Preparing his psyche for another delve into ancient places, Gabe keeps an eye out for anything odder than expected. Suddenly though, thoughts of the others intrude on his focus. I wonder how that new paladin order is coming together...
Samen makes note of the fey markings as they delve deeper. "See how the markings get older as we go down? You can really see the significance of time on these passages."
Benedetto, you see a few friends of the strong, stubborn paladin you humiliated with a contest of wills last time you were here. They scowl at you. The rest of the group either continues training, or here and there you get a nod of acknowledgement. Their breath steams in the humid air.
Aisling, amidst all your varied preparations, you receive an invitation to a more private audience with Captain Dove.
The setting is an undine tea shop, very cultured and very expensive. Slow, ritualistic motions about the tea and the delicate food make the procedure take that much longer.
After some roundabout pleasantries, Dove finally comes to the point, with a fairly bold statement. "Well, priest of Sky. You are poised to become a new power in Hearth and around the land, and yet you dedicate your resources to charity projects and rebuilding neighborhoods. You embrace old enemies as allies." A pause.
"I have never met an elen who is as good as he or she seems. So my question is - what is your ultimate goal here? Besides doing good for all elenkind, and those other trite words."
Underneath his cynicism, you see a younger Dove, a sylph who believed in the potential for truly good leaders. The Captain Dove before you is an el jaded by years of politics.
Aisling looks at the older sylph.
"I will spare you some fancy speeches and flowery words. Also a sob story. But what you see is mostly what you get.
I am trained agent as you already established. I was raised in a Sky Temple, one of the last to fall to the darkness, near the edge of the Volcano lands. And my parents are now demons...or as well might be."
"Yet, I did get a vision of The Sky *before* that happened. Made me train even harder. And now there is actual return happening.
To be clear, I don't know what to make of this 'human' business, els without elements? I mean, whoever heard of such a thing. But it could also be a great equalizer. No longer ifreeti lording over others. Regardless of the final outcome, the society became to stale, entrenched in a losing battle. Each time we lose another temple, each time a village is killed off somewhere near the edge, the area around Volcano diminishes. We need new blood, new drive, we need change. And that, boss, that is what I seek. I would prefer to keep the established order, just energize it. The changes with The Sky and new powers coming into play and Moon madness help, but I would dissolve the old order if needed. Because this order leads to death of elenity. This I am certain enough. Certain enough to risk death of elens."
He looks at the experienced politician.
"I'm sure you had to deal with some harsh decisions. But think back how many times, yours or military decisions were to let people die or get enveloped in The Dark because you simply didn't have power to do more. Well, if we're going down, I intend to go down blazing! And if there is a chance to unite us all, fire, water, earth and air...even these new humans...and to not go quietly into the night...that's what I'll do."
"I will follow your orders. I hope you'll give me time for my free-form politicking, but...you're the boss. I hope I don't put my trust to wrong place, you're in a dangerous profession, one that favors subtlety and indirection. Don't get caught up in that, sometimes, you need to come to the light."
[dice=Know planes]1d20+24
[dice=Know planes]1d20+24Samen makes note of the fey markings as they delve deeper. "See how the markings get older as we go down? You can really see the significance of time on these passages."
The Bland Fey and the markings surrounding them do seem to get older the deeper you go - you are surprised by how rapidly the apparent age seems to be changing.
Samen, you are sure the culmination of this tightly woven spell is right around the corner.
Gabriel, you notice a subtle increase in temperature- some kind of fire-based creature at the end of this long, winding tunnel.
***
Before you is a pitiable dog creature - from its waning signature, Samen can tell it was a mighty guardian in the days of full Volcano worship.
But with all the old aspects broken down, this last remnant of Volcanic malice looks more starving wolf than hellhound. It still braces itself protectively around a pile of bones -- unmistakably human in nature.
He looks at the experienced politician.
"I will follow your orders. I hope you'll give me time for my free-form politicking, but...you're the boss. I hope I don't put my trust to wrong place....
Dove's eyebrows raise, like a teacher paying special attention to an interesting student's comment. "I ask you for your motivations, and you end your speech by questioning my own. He gives a small smile, his only concession to show he took your words in the right spirit.
