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Finally... => Forum Games and Roleplaying => Topic started by: NUKE9.13 on June 07, 2019, 03:35:40 am

Title: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on June 07, 2019, 03:35:40 am
Candles In The Dark
(IC thread; please keep discussion and questions to the OOC thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=174074.0))

In the beginning, the world was boring. The mountains not so tall, the seas not so deep. Volcanic eruptions punctuated the dull rhythm of life, such as it was- single-celled algae filled the seas and shores, whilst amoeba drifted around without much in the way of motivation. Things might've carried on like that for eternity, had the Divine Shard not arrived in the star system, and given birth to seven gods, who set their eyes on the untouched world. With merely a thought, they could advance life by leaps and bounds, turning a dreary primordial soup into a verdant paradise.

However, the gods were not the only ones with designs on the world. Lured there by the scent of the Divine Shard, the Eldritch Threat hungered- seeking to consume the world and its gods. Held at bay, for now, by the solar energy of the sun, the Eldritch Threat could only send fragments of itself to the world- which it immediately did. With surprisingly little fanfare, dozens of giant, amorphous blobs of eldritch energy manifested across the planet, and began to consume everything around them- primarily the primitive life, but the Eldritch Beings were not averse to swallowing rock and water in their quest to weaken the world to the point where the Eldritch Threat could swallow it whole.

As the antithesis of these Eldritch Beings, the gods were naturally horrified- to have their world taken away from them before they could so much as make a single change was an unthinkable travesty. As one, they set forth to smite the intruders, all seven taking care of them in their own way. This would not pose a challenge, of course- newly born, with the power of the Divine Shard filling them to the brim, their strength far outweighed these tiny fragments of eldritch energy. It was more of a sport, really, a chance to show off their powers to the other gods, and the world itself.


Right then. Welcome to the IC thread for Candles in the Dark. For your first action, simply describe how you smite your share of Eldritch Beings. This is not an action that will cost Divine Energy, or really have any impact mechanically- it's just a chance to flesh out your god and how they interact with the world. You cannot 'lose' this fight, as the outcome is predetermined.
After describing the righteous beatdown, you may in the same post (separated by a [hr]) describe your first action(s), or you can wait until everyone else has posted. Either way, chronologically your first real actions will all take place once all the Eldritch Beings have been smited. Smiten? Smoted? Whatever.

If you have any questions, you can ask them in the OOC thread, or on the General Bay12 Forum Games Discord (https://discord.gg/HAvTWch) (Note for those unfamiliar, there are, like, dozens of channels in there, the majority of which you are going to want to mute).

Spoiler: God Statuses (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 0)
Post by: Rockeater on June 07, 2019, 03:43:19 am
 Ptw
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 0)
Post by: Wozzy on June 07, 2019, 07:01:21 am
While he would prefer to tag team these Eldritch Beings, Saraab  sees that his fellow gods are going to be occupied with their own opponents. Without much fanfare, he reaches into the ground and causes roots to wrap around one of the foes, snaring them in place. Forming his arm into a sharp metal spike, he impales the EB, ending its reign of terror.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 0)
Post by: crazyabe on June 07, 2019, 02:55:19 pm
Athalonus Looks upon the infestation of pests within his portion of the world, and with a glance sends forth destruction upon them...
First, Great Gears begin turning and twisting in the sky- Next Massive Tubes aimed for the Eldritch beasts- And From these Tubes Were shot Steam propelled Bullets, each in the shape of Athalonus's fist, Crushing the beasts and blasting them apart.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 0)
Post by: Happerry on June 07, 2019, 06:41:53 pm
Anath looked out upon the world and saw that it was bad. Not the world itself, nor the life that sprung from it, but what was bad was that which threatened the world itself. And so it was, throughout the night side of the planet, horrible monsters walked into the shadows believing themselves the most terrible things upon this world. They would soon find themselves quite surprised to be wrong, as the shadows rose up from beneath them and opened maws far more horrible then they possessed. In the limited amount of time they had to be surprised before the shadows finished eating them, at least.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 0)
Post by: Glass on June 07, 2019, 09:02:35 pm
Bastion sallied forth into the world, gladly observing its splendor. But lo! The innocent potentium of the fundament was sullied by beastly monsters and monstrous beasts, of forms most unbestowable by entities of the land!

It was only obvious that something must be done, of course. And so Bastion wielded their shield and deholstered their... scythe (https://tools.libove.org/generators/roll/random-melee-weapon-type/) to do battle against the abominable abomination that had dared insult this plane with its uninvited and altogether rude presence!

And snicker-snack went the blade of the scythe, as the grand Bastion cut into the foul foreign fiend, and a great many dull "thok"s were heard, the cruel creature's attacks unable to pierce Bastion's utmost defenses!

The battle was exciting, most chivalrous, but quite one-sided. A poor showing for the challenger, all things considered. As Bastion scraped together the villain's oozeful remains for study, a thought occurred to them: this self-narration was altogether far too silly and thought-consuming. They were getting distracted. They probably shouldn't continue with that once things got truly important.

Spoiler: Note (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 0)
Post by: micelus on June 08, 2019, 04:14:27 am
The enemy was not one of intellect, skill or grace. Merely an element, like Wood or Water. It sprung to reason of course, that such a foe should be dispatched by another element, to force it into compliance and a full rout.

Clutching at the primeval essences of the universe, as well as his own being, Ma Dong did force elemental reaction after elemental reaction after elemental reaction. Infused with his own mayne, he unleashed the temporal idea into creation; an army of divinely-infused thorium chariots, each manned by corresponding steeds and charioteers. Taking his rifle, Ma Dong did take aim at the eldritch mass, shooting true, rending and piercing the chaotic element with each shot. With that first flurry, did the chariots charge throughout the void, crashing and charging into the enemy.

At the end of the battle, the elemental beings did dissipate back into creation; an army discharged at campaign's end.

Of course, this was but the first skirmish in a long war, one that would require all of Lord Ma's cunning, strength and charges to win.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 0)
Post by: Elvish Miner on June 08, 2019, 02:57:57 pm
Witnessing the Eldricht Powers cause havoc in this new world angered Go'sha. While she appreciates carnage in her own way, this indiscriminate and haphazard destruction could not go unpunished.

She sees a particular clumsy one, eating rocks of all things, and it doesn't notice her whatsoever. This thing isn't even worth her energy, but it needs to be dispatched none the less. She saunters up to it, and, transforming into pure godly energy, forces her way into its body. She rapidly expands, reforming into her physical form, and explodes it, sending Eldritch parts all over, which vaporize away.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 0)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on June 09, 2019, 12:26:41 am
((Fallacy hasn't posted yet, but as mentioned, this 'fight' has no mechanical effect, so to keep things moving along I'll just put this up now, and Fallacy can include his beatdown description in his next post))


The Eldritch Beings, defeated, dissolved into nothingness, and so the world was saved. Had they been capable of awareness, the native life would've no doubt been grateful to the gods for their timely rescue- but as it was, life went on mostly unchanged. The Eldritch Threat recoiled slightly at the destruction of its extensions, giving the gods a moment of breathing room- time enough to work on the world without having to be constantly on the lookout for eldritch intrusions.

The world, as mentioned, was boring. However, it brimmed with potential. Beneath the crust, the mantle churned, and a little divine intervention could quite easily reshape the world (or sections of it). The climate was fairly bland, but pockets of unique weather suggested the possibility of a more interesting forecast. Life was dull now, but it had suffused the planet, and would require only the slightest of nudges to explode in complexity.

At this time, the world was dominated by a single landmass, covering about 30% of the surface, with a few volcanic islands here and there. Further afield, a small moon orbited the world, an uninspiring sphere of rock that nevertheless enlivened the night sky somewhat. Four other planets orbited the sun, though none were capable of supporting life, lacking in liquid water. The sun, as viewed from the surface of the world, was a nice yellow colour, suggesting a healthy star with a long life ahead of it.
None of these things were named, as of yet- and, of course, many of them could change dramatically in short order, should the gods desire.


As alluded to (and mention in the OOC thread OP), at the moment the Eldritch Threat is fairly weak- or rather, the protective influence of the sun prevents it from applying its full strength to the world. This will change, as the ET adapts to the situation, but for now, you're fairly safe. Actions with a cost of less than 7 Divine Energy will have no real consequences this turn. DE 7&8 will result in Eldritch Beings manifesting around the focal point of the action, which will need to be dealt with (you may include a Simple Action of manifesting to automatically attack them as they come into existence; or you can deal with them next turn. Or, you could not deal with them at all, and let someone else clean up your mess). DE 9 and above will attract the direct attention of the Eldritch Threat, which will lash out at the offending god(s)(you may pool resources into an action, in which case all contributing gods are considered the source of the action), with the strength of the attack scaling as more energy is invested.

So. Get started. Feel free to ask me, in the OOC thread or on Discord, about the cost/viability of hypothetical actions, or any other questions you may have.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Happerry on June 09, 2019, 12:49:20 am
And so it is that Anath looks out unto the sky, and sees that the sky lacks stars. A thing which Anath is unwilling to let stand, for without stars, how shall fare the night? But with the lack of stars comes a chance for a beneficial manifestation. And thus the god of the night turns to his peers. "My fellow divinities. Would any of you be willing to work with me to establish a shield of stars around this world and this sun? A protective sphere of starlight and magic woven from and between our newly crafted stars, which will both anchor and power this shield? Would it not be a worthy cause to craft such a thing to suppress the great enemy's might and let only its weaker spawn wiggle through to trouble us? If several of us but contributed two or three units of power to this project, we could make a lasting defense for our world."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: crazyabe on June 09, 2019, 01:41:57 am
This one suggests intertwining Fields of divine lights, the brightest of them holding as focal points around which the others would be bound in gears of Ethereal brass, turning and twisting, providing an ever changing field of defense around the world.  This one is willing to donate a total of Six should its Suggested shape for these defending stars be taken.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: micelus on June 09, 2019, 06:33:22 am
"I approve of my fellow divines' wisdom in this matter; the defense of the realm is of top priority in my opinion. However, I find this form of defense reactive and passive, one that cannot respond to threats, only slow them. I suggest instead, a celestial army to proactively patrol Creation and combat the eldritch wherever it appears. I suggest the pooling together of resources to promote the first generation of such a force, and then draw upon the souls of the future dead as recruits."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Wozzy on June 09, 2019, 08:41:44 am
Saraab watches the discussion with growing interest. Given the fact that they have beaten back the first invasion force means they have time. What's more, these weaker Eldritch beings seem trivial to take down, only requiring effort.

Fellow gods, you all make great suggestions, and I do believe that both are neccessary for the protection of this world. The barrier, to keep the larger Eldritch beings at bay, and the protectors, to fight off the immediate threats that we are too preoccupied to deal with, are the cornerstones of a long reign in this world. However, the Celestial Army seems excessive for the moment, especially since we do not have any mortals who can join its ranks in their afterlife. I suggest we instead create the starfield, in a way that allows us to bolster its strength by creating new stars, and create this divine army in the near future, when sapiens walk this planet. I will pledge my power to both causes, as long as we are willing to make this compromise.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Glass on June 09, 2019, 11:15:50 am
Defensive, you say? Of course! A wondrous shield, woven of reality itself! A great guard, impenetrable, of sky knights of night skies! I shall gladly lend my expertise and power in the pursuit of the safeguarding of these lands! Grand defensive crenellations in the constellations, guard towers throughout the heavenly walls!
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 09, 2019, 03:55:38 pm
Ventura first took male form, in response to the encroaching of the Eldritch Threat, and the harshness of what needed to be done... then recoiled as he realized the Threat had already seeded the world. Work was to be done.

Whipping his hands up, he summoned vast crushing winds, and slammed the extensions of the Eldritch Threat against whatever was available. Mountains, hills, trees... when he was finished, only remnants remained.
Having finished with the local eldritch monstrosities, Ventura joined the conversation with the other gods, for it was definitely of the utmost importance.

"I would definitely be willing to venture power towards a barrier against the Eldritch Threat. However it seems unwise to put all our gemstones in one bracelet, so to speak. Would it be intelligent to create multiple layers of defensive barriers, using different mechanisms?"
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Happerry on June 09, 2019, 05:23:32 pm
Quote from: crazyabe on June 09, 2019, 01:41:57 am
This one suggests intertwining Fields of divine lights, the brightest of them holding as focal points around which the others would be bound in gears of Ethereal brass, turning and twisting, providing an ever changing field of defense around the world.  This one is willing to donate a total of Six should its Suggested shape for these defending stars be taken.
Anath gives Athalonus the kind of glance that suggests he is currently wishing he had eyes so he could roll them. "No."

"If you desire to craft a constellation I will not oppose it, but this is supposed to be a starfield, not a gearfield."

Quote from: FallacyofUrist on June 09, 2019, 03:55:38 pm
"I would definitely be willing to venture power towards a barrier against the Eldritch Threat. However it seems unwise to put all our gemstones in one bracelet, so to speak. Would it be intelligent to create multiple layers of defensive barriers, using different mechanisms?"
Anath gives Ventura a shrug. "I would not object to other defensive measures at all, should more be thought up. I only seek but two or three units of energy as assistance by those willing to give some, so if you have another barrier in mind you should still have enough to craft one of your own."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Elvish Miner on June 09, 2019, 07:14:41 pm
Go'sha scoffs. Barriers, I can go along with, but if we are building armies to fight the Eldritch Power, I will raise my own.

Go'sha will provide 2 energy to the barrier created by Anath
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Glass on June 09, 2019, 07:19:02 pm
Ah, so we're clear, I'm willing to provide however much energy is requested toward all defensive endeavors.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: micelus on June 09, 2019, 09:59:12 pm
Ma Dong frowned. "It seems you are all resolute in this endeavour. I would not oppose it, but neither will I contribute supplies towards it. I shall instead, focus on other defences."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Happerry on June 10, 2019, 02:29:17 am
Quote from: Elvish Miner on June 09, 2019, 07:14:41 pm
Go'sha scoffs. Barriers, I can go along with, but if we are building armies to fight the Eldritch Power, I will raise my own.
Go'sha will provide 2 energy to the barrier created by Anath
Quote from: Glass on June 09, 2019, 07:19:02 pm
Ah, so we're clear, I'm willing to provide however much energy is requested toward all defensive endeavors.

Anath nods gravely. "My thanks then, to all who would aid me in this task. Between you two and Ventura, should you each donate two units of force to this, and I then provide three units of power, we should be able to weave a barrier that will significantly hinder our foe, without overly provoking an... unfortunate response. Though it will likely respond in some way to this, as I doubt it will happily accept being warded out of what it means to bring to ruin."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Glass on June 10, 2019, 09:04:33 am
Quote from: Happerry on June 10, 2019, 02:29:17 am
Anath nods gravely. "My thanks then, to all who would aid me in this task. Between you two and Ventura, should you each donate two units of force to this, and I then provide three units of power, we should be able to weave a barrier that will significantly hinder our foe, without overly provoking an... unfortunate response. Though it will likely respond in some way to this, as I doubt it will happily accept being warded out of what it means to bring to ruin."
Bastion also nods, with significantly less gravity and more impression of enjoying the act itself. They then provide 3 energy.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Wozzy on June 10, 2019, 12:29:00 pm
Saraab raises a non-existant eyebrow.
"I urge you to not spend much more energy than necessary on this barrier. Allow us to bolster its strength once it is up."

With that, he turns to Ventura.
"While they work on the barrier to keep out the larger Eldritch Beings, we can work on a barrier to harm those who make it through. Perhaps an exosphere of holy power that burns them as they enter our atmosphere, weaking them slightly so they are easier to deal with?"
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Glass on June 10, 2019, 01:06:45 pm
But protection is my thing! I'm good at it! I'm pretty sure that my contributions will be worth more, part for part, than any of yours! So of course I want there to be more of my work in the construction!
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Elvish Miner on June 10, 2019, 08:57:26 pm
Go'sha looks at the barren land longingly, while her fellow gods bicker about 'gears' in space in the background. Red flames dance around her as she raises her arms, and shoot out as she thrusts them forward, skipping across the ground in a wide arc. Each time the fireballs make contact with the ground, they create a ripple of fire, as though she were skipping stones. From the points of impact, crimson colored grasses start to grow rapidly, fed by her divine power. The patches continue to expand outward across the land as she turns back around to listen to Bastion's response.

Go'sha spends 3DE to create Wildfire Grass, a vivid red meadow grass. The name comes not only from its color, but by how it behaves at the beginning of each season. It spread across the ground rapidly, like a fire, killing other grasses out in order for them to be used as nutrients for other larger plants. She spends an additional 1DE to add some mundane plantlife that doesn't deserve much attention.

Total DE used: 4(+2 for barrier)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Wozzy on June 11, 2019, 10:56:52 am
Saraab turns to Athalonus, who's brass idea had been shut down.

Those gears of yours...they would probably hurt if they crashed into an Eldritch Being at hundreds of miles an hour, right? If you wanted to help me, we could make our exosphere out of tens of thousands gears caught in our planet's orbit.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 11, 2019, 12:39:12 pm
Ventura smiles. "I will happily provide a portion of energy to this outer barrier."

Ventura then provides 2 energy to Anath's barrier.

Afterwards, he turns to Saraab. "Personally I would prefer an inner barrier of vast cutting winds, cutting to shreds anything that dares penetrate the outer barrier."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Wozzy on June 12, 2019, 04:29:32 pm
Saraab spends 4 energy creating hooved quadrupeds. They are lean and agile, and eat the Wildfire Grass. They have gold colored hides, with red splotches to provide camouflage, and two spiral horns with boney outgrowths, like spurs, on their heads.

One day you will provide nourishment for the sapiens on this planet, but for now, roam and grow! I name you Red-Prairie Antelope, after the lands you graze upon.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Happerry on June 13, 2019, 03:07:56 am
And so it is that Anath, with the aid of his fellow gods, reaches out into the darkness of the space beyond the sun, beyond the bounds of the world, at the very edge of existence itself. Where space grows thin under the enemies hate, and time itself is gnawed and holed, and the eldritch menace that means to end this world extends the first tendrils of influence. And it is there, in the eternal darkness of the long night between worlds, that Anath pools the power gained from other gods and sent by himself, and readies himself for action.

Thus does Anath speak. "Let there be light."

And lo, there is a light born in the dark, as stars without number burst forth into everlasting life, shining brightly with a defiant mien. And between those stars a vast net is woven, starlight and stardust and shadow united into a shield that bars the path, that closeth the gate, that seals the lock, that denies the corridors between. The way is shut. The way is sealed. And while no barrier will stand forever undaunted, for time undreamed of the stars will guard the outer limits against that which comes from beyond, slavering and hateful, to destroy all that is. Their power will be sealed, their whispers denied, their sight blinded. Every door and every window guarded by the guards that do not sleep, with flame and the burning light of beyond as their sword, and their shield the stardust of their wake.

No guard will stand forever unfailing. But the enemy must still take them into account. The way is shut, and even once a new path is forced, the guards will still shine in defiance, a bane to the foulness forevermore.

[Anath gives 3 energy to forging the Wall of Stars, which unless my math is wrong should add up to ten in all. 3 from Night, 2 from Wind, 3 from Preservation, 2 from Destruction. Anath will, instead of seeking to form the barrier to completely block against the ET for as long as possible, instead design the barrier with an eye to provide the greatest hindrance to any threats that pass through and beyond the barrier to the world it guards, weakening and constraining them and their ability to do stuff as much as possible, if such a barrier design is possible. If it isn't, he just forms it with an eye to slowing down the attacks as much as possible instead of blocking it entirely, because you've indicated that no barrier will block the attacks entirely for more then a moderate amount of time, if that is possible.)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Glass on June 13, 2019, 07:51:36 am
[Ignore this post, please and thank you.]
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Wozzy on June 13, 2019, 08:08:15 am
Too little too late, Saraab speaks up.

I again ask that you show restraint. While it might cost more energy in the long run, building it up slowly will reduce the chance of the Eldritch Beings striking at us before we are ready.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: Roboson on June 13, 2019, 01:22:00 pm
After the other gods had acted, a final god appeared to finish off the lingering eldritch beings which roamed scattered across the lands. Kamoan stood from where he sat, upon a heavenly pile of gold and silver coins, which shifted ahead of him as he walked, forming steps of coins laid out before him as he strolled across the sky. As he went, a single golden coin would occasionally shoot down from the swirling pile beneath him, striking the remaining beings. The divine coinage struck the beasts, sticking onto their bodies and spreading out until the entirety of the beast was covered in the metal. Then the metal began to contract. As it did so, it crushed the beast, growing smaller and smaller until the entirety of the monster was devoured by the greedy coin. Their job done, each coin clinked to the ground. “Money well spent,” says the smiling god as he continues his stroll across the sky.


While the other gods looked upwards to the sky Kamoan looked down to the earth. “There is little sense in building a wall which surrounds as little as this. What small value this world has.” said the god with a contemplative frown. His brow furrowed as he looked about, his gaze eventually setting on a volcano. He peered down into it, deep into the mantle until he saw what he was looking for. “Yes, this will do.” Kamoan takes a small gem from his infinite hoard and holds it up, appraising it in the sunlight. He takes a drop of his blood and soaks the gem, before dropping it into the volcano. He then begins his casual stroll back to his preferred vantage point to watch his actions unfold.

Slowly the gemstone sinks down through the molten rock, deep into the earth. Moments after Kamoan returned to sitting on his infinite hoard of wealth, every volcano across the land erupted simultaneously, casting fire, stone, and ash into the sky across the world. And from these eruptions, great beasts flew forth to plunder this world. The dragons, the first mortal beings to grace this land, were born.

