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Finally... => Forum Games and Roleplaying => Topic started by: Roboson on April 10, 2021, 03:45:32 pm

Title: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Roboson on April 10, 2021, 03:45:32 pm
For the gods, it all seemed rather swift. Their eyes simply opened and a night light diminished until darkness flooded in and world turned cold.

To the Sonorous King, the process that brought the Gods forth from the underlying light upholding the universe, was anything but swift. Time lost meaning many times over, for not even dust collected anymore. Only relatively recently, given that scale, did the gods begin to emerge slowly from the concentrated aether. This an exciting age for the Sonorous King, who by this point had long lost mobility, the caves growing over both him and his throne until he was simply an extension of the caverns. Slowly he watched as the light took shape.

Now the light has become flesh, and the magic of their birth fades, it's power source transferred to the gods. For the first time in many ages, the Sonorous King spoke, dust and dirt expelled as a cloud from a mouth left open for ten ages,"Welcome, Second Born of the Light. I welcome you to the world, humble as it has become since the Fall of Silence.

Much has been lost to time, I admit. Yet once this world was once a flourishing realm under the care of the First Gods. All of that, has long since died. This ruined city is all I know to remain, what lays beyond is unknown to me. Even if anything remains of that flourishing world, I cannot know what has managed to survive all this time, or what stranger things may have replaced them. I know only that the gods are meant to rule this realm.

Many of you have been born with positions of your ancestors, the Master of Numbers, the Chronicler, the Cartographer, and of course, my recently aquired friend who has kept me kept me company in the recent times. The Refugium recognizes your status, and it's power fuels your own. Yet your duties bind you, for that power is not given but earned. Care well in the performance of your most honorable roles, for your hand will decide whether the future of the Refugium falls to chaos or remains strong. Others seem to be both more and less fortunate. The world imposes on them no burdens from birth. To be born into the world without cares or burdens, a privilege know to few if any. Yet of course, this is but a temporary respite. Soon you will grow hungry, and the Refugium is not strong enough to feed you. Use the power of your birth wisely, for it too will wither if do not find souls to replenish it."

The Sonorous King paused for a long moment, a being unaccustomed to all but the slowest ebbs towards the future. He then spoke once more, "That is all. I could not hold you here even if I desired. The Refugium is your garden, a safe place to grow your future. Claim it as your own."

Looking out from the cave of the Sonorous King, the young gods could see a large city stretch out before them. It was organized into 8 numbered districts of various, but roughly the same size. Most are covered in ruins of an ancient metropolis. At one point it must have been quite grand, for remnants of huge structures scatter some districts. While in others, a few tall towers still stand, while others have long since toppled. Others seem to have stranger purposes and low flat buildings, or gullies and ridges dotted in geometric patterns. Each district seems to have once been flourishing, populated by an advanced race which could build these large stone structures deep within this massive cavern. Yet looking upon them now, the districts are in complete disrepair, and silence rules the region. If anything survived here, it's not made it's mark upon the ruined city. In the center of each district is a large monolith, which has a deep inner glow. Other smaller lights dot the districts, remnants of a long defunct lighting system. They create lonely pools of light in the ancient streets, isolated islands in a sea of dull darkness.

---
Spoiler: Masters of Numbers Report (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: Current Cartography (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: Logs of the Chronicler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 10, 2021, 04:01:28 pm
"We are not born to rule this realm, king."
Gibeele's black spikes chime.
"We are powerful, but that entitles us to no more joy and freedom than any creature. Rather, it obliges us to serve, don't you agree?"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Roboson on April 10, 2021, 04:12:21 pm
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 10, 2021, 04:01:28 pm
Rather, it obliges us to serve, don't you agree?"

"I know that I cannot speak on behalf of my betters, young god. All that you can reach is yours, and none could tell you otherwise, nor stop you, if you sought to squander it. None save your own kin, born of the same Aether Light."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 10, 2021, 04:49:24 pm
"Just because we are able to take, and steal, and rule, does not mean we should. Nor does it mean that if we do those weaker than us should stand for it. Stand for what's right, even in the face of gods."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Roboson on April 10, 2021, 05:01:22 pm
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 10, 2021, 04:49:24 pm
" Stand for what's right, even in the face of gods."

"I long ago gave my ability to stand so that one day I may once again face a god. You have no quarrel with me."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: ShadowDragon on April 10, 2021, 05:18:49 pm
Machinery whirred and cameras came to life as Belyom woke. For a few glorious moments, her cloning pods readied themselves before it all came to a sudden halt and every light within her flickered as one.

"Tch. Insufficient power. I suppose I'll have to make some fuel procurement drones."

"Anyway, hello all and good..." Several of Belyom's cameras turned towards the roof of the Refugium. "Well, I've not had a chance to calibrate my clock yet."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: IronyOwl on April 10, 2021, 09:25:38 pm
"Yes, yes, greetings everyone! Now, to business."

2 Acts: Create Life (Minor Entity):
With my twin, create Thysiana, The White Witch, a very fluffy moth succubus to explore the world for us, and corrupt any mortals she encounters along the way.

Also explore. Southwest, if we get to choose?
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 10, 2021, 09:27:48 pm
"Mm, yes, that is a fine idea, sibling."

Contribute 2 Acts to create Thysiana. Oh, and make sure that if she gets conflicting orders from us, she just ignores them rather than exploding.

Unless my twin vetoes, these are Thysiana's abilities:
- Relatively low combat ability, aided by offensive corruption powers. She should be able to defend herself from minor threats, but she's not a soldier.
- Flight, plus a moderate-range teleport. Helps to bypass obstacles like walls, and also helps avoid trouble.
- Very good social skills. Less so charm magic, more like supernaturally good at mundane socializing. The ability to learn and use new languages as she encounters them.
- Shapeshifting, especially where it would help with the above. IE shapechanging to better appeal to an alien species, or growing new organs to communicate with beings which communicate non-verbally, pheromones and such. Also useful for camouflage, either to blend in with other creatures or hiding with octopus skin, changing color and texture.
- Corruptive ability, sort of an extension of the above, except power over other creature's bodies as well. Can be used offensively, but will naturally be easier and more powerful with consent, which Thysiana is well-poised to acquire...

Also explore district 3 I suppose.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: ShadowDragon on April 11, 2021, 01:25:09 am
3 Acts: Create Life (Mortal Race): Create the Puppeteer Angels.
Spoiler: Puppeteer Angels (click to show/hide)
Quote from: IronyOwl on April 10, 2021, 09:25:38 pm
"Yes, yes, greetings everyone! Now, to business."

2 Acts: Create Life (Minor Entity):
With my twin, create Thysiana, The White Witch, a very fluffy moth succubus to explore the world for us, and corrupt any mortals she encounters along the way.
"Good work; Thysiana is a work of art. It's a bit embarrassing to have another make a proper monster before I could gather enough power to do so myself, but it can't be helped."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 11, 2021, 01:34:29 am
"Ah, well, what is or isn't a monster is entirely up to one's own interpretation! Why your, um, crab things sound perfectly monstrous to me! Um, no offense meant."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 11, 2021, 02:28:46 am
Numbers flicker into being in the emptiness of [], before sputtering out like dying stars. A timeless eternity later, a *ding! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NkyEdVGPec)* sounds inside the minds of the other divines as a heavenly report impinges upon their consciousness with a cool heads up display.

DeityActs  StockpileIncomeExpenses
Nobody
5
0
+3, +2-0
[]
0
0
+3, +2-5
Cresceele
3
0
+3, +2-2
Gibeele
1
0
+3-2
Absolute
3
0
+3-0
Belyom
0
0
+3-3


0 Acts: [] explores District 8
1 Act: Blessing of Public Announcement Sensitivity. All mortals within district 8 are informed via convenient blue panels that pop into their vision/awareness that they are to gather at the location of [] for induction and processing into the ledgers of the City Council. The blue panels help guide them to []
4 Acts: [] creates {}, minor Being, darkness made physical, who feeds on killing things and breaking things, or otherwise ending them. {} communicates by emanating silences and darkness which override noise and light. It is imparted to {} to gather up mortals, by force if necessary, to meet [], so that they may witness the End that awaits all, and come to revelation.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 11, 2021, 05:10:16 pm
"It would seem that the supply of food is currently questionable. There are likely stores to be found, but these still wouldn't be a sustainable solution in our underworld environs. I believe it would be wise to address this before we start building things higher in the food web."
The eel curls up somewhat pensively.
"I don't yet have the spare power to act on my vision for this alone, but on the other hand this is the sort of thing it would be good for us to collaborate on, seeing as we all stand to benefit. Our survival is pitted upon the survival of our hypothetical followers, and their survival is in turn pitted upon the survival of their food supply."

Gibeele seems to cheer up a little bit in anticipation to explain its proposal.
"I propose we create a durable magical crop able to create a surplus of food, such that no mortal need go hungry, and they are thus able to focus on more important things. An equitable distribution of food is important so that no one group can control the supply, and thus the populace. As such, this crop should be able to grow anywhere the people live, at least within the city. Would any of you be willing to help me? I need only a mote of power from two others."

Provided that two others agree to help, spent 1 Act to create a 3 Act magical plant.

Chaos Taters: A magical vine which can grow throughout the city, growing among shattered stone ruins as well as a normal plant grows in soil. The root is edible and nutritious, giving the average biological mortal all they need to survive. Without any sunlight, the iridescent leaves instead produce energy from the chaotic tides of the sundered outside world seeping through the anchors.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: IronyOwl on April 11, 2021, 06:00:16 pm
"Tsk tsk, what mortals eat should be dependent on their nature and status. Where their food grows should likewise be decided after careful review, and be the exclusive purview of its originator."

The eel rolls lazily over in the air.

"I do believe you're skipping steps, brother."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 11, 2021, 06:16:42 pm
"It's magic, brother. It can grow anywhere we want it to. And if we can let people grow the food they need, why not? They shouldn't go hungry. This safeguards against that possibility. We can make other foods later, but this will be available to everybody."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Shadowclaw777 on April 11, 2021, 07:23:08 pm
A ball of radiance and light slowly settles down as Absolute forces it will to form a physical manifestation of its body into existence.

”Hmph, the way the other gods initial creations into this new blossoming fresh new world are interesting choice but have correlation to the domains that define you, the only hope I have for all of you is that we can start with negotiating before the stresses of existence lead to conflict of different coalligning interests.”

Absolute sees the creation of the ones it refers itself as a Tempter and another as a Ender. As well as the creation of parasitic free-willed life forms
“Patience is a virtue.”

