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 Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 9:27 pm
 |Intro|Rules|Profile Skeleton|Accepted Profiles|
Intro
This is Si_Valael's and Stainthedain's idea I'm just fleshing it out and making a role play out of it.
Once upon a time the kingdom of Galebiel existed amongst the clouds. It was the peaceful kingdom of the gods. Every thing that existed on the ground below their beautiful kingdom had a god or goddess to rule over it make sure it existed in harmony with all around it. And so they ruled for eons in peace, until one day word of a all powerful sword reached the ears of the gods, and the young god Alethor decided that he must have this sword. And so he sought it, neglecting his duties as the guard of the gates of Galebiel and headed to the mortal realm to retrieve this sword. Upon finding the sword he returned to Galebiel and used his new found power to reduce all of the the powerful gods into demi-gods and the lesser gods into mortals.
He now ruled over everything in existence, but cared not for taking care of it, so the mortal realm slowly dissolved into chaos, while the newly displaced gods tried to restore order.
Every god has their own section of the world to rule over, and with that comes animals that represent them down in the mortal realm. These animals are worshiped when worshiping the god they represent, and the god can see the world through their eyes.
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Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 9:36 pm
 |Intro|Rules|Profile Skeleton|Accepted Profiles|
Rules
- Normally I'd say don't God mod, but this is a god RP so...just don't take control of other peoples characters.
- You can be mythical creatures, but try to keep them simple, and not too varied.
- You can have more than one character, but if you can't seem to manage more then one I will kill them off.
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Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 9:42 pm
 |Intro|Rules|Profile Skeleton|Accepted Profiles|
Profile Skeleton
For Gods[b]Gaian Name:[/b]
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]Patron God of:[/b]
[b]Animal Representative(s):[/b]
[b]Powers:[/b]
[b]Weapons:[/b]
[b]Biography:[/b]
[b]Other:[/b] For Other [b]Gaian Name:[/b]
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]Powers:[/b] ((If applicable))
[b]Weapons:[/b]
[b]Biography:[/b]
[b]Other:[/b]
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Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 9:52 pm
|Intro|Rules|Profile Skeleton|Accepted Profiles|
Accepted Profiles
Gods, Demi-gods, HeroesGaian name: IamSTRANGE Name: Alethor Gender: Male Appearance: Before finding the sword  After finding the sword  Powers: Control over all elements, and aspects of the world. The ability to take and give power. Immunity to most weapons. Weapons: Large sword Bio: Alethor was born to two demi-gods in the kingdom of Galebiel and was never happy with his hero status. He always dreamed of being a god himself and ruling over everything. He tried his best to work his way up, and hoped to get promoted some day, but when he heard of the sword, he just couldn't wait any longer. One night he slipped away and traveled down to the mortal realm where he searched for the sword for years. He was about to give up hope when he found it. When he laid his hands on it he felt something change within him, he felt power like nothing he ever imagined. He remained in the cave that he found the sword in for a few days, learning how to wield his new found power, and once he had a basic understanding of how to use it he summoned a creature from the Between and rode back to Galebiel upon it's back. When he entered the capital city everyone ran and hid from him, terrified of the monstrosity he had become, this caused him to lash out in anger for he could not understand their fear. A large shock wave spread out over the kingdom. Everything it touched was reduced to half of what it was before. Gods became demi-gods, demi-gods became heroes, and heroes became mortal. Everyone living in the kingdom fled, wishing to reduce the damage that he caused on their lives. Alethor was content to live in the beautiful kingdom with his beings that he summoned from the Between and practice using his sword. Gaian Name: IamSTRANGE
Name: Laelitha
Gender: Female
Appearance:
Patron God of: Time
Animal Representative(s): Giant Tortoise, and Peregrine falcon
Powers: Time manipulation, speed up, slow down, and stop for short periods of time. Can slow down or speed up the aging process.
Weapons: A staff (see pic), and two knives
Biography: Laelitha is a quieter Goddess, she enjoyed the company of others but didn't go to many of the parties, instead she would go to the mortal realm and watch over her creatures. Because of her neutral personality she made friends with all of the Gods, and was the first to notice that Alethor had gone missing. When she told his parents of his disappearance they didn't think anything of it, he was always running off for some adventure or another.
When Alethor returned from his quest she was in the capital city and sent messengers to all of the Gods who were not in the city, to come help defend it. She was one of the first Gods to try and stop Alethor from killing everyone. But her actions only angered him further, and caused him to lash out. Laelitha blames herself for what happened to all of the Gods and has made it her mission to dethrone Alethor.
