 3] = 9

Perhaps the strength of ten men was a less than wise element to have added to the healing potions. Those that had been sick from Yatzang's earlier blunders were cured, yes, and those who had suffered in the interim were cured, yes, but the supernatural power and strength bestowed upon the villagers of Poxinza was something that Yatzang had not bargained with when he labored in the lab with his acolytes. After taking the potions Elder Chang and his kinsmen returned, demanding that Yatzang make them invincible warriors so that they might gain revenge on the people of Nemos for friends and family taken as slaves, and threatening behind veiled eyes retribution upon his followers if he would not aid in their campaign. Still, behind the warriors came worshipers who saw much to learn from the people of Yatzang.

+40 Followers

Narvail
[3 + 2 - 3] = 2

The oak that the lord of the forests summoned was perhaps a beautiful specimen- its bark was a lurid silver, and sap of the darkest red. But where it bloomed the greenery around it withered, and animals feared to tread beneath its boughs. When Narvail gazed upon it he was troubled, and the sun seemed to dim.

Asaya
[8 + 1 + 2 - 2] = 9

The crops of the lands about the city of Ish'nar are probably more fertile. Asaya certainly felt as if her enchantment had been woven correctly, though of course it would be long until the harvest when the bounty she had bestowed upon the land would be seen by all.

Terrana
[10] = 10

Within the molten core of the earth Terratus was reshaped, reforged by the blood of the land that was his essence and charge. He knew not, for he was changed entirely, and eventually the blackness faded to be replaced by a sense of cold and ice. Shivering, Terrana rose, naked and covered in hot magma. High on the slopes of a volcano in the southern reaches of the World Mountains had she been returned to the circles of creation, and below her she beheld a town with an ill-favored look that sheltered between the mountains and the forests. It seemed to be aflame, and soot of its burning filled the air even here near the mighty eruption.

Terrana: ++Control

Savarian
[3] = 3

Try as he might, ask who he would, the lord of the Oceans failed to locate whatever fox spirit made its home near this village. After several hours of questioning increasingly unhelpful villagers and shouting at random woodland creatures asking for directions, it seemed he was no closer to his quarry than when he had first emerged from the waves.

Vyx
[4] = 4

The wave of strength that Vyx sent out from itself washed over the ones who had come to follow it leaving them essentially unchanged. It seemed, whatever his power, humanity already possessed within its heart a portion of the Trickster that he would have given to them. His followers waited patiently, seeming not to have noticed the bemusing failure of Vyx's intent.

Brother Flame
[10 + 2 + 1] = 13

Across the landscape Dearthair Doiteain's inferno washed, his mouth opened to discharge a column of burning fire as large as a forest, his hands turned to bright points of fire in the greater maelstrom of destruction. The warband of those who followed the Bear scarcely had time to gasp in terror ere the firestorm consumed them, and Lugh himself vanished in an instant, turned to so much ash on the breeze. The torrent, once unleashed, was not so easy to cage. In the first instant the flames consumed the warband. In the next, the woods and forests beyond. In the third, the pyre of uncounted fields and beasts reached to the heavens, and in the fourth there was silence. Dearthair collapsed to the ground, his body gleaming with sweat, clothing burnt away in the purifying flame, heart pounding and head full of nothing save the red of blood. Slowly the wave of strength subsided, and sound returned to his awareness. At his side moans he heard, Brother flame, and his vision pivoted slowly to take in the sick and mangled bodies of might have once been men, warriors he had asked to fight beside him. In the ash wastes they were little more than charred husks, features burnt away, lives consumed by the inferno, armor and weapons fused to stumps of limps as a sick facsimile of the martial fervor they had professed when swearing themselves to his cause. As far as Brother Flame looked, all he saw was blackness and char, the cool pools of Tine licked away by the flames, even the clouds having fled the hell he had unleashed upon the Emerald Isle.

Ishtarte
[3 - 1] = 2

The crackling flames of primordial energy that the Goddess of Chaos summoned flickered in her hands menacingly, but when she cast them they glanced harmlessly aside on wicker shields and leather vests. Seeing her apparent weakness, one of the chiefs took up his club and set his face with the mien of one doing a distasteful but necessary deed.

"Kill the witch, men. She would kill us, if she could, but the Maker protects us this day."

Swiftly the warband approached, and their weapons beat heavy against Lilithu and her divine patron. Anon the two were forced to flee the town again, bearing wounds of their encounter with the people of Ish'nar, and the spiteful words of a frightened but proud folk as the dregs of the cup they had been forced to drink.

