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Author Topic: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)  (Read 8465 times)

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Offline Foalchu

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Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« on: June 4, 2012, 03:39:33 PM »
Prelude: The End, and New Beginnings

High Priest Yrhainioll gazed out upon the roiling streets beneath his high balcony, a deep frown creasing his ancient features as he saw the blood of his people being spilled, and the descent of a once mighty empire into chaos and excess.  Offering one last blessing to those not corrupted by their own desire, he turned and sealed the entrance to the balcony behind him.  Time was short, but the precautions were nearly complete.  All that remained was to send the hope of his people away, to the furthest corner of the Empire, in hopes that it would survive the massacre and slumber until the Eldrith Asurya numbered enough to give birth to their gods once more.  He felt the matrices of wraithbone being loaded within the scout ship, felt its headlong flight away from the building storm of ecstatic psychic excess, felt it leave the edge of his consciousness as it passed beyond communication range of the last shrine of Asuryan on the borders of the Empire.

He permitted himself a small smile before closing his eyes and stopping his heart, letting the world fade into a pale light as his spirit left his body for the small stone at his forehead.



Present Day:
Within the high walls of the Citadel of Bel-Asur, the air was calm, a hushed sense of awe radiating from all the eldar present, caused, no doubt, by the octet of imposing figures atop the council dais.  Each clad in interlocking plates of illuminated armor, the Exarchs of Cairas Mythar looked out over their assembled brethren, inscrutable behind their ornate helms. 

The first to step forward bore a fearsome chainblade at his side and a high crested helm.

“You have heeded the call to serve your people, your empire and your gods.  For this, we offer the blessings of Khaine and Asuryan alike, for the coming times will require not only strength, wrath and courage, but also mercy, justice, and control.  In your efforts, seek balance, seek the narrow path of right and nobility, and stay true to the people of the Eldrith Asurya.  Only through ourselves can we return balance to Sha’eil and the galaxy.  And only when balance is returned can we retake our rightful place as masters of the stars.”

As he spoke, the exarch’s eyes scanned the crowd, as if searching for someone.  After a pause, he pointed and spoke once more, this time in the dialect of the ancient Empire,

“Hyrulen Marthuen, you are chosen of the Hunter’s will.  Advance and take your place.”

The exarch beckoned to a spot on the steps leading toward the dais before turning his back and retreating to his place amidst his fellows.

The next to step forward was clad in gleaming, fluted plates, with an elegantly simple sword hung from his harness, and his high, plumed helm couched in his elbow.  When he spoke, his voice radiated nobility and power, its silken tones in great contrast to guttural, aggressive growls of the previous speaker.

“The Lady’s house wishes to sponsor Ythoelle Nysshea.  We ask her to serve as the representative of the maiden, the mother, and the crone.  Join your comrade, Lady Nysshea.”

The last statement, though gentle, left no room for misunderstanding; this eldar was used to being obeyed and expected it now as well.

He offered his hand as Ythoelle approached, bowing to her before turning his back and gesturing to the next warrior, a giant eldar with arching wings that flexed gently as he strode forward.

“The aeries of the gods have too long been silent, Foalchu’s chosen must breathe life into the cause of the Eldrith Asurya once more, and herald the return of our ascendancy.  Arian Asgellog, I name you Foal’chai’lu, Herald of the Rebirth.”

Without waiting for her to ascend to join the others, he turned and nodded to the other exarchs, perhaps sharing a thought with them before he rejoined them.

After a short pause, a relatively small, frail eldar stepped forward, his gait strong, belying his appearance, as his exoskeletal armor hummed gently with power.  He spoke not, instead projecting his thoughts to the group of eldar before him.

A seething tidal wave of violence crashed over them, then suddenly washed away to reveal thousands of broken and dying eldar.  The despair and hopelessness pulled at the soul of each present, showing what future the eldar could face.  Then, the scene shifted once more to a host of noble eldar warriors, armored brightly and armed in a myriad of fashions, marching at the command of a bright being, vanquishing all foes that they faced.  The world upon which they fought transformed, becoming a shining beacon of eldar souls, it’s graceful towers and spires interweaving with the clouds in a ballet of creation and beauty.

Finally, the images faded, leaving behind two thoughts, one of a young female eldar ranger, the other of a god, seeking paths unknown and worlds lost.