Other: Laelitha's animals are the Tortoise and the peregrine falcon because the Tortoise has the longest life span, a gift of Laelitha's, also the falcon is the fastest animal, because Laelitha gave them the ability to speed up their wings.Gaian Name: Si_Valael Name: Tiberius Gender: Male Appearance:  Patron God of: The Night Animal Representative(s): Timber wolf, Great Horned Owl Powers: Can create small pockets of darkness, manipulate shadows, become a shadow, and can control near by sources of water. Weapons: Ninjatō, worn on his back (as seen in picture) and a Kusarigama, the chain of which is wrapped around his left forearm. The sword can cut shadows while the Kusarigama's chain can extend and retract to several times it's apparent length. Biography: Tiberius was one of the more solitary gods, traveling the kingdom every night to make sure the shadows covered the land while they were supposed to. Despite being the god of the night he is not nocturnal but rather suffers what some would consider a type of insomnia, making him known for having a sol-um if not serious expression most of the time. Before Alethor's conquest of the gods, Tiberius had few friends among the gods, however among them were such Gods as Laelitha, goddess of time. It was her who sent word out to the solitary Gods with knowledge of the coming attack. Tiberius moved with all his speed back to the capitol only to be hit by the God's shock wave that reduced him to a demi-god. When he woke he found himself with Laelitha and a few other former gods and demi-gods. Other: While Tiberius' small frame does not afford him much power he excels in speed and agility. Gaian Name: Anila Of Pellinor Name: Sarkai Gender: Female Appearance:  Patron Goddess of: Tricksters and Wandereres Animal Representative(s): Lynx and albatross Powers: Sarkai is gifted with the spinning of illusions, her favorite trick. She can also hypnotize someone and suggest thoughts into their mind- the hypnosis and any physical control lasts only as long as she maintains eye contact, but the thoughts will remain until the victim realizes their presence. Also, Sarkai seems to have unlimited endurance. Weapons: Short baton weighted with lead at either end, along with two throwing daggers in arm sheaths. Biography: Sarkai, though one might assume her to be solitary, was actually one of the more gregarious gods. She loved to play tricks on the others, which earned her no good will there- but she never cared. At the same time, she was prone to wandering the mortal world for months on end, simply for the sake of 'seeing as they see'. She loved to toy with the simple minds of mortals, and would often choose one particularly promising young rogue to favor, simply for amusement's sake. She tried to get other gods to join her in betting on the outcome of wars and other confrontations, but none did. She's not the most serious of deities, or the most loyal; if chosen by the trickster goddess, a mortal must always watch their back, because she's likely to change her mind in the space of a moment. All things considered, she's not really bothered by Alethor's attack. She was wandering the mortal world at the time, so she wasn't actually hurt in the fighting, and to Sarkai that's all that matters. Actually, she still thinks that it was a fine trick for him to play- though she's starting to wonder when the prank will end. Other: Sarkai has a deep fondness for the human world, no matter how insane it may be at times. If Alethor had attacked her charges, she would have been much more angry than his attack on the gods made her. She loves jewelry of any kind, especially strange-looking talismans and bangles. Gaian Name: MacTavishW3
Name: Mornath
Gender: Male
Appearance: Mornath is tall and thin, with long dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes. His trousers and tunic are dark grey and he wears a black hood and cloak. He wears brown leather gauntlets each set with a gem that is one half a piece of diamond and one half a piece of obsidian, to represent the light and dark worlds of the afterlife.
Patron God of: Death
Animal Representative(s): The Eagle and the Raven
Powers: Mornath can place the fear of death upon his enemies. He can psychically assault their minds with visions of their impending doom. These visions are not predictions but rather projections meant to inspire fear and incapacitate. Mornath also has a limited ability to see a person’s destiny and can judge the righteousness of their soul. As the God of Death it is he who determines where a person’s soul will abide in the afterlife.
Weapons: Mornath carries a great scythe and a long dagger.
Biography: While some may dismiss the God of Death as being a purely foreboding figure, Mornath is not a taker of life, but rather a ferrier of souls. When a person’s life ends it falls to Mornath to take their soul across the river of death to the place of judgement, where the righteousness of that soul would determine whether they lived their afterlife in the world of light or darkness. As such, Mornath has a kind heart and always attempts to make the transition as comfortable as possible. That is not to say, however, that the God of Death is without his darker side. If a soul has proved unjust, if the person has lived a life of greed and cruelty, Mornath will send their soul rot with the Damned in the World of Darkness without pity or remorse. Still, by the nature of his work Mornath is feared and resented by some societies and it pains him to be thought ill of for only doing his job. He maintains a good humour, but most often his expression is a warm, yet sad, smile. He knows his job is necessary, but it still cannot wholly assuage the hurt of resentment.
Mornath wants to see Alethor displaced as soon as possible. As long as he alone holds the throne of Galebiel Mornath cannot collect and place the souls of the dead. All who have died since Alethor’s coup are stuck in Limbo, where their souls will be at unrest until Mornath can retain his former position.
