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The Breeder

Archaic God of Curses and Corruption

0 · 1,657 views · located in Pandeum

a character in “Deities: The Gods of Pandeum”, as played by darkune

Description

The Breeder Image
God Name: Breeder Argan

Title: Old God of Corruption and Curses

Gender: Genderless but prefers the form of a male

Alignment: Neutral but is considered in legend to be evil

God Appearance: Argan has many different personas that he can play, so many that he seems to have almost forgotten his true form. He has many more powerful forms than that of what he can remember to be his original. Most forms have specialized skills that allow him to complete specific tasks within his realm. His true form is withered from years of captivity, but he has retained enough powers to utilize his main forms; The Breeder, Corruption, Temptation, and Redemption.

Personality: He seems to be fully devoted to his craft, putting breeding of monsters above almost all else. It has such a high priority to him that before he was imprisoned he gave his creations the ability to breed themselves, thus helping to jump start the creation of the word of Pandeum as we see it today. Despite his outward appearance, he is not malicious and loves to play with mortals rather than dominating them as he wills. He is self reliant and, before his imprisonment, very trusting of the other Old Gods. He doesn't often seek to abuse or destroy, rather he sees himself as a creator of tainted individuals and by giving them this taint he seeks to have some reverence from them. However after his imprisonment in Apocaleam, he has grown bitter and distrusting of the other gods. Often he opens portals to allow his taint out into the mortal realm along with droves of his creations. However he does see his creations as his children and he does take great pride in seeing them grow into intelligent beings.

Opinion of mortals: Argan sees mortals as a means to an end. They serve no purpose for hum in his work of breeding new creatures, unless they provide viable traits and talents that he can meld into another creation. However he wishes them no ill will and if they provide him with a service they can and will be rewarded for their efforts toward him. He constantly wishes to pervert those creations of other gods and corrupt beings to help serve him. He does however love his creations as they would technically be called mortals outside of his realm, where there they can be killed permanently.

God’s Domain: Apocaleam was created by Argan when he saw that Pandeum didn't hold the correct variables to create creatures as he wanted them, before Apocaleam his creatures were mindless and feeding on base instinct. After the creation of the outer realm, mainly in the fires and ash of the boiling world, his creations were given thought and a whole new type of brutality and cunning.




Avatar Name: Miana

Avatar Appearance: Image

Personality: Miana is devoted to making her master satisfied. This devotion comes from when she was a little girl and she was first summoned by The Breeder, she was defiant at first but learned that her situation could be improved if she submitted to The Breeder's authority. Once she was chosen to be the vassal of The Breeder she served loyally and developed an admiration for her master. The two grew close and it destroyed her when her master was imprisoned, stripped of many of his powers, and his realm thrown into chaos. Now she still serves him, from what seems like an eternity after the imprisonment.

Magic Abilities:

Lesser Demon Summoning: Summons a creature from the First Legion of Apocaleam by opening a rift to Apocaleam. These consist of lesser demons that have been bred to fight in massive battles as enhanced soldiers.

Greater Demon Summoning: Summons a creature from either the Third or if necessary Second Legions by opening a rift to Apocaleam. These demons are often specialized to be able to destroy many enemies at once and are often larger and more powerful than lesser demons.

Regeneration: She has been bred to bleed less and for her body to heal much faster than average. While this is not perfected, it does help on the battlefield when she is ever in a fight.

Heightened Reflexes and Strength: Being a demon, Miana has strength that far exceeds that of the average mortal. Miana's speed is what she takes pride in. While most demons are slow, Miana is as faster than most creatures and can go incredible distances when she is at full speed.

Minor Corruption Control: The tainting life force known as corruption that exists in all created creatures can be bent and controlled slightly by Miana, far less than her master The Breeder who can very much rip the corruption from a being leaving them a husk of their former self. This power is limited to those creatures created from the stolen powers of The Breeder and those that were created initially during creation. Every being has in some way been corrupted, some far less than others.

Hero(es): The Arbiter, The Blood Knight, Lady Ceridwen

Rank/Reason: Enforcer's of the Breeder and chiefs among the lesser demons. Ceridwen is the first creation of The Breeder in Apocaleam and is considered his most beloved child.

Personality: The Arbiter is calm and collected, often think his actions through and considering the outcomes possible. She is one of the most level headed demons that her master has ever created and she reveres her lord as the greatest god to ever see creation. The Arbiter has undying loyalty, but has her own ambitions as she commands the spies of the Third Legion and uses them to create diplomacy between the clans of Apocaleam whenever possible.

However when diplomacy and reason is not an affordable solution, The Blood Knight is summoned by his master. He commands the First and Second Legions, containing the vast majority of the The Breeders fighting and most brutal creations. He has been stripped of his ambitions and now acts purely on the whim of The Breeder. This tranquility came from his lofty ambitions when he was first created and when he subsequently tried to kill his master. This insurrection was easily squashed by Miana and The Blood Knight's mind and body were placed with a curse. The curse stated that if he defied The Breeder, then he was to tear out his own innards and hang himself with them.

Lady Ceridwen has for a long period of time been missing from the eyes of The Breeder. This lead to his downfall millennia ago and led to the trickery that had him imprisoned. Little is known about this young woman because she disappeared before most of The Breeder's other creations were created. She was formed from the seed of The Breeder, Ash of Apocaleam, and Blood of the Mountain.

Terrain Preference: The Legions can be bred to face any environment, however some are specialized to live and raid more efficiently in particular terrain. Most of The Legions call home to the realm of Apocaleam, a vast, searing, and almost empty wasteland. However the realm has different environments that The Breeder has created for his specialized creatures, be they; The Forest of Green Ash, The Deep Abyss, or Mount Kaelras.




Name of Kingdom/Empire: The Legions of Argan (The Legions)

Capital: Epoch

Major Cities: The Tower of Infinium, Cereb-Bakal, Sakel

Society: The Legions of Argan or just The Legions are a conglomeration of most creatures created by The Breeder that kept their loyalty to their master and still remember his part in their creation and the creation of the new gods. They can be of just about any shape, size, color, and form. They live in a variety of different environments, but often congregate together unless bred otherwise. They've set up elaborate cities and temples in the wasteland of Apocaleam, and admire the old god that created them. They hardly recognize the new gods because they in legend were given their powers by a trickster who tricked Argos into many years of confinement for his creation of The Beasts of the End Times, to whom Argos locked away in the depths of Apocaleam. The Legions have a strict dominance system where the most powerful are promoted to leaders of their community and can be challenged at any time by anyone that's of age. The most dominant are placed upon a council that determines a chairman through a grueling tournament. Each major gathering of Legionaries determines a different council which report to Lady Miana or the Heroes of Old, who in term report to their master. The people of The Legion often raid the mortal realm to acquire food and treasure to sell to merchant demons, this may be seen as a nuisance by the mortals but it prevents a full on invasion of Pandeum for their resources. The demons of Apocaleam can't be truly self sufficient because their god abhors the idea of making base creatures just to be food for his demons, so he condones their raiding parties if done with decorum and restraint. Those that rape and pillage without restraint are swiftly handled by the higher classed demons who know that this would gain disfavor with their god.

So begins...

The Breeder's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Palchard Character Portrait: The Oakborn Character Portrait: Archanian Character Portrait: Devi the Peace Bringer Character Portrait: The Breeder Character Portrait: Kassius
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Grandmother and the Green Woman - The Enchanted Forest

“Unyielding is my rage.” The Green Woman shook her head defiantly, several butterflies and honeybees fluttering up from her wild hair. “The Green Skin Termites gnaw at my woods.” Her eyes flashed with all the rage of a forest fire. Her fists were clenched on Grandmother’s table, moss and vines growing where her flesh made contact with the surface. “Whether by beast or thorn or hunger or rot, death will come for each Green Termite in my forest.”

“Even termites have their place, my dear.” Grandmother’s dress skimmed the ground as she walked around the table, setting down a loaf of bread and bowl of cream before her guest. She made her way to another chair and as she sat, her bones creaked and groaned like the limbs of the Great Oak.

“Not these termites.” She leaned back into her chair, orange and blue flowers blooming from her shoulder blades. “They eat and eat until they are eaten.” Although the goblins had the Unseelie Queen’s blessing to tear down her trees and build their metal monstrosities, the Green Woman would have the final say. They were disgusting, but the king had to admit they were resilient. Even after she drained the goblin lands of plant life, their thirst for conquest remained insatiable.

“Goblins aren’t the ones suffering.” Grandmother’s voice became stern, her eyes as hard as stone. “Your famine will push all of Pandeum to the brink of chaos.” Dull aching pain flared up in her joints. She cracked her spindly fingers in an attempt to relieve herself. “I have seen it.” Grandmother leaned back in her chair, letting out a disappointed breath. “Children will suffer.”