The Exarch looked at Morion for a moment, and then blinked from existence, reappearing behind the line of his comrades.

The next warrior, tall and wreathed in pale blue flames, gruffly stumped to the fore of his comrades, and proclaimed, in an oddly cheerful sounding voice, his nomination.

“Uriel, of the line Esshelenral, warrior of Ath-Ron, Vaul and his Dragon would choose you to undertake this quest.  Do you dedicate yourself to the forge?”

The Fire Dragon awaited his response, and when he had received it, passed back within the rank of exarchs, passing the last to emerge, a noble eldar in an antiquated style of helm, its plumage waving lightly as he moved.

“I, disciple of Asurmen, keeper of the flame, and defender of the right, name Dythen de Altansar Asuryan’s Hand.  Serve right and honor justice in all you do.”

With this, he retreated to his place and waited as the last of the eldar named ascended to the dais.  Once they were all in place, he triggered a small rune at his hip, opening a webway portal on the far side of the platform and gestured for the others to follow him.
Emerging from the other side, the group found themselves, without the exarchs now, faced by a frail old priest in robes of black bordered with cream colored fur.  The chamber behind him looked very ancient and rarely used, with several close-domed pedestals arranged about the walls.

<Greetings young warriors. Lady Nysshea, it is good to meet you especially.>

The thought slipped into their minds easily and quietly, and the old eldar focused his eyes on each of them in turn, as if studying them for suitability.

What followed was unexpected to each of them.  A psychic presence so powerful it almost hurt to turn one’s mind towards it pulsed into existence, its radiance obvious to even the least sensitive among them.  It probed their minds, their innermost secrets for a time and then withdrew, disappearing into the priest in front of them

The priest gestured to the pedestals

<There you will find what the gods wish you to have.  Lady Nysshea will explain what you need to know of the story of her fallen comrades.  Make haste, for you have little time for dalliances.>

With this, the priest faded from view, almost as if he had never been there at all.

(OOC: Go!  Do what you wish.  If it wasn’t clear from the IC stuff, you are all currently in a chamber with one pedestal for each of you.)
« Last Edit: June 4, 2012, 05:11:56 PM by Foalchu »
"Some call the Eldar decadent.  If that is true, the Imperial Army could do with some of that decadence."
"We warned you of the price of your actions, now you must pay it in full - in blood."
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Offline The Nightwalker

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #1 on: June 4, 2012, 08:23:17 PM »
Before being summoned to Bel-Asur, Morion had been exploring a small moon. It was suppose to be the home of a small human colony. As well as a race called the Vera, who were supposed to be master artists in the works of stone. But she had found no trace of any civilized life.

It had been a number of years since she had last laid eyes on another Eldar. Considering that, and the promise of adventure, how could she refuse the summons?

The whole experience thus far had been greatly exhilarating, especially the thoughts that she had just recently seen. They had been of unimaginable horrors as well as absolute beauty. Though, she was not quite sure how it related to herself. Was it possible she could have such an impact on things?

But even as she pondered this, something unexpected happened. A force, no a presence assailed her mind. She at first resisted the intrusion, but to no avail. It had been like an ant trying to stop a river. Her secrets, dreams, and desires were all open to the presence; something that horrified the young Eldar. But then it pulled away, as suddenly as it had come.

<What was…> She had started to think before the priest interrupted. Once he had finished she tried to question again, <So was it the gods who entered my mind?> But without an answer, the Eldar faded away.

She felt a little awkward, not only at the alien company of her own kind, but at going unanswered by the priest. So she went forward to her pedestal, to see what it was the gods wished to bestow to her. It was hard to hide the excitement on her face as she looked over the pedestal.

Offline azore24

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #2 on: June 4, 2012, 09:21:53 PM »
Uriel heard the words the Exarchs had said, and moved when it was his turn, but he paid them little attention.  It had been months since he was away from Salensral for so long, and he missed his presence; even if one of them was injured after battle, the other would be right there.  His mind fixated on the song the two shared, nearly humming the complex tune to himself.  He didn't actually do so, standing still as he should in such a ceremony, but any of the Eldar there could easily have noticed that he was not focused on the goings on in the least.