Forged in the heart of this world from Kamoan’s own power, the dragons were an incredibly long lived, incredibly intelligent, and commanded powerful magical abilities. These mighty beings, born of Kamoan, would greatly enrich this world.

Spoiler: Dragons (click to show/hide)

Spend 6DE to create powerful dragons.

Kamoan watched as his first children were born from the earth and took to the sky. He smiled as they came to explore the world, as for now, it belonged to them. But his brow furled once more. Something was missing. The world had gained value, this was certain, but only the dragons themselves had value. There was nothing for his children to hoard. He felt his strength failing, but could not leave them so. He reached into his hoard and tossed coins out across the world, glittering gifts for his children to discover.

Kamoan spends 2DE to cast a large number of Golden Kamoanian Kent's across the world. Half are hidden in caves and other hidden places, half are left out in the open.

Spoiler: Kamoanian Kent (click to show/hide)

With this Kamoan was pleased with the world. It was a good investment, and he looked forward to watching it grow. Occasionally he made himself known to his children.

Periodically Kamoan will send dreams of a random coin to all the dragons. These dreams always accurately depict Kamoan personally placing the coin in whatever location it currently resides.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 1)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on June 14, 2019, 07:52:07 am
Turn 1: The Wall of Stars

And so did four gods take to the skies, seeking to weave a barrier of starlight to hold the hungering void at bay. Anath, Bastion, Go'Sha, and Ventura pooled their energy together, amassing the power needed to warp reality in untold ways.
Needless to say, such an accumulation of divine power was like the shimmering scales of a succulent fish to the Eldritch Threat, and the weakening of reality it caused offering an open door through to its malign influence. Before the gods could so much as begin on their great work, a great rift manifested before them, and from it emerged a tide of Eldritch Beings- the amorphous blobs seen before, though these now propelled their way towards the gods with great force. Where before they had faced handfuls, the four gods were now presented with an all-but uncountable quantity of the ravenous things.
Still, they had no fear. They were in the heavens- the Eldritch Beings faced the gods themselves, not manifestations. Bastion's great shield was set before the tide, and the seemingly relentless onslaught broke against the immovable barrier. Ventura's gusts of divine wind gathered them up dozens at a time, condensing them into spheres, which Go'Sha subsequently infused with destructive energy until they violently exploded, the eldritch energy vaporised. Those that sought to circumvent the shield found themselves ensnared in Anath's shadows, a darkness deeper than themselves, and with little fanfare they were simply swallowed up. It was, in other words, a rather one-sided fight. However, the Eldritch Beings did not relent. Wave after wave came through the rift, which appeared to be growing, as each wave was larger than the last.
Thus, rather than stay locked in combat for eternity, Anath began weaving the starfield, as the others dealt with the endless onslaught. As the divine energy was given form, the assault doubled in intensity, yet the gods stood firm. One after another, shining stars burst into existence, peppering the edge of the system, and lines of power began to form between them. Indeed, as the work progressed, the tide began to weaken, the great enchantment already slowing the entry of the intruders.

Though devoid of thought, the Eldritch Threat was not blind. It could sense the barrier forming, augmenting the repulsive effect of the sun, and it was, insofar as it was capable of such things, enraged. With the work halfway complete, and the tide of Eldritch Beings noticeably subdued, there arose from the void a psychic roar, a 'sound' of purest anger and hatred, that swept through the system, causing the gods, and even the primitive life, to shudder involuntarily. With it, the rift convulsed, and what had already seemed like a chaotic blight on reality became far worse; the shape no longer recognisable at all, such that even the 'eyes' of the gods could not comprehend what they were seeing. The stars already in place shook violently, and several broke loose from the enchantment, falling towards the sun.
All of which was of little concern once the rift exploded in size, and through it reached an... appendage, for want of a better word, a colossal extension of eldritch energy, a writhing tentacle whose appearance fluctuated wildly. Later, the gods would all describe it differently, but could all agree that it was more horrifying a visage than they could've imagined.
For a moment, the 'limb' waved around aimlessly, as if getting it's bearings, but then it swung forth towards the four gods, smashing into Bastion's shield. And lo, the immovable, impenetrable shield was smashed aside, fractures spiralling across its face, and Bastion himself was thrown back. Go'Sha and Ventura, who had been smiting Eldritch Beings from behind it, were momentarily shocked- a moment too long, as the convulsing tentacle swiped forth once more and sent both sprawling.
Anath looked to his companions, his hands temporarily ceasing the weaving of starstuff, torn between lending his aid and continuing the great work. Not that the Eldritch Threat considered either an acceptable choice, the colossal limb drawing back, then striking forth to impale the starry-eyed god.
But hark, in the nick of time, Bastion's fractured shield is set before the monstrous appendage, absorbing the potentially lethal blow. Subsequently, a great cyclone rips the limb away, as blasts of pure destruction pepper it, sending chunks of eldritch matter spiralling into the void. Shaken, Anath continues to weave the starlight tapestry with increased haste, as Bastion grits his teeth absorbing blow after devastating blow, and Ventura and Go'Sha do their best to weaken the titanic tentacle.
It is a battle that is considerably less one-sided, and indeed, one that would go poorly if it were a fight to the death, as Bastion's shield crumbles, Ventura's winds grow weaker, and Go'Sha's destruction fails to do more than temporarily scar their opponent. But Anath works quickly, as new stars replace those that fell, and the remainder of the barrier flickers into life. The rift begins to shrink once more, the lines of power flaring as they attempt to weaken the intruding force.
Eventually, the rift begins to squeeze the appendage, and it is forced to retract a little. This gives the gods hope, and they redouble their efforts to keep the Eldritch Threat contained. The final stars slot into place, the last lines spread between them, and the completed barrier shines twice as bright as it clamps down on the ongoing intrusion. The rift shrinks rapidly, the tentacle retreating with it, until with one final blast of power, Go'Sha destroys the desperately squirming tip, and the rift snaps shut.
The gods, as one, fall to their knees, battered and weary- Anath, though mostly untouched by the fighting, having pushed himself to his limit and beyond, the others sporting many wounds from the gruelling battle.

The Wall of Stars is created. It will drastically weaken any Eldritch Intrusion.
Anath, Ventura, Bastion, and Go'Sha all suffer 2 wounds. (Gods naturally regenerate 1 wound per turn. Suffering as many wounds as you have strength will result in being knocked out and unable to act for a turn. If all the gods are knocked out at the same time, the Eldritch Threat will consume the world).


The stars that were knocked loose from the barrier hurtle towards the sun, most of them crashing straight into it and being absorbed with little effect. Several, however, strike the five planets orbiting the sun, including the (still unnamed) life-bearing world. Their impacts leave behind great craters, and within them, the still-glowing remnants of stars.

The world is littered with 12 Fallen Stars.


The dramatic events in the heavens would've no doubt caused great consternation amongst more intelligent life. Fortunate, then, that no such intelligence was to be found on the world. However, this will not be the case for ever, as Go'Sha returns to the world to create the first multicellular life. A smattering of boring, nondescript plantlife, and Wildfire Grass, which true to its name spreads quickly across the world. With little in the way of competition, it's uniquely destructive nature is mostly applied to other patches of Wildfire Grass. As the red grass grows older, its colour fades, until it is too weak to resist the next 'generation' of grass, resulting in interesting patterns across the plains of the world- concentric rings of red fading to gold.

Wildfire Grass is created.


Saraab, anticipating the needs of more advanced life, creates a creature that might eat the grass, and in turn be eaten. The Red-Prarie Antelope springs forth, and quickly spreads across most of the world, having no predators or competition... yet.

The Red-Prarie Antelope is created.


Kamoan, who was always here, I don't know what you're talking about, sees the world and judges it to be lacking in worth, offending his sensibilities. To this end he spills a drop of his own precious blood on a fraction of his infinite wealth, and combines it with the fire of the young world to give birth to the mighty dragons, who burst forth from volcanoes across the world, beings whose greed will surely create value where there was none before. The dragons hunt the Red-Prarie Antelope, but are relatively few in number (a few hundred), and so do not put much of a dent in the population.

Not to leave his creations paupers, Kamoan also spreads a hoard's worth of golden coins- Kamoanian Kents- across the world. He sent visions of these coins to the dragons, to let them know where they may be found.

Not that the dragons needed much by way of encouragement to seek out these coins. Many of the first dragons find themselves with hoards consisting of "somewhat shiny rocks", "pebbles of an interesting shape", and "especially large Red-Prarie Antelope horns". They instinctively feel these to be paltry hoards, and the state of their scales and offspring confirms this- weak and mud-coloured. Even a single golden coin is enough to elevate a hoard considerably, and so it is that every time Kamoan sends out a coin-dream, most every dragon in the world sets forth to find it.
Which, inevitably, results in conflict. When two (or more) dragons stumble across a Kent at the same time, a fight erupts, gouts of flame scarring the land, fang and claw spilling draconic blood that stains the dust red. Often, these fights will not end until all but one of the dragons is dead or dying. The survivor must then flee the scene quickly, before other dragons arrive, lured in by the sights and sounds of battle.
Despite this, the dragons who find the coins are grateful for the dreams that led to them. Though primitive and meagre, their thoughts of thanks provide Kamoan with a little nourishment.

Dragons are created.
Kamoanian Kents are created and spread across the world. Kamoan sends dreams of these coins to dragons occasionally.
Kamoan gains 1 strength from the (unfocused, primitive, paltry) worship of the dragons.


However, the fight over Kents is child's play compared to the fight over a far more precious treasure- the twelve fallen stars scattered across the world. These appeal to the dragons like nothing else, as a star-hoard will elevate a dragon to untold heights, with scales like diamonds. Of course, this strength is constantly put to the test by other dragons who come seeking the stars for themselves. Eventually, however, most dragons give up their attempts to seize the stars- the twelve dragons who rule the star-hoards having grown too strong for even those with several golden coins to challenge. The star-dragons, covered in scars, grow ancient and powerful, most of them being of the first generation, yet outliving those of the third and fourth.

The 12 Fallen Stars are claimed by dragons. The owners of the stars grow ancient and powerful.


Time passes, and the Wall of Stars holds. No Eldritch intrusions take place, and the world is peaceful (barring fights between dragons). The draconic population increases to a few thousand, although most of these are weak, having pitiable hoards. The gods accumulate some strength from the fragment of the Divine Shard within them, and the worship (such as it is) of the dragons in Kamoan's case. Anath, Ventura, Go'Sha and Bastion recover a little.


Right then. Carry on. As before, you may ask me questions in the OOC thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=174074.0) or on Discord (https://discord.gg/HAvTWch).

Spoiler: God Statuses (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Elvish Miner on June 14, 2019, 09:54:24 am
There was no question that Go'sha would be attracted to the dragons, what with their destructive potential. Hoping to gain favor from them, she spills her blood and infusing each of the droplets with her destructive potential, crystalizes them. While she doesn't have the same touch as Kamoan when it comes to crafting finer things, the ruby red stones are still dazzling. If one were to look through it, the world would appear as though it were engulfed in an inferno.
She creates a score of these precious jewels, and (in a less ceremonious way than by 'dreams') she approaches the weaker mud dragons, offering up a taste of her power.

Spend 3DE to create 20 Blood Rubies, infusing some of her power into them, and offer them to the weak, desperate mud dragons.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 14, 2019, 01:12:25 pm
Ventura was pleased with the barrier of stars, and less pleased by the pain inflicted by the Eldritch Threat's tentacle. Still, he would endure.

Looking upon the mortal realm and the dragons flying across it, he smiled and prepared a grand gesture, a challenge and reward in one.

Ventura took half of his power and sunk it into the earth. The power of wind sought to rejoin the skies, and exploded upwards, forming a new mountain in moments. The mountain, Ventura could tell, was infused with the power of the wind, and already the air around it was starting to churn. Soon, Ventura knew, the mountain would be constantly surrounded by powerful storms capable of striking lesser dragons to their death.

And at the very tip of the mountain, its sharp peak, a crystal grew. And continued growing till only a dragon could grasp it within their claw. The crystal turned blue and crackled with electricity. And Ventura knew that the power within the crystal still resonated with him. In fact, someone who touched it could likely talk to Ventura simply by wanting to. Truly it was a magnificent treasure. Of course... if it was kept away from the magical mountain for too long, it would lose its power, but it could certainly regain it.

Ventura traced a mural onto the side of the mountain, near the peak. His hand, reaching from the skies and touching the peak of the mountain. It would do.

Ventura spends 5 DE to create Stormheight, a magical mountain made of Windstone, a lightly blue tinted stone that is much sharper than normal when cut. Stormheight is constantly surrounded by great magical storms capable of striking down lesser dragons. At the very tip of Stormheight, the treasure the Gem of Storms lies, a massive magical gem crackling with electricity, permitting any being that touches it to communicate with the god Ventura. If taken away from Stormheight for more than a few years it will lose its charge and its power, but being brought back to the peak will recharge it. Near the peak of Stormheight there is a mural depicting Ventura's hand touching the peak of the mountain, reaching down from the sky.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Wozzy on June 14, 2019, 02:34:31 pm
Saraab looks at the land and sees it is pretty monotonous, with seas of red/gold grass and the occasional mountain poking out. It is time to change that.

In the Red-Prairie, he creates the Umbrella Tree. This is a thin tree with incredibly deep and wide roots, to hold it in place during storms. While it doesn't grow very tall (15-20ft) it has an incredibly wide canopy (nearly 50ft) that provides plenty of shade and cover from dragons. It spreads it seeds using the wind later in the season, which sprout quickly in order to avoid the Wildfire Grass. Their leaves are gold.

In an area where the Wildfire Grass has not reached yet, he creates the Hardwood Forest: a group of trees that grow wide and tall. The wood is durable, but lightweight, and they produce tasty fruit. The wood is a dark brown while the leaves are a dark green.

Saraab spends 4 energy creating two species of trees.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: micelus on June 15, 2019, 04:43:58 am
The longs warred greedily
For dead celestial lights
Untouched by heaven will

Ma Dong looked at the draconic get of the god Kamoan with some approval, satisfaction and intrigue. However, he felt that star shards would be put to better use in the defense of the realm. As such, he committed to memory a plan of action to make off with them. At the same time, he knew that this might cause conflict with their godly creator. As such, he decided to pay visit to the slender man of goldy locks.

"Oh Kamoan, I can't help but find your dragons most intriguing. Their conflicts and acquisitions show a good basis for further development...but I find their control over those star fragments worrying. Would you be in opposition to myself procuring them for the defense of the realm? I would of course promise to aid in the dragons' further growth, especially in the manufacture of wealth."


As for the other gods, those who had engaged in the construction of the Wall of Stars, he did tip his helmet at them. "You did well by that, though I do hope you all see to your wounds."

He looked at their creation and whistled a marching tune. "Still, it is only a wall, and one without a garrison to protect it. Well as it is, we require levies. The world is young and lacking yet in souls, but, the future holds promise for much greater growth. As such, I would ask from all amongst you, if you would object to the conscription of the souls of the dead into an army- a mainly voluntary one, I promise. "
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Happerry on June 15, 2019, 03:44:42 pm
Hearing the conversations of his fellow gods, Anath manifests a form next to Ma Dong and Kamoan long enough to express his will about what to do with the fallen stars that the two of them, unlike almost all the other gods, had no hand in creating. "I personally feel no need to remove the stars from the grasp of the dragons." Anath states plainly. "So long as they are willing to use the power they have gained from that which was forged to fight the great enemy to, well, fight the great enemy, I see little reason to diminish the greatest of the dragons by forcefully taking the prize of their horde from them."

"As for the conscription of the dead... if you wish to use your own worshipers for such a purpose that is up to you, but I have my own plans for my own worshipers."

Turning away from this discussion, Anath goes to work once more, finished resting from his exertions in the first day, even if the wounds gained then still pain him. Collecting moonlight as bright as day, stardust that has never seen sorrow, and shadow never known to the sun, Anath sets to creating his own race to walk upon the world and do as all races do upon it's face, awakening the forms he forged with one of his own breaths and a single drop of starfire.

These new folk are long of limb and form, tall and towering, keen eyed and keen sensed though this does serve to cause them a certain amount of sensory overload during the day. They will walk amongst the shadows and moonlight that birthed them as old friends, their eyes will see with the eternal flame that birthed them, and the celestial wall will evermore be their guide. Thus, across several different locations on the planet, do the first Star Elves awaken.

And to these Secondborn mortals of the world, Anath sends a manifestation, whom upon them will teach the art of hunting and skinning, of forging simple tools of stone and wood, and grass and bark, of fire keeping and cooking, and most of all the art of navigation and estimation of the future by the patterns the stars make in the sky.

Spoiler: Star Elves (click to show/hide)

And Anath looks upon what he has done, and is happy.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Roboson on June 15, 2019, 10:45:12 pm
I agree with Ananth. The star holding dragons are the first to taste true power in this world and I'm more than a little interested in seeing how that will play out as they age.

There are many more unclaimed stars across the other planets, I would advise taking those. To take from the dragons would be to potentially lose a valuable defensive force.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Happerry on June 16, 2019, 12:13:58 am
-Deleted because of DM granted information-

Also, unless someone else does something unexpected I need to react to, Done for the Turn.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: micelus on June 16, 2019, 03:58:53 am
"I am not inclined to believe that these dragons will be inclined to aiding against the enemy nor do I believe curiosity to be enough to justify leaving such a risk. Still, what say you Kamoan about the draconic souls?"
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Roboson on June 16, 2019, 09:27:30 am
As beings who inhabit this world, I find it doubtful that they would simply allow the Eldritch threat to devour them and their world without a fight. There is no risk to leaving the stars where they fell, and to take them would weaken them. If defense is your goal, the stars are where they belong. And if you need stars for your plans, there are many others across the solar system that would not weaken the dragons if you took them.

As for their souls, I have plans for an afterlife befitting my children.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: micelus on June 16, 2019, 03:43:08 pm
"No risk? Kamoan, is it not true that these frsgments give power to those dragons that wield them? Your get are beings of desire and greed, as you have seen fit to make them. I do not mind this, but there keeping of these fragments pose a weakness to creation."

"For now, there is equilibrium between the stronger dragons of the realm, enforced by their hold over the star fragments. In their current state, perhaps, you can still yet convince them to act in the defense of the realm. But think of the  future, when they uncover further ways of conflict, where dragons can now conceivably take more of the fragments from their stronger kin or where those already with fragments do the same. The dragons will be in a state of competition for the fragments, with the chaos and anarchy such eras bring. Though true, such periods produce veterans and heroes, such will be the loss of dragonpower that their future aid against the Eldritch could he blunted. Further, such times bring desperation and some may be willing to seek the Eldritch itself as a source of power. Combined with the power of the fragments, I fear what damage such a state could bring to Creation."

"As for the souls of your dragons.... well I suppose I did expect such....demureness in those who've never served in the military. There is an old saying 'Those who should desire peace should prepare for war.' I cannot force you to give your creations a choice in service to creation, but I would like you to dwell on those words for a time."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Roboson on June 16, 2019, 06:28:18 pm
 The power the dragons gain from the stars is due to their own nature, not to the nature of the stars they possess. Any other object of equal value would have the same effect upon the dragons.

To take the stars from the dragons does nothing but to weaken them. While I do agree that they have the propensity for war in the future, I see this as the danger of any mortal. If they are weak, they could never assist against the Eldritch Threat. If they are strong, they are a danger to creation. To simply deny them strength out of fear, is deny ourselves an ally.

And I use the word ally here because they are not mere swords to swing at the monster which lurks beyond the stars. They have free will. Some will become villians, others will become heros.

As such, I shall not deny them the deny them the choice to join the defense, so long as you do not deny them their treasures.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: micelus on June 17, 2019, 12:25:16 am
"The stars gave inherent value against the Eldritch, Kamoan. I do not trust the dragons to make use of such fragments in a goodly manner. But I see that you are not willing to acquise to me in this regard. Still, no point in keeping the impossible in one's mind."

Ma Dong smiled. "I won't take the fragments, as you have requested. No point in antagonising allies against the foe. In the future, I would hope that we can remain in a state of peace  and strive to a common goodness."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Roboson on June 17, 2019, 01:17:57 am
I too hope we can remain peaceful and open with eachother. Also, my friend, there are many other fallen stars scattered to other planets. Could you not use those for your mechanations?
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: micelus on June 17, 2019, 02:10:49 am
"Of course. That was never the problem in my opinion. The problem is allowing ourselves a weakness by allowing mortal factors to influence the shards. Thii for example, that one of the star bearers would turn to the Chaotic in order to increase their power. If the Eldritch were to find this individual and supply them, then the bearer may be yet tempted to subvert or break the barrier of our brothers and sisters' creation. The shard may yet allow them a way to study the workings of the celestial breastworks and in time, overcome it. That is what I fear."


(EDIT in order to avoid the dreaded double post)

Ma Dong crafts and weaves, disassembling a few bullets from his ammopack and interlacing them with his own essence. From these, Ma Dong created carp.

6DE: Create Carp throughout the world's water bodies.

Spoiler: 鲤鱼 (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Roboson on June 17, 2019, 06:28:17 pm
Kamoan smiled down at his dragons. Some had grown large and ancient, seeing the world unfold around them. Others knew of struggle, of hardship, and of pain, scratching tooth and nail to pull themselves from the drudges. He watched his children, proud of each one. It was time to introduce himself.