Explore District 1
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 11, 2021, 07:40:33 pm
"Would you care to speak a little more clearly, sibling? I can't quite make out what you intend to communicate, there."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Shadowclaw777 on April 11, 2021, 08:14:48 pm
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 11, 2021, 07:40:33 pm
"Would you care to speak a little more clearly, sibling? I can't quite make out what you intend to communicate, there."
”I’m saying is that we shouldn’t fight with ourselves and our creations, unless there is no other solution. Maybe even a nonaggression clause, a NAP, for several turns in the beginning is also a willing proposal that I put out there.”
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 11, 2021, 08:19:23 pm
Perhaps there had been someone that noticed that there were only five gods present at the meeting. Perhaps only the Sonorous King had. Maybe the fact had passed everyone by, or been considered unimportant. Trivial. Why shouldn't there be five gods?

Well, if there were six, of course.

Somewhere beyond the meeting place - deep within the fifth district - there was a soft scraping. Steady, not like the sounds of animals scratching at something. If one were there to witness, they might catch a glimpse of sparks, of a great blue mass being dragged. But who could have seen it?
Nobody, of course. Nobody was there.

The scraping stops. A book is held before a great tower - crumbling and broken, like all structures in this city. But more intact than most. Soon, words and numbers filled the golden pages, writing reflections and projections of what once may have been.

Perhaps they had once bordered a sea? A lighthouse, here...

They moved on. If there were items of interest interred here, they would take rather more time to locate. For now, there was cartography to be done.


No Acts used. 5 remaining.

Spoiler: Some basic location records (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 11, 2021, 08:39:56 pm
Quote from: Shadowclaw777 on April 11, 2021, 08:14:48 pm

”I’m saying is that we shouldn’t fight with ourselves and our creations, unless there is no other solution. Maybe even a nonaggression clause, a NAP, for several turns in the beginning is also a willing proposal that I put out there.”

"If we have nothing to fight over, I will not fight. If we do, my imperative to do so is greater than any agreement. If you wish to avoid conflict with me, I must ask that you do no harm. Not to me, not to my people, not to your people."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: micelus on April 11, 2021, 09:55:13 pm
A thousand-thousand typewriters click and clack in an on-site office somewhere in the Refugium, mostly nonsense. Some, on work from other offices or expeditions. Few were focused on their current surroundings; there was little to be had for now.

The Representative, for his part, had no problem with this state of affairs for he knew that in due time, there would be work afoot. Perhaps not the most interesting or profitable, but work nonetheless. For now, he merely sent an aemail to the current batch of subcontractors. Soon enough, the message would pop up in their newborn mentalities of theirs.

Spoiler: YOU HAVE ONE (1) NEW MESSAGE! (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 11, 2021, 10:03:00 pm
Quote from: micelus on April 11, 2021, 09:55:13 pm
A thousand-thousand typewriters click and clack in an on-site office somewhere in the Refugium, mostly nonsense. Some, on work from other offices or expeditions. Few were focused on their current surroundings; there was little to be had for now.

The Representative, for his part, had no problem with this state of affairs for he knew that in due time, there would be work afoot. Perhaps not the most interesting or profitable, but work nonetheless. For now, he merely sent an aemail to the current batch of subcontractors. Soon enough, the message would pop up in their newborn mentalities of theirs.

Spoiler: YOU HAVE ONE (1) NEW MESSAGE! (click to show/hide)

"Unsubscribe."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 11, 2021, 10:14:05 pm
Quote from: micelus on April 11, 2021, 09:55:13 pm
Spoiler: YOU HAVE ONE (1) NEW MESSAGE! (click to show/hide)

Somewhere in District 5, lines of text cascade down the inside of a mask. There's a soft scoff.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: micelus on April 11, 2021, 10:31:30 pm
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 11, 2021, 10:03:00 pm
Quote from: micelus on April 11, 2021, 09:55:13 pm
A thousand-thousand typewriters click and clack in an on-site office somewhere in the Refugium, mostly nonsense. Some, on work from other offices or expeditions. Few were focused on their current surroundings; there was little to be had for now.

The Representative, for his part, had no problem with this state of affairs for he knew that in due time, there would be work afoot. Perhaps not the most interesting or profitable, but work nonetheless. For now, he merely sent an aemail to the current batch of subcontractors. Soon enough, the message would pop up in their newborn mentalities of theirs.

Spoiler: YOU HAVE ONE (1) NEW MESSAGE! (click to show/hide)

"Unsubscribe."

Are you sure you would like to unsubscribe to all notices, including potential profit opportunities?

Quote from: Glass on April 11, 2021, 10:14:05 pm
Quote from: micelus on April 11, 2021, 09:55:13 pm
Spoiler: YOU HAVE ONE (1) NEW MESSAGE! (click to show/hide)

Somewhere in District 5, lines of text cascade down the inside of a mask. There's a soft scoff.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The Bureaucracy recognises your in-field expertise in regards to subject matters particular to your mentalities! We apologise for any issue or annoyance. Here at the Bureau, we provide 100% client-centric services and will as such provide an intuitive Potentiary to fit your needs. Going forward, all personal messages to the subcontractor in question shall be delivered by a multidisciplinary problem-solver of your desired aptitude.
 
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 11, 2021, 10:41:55 pm
An aggravated sigh wafts from the fifth district.

Bureaucrats and their damn weasel words. Can't use five words when twenty will do.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 11, 2021, 10:43:14 pm
Quote from: micelus on April 11, 2021, 10:31:30 pm

Are you sure you would like to unsubscribe to all notices, including potential profit opportunities?

"Your language betrays avarice. Do you wish to imply that you are a profiteer?"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: micelus on April 11, 2021, 10:58:40 pm
The Bureaucracy is a 100% profit-sourced enterprise!
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: IronyOwl on April 11, 2021, 11:07:39 pm
"Oh good, a bureaucracy. And here I thought civilization was truly lost in these parts."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 12, 2021, 03:11:42 am
*ding! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NkyEdVGPec)*

DeityActs  StockpileIncomeExpenses
Nobody
5
0
+3, +2-0
[]
0
0
+3, +2-5
Cresceele
3
0
+3, +2-2
Gibeele
1
0
+3-2
Absolute
3
0
+3-0
Belyom
0
0
+3-3
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Roboson on April 13, 2021, 12:05:07 am
Unsure of what to do with their newfound existence, many gods left the Sonorous King behind and began exploring the area around them. They found themselves in a city of once great splendor. The smooth stone buildings seemed to flow from the caverns themselves, as if their presence here was not caused by the machinations of divine powers, but through erosion of the surrounding rock, the formation of speleothems, and other various natural processes. In this way, the silence of the caverns was a natural extension over the city, for it too felt one with the stillness of the deep earth.

Cresceele headed off into the southwest, winding up in District 7. Large sections of this district have collapsed into the caves beneath them, creating a potmarked landscape of gaping holes leading further below. These large open roof caves appear fairly large, but don't seem to have any underground tunnels or other infrastructure, beyond what has fallen in from above. Buildings here are few and far between, but what remains are quite large and regularly constructed, sharing the same design and size. Several of which are illuminated from the inside, or by what remains of the ancient lighting system that spans the city streets. These large slightly pyramidal shaped buildings stand out against the landscape, measuring several stories, tapering in size as they rise. In total there are six scattered throughout the region, though only two remain undamaged by the collapsing floor, the rest can be easily spotted despite being in various states between mild structural damage, to having fallen into a hole, landing on it's side. Small outbuildings have been built around these facilities, and seem to have faired better than their heavier neighbors for the most part.

As Cresceele explored the area, they found that one area seemed to have suffered greater destabilization, having several exposed bowls where the floor had collapsed. Yet in the largest one where the pyramid had toppled in, live seems to have taken hold. Light blue and cyan bioluminescent moss has grown here to cover this sinkhole. Small mushroom trees have taken root among the rubble as well, their stalks and caps cream colored. Here small insects can be seen, silently crawling through the moss. District 7 has been explored once. blue lightmoss and white mushtrees discovered in the district.

Their twin, Gibeele, begins searching through District 3. This is one of the larger of the more developed districts, with small ruins of ancient houses and buildings being very common here. Winding and curved roads here, littered with debris from the ruins, make navigation tricky. Often times roads will stop abruptly in small cul-de-sacs or branch off at odd angles, only to come back together later. Alleys and pathways, some predating the ruins but others a result of ruination, create dimly lit paths and passages throughout the area. In many ways, this district feels like it grew somewhat organically, with roads and structures building off eachother in ways that once seemed convenient on a small scale, when taken together, creates a mazelike effect without landmarks to guide the way. Going through the structures, they seem be mostly residential, with what may have been shops along some of the larger main roads that connect to the other districts. Inside, some remaining tools of everyday life can be found. Decrepit furniture, ancient motheaten garments, the odd stone furniture piece, and many other everyday objects, worn down by time. While the main road has some very durable buildings, generally the quality here is poorer than other districts, smaller buildings which were less structurally sound. The further away from the larger roads and deeper into the maze of side roads and back streets, the less and less remains and the buildings grow small and poor. Eventually near the outskirts, it devolves into chaos. It seems this area was a slum or ghetto of some kind, and the homes of those who lived here were too poor or downtrodden to afford proper stone or brick houses. In the time since, their tents and wooden structures have long since rotted, leaving behind scattered remains of the possessions once contained within. However it is here you find the bodies. It is not many, but occasionally a skeleton can be seen here, a flash of white among the grey stone and brown earth. Humanoid for the most part, but the occasional beast skeleton can be observed. District 3 has been explored once. Sublocations found: Main Streets and Slums. Various remnants of civilian life discovered.

Thysiana was sent off on their own to explore district two. This area seemed to be some sort business center, perhaps one could liken it to downtown. There are many still standing towers, sparkling with windows that shimmer in the scattered lamplight. Compared to the other districts and spaces Thysiana had to walk through to arrive here, this was comparatively bright. That deep somber yellow bathed the area in a strange and unfamiliar light. They sat on every street corner here, many still working, but many also damaged. A far contrast to the pitch black roads between the civilized areas. Yet it seemed this region had a reason for being in good repair. Thysiana saw many sets of tracks through the cave dust endemic to the Refugium. Something here was alive, and had been so very recently. Thysiana quickly gathered as much information as she could about the area, seemingly full of shops, utility buildings, other buildings of extravagant design, perhaps government seats or religious temples. Yet still, it's good condition did not seem to be a matter of happenstance, but a matter of maintenance, or perhaps, security. She promptly returned to her masters to deliver her report. District 2 has been explored once. Unknown presence detected here.

