Fantasy &nbsp; A World Anew

SirDerpingtonIV
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Right... how I appeared to the mortal after hiding away Detz hadn't truly crossed my mind. Not that I could be blamed for it of course, after all, I was in quite a hurry. Had I not done something about it, this mortal would have been driven mad by Detz, no doubt about it! Plus, even in a hurry and with my limited access to my former curses, I had to say I had a stellar job at masking Detz, aura, visual and sound! Now if only I could mask the rest of his foo-

I only felt that divine presence moments before it crashed through the wall, not so much in a "shattering" sense, but more "phasing", but nonetheless enough to startle the mortal quite a bit, and who indeed could fault her losing her balance in the face of a giant snake just suddenly materializing there? Even then, her resolution was uncanny for a mortal, quickly throwing me away in hopes of sparing this body from damages. Though I wasn't particularly fond of the thought of being thrown out like one might toss ashes of the fallen onto the wind, I could certainly appreciate her sentiment. This body rolled on the ground, covered by the thinnest layer of divine protection to keep it unharmed. I considered creating some artificial injuries to mimic the fall I was supposed to have just had, but I was untimely distracted by Detz's little act, splitting himself and beggining his 'diagnosis' of the huntress's condition, ending with him breaking the curse I'd placed to hide him.

Well, it was done. With three gods present, only one yet to reveal herself, but with Detz's careless words it was only a matter of time before my disguise was fully peeled off. I doubted Vez'Arai would cooperate with me either. I had no reason for him to, even if there was such a thing as a reason he'd accept from Morois. So, all in all, I better at least cut my losses. From what Detz had said, the woman's wounds were in a worse state than I realized. I knew she couldn't be in any good state, especially not after a battle with the monkey and that fall as well, but now I knew the true gravity of it. Put another way, it's one would call an "arbitrage opportunity". I got up, no longer bothering to hide the fact no harm had come to this body, and divine energy began flunctuating in my ....hand....

I spun right around in a flash.

"You don't know the name MOROIS?!" None had heard my name in this region? I had not expected worshippers everywhere, but to even lack knowledge of my very name, how disgraceful! Even as a foe, certainly I ought to be worthy of aknowledgement? But, with the snake talking to the mortal, trying to get her good side... what little of it there was... I was not about to be outdone! I closed my fist, growling to myself, until I finally reached it out to the woman again. "Then learn my name well, mortal, for it is the name of one who is about to save spare you. Pay heed to the blessings of Morois!"

The power flowed out from my fingers, unaging her body about a day, all the damage that had been done up until now began erased out of her body as if they had never existed. As a little bonus, I even made sure to add a bit of power as I sealed her wounds and mended her bones, a small blessing to make them better, faster, stronger than before. She better be grateful after this!

Next, I pointed at Detz with my thumb.

"That one is Detz, the god that presides over the domain of chance since you were inclined to inquire, mortal. It would appear that he desired to play with the creatures whose lives you've hunted. However, Detz, fret not!" I turned to the god, or the closest of his copies to my field of vision at least, and opened my arms. "I may have it be that Koma will recreate for you that which was lost. Such creatures are easy to replace. And if it is in the chance of their creation, if the arbitrary nature of what they were is what brought you excitement, then I'm sure she would be be more than happy to provide."

I looked over to the mortal huntress as well.

"And of course, just as I could have her provide for Detz, she will no doubt provide you with the challenges you seek. I could still bring you to those spread, already spawned, of course. Well, truthfully any of us could supply monstrosities, but among the pantheon, the ones with the most experience in the matter are certainly Koma, and two others. The goddess that spawned the worldtree, and the goddess of the hunt."

Now, then, I suppose it was time I addressed the snake's earlier question.

"Now, then, Vez'Arai, I thought surely you would understand this approach I took in dealing a mortal, even if I know you have no love for me in your heart. Is it not more genuine, to hear the responses from a mortal unbound by the weight of divine presence? To command mortals, or provide blessing or seek worship, then my true form might be appropriate. But if it is to learn about them, or seek something more genuine to their hearts, then a disguise seems to be the correct one, lest I need to curse them to speak the words of their hearts."

Of course, I did seek out the huntress's strength to add to my Omua, in time. But to reach an individual, one would have to understand the individual as well.

SirDerpingtonIV · Dec 17, 2019

The Serpent's eye turned in the socket, its gaze focussing on the 'child.' The eyes of the Serpent saw all, and saw through all. "Morois, you know who I am. You need not lie of it." The Serpent moved slightly forward, its gaze fully on the disguised goddess. "And why obscure yourself from this Huntress? Why hide within the form of a child to speak with them?" The Serpent's questions were simple, its gaze sharp. He did not trust her, speaking with this mortal. Morois rarely had good intent, and her care for mortals seemed non-existent at most times. Whatever she planned for this one, it would not be to their benefit.

The Serpent then found itself surprised as the Huntress tumbled down the rocks, hitting the ground with pain. It turned its gaze to her, concern on its collosal features. Through flesh and muscle it saw bone, examined her injuries. "Your bones are not in the best shape, but you have internal bleeding, torn muscles." it cautioned, turning its gaze back to her face. "I know the nature of those who partake in the hunt, independent, ambitious, creative. You value your own accomplishments. Should you wish, I may offer you healing for your injuries. If not, I can simply inform you of how to fix them." His voice was mellow, his size colossal, yet he spoke as if he were simply a man in the room, without any excess in volume or tone. The Serpent looked on with displeasure as Morois took these actions as... harm to her ego, and proceeded to heal the human.

Then, the Serpent turned to look at Detz. "Monkeys, you say? How interesting." The Snake turned and gazed through the walls, examining the temple for the corpses of the creatures. They were most curious indeed, large, strong, and with many curious traits to make them deadly opponents, especially for a human. "But do calm, Detz. More monkeys can be procured if you wish. This Huntress killed them for she aspired to."

At last, the Serpent's eye focused back on the huntress. "You ask, and I answer. I am Vez'Arai, God of Creativity, Freedom, Serpents, and other things. Morois is the being who hid as the child, and Detz is a... chaotic God who is shielded from your eyes, or... was." The Serpent suddenly shrunk vastly in size, hanging in the air in the room in its ethereal form. It was still large, but it was able to fully hold the gaze of the huntress now, instead of being an eye on the wall. "And I have come seeking you, Huntress. Your creativity, your drive... they intrigue me." He nodded to Morois, an upturned smirk on his lips. "Morois here reminded me, that this creatures and their like are not without others, and you not without other hunters." The Serpent projected forth an image of the Goddess of the Hunt, letting it hang between himself and the human. "This is Tamati, the Goddess of all the Hunt. Familiar with her identity or not, she laid out a challenge, hundreds of years ago. That the greatest of all Hunters would slay her, and take her place." The Serpent blinked once, twice. "I have a feeling you may be capable of this, should you wish to pursue it. And if you do, I offer my aid. I plan not to simply fight her for you, or even along side you. Instead, I'll provide you... the means to grow." It paused for a moment, before seeming to finally take notice of the bow. "And I would request you lower the weapon. I have no intent of challenging you."

Idea · Dec 17, 2019

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Morois

Blunder! Why did such a thought not occur to me? Or perhaps I simply missed my chance. But indeed, to hunt the very goddess of the hunt herself, what greater thrill and greater challenge could the heart of that battle-maniac mortal desire? There was no question that the snake would now fall in this mortal's good graces. I would have to get in on this now, although it did mean casting away my previous hopes. Still, to miss such an opportunity, to possibly allow this mortal to truly side with the snake and not myself, if she could ascend to godhood it would be utter foolishness. Ah, so much salvaging I had to today! What a slavedriver fate was!

"Well, uh, certainly, Tamati would be a glorious prey, and as far as ascention goes, a willing one. I might have suggested it myself if it was within my authority, but more importantly, it seems rash to undertake such a thing immediately. Once one has tasted of the greatest meat and the greatest wine, the flavors of the others will be as if diminuished. Surely challenging greater and greater threats, gradually, rather than jumping immediately to hunt the very goddess that presides over the domain of the hunt itself, would be more enjoyable?"
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SirDerpingtonIV
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Solirus

Blunder! Why did such a thought not occur to me? Or perhaps I simply missed my chance. But indeed, to hunt the very goddess of the hunt herself, what greater thrill and greater challenge could the heart of that battle-maniac mortal desire? There was no question that the snake would now fall in this mortal's good graces. I would have to get in on this now, although it did mean casting away my previous hopes. Still, to miss such an opportunity, to possibly allow this mortal to truly side with the snake and not myself, if she could ascend to godhood it would be utter foolishness. Ah, so much salvaging I had to today! What a slavedriver fate was!

"Well, uh, certainly, Tamati would be a glorious prey, and as far as ascention goes, a willing one. I might have suggested it myself if it was within my authority, but more importantly, it seems rash to undertake such a thing immediately. Once one has tasted of the greatest meat and the greatest wine, the flavors of the others will be as if diminuished. Surely challenging greater and greater threats, gradually, rather than jumping immediately to hunt the very goddess that presides over the domain of the hunt itself, would be more enjoyable?"

Since The Order Of How Things Are Happening in Mine and Vez's recent posts may be a bit confusing, here's how I intended them

1. From the start of my prior post to "This body rolled on the ground, covered by the thinnest layer of divine protection to keep it unharmed. I considered creating some artificial injuries to mimic the fall I was supposed to have just had, but I was untimely distracted by Detz's little act, splitting himself and beggining his 'diagnosis' of the huntress's condition, ending with him breaking the curse I'd placed to hide him."

2. Start of Derp's post until "His voice was mellow, his size colossal, yet he spoke as if he were simply a man in the room, without any excess in volume or tone."

3. The rest of my previous post

4.the rest of Derp's post

5.This post

Solirus · Dec 17, 2019

DetzWyej

Detz after putting himself back together listened to what the others had to say, while still moving around and exploring the area, it seemed cracked and appeared like it had been hit by a meteor in the entrance which had been called down by a God in an effort to keep monkeys inside, yet Detz couldn’t exactly tell why it was like that, maybe he’d never know or maybe he would remember the events that happened a couple minutes ago, but Detz couldn’t bother with that anymore, for he was INTERESTED in what the not so colossal Snek and Morois were saying.

“Oh that sure seems like an… interesting… idea.” Detz said talking more slowly than his usual self, “hmmm, I assume, it can be fun to watch her attempt this great... task.”

Detz paused and looked directly at the mortal, “Well, might you at least tell us your name and a bit about yourself, we wouldn’t want to help out the WRONG mortal.” Detz said as his moved closer to the Mortal and extended his hand. “Name is DetzWyej for full name, but please do refer to me as Detz in the meantime.” Detz kept holding his hand out waiting for the mortal to shake his hand. “Oh, and don’t try to LIE to us, we WILL, know if you are.” DetzWyej said in a seeming passive aggressive tone.