Kamoan sent a vision to all of the dragons. It begins with Kamoan, who appears as a golden dragon beautiful and ornate. He looks to the heavens and lets out a divine roar. His scales fall off, turning to golden coins as the fall onto his immense treasure hoard, revealing his taken form. He then is shown travelling to the volcano, killing the eldritch threat with ease, as he did in the last age. And finally, it depicts the birth of the dragons, born from his blood and his hoard.  He looks at the beholder of the vision and speaks thus, “I am the God Kamoan, the Golden Lord and Keeper of the Divine Hoard. My blood, given unto you, rushes through your veins. My scales, given unto you, strengthen your own. My power, given unto you, stokes the fires of your body and soul. I am the Father of your forefathers, and you my children, are the greatest treasure among all which constitutes my heavenly hoard. Each of you fills me with a pride. And it is because of this, I grant you two boons. The first is to know your origin, to walk this land knowing you are the first creations of power within these lands, born directly from a god to inherit this world. Be proud my children, for you are the first mortals to walk this earth, and you are mighty.

And thus, onto you, as my children, I grant a divine gift. The Golden Kents that you have discovered are enchanted, filled with my power. I give them freely, though finding them is a task I can hardly assist you with. With a short prayer, you may invoke my name and power to exchange these magical coins for weath, objects, or knowledge. The three base treasures of this world. Use this gift wisely my children, for my kin have taken note of you.

A mountain surrounded by storms has been raised to challenge you. A beautiful gem laying in wait for a worthy claimant. Rubies which crackle like fire have been scattered across the lands. Fish of an insidious nature swim in the water. Be wary my children, the world grows stranger, use my gift and your wits and you will rise above"

Kamoan sends the above vision to the dragons, outlining how to invoke his power through prayer.

Kamoan uses 4DE to enchant the Kamoanian Kents. They can be exchanged for wealth, objects, or Kamoan's wisdom. Physical wealth and/or magical power can be used to fuel the part of this ritual that is not covered by Kamoan's own power.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: Glass on June 17, 2019, 10:40:41 pm
Bastion comes running out of nowhere, having been absent for a while, with a manic expression on their... water, it seemed, at the moment. Aside from his shield and, ah, blowgun, he had a massive scroll hoisted above his head.

I have invented mortals!

Then he looked around and realized that everyone had already gotten on that while he was working.

...I have invented more mortals!

He then proceeded to lay out his scroll - a blueprint, it appeared - on an ethereal table that had just materialized.

Bastion spends 6 DE on the creation of the Bescaled.
Spoiler: The blueprints show... (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 2)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on June 18, 2019, 10:07:07 am
Turn 2: An embarrassment of Mortals

With the Wall of Stars in place, the gods felt confident in turning their attention towards the world in full. A world that could really use a name, incidentally.

Go'Sha, seeing potential in the dragons' destructive nature, fabricated gifts to augment their powers- crystallised droplets of her own blood. Appearing before the weakest amongst them, she made a tantalising offer of strength- which just so happened to come attached to a valuable gemstone. It was an offer the dragons had no reason to refuse- although somewhat suspicious, mysterious forces granting wealth unto them was not an entirely new phenomenon.
Merely holding a Blood Ruby was enough to enhance the destructive potential of a dragon's breath, but more importantly, they added flair to paltry hoards, in time turning the scales of their owners a ruddy crimson, harder than those of mud-dragons (but not to the extent of the star-dragons), and more resistant to flame and heat. The cannier amongst the ruby dragons moved their hoards into volcanic caldera, where the heat kept other dragons at bay. The less canny were forced to defend themselves against their fellows, and several times rubies changed hands, seized by dragons whose ownership of a Kent or two gave them the strength needed to face the ruby dragons in battle.
Those who received the gifts initially were naturally grateful, keeping a place in their mind for the strange entity that gave it to them. A trickle of belief came Go'Sha's way, though not enough to meaningfully strengthen her.

The 20 Blood Rubies are created, and granted to weak dragons.
Go'Sha gains a tiny amount of worship from the dragons.


Sedate breezes caressed the world, but this would not last. Making his mark in wind and rock, Ventura split the earth and raised up the great mountain of Stormheight, towering above the other mountains of the world. The zephyric energy contained within its Windstone slopes whipped up the surrounding atmosphere into a violent tempest, drawing in clouds to wreath the peak in an endless storm. At the very summit, Ventura condensed the power into an imposing gemstone, whose sapphire facets seemed to reveal lightning dancing within. The Gem of Storms was tied to its creator, potentially allowing mortals to communicate directly with Ventura.
Of course, it would be no trivial task for anyone to acquire this prize. The raging winds precluded any flight near the mountain, and to climb to the summit on foot would require one to brave treacherous slopes, where razor-sharp shards of Windstone threatened to slice the feet of the unwary, and pent-up winds awaited the tread of a careless visitor to shake them loose from their rocky prison.

Meanwhile, the permanent vortex surrounding Stormheight had consequences beyond the immediate region. The atmospheric eddies rippled around the world, shaking up formerly stable climate. Some areas were stricken by drought, causing what little plantlife there was to die off; other areas were hit by torrential rains, causing formerly suppressed plants to thrive, whilst Wildfire grass struggled in the sodden soil.

Stormheight is created, with the Gem of Storms at its peak.
The climate changes, creating deserts and swamps in some areas.


Saraab, again anticipating the needs of mortals, creates the first trees. Notable are the broad and short Umbrella Tree, which spreads its seeds far in search of areas where the Wildfire Grass is weak, then quickly sprouts into a sapling too strong for the Grass to smother, and the fruit-bearing Hardwood Tree, which grows well in places where Wildfire Grass struggles, although there is some overlap. A handful of nondescript trees round out the newly created forests of the world.

The Umbrella Tree, Hardwood Tree, and some other nondescript trees are created.


The world now seemed somewhat liveable, albeit somewhat lacking in animal diversity. The suitability must've been obvious, as in short order three gods set forth to create sapient creatures to populate the planet.


Anath creates the Star Elves, graceful beings who share in his aspects, veritable creatures of the night. Born of shadow, their senses are heightened to the point where direct sunlight and loud noises cause notable discomfort. Their inherent magic lets them sink into shadows, making their already darkened visages even harder to make out. Alternatively, they can summon starlight to illuminate their path, ensuring they are never stuck in absolute darkness. Some amongst them can even conjure small streams of starfire to burn their foes.
They emerge in clusters across the world, their rise coinciding with the coming of the night. Awakening beneath the stars, they are greeted by manifestations of Anath, who guides each Elf to their feet, then shows them a series of skills. Though they have only just come into being, the divine inspiration flows into them softly, in a manner that is soothing to their senses. In short order, they understand the basics of survival, simple craftswork, and perhaps most importantly, the secrets of stellar navigation and the creation of horoscopes- skills which (in a small way) draw upon the strength of the Wall of Stars itself, granting them the ability to chart their location and make predictions about coming events (by no means perfect ones, but sufficient to grant an edge when it comes to survival).

The Star Elves spread across the world, although they avoid areas where there is no shade to be found, preferring to shelter in caves or forests during the day. The skills Anath taught them serve them well, and they retain a sense of thanks to the Star-Father who awakened them. These thanks lack in structure or intensity, but provide Anath with some sustenance.

The Star Elves are created.
Anath teaches the Star Elves the basics of survival and craftswork, as well as stellar navigation and horoscope-creation.
Anath gains 1 strength from the (unfocused, primitive, paltry) worship of the Star Elves.


Ma Dong opts for the creation of a more unusual species. Collectively known as Carp, the Shuili and Jinli (and hypothetically Muli) are cast into the waters of the world. The Shuili have a vile aspect, but form strong communities on the shores. The Jinli are the more unusual of the two, integrating themselves into other animals, ranging from antelope all the way to dragons (although this is uncommon, given that many dragons are too powerful for the carp to integrate into- the dragon's body rejects the intruder, killing it before it can entrench itself).
Both suffer somewhat from a lack of multicellular life in the oceans and rivers, though through a combination of adult Shuili casting scraps of food into the waters, the single-celled life that is present, and a few plants that have adapted to growing in the shallows, they manage to propagate themselves.

Carp are created.


Bastion, meanwhile, opts for another race of reptilian sapients. The Bescaled are assembled according to his whims, each with an affinity for one of four elements, though this does not result in more than a very weak ability to manipulate the element in question- at least amongst the regular Bescaled. The Metalscales are possessed of more potent magical abilities, scaling (aha) with the value of their scales. A protective instinct is instilled in the Metalscales, that they might defend and lead their lesser brethren. Finally, the unfortunate and stunted Rustscales are granted wings by Bastion, to compensate for their weakness.
They make their homes primarily in the warmer areas of the world, hunting antelope and gathering fruit, in small tribes led by Metalscales.

The Bescaled are created.


Kamoan, not satisfied with the paltry worship he receives from his children, sends a vision in which he reveals his own existence, outlines their creation, explains the magic of the Kents, and talks of the work of other gods.
Though universally received, the vision is not universally understood. Most dragons understand the gist of the message, but find it hard to remember the details. Nevertheless, there is generally an understanding that a being known as Kamoan is responsible for their creation, and that he on occasion provides gifts. Kamoan's presence in their minds is enhanced, and a modicum more belief flows his way.
It takes some time for the magic of the Kamoanian Kents to be first used successfully. After all, the dragons have a hard time thinking of something they would want more than a Kent- a few try to exchange their Kent for a Fallen Star or Blood Ruby, but fail in this endeavour due to lacking sufficient magical energy needed to balance the exchange.

Fortunately, whilst the dragons have a hard time thinking of material goods they desire, it occurs to a clever dragon to ask for knowledge instead. Setting its coin on a nice flat rock, it pours magic into the golden disc, internally chanting the name of Kamoan, whilst thinking clearly of what it wants. Magic crackles through the air, the Kent glows and vibrates- and then, with a sound like clinking coins, vanishes into thin air. In its place, the dragon is granted visions of shiny rocks melting beneath a concentrated flame, and liquid metal coalescing beneath it. The secret of how to create replica Kents- or at least, the first step.
A canny trade indeed, for whilst the knowledge is simple enough, the potential gains outweigh the costs considerably.
Scrounging through its hoard, the dragon finds several rocks that seem like suitable candidates, and bathes them all in its hottest fire. On the majority of its collection, the brief burst of flame has little effect- but one of its rocks seems to shimmer slightly, and after repeatedly scorching that rock alone, a few droplets of metal are produced, forming lumps on the floor of the dragon's cave. Whilst not an especially attractive metal, in the dragon's opinion, by melting all the droplets together and beating the result with a rock, it is able to produce a roughly disc-shaped object of the dull-grey material.
Scouring the land for more rocks of a similar type and repeating the process, the dragon is able to produce a small hoard of lead discs. This is enough to elevate it in strength, the secret to which baffles other dragons, some of whom realise that such a secret might be worth a Kent. A number of dragons trade in their Kents for the secret (their greed generally stopping them from sharing a secret bought at such cost with others).

Kamoanian Kents are enchanted to allow users to exchange them for a variety of things by praying to Kamoan. This will cost Kamoan 1DE in upkeep per turn (may be cancelled at any time)(This is due to Roboson specifically establishing that the magic requires his power to work, preventing it from being used without his consent).
Kamoan sends a dream explaining this and various other things to all dragons. Though not perfectly understood, the dragons understand enough for their worship (such as it is) to be enhanced, especially when adding the (relatively) intense prayer said when attempting to use a Kent's magic. This increases Kamoan's strength by 1.
Several dragons learn to extract lead (and other low-melting-point metals) from ore, and work them into crude shapes.


The Star Elves do quite well for themselves, hunting Red-Prarie Antelope, gathering Hardwood fruits, Wildfire Grass seeds, and various other edible plants, using stone tools and weapons, and hiding in shadows from the attention of roaming dragons. Some create primitve works of art, carving wood and stone into small statues.

Star Elves develop art.


The Carp spread slowly, confined to shores and rivers, and limited in their ability to reproduce by the sparsity of waterborn nutrition. They too hunt antelope and gather fruit, although they are slightly less effective, given that their tools are either non-existant or especially primitive. However, after an Elf gets integrated by a Jinli, it brings some of the knowledge of craftsmanship to the Carp, and soon the Carp are likewise wielding carved stone in their endeavours.

Carp learn basic crafting from the Star Elves.

 
The Bescaled run into a slight issue. They feel an affinity towards dragons, who tolerate their presence so long as they do not bother them... until a dragon encounters a Metalscale. The glittering of the copper-scaled lizard is enough to cause the dragon to pounce, tearing them to shreds, and taking their hide back to their hoard. The Bescaled are significantly more cautious about approaching dragons subsequently. Technologically, they fall somewhat behind the Elves and Carp, neither of which is open to sharing their secrets with a strange species.

Metalscales are hunted by dragons.


Several dragons take the Stormheight challenge. Some brave the storm, are tossed and tumbled, and either turn tail or are dashed against the rock. Others attempt to climb the mountain on claw, but the magical winds leave even dragons incapable of reaching the summit.

A lead-dragon, who was especially good at finding and smelting ores, develops a hoard large enough to challenge a ruby-dragon. The battle is long and intense, but eventually the lead-dragon is victorious, and claims the Blood Ruby as his prize. He finds the enhanced fire makes smelting easier, further enhancing the size of his hoard. Whilst by no means as powerful as the star-dragons, his scales, in alternating stripes of crimson and grey, are very strong, and other dragons soon learn not to trifle with him.

A ruby-lead-dragon grows old and powerful.


Meanwhile, the Eldritch Threat probes the Wall of Stars a few times, but no actual incursions take place. Anath, Bastion, Go'Sha and Ventura recover completely. The gods gain energy, Kamoan and Anath gaining more from their mortal worshippers.
 


Note that sometimes I roll dice when it comes to determining the actions of mortals (but not gods). I haven't included the rolls, but perhaps a peek behind the curtain would help make more sense of what is happening? Let me know. Anyway, links: OOC thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=174074.0), Discord (https://discord.gg/HAvTWch).

Spoiler: God Statuses (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Elvish Miner on June 18, 2019, 12:13:22 pm
Go'sha, magically tuned to her stones, notices a powerful dragon has gained possession of one. Using a simple action, she whispers through her rubies that she is around, as a gentle reminder of her presence.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 18, 2019, 01:14:47 pm
Ventura was pleased to regain full strength, finally recovering from the attack of the Eldritch Threat. Now at full strength, he aimed to make his mark on the world with two new creations.

Firstly, he stirred the great power of wind into the storm around Stormheight, then siphoned a portion of the storm off... and poured power into that piece, growing it and sustaining it, creating a massive perpetual storm, constantly traveling the world. He imagined the great magical energy within it would make it a potent magic power source for mortals, if they could only grasp it. Of course, the storm had lightning. Ventura's focus was enough to ensure the lightning would seek out and destroy that which he hated, Eldritch beings. The Neverending Storm would be a threat to all that was Eldritch, he thought.

Ventura spends 5 DE to create the Neverending Storm, a massive storm system that exists perpetually and travels the world. It contains great magical power possibly tappable by mortals if they figure out how, and its lightning bolts will target Eldritch creatures if any are present.

Afterwards, he had a portion of power left, which he poured into a single bolt of lightning from the Neverending Storm, which struck a tree, but instead of breaking the tree, was absorbed by it. Moments later, the tree crumbled, and reshaped, forming into a humanoid figure seemingly made of patterned blue wood. Ventura's magic within the being animated it, bringing it to life. Moments later, it turned to wind, sent on its unending mission.

Ventura spends 3 DE to create the Trader of the Winds, an unaging being tasked with making bargains, trading secrets and items for items and secrets, offering opportunities to trade to all intelligent beings. The Trader possesses the ability to turn itself and everything it carries into winds, using this ability to travel and avoid attacks. Ventura gives the Trader the idea to trade knowledge of how to cut Windstone to Star Elves in exchange for some of their best art. (Ventura uses a simple action to teach the Trader how to cut Windstone).
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 18, 2019, 03:33:05 pm
Ventura, I applaud your new creation. Your trader interests me greatly. The wealth in this world is so stagnant. Locked in the earth, defended by fire and fury, or too disconnected to move. Here I ask, would you oppose I also provide them a task under my banner?
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 18, 2019, 03:44:33 pm
"I do applaud your endeavor. I am willing to accept your influence, under two conditions. Firstly, the Gem of Storms is meant to be claimed by a worthy being, not taken and used as trading material. Secondly, should this task create increased worship, I would like an equal share of that worship to be dedicated unto me. Is that acceptable?"
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 18, 2019, 04:01:09 pm
An enterprising mind indeed. I agree on the storm gem, a dragon must earn it's treasure and I have no intention of interfering with that most noble of quests. So to your first condition, I agree wholeheartedly.

The second condition is a different matter entirely. I do not dictate the whims of mortals. I cannot turn their love of gold into love of wind. All I can do is facilitate their quest, and their inventory of goods, in exchange for spreading my name.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 18, 2019, 04:08:03 pm
"That is fair. But at the very least, my name must be spread as well."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Happerry on June 18, 2019, 04:22:02 pm
Anath, seeing that all is going well, turns to Kamoan to ask the other god if he would be interested in working together on a new project. "I seek to make a vast cave system that extends throughout the entire world, to encourage interesting forms of life to rise." Anath explains. "My desired means to do this is to create a vast burrowing creature I will call the Tunneling Wyrms. They will be vast creatures which, well, tunnel, thus naturally and organically forming said cave system over the ages. The reason I think you might be interested in this project is that I intend for them to extrude all precious metals, and other substances such as gemstones or rare normal stones, into their skins, which will be shed when they are ready to grow larger, forming vast lodes of minable materials throughout the earth. Am I right in that you would be interested in such a project? If so, I can provide three units of energy if you provide two units for this."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 18, 2019, 04:25:22 pm
Seems fair enough, I do not oppose the trader doing so of their own free will. If that is the path I decide to walk, I will include that in my offer to the trader.

Kamoan turns to Anath, I am indeed interested in such an endeavor. The bowels of the earth have indeed interested me greatly. Even I am unsure how much untapped wealth lays beneath the rock. Though, I believe others would be interested. Bastion, may be willing to contribute to such an endeavor.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 18, 2019, 04:30:41 pm
Ventura smiles. "Then we have an accord, Kamoan."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Glass on June 18, 2019, 05:06:47 pm
Quote from: Roboson on June 18, 2019, 04:25:22 pm
Though, I believe others would be interested. Bastion, may be willing to contribute to such an endeavor.
Bastion looks up from their view of the world. Ah, yes, yes I would! I’d been kinda hoping the dragons would consider having servants instead of just trophies, and that’s likely to be more probable when they have both more benefit from the former and less need for the latter. I mean, at the least, my bescaled can probably go mining better than the dragons can, and what coins they make are likely to be more intricate just by virtue of them being smaller.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Happerry on June 18, 2019, 05:08:38 pm
Anath nods at the God of Wealth. "If others wish to work with us on this, I will not turn away their aid." Glancing at the other gods, Anath projects a question at them. "Do any of you find this project of interest to yourselves as well then?"

Quote from: Glass on June 18, 2019, 05:06:47 pm
Quote from: Roboson on June 18, 2019, 04:25:22 pm
Though, I believe others would be interested. Bastion, may be willing to contribute to such an endeavor.
Bastion looks up from their view of the world. Ah, yes, yes I would! I’d been kinda hoping the dragons would consider having servants instead of just trophies, and that’s likely to be more probable when they have both more benefit from the former and less need for the latter. I mean, at the least, my bescaled can probably go mining better than the dragons can, and what coins they make are likely to be more intricate just by virtue of them being smaller.
"Good tidings then." Anath says with pleasure. "Would you be willing to donate one or two marks of divine power for this project? We need five in all, so with three of us, it seems likely two of us will give two units and one give one."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Glass on June 18, 2019, 05:13:49 pm
Indeed! I notice that my stores at present are the greatest, so I’m willing to be one of the two to present two units, yes?
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Happerry on June 18, 2019, 05:48:15 pm
And so it is that Anath once more works with other gods to being a creation unto existence. Granted, this creation is far less important then the Wall of Stars, but it is still a creation formed in unity and consensus. Thus, with the powers of Night, Wealth, and Protection, Anath strikes the earth, causing great serpent like beasts to form, crawling blindly upon the dirt... for but a few seconds, before they have burrowed beneath it. These Tunnel Wurms will cross the world entire in time, digging under oceans and mountain ranges alike. The passages and caverns they form will be colonized by life, in the long extent of time, and eventually new ecosystems created in the depths of the world. But that is in the future. For now, the blind diggers have just begin to hollow out the world.

Spoiler:  Tunnel Wurm (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 18, 2019, 06:02:46 pm
Ma Dong takes a strip of jerky from his ration pack and scatters it into the waters of the world; with a firing of his rifle, he transforms them into living life; Fish. He ensures that all forms of fish at their various life stages are created

5DE: create Fish.


Spoiler: Fishies (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 18, 2019, 09:43:58 pm
Kamoan approaches Ma Dong, Ma Dong, I have concerns about the Jinli. Their invasive nature does not sit well with me. This unconsentual infestation is an act of agression against my, and all, people. So I come before you today to see if we can reach a compromise or if I must simply protect my mortals from this incursion. Of course, as always I would prefer the former.

As such, in exchange for changing their life cycle, what would you desire?
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 12:29:51 am
"Ah, friend. You desire a bargaining, but shan't do without a proper greeting. I apologise for not having done so previously; my mind was much preoccupied with other matters ."