When the psychic presence assailed his mind, he was first hopeful that Salensral had contacted him.  That would have been impossible, though, as they could only communicate while in physical contact.  The presence was much less elegant than Salensral, more brash and without even the courtesy to ask before entering another's mind.  Just as soon as it had been, the invading presence left.  While it had seen all, it took nothing and left Uriel unharmed.

The other psychic presence, one speaking rather than invading, instructed the assembled team to approach the pedestals and receive gifts from the gods.  Clearing his mind of all his worries, Uriel followed the instructions.  If the gods were truly giving gifts, it was only right to receive them with one's whole being.  Personal troubles could be passed over if a greater duty lay in the path.

Even so, Uriel wanted this done with quickly.  He bent down to the pedestal with the proper poise and dignity, opening it to reveal what he had been gifted.



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Offline faitherun (Fay-ith-er-run)

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #3 on: June 4, 2012, 11:49:57 PM »
"Arian Asgellog, I name you Foal’chai’lu, Herald of the Rebirth.”

Arian was confused. She had duties here. She had young to teach. She had a place, as irrevocable as it was, it was her place.

"Arian Asgellog, I name you Foal’chai’lu"

Foal'chai'lu. The name was different. New. Not her. Yet if that was who she was to become...

If that was to be her destiny, as decided by the council, as decided by the gods, then who was she question it.

"Herald of the Rebirth.”

Rebirth. That was good. That was right. Like a Phoenix, like her family, like her craftworld; rebirth was the key. In being reborn, they could survive. Every Eldar life that used to be reborn, before the Fall; to be there again, the cycle of rebirth. That would be purpose. A new purpose. Balance. Harmony.

Arian found herself staring at a pedestal, not even having realized that she had moved, ascending the steps to it. She decided to see what the gods had in store for her.
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Offline Heretek

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #4 on: June 5, 2012, 12:45:09 AM »
Ythoelle had been uncomfortable all through the ceremony. She wanted nothing more than to disappear into the shadows, away from the pressing crowd of her own people. She had known it was coming, indeed in a way she was the reason all of this was happening, but the sound of her name ringing out from on high caused her to shrink back into herself. The Exarch's voice was irresistible though, and for a moment she thought her feet were moving even before she willed it.

As her steps took her closer to the forbidding presences of the Eldar lords, she twitched the hood of her cloak over her head. Simply standing in the crowd had been bad, feeling a thousand eyes on her back as she ascended the dais was unbearable, and covering her face made her feel slightly better. She took the Exarch's hand gingerly when she gained the summit, relief washing over her when the brief contact was over and he turned away.

From the depths of her hood, she silently regarded the others called up beside her. Surprisingly few seemed to be true warriors; a Scorpion and a Hawk. One bore himself like a fighter, but without any of the panoply worn by the others. Another seemed a simple Guardian, though no doubt he was no such thing, being on the dias proved that. The last was an outcast, though younger than herself. To Ythoelle's eye, she looked near the same age as Ythoelle herself had been when she set foot on Encaris. 

Encaris. She knew where they were bound, even if the others yet did not. The very thought made her shiver. Thoughts of cool tunnels in the depths of the earth rose in her mind, and walls lit by arcs of vile green energy. Ythoelle shook herself, seeing the other Eldar moving through a small webway portal that had opened on the dais. She followed behind into the chamber beyond, acknowledging the Priest's greeting with a wordless tilt of the head.

Ythoelle stepped forward to regard her own pedestal.   

Offline Saracenar

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #5 on: June 5, 2012, 02:26:23 AM »
'Here is where I prove Altansar's innocence.' Dythen thought, as he had entered Bel-Asur. 'Though my mind has wandered the Dream for countless years, and the rest of me the Galaxy as well, here lies my destiny.'

The eldar's sentiment was encouraged by his selection, he being the last of those called. He climbed the dais with pride, even though he knew the crowd was questioning his presence; for he was of the Craftworld Altansar, only recently liberated from the clutches of the Eye of Terror by Phoenix Lord Maugan Ra, the Harvester of Souls.

For longer than Dythen had lived, Altansar had resided within the unreality of the Eye. And when the Craftworld had emerged, and was reunited with the rest of their Eldar kin, they were met with suspicion and hostility; for they had remained completely untouched by the corruption and taint of Chaos.