Elsewhere, in district 8, [] begins to take stock of the mortal population there. They create a Minor Being, {} in order to help gather mortals, and cast a blessing over the area to lead mortals to them. Yet as time passes, no mortals arrive. The blue panels which were supposed to guide mortals to them blink in and out of focus, as if they too were searching for the mortal souls which once inhabited this place. "............" says {} in their odd manner of communicating through silence. The district responds in kind. {} wanders off on their own to search further. A more thorough search of the district seems to indicate that it was at one point some sort of industrial district. There are several large squat buildings, arranged in a square with strange roads and machinery connecting them together. Large pipes connect these structures to the ground, appearing to continue deep into the earth. In the center of the square is a strange stack of monoliths, made of an unusual metal. As [] draws close to the unusual machine, the machine makes an odd grinding noise, followed by the sounds of resonating pipes, almost akin to an organ. Slowly the celling above begins to lighten, and the image of a starry night sky interspaced with clouds and heavily bodies appears far above. Large sections seem to still be offline, or broken, but between the cracks and holes, a sky is clearly visible. After a few moments, the machine begins to wheeze, then it begins to seize, and finally stop with a shudder. The sky fades back into the darkness of the cavern ceiling. District 8 has been explored once. Sky Control Unit (Damaged) discovered.

Shortly thereafter, {} returns, leading a large group of mortals. Several of which seem to have various non-lethal, but rather painful wounds. Most have one or more of their crab-like legs broken, slowing them and making them easier for the dark creature to herd them to it's master. "............." it says, indicating that it captured only a small number of a much larger group, but there were many more who fled like rabbits scattering in all directions. {} eagerly awaits its master's command to deliver the final blow.

Several hours earlier, Belyom created a race of mortals known to the world as puppeteer angels. These hermitcrab like creatures were made of bone and skittered on long spidery legs across the cavern floor. They were perhaps the first creatures to walk these halls and breathe this air in quite a long time. Unsure of what to do, they meandered through the forth district. It was a strange place, full of strange shallow pools, only one or two feet deep, but perfectly circular and seemed to be ringed by a strange metal. The water here was stagnant and foul. Others found themselves near one of two large structures, each one having securely locked doors. These two towers seemed to overlook the strange fields of ponds to their south. To their north, several small villages are found. It seems whatever purpose this district served, it seemed to house those who used it. Here many of the angels found long forgotten items, strange and otherworldly to the newborn mortals. They picked up objects unfit for their crablike bodies and studied them, trying to parse the function of the object, so that they may decipher what may have used them. For the angels, tools meant mortals, and mortals meant food and hosts. District 4 has been explored one time. Strange Pools discovered in District 4. A tribal civilization of puppeteer angles is established in District 4 and begins to decline.

One of these villages, full of energy as the angles investigated the strange places and objects here, was less lucky than all the rest. A dark being slid into the village without a sound, and gained the attention of the mortals. Some drew close to investigate, and the creature did not react, simply looked back at them. Appearing safe, others came closer to take a look at the first being that was not them. Was it an indigenous inhabitant? Was this it's home? Where are all the others? They tried to ask it questions, but it only answered in silence. Eventually, the creature pointed to the east and seemed to nod slightly in that direction. The angles looked out, but the creature pointed into the darkness beyond what few flickering lights that still functioned after all these years. It slowly beckoned them to move that direction, gently pushing the mortals into the darkness which seemed so deep that perhaps this being simply grew from it, an extension of that unknowable darkness given shape so that the dark may feed. And they weren't too far off. When the angles declined to leave the light, the being pushed more insistently. When they resisted, it seemed to lose all patience and began dragging the angles through the dark. Others tried to fight it off, but it simply overpowered them, snapping their feeble legs in wet painful noises. It wasn't until this point that the creature smiled, a white crescent of teeth in the darkness. A small population of Puppeteer Angles is established in District 8. They gain the nyctophobia trait.

Meanwhile, in the northeast, district 1 was being explored by Absolute. This district was a fairly large district, with strangely arranged buildings, perhaps shrines of some kinds. The buildings formed rings around a central point, with many of the buildings here appearing historic or important, having more detail and less damage than many other districts. This seemed to be a district for the rich and powerful, having much grander designs and better structures on the whole. Many seem to be functional, perhaps related to government or even religion. Yet others seemed to be commercial services, restaurants or perhaps shops. Yet one building seemed to stick out from the rest. A triangular pillar, nearly one hundred feet to each side, stood perhaps ten stories high. It seemed almost completely unaffected by the passage of time. Inspection revealed it to be made of much stronger stone than the other buildings. It's imposing figure looming over the rest of the immediate city, this would be difficult to crack, even for a god. District 1 has been explored once. A Fortress is discovered in the district.

Lastly, district 5 is explored by nobody. It is a very strange district, crossed with channels and waterways, pools, pits, and many sets of clusters of buildings. It's very dark compared to some of the other districts. The ancient light's yellow glow radiating from only a few of the streetlamps here. Moving through the district a few things become clear. This area seems to be related to mining and other industry. Tunnel mines here descend deeper into the ground, and many large forges and other ancient industrial technology litters the landscape. One of the strangest elements here is a section in the far northeast which seems to be a dumping grounds of ancient technology. Here there are several of the strange ancient megadevices in various states of deconstruction, degradation, or decay. Some devices seem to attempt to activate upon the god's approach, but none are functional. District 5 has been explored once. Mechanical Graveyard sublocation discovered.

---
Spoiler: Masters of Numbers Report (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: Current Cartography (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: Logs of the Chronicler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 12:30:39 am
"Pyramids. I cannot yet speculate as to the purpose of these structures, but I would be prudent to give this place a better classification than 'District 7'."

Rename District 7 to 'Pyramid District' for now. (@Cartographer?)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: IronyOwl on April 13, 2021, 12:39:37 am
Divine Records
Spoiler: Nobody (Glass) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: EMPTY (Demonic Spoon) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Cresceele (IronyOwl) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Gibeele (Egan_BW) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Absolute (Shadowclaw) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Belyom (Shadow Dragon) (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 12:49:56 am
A burbling mass of eels and spiky tar claws it way out of the ground in district 8, coalescing into Gibeele. It gestures with its snout towards the injured crabs, then back towards [] and {}.

"I am going to have a problem with this. Your child would appear to enjoy harming mortals. I don't suppose you'll reprimand it?"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 13, 2021, 01:30:03 am
*ding! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NkyEdVGPec)*

DeityActs  StockpileIncomeExpenses
Nobody
10
5
+3, +2-0
[]
5
0
+3, +2-0
Cresceele
8
3
+3, +2-0
Gibeele
4
1
+3-0
Absolute
6
3
+3-0
Belyom
3
0
+3-0
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 12:49:56 am
A burbling mass of eels and spiky tar claws it way out of the ground in district 8, coalescing into Gibeele. It gestures with its snout towards the injured crabs, then back towards [] and {}.

"I am going to have a problem with this. Your child would appear to enjoy harming mortals. I don't suppose you'll reprimand it?"
Recordings indicate that {} was following its instructions. No reprimand is required.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 01:35:52 am
"I see. And do you understand that some of us might object to the instructions you gave to your child?"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 13, 2021, 01:43:53 am
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 01:35:52 am
"I see. And do you understand that some of us might object to the instructions you gave to your child?"
Polls among deity demographics of end and wealth indicate that they object to you bothering them.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 01:50:02 am
Gibeele growls, an echoing, chiming sound.
"Well, that's good for you, at least? Why don't we ask the mortals how they feel about this, hmm? Perhaps a little input from them could be useful?"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 13, 2021, 02:03:13 am
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 01:50:02 am
Gibeele growls, an echoing, chiming sound.
"Well, that's good for you, at least? Why don't we ask the mortals how they feel about this, hmm? Perhaps a little input from them could be useful?"
A review of available codices of City Council law indicates that it is not a democratic institution and that mortals do not have suffrage. As such their input has little utility or relevance.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 02:13:41 am
"No such records are available to us. Your appeal to the Rule of Law is void. When the law is at all times only what you dictate it to be, there is no law, only Rule of God. Then, do you posit that you have authority over these beings simply because you are more powerful than them, and are able to enforce your will?"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 13, 2021, 02:19:32 am
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 02:13:41 am
"No such records are available to us. Your appeal to the Rule of Law is void. When the law is at all times only what you dictate it to be, there is no law, only Rule of God. Then, do you posit that you have authority over these beings simply because you are more powerful than them, and are able to enforce your will?"
There is no record of [] claiming to have authority over mortals. Such authority seems irrelevant. None of our actions have been authorised by any rule of law beyond the mandate of our own existence. Your request for mortal input was interpreted and attempted to be assigned to a framework within which it might be useful, as requested, but no such framework was identified, mortal input remaining consistently useless.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 02:53:41 am
"...Be quiet, fiend. I am through discussing this with you."

Gibeele lowers its head down to the level of the street and whispers to the crabs.
"Worship me and you will have nothing to fear from your oppressor. It is cruel, but I am kind, and I offer you the power to fight back. What say you?"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: ShadowDragon on April 13, 2021, 03:26:51 am
The Puppeteer Angels were, in hindsight, a flawed aspect of Belyom. Their design had not considered the available resources. Their interfaces were limited and unencrypted. Their minds were capable of deviating from her will. (Although that was presumably a necessity for their primary purpose.) Nevertheless, they would be adequate with proper support.

To that end, Belyom drew from the genomes of ten thousand species, few of which had ever been seen before, even in the world beyond, blended them together with skill that had not been seen in an age, and wrapped each of the myriad creatures in her cloning pods with a symbiotic mold to stabilize their bodies and allow them to survive even without any prey.

Within hours, her internal drones were herding chimeras in the general direction of the villages of her angel-drones.

3? Acts: Create Life (Mildly Magical Animal?): Create Fungal Chimeras in District 4
Spoiler: Fungal Chimeras (click to show/hide)
Issue an internal instructional bulletin to all Puppeteer Angels informing them of the Fungal Chimeras and their duties, namely worshiping me and surveying District 4.
Append a favorable review of Gibeele's work to the bulletin that reaches the angels kidnapped by {}.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 13, 2021, 09:04:19 am
Spoiler: Cartography:Iteration_01 (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Roboson on April 13, 2021, 10:26:56 am
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 02:53:41 am
"Worship me and you will have nothing to fear from your oppressor. It is cruel, but I am kind, and I offer you the power to fight back. What say you?"

