|
   Time is a funny thing at the center of creation. For time itself is a creation in the void. A scaffold onto which the structure of every moment is built. How long had you sought divinity? How long had your world existed? When did you tear the veil and seize the cup of hubris and drink every bloody drop? Does the ambrosia of wrath boil in your stomach? The palace, the cornerstone laid by divinity as its first action was empty except for an unwelcome housekeeper. They cast you out of the castle and now you stand before the restless city built by the castaways. You have reached heaven through violence. Could you stop here even if you wanted to? IWSAND-UYCA, Poet-Queen of Trèsloin  You understand that what exists outside the palace walls amounts to a shanty town outside a fortress. But this shanty town defies the logic of the world you had come from. Here skyscrapers carved from the bones of giants lean against the palace walls. Bugs, people, homunculi and machines jostle each other as people go on about their business, oblivious to the new god in their midst. New sounds, tones, pitches assault you from every angle as materials that didn’t exist, that couldn’t exist, in your world clash and resonate along with voices whose words are beyond your comprehension. You look around trying to fathom some kind of underlying order. Was this day or night? Were these people working or resting? Was a tyrant ruling them or were they free? Did they seek pleasure or purpose? All of these questions rush through your mind. How could you work your harmonies into the concert if you didn’t even know how many beats were in a bar or what scales these people thought in? Suddenly one particular note catches your attention. It is faint but for some reason it touches your soul drawing you towards it. Who is making this sound and how are they doing it? Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han  When you left the palace you had been put at street level. Through your feet you could feel the haphazard quality of this place’s thoroughfares. No doubt that the first people to arrive in this realm had not realized by simply erecting tents wherever they pleased they had laid a chaotic grid that was choking the life out of smooth transit. You could feel in the vibrations of the ground the confusion this place felt. It had grown organically, without purpose and now its arteries and veins twisted in around themselves and the people who walked in them didn’t even understand the pain they inflicted with every careless step.  The wall around the palace was easily the tallest structure in this place. Although it seemed to resist your will, with sufficient concentration you were able to make a staircase for yourself. Climbing up the wall you are able to look down and confirm your intuitions. The sprawl is disordered and seemingly meaningless in form. You feel a desire to improve it, but you not the god of this realm. In fact many gods have established themselves already and might not respond well to reformation. Further on from the sprawl you see undeveloped land. Swathes of forest or desert the size of continents. What manner of place will you seek to dig your tunnels and build your roads? Sun-Bzu  Sun-Bzu, the Queen’s most loyal servant felt a deep pain in his heart. Entering the heavenly realm seemed to have severed his connection to his queen. In his mind he knew that she still existed, all of his memories told him of his devotion to her and the many victories he had won in her name. But now at the gate of the palace he felt truly alone for the first time. Looking at the passersby he could see that his world was not the only one ruled by insectoids. But there were also strange mammalian creatures. Walking machines. Strange uniform featureless creatures. Why was he here again? Was it to prepare the way for the queen? Was it did understand this strange realm?  A large insect comes up to him. It buzzes in a strange tone unknown to Sun-Bzu but there was enough similar to his own syntax that he felt he could understand it. *You-unfamiliar-exoskeleton-You-multihive-newcomer-?-You-come-be-sorted* Will you accompany this creature? If so, what does its superior seek from you? If not, where will you proceed? Swedish Thaumocracy  It was now the height of midwinter. Despite it being five minutes midnight not a single Swedish person slept. Tonight was the night the whole country had been preparing for. The rest of the world had laughed when the Swedish government announced that it was planning to ascend from the mortal plane. The preparations had taken the better part of a year and anticipation was palpable when they made their first attempt. The final incantation was pronounced at high noon on Midsummers day. However nothing had happened. Suddenly Sweden was the biggest joke in the world. The Swedish Thaumocracy was not disheartened though. Naturally a ritual that included millions of participants was subject to error. The Swedish people stoically accepted the mistake and redoubled their preparations. Some of the opposition voices strengthened but the will of the Swedish people as represented by the referendum wavered only slightly. With the Summer ritual written off as a test run everyone this time carefully took to their positions. Performed their sacrifices. Read from the helpful leaflets that outlined the proper pronunciation of the occult emigration incantation. This time it worked. The people of Sweden were swept up in a breath of air. The sense of being out of body was ecstatic. But in the blinking of an eye this ethereal joy was replaced by cold. Deep white cold. The sympathetic link between Earth and Heaven had transported them to the heart of the tundra. The Swedish people huddled together for warmth in confusion like penguins at the South Pole. The parliament stood in their midst unprepared. Whatever they had expected from the journey into heaven it was not to be stranded without housing in the midst of a snowy wasteland.  Oracles were cast, divinings as to the nature of the realm they now found themselves in. Deeper into the tundra there appeared to be a great palace made of ice. Towards the center everyone could see a palace as large as a mountain. Other rituals indicated that there were warmer climes if they journeyed by orienting themselves to the power of life/earth or light/air. How will the Swedish Thaumocracy stop millions of Swedish people from freezing to death?
|
#
?
Jun 29, 2016 03:21
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 26, 2024 10:04 |
|
|
quote:Will you accompany this creature? If so, what does its superior seek from you? If not, where will you proceed? *I will follow you, unknown one.* The creature ticked its head. A universal expression of confusion. *Me. Follow. You.* That time it understood. It turned, disappearing into the streets much more quickly than I had anticipated. This was logical. A hive would need to process any newcomers, and I was as new to this place as anything, The walk wasn't terribly long to the destination. A building made of metal and stone, fitted together by a saliva of dirt. Their structural glue had no life in it. No scent. No base of honey. Mud that had hardened into clay. Disgusting. I met it within.  My guide's toe-claws tapped a pattern on the stone-hard floor. The proprietor's appendages staccato'd a response. The black-and-white creature left us. The proprietor tapped a new rhythm toward me. It paused, and tapped it again. It meant nothing to me. It hissed in frustration. One limb reached into an alcove of cups, jars and bowls. It chose one, dropping it on the table in front of me.  The small insect within pulsed its green light at me. I did not understand. The small insect within rubbed its legs together, chirping into the air. I did not understand. The small insect within began to dance. *I am ... translator ... understand I?* I understood. It danced. *Positive. I ... talk ... for Xohitocl, high Brain-Worm of ... 001 District. State ... name and caste.* I told it my name. It flickered its green light, relaying it to this Xohitocl. Caste would be a longer explanation. I began listing them all. A new one gained from each hive I had conquered. The Butcher of Hive 120. The Blind Drone of Hive 76. Hive 24a's Scout of the Dawn. Xohitocl tapped its limbs in annoyance. The translator translated. *Worker, Warrior or Breeder.* How barbaric. Such simple castes had not been used since before the Great Winds. *Only ... recognized here.* *What caste ... Xohitocl want?* The proprietor's brain pulsed at the translation. I took its salivation as desire. Another set of taps, and relay, *Xohitocl needs a Warrior.*
|
|
#
?
Jun 29, 2016 04:46
|
|
|
 Iwsand folded her arms away beneath her cloaks, taking on a simpler guise to fit among these peoples. Despite herself, she was overwhelmed by the sheer variety on display - the chaos of it all. A little chaos was fine, now and then - in the service of something greater, of course. This city... this city was like a flame that had caught and spread across spilled oil, throwing out light and heat and just wasting all of it. It hurt her, somewhere deep inside, but she was excited, too. There was potential, here. In her mind's eye, she saw the convergence of her web of plans, saw that blasted Demiurge kneeling before her, and she let out a single crystal clear note that set heads around her whirling to find the source of such beauty. She retreated deeper into her peasant guise. In her wanderings, she heard the soft percussion of a heartbeat. She followed it, for miles across the city, for she knew its owner would play the opening strains of her concerto. At long last, she found him, sitting in the centre of a public square. A young street boy, almost a man, drummed idly on the edge of a fountain. He had a hunger in him for more than just sustenance - but for now his belly was winning over his heart. Taking on a distracted, noble guise, she sauntered past him. She pretended not to notice his clumsy attempt at picking her pocket, and kept walking out of the square. She didn't look back, but she could almost hear his grip tighten on the gilded ivory flute he had withdrawn. She had presented him with a dilemma - he could sell the flute and eat that day (and probably the several days that followed), or... he could learn. Maybe play for his supper? She left it up to him - she had cast her stone into the pond, and she was content to watch the ripples.
|
|
#
?