Ma Dong removed his helmet and laid his rifle to drift in the void for a time. With a nod of his head, Ma Dong conjured a folding table, upon it being a vase decorated with yellow and black spirals.  Thin branches of fir were intermixed with lavender and peonies.

Around the vase were two earthenware cups, teapot, saucer and tea leaves (prepared as oolong, of course). The teapot was already filled with hot water that was not quite boiling, but neither was it lukewarm.

Ma Dong took a tea leaf holder from his ration bag and carefully extracted enough for two, inspecting the leaves slowly and purposely. He sighed. "I apologise for such poor fare, there is not yet a local tea in this existence. Still, it must do for now."

Ma Dong placed the leaves in one of the cups and poured water, letting it settle for a half-minute. He picked the cup up and smelled the scent of his ration. "Awful. Such is life beyond home, I suppose."

Without a thought, he tossed out the brew into the void, before placing the cup once more on the table. He then sifted through the leaves, looking for a few leaves longer than the rest. Satisfied, he placed them in the teacup, allowing them to cook for a few minutes.

"You are not happy with my creation, I see. You see it as infestation, I see if as true harmony.  Harmony is required for peace, and with peace we can achieve prosperity."

At this point, the tea was now done. He poured himself some tea and offered another cup with the brew to Kamoan. If one were to inspect it, the tea had clearly lost much of its aroma, but the fast was stilt yet preserved.

"Of course, you value the individual freedom to choose, I understand. It is unfortunate that we must be at opposition in this and I myself would wish peace between us. War is a messy matter best left as last resort- not an easily given threat amongst brothers and allies. "

He took a sip of his tea. "Ugh. Kamoan, I may be a soldier, but I've gone soft. This tea is absolutely horrid."

He coughed. "That said, I'm sure we can come to an understanding. As you find consent so important, then perhaps we can make ourselves both pleased. Encourage your dragons to take on a carp within them. I would like to see the results of a mass melding. If you would not agree to this- or if volunteers are not forecoming- then we may discuss other avenues of compromise."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 19, 2019, 01:12:52 am
Kamoan sips the tea and straight faced sets it down on the table. A pouring saucer of rich cream and a silver shugar spoon add sweetness to the tea before Kamoan resumes drinking.  I'm less than fond of this proposal, I must be honest. I have respect for your vision of harmony, but it is not the same vision I share. While I do not mind if the dragons seek the carp, which with some illumination, some may. However, this is not the vision or future I want for them. They are a proud an ancient race, solitary and noble they lord over what they might with what might they might manufacture or maintain. To share their mind with another violates what if means to be a dragon. Their Gattungswesen, if you will.

Though I am less concerned for the dragons than I am other mortals. The strong are more than likely to burn the carp as it tries to take root, and even the weak would be a challenge. Though it is among them the pursuers of the carp may be. I could reach into the ranks and put forward an offer. An offer, a new species of dragon, which would take to the seas and share themselves with the carp. However, my price would be high, perhaps too much so, but it is the price of passion and of great consequence to my soul. In exchange for this draconic melding and transformation, I would ask that the carp be changed so that they may only root in animals, that species of dragon, and mortals which undergo a ritual or task of some nature to open their souls to the carp.

This of course would include the other dragons, which did not change, as well as present and future smaller mortals. That they may build great cities upon the seas and rivers, without fear of finding a voice join their own internal dialogue, is another desire of mine. 
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 02:23:49 am
Ma Dong sipped his tea, drinking slowly and fully.

"That would be an attractive proposal, had I not already had plans similar to what you offer. No, I need not a new species of dragon. Still, I'm sure there is something to agree on."

"You ask that I modify my creation fully in order to protect the concept of the dragons. This costs me energy, as you would know. Cover the cost , inform the dragons of what benefits melding may offer and allow me to influence a subset of your dragons- with their *consent*-  and I may be amenable to their modification. Although I would not make it a ritual in order to open oneself, but simply a confirmation in one's mind."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 19, 2019, 08:51:36 am
 I ask you to modify your species not only for the dragons, but for all mortals who neither ask for nor can deny an intrusion into their bodies, minds and souls.

A compromise in which I cover the costs of the action, do not get what I ask, but a weaker variant instead, and give influence over a subset of dragons is hardly a compromise.

The costs to benefits is far unbalanced, I would gain less and spend more than simply taking action to protect what is mine, or to even create a symbiote to infest the Jinli. Which should be no issue, given that's the issue before us.

If you'd like a compromise, it must be more equivalent than this uneven proposal.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Elvish Miner on June 19, 2019, 09:43:31 am
Go'sha looks up at the stars, in their strange patterns, and wonders if there could be something more to them. She approaches the other gods with a query.

"My fellow gods, look up. Do you see what I see? I see an empty canvas, waiting to be painted. What say you to the idea of rearranging some of the stars into constellations that represent each of us, in order to remind the mortals about their protectors every time they look up?
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Happerry on June 19, 2019, 04:23:51 pm
Anath finds his attention very much attracted by that proposal. "While I completely support the idea of constellations, I do feel the need to remind you that the current stars are placed for maximum defensive utility. As such, should you desire to make a constellation, please create new stars in the heavens instead of moving around the ones already there."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 04:45:19 pm
Quote from: Roboson on June 19, 2019, 08:51:36 am
I ask you to modify your species not only for the dragons, but for all mortals who neither ask for nor can deny an intrusion into their bodies, minds and souls.

A compromise in which I cover the costs of the action, do not get what I ask, but a weaker variant instead, and give influence over a subset of dragons is hardly a compromise.

The costs to benefits is far unbalanced, I would gain less and spend more than simply taking action to protect what is mine, or to even create a symbiote to infest the Jinli. Which should be no issue, given that's the issue before us.

If you'd like a compromise, it must be more equivalent than this uneven proposal.
Dong shrugged and drank. "Why do you wish it to be a ritual exactly? For my part, I distrust magic when it is not necessary."

"It would not be interesting to me toto create a new species. I ask for influence over a subset of the dragons without interference. I would not force carp upon them for I do not intend them to meld. My curiosity about a mass meld is a different interest unrelated toy desire to influence."

He took a sip "As for the costs, well how about half of it?'
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Happerry on June 19, 2019, 05:05:13 pm
Anath rolls his non-existent eyes. "Yes, because the proper compromise for how your parasites should be handled is to pay you in energy to give you the right to mess more with the entities that are having their free will and choice taken from them. A fitting idea for you to suggest, and entirely within theme of your past behavior."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 05:08:17 pm
Dong looks cheerful.

"Oh Anath, I didn't see you there. Would you like to join us for tea? It is poorly behaviour to not offer some to a guest." Another teacup is conjured and while he looked at the vase with some hesitation, he eventually shook his head.

"Come come, you can discuss your grievances and do the old song and dance over tea."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 19, 2019, 06:03:17 pm
An interesting offer. Undue influence in exchange for sanctioned influence.

What would this influence entail?
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 08:51:26 pm
Ma Dong gazed at Anath awkwardly. After a moment, he shrugged. He tapped the third cup, which promptly disappeared. He spoke in a sadder tone.

"You mentioned before about how chaos and instability - perhaps using different words- gave rise to heroes and villains. You are correct, and I agree. War is my trade and I know of it's intricacies. As it stands, the lower dragons covet power but are unable to defeat their star-studded or treasure-rich kin. I propose to teach them my trade and guide them in that prospect and then, if they should be of that nature, enlist them in the defense of the realm."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 19, 2019, 09:12:33 pm
An arrangement could be made here. There are dragons which may seek power, and take it in what form it comes. I can share a group of mud dragons twice in number of the star dragons to learn the arts of war.

But I'm exchange, me and other like-minded gods have a steep price, the removal of the symbiotic element of the Carp. Or limiting the combination to only other Carp types.

This is not an offer I would make lightly. I am wary to allow influence on the dragons without due consideration. Though I feel the price I ask is similar in difficulty for you to accept. Yet it seems as though this is the price to prevent infighting at a time when the Eldritch Threat looms close and tensions run high.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 09:18:20 pm
"Entirely? Harsh. I thought you sought consent for the melding z rather than an outright ban- I'm unmoved on the matter of forbidding it on non -sapient beings."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 19, 2019, 09:34:28 pm
A steep price indeed. I feel the pain behind my request, as I would hesitate to grant a request if one requested their mortals not to be preyed upon by dragons.

Yet, that is the price I put forward. Like I said, war is an alternative I would like to avoid, but it is not one that I am unprepared for. The subtle corruption of this action has not set well with not only myself but others. And thus, I turn to you to find a solution, knowing others may stand beside me if we cannot achieve a satisfactory conclusion. This is the nature of my charge, and I hope it is not in vain.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 10:07:34 pm
"Before I answer, explain to me why you dislike the melding for the non-sapie t creatures. I can comprehend your objection to mortals,  but not animals. Illuminate me."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 19, 2019, 10:35:19 pm
While that bothers me less, it comes down to the matter of modifying that which is made by others without their consent, one of my several concerns. There is little a diety could do to disallow or allow this on their creations.

 To compare to my own mortals dragons, which are admittedly more deadly, they can be fought, or defenses raised. There are many avenues to defend for mortals and gods alike. There is little to be done against a nigh undetectable creature which cannot be removed once it has entered the body. And further, influences the mind so that even if a mortal would want to remove it, their minds would be forcibly changed. There is little a mortal could do, much less a beast, and even a god would be forced to take drastic action if they disapprove of their domain being intruded upon. And this applies not only to what exists now, but all which may exist in the future.

And that is where we stand. A long road of rising tensions ahead of us. I would much rather close that path for time eternal than leave a route to conflict open. 
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 10:58:14 pm
"So, why then do you not oppose it when an antelope feeds on a plant, or that antelope is fed upon?"

"Do you oppose the very concept of parasitism, hemiparasitism and disease, by any chance? If so, why not predation and herbivory? Or is it merely the idea that one's 'work' would be modified by another?"
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 19, 2019, 11:18:38 pm
To be honest, I have thought of a great number reasons why I personally dislike this action. The fact it can infect anything and everything, the fact it neither asks, nor can be countered without great expense, barring action to simply irradicate the species. That it alters the mind and subverses the will, in regard to whether the host wishes to share it's body. The fact it's so universal. That it impacts my visions of the dragons, and of my future mortals which may not even gain the chance to exist as I could do bought to prevent their infection. While the reasons are innumerable, it matters less the individual reasons, and more their collective. As time goes on, this will create infighting, one way or another.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 11:33:46 pm
"As I said, I'm fine with neutering their ability to meld with sapient life without permission. My question is about non-sapient life."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 19, 2019, 11:46:42 pm
The same reasons as above, nothing I or another could do if I did not want my future beasts infected, universal effect with little chance of avoidance, helplessness of the creature to avoid or choose to be infected by a nigh invisible force which then alters it's mind, and in this case, fully controls it.

Yet, in the end, while the reasons matter, it matters more that it creates a divide within the divines. I am prepared to fight for my beliefs if I cannot find a trade that is both satisfactory and beneficial for us. And if I'm willing to do so now, the future is even more bleak. Best to prevent that future in it's entirely.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 19, 2019, 11:58:38 pm
"You keep talking about divine conflict, yes yes, but what I'm interested is your reasoning. So you do not approve for predation or herbivory?"
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 20, 2019, 12:13:01 am
As I've said, there are many reasons j oppose this action. I do not innately disapprove of predation or herbivory, though, they are quite different than what is occuring here.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 20, 2019, 12:19:56 am
"I would like to question this then. Tell me, what differs between predation or herbivory and what the carp do? The end result is the lost of a creature to sustain another."

Ma Dong's manner cheered and recouped; he drank from his cup.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 20, 2019, 12:36:35 am
Kamoan decides it's entirely time to abandon the tea and begins drinking ethereal wine from a golden chalice. I would say one is a fight, while the other is subversive. One you could defend against, or evolve in conjunction with, but the other prevents that through sneakery and mental subversion.

Furthermore, to make the dumb beasts cunning procludes one's ability to make dumb beasts. The option to create that is simply lost from the world, and the world grow less interesting as a result.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: micelus on June 20, 2019, 01:20:00 am
It is at this point, Ma Dong whistled to the void; the pair gods found themselves in a small, but well decorated room.

"The room of shadowtalk. Our voices are muffled and our words quieted. We will enjoy some privacy to engage in this discussion."

He sipped his tea. "The nights are long, but tea makes them longer."

(Discussion transferred to discord pms at GM suggestion.)



Perhaps before, or after, the discussion

Trivial (?) Action: Appear as a vision in the leaders of the various carp communities, like this.

Ma Dong is sitting crosslegged by a pond, watching little fry swim and play. There are unfamiliar plants in and around the pond. There are some young juveniles around Ma Dong, happily emitting the scent of joy and comfort. Ma Dong is maintaining his rifle, while singing an old marching tune. He stops and looks deadset at the perspective of the vision receiver. His bears a strong musk of love.

"I am Ma Dong, though it is a courtesy from I to you to call me Baba*. It is I who first composed the initial spawn from the primordial world-ponds and I admit, that I have not guided you as I have. I have become embroiled in politicking of the divine nature. No family is perfect, unfortunately. But we are still yet a family. The world is still young and untested, and there may be yet further change and chaos. I ask you to endure and to be dutiful- duties I should have revealed to you all when you first arose. I am sorry for not having the foresight to say so sooner." The vision-viewer would at this point, smell the scent of regret.

"There are many lessons, but three I wish to instil above all."

"Love one's family. To be filial, is to be righteous. Family is above all, and to aid one another is the path to success and benevolence. I ask that you look to the plants and animals of the land, learn to control and domesticate them. Do this so that the family may be fed and grown. However, I counsel care for nature and for careful development, for nature is part of creation and is not owned by but the family, but home to all."

"Love one's neighbour. To be goodly to guests and foreigners is to be good, to love one's family is merely a duty. Though a family comes first in many things, good conduct is important for all. I ask that you learn of the foreign peoples, learn their tongues, and foster goodness with them. However, always remember that the love of one's guests should not be so great that one is blinded by their hate of one's family or selfworth. To do this is to lack self-worth and respect for one's lineage. "

"Love one's craft. To be skilled in one's art is to exalt your parents for their work and to exalt life itself. Excel in what you do and enjoy it or the rest that comes with a good work done. However, always remember that love of one's art is tempered by discipline and decency. To do what is unfilial or unrighteous for the sake of art is sinful."

"That is all I have to say for now. I part with but a single statement more: remember me and think of me, as I will think of you." With that, the vision ends.

Simple Actions x3 (so, 6 hours tops?): Ma Dong takes shape as a mortal vessel and personally demonstrates how to domesticate antelope to some carp.


*Yes, that's intentional Glass
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Elvish Miner on June 20, 2019, 09:09:09 am
Quote from: Happerry on June 19, 2019, 04:23:51 pm
Anath finds his attention very much attracted by that proposal. "While I completely support the idea of constellations, I do feel the need to remind you that the current stars are placed for maximum defensive utility. As such, should you desire to make a constellation, please create new stars in the heavens instead of moving around the ones already there."

"I wouldn't dare try to damage our creation Anath." she says with a sly smile, "but there are plenty more stars that aren't being used. It is simply a matter of collecting them from the other planets."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Happerry on June 20, 2019, 12:03:15 pm
"Perhaps I am feeling oversensitive on this subject after Ma Dong's persistence on it... but while I do not mind if someone uses them to make something interesting, I am not open to suggestions we just toss them back up into the sky."

"There's not that much of them, not enough if everyone decides to make their own constellation or two, and where they are now they could result in something interesting. So if everyone could please stop trying to just waste them it'd be nice. Stop being cheapskates and make your own stars."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Elvish Miner on June 20, 2019, 12:50:27 pm
"Yes, you are definitely overly sensitive. No one has made mention of the stars on the outer planets, only the ones being held by the dragons have ever been discussed. And even if it was discussed, Ma Dong did nothing to help. Do not," she emphasises the 'not' with a poke to Anath's chest, "forget who helped you make the wall guarding this world, and do not forget who fought back the incoming horde for you. If you dare brush me off like an insect again, I will make you my enemy, and you do not want me as your enemy."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Glass on June 20, 2019, 01:00:06 pm
Ignorant of - or uncaring toward - all the divine conflicts occurring probably a few feet and also probably a few planes of reality away, Bastion ponders something.

...I forgot to tell the bescaled about me! That just won't do...

Kamoan! Do you mind if I smite one of the dragons who've killed some metalscales to show the bescaled of myself? I promise, it'll only be one! Well, maybe a few, if the bescaled are too spread out for just one to work. But they'll be a very small number compared to the number of dragons! And none of the important ones! I think.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 20, 2019, 01:40:02 pm
Indeed I mind. There are much better ways to introduce yourself, ones with less murder and perhaps even something to gain.

I have been considering one of my favorites, the world's first smith. They are a clever one, and I believe they would be open to leading a group of bescaled. Perhaps an meeting of dragon and bescaled, moderated by Gods, would be a more powerful introduction. 
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Glass on June 20, 2019, 01:58:57 pm
Quote from: Roboson on June 20, 2019, 01:40:02 pm
Indeed I mind. There are much better ways to introduce yourself, ones with less murder and perhaps even something to gain.

I have been considering one of my favorites, the world's first smith. They are a clever one, and I believe they would be open to leading a group of bescaled. Perhaps an meeting of dragon and bescaled, moderated by Gods, would be a more powerful introduction. 
Ah. Hmn.
Hmmmmmnnnnnnn.

Yes, that seems good. How soon do you think we can do it?
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Wozzy on June 20, 2019, 04:10:52 pm
Saraab looks at the world, and sees potential in the Red-Prairie Antelope. It seems they have a little divine energy left over in them that has yet to be tapped. Perhaps this can be manipulated to increase the biodiversity slightly....

He first finds some herds that seem to be suffering due to overcrowding from other herds. For these, he modifies their biology while flipping their switch from prey into predator, turning them into carnivores. These he names Crottathal.

He then takes the largest antelope from each herd and makes them big enough to eat the leaves of the trees. They have impressive gold manes, a scarlett throat pouch, and are beefier, stockier. This new species, named the Red-Bellow Belua acts as the protector of the herd.

Next, he makes a small change to the herds nearest the three non-dragon mortals. They are slightly tougher, better suited for towing and carrying weight, and their horns are shorter, much less dangerous. They are very susceptable to sapient-induced selection, allowing each of the races to breed them for whatever purpose they desire, and are calm when spoken to. These he gives the family name Domestic Antelope.

In all, he spends 4 energy.

Spoiler: Red-bellow Belua (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: Crottathal (click to show/hide)
Saraab then looks at the sapiens and smiles. Soon they will be building great empires and trading amongst themselves, but first, they need great innovated individuals to provide new, revolutionary ideas.

Spend 1 energy to give a handful of the most charismatic individuals from each of the three small sapiens the gift of hightened ingenuity. They will be able to identify problems others cannot see, and come up with ingenious solutions to them. To help them get started, Saraab inserts himself into their dreams.

Spoiler: Dreams (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Roboson on June 20, 2019, 06:35:33 pm
Kamoan appeared before the lead and ruby dragon, an ethereal visage of himself, his golden form casting an aura of opulence across the dragon and it's hoard. Well aren't you a curious one. Your actions have drawn my eye. You have created something from nothing. You are the first Dragon Smith. And thus I gift you the name Confubrum, the First Smith. Such ingenuity deserves a reward. In the near future, a group of bescaled will come to you. Take leadership of them, have them assist you in building your hoard, and become their king. If you are successful in this, I will grant you a great treasure. You may even find the small ones valuable in their own right. Kamoan then disappears.[/i] (That was supposed to say waits for an answer before disappearing, whoops

Looking around the world Kamoan finds the group of bescaled Bastion is sending to Confubrum. He approaches, sitting leasurely upon a floating pile of gold. My my, don't you remind me of my own children, the dragons. Bastion always did have an eye for beauty. Though something is missing. You have courage, for you're going to see a dragon. You have wisdom, as your god gave you. And you have potential... I shall draw it out so you may see it as well.
Kamon transforms this group of bescaled into lead scales with a hint of red so that they more closely resemble Confubrum (2DE).  The blessing of Kamoan is upon you. Do not waste this gift, it is the only free thing this world has to offer.

Lastly before Kamoan rested, he reached out once more to the mortals of this world to bestow his gifts upon them with a vision, one more powerful than those before, backed by his divine essence. Mortals, I am the God Kamoan, Keeper of the Divine Wealth, and Benefactor of Commerce and Knowledge. In my hands I hold the material and immaterial, and all which has value, real or imagined. I come to greet you, and introduce myself. And also to grant a gift. Kamoan spends 2DE to impart the knowledge of boiling water and sanitation to all mortals in the world.My gift of knowledge, a taste of what is to come. A small nudge towards enlightenment, for those eager to follow the path. Be well and wary mortals, may our paths cross again.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Glass on June 23, 2019, 10:49:21 pm
Sometime before Kamoan goes looking for Bastion's group...

Bastion was not entirely certain what he was doing. This was less a matter of the desired action itself and more a symptom of being Bastion, but he digresses. There were Bescaled to get.

And so it was that a group of Bescaled, moderately close to the newly-named Confubrum, encountered a very odd sight indeed. Specifically, what appeared almost like a steel Metalscale, except much smoother, and also their face was exuding pollen or something, and they were on a gazelle, and they had some exceptionally odd equipment. Specifically, what looked like half a strange rock pillar and a very shiny and noticeably curved piece of metal.
Spoiler: It's called a talwar, apparently (click to show/hide)
Hail! Hail! I am Bastion! I should have really introduced myself a while ago, but I can explain that on the way! Kamoan and I came up with an idea, we're going to make the dragons thing work better for you! Come on everybody, this way, we have a meeting to make post-haste!