Many of the crab creatures looked back and forth between the beings before them. A terrifying eel, with arms and spider legs jutting out, oozing black slime. A indistinct vacuum, changing size and shape, with a shadow most sinister. Generally the consensus is that they already know the shadow to be cruel, and they fear moreso that master of that shadow is even more so. Yet, they fear death more than cruelty. Few would speak, for the know it could likely mean their death at the hands of that quiet darkness who broke their bodies so easily. Most all have lost the will to fight, their ability to run taken from them, and have either abandoned hope or committed to doing whatever it takes to survive.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 10:49:10 am
Gibeele straightens up, crying a black tear.
"Very well then, I understand. You've seen that beast's power firsthand, haven't you? You fear it more than me, and I haven't demonstrated my ability to protect you. Perhaps you feel that Nobody can help you, that Nobody will give you a safe haven."

The tear falls to the street, a droplet of tar. Where it hits, a bauble appears. The tiniest of things, surely inconsequential and below notice, right?
4 Acts: Create Artifact, 2 Size 3 Severity.
Spoiler: The Rebel's Pin (click to show/hide)

"If you dare not speak, then know that actions speak louder than words! I seek not absolute power, I will not be a lord, I will not be your sole protector, you must be able to protect yourselves! But I can-"

Whip my tail around with force and bring it down on top of {}, aiming to smash it into the ground.
"CERTAINLY HELP!"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 13, 2021, 11:08:37 am
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 10:49:10 am
"Perhaps you feel that Nobody can help you, that Nobody will give you a safe haven."
A softly-glowing figure turns the corner, suddenly bearing witness to a scene wherein an eel-beast-god is loudly attacking a dark nothingness while a crowd of bonecrabs fearfully watch on.

...what the fuck is going on here, and why was I called?

They look over the crabs a moment.

Ah. You must be Belyom's works. A poor decision on their part to build you without proper hands. You will be requiring shelter, I take it?
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 11:16:56 am
"Shelter and asylum, if you think you can manage. You'll note their injuries. All inflicted by this brute. And our sibling admitted themself that the shadow was following its instructions exactly." Gibeele says, its voice dripping with rage.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 13, 2021, 01:38:40 pm
I wasn’t talking to you. But yes, I can see all that. It is hardly as if I am blind.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 02:01:23 pm
"Are you not? Then help!"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 13, 2021, 02:04:03 pm
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 10:49:10 am
Gibeele straightens up, crying a black tear.
"Very well then, I understand. You've seen that beast's power firsthand, haven't you? You fear it more than me, and I haven't demonstrated my ability to protect you. Perhaps you feel that Nobody can help you, that Nobody will give you a safe haven."

The tear falls to the street, a droplet of tar. Where it hits, a bauble appears. The tiniest of things, surely inconsequential and below notice, right?
4 Acts: Create Artifact, 2 Size 3 Severity.
Spoiler: The Rebel's Pin (click to show/hide)

"If you dare not speak, then know that actions speak louder than words! I seek not absolute power, I will not be a lord, I will not be your sole protector, you must be able to protect yourselves! But I can-"

Whip my tail around with force and bring it down on top of {}, aiming to smash it into the ground.

...

...

*ding! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NkyEdVGPec)*

DeityActs  StockpileIncomeExpenses
Nobody
10
5
+3, +2-0
[]
0
0
+3, +2-5
Cresceele
8
3
+3, +2-0
Gibeele
0
1
+3-4
Absolute
6
3
+3-0
Belyom
0
0
+3-3
{} is instructed to attack Gibeele who had decided to act against the greater [] interests. Hopefully his might will allow him to interrupt their artifact crafting.

At the centre of [], perfect vacuum condenses down into something yet more sinister. A writhing blade of anti-existence, Godender, which could fell even the divine.

5 Acts: Create Artifact, God Ender, Size 1, Severity 5
A sword of non-existence. It's purpose is as simple as it is dreadful. To end gods.

[] tag teams Gibeele with {} attempting to kill or at least maim the errant god.

Quote from: Glass on April 13, 2021, 11:08:37 am
Quote from: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 10:49:10 am
"Perhaps you feel that Nobody can help you, that Nobody will give you a safe haven."
A softly-glowing figure turns the corner, suddenly bearing witness to a scene wherein an eel-beast-god is loudly attacking a dark nothingness while a crowd of bonecrabs fearfully watch on.

...what the fuck is going on here, and why was I called?

They look over the crabs a moment.

Ah. You must be Belyom's works. A poor decision on their part to build you without proper hands. You will be requiring shelter, I take it?
Safety Warning! [] will be taking action to defend themselves against unwarranted and unprovoked aggression. Nobody is advised to leave the area to avoid being labelled as a potential enemy combatant.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 13, 2021, 02:11:13 pm
- -

Nobody gestures toward the bonecrabs to follow him, and walks off to find a suitable construction site.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 02:24:58 pm
Evade the thrust by parting my body around the blade, then gain possession of it.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Rockeater on April 13, 2021, 04:16:29 pm
PTW
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: micelus on April 13, 2021, 05:25:55 pm
Spoiler: YOU HAVE RECEIVED ONE (1) MESSAGE! (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: YOU HAVE RECEIVED ONE (1) NOTICE! (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: IronyOwl on April 13, 2021, 05:52:20 pm
"Well this is completely uncivilized," Cresceele says, moving towards the battle. "What happened to resolving differences by pitting mortal champions against each other in elaborate games of divine chess?"

Approach conflict at high speeds. Estimate remaining time to arrival.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Roboson on April 14, 2021, 09:59:01 am
District 8, which has been silent for as long as the stones can remember, became the first field of battle in this reborn world. Gibeele who had observed []'s minor being, the shadow {}, capture a hundred or so of the puppeteer angels from a nearby district and return them to []. Gibeele, moved by the plight of the angels, who feared to even speak against their captors, struck at the shadow.

Quote from: Egan_BW on April 13, 2021, 10:49:10 am
..."If you dare not speak, then know that actions speak louder than words! I seek not absolute power, I will not be a lord, I will not be your sole protector, you must be able to protect yourselves! But I can-"

Whip my tail around with force and bring it down on top of {}, aiming to smash it into the ground....


Gibeele's tail connects with the shadow, forcing it to the ground and splintering the earth beneath it. The strike of the god was truly surprising to the shadow! It lay there stunned for a moment, dazed and surrounded by the broken earth, before it smiled and bit into the tail of the god. Ichor ran out of the shadow's mouth as it tore at the godflesh with it's teeth. Unphased, but not uninjured by the biting chewing maw of the incorporeal beast, Gibeele moved to shake it off, sending a spray of heavenly ichor across the puppeteer angels. After a few powerful flicks of his tail, the beast's jaw lost its hold on the god's tail and with another spray of ichor, it was sent flying across the district!

During the confusion, many of the puppeteers fled the area in all directions. Half a dozen or so had been crushed as the god flailed the minor being around the area, their injured legs crippling their flight. They simply couldn't get out of the way fast enough, and were crushed in the fight. Though, several more were saved by one particular crab, who suddenly seemed larger and faster, her legs suddenly healed. She led the retreat, sending the crabs into a panicked and unguided run, while carrying two of the injured who could not run. Many crabs fled the area, while others took shelter anywhere they could find.

Having just thrown the shadow with a mighty swing of his tail, Gibeele turned immediately to it's master to confront them, the momentum of the swing now transferred into a rotation of the body. This is likely what saved Gibeele's life. In that instant, they saw the strange blade, power radiating off of it as it was thrust forward towards his eye. [] had created a terrible sword, an elegant hilt without a blade. Yet light and stange power radiated from where the blade should have been, but instead, absolutely nothing. It's brightness filled his vision, and Gibeele threw his weight into a dodge, carrying his motion from his tail swing moments ago, into a turn, and the finally a roll. He could not see the blade, but he knew whatever this was could not be good. The blade sunk in and the light went dark. The blade did not hurt. It did not burn. It simply passed through Gibeele's right eye and down his side, his dodge saving him from what would have likely been a fatal blow. Though he felt no pain, ichor drained out of him in thick globs. The blade was nothing, it made more nothing when it cut, and what was once Gibeele's eye was now nothing. As was a large part of his side. Desperate, Gibeele makes a quick counterattack on [], two swift and surprising jabs from the limbs scattered across his body, land solidly on [], their concussive power finding purchase and pushing [] back enough for Gibeele to reposition away from the defending god.

It was at this point, Nobody arrived from district 5. They had passed by {} who flew over them and landed somewhere in District 6. Shortly thereafter Cresceele arrived. They were met with a scene of carnage. Shadowblood mixed with holy ichor in a tail shaped crater. Several puppeteer angels crushed, their blood splattered over Gibeele, who themselves had a large gash from their eye to their stomach and was bleeding profusely. [] appeared mostly uninjured, a bit of bludgeoning from the two punches to the torso, but nothing akin to the injuries of Gibeele. Truly it was a gruesome sight.

All stand tensely, waiting to see who will act next.

Gibeele has been mortally wounded, requiring 2 acts per turn for four turns to keep them alive.

{}'s fate is unknown. Attempts at telepathic communication receive no response. 
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: IronyOwl on April 14, 2021, 11:39:09 am
"Alright, let's hear it," Cresceele says, as though addressing petulant children. "How did things spiral this badly out of control, and what do you intend to do to fix it?"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 14, 2021, 03:04:54 pm
I was called here to build shelter, and that's what I'm going to do. You lot figure your shit out yourselves. For future reference, may I suggest not trying to kill each other?

Nobody left the scene - any of the crabs that had been able to leave already had, besides - and made their way toward the center of the Refugium.
About two thirds of the way to it, and at the border to District 4, they began their work.

Nobody's sword was - not plunged into the ground, it would be more accurate to say that it merged into it. Above its pommel, Nobody set their book, open, pages rippling with designs, switching between them faster than the mortal eye could even notice. One like a cavern, another like a castle, a tree-like structure, until it stopped on one. A sheer tower, inside riddled with tunnels and chambers, many empty, some filled.

And the pages came to life.

Golden sheets flew from the book's bindings, laying out upon the ground in a perfect reproduction of the structure's foundational footprint, measurements all lined out upon them; and when the final page was set, form erupted into being from the nothingness that had once occupied the plot. Within moments, where once had been a space empty even of ruins was now a great spire of marble, decorated with gold engravings of rejected alternate designs. Nobody looked it over, and nodded. Yes, this was a satisfactory first showing, at least on a surface level. Other details still had to be checked, perhaps revised. They grabbed their blade and tome... and suddenly struck the door.
A chip came off. As they watched, the crack in the stone shallowed, the edges closed, until there was naught but a hairline fracture - and then, not even that. Durability: satisfactorily enhanced. Repair functions: operating properly. Excellent.