Etlu
[7] = 7

The old hunter seems amenable enough to the idea of his son being trained to defend himself- after all, it was better to be a wolf than a sheep if the cold winter's winds drew close. The mention of hunting, his favored hobby and indeed profession, was well received also by the father of the man who had taken Etlu up on his offer.

Waylon
[2 + 2] = 4

At the conclave of the dark brotherhoods and associations of ne'er-do-wells Waylon's demonstration is watched by many, but few find ought to impress within its passages. Many of them can move at ease in the shadows as well, and the small flickering and juddering that Waylon produces in his own shadow seem to them as much a trick of the light as anything. Swiftly they fall back to bickering, for they are a small and familiar brotherhood, and Waylon's suggestion is ignored as talk of shop continues at the conclave.

Akzakunefir'
[6 + 1] = 7

A wall of mind and spirit, that was not an edifice Akzakunefir often had to raise. It was a struggle for him, to conceptualize of something that was not brick and stone and mortar, but perhaps fortunately it seemed his protection was little needed. Around the congregation of the people of Ish'nar he felt for a few moments as if he could sense the solidity of earth and hard rock, but the sensation passed as quickly as it had come just after the energies of Ishtarte struck the barrier. Still, the folk of the village seemed suitably impressed with his display, some thanking the Maker for his protection from the witch, some thanking Akzakunefir for warding them from evil.

+20 Followers

Empyron
[7 - 1] = 6

Down the mountainside Empyron bounces, his body unmoved by the assault of rock and tree. The tallest mountain near Savarus was really more of a hill, to be fair, but still, not one to be cast down upon for naught. Some of the members of his village who have followed, trying to dissuade him from this suicidal errand, gasp in amazement when Empyron arrives at the bottom of the cliff, his clothes torn and in tatters due to his descent, but his body unharmed. Clearly this is a sign of the favor of the All-Maker, and some of his kindred express cautious opinions that he may be, in fact, a god.

+10 Followers

[Auphelia]

8
Alia
[1 - 5] = -4

Her head slammed against the grimy stones, over and over. A despair enveloped Alia, and the tendril of her strength that she sent to the portal was feeble and formless. It barely carried with it the conception of revenge upon the persons within the Library, and the portal seemed almost to strengthen upon learning that it was to serve the sons of men, swelling larger and becoming firmer in the corporeal world so that it might support their passage. Blackness took her then as she endeavored fruitlessly to end her existence- when day came anew still Alia languished within the jail of the Tyrant of Nemos, unable to remove herself from the passages of the world, her will utterly spent. In the morning she rejected the food brought to her, but at length the guards hauled her up out of her cell, half-carrying half-dragging her to the court of the Tyrant, where the tall black-haired warlord sat upon a throne of beaten brass amidst gossiping courtiers.

The burly soldier contemplated the witch his men had caught at length before speaking in measured tones.

"Your doorway has brought much knowledge to our city, sorceress. Already the priests speak of a new age of enlightenment. What are you called?"

Alia: Evil

"My name . . . is Morgana."

The woman decided she would take a new name for herself with her new disposition. No longer would she help, nay, but she would scratch and claw until she ruled this realm. She would murder and maim all who stood in her way, baptised with the blood of her enemies. Meek no longer, she would stand bold before this "king". She would manipulate him, sit by his side, and then in the end she would be the one to take his miserable life. A black aura began to radiate around her, and now the words that peeled off her skin glowed in a black and blood red flame, wherever they touched life withered. She sensed this man was greedy, and she soon had a plan ready. Her tone was steely, yet tinged with the barest hint of lust.

"I have come to offer you power, but it comes at a price. My library and I will stay here if you take me as your Queen, to help you advance your own power throughout this world. No longer will you have to subsist on raiding when you can tax your enemies to death,". She held out her palm and a swirl of black and red letters formed to make the word for power in Nemosian.

"As you can see, I have a few tricks up my sleeve, to help serve you better. What do you say? Are you ready to rule the world?"

She smiled seductively, emanating a powerful aura.

Action: Convince the King to make her his Queen in return for allowing him to use her library to take over the world. Don't screw me on this, okay?

[Revlona]

It had broken through the surface, the rage of the Ocean had come

They had held out on him, he knew they had, had asked kindly for directions to the fox, and they lied to his face.

The Ocean does not like disrespect, and neither did Savarian.