"Very well. I pray to all the gods that both of us are trusting with good faith and good intentions. Nothing would do my heart better than to see a more just society put into place. Leave it to the scholars to figure out how such a thing can be done, and the Council will do our best to enforce it." He smiles wryly.
Taking his new form as a call from the gods--or fate--Ibinu and his wife use their resources and their pull with the Council to investigate the destruction that has been happening in the south.
Flooding and sleeping sickness are the two major reports from the area - trade is nonexistent, and only non-undines have been seen coming from the south (undines are either dead, immobilized, or hiding out somewhere)
Ibinu wonders if there is anyone left to save in the southern half of the world.
Benedetto, you see a few friends of the strong, stubborn paladin you humiliated with a contest of wills last time you were here. They scowl at you. The rest of the group either continues training, or here and there you get a nod of acknowledgement. Their breath steams in the humid air.
Samen smiles peaceably at the hound. "I know you can understand me. Nothing non magical could survive down here in this drab locale this long. What is your charge, most loyal one? I would prefer a peaceful resolution, but I assume you've determined why I'm here based on what I am."
Dove's eyebrows raise, like a teacher paying special attention to an interesting student's comment. "I ask you for your motivations, and you end your speech by questioning my own. He gives a small smile, his only concession to show he took your words in the right spirit.
"It is always good to review your views occasionally. Base assumptions may no longer be valid." Aisling smiles.
"You may have your doubts, but I can show you parts of why I'm so certain. Is this space secure?" he then shrugs
"No matter, I don't have to say the things The Dark aught not to hear. What do you know of Gods children?"
He politely pauses waiting for either knowledge or encouragement. He uses time to focus on the inner voice, the touch of a feather upon his soul.
"Master of flocks, will Dove be better of knowing or not knowing about you?"
OOC: Using epiphany (Augury)
[
Since you've had a chance to get to know many of the paladins over these several days of training, a new, simple order suggested itself from the pieces: Sir Rocco, a hard-headed veteran you've named as the Shield of Hearth, to defend the capital city as the rest of the paladins march on Moon ; Sir Santino, a pale, devout old man in charge of all the strongest spellcasters of the order ; and finally Sir Alessandro, an el slightly younger than you, but undeniably a formidable tactician.
Before you have a chance to address the group as their (almost, not quite official) commander, you see Hakka frowning at you from one of the fences alongside the sparring yard. He seems to have something on his mind, but he is not interrupting you.
Samen smiles peaceably at the hound. "I know you can understand me. Nothing non magical could survive down here in this drab locale this long. What is your charge, most loyal one? I would prefer a peaceful resolution, but I assume you've determined why I'm here based on what I am."
In a low growl--tired, not threatening--the words come out, "If this last Relic is lost to Volcano, what happen? Will Temple fall? Will Volcano go out?" It curls protectively against the bones.
"Master of flocks, will Dove be better of knowing or not knowing about you?"
OOC: Using epiphany (Augury)
A feather descends from your outstretched hand. Rather than swaying left and right, a gust of wind causes it to loop up, and land gracefully upon the scrap of paper you marked NOT KNOWING.
Dove face is still for a moment, as if on the verge of saying something completely different- but then he laughs, and the cynic is back in place. "Well, they're right about that, anyway. If I think I'm doing good in this world at the behest of some cosmic babysitter - puppeteer, I would just as soon cut my own strings!"
He seems surprised at his own vehemence. "Ahem. My apologies for that. Perhaps we can meet one last time, before you leave for your planar excursion?" Dove quickly changes the subject, and seems to be signaling for an end to the conversation.
"Ha! May the gods grant that the temple finally fall!" Samen thinks a moment. "Preferably not with me under it."
"The temple, as cursed as it may be, is just a location. Volcano will not go out, but its power is, and will be, lessened whether these bones stay here or not. So long ago, Volcano usurped Sun's role and gained the horrible responsibility of holding back the Dark. This necessitated grasping at these objects of power to maintain a fragile balance. Returning these to their rightful owner will weaken Volcano, but also unburden it, allowing for a more natural existence. Imagine having peace and rest."