Behind the main doorway, the entryway curved organically, like a cave. Despite having no apparent light source, not even the least corner was unlit, no shadows able to enter. Perfect.
Nobody arrived at the ground floor's hub chamber. Extending from the walls, from the floor, from the ceiling were a myriad of tunnels, each lined in meshes of green-blue rope. Nobody tugged upon one; it moved with their pull, but easily returned to its resting position. Even in the small gaps between the nets and the walls, no darkness could reach. Very good.

Down one of the floor's tunnels. This chamber - one of the basements - had a much higher roof compared to the entryway, and a floor of dirt rather than white stone. As intended, of course, as the ground was lush with plantlife and insects. Perhaps it was more akin to a garden than a proper farm, but it would do. And there were many other chambers like it below, as well as two specials ones...
...there. Nobody spotted the blue-and-white form of one of the Operation drones, and made their way toward it. This new room would be virtually identical to all the other chambers dedicated to farming, but for one difference: it was very clearly working automatically. Nobody could see why, of course; the Operation drones worked here, as they did in many other rooms around the tower. But such would be invisible and intangible to the mortal residents who would soon live here; they would see the product, and hopefully learn to use the other chambers themselves to achieve the same.

There was one more room to visit down below. As Nobody approached it, they could feel how the atmosphere felt a bit... damper, perhaps. Earthier. Heavier? Maybe.
Unlike the greenery that surrounded it, this final basement chamber was more subdued in greys and browns (though, of course, no less brightly lit). Here, the was a pile of clay cubes - small ones cubes, but a large pile. As Nobody watched, a new cube appeared at the pile's base.
All below-ground systems operating at full capacity. Time to ascend.

Although they had no need to, Nobody climbed the nets to get up, doubly assuring their functionality. They cut a piece on the way up, and watched the strands knit back together after a few minutes. Good.

Nobody passed by many chambers, mostly empty. The bonecrabs may have little now, but there should always be space to define how you want it. A structure is not defined solely by its architect, of course. Other chambers bore equipment for making rope, cooking meals, and creating other simple amenities. And for each of these types of rooms, there was one run by the Operation, automatically working so long as they had the proper inputs.
They eventfully reached what they knew to be the site of the tower's center of mass, a grand chamber filled with blocks of clay and soft woods, all ready to be shaped. In the very center - not only of the room, but of the tower as a whole - stood a statue - a familiar one, to any who had watched the structure rise from the ground. It was Nobody, sword in the ground, book before them, and in front of them, the tower's foundations were rising from the vacant earth.
It was a workshop for the artisan, a studio for the artist, a temple for the creator.

Yes, this was good. They felt they could be satisfied with this work. And although there were not yet any mortals to populate the structure, it was clear to Nobody's senses that the enchantments that would encourage the denizen's productivity and creative urges were firmly in place. This would certainly do.

Nobody returned to the entryway, opened the doors and walked outside to once more behold what they had worked. This was the Bastion.
Then they looked out at the ruins that it stood amongst.
...it was, at the very least, a start.


Nobody stuck around for a bit, at least until the first bonecrabs started arriving. Then they made their way back north, toward District 5. There was a mechanical graveyard that needed exploring.


3 Act Sublocation: The Bastion
Basic physical description: Massive marble skyscraper
Magical properties: Rejection of darkness on a conceptual level, enhanced durability, automatic repair, some automated workshops, aura of productivity and creativity
Location: District 8, border of District 4, close to the Refugium's center
Intended function: Residence of the bonecrabs/"Puppeteer Angels"

Also, so we're clear, I'm exploring district 5 again, with a particular focus on the Mechanical Graveyard sublocation and its contents.


Spoiler: To whom it may concern (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 14, 2021, 04:08:00 pm
"I've gotten what I came for. What more could I want?"
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 14, 2021, 05:15:12 pm
Quote from: IronyOwl on April 14, 2021, 11:39:09 am
"Alright, let's hear it," Cresceele says, as though addressing petulant children. "How did things spiral this badly out of control, and what do you intend to do to fix it?"
...
...
...
End Gibeele
If able, leave to District 6 to search for {}
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 14, 2021, 05:40:27 pm
Evade and head for district 2. No reason for me to stay here anyways.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: IronyOwl on April 14, 2021, 05:54:54 pm
"As you wish."

3 Acts: Create Artifact [Size 0, Severity 3]: The Torc of Preservation. This marble neck ring takes the form of a coiled eel, and preserves its bearer against deterioration and change.

3 Acts: Create Artifact [Size 0, Severity 3]: Scimitar of the Mirrored Moon: This perfectly reflective crescent appears as a warp in vision, so flawlessly projecting the world around it that it is invisible as its own object. It is a swift and finely balanced weapon, but its greatest power is that to reflect a foe's own attacks back against them.

Toss the Torc to Gibeele and assault [] with the scimitar.

1 Act: Blessing [Severity 1]: Speed up myself and Gibeele so we can run (fly? swim?) faster.

Then flee from the knife-wielding maniac.


Assuming still alive, explore District 7 again while working on a project.

3 Acts: Create Artifact [Size 0, Severity 3]: Scimitar of the Mirrored Moon: This perfectly reflective crescent appears as a warp in vision, so flawlessly projecting the world around it that it is invisible as its own object. It is a swift and finely balanced weapon, but its greatest power is that to reflect a foe's own attacks back against them.

Assuming Gibeele still alive, spend 2 Acts sustaining.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 14, 2021, 05:57:54 pm
Give the villain a good bonk on the head eel slime to the face to buy my brother time before retreating in the most expedient possible manner.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Shadowclaw777 on April 14, 2021, 10:05:43 pm
Create Life (Mortals) 3 Acts
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

“My first creations, the first children of the light, I hope in all of you that you become a flourishing and prosperous race but will also give a helping hand to others of need, but just make sure to become proud of yourselves.

Now flourish and spread your wings, hopefully to District 8 as that will provide a sanctuary for you, as well as District 1 as that will also be my first citadel of mortals and life to spread light.”

Explore District 1 further
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: ShadowDragon on April 15, 2021, 12:48:34 am
Move to District 4's glowing monolith that is presumably an anchor, exploring the district along the way.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 15, 2021, 12:50:14 pm
*ding! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NkyEdVGPec)*

DeityActs  StockpileIncomeExpenses
Nobody
7
5
+3, +2-3
[]
0
0
+3, +2-5
Cresceele
7
3
+3, +2-1
Gibeele
0
1
+3-4
Absolute
3
3
+3-3
Belyom
0
0
+3-3
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 15, 2021, 07:30:26 pm
Thysina should keep exploring district 2. If people are found, make friendly contact!
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Roboson on April 19, 2021, 09:55:13 am
Turn 3

The fight in District 8 continues as Cresceele comes to the aide of Gibeele! The two eel twins face off against the ethereal vacuum god, []. Wasting no time, the twins agree that fleeing from the superior firepower of [] gave them their best chance of survival. Cresceele casts a blessing of speed upon themselves as well as Gibeele as [] moved in for another attack. The blessing was a fast option, but even so to swing a sword is faster. The blade swings forward and cuts at Gibeele. Though [] has no distinct features, looking upon their form it was clear they intended to finish what they started. To any of the onlookers who had cowered nearby during the begining of the fight, this featureless creature seemed cold and methodological, the standard signs of anger or pain missing upon the god's face. Whether this reflect's the god's true emotions or not, only [] could say.

[] struck at Gibeele as Cresceele cast the blessing of speed, the blade slicing through the air, creating a vacuum behind it as it devoured the atmosphere in it's path. It sliced through air, then flesh, then bone, and then flesh once more before returning to the air. The blade has sliced off one of Gibeele's many human limbs, sending the arm flying through the air, splattering more ichor over the area. As gravely injured as Gibeele is at this point, one limb lost certainly does not help his situation, but it is not so drastic as to change his near death state, into one of death. Cresceele had completed the blessing at the same time Gibeele was struck, and with it Gibeele was able to widen the gap between them, throwing his black goop off his body in a kind of sticky smokescreen to aid in their escape. Blessed with even greater speeds than the god's already posses, they flee the area.

When it was clear that giving chase without similar speed enhancement, [] departed towards District 6 to search for {}. They had been tossed quite a long way, though the shadow was without true weight. [] traced them their path across the district and eventually located the being. It had landed against a large outcropping of stone, near the border to District 7. There [] found {}'s remains, a single solid pearl of pure shadow.

After being injured in the fight, {} lost it's form's cohesion and it's soul spread out into shadows across the refugium. There the segments regain strength slowly, guided only by instinct to regain strength and return to a whole. In time, a new shadow pearl will form and the shadow segments will swarm around it to reform {}. Based on the injuries, they should reform in two turns.

Nearby in District 8, Nobody created the first "dungeon" of the Refugium, the Bastion. It was a complex structure, filled with many rooms and strange passageways. Many tubes with rope web siding were used as vertical passageways. Here much of the space is empty, large rooms whos nature is yet to be decided, while other parts of the dungeon are furnished with the everyday needs of residents, from bedchambers to dining halls. Though the facility was not without industry, the basement level had many rooms for the work of all kinds of craftsmen, as well as areas designated for farming. Here the greatest number of the Bastion's intangible servants were housed, completing their tasks quietly and efficiently. And across all places, not a single shadow appeared, even where one might think to find one cast. The entire place was lit with a shadowless light, and no darkness may exist in this place. Bastion Sublocation added to District 8

Nobody then departed to explore District 5. This time they concentrated their efforts on the mechanical graveyard that they discovered previously. The scrap yard seemed to be the dumping grounds for several large sections of machines, outdated or replaced machinery of long forgotten districts or perhaps early iterations of the current districts. Numerous large wrecks of varying condition spot the dark landscape here, tossed out into the uninhabited barrens beyond the city proper. Some stretch on for half a mile or more, while others are bulky or tall, each seeming to have odd design choices and strange functions. Each one is massive, surrounded by piles of other smaller discarded creations. Time has not been kind to these machines, and in many cases its clear why they were discarded. Some are partially melted, their components fusing together into a mocking imitation of it's former self. Others have large holes and burn marks, likely from explosions. Damage of this scale was the norm. It seems over time other garbage had been discarded here, stones and debris, broken objects, bones, and other objects litter the area in loose scattered piles. Even partial buildings, demolished remains broken into large chunks, have been deposited here. Anything that could have disintegrated due to the passage of time has already done so, leaving behind only the hard durable elements, fossils of an older age.  Though these machines were in ruins, their original functions likely unknowable without a great deal of effort, some components seem salvageable. Scattered throughout the area, grime covered silver monoliths can be observed, they seem to be some sort of archaic interface written in the language of the old gods, "Mechanism Recovery Unit:. Ancient Mechanism Deposit discovered in Mechanical Graveyard sublocation of District 5.
Spoiler: Ancient Mechanism Mechanics (click to show/hide)