He walked out on top of the water, far enough where the water was countless meters below him and that if he failed it most likely wouldn't do to much damage.

Summoning his power, he attempted to form a massive figure around him made of that water.

He would cow them into submission and they would lead him to the Fox.

Action: Form a massive body of water as an avatar around him

[Agoi]

Waylon
[2 + 2] = 4

At the conclave of the dark brotherhoods and associations of ne'er-do-wells Waylon's demonstration is watched by many, but few find ought to impress within its passages. Many of them can move at ease in the shadows as well, and the small flickering and juddering that Waylon produces in his own shadow seem to them as much a trick of the light as anything. Swiftly they fall back to bickering, for they are a small and familiar brotherhood, and Waylon's suggestion is ignored as talk of shop continues at the conclave.

"By the Maker," Waylon said, his eyes sweeping the room, "This is why the codes helped us. This bickering is what kept us all separated and at each others throats for years!"
"The codes brought us together, yes," one commented, "But now that we are together, do we truly need them to stay together?"

Waylon watched helplessly as many began to leave, with a small group remaining, curious what the renowned thief intended to do. Those that remained were Mojtesh, the Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild of Nemos, Haldtun, a newly inducted assassin of one of the many assassin's guilds, Kalole, a pirate who recently became a captain, Lucius, a member of the Thieves Guilds rival guild, and Kralramor, a slaver.

"What is it that you wish to gain by staying, while the others left?" Waylon asked them.
"We wish to satiate our own curiosity," Kalole replied.
"We want to know why you have returned." Kralramor added.
"We want to know how we can help." Lucius concluded.

Waylon smiled as Mojtesh placed a hand on his shoulder. The two gave each other a nod as Waylon turned to the others.

"I can testify of Waylon's gifts." Mojtesh said, "I watched as he moved from my side to an area ten yards away in the blink of an eye. I don't know why the Maker has blessed him, or if it was the shadows themself, but there is something about Waylon that is... different."
"Come, let us go back to my apartment." he said.

He led them through the tunnel, and the small group traveled through the shadows back to a small building on the edge of the city. It was a boarding house. Waylon slipped in through a window and let his associates in, then he led them to his room.

"I'm still discovering the extent of my powers." Waylon said.

He looked towards a nearby coat-rack. Extending his hand, he tried once more to create a shade, this time with the intent of sending it to interact with the shadow and knock it over.

ACTION: Create a Shade and send it to knock over the nearby coat-rack via shadow.

[Zapatha]

Disappointed by the fact that his beautiful oak tree seemed to make everything else around it wither, Narvail thought that perhaps he didn't have the power to change the seasons, after all, there cannot be spring without winter. He pondered on this thought, and turned to the villagers:

I do indeed apologize to all of you for threatening you, I should exercise more patience with men for it is my duty to shepherd the flock that the Maker has left behind....

Narvail then dissipated into a group of doves and flew off into the forest once more, leaving behind blooms of flowers where he had tread within Caid Haile. Narvail traveled for quite a long time, even flying past the borders of the Wildwood and towards primeval swamps where he wasn't the only divine being....he had heard whispers of another being much like him within those swamps and sought to find him. He had first discussed it with visiting birds from those very swamps, who gave him a rough location of where this Yatzang would be found. He would also ask any foxes he came across of where this being would be or simply even what he was.

Action: Narvail travels to Poxinza via flight as doves and finds Yatzang at his shack.

[Novas Arcanum]

Terrana, Mother Earth

Terrana emerged from the magma, in all her glory.She was gorgeous beyond comprehension, her hair painted like the very earth beneath her feet, the magma warmed her skin, sending a tingling vibration throughout her entire being.It soon cooled and crystallized into thousands of crystals, a dress befitting for a goddess. Where am I She said and soon knelt to the earth recognizing that she was in the southern reaches of the World Mountains.She looked down and noticed a small humble village nestled in the mountains.

These mortals need help she thought.The Earth goddess knelt to the ground and noticed immense mineral wealth hidden deep beneath the crust.She was the brain,the subconscious,the nexus and the entire planet her body.She pulled from the deep and summoned gold,silver and gemstones.The process was daunting but using her Earth magicks anything was possible.




Action: Summon mineral wealth from the deep.