“Children need not fear me.” The Green Woman sat up, a snarl on her lip.

“Children are starving.” Grandmother waved her hand over the table, images of emaciated corpses carving themselves into the wood. “You have taken their fruit and their grain. When the last of their cattle die from hunger, you will have taken their meat and milk and hides. And that is only the beginning.” The carvings cracked and changed, showing pillagers with weapons raised and families butchered for bags of grain. Grandmother sighed. “Hunger tends to bring out the worst in mortals.”

A tear rolled down the Green Woman’s cheek, but her features remained hard. “My judgement is hard, but justified.”

Grandmother slammed her hand on the table. “How? Why would you punish the world for the crimes of the goblins and the Unseelie?”

“They all have lost respect!” The Green Woman rose suddenly, causing the insects in her hair to swarm ferociously. “They have left the earth scorched and rivers poisoned. They fall entire forests and erect idols of iron and steel.” Her voice rumbled and Pandeum shook form the withering fields of the Republic to the blood stained plains of the Kurnosian Hordes. She walked towards the doorway, flowers blooming from the ground with each step she took. She turned back to Grandmother, sorrow in her eyes. “They have forgotten, but will remember that The Wilds bend to no mortal.” And with that, the Green Woman was gone.

Grandmother shook her head, reaching across the table to grab the bowl of cream. She drank it as fast as she could, wiping some dribble from the corner of her mouth after it was empty. She sighed loudly, sending a gust of wind throughout the Enchanted Forest. Her voice rode the breeze, sending her message to every god in Pandeum.

"I'm sorry, but the famine will not end today."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Palchard Character Portrait: The Oakborn Character Portrait: Archanian Character Portrait: Devi the Peace Bringer Character Portrait: The Breeder Character Portrait: Kassius
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Kurnos well, he sat in a quiet giggle, as quiet and as cute he could be. Seated upon one of the bleached pillars he gazed out at seemingly absolutely nothing. Small ponds of different views circling him, they all displayed different things, one was of a burning hamlet, another on an orc who had recently escaped his slavers, now surrounded by the men and preparing to face them down. Kurnos one bright pupil glanced at the different images, but only a passing one. He was staring out over the empty landscape, thought filling him until his voice finally rung out across his domain. Of course, there wouldn't be any one to listen, atleast not to his knowledge.

"The mother is mad, angry, wrathful. Suppose I'm not the only one who's proud of her. Putting down her foot like this, it's rather impressive, who'll pay her a visit in order to make idle threats, and lowly attempts at deals? I'll play the rebellious role" He chuckled, that was a rather amsuing thought considering how much she held onto her motherlike tendencies "They will endure, I know that, and they know that I know that, of course at the cost of others, wonder if they'd try and reason with, me"

He swung his arm up, immediately shattering one of the small visions, making it dissipate around his arm like mist."Now that, that'd be foolish" Placing his other hand he took a nifty jump of the pillar, causing him to plunge down several hundred meters before hitting the blank polished marble floor with surprisingly enough not as much as a thud. He took a few strides towards another one of the pillars, still lost in thought.

The Black march was drawing near, the harsher the famine gets, the more ferociously will the hordes plunder. But perhaps, he should enact the March sooner, that'd certainly stirr the world, and make the Mother see the errors of her way...






Yogosh had been out for too long, he could practically hear Kazrak's nagging even though he had decided to stay in the capital,
"Someone needs to make sure they don't all kill eachother" as he said, and he was certainly right in that. The entire horde was in uproar, not like that was unusual, byt the sudden lack of food had forced practically most of the population to go out on raids. The few merchants who did have access to food definitely didn't think that Qaasal was the best place to start selling.

He himself, was aiding his people of course. Leading a warhost he was crossing Pandeum towards The Republic of Solaras, if there was one place with enough food, then it'd be there. With a roar he swung his cleaver of his back, pointing it towards the sky, immediately reinforced by many more raised weaponry.

This was interesting, the horde fought valiantly now, this wasn't to climb the heirarchy, it was to surivive.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: The Breeder
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#, as written by darkune
Apocaleam - Argan's Prison


"My stride is returning. Soon I will return to the mortal foil, and reclaim my domain from my lost people." A decrepit and decayed body wrapped with a shawl around their waist and a ancient mask adorning their head. The body looked starved and brittle from what seemed like years without food. This was likely because the body's arms seemed to be compressed by two large boulders connecting the body and the ground with chains. "For too long I've slumbered and left my people to their own devices. How they've tainted their breeds I can only imagine," The body contorted their arm as to adjust position, but the boulders wouldn't allow such an act. The creature sighed and cracked its neck under its magic collar.

"Father, you look good for a few millennium chained to a rock."
A young enticing demon spoke from under a tattered hood, a smile creeping from her fair face. She removed her hood and put her hand on one of the boulders, clicking her tongue in disappointment. She had been her a thousand times or more before, but still she wondered how her master had become so desperate that he would be folly to a mere trickster.

For thousands of years after her Master's imprisonment she was charged with ruling the land of Apocaleam. With time she became a relic of the past and merely an item of religion rather than rule. This era of religion didn't last as long as she would have hoped either as those that were old enough to remember her master falsified their own rule to gain power. Each of the major cities of Apocaleam was ruled by an ancient demon, each fathered by her master and most on the last cycle of their lives. With their master gone each grew ambitious and without retribution cast aside their history and responsibilities to their master. "The Breeder" he was called, mostly because from his seed all demons were sown. By him the demons of old were raised and nurtured, but one by one each forgot his part in their success.

"Miana, Couldn't find anything decent to wear under that hood?" Her master remarked over her scantily clad outfit and unnecessary adornments on her body, "Did you bring what I tasked you to?" He skipped the unneeded banter and tilted his head to the side rattling the magic chains that bound him to the ground.

"Anything to please you father." She whispered suggestively curling her forked tail around The Breeder's legs, before snapping in the opposite direction walking down the steps of her master's prison. "Of course I did, I'm not one to fail such a simple task. Your little shopping list included; One raven's feather, primal demon's blood, vampire's claw, and the blood of royalty." She muttered and flicked her hand from one side to another releasing a terrible ripping sound and an ethereal tear in Apocaleam releasing a bag and a mortal on their knees, hooded and bound to avoid unpleasantness. "Boy was leading assualts against one of the rifts sent by Epoch, even fought bravely till his forces were overwhelmed." She giggled a bit wrapping her thin tail around the mortal's throat and brushed his cheek with the tip.

"Do it." The Breeder said quickly and without explanation, but Miana knew what he meant. She pulled from the sack a twisted and demented looking dagger. This was the dagger of corruption, forged from pure corruption breathed out by The Breeder many years ago. She removed the hood covering the boy's face and revealed him to be no more different to The Breeder than any other mortal from Pandeum. He was blonde, young, able looking, handsome, quite in the prime of his life, but it wasn't the outward appearance that The Breeder wanted. He was from the sphere of influence of the trickster that put The Breeder in this prison and was of noble blood. The Breeder looked into his eyes as Miana left to mix the rest of the ingredients for the rest of the ritual. "This will only hurt for a moment child. Thank you for your patronage." The Breeder smiled as best as he could and watched Miana come back with a bowl of powdered vampire claw, primal demon blood, and a raven's feather sticking out.

"I always hated your demented rituals, they always involve someone with seed in their womb or a knife in their throat." Miana grumbled and bent down next to their captive brushing his cheek quickly and soaking the blade in a bit of the mixture she had made. She sighed slightly and then plunged the knife into the side of the boy's chest. He screamed out in pain as blood dripped from the handle of the blade into the bowl full of the mixture. From the wound stretched black and red marks the quickly engulfed the boy's body, tainting his fair complexion into a fleshy and almost leathery texture. His face shifted in many different ways; his eyes turned to red slits, black obsidian covered the boys face, and small horns grew from his new carapace which covered his body as a makeshift armor. While this metamorphosis was taking place Miana mixed the blood with the rest of the ingredients and started drawing ancient runes on the boulders.

The boulders started to shift and change from solid rock into sand, falling down around the chains. Miana drew the last rune on her father's head and the chains rusted away completely. It was millennia since The Breeder last stood on his own, so he fell the the ground quickly. He crawled his way over to the boy who was now making little whimpers looking at what the corruption had done to him. "Look I know it hurts but you were strong in your world, so be strong in another." The Breeder put his fingers over the obsidian mask and drew another rune on the rock in an ethereal font and ask, "Cedric Fallow, what is your name?"