Juju · Dec 17, 2019

Sana'a hummed to herself, poking at the coral beneath her. The colours changed at her touch, the textures growing soft and jagged at her whim. It would normally captivate all of her attention, but right now her mind kept shifting back to Khades and his words.

Words are just wind, she told herself, but those ones had gravity. She chewed on her lip and frowned. Why did the other gods have to hurt the innocent when they were mad at each other? It was the common thread. First was the moon, when Morois was angry at Lunar, and now Khades and The Serpent threatened to hurt the very world they had all made together. Why? It did not make any sense to Sana'a.

The moon had made her sad, but there was something different this time. More was at stake here. The moon had been a bud in spring, Naurmm was a tree in full blossom. In her mind's eye Sana'a could see the blackened blades of grass, catch the scent of decay on the lunar breeze. The dark writhing condensed at the bottom of her stomach.

"No. Don't be thinking like that. This will turn out ok!" she mumbled to herself. It was easier to believe something when you said it out loud, as if hearing it somehow made it a reality.A sudden wind caught her attention. Sana'a turned her head to see a member of The Fast, who bowed. She sprung to her feet and clapped her hands happily.

"Hello! Thank you for arriving so quickly! Oh, um, no need to bow!" she smiled, waving dismissively in front of her, "But could you please tell us where Vez'arai is? We saw him leap towards the eastern lands but do not know where."

seasonedcat

Snackofthefuture · Dec 18, 2019

-THE MADUIN-

In the northern lands of Arragreya, forgotten by all the gods save one, a civilization rises. The towering mountains and desolate icy wastes of the northern pole allow none but the strong to survive. Temperatures in this desolate land get so low normal humans often need magic or an excessive amount of protective gear to bear even an hour of the cold. However, despite this harsh demeanor, Arragreya is home to much life, from roaring dragons to skeletal Moxisaurs to the hardened Maduin and the wondrous Icethorn. This harsh landscape has forged the Maduin into a unified front, organized together as a force for expansion and the good of the community. Eleven major cities dot the map of Arragreya, with countless outposts, strongholds and minor cities to follow up. The capital, known as Uruk is located within and around the tallest singular mountain on the continent, buildings and towers jut out around the whole mountain, spires, and bridges connecting the many forts and buildings inside the structure and outside.

Within Uruk and the fortresses of the north The Maduin gather, an army of hardened warriors equipped with bone and steel, guided by the voice of their great warrior-leader Furell and the Sentinel of the North Eradac. Furell, an ancient Maduin of considerable strength bears a weapon named "Gristle" forged from the metals of Mt. Uruk and the bone of an Arragreyan Spite Dragon; A beast known for its nearly unbreakable bones and long jagged spinal blades. Definitely not the sort of dragon one would want to ride. Eradac wields the sword, "Inferno", a flaming blade said to have been taken from a powerful Ashborne warlord near the beginning of the world. Furell Will guide the defense of Arragreya and Eradac will lead the offensive forces of the Maduin. The forges and foundries of the nation roar with the burning fires of blacksmiths and craftsmen. Armor, weapons, siege engines and all manner of war accouterments are being built in the caverns of the winter ravaged nation.

Watching from high above the capital, The god of Death and Transportation paced through the atmosphere. Back and forth, back and forth the god went walking through the air like he was on solid ground. He was impatient for the Maduin to be ready, he wouldn't send them out unprepared but his patience was beginning to wear thin. The Maduin would be deployed eventually but for the time being, he waited, waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. Of course, the Vezsinai would need protection and the other peoples of the lands would need to be watched out for. There was much to keep an eye on in this buildup to war. Kiru also needed to find some allies, communication with the other gods would need to be broached soon.

jmann · Dec 18, 2019

Khades soared back towards his home, the Sanctum of Khades shone brightly with the Beacon of the Everspark loomed high above. His target was not the Beacon, however, his target was his Pyrekin. Pyrekin Vyndarth was not in the Bursting Bog as usual, rather she was found amongst the tribes of the Sundered Peaks. Khades latched onto the side of the Sanctum and focused his vision down upon her. She looked to be talking with two clan leaders, the head of the Dreyikga (Dragontooth) Clan and the head of the Triggsdyr (Forsaken) Clan. The two seemed to be adamant on killing each other, though every time they tried they were thrown back by a torrent of flame dispersed from the crown atop Vyndarth’s head. After many hours she managed to calm them down and they parted ways.

Then something peculiar happened, the two Clan leaders reappeared with their entire clans at the ready. One-hundred-and-fourteen against ninety-one, an unfair fight. Then they began walking north, all as one big Conclave. Vyndarth nodded to the Clan leaders and went off towards another. Khades extended his spirit and spoke directly into Vyndarth’s mind.
“I congratulate you on your work with the Dreyikga and the Triggsdyr Clans. You know my plan, don’t you?”
Vyndarth looked around carefully before spotting the large dracon draped across the Sanctum.
“I know the Serpent must be stopped, Cinder King,” she kneeled.
“Stand, fool,” Khades growled mentally, “meet me in the Sanctum,”

Pyrekin Vyndarth came to the Sanctum and the two conversed. Khades discovered how she knew of his plan, apparently he would talk in his thousand year sleep. Vyndarth was filled in on the other details, she did not know to wait on his signal, nor that others would be joining the fray. The topic of food was brought up, Khades knew the Ashborne could not survive on meagre game on the path to war. The Ashborne did not consume plant matter like others, so they couldn’t stockpile the plants on the path through the vibrant lands of Makipola. So Khades focused his mind. He tapped the Everspark and it shone brighter, filling the room with radiant light. Khades focused on his people, once starving and famished. He focused on a solution. A great hunt. Twelve stones dropped from the Everspark into his draconic palm. He dropped the stones down onto Vyndarth who pocketed them.
“These stones shall summon a great hunt, one to feed the masses,”
And so they began to march, a great odyssey of the Ashborne. All sixty thousand of them. Soon they would breach Makipola, then the great Sea of Sand. Hopefully Tsuquena had done her job.

———————————

Brekkrus the Ravenous had been walking for days, weeks, perhaps even months. He would have ripped his stomach from his body if the act would not kill him. Brekkrus had feasted upon mountain goat, large birds, even a travelling Ashborne. Nothing helped to settle his eternal curse, the Ashborne had been strong and thus satiated his hunger momentarily. Brekkrus had twice evaded a gargantuan beast of murderous rage, a beast of orange quills and large thick horns. The first time he had attempted to hunt and devour it, a mistake indeed. The Spear of the Bloodstarved that pierced and killed any beast it hit merely bounced off the creature’s hide. Khades... only such a deranged god could derive such an invincible beast. Khades cursed Brekkrus to constantly search for more powerful opponents to help quench his hunger, and now he had created a monster so powerful he could not defeat it.
The second time Brekkrus encountered the beast he dubbed Kragtok’a (an Ashborne word meaning ‘The Inevitable End’), he had been sleeping. The cave he had rested in had collapsed under the beast’s weight from above and the chase began anew. Brekkrus lost it further in the wind in caverns of the mountains.

Brekkrus had seen sand before on the coast of the continent, it was grey, sharp, and not unlike gravel. But the sand he encountered in his travel was red, fine, and foreign. Amongst the vast sea of this strange sand were pillars and mountains of similar red rock. A land of blood stone and sand. What disturbed him more, however, was the travelling band of strange looking people. They had many different coloured skin colours but they all wore dark cowls and cloaks. They had horns and some even sported tails. The snake-people! The Vez’Sinai! Brekkrus’ hunger soared and he doubled over in pain. He needed a plan if he was to dine on alien flesh. He looked through the sand and found a small rock. Brekkrus threw the rock behind him with all his strength in hopes of luring Kragtok’a to chase him.
“Run!” Brekkrus cried as he ran from his hiding place towards the snake-people, “Run from the Kragtok’a!”

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Solirus · Dec 19, 2019

Hwan

Hwan stopped bowing and looked directly at the Goddess while she requested for the location of what Lord DetzWyej would refer to as Big Snek or Papa Snek. “Well locating things isn’t my speciality, but I can tell you that Vez’arai is currently with two more Gods, one being Morois and the other my Lord. The exact location should be around...” Hwan raised a finger and slowly began pointing with his finger until it came to a sudden stop “exaclty to that direction inside a cave and apparently interested… in a MORTAL?!” Hwan exclaimed seemingly baffled and offended. “Oh sorry for saying in such a rude manner. Go over there and you will find him, if you do it quickly, of course.”

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Juju · Dec 20, 2019

VenariAt this point Venari was running on adrenaline and stubborn willpower, but when the beast commented on her condition she had no choice but acknowledge her wounds. She collapsed onto a knee, the edges of her vision burning a foggy red. Even the act of breathing became a torturous ordeal. Her bowstring grew lax, but she never let go of her bow. To keep herself from passing out she listened to the giant beast.

It offered to heal her wounds, earning a huff of amusement from the huntress. "Spare me... your pity. I can...handle this..."

So many stray thoughts were running in her head. Is this real? Man, I'd kill for some water. Damn, I wanted to take on that creature. What a shit place to die. Can't believe I fell for that crappy kid. All of them were interrupted when Detz began snapping their fingers in front of her face. Venari glared at the faceless being. It had no eyes, and threatened to turn her into a plant. How was it even talking? Nevermind that. What were the strange vibes coming off of it? The hairs on the back of her neck were prickling. It was powerful, like the cat-like eye peering from the stone, but being tact was never Venari's strength.

"I killed the apes to see who was stronger. Guess it was me." A self-satisfied grin made its way onto her face, somewhat tarnished when she fell into a coughing fit.

Someone approached her, speaking in a vaguely familiar voice. It turned out to be a youthful girl, who was upset that Venari did not know her name. Considering the little kid was nowhere in sight, Venari assumed this to be the true form of Morois. Was she a spirit? A servant of Dayne? Venari sensed the power in her hand even before she saw it glinting between the girl's fingers. Before Venari could even object, a tingling sensation spread throughout her body, like being submerged in hot wax. She shuddered from it, but felt no pain. In awe, she looked to her hands, seeing the gashes seal themselves and the bruises disappear. The nasty cut on her shoulder was gone and her legs felt their strength return. Strangely, a few scrapes remained on her hands, from the sharp rocks she had climbed to get to this cave. Venari gingerly got to her feet, amazed by the lack of pain or fatigue. She held her bow in front of her, drawing back the string slowly to test her arms. It was as if she never fought the apes at all. The thought triggered a tremor of anger in her chest.

"I didn't need your help!" Venari grumbled, only to realize that Morois was now consoling this Detz figure about the dead monkeys. Venari went quiet, blinking at the conversations that were going on. After their brief introductions, Venari eyed each of them, eyes glinting with curiosity rather than anger for once. "You...are all gods? So Dayne is not the 'One True God', as it is told..."

