Aesir: Game Thread

[Agapé]

*bows*

mil-rd Tepes, I am honored my followers endeavors have come to your attention. My followers will be pleased to instruct your vampires in what little we know of music making.

However, knowing how to make music without the proper venue to appreciate it in would be a shame. So instead of sending students all the way to the delta, followers of Serloth Lorekeeper and myself shall come to your villages, find the perfect locale, and build you your own concert hall. It is the Lorekeeper's followers who are truly versed in the ways of construction and acoustics; my own will instruct in the ways of music making. Far more of your followers can learn this way, and a magnificent building to show what they learned will await their graduation.

Is this agreeable to you?
You have my word that no proselytizing on the part of my followers will occur within the mountain range.

[Tepes]

I am honored that my sister of Love and my brother of Knowledge would go to so much trouble. Of course, to minimize risk to your followers (my vampires can be quite zealous when it comes to outsiders), I will have an envoy of vampires meet you on the grasslands to the north of Sepulchre. From there, my vampires will guide your followers to Sepulchre, where King Lucien Lachance will extend welcome, provide lodgings and food, and throw a celebration for the first deistic triumvirate of Narie. I already know of a suitable location for the concert hall, and the plans can be drawn up upon arrival.

I look forward to our followers' meeting, Agape and Serloth, and thanks again for your trouble. I promise the hard work of your followers will be well rewarded.

[Serloth Lorekeeper]

I shall send some of My people most gifted in the ways of what we call engineering, the knowledge of how best to build things, what materials and manner are most efficacious.

You spoke of rewarding Our people for aiding You. What manner of reward were You thinking? Let there be no misunderstanding, I am in no ways implying any intent to inequity, but as Our very natures are different, so too will We each place different values upon things, and what seems a princely recompense to You might seem paltry to another. I speak not of any objective worth, merely differing perceptions.

[Tepes]

The rewards I can offer are numerous, and will be varied to the needs of your followers. Lucien Lachance will listen to the needs and wants of your Engineers, Serloth, and give them what they ask for in return for their hard work, no more, no less. If one Engineer desires gold or jewels, he will visit one of my mines to select his treasure. If another Engineer desires a village-man or village-woman for his life-partner, such can be arranged. I promise your followers will be completely satisfied in all manners; safety, food, shelter, entertainment, payment.

[Tepes]

This approach eliminates the need for objectivity, as each subjective perspective of your engineer gets exactly what they want, in a manner they deem fair.

[Serloth Lorekeeper]

A handsome offer indeed, Lord Tepes. However, these examples you give are transitory things, whereas the Hall we shall build will endure long and long. Therefore, Our divine Sister Agape and Myself ask rather this in return for your Hall: that Our people be allowed to work mines in a small area of the mountain range You have claimed. I pledge before all the Gods, I shall make no permanent settlement there. Our people will come for a season, or two, work the mines from camps, and all shall depart ere Winter snows in all the passes. Only to return when the thaws have come.

[Tepes]

Transitory things, indeed. Honest payment for honest labor is transitory? Instead, I am to allow unlimited yearly access to the precious metals and stones of my domain? Forgive me if I'm mistaken in this account. Serloth offers Engineers, who for one season helps design the plans for an auditorium, built from my wood and stone, built by the muscles of my followers, all while these Engineers enjoy the luxuries of my city? For this one season of architectural designing work, you believe you deserve access to mine my lands? Surely, God of Knowledge, you can see the inequality in this equation.

I took this meeting as a show of good faith between the deities of Narie. Of hosting a grand celebration between three different peoples. Of proof of what can be created when the beauty of Love, the wealth of Knowledge, and the infinity of Undeath come together.

Is not the desired reward for the hard work of your followers sufficient to make this happen?

[Serloth Lorekeeper]

My engineers would not merely sit back. They would need to be at the construction, for no one can fully predict all possibilities, nor nay plan cover all contingencies.

True, My folk will work for but a season, yet without them Your wood and stone would remain as such. Perhaps I spoke unclearly...I do not seek access to the entirety of Your demesne. What I seek is merely a small area, beyond which My folk shall not pass, within which they might mine.