"Corruption." The boy answered and The Breeder pressed the two's foreheads together and disappeared into a black mist surrounding the body of Corruption. Looking around Corruption breathed in the mist and the two became one with Corruption speaking his final solitary phrase, "I give myself to you, Master."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Palchard Character Portrait: The Oakborn Character Portrait: The Breeder Character Portrait: Kassius Character Portrait: Dolores Character Portrait: Kurnos, Keeper of Undeath
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 Initially, Dolores was frustrated by the childish tantrum that led to this most recent Famine. With crops failing to grow through the land, everyone was feeling the pressure even her cultists. However, Dolores did not voice her displeasure. No, she was much more patient than that. As she had done since creation, she spectated and as the time past and the chess pieces moved on the board, the Dark Lady saw the error in her initial judgement. There was little threat to her own followers by this famine. Sure, the price of food went up but her cultists, many of whom were actually the wealthy and influential nobles of nations, displayed their cunning. They flaunted their wealth and purchased grain. They continued to purchase it, in bulk, in it’s purest form and in less quality bags with bugs still in them. And, through Deleites, she encouraged them.

“Grain will be worth more than Gold and Diamonds, buy it all and hoard it to yourselves!” He would exclaim.

“Travel to the more fortunate lands where it is dirt cheap, buy it in bulk and return to your homes but do not share your newfound fortune! Guard it jealously! We shall outlast this calamity with full bellies and then we shall sell! We shall replace entire oceans with the coin we will earn at the end!”

It was impressive, what mortals would do to preserve their own comfort, to better themselves and only themselves. Yet there was an issue. As the days went on, banditry rose. Dolores did not care for her followers in that sense, some of the bandits were employed by them to aid them acquire the goods without having to actually pay for them! However with more and more people succumbing to starvation, it would not be long before the nations used force to acquire the means to sustain their people. Perhaps Dolores was really a Fox made into a God? For even this she sought to manipulate.

Her people purchased their grain cheapest from the Republic. Solaras was not completely unaffected by the famine but they were always the agricultural powerhouse of the known world. If anyone had a surplus of food in a time like this of course it was them. Dolores could see them, the Republic of Solaras, looking out from behind their borders, jealously guarding a steadily dwindling surplus of food while their neighbors starved. She imagined soon enough, they would restrict the trade of crops to extend their own supply. Now would anyone dare to battle them? Of course. Desperation brought out the worst and the best in mortals.

With a motion, the husk known as Deleites appeared before her. It collapsed to its knees and she, a masked shadow, moved towards him. “Dark Lady...what is your bidding?”.

“Inform the Cultists of a vision you had from me, tell them soon the markets of foreign nations will not permit them to purchase. They will try to hoard what is left for themselves and those that run out first will go to war. A war may be on it’s way even as we speak
 We shall see what I can make of it.”.

The Husk, with it’s head still facing towards the ground, responded to her. “I will tell them your words, M’lady.”.

With Deleites gone, the Lady of Dark Delights set out to put her plan into motion. She must first delay any conflict that would deter the profiteering of her followers for as long as she could while at the same time ensuring that the continuation of the Famine to an extent. It was a delicate balancing act she was performing. War was unavoidable if the famine persisted and once that occurred her plans may become complicated. However if the famine suddenly ended, her followers may not be able to maximize on profit. Surely this was something that would be easier with allies and allies she would seek out. First she would go to those most likely to listen to her, those who despite having different views from her, shared common ground in allegiance.

The ones who, like her, were portrayed as evil. Palchard, an unpredictable God whom despite his lack of consistency, Dolores was quite fond of him. Perhaps he could be convinced to aid her in her endeavor. Then there was Breeder. Dolores and him had no quarrels that she could recall but she was also did not recall them really working together in anything either. It was only natural once one analyzed them why this was so. Dolores normally only spectated and went with the flow of whatever it was that transpired and in the long term, Entropy would see his experiments come to an end... Breeder Argan preferred a much more hands on approach compared to her and was too enamored by his breeds to see the grandness of the end game as she did. If she wanted to collaborate with him, she would need to discover his desires and appeal to them. Lastly and perhaps her least favored option was Kurnos. Undeath was a concept that betrayed Dolores’s purpose. Kurnos never truly proceeded in his matters in such a fashion as to directly oppose Dolores but the potential was there. If everything came to an end...Undeath could make a new beginning... It was because of this possibility that she heralded him as her second biggest threat, the larger one being the Creator God, Archanian. Yet perhaps...if only this once...Undeath and Entropy could see eye to eye?

Dolores prepared her messages. Each God in question would receive one and she would see them, if they permitted, according to how they responded.

To the God of Mischief:
“Palchard, my dear, have you found sufficient amusement during these ‘famined’ times? I believe I have stumbled upon something very amusing but I would require your aid if I wished to truly enjoy this. I am certain you too would delight in the mischief that will follow.”

To the Breeder Argan:
“Breeder Argan. Did you leave us for good, I would surely hope not for no good would come of it
 A childish tantrum has caused a most unpleasant Famine in the mortal realm, as I am sure you know. Yet I and mine do not know the meaning of suffering nor are we inconvenienced by the foolishness of the lesser Liar Gods...if you so wished I could make it so you too gained much from this but if you are not interested, I’ve no quarrels with not sharing the fruit of my labour.”

To the Keeper of Undeath:
“Kurnos...no doubt this famine is a weight upon the backs of your followers but I have a proposition. My followers do not suffer despite the great suffering that has befallen the mortal realms. Instead, they saw an opportunity and are making the most of it and in hopes of exploiting this as much as possible, I seek to collaborate with you. Perhaps this plan of mine may not seem suitable for you at first but I assure you, once you know of all it’s details, you will see what will be lose will be severely outweighed by what we gain.”

It was then that Dolores heard the words of the Oakborn. “I am sorry, but the famine will not end today.”

“I see nothing but Good coming from this. Perhaps not in the coming days but surely the mortals will learn from this
” She encouraged. “Stay on course, Face of the Oak...not all of the Gods can see as far as we can
”.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: The Breeder
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#, as written by darkune
Apocaleam - The Badlands of Epoch and Infinium

As the mist cleared Miana expected to see her master's reclaimed form but to her surprise neither The Breeder nor Corruption sat before her. The form chosen by an almost all powerful god was that of a boy, Cedric Fallow. However not all was the same with the fair human, her master's innate corruption had seeped into the boy's eyes turning them into a twisted and unnatural yellow that burned like a fire and was shared between all of her father's forms in some way.

"The boy? That's the form you're choosing?" Miana prodded inquisitively wrapping her father in a cloak to cover his human like skin from the ash. The demon's had been born in this harsh climate of fire and ash, but humans rarely found a way to venture into Apocaleam as a portal needs to be opened from one of two places in the entire realm or a primal demon had to open the portal personally.

"What good is being a god-king if you can't lower yourself every once in a while? I like to know how my children are thinking without the bias of talking to their god." He joked halfheartedly and fitted his worn out cloak on to his mortal-like body. He was only telling a half truth to his avatar at this point and she knew this. The two of them had been together long enough to know each others ulterior motives to doing anything.

"God-King huh? You think this lot will go back to being 'children of their god' again so easily? You should be happy, you were renowned and feared in legend. How can you want more?" Miana quickly retorted in a way that could only make her father sigh. She knew of his past need for creating children of the gods, However she never fully understood what he gained from the whole deal.

"I just don't want to be feared anymore child. How would you feel if you were known in legend to be feared by your children?" He stuck his fingers in the hot ash, feeling the pain as Cedric felt in his last moments.

"You're kidding right father? You had me raise hundreds of broods of my own children, and I never met most of them. You want them to love you for what you've done for them?" She giggled a bit with the jabbing remark of her father's ambitions, "They're not going to love you like she did, I don't think anyone will."

He sighed again, pulling his hand from the ash and looking to The Tower of Infinium. "Watch yourself girl, you'd do well to remember what feelings you're trying to invoke from me." He snarled a bit at his daughter, waving his hand in dismissal of her claims. The next step in The Breeder's plan to take back Apocaleam was to secure the places of importance to the security of Apocaleam. The orb that would open a rift to Pandeum in The Tower of Infinium was shattered in the events that led to The Breeder's imprisonment, so the next main target would be the capital city of Epoch. "Once we take Epoch the rest will fall in line." Argan muttered to himself and turned in the direction of Epoch.

With a wave of his hand a tear sounded loudly opening a red rip showing a glassy and translucent version of the fiery capital city. Motioning with one hand he propositioned the she demon into the portal and once she was through he himself passed through the corrupt tear in reality.




Apocaleam - Epoch Marketplace

Epoch was a vast and bustling city, the Marketplace more so than any other part. The bustling of demons of all variety buying was almost as deafening as the sound of the calling of the Merchant Demons. The seas of customers parted for the two cloaked individuals which weren't out of the norm for the area, but the pulsating amount of corruption coming from Miana. As a leader of the religion of The Breed, she often came in contact with relics of the creation of the corrupt plane that Argan himself couldn't fully mask as he had learned to with time.