Other: The Eagle represents the World of Light, where good souls go after their bodies perish. The Raven represents the World of Darkness, the prison of the Damned. They act as Mornath’s eyes, allowing him to keep watch over the world and informing him when a soul is about to depart.Gaian Name: PhantomMagi Name: Ahrkan Gender: Male Appearance:  Patron God of: Protection, The Forge, and War Animal Representative(s): A trio of Bull Mastiffs, one Black, one Red, one Grey. Powers: Can cause any weapon or armour of his choosing to animate and battle of its own accord. His presence can increase the skill and prowess of others in battle, in a very aura-like effect. Also has minor power over the manipulation of fire. Weapons: Greatsword and Smithing Hammer Biography: In ancient times, the mortal world was engulfed in near constant war, Ahrkan presiding over each battle from his keep in the gods kingdom, his name often used in battlecries, each victory sworn by his honour. Many times he would descend to the conflict himself, inhabiting the body of a particularly skilled warrior, changing the course of each battle as he saw fit. With time, this era of war passed, ushering in one of peace. With this change, he gradually, and slightly grudgingly, felt that his role had lost its necessity, and he redirected his passion for battle into his other domains. Battles would crop up now and then, but he left them to newer gods, eager to take his place. He often opted to living among the mortals, taking on the guise of an assistant or mentor, aiding the mortal craftsmen in their work. With the attack of Alethor, Ahrkan returned to Galebiel, only to find his keep and forge in ruin, the gods scattered and the kingdom in chaos. Enraged at Alethor and himself for not being there to defend, he set about salvaging what he could. He returned to the mortal plane in search of the others, once again taking up his sword and armour, ready to reclaim his old mantle as God of War.
Gaian Name: Stainthedane
Name: Simos
Age: Unknown
Gender: Male
Appearance:
Powers: Time Manipulation, some control over water, flight, speaks telepathically. It is unknown what other things he may be capable of, for it is rare that someone sees him.
Biography: Simos is a legendary water dragon that lives deep in the unexplored areas of the ocean. He sleeps for years under water until he is called upon by his worshippers in a ceremonious ritual. Many have tried to wake the dragon, but there are only a select few who are capable of doing so. Born of a special bloodline, Laelitha is one of them. The two have met before, both sharing the control of Time. However, Simos still possesses all of his powers, and awaits his awakening to help the Gods restore balance to the world.
Other: OtherGaian Name: Devilish Kylie Name: Kira Age: 24 Gender: Female Appearance: Powers: N/A Weapons: A light, one-handed sword is her primary and preferred weapon, but she is able to wield a bow and arrow well, and has minimal skill with daggers. Biography: Kira led a fairly normal life as a mortal, until the day when Alethor forcibly took over the kingdom of Galebiel. She was the daughter of a knight on the earth, and was taught the traditional skills of a knight, though women were not permitted to be formally trained. Her mother had died when she was quite young of an illness, leaving her father with a broken heart and no sons to carry on his name. He had to give up his days as a knight to care for Kira, who was bewildered by her mother's death. They had never been close, as he was often away from home, and at first he was bitter about the situation, until Kira came home one day with a blackened eye and bruised knuckles. Though he was shocked, she seemed unfazed, even pleased, and calmly wet a cloth in cold water to soothe her eye. When he demanded an explanation, she replied, "They was beating on Jep, ya know, and he's on'y little. Mama says little'uns need ta be defended." Though her mother had meant little girls when she first said it, and had often wept over her daughter coming home in such a state, Kira stubbornly refused to let the village bullies have their way. Her father tentatively taught her some simple methods of hand-fighting, which she was hungry to learn and eagerly practiced often. As she grew older, her lessons matured, from archery to swordcraft, which she loved as much as her father did. He died when she was nineteen, so she lived in her family's house alone, learning a few dagger tricks from travellers who passed through, eager as ever to expand her knowledge of weaponry. Then one day, when she was barely 21, the earth quaked and the sun was blacked out for hours by a dark force emanating from above. This was the overthrow of Galebiel, and it twisted the mortal world into chaos as order and structure slowly deteriorated. Raiders came a year later and burned her village to the ground, and Kira just managed to fight her way out of the slaughter. Since then, she has lived as a nomad, wandering the mortal realm. Though anger smolders deep in her heart, she has no way to avenge the deaths of her friends and neighbours. So she continues to roam the earth, searching for a whisper, a hint, of some way for a mortal to reach the kingdom of Galebiel. Other: Kira has grown into a quiet woman, no longer filled with the exuberance of her childhood, but the suppressed passion of her fury, matured and controlled since the incident. Two years of solitude have turned her into a careful listener and a fast thinker, with nimble reflexes and a suspicious personality. Gaian Name: MacTavishW3
Name: Darion of Nelgoth
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Appearance: Darion is tall with an athletic build, short, black hair and green eyes. He and his followers wear cloaks of grey and clothes of earthen colours such as green and brown. At times they mask their faces.
Powers: While Darion and his company have no true magical powers, they are incredibly skilled at concealment and tracking. They specialize in ambush warfare.