Jun 29, 2016 15:18
|
|
|
Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han Inefficient. Wasteful. Criminally negligent to the point of utter shock and despair. How could the people walk through this disaster area and call it a thoroughfare? How could the city live this way? But for now the task was too great, the city too peopled by fractious gods who likely did not see the inherent rightness that their city lacked. But it was not all bad news. Sub'han's initial view of Creation had confirmed what he had always known in his deepest heart of hearts, the multiworlds had a creator and that creator built for order. There was a system to existence, the very delineation of the elemental zones itself meant that there must be a given order. Where there was order there could be a schedule. "Don't worry. I'll be back for you." Descending on stairs of malleable stone, he patted the mismatched cobbles and strode out into the volcanic mountains, scouting a path towards the intersection of Metal and Fire and surveying for possible and latent roadsign. "I've just got to find the right place to start." Since the city is dead center I'll start by walking towards the Prime Meridian intersection of Metal/Fire. +2 Divine Right of Way, +2 Road Carver to walk a line straight through Volcanic/Mountains, scout it out as a highway, possible bypass lines or other points of interest along the way, etc. Puppies are dicks posted:Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han
|
|
#
?
Jun 29, 2016 21:51
|
|
|
Sun-Bzu The shape of the Xohitocl's hive disturbed you. The corridors seemed to curve in unnatural patterns. Some entrances felt uncomfortably small while some rooms felt unnecessarily big. Whether this unusual layout was simply due to coming from a different world, the influence of the heavenly realm or merely an expression of Xohitocl's own twisted nature you could not discern. Still receiving you in person and bringing the translator showed a degree of respect. Xohitocl continues to chitter and click at the translator who outlines the nature of what he seeks. It seemed the Palace-town was the home to a number of different insectoid species. From different worlds and different times. When they had first ascended the first insects had warred with each other. Their common characteristic being a desire for order. However no species had managed to establish its superiority. As other races also sought to establish themselves in the area the insectoid war became a concern not only of the insectoids but for all sapient life. The insects were unable to communicate clearly with the other races because their language was so complicated. Combined with their seeming penchant for violence the other inhabitants of the palace-town; the lost children, the homunculi and the metal men established a kind of military/police: the Justice Fighters Red. Wearing masks to disguise their heritage, the fighters also forswore their histories and committed themselves to justice as the highest ideal. With the support of the common people the Justice Fighters drove the insectoids from the palace territories and into the various demiplanes.  These different races had set up new hives and set about establishing local superiority, but each sensed they were lacking something by not being a part of the community centered at the palace. That was until Justice Insect Red appeared.  Removing all pheromone traces this insect swore off his heritage and hoped that insectoids everywhere might co-exist. He proposed a multihive in the area around the palace. A collaborative hive where insectoids could live in harmony. Grudgingly the many hives accepted this uneasy compromise for fear of what they would miss if they would refuse. So the multihive stands as the greatest and worst compromise for all insectoids. Fighting every fiber of their nature they are able to scrape by in the city, but with no real leadership they are also unable to distinguish themselves or win any rights or priviliges. This is where Xohitocl sees you come in. You are the first new insect in an age. What's more, rather than coming with workers to build your own hive you have come alone. Perhaps you can break this uneasy peace and set insectoids free from the tyranny of mediocrity. What are the three or four main branches of insectoid kind who sit in uneasy conchord? Will you be an agent for balance or against it? IWSAND-UYCA, Poet-Queen of Trèsloin The boy spent a long time looking at the flute. Feeling its weight in his hands. Not daring to breathe near the holes lest it play a note that would steal his heart the way he had stolen it. His hunger called to him, this was the first time in days when he would have more than a pittance to feed himself, with the money from the flute he could maybe live for weeks, buy some sticks and improve his act, make a life for himself. What use could a street boy have for such a decadent instrument? The kind of person who would play a flute like this didn't need to worry about food, clothes or money. Certainly the wise thing to do was to head down to the market place and barter it away immediately. But was that really a choice even? Even now it sat in his hand comfortably. The balance was superb. The engravings along the body tasteful and elegant. Maybe nobles owned possessions that were as fine as this, but the reason for its existence was contained in the heart of the craftsman. The person who had looked within the bone to see the flute within. That artist's heart spoke deeply to something inside of him. Would he really entrust it to the hand of a greedy merchant? Someone who would weigh it and price it and place it on a shelf.  Gently he lifted it and brought it to his mouth. With one even blow came a faltering note. The slightly off key start of a new life earning only the confusion and possibly irritation of the first people who hear it. What fortune befalls the boy with his new gift? What opposition does he face? Will IWSAND-UYCA continue you watch over him or seek to bestow their grace elsewhere? Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han The path was clear now. Sub'han would not be entangled in this chaotic mess around the center. Instead he would forge a new path, literally. As he strode through the city people cleared out of his way carts over turning and fierce buzzes coming from some of the insectoids that stood in his way. The roads themselves were not intuitive, twisted in on themselves, thoroughfares that were dead ends. But with his heart set on a destination even this city's divine chaos could not bar his path. Eventually he stood at the start of the volcanic area. Intuitively feeling the true center he took one step and beneath his feet a road of bright steel sprung up to meet him. With unerring force of will he walked straight ahead. Mountains that stood in his way he struck with his mighty hand, punching magnificent tunnels through. Valleys of ten leagues he stepped over, creating mighty bridges that could withstand any storm. Volcanoes erupted, pouring lava down toward his powerful road but with a gesture of his hand the flows stood still before him. The most chaotic and volatile landscape in heaven obeyed his commands and he was really enjoying himself he came across it. The ocean-river. Before him stood a body of water where he could not see the other side. But unlike an ocean the current flowed vigorously threatening to draw anything that stepped into it into eternally circumnavigating the heavenly realm.  Will Sub'han be satisfied to have created a road that runs the whole course of one of the realms and turn back to improve it? Or will Sub'han seek to continue onwards into the elemental realms? It seems that the road has already drawn some creatures out from wherever they were hiding, now they approach along the metal road to see who it is who has divided the land, who are they?
|
|
#
?
Jun 30, 2016 09:13
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy The assembled masses surveyed the new lands before them. So this was heaven? Colder than what the Clerical Demagogues had foretold. The Aesir Collective suggested that maybe they had ended up in Niefelheim instead and there was a chorus of agreement. Yes, of course! One of the Maypoles had probably been misaligned. Well, nothing for it but to move on ahead. The People where happy to take what they where given. Then it started snowing, and the Southerners shivered in their foppa tofflor and the people of the Dales shook their knee tassels and the Northerners scoffed mightily. "Dä ba' lit' snö" they said and the others where shamed into compliance. Soon the northerners, led by Inge Frisk, head Nåjd of the Sapmí Ting had taken command of the situation and called for order amongst his fellow Swedish People, magical and otherwise. Still, they could not remain in a featureless plain overlong. They needed forests for lumber, mountains for ore and verdant fields for to grow their superior genetically modified crops. So out came the snöskotrar, the dog sleighs and the long distance skies. Out came the mopeder with studded tires and the snow chain equipped converted pick-up truck Volvos. Out came rich coats of organically grown free range ethical fur and together the people's of Sweden marched across the tundra to find a new home.  +2 Technomagically Industrious to move ten million people across the wasteland to find a better place to settle. Looking for a place rich in exotic materials and fertile ground. Perhaps closer to the Earth element?
|
|
#
?
Jun 30, 2016 16:01
|
|
|
 Microsects  Any insect smaller than a fist was classified into its own group. This tended to eradicate their individual hives initially, forcing many to go on their own or in smaller bands. Their main functions were as messengers and informants, dealing in secure information - as their higher language was difficult to decipher by the mammalian and homonculan citizens. (The robotics could develop the knack, however). Additionally, the Microsects became a source of status between the three other insect factions in the multi-hive. Some worn as fashion accessories, some given micro-hives that were sculpted as great art pieces - all showcasing their patron's ability to support a living menagerie. Palace Grubs  Burrowers and ground crawlers, while some had articulated limbs (such as Xohitocl), most utilized their bodies for motion. The great majority of them were Workers, tasked with cleaning hive zones, moving waste, and scavenging materials from the surrounding lands. Already looked down on as only-just above trash by outsiders, the inclusion of some parasitic species - able to host within and even hijack other denizens of the realm - made sure they were quite despised outside the multi-hive. Segmented Order  One group had taken to a form of self-determination, throwing off loyalty to a particular hive or particular queen, dedicating themselves instead to the worshiping and contemplation toward the Lord of the Empty Throne. Some found the grounding sense of the monastic community a welcome replacement from whatever group they had left or been cut off from, while many others were among the more solitary wasp, mantis and spider species who still had a need for society. The Order had the greatest rapport with the non-insect species - sometimes directly joining the Lost Children when their faith in the Lord faltered. Chroma Guild  An uneasy alliance of moths, flies, beetles; the Guild functions as the multi-hive's mercantile faction. Soothing colors and beauty put non-insect groups at greater ease, allowing some minor trade between them, though by far most of the trade is internal to the multi-hive. Many in the city still remember the purges, and trust of the insectoids has not grown by much. It doesn't help that the goods the Guild offers are plagued by low quality, no great artisans had made their mark, no great families had put together trade lanes. The biggest export were Microsects, a practice which itself caused tension among the insectoids. ---------- 4d616e6167656d656e74206f66206d616e7920 6973207468652073616d6520617320 6d616e6167656d656e74206f66206665772e20 49742069732061206d6174746572206f6620 6f7267616e697a6174696f6e2e20 2d53756e20427a75 ---------- The foundation had been laid, that Sun-Bzu could see. From there, however, things had not progressed. If not for the twin uniting forces of Insect Red and fear of a second purge from the Palace City, the multi-hive could easily have collapsed back into warring and predatory groups. Still, they were little more than subsistence now. A gain in one section of the hive more than likely came at the expense of another rather than against an outside force, or by exploiting outside opportunity. The Empty Throne. Empty for his Queen. The multi-hive was a foothold in the Palace City, he would need it when he moved on the Throne itself. The balance would be retained. For now. *Xohitocl, tell me of the Warriors in the multi-hive. How do they determine their hierarchy?*
|
|
#
?