Soon after Nobody departed to explore District 5, the puppeteer angels began investigating the bright Bastion. Many of the nearby individuals who had witnessed the conflict of the gods fled here and an infirmary is set up near the main entrance. One crab appeared to be the leader, a larger than average female formally named Foundation Which Walks, but referred to as Fouw. (Footnote 1). She was going to and from each of the injured and closing their wounds with a strange metal spike, gently sliding the sharp pin into the wound, only to have it close up in minutes. Within hours, most were left with dull aches where their wounds had been, and a great deal of pinsized holes. Yet for most, this small prick was nothing in comparison, and many saw it as a miracle. Others had begun arriving now as well, drawn to the light. Approximately 150 individuals took shelter here, most if not all were those captured by {}. Soon they began to explore, looking through the holes and passages, examining the rooms and finding much of the place to be furnished but uninhabited. Others marveled at the rooms which worked on their own, watching as ropes formed themselves from moss grown by an invisible force in another room. Many were delighted at the facility, but it there was no question it was the work of the gods, as many had seen Nobody earlier, matching their visage to the gold statue of the same visage located in the Bastion. Quickly a divide in the crabfolk was made clear. Some believed they should shelter here, but others insisted they did not know these gods, and what they did know was terrifying. Yet Fouw pointed out that the healing instrument she used was a gift from the gods as well. It was uneasy, but the number who did not trust the magics of the gods were too few to hope to survive on their own. They collectively formed a disgruntled group within the budding society. The crab angels who now began referring to themselves as a collective as Having Seen Wrath, Those Who Have Seen Wrath, or the Seen Tribe, agreed to stay here for the time being. Fouw was nominated as leader, and many agreed, the support for Fouw making up a large swath of the population. Quickly, guards were assigned watches. Those selected seem to grow in size slowly, not noticeable at first, but very soon the guards were distinctly larger than the rest of the population. Supplies were collected and stockpiled. Quickly the fearful Seen Tribe did what little it could to defend itself from the gods. Seen Tribe established in the 8th District

In District 4, the culture of the Puppeteer Angels progressed very differently. Unlike their brethren in the eighth district, these Angels were not so swiftly exposed to the strength of the gods. For them, the world was as mysterious now as it was when they appeared here. Wonder and curiosity spurred these mortals, having explored much, they found only themselves and ruins built by something else. After a while of this however, Belyom appeared with a large number of strange and unusual creatures. They recognized that the creatures could make for good hosts. Quickly Belyom was thanked as the bringer of bodies, and the Angels questioned them much about this place. They asked what it was, where it was, who built it. They asked of themselves and of Belyom. It seems that in a world without context, they had developed a sense of curiosity since their creation. Yet others were less curious and less concerned with questions of what kind of world this is. They were more interested in the chimeras, and quickly the hunt to gain hosts began. Within hours, their society had changed completely. Whereas before, all were about equal, now one who was clever or strong could acquire a good host. A pecking order quickly appeared, with those who had slain stronger beasts and acquired them as hosts sitting atop the power hierarchy. While those with weaker hosts quickly fell in standing. Quickly tribes began to form around those who had proven their ability. Yet others did not care for the tribal collectives, and chose solitary lives living as their host would, wandering the area and living off the land. They hunted what other chimeras they could find, occasionally crossing paths with others of their kind. Yet those who joined tribes found their lives very similar, spent roaming the many stagnant pools of this area in search of chimeras to hunt. Their lives were simple and nomadic, as there was no base to the food chain, much of their time was spent searching for chimeras who had gone into hibernation, for they made easy prey in these barren conditions.

As their lives become harder, and food scarcer, the dependance on the strongest grew and grew. They were raised up as leaders and heroes, with a powerful form being the ultimate determinator of standing in society. It was in this way that the angels came to respect Belyom. In the oral mythos of many tribes, Belyom was the mother of the chimeras, having birthed them from their mechanical womb. In these stories Belyom is revered as a bringer of strength, the source from which all strength flows and it’s ultimate incarnation. In these trying times, many turned to Belyom so that they could become strong enough to survive in this barren wasteland. Others believed Belyom had slain the mother of the chimeras, and dismissed any caring or parental aspects, instead viewing Belyom as a powerful warrior. In these stories, Belyom slayed an aspect of death, hunger, and brought food and bodies to the angels as the spoils of war. Yet this has caused death to view the angels’s unfavorably, and now seeks them out to gain revenge on Belyom by giving the angel’s misfortune. In these mythos, Belyom isn’t blamed for this, and death is characterized as evil and petty. This has caused several individuals to seek out long lived chimera hosts, though the vast majority attempt to gain strong bodies (not always successfully)

Several Puppeteer Angel Tribes established in the 4th District. Belyom gains 1 Act income. Fungal Chimeras spread to the 4th District. Feral Angels spread to the 4th District. (All still in decline due to lack of food, there's no base to the foodchain here.)

Elsewhere, in district 1, Absolute created a very different kind of mortals. Unlike the crablike and somewhat alien Angels, the Corals had a more traditional angelic look, having large white wings and some avian features. These humanoids were gifted with flight, using their large black eyes to spot sources of light in the darkness. They quickly came to inhabit district 1, going through the various relatively intact buildings. Here, they found many remnants of civilization. Pillars of carved stone, worn with age, but still beautiful in their craftsmanship, could be seen on many of the buildings here as Absolute wandered. The Chorals flying around them as they explored, them exploring likewise. While there was much of mundane interest, ancient houses and what remained in them, Absolute found something a bit more interesting. One of the larger buildings had a large circular amphitheater with a raised platform in the center. This room was sheltered by 40 foot tall stone doors, opened by Absolute. Perhaps at one point it was a hall of debate or discussion used by the rulers of this strange place. Given the strange writings on the walls, and the hundreds of available seats on the stone bleachers, perhaps it was more related to justice and may have been a place of public execution. Yet now, the chorals came to nest here, the acoustics of the spacious room making it delightful for the songbird-like mortals. Their songs grew loud and powerful, and soon an organization developed to coordinate songs with over a thousand of the birdfolk. Their voices together resonating as a single song was impressive even to their god. Yet in time, many left this area in search of food. They had found nothing in this district, and many begin to venture outwards looking for sustenance. It was a hard time, as food was scarce. But some desperate corals were able to scavenge on dead chimeras when they could be found.

Back in District 4, Belyom began moving towards the anchor of the location. Many of the buildings here were large and functionally built, sparing only some small care for the appearance of these otherwise identical buildings. Many had been sealed closed somehow, their stone doors almost glued together, and the buildings offered no windows to the caverns. Yet one had the misfortune of a large boulder falling from the ceiling, making a large hole in one side of the facility. Belyom investigated as they walked towards the center, and as the peered into the hole, some mechanism deep inside responded to their presence. A strange gurgling noise could be heard, which grew and decreased in both volume and pitch while maintaining a steady rhythm. All around Belyom the pools began to move, each one being slightly stirred by the motion. What was once in there had long gone fetid, and an awful stench filled the area. Having seen enough, they continued their search. It wasn't until they had travelled some distance that Belyom noticed it was not the pools moving, but a huge section of the district, perhaps a square mile, was moving up and down and side to side. It seems they had some strange purpose, but what that could be was beyond knowing at this point. Soon they arrived in the center, a glowing monolith could be seen here. This was the anchor, light and slightly gold tinged, it's light glow basking the area in the cool soothing light that the gods themselves were born of. This strange mechanism was clearly not the work of the gods, having been made by the Sonorous King over thousands of years, but it's power was that of the gods. It was strange and uncomfortable to look upon, for it radiated power akin to his own, yet no life was held in that cool luminous stone.
 
Lastly in District 2, Thysina continued their exploration cautiously. As they moved through this district, occasional clangs of metal could be heard. Other low droning noises could also be observed in the area and as time went on, it became harder and harder to convince herself she was alone out here. Soon she started seeing signs of life, large sections of disturbed dust made by something much larger than herself. Other buildings seemed to have been pushed over, their foundations and walls remaining intact for the most part, but having broken along a line as if scored, then having force applied above to leverage the motion onto stressing the area for a clean break. Piles of debris had been stacked, much of it polished stone or metal. Yet it was among these stacks that Thysina saw something unexpected, a corpse. And while she had seen some bones and other signs of life, this body was still decomposing, flesh loosely sluffing off the white bone. A slightly shimmering chestplate could be observed on the corpse, it's metal having a faint inner glow that seemed to ripple across the surface when it moved or was touched. As for the creature, there was not many indications of what it could have been. It was roughly four feet long when laid out, but it's lower body had been removed, leaving only the protected torso and the head. Thysina removed the armor and suddenly feeling exposed, donned it herself before continuing the journey. As she approached the center, she saw something which worried her greatly. There was no anchor here. In it's place, a large rough hole had been bored into the solid stone, with boulders and buildings and gravel stacked around one side. This gave it the ominous look of a creature rising up from under the earth to swallow the anchor. And upon concentration, some credence was lent to this ominous feeling, for she could detect the anchor far, far, far below.

Spoiler: Footnote 1 (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 19, 2021, 02:42:47 pm
...

...

[] secretes away the tenebrous pearl in non-space for later use, before beginning to ominously hover over the lush sinkhole in District 7. Some small life is levitated from the muck and smashed together crudely into wriggling balls, and then smashed some more, squishing sadly. Eventually the bug-gore twists and malforms under the concentrated attention of []

...

3 Acts: Create the blank

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

[] looms (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU4Rk0NATNs) over the blank
The blank know. Beginning-corpse which they ate to nothingness. From which they crawled. Resurrected. A living emptiness/void. A miracle. A god.

1 Act: Send some of the blank to explore into the dark chaos.


*ding! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NkyEdVGPec)*
Post-Natal Care is expiring. Enjoy your new divine life!
DeityActs  StockpileIncomeExpenses
Nobody
12
7
+3, +2-0
[]
5
0
+3, +2-0
Cresceele
10
7
+3, +2-0, -2
Gibeele
3
0
+3-0
Absolute
6
3
+3-0
Belyom
4
0
+3, +1-0
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 19, 2021, 09:51:47 pm
Provided that two others agree to help, spent 1 Act to create a 3 Act magical plant. (Funded, 2 acts from nobody.)