Weapons: Darion’s primary weapon is an ash longbow. He also carries a finely made longsword and a dagger, both of which he wears on a belt around his waist.
Biography: Darion was born in the hilly outlands of Nelgoth, amongst rocky crags and seemingly perpetual mist. His father was the captain of a scout company in the service of the king and when Darion was old enough he too took up the longbow and sword of the Nelgoth Rangers, in command of his own company. He and his men honed their skills, both in practiced battles and real ones. In defence of their homeland they would melt into the rocks and hills, striking swiftly and silently through the mist before falling back and regrouping. They would scout the enemy’s position from afar and report back to their army’s headquarters to assist in the co-ordination of attacks. During one such attack, Darion personally saved the life of Prince Yaeros, the son of the King. In gratitude Yaeros named Darion Defender of the Realm, gifting him with a longsword forged within the royal smithy. The year after, Alethor took the throne of Galebiel and the world below descended into chaos. Kardred, the nephew of the king, staged an uprising aided by supporters from within and without the kingdom. He murdered his uncle and gave his cousin, Yaeros to raiders who worshipped Alethor. They took the Prince away to be a slave in the service of their wicked master. Those loyal to the true king who had not been slain fled the country and have been wandering through the wilderness ever since. Darion took twenty of his best Rangers with him, leaving the rest to guard the refugees, and set out in search of the raiders who captured his liege and friend.
Gaian Name: MacTavishW3
Name: Fenstar of Nelgoth
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Appearance: Fenstar is tall, with an imposing physique and a stern face. His hair is blonde and he is garbed in the same type of clothes as Darion and the other Rangers.
Powers: See Darion's profile
Weapons: Fenstar carries a longbow and a quiver of arrows. He also carries a dagger and a sturdy broadsword.
Biography: A childhood friend of Darion's, Fenstar joined the ranks of the Rangers of Nelgoth at the same time and they fought side by side in many battles. When Darion was given command of his own company he appointed Fenstar as his Lieutenant without a second thought. Fenstar is a brave and loyal soldier, and a terror to face in battle. He is adept at archery and swordfighting, and many an enemy has regretted finding themselves on the business-end of his fists. He is unquestionably loyal to Darion and would follow him to hell if need be.Gaian Name: Orok Name: Simon Age: Thought to be 24, but true age is unknown Gender: Male Appearance: Powers: On occasion, the odds have swung his way against all odds. Weapons: Fists and rocks. Biography: Simon woke up in the woods one day, he didn't know who he was or how he got there and he could barely speak. He was picked up by slavers while he was trying to find out who he was and what was going on. They named him Simon and it stuck. As he was forced to travel with the slavers, he picked up and remembered how to speak, although it's a generally rude dialect that is constantly slurred and contracted. He got along well enough with the slavers, with the exception of regular food. One of the older slaves, named William took Simon under his wing and taught him how to hide food from the slavers so they could eat it later. William taught Simon how to fight during the occasions where the slavers weren't paying enough attention. However, he couldn't be taught how to fight using a weapon because they couldn't gain access to weaponry, and if the slavers had seen this, they would have killed Simon and William. He was later sold by the slavers to a pack of thieves who taught him how to con people into sending some coin his way; they also started to teach Simon how to fight with an axe. He made a better living with the thieves, and the thieves noted that luck seemed to follow Simon and he escaped many gambles with very large spoils. He had been known to win every time he gambled with the thieves. Simon grew fond of the thieves, unfortunately most of them got arrested quickly due to the increase in town protection due to Alethor's reign. Meanwhile Simon made off into the woods and escaped the guards. He now wanders around trying to stay alive, but hopes to join a group of rangers and learn how to fight using weapons. Other: Very good con artist, but he now doesn't con people unless he needs food.
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Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 8:18 pm
"We are each our own devil,"Laelitha woke up to the sun crawling over the horizon, a peregrine falcon perched above her watching over her small camp. Rising she folded up her blankets and whistled for her horse. Laelitha had been travelling the wilderness for years searching for the rest of the Gods that had been disposed. She could get back to Galebiel but wasn't strong enough to fight Alethor and even hope to survive let alone win. The only way they could regain control would be if they all fought Alethor together, combining their powers.
A large black stallion trotted out of the forest and Laelitha walked up to him. He whickered and nuzzled Laelitha's arm. She threw her blankets over his back and climbed up after, settling herself just behind his whithers. The stallion then started walking through the forest, and Laelitha admired the foliage. She had always enjoyed the ancient forests that covered this part of the world.
The sound of wings beating caught her attention and Laelitha looked to the sky and saw one of her messengers returning. Her stallion stopped and the bird landed on her outstretched arm. An army of 700 people marched into her camp, adding their arms to the fight for Galebiel, knowing that as mortals they most likely go to their death. These ones pray to the god Tiberius, and set up camp under his emblem. The army is now 5000 strong, and that's only with two gods. "Thank you Alein." Laelitha says, and the bird takes wing again, and her stallion begins walking again. "If I could only find Mornath. I know he'd help." When they had been at full strength Laelitha and Mornath had been friends because of how their work intermingled. I'd bring people to deaths door, and he'd bring them to the afterlife. It was I who killed the mortals, but he took the blame. "And we make this world our hell."