You seem greatly affronted, and this perplexes Me. You seek a boon from my folk, and yet are insistent that the price be of Your determining. If You find My request excessive, then perhaps there is some other favor I may do for You, so that We both might call this a fair bargain?

[Tepes]

Very well, I will allow you access to a portion of land for as many seasons as your engineers remain to work, no longer. The excavations will be overseen by my vampires, and all crew and equipment will be closely monitored. What say you?

[Cobalt]

(compiled from PM's with the Somefather)

The stranger lay floating peacefully in the lake, his long white hair drifting languidly about his face as the waters of Gal rose and fell in their ancient rythm.

At first, he ignored Char and the Hunter, and they wondered if he was unaware of them, but as they approached the waters edge, he let his feet fall, and stood up in the shallows.

"Greetings," he said to them, letting his gaze linger on their wings.

"Who might you be? And what do you seek here?"

The Hunter glanced at Char sideways, growling word-forms softly in the language that only these two close friends can speak. More than animal noises, and less than man-speech, it can be very aggravating for an outside listener to hear. Your mind wants to understand it, but can't seem to find the way through.

He looks back at the man int he water, cocks his head sideways, and smiles broadly showing his teeth. It's a smile filled with good will, but backed with steel...and blood.

"We returned to lake Gal with gifts and blessings of the Great God; UrUk, Father of All Creatures.
We come to begin the cycle of life that has circled for ages upon ages,
Man and Beast, Beast and Man.
But One and the Same.
Animal"

At the last word, he and Char jumped into the water with a laugh, and began to play in the mildly frightening way that only hundreds of pounds of Beast/Men can. Dunking one another, and splashing wildly, enjoying the beautiful day and the warm water. After a few minutes to cool off, the playing stopped and the Hunter looked at Koma.

"I would know more of who you are, Sir. Your name, at least.
I can't hope to challenge you to anything without your name."

His smile deepens.

The stranger showed absolutely no apprehension, either at the pair's frolicing, or the lightly implied menace of the Hunter's words. Nor did the sound of their private speech seem to bother him at all.

"I am called Koma," he replied, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "although I suspect I attach less significance to the fact than you seem to. At the moment, I am merely a traveller here. I seek to know of these new gods, and what they mean to bring to this world."

The almost-smile vanished for a second as he turned a more appraising eye upon the pair. "Change, for one thing, it seems," he spoke almost to himself.

"Tell me, what do you know of them?"

The Hunter's wings ruffled slightly, and repositioned to expand his command on the space around him, and to halo his upper body in a pleasing manner to the eye. He was used to speaking on behalf of the Great God by now. Spreading his arms a bit, he spoke smoothly and in and even tone.

"The Great God; UrUk is come from an ancient age,
when Men were Beasts, and Beasts were men.
The Great God comes to return us to that time,
when Beasts were strong, Men stronger, and the Great God
the Strongest of All.

You can see the benefits of The Great God's worship."

The Hunter sweeps his arm behind him pointing the small herd of Oxodons, surrounded by a swath of followers. All healthy, strong and happy. Such tribal strength is uncommon.


The stanger listened intently while the Hunter spoke, then nodded slightly.

"It seems that you two at least are happy, and that your god does well for you and this land. This pleases me. I will watch over his progress with interest."

Turning without another word, he walked along the treeline on the shore of Lake Gal until his colorless robes faded into the shade, and he was gone, leaving no track, trail or scent to mark his passing.

Koma is certainly an enigma.

[Serloth Lorekeeper]

Lord Tepes, I cannot accede to Your demands. You ask favor of Myself and Agape, yet insist that We must accept what You see fit to offer in return. Perhaps another season We may discuss this further, but at this time We seem to be at an impasse.

[Agapé]

A tendril of calm reaches out from Love...

"Serloth, brother. This initial contact between us and another seems only to be causing potential strife between us. I agree I do not comprehend Tepes' hesitation in granting us permanent mining rights in exchange for a permanent structure built with your followers Knowledge and skill. But it is his right to dictate what happens within his realm."

