>>2013761
"Khop? You just ruined the wall! People worked hard on that!"

>>2013761
Tarhan gets into a stance ready to move at a moments notice after hearing the first signs of trouble.
"Khop! By the blood and stone where have been?"

>>2013761
Psoli takes out his trusted and axes and sits down slowly and carefully applying posion to it.
"Give me a minute."

>>2013761
Gho takes out a sword that he usually carries with him and prepares to fight.

>>2013776
Tarhans got his bow ready

>>2013761
Augus grabs his axe and prepares to face this rather insane threat.

File: A Familiar Face.png (148 KB, 700x609)

148 KB PNG

>>2013771
"I'LL RUIN MORE THAN THAT, ASH FOR BRAINS!"

Cessation of motion provided by the earth itself, the man dove for a pile of rocks - yet the men around there signal he is nowhere to be found. For a few moments, all is still, but only for that short period of time. Perhaps going for a less obvious route, Khop chooses to appear at the feet of Lar in a rush, yet he does not attack. Instead, he speaks; and with his unearthly - though quite literally, earthly - grin making clear his intent along with his words, most listen.

"I will offer you all a chance to hear my words on Lar before I kill him, but side with that beast and you will meet the same fate. I care not what happens to Ierok, for this was never my home. I care - cared - only for what happened to my father. And his fate rests in the hand of the one who did not follow up on his predecessor's word to help me find him. And I have come to collect on that debt."

(For those who wish to participate in combat, I would ask that you state your stats, as well as your magic level, before we begin.)

>>2013761
Sadas rushes to the aid of Lar, carrying his battle axe, expecting a fight.
Skill 3
Weapon 2
Body 5
Armor 1

>>2013798
Gho rushes to help lar as well
Skill 3
Weapon 2
Body 2
Armor 1

>>2013798
Imma fight this Khop son of a bitch

Skill - 4
weapon - 3
Body - 4
Armor - 2
Total bonus of +55

>>2013798


"Come you fucking pansy ass piece of shit, blame me for your dad's death. Your friend the gnoll prince tasted like shit when I ate his heart. At least I don't need to change my blood to fight like a true Isa."

Skill - 5
Weapon - 4
Body - 3
Armor - 1

>>2013798
>>2013799
bonus of 55

File: Gc_97aa44_6411744.jpg (187 KB, 1200x1150)

187 KB JPG

>>2013798
"Alright then, ill go and get me something to snack on. Try and not ruin everything, ok?"

Rolled 72, 29, 11 + 180 = 292 (3d100 + 180)

"No words then. Alright. I'LL RIP OUT YOUR FUCKING HEART AND PARADE IT AROUND IEROK ON MY PENIS, YOU DINGO BALL SUCKING FATHER KILLING LUMP OF HALF EATEN GNOLL MEAT."

With a rather colorful curse, the battle begins...

Rolled 65 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>2013865

Rolled 51 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2013865
"By the blood, what the fuck is wrong with you."

Engage the madman with hammer and shield!

Rolled 41 + 55 (1d100 + 55)

>>2013865

Rolled 46 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

Rolled 73, 4, 49, 29 = 155 (4d100)

>>2013868
>>2013869
>>2013870
>>2013871
Khop himself has a base of 45, with his weapon being a shard of earth jutting out of his hand. It looks painful...

Rolled 6, 48, 47 + 225 = 326 (3d100 + 225)

>>2013868
105 vs 118
Partial Failure

Pointing his palm at Gho, something rather unexpected happens, as the stone itself lengthens in a way that juts it out straight towards his target; the man catches it on his shield, but is forced on the defensive for much of combat.

>>2013869
116 vs 49
Critical Success

Catching the elemental off guard as he attacked one of Lar's comrades, his main source of anger delivers a sound blow to his knee with a hammer; though the man may be at least partially made of earth, something cracks quite loudly as he roars with pain.

"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!"

>>2013870
96 vs 94
Dead Heat

Rushing in with a battle axe, Sadas is ill prepared for taking down a foe of stone and earth, merely chipping at his enemy's flesh - or what it would seem to be, anyways.

>>2013871
111 vs 74
Success

An attack at the neck would almost as always be successful, Augus figures, and he would be right - a few blows there draw Khop's ire as he unsuccessfully attempts to unsettle the ground below his foe's feet.

As the first stages of combat end, the sun is finally beginning to dim from its position on high; and as time fades, so does Khop's vitality. Taking more blows than he dishes out, a shout of "enough!" sees him fight with renewed vigor even as he suffers from new injuries...

Rolled 51 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2013902

Rolled 48 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>2013902
After being forced back, I'll attempt to move forward in a more defensive stance seeking to protect myself from attacks while getting closer.

Rolled 58 + 55 (1d100 + 55)

>>2013902
Attack his face and ears- anything to dull his senses.

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>2013902
Bread for the bread god.

Rolled 1 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2013902
"Come on daddy's boy, show me what you got!"

Keep the pressure on.

Rolled 28, 88, 35, 66 = 217 (4d100)

>>2013903
>>2013905
>>2013907
>>2013918
>a nat 1 already
Spicy.

>>2013910
The bread is of a very high quality; as could be expected of the Capans.

>>2013903
116 vs 73
Success

Taking on several further assaults on Khop's neck, it seems something vital has chipped off, as the man clutches a tender exposed area underneath. There lies the flesh you are more familiar with - the skin of a ghoul. It seems not all of him is rock just yet.

>>2013905
88 vs 133
Failure

Attempting to gain the stature of one on the defense, Gho accidentally exposes his shoulder, which Khop shoots at in an attempt to off balance the ghoul. This works, as the shipbuilder tumbles backwards onto the Ash, joint bloodied.

>>2013907
113 vs 70

An axe to the eye does enough to slow him down as further strikes occur; pebbles coming off of his brow are alike to blood as they block his vision from seeing more than a few feet in front of him, at least for his left eye.

>>2013918
66 (crit fail) vs 111
Failure + Crit failure

Lar attempts to maintain the offense, but his strikes only go so far as the ground below him opens up... while it does not swallow him whole, he is served a kick to the face before he is recovered by his teammates. And a spiked toenail and eyes do not go together, as his mangled right eye tells.

384 vs 326

In spite of the grievous blow though, Khop's flagging continues; people gather round to watch the spectacle, but not too close, believing well and truly that this is an honour duel for the current leader.

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>2013922
Seeing the situation currently unfolding, Sahc decides to get the fuck out of dodge.
Rolling for a graceful escape.

Rolled 7, 25, 79 + 225 = 336 (3d100 + 225)

>>2013953
(Forgot dice)

Rolled 30 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2013953
Keep going after that part of his neck. His head shall be mine.

Rolled 29 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2013953
Ripping out the mangled mess of his eye Lar screams charging at the once ghoul forcing every bit of fury and rage into his attacks.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>2013953
Annoyed at this, I shall charge at him, hoping to inflict some sort of damage at him

Rolled 73, 60, 55 = 188 (3d100)

>>2013958
>>2013960
>>2013965
(It seems 4th player is ded)

Lower rolls, perhaps meaning a more aggressive Khop...