The dog creature whines plaintively at the thought of rest. "Clear out old obsidian Temple. It will crumble, likely tomorrow morning. Goodbye."
It uncurls from around the human bones. You feel the ancient, airless feeling lift from this deep root system, and more natural air currents begin to flow in.
Dove considers the question, but dismisses it with a wave of his hand. "All the aspects, children, and everything seemed like worrying about the difference between tsunamis and hurricanes. Natural disasters need long term planning and short term bravery to survive, not dictionary definitions. So no, theology has never overly interested me."
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Since you've had a chance to get to know many of the paladins over these several days of training, a new, simple order suggested itself from the pieces: Sir Rocco, a hard-headed veteran you've named as the Shield of Hearth, to defend the capital city as the rest of the paladins march on Moon ; Sir Santino, a pale, devout old man in charge of all the strongest spellcasters of the order ; and finally Sir Alessandro, an el slightly younger than you, but undeniably a formidable tactician.
Before you have a chance to address the group as their (almost, not quite official) commander, you see Hakka frowning at you from one of the fences alongside the sparring yard. He seems to have something on his mind, but he is not interrupting you.
"Atten-tion!" Benedetto shouts as he strides out into the training field. As he'd been walking, he'd come up with a speech. It felt uncomfortable to him still, but, well, he didn't feel like he could pass this responsibility on to anyone else, so... he was doing it.
He gives the assembled warriors a little while to gather before launching into his speech. "You'll be marching out in a few days to liberate the city of Light from Moon's madness. I would say we, but I'm going to have to catch up--I and some allies need to put some corrupted elementals to rest before they cause serious damage, but I'll be with you long before you reach the city."
"We've all lost something in the past days. Friends. Family. Faith. Order. A place in the world. But even in the middle of such loss, there's still hope and new life. I think our new friends here," he waves at the phoenix chicks on his shoulders, "Are a little reminder to us from the Phoenix of this fact. And we're going to go bring that hope back to those lost in Moon's madness!"
"It may seem like Moon and Dark have us on the back foot right now, but that's because they're afraid! They're attacking us, trying to break us, because they know that we can break them! So let's put our all into getting ready to show them that they do need to fear us and that they haven't broken us!"
As they approach the hellhound Gabe prepares to simply eliminate the weakened foe. Pity stays his hand long enough that Samen begins a dialog. Feeling his words wouldn't compare, he lets the mind mage negotiate. As the dog leaves his wards, Gabe gathers the bones together in a bundle to bring back to the surface. Before leaving though he asks the dog a question, "You no longer have a place in the world with the dawning of Sun and the return of sky. What will you do now? Will you waste away with the waning of Volcano?"
Dove considers the question, but dismisses it with a wave of his hand. "All the aspects, children, and everything seemed like worrying about the difference between tsunamis and hurricanes. Natural disasters need long term planning and short term bravery to survive, not dictionary definitions. So no, theology has never overly interested me."
Aisling smiles at the comment. "Given that our world is ruled by almost direct influence of the gods it is not that simple."
He frowns at the result. He will have to decide quickly. On one hand, Dove is a politician and not very religious one. Would he betray Him if The Carrion offer is enticing enough. On the other, he seems basically decent person.
He starts talking, thinking furiously about the dilemma.
"Each god has aspects dealing with their various portfolios. Each aspect is usually called Son or Daughter of the god and is divinity in its own right. And those children may have vassals or children, powerful elementals, fey, demons and other otherworldly creatures, mighty in their own right, but demi-gods at most."
He takes a deep breath. He needs the story to be quick so not to lose or bore Dove and yet detailed enough to start him on the path of discovery.
"In times of change such as right now, those powers vie for power just like mortal politicians. The problem is that those struggles reflect in our world too. Such as that aspect of The Volcano and their champion we vanquished."
"If one child is powerful because it's portfolio is wide - multiple vassals may be needed to manage it. And what is wider in this world than the desperate, the strange geniuses trying to replace power of Sky with gadgets, daydreamers or Makers, gazers into the Dark...and the change, the border...including that between life and death...I'm forbidden from naming him for the time being. But you can find the secrets in deep archives, in libraries outside of main venues."