Perhaps a few moments ago she could have questioned this, but her healed wounds were a true miracle. Did this mean that what her people knew as 'spirits' could very well be gods? There was Moro, the trickster that shapeshifted from an ugly toad into a beautiful woman, luring men into streams and turning them into ugly beasts. Venari narrowed her eyes, staring at Morois suspiciously. The story-keepers never said anything about him looking like a little kid. Then again, he was a trickster. Strangely, there were no tales of Detz or anything that might hint at the faceless god. Her people did believe in good and bad fortune, but it did not have a form or name.

The human valley offered many game for a huntress but over time Venari had bested them all. Even slaying her fellow species had lost its thrill. She had become a top predator, should have been the top predator after her slaughter of the ape. Now she saw that she was merely a mouse when compared to these gods. One might feel terror to know that anyone of these gods had the power to crush her, but Venari felt abuzz with excitement. There was something else beyond the beasts of the valley. More challenges like the ape she had slain. This Koma, whoever that was, was even able to create more!

"She can create more creatures like the ape!? What monsters are there? Who is the world tree?" Venari asked Morois, eyes alight and a dark grin smile on her face. Of course, that did not last long. When the serpent shrank suddenly, Venari was quick to pick up the movement and turned to meet the possible threat. In one smooth motion, she drew an arrow and turned her aim towards the now smaller serpent. Serpentine spirits were always silver-tongued, although never lied. They could, however, dance around truths to lower your guard. To this, Venari kept a careful eye on the god when it spoke to her.

It was named Vez'arai, and summoned a silent, still being. This Tamati looked like an elegant combination of human and beast, sporting keen ears and claws, making up for the weaknesses of Venari’s kind. She was the goddess of the hunt, the true form of the very spirit Venari honoured. The huntress fell ghostly still, her bow lowering from Vez'arai. A challenge to kill her? Venari hung on the serpent's every word, her eyes never leaving the image of Tamati. For years she had been wandering the lands, trying to satiate a hunger with no end. Now she understood what she had been seeking all this time. Venari slowly reached out a hand, trying to touch the goddess, only for it to pass through. An illusion. It was like those colourful street magics she had seen in one of the human cities, its name forgotten to her.

"I will do it! I shall seek this Tamati, this I swear it by the moon and stars and by the two suns.” Venari declared, grinning in determination. At the serpent’s request, she finally slung her bow over her shoulder. It was not like her arrows could do much to them. Yet.

She turned to Morois, the fire in her eyes never dimming. “You are right, all prey pale before her. This is to be the greatest hunt of all! I will bring down her champions, and then I shall seek the great Tamati!”

Shortly after declaring the start of her quest, the one named Detz asked about her name and warned her not to lie.

"Even if your friend, Morois, lied to me?" she quirked a brow and then sighed, "Eh, it's not like I have anything to lie about anyway. Call me Venari."

A handshake seemed simple enough. Venari took his hand and suddenly she couldn't breathe, hear or see. There was nothing but dark infinity. No warmth existed here, yet Venari felt no cold. It was like every one of her senses had been nullified. Not even her heart, alive with ambition not but a moment before, vibrated in her chest. At any given time you were always touching something, but now Venari had nothing to hold on to. It was like falling without an up or down. Few things made Venari panic, but this...nothingness, it truly disturbed her. Whatever this was, it was not meant for any mortal.

The huntress stumbled back, letting go of Detz's hand and covering her eyes. The light of the cave was dim at best, but even that was a blinding sun when compared to the void. Her breath came back as a soft gasp, which quickly became a growl of annoyance.

"I didn't lie!" she bristled, glaring at Detz once her eyes had readjusted. Perhaps it was foolish to even trust the gods at all. Morois had already proven that gods were not beyond trickery.

Solirus · Dec 21, 2019

DetzWyej

DetzWyej simply moved his hand back as the mortal Venari stumbled to the ground with an expression of surprise compared to her early confidence. “Oh don’t worry, I know you didn’t lie… I simply believe that a part of me just really doesn’t like you.” Detz said calmly. “Now, let’s get to the point. You want to eventually be able to hunt the Goddess of the hunt, who I must admit has been surprisingly idle considering her role.”

Detz began moving around as he normally did, “Now, as a mortal, your chances of pulling this off in your current state are, hehe, well, they’re about as close to zero as a reality can get.” In that moment Detz walked behind one of the rocks, disappearing from Venari’s sights and appearing behind her, putting his right hand on her shoulder. “However, we could at the very least prepare you buy somewhat training you, perhaps by having you not only train in hunting, but also just combat and endurance training, necessary… .”

Detz stopped talking and removed his hand from Venari’s shoulder. “Oh sorry, I must have gone rambling again, this is all if you want our help of course, we aren’t forcing you to do anything, though I could personally help you train in two ways: Either hunting a beast in the Journey’s End or just a simple game of KILLING ME.” Detz said with an awkward excited tone. “Oh sorry, the second one is just something of a personal desire of me, I just want to have the feeling that someone is actively trying to kill me since I hadn’t felt it for a VERY long time, and oddly enough, I can enjoy it. But of course, you wouldn’t be getting rid of me completely, just maybe this body.” Detz said presenting his current form, “or at least this one in the infinitely many and I also offer this as a sort of apology for what happened previously no.”

Detz resumed walked up to the two other Gods, “Of course, you two also have ideas of your own, the more the better, especially considering she'll need to be prepared for everything... wow I should really shut up.” Detz finally shut himself up and decided to lay down on the ground waiting and listening to everyone else, secretly hoping he would have a reason to keep talking.

SirDerpingtonIV · Dec 27, 2019

The Serpent watched, silent as the other two gods in the room spoke to this Huntress, this Venari. Morois spoke of not getting into this immediately. It was wise advice, but such did not come from Morois without her own motives. The Serpent turned its gaze from the Goddess of Youth to the mortal Huntress. "I trust this mortal to only take up the task when ready to do so. Her readiness is something with which I can aid, if her desire would be." The Serpent blinked, pulling its head back slightly, turning its gaze then to Venari. The mortal was interesting, and he would act to keep Morois from digging her claws into this one. Detz... Vez'Arai wasn't sure why Detz was here, or why Detz did anything. Attempting to even figure out such was doubtlessly a fool's errand.

Then, the Serpent turned its gaze to Venari as she was next to speak. "Your will is to be admired, Venari. As is your willingness to not shoot me," the Serpent spoke, a deep, rumbling laugh leaving its throat. It was... odd to watch a giant snake laugh, but it did so regardless. "Whenever you feel ready to begin your hunt, I shall tell you the location of your quarry, the Goddess of Hunts." The conversation was simple, and the Serpent watched, its mind wandering. He had plans, for his people, for the future, and most importantly, for the Goddess of the Moon. Ever since she had fallen from grace, the Serpent had considered a particular idea. Perhaps, just perhaps, he could... reforge her in a new image, renew her strength. A God of the moon, of vengeance, and of mercy. A god who offered justice to those for whom the system could not provide it, for those who wished to take it to their own hands, to slay the foul creatures who lurked beyond the reach of justice.

The Serpent was suddenly, and without much grace, brought back into the conversation as Venari and Detz touched, startling the mortal. The Serpent let out an exasperated sigh. "Detz, it would be much appreciated if you did not attempt to mentally scare her," he spoke, with the dull, almost tired tone of a parent. "She admittedly has little reason to trust us after being lied to extensively by Morois. We should not be angry with her for it." The Serpent turned, its gaze moving from Detz to Venari, and back again. "Yes, training in all manner of things, we shall provide to you. For, as great a warrior as you are now, you cannot take on Tamari. Not now, not yet. You need preparation, as do all things. And do let us know, what you would desire."

jmann · Dec 31, 2019

With Vyndarth’s food issue solved, Khades marched outside to see all his Ashborne congregating. There were no formations of any kind, they just all huddled in a large group.
With a beat of his mighty wings Khades launched himself up to the peak of the Sanctum, right beside the shining Beacon.
“Ashborne!” Khades bellowed, “The chosen of I, Khades, your God! Today we march on the the Serpent! Today we begin our long journey to victory, and freedom from its tyrannical maw! Today, Ashborne, each and every one of you will prove yourselves the ultimate warriors! So let us march! In but fifteen short moons we besiege the desert clans of the Vez’Sinai! AND WE SHALL BE TRIUMPHANT! AND YOU, THE HEROES OF NRAUMM AND SAVIOURS OF LIBERTY! SO MARCH, ASHBORNE, MARCH AND PROVE TO ALL THE WORLD THAT THE YOU ARE NOT TO BE RIVALLED! AND THE ASHBORNE SHALL TAKE THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE AS THE STRONGEST WARRIORS IN ALL THE COSMOS!”
Khades let out a roar of a thousand thunderclaps heard across Nraumm. Across the world, mountains began to spew ash and smoke to blacken the sky and drown the weak and unworthy in molten fury.
Teros, who had long since lost any form of sentience and reason, halted his bashing to answer the call to war. Tsuquena has been sulking in a cave on the eastern continent, on hearing the call of battle, emerged from her cave and travelled across the seas, carrying with her a wave of water over thirty metres tall. The Ashborne charged into the Bursting Bog, eager to prove themselves by killing all the beasts they could. Perhaps if they had a method of preserving the food they could survive on that meat, not just on the artefacts Khades had gifted Pyrekin Vyndarth.

The journey was long and painful, for the Ashborne that is. When the meat spoiled and the game fled, they resorted to one of the six artefacts. It was an excitable boy named Vicnae who first crushed a Gem of Engorgement, he grew and grew, arms turning into hideous tentacles, his head splitting into one gargantuan maw. The hunt was on. It took over a day just to kill the monstrosity, and two more to harvest it. Khades hadn’t planned for this...

After a grand feast they pushed on, hauling as much food as they could, the Ashborne pushed into the wilderness beyond the Bursting Bog. There were more Ashborne to feed than Khades he planned for, and they ran short of their gems on the ninth day. Khades began to panic, if the Ashborne died before they reached their destination, Khades would have only Tartarus’ troops to count on, and why was Morois bickering with a council of other gods when a war was commencing? He needed to protect his Ashborne first and foremost, so Khades sought answers where he always found them. In the Everspark. Khades looked inwards and meditated. The Ashborne lives were fleeting and they would wilt before long if Khades could not assist them. The Everspark resisted Khades plea, if the Ashborne die, they are weak it told him. He tried to bargain that it was not their fault the surrounding landscape was barren of life but the gem only glowed a dark crimson in defiance. Khades would have ripped the infernal crystal from his chest if he knew the act would not kill him. Then a thought came to him. Like a firework in his mind, the gears clicking finally back into place. He recalled his master plan that evaded him for so long. In a flash, Khades willed his presence into the Everspark. He imagined not the Everspark in his chest but rather the opposite. Suddenly he found himself not in the air above his people, but in the air above a crackling landscape of fire and brimstone. Flaming rocks soared through the air and crashed into the magma below. Khades knew of a location somewhere north where mortals could survive the treacherous conditions. He flew north and found a vast sea of boiling lava, despite the heat he knew something could become of this place. Khades dipped a hardened talon into the lava and found stone beneath it. As he dragged his claw from the depth and with it came an island of rock. It formed a natural cavern that drained of lava and was significantly cooler than the exterior.