Bewildered, the Bescaled couldn't really think of what to do other than go along. The... entity was going in the same direction they'd already been going.

Tally ho!


Bastion tried his best to explain to the poor bastards what he actually was and his relation to them on the way to the meeting. His success is... indeterminate, at the moment.


[Note: 1 DE used to make sure this actually happens.]

[Final note: Bastion will be making sure that the meeting remains civil and does not devolve into his Bescaled being killed for their newly-lead scales.]
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Elvish Miner on June 24, 2019, 09:17:45 am
Go'sha wraps herself in her cloak, and with a burning red flash, is gone. She reappears on a distant planet. Cold and barren, a place not meant for life. Outstretching her palm she feels the presence of the fallen stars, and pulls them towards her, collecting 5. They are quite beautiful, but boring. These five need to be extra special for what she wishes to use them for. She wraps herself in her cloak again, and appears in the star field.
Pouring her own aspect into the stars, Go'sha infuses them with destructive power. They begin to glow brighter, and change from their yellow-white color into a bright red. As the heat begins to get unbearable, she tosses them amongst the barrier wall, blending them into a constellation that mortals will interpret in their own ways: a bird, a dragon, or whatever.
As she returns to the night side of the home planet, she feels the red starlight radiate upon the planet. With this, she grants mortals a gift: the gift of magic.

Go'sha spends 6DE to create the Lore of Destruction. All mortal sapiens will have the ability to learn this magic, but only those who awaken it can begin their training. Those born under her astrological sign have increased comprehension of it.
The Lore of Destruction is fueled by fear, driven by the desire for safety and security. If a mortal, or the ones they care for, are in grave danger, this power might manifest itself within them. The chance of this varies from incredibly unlikely, to almost guaranteed if they were born under her sign and are under it at the time.
The Lore of Destruction manifests itself in many ways, from streams of fire, to bolts of lightning, and even the ability to manipulate the very force of life. Whatever the manifestation, the driving force behind it is always the same: destroy those who wish to destroy you.*
All awakened beings have a weak ability to wield the Lore of Destruction using their own lifeforce, but only those who devote themselves to Go'sha can draw on the powers of her stars themselves.* Their power is much greater, especially when they are basking in their starlight.

*There are ways around this, as with all things

Her ED exhausted, Go'sha resorts to appearing in the dreams of those who manage to awaken this power in the coming years, hoping to console and explain to those mortals why the predator that was bearing down on them suddenly burst into flames. She also continues to speak to those who hold her orbs.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on June 29, 2019, 03:12:06 pm
Turn 3: A modicum of worship

Ventura, not content with the endless tempest surrounding Stormheight, siphoned off a portion of aforementioned squall, and infused it with vast quantities of divine energy, until a vortex of towering thunderclouds was in his hands. This he unleashed upon the world, to travel the world freely, scarring the land- but especially potential Eldritch invaders- with bolts of magically-charged lightning.

This Neverending Storm would further disrupt the weather systems of the world- more so than Stormheight, given its free-roaming nature. Whilst its magical power gave it the ability to travel against the wind, it did tend to prefer travelling around mountains rather than over them, and though technically not necessary, it would regularly travel over the seas, as if to 'recharge' with fresh rain. Thus, not all regions were equally often graced by the Neverending Storm's presence- drier areas could still go several years with little to no rainfall-, but eventually its travels would take it to every corner of the world, ending any semblance of 'predictable' weather whenever it drew near.

Born from the Storm and Ventura's will, the Trader of the Winds found itself thrust into the world, with not a penny to its name. At the advice of Ventura, it travelled to the foothills of Stormheight, where it gathered shards of Windstone, then made its way to lands inhabited by Star Elves.
As a great gust of wind blew past the mouth of the cave, there appeared a figure where there had been none before. Wary eyes looked it over, but concluded that the spindly wooden being was of little threat. The leader of the tribe approached the figure, speaking in their primitive language. The Trader, though unfamiliar with the language (or any language, for that matter), was possessed of an unnatural ability to barter, which allowed it to comprehend the gist of the elf's message; a greeting, a query as to its nature, and an offer to share in some food.
The Trader sat with the Elves for a time, during which it managed to pick up enough of the Elves' tongue to convey its desires, offering to give the Elves Windstone crafts in exchange for the Elves' own works. As the Windstone blades were indeed sharper than anything the Elves had seen before, they readily accepted the trade, and the Trader's explanation of where to find more, although it was unable to properly convey how best to work the material.
Nevertheless, the Elves made their way to Stormheight, where they gazed in awe upon its lightning-shrouded summit, and eagerly gathered the fragments of blue stone that had tumbled down its steep slopes. It was not a place where the Star Elves would stay for long, as the constant storm made it rather unpleasant, and the lack of trees or caves for shelter did not improve matters.

The Neverending Storm is created.
The Trader of Winds is created, an unageing (but not immortal) entity tasked by Ventura to roam the world and trade with all beings.
The Trader of Winds introduces the Star Elves to Windstone, which leads to the Elves making journeys to Stormheight to gather the material.


A trio of gods cooperate in the creation of Tunnel Wurms- Anath, Bastion, and Kamoan pool their resources into the creation of colossal beasts that burrow through the earth, leaving twisting passages in their wake. Deep beneath the surface, they consume the mineral wealth of the world, turning it into a barrier between themselves and the rock- one which they shed from time to time, leaving behind treasure troves of metal ores and uncut gems. As the process of shedding leaves them temporarily weakened, they tend to do this in a chamber excavated beneath the ground, where they can recover without rock pressing down upon them. The younger specimens dig shallower tunnels, though Wurms of all ages will surface occasionally to consume a few trees, a few fields of grass, and any animals unlucky enough to cross their path.

Tunnel Wurms are created.


Perhaps operating in slightly the wrong order, Ma Dong introduces a variety of life to the seas, commonly referred to as 'Fish'. A diverse group of species, Fish can be found in many shapes and sizes, in waters both salty and fresh, feeding on each other, microscopic life, and those plants as that have adapted to shallow water. So far, so normal. But as with his last aquatic action, Ma Dong's creation is anything but ordinary; once they have completed their life cycle and produced offspring, Fish engage in a bizarre ritual, wherein they bite other members of their species, fusing together into a large ball of dead fish. These corpseballs then drift about, coming to rest on the shore, the surface, or the sea floor (depending on the species of origin), where a secondary reproductive system within the Fish activates, bony eggs within each individual corpse 'hatching', the lifeforms within then joining together into a gestalt mass that feeds on the corpseball, before turning into an unusual plant-animal hybrid. Depending on the species, the sedentary Fish, or 'Polyps' develop into any combination of roots, branches, photosynthetic leaves, predatory fronds, and whatever else it needs to survive in its new home.
The Polyps produce fruit-eggs that will hatch into (relatively ordinary) Fish when submerged in water. They also produce useful materials that could be harvested by those with the necessary knowledge.
The reason for this insane life cycle is known only to the inscrutable Ma Dong. Were the mortal races advanced enough to have scientists who studied such things, they would be baffled.
Regardless, Fish are quite successful in spreading throughout the waters of the world, which soon teem with life, finally turning the world into a mostly functional ecosystem.

Fish are created.


Ma Dong follows this up with a message to the Carp's tribal leaders. The message is not perfectly transmitted, but what was understood was the general sense of a being known as either Ma Dong or Baba (a topic on which different Carp groups disagree) who was responsible for the birth of Carp, and who commanded the Carp to... do various things. Filial loyalty was generally agreed to be important, but there was disagreement as to whether they had been commanded to accept or reject outsiders, and the concept of art being foreign to them made the final commandment a source of great confusion. The request to keep Ma Dong in mind was passed around, and he becomes the latest god to acquire a modicum of Belief, slightly enhancing his strength.

A few Carp communities are further graced by a manifestation of Ma Dong, who attempts to demonstrate the principles of domestication to them. Though the Carp are attentive, and Ma Dong himself has no trouble breaking Antelope to his will, the Carp struggle to replicate the feat; their vile aspect disturbs the beasts, and even with the aid of Jinli-controlled Antelope, they are unable to tame any. Ma Dong is forced to abandon the attempt. However, the story of Ma Dong's appearance and his ability to tame Antelope is passed from Carp to Carp, and whilst the actual technique eludes them, the concept of domestic animals is vaguely understood.

Ma Dong gains 1 strength from the (unfocused, primitive, paltry) worship of the Carp.
Ma Dong attempts to teach Carp to domesticate Antelope, but only succeeds in spreading the idea of the possibility.


Saraab, seeing a lack of diversity in the animal kingdom, decides to diversify the Red-Prarie Antelope. The Crottathal offer a non-sapient solution to overpopulation- predators who somewhat resemble the Antelope, but with slightly more powerful muscles and sharp-toothed maws. Their manic 'laughter' is enough to send Antelope running; unfortunately this is often to their detriment, as the Crottathal operate in packs, with one group scaring the Antelope into running straight into an ambush by another group.
The Red-Bellow Belua is a much larger variation, with an impressive red throat pouch that they can swell up to intimidate foes (or attract mates), and a deafening bellow that is loud enough to stun predators- and, perhaps more importantly, attract mates from several miles away, as the Red-Bellow Belua does not travel in herds, but rather each individual follows a herd of regular Antelope.
Finally, Saraab makes a variety of Antelope who outwardly possess only superficial differences- shorter horns, slightly bulkier frames-, but more importantly are mentally far more amenable to domestication.

Not content with the rate of progress amongst mortals, Saraab blesses three individuals with heightened ingenuity; one from each of the smaller sapient races. The individuals thus blessed awake with a heightened sense of curiosity, and an uncanny ability to see solutions to problems that others cannot. How they will use these abilities remains to be seen; it is out of the gods' hands. The blessing will be passed on to their eldest child at their time of death.
Saraab follows this up with a series of dreams, attempting to convey innovations to the newly blessed mortals. This has the effect of stimulating the imaginations of the recipients, but does not result in the featured innovations being realised.

Crottathal, Red-Bellow Belua and Domestic Antelope are created.
A Star Elf, Carp, and Bescaled each receive a blessing of ingenuity.


The first to make good use of their gift is the Carp, who notices that some Antelope have become less skittish. Following the steps outlined in the story of Ma Dong taming the Antelope, the canny Carp manages to wrangle a few of the Domesticated Antelope, and establish a herd.

Some Carp manage to tame the Domesticated Antelope.


Kamoan and Bastion, seeking harmony between their creations, organise a meeting between a group of Bescaled and a dragon. Kamoan greets the dragon in question, the lead-ruby 'inventor' of smelting, and grants him the name Confubrum. He tasks Confubrum with leading the Bescaled who will approach him, in exchange for a divine gift. Whilst the dragon is somewhat confused, the promise of a great reward is enough to pique its interest.
Meanwhile, Bastion introduces himself to the prospective vassals, explaining who he was and what he wanted as best he could.
As the Bescaled, led by Bastion, approached the mountain home of Confubrum, Kamoan approaches them as well, and grants their scales a similar aspect to Confubrum's own. In addition to the visual change, this also empowers the entire group, enhancing their magical potential.

Confubrum comes to meet the Bescaled, rather than let them get too close to his lair. With a thunderous roar, he swoops from the skies, passing over the awe-struck lizards, before coming to rest on an outcropping, where he further demonstrates his strength by releasing a gout of flame into the sky. However, whilst they are impressed, the Bescaled are unbowed- they have the protection of two gods, and though they do not entirely understand what this entails, they are filled with confidence. Confubrum, although somewhat disappointed in the reaction of the Bescaled, does not lower himself to an ego-battle with a bunch of tiny lizards. Rather, with some assistance on the part of the two gods, the two sides make a concerted effort to negotiate an agreement. Conveniently, the Bescaled can understand Confubrum and vice-versa thanks to the changes Kamoan made, but the more problematic issue is simply that neither side is entirely sure what they are trying to achieve.
After some time, a plan is hammered out. The Bescaled will be allowed to live in Confubrum's territory, under his protection. In exchange, they will help him gather ores as best they can. It isn't much, but it's a start.

The lead-ruby dragon is named Confubrum.
Bastion and Kamoan organise an alliance (of sorts) between a group of Bescaled and Confubrum. The Bescaled are granted scales with a similar crimson/grey aspect to Confubrum's, which amongst other things increases their magical potential and lets them communicate with Confubrum.


Kamoan sends out an empowered vision to all the mortal races of the world, in which he outlines two things: his existence, and the basics of water sanitation. The knowledge is successfully transferred, although the necessary equipment to follow through is not always available; most people have no choice but to drink untreated river water, lacking in the necessary implements to boil or transport water. Nevertheless, the rate at which Jinli integrate the mortal races decreases noticeably.
The other part of the message is also received, and a vague awareness of Kamoan's existence becomes widespread. Though the Belief is (except in the case of the Dragons) extremely unfocused, the sheer number of 'believers' is enough to further raise Kamoan's strength.

Knowledge of basic water sanitation becomes widespread. This reduces the rate at which Jinli integrate mortals.
Kamoan gains 1 strength from the (extremely weak) Belief of all the world's mortals.


Go'sha, seeking a constellation all her own, retrieves five Fallen Stars from an uninhabited planet, infuses them with her energy to restore them to their full glory, then inserts them into the Wall of Stars. The bright red orbs stand out amongst their paler brethren, forming an indeterminate shape, open to interpretation.
However, this is no decorative feature. The Constellation of Destruction pulses with magical energy, and by Go'sha's will, this energy is made available to the mortals of the world, unlocked by fear and genuine danger. Those born under the Constellation are more open to unlocking its powers, although others may also awaken to them, just less frequently.
Those who are awakened may wield the Lore of Destruction, a comprehensive and varied lore which can do whatever you want, provided you want to destroy things. The newly awakened will most commonly invoke fire upon their assailant, but many other destructive forces are available, up to and including raw Destruction. To tap directly into the stars themselves requires devotion to Go'sha- at least, the stars resist attempts to draw on their power from non-believers (a hypothetically subvertable restriction).

Those who awaken to the Lore of Destruction will find their next dream graced by Go'Sha's voice, explaining the nature of their newfound power, and the requirement of worship. Similarly, those who wield the Blood Rubies are beset by dreams of the destructive damsel, reminding them to whom they owe their gift. Though their belief remains somewhat primitve, the majority of the awakened keep Go'Sha in their thoughts, as do the holders of the Blood Rubies. This proves sufficient to strengthen Go'Sha somewhat.

The Constellation of Destruction and the Lore of Destruction are created.
Go'Sha gains 1 strength from the (primitive & paltry) worship of those who are awakened to the Lore of Destruction or hold her Blood Rubies.


Travelling to Stormheight becomes a common practice amongst those Star Elves living within range of the great mountain. They come to gather Windstone, but increasingly also to marvel at the mountain itself. Some even try climbing it, to predictable failure. Knowing as they do of several divine beings already, some surmise that some similar entity might be responsible for Stormheight. In deference to the great mountain, they leave small sculptures in a cave nearby, with more added over time. This minor act of worship provides Ventura with a modicum of Belief.

Elsewhere, the Star Elf innovator takes on the problem of water sanitation, but is unsuccessful in her quest to find a practical solution.


Some Star Elves engage in very rudimentary worship of Ventura- not enough to noticeably increase their strength, however.


Domestication spreads amongst the Carp, and in combination with the sudden appearance of Fish, this allows them to spread much more rapidly- although still confined to shores and rivers, of course.

Some also undertake the harvesting of Polyps, for the edible fruit-eggs, as well as the useful branches and fibres.


The Bescaled find themselves benefiting from the actions of the Tunnel Wurms, as they explore the shallower of the resultant caves. Where Carp are bound to the shores, and Star Elves prefer not to go too far underground (and thus away from the sky), the Bescaled have no compunctions about delving beneath the earth. Though there is not much down there for them, some stumble across Wurm sheddings, which has some aesthetic value, at least.
It also, as it turns out, has some more practical value, for two distinct groups:
Confubrum's 'vassals' bring their draconic 'master' a sampling of the wealth of the depths, which pleases the dragon greatly. Their alliance is strengthened now that they have demonstrated their ability to generate wealth. Confubrum is so pleased, in fact, that he deigns to grant the Bescaled a token of appreciation, in the form of a few lead discs. Not that the Bescaled have any use for such things, but it's the thought that counts.
Another, separate group of Bescaled encounter the Trader of Winds, who is interested in the bounty they have discovered in the twisting deep. In exchange for a sizeable quantity of ores and gems, the Trader teaches them the ways of crafting- knowledge which soon spreads throughout the Bescaled population, making their lives considerably easier.
It also spreads to Confubrum's vassals, who soon discover that their newfound skills may also be applied to metal. Confubrum is once again delighted when his minions show off their ability to turn the crude lead discs into slightly less crude lead ornaments. Working together, with the dragon smelting ores and the Bescaled working the resultant metal, they are able to produce a variety of useful objects, which are shared between the two- Confubrum getting such things as primitive lead 'statues' of dragons, whilst the Bescaled get primitive metal tools.
The success of their arrangement leads to gratitude amongst both parties towards the gods responsible. Whilst Kamoan barely notices the extra belief, Bastion finds himself slightly invigorated by the trickle of thanks coming his way.

This arrangement is, in time, noticed by other dragons, although attempts to replicate it do not go so well- attempts to negotiate with the Bescaled fall afoul of a lack of shared language, and a general fear of dragons amongst the Bescaled. However, some dragons manage to exchange a Kent to learn some of the Bescaled's primitive language- enough to organise 'trades' with the Bescaled, in which the dragon provides small amounts of smelted metal, in exchange for the wealth the Bescaled discover in Wurm tunnels. Full 'alliances' like Confumbrum has do not form yet, but the purely predatory relationship dragons had towards Bescaled is modified into one where limited exchange takes place. 

Bescaled explore Wurm tunnels.
The Bescaled learn basic crafting from the Trader of Winds.
Confubrum's vassals provide Confubrum with Wurm-sheddings, and learn rudimentary metalworking. Bastion receives a small amount of worship- not enough to noticeably increase his strength, however.
Some dragons trade metal for Wurm-sheddings with the Bescaled.



Once again, there are no incursions on the part of the Eldritch Threat.

Was going to write more stuff, but decided to just get the turn out. The important things are covered, I think?
PS, if you want consistency in tenses... look elsewhere. I wrote this in pieces, and I tend to be either inspired to write in past tense or present tense, and can't be bothered to force myself to stick to one. If you didn't notice it until I pointed it out, then, uh, whoops. 

Edit: It occurred to me that a dragon could exchange a Kent to learn some of the Bescaled's language. As such, the relationship between the two has been changed slightly.
 By the way, if you think I may have missed a mortal action, feel free to ask about it, and I might make a change. Also, I am obviously not covering everything that happens in the world- you may invent minor events not described above to lend context to your actions. You can check with me if you want a more substantial event to take place- I might say no, but it's worth a shot.

Anyway, links: OOC thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=174074.0), Discord (https://discord.gg/HAvTWch).

Spoiler: God Statuses (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 4)
Post by: FallacyofUrist on June 29, 2019, 05:21:19 pm
Ventura decided that the Star Elves who made their offerings to him needed a much better place to leave their offerings. No mere cave would do the job. Taking his comparatively meager reserve of Divine Energy, he pushed it into the cave and willed it to shape the cave into something more.

The Divine Energy transmuted the cave's energy into a well smoothed Windstone, and reshaped the cave from a mere cave to a temple. A small one, but great in majesty. A staircase led down from the entrance to the cave to the temple proper. The temple's roof was bespelled to reveal the night sky above it, and the entrance was bespelled to make the fearsome beasts called dragons not pay attention to the entrance. Intricate murals of Ventura's male and female sides were carved into the walls, showing the Trader of the Winds, the Neverending Storm, and Stormheight as his creations.

Ventura spends 3 DE to create the Hidden Wind Temple, replacing the cave where the Star Elves left offerings to him with it. The Hidden Wind Temple has an entrance on the surface with a mild perception-diverting field meant to hide it from dragons. A staircase leads down into the temple proper, where intricate murals of Ventura and his creations are visible, as well as a roof enchanted to show the sky above it. Aside from the entrance, the temple is not visible from the surface.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 4)
Post by: micelus on June 30, 2019, 03:54:17 pm
Ma Dong spends 6DE to create a personal plane separated from the physical one. He calls it Misthall. It is a small existence consisting of a temperate hilly land, broken apart only by streams and rivers. At the top of the plane's highest mountain is a monastery where Ma Dong himself dwells, along with several minor spirits of organisation. At its centre is a grand tower composed of glass, solid mercury and jade. At its very zenith is a gargantuan gong tended to by eight sibling ghostly giants.   This plane is accessible to the souls of the worldly dead. Indeed, there is a weak lure for the souls of the dead to journey to Misthall; the sound of a great gong being struck. Ghostly pheromones leak from the realm, attracting spirits of animals there, as well as similar life.

Mortal souls that enter Misthall are greeted by a jovial bureaucrat who instruct them that this is the realm of the god Ma Dong and that whilst the god will offer their eternal soul succour and rest, they must abide by the laws of civility whilst here. They shall not harm another resident nor cause one to be harmed. The breaking of these laws will result in immediate dejection. Should the visiting soul not wish to reside in this afterlife, they are by all means, allowed to leave.

Should the afterlife be full, Misthall's gong will no longer ring, nor shall its pheromones be released. 