Rolled 98, 10, 76 + 225 = 409 (3d100 + 225)

>>2013958
95 vs 118
Failure

It seems that a third repetition on the neck would be one too many. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me; a school of thought Khop apparently ascribes to, as his repeated blows after your attempt give you lesser cuts and bruises.

>>2013960
94 vs 105
Partial Loss

While you do not take a lot of damage, it seems somewhat to be insult after injury as you are driven further away from your opponent. With a tap of the ground, the world sags at your feet, which with the blinding causes your sight to swim...

>>2013965
98 vs 100
Dead Heat

While your blow accomplishes nothing, it could be worse, as his attacks do not harm thee.

287 vs 336

Knocking Sadas out of combat, Khop seems finally in his element, even letting off some pot shots at >>2013955. The ground itself seems more unstable as he does his work, he going so far as to sink halfway into the ground. This causes more shaking...

Rolled 9 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2013988
RIP AND TEAR!

Rolled 21 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2013988

Rolled 84 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>2013988
I shall attempt one powerful cut at his torso, hoping to severely hurt him.

Rolled 18, 88, 59 = 165 (3d100)

>>2013994
>>2013996
>>2013999
"I'LL KILL YOU ALL!"

Khop, a man of very few words, most of them kill.

Rolled 75, 100, 2 + 225 = 402 (3d100 + 225)

>>2013994
74 vs 63
Partial Success

Perhaps rip and tear isn't the best word, but you're able to kick him in the side of the head in the exposed portion of his neck. A minor victory, but some revenge for your now hollow eye socket.

>>2013996
86 vs 133
Failure

Snapping off the rock in his own hand, you are suddenly involved in a sword fight you weren't prepared for. This in and of itself would not be so bad, but the lack of preparation leads to a disadvantage sees a portion of rock embedded in between your ribs. You don't believe anything vital was hit, but it hurts like hell.

>>2013999
124 vs 104
Success

Your cut sees sheets of rock fall from his torso in some kind of human cliffscape. As grotesque as the scene is, you're beginning to see skin; and that means victory at last.

409 vs 284

Taking pains to avoid the village is happening no more as the quake intensifies. It is hard to stay on your feet as it is impacted. Areas of the walls and buildings have entirely fallen apart, while you yourselves feel it... (-10 to combat).

Rolled 52 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2014025

Rolled 38 + 55 (1d100 + 55)

>>2014025

Rolled 76 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2014025
"STOP WRECKING OUR CITY YOU FUCKING GNOLL LOVING CUNT!"

Stab him in the fucking eye.

Rolled 47 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>2014025
Seeing the skin, I shall attempt to puncture the skin with my sword hoping to make him feel serious pain

Rolled 69, 85, 27, 63 = 244 (4d100)

>>2014028
>>2014032
>>2014033
>>2014034
"YOU FIRST, SON OF KUNTSON, AAAAGH!"

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>2014025
Sahc tries to pull himself out of the ground

Rolled 76 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2014035
“DIE OUTLANDER”

>>2014028
117 vs 114
Dead Heat

Your attempts are blocked by the earth itself as Khop swallows himself up in it, only to reemerge in front of Lar...


>>2014033
141 vs 72

Who proceeds to kick him in the same eye that he was injured in. An eye for an eye, and an extra tooth while we're at it...

>>2014034
>>2014032
However, the other two are unable to stop him as he decides to flee the scene. Sinking into the ground, he clutches his eye as he promises a return.

"This was just the beginning, I swear it - I WILL EVEN MAKE YOU IMMORTAL IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES."

With that, he moves away, and night falls. The injured are taken to await treatment, and over the remaining days of the year the wall and Ierok is rebuilt. Or at least, an attempt is made...

DC 60, -10 experienced builders, -10 strong builders, +10 warped stones, +10 significant damage, + 10 integral damage

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>2014084

Rolled 73 + 55 (1d100 + 55)

>>2014084

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>2014084
That was some nice bread.

Rolled 32 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>2014084

>>2014087
fugg nu modifier

Rolled 98 (1d100)

Rebuilding is more successful than one would have thought; the original designs are on hand, and with the giants helping, the wall just got ten feet higher.

But before the turn of the year, an event roll, because peace and normality can go and rot.

File: The Desert.jpg (71 KB, 800x600)

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Quite a multi-faceted rest of the year it turns out to be; and all of it in our favor. Perhaps the most normal bit of news is of a plague in the south, something purely spread between gnolls. It's messing with the tribes down there and causing a dispute over who spread it - horrible for them, wonderful for us. What else is wonderful for us is whatever is happening across our lands; areas of the desert heading north are reportedly turning into shrublands while our own area is going through the transformation too, especially along the river. And even Vade has invited us - through her icy corpses - up her way, to celebrate the new year. Her messengers do not say what she wants to discuss, but doubtlessly there is something.

A. Accept
B. Refuse

>>2014196
A.
Let us see what the Ice Queen wishes to discuss.

>>2014196
>A

>>2014196
>A. Accept

>>2014196
A.

>>2014196
A

>>2014196
>A
Venj Hnasz will attend the snowmilf's invitation.

>>2014196
We shall go

Then the last matter of the day is who shall attend - just tell me the characters and their relevant stats, if you will.

(Apologies for the touch and go battle, will be running simulations with the dice to see how best to address that kind of combat. On top of that, headache coming on, so we'll pick up tomorrow.)

>>2014264
Sadas

>>2014264
Chieftain Lar Khazirsson will head out with 6 members of his retinue.
Skill - 5
Weapon - 4
Body - 3
Armor - 5

>>2014264
I myself shall go

>>2014264
Augus

Skill - 4
weapon - 3
Body - 4
Armor - 2

>>2014264
Sending Sholaz who will be going with 2 Ashen Rangers

>>2014260
>>2014196
>>2014264

>Gilgar the Dreamwalker
Skill - 4
Weapon - 4
Body - 3
Armor - 4

>Guir the Painted Gnoll [Enkir Bodyguard]
Skill - 5
Weapon - 4
Body - 4
Armor - 4

and a Pair of Painted Gnolls and Ghouls.

Thus 6 total

>>2014264
Maja and five other Ash Walkers. They also bring several of their plumpest emus for the New Years party.

>>2014264
Bzuroeh Dhzuro shall go along with 3 escorts
Skill- 2
weapon- 2
Body- 3
Armor- 2

>>2014274
Bring 3 Falzer axemen with

>>2014264
>Venj Hnasz
Skill-1
Weapon-4
Body-1
Armor-4
>Sahc Hnasz (son/unpaind intern)
Skill-2
Weapon-3
Body-5 (agility and endurance)
Armor-4

That is, number wise:

Erabenim - 1

Lar & Co - 7

Lef - 1

Augus - 1

Sholaz & Co - 3

Gilgar & Co - 6

Maja & Co - 6

Dhzuro & Co - 3

Falzer & Co - 3

Hnasz & Co - 2

33 in total it seems, and I will add the NPCs tomorrow.