[The Federation of Kendor]

Kurin

Kiril's father was persuaded by Etlu's talk of training his son to became a hunter. He soon decided to talk to his son, "Son, I will teach you how to hunt." He then turned to Etlu, "Etlu, promise me that my son will become a great hunter and warrior." Etlu then responded, "I will, Vladimir." Vladimir then responded, "Great. I will now lead you to a group of hunter. They are all a great hunter. I am also a friend with them."

Etlu soon walked with Kiril and Vladimir to the group of hunters that Vladimir mentioned as his friend. Soon, they met a group of five hunters, who was currently searching for an animal to hunt. They turned their heads to saw Vladimir, recognizing him. They them greeted him, before a man, who seemed to be the leader of the group, asked Vladimir, "Why did you take your son to the Wildlands, and who is that man?" The man said as he pointed to Etlu.

Etlu then said to the man, "I am a wanderer from a land far away. I am a great warrior and a God of War."

The last part shocked everyone, except for Kiril, who already knew about it. The man then said to Etlu," If you are a God of War, then hunt a pack of wolf. I want to prove if you are really a great warrior or not." Etlu then accepted the man's offer, before going to hunt the bear, going to the direction that the man had pointed to him.

Actions: Search the wolf oack, before killing the pack with his sword, using his aspect to enhance his battle ability and prove his claim

OOC: Editing my action from killing a bear to a wolf pack

[Lisbane]

"There is no greater gift than that of eternal peace"

Mortem looked out those that remained, the villagers had successfully beaten back his Reanimated, and only 20 remained with 5 weak captives. He was utterly outraged, how could such creatures of his will be so inept in their mission? He took his sword, and one by one, cleaved the heads of the captives, they were of no use to him. Those 20 that remained with Mortem would follow him in his shameful walk to the forest, he intended to make it his home, like the cave that once sheltered him.

However, before such a thing would be carried out, he decided that if his animations were of no use, as they seemed to be; He would cast them once more into the village, focusing all his remaining will on improving their ability in battle, even against such villagers. He looked out at the village, and sensed some rumbling in the nearby World Mountains, he would ignore this, for he had his mind set on other matters. Raising his sword, he shouted a shrill "Kill them all!" before the animations ran into the village, he had commanded them to stay in groups of atleast 5, however whether they would follow his command he knew not.

After he gave the command, he did not stay to see what would happen, he went to the place of which he had first terrorized these villagers, and meditated, to gain his strength, and increase his willpower; Hopefully helping his animations in that ill-begotten town.

Action: Murder the rest of the villagers with the animations, whilst meditating to increase his power and will, hopefully helping the animations in their task

[Of the Quendi]

I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you.

~ Curses of the Chaosborn ~

---

Outside the town of Ish'nar

Driven from their home Ishtarte and her faithful Lilithu fled the townsfolk they and god they had angered, bested but not yet beaten. If her beloved was disappointed or despairing she did not show it, Lilithu thought observing the goddess she had once know as a mortal woman. Not for the first time the young demigod was struck by the change that the being called Ishtarte represented from the mortal lover she had known. That woman had been full of true zest for life, she had been loving and compassionate, a friend of all the downtrodden, a foe of every master or lord. Ishtarte was not so. There was a haughtiness and an arrogant indifference in the divine being that Lilithu was not sure she much liked.

As if to confirm Lilithu's fear the Chaosborn goddess laughed loudly, turning to face Ish'nar. "Wretched mortals, spiteful Akzakunefir, you think this the end? Nay it is only the beginning and I shall have justice of you. Celebrate now mortals, your survival may yet be the greatest terror visited upon you. Mayhap's I was too hasty to sentence you to death. Death is quick, death is merciful. No, you shall suffer for what you have done to me." Ishtarte cried. "I curse you in the name of chaos. I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you." So Ishtarte cursed her foes in the town of Ish'nar on that day of wrath.

Lilithu shivered slightly at the harsh and callous words from the one she had known only love and kindness from. "What now my love." The young demigoddess asked. Ishtarte turned towards her, and in the warm smile of the resplendent goddess Lilithu recognized much of her lover. "Now we go to find one that may help us bring justice on our foes." Ishtarte spoke. "Free the people of Ish'nar can never be while cruel lords rule over them and Akzakunefir protect their unearned and undeserved dominion over many slaves." Ishtarte spoke.