“This will be safe,” Khades said to himself. But something didn’t feel right. He felt his chest and felt no Everspark. No raging crystal. Just an open wound that was slowly being cauterised by the flames outside. Khades forced himself back out of the Everspark into Nraumm, the cool air was bone chilling.

“Come, my people! I have found your salvation!”
The Ashborne began to huddle around him, and although they were fearful, they ultimately understood when Khades opened his mouth unnaturally wide and began to swallow the Ashborne a dozen at a time. He felt the Everspark grow and press against his flesh painfully by the last few Ashborne to fall into his maw and travel between realms to the Everspark, and to the Isle he had pulled from the sea. Khades beat his wings and flew high into the air. He circled around the desert and descended without the Serpent. What a glorious surprise it would be. Khades landed in the sand and called forth the will of the Everspark, slowly he regurgitated the Ashborne onto the hot sand.
“Go forth, children of Ash, go and burn their homes to cinders! Crush the stone and kill any survivors!”

The Everspark began to hum with glee.

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Solirus · Jan 5, 2020

DetzWyej

Detz remained laying down, overthinking the fact that he talked for a bit too much and even thinking if he should keep his mouth shut forever. Though the thoughts came to and end when the mighty and overly loud roar of Khades was heard all across Nraumm and possibly even further if sound could travel through space. “ oh hoho man, he’s actually doing it. The mad god, he actually did it.” Detz quickly turned his gaze to Vez. “Yeah, I think you should maybe protect your stuff man, unless you want you race deep fried or even completely burnt off existence.”

Without paying much attention he moved his gaze towards Morois, only to realize she wasn’t there. “Gah, sneaky Goddess, I was wondering if she was also deceiving Khades, well, I guess that answers my question… for the most part.”

Immediately, Detz dashed towards Venari getting a bit too close to her face. “And you my friend, will need someone to train you. Obviously we can’t send you to the battlefield, you’ll most likely die. Thus I have taken the great responsibility to train you.” Without letting Venari even mutter a word, Detz threw a blanket on top of both of them, teleporting near and on top the soon to be battlefield. Venari not being able to fly, began rapidly falling down, only to be caught by Detz. “To be sure we don’t disturb the battle but are still able to see it, so I’ll be creating a small circular transparent arena with a radius of 20 meters.” Detz Snapped his fingers and let Venari go, Dropping her on a solid she couldn’t see.

“Also, try not to break it, though, i’d make my day if you did try to. Anyway, here’s the deal” Detz said descending until landing on the transparent ground. “First test. Kill me. I won’t fight back, I won’t use my godly powers, I’ll simply dodge. Oh and after that, you’ll have a sparring match if you don’t mind. So without further ado, let’s begi-” Detz said only to get distracted by the battle that was going on. “Oh man, that’s gotta hurt.” Detz kept saying, leaving himself open to attacks and exposed.

SirDerpingtonIV · Jan 6, 2020

Some Vez'Sinai

The group of travellers were shielded by cowl and robes from the biting wind, walking along with walking staff and map. They had just finished mapping out another cave system, and now returned to the great city. Yet, half way through their journey, they were interrupted by a commotion, and an Ashborne running their way. He seemed fearful, and very rarely had they ever known an Ashborne to be afraid of anything. They gathered together, seeing the horrific beast chasing the man. One, the eldest among them, waved Brekkrus along. "Come, with us, Ashborne!" he cried out, leading the others down between cracks in the ancient red pillars of rock, down into what seemed only to be a simple cleft in the rock. Yet, as Brekkrus entered the space after them, it opened up into a large, albeit dark cave. The group of Vez'Sinai settled in the room's center, one casting a simple light spell to illuminate them. They laid out their maps and supplies, worriedly glancing to the entrance.

"What was that beast, friend?" One spoke, holding out a small pouch to Brekkrus. Inside was some fruit he had never before seen, bright, soft, juicy, yet with some tangyness to the taste. The others procured a clay pot and a small flame, simply beginning to cook themselves a stew, altogether unconcerned about the ravenous beast that clawed against the stone outside. One by one, the Vez'Sinai pulled down their cowls, revealing their strange, brightly colored faces. The 'leader' of the group was bright red, with glowing eyes of amber, and horns that angled back behind his head. As he spoke, the others spoke among themselves in their own tongue, gesturing to maps and supply bags. Now that they had checked the cave they had been tasked with exploring, they were curious where next they would go, and mused about what they could find within the bellows of the earth. They spoke with excitement, even though the underground was quite dangerous. Yet, here they were, handing around food and drink to one another, jesting about it.

jmann
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VEZ'ARAI

The Serpent opened its mouth to speak once more, before the roar shook out through the whole of the planet, making the very skies tremble. The Serpent's head jumped to the side, its eyes locked on the source of the sound. Its jaws opened, a luminating light in the back of its throat. Thunder crackled above, doubtlessly the God of Chaos' doing. Vez'Arai turned once more, his eyes on Detz and Venari. "Doing what?" he asked, in a voice that almost seemed fearful, before the Serpent began to grow, moving towards its original size as it turned ethereal and moved towards the wall. "Thanks for the warning," it spoke to no one in particular, almost seeming to clip through the wall. "And Venari, this world is a needlessly violent one. Hope that you do not suffer as so many are about to." The Serpent God of Creativity then dissappeared, before streaking away across the ocean, soaring over its waters like a comet. Where Xue, Sana'a, and a Fast still spoke, the Serpent flew past, waves whipped up by the force of his passing. And then, he was off and away, soaring into the West.

As he flew, the Serpent locked its eyes on Khades, seeing with him the army of Ashborne. Vez'Arai had been blind, but now he saw the truth. Khades took their disagreement to heart, and now came to destroy everything Vez'Arai had built, purely to spite him. Just for a moment, he wondered if any other gods with disagreements moved similarly. Even as he flew, the Serpent projected his image. First, to the flying islands of the God of War, where the Serpent coiled around tree and stone, and spoke to the winged ones and their god. The Serpent had always enjoyed it here, even if he was unfond of how violent the War God's children were, they were still strong of heart, valiant warriors and protectors. "Khades marches against my creations with the intent to destroy, Sera. Please, I call you to my side, to aid me in this endeavor. You know my people are unfit for combat."

Similarly, another projection of the Serpent appeared in the midst of the far continent of the Forge God. The Serpent rarely ventured to this land, and as such, looked all around at its distant mountains, its large settlements from which plumes of smoke trailed, doubtless forges at work. The Serpent spoke, so its voice rolled over that land. "Viktor Isenblood, Grund. Khades marches against my creations with the intent to destroy. I call you to war to protect them, as you once long ago offered to me. The beacon is lit, light the forge-flame and march!" The Serpent called, before this projection and the other in the far off land of the War God dissappeared, and the Serpent proper arrived in the Red Desert.

This was not much time to prepare with, but it might just be enough. The Serpent coiled about pillars of red stone, setting its eyes upon its children, its creations. "Return to your settlements at once, Vez'Sinai! Khades marches upon us with all the instruments of war! Prepare all the weapons you may, construct barriers, barricades, I would like to avoid as much suffering for you all as possible, and so we must prepare!" All Vez'Sinai heard that voice as it echoed through the canyons and red wastes. The Serpent approached the rising capitol city, where it watched the efforts of its creations. Yet, some approached him. He lowered his head to them to speak, yet they spoke first.

"Friend, myself and many others have been speaking since we heard your message. We have decided not to fight. It is not the Ashborne's fault that they are pushed to war, that they are made to want this. We shall not bring them pain for it." The horned one, a man of red eyes and skin the color of rust, spoke. There was a determination, a will in that voice, and the Serpent knew that these words were true.

"And if the Ashborne attack you? If they attempt to take from you your life?"

"Then so be it."

The Serpent paused, taking a deep inhale of breath, tears beginning to form at the edges of its great, blue eyes. "I love you, my Vez'Sinai. Even now, at the edge of oblivion, you hold strong to good, to your beliefs." The Serpent leaned in, settings its jaw against the ground, allowing his children to embrace him, their warm, brightly-colored hands against his soft, serpent skin, a few tears flowing down its cheeks. "I am truly proud of you, all of you. What is your name, brave one?"

"Erdvaasi, friend."

The Serpent nodded once, twice. "I shall not withhold you or those who agree with you from this goal. However, I ask, for the sake of those who are willing to fight, and are not willing to give themselves up, that you aid them in constructing walls and weapons. You need not strike down any Ashborne, but you cannot deprive your fellows of their own chances to fight to live."

"Of course. We shall lend every effort."

The Serpent raised itself once more, watching the efforts of its people progress. The few warriors the Vez'Sinai had trained others, forming militias. Polearms with thin metal blades, slings and small bows. The Serpent knew its people were poorly armed, but this land was their best defense. Always, the Ashborne would be forced to contend with his people in narrow canyons, where they could ambush them, and dissappear into the tunnels and cracks they had mapped. Like hunting a beast of the canyons. Mere ambush attacks from inexperienced warriors would not stop or even slow the Ashborne. But they would make it bleed. And hopefully, it would bleed enough for his children to hold out against the onslaught, and survive at least until aid arrived.

As the Horned Ones prepared to defend themselves, or at least built things to defend others over that period of fifteen days, Vez'Arai turned his solemn blue gaze to the East, watching as Khades appeared there, and set forth his warbands on the towns that his people had abandoned after the attack of the disaster Goddess. Watching their humble communities burn filled the Serpent with righteous fury, and a dark knowledge. Khades meant to slay them, all of them. This would not be allowed to happen. He would fight. He would kill, to protect them.

The Serpent threw back its head, and let loose a roar to answer. Fifteen days ago, Khades' roar had shook the earth. And now, the Serpent's scream shook the heavens. The war that followed would shake all of creation.

