The Valley of Mist is covered in perpetual mists, clouds, and foggy vapors of various kinds and of various thicknesses. Ruse, as well as the Mistella, are not impeded by this one bit, but for other things the mist can prove to be treacherous depending on the location and terrain. Nearly every inch of the entire godrealm is steeped in mist.

The central province overlooked by a blue tower made of an unknown material. The aesthetic archetecture of the Mistella surrounds this tower (at a respectful distance of course), its buildings being a combination of ancient Greek, Persian, and Elven designs that incorporates a lot of stone and crystals, and is always pleasing to the eye. There are many lakes and rivers, which also give off a perpetual mist. Despite the thick mist, certain types of plantlife can still grow healthily, and the mistella are rarely in danger of starvation.

The other provinces are shrouded in mist...what secrets do they hold?

--

A gorgeous, sensuous and graceful people, the Mistella appear to be human-like, but have very pale blue skin and hair that ranges from pure white or silver to a dark blue. They are graceful and dexterous, rivaling elves in their grace and wit. They can naturally see through mist and fog (except their god's unless attuned), and are as intelligent as they are graceful. Their fighting style favors a quick and agile melee form or a precise ranged one, and they are well known for their fantastic and aesthetically pleasing archetecture (which tends to incorporate crystals and other things too) and fine craftsmanship.

Several Mistella acting in concert can cause existing mists to thicken into billowing clouds, and a group of at least ten working in concert can actually summon mist, although it takes many working together to call up something even near Ruse's own mist calling abilities. When fighting in misty banks, the Mistella are extremely dangerous since they often can see their enemy throught he mists, but not the other way around. They favor hit and run tactics in situatins like these, decimating armies many times their size. When pushed back to their fortified cities though, they switch to highly efficient and strategic tactics and technologies/magics.

Ruse appears here in a sensuous swirl of mist. Clouds of mist bellow forth from the top of his central tower, as if heralding his incarnation into the realm supernatural. He looks around, blinking a few times, and assesses his surroundings.

Ruse sees the beautiful architecture about him, and the fine colours of the tower. He sees a thousand rainbows, all dancing about the strange mists, and the rushing of waters are all about him.

After admiring the view, Ruse begins to descend the tower, and explores his surroundings. He looks both for other sentients, as well as for interesting landmarks and scenery.

He soon comes across the Mistella, a beautiful people who bow whenever their gaze comes across their lord. The place is filled with mist, and Ruse notices much strange flora growing within the blew stone of the fabulous courtyards he explored.

Ruse approaches some Mistella, and asks them to tell him about this place, as well as about themselves?

They speak to him in soft, sensuous voices. They tell him of their love- and mist-making abilities, recite poetry into his ear, whisper secrets. They tell him of the Valley of Mist, of his divine right to rule, how they believe him to be their sacred master. They tell him many things.

Ruse can intuitively feel that these people, as well as this large godrealm, all belong to him, although he doesn't quite know why. He knows that his manifestation has made the realm more advanced though too, that his presence is bolstering the people. He decides that he needs to fully explore this place, as well as help his people.

Approaching the nearest priest, Ruse asks,

"Is there anything that afflicts the people, or anything otherwise of concern or danger that you need help with?"

Ruse was only a young divinity and wasn't the best fighter or mage. however, he contained a rare power within himself that rivaled even the mightiest sorcery...or perhaps exceeded it. He would use this power in defense of the realm if necessary.

"There is nothing wrong at the moment, Lord," said the priest. "Nothing at all. We are the at the height of peace."

Something about the way he said that suggested to Ruse that he might be lying.

Ruse looked at the man firmly, his glowing blue eyes piercing the man's mind and soul.

The man looks down a little, trying to hide his shame.

Without skipping a beat, and as if the priest had told him everything already, Ruse said,

"So tell me, where can I find this man of enlightenment? I'd like to have a little...chat with him. He could make a good follower, if I don't crush his psyche first."

"I, uh, Lord.." The priest was shocked. He couldn't fully comprehend that his God could read minds. It shouldn't have been such a surprise, but under the circumstances..

"Towards the Glen of Victory, Lord.."

((Yes, the glowing blue eyes of Ruse are not shared by the Mistella...they are a result of the great psionic power Ruse possesses. Of course, no one else knows that but you and me lol, but serves the priest right for lying.))

Ruse nodded stoically, the mist around him dancing whimsically as if in response to the silly priest before him.

"Very well. I shall head there immediately, although I'll have you know that lying to your god is a sin, so never do it again."

Then, Ruse melded into the mist and streamed off at a high speed toward the glen of victory.

The Glen of Victory is a sandy area surrounded by smooth, black stones. A fresh, vibrantly gnarled tree exists in the center of the glen. Here, a human sits, looking very unlike the Mistella. He is rougher, somehow, dirtier - baser. He is speaking, and a dozen Mistella - most of them teenagers, Ruse noted - were listening raptly. They hadn't noticed his arrival.

".. neither self-mortification nor self-indulgence will help you on the road to enlightenment.. hell, you should think of enlightenment as more of a metaphor, not as a solid thing.. anyone can achieve it, yes.. but it's different, it's not what you'd expect.. sometimes, sometimes, I catch a glimpse of it.. and they call me awakened, enlightened.. but I am not, I have not yet lived without living, died without dying.."

The mists of the clearing became twice...sometimes evene thrice in places...as thick as it was before, moving in like a low-rolling storm, all at Ruse's will. He used his power over his realm (if that ability still exists in this theo) to make the black stones shudder on the ground, and little rocky outcrops begin forming while others crumble to pieces.

The mists swirled together in a coccoon-like spiral of white foggy vapor. This cluster moved toward the center of the glade, although stopped before reaching the students and the human. The spinning ball of vapor erupted into a smooth calm. Where there was once a heavy mist, now stood something that was similar to a Mistella, but not quite the same. It looked like the most graceful and beautiful expression of the mistella race to ever walk the realm, and had hair as white as fog and blue glowing eyes.

Ruse, the god of this realm, had appeared!

"What is this I hear of enlightenment and awakening that you speak of? I have only manifested recently, and already some among you doubt the potency of the divine?! I am Ruse, the god of mist and the Sovereign of this realm. There is only one true enlightenment in this universe, and it is a state of being in a realm that I can provide that even most other gods cannot - a perfect people and realm. My very existence already makes this realm and its people more than simple barbarians!"

He glared at the human a bit silently, as well as his other mistella, and awaited a response. Based on their reactions, he'd either be mildly angry or pissed off.

The human's mind feels.. different. Cleaner, more organised, almost sharper than the minds of most other humans. Efficient. Ruse suspected that the human had somehow modified his own mind, and this was the reason for the clarity.


Instead of the stream of information Ruse expected - or, perhaps, along with - a strange, almost alien question raises itself in Ruse's mind: Would he like to know more about enlightenment, suffering, and the teachings of Buddha the Cosmic-Christ?

The mistella panicked, as was to be expected. Some were frozen in fear, some tried to flee. The barbarian held his ground, and stared at Ruse coolly, an amused expression on his face.

"Ah," he said, smiling, "You are the Lord Ruse? A pleasure to meet you. I am Charles of Earth."

((Lol my rl self is going "yay charles," but Ruse is going "hiss!"))

Rude made slits with his glowing blue eyes, although did not yet take hostile action. He would not allow his people to be swayed by some other faith than his own - that was intolerable, especially for a realm god. Although he would give charles a chance at peace. He was thankful that he possessed a great hidden power, for otherwise Ruse was not yet too effective in combat otherwise. But with his hidden power, he had the potential to be terrifying. Was that apparent contradiction a facet of him embodying the mists?

Ruse took slow, regal steps toward Charles and the center of the grove as he approached, the mist parting for him as he did so. He heard the strange alien question appear in his mind unbidden, and he guarded his mind and mentally said no. Charles could tell him about it himself, but Ruse did not trust some alien auto-response.

"I guess that you came here before my incarnation. Fine, I can accept that small and innocent mistake. However, now you know that both this realm and its people are spoken for. Know now that I will not tolerate missionaries of other religions or belief systems trying to "poach" my people, especially when it's impossible for even most other gods to grant true enlightenment to mortals."

He walked a little closer, and continued,

"You have been warned. If ever I find other Earth people in this realm unbidden, or poaching my people, they will be punished most severely. I will give you one chance right now to explain your belief system to me, simply for my own reference, but you will not poach my mistella."

While he waited for Bho to respond, Ruse glared at the remaining mistella and sent a breif telepathic message.

Leave my sight and never uphold any other being or philosophy above me. Go back to your homes and family, and never again insult me like this, for my very existence already brings the Mistella closer to perfection. NOW GO!
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Thu 03 Sept 2009.