Together the two beings ran from the town of Ish'nar. And they came upon a bottomless pit the presence of which greatly disturbed Lilithu. The pit was hellish to behold and with her own divine power she sensed a being dwelled there, one she had no wish to know. Not so ishtarte. Proudly and cockily Ishtarte unceremoniously walked straight to the edge of the pit, pushing aside those worshippers that stood in her way. "Pitmaster." The goddess roared. "Vyx ... ypyx? Vuximux? Tis I, Ishtarte the Chaosborn, Destroyer and Liberator of Men, Bringer of Light, Defender of Truth. Your followers are persecuted and your acts undone by the god Akzakunefir who believes himself your better and master. This god of builders, this mindless drone, has in like manner slighted me and my disciple and given aid to murderers and rapers, my foes. Are we to suffer such slights meekly, as disobedient slaves or unruly children receiving punishment from a master? I think not." Ishtarte roared, stripping out of her clothing, flinging it at a perplexed Lilithu. "I will not bow to Akzakunefir. I will not have him judge and second guess my decisions. I think you are of like mind, I think you are poorly suited to be another's underling and minion. If I am not wrong come join me, together we may achieve what alone we cannot." Ishtarte said solemnly.

---

ACTION: Ishtarte curses her enemies among the Ish'nar townsfolk with misery and misfortune.

[Ralnis]

We are alchemists, we make mistakes. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. However, even the good can be turned into bad. While we crafted the strongest warriors in the land, the greed of the rulers clouded their judgement. What was a promise of brotherhood became the lust for vengeance. That day our Master taught us a lesson, in both survival and humility.

Poxinza

The cure was more than Yatzang wanted to do. Was what was simple healing became magnetized and became some superhuman potion. This sort of idea was more than he had in mind, but it was something he recorded down on some papyrus but one thing he saw in the ritual is the acolytes were able to enhance the spell and the potion by one human's worth of energy. This energy was more powerful than normal, allowing the spell to give the potion the more than desired effect. However, the fox spirit's atonement was resolved, the people were healed, superhumans, and he can finally be accepted after weeks away from the city.

That was the thought. As the Elder and his elite warriors came to the house with a large crowd behind them. The Elder was not happy, but neither was his warriors. When Yatzang came to the door in his true fox form, the people came to worship the power of the alchemist. The Elder was angry however, demanding him and his warriors to become mighty over Nemos. They wanted things such as better weapons, better armor, more magical potions.

The Alchemist god saw the fury and conviction in his eyes, threatening bloodletting from the newly engrossing movement that followed him. As the god merely accepted the request as he walked away from the crowd, he cursed under his breath as he told the acolytes to disperse the newly followed as the god needs rest. Try as they might, the worshipers were not deterred and Yatzang had to personally come outside to handle it.

" There's not enough room for you all in this lab. Please go home till I have need of you."

His word was the only thing that moved them as they went home with sad faces. Yatzang was angry at Chang and the leadership. They thought he could threaten him, trying to abuse his goodwill and power for vengeance. The Elder believed that the spirit wouldn't strike as a mob was able to cut down so many and burn his first home before. The deaths was still fresh in his mind but he just was getting things to look up and even maybe able to enter the village without anger. His thoughts were a swirling mess as he laid down near the fire.

As he tried to lay down in his true fox form, the young boy came to him saying he couldn't sleep. Yatzang knew that he had to watch the boy as he was trying to make sure his healing salve didn't have any side effects like the superhuman warriors. Yatzang followed him to bed and told him a place that he once knew, the place where he was lifted by the Maker.

"Beyond the golden gates of the village, lied a grove. This grove was a very special place, a place touched by the power of alchemy. Such a place had plants and beasts that could not be crafted simply, it was a place that no mortal could touch for it was guarded by the natural power of the place, making it invisible to all said those allowed to enter. I was one such being, guided by a native of the grove. It taught me many things and I eventually came to be like the beings. However, all good things must come to an end and no good deed goes unpunished.

One of my fellow healers followed me and thought I was being possessed by a bad spirit. The misguided priest burned the grove down and I jumped in to try to save the creatures but I became swallowed by the flames. When I came to, the grove was gone, its energy left this world but it left a blessing on me. The blessing its what I can do now and the form you see me as.

One day I will rebuild the grove and remake the creatures for everyone to see and share in the flow of alchemy, but now sleep for there's work to be done tomorrow."

As the boy slept, the fox felt empty inside. He remember the grove, the very one his fox friend-turned Maker showed him but something more than even that. There were other beings blessed by the Maker, like the Scribe Goddess, but he was the only one that wasn't fully human. Even among his followers he was only worshiped for his power of alchemy and he was still experimenting with the power he was given. If there was something, some beings like him, he could be at peace.