THE WAR OF THE GODS BEGINS
(This is a time of change. All inactive Gods will perish in the conflict, leaving room for new ones. If your god is on this list and you would like to still participate, simply post within the next 2 weeks. You will no longer be considered inactive. If any of you who remain would like to make a post involving the killing of a God/Minor God or a fight involving them, you are free to do so, and have permission to control the gods. As long as you remember that Major God fights are still big deals, and you won't win easy, have fun. The power from the dead gods will be 'recycled' into the creation of their replacements (New players). Have fun. If you have any questions, hit me up in the dicsord. Additionally, an Interest Check will be put up soon to bring in the second batch of players, along with fully welcoming the ones on 'stand-by'. Now, our world changes.)
INACTIVE GODS ARE AS FOLLOWS
Dyne (Civilisation and Agriculture)
Yves ( Goddess of Magic & Energy, creator of the Fae )
Shaldressyr (Life, Fertility and growth)
Evesti (Obsession, Focus, Arachnids.)
Zythis (God of the Wilds )
Pandora (Knowledge, Memories )
Tamati (Goddess of the Hunt, Exploration, and Curiosity )
Yar'ku'kathurgonn-harroth Gufathnir Harkonithh (Madness, Disorded and Distraction)
Sera (War and Strategy )
Geir (The Void, Light, The End )
Kanon (Boundary, Storytelling, Butterfly )
Amon (God of Balance, Love, and Philosophy )
Trichros (Corsairs & Martyrs )
Zorus (Phoenix’s, The Sun )
Soris (God of Order and Fate. )
Etyphonium (Dragonkind, Elements )
INACTIVE MINOR GODS ARE AS FOLLOWS
Nara (Goddess of Cookery and Settlement )
Fras (God of Commerce and Protection )
Evelynn (goddess of Good Fortune )
Thus (God of Chaos, Destruction, and Change, who the goblins came to follow. )
Orth (God of Invention, Data, and Order. )
Xanoth (Power)
Sotyx (Minor God of Negativity, Iniquity, and Mercy. )
Enetta (Minor Goddess of Positivity, Justice, and Penalty. )
Aaldin (Minor God of Meditation, Alkestrinism, and Enlightenment. )
Madara Tenma (Goddess of Imperfection, Gateway, and Seasons. )
Matou Tenma and Gendou Tenma (Twin Goddess of Opening and Closing. )
Susa Tenma (Minor God of Astronomy, Matchmaking, and Humility )
Kasuga Tenma (Minor Goddess of Drunkenness, Clouds, and Hubris )
Anna (Goddess of Cycles, Exploration, Wisdom: )
Harlow (Goddess of the Art of Combat, Luck, Enchantments )
Angel (Goddess of Lightning+Thunder, Angels, Divine Protection )
Dadarr (Minor God of Awakening )
Kanzeon Tenma (minor goddess of fox, love, and nursing, protector of nurses and prostitutes )
Utrys (minor god of justice righteousness and purity )

seasonedcat · Jan 8, 2020

~Xue~

Xue looked surprised at the sudden appearance of another. However, at Sana'a's clear knowledge of the person, Xue didn't bother to do anything. She let Sana'a do the talking with him since she was the one who knew him before this moment. When Sana'a told him there was no need to bow Xue gave a nod of agreement, she also didn't require the bow from people she meets, may it be mortal or whatever he is. Xue nodded, her face scrunched up in thought as they were told the location of the serpent. It would take them a little bit to get there, but if things go ok it should be ok. Khades had just left from talking to them, surely they would have time...

Xue was interrupted by a loud roar that echoed through the world. Her stomach dropped, they didn't have time... They were too late to warn him. Xue made eye contact with Sana'a, her gaze filled with worry and horror. "Sana'a we- we're too late." swallowing back her emotions her face hardened and she once again regained her composure. "There is no time to worry over what we couldn't do, we need to look forward." she let out a breath, "We should head towards Vez'arai's people, that is where we will not only find the war but the two people at the head of it." if they couldn't stop the war, maybe they could do something to help the creatures that will be affected by it.

Juju · Jan 9, 2020

Solirus

Venari stood in quiet bafflement as the god known as Detz admitted his desire for someone to try and kill him. It was a little strange, but then again Venari was pretty much the same way. The best hunts were always the ones when you were unsure if you would be victorious or be left behind as a corpse. Of course, the god also said that their body (or another body?) would be the only thing to die. She couldn't say that she understood how he could die without dying, but he was a god. Even though Venari was supposed to kill a goddess at some point...

Before Venari could get out a question or even respond to Detz's suggestions, a roar trembled through the cave. It sounded like no beast Venari had ever heard, not even the giant apes. Venari looked up at the cave ceiling, watching a few streams of dirt fall to the ground with a hiss. Something about the roar got her heart pumping and put her on edge. It made her think of the start of a great hunt... or maybe it was just because she wanted to find whatever beast had made that roar.

While she had no idea about its origin, Detz seemed to know. He brought up another name, Khades, one in which Venari did not recognize but seemed to frighten the serpent. What could possibly make a beast that large and powerful so afraid? Something was being destroyed, but Dayne never really cared about burnt down villages. Venari watched him curiously as he seemed to stare at something in the distance. There was no way a snake could make an expression of fear, rage, or even sadness, but she somehow got that feeling from Vez'arai. He wished her safety and set off, leaving Venari with the chaotic god Detz. That was probably a bad thing. Or improbably.

She stepped back as Detz leaned his eyeless face towards her. Her answer might have been a sneer, or perhaps a grumble, but instead, she was smothered by a blanket. Her vision went dark for a moment and when it returned Venari found herself crashing through clouds. The ground was far below, rimmed by distant, unfamiliar mountains. The air was cool but all she could see was vast sand. Hopelessly, Venari tried to balance herself in her fall but ended up spiralling weightlessly. The wind clawed through her pale hair, making her eyes water from the cold. How was this training? Did she just get tricked by yet another god?

"DAMMIT!" she shouted, scarcely hearing her own voice against the howling wind.

Before she could continue to shout out every curse word she knew, something stopped her fall. The sudden change in speed forced out her breath and made her stomach lurch uncomfortably. She grabbed onto Detz like a drowning woman's desperate grasp for driftwood, her breathing wild. As soon as she saw Detz her expression changed from fear to absolute rage at the abuse of power. Unable to see the transparent area, she landed gracelessly after being dropped. Growling, she pulled herself up and faced Detz with a glare that could slice through iron. If his intent was to enrage her he had done his job well. She could hardly contain her ire as Detz explained his little 'game'. Honestly, she didn't care so long as she got a shot at shanking the god.

He became distracted by the battle below, opening himself up for an attack. Without hesitation, Venari struck with her spear, aiming for Detz's neck.

Juju · Jan 12, 2020

Sana'a and Xue

Before Sana’a could even speak, before she could even take a breath of relief, the moment’s respite was snatched from her. The land trembled with a roar steeped in fury. It was Khades. Sana’a shook with the coral beneath her feet, the leaves of her cloak changing into a thicket of delicate brown. They rattled like bones against the sea breeze.

“No…” she muttered in disbelief. There was no hiding now. It was too late. Xue voiced her thoughts, but Sana’a hardly heard her. Frozen in place and eyes wide, she watched Vez’arai leap through the air. He was going to the western continent where his people lived. The thought seemed to jolt Sana’a back into reality. She nodded at Xue’s suggestion that they should help out the Vez’sinai, feeling faint.

Sana’a leapt from the pillar of coral, her humanoid form being enveloped in a mass of leaves. Foliage was converted into feathers as she took the form of a bird. She dove, gaining speed as her form adapted to become more streamlined and powerful.

“Hurry Xue!” she called to the water goddess.

Xue gave Sana’a a nod, even though the now bird goddess could not see her. Stepping off the pillar Xue fell right into the water. Like a dolphin riding on a wave she rode bellow Sana’a transparent in the waves but still clearly there. The two moved at great speeds as they rushed to get to the place they were going.

When they reached the arid shores of the western continent Sana’a could see distant clouds of smoke. Her heart was beating to a runaway beat, making her stomach clench and twist. Windswept sand stretched on as far as the eye could see. Xue would have little agency in this land, but she knew there would be an oasis in the home of the Vez’arai.

Sana’a shrugged off her form once more, changing into a long-limbed deer. Leaves fell from her antlers and beneath her hooves new vegetation rose. “Xue, allow me to carry you. I know the swiftest way.”

Xue stood on the shore hesitant to step onto the land, she actually had not been out of the water for as long as she remembered, she didn’t know if she had ever left. She might have stood on top of the coral earlier but that was still from her ocean. Even when she ventured to the rivers or lakes she would travel by rain. However, she didn’t have time to worry over it, she had to act now.

Taking a breath she took a step out, her chest clenching but still feeling alright since she was standing in a familiar place, sand. She once again nodded at Sana’a and quickly boosted herself onto her back, sitting on her, gripping her mane tightly.

As soon as Xue was on her back, Sana’a took off towards the home of the serpent-folk. Great clouds of sand stirred in her wake, scattering upon the trail of greenery she left behind. She channelled her power into each stride, forcing her body to move faster than it was capable of. Tears and strains could be felt in her limbs, making her strides painful, but she healed them as quickly as they formed. There was no way she could slow down. Stone and cactus flew past in a blur. She was getting closer now, something she knew not by the familiar scenery but by the ache in her chest. She knew this feeling, but never like this. It crept up on her, so small that she could just shrug it off. Now it had a weight to it, like it was clinging to her.

Sana’a leapt to the top of a mesa, gracefully hopping from pillar to pillar until she was on the largest one. She skidded to a halt, hooves stirring the stones and sand yet making no mark upon the vegetation. Standing before Vez’arai, her deer form fell away, returning to a panic-stricken humanoid.

“Vez’arai, I’m so sorry… w-we tried to get to you, tried to warn you! Khades is so angry,” As Sana’a spoke, the soft leaves of her cloak became ragged and thorny. She wrapped her arms around her stomach, feeling a nausea thrash in her gut like eels. “Khades… he-he thinks you’re trying to control us! But that’s not true!. I-we tried to tell him but he wouldn’t listen. He wants to kill them all! Why? They did nothing wrong!“

Xue looked down, her face distorted in both horror and sadness. These people had done nothing, they did not deserve any of this. Her chest contracted at the thought of this being her people, seeing them dead because of her choices. She couldn’t make mistakes if she did, they could end up in danger like Vez’arai’s people. Her breathing sped up at this thought but she quickly calmed herself down by pushing her worries away. She didn’t have time to be doing this, she had to focus.

“Vez’arai I know we have barely talked but is there anything I can do for you and your people?” Xue spoke up, her tone full of worry, “Could we evacuate them? Through the ocean so they can’t be followed?” she licked her lips as she calmed her racing heart, “Not by a boat of course, that is too large and we would need too many. I could use the waters from the oasis to make a giant wave to get them all there quickly and I can split the sea so that they can walk through. If not this there has to be a way to protect your people…” she trailed off, the hope from earlier fading as she waited for his response.