The Mistella scattered, scared and ashamed. They knew what they had been doing was wrong, and would be considered as blasphemy in the eyes of their Lord - nevertheless, they were a curious sort, and any alien visitor would have attracted attention, let alone an alien visitor with a revolutionary ideological, philosophical and religious belief system.

Charles preached the worship of no God. He preached the understanding of one's self, an by extension, one's universe. He taught to respect not some aloof deity but the power of freedom and intelligence. The ideology very much appealed to the Mistella, whose arrogance decreed that they, too, had special feelings towards intellectualism.

Charles did not drop the smile. He was frozen still, however, sitting cross-legged underneath the gnarled tree. His lower body was covered by a blue blanket - the dampness of the Valley was too chilly for the Earthborn - and so his hands and feet were hidden. He did not rise.

"I'm very sorry to have caused you such concern," said the human. "I am a foreigner to this place, and I am horrified to think that I may have outstayed my own welcome. I would be obliged, however, if you would take into account the fact that I am neither priest nor preacher, simply a vocal philosopher with a completely valid, Conclave-approved ideology. I have no desire to 'poach' your people, as you have so crudely put it, only to enlighten them. Would you like to know more about how I can do that, my Lord Ruse?"

A sharp stab of pain - a split second - and it was gone, blocked. Whatever was being sent to Ruse's mind was blocked. Charles's thoughts seemed innocent enough - he meant everything he was saying, and spoke with the utmost truth - but as honest as his words might be, they were twisted a little. Technicalities.. and Ruse still sensed the 'antique' weapon that was being wielded by Charles, whatever that might be.

"I assure you, I mean no harm. I'm an ambassador of the Earthborn Territories with a permit of travel. Would you like to see my papers?"

Between his unspeakable latent psychic abilities, as well as his own capabilities as the god of mist, Ruse was confident in his safety from whatever alien force was trying to wiggle into his mind. However, he was concerned by the very fact that something was trying to wiggle into it in the first place. That was problematic. The fact that it tried not once but twice now was, at least on a mental level, sufficient enough for one to declare that something has taken a hostile action against him. Learning information was one thing, but lacing it with stuff unbidden was a whole other thing.

Ruse had a feeling that very few beings - even gods - could approach his psychic resilience. If so, then how many other beings has this human with his alien cosmic christ philosophy mentally twisted...or at least wriggled in, so to speak. That was the best way to describe the feeling, after all.

"I don't care about your paperwork - my authority in this place trumps that of the Conclave, so if in the future I deny passage here to you or other beings, that decree will trump your papers, although again I will not punish you this time since it happened before I manifested. Although in the future such things as what you're doing must be approved by me first. And Yes, I am interested in your supposed philosophy of enlightenment, as well as how you'd want to do it. Although all I want is information though, and nothing else...be it physical or otherwise."

Ruse's eyes tightened a little bit more, as he looked onto Charles with harsh scrutiny. He didn't take hostile action yet though. Ruse also held no particular love or ill will for this Conclave - really he was cooly neutral to it since he knew so little about it. Really, he'd be willing to work with it, and even help it, as long as it respected him and his realm, and helped him in return.

While we awaited Charles' reply, Ruse gently but firmly probed the other man's mind, to learn more about the artifact that he carried, what its properties were, and if it was related to the alien force that was trying to wiggle into his mind. If the force did try to wiggle its way in again, Ruse pushed it back out vigilantly.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Thu 03 Sept 2009.

A stranger enters the Valley of Mist..

--

Ruse learns that the weapon is known as a Hangun: Grand Puissance 35, allegedly six hundred years old and fully loaded, hidden under the blanket. It was pointed, naturally, at Ruse.

Charles jumps.

"Ah, my apologies," said Charles. "Wasn't aware you were 'waved. Apologies again for the mind-intrusion. If you honestly wish me to leave, I will do so, but I fear my damage has already been dealt: the Mistella are quite taken with the idea of Buddhism. If you kill me, naturally the Conclave will destroy you, if there's anything left after Earth.."

He coughs.

"But I digress. My wandering here was peaceful, I assure you. I apologize for however I have insulted you."

Ruse grinned a pearly and slightly insideous smile, and replied,

"Oh don't worry about the conclave - I am a member of it now, so in essence I am the Conclave. But don't worry Charles, since I don't intend to kill you, or even harm you for that matter...unless you take aggressive action against me again. Of course, you've attempted to enter my mind multiple times in the course of one conversation, which alone I can interpret as a hostile action. And since I'm with the conclave, and you are too...well, then killing you would be quite acceptable. But don't worry though, because I truly did decide not to harm you, but I firmly demand that you stop with the mind stuff though, okay. It's irritating to be frank."

Ruse glanced in the general direction of where he sensed the unknown being entering into his realm, although he remained with Charles.

"And I'm not sure what you mean about being 'waved.' I merely am resilient as a god and very perceptive, and I also know a little mind magic too. And as for the Mistella, well...don't worry about them. I'm a special type of god, and I'll never lose my connection with my people."

A whimsical looks appeared on the god of mist's face, which then turned into the "light" of an idea crossing his mind.

"I'll make you a deal then, Charles. I'll forget about everything, in exchange for the weapon you have aimed at me under the blanket. It interests me and I'd like to keep it for my people. I will even portal you back to your homeworld if you'd like."

While waiting for Charles' response, Ruse probes his mind to gain an understanding of how the gun worked, and how he could eventually make one - or at least have his people do it.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:27, Thu 03 Sept 2009.

"Ah," said Charles. "So, brother, we are both of the Conclave.."

He nodded, threw the blanket off, tossed Ruse the firearm.

"Take care of it. I would appreciate a teleport to the outskirts of this Realm, so that I might continue my travels. My further apologies for intruding. If it isn't too much to ask, and I know this might be presumptuous of me, but.. would you allow me to return, to visit again? Without preaching, of course. Without 'waving. Simply as a tourist. I'd enjoy that.. so rarely do I see such a beautiful realm, such a gracious species of people."

Aesin arrives and immediately set out for the Lord of this realm, to introduce himself to him.

Charles rose suddenly. "You know what, friend? I think I've overstayed my welcome. A thousand pardons. My apologies. I really must go now."

He looked panicked.

--

Aesin sees nothing through the mist except for beautiful architecture, beautiful rivers, and beautiful people.

He stops one of the people and asks "Where is the Lord of this realm? I must speak with him"

Ruse nods at charles, pockets the gun, and says,

"Yes, I will accomodate all of your requests. You can also visit here again in the future as my guest, under the condition that you never again coerce me or my people, especially with mentalism. One day, I will show you what a true enlightened realm is like. Perhaps you'll even wish to settle here and be a part of it."

He he noticed Charles' panicked look, and wondered if whatever being approached was to blame. He knew that he could contact charles at any time, from any place in the universe, so he didn't waste time to ask why. Snapping his fingers, Ruse opened up a portal to where he wanted to go, and sent him through, and closed it promptly.

Ruse then began to head toward the other divinity...
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Thu 03 Sept 2009.

"I'm sure I will, one day."

Charles smiled, thanked Ruse again, and threw himself out through the Gate. With a snap, a pop, and a burst of light he was gone.

--

One of the Mistella looks at Aesin.

"Pardon me, sir? Can I assist you?"

Aesin repeated himself politely to the citizen. "Im looking for the lord of this realm. I must speak with him."

Ruse senses for divinity, just to be sure that there is not more than one divinity in his realm. He then heads for that presence.

Ruse finds the presence of a Divine, yes.. but also of another stranger.

--

"I believe you can find him at the Glen," replied the Mistella to Aesin.

"Thank you. Point me in the direction, if you will."

Ruse swiftly heads for the closest presence then.

Ruse stumbles upon the stranger first: tall, wide-eyed, wild-haired, bearing the Seal of Odin. Ruse gathered that he was a Conclave emissary. When the guest saw Ruse, he smiled, waved, and greeted the God warmly.

"Hi there. My name's Veld. I'm from the Conclave. I'm here to figure out oath-details and the like?"

Ruse notes a tall, dark God dressed in gold and silver approach from across the river - the stranger who spooked Charles. He wore the Seal of Odin also.

--

Aesin is given directions and soon finds himself heading towards the Glen; before he can make it, however, he spots Ruse speaking to a tall Shage on the opposite side of the river.

Ruse ignores Aesin for now, noting that he is also from the conclave and thus is not (most likely) an enemy, or at least an invader. He approaches the shage and nods his head politely, and replies,

"Ah yes, I have been expecting you. I am Ruse, the lord of this realm. You have come to discuss the associateship details, yes? So, what is involved...I was told something about a badge, a swrod, and something else I think?"