It was strange thought as it brought ideas such as being a father, similar to how the Maker made humanity. If he could find some peace with the people of Proxinza then such an idea could be explored. Until then, he still had to contend with Chang and his treachery. He started to get up in the morning and started to work on solution that can solve this and end this potential fight before it could happen. Killing him was out of the question for as the fox believed that he did enough damage and just fixed the village. No, he thought of something much more effective that will send a message and help him find peace between the village and his religion.

He got the followers and the acolytes together as he told the plan in secret. Some didn't like the idea but knowing that they have submitted their lives to learn the ways of the alchemist, then they would be targeted. The idea was simple on papyrus, much more difficult in practice. Yatzang and his followers would brew up charm potions, one that can subjugate the minds of Chang and his supporters to that they will follow Yatzang's orders without question.

It was a devious thing to do, something Yatzang would never hope to stooped too but it was for the survival of the Huli Jing. The power of the acolytes brewing the mixture and helping with the rituals were supplied with the constant workers that were able to do the heavy lifting. It didn't take long for the magical brews to be made. They had a very sweet aroma that couldn't be smelled or breathed in for the effects may addle the mind. They sent it to Chang and the leadership in the guise of the potions that they wanted.

If everything goes well, the village will be under control of the fox god and their religion saved from fear of local destruction.

Action: Use followers, acolytes, and the lab to make charm potions to control Chang and his supporters to take control of the village.

[Ism]

Akzakunefir
Ish’nar

Ishtarte and her servant retreated from the city as Akzakunefir and the people watched. It was a victory, though Akzakunefir knew better than to think this would be the end of her attacks on the village. At that moment however, he felt the strain of his actions hit him with the force of a bucking donkey, and he nearly fell over. Luckily, a house stood nearby that he could lean on, saving him from being too embarrassed.

“My lord, are you alright?” One of the villagers asked, as she moved to help him stand.
“Ugh, I’m afraid that barrier took more out of me than I’d expected. Please, help me up to the Temple. I need to rest.”
“Of course.” She said, as they began a slow walk through the crowd. A man from the crowd soon came to help them, and others helped too, quickly parting to allow the tired god through. As the man and the woman helped him too his bed, someone came rushing into the room. “Uncle, are you alright?”

Akzakunefir looked to see his nephew Settu has entered his dwelling. He turned his head back to face the two people who had helped him, saying softly “Thank you for your help friends, but I must ask you to take leave of me now, that I might speak with my nephew in private.” The two nodded politely before leaving, Settu out his back to the western wall so they had the space to do so. Once they had, Settu kneeled before Akzakunefir bed. “Are you alright?” He asked again.

“Yes, yes just tired. I have worn myself this day more than I ought. Alas, I cannot finish Zikar’s home as promised. Would you-“
“I will finish it Uncle. I have done my work already today, I can spare time to finish Zekir’s house.” The young man said, interrupting Akzakunefir. The god smiled, he had only meant for him to tell Zekir that his house would be finished tomorrow, and apologize for the delay, but then Settu has always been eager and diligent, even when he was but a small boy. “Go then Settu, if you are willing, finish my work. But move quickly, Nephew, the day is waning, and I don’t want you working in the dark.”
“Of course Uncle, I will see you tomorrow.” Settu hugged Akzakunefir, and then went hastily to the unfinished home, leaving the god of builders to rest.

No Action

[Mystra]

Empyron

Finally, the man who would be a god was satisfied. For now. In time, he would unite Chrysalis with Savarus and nearby villages in his worship. Empyron asked to be brought to anyone who had been inflicted with vampirism. He searched the wilderness for years based on eye witness accounts. Finally, Empyron braved the adventure of his life time. Searching far and wide, he discovered spacious and tall caverns capable of sustaining a small army of people. Dozens of preserved bodies and living prisoners were kept in the terrifying captivity of a monstrous creature who suffered far worse than any of his victims. Forced to consume living Human and dead Human flesh through a demonic affliction that drove him to commit acts of pure evil, Empyron could sense that the man was cursed. Empyron's followers broke in sheer terror at the scene, as Empyron witnessed the ghoulish monster having finished devour three infant children.

The Sun God would have none of it. "Evil curse, I lift thee with the power of the Sun!"

Action: Either send the cursed man to the afterlife of deserved rest and peace or break his curse so he is no longer forced to commit atrocities.