Jun 30, 2016 17:42
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy The augurs of the The Liberal Liches are the first to provide reliable intel. It seemed that there was an area bridging the border between the fertile quadrant and the ice quadrant that was remarkably similar to Sweden’s homeland. However The Swedish Demonologists’s divinings indicated the richest minerals were probably contained on the far side of the realm in the volcanic quadrant. Already debates and dissensions were rising up between the various governmental parties and even more concerning was how present conditions left the common people less tolerant of hesitancy. The government issued a quick motion to begin moving anyway, wherever they would settle it had been decided that it was not here. Still the people seemed invigorated by their ascension and although uncomfortable, nobody seemed to be threatened by the cold or short term hunger. It seemed that stable weather would provide no obstacle. However as their journey began they soon encounter something quite strange.  As the land levels out it started out as a strange doppled effect on the horizon. As the Swedish people draw closer it becomes clear that there is a forest of statues. Each of them stands around 2 meters tall. They seem identical at first but on closer examination by the Moderate Mages each statue has at least one unique feature that distinguishes it from the others. Perhaps a folded finger, a different tilt in the neck, eyes of a slightly different hue. The statues would be fascinating but as it is they seem an unusual barrier. There is enough room between them that people could feasibly squeeze through. It would make the going more tiring but is not impossible. The people could also try and follow the edge of the forest of statues to see if they can simple circle around it. What will Sweden do? How do the statues react to the decision of the Swedish people? Sun Bzu When you express your desire for the balance to be maintained Xohitocl clicks impatiently. The translator bug dutifully expresses his reaction with no sense of malice. *Grub-you-are-not-warrior-If-balance-is-your-hunger-then-go-red* Xohitocl emits a shrill noise. Immediately from beneath the ground two massive warriors burrow up.  The two stand in front of you blocking your view of Xohitocl. Like a living wall they move towards you letting off some kind of mist. They seem to push you back the way you came. The translator bugs tone is sympathetic. *You-not-find-mandibles-that-click-peacefully-here* Will you resist the living wall? If you do not, you will once more be on the streets of Walltown. What will you look for?
|
|
#
?
Jul 1, 2016 08:22
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy At the base of the forest of statues, the Swedish People halted. What was the statues purpose, their origin? How would they progress with such an obstacle in the way? Whilst all the grown-ups got out their folding chairs and Thermoses of hot chocolate and coffee, the Children, brought upon a steady diet of Edutainment began singing the songs of the Animal Mailbox, the Mottoes of Trafikmagasinet and other slogans buried deep in the collective unconsciousness. "Vi kommer till en Skog." (vi kommer till en skog.) "Vi kommer ej igenom den." "Vi kommer ej över den." "Vi kommer ej under den." "Vi kommer ej runt den." "Då måste vi oss titta omkring." Thus bolstered by their youthful spirit, the mages of the Swedish Thaumocracy held a magical referendum to see what might be done. [-2] Parliamentary Thaumocracy flaw activated to figure out what to do. The Swedish Demonologists with their black hearts could harbour no signs of exo-cultural expression. They wanted the 'filth' torn down and cast aside. They argued that the gold, if molten down, would create much wealth for the Swedish Nation, and that the many sharp edges if not dealt with would threaten to harm the many children present. But the people would not listen, their votes where cast elsewhere. Instead, the Social Thaumaturges formed an uneasy alliance with the Communist Cabal for parliamentary majority. Jonas Sjöstädt, head Warlock of the Communist Cabal held a speech to the assembled masses.  "What we have before us today dear Citizens, is not a wealth of treasure but the tragedy of oppression! We are dealing with nothing other than attempted genocide delt by the hands of foreign capitalists! Let us show the world that Sweden will not stand idly by and let these poor trolls rot in golden form, that we will not ignore their plight! That we stand together and open our hearts to these people who show on their very bodies the hardships that we all must endure!" After a lagom amount of applause the Communist Cabal tasked the many Völur and Nåjder amongst the citizenry to figure out how to free such a large amount of trolls all at once. As they all knew, Trolls turned to Stone upon the first light of dawn, and that only Night would bring them back to life. Yet this was Heaven and the Sun would never set, and the stone had turned to Gold with the glory of its radiance. There was only one thing for it. The Fenris Wolf had to be released. [+2] Folklore to Eat The Sun  Needless to say, the trolls (and everyone else present on the elemental plane of death and water) where rather surprised.
|
|
#
?
Jul 2, 2016 09:55
|
|
|
Iwsand never looked back, but she didn't need to - she could hear his heartbeat pulsating in time with his first soft efforts with the flute. As she had expected of him, he had taken it up. She hadn't known for sure, but in truth his refusal would simply have started a different song. Here and now, she heard him practice. First in the dark, lonely places, but then as his skill grew he dared to play in public. Even from his debut as a street busker, he had people of every station turning to gentle motion of his fingers over the instrument. Even those far too busy to pause and listen walked with a rhythmic step, dancing as much as they could.  It wasn't long before he was being invited to play places. This was far beyond his expectations - mostly he was used to being chased OUT of places! Sure, it was just a random corner-club, but people there paid him in bills! Even as he ascended in the world, he lived in fear that one day the woman he had stolen this blessed flute off of would come and take it from him. Really, that was what he feared most - losing the flute. Some part of him rationalized it was just an instrument, and push come to shove he would ditch it rather than getting tossed in prison or getting a hand chopped off... but another, louder part told him that was complete bullshit. Like it or not, the flute was his ticket up! It wasn't all roses, though. The Musician's Guild made it known to him in no uncertain terms that he was not welcome. They made it plain that there was a pecking order, that he would have to pay his dues, and that young prodigies like him had a habit of disappearing if they didn't play along. He scaled back his showings in response, afraid that they'd somehow find his secret and cast him back down into the gutters - but that just made people want to hear him more! Like it or not, he was in for the life of a controversial artist. As for his Patron Goddess, she kept herself well out of sight. If she had her druthers, he would never see her again at all. As long as he kept her song in his heart, she would be able to find him, and steer him. And when he was in position, she'd play her part. But! You couldn't very well have a song with only one instrument - not a good one, anyhow - so it was time to move on. Before she made her next ripple, it was time to perform some reconnaissance. The simple matter was that she did not know the area well enough to effect any proper change, but she was well-versed in what to do next: she needed to find the heartbeat of the city, and the brains. The people who mattered, and the people whose opinions mattered. She took on a noble guise - ostentatious enough to be slightly too much, but not so much that she seemed gauche - and she went among the rich and powerful.
|
|
#
?