Turning towards Tepes with a bow...

"But, mil-rd Tepes, if we agree to being allowed to mine for the length of time our own followers aid yours, I must inform you that learning to make music will take years. Or you will simply wind up with noise makers, who know nothing of technique and melody. Not to mention anything of the beauty and emotion which can be evoked through music.

"I propose we be granted mining privileges for the time my musicians remain among your followers, cultivating an appreciation and Love for the Knowledge of music.

"What say you to this?"

[Serloth Lorekeeper]

"I find Our sister Agape's suggestion an acceptable compromise."

--turning to face Agape, "Though I am called Wisdom, Your gentler nature has found a path which escaped My perception. My thanks to you, sister."

[Tepes]

This exchange has become unnecessary in light of recent concerns. Agape, thank you for attempting to negotiate, it was refreshing to discover that someone over there was at least conscious of my concern about inequality - even if it displeased you. I look forward to the inevitable meeting of our people, preferably one of friendship instead of one of favors.

An interesting peculiarity, that the God of "Knowledge" has no idea how to bargain. To be forward, I suggest you start studying how to make accurate appraisals for the value of labor before you attempt contact with me again. Also, blatantly ignoring the other party's concerns is generally a poor method for communication.

[Mynaesos]

Perhaps now you understand why I would rather listen to stones.

Please allow me to share a little folktale that's circulating among my people. I find it... amusing.

Once there were two sisters - twins, though you wouldn't know by looking at them. Nene was small, with hair so pale you could nearly see through it in bright daylight and her eyes a deep blue into which many a village lad would gladly drown himself. Drae, on the other hand, was tall and lithe, her hair was a brown darker than the falling leaves and her eyes sparkled like emeralds. It was said that their parents must have been blessed by Velt himself to have such beautiful daughters, and none of the other lasses of Veltton could compete with their beauty. None but each other, certainly.

Though the sisters loved one another immensely, sharing the bond that twins usually do, it was their nature to compete. When the boys of the village came to blows over who had the right to escort them home from Vespers, the kisses that they stole from Nene were, in truth, stolen from Drae. And vice versa.

Late in the bloom of their youth, they vied for the attention of one young man, the son of the local commander whose family had just recently joined him at the garrison. He was strong and handsome and had already begun training with his father's men. The courtship was long, as he was equally infatuated with them both.

In a way that belied her seeming innocence, Nene was cunning and secretive. The waters of her mind ran deep, though not cold. So it was that she arranged for the commander's son to meet her by the banks of the Nahal River. But lest it is thought that in this Nene had the upper hand, she did not. For as cunning as her sister was, Drae was just as observant. No detail escaped her astute green eyes, and thus she knew where and when the planned rendezvous would take place.

As it turned out, the young man was so preoccupied with his upcoming meeting with Nene that he failed to see his sparring partner's training sword. He was sent to the infirmary, though the medic assured the boy's father that there would be no worries of concussion.

As Drae approached the bank, words of surprise ready upon her lips, she saw that Nene sat alone upon a blanket with a basket in her lap. Eagerly looking for the young man, her eyes quickly set upon Drae. Each knowing how things were, and with any kind of pretense gone along with the boy's presence, accusations began to fly.

Birds fled from the sound of their yelling, nor could the river's trill be heard over it. Even the frogs and insects had quieted, as if the forest listened in on their dispute. Just as it seemed the sisters would come to blows, the bank gave way beneath them. Their bodies battered and broken by the fall, Drae held with one hand to a tree upon the Nahar's edge, the other to her sister's hand, which the river seemed to be trying to pull away. The tears they spilled were not just for their damaged flesh or fear of death, but for each other. Apologies were given and received before the branch gave way.

The girls' absence was soon noticed, and when the commander's son awoke, their parents and several others went off to look for them. Knowing the woods as they do and seeing the eroded bank, it was obvious what had happened. The people of Veltton grieved for weeks. Thereafter, it was wondered, if whispered, what offense the girls' parents had given Velt to give them two beautiful daughters.