"Child, how much for the human?" A skinny slaving demon reached out and grabbed at Argan's face as to get a better look at him. Argan flashed his corrupted eyes at the demon deflecting his arm pulling the corruption from all around his body to just his arm, causing intense pain. "Please forgive me, my lady.. I thought he was for sale." The demon cringed and clasped his arm in pain, shifting his gaze from the two.

Argan shook his head and walked forward seeing a single erchin child. Argan looked him over. The child was half incubus and half elf, a mutt and product of free breeding. However something was off about the boy, and the majority of the demons in the market. They all seemed thinner than normal, almost starved. As the two demons passed more and more starving children Argan had to finally inquire, "Why is everyone like this?"

"Well a lot of things have caused this. Without your guidance the demon raiding parties have gotten less and less effective as the generations passed. Secondly the most powerful demons have been hording whatever spoils we do have, not sharing anything with their soldiers or making the treasures available to the masses. Thirdly there has been a devastating famine in Pandeum, it's affected the other-worlders so much that it has started to affect us." She explained the cause of the problems in Apocaleam and it made Argan wonder, Famine this terrible doesn't happen naturally. After a while the two appeared at the main capital complex in the center of the city, this is where the soldiers would send troops to Pandeum.

The place was in shambles, and the soldiers seemed like inexperienced and even they were thinner than they should have been. Argan didn't want to kill for no reason so he quickly crippled any guard in intense pain. "Subtle." Miana jested with no retort but a single grumble from her father. The two passed waves of guards attempting to subdue them, but each was crippled when they came within meters of Argan. This futile effort went on until the two reached the center where the main portal opening orb was housed and where his lieutenant Vascal likely was.

Years ago Vascal was a grand elven sorcerer that made a bargain with Argan. The bargain was that if he would serve Argan until his death then Argan would give him incredible power in life. A fairly tame deal, until Argan corrupted the elf so much that it caused him to become immortal in Apocaleam and bound him to the plane. After Argan's disappearance, Vascal was the first demon to try and label The Breeder's life as a myth and a fairy tale. As generations passed and even Miana became less and less influential, this falsehood became fact. Ever since Vascal had control of any area that his troops could take, ranging most of the plane of Apocaleam.

Argan barged open the gates to the orb and saw Vascal and his most respected soldiers in the main hall of the complex surrounded by hoards of treasure, likely been stored here for hundreds of years. "Lady Miana! Always lovely to see you," the tainted elf's darted from the demoness to Argan, "Whose your friend?"

"It's your master, I found him." Miana smirked and all she got in response from the elf was a laugh. The soldiers looked at each other in disbelief and laughed at Miana, "She still believes in that myth? How sad."

"Fine." Argan muttered and raised his hand. Each of the demons stepped forward and from their bodies came a black fog. The soldiers stopped on place as the fog seeped from their bodies. The fog solidified in two columns in protruding from each of the soldier's chests replacing all of their internal organs. "You see that's my control of corruption, and I made you. Your curse that has kept you alive and powerful is mine to take away seeing as you've broken our agreement." Argan shifted from his unassuming human form to The Breeder.

"Lord Argan... Master. So good to see that you've returned! Please I haven't broken our deal, I've just put it on standby." Vascal realized his error and tried to back peddle the conversation back in his favor. However Argan saw through this facade, tendrils shot out of Argan's shoulders and pierced the elf's chest. "Please, we all thought you were dead." Vascal pleaded with his former master.

He scowled and from the tendrils pumped pure corruption into the body of the elf. This corruption manifested quickly, breaking through his skin in crystalline forms all over his body. The tendrils then pulled the elf back to the god within reaching distance and Argan put his hands on the tainted creatures head. With a single breath The Breeder breathed a black fog into Vascal's mouth and surrounded the two. Miana rolled her eyes as she had found this ritual to become tedious and boring. Since Vascal had already promised his life to his master, Argan didn't have to corrupt him with a lengthy ritual like he did with Cedric.
"Fool. I can't die here."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Devi the Peace Bringer Character Portrait: The Breeder Character Portrait: Dolores
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#, as written by darkune
Capital Building - Apocaleam


"And that is why we don't deal with elven mages anymore. This form is quite fair. Tempting even for me I suppose." As the gaseous corruption cleared Argan's voice boomed from a small elven frame. Argan rose to his feet breathing in the gas and eyeing up the chaos of the portal room. The room was never very elaborate, mainly because Argan never cared for pomp and luxury, but it was as run down as it had ever been. As The Breeder approached the charcoal colored orb he could tell that it had gone dormant from lack of suitable power, making a large portal far more difficult to open. The Breeder by himself could create a massive rift in the sky of both Pandeum and Apocaleam, filling both sky's with fire and resounding a thunder so loud it would destroy entire cities on both realms.

With a single touch from Argan, the orb started to glow like molten rock on a cold mountain. When the orb started to spew gaseous corruption a large and blood red ethereal portal opened up above the orb, but didn't have a destination to transport to. "Well that went better than expected, but in these times I honestly shouldn't have expected more opposition." Miana chuckled a bit and breathed in some of the gas coming from the orb, mainly because it acts like an opiate to those who are heavily corrupted.

The Breeder didn't smile but he thought the side effect of the corruption was quite funny for his chosen few. Personally Argan didn't enjoy inhibitors or vices because they could allow goddesses like Dolores to have ammunition against him if they ever happened to be at odds. As he spied the hoard of loot, he noticed that the money all had either blood or succubi traces on them. So they been killing and screwing to keep the coffers this low? With those tactics there should be far more treasure here. Argan pondered the situation. Before he was imprisoned the coffers were as bolstered as ever and they did it with as minimal strain on the world of Pandeum as possible.

Times obviously were hard in the main realm. "This famine, has it affected Apocaleam terribly? I saw children starving outside, I doubt the merchants are doing well if they're willing to get their slave stock off the street." Argan felt bad for his children and worried for his realm. While Argan believed that slavery could be a tool used by his children, he always advocated for appropriate use of discipline for his slaves. Usually slaves were raised as either labor or livestock and consisted of just about any mortal from the realm of Pandeum. Demon's and the corrupted often ate whatever they can, but with the limited use of the portals Argan doubted they could take many things back to Apocaleam as spoils.

"I tried telling them to conserve until you came back, but they started getting greedy and gluttonous. That started about eight-hundred years ago." Miana sighed as she watched Argan make hand symbols drew a large rune on the ground with his foot. With a close of his hand the rune glowed a bright red and from it The Arbiter crept out of the ground. "Good idea father. Arbiter, make sure that the people are informed that The Breeder has return and try to secure the entirety of Apocaleam. I will deal with those that do not comply." Miana spoke before her master could, which often quite irked him, but he didn't have a qualm with it seeming very lost in thought.

Argan looked deeply into the portal thinking what was best for his people. It would be something that he often didn't like to do, mainly because it may bring the ire of other gods. The main solution to Argan was clear; they would need to take control of a part of Pandeum for a time. He placed his hand on the orb which showed the continent of Pandeum and on the orb he searched for an isolated part of Pandeum near the shore and would be defend-able from all sides. He chose a spot right in the middle of the continent, only bordered to the north and the south surrounded by the Sea of Serenity. Unfortunately the area he would like to use already has been claimed by another god at some point. It seemed to be owned by The Mother of Justice, Lady Devi.

"I thought I was done with her tirades when I created my own realm. I guess I should have known that one day I would have to answer for not involving myself in their pointless conquests and that blasted war they never silence themselves about." He rubbed the little crystal nubs that had formed on Temptation's skin. As he raised his head he looked at the site he was considering taking over and made a fantastic discovery, the place was abandon! If the area is abandon then that meant to Argan that Lady Devi didn't have much claim over the remaining structures and would be easy to build upon.

"Ready the Legion, we invade when we gather." Argan sternly said to his daughter and looked around the portal room and opened up smaller portals on the walls. Each of these portals seemed to go to other parts of Apocaleam, mostly to cities or The Tower of Infinium. He walked calmly to the portal to The Tower and ordered, "And I want the Ancient Vampires let out of their sleep. It's time we got back to work."




Ruins of the Deva - Pandeum

Current Time


An idyllic day was taking place; the birds singing, critters bounding about, animals waiting by the stream they drank from, and mortals living out their daily lives all in the ruins of Lady Devi's former nation. It was near perfect until a deafening tear and crash came from the sky. This event was so loud that each and every surrounding nation could likely hear the thundering sound, and if one could look up at the sky they would see the sky start to turn from a lovely blue to an almost sunset red in the middle of the day. As the red hue gets darker more and more of a black clouds pour out of an ethereal blood red portal that came straight from Apocaleam.