He raises a hand "Naming part, trust me, I'd like to. But I mentioned power struggles...the faith in Sky and Her children is newly rekindled and one of the vassals abandoned his loyalty and seeks to establish his own domain. For now, the outcome is in the balance. Seek your own truth, but know that I have already seen it. And I believe."
Thinking he's done, Aisling stops, looking for some interest from Dove. Impulsively, he reaches behind to his pack retrieving bunch of papers and notes. This is what I learned from those archives, this is a collection of various lore. And I can show you a ritual. Two different aspects, I can show you one at dawn or sunset, I need to be under open sky. Well, in the open, but you know what I mean. And the other is for when I cannot get outside. I can show you that one immediately."[/B]
"Atten-tion!" Benedetto shouts as he strides out into the training field. As he'd been walking, he'd come up with a speech. It felt uncomfortable to him still, but, well, he didn't feel like he could pass this responsibility on to anyone else, so... he was doing it.
He gives the assembled warriors a little while to gather before launching into his speech. "You'll be marching out in a few days to liberate the city of Light from Moon's madness. I would say we, but I'm going to have to catch up--I and some allies need to put some corrupted elementals to rest before they cause serious damage, but I'll be with you long before you reach the city...."
Benedetto - over the long days of training and learning about battlefield commands, you have put in individual time with most of these els and eles. You have also spent time getting to know their squires, while training your own. You have gotten to know what it means to be part of a squad, but also a giver of orders. Even if you are not a natural speech giver, the act of giving the speech--the concluding statement on their hard work these last candles and days--that is what matters. Your consistent presence gives your voice meaning.
Except for those few scowlers, the gathered paladins take up a loud cheer for the risen Phoenix. They place their hands upon their hearts, making a fluttering wing gesture, the same that came to Drook those weeks ago. In the sudden noise and motion, the young phoenixes flutter away toward the Temple, hopping along the rooftops of the city with short bursts of flight now and then.
As they approach the hellhound Gabe prepares to simply eliminate the weakened foe. Pity stays his hand long enough that Samen begins a dialog. Feeling his words wouldn't compare, he lets the mind mage negotiate. As the dog leaves his wards, Gabe gathers the bones together in a bundle to bring back to the surface. Before leaving though he asks the dog a question, "You no longer have a place in the world with the dawning of Sun and the return of sky. What will you do now? Will you waste away with the waning of Volcano?"
"Old dog. No new tricks." The old guardian spell-creature lays its head to rest. You sense that this hound has been at its post for not just years, but centuries; it is ready to be rid of its burdens.
Samen makes a symbolic gesture of respect to Volcano. "Come. We have a nest of newly granted drake citizens that are about to become unhomed. We should endeavor to make sure they're not there when it happens."
Qizz (finds) Kallik when Qizz (goes) back to Elder, much later. Qizz (stays) and (listens) to Kallik cry a little and (talk) a lot. Then Kallik (sighs), then Kallik (is) mad.
Kallik ready to (go) and (kill) bad elemental. Samen, Detto, Gabey, and Aisling, too.
Thinking he's done, Aisling stops, looking for some interest from Dove. Impulsively, he reaches behind to his pack retrieving bunch of papers and notes. This is what I learned from those archives, this is a collection of various lore. And I can show you a ritual. Two different aspects, I can show you one at dawn or sunset, I need to be under open sky. Well, in the open, but you know what I mean. And the other is for when I cannot get outside. I can show you that one immediately.
Aisling, Dove considers your words for a fleeting moment, but he shakes his head, the small, cautious smile in place once more. "It would take Sky Themself coming down from on high and speaking my destiny to me. And me retaining the free will to modify it, or say no." He waves his hand, shooing the idea away. "I have the law, and my own moral compass. I don't need a royal family of divine contradictions to add a third layer of complexity to the ordeal, though I thank you for the kind efforts. I know they are well-intentioned."
He steeples his long sylph fingers. "Any secular business you wish to discuss? Your wisdom as an operative within the city will be missed. I will also make sure no shards of remaining Volcano cults will do any harm to the new temples and faiths being built here. Peace for all."
Samen, as you talk to Dove's agents in the Courtyards, a rolling mental presence, like silent thunder, coalesces around you.