Jul 3, 2016 02:57
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy Although this plane was strange and unlike the stories they had been told of the world beyond their own, they still had faith that what they had been taught was true. If heaven was real then the myths of their people surely had truth to them as well. Those myths of trolls and sun-eating wolves. The scholars of the old tomes brought out their records. The Fenris wolf was a primal being intimately tied to their former home. In the proper ritual they would need to bring wolves to fight and frolic with but here in this alien paradise they couldn’t hope to find those noble beasts. Arguments broke out once more in the parliament. Traditionalists argued that the ritual needed wolves so they should try and send people back to Earth to bring wolves. Radicalists argued that the wolves were just figurative and that the ritual itself would steal the sun’s light from this area. The moderate mages asked for more time to investigate the statues. However the argument was broken by a junior member of parliament howling. Once they stopped to see whether this upstart should be dismissed from their post the upstart asked them to listen. “The spirit of the wolf exists wherever we bring it. We will be the wolves.” The idea was challenged by some as unorthodox but managed to gain enough traction to be passed as a motion. So the rituals were enacted with humans acting as wolves in the place of real wolves. At first it seemed a farce. Grown men and women scuttling on all fours, some barked, some howled, others snapped at the hands of the mages overseeing procedures. People laughed until it started to become real. Those actors bodies became to twist and grow fur. Suddenly the ritual had its wolves.  The mages who carried out the ritual may have wanted to stop the proceedings to see if the volunteers were alright but by now the magic was palpable in the atmosphere. At the apex of the ritual the wolves howled as one. The sound grew and grew, rising to heaven. Suddenly the ambient light around them concentrated into a burning ball of energy enclosed by great black jaws. The Swedish people looked up in awe as the Fenris wolf sunk its teeth into this new sun and the glacier quadrant fell into darkness. As the light retreated the shining bodies of the forest of statues turned dull. But as they lost their lustre they gained a fleshy reality. They looked around in confusion before crying out in joy. Some leaped, swinging their staffs and whooping. Others collapsed to the ground crying. Their long imprisonment was finished. One in particular came forward. “I speak for my people. We were angels once of this realm. When the demiurges came they gathered us and those who submitted became their servants. We are those who would not bow the knee. Our curse was to last for eternity but now it is broken we no longer fear the light. Thank you.” You have released an army of angels! Will you ask them to join the Swedish people? What secret of heaven do they share to reward you? With the spell broken you turn to the mages in charge of the Fenris ritual that they can release the light once more. They inform you that the only problem is that the Fenris wolf seems to be quite intent on chewing the light. Will you take responsibility or move on? How will you handle this massive wolf large enough to make the realms light it’s chew toy? Gain a God Point for invoking your weakness. IWSAND-UYCA As Iwsand walked the streets she began to get a grasp for the rhythms of this place. The police all seemed to wear full red suits and masks. Although they seemed extremely disciplined none of them seemed corrupt or fascist as might be expected. The red ones seemed to take any breech of justice very seriously but were not above helping those weaker than themselves with more trivial concerns like missing pets or directions. Iwsand also noted that although there were insectoids milling around the common people they kept a certain distance. Amidst the ramshackle housing there seemed to be no insectoid residences. It was through her feet that she sensed the percussion of the insectoids settle into rest. However she could tell that there was no harmony there. The insectoids felt uneasy with each other and with every other race. Maybe they were just too foreign to work in concert? The homunculi were foreign and intimidating to her. Their appearance uniform and their tone always even and measured. It worried her that although she was sure they had thoughts, ambitions, and feelings they were not easy for her to read. It was as if they had a filter that removed the traces that allowed her to read people through their expressions and voices. The lost children were the most familiar. It was possible that some had come from her own realm. Taken by some unknown force or twist of fate to reside in this chaotic sprawl. So it was natural that she could follow the ebbs and flows in their interactions to discern the areas where she might encounter their wealthy and powerful. Iwsand could sense through the currents of conversation that there was due to be an important gathering hosted by the leader of the Lost Children in the area of the sprawl bordering on the jungle quadrant. In that place there was a great tree with three trunks twisting in on themselves. It was said to be the body of a primal angel of nature that was ensnared by the heir of the empty throne. Now it was hollowed out and used as a banquet space as its fruit could never be exhausted and its sap never ran dry. When Iwsand arrived she made to enter, overlooked as usual, a guard bars her way  .“This is a party for those who can afford to be here. You must pay a price worthy of entry.” Apocron fucked around with this message at 08:15 on Jul 4, 2016 |
|
#
?
Jul 4, 2016 08:12
|
|
|
5468652067656e6572616c207468617420686561726b656e7320 746f206d7920636f756e73656c20 616e6420616374732075706f6e2069742c20 77696c6c20636f6e717565723a20 6c657420737563682061206f6e6520 62652072657461696e656420696e20636f6d6d616e642120 5468652067656e6572616c20 7468617420686561726b656e73206e6f7420 746f206d7920636f756e73656c20 6e6f7220616374732075706f6e2069742c20 77696c6c20737566666572206465666561743a20 6c657420737563682061206f6e6520 6265206469736d697373656421 --- *You mistake balance for stagnation, mistake caution for weakness. You mistake me, Xohitocl.* Sun-Bzu steps back, his right hand sliding free his Ambrosian Waxblade. He moves easily into the Megachilidae form, assuming a defensive stance from the Osmia Rufa kata. His extra-sensory focus settles in his feet and legs, already interpreting and discerning the subtle vibrations in the floor of the hive. These burrowers would know the ground even blind. He stopped moving, ready to match them. *I offer you my counsel, Xohitocl. Accept it, and you will understand how to turn balance into power. Refuse it, and I shall offer you the turn of my blade. The choice is yours.* --- If Xohitcol hearkens to my counsel, utilize [ Hiveworld Diplomat ] [+2] to begin forming an alliance to take command of and improve the multi-hive of Walltown. If Xohitcol hearkens not to my counsel, utilize [ Sword Swarm Style ] [+2] to subdue his soldiers.
|
|
#
?
Jul 4, 2016 17:27
|
|
|
Sun Bzu With your sacred waxblade drawn you strike a frightening figure, your presence radiating menace. However the huge insectoids before you do not pause to consider the threat you pose and move toward you at the same measured pace. They reach the point where either you must yield or be pushed and you lash out. Faster than mortal eyes can see your blade easily carves through these drones. They let out a hissing sound as they fall apart before you like cobwebs before the hand of a bored cleaner. In a moment you stand surrounded by the shards of their carapaces, their life fluids oozing in a puddle toward your feet but not a drop of ichor fouls your appearance or blade. It seems that while they obscured your view Xohitocl withdrew from the room. The translator bug still flutters around in the jar in what you interpret to be panic. The sounds of the hive continue on uninterrupted, these two insect souls will not be missed. The smell of the mist they had been emitted permeates the room, mixing with the stink of their innards. You stand deep within one of the multihives that are scattered below the sprawl. Will you search for Xohitocl or return to the surface? How do you feel about cutting down these drones?
|
|
#
?
Jul 5, 2016 02:32
|
|
|
Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han Two Fang lowed loudly, bellowing his willingness to mate to any females within earshot while simultaneously warning rival males of the greatness and hugeness of his bulk. He was unintelligent and slow moving, but with a body made of several tons of the heaviest metals his mighty stomach could digest and massive tusks which could pierce granite. The day was hot, which was good because that meant the molten blood inside him stirred and moved that much the quicker but he had already wasted too much time chasing off an interloping Hizu who thought he could clamber in and mate with one of Two Fang's harem. Having lost his prey in the deep ravines of the area Two Fang was both hungry and unpleasantly cool from his time in the shade, and was ready to begin the long ascent to his nesting ground at the top of the nearest peak but stopped when he sensed a change in his domain. Change was not good. He hated change. Nothing new was good unless he could eat it, mate it, or smash it beneath his metallic bulk so he flung himself at the new thing with all the force necessary to do all three to find that it was useless for either. This new thing was already flat so he couldn't smash it, too flat to mate, and made of something not-metal enough to eat. But it was comfortably hot and made for an easier bed than his high perch of rocks. More importantly it was here. He settled in and began the long and comfortable process of absorbing heat and sun for the day, easily forgetting that this was a new thing or that he'd even cared to wonder what it was. It was a good thing so of course it had always been there. And it was his.  Sub'han ignored the mammoth creatures lolling about the road behind him. Roads gather attention and livestock or passengers alike he'd deal with them later. Right now there was an endless sea and equally endless length of undersea tunnel he'd have to build. Hands tracing sacred mandalas and roadsigns, he unfurled his Thousand hands of the Driver and smashed out a thousand prayers for road safety and travel guidance into the seashore facing his goal. Every tunnel had a mouth but the Volcanon-Central Underwater Transit Tunnel would need something grander, more powerful and inherently magical for what Sub'han had in mind. He muttered prayers to himself as stone and metal piled up around him. "Let me firm hands, attentive eyes, prudence and perfect control so that I may make a good journey and arrive happily at my destination." What was attracted to the road out in Mountain/Volcano? The Hizu, non-sentient walruses made of metal that eat minerals, absorb heat, and are generally lazy + hateful like real walruses are. Not as evil as elephant seals but pretty close. As for me, +2 Divine Right of Way +2 Roadcarver to build a magical building(one of two) an entrance to the Central-Volcanon Underwater Transit Tunnel.
|
|
#
?