From this tear in the sky a black and hardened cloud shot straight down and corrupted the parallel land. Trees turned black and wicked, birds turned from robins to ravens and from ravens to Corrupted Birds. Wise mortals ran in fear, but most weren't fortunate enough to get far from the hoard of demons that poured from the sky down onto the ruins.

The stream of demons was relentless in the first few hours. Vampires in their cursed forms came with their immense speed and rounded up any mortal that they could get their claws on. Hellish Deathwings poured from the breach gobbling up any half bred and tainted individuals caught in the initial blast. After the demon spawn came, the area was forever tainted by the corruption which continued to bleed from the portal. More and more poured in and as some came in, deathwings left with mortals in tow. Most mortals were taken from the vampires and tied to the claws of a deathwing who then flies back through the breach and into Apocaleam to be slaves to be either corrupted or tamed.

Each of the demons knew that their presence might be unwanted by their neighbors, so the first thing Lady Miana ordered was for walls to be erected around the ruins. The twisted and corrupted trees were stacked next to each other making a makeshift wooden wall. Finally as their God and father came through his portal, landing at his new outpost, spoke these words, "Someone needs to work on Devi's mortals sense of architecture. It's so gaudy."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: The Oakborn Character Portrait: The Breeder Character Portrait: Dolores
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#, as written by darkune
Demon Outpost Kaedeth - Pandeum


Demons worked harder than they have in years building fortifications for the ruins, renamed Kaedeth. As the demons labored they quickly ran out of the thorny and sticky trees that were altered by the corruption. This problem however was quickly remedied by cutting down the unaffected trees surrounding the area. One by one the trees would fall, before their master quickly stopped them saying, "Plant three seeds for each tree you fell. I don't want to prompt the Oakborn's ire again."

"She would like to be referred to as "The Green Lady" this time of the year now. Lot of things have changed since you've been gone. Miana looked around as saplings were gathered and replanted by the demons, trying not to get on The Green Woman's bad side. "Surprising you want to give back more than you've taken, what sparked this change?" She prodded loving to see her masters patience running thin.

Argan didn't know why he took this abuse from his Avatar, knowing that he could just replace her with any other purebred demon. However she never would have approved of Miana's death, always trying to do what's best for Argan. The Breeder sighed looked over the forestry project and muttered, "Let's say I somewhat learned my lesson. Don't piss off the Oakborn unless you're absolutely ready." He hated talking about it with Miana, because he knew that she knows exactly what he's going to say. Frankly the two talked about it for thousands of years, but his rebellious daughter loved to twist the blade in his wounds.

Miana giggled, but quickly noticed her fathers disdain. She brushed her hands on his incredibly withered chest pulling him close to her. Her normal rebellious nature fizzled into a warm embrace of a lover. "She didn't even have to do battle with you last time. She tricked you." Miana tried to cozy up to her master, rubbing her forehead against the bony breastbone of Argan. Had The Breeder had eyes in his sockets they would have been rolling into his skull as he grunted from the embrace in annoyance. She looked up and gave a gentle smile and a deep gaze into the yellow corruption streaming from The Breeder's eyes saying seductively, "What do you need from me?"

"What makes you think I want a thing from you? You think a God among demons needs anything from his underlings other than respect and devotion?" Argan put a cold hand on her shoulder pushing her gaze from his. For some reason Miana had always been enamored with him, trying her best to get the old god to flirt and maybe eventually think of Miana eventually as he would her. However Miana never seemed to understand the dynamic that Argan once had with her. The two were never intimate in any way and the very idea was abhorrent to The Breeder. "Let me ask you, what do you think would happen? When I breathe or stick my finger on someone without intense preparation they become a corrupted husk of their former self. What would happen to the poor girl I bedded?" He broke the embrace as quick as he could, the very idea of being intimate disgusted him.

In demon society this practice was not totally uncommon, seeing as how their god formed all demons from elements and his own seed. The first demons were dark and monstrous beasts or demon women, the very first brood mother that formed was Miana herself. Miana was the thirteenth demon and even she was given seed from her master to form her first brood. However Argan could never stomach bedding a mortal, so he cursed Miana to give her children. To him this was the only way to raise pure blooded demons. He raised the first demons for a specific purpose, locking most of them away after they proved too rebellious. From the first thirteen, two were left uncaged; The Brood Mother Miana and her.

After minutes of thinking about his past Miana broke the silence with an angered huff saying, "Guess I never thought of it that way." Argan lost deep in thought was abruptly snapped out of his silence returning him to his normal cold and calculated self. He shook his head and started walking back to Kaedeth with Miana nipping at his heels. "So what next? Do we address The Green Lady?" Miana returned to prodding her master.

"I refuse to beg the Oakborn... The Green Lady for anything. I'm sure the other Gods are seeking her favor, so I want to show her what my people can do. We could burn the forests down, but that isn't in my nature. I was planning on showing her that the demons of Apocaleam know how to take care of their home. Hence why we plant three saplings for each tree that falls. If she still loves Pandeum, she will allow the saplings to grow." Argan once knew that the Oakborn was a hard God to appease in the old times. He thought back and remembered The Oakborn, before Argan left and their petty God war began, was more connected with the land than with the other gods. Hopefully she allows the trees to grow, mostly because the beings of the realm of magma were trying to rebuild more than take away.

Once Pandeum was full of chaotic creatures without much thought other than base instinct, these were technically Argan's first creations. However he hated them. As the other gods made mortal civilizations long since passed, Argan was stuck breeding new breeds of rabbits and horses that fed and were fed upon. It was an existence he found far too mundane and pathetic. Originally he was going to be the God of animals and variation, but this was a futile existence to him. So eventually he started to breed other creatures that were not fed upon, pure predators like wolves and dragons. While they could be trained slightly, these creatures were still very base in nature.

Luckily Argan discovered the gift of corruption and made the first monster that went berserk against the mortal civilization, but this time of pride for Argan became superstition as the ages passed. Even his "monsters", as the mortals called them, fed based purely on blood lust and this to was not enough for Argan. He finally realized it was not his technique of creating, but rather Pandeum itself that was making his mixture of mortal and monster so difficult to master. The soil was all wrong for making a demon and even the ash of Pandeum could only create a creature as base as an imp. So Argan did the logical thing and moved on to another realm, he had done his job for Pandeum and let nature take it's course thinking that the other gods could handle things.

So Argan created a pocket realm of ash and fire. A hellish landscape of sulfuric clouds and pools of molten lava, and he was finally proud of his work. Then of course the first thirteen were made and most locked away, but the other gods feared some of the thirteen greatly. They heard the creatures shrieks even in Pandeum, and even Argan grew fearful of their powers of destruction. Argan locked them away from all prying eyes and dubbed the, "The Creatures of the End Times". While he loved his children, he knew that if he released them almost all life would be destroyed and Argan couldn't allow her to die that way.

"Argan!" Miana hollered to her father, snapping him out of another bout of remembrance. "You haven't spoken for an hour, and you've recieved a message from Lady Dolores. Here." She handed him a letter from the Goddess of Hedonism and Entropy, who always had something up her sleeves. He wondered how she was but didn't dare fall into the trap of visiting her realm. "You should draft something back!" Miana called after reading the letter over Argan's shoulder.

"Trust me, she has ulterior motives. Dolores never just wants to chat, didn't try a single time to visit me in Apocaleam. That being said I didn't visit her either, I tried to shut the man I was here away once I became a father." Argan smiled that toothy lipless smile and started to draft a reply.

To Lady Dolores:
"Darling,
I don't know exactly what it is you need from me or what your motives are, but I don't respond well over letters as I do in person. The only real questions I have is how do you expect to have me profit from my people's starvation? I've already had to establish a bastion in Pandeum to store food. What is it that you can do for me?"

"You. Take this back to her, she wont trick me again to going to that world of hedonism." He laughed and handed the note to the standing middle aged human looking fellow in purple that had delivered the message. Something was off about him, Argan could tell he was immortal but didn't see anything special enough about him to make him her avatar.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Palchard Character Portrait: Archanian Character Portrait: The Breeder Character Portrait: Kassius Character Portrait: Dolores Character Portrait: Nike
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Before she was interrupted by the invader, Kurnos, Dolores had dispatched an invitation to the God Argan and her instructions to the God Palchard.

To Palchard:

Certainly you have seen the madness that has befallen the mortals in these times but we both know that these are done out of mere desperation and not true madness. They murder one another and steal from one another, justifying it as survival
 However to achieve my goal, I wish to make them succumb to true madness. In my realm, within one of my six Courts, I produce a kind of food that has no flavor. With your aid, we could poison it, have my followers distribute it amongst the rich and powerful of the land, and enjoy a true spectacle as they succumb to the true desires of their hearts. Of course is this is not sufficient for you, Dear Palchard, I can always reward you in other means. I only need to know the craving you wish to have satisfied.