[Cobalt]

A good story, Velt. Meaningful in more ways than one.

[Tepes]

Hail Deities of Narie - good fortune to you all and may your domains flourish with power!

I address you on this day to caution you, in hopes that the safety and autonomy of your followers can remain intact, and so our relationships remain amiable.

King Lucien Lachance has reclaimed his ancestral lands, and reunited his people under one banner - an event that surely pleases you all as much as it pleases me! However, we have learned that the Rebellion has not been halted to the extent we had hoped, but that they've merely relocated. We've discovered that they are centered in villages dreadfully near the Lachance mountain range. Obviously, this threat must be dealt with, and permanently. The only solution is absolution. Therefore, King Lucien is claiming all villages known to house and sponsor any survivors of the Rebellion as territory of the Lachance Monarchy - wherever they may be. If such rabble manage to infiltrate your venerable cities, it is my request that you relinquish said filth to be properly cleansed. It is my wish to make myself abundantly clear, Pantheon. The Lachance Monarchy and its subjects will not tolerate the existence of these individuals, and King Lucien is prepared to use all means necessary to assure the security and autonomy of his nation on the continent of Mekoth.

Thank you for your cooperation.

[Tepes]

King Lucien Lachance – the Vampire Lord, the Overmind, the Necromancer King, the Shadow in the Mountains, Herald of the Great Midnight. He is known by many names, and whisperings of his power spread quickly among the ignorant, causing the young to tremble and the old to pine for better days gone by. Lucien Lachance, however, paid little heed to the ruckus his recent activities inspired throughout the land. For Lucien felt the deepest compassion for Humanity, and Lucien so loved his brothers and sisters that he demanded perfection from them. Lucien understood the sacrifices required; that the goal of perfection was far beyond what the weak minds of this world could grasp or comprehend. But Lucien felt the deepest love for Humanity, and so loved were Lucien’s brothers and sisters that despite all their valiant attempts to remain ignorant of their true nature, Lucien would not give up on them. For the seeds of perfection are encoded in the very cells of Humanity. And by Tepes, do these seeds sprout! They will sprout and grow and spread until all of Lucien’s brothers and sisters have become vessels of perfection! For Tepes is the Sun, burning away weakness in his children and providing food for their perfection! And Lucien is the Rain, washing away the ignorance of his brethren and quenching their thirst with his wisdom!

Lucien knew the potential of his family, better than his brothers and sisters ever could. Lucien also knew their suffering, their delusions. Lucien understood their longing and desire for perfection, their desperation to free themselves. He understood that his brothers and sisters, by their very nature, are forever condemned to error and emptiness. But Lucien Lachance felt the deepest love for Humanity, and Lucien so cared for his brothers and sisters that he offered them the one thing they had desperately sought for eons, escape.

Escape, from human error, from desire and passion and instinct, from weakness of mind, body, and spirit. Lucien offered his family what they had always sought - perfection.

And thus Lucien addressed his disciples; his warlords and generals, his high priests and clergymen, and all his villagers and subjects. High from the parapets of his Black Citadel, Lucien’s voice resounded for all to hear:

“What has happened to me, my friends? You see me troubled, driven forth, unwillingly obedient, ready to go – ah, to go away from you! Yes, once more I must retire to solitude: but this time the bear returns unhappily to his cave! What has happened to me? Who orders this? – Ah, my angry master wants it so, so he told me; have I ever told you his name? Yesterday towards evening Perfection spoke to me: that is the name of my terrible master. And thus it happened – for I must tell you everything, so that your heart may not harden against the suddenly departing! Yesterday at the stillest hour the ground gave way under me and the vision began. I had never heard such stillness around me, so that my heart was terrified. Then voicelessly Perfection spoke to me: “You know it, Lucien?”
And I cried in terror at this whispering, and the blood left my face: but I was silent. Then once more voiceless it spoke to me: “You know it, Lucien, but you do not say it!” And at last I answered defiantly: “Yes, I know it, but I will not say it!” Then again voicelessly it spoke to me: “You will not, Lucien? Is this true? Do not hide behind your defiance!” And I wept and trembled like a child, and said: “Ah, I would indeed, but how can I do it! Spare me this! It is beyond my strength!” Then again voicelessly it spoke to me: “What do you matter, Lucien! Speak your word and break!” And I answered: “Ah, is it my word? Who am I? I await the worthier one, the Perfect one; I am not worthy even of being broken by it.” Once again it voicelessly spoke to me: “What do you matter? You are not yet humble enough for me. Humility has the thickest skin.” And I answered: “What has the skin of my humility not endured! I dwell at the foot of my height: how high my summits are no one has yet told me. But I know my valleys well.” Again it spoke: “Oh Lucien Lachance, he who must move mountains also moves valleys and plains.” And I answered: “As yet my word has not moved mountains and what I have spoken has not reached Humanity. I went, indeed, to Humanity, but I have not yet found them.” Again it voicelessly spoke to me: “What does that matter? You have unlearned how to obey: now you will command! Do you not know who is most needed by all? He who commands great things. To do great things is difficult: but the more difficult task is to command great things. This is the most unforgivable thing in you: you have the power and you will not rule!” And I answered: “I lack the lion’s voice for command.” Then again as a whispering it spoke to me: “It is the stillest words that bring the storm. Thoughts that come on doves’ feet guide the world. Oh Lucien, you will go as a shadow of that which is to come: thus you will command and in commanding go first. You must yet become a child and without shame. The pride of youth is still in you, you are late in growing young: but he who would become a child must overcome even his youth. Oh Lucien, your fruits are ripe, but you are not ripe for your fruits! So you must go again into solitude: for you will yet become Perfect!” Then laughter broke out all around me. Ah, how that laughter tore my entrails and cut open my heart! –Now you have heard everything, and why I must return into solitude. I have kept nothing from you, my friends.”

But when Lucien Lachance had spoken these words, the violence of his pain and a sense of the nearness of his departure from his disciples overwhelmed him, so that he wept aloud. For Lucien Lachance felt deep compassion for Humanity, and Lucien so loved his brothers and sisters that he departed from them, so that he could command great things and bring perfection to a world that craved nothing more.

Thus Spoke Lucien Lachance.

[Tepes]

Lucien Lachance stood alone atop the snowy peak; his destination – the village of Neus – tantalizing his vision at last. As Lucien peered towards the brightly lit port-city, the bitter memories of the friends he left behind began to crowd his mind. Lucien had no choice but to press on, lest they consume him.

Sixteen days into his journey through the mountain peaks of his kingdom, Lucien had encountered numerous perils; such that no mortal man could face and survive. Yet as dangerous as the odd ice-storm or white razor-tiger were, nothing on Narie could compete with the ever encroaching insanity that threatened what coherence Lucien retained. For Lucien to rest would mean committing ego suicide, for only through pressing forward would the taunting of his demons subside. Through the knowledge that he was moving forward and by the strain of his muscles he could attain a relative peace of mind. Lucien looked up to the blackness of heaven, wondering why his God allowed him this suffering. Although admittedly were it not for his undead condition his body would have froze and shattered in this weather, his mind deranged, and his spirit lost to damnation – the ways of Tepes were mysterious nonetheless.

Lucien replayed the last scene he had with his Queen – Scylla. He knew that his plans for his kingdom were safely placed in her hands, yet wished he could remain there physically to secure their effective execution. However he understood that sacrifices must be made, and that his biggest plans lay in wait for him.

Minutes later, Lucien leapt high into the air – fangs extended – snow exploding in all directions as he came down hard onto the back of a razor-tiger. Lucien sunk the length of his fangs into the neck of the snow-white beast, denying the animal forever its chance to repay the favor. Lucien arose, the powder of snow crumbling and falling from his cloak. Reinvigorated with life-blood, Lucien turned his gaze to the flickering lights of Neus. He was determined not to spend another night among the beasts of the mountains, and longed desperately for the company of the “civilized” village beasts. Feeling a pang in his breast, Lucien halted and looked back at the tiger-king he had slain. He began digging a hole into the snow and upon its completion he placed the husk of the tiger-king into the tomb he had created. The vampire King spoke, “May you rest well, King of the Mountain, and may Death greet you warmly – for your travels here are finished so that mine may continue.” Lucien softly whispered a few more words before replacing the snow he had uncovered. And with that, Lucien set off, raising his pace to the limit only a creature of the night could achieve.