"That's essentially it. I'll also be confirming the details of your mission structure, and telling you what to expect. Now, would you prefer the unbreakable oath of the Callisti, or the simpler, freer oath-sword?"

Ruse ponders, and then replies,

"What is the difference between the two? What are the pros and cons to both?"

"The Oath of the Callisti is completely voluntary, but must be taken if you ever choose to become a Low Lord of the Conclave. It is unbreakable - if you attempt to break the oath you will die, and the oath cannot be erased. It carries with reincarnations. If you take it, though, you'll advance up the ranks of the Conclave much quicker because they know you can be completely trusted. It's standard procedure to offer."

He nods. Slowly, he pulled out a tiny, glittering silver knife.

"If you don't take the sphere-oath you have to carry an oath-sword on your person at all times. It will regulate your intentions, and if you do anything that the Conclave deems goes against it's wishes it will report back and possibly take action."

Ruse wasn't quite ready for something like an unbreakable oath quite yet. He knew so little about the conclave after all, plus he had other reasons to remain cautious. So he'd consider the sword for now.

"Hmmm...the sphere oath is interesting to me, but I think I'd like to see how the conclave works and operates a bit more before considering something like permanent oaths. Perhaps I'll even ascend the status ranks on my own merit alone, and not with a crutch like the sphere oath. Yes, I think I'd like to gain higher status by producing good results and gaining the conclave's trust naturally, npt through some binding oath."

ruse then looked at the sword, and continued,

"So tell me about this sword. What exactly is it, and how does it work? Is it sturdy enough to be used in combat? How does it regulate my actions - I'll not allow some external being to toy with my mind, or other such antics, although an external regulation is fair enough, like if the sword is semi-sentient or something and witnesses someone breaking a law or something. Also, once I equip the sword, can I remove it easily or is it some unbreakable thing like the sphere oath?"

Ruse sighed a bit, and quickly added,

"I apologize for the many questions...it just goes to show you how seriously i'm taking this, and how sincere I am."

The emissary raises his hands in peace.

"No problem, no problem," he said. "The Oath of the Callisti, at the moment, is entirely voluntary. The oath-sword is made of neutralized living metal, attuned to the Conclave seers. It has been trained to instinctively read your emotions and instincts, and to report back to the seers. If one of them deems you to be antagonistic, they'll activate the psychic qualities of the knife, and it will combust violently, killing you.

"It's sturdy enough to be used in combat, and if your honest intention is to kill an enemy of the Conclave it will take control and destroy the individual. It also has several self-defense protocols. You may take the sword off, but it is preferred that you have it on at all times, and you will  be screened each time you return."

Ruse looked at the sword with some interest, and then looked back to the Sharge and replied,

"Well that's an interesting little critter, that there sword. I guess as long as it doesn't try to force its way into my head or something, it'll be fine. As the god of mist, I'm highly resistant to such hostile tactics, but on the plus side that means the conclave's enemies cannot manipulate me supernaturally, so its secrets will remain protected."

Ruse ponders for a moment, and says,

"And if I allow the sword to take control of my body in combat against the conclave's enemies, how easy is it for me (or anyone for that matter) to regain control? I'm guessing your sword has never left you stuck in battle mode...right?"

"Never. It's easy enough to take control; gather your senses, and mentally take command. It'll stop, but most don't bother - the sword does a better job at fighting then they can hope. I understand your reservations, but it's really a minor oath at best. Here's yours, anyway - and your seal."

He passes Ruse both the Seal of Odin - ten silver towers inside a golden sun - and a silver, sheathed knife and knife-belt.

Ruse accepts both graciously. He equips his badge and puts the belt and sword around his waist. Using his various means of psychic defense, he makes sure the sword can only ever sense the thoughts and feelings of his that he wants it to - and never anything that would indicate acting against the conclave. Those sorts of thoughts he always masked with thoughts and feelings of complete contentment and loyalty to the conclave...it was a ruse, fitting for the god of the same name. Thankfully though, besides concealing stuff about charles (he suspected the other presence in his realm spooked him away if the sharge did not), Ruse really did honestly not want to betray anything, including the conclave.

"Thank you very much. I will utilize this sword and badge for both my benefit, as well as that of the conclave as a whole. I sincerely hope that both parties can work to one anothers' mutual benefit. Speaking of additional parties, can you tell me about missions, assignments, and the like? I applied to work with a god named Max on some higher-profile cases, although I can work solo as needed as well."

"Absolutely. Soon you'll receive work from the Conclave. You've been assigned a double with Max. You'll know when you get the word."

(OOC: making you a 'missions' thread now is what that means ;))

"Thank you very much for your assistance. I look forward to hearing the mission details soon. I know how to contact Max too, if that was of concern. If you need to speak with me again, you can look for me either here or in the divine valley. It seems that you are not the only conclave visitor I have today, though." Ruse said as he eyed Aesin critically, before turning back to the sharge.

"Oh, and by the way is the hall of the sun the place to go for all conclave business, like if I need to speak with officials, get assistance, report a crime, go to help defend you guys from an attack, etc?"

"You will be given an official messaging channel. You may use that to report and to glean information and make requests to the Conclave. Under the unlikely circumstance of an attack, you will receive instructions on where to report via this channel."

Aesin waits patiently for the two to finish their business.

Ruse nodded, and replied,

"Ah yes, understood. I already received the mission debreifing - very expedient I must say. I'm impressed, quite frankly. By the way, what can you tell me about Telleratus and chalybis?"

"Chalybis? Sorry, but I don't recognise the name. I'm a Recruitment Officer. You might want to inquire within your channel."

((Is the channel he refers to the mission thread?))

"Ah." Ruse replied. "I see. Well, thank you for your time then. I don't want to keep you from your other tasks. Again, thank you for coming to see me and for answering my questions. I need to go and address the god over there who "dropped in." I'm not one to favor visitors just wandering around, after all."

With a polite bow of the head, Ruse glided away gracefully from the sharge, and briskly walked toward Aesin, in what could only be described as a beautiful walking dance. When he got close to Aesin, Ruse stopped, and said,

"You there, stranger...what brings you to this place? I am the god of this realm, and I thank you for waiting for me to conclude my business with the sharge. Please, state your business. Ah, I see you're also with the conclave, yes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Tue 08 Sept 2009.

The Officer went off on his way.

(OOC: Yes, that's right.)

Aesin bows before the God of Mist. "Greetings, Mist God, i am Aesin, God of Order. I come here seeking an earth born man who was spotted in your realm. He claims himself a religious preacher and i must have words with him."

Ruse considered for a moment, realizing that he was correct about Aesin being the one who scared away Charles. He didn't know why though, but could only assume it would be bad from Charles' perspective. Despite the fact that Ruse was beginning to like charles a little, he couldn't do much legetimately if the conclave wanted him dead or something of that nature, since Charles wasn't technically one of his people, and thus couldn't receive the protection of ruse's conclave membership. As such, since Ruse wasn't fully aware of the situation, he decided to just play it cool.

"Aesin of the conclave, welcome to my valley. To answer your question, yes an earthborn man did pass through here some time ago, but he is here no longer. I'm not necessarily sure if he is the one you're looking for, although if you're here I suspect he very well could be. If I may be so bold, why do you seek him, a mere mortal?"

"I must spare you the details, if you understand me. I thank you for your kind welcomes but this matter is of utmost urgency." Aesin said seriously. "As another member of the conclave I would hope you understand that I will need his location now."

Ruse frowned, and replied,

"I can honestly say that I do not currently know the whereabouts of the earthborn human who was here. I gated him to the boarder of the realm before you arrived, and have lost track of him ever since. Of course, I wasn't aware that he was a problematic individual, especially since he also had conclave paperwork, so I apologize if my actions have stymied your efforts."

Despite appearances, ruse actually was telling the truth -  he was unaware that there was a problem, and he also physically didn't know of Charles' location above and beyond what he just told Aesin.

"Then could you send me to the same border? I can track him from there."

Ruse nodded, but first replied in a polite tone of voice,

"Yes, that is a reasonable request. Although if you are going to continue your investigation in my realm, I ask that you first tell me what you plan to do next. It is just rude to run around willy nilly in someone elses' godrealm, wouldn't you agree Mister Aesin?"

While waiting for Aesin's response, ruse pondered other things, the outcome of which may lead him to either help or hinder Aesin's search for Charles.

Aesin's eyes narrowed.

"I plan on tracking him down and carrying out the Conclaves orders. Forgive me for my vagueness but I am carrying out Conclave orders to the finest detail."