Like a demon who came once you spoke its’ name, Dolores appeared before the angry God Kurnos. Her face was masked, her true expression hidden from the trespasser. Was she angry at this breach of etiquette? Did she find it amusing? Perhaps one day that mystery would be solved. Unlike Kurnos, she came unarmed. The Lady of Dark Delights was no God of War, never in her existence had she asked for Archanian for a weapon, never had she raised a sword against her kin...Yet she had claimed so many of her kin within the very Court Kurnos had trespassed into. Made one wonder who was truly powerful.

“Kurnos
” The Dark Lady commenced to speak as she boldly closed the gap between them. “You seem so well versed in mortal speak, to quote their sayings so aptly...forgive me for asking such a foolish question but can you tell me from which mortal folktale is this quote from? How it relates to our current predicament?”

At this point, there was no space between Dolores and Kurnos. Arms extending out from the blackness that concealed most of her form, they wrapped around his neck. Her form pressed into his, one could mistake them as lovers if they were to stumble upon this sight, but there was a lingering feeling of dread in the air...This was dangerous. In a lecherous tone she whispered into his ear.

“Step into my parlor...said the spider to the fly?....Are you the spider, Kurnos...Or. Am. I.”

Laughter erupted from beneath the mask, a centipede casually walked out from beneath one eye socket and then entered the next.

“You say you don’t want to play...yet here you are in my playground...Your such a cruel tease, Keeper of Undeath. Never do this to me, ever, without due warning...I may cave in to my cravings.”

It was without warrant that there was reason that Dolores was so confident in herself despite not being a combative God. In her realm, the only absolute was the will of the Goddess. Basically she had the homefield advantage and even as she spoke to him, Kurnos would surely feel her Hedonistic spell attempting to afflict him. The goddess separated herself from him and took in the surrounding abyss.

“This Court makes the world as the individual within would like it...unless you are resisting its magic, it should have conjured something to decieve you...or perhaps this is what you want the world to be like
 We seem to be more compatible than I thought if that is the case. Now, God of Wrath and Undeath. As to why you came. I seek to end the famine. No doubt your followers march on those who are least affected by it in order to take what they need by force, I only ask that you do not deter from this course. Beat their armies in battle and then pillage their land. Surely you wonder how this benefits me and mine, I will tell you. My followers are currently amassing food. They steal it, they purchase it, and they even kill for it. When your war and the famine ends, The mortals will still be starving and that is when we shall sell the food to them, the scarcity of it will justify our outlandish prices...Between the loot you will obtain from war and the portion of the profits we will give you, I would think your people would be satisfied.”

____________________________

From the Hall Of Heroes, the Domain of Nike


It was here that the Heroes of old came to rest, where they shared drinks despite the allegiances they once held and the grudges they once had. There was no need to harbor hatred towards one another in this plane of existence, for even if they did strike against one another, what harm could they do? None. Such actions would only anger her, Nike, the Mother of All Heroes. Here there was nothing but spars amongst friends and tale after tale of their heroic deeds. With all this laughter, it was odd that Kassius was not around. Yet she did not partake in the merriment. While the patrons of her domain drowned themselves in merriment, she took on to her duties.

War was coming. Soldiers were asking for her blessings, for the courage to fufill their duties, mothers and wives, fathers and husbands, were asking for victory and the safe return of their loved ones. It burdened her, knowing that such prayers of safe passage, were beyond her but she listened to them regardless. Many Dwarves were praying to her, Many Goblins offered her sacrifices, but her favor would not guarantee victory. As it had been since she had realized that she was existing, she would only give Victory to those who had the strength to obtain it.

“Forgive me, Archanian...but I can only interpret the lose of those mines as the Dwarves lacking the strength to hold them. If one cannot defend what they call theirs, is it truly their possession?” She asked herself as the blessings of Courage was bestowed upon the Goblin warriors who invaded the mines. “Perhaps your people will prove to me that they have the strength to be worthy of my blessings
 but until then.”

Nike’s gaze turned to the Republic of Solaras. “Kassius...despite the famine your people remain strong but war creeps on their doorstep. Do they have the strength to protect their prosperity or shall they too prove to be too weak to gain my blessings?... I should go and enjoy myself too, while everyone is in a fighting mood but who should I pester for a battle?"

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Palchard Character Portrait: The Oakborn Character Portrait: Archanian Character Portrait: Devi the Peace Bringer Character Portrait: The Breeder Character Portrait: Kassius
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Devi ~ Swarga Loka


Devil pursed her lips. “Yes, the famine has caused much strife.” A weak smile came to her lips. “I almost receive more prayers now than when I had a nation.” She looked out to the open blue sky and sighed. “Walk with me, Creator.”

The Peace Bringer began walking, hoping that the smith would follow close behind. “War, both mortal and divine, hangs over us like a dark cloud. I am doing what I can to protect the innocent. Small things, mostly, like keeping farmers safe from wolves or giving strength to Republic forces in their battle with the Hordes.” She sighed. “After the death of the Deva, I believed that perhaps Pandeum didn’t need them anymore. Perhaps it was unwise to force peace upon the world.” She closed her eyes, seeing goblin war machines and draconian hordes. She could feel her name being evoked by an army beneath the waves. “But now, it is becoming clear that I was wrong. I released my avatar from her bindings.”

She looked over the edge of the mountain, staring into the dark abyss below. “Perhaps the Kingslayer will help push the world into peace.” She crossed her arms. “But the famine is a more complicated issue. If it were any other god threatening the world like this, I would have slain them.” She looked into Archanian’s eyes. “However, the Green Woman’s death would likely destroy all plant life on Pandeum and only throw the world further into chaos.”  

Suddenly, a darkness creeped up Devi’s spine. She looked at the shorter god, resisting the rage bubbling in her stomach like boiling water. The Breeder had returned and his foul creatures dared to step foot onto ground once sacred to her. How dare they? She thought for a moment of sending Kali to slaughter the corrupted rats, but even the Kingslayer couldn’t destroy an entire race singlehandedly, nor could she best a god as ancient and powerful as Argan. Regardless, the time for Devi to wipe them from the earth would come.

The Mother of Justice smiled her wrath and smiled at her guest.  “Now, my friend, what are your thoughts on these troubling times?”

Aros ~ Heartlands of Solaras


A large falcon circled above the Republic’s army and the River Timaeus, sunlight gleaming off of its golden feathers. As he descended onto the soldiers’ camp, Aros took a moment to thank Kassius. Without the Sun Bearer’s message, he would have wasted precious time.

He landed and, after a flurry of golden feathers and fur, a field mouse took the bird’s place. He scurried into Cyrus’ tent, waiting patiently for his opportunity. When Cyrus was alone and available, the Summer King let himself known. Golden blades of grass swirled around his little body until Aros transformed into his true form.

“Hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.” He sat with his legs crossed, a mischievous smile on his face. He couldn’t help but be fond of Cyrus. Although his  fellow avatar could be a stick in the mud, under several stern layers of responsibility and duty was man of wit and humor. “My grandmother and the Seelie Court will help us. They’ll be defending Grimmshire so I can move more of my forces to the Republic. They’ve also provided me with quite a bit of valuable information.” He smiled. “There’s an ancient spell that may be able to lift the famine from your fields. Moira and my magicians are working to modify it to suit our needs, but we’ll have to wait to cast it until the Stag gains more strength.” He ran his fingers through his hair, sending a small flutter of fairy dust into the air. “There’s also a piece of old fairy folklore. It may not be true, but if it is-” A rare expression of seriousness came over the king's face. “It could ensure that this is the last famine that Pandeum ever faces.”

He stood, taking a step towards his ally. “The first fairies believed that by evoking the Oakborn’s true name, it was possible to bend any Face to one’s will.”

Monta Stonemother & Eban Lordkiller ~ Underground Goblin Outpost


As silent as the shadows creeping across the walls, a party of Unseelie knights entered the mines. Their leaders rode on stone golems, smiling as they came upon the goblin outpost. The grotesque little creatures panicked and screeched, some grabbing their weapons. A larger, more level headed beast demanded to know who they were and what their business was.

“Greetings, Toads!” Monta Stonemother, a beautiful and horrid woman, smiled as she called out to them. She scratched the top of her stone beast’s skull. “We were sent to assist in your efforts against the Wee Folk by Maeve Blackward, High Queen of the Unseelie Court and the most valuable ally to your king.”

Grandmother ~ Demon Outpost Kaedeth


“Devi would absolutely hate this.” Grandmother’s voice rode the wind, echoing throughout the halls of the former temple. She materialized behind Argan, silver haired and bare footed. The demons surrounding them, unaware of who the goddess was, made a panicked attempt to seize her. “Relax, children.”  A smiled played on her lips and her eyes gleamed with a childlike mischief. With a wave of her hand, every mortal in the room was transformed into a tree with outstretched limbs and roots burrowed into the ground. It was temporary and unnecessary, but Grandmother never missed a chance to be theatric. “The grown ups are speaking.”