Lucien arrived in Neus at daybreak. Greeting Lucien’s senses were the salty smells of the sea complementing the rhythmic symphony of the crashing waves and yells of the fishermen as they prepared their skiffs. Lucien observed as a man encased in steel armor bearing the royal insignia approached him. The knight moved in the manner of all fledgling vampires, awkward and unsure in their newfound strength and agility. The knight hailed the King, “Lord Lucien! We’ve heard rumors that our King was visiting! Come, you must meet with the Governor, I’m sure you two must have much to discuss!”

“I’m not here to trade words with Governor Soren, young knight.” - Lucien replied. “I have traveled here solely to check on the progress of my project. Tell me, do you know of its status?”

“Why yes, me Lord, it is finished! And surpasses all expectations, sire! It is truly of remarkable craftsmanship, you will be pleased.” - Exclaimed the knight. The knight motioned Lucien to follow him.

Upon arrival at the docks, Lucien allowed his eyes to rest on the vast ship he had ordered constructed - The Dracul. It truly was beyond all Lucien could hope for, and the sight of it made his un-beating heart leap with excitement. Lucien leapt onto the deck and from there to the crows nest, and gazed out to the great unknown in front of him. The blue skies showed cloudless as they collided with the ocean, forming a singularity that proved troublesome for his undead eyes to differentiate.

“My Lord!”, cried the Knight as he struggled his way onto the deck. “My Lord, what did I tell you? Isn’t it splendid? Our craftsmen here in Neus are top o’ the line, I’m telling ya! Wasn’t I right?”

“Yes, knight, rest assured your King is very pleased. Tell me; what was your name, knight?” - Lucien queried.

“Why, Frederick, my Lord. Just recently promoted from squire and quite pleased to be past that bit o’ hard work, let me tell ya.” - Replied the knight.

“Sir Frederick, for how long have you been vampire? You have the look of a fledgling about you.” Spoke Lucien.

“Well… about three weeks, my Lord. Still gettin’ the hang o’ it, actually. You see, my Sire was assassinated shortly after he turned me, and I’ve been stuck figurin’ all this stuff out on me own. But I’m a quick learner, my Lord! You have a fine soldier in me, I promise ya!”

Lucien smiled, “I have little doubt to the truth of your statement, Sir Frederick. Come.” Lucien glanced towards the ocean, his fangs lengthening from the cunning smile on his face as his midnight eyes gleamed with mystery and adventure. “What say you to a journey, Sir Knight? A journey into the unknown, where no man has ever gone and returned to speak the tale! An adventure yonder, to foreign lands and mysterious peoples!” Lucien turned to the knight, his midnight eyes boring into the shocked ambers of the bewildered soldier. “For I have many plans for this world, Sir Knight, plans that have just now begun to flower and take shape. This journey is just the beginning, for once I have found what I am looking for… Come, Captain Frederick, gather the crew and let us leave this old, dead world behind us!”

Thus Spoke Lucien Lachance.


...Suddenly, the entirety of the Dracul disintegrated under Lucien's feet, and with it his hopes and dreams of travel. With a display of agility, Lucien managed to land with two feet onto the dock. A look of surprise and incredulity struck his face as he gaped at the spot where his prized ship once sat. "What is the meaning of this?! What sorcery has been worked here?", Cried Lucien.

At once, Lucien realized the extent and reach of the unknown forces outside his control. He vowed to rectify this strange occurrence. Lucien would have his ship, and the secret wonders of the world would be his - one way or another.

[Lliannon Aine]

Such is the way with dreams. They appear, and seem real, and then vanish without so much as a blink...