In truth, Dythen knew little of what had actually happened to Altansar, and why it had been so untouched, as he had walked the Path of the Dreamer for longer than half his life. But he knew, deep down, that his home and his people were no threat to the rest of Eldar kind. For that reason he had appended his name to reflect his home, so that all who benefited from his aid would know he was of Craftworld Altansar.

Now he stood, proud and true, representing his kind in a mission of the highest stakes and importance. That he had been chosen for this honour only further proved to him that Altansar's redemption was at hand.

He felt at home amongst those warriors that surrounded him, a Striking Scorpion and Swooping Hawk the most obvious. But the less militarised of the group were familiar as well. Dythen had fought beside all kinds of Eldar, in conflicts far and wide, big and small.

Though surprised at first by the sudden intrusion, he welcomed the psychic presence that searched him; for he had nothing to hide. And as quickly as it had arrived, it was gone.

He approached the pedestal meant for him with wide eyes, his mind already imagining what lay for him there.
« Last Edit: June 6, 2012, 01:05:02 AM by Saracenar »

Offline Killskin

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #6 on: June 5, 2012, 12:55:15 PM »
There have been many times in the past in which Hyrulen was glad that he had been wearing a helmet, and this was one them. His helmet hid the scowl directed at the priest for invading his private thoughts and in his mind he had killed the priest in three different ways for trespassing. However, the priest had left so there was nothing he could do about, so he examined the group he was now with. Hyrulen himself seemed to be the tallest and strongest, which he liked. He also was not the only exarch present, also good. What struck him as odd though was the height of the other exarch. He estimated that she would only come up to about half way between his elbow and shoulder without her helmet on. He looked at the rest of the group and frowned. Only half were military veterans, the other three were outcasts. He sighed and his thoughts went back to the ceremony moments ago. He felt a strong sense of responsibility in completing this mission. It had to be important. No ordinary mission involves a ceremony that involves a council of exarchs and thousands of people. He was also the first one called forward, which gave him a greater sense of responsibilty, as if the expected the most from him. After he completed his analysis of his new comrades, he stepped forward to his pedestal to see what the gods had left for him.
"Surrender and serve me in life, or die and slave for me in death."
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Offline Foalchu

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #7 on: June 5, 2012, 09:42:40 PM »
As the group of eldar approached their respective pedestals, seeming to instinctually gravitate towards the correct ones, the runes of the various gods glowed into existence, and the domed tops of the pedestals receded, revealing the gifts offered by the gods for their chosen cadre.

In front of Ythoelle lay three sets of runes, the closest to her bearing the mark of the maiden, and exuding gentle waves of cheerful and eager thought.  In the middle lay a single rune in the mark of Isha, and from it could be sensed a concealed power, greater than that of any eldar mind, but also seeming as if it was far away.  The final set of runes were carved from what appeared to be bones, rather than grown like the others, and were ancient beyond anything those within the chamber had seen before.

Before Hyrulen's calculating gaze lay a pair of objects, one seeming to be made of darkness trapped within a wraithbone pendant, and the other appeared to be merely a lens to fit a helmet's eyepiece.  Though he was not sure how, he recognized the pair of artifacts as the Mantle of Hunters and the Eye of Kurnous.  The mantle spoke to him softly in his mind, showing him images of him stalking unseen, and seeing his enemies by their souls, even if they were no more than a passing shadow to the eyes.

Morion picked up a pair of small wraithbone devices, turning them over in her hands, examining them.  They were exactly like wraithgate controls, but were entirely too small.  Almost escaping her notice, beneath the pair of devices lay a back-vane inscribed with the Rune of the Wandering God, perhaps a token of his favor.

Uriel's pedestal opened into a hollow chamber, wherein lay a pair of wrapped objects and a winged device resembling an autarch's force shield vambrace.  As he withdrew the objects, the cloth fell away from them, revealing two sets of what appeared to be starcannons, attached in series to weapons the length of an eldar.

Arian looked down before her to see a vambrace attached to a gauntlet, and a delicate circlet inlaid with small gems in the patterns of life and rebirth.  The gauntlet seemed to sense her presence, seemed to want her to don it.  She felt the name in her mind once more.