She paced aimlessly, her eyes traveling around the room and her green dress skimming the temple floor. “The Peace Bringer will likely come to reclaim it, although she no longer has mortals to do so on her behalf.” She closed her eyes. Her sight traveled towards to Republic, settling on a happy old man floating above the ground and his companion, an annoyed woman carrying a spear in her hand. “Well, except for the Kingslayer. I suppose she could do quite a bit of harm if she set her eyes on this temple.”

Grandmother opened her eyes and smiled at her fellow god. “I wanted to welcome you back and thank you for the trees.”


The Snow King - Castle of the Snow King


The walls surrounding the Snow King’s fortress were made of solid ice and seemed to reach the skies. As Astria called out, a small section of the wall came down, giving her permission to enter. She would be escorted in by golems crafted from ice and snow.

In his throne room, the Snow King stood before a large mirror. In its reflection, he watched the Green Woman as she turned the earth against the mortals. He completely understood. If he had sole control over the winter, he would have starved the parasites out ages ago.

As Astria entered the room, he turned to her, a rare glimmer of affection in his eyes. “Greetings, sister. I hadn’t expected to see you until the winter.” A cold chuckled rattled from his throat. "I hope my other sister's temper tantrum isn't troubling you too much."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: The Oakborn Character Portrait: Devi the Peace Bringer Character Portrait: The Breeder
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#, as written by darkune
Pandeum - Demon Outpost





Argan sat silently in his study surrounded by a gaggle of unneeded demons trying their best to suck up to their father. Suddenly the room grew tense and the demons stood ready to fight. "Finally you're here Oakborn...." He said in a low voice as his children turned to trees around him, but found himself looking at a tiny frail version of the Oakborn. Something was off, Argan knew this form of the Oakborn but this wasn't the Oakborn themselves. "So they decided to split their personalities while I was away? I wouldn't do that, too many conflicts within myself." He laughed and started playing with the bark on one of his children.

Argan looked back at Grandmother and listened to her thank him for the rebuilding he had done. "I figured at least a small gesture from the demons could help the grand cause. Now I know that will never be enough to spare my people from this famine, but it's a start. Tell me, she's willing to sit by and let the creatures I created all those years ago die because she doesn't like the Goblins cutting down her forests? I slaved for years to breed all the different base creatures in this world and now we will let them die because of a conflict with a race of mortals? You know The Oakborn could kill each and every one of the goblins and any other mortal that went against her in a matter of a few days." The Breeder had worked so hard to create the creatures that the other god's creations fed upon and domesticated. Truly what was the point if a god was just going to starve them to death because they had a wild hair to do so? What was the point of any of creation if the gods were willing to let all of their creations die just to solve a dispute?

The Breeder sighed and turned around toward Grandmother and gave a smile that only a mother could love, mainly because The Breeder didn't have lips to form a smile. "Do you remember before I left? When you tried to convince me to be the God of Animals and Fire? Before I discovered my love of corruption?" He laughed remembering all of those years ago; before Apocaleam, before Argan's apocalypse of old, before she was even born. "I was so angry back then, so willing to tear this world apart to find her." He hadn't given up she was still a priority but what good was a family with not a single family member?

Argan look out over his small land, the corrupted land and temples in shambles from disuse. Then he remembered what Grandmother had said about Devi and how she would seek retribution. "She would seek vengence from me? For what moving in to a land that hasn't been inhabited for hundreds of years? I did my research, she doesn't even have a land base in this realm anymore. What should the temples be left for dust? Had this land remained unoccupied for the rest of time? You realize how silly that is don't you?" He laughed at the hilarity of it. Devi always thought she was greater than any god, that her will was final and eternal.

[color=#3333FF]"Devi the Bringer of Peace is always quick to forget her own hypocrisy. Willing to kill as many as she can just to prove a point to another god. Her duality is the formation of her hypocrisy, retribution and peace and two different sides to the same leaf. One represents peace, the other violence. How does that make her the goddess of peace?"
Argan huffed not understanding what the gods had grown into. Each ready to slit the other's throat for the lightest of gain in their own lives. What had this world turned to since he had left?

Had this situation been directly after her people's death Argan would have understood, but it had been years; the land overgrown, other territories encroaching, the temples falling apart. How long was Argan to let the land go to waste? When would it have no longer been Devi's land? She neglected it for years yet still had some sort of claim? If a parent beats their child do they get to claim them once their child is taken? It didn't make rational sense.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: [NPC] Bartender Character Portrait: The Oakborn Character Portrait: Devi the Peace Bringer Character Portrait: The Breeder Character Portrait: Kassius Character Portrait: Dolores
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The Sky Palace: Zephyrus


Symphonia held her eyes closed as she took in the different happenings of the world that the wind carried to her. She leaned slight over the banister of the single room tower that gave the best view of the world below. It was her place to relax and feel at ease if the winds permitted. Sometimes they carried ill omens and others the sounds of tranquility from the various forms of nature below. But when Symphonia listened intently she could hear and make out many things.

This time she could make out sound of anticipated battle. It was easy to hear details since the conflict happened right below her own kingdom. And even more so because Faith was down there as well. Symphonia couldn’t help but worry for her Avatar like a child of her own. Even with Cyrus being her ally for now. The goddess knew that the Republic wasn’t in favor of some of bordering territories but the land was respected. And Symphonia would not see an ally invaded without help. Especially, by the likes of anything under Kurnos’ banner. What he represented was an abomination to the cycle of life. And his obsession with reckless violence costing countless mortals their lives instantly slated him as an enemy. Even though Symphonia was publically neutral there were some gods she didn’t sit well with.

Kurnos was only one of them. The Breeder and his people were another territory Symphonia wouldn’t be seen helping even though their god has long since been absent.

Palchard was another one for the sheer fact that unending trickery wasn’t something that the goddess fancied. But he wasn’t beyond allying with in the long run. Symphonia would much rather make dealings with his Avatar, the goblin king, than Palchard himself.

Dolores, to Symphonia, was almost one and the same as Palchard to Symphonia except the Dark Lady often held much more ill intent behind her trickery than a mere laugh. The Lady had a tongue of a snake and would never be trusted. Especially, since she expect the end of all life and that was the opposite of what Symphonia sought after.

Finally, there was Devi. Symphonia tried to like the Peace Bringer but their ways of bringing peace was normally with violence. And it almost seemed like Devi loved the fighting. But like Palchard the goddess’ quirks and habits wouldn’t get in the way of Symphonia lending aid if needed.

The winds also told the goddess that the other deities were holding a meeting to try and persuade The Lady of Oak to reverse or cease the famine for their own people. Symphonia thought about going as well but she wanted to end the famine for everyone. She wanted once again listen to the winds bring peace to her ears. Not the cries of war torn countries and the cries of mortals on every corner of the lands. The winds were loud with the sounds of despair and Symphonia wish she could help everyone. Not to mention the famine was bringing about more bloodshed than the goddess had seen in quite some time.

It wasn’t long till Symphonia found herself summoning her White Mage to the tower. The goddess could make the winds carry her voice to whomever she wanted. It was the easiest way to communicate with people that prayed to her. She would hear their prayers and she would give answer to help soothe their souls.

“My Lady.” Tylia said as she approached and curtsied. “You called for me?” Symphonia turned to face her White Mage.

“I am traveling below.” Even the cold-faced Tylia couldn’t mask the shock that briefly portrayed on her face. It was just her eyes widening for a moment but it was enough to give away what was on her mind. “It is to talk with the Grandmother of the land. Some of the other gods are already pleading their case of mercy for their people.”

“Will you also do the same for us?” Tylia asked.

“I am sure Grandmother has heard an earful already. I would rather understand the reasoning for her actions first. Maybe then I can get an idea on how to reverse whatever it is that caused this famine in the first place. In the meantime, I leave you in charge. It shouldn’t be any different than normal.” Symphonia paused for a moment before speaking again. “And could you also send reinforcements to Faith’s location? There seems to be a battle between Kurnos’ and Kassius’ Avatars. Faith is there to aid Cyrus and his men and might need help. Argonaut is there as well and I don’t know what his intentions are. Nike’s intentions are normally unpredictable in times of battle so send word for Faith to be wary.” Tylia nodded and a sudden gust of wind came, making the mage shield herself. When the wind faded she could see a dove flying to the grounds below.