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Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 12:56 pm
Mornath sat upon a log, his head resing upon the haft of his scythe, his eyes closed. It had been many years since he lost his position and, demi-god though he was, the long wandering still took it's toll.
"How I dearly wish I could fly again," he mumbled to himself as he waited for his two familiars to return, "Things like this were so much easier when I wasn't confined to the dirt." Two different birdcries sounded from above the tops of the trees as Olron the Eagle and Vastar the Raven swooped down to rest upon his right and left shoulder respectively.
"Took your time," Mornath sighed with a grin.
"We were long flying," reported Olron, panting slightly, "The camp of Laelitha lies three hours walk northwest of here. A great force is gathered there, 5000 strong."
"A fine host indeed," the God of Death nodded, "Still, not nearly enough to stand against the legions of Alethor. What of his forces?"
"Bands of brigands raid near and far across the land," answered Vastar, whose job it was to seek out evil souls, "Some openly bear Alethor's colours. Others are no more than barbarians and knaves seeking to better themselves and no others. Yet souls of light are now drawn to the camp of Laelitha, bearing colours of the displaced Gods."
"I don't imagine I'd find any of mine in that muster," Mornath chuckled, "Although I can't say I can blame them for avoiding the worship of death. How many more Gods have gathered?"
"I saw the colours of Tiberius at the camp," answered Olron, "And I have heard rumor of the work of Sarkai near these parts, but I saw nothing of her at the camp. I also caught a glimpse of Alein flying over this forest as I returned in search of you. Laelitha may be in this very same wood."
"Let us hope so," said Mornath as he rose from the log, the two birds still perched on his shoulders, "Three hours northwest. Well, hopefully the Godess of time can hasten our pace should we cross her path on the way there." He pulled his black hood over his head and resumed his march towards the camp.
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Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 5:50 pm
Tiberius watched from outside his tent as Alein, one of Laelitha's Falcons, takes to the air with his message. Once the bird is out of sight he turns to look around at the rows of tents that now surround his in the large clearing. At first it had been only him and a few of his priests that had survived the initial chaos, but over time had grown into a force several thousands strong, hailing from both his worshipers and the Time Goddesses. The camp was now large enough to spill out into the forest and surrounding clearings.
Turning back to his large black cloth tent he allows one of the priests flanking the entrance flap to lift it open for him. Inside the darkness of the tent Tiberius is finally able to relax. When outside among the army he always had to keep up the appearance of a powerful and confident God, despite the blow to his power suffered at the hands of the traitor Alethor. Collapsing into a large pillow on the floor he lets out a long sigh, his hand slowly raising a hand to his forehead to rub it slowly before squeezing the bridge of his nose between his fingers. "Wish that shock wave had taken my insomnia along with my powers..."
Tiberius was only allowed a few minutes of peace and quiet before Malthuse, his freshly appointed High Priest, calls into the tent. "My Lord, I have brought the Captain of the new arrivals to you as you requested." Standing up slowly Tiberius molds his near constant look of fatigue into that of a stern leader. "Very well then, enter." The flap opens allowing two men in. Both are dressed in black, close fitting clothing similar to his, and both sport forehead protectors bearing his emblem. The one on the left is more ornately dressed with additional armour such as shoulder guards and a variety of kuni as well as his Ninjatō. The two men drop to one knee and bow their heads, the man on the left being the first one to speak. "My Lord, this is Arcturous, leader of the 700 that made their way here today." Tiberius nods, motioning for them both to rise. "Greetings Arcturous, you have shown courage in joining our cause. However, you will not fully be a part of my army until your men undergo the training my Priests have to offer."
The two men and the former god speak for a short while before the men take their leave of his tent, allowing Tiberius to relax once more.
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Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 6:27 pm
Kira had just finished erasing the signs of her camp. She had scattered the coals of her fire and smoothed dirt over the spot where it had crackled throughout the night, keeping her warm and warning away animals as it slowly burned down. Such precautions had to be taken, as thieves and raiders would eagerly pursue the signs of a single traveller. Kira had bathed in a nearby river at dawn, and was now both clean and rested. It had been a quiet night, which was rare. The past few days, she had noticed the old forest quieting, and had quickened her pace. It meant that a camp or village was nearby, and if it was benign, she had to find it, as her sword was in need of a proper cleaning, and game had been scarce as of late. Her clothes she had earned through labour from the last settlement she had come across were hanging on her looser than they had before, which irritated her. It only meant she'd have to spend time earning new ones or stay in the camp until she had gained some weight.