Ruse narrowed his eyes in return, and said,

"Very well...I can respect that. Respect it a lot actually. Of course, do realize that my authority in this place trumps that of the conclave's, so you'll do well to remain respectful of this realm and its inhabitants while you're visiting here. Otherwise, I'll have to ask you to leave. But if we have a solid understanding of one another, then you have my consent to carry out your investigation here, on the condition that you leave when you're done and do not deviate from your task while you're here."

((Aesin, I posted a private line to Master divine in the last thread...telepathy stuff dealing with charles. So this will be my last post here until he responds in his next GM post, since based on what goes down Ruse either will offer you minimal help (but still peaceful, since you and he are both technically on the same team), or he may just help hand him over to you on a silver platter while giving you a pat on the back and sharing a beer.))

Ruse suddenly felt a bursting pain hit his head, through his mental defenses: he was being attacked!

Ruse gritted his teeth in pain, but quickly regain his composure.

He allowed his misty psyche to become veiled, to help him resist the mental assault. He then whispered a few words, to let some mind magic help sooth his head and focus his thoughts. If the assault continued, he gently but firmly pushed it back out with his own force of personality, trying to trace the assault to its source.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:18, Tue 08 Sept 2009.

The attack stopped as suddenly as it begun. There was no doubt in his mind that this was Charles, because in Ruse's mind, over and over and over..

Would you like to learn more?
Would you like to learn more?
Would you like to learn more?
Would you like to learn more?
Would you like to learn more?
Would you like to learn more?
Woud you like to learn more?
Wou you like to learn more?
Wou yo like to learn more?
Wou y like to learn more?
Wo y like to learn more?
y like to learn more?
like learn more?
l learn more?
more?
...

Ruse was fine again, his mental defenses much more powerful than even most gods. He was, however, still impressed at the potency that this mortal was able to possess...how did a mortal get so potent?

Dammit Charles would you cut it the #$%@ out already! I thought I told you that stuff hurts! I'm not sure how you have such strong psychic abilities as a mortal, but I told you that my mind is a fortress even for a god. You know who this is - you spoke with me just recently...relatively speaking. Now answer my question: did you committ crimes against the conclave? If so, what and why.

There was no reply. Only silence.

Aesin stood and watched the god of mist seem distressed. "We do have an understanding. If you would be so kind as to send me to the same border now. Aesin didn't seem phased about what was going on, he just wanted to do his duty to the conclave.

Oh Charles...what have you done?! I really wanted you to be able to come back here one day. I'd have shown you true enlightened perfection that would outshine even humanity and most other gods in their technological advances. I'll not hunt you down, since you may be able to work something out with the Conclave, but I will let you know that they are after you. Actually...if your pursuer(s) find you, I ask that you offer to repent for your actions so they spare your life. If we're lucky, they may even give custody of you over to me, and I'll let you become one of my people. It is better than throwing away your life for some crime. The telepathic connection then went silent on ruse's end, for he severed it. Ruse suspected the man's crimes had to do with both the Cosmic Christ stuff, as well as his enhances mental abilities, which probably came about illegally.

Ruse turns to Aesin, and snaps his fingers. A portal opens up, which leads to the edge of the Valley of Mist, to the same place he sent charles.

"Aesin, god of order, this leads to where I portaled the earthborn human. I apologize if I seemed antagonistic - I merely am protecting my assets. However, I do ask you one thing though: if the earthborn human asks to repent for his crimes, please ask the conclave to give him over to me instead of killing him or locking him in prison for life or something like that. I don't know the exact nature of his crimes but deduce they are severe. Now go - the longer you tarry the further away he will get."

Aesin bows again to the God of Mist. "Thank you, God of Mist. I understand you actions and I will do as the Conclave says in response to your request." Aesin then heads through the portal.

A flash of lights..

And Aesin was gone.

(Post in the Earthborn Territories)

Ruse decided to leave charles to his fate for now. Between his studies in the library, as well as his portaling Charles away and reading his very mind, Ruse had a solid way of entering thoise territories as needed. However, he felt that his realm needed more attention right now. First though, he needed to know what he had to work with, so he decided to begin exploring the provinces until he had to head to Telleratus.

Ruse proceeded to whichever province (besides the center of course lol) was closest to the glade of victory. He headed for that direction, and began to explore.

The entrance to province closest to the glen was a thin, brick-paved path - in blue-purple colour - which led upwards from the valley into the wild areas of a  sleek, sleet-wet mountain. The mountain still had a shade of purple about it, but was mostly black-brown, and literally scraped the sky. Ruse couldn't see exactly where the path lead - simply upwards.

((LOL I'm posting and then leaving for orientation. I hope the hotel has internet ac ess in the lobby or something.))

Ruse shifts to misty form, and flies with much speed upward...past the paved road and into the wilds, and up the mountain. He was thrilled by the combination of colors here, although wondered what lay beyond - literally anything could be found at this point.

He soon finds himself at the topmost plateau of the mountain, and is shocked to find a tall, grey and red structure built upon it. It was a temple of some sort - he recognised it as thus - but it was surrounded by many cairns made of stone, filled with scribbled glyphs and sigils. He saw two dark spires of metal by the cairns also - the mist was stronger up here.

He had a vague feeling that this place belonged to Charles.

((First time all day since I left town that I had a viable chance for comp access.))

Ruse drifted over to the temple carefully, his soft voice echoing gently but firmly from his misty form. He used his magic to whisper to the spirits of the area - especially the spirits of mist to whom he surely would be attuned - and asked them what they knew of this place, the glyphs, and the metal spires...and of course the temple itself.

There were no spirits - of mist, of water, of anything. This place was bare. The fact sent a chill up Ruse's non-existent, already-chilled spine. It was if the spirits.. avoided this place.

Ruse wondered what would cause that - perhaps the circle of stones around the red temple was a ward of some sort? Although for what purpose would Charles need to ward against something?

Ruse drifted along and inspected the glyphs of the stones using whatever senses were available to him. If they proved to be non-dangerous...or at least managable for a god, then he would proceed past them after his inspection (he still wanted to know what they were for curiosity's sake), and proceed to inspect the metal spires, on his way to the temple entrance.

Ruse recognized the sigils as obscure, supremely-complicated mathematical formulas scribbled and scrawled upon the stone, mixed with mystical symbolism. They didn't exactly seem magical.. but they did seem eldritch, a little arcane, as if they did not belong in this world. Ruse's instinct told him that they weren't dangerous, exactly.

As he passed them, however.. things changed. Suddenly, they seemed spiteful and malicious. Ruse's keen mental powers warned him that something was very wrong.

The vague spires seemed to turn from black to red to black again, and ruse saw two obsidian-black balls drop from them and rush towards him, screaming through the mist.

Ruse remained in mist form, since the balls that approached him seemed like a hostile physical attack, so this way he'd be safer. He wanted to try and figure out a way to circumvent this obstacle though if possible, versus destroying the spheres and spire directly. What would charles do? This place...if it belonged to Charles, it had to have some sort of connection to psychic waves.

That gave ruse an idea. He flowed away hastily from the oncoming orbs, although stayed close to the spires and temple (he ran in a circle basicaly). While they may or may not be harmful to him in his current form, he didn't want to chance it.

While Ruse was flowing away from the spheres, he reached out telepathically to both them, and the spires...really he generated a "message" of calmness, and of not being an enemy. If necessary, he even tried to send out a "copy" of charles' brainwaves to trick the mechanism into thinking its master had returned.

As Ruse fled, the spheres came faster, and Ruse saw that they were machines made of black metal, with piercing red eyes.

While the message of calm and peace did not persuade them to stop, the replication of Charles's brainwave patterns made them both halt and begin to hover slowly towards Ruse.

Ruse continued to gently mask his own waves with a replication of charles', the quality ensured by the divine-level psionic he possessed. He was, quite frankly, fascinated by the concept of a machine that could respond to psychic energy, although doubted the conclave would share such feelings. Perhaps that's why charles is on the run?

Either way, using the mask of charles pattern, Ruse tried to mentally command them to "put themselves away" or at the least, to "power down" or cease hostilities. He even tried to see if he could control their movements with his thoughts.

Ruse found that he couldn't directly control them, but when mentally ordered the machines replaced themselves back at the top of the spires. Ruse was beginning to get a slight headache.. the strain of both projecting an alien set of waves while suppressing his own was starting to tire him.

Ruse needed to take some of the strain off of himself, so he did two very important things: first he promptly and with due haste flew into the temple, through whatever was the most viable entrance. Second, he whispered a few words of arcane power and called upon some mind magic to help cushion the strain, and calm his mind. When he was far enough away from the metal spires, he reduced his telepathy by half, and allowed the mind magic as well as hopefully some luck to comnpensate.