“T-there is an island near the western lands, found on no map. They can stay there, hidden in leaves and mist. If Khades cannot find them...he cannot kill them.” Sana’a added. It was a natural sanctuary, overflowing with life that Sana’a had nourished all these years. It was a place that death had not even found.

jmann · Jan 18, 2020

“Scaled Tyrant!” Khades boomed as he watched the form of the giant snake fly towards the deserts. A deer of all animals came bounding through the dunes and towards where Vez’Arai landed. It wasn’t any deer, however, Khades’ divine sense was going haywire, this was not one but two gods. Sana’a and Xue. What were they doing here? They said they were going to be neutral!
Then the Everspark spoke. Not just to Khades when he needed help, but on its own. It let out a deep rasping voice that echoed menacingly through the desert.
“LIAR!!” it rasped as Khades dug his hand into the rock beneath a small house and threw it into the air in frustration, “THEY LIED!”
The Everspark began to thrash inside Khades’ chest, tossing him askew this way and that. What was it doing? It had never done this before...
His chest felt like it would explode, like it would burst and leave him a broken mangled corpse. Khades tried to ignore the insurmountable rage building inside him. It was not a feeling he wanted back, in fact, he had created Teros to pass some of that divine fury. Now it was back.

Khades launched into a frenzy. He need not use his razor sharp claws, his bite would kill all the same. Khades went from one house to another, the Ashborne too fearful of the frenzy to help, Khades opened his mouth wide and swallowed entire buildings whole. He did this until all that was left was an empty road and a small oasis. Khades roared again, the Everspark straining more and more, until the pain was excruciating. Khades grabbed the toothpick-like spear from a nearby Ashborne and plunged it into the Everspark. Normally, no weapon would pierce the crystal shell, but Khades’ divine strength drove a tiny crack in the Everspark. It whistled its rage that sounded like a hundred screaming souls. But Khades felt only relief. The pain disappeared, and now it was time to face his opponent... or rather, opponents.
“Keep them prisoner. Let none escape. We may need the leverage.” Khades growled to his General, Pyrekin Vyndarth.

Khades marched up to the throne of Vez’Arai. His nemesis. The Everspark would have to hold still if he was to keep his cool and negotiate.
“What treachery is this?” Khades roared to the two newcomers as he approached, “I ask of you peace and you reply only deceit! I have not forgotten you either, Serpent. ‘The difference is power’ those were your words! Well look who has the power now. You spurned me that day on the moon, now I have come to make true on my promise. Tell me, O Great Serpent, he who was so blind to the rising armies and to a direct assault on his people. Do you fear me?”

Interactions:

seasonedcat

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Tsuquena approached her large ape-like brother.
“Come, godkin, Khades has other plans for us,” the ape looked from the pile of pebbles that was once a boulder to Tsuquena, then back at the pile, then back at Tsuquena. He grumbled to himself and followed Tsuquena as she hovered above the sand.
“I warned you the Vez’Sinai would be liberated, you were not ready.” Tsuquena sung to the sand. It carried and echoed her message through the desert.
“W H E R E?” The minor god howled annoyedly.
“First, godkin, is Thus. Minor god of Goblins and Destruction. Father does not like competition...”
Teros seemed to understand. So Tsuquena put it in words he would comprehend.
“Find Thus. Goblin god. Smash.”
“HA HA!!” Teros even clapped joyously, which sent a small gust of air disturbing the sand.

They travelled for hours, Tsuquena summoning a Great Wall of water they could sail upon to reach the eastern continent. There they found the minor god writhing in the filth of goblin-kind. Tsuquena summoned a spinning vortex with her shawm. The violent dirt and sand spun so fast around Thus’ body that it even scratched deep into the minor gods flesh. He tried to run but the sand was so fast he spun in circles. After that it took one great punch from Teros that sent him crashing to the ground, pulverised and very much dead. Teros laughed and began punching rocks.
“Godkin! Teros! We have our next target! We must show the Humans no one is safe. Next we strike Enetta and Aaldin!”

The two marched north across the continent, flying as well if necessary. Eventually they found the giant cities that reeked of filth and oppression. Just outside the city they found a woman who did not belong. A minor goddess disguised as a wise sage. Tauquena laughed to herself at this, she thought she could hide from Tsuquena. Tsuquena began to play her shawm once more. The ground rumbled and swayed, until it heaved and cracked and sent a ravine scourging through the city. A large portion was swallowed whole, including Fras. Teros grinned and jumped down into the ravine, crashing into Enetta and her caravan and crushing everything into a pile of rubble and goop. Another minor god was killed. And the universe was better off for it.

The two would go and hunt down other minor gods who waited in the shadows, ones that dare not show their face. Ones who’s patron god had gone silent and brooded in their hermitage.

MorgathosTheRussian · Jan 22, 2020

Ye Who are God's Warriors and his law,
Pray to God and have faith in Him,
That you will always be victorious
Across the world, the tides of war grew higher and higher. Throngs were mustered, weapons were forged, elaborate plans finalized. 1000 years of preparation came down to this decisive moment. When the first blow was finally struck, Viktor felt it in his bones. He listened to the roars of the Snake and the Storm of Chaos. He watched the hordes of the Ashborne descend upon the deserts of the Snake's children, and beheld the Snake's children prepare their little guerrilla war in the canyons and dunes of their homeland. It would slow the Ashborne, and certainly make them bleed. But it would not be enough. To win, the Snake would need true warriors. And the Chosen were just that.
All across the Kuznitsa Natsii, the Chosen mustered for war. In the vast forge-cities, on the huge plantations, deep in the mines, men and women took up arms to serve their God. Blocks of warriors marched to the vast assembly grounds of Mount Kamen. Halberds and swords shone brightly in the cold sun as more and more entered the square, a hundred different flags flying proudly. The white eagle of the fierce men of the North Gate, armed with huge axes and clad in plate. The roaring blue bear, the banner of the famous engineers of Mount Manaraga. And who could miss the green longbow of the Longbow Guilds? So many answered the call, and many more would come. For who could miss the summons of the Father of the Nation?
Viktor watched his people gather, a hint of pride on his face. For just 1000 years, it was a good start. The Chosen were the most technologically advanced people on the planet, and also some of the finest warriors. They were bred for battle, their nation forged for it. And none of this could be done without Ologor. He had been too hard on him, he knew. He demanded so much of him, and showed little in return. Without his dedication and leadership, the Chosen wouldn't be who they were today. After this war, he would change that.
"300,000 of my Chosen have answered the call to arms. And another 100,000 shall join them in the next few days. An entire legion of my finest troops." Viktor said to himself.
"Aye, n' we 'ave 50,000 of my boys 'eady to be 'ent in, too." a gravelly voice added. Oh, yes, Grund was here. His short son had exchanged his typical rich robes for a suit of lamellar armor and a fancy sword, better suited to the deserts he called his home. Grund and his people hadn't been as involved in Viktor's plans, but made sure the Snake's folks stayed more or less safe from most threats. Those armored little buggers were great miners, handy in a fight and were natural sprinters, very dangerous over short distances.
"You'll only need 100 to flood that place. The rest will go ahead to help the Snake's people hold the line and secure supply lines."
"n' what about Ologor?"
"You know what he will be doing. He'll be front and center, but for now, he's overseeing the organization."
------------------------
Christ is worth all your sacrifices, He will pay you back an hundredfold.
If you give up your life for Him you will receive eternal life.
Happy is he who dies fighting for the truth.
It took another five days for the host to finally assemble, but when it was ready, it was a sight to behold. A sea of silent iron, as far as the eye could see, stretched out in front of Mount Kamen. 350,000 of foot, armed with halberds, bolt-launchers, swords, shields, and so much more. 30,000 mounted warriors, their steeds ready for devastating charges. 20,000 of support, crack war-smiths and their engineers, the world's first and only combat engineers. And the smallest, but most powerful, were the elites of Mount Kamen. The cruel Blood-Guard, the huge bodyguards of Ologor. The Longbow Guilds, the finest marksmen in all the land, wielding blessed bows capable of piercing any armor. And finally, the Waymasters, the Chosen's equivalent of mages. This was their time, and now it was finally time for their god to reveal himself for the first time in a thousand years.

His arrival was nothing fancy. Simply a flash of light, preceded by the sound of a hammer striking steel, and there he was. The All-Father himself, creator of the Kuznitsa Natsii and Lord of War. He was a tower of steel, radiating majesty and power, and a tempered hate for his foe. He knew none could match him in a fight, and knew that the fate of the world rested on his shoulder. He rested his hammer on the ground, and said, "Thousands of years ago, upon this very plain, I forged this land and every life on it. I forged the trees and the mountains, the hills and the rivers. And to populate it, I made you, my Chosen. You, my children, were meant to do more than just live here. You were meant to control it. And so you have. For your labor, you have created vast cities, prosperous farms. A true nation. But children, there is one who threatens it."
"Beyond this utopia of stone and iron, there is a god named Khades. This 'Khades' has been blinded by his own ambition, seeking to free peoples from oppression that doesn't exist, kill gods that have done nothing more than watch over their people like I have. He has manipulated gods into joining himself, enthralling a master of the dead and an impatient child to aid him. It is our honor and duty to stop Khades at all cost. But we are not alone."
"Already, one of my sons readies for war. They are not unlike you, warlike and crafty. Other gods rally their people to resist the storm of Khades, and in a distant land, the first strike of Khades lands upon the people of a benevolent god, a Wyrm of extraordinary power and knowledge."
"So now, my comrades, the beacons have been lit. The Wyrm and the world call for aid, and we shall answer! Ready your hearts, and give praise to your ancestors, for battle awaits!"

The soldiers were enthralled, eagerly clinging to every word he said. The presence of their god overwhelmed them, and the description of this cruel Khades was enough to throw them into a frenzy. 'War', they cried, 400,000 voices united in one cry of hate. "Remember Ologor, the first step to a good war is to unite your people. Through hate, through common cause. Anything. But a united people will not break quickly. Now, let us end this miserable affair." There was a flash, and the Chosen host were teleported to the deserts of the Wyrm. Well, all aside from Grund and 100 of his boys. They were going to pay a wall a visit, and see how well it stood.

Do not fear your enemies, nor gaze upon their number,
Keep the Lord in your hearts; for Him fight on,
And before enemies you need not flee.

Solirus · Jan 25, 2020

DetzWyej

After sending Venari to The Journey’s End to help her prepare, Detz released all of the feelings he had for the battle. “PFFFFFTTTT, OH MY GOODNESS, THIS IS SO FUCKING STUPID. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.” Detz laughed watching the battle unfold.

In all honesty, DetzWyej had only remained neutral because he thought of conflict between gods as stupid and a waste of creation, but Detz couldn’t help but feel amused at the sheer stupidity of the situation. He had at least thought that the conflict would’ve come because of something more grave, perhaps like a God destroying something some other god created, but not simply because disagree with each other, like two children arguing whether they thought something was cooler because it was black. In the end the mortals that each of these god created reflected themselves, as well as their faults.