Kira scuffed the dirt with the toe of her boot one last time, then adjusted her belt, and the sword that hung from it, around her hips and left the former camp site. She moved at a faster pace than she normally would have - she didn't want to sleep in the eerie silence of the forest for another night. Today would have to be the day she found the settlement.
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Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 7:28 pm
Sarkai met the morning in a cheap inn room. She rolled out of bed at the break of dawn as the first sunbeams dappled her face, dressed for the day- practical, sturdy breeches, a crimson tunic and leather vest, along with heavy boots and leather armguards. Her baton's handle was looped over her belt; it tapped against her thigh as she packed her belongings. Finally, saddlebags over one arm and smaller pack over the opposite shoulder, she left the room and trotted down the stairs.
The fee she'd paid for the room the night before had also covered a simple breakfast of porridge. That was how the humans found her, when they rose: sitting at a corner table, a glass of apple cider in front of her and a bowl of spiced porridge taking up most of her attention. She looked up as they entered.
"Gentlemen! Come, come, sit by me!" she cried merrily, rewarded by the sight of all three burly men wincing and reaching up to their aching heads. These fools had challenged her to a drinking competition the night before. She'd won, of course; Sarkai did not get drunk. And she also didn't wake up with a hangover, or any compunctions about waving it in their faces.
It wasn't as if they could be blamed. Her current illusion was of a brown-haired, brown-eyed and utterly forgettable middle-aged woman, a trader in some kind of unspecified goods. They had every reason to think that they could drink her under the table. You'd think, however, that they'd have clued in when the first of them passed out. But no, the two remaining just kept tossing back the inn's best whiskey. They ended the night with a huge tab, an amused demi-goddess, and a damaged reputation.
Sarkai watched with a grin as the three went to separate tables, and her grin widened as the irate innkeeper refused to give them breakfast without first seeing the gold he was owed for their tab. As the argument escalated into shouting (at least on the innkeeper's part), she finished her little meal and left the room, with a silver coin under her bowl as a tip.
Outside, she crossed the inn courtyard to the stables. Her ornery bay gelding was in the very last stall; she saddled him and tied the saddlebags on behind before leading him out and mounting. As she turned the horse to leave the courtyard, a young boy dashed in.
"Maister Fens!" he shouted, calling for the innkeeper. Sarkai's gelding danced under her, startled by the sudden loud noise. She soothed him, her head cocked to hear the rest of the boy's words. He conversed with the innkeeper in the doorway.
"There be a- a- an albatross, sir! It be a sitting on the Wayfoot Lady's shrine, sir! The priest thinks it be a sign!"
She didn't catch the older man's words, but Sarkai smiled. She was one of few gods who had shrines instead of proper temples or whatnot. Her worshippers generally left trinkets and prayers at little hutches built alongside roads. The priest of this little village would be one who knew all deities; the town was too small to have more than one priest, and so he couldn't be devoted to one god. He'd know that the arrival of her albatross meant that her blessing was on the town. But just for good measure, she turned her horse so that his shod hooves clattered on the cobbles and trotted him out of the courtyard, making just enough noise to draw attention without being annoying for the townsfolk. As she rode down the single street towards the shrine, she allowed bits and pieces of her illusion to slough away. The ends of her hair turned from drab brown to her usual vibrant pink, and she dropped the illusion on her eyes entirely. The one person whose gaze she met directly was a young woman carrying a basket of washing. Sarkai winked broadly at the girl, knowing that she wouldn't realize the significance of that moment until later.
Outside the village, she met up with her winged messenger. Saleta, the albatross who had caused such a stir by landing at the shrine, was waiting patiently for her. She was a huge bird, as were most of her kind, and perched atop the little stone house her head was even with Sarkai's, even if the latter was mounted.
<Your kinsfolk are gathering an army,> the bird sent as Sarkai approached. <It is not so much yet, but to be doing this now they must be planning to take back Galebiel. They seek any help they can get.>
"Well, not my kind of help. I've no doubt that my fair siblings would object to me bringing them a horde of vagabonds, thieves, and ragtag wanderers to their camp. But I might stop in and say hello. Who's in charge?"
<Tiberius of the Night seems to be the leader of the camp. He has allies in Mornath Rest-Bringer and Laelitha Time-Spinner, I think. Laelitha is most closely allied with him.>
"Hmmm." Sarkai considered this. "Would you mind greatly paying Tiberius a visit for me? Tell him...tell him that I'm around. And if this is not too great an imposition, tell him that you will be my intermediary. Perhaps they will unbend enough to ask for my aid." She grinned fiendishly. "And perhaps I shall simply watch, and toy with them as I may."
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Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 1:05 pm
Please note, this is not the same village that Sarkai just left
Darion rose after placing a coin form his purse on the alter of Sarkai's shrine. He walked down the steps to where his men had gathered. His cheif Lieutenant, Fenstar looked on warily.
"I do not like this, sir," the hulking Ranger muttered as Darion passed him. The two walked towards the nineteen similarly dressed men gathered with strong horses outside the gate of the town.