Jul 5, 2016 05:25
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy The Fenris Wolf caused quiet a stir in the Swedish Community. Most of the Northerners, those that lived with and worked against wolves in every day life where negatively inclined towards it. If it ate the Sun, what more could it devour? Yet the Dalesmen and the Southeners agreed, this creature was one of a kind and close to extinction. They had been wrong to capture it to begin with. They decided it would be Fridlyst, protected by law from all what hunting entails. But the people of Sweden where Ansvarstagande, they could not just release a wild animal into a n unknown environment and leave it at that. So it came to pass that a small group of dedicated zookeepers, animal rights activist, experts, consultants, rangers and werewolves decided to stay behind. Not to form a new society, but to establish a nature preserve around the creature. To study it and keep it safe in this strange new place that was Heaven. A few angels saw the cause was noble, and joined in as well. Creating Neo-Skansen, Heavens Largest(?) Nature Preserve with [+2] Technomagically Industrious. May it be a thrill for all, both young and old! --- As for the larger Host of Angels, some found the Swedish People irresistibly beautiful and wanted to take them as mates. Yet the Swedish People where both Equal and Shy an felt that rash. The dating game for the average Swede was arduous and full of Fika, an ancient ritual where many confectionery goods where consumed together with copious amounts of coffee. Though Sweden had enjoyed a reputation for promiscuity in the mortal world by and large the populace adhered to the principle of Lagom and decided there had to be some moderation. After quiet a lot of debate a new dating service was etablished, crafted by hipsters and the bureau of tourism. [+2] Beautiful [+2] Technomagically Industrious to integrate the Angels without too much culture shock.  Tänder would see the angels integrated in a way that would best suit both societies. In time, the Angels might even come to form a political party of their own, and thus have a say in the future of the Swedish Thaumocracy. With all their outstanding responsibilities cared for, the people continued their march, eagre to find new lands to settle.
|
|
#
?
Jul 5, 2016 08:31
|
|
|
quote:“This is a party for those who can afford to be here. You must pay a price worthy of entry.” [ Invoking Slow Tempo [-2] for being forced to make a direct, quick response ] All this and more passed through her mind in the time it took her to hear the response and open her mouth to answer - a heartbeat, perhaps. And then she delicately covered her mouth as though laughing, and when she drew it away it contained a strange fruit:  "This is the price I shall pay. This is the Kiwano, a sacred fruit from my homeland. You shall find none like it in this place. Take it, I beg you, only let me pass. I have nothing else to give you, nothing of true value. Unless you wish my finery or my jewels, which I would gladly grant you as well! I seek only knowledge in this place, and need nothing else!" Every part of that was false and true. The Kiwano was considered sacred (by some), and it had come from her homeland (one of them). It was unique here (as far as she knew). She did have nothing to give him - nothing she would give him, at any rate. And ultimately, she did seek only knowledge here - for everything but knowledge was transitory. She gazed up at the guard with supplication plain in her eyes - and condescension locked deep in her hearts. [ Entrancing [+2] and/or Relentless [+2] to shmooze my way in ]
|
|
#
?
Jul 5, 2016 17:43
|
|
|
Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han Sub’han turns his back on the Hizu. They could not comprehend the beauty of the road before them and so could not praise his grace in providing it but in their joyful basking in the surface Sub’han felt some small satisfaction. The gate to the underwater transit tunnel is magnificent. Perfectly formed and surely inviting to any potential future commuters.  However as soon as Sub’han begins digging he finds a problem. To determine where the bottom of the river-sea he digs deep. However no matter how deep he digs there doesn’t seem to be any ocean floor. He had hoped to sense a solid layer of rock under the water into which he could build his tunnel. However he becomes more and more convinced that he could probably keep digging the same distance it had taken him to reach this edge of the continent and never exhaust the supply of rock. How does this change Sub’han’s plans? Roll =12 but there’s nothing to dig a tunnel through. The tunnel itself and entrance are magnificent though. The Swedish Thaumocracy The noble mytholigcal beast calls out to the heart of many Swedish people. Many volunteer to be the first park wardens, especially those who had participated in the ritual and taken the wolflike nature upon themselves. With the right incantations soon trees begin to sprout in the tundra and the landscape itself begins to look a bit like Sweden. All the people feel encouraged that although they are far from home it lives on in their hearts. The Fenris wolf too seems pleased by the nature preserve. It ceases chewing the light and releases it returning the realm to brightness. Shrinking in size it sets itself to frolicking in the park grounds. Roll =12 Gain ally “The Fenris wolf” which can be called upon once the Swedish people are in need. It will then be exhausted until its powers can be refreshed.  Meanwhile the Swedish government works with the angels to develop a way that they can integrate with the Swedish people. The angels are confused by the small electronic tablets they are given but the intuitive touch interface of the Tänder app is so flawless however that people quickly match interests even though they are culturally light years apart. The angels are integrated effortlessly and seem grateful to have the opportunity to socialize despite having been imprisoned for thousands of years. Roll = 10 Gain ally “angelic host” which can be called upon once the Swedish people are in need. It will then be exhausted until their powers can be refreshed. The Swedish people soon arrive at the borderlands between the glacier quadrant and the forest/jungle quadrant. What are there priorities in seeking a new place to settle? Iwsand-Uyca The guard pauses to hold the fruit in its hands. It is unclear if it is examining the fruit or Iwsand herself. But after a brief moment it steps aside. Roll = 11. Gain a God Point for invoking your drawback. “Your gift has been found worthy. You may enter the tree of paradise.” Iwsand glides past the guard before her irritation with the guard breaks her façade and begins investigating the party. The tree is massive. There must be thousands of people all indulging extravagantly in everything the multiverse has to offer. A room of people drinking from a fiery blue liquid as they swim in it. A room of people cutting parts off each other’s bodies and eating them. A room where people all have their heads stuck in knots in the walls. An empty room with a single tear drop hanging in the center.  There are lost children, homunculi, insectoids, robots, angels and demons and everything inbetween. For someone without an invitation it could be a little tricky to navigate. Does Iwsand focus on one particular people group to find someone of influence or does she have some other prize she is seeking?
|
|
#
?
Jul 6, 2016 07:56
|
|
|
A shame. He flicked the gore free from his blade, taking a moment to pay tribute to the departed souls. The sword slipped back into its scabbard, and Sun-Bzu strode toward the translator. This worm, Xohitocl, was not worthy of the loyalty the fallen warriors had shown him. Even if they were mindless beasts, more akin to the herd-aphids of his homeworld, they did not deserve to be thrown away. *Tell me* The translator bug flickered quickly at this approach, though slowed when Sun-Bzu seemed for the moment, only interested in conversation. *He went...* Sun-Bzu swiped a hand, cutting off the little one. He moved to the abandoned alcove of cups and bowls. He looked for any that held other Microsects, setting all he could find on the table. Once assembled, Sun-Bzu looked to them all. *Tell me of this Inesctoid, Xohitocl. Do you serve this one willingly? Is he a leader that has improved your existences, or exploited them? Are you ready for another path, or are you content in your station?* ----- [ Hiveworld Diplomat ] [+2] - Attempt to turn Xohitocl's Microsects against him.
|
|
#
?
Jul 6, 2016 14:33
|
|
|
Sun Bzu It's hard to distinguish what the microsects are saying as they panic. The sight of you bisecting one of their number leaves them unable to provide you a coherent answer. *You...* *...Xohitocl...* *We surrender!* *No die! No want die!* *Heeeeelp* You start to work on calming them down when suddenly the whole room shudders. Some of the jars smash on the floor and your stomach lurches as the floor pitches to the side. You manage to maintain your balance but the ceiling begins to crumble. You had seen it happen before in your campaigns, but normally from some distance outside. The hive is collapsing. Had Xohitocl decided to destroy a whole hive just to bury you?! What a malevolent little slug. What will you do? Roll: 6. You hurt your opportunity to negotiate when you summarily executed one of the mircosects in front of their friends. Though you were never gonna have much time to talk anyway.
|
|
#
?