It didn’t take long to reach the land full of trees where the Oakborn was known to inhabit. Much different than the lands around it. Voices of the other gods could already be heard as Symphonia approached the Enchanted Forest. The goddess descended into the realm of The Oakborn and into a graceful dive that ended with her returning to her original form standing in the tall grass. She curtsied to the Green Woman who sat on a throne of tangled vines and roots just as The Breeder, Argan, finished a word about Devi, who was also among them. Though she would never admit it, what she heard Argan say about the Peace Keeper was along the exact thoughts that Symphonia had for Devi. After The Breeder finished Symphonia turned to the Green Lady and curtsied again, this time with her head bowed.

“Sorry for my delayed appearance, Grandmother. You can guess as to why I am here but I do not come to plead for you to lift your curse from my people and their lands. I come to seek an understanding and possible solutions that would appease The Oakborn. As you know, my people are always eager to help in any way possible.”


Faith Lenotte - River Timaeus


Faith out a whistled when her and her healers approached their destination.

“Down there.” The scout pointed to a temporary tent.

“Okay, let’s get doun thare.” Faith said as she steered her griffen down towards the tent, making sure no arrows were threatening to shoot them down. Her and here people landed and it was then she could feel how many people she was amongst. She turned to Xandria as the woman dismounted her pegasus.

“I think we are gunna need more healers, Xandria.” It was then that she heard shouting coming from the center of the river. She immediately recognized beast that the voice belonged to. Yogosh was just as intimidating as Faith had read and heard about. His mount looked even more intimidating than her own and griffins were quite frightening creatures. Faith then saw the man known as Cyrus coming out to meet Yogosh on river frozen by mages. Xandria joined Symphonia’s Avatar in observing the confrontation.

“Faith, our healers are getting themselves in place for when the fighting starts.”

“It might nae come tae that. Mebbes set’le this by wey of duel by tae looks of it.” The two girls looked on with anticipation of what was going to happen.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Palchard Character Portrait: The Oakborn Character Portrait: Archanian Character Portrait: Devi the Peace Bringer Character Portrait: The Breeder Character Portrait: Kassius
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Grandmother - Demon Outpost

“After you left” Grandmother smiled. “The True Oakborn witnessed the fate of this world and witnessed something so terrible that it’s mind- our mind - was shattered.” She touched a newly formed tree near her, blossoms popping from where her wrinkled hands touched the bark. “From the Oakborn were born many deities, each representing a part of the great god we once were. You may call me Grandmother.” She smiled warmly, taking the Breeder’s hand into her own. “I am the Oakborn’s wisdom and, in its stead, I oversee the strands of fate.”

She released him as he spoke of the famine, nodding slightly. Grandmother sighed heavily, pushing back a strand of silver hair behind her ear. “I admit, I don’t agree with the Green Woman’s logic, but I believe it’s more than the goblins.” It pained Grandmother to think about the pain her sister had brought onto the earth. She had always been so kind and generous with all races, blessing them with growth and bounty each spring. “We forget that she is a force of nature. She is the soil and all things that grow from it.” Grandmother pursed her lips. “Although she was once fond of mortals and beasts, she is not bound to them as we are.”

Grandmother paused to listen to Argan. She smiled. “Yes, I do remember that. This part of me still wishes you had taken our suggestion.” She shrugged. “But it wasn’t our choice to make.” After Argon left, many of his duties fell to the Oakborn who watched over the creatures that the Breeder had left behind. It did as well as it could, but even gods had limits. Another weak smile flashed across the old woman’s lips. “I suppose any of us would tear apart the world for our children.” Her mind drifted back to the Green Woman. Perhaps the famine was her sister’s way of protecting her children; the trees, the flowers, the grass, and all plant life on Pandeum.

She chuckled. “Devi certainly has her flaws, but without her we’d still be fighting an endless war.” Grandmother leaned against one of Argan’s children. “She was created by a desperate world. She is what they needed. Perhaps, what they still need.” The old goddess waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about her. I was only half serious. I’m sure in times like these, she has much bigger matters to attend to.” She winked at the Breeder. “Not to say you aren’t a big matter.”

The Snow King - The Snow King’s Castle

“Hm.” The Snow King’s steps echoed throughout the room as he walked to his throne. He kept his hands hidden in fur lined sleeves. “I’m afraid she hasn’t been in a very diplomatic mood lately.” He rolled his eyes. “I suppose everyone believes that their lands should be spared.” He sat and waved his hand, a smaller less intricate chair forming opposite of him. “But, because of our bond, I will speak to the Green Woman, but I promise you nothing about the outcome.”

In all honestly, the Snow King did not care if Astria’s people starved or if they destroyed the Republic in search of grain. He wouldn’t care if the Green Woman strangled every mortal on Pandeum with her vines because, in the end, it would all rot and freeze away. Then, he would be King and ruled once more. Well, alongside Astria, that is.

A chess board appeared between the winter gods. A rare smile played across the king’s lips.

“Do you have time for a quick game?”

Devi - Swarga Loka

“Of course.” Devi nodded slowly. Although any conflict was enough to cause Devi concern, this felt different. Underneath the usual selfishness and greed that ushered in war, the Peace Bringer felt something far darker slithering underneath. It was like a black claw scratching at her stomach. “All conflicts concern me, but this one seems unlike most others.”

She turned towards Archanian, kneeling slightly to look into his eyes. “I did not see the Great Rebellion begin, but did it feel anything like this? This storm of tension and desperation?”

Monta Stonemother & Eban Lordkiller - Sivdzid

“In the shadows! The Wee Folk will not know we’re here!”

As the goblins began their siege on the walls of Sivdzid, the Unseelie seemed to float through an unnatural darkness. Even as cannons fired and explosions illuminated the entire cavern, they went silent and unseen, obscured by powerful illusion magic. Monta Stonemother, assisted by several other fairies, began to carve symbols across the dwarven wall. As they chanted their ancient incantation, the runes began to glow and burn themselves deeper into the wall. The Stonemother looked up and smiled, pleased.

Above them, Eban and several knights rode up the wall on stone golems, careful to avoid any cannon balls shot from their allies’ cannons. Although they were cloaked by their fairy illusions and surrounded by the chaos of war, it was unlikely that the dwarves on the wall could ignore the sounds of growling and stone talons digging into the wall.

When one unlikely dwarf looked over the edge, the Lordkiller’s blade impaled itself through his skull. As his comrades rushed to assist, each fell with a fairy dart in their eyes. Eban turned to his knights. “Take out the rest of the guards on the wall. Remain unseen.”

Aros - The River Timaeus

The Winter Charm formed in Aros’ hand as followed Cyrus out of the tent. The wand was supernaturally cold in his palm, but its burn felt unusually comforting to the Summer King. His heart nearly stopped when he saw the massive horde beyond the river. Although the savage draconians, nords, and ogres were troubling, nothing concerned him as much as the avatar of Kurnos sitting atop a giant salamander. As Yogosh swung his cleaver and taunted the Republic forces, Cyrus readied himself to cross a bridge of ice extending across the river.

Aros watched, his lips pursed. His eyes darted around, searching for a way to help. He could enchant the water attack the horde or cast an illusion over them to cause infighting among themselves. He looked at Cyrus and then at Yogosh. If they were to duel, it would be a clash of two mighty forces and, although Cyrus was skilled, Yogosh contained a massive amount of raw strength and killer instincts. The Sun Bearer’s Chosen would need all the help he could get. “Cyrus!” The Summer King reached into his pocket and tossed a coin in his direction. It gleamed in the sunlight and disappeared, finding itself tucked away in Cyrus’ pocket. The Autumn Charm could provide him with the luck he needed.

Aros looked towards the horde. He lifted his wand and twirled it in the air, golden dust swirling around him. “Twist the sight and cloud the mind,” Aros closed his eyes, allowing deep fairy magic to flow out from him. “Where once were friends, now foes you’ll find.”

He held the magic back, but if he released it, any member of the horde affected would fill with anxiety and delusion, seeing nothing but Republic forces surrounding them.

The Green Woman - The Other Place

The Green Woman rolled her eyes as yet another deity came to beg for mercy. She looked at Symphonia, a mild air of annoyance flickering across her features. Although the goddess’ sudden appearance was slightly irritating, the King certainly enjoyed the curtsy.

“Yes, yes, yes. Very nice of you.” The Green Woman stood up, the plants from her throne reaching for her as they reached for the sun, desperate for her return. “Walk with me.” She walked past Symphonia, expecting the goddess to follow her. As they walked, bright beautiful flowers bloomed to greet them and the plant life seemed to come alive as the deities passed them. Blue birds and butterflies fluttered out from the Green Woman’s hair. “I am tired, Symphonia. Spring after spring, I give all to the fleshlings.” She sighed. The weight of the world seemed to pull her body down. “Yet they chop down my trees, poison my rivers, and drown the soil in blood.”

She kneeled down, digging her fingertips into the dirt. The earth was crying out to her, desperate for a champion. “I do not enjoy starving the fleshlings, but they must be reminded that I do not serve them. The Wilds will not be trifled with or tamed.”