>>2014804
Sending Psoli and his cousin Molis.
Psoli:
Skill - 4
Weapon - 2
Body - 3
Armor - 2
Molis:
Skill - 1
Weapon - 2
Body - 0
Armor - 1

>>2014804
San-Gou and one attendant will also attend.
Skill - 5
Weapon - 3
Body - 3
Armor - 1

File: The Known World.png (42 KB, 1616x910)

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The party gathers in Ierok before setting off, grabbing essentials and saying goodbye to their families for a bit - if they're even present there to begin with. Truth be told, as more towns and camps have been founded, Ier's population has spread out, and not just on the river delta. From a few stragglers in the ruins of Chapkway, to dwelling in Lower Lopen itself, Ieran ghouls have made homes for themselves everywhere. And looking around, others have made themselves at home here too; smaller giants, Aurisans, and even some Reptians pass by in the capital as they go about their daily lives. As it is around 9:00 AM, the departure is made.

Assuming you're heading along the river delta, DC of 40 to get all the way to where the river meets outside the jungle.

-10 knowledge, -10 party, +5 distance, +5 changing landscape

(This is the most current map, and outside of work on Reptia and the Lopen lands as well as showing where crops are, it's quite accurate. A key is in the works as well; or rather, a revised one.)

Three rolls please.

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>2016331

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>2016331

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>2016331

>>2016331
Mido, remembering he had an event to attend, catches up to the party before it's too late, coming with his cousins Psoli and Molis

Skill - 2
Weapons - 2
Body - 4
Armor - 1

File: ArizonaCoralSnake.jpg (209 KB, 1200x769)

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As you wander through the new grassline, a few of you begin to discuss what you think is the reason for the sprouting. Magic, some say - perhaps Vade was entirely behind it. Others say it's luck, pure chance. Even more argue for ghoulish ingenuity - and looking at the irrigation system as you pass it, it's understandable why. The stone structures allow for the desert plants to be fed, despite all the heat and dryness; and perhaps that is what distracts you from the snake. San-Gou charges ahead and chops its head off as it slithers towards you, leaving it writhing for a few moments before it finally lay dead. A little unfortunate for the creature, but looking at those fangs, it was the preferable solution.

Moving into the bends and curves of the river, familiar sights stick out to greet you, though the new environment provides a touch of romance that might not have been there otherwise. The pillar, the now dead (or perhaps sleeping) volcano, and even the oasis the House of Ivory has dubbed 'The Ivory Pool' as you finally pass it. As you reach the fork in the river that would seem to direct you north, a herd passes by, but not of any creature you are familiar with. With spiraling horns and a tan coloured hide, they run past - but the spears of Sholaz and the Ashen Rangers are prepared to meet them. Tonight, it is decided, you will dine on this exotic type of beast.

In the morning, after waking up at a reasonable time, you depart once more; heading towards Upper Lopen...

DC 55, -10 experienced travelers, +10 unexplored area, +5 changing landscape.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>2016420
>a

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>2016420

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>2016420

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2016420

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>2016420

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>2016420

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>2016420

File: MontaneGrassland.jpg (455 KB, 900x506)

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Travel further north is quite a bit different than how it was in the south, but that may be the result of conditions beyond the control of the party. Warm winds tear a bit at the face, as the river path you follow flows northwards to... something. Truth be told, you're not exactly sure where this leads, and though some of these individuals are from the previous expedition, the land looks quite different when it's grassy and not covered in snow, ice, and all manners of things. You are forced to tread over hill and mounds of earth too, bringing fatigue; it would seem this is as hilly as the jungle. And as you walk, the same breeze that is batting at you is bringing down white fluff from the sky, but it isn't snow. No, this is pollen. Floating down from an unknown origin northwards, the hills and gusts must have brought it south to find a new home... but for you, it just provides some rather grumpy (and sneezy) party members. Though you are lost and tired as you battle against the elements, it seems you have found a home too - or at least a temporary one - as the sun begins to dim on the 1st of Dekoly, the 10th month of the calendar. Some kind of settlement appears to be set up here, comparable in size to Lower Lopen. In fact, looking at it, the residents are giants... and some ghouls, too.

What will you do?

File: varg in kambor.jpg (156 KB, 600x900)

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>>2016516
Approach the settlement then.

>>2016516
"Let us approach them. Shelter and food awaits us."

>>2016516
"Maybe some of the Lopeni moved north? I say we check it out."

>>2016516
Approach the village and make contact with its inhabitants, preferably fellow Ghouls.

>>2016516
Approach the settlement but be on guard.

>>2016516
Openly greet them with open arms- they are most likely Lopeni

File: Tharg.png (746 KB, 564x863)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWU07oVhF_4

It is when the singing begins that you realize you may accidentally be interrupting something. A few glance at you out of the corner of their eye, but otherwise your presence is almost ghostlike as the giants chant their song. Underneath the dimming sun it almost feels like a funeral hymn, but the joined hands and lack of a dead body in the center of the gathering indicates it is not such. A Lopenei male and Aurisan female eventually move to the center, and sing individual pieces, but it is the previous one that sticks with you...

As some disperse, a few walk up to you and are about to speak, when the ground begins to quake very slightly. Looking around as if daring Khop to strike, you ready your weapons, as a shadow falls over you... the shadow of a giant at their largest height, a full 15 meters. Towering over you, he cuts a mean figure dressed in blacks and browns, with a necklace of skulls laying on his bare chest. Some of you recognize him; some do not - after all, not all have been to Lower Lopen. He seems to be on your side as he ushers away the others near you, and his voice is surprisingly light as he speaks:

"Young ghouls, where are you walking?"

>>2016679
"To find our way back home."

>>2016679
"To find our way back home.Greetings Tharg how have you been?"

>>2016679
Bzuroeh doesn't know what they're saying, maybe he forgot. However he repeats what the other ghouls say.
"To find our way back home. Greetings, Giant."

>>2016679
"To find our way back. Greetings."

>>2016679
"To find our way back home. Its nice to see you again Tharg."

>>2016694
>>2016698
>>2016704
>>2016728
>>2016729
"Good. It's nice to see some friendly faces up north. We've had a good time reclaiming the land even if we can't claim all the credit... nor can I claim credit for growing this tall that quickly, hahaha."

Suddenly, his entire body shrinks, and he is returned to the size you all have seen him at. He doesn't look particularly pleased with it, but that may be some form of motion sickness.

"Sun above, I still can't get used to that. This is my nephew, Aezik."

He gestures to a figure a few meters taller than him, but only coming out around at 6 or 7 meters. With dark hair and dark eyes, he's the opposite of his uncle. He has more differences than that; you note he bears runes on his skin much like others in the past have when they've possessed magic. Tharg confirms your suspicions.

"Yes, he's a magician alright - nearly flooded the house."

A giant blushing is a rare sight, but there it is.

"Let's get you some food then, or whatever you want; I'll show you around too, if you'd like."

(A round of freeroam it is.)

>>2016809
"I would appreciate it greatly."

I'll accept being shown around by tharg

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>2016809
I heard the giants produced a certain liquid that they love to drink. Let me see if i can get my hands on a little bit of it.

>>2016809
"Good good, a tour of Upper Lopen would be nice, have you received invitations from Vade also?"

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>2016809
"Some food sounds nice."
Ask around to see what the giants have found in the region since the ice melt.