Jul 7, 2016 08:07
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy The Way Made Clear At last the Swedish People had reached the next quadrant. This is where they felt they belonged, in an area teeming with life and natural beauty. Somewhere where the summers were neither too hot nor too cold, were life was all around at a comfortable distance. The Lilla Landet Lagom. But where exactly would be the best place to start life anew? The wizards and warlocks, the witches and augers, shamans and sourcerers and even a 'mancer or two instantly started arguing. Should they settle here, at the border to the Tundra, to be close to their nature preserve? Should they travel further inwards, to the heart of the land? Should they go further still and find the mountaneous regions that lay beyond? So they argued, and would have continued perhaps forever more had not His Royal Highness King Carl XVI Gustaf himself stepped in, holding his staff of office high. The People collectively held its breath. That staff was Elder Ash. Hewn from a sapling of Yggdrasil, The World Tree. Though it lacked the ioun stones, eldritch gems or runes of power found in the most hip of swedish wizards inventory, none doubted its power or the might of its wielder.  "For Sweden in Our Time." Was all he said as he thrust out with his arm and threw the staff into a nearby river, where it grew many times its size and began floating with the stream. All now knew what they must do. It was one of their most ancient traditions. They would follow the staff wherever it went, until it washed up on shore. Wherever that was was where they would settle, for it would undoubtedly be the best place in the world. [+2] Folklore +1 Godpoint to Settle in the Forest/Jungle Quadrant somewhat close to the Tundra. Looking for an area rich in resources, especially magical ones, that is also beautiful. A leyline nexus would be preferable, if such exist, as we have rather a lot of wizards that must be getting low on mana by this point!
|
|
#
?
Jul 7, 2016 17:47
|
|
|
Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han - Volcanon-Central Constructing the entrance to the Volcanon-Central Transit Tunnel had confirmed his suspicions. As the seas themselves rounded the infinitely-endless plane so too did they descend downwards into infinity. But this was not entirely unplanned for. It was enough that the tunnel entrance was complete, durable, and a testament to the theomantic engineering principles of Viamancy to come. Sub'han stood at the edge of the seas, placed his foot above the water, sought his destination on the other side and spinning his arms and dipping his gait to counterbalance for the raging waves began to run, churning the sea-ring about him as if it were foam. Mortal fish, crab, and lesser spirits were tossed with the tides of water, but it remained to be seen if his ferocious drive would attract the attention of the Gods who held those things precious (or if they even existed). Going to drive a straight line through those not-quite-infinite seas, stirring up trouble and the currents through to the other side. If sea elementals or godfish want to have a go at me then I've got a Dr. Zoidberg image ready to use. In fact I'd say 60% of my goal here is to stir things up and see what happens. The remainder is of course to get to the other side. +2 Divine Right of Way because clearly I have right of way as opposed to some penny ante chump business like the tides or an immeasurable amount of water.
|
|
#
?
Jul 7, 2016 22:47
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy The people set off along the river in good spirits. The river was wide, it’s current languid and the people followed the staff of Yggdrasil at first at a walk. The land they walked through was a fine land. There were trees, impressive in their size and beautiful in their colouring. The people thought surely this forest would be a fine place to hunt in. But the staff floated on. The river narrowed and now the people had to jog to follow it as it floated. The land around this narrow part was hilly. Tall grasses spread out in every direction. The passing Swedish people flattened great swathes of it as they passed. Worryingly some people stepped into the grass, disappearing from sight for only a moment, never return. Whether something monstrous took them or the grasses themselves were taking their toll was hard to tell. And the staff floated on. Now the river was narrower still and the current raced. The Swedish people, tired from their jogging in the hill country, felt fear in their hearts as the staff threatened to leave their sight. Some of the ruddiest men and women vowed that they would not let the staff out of their sight and set off at a run in front of the rest. Now the land was marshy. The air muggy and sour. The trees seemed warped and sickly and the runners struggled as the soft mud sucked at their feet.  Suddenly the marsh opened up. At its center was a lake with an island dominated by a massive beating heart. Tendrils from the heart swung down and picked up the staff. The forerunners stood at the edge of the lake. Few of them were mages themselves, what were they to tell the Parliament and the Swedish people? You can decide to ignore where the staff has found its resting place and settle by the forest or the hills but it will hurt the morale of the Swedish people or you can interact with the heart of the marsh which holds the sapling of Yggdrasil. If you do how will you approach it? You rolled 2, 1, 1+2 for a total of 6. So taking the 2 and the 1 you get 5. The staff of Yggdrasil has fallen into strange and dangerous branches. Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han You set off from Volcanon central determined to forge a path across the river called ocean. However unlike the trusty rock and ore that made up the Volcanic quadrant the river called Ocean is wild. If the Palace is the mighty beacon that centers creation then river-ocean is the boundary that marks defines the world. The border line that makes sense of chaos but cannot be defined itself. The current carries you off course almost immediately. If you had been of the persuasion to turn back the river-ocean immediately steals your capacity to do so. Still you forge forward. Soon the land is left behind and your whole horizon consists of waves as large as continents. With no bearings and the waves tossing you like a mere mortal you begin to feel lost. A sense of existential dread steals over you as your very essence seems to be questioned by something as basic as water. Suddenly the waves part and you fall. You fall for a long time before you finally hit something. You pick yourself up and look around. You seem to be in a vacuum sphere deep in the ocean standing on an impossibly thin platform of ice. In the distance you see a massive dragon lying at ease. Hearing your impact it raises its head and looks lazily in your direction.  After staring at you for a few pregnant moments it lowers its head and begins snoring. Will you escape or engage this strange beast? You rolled 3, 1+2 for a total of 6. You lose a rank of your choice and are currently imprisoned.
|
|
#
?
Jul 8, 2016 08:50
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy Gross bog heart, or land of opportunity? The background thaumic radiation was off the charts, and when the technomancers finally arrived (slightly behind everyone else since they where over-represented amongst the people who did not exercise regularly) they where overjoyed. What a find! The life-magic of the place had coalessed into a nexus of power unseen in the world of mortals! It was still terribly inefficient though. The Druids of the Green quickly took charge of things, organizing the mages and artificers of the Swedish people in sanitizing the area and preparing things for perhaps the greatest technomagical construction project of all time.  [+2] Technomagically Industrious to begin construction of the Hoping to clear away the worst of the immediate boglands and contain any dangerous energies present within.
|
|
#
?
Jul 8, 2016 09:35
|
|
|
Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han Being battered by the seas like a common stile-hopper was a humbling experience. Heaven was a place of extremes and rather than fight the entire world at once to bring all beneath his righteous order, Sub'han took a deep breath and relaxed. The roads were yet unbuilt and his schedule not yet set. For now at least he could afford the luxury of doing as the dragon and see what wisdom contemplation and peace could bring. He walked towards the great beast, air shimmering and ice reforming around him into a closed roadwork of perfect stillness with the two of them at its heart. Taking a seat beside the creature he murmured in his mechanically armored heart, "Brother Dragon, let us share a dream."  I'll take the hit to +2 Schedule Bound. After getting tossed around like a chump on spin cycle Sub'han is going to take a break. I will however forge a mandala of roads around the both of us to channel the energy inside this place in miniature around us. +2 Road Carver/+2 Divine Right of Way to shape the air and ice theomagically.
|
|
#
?
Jul 9, 2016 03:01
|
|
|
(Incidentally, I won't flake out on this game - if I'm taking a while in between it's either school or Fragile Gods mucking up my schedule, but I shouldn't be more than 2-3 days max!) Iwsand gave a tiny sigh of relief as she passed into the crowded hive of people. She felt herself breathe a little easier as the rhythm of the party passed over and through her like relentless waves. This was the very heartbeat of life itself, the quickened pulse of a stolen kiss, of a frantic dance, of ten thousand highs from ten million drugs. Also, the music was pretty excellent! She swayed to the beat as she walked, and in her wake people began to dance in time with her steps. As she passed through the masses, she chanted under her breath, hooking her power into the fabric of the Rhythm linking them to her in this moment. ♬This is what I like ♬ ♬Heart and foot they strike ♬ ♬Kicking up the dust ♬ ♬Shaking off the rust ♬ ♬Hearken to my words ♬ ♬All you thronging herds ♬ A pause in her walk and the dance hitched to a halt. She took a breath and continued, louder: ♬ Seek the one among you that all are here to see ♬ ♬ I care not how you do it - but bring them here to me ♬ ♬ I wish only a counsel ♬ ♬ I wish only a word ♬ ♬ Do nothing harsh to harm them ♬ ♬ But my feelings must be heard! ♬ [ Invoking Crescendo [+2] to get in touch with the leader of the Lost Children - non-agressively (ideally) but insistently ] And then she went out of sync and the connection broke. She sank again into the anonymity of the crowd, leaving her ensorcelled pawns to seek out her target. They would find the leader - if it was within their power to do so - and they wouldn't even second-guess their motivations. They were, after all, here at the leader's invitation, so why wouldn't they want to see them. For her part, she sat down at one of many bars and ordered something spicy and hot.
|
|
#
?