<Foal'chai'lu...>

The circlet however, remained silent to her mind, almost as if it were dormant.

Oddly, Dythen's pedestal did not open until the rest had looked up from their respective gifts, to where he stood, waiting.
As they watched, the pedestal's dome retracted, and then the pedestal itself slowly opened, revealing a dark blue harness of pre-fall war-plate, its edges chased in minute gold filigree and runes detailing the stories of previous champions of the Phoenix King.  Atop the armor, on a slightly raised stand, rested a tall helm crested with feathers that seemed to flicker and glow as if alive with an inner fire.  All at once, the eldar recognized it, for it had the very appearance of the Phoenix King himself as the faceplate, and radiated such power and strength that each was possessed by a subtle desire to bow in a show of respect.

Suddenly, a soft pulsing note could be heard, that of a ship signaling its departure from the webway.  A voice reached each of them, not loud or invasive, but firm and commanding

<We have arrived in-system and are establishing position for insertion now.  In a quarter cycle, you will be needed on the bridge.>

As suddenly as it had come, the fleet officer's thought stream ended and left the group with themselves, the gifts, and a now-open doorway leading out into a much brighter, newer looking corridor.
"Some call the Eldar decadent.  If that is true, the Imperial Army could do with some of that decadence."
"We warned you of the price of your actions, now you must pay it in full - in blood."
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Offline The Nightwalker

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #8 on: June 5, 2012, 11:34:33 PM »
Morion held the wraithgate controls close to her eyes, turning them in her hands over and over again. She knew why the gods had given them to her. She was nearly in tears at how considerate the gods were. These would not only aid in her travels, but would have been beyond value during her hit-and-run actions on The Emperor’s Grace Minor. <Thank you, ever so much.> she openly thought, hoping that the gods would hear.

Then she noticed another object, and she sat down the wraithgate controls to observe it. It was a back-vane, but not just any back-vane. This one bore the rune of Hoec, the god of wandering. At first she picked it up and wondered at its use. Then her eyes drifted to her own cloak, much of which had been scorched and left full of holes by crude Ork weapons and other dangerous foes. Once she had put the two thoughts together she smiled and kissed the device, for it was equally useful in its own way. Thank you especially Hoec, for you have left me even more greatly humbled. She decided to later have a bonesinger create her a token in the form of Hoec’s rune to add to her necklace.

Then she looked up to see what her soon to be companions had been gifted. There was another female ranger, more than twice Morion’s age.  She appeared to dearly wish to be somewhere else; she had been given a number of runes. A tall striking Scorpion covered in scars, he had been given a pendant and Morion thought she could make out an eye lens. A gaunt male, who looked deeply distracted with a vambrace and two sets of… Starcannons. Another female was given a gauntlet, and a jeweled circlet.

But there was a last Eldar before a pedestal, one in the garbs of a guardian. His pedestal had not yet revealed his gift. But then its dome to began to retract, revealing a fabulous war-plate of gold and dark blue, that any king would find worthy. Not only that, but a helm that glowed like fire and bore a striking resemblance to the Phoenix King. Morion did not realize she was bowing until she was already facing the ground, and she quickly forced herself upright in self surprise.

She stayed quiet after that. Quietly donning her gifts, putting on her back-pane and hiding her wraithgate controls under her cloak. She listened to the fleet officer’s short message as she worked. She had planned on trying to striking up a conversation when the other ranger. But now that there was a new path to explore, the rest of the group saw her disappear into it.
« Last Edit: June 5, 2012, 11:36:22 PM by The Nightwalker »

Offline faitherun (Fay-ith-er-run)

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #9 on: June 6, 2012, 08:18:26 AM »
Arian reached for the gauntlet and then paused, uncertain. She had heard many stories of souls trapped in items. Indeed her cousin had a sword just like that. One that he was constantly in communion with. Arian was uncertain if she wanted this gift...

Then she chided herself. This was given to her by the council, bequeathed by the gods themselves. That the craftworld had emptied out its most prized possessions... it did not bode well for the mission.

Arian reached down for the circlet first, perceiving it to be lest threatening of the two. Just before she touched it though, realization hit her, of just how valuable this was. Her hand began to shake, and she stilled it with an effort of will. Slowly she raised the circlet to her head, and waited. Nothing happened. It fit well on her brow, and she realized it would not come lose during flight. Only then did she reach for the gauntlet.