Hwan looked at Detz still remaining still and serious. “I agree, Gods should be symbols of power and greatness, not mortals with superpowers.”

Detz finally calmed down and started to grab his breath, or at least pretending to. “Hehe, it does seem like it, but these superpowered mortals will still blast you from existence if you refer to them like that… especially Venari who will literally become what you described these gods as.”

Hwan paused but spoke once more, “It does seem like it… but why are you so keen on helping this human achieve this goal?” Hwan asked.

Detz paused for a second seemingly becoming a statue and got up to his feet. “Well for one I’m really bored, but the other reason is very very Simple.” DetzWyej turned his head towards Hwan. “It might be stupid that the Gods fight, but the less there are, the better and when Venari become a Goddess, I can assure you she will bring a lot of it.”

“A lot” DetzWyej said that final part in a voice Hwan would’ve never expected to hear. It was as if hundreds of voice spoke out at once in all pitches. Hwan shook for a bit only for Detz to sit back down.

“HAHA, but it’s mostly for my entertainment, so please enjoy the view with me, it’s about to get good.” Detz said forming five chairs near them in an arrow shape and sitting on the one infront. “Don’t worry, you can sit in whichever one you want, but be sure to put Sanic in one of those, he wouldn’t want to miss the show.”

Hwan without hesitating picked up Sanic and placed him on the chairs that was next to Detz just before taking his seat next to Detz. “Good, I hope Sanic doesn’t take long to wake up… also, be sure to bring Afon here I would like him to witness thi-” Detz was cut short as his somewhat comical expression turned dead serious.

Detz sighed. “Dam, it’s time for another toss.” Detz said getting up. “Hwan you can bring Afon here, I’ll come back soon.” Without wasting time, Detz simple disappeared from sight without doing his usual magician trick.

Detz reappeared in the same place that he had originally done his coinflip. “Good, nothing has changed.” Keeping his pose straight and serious, Detz snapped his fingers for the coin to return to him.

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A random mortal had finally gotten his hands on the coin of fortune, after winning it in a bet, he was ecstatic to use it and possibly help him get out of debt. The man found a quiet place in his home and flipped the coin. As the coin spun and landed on the side with the compass symbol. “YES.” the man exclaimed as he was told that the compass side was the good side, but as he celebrated and waited for something good to happen, the coin flew through his window and made its way towards DetzWyej. “FUCK ME, THOSE BASTARDS LIED TO ME!” the man said furious as he just lost the coin, but much to the frustartion of the man, the window was soon broken by a crown with jewels that would be able to pay for his debt and then some more thanks to the coin hitting off the crown of the local king and sending it directly to him. “...wow, what are the chances.” the man said baffled as he would now be able to live his life free from his debt once more.

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DetzWyej wasn’t surprised that the coin had been stolen but that didn’t matter DetzWyej caught the coin traveling at blinding speeds with ease. Without a second thought DetzWyej tossed the coin before it fell into the water, showing

The compass side.

Detz grinned and began to hysterically laugh. “AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, FUCK YOU, NOT TODAY, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.” Detz said letting himself fall into the water causing a small wave to form before teleporting himself back to witness the fight.

“Lucky.”

Detz finally returning from some very important matters, sat back down on his chair and kept looking at the fight. “I’ll still be able to enjoy this.”

“Who are you talking to?” Afon asked finally being brought to watch the battle.

“Oh nothing, I was just talking to myself.” Detz responded, “Anyway, please pay attention to everyone’s movements, it could potentially help you all out.” Detz said as he contained his laughter from the stupidity of this war.

Juju · Feb 5, 2020

While the gods bickered Venari was locked in a battle of her own. In her tribe they said there was no blade sharper than the cold, and no predator quite as relentless as the sun. Venari had to agree as she experienced both extremes in quick succession. It began with a blizzard, powered by howling winds that dug prying fingers into the gaps of her armor. It did little to stop the huntress, who embraced the biting frost as she ran. Thankfully the hide she had chosen was thick and insulating, though it hungrily drank in the moisture as the snows began to melt. The ground beneath her became slick with the melt, forcing her to slow down her pace in favour of keeping her balance. Rain poured down, and though the scaled parts of her armor and cloak were resistant, the rest soon became soaked.

Venari could feel her body going numb, but she forced herself to keep going. She kept her mind focused on the center, and the possibility of spotting the Cytanu. The rain made it hard to see, hard to hear. Even with such refined hunting skills, Venari was hardly as well suited as the beast behind her. In the end, it was instinct that made her turn her head.

It was crouched behind her, stone still and hardly an outline against the terrain. Despite its enormous size it had been silent, gliding on paws each tipped in dagger-like claws. Eyes like emeralds glittered in the dark, wild and simmering with intelligence. She must have been the first human it had ever seen, for It did not seem to know what to make of her. Four tails swayed cautiously behind it, flicking, waiting. Its lips curled back into a snarl. Prey standing its ground must be a first.

"Haha! YES!" Venari clutched her spear, laughing into the rain, "You can't believe how long I've been SEARCHING FOR YOU!"

Like lightning, it struck through the rain. Venari just barely avoided an evisceration, silently thankful for her spars with Sanic. Red seeped down her arm, forming swirls in the puddles below the beast's paw. It made the huntress grin darkly as she crouched down, springing up for an attack. In the end she was forced into the defensive when one of the tails lashed out, digging into the staff of her spear. A thin liquid seeped from the stinger. Poison? Magnificent!

The rain had stopped and Venari could feel the heat rising. This temperature shift was quicker than the last. Could it be due to the distance to the center? The Cytanu noticed as well, perking up its ears and sniffing the air. Venari watched as its hide shifted in the wind, fur changing before her eyes into a bright tawny-white. Steam rose up around them, sizzling in the sudden heat wave. Suddenly the beast lost interest in Venari and took off, running towards the center. Venari sprinted after it, able to keep up thanks to her training. It did not take long for her to find out what had caused it to flee. Flames began to erupt around her, framing the retreating beast in flickering orange. It growled, dodging from left to right to avoid the flames that erupted. Hmm... so you don't like fire.

Just when Venari began to catch up she noticed something. The beast was beginning to rise above her, even though it was running on the ground. Winds began to blow, scattering the flames enough for her to see that the ground was rising, like a slow wave. The earth rumbled, shifting.

At this point Venari was running beside the beast, clawing at the shifting ground in a desperate attempt to climb the growing slope. Embers sputtered across the ground, pulled along by growing winds. "Dammit, Detz!" she swore, following alongside the Cytanu who was also trying to avoid falling into the sudden canyon. The winds shifted with every gust, but thankfully for Venari the giant cat blocked some of them.

Eventually the beast made it to the top and bounded off deeper into the random storm, Venari giving chase.

Juju · Feb 13, 2020

For the first time, Sana’a saw the serpent’s tears. They were full of relief, and of sorrow. “Sana’a, you came to the moon’s aid and now my own hour of need. I fear it is impossible to ever repay you, save for my sincerest gratitude. As do you, Xue. I entrust my children to you both. Please, keep them safe. They are… dearly precious to me.” The serpent opened his jaws, blue light falling to the earth. There it crystallized, forming a gleaming pillar of light. “This is a new font of magic, take it, and let it nourish them even when far from their homeland.”

Sana’a helped Xue to gather the Vez’sinai, pained by the terror on their faces. It was clear that they did not want to part from the Serpent, some even insisting they stay to fight. Children wept, and even a few of the adults too. Sana’a did her best to calm them, but she found it difficult when she was wrestling with her own dread.

The Cinder King’s arrival was heralded by the thumping of his giant claws, each footfall sending a tremor through the goddess’s heart. Sana’a shrinked back at Khades’ roar, grabbing her head while her chest screamed. It felt like something wild was thrashing there, trying to claw its way up from the pit of her stomach. This feeling was more than she could bear. She crouched down, hugging herself while dry branches and brambles took over her cloak. Her eyes were screwed shut and her breaths were ragged. Luminous dewdrops gathered at the edges of her closed eyes.

“No..no… I-I couldn’t…. I didn’t mean to….”

Had she betrayed him? Khades asked her to stay out of this but she could not. It hurt too much, just knowing that he planned to harm these mortals, and his own brother. This was not how things were meant to be! Why did he fight? It was his nature, she knew this, but it was her nature to protect. Were they destined to tear eachother apart? Why did it have to come to this, torn between love and right. If she stood her ground she was being a tyrant, but if she let Khades attack Vez’arai she would kill her nature. Sana’a whimpered to herself, poisonous blooms erupting over the hem of her cloak. The plants withered and sprouted over and over again, their dried remains falling like ash.

"Fear you?" The Serpent coiled upon itself, its head rising ever higher, its voice projecting over the oceans of sand, the light that forged Nraumm's core shining in his throat. "Fear would imply that you are anything worth dreading. It would imply that you are anything more than an indignant wretch who presumes for themselves the mantles of a power that you cannot even control. If you are truly so insufferably immature that my words spoken long ago wound your ego this severely, that you would wage war upon my creations, that you would will their destruction? All of it, all of this, over petty words? Then you are nothing more than an obstacle to me. If you had even but half the power you pretend you do, or half the heart of any mortal, I might just fear you."

Sana’a felt her heart lurch with renewed fear. She had to do something. It was difficult on such shaking limbs, but Sana’a stood up. She took a step towards the dragon. “Khades! Please… you do not need to do this!”

Somewhere above her she heard a laugh. Sana’a turned her tear-stained eyes towards the skies, seeing some floating figures. She instantly recognized them as Detz and his Fast. “Detz?” She called, filled with a dangerous glimmer of hope. “Detz, please come help! We need to stop this!"
After the canyon and the river Venari did not think things could get worse. That was until a forest sprouted before her eyes, and also before her eyes, caught fire in a lightning storm. The Cytanu was out of sight, leaving her with no guide except Lirn's words. Venari ran through the flaming forest, dodging flaming branches and pillars of bark as they fell to the ground. The smoke made her eyes sting and her head swim, but Venari kept pushing herself in a mad sprint towards the center.

She half tripped when she came across it. The place was no more than 10 meters and completely unaffected by the flames beyond it. No smoke floated in here, nor did the flames seem to heat up the air at all. It was as if it was an entirely different world. In the center of the stone circle was a single obelisk, a shimmering crystal balanced on its top. It had to be the treasure Lirn had spoken of. Carefully, Venari approached the crystal. She poked it with her spear but nothing happened, nor could she move it in any way. Left with no other choices, she reached out her hand. The instant her skin made contact with the crystal her mind was flooded with images.