Jul 10, 2016 02:52
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy The people immediately begin work on the reactor. The wizards work on developing a method of drawing upon the elemental plane of metal to get the basic materials needed for a reactor while Sweden’s greatest scientists and engineers figure out how they are going to build the facility on the soft marshy ground. However challenging the task may seem, those involved in the project feel boundless vigor and energy. Meanwhile those not involved in the project set about clearing the swamps in the immediate area and starting a settlement. The swamps are not unfamiliar to the Swedish people and so they set about efficiently setting up accommodations and the kind of comforts that they were expecting in heaven. The wood of the trees seems to have remarkable properties, strong, sweet smelling, it is unlike anything found on earth or in Ikea. Everyone moves with a unity and purpose never before seen, the different fractious political parties setting aside their differences to encourage people to build their new paradise.  Before they realize a new city is built. It’s a miracle. The wandering Swedish people manage to bring civilization to the heart of darkness. What had been foul smelling, dark and dangerous is tamed and brought to heel under the green thumbs and industrious arms of the Swedish workers.  Finally the day came when the reactor was finished. While the people had been busy building the city the work on the reactor had not stopped day or night. No one knew exactly what they were doing as this was the first time in history something like this had been attempted. A delegation of those who led the project set up a platform around which all the people could gather and witness the ceremonial throwing of the switch. A few noted that those who worked on the reactor seemed more withdrawn than normal. When approached they only spoke of the importance of finishing the project for the good of Sweden. Still no one questioned why they were so driven, since the drive for industry was such an important part of their national identity. That was until they pressed the button. With that press all the people of Sweden’s eyes shut. Some cried out in surprise, others in fear as the whole world was plunged into darkness. But while their fleshly eyelids shut another eyelid opened.  *Greetings children. I am your god. The world tree Yggdrasil. I am all things. Join me and rule all worlds* So this is the fruit of your decision to move into the swamp after missing your last roll rather than leaving the beating heart alone. The heart demands your complete submission and with its possession of the staff has the compulsive power of the world tree which is at the heart of your folklore behind it. There are a few options here. Complete submission: You submit to the heart and essentially the heart becomes your new character. No roll. Compromise: You attempt to integrate the heart into your society. Essentially it will become a part of the Swedish government. Except it will have power of veto and the ability to push the Swedish people to act in the heart’s interest. Roll and depending on the outcome you will lose a number of parts of government for each point under 10. If you roll a critical success then you will somehow manage to minimize its influence on the parliament. Opposition: You will seek to leave the heart behind. You will lose your new city and take damage. You will need to roll to escape and if you fail choose from the above options except now you would roll to compromise at a penalty. Surprise me: Propose something different. On the topic of the city and reactor you rolled a critical success. Now that you’ve founded your city you can give it two qualities at rank 0 or one quality at rank 2. Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han The dragon pays you little heed as you walk the path of your mandala. As you walk you feel a little calm reentering your spirit. Despite the chaos you had been caught in before on this solid ground you could walk the path. Mark the land with order and efficiency. Eventually you begin to feel more like yourself again and this helps provide you with the resolve to face the dragon. You make your way over to the great beast. Even though it had affected the appearance of sleep you sense that throughout your ritual one of its many eyes had been watching you. Now that you stand and wait before it it finally decides to pay full attention to you. Raising itself up you find that it is many times your size. It radiates power, yet you imagine that it is contained in this space in much the same way you are.  It is the first to speak. “You may ask me questions. I may choose whether or not to answer but if I do answer I will answer truthfully. However for every question you ask I may ask you a question in return that you may not refuse to answer and that you must answer truthfully.” The words it speaks feel binding. Iwsand-Uyca The party is swinging. Each room a different tempo, every comment another lyric. This is truly your element and as you weave your own suggestions into the hustle and bustle they seep in completely unnoticed. People continue in their revelry disregarding you even though everyone in your wake falls every so subtlety into your service. Actually it seems that your words are working a little too successfully. Before you realize it people are not just singing your praises, they are even pressing behind you. You realize that the little melody you had introduced to the party has changed. Someone has added an extra motif. In fact you realize it is quite beautiful. It takes what you had inserted subliminally and brought it to the front so that it was obvious. This had the effect of strengthening the party goers desire to help you but had also make you stand out in their minds and driven them to gather around you. By now it would be too hard to conceal yourself once more but you also sense no malice in the structure of the harmony. You needn’t fear the growing mob around you, but neither could you help being carried along by it.  Eventually the crowd drives you to a room pushing you inside but stopping at the door itself. Once you are inside the crowd disperses and the people return their business. Inside the room is a girl sitting on a throne. She seems to have two guards or take note of you casually but make no overt moves to approach you. You notice the girl on the throne hums the tune you had started but seems to be playing with it. Adding different riffs and counterpoints. She seems to be enjoying herself and doesn’t seem to have noticed your entry. The leader of the lost children is your NPC character so I’ll let you lead this conversation between her and your character. It’s up to your discretion if you feel that you need to roll or not for whatever you might seek from her as I’m still working out how far she would support or oppose you myself.
|
|
#
?
Jul 11, 2016 08:49
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy The Heart of Darkness made a grievous error in placing itself above all others, for the People of Sweden had been forever oppressed by a force far stronger than a mere demon in heaven: The Jantelagen. Do not presume to think you are anything special. Do not presume to think that you are better than us. Yet its power was great and they had, in their eagerness to settle where the Staff had shown them, wired the entire city into its core. They could not, would not dispose of it without at least holding a referendum. And so they apologized to the Heart for the inconvenience (for they were nothing if not formally polite) and went to the polls. [-2] Parliamentary Thaumocracy Roll the dice! What do the Swedish People want to do? [-2] Parliamentary Thaumocracy: 1d13 = 2 The Feminist Initiates (F!) The Ghost Pirate Party (GPP) <--- The Central Circle (C) The Clerical Demagogues (CD) The Liberal Liches (L) The Druids of the Green (G) The Moderate Mages (M) The Social Thaumaturges (ST) The Swedish Demonologists (SD) The Communist Cabal (CCCP) The Aesier Collective (AC) The Sapmí Ting (ST) The Heart Of Darkness (HD) Results showed an overwhelming support for the proposal from the Ghost Pirate Party, whose policies had always favoured personal freedom and copyright theft above all else. "Fellow Swedes!" Said Amelia Andersdotter (GPP), former member of the European Parliament before the Swedish Ascension, before she held a long and passionate speech that would latter be summarized in tweets for her more internet savvy audience. The gist of it, for those that lacked the patience to read even those was that whilst their enemy was powerful, it was a singular entity. And, just as an army of hacktivists could disable a powerful conglomerate supercomputer, so too could the Citizens of Sweden prevail over this overlording demon. The plan was twofold: First, they would attempt to distract it. An army of old ladies and teenagers went out in force, breaking or bending every rule in the Book of Etiquette in a carefully orchestrated mandala of mild irritation. Important wedding invites where forgotten, people stood to close to one another or tried to engage in conversation in a queue, someone forgot to take of their shoes of when entering someone else's home. Hot porridge was poured out on the tomt without first warning the little people. Even the cost of Fika wasn't properly split between all parties present at the kafe. As this feng shui of annoyance reached it's crescendo, a final message was tweeted, reaching all the way to Neo-Skansen where the Fenris Wolf was lounging with a Danish mermaid by a pool. (She had been on vacation in Kalmar during the previous ritual.) Twitter posted:"C'mere boy! Fetch!" [+2] Folklore to DDOS the Heart by being super rude all over the place, hopefully distracting it for long enough for The Fenris Wolf to come get the Staff back for us. Swedish Thaumocracy fucked around with this message at 16:04 on Jul 16, 2016 |
|
#
?