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>2016809
I'll go around looking for a location where informative texts may be held or look for elders knowledgeable on many subjects, perhaps listen in on one of the lectures, or read some of the texts to learn.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>2016809
Go outside of the village and look for and observe animals in this part of the world.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>2016809
"Good Aezik, I would be most grateful if you would deign to enlighten me regarding these runes covering your skin."

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>2016809
Maja thanks him for his hospitality and offers an emu as thanks. While her men intermingle, Maja asks Aezik what the runes he bears mean and if he'd be willing to show more of his magic.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2016809
Booze? The painted will talk to this magician. Truly fascinating. But we understand if he wants to hold onto his secrets.

File: MontaneGrassland1.jpg (281 KB, 1280x960)

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>>2016816
Copious amounts of this certain liquid are produced and find their home in Psoli's stomach by the end of the evening.

>>2016821
You eat, but most talk in their native tongue; and you find yourself unable to communicate. Hell, it seems they can barely get a word in edgewise with eac other.

>>2016823
You go to an old lady's home and listen to her lecture you on kids these days and their beers and their metals and how back in her day she just ate dirt and traveled around and was happy.

>>2016826
Outside of the village, you spot several creatures rustling in the bushes; your night vision aids you in viewing without disturbing them in their nocturnal movements. You spot a creature on 4 legs with a thick white band around a ginormous snout, several birds hiding among the reeds and even a bear, which you recounted to the Ehwazi later. Apparently, they hunt them on occasion, and they call the first animal a tapir.

>>2016830
>>2016832
>>2016907
Unfortunately for all of you, he speaks no Ghoulish; yet that is less a problem for the Painted talking to him. It seems that their camp at the pillar bears the same marks...

>>2016817
>>2016815
You are shown your way round, through the hills (yes, really) and over the streets. It seems here they live with nature, even more so than Lower Lopen. Building their homes out of hardened and heated mud, they reside inside the hills themselves. A peaceful existence... and a pretty one too.

"An invitation? Yes, I have, but her... messenger carried on south, so I assumed more would be coming. Not that I like it one bit. The giant we faced at the pass so long ago, I did not know them, but I knew of them through a friend. A family member of theirs apparently -
I could tell by the clasp they wore. Desecrating the dead like that after you've killed them is disgusting. Nothing good can come of puppeting a corpse like that. Nothing good at all."

As you head out in the morning, the breeze rustles between the grass and sweeps onto the plains below you... and yet, this is not where you have to meet. Tharg says you'll know the place when you see it, and as he is guiding you, it is expected that the group will head the right way. And with that, it goes...

DC 45, -10 experienced travelers, -10 guide, +10 unexplored area, +5 changing landscape.

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>2017000

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>2017000

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>2017000

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>2017000

File: Door.jpg (122 KB, 491x658)

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Travel is uninterrupted for quite a while, as you travel forward. The area ahead of where you're going is described by your guide; there past your destination lies an icy mountain chain with the tallest peak towering over the end of the river, where it meets a lake of the most verdant blue... the volcanoes you live near, he continues, destroyed areas of the mountain chain during the light, and that is how the mountains in the jungle connected in ancient times to those in the north. Mere rumor, you would assume - only a gnoll puts faith in whispers and legends. One so disenchanted with the tale lets his mind wander, and so did his eyes... til they caught on a structure so out of place that it seemed like a dream. But touching it, it was real - a door set in stone set in a mound of a hill. What could this be, you wonder? But your thoughts daren't take too long, as someone knocks. Slowly but surely, the black gate keeping you from within vanishes into the seeming abyss within that not even the light of the sun can pierce.

What do you do?

>>2017071
"..."
Enter

>>2017071
"Hello.....?"

>>2017071
"I do not think this is our goal, what did our directions say again?"

>>2017071
"Curiosity will be the death me."
enter the gate

>>2017071
Enter the gate.

>>2017071
Gilgar points at the door and one of the Painted Gnolls squats to start sniffing at it, he then plants his foot on its back and pushes the Gnoll into the dark.
"You still alive in the Faek?"

>>2017071
I'll stand in the back and watch them open the gate, if we enter then the boat clan shall enter too.

>>2017104
>>2017071
Half the Painted party are going to remain outside and hide themselves. Their Leader Gilgar and two Gnolls are going in.

>>2017071
Maja and her men draw their weapons, facing the door.
"Hello? Anyone home?"

File: HillshaveEyes.jpg (59 KB, 564x752)

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Those who enter have a few moments adjusting to the light before they're able to see; and what they view is something beyond what they'd imagined. The room is lit, but not by torches or any manner of artificial lighting. That which provides light is the sun itself, filtering through the windows and into the room in slivers of rays. Other than that, it is empty, except for a staircase, and another door - one that most likely leads to the hill adjacent...

>>2017136
Go up the staircase

>>2017148
tag along

>>2017136
I'll head in the staircase

>>2017148
Following him

>>2017136
Asking the Gnolls of they smell or hear anything since theirs is keener than Ghoul's. In the meantime carefully move together up the stairway...keep an eye out for traps...something aint right here

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>>2017160
They smell nothing, but as for hearing - DC 80, and one roll only, from yourself please.

>>2017148
>>2017149
>>2017155
>>2017156
For this group, what you come across is... a mosaic? Made up of individual segments of rock, all colored blue, it seems to tell a story, but not in any language you recognize. It looks closer to that of the Ehwaz, but you don't think it quite is... and of course, Tharg, your guide, is still in the foyer. If you wish to make some attempt at deciphering, the DC is 90, +10 foreign language, +20 no knowledge of language, +10 no knowledge of story.

And even if you don't roll for that, I need 3 rolls from you, with a sliding DC.

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>2017185

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>2017185
>90 DC
Don't worry
I got this

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>2017185

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>2017185
sliding dc's are friends

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2017185

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>2017185

>>2017199
Before the events play out, the gnolls hear a ticking, though it can not be determined from where. Perhaps it's better phrased as a tapping... attempting to raise the alarm quietly, they whisper to those up the staircase.

Do they hear? Taking the first d100.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>2017224

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>2017224

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2017224

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>2017224

>>2017199
>>2017185
The Painted Party stays away from this but sends a Gnoll forward whom whispers to the present party. "There is something watching us from behind the walls, its moving...and we don't know how many, please remain calm"
Said gnoll is then going go back to the group

The story is beginning to be pieced out, or at least parts... the Light is clear enough, but what it shows is not. Pillars, yes, but the forms on it are twisting and writhing and turning inhuman. Some just appear dead. Others stand with their forms warped, but a second figure beside them is in the same position - and he himself is split in three, his head cut from his torso, and his head in half. Tears fall from the tower, or perhaps rain? There are multiple of the towers - one, two, three... wait, are there more? A symbol lies underneath them, and the sun a horrid blue above. Just as you goes to move to read more, the message of the gnolls is received.

What do you do?

>>2017256
This story isn’t nothing more but meaningless drivel unrelated to our interests. Go back downstairs.

>>2017256
As this place is clearly a boring and uneventful place with nothing dangerous, we'll casually stroll out while whistling innocently.