The entrance to the temple was a barred oak door that Ruse easily circumvented. Inside it was cold, damp - the floors made of stone, the walls of painted wood - and Ruse saw a deep pit in the middle of the room. For whatever reason, a sense of danger seemed to emanate from the pit. There was an alter, too, and upon it Ruse saw a ceremonial dagger and chalice. There was a makeshift bed in one corning, and the remains of a long-dead fire.

Images of ancient Earthborn Gods - some obviously inspired by real Realm Supernatural deities, for inspiration flowed downwards on Yggdrasil - were shown on tapestries that hung about the place. Odin was most prominent - one-eyed, long-staved, sharp-bladed. His wisdom looked down unnaprovingly towards Ruse.

There was a staircase leading up into the attic area of the temple behind the alter.

The Mind magic helped, despite Ruse not having access to any rituals or tools and his prowess in magic being minor at best - the relaxation and tension-destroying rituals of the Mind school helped ease the pain.

Ruse gradually reduced his telepathic masking of his mental brainwaves, guessing that since he was inside the temple that he'd be safe from the external defenses. If he did not sense any malicious traps springing, he would dismiss the effect completely. Of course, he'd leave his mind magic spell in place for the soothing effect, so that he could recover even faster.

He remained in mist form, and drifted in the air toward the alter. If he ever saw Charles again, Ruse would be sure to give the man a very stern talking to, in the least. He drifted along further, and inspected the alter of the temple. He was curious about the items on it, and used whatever senses and magics at his disposal to attempt to determine if they had any mystical signifigance. If he could sense what was in the pit with a very brief telepathic scan (just a scan not a probe - he's trying to go easy on the juice for a while), he will, although despite mist form he still will not fly into the pit.

The ceremonial dagger was a Dagger of Intelligence, and the chalice was a Cup of Emotion - both used in Earthborn Zen-Qabala, a magical tradition that was taboo to most Earthborn and one that Ruse was not learned in. Ruse felt his mind slowly start to feel better - less bent, less hurt. There didn't seem to be any traps in the temple. They are not particularly harmful.

On the alter Ruse found several candles, sticks of chalk, a small clay pentagram.. behind it was a large wooden stave decorated in many Earthborn glyphs and sigils.

Ruse sees a small, rope ladder leading down into the pit, but can't sense anything more except for general feeling of danger. He does find up a vague psychic vibration, though..

ticktickticktickticktickticktick

Ruse would dig deeper to understand what he was sensing, but he was still resting after the mind masking, so he actually breaks off the telepathic contact all together.

He is intrigued by Zen-Quabala that he discovered here, although realized that it did not correspond well with his own royal tradition of magic. However, the alter items intrigued him still, and while they were intended for zen, they seemed to resemble magical tools. In this case, a cup for water magic and a silver blade for mind magic. Even the names of the items - intelligence and emotion - alluded to an association with mind and water magics respectively.

He went over and picked up the blade with a wispy tendril, and tried to re-cast his mind magic soothing spell. He attempted to note if the effect reflected the second degree of sorcery as far as mind magic went, or if it remained the same. He couldn't do anything with the cup at this time though, given that water magic was a field he was currently not well-versed in.

The effects came easier, but - somehow - Ruse felt as if he were diluting the full potential of the dagger.

Ruse considered for a moment, and wondered what he'd have to do to get the full effects of the dagger.

After he was done pondering, he inspected the glyphed stave, and determined what information he could gather.

The stave, it seemed, was the Zen-Qabalist Wand of Passion.

Ruse apparently found a nice trove of magical tools, although could not utilize them completely with his royal sorcery. However, the partial boost he received was nice though, and worse case scenario he could try to convert the tools into royal ones.

But this Zen-Quabalist stuff was very intriguing to ruse, and he decided that before leaving for Telleratus (while the soldiers were gathered actually) that he'd have to stop by the grand library and look up Zen Quabbalism and see what it is all about. If he could ever find charles again, he'd make it a point to ask him about this in full detail.

Ruse searched the alter and the surrounding area (like the pentalce and stuff0 and tried to determine if anything else happened to be a magical tool. He also looked for information about what was going on.

When his inspection was done (he didn't go into the pit yet), he would head upstairs into the temple attic area.

Aesin once again arrived in the Valley of Mist and asked a local where Ruse was.

Ruse found that no other tools were distinctly magical. There didn't seem to be any other information regarding what was going on besides the strange ticktickticktickticktick coming from the pit.

They attack was bare except for a single locked cabinet made of cold steel. It was heavily chained, and Ruse saw that it had been padlocked many different times - and several of the Earthborn Zen-Qabalist glyphs had been carved into it's face.

--

The local shrugs.

"Sorry, sir," he said to Aesin. "I haven't seen the Lord. Last I heard, he was heading to the Glen of Desire."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:45, Sat 12 Sept 2009.

Ruse incorporated the three tools he found into his inventory, but also took the clay pentagram too if it wasn't dangerous. It might be useful to him later (assuming the thing is small and item-sized of course).

The ticking was making Ruse grow nervous, and he would explore the pit soon. However, since he was int he attic, he decided to try and get access to the contents of the chained cabinet first. So he allowed his misty form to swirl around the cabinet, and let himself flow into its exterior through the miniscule cracks that naturally exist in cabinets, so as to bypass the locks completely. If he makes it inside, he inspects the contents.

Aesin thought for a moment. "Where is the temple of Charles, then?"

Ruse found his way inside easily enough, but it was too dark to make anything out.

Ruse found his way inside easily enough, but it was too dark to make anything out.

--

"Temple of Charles?" said the man. "Never heard of it, my friend. Apologies."

"Is there any temple that you know of in the realm?"

Ruse had to think intelligently. He then remembered that he was a stream of mist, so could loot the contents of the cabinet in creative ways. First though, he tried to use his life magic to momentarily alter his vision just enough to allow him to see in the dark. if that worked, he then inspected the contents of the cabinet. If not, then he looted it another way involving the unusual properties of his form.

He couldn't see what he was looting until it was laid out in front of him..

Two large, lance-sized firearms, buzzing with blue energy. A light-weight, red-and-gold under-suit of some sort. A belt of strange, green and black orbs with metal pins on the top. A long, sharp silver dagger, with familiar hieroglyphics on it's face. A vial of tiny, buzzing insects. A sword that vibrated at an intense speed when picked up. A wrapped package of some variety.

--

"Of course. We worship the Lord Ruse. Would you like me to guide you to the Garden of the Mist, friend?"

The man almost seemed to be mocking Aesin.

Ruse was astounded at his find. He also wondered how and why on earth Charles would bring souch things here, and in such quantity too.

Ruse decided to keep everything. He could deposit them someplace safer and more low-profile later, but did not want to risk someone else finding this cache - especially Charles whose motives he still was unsure of. While he could always do a long-range probe, Ruse was still trying to conserve his power.

While the temple itself seemed well-guarded, Ruse figured that if he was able to get in, that someone else may as well. He wanted to explore and study the new technology that he found, so that he could more easily provide it to his loyal followers later as the realm progressed. Even for himself, these would surely prove to be useful in battle.

Ruse decided to inspect the suit first. He used whatever means were available to him to try and determine what exactly its properties were, and if it was harmful to its wearer somehow. If not, he briefly shifted to physical form and put it on - a light weight under-suit would both be comfortable and easily maneuverable, which went well with his stlye of grace over bruteness. It could be concealed too if necessary, or worn fashionably.

Aesin then shook his head and looked for some stones to scry with.

The suit was not dangerous.

It was a perfect fit for the God of Mist, but something told him that was to be expected. It felt tight for a few moments, but now - it was almost like nothing was there. He felt a small pinch at the back of his neck, and a voice rang out into his mind:

Activating SUIT..
Launching wetware..
Analysing..
/Divine/
Reconfiguration process..
8%

There was an unnerving feeling running along his body, as if he were being pricked by a thousand tiny pins.

--

Aesin found many little river stones that were perfect for divination.

Ruse knew that unlike most other beings, he could easily divest himself of such a suit thanks to his misty powers. Still, it was disconcerting and obviously technological. However, he was also intrigued by it at the same time.

Ruse uses his mind magic (with his new silver dagger to help) as well as the own power of his mind to try and determine what effect the suit was having on him. He even chanted a life spell to try and assess his body.

He even tried thinking a query to the suit, figuring that if it could think into his mind, that he could do so in reverse.

WHAT IS YOUR FUNCTION?