Jul 16, 2016 11:25
|
|
|
(Woof, school is killing me. Hopefully I'll be on track a little better this upcoming week!) Iwsand took her time entering the hall, pretending to be deeply engrossed in the twining vines in the heart of the long-dead angel. Within, she was all a-jangle, alarm and discomfort warring against her facade. Slowly, she soothed her racing hearts with the thought that ultimately, she had found who she had been seeking, and in the end it was only the results that mattered. That didn't stop her from wanting to grind her teeth down to nothing. [ Invoking Slow Tempo [-2] for being caught and forced into confrontation ] No sense hiding now. Iwsand swept straight down the pathway towards the throne, stopping smoothly as she saw the guards bristle in alarm. She allowed a smidgen of her divinity to shine through, but she didn't want to reveal herself completely. Not yet. For now, she opened her mouth and sang, wresting control of the song in a manner both controlling and playful - before bringing it to an abrupt end, leaving the final note ringing in the air. She had the girl's attention now - and then she applauded daintily, which only made Iwsand more irritable. She forced a pleased smile onto her face and began. ♬ You must be the one I seek, little one there on the throne ♬ ♬ My song - our song - has led me here, tone by tone by tone ♬ ♬ I come to you from far away, a stranger to your land ♬ ♬ I seek a guide to point my way - I ask and not demand ♬ This, too, was true and not true. She had come from far away, she did need a guide, and she was asking - but the girl's answer could invite... many different reactions. She readied herself for war. ♬ Of course, I ask not freely - a trade is most preferred ♬ ♬ A question for a question, a Queen's word for Queen's word ♬[ ♬ That man - up there - who rules the roost: ♬ ♬ What power has he here? ♬ ♬ A demiurge - that much, I've deduced ♬ ♬ But guard or puppeteer? ♬ She forced herself to continue, letting a little of her divine charm slip into her words. ♬ You have style and power, girl ♬ ♬ You wear it like a gown ♬ ♬ But hitch you cart to mine, girl ♬ ♬ And you'll wear a larger crown ♬ She wove a subtle suggestion into her music, nothing aggressive, just... images. Images of Iwsand standing at her side, supporting her from the shadows. Images of the girl standing triumphant over her rivals (the rivals themselves left blank for her to fill in herself), and leading her people towards a glorious and peaceful future. [ Invoking Entrancing [+2] to get Éponine to answer a few questions about the man in the central palace - and to set up some sort of mutually beneficial arrangement between us in the future. Dog Kisser fucked around with this message at 09:35 on Jul 20, 2016 |
|
#
?
Jul 20, 2016 04:12
|
|
|
Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han How curious. The dragon's motives were still opaque, but the bargain it proposed was as fair as anything Sub'han had heard so far since ascending to Heaven. He needed to learn more about the new world, for as the thousand mile commute began with but a single step so too did the massive undertaking of spanning an ocean require the basic knowledge of what forces were invested in the place. The ringsea had tossed him aside with ease, and there were no doubt powerful forces already ensconced within its depths. "What force rules this ocean?" He motioned, turning his head to the impossibly thin but somehow flexible shell of ice that now contained them. "Why?" I have no traits to throw and am content to abide by those terms. I'd like to know about major players/forces in the ocean, probably dudes who might have something to say or do about a highway bypass suddenly moving into town, and I'm also a little curious about our current location.
|
|
#
?
Jul 21, 2016 02:24
|
|
|
The Swedish Thaumocracy The Swedish people attempts to fight the control of the heart are admirable. Combining the might of technology and magic. The idea of a DDOS attack was something the heart had never encountered before. Suddenly unable to think it lashed out and 500,000 people dropped to their knees screaming, blood streaming from their eyes and ears. “You will serve your God.” Suddenly the swamp around them began to burst forth in growth. While before it had accepted the people’s tending now it rejected their touch. Buildings began to tumble. Monstrous bear-pigs and hippo-diles emerged from their surroundings and began striking people and smashing buildings. However, as the heart concerned itself with inflicting its wrath on the people. The Fenris Wolf came running to answer the call. Bounding across the sky in leaps that would cross continents in our world it suddenly arrived. Thrusting its head deep into the heart it bit deep into the viney mass as its center. It locked its jaws on the branch. But at that moment the heart itself began to pulse red. The red energy coursed like lightning up the wolf’s body and the wolf let out a moaning howl of pain. The wolf has succeeded in taking the Heart’s attention off the people of Sweden. They must choose to take damage to a stat or to the city. Then you can choose to attack or to do something else. Iwsand-Uyca ♬ Now who is this within my court? Seeking for a little sport. I must admit it’s been a while Since someone came to make me smile You make me laugh You really do When you stand and ask That I follow you Listen here, I’ll say this clear, The world around is built of fear Yet here you stand as bold as day. Well day has gone and night has come Welcome to the end of song Will you kneel and bend your neck Wear my seal within your head? ♬ Iwsand feels a great pressure on her back. Like something is forcing her to her knees. You stand in the midst of Eponine’s power and at the center of her attention. She seeks your submission. What will she do? Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han The dragon lets out a deep hearty laugh. “I am glad you will play my game. Introductions may be in order. You may call Avarice. First, the ocean has no ruler. The ocean itself lives. But like all living things it feels. I don’t know what injury you may have caused it, but my crime was love. I was the ocean’s wife. Or should I say husband? It’s hard to explain the exact nature of the relationship. Once upon a time I desired the ocean because it was greater than anything in this realm. It was over all the earth and touched all the planes. I thought it was perfect and the ocean found me acceptable. Perhaps it had never met someone who appreciated the sheer unimaginable scope of itself. However, as infinite, unstoppable and uncontainable as the ocean is it seems my weakness was greater. One day I looked up at the sky and I saw its scope. While the ocean touched all things in this realm, the sky was over everything in this realm. We had a tortuous, ecstatic affair. I don’t know if the sky wished to spite the ocean but it was happy to welcome me into its arms. At least The problem was I was unfaithful. Perhaps because I felt insignificant beside her magnificence. Perhaps because of my greed. One day I was in the center of the ocean enjoying her bounty. In those days she was peaceful and flat as a disc. But in my reverie she suddenly began to toss and turn. I was surprised and before I knew it she threw herself into a maelstrom, drawing the water out of the center of creation and forming the mighty river that now encircles it. Why this? This is the prison she created for me. Trapping me here, with just a taste of air and the sight of water to drive me insane. Always craving something. And now she has brought you here to me. Tell me. How may I possess you?”
|
|
#
?
Jul 21, 2016 09:10
|
|
|
A slow, genuine smile spread across her face as she resisted the power not a whit, sweeping elegantly to her knees. She spread her arms wide and allowed the pressure in her mind to overtake her. Somewhere far away, she heard the soft strains of a flute, and she was pleased. (Invoking nothing - just letting her take me. Let's see where this goes, shall we!)
|
|
#
?
Jul 21, 2016 09:48
|
|
|
Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han "To possess me? Simple. What is the plowman without his yoke, or driver without a wheel?" Sub'han laughed at the portentous question as he leaned back beside the dragon's great flank. "Were you a Great Vehicle of Transit you would possess me whole. Crossing Creation and driving lines we would follow the veins of power and guide the flow of the world. Where none exist we shall simply make our own. My heart and body would never physically leave you save in death or dire emergency." "My next question then, where can I find your suitors Sea and Sky now?" No joke bro, I would be totally yours if you were a bus. Kind of just climb in there and mostly don't leave except for occasional pit stops/refueling.  Pretty sure between the two of us we wouldn't need roads and it would be a totally baller eternal road trip.
|
|
#
?
Aug 5, 2016 21:45
|
|
|
Iwsand-Uyca Your submission brings a smile to her lips. Raising up her hands she beckons you in close embracing you and planting a kiss on your brow. Warmth suffuses you and you feel yourself enraptured in love for Eponine. She gets up from the throne she was sitting on and gestures for you to sit in it. In size she is slightly smaller than you and after you sit down she sets herself on your lap and wraps her arms behind your head and smiles. "Oh dearest. I'm always happy to have new godling friends! The city we live in is every day seeing new visitors, mortal and godling. All of us are thrown out on the streets with no guidance, no hope. It's only with time that I have managed to draw the Lost Children into some semblance of organization. What we need next is a place of our own. A city where we can truly govern and protect ourselves. So either we need to evict the denizen of the empty throne or find somewhere else to settle, do you think you could find somewhere we could call a home?" She looks into your eyes pouting slightly. Righteous Memorial Driver Sub'han The dragon Avarice smiles at you hungrily. "Sea surrounds us now. Truly I cannot say which direction sky lies in but should we escape sea I will introduce you. That is... If you will allow me to possess you whole! Be one with my belly!" The dragons claws enclose you before you know. You find yourself in its maw, the world disappearing quickly behind you. What do you do? Sorry for the long delay. Some family matters over summer but I should be able to update again now.
|
|
#
?
Aug 23, 2016 08:46
|
|
|
Hey! Between work and computer problems I hadn't noticed the update for this game. I'm still very much interested in playing if anybody else is. Buehler? Buehler?
|
|
#
?
Sep 24, 2016 17:25
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 26, 2024 10:04 |
|
|
Puppies are dicks posted:Hey! Between work and computer problems I hadn't noticed the update for this game. I'm still very much interested in playing if anybody else is. Buehler? Buehler? We talked in IRC a while back about how people had kind of lost a bit of passion for the game. I may reboot it under the K6BD RPG system at some point but unfortunately this game has gone out with a whimper.
|
|
#
?
Sep 25, 2016 02:23
|
|