Chaos Taters: A magical vine which can grow throughout the city, growing among shattered stone ruins as well as a normal plant grows in soil. The root is edible and nutritious, giving the average biological mortal all they need to survive. Without any sunlight, the iridescent leaves instead produce energy from the chaotic tides of the sundered outside world seeping through the anchors.

"This costs us nothing if we split the price threeways. The, ugh 'helperco' will repay us each. The smallest possible price to pay for, I remind you all, literally a matter of survival for us/"


Send Thysiana to the Bastion to proselytize! Ask the Seen to worship me, my brother, and the architect of their home. Not because we're inherently worthy, but because it gives us a tangible benefit, which in turn helps the Seen.

Also inspect Thysiana's breast-plate. Does it seem to have any unusual properties?

So for me personally, explore District 4. Be friendly with the tribes while I'm there, I'm sure they'll appreciate some company from a real god. :)

2 Acts: Blessing of survival. Those affected are more likely to survive damage that would usually be lethal, though may be incapacitated.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 21, 2021, 09:47:11 am
Acquire two Ancient Mechanisms.

I would be willing to contribute to these... "chaos taters".


Addendum: Refugium cartography records may be found here. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pLsWq3IQYEcSbaH1pO8ODR3oNR3ceAqMZhB5N8mS49k/edit?usp=sharing)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: IronyOwl on April 21, 2021, 04:23:08 pm
Upon noticing [] corrupting District 7, Cresceele immediately undergoes a lengthy and very sparkly transformation sequence.

"Certainly not. Ecstatic Eel Energization Engage!"


4 Acts: Create Artifact [Size 1, Severity 3]: The Torc of Preservation. This marble neck ring takes the form of a coiled eel, and preserves its bearer and their companions against deterioration and change.

4 Acts: Create Artifact [Size 0, Severity 3, Overcharge 1]: Scimitar of the Mirrored Moon: This perfectly reflective crescent appears as a warp in vision, so flawlessly projecting the world around it that it is invisible as its own object. It is a swift and finely balanced weapon, but its greatest power is that to reflect a foe's own attacks back against them.

Then go murder [] with them.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: ShadowDragon on April 21, 2021, 06:05:16 pm
Belyom paused. Helping with Gibeele's taters was, if she was honest, a wise choice.

But that was irrelevant. She had finally gathered enough power to fulfill her true purpose and she could hardly spend it on anything else.

And so her greatest cloning pod twisted in on itself as she pondered []'s form. Within minutes, a strange crystal grew within the pod and split into an impossibly complex fractal. Within an hour, Belyom had finished her work.

To most, it would appear that nothing in particular left the cloning pod. Nevertheless, they would be certain that something had left it.

4 Acts: Create Life (Minor Being): Create (, a twisted parody of [].
Spoiler: (, the first gorgon (click to show/hide)
Send her to help Cresceele. Instruct her to petrify a few chimeras or blank along the way to get crystals.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: micelus on April 21, 2021, 08:14:21 pm
Spoiler: NOTICE OF SUBSIDY (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Shadowclaw777 on April 22, 2021, 02:56:39 am
4 Acts, Minor Entity
Spoiler: Envoy (click to show/hide)

"Now Envoy, your role first most will to assist the Chorals to make sure that they can survive the ongoing generations, use your Healing and Light to assist in their survival as you see fit so that they can become true representation of luminance in some distant following cycle".

Food Incoming

Continue Exploring District 1

Quote from: micelus on April 21, 2021, 08:14:21 pm
Spoiler: NOTICE OF SUBSIDY (click to show/hide)
"The Bureaucracy, I have always seen the need of it to improve the lives of mortals, civilizations, and universes alike. However, I can see that Nobody Bastion will help the creation of life and the unique source of food that Belyom provided are in all consideration worth the subsidy. However, I solemnly request an appeal to this so that I can get the assistance of another act as I created mortals with a more positive outlook than parasite reproduction, no offense intended, that will be able to work with other willing mortals and will try all within my power to make this universe more cohere.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 22, 2021, 05:32:33 am
*ding! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NkyEdVGPec)*
Post-Natal Care is expiring. Enjoy your new divine life!
DeityActs  StockpileIncomeExpenses
Nobody
12
7
+3, +2, +1-1
[]
5
0
+3, +2-0
Cresceele
2
7
+3, +2-8, -2
Gibeele
1
0
+3-2
Absolute
2
3
+3-4
Belyom
1
0
+3, +1, +1-4
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 26, 2021, 07:14:49 pm
District 5
Mechanical Graveyard

Nobody looms over a massive block, its faces glowing blue. Once, this had been the heating element of a great forge; now, it would function as both flame and anvil. Roiling liquid metal flowed across its surface, though not one drop spilled; six colors, green, gold, blue, red, white, and grey. In hand was a hammer, black and gold, itself churning, but held in its shape.

One hand guides the materials together: grey flows to white flows to green, as the others dance across and within the other shades, lending it a shining iridescence. The other hand comes down with the hammer, and form begins to show. Down comes the hammer; the metals are straight. Down comes the hammer; the metals are strong. Down comes the hammer; the metals are sharp. Down comes the hammer as the blade is built.
It is white to halfway up, green halfway down; where they would meet, the metals are sharply divided by a grey chevron. The blue glow of the heat seeps into the edges, never to be lost. The metal itself still flows, crashes, recedes, like the ocean in a hurricane. These are not mundane metals; they are the divine power of creation given form, and held in shape by power alone.

But the blade is missing something. Look where it should be held; only the tang extends. To the side, puddles of metal yet remain, largest among them gold and green. The hammer comes down once more; green metal divides as the gold coalesces. Down the hammer strikes; the gold shines like the long-lost sun. Down the hammer strikes; the green is verdant beyond any life left here below. Down the hammer strikes, and a beneath it takes form a four-pointed star, enveloped by a wreath of metal leaves. As they slide onto the blade, the bond is formed; the guard shall never loosen.

And yet there is one last piece to be attached, and no more metal left behind. But no, that is not true.
The hammer warps, its old duty done. The head compresses, twists, as it shifts from a blunt instrument to a diamond of gold. The handle lengthens, twirls, as gold and black intertwine into an elegant spiral. And when it is done, down comes what once was the hammer, the last piece of the blade, the handle.

As it slides down the tang, a tangible pressure builds. Lightning courses along the metal - green, gold, blue, red, white, grey, black. Seven metals, seven colors, seven Acts. The artifact itself resists the binding of such power; as the handle inches closer, magnetic force tries to push it away. Even a god struggles to assemble such a potent construction; Nobody could do it.

The handle impacts the guard, and there is a click, barely audible.

All is silent for a moment.

And then the blade erupts with the force of Creation bound within it. Liquids sizzle on the surface, dusts turn to flames in a myriad colors from the heat, roiling metal refuses to calm-
Then sheets of gold wrapped themselves around the blade, constraining it, insulating it, protecting it, protecting from it. Nobody had seen its potency, its power. It was a force of creation, yes - but it was volatile, as true creation often was. Primordial, from a time before order or chaos could be meaningfully differentiated. No, earlier - this was the essence that had declared, to an empty eternity of nothing, that I want be something. Go somewhere. Do something. I want things to change. It is the declaration that where there was nothing, there shall be something.

This was the force that ended eternity. This was the force that began forever.

This was GENESIS.
And it will have to do.


Nobody stalked off, a blade in each hand and a storm of golden pages at their back. This world had a place for everything, but nothing had overstayed its welcome.

Even through its sheathe, bursts of steam, flame, and smoke in a cavalcade of colors cascaded off the blade.


7 Act Artifact: Genesis
Size: 1
Severity: 7
Physical Description: Longsword with a white-and-green blade (with an edge lightly glowing blue), a four-pointed gold star wreathed in leaves as the guard, and a black handle ending in a diamond-shaped gold pommel. The entire object constantly swirls and shifts as if made of liquid, and it perpetually sheds material that it is perpetually creating.
Magical Effect: CREATION. Pushed into overdrive when encountering nothingness/vacuum, which it turns into stuff at an even more accelerated rate.

And with it, Nobody is off to destroy create end begin undo [].


Spoiler: Genesis (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 26, 2021, 09:19:57 pm
"A blade made to clash with its twin. Ah, it's tragic, is it not? It has never been my wish that we would kill one another... the thought of fratricide makes me sick. Yet my own sibling tried to end me, and perhaps this was all inevitable. Resigned to fate... I cannot help now. I wish only that the end of the end, of my sibling [], could start something new. Could be no death, but an evolution into something greater, happier, gentler."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 26, 2021, 09:34:10 pm
Understand this, Gibeele: with this act, there shall be no more endings.
Only and forever new beginnings.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Egan_BW on April 26, 2021, 11:25:39 pm
"The difference between the two is only a matter of perspective. One ends, another begins, on and on until the end of all, and presumably the beginning of all as well. A knife does nothing to change this."
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Shadowclaw777 on April 27, 2021, 12:53:53 am
“Envoy, use this to teach the Chorals of the harvest of grain and the usage of your everlasting light magic to sustain this crop. My attention must be met somewhere else.”
Spread Bioluminant Wheat (1 Act) into the realm of District 1
Spoiler: Bioluminant Wheat (click to show/hide)

“It is a disappointing thing that divine bloodshed must be met because of the sides drawn. The creation of your being made of negativity was not a good stepping stone to make yourself known into your world. While one of the other divine brethren was too hasty to initiate conflict before negotiations could ever be conceived as a possibility, the only thing that I can feel in my essence inside my shell of a body… Disappointment. Not in any individual deserves the condemning, but rather how everything turned out though sadly this was inevitable with how we knew things would go down.”

Create the Shield of Reckoning with (Severity 1) for now
Spoiler: SoR (click to show/hide)

Join the Conflict with [], Nobody, and Cresceele. Try to protect Nobody and Cresceele from the attacks as best with my might
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 27, 2021, 11:08:14 am
Nobody passes over a second Act for the potatoes.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Demonic Spoon on April 29, 2021, 07:10:42 am
...

...

...

[] erases their previous course of action. [] takes up the darkness pearl moulted shedding of {} and pumps in full of divine power until it begins pumping unsettlingly, bursting out darkness which covered all around []...

5 Acts: Create Artifact, the Heart of Darkness (Severity 4, Size of Effect 2)

A fogbank of darkness that envelopes the wielder, blocking all perceptions, visual, auditory and otherwise of those inside it, including that of the wielder. The Heart of Darkness will manipulate luck and space to make it more likely for the wielder to hit enemies when flailing about/attacking, and less likely for others to hit the wielder, not affecting the chances of potential friendly fire between multiple entities within the fogbank.

...

...