>>2017256
Sholaz goes to inspect the mosaic further

>>2017256
Keep examining this mosaic
Also try to commit the language itself to memory

>>2017256
I'll go examine the mosaic.

>>2017283
Also my guys have their weapons ready

As some move out, it all happens at once; the tapping stops only to be replaced by the sound of thunder as Sholaz steps on the ground, unaware of the tile he has just pressed beneath him as he moves closer to the picture. The faux sun glows...

DC 75, -10 pre-warning, +20 Sholaz' triggering the second trap, +15 magical trap

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>2017297

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>2017297
"Oops."

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>2017297

Arrows shoot out from the wall, and Sholaz moves backwards to avoid it - only for a few to find their way to the stomach of another tripgoer. And then the floor began to give out; on both floors.

Roll me a d100 for your characters, everyone.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>2017325

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>2017325

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>2017325

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>2017325
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6XHLe94SJA

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>2017325
FUCKING LEG IT
shit dice karma has me now

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>2017325
TIME TO USE MY LEGS

(Those who already began to make their way out got a +10 in my calculations.)

>>2017328
Bzuroeh himself misses much of the damage, as do two of his comrades. The third is not so fortunate, as he reaches out to his friend and master after falling - and is brutally crushed by a piece of the ceiling.

>>2017330
Sholaz survives, but one of his men bleed out in front of him after receiving the arrow wounds, while the other was fortunate enough to die when it pierced his spine and not later. Hearing his companion cry out, it would seem the arrow was poisoned.

>>2017331
Augus and 3 of his axemen make it out, whilst the fourth is caught by an arrow on the descent - his axe serves as a grim reminder of the man lost.

>>2017334
A stray shot nicks San-Gou's head. A nick in the ear, but she'll live. She does feel a little woozy...

>>2017338
4 die in the initial blast, while Guir's leg is impaled. There is no cracking of bone, but it begins to purple before someone takes the liberty of separating it from the rest of the body on a permanent basis. No anesthetics or anything to bite down on - there isn't time as everyone is looked over.

>>2017340
Lef is lucky in that the only thing that happens to him is a twisted ankle; ironic, in a way, that his first thought was of his feet then.

(Feel free to discuss now.)

>>2017399
"Tem heal them up, don't other with the gnoll. We should get moving."

>>2017399
Gilgar is going to see how Guir is doing and is going to patch him up as best he can. We're going to use some of our stuff and rubble to try and make a peg leg of sorts. Then we're going to look around in the rubble for the dead, take their supplies, they dont need them anymore. and anything else we may find

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>2017399
"By Rok!"
Attack the piles of rubble with bare hands, seeking to dig out the wounded or retrieve the corpses of our fallen comrades.

>>2017399
"Who caused that? Is it vade trying to kill us?"

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>2017429
The wounded are recovered; the dead, the same, but not in one piece.

(And a roll for Tharg.)

>>2017399
Sholaz is silent for a moment thinking over whats just happened.
"What kind of people set up a trap like this?"

>>2017399
Grab that mans axe. It shall come back home, even if his body will not.

>>2017399
"I wish i brought some bread to this."

>>2017439
The giant you are talking at is clutching his arm, which was the only part of him within the building when it collapsed. Of course, it did so with a bang, with debris landing as far as 5 meters away, and tumbling down the hill. The proof is shown in that limb, which is bent at an angle which makes you cringe.

"Who would invite someone... to a party... and try to kill them? FUCK!

We need to get moving. Sooner we get there, sooner we have time to rest. Perhaps she can do something for this."

>>2017454
"Let us go, enough with this waste of time."

>>2017454
Carry on

>>2017454
Nod.
it's time to move on.
We've already paid too great a price on this trip.
It'll take a while for my ankle to recover

>>2017454
Let's go then

>>2017454
"Sounds good i've had my fill of this place."

>>2017459
>>2017461
"Regarding our dead recovered comrades, my I suggest we do some quick rites and consume their hearts?"

>>2017471
"We have a meeting with Vade, if you wish to stay and exhume the bodies be my just along with any volunteers."

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>>2017454
Muse on my carelessness and make mental notes to bring some bread to travels like these.

>>2017471
“I do prefer we not consume my kinsman heart.”

>>2017454
We do need to get moving bandage up the stump with cloth and spider silk. Then strap a stick to the side and find something he can use as a staff to lean on and aid movement.

>>2017474
"As the bodies have already been recovered, I fail to see how it would be much of a delay."
>>2017478
"Suit yourself."

>>2017478
"We can dip some bread in his blood, right?"

>>2017482
DC of 85, +10 shock, +10 blood loss, +10 lack of knowledge, +5 big enough stick.

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2017574
If not guess we're carrying him or slinging him over a camel. Not like we don't have spare now.

>>2017582
For an injury like that, it is fatal; I'll allow you to write your own death post, but the end result is the same. At the end of the visit to the now defunct hill vault, only one of the Painted remains.

And yet you carry on, all of you, towards your destination; DC 45, -10 experienced travelers, -10 guide, +10 injuries, +10 unexplored area, +5 changing landscape.

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>2017596

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>2017596

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>2017596

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>2017596

File: IcePalace1.jpg (54 KB, 500x750)

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The travel is rough, and talk rougher; arguments break out on occasion as people who were originally quite excited for this trip bicker over the smallest things. Not to the extent that 'brother turn on brother', but brothers argue anyway; that is the way of the world. It is nearly the 27th of Dekoly by the time you reach your destination, time, weather, and injuries all acting as restricting factors. You are, in the physical sense, wiped out to the last man. You reach your destination in this condition, but with your weary eyes you do not recognize it.

And indeed, you shouldn't, as the area you are in is unknown, but Vade's... peculiar taste is shown once more in the buildings she has placed on the surface somewhere within her domain. It is impressive though, and even the most jaded from the trip take in the view with fresh eyes. As you enter what is assumed to be the rest area - or uh, one of them - you're given a chance to relax and explore without any damnable consequence as the last place gave.

>>2017596
Gilgar looked at the bleeding stump and then to his Gnoll companion with sad eyes, the Gnoll let out a heavy sigh understanding the silent message.
“Guess this is it then” the Gnoll grumbled taking out a slightly curved dagger and offering the hilt to Gilgar.
The Painted leader lent forward and took the daggers hilt and positioned it over the Gnoll's heart between the ribs. “Dream well Gnoll” he said with a small smile,
“Travel well Ghoul” it responded with a smirk.
Gilgar drove the blade home and the Gnoll slowly slumped over his shoulder.

Setting to work Gilgar retrieved first the Slave Collar and then the Gnolls heart which he ate and his teeth to make a necklace. He ate his fill of his old ally before offering any to others. What remind he sprinkled with the Gnoll Dream herbs and lit the body alight. “Goodbye old Gnoll, may your children be as loyal you as”

File: maxresdefault (3).jpg (70 KB, 1280x720)

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Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>2017675
"Mido, my cousin, i am famished and i require some oa-i mean uhhh bread."
Find some bread to eat.

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>2017675
Explore other parts of the palace to see if there are any occupants besides Vade and those I traveled with.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>2017675
Gilgar is going to finish making the Gnoll Tooth necklace and contemplate what they saw in there...especially given the dream he had all those years ago....Otherwise its keeping warm.