DEFINE YOUR PROTOCOLS.

WHAT ARE THE PARAMETERS OF WETWARE?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:14, Sat 12 Sept 2009.

The suit didn't give off any negative auras, dangerous feelings, or anything of the lie. The life spell failed miserably, but the suit soon responded to his queries.

19%

QUESTION: 'What is the function of SUIT?'
ANSWER: To monitor chemical levels within the body. To monitor levels of health and vitality. To warn of danger. To analyze immediate objects.

QUESTION: 'Define the protocols of SUIT?'
ANSWER: SUIT is a complex and clever program within a highly sophisticated example of Earthborn technology. There are many protocols held within SUIT. Would you care to know of the ANALYTIC protocols of SUIT?

QUESTION: 'What are the parameters of wetware?'
ANSWER: Wetware is typically the name given to the central nervous system and brain functions of an individual. In the case of SUIT and Earthborn biotechnology it refers to chemical DNA-programs and electric neurological programs artificially installed upon a person, typically from SUIT or one of it's rivals. Would you care to know about why SUIT is safer, wiser, cleverer, more efficient, and smarter then it's rivals?

25%

Ruse continued to allow the suit to integrate itself with him, since it didn't seem to be doing anything harmful to his body or mind. He was intrigued by it, to be quite honest, as well as the fact that it had to recalibrate itself to his divine physiology. Perhaps it was more effective on a being like himself versus an earthborn or other species?

QUESTION: What, if anything, are the drawbacks to owning and wearing this SUIT, from the wearer's perspective?

QUESTION: Yes, please tell me more about the protocols of SUIT, including the ANALYTIC ones.

QUESTION: What is SUIT trying to do to my own innate wetware? Is it trying to overwrite my central nervous system, and if so with what? Will I still possess my full free will?

QUESTION: Yes, please tell me how this SUIT is safer, wiser, cleverer, more efficient, and smarter then it's rivals. Also, what rivals do you refer to?

Aesin cleans the stones he finds and cleans them carefully. He closes his eyes and meditates on their strong structure and how they feel.

26%

QUESTION: 'What are the drawbacks to using SUIT?'
ANSWER: SUIT takes the liberty of gathering energy from the electrical heat of the bodily functions of it's host, but in extreme situations SUIT is able to gather energy directly from the body itself. This fuels SUIT's unique shielding capabilities, heavier processing protocols, and more advanced functions. In extremely rare cases (0.003%) the user may experience an allergy to the plasma processing of the suit and go into shock - the user is advised to seek medical help. After an extreme situation SUIT might be difficult or impossible to remove without professional help - this is due to SUIT's final function, wetware jacking, where it attunes itself to the skeletal system of the wearer. This is an automatic protocol that may be disabled immediately; would you like to disable SUIT's jacking capabilities?

QUESTION: 'Please inform me about the protocols (ANALYTICAL, other) contained within SUIT?'
ANSWER: The ANALYTIC protocols of SUIT are famed throughout NUYAARK. It contains encyclopedic, ever-expanding information on any range of objects about you. Name the object mentally - declare a SCAN (SCAN: ROCK) and information will be gathered and sent to you via the store-feed. You will receive it in seconds. More advanced items require more processing time. If you do not know the exact name of an object, hold it in your hands and declare the SCAN. If you wish to name a living individual, concentrate on their image and declare the SCAN. Other protocols include: SHIELDING, DRAWING, JACKING, MONITORING, STORING, MEDICAL, DEEPWARE (ENCRYPTED META-PROTOCOL).

QUESTION: 'What does SUIT do to an individual's innate wetware during the reconfiguration process?'
ANSWER: SUIT does not alter an individual's wetware - it merely unlocks and opens the memory storage within every cell and utilizes this storage to install it's own programs. The programs are necessary for SUIT to have any affect on the user. It does not overwrite the central nervous system, simply expand and then condense it. Free will, except in extreme situations - the jacking protocol - will be kept.

QUESTION: SUIT is safer than it's rivals because it adds and doesn't erase encrypted biological memory within an individual. SUIT is wiser than it's rivals because it works on revolutionary EXPANDING SYSTECH technology, designed by the great Nafranhel Robbin Zun, leading scientific mind on Earth. SUIT is cleverer than it's rivals due to the ever-expanding, ever-editable, ever-modifiable system which underlies it. SUIT is more efficient than it's rivals because of instead of the standard 10% energy leak it has a leak of only 3%. SUIT is smarter than it's rivals due to the genius behind it. SUIT'S rivals include: the Nabohar, Sony-Disney Firmsuit, and the GoogleTechia Zoot.

38%

The prickling continues

--

Aesin finds that the stones are the cleanest they've ever been, and begins to instinctively know their place in the universe.

Aesin speaks clearly, "I, Aesin, God of Order, desire to find the temple of the Earthborn Charles that lies in the Valley of Mist so that i may carry out justice upon him."

((wow that SUIT seems extremely cool Nat. Also, nice double post. Also, consider any QUESTIONs to also be like queries essentially.))

Ruse decided to keep the SUIT, and also continued to let it intigrate and also to help the process along. While that shock thing sounded like a very rare but nasty side effect, Ruse remembered that divine physiology was highly adaptive and highly resistant to such "side effects." Heck, a divine could survive without its head in outer space - at least for a while. So the benefits outweighed the risks in this case.

QUESTION: Please disable the automatic Jacking protocol. If I need to enter a heightened battle mode, I will do so at will, not in a potentially harmful automatic method.

QUESTION: Please define the spcifications and funcions of the other SUIT protocols.

QUESTION: Has this particular SUIT had any system or other modifications on it since it was first created? Is this particular SUIT different from standard SUITS? If so, then how?

QUESTION: Does this SUIT possess any information on an earthborn man named Charles, or possibly Bho?

40%

QUESTION: 'Could SUIT please disable the JACK WETWARE protocol?'
ANSWER: JACK WETWARE protocol disabled.

QUESTION: 'Could SUIT define the SHIELD protocol?'
ANSWER: The SHIELD protocol is designed to allow the body to withstand extreme temperatures, dangerous pressures, or other natural hazards. The SHIELD protocol also protects against: standard toxins, standard diseases. The SHIELD protocol can, if fully activated, resist bullet and other physical wounds by weaving energy from the user's body, though SUIT would remind the user that this is optional and disabled at this time. Other aspects of the SHIELD protocol unactivated: dehydration/nutrition dampener, underwater oxygen allowance.

QUESTION: 'Could SUIT describe the DRAWING protocol?'
ANSWER: This protocol allows SUIT to draw energy from it's user's body. It can be deactivated, but this is not advised.

QUESTION: 'Could SUIT describe the JACKING WETWARE protocol?'
ANSWER: This protocol allows SUIT to bond with it's user in times of extreme stress. This is an instantaneous action which bonds SUIT to it's user's skeletal and nervous system, allowing him to draw on reserve banks of energy to enable his hidden potential of strength, speed, and vitality. This protocol is currently disabled.

QUESTION: 'Could SUIT describe the MONITORING protocol?'
ANSWER: This protocol allows SUIT to monitor the user's levels of adrenaline, oxygen, nutrition, and other necessary and artificial chemicals needed to ensure the health and vitality of the body. It also allows SUIT to change these levels as it sees fit, though MANUAL MODE may be activated if the user isn't satisfied with SUIT's control.

QUESTION: 'Could SUIT describe the STORING protocol?'
ANSWER: This protocol allows SUIT to store both energy and information within the human body. It may be deactivated, but this is not advised.

QUESTION: 'Could SUIT describe the MEDICAL protocol?'
ANSWER: This protocol allows SUIT to diagnose the user's body and, if it is a viral or toxic condition, treat it. SUIT can also activate FLOWING mode, which allows SUIT to take energy from the human body and convert it into healing processes for the physical body, in the case of wounding and the like. In this energy-intensive mode all other protocols except for the MONITORING and DEEPWARE protocols will be disabled. The FLOWING mode is currently disabled.

QUESTION: 'Could SUIT describe the DEEPWARE protocol?'
ANSWER: DEEPWARE is the system that allows each other system to function and interact. It also allows the SUIT's almost-intelligence. ENCRYPTED.

QUESTION: 'Has SUIT been modified in the past?'
ANSWER: The SUIT was illegally modified - BY CONCLAVE STANDARDS - while it was owned by Charles of Luan Dun, but has reverted to it's natural, unmodified state as per Charles's reset. The exact modifications are confidential. Password?

QUESTION: 'Does the SUIT posses any information on Charles of Luan Dun?'
ANSWER: Yes, but the information is confidential. Password?