"I am aware of that, Fenstar," Darion answered, "I have my own misgivings but right now we need every bit of help we can get." Darion much would have preferred to beg the help of Elistae, Goddess of the Earth whom the people of Nelgoth worshipped. Alas, she was imprisoned in Galebiel and could not answer their cries.
"Ever does the favour of the Wayfoot Lady waver," Fenstar pressed on, "If we ask for her help it may yet bring us to ruin."
"I know," Darion cut his second off a bit more harshly than he aught. He sighed and patted the taller man on the shoulder before continuing. "We are wanderers now, and as such fall under her charge. If we beg for her favour there is a small chance she may see fit to bless us with good fortune. If we ignore her, I am certain that she would chose to enact devilry upon us for her own sport. We are beggers, without the luxury of choice."
"I suppose it will be easier for us to curry the favour of the Trickster than of the people here," the blonde haired Fenstar noted, nodding towards the townsfolk that spied them through the open gateway as they went about their lives behind the town's walls. They eyed the Rangers with suspicion and Darion could not wholly fault them. He and his men were dirty, unkempt and dour. The years they'd spent wandering the wilderness in search of their lost Prince reflected on them and the people of towns such as this one, that had somehow escaped the chaos, took them for thieving vagabonds.
"So, where next?" Fastar asked as he and Darion mounted their horses.
"I hear rumors that a great host is gathering northwest of this place, bearing the banners of the Gods," the black haired Captain answered, "We shall ride there next and see if they have use for us. With any luck the messengers of the Gods may be able to help us find our displaced kin and rally more to the cause." With that, he kicked his heels in and the Rangers of Nelgoth set out in search of the Gods.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 1:42 pm
It was not until mid afternoon that Tiberius was finally able to leave his tent and take a walk around the camp with some of his Priests in tow. While his command insight was a great asset to the army, the knowledge of his presence was by far a more powerful tool for the men around him. He tried to walk around the entire camp at least once a day in order to remind the men that they were not going to be fighting without the help of the gods. He always made a point of stopping to talk to groups of soldiers and inspect the quality of the weapons the smithies were producing. However, his favourite thing on his walks by far stopping in on the combat training and stepping in to teach recruits personally. Today he was feeling restless and so he sought out the training fields quickly.
Tiberius soon finds himself surrounded by a ring of defeated soldiers, all groaning and holding various places on their body which would soon become bruises. Bowing his head out of respect the god tosses the training sword he had used back to the trainee he had borrowed it from. "I hope this demonstrates the importance of agility and being aware of your surroundings. It is not power alone nor magic that determines victory." Turning from the bowing trainees Tiberius moves over to his priests, motioning them in closer. "Malthuse, I want you to arrange for some of the magi under Laelitha banner to undertake some joint training, I want these men to be able to take on magic users and have a fighting chance." Out of the corner of his eye he spots a large bird soaring over the tree tops towards him.
Once it gets closer he can make out the shape of an albatross. "That's one of Sarkai's messengers... Excuse me gentlemen." Tiberius' priests bow and begin to split up to arrange the training while the God moves to an opening where the large bird lands. Saleta quickly relays the message of her mistress, her words causing Tiberius' chronic look of exhaustion to grow. The god and goddess had never really gotten along well, as she would often single him out for pranks on his night time journeys. However, the army needs all the power it could muster to take on the one that had proclaimed himself the god of gods. "Very well Saleta, you may tell the Goddess that any help she could bring to aid us would be greatly appreciated. I hope that she finds it fitting to help restore order in this world." With that the god turns to leave, but pauses a few steps away to look back over his shoulder. "By the way, remind her how much more fun it is to prank people when the world is in order and they don't expect it."
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:45 pm
The beat of wide wings caught Sarkai's ears after some hours of riding. She looked up to see Saleta circling not so far above her head. It was a surprise, of sorts; the camp of the gods couldn't be far. She might even be moving in that direction already.
A little ways down the road was a small copse of trees. Sarkai trotted her horse into it, then dismounted and looped his reins loosely around a branch, backtracking to the open road to allow Saleta to descend for conversation. The bird was too big to be held on her wrist as would a falcon by a hunter; she dug her claws into a fallen log instead, and Sarkai sat down crosslegged in front of her messenger.
"You're swifter than even I anticipated, friend," she complemented, and the albatross tilted her head in a way that suggested she appreciated the comment.
<The Night-Walker's camp is not far. You're actually heading much in that direction,> Saleta responded, confirming Sarkai's guess. <He is harried, though. A camp of five thousand, while not strong enough to wage war on Galebiel, is no small thing for one man to manage.>
"I thought you said he had allies, Mornath and Laelitha," Sarkai interjected, brows furrowed.
<Allies he has, but none in the camp at the moment. Mornath is close, but on a fast horse you are the closest.>
"I am not Tiberius's ally."