The moment she touched it, she was overcome with a feeling of peace. The slight pull of She-Who-Thirsts was calmed and the turbulence of the warp, always present in the back of her mind, was all but banished. The gauntlet itself became calm and did not speak to her again.

It was not until movement caught her eye that Arian looked up, and she saw Morion bowing down before the guardian clad in ornate armor. That Morion quickly got up did nothing to salvage the image of her now in Arian's mind - that of a servant. Arian knew she was no one's servant, except for the gods and her craftworld. If she was expected to venerate this Eldar... he would be sorely mistaken.
So, what your saying is it's not your fault you look stupid by using words you don't get?
Flawless logic.

Offline azore24

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #10 on: June 6, 2012, 09:57:31 AM »
Uriel unwrapped the long weapons with practiced speed.  His eyes moved over every surface, noting both the expert craftsmanship and the horrid coloring.  He knelt down to begin with the devices, they would need to be attuned to Salensral before being presented to him, and it would help matters if they weren't in the gaudy reds and oranges of the Fire Dragons.

Before he began, he uttered a mental psalm of thanks to Vaul for the gift, for one does not seek to fix a gift of the gods while the proper respects have yet to be paid.  Only a fraction of an instant later, he began to play his utility flute.  While the instrument was inferior to his proper one, it served him well enough and produced a beautiful, if high-pitched sound.  As he played, the weapons were surrounded by an aura of working wraithbone which glowed the palest of whites.

Quickly, the colors shifted, changing to match Uriel's armor and Salensral's patterning.  While he could not but hope to improve the sacred weapons' functionality, Uriel did try to probe and understand the tools.  How could he dare give them to Salensral without knowing their purpose?

By the time he had finished, he found himself bowed down.  He didn't exactly know why, but it was no matter, for he had to re-wrap the weapons anyway.  While he worked on them, he wondered how he would bring them to Salensral.  Perhaps he could carry the two weapons, but the third device would make travel quite difficult.  He cocked his head and looked up at his companions to be.  They all had received their gifts; one had gained resplendent armor, the source of his desire to bow.  He was sure to learn of the others' gifts in time, but none seemed to obviously present their use at first glance.

Uriel removed the third device from the chamber and sized up his gifts.  He was sure there was a way to bring them all, he just needed to figure it out.



Azore of Ath-Ron
Unsophisticated players might think that the Letter of the rules is more important than the Spirit - but the Letter isn't liable to sneak up behind you with an axe if you abuse it.
"Esprit de Core," 2005


Offline Killskin

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #11 on: June 6, 2012, 12:22:28 PM »
Hyrulen looked at his gifts. Interesting, he thought. He removed his helmet and put the Eye of Kurnous in place on the left eyepiece of his helmet. He then put the Mantle of Hunters around his neck and placed his helmet back onto his head. Right after he had finished, he felt the sudden urge to bow, but he shook it off. He then noticed the beautiful suit of armor before the outcast from Altansar. This is an outrage, Hyrulen thought, why does an outcast from Altansar recieve armor like that and not the veteran of thousands of battles. Hyrulen scowled and began to walk down the newly revealed corridor.
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Offline Heretek

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #12 on: June 6, 2012, 09:42:15 PM »
Ythoelle scooped up the set of carved runes, turning them over in the palm of her hand. Their worked edges felt strange on her skin, and they had a peculiar weight to them that belied their size. Given their nature, it was hard to avoid the thought that they carried the weight of destiny.

She’d seen similar sets on her home, Ulthwe, though none had been so old; they were casting runes, used for reading the shifting tides of fate. Ythoelle gently, reverently tipped the runes from her hand into a worn leather bag, secreting it away in her cloak.

Like the scrying runes, the tear of Isha carried a feeling of power. It was a conduit to something ancient and fearsome in strength, but also benevolent. This was a distant power though, not as immediate as the Crone’s runes, more like a faraway beacon than a burning torch. Ythoelle had a sense that it could prove even more valuable than the first gift, and it too was tucked into a pouch.

The outcast found herself smiling as she reached out for the last set of rune stones, a little of the weight carried in her heart lifting at the feelings of joy and hope they radiated. Ythoelle allowed herself to linger in the moment, lost in better memories than those she normally carried.