57% 

--

The stones seemed to hum with a strange power.

Ruse is intrigued, but is thankful that since it is reconfiguring itself to fit his body's parameters, that it reverted back to a more legal form. Ruse does intend to try and hack the password though, if only out of pure curiosity of what information Charles may have hidden in it.

Ruse leaves the nutrition and environmental protocols off, since as a god he is not subject to most environmental hardships like mortals are (and he is impressed that the suit was able to turn off certain parameters in order to maximize the efficiency of SUIT's energy use). Since the suit draws energy from its wearer to power its function, and gods regenerate energy like living battery packs...well, Ruse was certain he'd see impressive results from the armor. And all legally too.

He continued to let it calibrate to his specs.

QUESTION: Please imput the following passwords to try and allow me access to information both about the illegal modifications, and charles in general.

-Bho
-Bhudda the cosmic Christ
-Zen (or Zen quabbala)
-Perfection
-Mistella
-Ruse

While this process occured, Rise carefully unwrapped the wrapped package to see its contents. He did so in a way that would best allow him to re-wrap them again if necessary.

He spoke again. "Further more, I reinforce my dedication in serving the forces of Order and will stop at nothing to carry out its will."

60%

PASSWORD: BHO DENIED

PASSWORD: BUDDHA DENIED

PASSWORD: COSMIC CHRIST DENIED

PASSWORD: ZEN DENIED

PASSWORD: ZEN QABALA DENIED

PASSWORD: PERFECTION DENIED

PASSWORD: RUSE DENIED

PASSWORD: MISTELLA DENIED

 

Inside the package was an individually locked and sealed box made of lead - it was chained in silver and bore the seal of Luan Dun, the image of a silver moon.

--

Aesin feels right. Somehow, he feels attuned to the universe..

Aesin throws the stones, awaiting the results.

Ruse gets an interesting idea. Since he already verified the SCAN protocol, he wondered if the suit could help him analyze the other items.

Ruse holds out his hand, and thinks:

COMMAND: SCAN these assembled items, please. Excluding SUIT of course.

69%

Reconfirguring..

SCAN failed.
Reconfiguration needs to be completed first.
Would you like to SCAN the items when the reconfiguration is complete?

71%

--

Aesin learns, through the vaguest - and surest - of feelings, and knew that the Temple he sought was atop the jagged, drenched mountain to his immediate left. He could see the faintest of blue lines against it's black rock body - a trail. The Temple itself was hidden. It would be quite a hike.

COMMAND: Cancel SCAN order until reconfiguration is complete. Then SCAN the items when configuration has concluded.

COMMAND: Try the following passwords:

-Moon
-Silver Moon
-Earth
-Earthborn
-Luad Dhun
-Master Divine

While waiting for the SUIT to do its thing, Ruse tries to very lightly reach out with telepathy and see what he can learn about the bugs in the bottle. He also sees if he can't learn more about the contents of the metal container he unwrapped.

Aesin made haste towards the the mountains to his left.

75%

PASSWORD: MOON DENIED

PASSWORD: SILVER MOON DENIED

PASSWORD: EARTH DENIED

PASSWORD: EARTHBORN DENIED

PASSWORD: LUAN DUNDENIED

PASSWORD: MASTER DIVINE DENIED

Would you like a hint?

Post-Reconfiguration SCAN keyed.

80%



The bugs - bugs? machines? - within the bottle gave no telepathic feedback.

When Ruse telepathically scanned the box he sensed a great weight - not evil, per se, but dangerous.. well, possibly evil. It was difficult to tell - the element of danger was too strong.

--

Aesin soon reached the foot of the mountain, the place where the path began. It was raining lightly, and clouds had gathered ahead. The mountain scraped the sky with it's majesty. It would be a long climb.

He adjusted his armour and lightly gripped his sword as he made his way up the mountain.

COMMAND: Please provide a password recovery hint.

Ruse tries scanning the bottle again, this time with the benefit of his divinity upgrade. (in case the bag thingies revel more info this time, but to his new minor power).

81%

Drawing hint..

HINT: Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

Activating countdown..

COUNTDOWN: Three failed tries before SUIT burns.

83%



There was nothing new in the bottle. The bugs probably weren't sentient - they didn't give the general fleeting instinct-patterns of normal insects. Ruse got the distinct impression that they were machines.

--

Aesin had been hiking for half an hour when it started hailing. The winds were gushing, sleet attacking him full force, and progress on the path was extremely dangerous. He felt it might be wise to turn back.

COMMAND: Define burning in the case of the suit burning after the countdown is met?

COOMAND: Deactivate the burning protocol.

If Ruse can do so without breaking the suit or harming himself, he tries to use his abilities to either get the suit to yield the password, to reset the burn timer, or to otherwise not burn on him. He only does this safely though.

He also tries to see if he can yield more info from the small moon-locked container.

85%

QUESTION: 'Could you define "burning"?'
ANSWER: "Burning" is the purging process SUIT undergoes when it believes an individual is attempting to violate the rights of the previous owner. Much like jacking, the suit bonds with the user's skeletal and nervous system; however, the experience is an unpleasant one. The "burning" causes extreme pain to course through the user's body, such as that they cannot move or even think. Authorities are, of course, then called to the scene. SUIT is expensive and should not be stolen. Under Conclave law, "burning" can only legally occur if an individual asks for and receives a hint to an individual's password, and then fails thrice on applying that password. This is enough proof of a no-good felon for SUIT. Before burning, the SUIT will run a full-body scan to ensure that it isn't burning it's primary owner. A master-key may be used to deactivate the "burning".

Deactivating "burning"..
Deactivation failed.
PASSWORD?

90%



Ruse cannot yield any more information from the SUIT. He obtains a single name from the box, however.. "Osiris-Ra".

--

Aesin hears a crack above the weather, and feels a burning in his leg - he'd been shot! But by whom?

A dark figure stands in the darkness of the rain, features shadowy, holding a smoking weapon.

COMMAND: Input password THELEMA.

COMMAND: How can I become the primary owner, if you do not already acknowledge me as such?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Wed 16 Sept 2009.

Aesin reacts quickly, using Mandatory Sentence on the shadowy figure. He then drew his sword and attacked the man with a horizontal slash, aimed across the stomach.

91%

PASSWORD: THELEMA ACCEPTED

(ACCEPTING THELEMA/GEMATRIA/CROWLEY/HOLYGUARDIANANGEL/TRUEWILL)

(MASTER-CODE: 12un129u3123)

BURNING DEACTIVATED.

WELCOME, FRIEND OF CHARLES. HOW ARE YOU TODAY?

QUESTION: 'How can I become the primary owner of SUIT?'
ANSWER: You are already the primary owner of SUIT. Remember to certify your sale documents at the Earthborn Embassy, and to have them signed by Charles. Would you like SUIT to call the Embassy now, and have them certify the documents electronically?

95%



--

As Aesin rushes towards the man - a blur of silver and gold - he recognizes the face: Charles of Nuyaark!

Aesin stumbles at the wrong moment, crashing to the snow - a psychic trigger? - but his slash is still reasonably succesful, causing Charles to scream in agony as his steel rips across the Earthborn's chest. The handgun has dropped to the snow, and is soon joined by the blood of both Aesin and Charles. Aesin is finding it difficult to get up. Charles himself has fallen, but Aesin notes that he is smiling..

"You - you - cannot defeat the - 'wave.." gasped Charles, and Aesin felt a deadly pressure descend upon his mind.

Aesin let out grunt of pain. He concentrated on resisting the attack on his mind, his power Psychological Review, hopefully would help him. Quickly, he attempts a lethal blow against Charles, aiming to sever his head.

((Yikes you guys! I don't want Charles to have to be killed yet, but at the same time I don't want Aesin to die either. And by now Ruse can probably tell something's going on outside the temple, lol! Sigh I'm not sure what to do, since Ruse is a little suspicious of Aesin too right now, but only a little (his timing for coming back ia too coincidential). ))

COMMAND: Tell me the classified information about Charles, as well as any classified information about the conclave and Osiris-Ra that may be stored within your system.

COMMAND: Tell me any information you have on Riddel Summers.

COMMAND: What is all involved with the electronic certification of my ownership of this SUIT? And yes, I am the legitimate true owner of this SUIT now, since Charles left it here in my godrealm, in which I am the ultimate authority.

Ruse was getting nervous since he could tell that there were presences outside the temple, but even more nervous because they stopped moving. While this gave him some more time to do things on his end, it also probably meant something bad was occuring out there.

Ruse waited, letting SUIT reach 100% calibration. He felt that he would need this new tool, among the other things he found, very muh in the times to come.