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Gabe totes the package of bones out of the depths of the tree, observing anyone or anything that might show undue interest. Dried and brittle, the weight poses little problem to the agile human. Finally arriving at the courtyards, he isn't quite sure what to do. Can't just leave them around... something might take them. Shouldn't just hand them off, this is a unique package that I should protect. Don't want to keep carrying them...
Luckily his pondering is interrupted by the psychic presence of the presumed Sunlord. Looking around for a source, he gently places the bones on the ground and steps back. It wouldn't due to make a godling's first appearance an awkward one. Ever the optimist, Gabe can't help but comment, "Lets see what new horror we release upon the world this time..."
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This one is a real human, a Tallmind. As pink flesh wraps around unadorned white bones, this one conjures a silken gray material--some spare mental ectoplasm squeezed from their thoughts-- to cover themself; an ancient toga design. Their head is unnaturally large to your eyes; Bald, and with penetrating stare, the Tallmind communicates:
This one's name is Tallmind Theta. All can hear them now, even those without ears to hear the true Speech. This one would like to introduce all elens to all of themself.
Ten of the human refugees step forward, all in unison, and stand behind the Tallmind. It is clear these lesser humans--who were nearly catatonic before this--are now a part of the Tallmind. Tallmind Theta's thoughts can be heard across the entire Courtyard district.
This is We. Humans are, in our natural habitatutation, a manything. Yet elens do not possess this trait. This is curious.
This one looks at Samen The Cleansed. Cleansed of humanity as well? With many minds, We shall think upon this...
<<"Tallmind Samen, where are your thought companions? Why is there only one human, and not even a companion at that?">>
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Samen frowns deeply at this revelation. This is not at all what he was expecting. He wanted other humans so that he would not be of a limited kind, and perhaps other more qualified individuals could do the work of offering humanity to elenity. Now it seems there's another monster of his own creation he must slay.
"Greetings. Things are not the same as they once were. Our world today knows nothing of sentient hiveminds. Ants exist, and bees exist, but in this world in this day, you are the anomaly, not me. I'm curious to learn more of what once was, but I must confess, you strike me more as monstrosity than humanity. You could possibly set my mind at easy by revealing what you were doing in the Darkness for all this time."
<<"Doing? There was no 'doing'. Sun is ultimate freedom; Dark was ultimate prison. No doing. Just thought without action.>>
Some of the Tallmind's thought-companions roam around the Courtyard, grabbing a pitcher of water, some food, and other small items. It strikes you that you are not seeing multiple people, but rather the various limbs of a single body. Tallmind Theta stands in the middle of the movement, receiving water, food, and rest all while communicating with Samen.
"Please excuse the colloquialism. How is it that you came to be trapped in it? My concern is that your dreams while imprisoned have been the source of the darkspawn that have plagued us for millennia."
<<...the human populations were having a celebration in Sky. The details are elusive. Volcano and Moon attacked in some way that damaged Sun, and the Sky closed around Us...all gone in an instant."
Tallmind's eyes, devoid of iris, only white sclera against dark pupil, lock onto you now. <<"Millenia of dark dreaming, you say? Even centuries would have been a devastation, but now..."
The Tallmind looks across to Gabriel Human-like. Flat-headed. Why is it not a companion?
<<"How came you to your mind powers? Are you a thief?">> The question is asked without anger, but a patience, both calm and deadly, lurks behind the words.
Qizz (scratches) head. Big-head guy not (talk) at all? Just (stare)? Qizz (scampers) to (see) if big-head (talking) or (gesturing), but no. Weird. Qizz (dances) to (show) them how, but they don't (understand).
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Samen tenses up at the mention of Gabriel. He thinks broadly, so that all around may hear. "As I said, in this day, YOU are the anomaly, and you had best learn that lesson quickly. He is fully autonomous, complete in his humanity, free of domination, and he WILL stay that way. I respect that you are a fish out of River here and it will take time for you to adapt, but I haven't fought off gods and demi-gods from here to the edge of the worlds beyond for the likes of you to question the rightful autonomy of every sapient being."
"You will cease this line of inquiry, learn the ways of the present, and be content with things as they are."
Aloud, for emphasis, "Do I make myself clear?"