Then the moment passed, and she let out a faint sigh as reality faded back in around her. Carefully, Ythoelle wound the Maiden’s runes through the leather thong around her neck, where they rested against the pair of soul stones already hung there.

Drawing back her hood and turning to face the others, she was just in time to see the unveiled suit of war plate. Her legs buckled beneath her, and Ythoelle found herself down on one knee before it. Gasping, she shook her head to clear the compulsion, dark hair falling about her face. The armour wore its power far more openly than her subtle gifts from Maiden, Mother, and Crone, and the feeling was unwelcome.

Regaining her feet, Ythoelle used her fingers to comb the hair back from her face as the voice of the vessel’s captain touched their minds. With another glance at the suit of armour, still radiating its belligerent power, she followed the others into the corridor.

Offline Saracenar

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #13 on: June 7, 2012, 01:13:58 AM »
Dythen felt all eyes in the room on him. Some lingered, others averted their gaze and left, but not before bowing. The eldar knew it was not to him, but to the armour, to which he also felt an urge to pay his respect.

So overwhelming, this gift was, that he was left speechless. Dropping to one knee, his eyes remained on the armour and the armour alone. Staring at its intricacies, its ornate form, Dythen's mind was filled with a thousand thoughts. 'I am to inherit the armour of the chosen of Asuryan?' he asked himself. 'I, a simple wanderer?' he bowed his head, and clutched at his chest; particularly, at the spirit stone that rested there.

"By Altansar and Maugan Ra, I can be humbled no more," he whispered. "The greatest honour..."

For sixty seconds he remained silent and perfectly still, his eyes shut. Then, he rose, opening them once more. He lifted a shaking hand towards the helm, and with much courage, touched it.

Something coursed through him; he felt empowered by an arcane energy, perhaps just the rush of emotion that had hit him. Whatever it was, he felt like a new being. Not even the obvious disapproval emanating from the Scorpion could dull that.

Offline Foalchu

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #14 on: June 12, 2012, 01:32:45 PM »
As the other eldar focused on Dythen and the resplendent suit of war plate before him, Morion. Ythoelle and Hyrulen slipped through the corridors of the ship upon which they found themselves.  The corridors radiated a gentle light, their smooth walls curving and sinously turning their way towards the bridge and its contingent of mariners.

Upon their entrance, the captain, a tall and distinguished eldar, turned to them and offered a nod, as well as a thought.

<The others will be along shortly I hope.>

With this, he turned from them to survey the system before his craft.  The main display was littered with runes, the hulks of perhaps a sub sector fleet, though the vessels were of antiquated human design, and interspersed with fewer eldritch green hulks that floated among them, ominous even in quiescent death.  Beyond the fleet wreckage lay the inner planets of the system, Encaris V and its siblings, still pulsing with life at least, though it was rather faint in many areas.

-----

In the chamber with the other eldar, Dythen touched his fingertips to the helm's cool, smooth surface and felt a wash of thoughts and emotions flow from it into his psyche.  He saw the lives of the previous champions of Asuryan, saw their triumphs in the building of the ancient Empire, their efforts in maintaining it, and finally the last's defeat as he tried in vain to slow the descent of his people into madness and blood.  The thoughts stayed with him, in the back of his mind, not attempting to assert themselves, but remaining present, almost as if the prior bearers of this title were waiting, observing him.

Uriel's probing revealed some details of the weapons to him; they were what they seemed to be, starcannons of a sort, though of an ancient design, and posessing more discharge ports and muzzles than any weapon platform he had seen.  Their interiors were warm with the fires of the forge and the sun, sleeping until such time as their fury was needed to spit forth streams of fire and death towards the enemies of the eldar.  Their mechanisms were almost impossibly intricate and elegant, with each growth seeming almost as if it shouldn't be able to function while being so beautiful.  Yet, the weapons would certainly function better than any starcannon he had seen.

Arian, clad in her gifts now, did not bow to Dythen, and instead merely watched him, though she would note that the desire to bow and venerate was originating from the armor itself, not from the eldar before it. 

Once more, the captain's voice sounded in each of their minds, urging them to hurry to the bridge for the final briefing.  To Uriel, one final thought was directed privately.