[Camelone]

The smell of ash and burning flesh burned in Dearthair Doiteain's nose and turned his stomachs into knots, he had to fight the desire to hurl everything single one of the contents of his stomach out. This was the true power of his flame when it was let loose, death and destruction, and it would effect everyone he cared for and desired to protect, these men who had willingly followed him in the hopes of glorious victory and protecting their loved ones now they burned beyond recognition. No! No he would not let them die, he was blessed by the Maker and he would not let such noble souls die in such a savage way. He closed his eyes and retreated into his mind and soul trying to find the place of his blessing, his connection to the Maker himself, it would be here that he would find the means to save at least one of these men. Forcing himself up to his knees Dearthair Doiteain raised his hands over the general area of his warriors and began to pray.

"Oh Great Maker let those who have endured my flames rise once more healed of all damage for the righteous deserve not a death such as this. Grant me the power and this prayer that those who are worthy shall rise once more healed of their damage and reborn by the holy fire of the Maker. Please dear Maker hear me!"

Action- Dearthair Doiteain attempts to heal and save as many of the warriors who had followed him as possible.

[Bolkenia]

The crops were good, water was plentyful...
Asaya thought that this was the moment to start her cult. The region was warm, at all time of the year. Fur was only seen in the North but it wasn't very useful here. Since they were in autarky, she could do anything.
For Asaya, beauty was something important. An ugly person will have trouble to find love... abd if this person don't find love, he won't make children. The opposite of what she stand for.
She need to force them to care their apparence but how ?
As she was thinking, she saw a young woman, gifted for her beauty.
"-Would you like to guide the tribe ?
- The tribe ?
-Yes, by being my mortal counterpart. They need an exemple to follow. And you are my chosen one.
- But I am not a spiritual leader, I'm just a runaway from a far land. It by destiny and luck that I'm here.
- You are what I valued. Young, healthy, attractive... the perfect shaman for the tribe.
- I'm... I'm honored to be your shaman but for what purpose ?
- They need to know what is beauty. Do you know what is beauty ?
- Yes, to be attractive enought to get what you want to do.
- Like finding your love.
- It is helpful, yes.
- If you want to be my shaman, you need to be like me. Embrace your body, embrace your flesh. You are the masterpiece of the Maker. He will be honored by this. Don't be like those prude men who don't can't stand that another one look at his daughter. Don't be like this woman who can't stand her reflection in the clear water.

The shaman abandon her habit, and some of the villager follow her. They didn't ban clothes, you never know if some kind of cataclysm happen. However, some weren't happy about this. An old man, standing in the center of the village was saying :
" - What about the ones who don't like their body ? What about the scars, the spots ? Since my birth I was cursed with pocks. They are ugly and covering my skin. I would spread your faith if by some kind of miracle, you free me from this... horror.
- And I have lost my beauty aeons ago. I'm just a old woman. "
Asaya know that they wouldn't all accept this change. They need help.
Action : "Cure" the villagers of their skin problems and make them seem a bit younger.

[G-Tech Corporation]

9
Alia
[5] = 5

The warlord contemplated Alia for a minute and more as her power swirled about her, eyes veiled. Her display was undeniable, his court wizards and wisemen suitably impressed. Eventually he spoke, his dark mane shaking in negation.

"I already have a wife to my name, Morgana, if that is your true name- I have heard another from the guards who you spoke with upon first arriving in this city. You have power. That is good. If you will serve, you will profit. If not, you will learn how great an enemy I can be."

A snap of his fingers, and a glance to one side. A young man with hair the color of crimson flame stood forward, bowing low before the Tyrant's gaze.

"This is Ados, chief of my sorcerers. Already he begins to unlock the secrets of this library." A gesture, and the young man held out a palm, fire manifesting within his grasp. Around him courtiers and merchants shrank back in amazement, but the magician seemed to handle the elemental magic easily enough.

"You will teach him and his, and if you teach him well, you will be richly rewarded."

Savarian
[10 + 1] = 11

As the God of the Ocean walked back out to sea, the water gathered about him as a cloak. From the bay he siphoned it, and the sea tides, and soon high his form rose, vast and terrifying. He blocked out the sun, and the fishermen rowed desperately to escape the maelstrom of his aspect. Man and beast fled the shoreline upon seeing the great form that Savarian had created, running for their very lives as the bones of the beaches were laid bare and the Red River stopped in its running.