<That can change. This is his message: That whatever you can bring to the cause would be appreciated. And also- that it is more fun to prank people when the world is orderly.>
Sarkai snorted, then sighed. "My brother has never understood that order has absolutely nothing to do with me. I am no chaos-minion, to need order for my work to disrupt. And besides, when the world is peaceful mortals expect gods to interfere. As it is, they believe us to be caught up in some celestial war. They expect my tricks even less now than ever." But as she stood and stretched, she made her decision.
"Very well. I will go to visit my brother. Do me another favor, Saleta, and speak with your kinfolk; call them out, as many as you can muster, and ask them to find my shrines and perch upon them. That will get people's attention, and make the muster that much easier." The albatross gave a quick, bobbing bird-nod and took off again. As Sarkai walked back to her mount, she rolled her eyes up to the sky.
"I must be mad, to throw my lot in with them," she muttered to the gelding. But the truth was, Aelthor's little trick had been amusing- months ago. Now it was tiresome. She found herself longing for the comforts of Galebiel, things she had taken for granted before being deprived of them. Oh, she'd wandered the world before, but never for so long and never by force. It didn't help that Aelthor's takeover had stripped her of some of her powers and weakened what was left. She could no longer control a mortal mind with her own without staring them in the eyes first, and the ability to hide herself from mortal sight was also gone. Now she relied on illusions, and paltry ones at that- an Adept of suitable power could have broken them, whereas before they had been as strong and as real as transformation spells.
It was about time to end this farce.
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 3:23 pm
"We are each our own devil,"Laelitha had been traveling for an hour when Alein returned once more. This time the vision the bird sent her was one of Mornath traveling towards her camp, he was a couple yards to the south of her. Out of her way, but it's better to travel together. Alein takes flight again, and Laelitha spurs her horse to a canter heading south to intercept Mornath.
Soon Laelitha's stallion is leaping out of the brush and onto a small road just in front of Mornath. She turns to look at him and smiles. "Long time no see my friend." Turning her horse towards the camp she walks alongside Mornath. "I suppose you have heard of the camp nearby. Tiberius and I are gathering warriors. We know that we need mortal souls to win this battle." Her face falls slightly. "Although I wish it wasn't so, so many people lost at one time. You'll be busy for a long time." She turns to look at Mornath, gazing into his blue eyes. "I have missed your company dear friend." "And we make this world our hell."
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 8:24 pm
Mornath smiled as Laelitha approached. He was good friends with the Goddess of Time. It was, after all, her domain that brought mortals to his. As Mornath waved in greeting, Olron took off from his shoulder.
"I can sense good souls approaching the camp," said the Eagle, "I will find out what I can." The God of Death nodded as his companion flew off eastward. He then turned his attention ot Laelitha.
"It has been too long," he smiled at her, "It is good to see that you are well. I have heard of your camp and I come to offer what service as I can. Alas, I fear there will be many souls to sort out should we regain Galebiel. Many have died since that traitor's uprising." He chuckled slightly when she mentioned missing his company, "And I have missed yours," he answered, "Although it is a rare person indeed that welcomes the company of death. It has been hard going these last few years and maintaining a discreet presence is not so easy when one carries such a great scythe everywhere he wanders. The company of the raven and the eagle does not exactly help either."
"Appart from providing you with eyes and decent conversation," muttered Vastar.
"In any case, it will be good to stay in a place where I am no longer eyed with suspicion."
Olron swooped though the trees, above Laelitha's head to land on Mornath's right shoulder.
"Twenty men ride towards Tiberius' camp," he reported, "I would have taken them for followes of Sarkai but for the soul of their leader."
"How do you mean?"
"Their cloth is ragged and muted, ideal for hiding in the wilderness. Yet, the carry and conduct themselves with the valour and honour of knights. Their captain has one of the purest souls I have ever seen."
"Do they bear colours?"
"They do not," Olron shook his head, "We shall find out their alleigance when we reach the camp. They ride hard and will arrive before us."* A sentinel stepped forth to challenge Darion and his men as they approached the outskirts of the camp.
"Who approaches?" the soldier inquired gruffly.
"Rangers of Nelgoth who wish to lend their services to your cause," Darion answered, "I wish to speak to the overall commander of this force."
"You appear as vagabonds seeking plunder to me," the sentinel growled, "Nelgoth has fallen, it's ruler is now in league with Alethor. What proof have you that you are not spies of the enemy?"
"I carry this," said Darion, reaching into one of his puches. When he held his hand out once more, he held forth a pendant of a strong stone entwined by great vines, "The pendant of Elistae the Earthmother. I also carry this." Now Darion drew his longsword and presented it, hilt-first to the guard. The soldier regarded the seal on the handle, a horseman bearing a mace, capped by the sun, "This is the seal of Yaeros, the true heir to the throne of Nelgoth. I am Darion, captain of the King's Rangers. My men and I wish to serve in your force. Where is your commander?"
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