As he does he shall stay nearby and observe the place for strange shapes and such recording them

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>2017675
See if theres any food set out in the rest areas for us.

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>2017675
While her warriors sit and rest, Maja takes it upon herself to look for Vade and anything else that might be of interest.

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>2017675
Lef will wander around. No particular destination in mind.

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>>2017751
>>2017738
Lef gets lost, and nearly succumbs to hypothermia. Stripping himself off, he runs around for a bit, until he is found by Maja - who had just found Vade. He proceeds to swear it's just because it's cold ('it' having shrunk to half its size), before being warmed up through a rather embarrassing use of water magic. Now he's just covered in lukewarm water and alright. Vade promises to speak to Maja later, but says she has "preoccupations" to attend to.

>>2017699
Bread falls from the sky - is this a miracle? No, it's another guest on some form of balcony. Whatever, you guess - still decent tasting.

>>2017705
There are in fact; some ghoulish representatives who tell you they come from the eastern coast of the continent, and some mages you don't recognize. However, they won't talk to you.

>>2017715
After finishing the necklace, you draw odd shapes made of the shadows of the ice, and the odd dignitary.

>>2017732
There is some, and it appears to be fresh game; you eat a bit to sustain yourself.

Once you are all gathered in the same room, Vade announces that she'll be gone until the actual ceremony day; which, this being the 27th now, is in a week and a half from now. During this time, you're free to pursue what you want, and do whatever...

(Another round of freeroam.)

>>2017825
Sadas will observe the construction of the palace

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>2017825
Now having finished his thing Gilgar is going to do something slightly ill advised. with the aid of Sholaz Silazz and his comrades Gilgar is going to use the last of the Dream herbs and spices to enter a Dream Trance right here in this mystical place.

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>2017825
Attempt to start a conversation with these other Ghouls. We can speak of each other’s countries. Omit the cannibalism of Ier

>>2017825
"A week and a half, we could explore this whole place in half that time?"
>>2017847
Guarding him while he does his strange ritual.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>2017825
Sighing from the shame caused by that little 'scene' Lef will try to find some place private to meditate. Even away from those that follow him he has his own path to tread as well.

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>2017842

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>2017825
Hmm, spend time sliding trough the palace. Maybe use a wooden plank for some reason or another?

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>2017825
Bored and curious, Maja Asks some of the forgien ghouls if they'd like to spar in hopes of learning something new and also to see how well they handle themselves in combat.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>2017825
Talk the other representatives gathered here.

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>2017842
It's like sitting watching paint dry, except close to actually doing so, seeing as the palace has already been constructed, and you sleep in it.

>>2017852
The conversation is almost entirely based around the blood of ghouls, and your common origins; their origin story bears a few similarities to your own, which is... interesting? You were so disgusted you missed many of the details.

>>2017855
In a strange hut made of ice blocks, you spend your time meditating; and it's quite relaxing, actually. Your breath makes its path known in front of you as you inhale through your mouth, and exhale through your nose, inhale, and...

>>2017865
While the palace itself is not suited for what you term your "snowboard", the hills around it certainly are. Others join you on the gentle slopes that you reside in for now.

>>2017990
You don't learn anything particularly interesting, other than that this ghoulish society isn't particularly warlike. According to their representatives, they're traders and merchants, having merely made their nation that way. They call themselves Isarnites, being of the port city-state of Isarn.

>>2018222
You mingle with the Isarnites, and discover that despite bearing many comparisons to the Reptians, they too hold gnolls in ill regard. From the few interactions they've had with them, they raided the city and killed many; this led to them being kept and bred as a slave class within the nation. As for the mages, they mostly keep to themselves, but a ghoul named Taz seems more than willing to talk. A practitioner of flame, he tells you that he is of a select group of survivors of the north after Vade froze the place. Your skin shivers as he describes the nations there completely frozen over, with people being little more than decorations or puppets of hers. How close you came to that dwells too freshly in your mind, but your companion seems not to notice. The young (at least from what you can tell) man admits that the nation he lived in at least was falling apart, and that he and those he is with had no particular attachments there. They discovered magic earlier than you, and it destabilized them so much that they were forced underground in society due to persecution. The group assembled is all fire mages, he adds - that was the only way they managed to survive the eternal winter and move out of there.

>>2017847
The major issue for you is that the drugs, as the Sain specified when you visited, were for dream quests given to adolescents - without that condition, you mostly dream of nothing. A good high nonetheless - and you do see flashes of white and black throughout it for some reason...

(To be continued... tomorrow.)

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>2017825
Chat with the other guests a bit.
In particular, share with them the tale of the door we found in the mountain, the mosaic found within and the death that followed.
Perhaps some of them know of similar incidents or know old legends bearing similarity to what we saw depicted on that wall.

>>2018672
The door in the mountain is less discussed, perhaps out of an urge to keep things that are less explainable (and more horrifying) from your minds, but the mosaic causes a discussion among the mages present. Whilst the Isarnites present do not discuss much, the sorcerers speak of the fact that all cultures they've met of on the continent tell quite a similar story; the Light, and some kind of disaster that caused some kind of societal shift. Some believe it's metaphorical, others literal.

File: Vade.jpg (52 KB, 564x752)

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As the sun begins its dimming and the sky is filled with the greenish haze you associate with the coming of night, a figure appears out of the coming darkness, covered in blood, snow, and all manners of debris that sticks to the visceral coating. The crunching of the layered ice underneath causes some to draw their weapons, but not the mages; they already know who approaches. Calming you all, they begin roasting the meat which the hunters have brought in; too long, they warn, and your dinner will grow cold. Very, very cold—something caused by Vade as she strides on. Yet even that lack of control (or disregard for others) in and of itself carries some form of grace, though you doubt she knows it herself. Announcing her presence with the quickly dropping temperature, your host makes quick greetings before her runes start to glow.

The landscape does not change color, but the dimensions certainly do, as the ice of the palace is reformed, with only the area underneath your feet being maintained. Pillars slowly rise in the place of towers, and they tower over the group—but this is not what happens with the majority of the ice. It and the majority of the buildings disappear, the few remaining being replaced with smaller buildings that seem to be fashioned of stone; and it feels the part as well. Somehow maintaining roughness akin to a building block, it seems like one culture’s buildings have been replaced with another’s. As Vade finishes her job, ice flows through the stone columns and into a vast tile; its duplicate can be found underneath you. A vast building has been replaced by merely a massive one - somehow that makes the small and simplistic long-table that much more amusing. The seats that remain are not warm, but the guarantee of not melting makes this a much nicer task as you all take your seats.

“Well then,” she intones, glancing at the mages, “it should be finished in approximately 15 minutes. They did not calculate that I was willing to control myself and let them finish. Foolish, or at least misguided. We must wait for any serious discussion to begin when they walk over—for now, is there anything I must address?”

File: ml720.png (4.6 MB, 3000x3000)

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>>2032575
"If we are waiting I suppose this is a good a time as any."

Lar places a ring nestled in on a bed of fine fur.

"My brother recovered this ring from what he believes was the bodies of your comrades. It was broken so I repaired it to the best of my abilities, we figured you should have it."