<Your steed awaits your following the briefing.  I can arrange transport of your gifts to him should you wish.  Merely leave them here and they will be taken to him.>

"Some call the Eldar decadent.  If that is true, the Imperial Army could do with some of that decadence."
"We warned you of the price of your actions, now you must pay it in full - in blood."
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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #15 on: June 13, 2012, 07:57:11 AM »
With great difficulty, Arian turned herself away from the suit of armor, and noticed the passageway that had opened up.

Entering in, she noticed the captain, and two of her fellow... her fellow companions, at least her fellow Eldar. Morion and Ythoelle were already here, although Arian had failed to notice their passage, so commanding was the armor gifted to Dythen. Ythoelle was standing a little ways apart from Morion, as if she were not comfortable with the Scorpion. Arain decided it was time to introduce herself properly.

She approached the Scorpion and bowed deeply, "Arian, house of I'llthriale, daughter of Bel-Asur; pleased to serve with you"
So, what your saying is it's not your fault you look stupid by using words you don't get?
Flawless logic.

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #16 on: June 13, 2012, 12:06:10 PM »
In the corner of her eye Morion noticed Arian bowing to the Scorpion, but she chose to ignore it. Before her lay something far more meaningful to Morion, the many wrecks and vessels of human ships. She was reminded deeply of the humans she had once known but were no more. They had been great warriors and close friends, doubtless among the former crews of the vessels before her had been men much like them.

She slowly pried her eyes from the scene, there would be plenty of time to search these vessels once the mission was complete. But right now she had more urgent matters to attend to. She walked to Ythoelle and spoke quietly in consideration for her fellow ranger's obvious discomfort of attention, "I am Morion i Roitar, a wanderer who has been away from the contact of fellow Eldar for some time. May I inquire who you are?"

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #17 on: June 13, 2012, 07:49:26 PM »
Ythoelle favoured the younger outcast with a thin smile.

"I suppose you could say I'm the reason we're here, albeit indirectly and somewhat unwillingly."

She turned away from the display to face Morion and gave a small bow. There was a subtle hint of mockery to the gesture though, Ythoelle returning Morion's rather formal greeting with exaggerated courtesy.

"My name is Ythoelle Nysshea, late of Craftworld Ulthwe. And to the best of my knowledge, I am the only survivor of the last time our race set foot on Encaris V."

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #18 on: June 13, 2012, 09:07:54 PM »
Hyrulen turned his head toward Arian and removed his helmet, instead of bowing, to show respect. "I am Hyrulen Marthuen of Biel-Tan," he relpied. Hyrulen's voice was slightly lower than that of an average Eldar as well as a little scratchy due to a combination of shouting orders over the noise of battle and being punched in the throat by an Ork Nob many years ago. Hyrulen turned to the two rangers, specifically Ythoelle. "Encaris V," he said, "so that's where we're going." Hyrulen had heard the two rangers' converstation thanks to his sharpened senses obtained on his journey on the Path of Awakening. "Since you've been there before," he continued, "perhaps you could tell us what we're up against, Ythoelle."
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Offline azore24

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Re: Sleeping Gods I: Return to Encaris V (Game Thread)
« Reply #19 on: June 13, 2012, 10:12:30 PM »
Just then, Uriel stumbled into the room.  No, Eldar do not stumble, they walk with less than their normal level of ethereal grace.  So, while he was less than graceful, by Eldar standards, he still maintained the barest level of poise and coordination needed to make due in Eldar society.  He did not care, though, about his standing or how the others in the group perceived him.  What mattered was that he managed to balance both weapons and the shield generator, for that is what it turned out to be upon inspection, in a way that could be gracefully carried.

"And please be quick about it," said Uriel, adding on to Hyrulen's comment.  "I have been away from Salensral for far too long, and I must bring these to him before they forget his song."  Uriel sang to the devices once more, humming Salansral's song briefly to remind them how it went.  "He must be so lonely without me," he sighed, the longing he felt radiating out of his usually well controlled mind which now lay frazzled for its partner's lack.



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Unsophisticated players might think that the Letter of the rules is more important than the Spirit - but the Letter isn't liable to sneak up behind you with an axe if you abuse it.
"Esprit de Core," 2005


 


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