Simple Action:/b] Ma Dong manifests in a carp settlement and attempts to teach the locals how to create basic axes and shovels, and tellling them how the former can be used to cut at plants, while the latter can be used to dig away at dirt. The former is useful to for the creation of fire and goods, while the latter can be used to expand ponds or for creating new waterways.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 4)
Post by: Wozzy on July 02, 2019, 03:28:29 pm
Saraab decides to pay the Star Elves in the forest a visit. He spends 1 energy to take on a less threatening appearance and to improve his ability to communicate with them. While there, he listens to their stories and discusses how group activities such as singing, learning, and deep discussions are important for building strong communities. After building enough of a rapport, he shows them the basics of fermentation and how to make cider out of the fruit.

Spend 1 energy to communicate better with the Star Elves. Use simple actions to interact with them and teach them about brewing and community building.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 4)
Post by: Happerry on July 02, 2019, 05:07:19 pm
Anath once more descends to visit his creation with gifts of knowledge and skill. A new magical art has been forged by his will, and so have invisible rivers of mystical power that now flow through the earth, the surface and caves and tunnels alike. This new magical art, the art of magical architecture, or Land Magic as Anath calls it when teaching it, is the art of, in short, magical buildings. To build is to cast in this art, which is both its power and its weakness. Because it's kind of hard to build a building in the middle of a fight, but by the same time, a city sized labyrinth that traps all outsiders whom invade in an inescapable maze of tunnels, all alike, but let's the actual citizens treat it like a normal city is a very useful thing to have built before the invaders arrive. For in Land Magic, the land is the magic, and with properly designed, scaled, and furnished structures of stone, wood, bone, and metal the land can be shaped to cause useful effects. Whether through taping into leylines, filtering the light of the moon and stars, or refining the light of the constellations, Land Magic serves to use the power innate to the world to cause useful end results.

And however expensive, in materials and labor alike, it can be to craft a city or island or normal building sized magical item, the ability of a building sized magic item is not to be scoffed at.

And so it is that Anath visits the Star Elves and teaches them this art, showing them how to use to build useful structures for their tribes. Usually by guiding them through building a temple to him, granted, but a temple that can do some sort of locally useful magical effect, from one that condenses the moonlight into crystal to a henge that serves as a powerful amplifier for divining the stars to a lighthouse that channels the light of the Constellation of Destruction into anti-dragon beamy death beams to a dam and a lock upon a river to control its flow and filter out any carp larva that try to pass.

And unto these most loyal Star Elves that Anath taught these arts, Anath pronounces them his first priests, whom are to represent his will and power to his children, the Star Elves, and any later creations he should make, whom have the duty to guide and protect. And to these priests, already trained in land magic, Anath bestows but the smallest part of his own might to allow for direct clerical invocation, when needed. Such as when some poor soul gets infested by the carp and need to be healed of that plague.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 4)
Post by: Elvish Miner on July 03, 2019, 11:47:26 am
Once more, Go'sha decides to visit the dragons. This time, the one named Confubrum is of interest to her. She enters his lair, speaking softly, in hopes he recognizes her voice.

"You have done well for yourself, child of Kamoan. The Bescaled are a great boon to your power, I am proud of you. Though their magic may be great, they must be stronger to help protect you and your treasure. Come, I shall show you how to arm them."

Go'sha heads over to Confubrum's forge, and gifts him with an improved kiln, 5 cast moldings: a shield, a pair of blades, two halves of a breast plate, and one with multiple spearheads. She teaches him how to select dull metals and melt them together for a strong alloy, before pouring it into the molds. While the castings may be slightly rough and missing handles or tie-ups, it won't be anything the Bescales can't eventually figure out themselves with their knowledge of primitive tools.
A personalized feature of the molds is that the castings come out with a sigile designed by Confubrum, as a reminder of who the gift is from.

Go'sha spends 3DE and her actions improving Confubrum's forge with a kiln, while teaching him how to reproduce it, and granting him molds to make shields, swords, breastplates, and spearheads, as well as the knowledge of how to use them. With any excess energy, she gives him a better understanding of which ores work best, as well as other ways to improve his forging processes.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 4)
Post by: Roboson on July 06, 2019, 03:05:13 pm
 There are four kinds of wealth in this world. mused Kamoan There is physical wealth, which I and others have brought into this place, and which can be found deep beneath the skin of this world. There is might, the power to wield force and to impose your will upon a place, or upon another. There is subtly. To have an abundance of subtlty is to have impose might without the need of force. But also to have culture, and art. It is quite, subtle, what composes a wealth of subtlety. Of these three, the Dragons certainly have the most physical wealth. And also the most might. Though others have too begun to adhere to these concepts. Subtlety is much rarer type of wealth, only used by the gods and these Carp for treachery. Yet, perhaps that is what makes them valuable in their own right. An interesting thought for another time perhaps.

Yet the fourth type of wealth is quite rare, only a few have come to know it's existence, much less it's value. Knowledge. Knowledge is the most ethereal wealth of all, and the most difficult to quantify. Yet, in it's nature, it could be worth far more than gems and swords. With no way to amass knowledge, these mortals will have little chance of pulling themselves from the mud and dawning the golden cloaks they're destined to wear. Perhaps this will plant the seeds of learning within them...

Kamoan makes a system of magic based around the True Names of Forms.

Kamoan then spends the rest of this period teaching the Language of Mortality to each of the mortal races, especially dragons and leaders of the small races. He uses The Language of Mortality so that they may understand him.

Spoiler: Magic System: True Speak (click to show/hide)

Kamoan also temporarily stops exerting power over who can and can't use Kent's.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 4)
Post by: Glass on July 06, 2019, 10:55:38 pm
Spoiler: Nevermind (click to show/hide)
Ok, for real this time (probably).
Five energy-thingies (I don't remember what they're properly called, if anything)! Crafting magic! I do declare it to be Artifice!
By drawing upon the intrinsic magical prowess of the crafter(s), what amounts of energy can be gained from the act of crafting itself, designs built into the creations, and the materials the product is made from, people will be able to create magical equipment! Bescaled specifically for the time being, because they're the ones that Bastion will teach this arcane art to. In addition to telling them he gave it to them, of course, as well as letting them know that he was actually the one to create them in the first place.
What type of magic the items are imbued with will depend on how it's decorated and what types of elements the maker is naturally attuned to - you're going to have an easier time making a sword of fire if it's decorated with flame-like detailing and forged by a fire-aligned Bescaled, for example, while prayers may (may) have more effect if made before an statue detailing the deity of worship.
Conveniently coming with the knowledge of the new magic-crafting system is knowledge of how to craft in general, because that is kind of a prerequisite to being able to do this. Metalscales (including rustscales and other "lesser" varieties), of course, gain greater benefit from this influx of knowledge than their standard brethren, but all of them become fairly proficient.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 4)
Post by: Wozzy on July 07, 2019, 07:46:14 am
Saraab provides one energy to Kamoan's True Words Magic, bringing the total to 6 energy.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 4)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on July 11, 2019, 01:21:41 pm
Turn 4: An entirely excessive amount of magic.

What was once a humble cave was by the will of Ventura transformed into a magnificent temple. Intricate murals, helpful enchantments, and a suitable place for placing offerings greeted the awe-struck Star Elves who discovered it. Though there was no one to directly claim responsibility, this was clearly the work of a great power, and the murals made clear what other things were its doing.
Understanding the implication of their cave of offerings being transformed, the Star Elves made a point to leave even more intricate gifts, and to praise the great wind-god. Though confined to the tribes in the regions surrounding Stormheight, the worship had sufficient fervour and structure to invigorate Ventura.

The Hidden Wind Temple is created. Ventura gains 1 strength from the (localised) worship of the Star Elves.


Ma Dong folds reality in on itself to create a pocket dimension, parallel to the mortal plane, but distinct enough to be subject to different laws. The permanently misty land boasts a full seven hills, the largest of which houses a great tower, where a gong rings out to attract the spirits of the dead into the realm of Misthall. A handful of 'spirits' (non-sentient extensions of Ma Dong's will) guide newcomers, informing them of the rules they are to abide by.

Immediately, souls begin to trickle in. Some opt to leave, preferring to fade away, whilst others seek to exist forever, and opt to stay in the admittedly somewhat boring afterlife. Communities form, as the dead mimic their living habits, though as per Ma Dong's rules, civility is upheld.

Ma Dong finds that whilst the dead provide no stream of worship, their souls retain some amount of precious Belief- which could, in principle, be extracted, although this is likely to be harmful to the souls. As the souls reside in Ma Dong's private plane, only he may choose to exploit this source of power.

Misthall is created. Dead souls begin to populate Misthall.
Ma Dong may draw on Misthall as a source of power (using a simple action), provided it has sufficient population.

Ma Dong teaches some Carp how to make basic tools, but the Carp already know how to make basic tools, so this has no effect.


Saraab visits a tribe of Star Elves, taking on the guise of another Star Elf, albeit one made of stone and wood. He spends several days with them, wandering through the forest, during which he discusses matters of community, and makes a solid attempt at explaining the basics of fermentation.
Unsurprisingly, this goes across really well. The community stuff they can take or leave, but when the Elves taste the alcoholic mush, they are quickly enraptured. It takes some more explanation to get across how to replicate the feat (especially given the Star Elves' primitive tools), but the Elves are eager students, and Saraab is successful in teaching the tribe how to produce their own alcohol.

After the strange mechanical Elf leaves, the tribe concludes- despite Saraab making no attempts to convert them- that such potent nectar could only be a gift from the gods. Fermentation spreads quickly throughout the various Star Elf tribes, and with it the story of the Great Fermenter. As the years pass, belief in the Great Fermenter would spread across the world, and the Belief thus generated was sufficient to invigorate Saraab.

Saraab teaches the Star Elves the basics of fermentation. Saraab gains 1 strength from the belief in the Great Fermenter.


Anath, having made lines of power in the sky, now places lines of power in the earth, binding the power into the land, until it flows through the world (and the other planets, to a lesser degree), tied into and drawing on the natural processes of geological activity (making, for instance, geologically active areas more likely to feature potent leylines).
And to allow mortals to manipulate this power, he codifies Land Magic, which will allow for structures to be created that channel this power into potent effects of many kinds. The first to learn this art are Anath's favoured children, the Star Elves, to whom Anath sends messengers, teaching the most fervent believers the necessary skills. At first, they struggle to assemble structures with sufficient precision. However, one of those blessed with the visions is a descendant of a Saraab-blessed innovator. She quickly organises collaboration between several tribes, having one tribe produce better tools, another tribe source easily workable stone and timber, whilst her own tribe experiments with 'Scaffolding', building simple wooden frames that channel leyline energy to make stone lighter and more easily workable. This, combined with earth ramps and log rollers, allows for large stones to be assembled into a precisely engineered circle, carved with images of the moon and stars. Built on a confluence of leylines, the great temple hums with power as soon as the final stone is put in place. Curative energies radiate forth, healing the scars, bruises, and broken bones of the labourers. More importantly, the carvings on the stones begin to glow, their complex patterns providing a far more accurate reading of the future to those with the ken of such things.

In short order, the necessary techniques are spread across the world, and temples spring up wherever Star Elves converge. Those blessed by Anath, his priests, can enhance the workings of the temples, and this clear blessing from god, combined with the physical manifestation of belief that building a temple represents, ensures that Anath finds his power growing considerably.

The planets are suffused with Leylines. Land Magic is codified. The Star Elves learn improved crafting techniques and basic architecture, using these to construct Temples to Anath. Anath gains 2 strength from the more structured and focused Belief.


Go'Sha pays a visit to the world's most popular dragon, Confubrum. The- by now quite old- dragon recognises the voice of the Ruby-Creator, and he listens intently as she explains to him her latest gift; a significantly more elaborate metalworking setup. Where once he melted metal in a depression in the rock, he is now granted a kiln. Where once metal was allowed to pool and solidify by itself, he is now granted a series of (magically robust) casts. Where once his smelting efforts were mostly trial and error, he is now educated on the nature of alloys. Go'Sha explains the value of providing his vassals with superior crafting ability, and arming them against their enemies, which Confubrum acknowledges makes a certain amount of sense.

After Go'Sha leaves, Confubrum summons his vassals, and shows them the gifts that were granted to him by the god of fire. Working the forge is somewhat fiddly work for one as large as him, so he educates the Bescaled on its operation. In short order, they are cranking out items of bronze- weapons and armour, at first, although they soon develop casts of their own, with which they produce hammers and picks to make their work easier.
For all that they admire the weapons Go'Sha has provided them, however, the Bescaled struggle to find much use. The spearheads prove useful in hunting, but the sword and shields seem less useful, and the armour only serves to slow them down. It's not like anyone dares stand against them anyway, and Confubrum has no interest in looting the hoards of lesser dragons- his quickly expanding collection of metal objects makes him far richer than any other dragon- save for the Star-Dragons, but even Confubrum would not think to go up against them. Besides, no one has heard much from them in recent years- they seem to have secluded themselves.

The Bescaled also work on replicating Go'Sha's gifts, building replica kilns from stone as best they can, but initial attempts fail to reach sufficient temperatures to smelt metal- wood just doesn't burn hot enough.

Confubrum and his vassals are grateful to the god of fire for the gifts, providing Go'Sha with a modicum of Belief- not enough to notably increase her strength, however.

Go'Sha grants Confubrum a divine forge. Confubrum's vassals learn improved metalworking.


Kamoan weaves a complex magic, with some aid from Saraab, in order to give all things a True Name. This magic suffuses the system, and each thing is named- albeit with a name that even the gods must work to determine. Mortals may, with great study and dilligence, come to understand the True Name of a thing, thereby giving them power over that thing. To a degree, the Name itself provides a modicum of magical power, enabling even those with none of their own to cast (though for best results, other magical energy must be used as well).
As a result of all things getting a True Name, echoes of these names reverberate with all souls. They may not consciously understand them, but they provide the framework for a common language that all sapient beings can understand. This Language of Mortality bears little resemblance to the actual True Names, but it may serve as a means of exchange between all peoples.

Kamoan finds that teaching the Language of Mortality is unnecessary, for all those who he attempts to teach it to prove to already understand it.

There is little use of True Names initially, partially because they are hard to find, and partially because no one knows to look for them.

Kamoan gives everything (in the system; things beyond the Wall of Stars are excluded) a True Name. The Language of Mortality is created, which all sapient beings understand.

Kamoan also subtly changes the magic of the Kents, such that divine intervention is not directly required. This is not immediately noticed by their owners.


Bastion becomes the fourth god to create a system of magic- fifth if one counts Saraab's assistance with True-Name magic. Known as Crafting Magic, or Artifice, it allows for craftsmen- with the proper procedures- to imbue their works with magical effects. This Bastion teaches to the Bescaled, granting them an enhanced knowledge of crafting to go along with it.
Worldwide, Bescaled awaken with newfound knowledge. Some realise how to process hides into leather, others how to work with clay. Primitive stone tools quickly make way for more refined stone tools, some of which are enchanted with effects further enhancing their efficacy. The effects are generally weak, for lack of magical materials or energy. Some, finding themselves over a confluence of leylines by chance, have greater success; Metalscales likewise see greater results.
Confubrum's vassals find that certain metals are easier to enchant, which combined with their own enhanced magical energy allows them to make items with many useful effects. Perhaps more importantly, their already (relatively) advanced crafting knowledge is further enhanced by Bastion's inspirations, and their previous efforts to produce a working kiln prove more successful, shaping them more carefully, and using clay to seal gaps. Wood is carefully dried and split into small pieces, and, after some trial and error, sufficient temperatures are reached, and molten metal pours forth.

The Bescaled are appropriately grateful to Bastion for both this latest gift, and their existence. A tide of worship, and many physical offerings in the form of small statues and ornaments (left in vaguely 'holy' places) provides Bastion with more than enough Belief to greatly enhance his strength.

Bastion codifies Artifice. The Bescaled learn improved crafting, including the creation of leather and clay objects. Bastion gains 2 strength from the worship of the Bescaled.
Confubrum's vassals perfect their improved metalworking techniques, and start to produce metal objects at a much greater rate.




With their newfound ability to communicate, ideas spread much more rapidly throughout the world. Bescaled, Star Elves, and Carp trade enchanted objects, booze, and Antelope, exchanging knowledge as they do so. Not all ideas spread as quickly, but the Carp learn to craft more effectively than before, and learn the basics of construction- their rate of knowledge absorption enhanced with the assistance of Jinli. Both the Elves and the Bescaled are taught the basics of dealing with Domesticated Antelope, and in time they too develop their own herds.

All (small) mortals learn to domesticate Antelope. The Carp learn improved crafting and primitive construction.

The Star Elves build pens for their Antelope, though they are mostly temporary, as they still prefer to migrate. Though from their exchanges with the Bescaled they do not manage to learn their crafting secrets directly, consulting the stars reveals to some of them a course of action: they trade Windstone- sometimes carrying it over vast distances- with the Bescaled, exchanging the magical material (which Bescaled crafters are eager to get their hands on) for mere hints as to the processes involved in the creation of things like leather. By making the same trade with several different tribes of Bescaled, they manage to piece together the basics of leatherworking- a skill they are quite eager to master, for it provides an excellent way of transporting booze.

Some Star Elves who have visited the Hidden Wind Temple use their newfound architectural skills to create similar shrines to Ventura in other locations. With control over the weather attributed to him/her- a most fickle thing, that is of great importance to primitive peoples-, their faith attracts more adherents, and the Wind Shrines spread further. Ventura's strength grows yet further.

Star Elves learn leatherworking (so as to make containers for booze).
Wind Shrines are built by the Star Elves, spreading the worship of Ventura. Ventura gains 1 strength from the now widespread Belief.

Carp take to building like... well, fish to water (although, of course, in this world Fish take to dry land at times). Though they lack the full knowledge of Land Magic, building pens for their Antelope, artificial pools for their offspring, and shelters for themselves are still useful. Combined with better tools- finer nets, sharper spears- many find that moving around is an unnecessary effort, as they are more than capable of gathering enough to survive on whilst stationary. This, in turn, leads to more construction and crafting. Carp 'villages' dot the coasts and riverbanks, typically ringed by a moat, with channels running throughout, a few 'shacks' consisting of branches lashed across a wooden frame, and a few stone standing stones.

Carp form settled communities.

The Bescaled look at Confubrum's vassals with envy, wishing to emulate their metalworking skills. But Confubrum's vassals have no desire to share their secrets, and none dare try to sneak into the ancient dragon's territory to figure it out. None, but for an exiled Rustscale, who by chance was also the inheritor of Saraab's blessing. He infiltrates Confubrum's lands, observing the Bescaled working their (replica) kilns and forges, even going so far as to investigate them during the night. Once he has learnt enough, he returns to his former tribe, and offers a stolen bronze blade as evidence that he has seen the Ruby-Lead-Scales' workings up close. When his directions prove to produce a somewhat operational kiln- capable of smelting at least some of the ores the tribe had gathered from the Tunnel-Wurm tunnels-, he is readmitted to the tribe. The kiln proves useful as a way of hardening clay as well, which offers a source of hollow vessels more permanent than leather flasks.

Basic metalworking spreads to all Bescaled.

The dragons observe the smaller mortals growing more advanced, and realise that they cannot afford to be left behind. They seek to emulate Confubrum's arrangement, which does not work perfectly- most resort to threats to earn the 'cooperation' of Bescaled. Some try similar things with Star-Elves and Carp, more or less extorting tributes of trinkets from the more nimble crafters. Resistance is rare, as even mud-dragons are large and imposing, but a few fights do happen. In the case of Bescaled who are armed with metal-tipped spears (typically copper outside of Confubrum's lands), the dragons sometimes even lose, and are forced to limp away, bloodied and beaten.
A rare few engage in mostly fair exchanges, offering items from their hoards in exchange for craftwork. Some Kents make their way into the hands of the smaller mortals, along with an explanation of their use. This causes a slight uptick in worship of Kamoan (not enough to notably increase his strength), as smaller mortals- following instructions- pray to him as they exchange their Kents for things of value to them- things like food for a starving tribe, good luck whilst hunting, or metal tools.

Dragons try, mostly unsuccessfully, to form relations with smaller mortals.




All seemed well, as once again there had been no sign of the Eldritch Threat causing any trouble. Indeed, one might be forgiven for forgetting it had ever been a problem. However, there was to be a reminder, which no one would miss.

Spontaneously, without warning, the Wall of Stars shook, and ethereal shockwaves reverberated throughout the system. Every mortal on the planet felt it, and- on the night side-, saw it happen, as the stars in the sky shuddered. The Skyquake lasted about a minute, but subsided with no apparent damage, other than some slightly shaken mortals.

Right. Let me know if you think I missed something. Also, feel free to invent small events that happen without needing me to write about them, so long as they make sense.
Mechanically, you believe that actions with a DE cost of 6 or higher may result in Eldritch interference from now on (though weakened by the Wall of Stars). 
Anyway, links: OOC thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=174074.0), Discord (https://discord.gg/HAvTWch).

Spoiler: God Statuses (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 5)
Post by: micelus on July 18, 2019, 04:37:44 am
Ma Dong mused and ruminated upon the hill of Misthall, thinking of need and desire. Creation was yet still young and yet still unmolested from the depredations of the eldritch beyond the Wall of Stars. For now in any case. Now was a time to be prosperous, to focus within, rather than without. And yet, Ma Dong felt an innate paranoia, aghast with fear should even a crack in existence's defenses be made. A static defense, was simply that; static. It could not react to change; it was an oak whereas what was needed was a palm (or at least, so did Ma Dong believe). And so, Ma Dong released his essence into the realm and suffused it with celestial nature

Simple Action 1: Retrieve a few fallen star from one of the uninhabited worlds.