>>2032575
"Nice meeting you again. How is your day going?"

>>2032575
“I must say, what do and are able to do constantly awes me. If only one day I could perform such feats.”

>>2032575
I bring you information in the form of another language, you said you desired such things.

>>2032588
"Broken. I see. Then the discussion on Khop will have to come sooner than I thought."

The giantess lets out a sigh, and it is only when she does this that you realize that she seems somewhat down. At least, as much as she can - but that makes this show of emotion that much more out of character.

>>2032603
"It was acceptable. I spent most of the day riding the snow, but walked once I was within reach. Exercise is necessary for an optimal body."

>>2032609
"Such feats are not within the vast majority of people's reaches, and the methods by which one could be awakened to them would kill them, in theory. Khop is one such example."


"Dinner is done," she belts out after having tapped her finger for a moment, seeming rather in a hurry - but she isn't wrong.

They have brought over a variety of foods, some being bears, some being strange nosed and furred creatures you saw on the way up, and even some assorted smaller animals. Several turkeys act as centerpieces, the wild born animals being quite a delicacy in many corners of the land. Vade does not wish to eat, and you wonder if she has no need for it. The mages at home do speak on the fact that they feel lessened hunger to a small degree, which makes you wonder how they would feel on her level. However, the reason Vade doesn't eat you suspect is that she'd rather talk, and this is all but confirmed as she begins her talks the moment all have sat down. Her face masks almost all her emotions, but there is something there you can't pick out.

"Now then, we can begin... I shall allow the Ieran representatives to speak first. This would be a talk about the matter of Khop, and an explanation of his history for any questions you may have, or Gwanraw. You may start now, if you wish."

>>2032575
"There is nothing I have to speak of except my recent annoyances trying to deal with ocelots."

>>2032668
"What is Gwanraw's story? What role did he play?"

>>2032668
"Exercise you say? How about we go "snowboarding" latter? Its a great exercise you know. And i must say, your body is quite optimal ;^)

>>2032668
"My greetings to you Vade, I am San-Gou of the Brotherhood.
If I may enquire, you have perhaps heard us whisper of a certain mosaic found in a mysterious cave, a cave that claimed many of our comrades. If you could enlighten us regarding what we saw there we would be most thankful."

>>2032668
"Can you explain why you have called us here? Khop is a problem yes, but a problem not unsolvable by our hands."

>>2032668
I am Gilgar, son of Enkir of the House of Ivory.
Gwanraw once resided where I and my kin now live, a great boneyard. For a time we were haunted by what we referred to as Spooks strange blowing skeletons in the night, what were they? We also once encountered a Crying Ghoul, a Spider upon its back...it gave the gift of magic...What are these things?
Secondly as I have said I have some information in the form of words for you, We were also wondering if for them you would be willing to teach?

>>2032575
>The giantess lets out a sigh, and it is only when she does this that you realize that she seems somewhat down.

"Is there something troubling you Vade?"

>>2032713
>>2032679
Seduction is a go also

>>2032678
"Be more specific and try again."

>>2032679
"Oh yes, the moron. I remember you."

>>2032683
"I had not heard of that. Inform me, if you will."

>>2032701
"This was a thank you invitation rather than one I wished to endeavor to help you with. The ring merely reinforced this concept, though I had weighed the odds before offering you an invitation to begin with. I had heard you had dealt with Khop in a satisfactory method for now, at least causing him to flee, and with that information given as well as extenuating circumstances for myself I believe that a proper answer was in order for you. Thus, the invitation - the rest of the assembled are here due to also holding close or semi-close relations to me. Therefore, information spreading."

>>2032763
The Ehwazi blinks.

"I had not thought I had expressed an emotion; those disappeared from me long ago. Perhaps there is. It is hard to tell these days, but I must think about my issue logically before giving valuable knowledge away."

>>2032713
"You would need to give me more information on that before I could provide a suitable answer - and it would of course depend on what you had to offer."

>>2032834
"What made Khop so close to his dad? He seems to be continuously seeking revenge. Was he especially close with his father or something like that?"

>>2032834
"What is the difference between a mage and a being like you and Khop?"

>>2032834
Well then as soon as I can i will teach you this foreign tongue so that more information might be processed. I apologize if I myself seem down I am the last of my number whom received your invitation and could bring you this information.

Vade does eating hearts transfer power of some kind...if so. Why? What is it in the body that is passed on? Are they inheriting the Spirit of the dead?

>>2032863
Indeed what is the difference?

>>2032834
"Not long from here, passing by a mountain chain, we found a door set in stone set in a mound of a hill, inside nothing but blackness.
In there we found a mysterious chamber, and on top of a staircase, a mosaic of blue stones.
It had pillars, but the forms were twisting and writhing and turning inhuman. Some just appeared dead. Others stood with their forms warped, but a second figure beside them was in the same position - and he himself was split in three, his head cut from his torso, and his head in half. It looked like tears fell from the tower, that or rain. There were multiple towers, more than three maybe. A symbol underneath them, and the sun a horrid blue above.

Before we could study it further a trap was triggered, many of our friends were buried under the rubble, I myself was most fortunate to only escape with this scar" San-Gou explains as she motions to her ear.

>>2032841
>>2032841
"I am not entirely sure of what is malfuctional with Khop, I must say. My research has not progressed to that level, but I am within reason able to determine that something in him is eternally warped. I too, share this warping - this is what makes me different from a mage. A mage may manifest their powers on their body if they wish, bearing their runes. My runes were forced upon me long ago, and I believe that is when I broke. Many did, but most froze, burned, or any other death involving an elemental combination. I lived. But my marks -" she says this gesturing at her body, which as you can tell, bear ice like a mane and more on her extremities such as hands and feet - "are permanent, and uniquely mine to bear. This is why I lack—or thought I lacked—emotions."

>>2032867
"Nothing is passed on in the heart that would be of relevance, except perhaps for blood in the case of the ghoul. A heart may contain some form of magical element, but not from a mage. Mine might, as might an animal in extreme examples."

>>2032880
"I see. The pillar and that I am unsure of, but to my knowledge, that is a depiction of the Light. I could describe if you request it, but it is a dreadful tale, and I believe that when eating it can cause discomfort to hear such tales."

The rest of the group is watching on in silence, though the mages are taking it all in, and the Isarnite diplomats are taking notes. Those who are eating—a very small group—are doing their best to stay quiet."

>>2032910
“Please, tell us of the tale of the light.”

*gets a schmuck to start writing down notes like the Isranites*

>>2032910
Gilgar is also curious of this Tale silently thinking back to his own dream oh so long ago.

>>2032910
>>2032834
"W-What? You are mixing me up with another ghoul, for someone claiming to be centered around logic and knowledge you are quite forgetfull. But don't worry about it because if forgive you. Afterall i will be the one to melt your icy hearth." :^)

>>2032910
"If the tale is unsuitable for the situation then we can save it for later. Let us feast for now."
*nom nom nom

>>2032910
>>2032937
Gilgar is also going to begin copying her shapes and will jot down her tale on scrapes of leather

>>2032834
"I should like to hear this tale."