"I've stolen nothing. I'm still figuring myself out actually. I was shown a way to shed my fritan self to this form so I did. It's interesting that you have these slaves as part of your... self? Never seen that before..."
"I guess we really did bring back old horrors. Let's see how this plays out."
Tallmind Theta seems perplexed by Samen's strong response; all themself's brows crease at once, puzzling out this new situation. They flinch at Samen's vulgar use of wind-spit noise, but otherwise they have no strong reaction. They broadcast to all elens in the vicinity, following your lead.
Of course, a Tallmind would never seek to put others under forced control, like those ugly images in your mind. Thought companions are...We speak of arms and hands, many muscles working together; of branches and leaves, growing from one seed. Your fear references something that We do not do.
We are eager to learn of elens; We are no conquerors. Think you know everything of humans? Do you judge before you truly know?
You all see various elens--guards, agents of Dove, civilians--starting to gather toward the origin of the booming mental voices. They look cautious, but curious; no one has heard your sharp personal exchanges. They give a wide, respectful space around you- for now.
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Samen relaxes a bit but still is not sure this won't end in bloodshed.
"Very well. There is obviously much I do not know of historical humans, and I would very much like to learn. You however, accused my friend, a fully independent soul, yet fully human, of thievery. This is a serious yet baseless charge, and I will have none of it. There will be no peace between us until you recognize Gabriel's independence and humanity. I apologize for being overly harsh on this point, especially after you've just woken up, but there will be no better time to make things clear.
Furthermore, you are not the first hivemind I've encountered."
Samen's eyes glass over for a moment as he has visions of his childhood home. Friends and neighbors walk amongst the streets, devoid of will or ambition, enthralled by a proud brass dragon. The beginning of a long journey of destruction and the breaking of his family.
He thinks of the antics of Gems, stealing the will of the weak, corrupting the Fey, and dominating any they could tempt.
He thinks of the collective manic frenzy of Light, drunk on Moon madness, tearing itself apart.
He thinks briefly of Abnaki, and the dream terrors he may yet inflict.
"So then, possessor of ancient wisdom, what makes you, me, and Gabriel different from your drones? How is it that we have independent wills and they do not?"
Samen pauses for a moment, but can't help himself. "And what's with the bones? Is that really how humans reproduce? It doesn't seem sustainable, nor in line with the character of Sun."
Aisling excuses himself from Dove "We'll talk more. And if you have any need for a shadow, you know where to find me. At least for a day or two more. It seems the humans have some new mystery."
The Tallmind's skin cycles through translucence, showing a glimpse of wrinkled brain and beating heart, then back to opacity. Some kind of body language? Anger, agreement, a shrug?
This one clearly has much to learn of present circumstances. No offense was intended. No Tallmind shall touch any 'newborn' human; as you say, they seem almost a different species entirely.
You see another cycle of translucence and color at your second question. This one will not speak of biology at this moment. Suffice to say bones are...necessary element for Tallminds to anchor their psyches to something real, grounded. History of bones important; they remember.
Aisling joins the group from one of the shops on the side.
"Excuse me, one couldn't but 'not-hear' your conversation. I'm curious, if you don't mind me asking, are these people mindless and they require your guidance - they are literally extension of your mind? Or you're in some kind of, I don't know, committee, thinking together and you're just a coordinator?
Oh, and how many hivem...sorry, tallminds were in your time? Was it one tallmind at the state level or at the family or tribe level?"
Tallmind Theta turns, and many of its companions turn as well, many pairs of eyes looking at you.. Hundreds of Tallminds, thousands of thought companions. More born all the time.
Now, where shall this one and assorted thought companions sleep and eat? Samen the Cleansed, what is your human perspective on this?
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Momentarily forgetting the thought communication, Gabe 'blurts out', "Well not in the temple.... That's about to crumble. Someone should get around to getting the drakes out. And the council and all as well I guess."
Tallmind Theta sends a telepathic message to all within the Temple and beneath it; several minutes later, a dazed crowd of drakes, priests, and Council members emerge from the obsidian structure.
May We visit one of the inns that usually populate cities? Many minds around here have read books to that effect, and the experience sounds amusing; paying for hospitality.