[] awaits the would be murderers in the cave of the Sonorous King

*ding! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NkyEdVGPec)*
Post-Natal Care is expiring. Enjoy your new divine life!
DeityActs  StockpileIncomeExpenses
Nobody
5
7
+3, +2, +1-8
[]
0
0
+3, +2-5
Cresceele
2
7
+3, +2-8, -2
Gibeele
1
0
+3-2
Absolute
0
3
+3-6
Belyom
1
0
+3, +1, +1-4
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on April 29, 2021, 11:24:22 am
An entourage of justiciars assembles in District 1, before their point of origin. The Cave of the Sonorous King, wherein now hides the worst criminal among them

Nobody looked around. They were an eclectic collection. Absolute, the very image of what justice may be asked to look like, angelic in radiance, unyielding in demeanor. Cresceele, looking quite near what justice may be called against, monstrous in form, but as dedicated to order as any. The working of Belyom, (, a being of pure mathematics, cloaked in a veil of nothingness to shield others from its visage. And themselves, of course; the pages of Construction flitted about them, as Improvement and Genesis were wielded in either hand. Perhaps it was at this moment that they most looked the part of a god.

Ah, but this was mere distraction. Truly, the focus must be their enemy. Nothingness cloaked in darkness, wielding destruction as their blade. The one who would, if given the opportunity, end everything, leaving only nothing behind forever.

Such could not be permitted.

[], hear your crimes. You stand accused and guilty of creation of a weapon intended for omnicide, intent to commit deicide, the grave injury of a god, and eight counts of intent to destroy an Anchor. You may or may not be guilty of other crimes, but it is improbable that they are relevant or worth mentioning in comparison to those listed.
I do not ask how you plead, for the truth of these are known. I do not ask if you will accept justice, for I know you will not. I ask only that you understand that none of us wanted this.
Stand and face your judge.

With every word, the weave was made. With every word, Fate was directed. With every word, Destiny was written.
Those who shall deliver justice upon this day shall find their efforts seen through, and truth itself will guide their hands.

And yet, even among the tightly-woven threads of divine power that constituted this decree, those with the senses to see could feel that there was space within for one more Act.


Quote from: ShadowDragon on April 29, 2021, 11:31:45 am
Quote from: Glass on April 29, 2021, 11:24:22 am
3 Act Blessing: Good Luck
...
Additional notes: Can accept 1 additional Act.
Contribute 1 act.

3 4 Act Blessing: Good Luck
Number of Regions: 1 (District 1)
Severity: 3(+) 4
Targeted Persons: Anybody opposed to []
Effect: Directs luck to select paths more likely to benefit the blessed persons, and removes unfavorable potential branches of time from the realm of possibility.
Additional notes: Can accept 1 additional Act.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: ShadowDragon on April 29, 2021, 11:31:45 am
Quote from: Glass on April 29, 2021, 11:24:22 am
3 Act Blessing: Good Luck
Number of Regions: 1
Severity: 3(+)
Targeted Persons: Anybody opposed to []
Effect: Directs luck to select paths more likely to benefit the blessed persons, and removes unfavorable potential branches of time from the realm of possibility.
Additional notes: Can accept 1 additional Act.
Contribute 1 act.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Glass on May 01, 2021, 11:26:09 am
Assuming they are in any shape to be about after judgement has been rendered, Nobody will continue their survey of District 5.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: IronyOwl on May 01, 2021, 04:49:55 pm
Assuming ultimate victory over the foul interloper, Cresceele will continue surveying District 7 after their epic battle.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: Roboson on May 08, 2021, 04:06:29 pm
In the somber Hall of the Sonorous King, the god's stood beneath the towering figure. His chiseled features remained stoic, looking down upon the fledgling gods with out fear or wonder. [] had arrived before the rest, walking among the carved stalagnates which for eons served as their cradles, slowly drawing in the light behind the universe, until new gods were born from the radiance. Now they stood dead and dull, stone which once burned with light had grown cold. As did the gods that hailed from it's ancient womb. Soon, others arrived. Nobody, Cresceele, and Absolute, their intentions clear.

The caverns rung with the power of the arsenal of the gods. The air sang, and the stones hummed, all things joined the chorus of power as the battle of the gods drew nigh. Blessings laid upon the triad enhanced their divine powers, while each of them wielded a godforged creation. Absolute, a shield of gold and sapphire, the weakest of the equipment, but in the hands of a god, the metal holds firm and stalwart. Cresceele, in one hand held a marble circlet which protected the wearer from all forms of change and deterioration. In the other, a blade to perfect in edge that it's blade formed a mirror worthy of reflecting the gods themselves. So perfect was it's crescent surface that one would be excused for mistaking it for non-existence, especially given such a sword was held nearby. Last was the sword of power beyond the others. Genesis, a blade which dwarfed the gods themselves in it's glory. The blade pushed the bounds of this world with it's mere existence. As the blade moved, dust and flame and steam roiled from it's white-green surface, it's glory unshealthed and it's power dripping from the measly shackles of physics. 

The gods knew this confrontation would bring forth consequences. Held here the power of the god's wrath in it's entirety, born of their power and forged by their mighty hands. Given shape and purpose by their ideals. This was the arsenal of the advancing gods.

Yet this was not the only divine weapondry present within these hallowed halls. For these weapons were not forged by for idle hands, they had come to commit an act most heinous, so that it may never be attempted again. Their charge was one such who had attempted the act they intended today, deicide. [] had known of their coming, the sound of the god's forges rang loud and clear through the universe, each blow of the blade adding to the now rancorous chorus that shook the heart of the world and called back a whispered response from the heavens beyond their reach. Yet, the song of the advancing gods was met only with silence. A blade of nothingness, a voidladen hilt with but a dark shimmer hinted at a void through which nothing could remain. It drank deep the singing hum resonating from it's enemies, the power disappearing deep into the blade. Yet none saw such a quiet act, for darkness had begun to engulf the hall. From the heart of a faithful servant, a powerful darkness was coaxed forth. It spread from the pearl in waves and plumes, it's inky form roiling over the light as it flows, strangling it within. Yet unlike the blade which it's master held, this darkness did add to the cacophony around it. It sang a song deep and old, known well by the stones and stars alike. It sang from the darkness that dwelled in these deep lands, of the stillness, the quiet, and the End of all things. And the Darkness sang back. From distant nook and crevice, from the dancing edge of the fire-light, and from the still dark caves beyond the Refugium, a voice sang. The voice of {} swelled forth from the darkness, it's scattered form slithering forth to the call of it's master. The shards of the shattered {} flooded into the Hall of the Sonorous King, wisps of malice and smoke flesh matt as night and swirled in the engulfing night brought forth by [].

Here the gods came to blows.

Cresceele and Nobody swung into the darkness, cutting through darkness and shadowflesh alike. Genesis, the Blade of Creation struck the darkness and cut through, though at a price most foul. From the blade things were born, things unmeant and unknown to the gods. Beings born of the darkness, strange and unknown. They hid there in the darkness, fleeing the wrath of the gods, waiting in the dark for those who wander from the light ill prepared. The Scimitar of the Mirrored Moon drew a long gash in the darkness and reflected it back upon itself, making it appear deeper and darker than it truly was. Yet it was Absolute who floundered most, having no blade through which to cut through the darkness. Here he was trapped, his light a hidden hope deep in the darkness. He had been blessed with great power by the other gods, and many iterations came and went as the power of the blessings fought against the Heart of Darkness. Yet still his light grew dim. It grew faint and distant as the god was assailed, his shining armor dented and scratched by the assailing shadow creatures, shards of {} who had acquired a taste for godflesh when it drank deep the blood of the god Gibelee and had been corrupted by it's power. It's rambling silence was deafening as the light of the bright god was torn into by the darkness. Torn and scattered Absolute was lost to the darkness, being chased and prodded further into it's reflected depths than any of the gods could see. The pinpricks of blood coalesced in drops and pools, glimmers of gold that glinted at the hint of light, shining with an echo of their originator. Treasure that would forever reward those who were brave enough to conquer the Darkness.

Swirling among the Darkness, the three remaining gods and godesses met in a battle of blades. Each side had enlisted luck to will itself onto the battlefield around them. It tangled with the stressed fabric of the universe, pulling and shifting the world in a conflicted battle of fate and power that dared not be restricted to the bounds of reality. Time was cut and stitched by the blades, it's sands exposed through the blessing, as those futures it saw unfavorable were cast aside and shifted, snipped and sewn together. Space itself drew out and contracted as the blades danced through a battlefield without limit or constraint. A battlefield that existed without time or space, a fray in reality where time, space, and luck bent and twisted with the strikes of the gods. Here the blood of the fledgling gods was spilled.

The battle began with a great number of strikes, each one lashing out, testing the defenses of the enemy. The mighty blade Genesis was the first to strike a blow, hitting [] and leaving a sizzling gash where something had come to exist within. A flurry of parries and dodges among the swirling darkness here followed. The next strike was from the Scimitar of the Mirrored Moon, which was parried by Godender, and reflected it's anti-existence in a scattered refraction of divine power. A deep wrongness came to dwell in this place, cast out into the underlying infinity beyond the universe. Yet here [] made their counter, a savage strike which was blocked by Genesis. Nothing and Something clashed in this strange place, stretched across time and space until matters of reference were beyond use. Here where laws and physics have no claim, the two met and locked. The two forces came to be equal then, the creation of Genesis disappearing into the destruction of Godender. Blades locked, the Scimitar of the Mirrored Moon tipped the balance as it's power was released, reflecting Nothingness back in upon itself until the concept of Nothingness decayed, and Creation came to blossom there. In that moment, the gods there were blown back by the force of power unleashed. Genesis had passed the point where it could maintain itself, it's power already spilling forth from the blade, and was unbridled, it's physical shackles decaying into Nothing.

The power of the two antithetical blades mixed like oil and water, reflected beyond infinity by the mirrored crescent. The power of the gods shook the Universe, and their battlefield began to collapse in on itself. Cast aside was the darkness and the blessings, as the universe so bent and twisted around them, began to reform. Time and space reclaimed their authority, and the gods were cast back into the hall of the Sonorous King. A blinding light filled the hall, the power of the blades reaching a point of criticality. The gods knew their strength, and the consequences were upon them. A hollow light radiated out from the meeting of the blades, and all was lost to the Nothingness. The gods, the Refugium, the mortals, the world. All had become Nothing.

Then, they became Something.
Title: Re: Refugium of the Gods (IC)
Post by: micelus on May 08, 2021, 08:01:06 pm
Sadiq sighed and noted this whole expedition as a write-off. Back to the reports, he supposed.