>>2032949
"Excuse me do you have any more things for me to record all this on?"

>>2032960
Gilgar hands a small piece of leather to lef and a thin bone with some ink

>>2032910
"If hearts hold no magic power, how can one gain more? Is there no way to boost ones self? Or are there natural sources we could draw from?"

>>2032968
"Thank you."

>>2032910
Now to write all this down.

>>2032910
Writing this down on some tablets

>>2032941
The giantess receives the responses, and most are eager - a chance to eat, but also to listen. Drawing a staff out of the ice, she stands, and swings it upwards, where it extends impossibly until it meets the ceiling. The ice there shatters, but melts before it in its immensity impacts you all; you are met with the blackness of the night in its entirety.

"That moment," she whispers, "was as sudden as it was that day. The turning of the year, a day we thought was meant to be celebrated. It was a fall, I believe, and the harvest was plentiful. I was in the capital of the Isans—the ancestors of the Aurisans—Isakh, a place of stone and majesty. We had lived in the jungle, and so we thought we always would. I was one of several friends who were gathered together, some of us street orphans, some of us the sons and daughters of lesser merchants, but we all had a penchant for mischief. We had met for lunch on a street near the administrative center, using money I had received from my parents. I was the richest, after all. 8 or 9 of us were present, but I cannot tell you all their names. Among those gathered who I remember, were Gwanraw, an orphan and adopted brother of a person I can’t remember—he had an I to begin his name—Dagh, a cousin of mine, and Þera, or as it was written by those not of our kind, Thera. No, for sure, there were 9 of us. Other than the one with the I, there was A, Y, N, and L. Dagh had presents for us, rings—we had already called ourselves siblings, but this cemented the bond for each of us. There was lots of crying, hugging, and to my knowledge—no, memories of emotional responses, this would serve to be reasonable. As we exited the establishment we had to shield our heads from the sunlight; it was bright out, but just a bit too much more than normal. That’s when it began to change. The Light, I mean—from red to blue. That was when we all realized something was off, and when the screaming began."

"We fled inside of that damned building again to escape it, but something was already changing in most of us. Some people just collapsed where they stood, others had time to run with us. I can’t begin to describe to you the smell of the bubbling of flesh, and how it felt like your skin was being torn away, bones broken, body morphed. And I was one of the lucky ones. Those who weren’t actually had it happen. To my knowledge, none of you have ever seen a man have his brain thrust out of his head without some kind of weapon, but my memory does not fail me now. Cast in the blue light it felt ethereal, as if it wasn’t even happening, but that may have been the pain. What I felt for them reduced as I stood there. These were others, not me; and then there was a great jolt in me. Something had broken, and my transformation begun. Something pierced my back—was someone stabbing me? No, this was too cold for that, and looking behind I knew I was right. An icicle jutted out, and slowly, so too came more of those along with holes in my skin that burnt the flesh clean off.”

With this she presents you her back in its entirety, even the areas she normally keeps iced up; she draws up the fur half-cloak she is wearing to allow this as well. Gaping deformations filled with skin where it shouldn’t be and discolored lumps that look like they’ve been filled in by what a child would draw if they could make a body are present. And beyond all that you get a decent look at the icicles that are normally bound together at the bases; they too show marks of distortion, the skin being forced taut around the wounds. They appear to have healed, and do not look very sore, but it has been over two centuries.

“They took over a decade to heal fully,” she confirms, as if reading your minds.

Then again, you have had to stare at her back for moments; she has had more than your lifetime.

“By the time it was over, I had passed out, and I was not the first to awaken. Obviously not. Some had never gone to sleep. We, my half-dead friends and I, sat on the foot of a great descent, the only method to enter the unending sinkhole before us. Its enormity… I could not describe it. It does not deserve to be called a pit so much as a vast hole in the earth. Gwanraw was crying from within, screaming for help. The dead, he cried—I’m buried in them. I do not know whether I left with emotion or logic, but my choice was made as it was clear he was the only voice calling out. I ran.”

She ends there, and turns to you. Her mask is back on fully now—in fact she had not trembled, either in voice or in stature, that entire speech.

“That is my story of the Light.”

>>2033177
Maja's face is tender for a moment, herself trying to comprehend what she's been told. Quickly steeling herself she says, "I can't begin to imagine how terrible that must have been. You may say you have no emotion left in you, but I'm truly sorry. It must have been hard to lose everything and not been able to do anything to stop it. What could cause such a powerful event? Were you ever able to find out?"

>>2033177
“That’s quite a story”

Gilgar ponders...."These changes...what kind of changes?...Were there any signs before this happened....will it happen again?"

>>2033177
"This Vast bottomless hole is the birth of the people of Ier, our tales tell that it is from this hole we spread out into the wastes. Your birth and ours are connected in some way."

>>2033177
"What time of year is your magic most powerful?"

>>2033210
"I have had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge since then, but I could not tell you if this is natural or not. I research either way. There has to have been a reason... but the only reason to live is to grow in power and influence. My research, simply put, is the same."

>>2033216
"No signs. Nothing."

>>2033221
"Your founder was a survivor then. There were slightly over 500, and most went their separate ways—from what Gwanraw said, my cousin founded Reptia before his death. Yes... Ier led his men out to the coast. I remember this now; tell me, the Tannish, do they still exist?"

>>2033239
"Why would time of year influence magic?"

>>2033248
"The Tannish have been added to the tribe of Ier, Khop is descendant of them."

>>2033259
"Ironic, it would seem then. Do you know of their origin?"

>>2033248
"Could you describe to me the stonework of Isakh? I would like to reproduce it's beauty in Ierok."

>>2033265
"No, would you explain?"

>>2033248
The Tans have joined us, in fact Khop was of the Tans. He blames us or more specifically Lar for his father's death. My kin found the mans remains much later deep in the ground...he was not killed by Gnolls...I believe there is a conspiracy of sorts but am still gathering information."

>>2033248
"But if there is a reason for such a thing to happen, that could imply theirs beings more powerful that's yourself. With all your years of research, have you learned if there may be another event happening again? Could and will the Light flash once more?"

>>2033279
"I have no time for such things. Look in the jungle."

>>2033280
"The Tannish split off from you shortly after you arrived and founded Ierok. It was one of the last things I heard before heading north; they did not wish to be so warlike, and wished to focus on building a new culture out in the Ashwastes—the son killed by the father, when Khop seems to be obsessive from what you said... I suppose you are also unaware of that; we were shocked once we left the jungle, or at least I was. The entire area you now live on, that I have been revitalizing, was jungle or shrubland. I am returning it to its natural state, which has taken up most of my mana, but in this way I believe I will leave some kind of legacy—part of my reason for meeting you all here."

>>2033312
"There are presences here stronger than me, yes. I do not know of another event though..."

>>2033326
"Are you dying?"

>>2033326
"What are they? Could they have caused this? I can't fathom how'd they benefit from this. Unless they wanted you to acquire the abilities you did..."

>>2033326
"I thank you for pushing life back into our lands, you given the blood of Ier a great gift, how can we ever repay you."

>>2033410
>>2033326
Indeed, your doing much for us. Is there anyway we can help you?