Action 2  (3DE): Misthall is transformed into The Celestial Heavens, a much more useful afterlife plane. No longer a small land of rolling hills and streams shrouded in mists, the land has been more diverse. A full weather system has been installed, with a small star composed of those that fell (the fallen star shards) in lieu of a true sun. The hills and streams too. The plane's water now too also flows from giant porcelain pots  atop the tallest hills. Of course, this was all but a setting for the refurbished plane's true purpose, which was to act as Ma Dong's training grounds for a celestial defense force. At the very centre of the plain was a middling-sized town of the dead, built according to both military and civil principles, it would act as a the main draw to the spirits of the dead. For in this town, Ma Dong did place a tower that reached a few 10s of metres into the sky;ine.

This tower did elicit light, but not like the UV radiation or heat from a star. No, it did release celestial light- euphoric divine essence that did make all life feel its splendour, and desire it. To make great use of the opportunity however, Ma Dong limited its aura, and made only those of assigned rank feel the beauty and goodness of the aura and indeed, amplify it in those of rank. Rank, of course, in Ma Dong's celestial army. To those spirits who had but entered the afterlife and felt the plane's aura, they would feel only a desire to seek the source and would feel but a niggling euphoria, not so great to cause addiction. Those who rejected enlistment would be allowed to inhabit the plane, but otherwise lacking in heavenly euphoria. Those who left the plane entirely would find themselves feeling a sense of dejection.

Rank was of course gained by training and study, not only for military roles but in the refinement of craft. Through this way, one could rise in rank not only by application of direct war, but also in support of those who would fight. To be a bureaucrat (one who did run the regimented life of the Heavens or otherwise organise new arrivals) in the Celestial Heavens was to attain rank. To be a potter was to achieve rank. To be a singer was to achieve rank. To improve in anything helpful, was to achieve rank. And with rank, one would feel yet greater euphoria. Still, all would have to train and drill in combat so as to maintain rank.

In addition, the gongs of the plane were made to actively attract the dead to the Heavens.

Action 3 (3DE): Ma Dong did choose a carp, of the Shuili morph, and declare it a prophet of his own. A carp chosen almost at random, the carp was likely nothing special. Of course, that didn't matter, for the divine made best work with tools diverse. Ma Dong thus, did drown the carp in his own essence and did grant title as the General Spiritual. Suffusing it in essence, Ma Dong did clearly inform the carp that they were Ma Dong, the same being as Baba, and that he had made the Carp and would continue to watch over them.  He gave the General Spiritual the task of ensuring that all carp did thusly know this and that all remember that Ma Dong did make them. He left him with instructions to found a priesthood composed of community patriarchs and matriarchs, each given the duty of leading their families in prayer- both to Ma Dong, and the ancestors that have gone and died. To prove their divine calling, Ma Dong did grant the carp immortality as well an innate knowledge of Artifice, especially with the workings of the Water element.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 5)
Post by: Elvish Miner on July 19, 2019, 11:35:02 am
Sensing the need to better arm herself against the Eldritch Threat, Go'sha enters one of the tunnels to collect precious and hard metals. Then, she heads back to the ancient Confubrum's forge. There, she works with him to create a weapon for herself, in exchange for a few more shiny trinkets and the offer to protect his hoard and 'horde' from being stolen by a dragon that is not of his offspring.
After meticulous work, utilizing metals she herself pulls from the earth and infusing her destructive power into each part as they were forged, they have a handle and a dozen short blades attached to it by a length of chain. Grasping the handle she feels her own divine power resonating within the weapon, like an extention of herself. By her own willpower the chain quickly retracts, and the blades slide into each other to form a greatsword. She smiled, because a simple sword wasn't enough for her. A fan of dramatics, Go'sha wanted a weapon that was as theatrical as she was, and the chain blade was exactly what she needed.

The chain blade is an extention of Go'sha, filled with her own divine power. By changing the polarity, she can choose to retract it into a sword, or extend it into a sharp-bladed whip. Due to how much destructive power is in it, any mortal who is struck by a blade will explode, while those who touches the handle will see their life force quickly sapped away.

Go'sha spends simple actions and 4DE to create Kanahi, the chain blade.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 5)
Post by: Wozzy on July 21, 2019, 12:24:22 pm
Saraab feels a burst of energy whenever the mortals raise a cup in his (bastardized) name, and sees that him and his pantheon need more worship if they want to become stronger. First things first, a new race must be born to expand knowledge, to build grand cities, and to unite all the races together. Spending a moderate amount of his power, Saraab creates the Vrenkriks for 5 energy.

Spoiler: Boring Fluff (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Rau (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Kar (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Aehe (click to show/hide)
Saraab then spends two energy in order to assist with teaching the Vrenkriks. He uses a simple action to teach them about thr various races and magics of this world, and about survival (like how they are supposed to boil water). He then teaches them how to make furnaces, how to make glass, and most importantly the art of glassblowing. He hopes that these will be useful to the insectiods, allowing them to offer trade these beautiful creations with other races for useful stuff.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 5)
Post by: Glass on July 24, 2019, 08:24:55 pm
(Sorry about taking so long.)

Bastion couldn't really think of what to do at the moment. So he decided to strengthen his equipment.

Bastion spends all 6 of his Essence to empower his shield and weapon, making the shield as impenetrable as he could and causing all opponents nearby to focus on its bearer, and made his weapon(s?) as deadly as possible, with a particular focus put into making it as powerful an anti-eldritch force as was possible with the power used.

And then he went looking for some trouble of eldritch origin.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 5)
Post by: Happerry on July 25, 2019, 12:42:50 am
Anath, looking upon the world finds he does not have enough energy to do what he seeks to do. As such, instead, he will spend 3 DE to solve what Anath considers a failing in this world. To be precise, the lack of birds. To fix this, Anath will create an assortment of seed and even grass eating feathered creatures, such as the tree dwelling Fire-Feather Finch which consumes Wildfire Grass seedlings to protect its perch, or the night flying Speckled Tern that hunts for small fish along the coast. Such beings will give the dragons something to share airspace with, and make their feathers available for the mortal races to use in craft and art. Or perhaps even to make quills and invent writing? Granted, the largest bird, which has feathers most suited for quill making, is the territorial Thunder-Beak which lives wherever leylines meet as to feast upon the ambient magical energy which allows them to spit small electrical bolts at anything they dislike, so that might be easier said then done. With Kamoan's assistance, even more birds are created, most mundane but some, should there be enough power, with minor magical abilities either self powered or fueled by the leylines to go with and compete against the Thunder-Beak.

Spoiler: Old (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 5)
Post by: FallacyofUrist on July 27, 2019, 02:06:32 pm
Ventura awoke from her slumber, confused and bewildered... ah, she had changed forms. She was overdue for a shift anyways.

Then it struck her. Her male form had crafted great wonders, but did he actually try to help the mortals? No, something new had to be done.

Simple Action: Ventura manifests an avatar in the Hidden Wind Temple as a family of Star Elves provide offerings.

"Greetings, mortals. I, Ventura, have seen your offerings and am pleased. As you have given to me so I will give back to you, if you will accept my pact. Will you swear to drink no water that is not of the skies? Swear to worship me above the other gods? Swear to respect the winds and wonders of the world? Swear to fight the Eldritch wherever it may appear? If you will swear this I will grant you my blessing!"

4 DE: Ventura creates the Covenant of the Winds. The Covenant of the Winds is a bloodline blessing to be granted to a family of Star Elves and all their descendants. As long as those so blessed follow Ventura's four rules (drinking no water that is not rainwater (although it is acceptable to keep rainwater in containers and cisterns as long as it is not contaminated), worshipping Ventura above the other gods, respecting the winds and wonders of the world, and fighting the Eldritch Threat whenever it appears), they will gain a magical ability to manipulate winds, sense weather, and for the strongest of them, summon lightning or turn into winds for a few seconds. If someone blessed by the Covenant breaks the rules, then they will lose the blessing until they complete a penance that involves climbing Stormheight. After the penance they regain a portion of their power proportional to how high they climbed, climbing all the way to the peak being 100%, halfway being 50%, et cetera.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 5)
Post by: NUKE9.13 on August 20, 2019, 03:50:37 am
Turn 5: Prophets and profits.

Ma Dong transforms the plane of Misthall into a more elaborate afterlife, less of a dreary mist-cloaked nothing, and more of a recruitment center for his celestial army. A makeshift sun, made from the remnants of several Fallen Stars, provided a cycle of night and day as it traversed the sky, and weather, of a sort, was introduced. The six lesser hills are graced by porcelain pots, from which streams of water flow, winding their way down the hillsides, forming pools and waterfalls, flowing across the land, before disappearing into the mists that still encircle the 'edge' of the plane.
A town arose around Misthall's central tower, which was also enhanced; now it radiated celestial light, in addition to the ringing of gongs, and said light invoked euphoria in all residents of the plane, proportional to their 'rank' in Ma Dong's celestial army. The plane was by Ma Dong's command renamed to the Celestial Heavens.
Immediately, many of Misthall's residents clamour to pledge loyalty to Ma Dong; not only to get closer to the celestial light, but also in search of some purpose in their eternal existence. Newcomers from the land of the living bring knowledge of crafts and magic, and soon the town is enlivened by smoke rising from forges and potteries, the smell of animals and leatherworking, and the clamour of craftsmen and soldiers all working to prepare themselves for a concept unheard of in the mortal realms; war. Though inexperienced in life with more than hunting or the occasional brawl, most residents endeavour to train themselves in the use of weapons of stone and copper (of which some are enchanted, though this proves somewhat trickier to do in the Celestial Heavens than in the mundane world).

Misthall is transformed into the Celestial Heavens, a more feature-rich plane where departed spirits work to supply or serve Ma Dong's army, and train for war. Ma Dong may still draw on the plane as a source of power if desired.

Satisfied with his extraplanar work, Ma Dong turns to the world once more, and proclaims a prophet from amongst the Carp. Chosing the prophet at random, Ma Dong manages to choose one of the weakest, most disfigured, least respected Shuili, a female exiled from her village after allegedly betraying her family- though in truth she had been but a scapegoat. Driven inland, she would've starved if not for the charity of a mysterious traveller- the Trader of the Winds, who perhaps foresaw the potential of the starving outcast, or perhaps was simply in a giving mood, fickle as it is. In exchange for a satchel of food and flask of water, it asked only for a favour in the future, before turning into wind once more and disappearing on the breeze.
Of course, this alone wouldn't've saved the young Carp. But it let her survive a few days more, until the moment that Ma Dong's influence suddenly filled her body. She hears his voice as clear as day, as he bestows upon her the title of General Spiritual, and gives her the mandate to organise a priesthood to Ma Dong, whose name was also Baba, who created the Carp and watched over them and their departed ancestors. Ma Dong further blesses her with immortality (or at least, an unaging body, and a great resilience to both disease and injury, to the point that few mortal means could hope to slay her), and a deep understanding of the magic of Artifice.

Needless to say, the newly appointed General Spiritual is somewhat taken aback. She prays to Ma Dong for answers; she asks first why, of all people, he chose her.
"From small seeds, come the greatest fish", comes the response.
She ruminates on this for a moment, then asks another question: how she might convince a single Carp to listen to her, let alone all of them.
"You are not perfect; I do not expect success in all things nor that this mission I have granted you to be done quickly. It is ok to make mistakes. But to accomplish this, you must simply show by action that you are Chosen and that you are Worthy. By my gifts I grant you, show your divine adoption.", Ma Dong responds.
She considers this as well, then asks a final question; how she should begin her journey.
To this, Ma Dong responds with a vision of her returning to her village holding some great artifact of her own creation, by which she proves her divine blessing.

Thus, with the aches of travel and pangs of hunger leaving her body, the General Spiritual sets forth to spread the word of Ma Dong. She heads first for the hills, wherein the Bescaled are known to dwell, for they are masters of metal and Artifice. As she travels, she takes a fallen branch, and with her crude stone knife, carves it into a small staff- inscribing upon its surface strange symbols, whose meanings are unknown to her, yet which she instinctively knows will imbue the staff with an enchantment. Though weak (being made from inferior, mundane materials, and empowered only with some of her own (recently augmented) energy), the newly-formed staff of wayfinding aids her in her search for a Bescaled community, and upon finding them, offering the staff as a gift earns her enough respect that she is allowed access to their village.
The Bescaled are sceptical of her claims of divine blessing, but cannot deny her skill at Artifice. Though hesitant to share their secrets, they eventually agree to teach her the basics of forging, in exchange for her aid in enchanting numerous items for the villagers. Her ability to create flasks that (slowly) self-generate water is especially appreciated.


Ma Dong chooses a Shuili Carp at random to be his prophet. The newly appointed General Spiritual travels to a Bescaled village to learn crafting.


Go'Sha, unsatisfied with the destructive power she wields, once more visits the elderly Confubrum, to make use of his forge- which remains the most advanced in the world. The dragon, grateful for the gifts previously granted, is happy to accept the trade of his assistance in exchange for Go'Sha securing his legacy. Between his flame and Go'Sha's own power, they smelt the ores she gathered from the depths of the world (the mere sight of which leaves Confubrum feeling envious). They then hammer and fold the metal over and over, infusing every piece with Go'Sha's destructive power, until it glows a deep red. The thus infused metal is then meticulously joined together, such that each piece fits together just so, until the final piece is fused into place, and the blade is done.
Even Confubrum recoils slightly at the destructive potential that radiates from the finished work. For miles around, the land shakes as Go'Sha grants the weapon its name; Kanahi, the chain blade. Go'Sha gives the blade a few experimental swipes, observing the whip-form respond to her slightest motion, snaking through the air like a living thing, whilst the greatsword-form betrays no hint of its flexible nature, cleaving through rock and metal with minor effort.

Go'Sha leaves, satisfied. The working of such a blade is not without consequence, however, as Confubrum's forge absorbed some of her energy in the process- an energy that will, in small amounts, be granted to any future works created there. Additionally, Go'Sha had strengthened the forge- by necessity, to prevent it from being destroyed by the energies involved-, and this too would linger, ensuring that the forge would outlive many lesser workshops.

Go'Sha creates Kanahi, the chain blade. Confubrum's forge is enhanced with lingering amounts of Go'Sha's energy.


The General Spiritual, after spending seven weeks amongst the Bescaled, finally feels confident enough to produce an artifact that will persuade her former village to listen to her. She joins an expedition into the depths, clambering through the treacherous tunnels in search of Wurm-leavings, to personally select the ores that resonate with her. Despite divine blessings, her luck remains poor, as she is almost trapped by a collapsing tunnel- only her near-immortality allows her to survive, her unbending back holding back the crushing rock, allowing her comrades to scramble to safety before she joins them, the tunnel crumbling moments later. At least this earns her the gratitude of the Bescaled, who offer their assistance in creating her masterpiece.
The Bescaled village is, as so many are, located over a leyline, so as to tap the magical energy for use in Artifice. However, this is not enough for the General. She, accompanied by two Bescaled assistants, travels for two days to a nexus, a point where two leylines cross. A toll is paid to the local dragon for passage, and payment given to the local Bescaled for use of their forge.
The ground rumbles with untapped power as the General Spiritual prepares her tools. A cast is made, and molten metal flows from the furnace. A Hardwood shaft is laid out, and inscribed with many arcane symbols. The cast, suitably cooled, is opened, and the result polished and sharpened, then carefully inlaid with polished gems. The finished product is assembled, and with a final strike of her hammer, the General completes her great work, the Wavecaller's Trident. Though by no means an artifact of godly power, it outclasses most- if not all- artifacts those present have seen.
Suitably impressed, the Bescaled are disappointed when she announces that she must depart, to bring the word of Ma Dong to the Carp. They promise her a warm welcome should she ever return, and provide her with supplies for her journey.

The General Spiritual creates the Wavecaller's Trident, an artifact of moderate strength that can control the waves.


Saraab, not satisfied with the worship of the Star Elves, brings forth a new race to populate the world. The Vrenkriks, he calls them, an insectoid species- albeit one possessed of an internal skeleton-, divided into three sexes. All have six limbs, though the Rau walk on two legs, whereas the Kar and Aehe walk on four. The Rau and Aehe also have wings, giving them limited flight. Above all, they value curiosity and ingenuity, and though their lives are short, they are industrious enough to get much done.
Saraab ensures his new creations are not helpless, by teaching them the basics they will need to know to survive, as well as the secret of glass. They are subsequently set loose.

Quickly, the Vrenkriks spread across the world. The Rau, as natural diplomats, are able to negotiate with other races, securing unclaimed land for the insects to form communities, and learning some of the less jealously-guarded secrets of the other races. The Star Elves are oddly sceptical of the newcomers, and share little with them, but tolerate their presence. The Bescaled eagerly trade their knowledge for the Vrenkriks' glass-working secrets, a trade that the knowledge-loving insects are happy to make. The Carp strike a middle ground, trading in moderate amounts with the insects. Dragons are most enamoured with glass crafts, and impressed by the Rau's eloquence, and so generally amicable relations are formed.

Vrenkriks are created. Vrenkriks learn glassworking, then trade this knowledge with the Bescaled for improved crafting and basic Artifice. The Star Elves are wary of the Vrenkriks, but the other races generally accept them.


Perhaps inspired by Go'Sha's new blade, Bastion decides to enhance his own equipment. However, no mortal substances will suffice for the ambitious Preserver, as he chooses to forge his arms from raw Divine Energy. So it is that two items, bound together, are created; Bastion's Shield and Bastion's Weapon.
The shield presents such an accumulation of Bastion's essence of preservation, that it preserves not only the wielder, but everything in the vicinity. And it does so perfectly- whilst Bastion's Shield is present and active, no change can occur by any mortal means, rendering the surroundings an immutable frozen tableau, where only gods may move.
The weapon, though without permanent form, is at all times a condensation of Bastion's distaste for the Eldritch Threat and its extensions. So great is its power to smite eldritch things that every blow sunders reality down to elementary particles, eliminating any trace of eldritch energy in the process. This does, of course, leave behind a cloud of unbound elementary particles, which tend to have deleterious effects on the surrounding area. Put simply, anything the weapon touches will explode, with the exact intensity of the explosion depending on the energy put into the strike, ranging from 'merely' the equivalent of a large fireball, to the fantasy equivalent of a large nuclear weapon.
Combined, the shield temporarily mitigates the effects of the weapon- the target will still be broken down to elementary particles, but the perfect preservation will prevent it from exploding. However, this will only last as long as the shield is present and active. Divine intervention may 'repair' the damage whilst the shield is active, although this will not be free.

The act of creating the two items is represents a sufficient concentration of divine energy to attract the attention of the Eldritch Threat, even through the Wall of Stars. The weakening of reality allows for a small amount of eldritch energy to squeeze through the Wall. Some of it coalesces into a formless mass in Bastion's vicinity. Eagerly, the god tries out his new toys, freezing the being in place with his shield, then smiting it with the temporarily sabre-shaped weapon.
Down on the world, the evening sky is lit up by a burst of light, triggering lightning, causing magical items to buzz briefly, and disrupting a Go'Sha disciple's fireball spell (resulting in them getting torn to pieces by a Crottathal).

Bastion creates Bastion's Shield and Bastion's Weapon, two items of ludicrous power (described above).
A small amount of Eldritch energy passes through the Wall of Stars. Bastion smites the resulting Eldritch Being.


Anath, with Kamoan's assistance, creates a cavalcade of birds, of every shape and size- all the world finds itself host to some number of feathered beasties. Several species possess limited magical powers, including three notable ones: the Thunderbeak, largest of all birds, whose command of lightning allows it to lord over others; the Magpie, with an uncanny ability to locate precious objects, which it secrets away in well-hidden nests; and the Star-Owl, an exclusively nocturnal beast that can wrap itself in shadows to avoid detection.

Birds are created.


Ventura, adopting their female aspect, manifests before her worshippers in the Hidden Wind Temple. She offers a covenant to the assembled Star Elves- a somewhat larger crowd than she expected, as numerous elven astrologers predicted some momentous event would occur-, conditioned on her primacy amongst gods, respecting the winds and wonders of the world, fighting the Eldritch, and drinking no water not of the skies. This last condition causes some concern, resulting in an especially brave worshipper asking whether this also covers alcoholic drinks. Upon the clarification that alcoholic beverages are acceptable, the majority of those present agree to the covenant. Divine energy spills forth from Ventura's manifestation, infusing the elves.
Ventura warns that failure to abide by her rules will see them stripped of their powers, only to be regained by ascending Stormheight.

The Covenant-Elves, after testing their new powers of wind manipulation and weather augury, return to their normal lives.


The Covenant of Winds is created.



The General Spiritual looks upon the village that exiled her with trepidation, yet strides forth without hesitation, trident in hand.
Initially, the villagers do not recognise her, for in the months she had been absent she had undergone many changes- her frail body now the picture of health, her posture now imbued with certainty and power-, but the pattern of her pale scales is unchanged, betraying her identity. An angry villager demands she leave, threatening violence. The assembled crowd agrees. The General says nothing, but pushes through them, headed for the shoreline. Her boldness stuns the villagers for a moment, but soon a few make to restrain her. She simply carries on, dragging the bewildered Carp with her until they let go. A few throw stones, which she does not react to, as they bounce off harmlessly.
Upon reaching the rocky beach, she extends the trident towards the sea, which is fairly calm. Subsequently, the waters start to churn, forming a swirling whirlpool. The General turns to the villagers, who are displaying a degree of sense by standing back, then swipes the trident towards them. A spiralling spout of water extends from the sea, and mimics the trident's motion, the frothing tip passing scant centimetres before the assembled faces. The spout then descends over the General, then rises into the air, carrying her upwards.
Towering over the beach, the General Spiritual proclaims herself the messenger of Ma Dong, her voice possessed of a booming quality that drowns out the roar of water. The villagers cower in fear, and quickly agree to follow her guidance.