Lightning. A silhouette. Arrows. Pain. Bright green, sizzling rock beneath a severed tail. A lash of a tail and a sting. Struggling, fighting against paralyzed limbs. A feline eye, gold, almost smug. The disgusting feeling of her legs being swallowed. Blood. Freedom. A beast roaring and three lashing tails, the fourth cut off. The severed end was in her hand, then it was not. Flesh melting like snow. A victory that would not last. A stinger in her arm. Venari could not breath, coughing, streams of red from her nose and eyes. The world grew dark. In it, an annoyingly familiar voice.
"Seriously? After I wasted a blessing on you!"

Venari snapped back to the present with a gasp. "What was that?" she mumbled, but she knew. It was the future. Huh... and she died too...

Thunder struck the air and Venari readied her bow, turning it towards where she had 'seen' the Cytanu. Clouds gathered beyond the eye of the storm. The beast was nowhere in sight, but as Venari squinted her eyes she could make out a small shift in the dust. It had planned to pounce under the cover of lightning but Venari stuck first. The arrow sunk into its chest as it charged, messily off its mark as Venari leapt to the side, dodging a tail swipe. She would have to keep away from those stingers, or destroy them. Which one had she severed in her vision? It was on the beast's left side... but which one?

Venari dodged a paw swipe and shot at one of the tails. The arrow struck through the stinger, splattering bluish ooze. It was the wrong one. Cytanu pounced, fangs snapping over her chest and shoulder, crunching bone. Screaming from the pain, Venari fell to the ground. She could see a stinger rising up, ready to sink into her neck, and the beast's eyes staring at her, just like the vision. Desperate, her hand went to her fang necklace, fingers wrapping around the serrated tooth of the red-mane. The string snapped as she shoved the fang into the Cytanu's eye. Roaring in agony, it reared back, allowing Venari enough time to scramble away. She readied another arrow. The vision was hazy, but if she was correct than the paralysis stinger was the second right one. If she was wrong, well, she would not be meeting Tamati in the end.

Before she could shoot, the beast's paw crashed against Venari's bow, splitting the wood and sending the arrow off its course. Claws smashed against her head, sending the huntress stumbling backwards. Half the world went dark, blood hot on her face. Acid sprayed at her, but Venari managed to avoid the worst of it thanks to her thick cloak. It smoked as she skidded backwards, her feet stopping in the ashes beyond the center. Victory was so close, yet things were more grim than ever. Venari grinned, the taste of her blood on her tongue. "Heh... Cytanu, you know there is an old human saying; an eye for an eye?" The huntress broke into laughter, the red of her eyes sparking madly.

She threw off her quickly dissolving cloak and charged when the beast did, sliding under the bloody claws. Recalling her duel with Hwan, she grabbed her abandoned spear off the ground, and remembering Sanic she rolled away from a stinger at the last second and skewered it, pinning it to the ground. Hopefully it was the right one. The acid tail coiled like a snake, but Venari was ready for it. She tackled it, wrestling it towards the beast's body even as the remaining stinger struck at her back. Her skin went numb, which was one of the reasons why she was able to hold onto the tail even when claws raked her back.

Her arms were giving out, her legs shaking, but she forced herself to continue even if her body insisted it wasn’t possible. Just one scratch was all she would need. Acid dripped from the beast's stinger, burning skin and muscles where it fell. Venari could feel the tail giving in, and then finally, she overpowered it. The stinger sunk into the beast's side. Venari was thrown off the beast as it thrashed, her limbs too weak to resist. She fell to the ground, limp.

The Cytanu tried to move its tail, but in doing so it tore the dissolving base of its tail. It roared in agony, twisting and pawing at the stinger that was quickly burrowing into its body, eating away at its flesh like a maggot. It tore out the tail tip but it was too late. The acid had dissolved away everything attached to the stinger. Cytanu stumbled, chest heaving and collapsed on the ground. Venari, could only watch the beast lay on its side, its own acid eating away at its life. It was tenacious, holding on even as its abdomen was made into a bloody mess. It made Venari furious that she could not strike it down swiftly. The Cytanu’s golden eye flicked to her, its breaths coming out in pants. Connection wasn’t the right word to describe how Venari felt towards the beast. It was more than that, but Venari was never the philosophical type.

Her fingers clenched into a fist, digging her nails into her palms until they bled. She focused on the pain, trying to regain control of her own body. First was her arm, dragging her along, and then her shoulder. The beast could have easily swatted her, take her down with it, but it let her get close enough to grab hold of the arrow in its chest. She twisted it, thrusting it into the still-beating heart. The beast shuddered, then moved no more.

jmann · Feb 15, 2020

Her. It was her! The Ashborne bounties came up near-empty. Most had fled. And it was her fault. Sana’a. When Khades was done, Sana’a would be no more than a —
Something was wrong. Sana’a did not stand proud of her deeds. She sat huddled and defeated. Was it the Serpent? Did he force her to do this? What was even happening? This was new and Khades did not like it.
Then the Serpent spoke, or rather he spat. He hissed and spat his words of venom. All the more, Khades’ rage built more and more, until he himself was radiating a heat so immense the sand beneath him began to turn to glass.
Khades glimpsed to the side and saw something he had never expected. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers in tight formation had miraculously appeared in the desert. This was too organised for Tartarus... no, these forces were not his friends. The armour too intricate, the formations in perfect unison. This was the work of Viktor Isenblood.

Khades took a moment to observe the scene. To his disbelief, his plan had gone horribly awry. The Serpent was trickier than Khades gave him credit for. Here he stood, The God of Fire and Chaos. Alone against the combined forces of the God of War, God of Creativity, God of Certainty, Goddess of Healing, and the Goddess of the Seas. His friend and ally, Goddess of Curses had vanished and did not answer his call. His only other ally, Tartarus, God of Abominations, had yet to heed his call of war.
A fair fight, spat the Everspark inside Khades’ mind.
“Ah, I see your trick, you scheming snake. Lured me right into your trap. One against Five. How quaint...”
Khades felt the Everspark begin to hum, and a great heat began to bubble and boil in the back of his throat. White flames began to trickle up his throat and tickle the roof of his cavernous mouth. He turned his gaze to all those who held fast against him. Xue, Viktor, Detz, Vez’Arai, and...
The heat caught in his throat and faded as quick as it came. “Khades! Please… you do not need to do this!”

Yes he did. He needed to. It was his duty. His responsibility to rid the world of a tyrant. To rid the universe of someone who did not deserve to exist. It was his responsibility to save his brethren. Viktor had been enslaved by the snake’s scheming words. And poor Sana’a... she was misguided, mistreated. There was no way she could choose to side with the Serpent. Her face showed otherwise. This was not the face of pride, of objection, of defiance. It was fear. Her flowers were wilting. Her limbs were shaking. Khades had never seen this fear from the Vez’Sinai or any others around the Serpent. But he had seen the same fear one place else. The Sundered Peaks. There he was feared and respected above all else. Was that what this is? Was Sana’a afraid of him? Khades would never hurt her, not willingly. If he had truly caused this anguish, what else had he done?
This was not the plan. The Serpent should have been dead by now. And here he stood. Arrogant and limbless as ever.

A great blanket of sorrow overwhelmed Khades. He took a step back, the glass crunching beneath his weight. It was him. A great blanket of sorrow overwhelmed him. He caused this... it was him.
“I... I...” Khades glanced back to the cities of the Vez’Sinai, the Ashborne were resting in the cities of the Vez’Sinai, their fight a hard victory, the Vez’Sinai imprisoned under Ashborne Guard. Only a short distance away were the waiting formations of half a million warriors. The Serpent was supposed to die. Now here was Khades with his army on the verge of ambush by a force six times greater. There would be no victory here. Only a massacre.
They needed to leave, and soon. If Khades struck first blood, all his people would be gone, everything he worked so hard for.
“I almost forgive you, Scaled Tyrant. My rage and apathy would only lead to my destruction. But I cannot forgive you. If all tyrants go forgiven then no one will learn. I am sorry, Serpent.”
Khades took a moment to think, his head bowed and his eyebrows furrowed in concentration.
“What if you left? What if you were banished far from here, where your influence is felt only through the echoes of your people.”
Suddenly remembering, Khades regurgitated the Vez’Sinai he had swallowed.
“I have killed none of them, they will all live so long as you follow the plan.”
As the Vez’Sinai began to escape, Khades slammed a large, jagged claw before them, halting them in their tracks.
“What say you, Sana’a? No more violence and destruction.”
The words felt like a great jab in the heart. It was against his very nature and he would pay for it later. The Everspark was sure of it.

Once again, Khades bowed his head and opened his consciousness. He expanded his mind far and wide until it reached Tsuquena and Teros. They were locked in a duel with another minor god, Utrys. They killed him quickly and without remorse, his divine energy returning to the cosmos.
Khades told Tsuquena of the message he needed sent, as well as where to send it. With a shake of his head, his consciousness returned to the moment and he looked up at the other gods.
“The assault is off, Tartarus will not draw blood.”
Khades still struggled every time he glanced to Sana’a, the wilted flowers the drops of tears. He could not get it out of his mind, this was his doing. He did this. It was him. Him.

seasonedcat

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Tsuquena smiled as Utrys fell dead, obliterated. She smiled wider when she felt Khades’ consciousness wash over her like a heatwave. He told her a message and where to send it. Her new quest. Tsuquena went to the edge of the land, where sand met sea and she dipped the end of her Shawm below the water.
She played a melody, a shrieking melody that boiled the water, but a melody nonetheless. On its tune carried a message that echoed through the water.
“No more violence. The assault is off.”
Her message carried on the tide to all corners of the seas. And down into the fathomless trench.

ZuluSlayer

seasonedcat · Feb 16, 2020

~Xue~

Xue placed her hand on Sana'a's shoulder in an attempt to comfort the poor thing, her face in the form of a scowl. As Khades landed in front of them Xue's face turned to one of even more hate. He dare accuse them of betraying? They were both on neither side, they merely wanted to protect the people, something he clearly did not understand. As he spoke Xue's anger did not fade, she felt a relief wave flash through her at the knowledge that there were no casualties, but she did not rest easy yet. At the question directed towards Sana'a she squeezed her shoulder tighter, as if in an attempt to protect a child from the harshness of the world.

"Tyranny? I feel that he does not fit that role you have given him at all, and now you dare now banish him for the ability to save his people? Does a god who is a tyrant, as you so put it, really seem like the type to give themself up, their freedom and all, for the lives of their people? Your judgment is so clouded by onesided hate that you can't understand that you've morphed the reality around you. We could kill you now, we outnumber you yet we don't. Why must you consider us your enemies? Why must you act like a spoiled child?" her tone was one of hurt and disappointment, no hate dripped in any ounce of her words. Like a mother scolding a child who continues to act out, she did not hate the child she only hated the actions that they chose to commit.

jmann