Waylon
[6 + 2] = 8

The coat rack dutifully falls over. The few men that have followed Waylon seem modestly impressed- the ability to conjure a distraction when on a heist was not inconsequential. Not exactly a claim to godship, what with the news that men could wield magic slowly permeating Nemos, but an ability of use nonetheless.

Narvail
[8 + 1] = 9

Narvail swiftly passes over the vastness of the Wildwood, the open grassy plains of the southlands, and comes anon to the swampy marshes that surround a city on stilts. One of the huts near the outskirts of the village radiates divine power to his hunter's eyes, and slowly the flock of doves that is Narvail comes to rest on a tree nearby before turning again into the form of the god.

Terrana
[9 + 1 - 3] = 7

Under Terrana's hands the veins of the earth split open, and the molten blood that had been the stuff of her rebirth cascades forth. As it cools and she watches, a great bounty of gems and precious metals is revealed, borne within the tide of magma from the earth's fiery core. It is a king's ransom, enough to rebuild a humble village with ease if there are men who will trade for it, and here high upon the slopes of the World Mountains a vast treasure now lies glittering in the sun, native gold and native silver reflecting the sun's rays as if they were a dragon's storied hoard.

Etlu
[8 + 1] = 9

Tracking the pack that had been troubling Kurin did not take long for the God of War. It was a strange thing, to make war upon beasts instead of men, but it was simple enough in the doing. His spear swung again and again effortlessly, spitting the snarling creatures as they sought to come against him, he the thresher, they the wheat. Anon the deed was done, and the rest of the hunters had caught up to Etlu only to find him surrounded by the slain wolfpack. They were suitably impressed- no man could have done such a thing alone and been uninjured, let alone in the short time Etlu had been out of their vision. God, perhaps, but formidable warrior, certainly.

Mortem
[6 + 1 - 1] = 6

Swiftly the deed is done. Now unleashed to their true purpose, Mortem's Reanimated sweep through the village, leaving only corpses in their wake. Mortes Vacuoi lies silent, her people extinguished from the passages of the world, only those sightless slain that the God of Death has called to serve him remaining, quiet as the grave.

Ishtarte
[5 + 1 - 2] = 4

Ishtarte's curse shakes the wind as she flees the village, her words holding terrible provenance. Some of those who have driven her out quail at the sound, and then look about to see what will befall them. One man trips in his fear and scrapes a knee against a brick left carelessly in the road. The people of Ish'nar scratch their heads as the witches disappear into the distance, before returning to their homes in puzzlement. The witch was gone, for now, but they would be ready if she returned.

+10 Enemies of Ishtarte

Yatzang
[4 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2] = 6

When Elder Chang and his men returned to receive their blessings of war, the acolytes of Yatzang gave them the potions prepared. As the effects of the brew were felt some of the warriors perceived that they were tricked, but it was scant moments after the potions were administered that the will of those who drank them was subsumed. Some of the elders and men of power twitched visibly, their wills fighting against that of the magic that Yatzang had laid within the concoction, but for now they were pliable.

Empyron
[8 + 1 - 5] = 4

Empyron's search for a vampire comes up emptyhanded. Savarus is a land of few caves or hills, and those caves that he does search seem boringly vacant of any nightmarish creatures that he might wish to banish. Still, it was a productive use of a day. If there were any vampires about, surely, Empyron thought, they would now be put on notice of his intent to purge their hellish kind from his homeland. Assuming that vampires existed, of course. Empyron was pretty sure they did, but then again, he had always been scared of the dark.

Dearthair Doiteain
[10 - 1] = 9

Brother Flame's anguished grasp for his power sent him deeper into the flame within than he had ever ventured before; he saw it, hot fire in his blood, and looking out with eyes kindled he saw it in the other men about him too. A flame within that burned inside of men, embers which struggled for life within those he had maimed and tormented in his power. Slowly, carefully, he fed the flame of his power to those which were close to being extinguished. Slowly, gradually, those sparks which had seemed ready to die out, to give up on the warmth of life, returned to the glory which they had been given before. Dearthair Doiteain knew not how long he labored, but when he opened his eyes again the stars wheeled overhead, and dawn's rays were cresting the eastern horizon.

About the prone sweaty and soot-slick body of the god the warriors of the band he had assembled stood, their bodies healed, minds made whole once more, agony banished. Each flame burned properly as was its merry course, the fire of creation that the Maker had sealed within mankind plain for Dearthair Doiteain to see.

"Please, sirrah, don't do that again." said one of the warriors, and the men about him laughed.

++Control