Though the villagers follow her through fear at first, they come to respect her in time. After instructing them in the proper way of worshipping Ma Dong, she appoints a patriarch to guide the village in prayer, then journeys on to the next village, and the next, and the next. She is not entirely alone in her efforts to convert the Carp; she appoints especially fervent followers as missionaries, who spread the word on her behalf. Still, it takes many years, but her inexhaustible stamina and the fact that the Carp are mostly confined to the shores (making them relatively easy to track down) means that eventually the refined gospel of Ma Dong is heard by Carp all over the world.

The structured and widespread (albeit not especially fervent) worship generates a tide of Belief that flows Ma Dong's way, greatly increasing his strength.

The General Spiritual teaches Carp all over the world the correct way to worship Ma Dong. Ma Dong gains 2 strength from the improved worship.


Trade between mortals continues to grow. Metalworking is disseminated amongst all races, although the Bescaled remain the most skilled. Likewise, primitive construction and alcohol-production become widespread, although the Elves retain the upper hand in both areas. This widespread dissemination of knowledge is in no small part thanks to the Vrenkriks, who are eager students and teachers equally- eventually even the Elves overcome their caution and agree to trade with the insectoids.

All small mortals learn basic metalworking, construction, and brewing.


The Star Elves, running into a bottleneck in resources, seek more reliable food sources. They seek inspiration both in the stars, and more pragmatically, and through some combination of the two, apply the same breeding techniques used on Antelope to plants. In a few short decades, this already results in more bountiful fruit trees, and a variant of Wildfire Grass with a less destructive, more productive life cycle- producing a more substantial amount of grain, that makes harvesting it viable as a primary food source, rather than a mere dietary supplement.
These selected plants are grown around temples, so as to be easily accessible. This leads to some elves spending all their time tending the crops, rather than moving around. In due time, this leads to truly settled communities.

Star Elves develop plant breeding, rudimentary agriculture, and form settled communities (although many remain nomadic).


The advent of organised religion amongst the Carp drives further development of construction skills, as they seek to create more suitable monuments to Ma Dong and their departed ancestors. With metal tools, working stone becomes more practical, and so stone shrines become a common sight in Carp villages. These physical manifestations of devotion channel more Belief to Ma Dong, though not quite in sufficient quantities to notably bolster his strength (more impressive edifices might, however).

Carp build stone shrines to Ma Dong.


The Bescaled, running into a similar bottleneck to the Star Elves, develop closer ties with them, trading metal ores and crafts for surplus food, in turn allowing for more Bescaled to work as tunnel-delvers and metal-workers. Their contact with dragons leads to Bescaled villages creating (underground, hidden) 'hoards' of trade goods and preserved food, allowing them to build up wealth to see them through hard times. Some Bescaled villages become very wealthy in this manner- although they must ever be mindful of displaying their wealth openly, lest a dragon take note.

Bescaled stockpile valuables and preserve food, building up insurance against hard times, allowing villages to expand.


The Vrenkrik, after getting their bearings in the world, burst forth in a flurry of activity. Vrenkrik settlements grow quickly, and though some fail, their short life cycle ensures they rapidly repopulate. 'Scholars', typically Aehe (though Rau and Kar are not excluded), spend time observing the world, and sharing their findings with their fellows. The various forms of magic are of particular interest to these scholars- even though Vrenkriks are not naturally talented in the arcane arts. Those blessed with Destruction magic experiment wildly, and develop all manner of newfangled ways of destroying things, especially focusing on efficient use of magic- why use a massive fireball when a narrow dart works just as well? This all requires worship of Go'Sha, of course, which the Vrenkriks are happy to do in exchange for access to the magic- their devotion is sufficient to increase Go'Sha's strength.
Students of Artifice try out many different crafting techniques and materials- and power sources, as unlike the Bescaled (or the other races, for that matter), the Vrenkriks do not have notable amounts of inherent magical power to draw on, meaning without some external power source, they cannot create artifacts. Leylines are an obvious source, and any unclaimed nexuses are quickly colonised by Vrenkrik artificers. The presence of the Neverending Storm was found to aid in the creation of Artifice as well, although after several scholars got themselves killed getting struck by lightning, this was deemed a poor avenue of study- especially considering how unreliable its presence was.
Other forms of magic prove more elusive- the Elves refuse to share the secrets of Land Magic with them, and unguided experimentation proved insufficient to unlock even the basics. Kamoanian Kents and the magic contained within were of great interest to the Vrenkriks, who eagerly traded vast fortunes with any dragon willing to part with one. However, their one-use nature and relative scarcity meant that rigorous study was difficult- it was rare for a scholar to encounter more than one in their lifetime.
(True Name Magic remains entirely unknown to the mortals of the world)
Some Vrenkriks go to great lengths in their search for sources of magical power, but without a reliable way of storing knowledge- word of mouth being inefficient-, these efforts are not successful.

Vrenkriks spread rapidly. Vrenkrik scholars study magic intently, although with limited results. Go'Sha gains 1 strength from their intent study of Destruction Magic.


Dragons continue their efforts to earn the cooperation of lesser mortals. Perseverance pays off, to a degree, as several form Confubrum-esque relations with tribes of Bescaled. Others form profitable trading relations with far-flung villages- their speed and carrying capacity allowing them to transport goods between villages more effectively than mortal traders, and their imposing size and strength ensuring that they generally get the better end of the bargain. Many stick to the extortion however, a strategy that is not unsuccessful- with more wealth being generated and transported, the trickle of tolls and tributes is enough to fill out a moderate hoard. Mud-dragons become an increasingly rare sight.

Dragons keep on keeping on.


Confubrum, now quite old, feels that his death draws near. He informs his vassals- who by now have lived under his rule for generations- of his imminent passing, resulting in great concern. They readily agree to follow his successor, whoever that may be. Confubrum indicates that Go'Sha will arrange the succession, praying to her to choose wisely from amongst his children.

Confubrum is dying. Go'Sha has been asked to choose his successor(s).


Other than the reaction to Bastion's provocation, the Eldritch Threat remains quiet for many years. Eventually, however, it acts. A single star- one of thousands- shakes violently, then breaks loose, plummeting towards the sun. Its absence is not nearly enough to break the Wall of Stars, or even weaken it noticeably. However, the star moves with apparent purpose, evading the lifeless planets, and heading for the inhabited world. It sheds mass as it falls, and by the time it reaches the world is not nearly enough to threaten it significantly. Still, its impact creates a substantial crater, a hundred meters in diameter, and causes a fair amount of devastation to the surrounding lands- equivalent to the eruption of a volcano.
After the initial shock has passed, curious mortals converge on the crater. There, in the center, shines a massive gemstone of incalculable beauty- and unparalleled power. A dragon swoops in to claim it- but is quickly attacked by a second. A third takes advantage, attempting to sneak in and grab it- but faces the bronze spears of a tribe of Bescaled, mesmerised by the glittering prize. A gaggle of Vrenkrik linger on the edge of the crater, watching carefully. A Star Elf delegation, drawn here by the disruption of their astronomical predictions, marches forth confidently to claim what is, after all, a relic of their god's domain.

The conflict attracts the attention of the gods, but not necessarily out of concern for the combat itself- such things happen, and the gods could hardly hope to intervene in every skirmish or scuffle in the world. It is the Fallen Star- the 13th Fallen Star- that worries them. For though it is very faint, it harbours the unmistakable influence of the Eldritch.

A 13th Fallen Star lands on the world. It harbours Eldritch energy.


Right. Well. Took me a while, but here you go. Hopefully the next update won't take quite as long.

Let me know if you think I missed something- quite possible, given how long it took me to write.

Links: OOC thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=174074.0), Discord (https://discord.gg/HAvTWch).

Spoiler: God Statuses (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: micelus on August 20, 2019, 05:38:21 am
Quote
A 13th Fallen Star lands on the world. It harbours Eldritch energy.

"That belongs in a museum beyond the reach of mortals."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Wozzy on August 20, 2019, 07:31:05 am
Quote from: micelus on August 20, 2019, 05:38:21 am
Quote
A 13th Fallen Star lands on the world. It harbours Eldritch energy.

"That belongs in a museum beyond the reach of mortals."

The Dong one is mostly right. As terrifying as it may be in the hands of say a dragon or a single race, I would like for the mortals to study it in hopes of discovering what it means. ((and to move the plot forward))
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Glass on August 20, 2019, 07:40:47 am
Should I go destroy it?
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Elvish Miner on August 20, 2019, 11:55:38 am
Go'sha scowls. "This is not up for debate. If it is tainted by the eldritch being, it must be destroyed."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Glass on August 20, 2019, 11:59:51 am
Since my shield stops time - although that hadn’t quite been my intent - I could go in and replace it with an uncorrupted item of comparable power and worth so that the mortals don’t realize it’s been removed.
Since, you know, some of you seem to think letting them have something eldritch could hypothetically be any sort of non-terrible idea.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: micelus on August 20, 2019, 06:18:08 pm
"Destroy it in the void of space, yes. Better if beyond the Wall. If the mortals should want, then grant them a boon I will."
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Elvish Miner on August 22, 2019, 07:26:22 pm
"Very well, I will take it into space and destroy it. If you want to go ahead and freeze them for me.." she gestures to Bastion.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Glass on August 22, 2019, 07:44:14 pm
Are we making the replacement star first, so they don't notice?
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Happerry on August 23, 2019, 10:30:04 pm
"Right now we only need a replacement gemstone if people want to replace it." Anath points out. "It may have been a star, but that's not what it resembles now. I suggest asking our wealthy fellow if they might have something fitting in their treasury.""

Turning away from this conversation, at least for the moment, Anath, as he wished to do previously but lacked the energy at that time to do such, moves to create a new realm, a dream realm, where he can safekeep the souls of his fallen followers. Thus, reaching not into the world but into that which is between all things, Anath causes a new realm to form centered around a new born star. This Dreamstar is the core of the realm, and from it emits the substance of the realm itself. Three gates form with three barriers, separating the dream realm into four different layers.

The outmost and 'top' layer is the layer where daydreams and fancies are born and drift upon the dreamwinds and dreamwaves, simple creations with short and simple existences. But underneath the surface of the dream realm lies the Gate of White and Black, which all dreamers will eventually pass through. Beyond it lies the second layer, where true dreams are formed and exist, and where all sleepers go when they sleep to form their dreams. Lucid dreamers too dream here, and can form larger, more stable constructs with proper care, skill, and strength of dream, and these constructs can be made long lasting enough to exist beyond the dreamer whom formed them's awakening, to be returned to next night, or perhaps found by other lucid dreamers. Well, once anyone figures out how to do lucid dreaming, as that might not have been invented yet.

Underneath the layer of True Dreams one will find the Gate of Sun and Moon, which separates the simple dreams of mortals from the icons and great dreams that consume many. Here is the Archtype layer, where one can find the Black Knight, the Eternal Rebel, the Peaceful End, other things that form an icon in the minds of almost all. The Gate of Sun and Moon is not easily passed by mortals, but a strong and most of all determined enough dreamer can pass through and meet and interact with these archtypes, national or racial or other.

Beyond even that is the Gate of First and Last, where the souls of those faithful to Anath are called to after death, though any whom dreamed strong and deep and true may potentially find their soul given the option of coming here after death. Here the souls of the fallen can linger, dreaming either lucidly or not as they wish, interacting with each other and potentially even venturing up to the higher realms of dream to interact with the living should they be great enough dreamers to find a way back through the gate. And at the center of this layer is the Dreamstar, the heart of the realm of dreams. From it comes the raw substance of dream, and it is the direct access to such stuff that allows the souls of the fallen whom find their way here to make greater dreams then any higher layer could hold, As well though, should a dreamer tire entirely of existence, they may plunge into the star to have their spirit refined in its fires, and sent once more to the world to be reborn and live a new life. Such a new life does not remember clearly most of its old life, and only the strongest, most vital memories come easily at hand, though with enough work, meditation, and focused dreaming other memories may be refound. Should such a reborn life find itself returned to the deepest realm of dream, however, they may reclaim their old memories from the star and know all that made themselves them. With experience in reincarnation, it is even possible that a soul could guide what memories its new self retains to promote the chances of them once more finding their way to the dreamstar after their next life is over...

Thus, pleased with his work, Anath infuses his creation with 7 DE to make it real.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Glass on August 26, 2019, 12:03:46 pm
Bastion collects one of the Fallen Stars from an uninhabited planet, and uses 1 DE to make it appear identical to the 13th, but for one small detail: it has his symbol engraved on it. It’s small, and unlikely to be noticed by mortals until it’s owner has claimed it, but it is there.

He then collects the 13th fallen star, deftly replaces it with the replacement star he has reshaped, and brings the 13th deep out into space, where he will destroy it.

He will then stand guard against whatever eldritch incursion will be made against Anath’s creation.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Roboson on August 26, 2019, 02:55:28 pm
Kamoan realized the world was growing crowded, but yet, still lacked a certain danger. The treasures we're less guarded and the mortals all got along too well. Without conflict, how could one truely savor what was amassed?

As Kamoan contemplated this he noticed his desire for blood was partially sated. A dark gemstone had fallen to the earth and the tiny ones had come to claim it.

Kamoan was outraged! How dare these flies swarm without first asking his blessing to claim such a treasure for themselves!

After fuming for a moment, the god calmed. These are truly mortals with greed and fury in their hearts. And they had gathered in one place to seek a treasure that did not belong to them, for all treasures belonged to Kamoan. These are the mortals he had so desired, and by a stroke of luck they had gathered before him.

Kamoan appears before the warring creatures, a flash of golden light and desire. He observed the actions of Bastion, but makes no sign of it to the mortals. He speaks this: "Warring children from far and wide. Dragons born of my blood. Elves born of starlight. Insects of industry. Bescaled of artifice. You have come to claim what does not belong to you, a treasure of grand magnitude. Such a creation could only belong to the God Kamoan, father of dragons and keeper of all wealth.

For your trespasses, I should smite each of you where you stand... But... I shall not. For your presence here indicates to me you hold wealth true in your heart and will take up arms to claim it. Truly you are children after my own heart. Instead of smiting you, I shall bestow onto you my blessing so that you may claim treasure in my name!

After Bastion replaces the star with another less corrupt one, Kamoan takes the fallen star and crushes it in his hand. A swirling maelstrom of liquid gold and fire radiates out from the god illuminating all at hand before it collapses in on itself and exploding outwards once more. When the dust settles and the light clears the races gathered have been changed by the power of the god, fueled with the power of a fallen star.

The mortals which remained had become Scorched, elements of themselves burned away and replaced by other mortals, by fire, or by Kamoan's hand.

Spoiler: Scorched (click to show/hide)

 Scorched as you now are, you have gained my blessing and my power. Praise often the name Kamoan and treasure and power will become yours.  

Kamoan then winked at Bastion, indicating a single large bescaled. Unbeknownst to the individual, it had not Kamoan's symbol engraved in it's soul, but Bastion's carved exactly as he had carved it into the fallen star, it had been transfered to this singular Scorched.

4(?) DE spent
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 3)
Post by: Happerry on August 26, 2019, 04:02:05 pm
Anoth becomes increasingly annoyed. "Exactly what part of 'leave the other fallen stars alone and we'll see if the mortals eventually manage to do something interesting with them' is unclear? Because everyone seems to be completely ignoring me on this when I made said fallen stars in the first place."

"I swear to me, I'm going to have to start cursing everything you all do with them if this keeps up. But hey, if you all want to make the precedent that a god's clearly stated wishes for their own creations means absolutely nothing then keep it up!"
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: micelus on September 06, 2019, 05:26:55 am
Ma Dong, having taken a brisk nap, had found that the star had already been dealt with. A shame, but not a great one. Still, Kamoan was correct; conflict of sorts was...necessary. How else, Ma Dong thought, would one gain experience to serve? Rather than offer power however, Ma Dong chose a far baser lure; pleasure. He was at all sure if the mortals would find his gift as tantalising as he did, but he supposed that it did not matter.

4DE: Taking a few leaves from his tea rations, Ma Dong chewed on a few select pieces. spitting it into a pack of jerky and rolling them up in his hands. With a few strokes, gestures and words, Ma Dong scattered the concoction across the worlds tropical and subtropical regions. He also put a large smattering around the site of the former 13th Fallen Star. There, they would grow. From the moist balls of dried meat and tea leaves would grow a new plant; the camelleon.

An evergreen bush (or small tree, if allowed to grow), the camelleon's roots are of the texture and shape of a chameleon's tail, with its leaves similarly sticky and pinkish as that of a chamelon's tongue. Small organisms that should land upon the leaves of the camelleon find themselves stuck and quickly enveloped by layers of the plant's leaves; these are important sources of nutrients for the plant, for it is oft overshadowed by bigger plants. Indeed, the camelleon is fully able to survive without sunlight should it be fed enough protein- be it flesh or otherwise. In this state, the plant is rarely able to grow very tall due to a lack of energy; it lacks much ability to consume bigger prey (which find the adhesive nature of the plant's leaves more a novelty or annoyance than a threat) or digest them to great efficiency.

In areas where the camelleon is able to freely absorb sunlight, the camelleon's leaves take on a flatter and more plant-like texture, although still resembling tongues in a way. The camelleon, if allowed to grow, will grow a trunk on which will sprout eyes similar to that of a chameleon. These slowly survey its surroundings.Should a mortal pass by (and should the tree have enough energy), the camelleon will lock onto the individual and gently thrust its leaves towards the being, gyrating its leaves as it does so.

Regardless of state, camelleons reproduce via mundane sexual fertilisation like many other plants. Camelleons tend to be monosex, with each plant being male or female. Sex cells are distributed via flowers which grow during breeding season. These are chameleon heads for photosynthetic plants (which themselves make a tasty spring meal), or a temporary mass of wrapped leaves for carnivorous plants.

The leaves of the mature camelleon are multifaceted in effect and indeed, magical.

All leaves of the photosynthetic camelleon contain caffeine and have a usually pleasant flavour to them. Older camelleons grown in highly fertile/moist soil produce leaves that not only provide a rush of caffeine to all species but also:

>a few moments of happiness
>a temporary boost in intelligence and creativity
>a feeling of magically-induced calmness
>synesthesia (in some cases)
>a loss of pain
>visions of celestial light, and a feeling of general euphoria (this occurs rarely)

Depending on growing conditions,care and leaf preparation (better conditions/care/preparation usually lead to more beneficial effects), these leaves can produce a whole variety of other effects including:

>the shakes
>feelings of helplessness/invincibility
>greater strength/weakness
>cravings
>vomiting/a relaxing of one's bowels
>curing of minor diseases/susceptibility to diseases
>etc.

All above effects can be experienced by chewing on camelleon leaves but are better experienced if the leaves are boiled.

In contrast to their photosynthetic form, carnivorous camelleon plants are fleshy, chewy and hard to swallow. If boiled sufficiently, the leaves can be used to create a strong adhesive. If cooked, they instead produce a very potent poison that causes symptoms akin to a fever in low dosages, but coma in higher ones. Outright death requires a few leaves.

Camelleons prefer moist, highly fertile, low-altitude ground, with those stuck elsewhere rarely surpassing their carnivorous state. Those grown in relatively poor soil or at high altitudes can grow to become photosynthetic at a much slower rate. Regardless, the plants themselves can take a while to grow. This tends to improve the intensity of the leaves however. One bad season or mismanagement of the plant however, can cause the plant to revert to a carnivorous state or even die.

Older plants tend to exhibit more intense effects, with visions of celestial light (and indeed, the euphoria associated with celestial light), becoming more frequent. Venerable high quality plants have the same effects of the celestial light of the Celestial Heavens.


Simple Action: Ma Dong personally appears at the site of the 13th Fallen Star and invites everyone gathered to sample the leaves of the plants. Ma Dong implies that these plants are very difficult to grow and most enjoyable to the senses.
Simple Action: Ma Dong appears to any of the possible successors to Confubrum  and reveals to them as many secrets of tactics and strategy as possible as long as they remember to mutter a few prayers here and there to Ma Dong should they find success. Mainly, these lessons should be focused on either fighting off the other heirs or building up a powerbase elsewhere. One suggestion is to work with the carp in the same way Cofubrum did with the bescaled.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Wozzy on September 06, 2019, 05:38:48 am
Outvoted on all fronts, Saraab simply returns to the Vrenkriks. There, he spends time with them again, teaching them about the existance of True Word Magic, but not revealing any secrets. Only those who have perfected their craft can learn it, and then pass it down to others (something the Vrenkriks are quite adept at). This time, he also tells them that he is their creator, and as such, will protect them. In an attempt to create an ambassador between him and his creations, Saraab blesses one with extended life, and will speak to them from time to time. This blessing will be passed down to the most popular Vrenkrik when the last ones time has passed.

Use minor action to spend time with the Vrenkriks. Teach them about the existence of True Word Magic, and that he is their creator and protector.
Spend 3 Energy granting the most popular Vrenkrik extended life and the ability to communicate with Saraab freely, turning them into his prophet.
Title: Re: Candles In The Dark (IC Thread)(Turn 6)
Post by: Naturegirl1999 on September 12, 2019, 02:54:52 pm
PTW