96%

Opening information on CHARLES..
File opened.
CHARLES: >Medical and Biological Information
         >Conclave Profile
         >Personal Databank
         >SUIT Logs

QUESTION: 'Who is Riddel Summers?'
ANSWER: Riddel Summers is a semi-famous hyper-software (and pseudo-intelligence) engineer, specialising in the fields of data acquisition and destruction. He is married to Charles of Nuuyark, though recent speculation points towards their relationship being in jeopardy, especially considering Charles's involvement with the Conclave. Riddel Summers is famously anti-authoritarian, anti-government, and anti-Conclave - a self-professed techno-anarchist, and one of the most successful techno-anarchists of our age. He is to be killed tomorrow at dawn at the Hall of Justice in the Valley of Ten Towers for information crimes including treason against the Conclave.

QUESTION: 'What is involved with the electronic certification?'
ANSWER: If you legally bought the suit off Charles, he is required by Earthborn-Conclave law to give you a certificate of approved sale. This can be checked by Conclave authorities for it's authenticity. Would you like to check the certificate?

QUESTION: 'Who is Osiris-Ra?'
QUESTION: Osiris-Ra is one of the Conclave's most ancient and insidious enemies, having been a threat since before the Age of Odin - in the original Age of Nuit. He may be the oldest living force in the Realm Supernatural, though the very nature of the Realm makes this debatable. He is a viral entity capable of existing and resurrecting himself even when 'dead', the product of powerful black arts which have been lost to time.

Opening file on OSIRIS-RA..
File opened.
OSIRIS RA: >The Eye of Osiris-Ra
           >The Black Art of Har-Khuit
           >Involvement with the Shrine of Isuban
           >Rebirth
           >Odinson

100% complete.
Reconfiguration complete.
SUIT is now fully attuned to the /Divine/ body of RUSE.

Storing MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL data..
Starting LOGS..
Would you care to set a password for SUIT, RUSE?

SCANNING immediate area..

SCANNING..

SCANNING..

WARNING WARNING WARNING - DANGER IMMINENT



--

Aesin feels an even stronger pain in his head, as if he'd been hit with a steel mallet, and he loses conscious for a tiny moment - but not after striking, as hard as he could, with his blade. As he falls, vision blurring, he can clearly see the decapitated head of Charles of Nuyaark in front of him, steaming in the snow.. can still hear his screams..

The pain stops.

Charles is dead.

Aesin stumbled onto his feet. "May you find peace, Earthborn.", he said as calmly as possible, still regaining his composure. He searched Charles body for anything that seemed personal to him. He then looked around the area to find his direction.

COMMAND: Check the certificate of this SUIT.

COMMAND: Establish that Ruse is the top administrator and primary owner of this SUIT. Change the password to the phrase, "Master Divine Is Shrouded In Mist."

After the SUIT does these things, Ruse gathers all of the vault items onto himself (in what surely must look comical), shifts into mist form, andflies upward and out of the temple with great haste, masking himself with the mist of the realm so as to avoid detection by any onlookers, even the invading god.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Checking certificate of SUIT..
Certificate not valid.
This SUIT might be stolen.
Would you like to send a report to Conclave officials?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Changing administration settings..
Settings changed.
RUSE is MASTER ADMINISTRATOR.
Password changed.
PASSWORD: MASTER DIVINE IS SHROUDED IN MIST

DANGER DANGER DANGER

ANALYZING DANGER..
EARTHBORN TECHNOLOGY.
Exothermic chemical reaction weaponry, grade A.
BANNED EARTHBORN TECHNOLOGY.
Class M..
Would you like to send a report to Conclave officials?
Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/5:00?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Ruse becomes one with the clouds, far above the temple. It is raining heavily, and he cannot physically see Aesin or Charles below.

--

Aesin realized that he was close to the plateau that held the temple - a few minutes away, if he could keep a steady pace. His knee stung, his mind seemed a little worn.

Aesin focused hard on reaching the temple and began to limp towards it as fast as he could.

Ruse reached out with his various metaphysical senses to keep track of Aesin and charles, as well as the life signs of each. He had a feeling that Charles was dead, and that Aesin killed him.

COMMAND: Do NOT report the SUIT to be stolen.
COMMAND: Do NOT report the banned technology. I feel they already know.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Thu 17 Sept 2009.

Charles realised that Aesin was quite close to the temple - he'd be there in a minute or so. He could see a tiny mark work its way up the icy slope, struggling against the rain and the wind: the God of Order, attempting to reach the Temple.

Charles was dead.

Aesin was wounded.. but his vitality was extremely high. He wasn't going to die.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

SUIT will not report itself as stolen.
SUIT will not report the banned technology.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/4:34?

DANGER DANGER DANGER



--

Soon enough, Aesin reached the plateau of the Temple. He saw, through the haze of rain, twin spires nearby, and knew them instinctively to be defensive posts of some variety.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:17, Thu 17 Sept 2009.

Aesin continued towards the entrance, watching the towers carefully for any activity. Aesin still remained in control of his fear. Complete peace was in place as he rushed ahead.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Thu 17 Sept 2009.

Ruse decided to give Aesin a slight helping hand, although in a way that would not automatically implicate him - or not implicate him.He used his powers from afar, to make it seem as if the very mists themselves were speaking to him. The odd thing, though, was that it was not completely untrue. Why Ruse was helping Aesin? Well...like the lord of mist himself, his motives were not always bad, despite being ineffable.

The wispy strands of mist the were near Aesin seremed to whisper loudly to him.

"Godling...the bomb is in the basement pit in the temple...hurry, it will detonate soon. And beware the orbs...run for the temple entrance as fast as you can, and do not look back until you make it inside. Now go...hurry!"

The voice of the whispers was a montone neutral, not that of Ruse.

As for Ruse, he continued flying the hell away, up in the clouds, undetected. It was as if he was never there.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/4:00?



Ruse got as high as he could possibly get - higher than the clouds - before he felt a faint pulling force, urging him upward. Above was only solid darkness - the Void between the Realm Supernatural and Yggdrasil. It would be death to go further. He would be safe from a nuclear explosion at this height, however..

--

The wispy strands of mist the were near Aesin seemed to whisper loudly to him.

"Godling...the bomb is in the basement pit in the temple...hurry, it will detonate soon. And beware the orbs...run for the temple entrance as fast as you can, and do not look back until you make it inside. Now go...hurry!"

The voice of the whispers was a monotone neutral.

The spires whirred.. and Aesin saw, through the rain, two black balls drop, red eyes glinting in the shadows. He knew these to be enemies. They wished his every destruction.

Aesin gritted his teeth in pain and began to sprint into the temple as the mist suggested. His leg ached but he still ran.

COMMAND: Record scanned data of the bomb in memory banks for later.

COMMAND: SCAN the other items that were recovered individually, and record their data to memory.

COMMAND: SCAN the metal spire/orb security system, and record the data to memory.

COMMAND: Query - what is SUIT's suggested course of action for Ruse if Charles dies?

Ruse did NOT float any higher - he was quite happy to remain alive, and not in the void. As for the various data of the items, he both needed to know what they did for the present, and he comitted their schematic data to memory for future reference.

As the SUIT responded to his commands, RUSE sent out a telepathic "ping" to the orbs ont he ground, ordering them to stand down and allow Aesin to enter the temple.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Created file NUCLEAR BOMB.
Saving file..
File saved.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

SUIT does not comprehend your order.
Which items?


DANGER DANGER DANGER

SCANNING spires/orbs..
15%
50%
60%
100%
Spires SCANNED.
Orbs SCANNED.
Created file SPIRES/ORBS.
Saving file..
File saved.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Checking CHARLES..
Checking..
Checking..
Nanosites confirm.
No life-signs found.
Logical conclusion: CHARLES is dead.
Bouncing..
SUIT fully owned by RUSE.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/3:00?


Ruse remained, feeling the pull of the Void.. he needed to concentrate harder than usual to send the 'ping'..

--

Tried as he did to run, the black orbs - with piercing crimson eyes - sped towards him. He heard a serious of short, loud cracks, and felt the twang and sting of projectiles ricocheting off his armour - he dodged the other bullets. As soon as they'd shot, however, they returned to their spires, as if nothing had happened. They ignored Aesin, and he freely ran into the temple.

He saw stairs to the end of the temple, leading upwards - behind a large stone alter, with nothing particular on it. The floor was made of polished stone and Aesin noticed that the temple had been filled with images of Odin and of his associates, mythologized as he'd been painted on the walls. In the center of the room was a very deep pit, and Aesin noticed a rope lead down into the abyss..

Aesin, thanking Order he got in safely, immediately went down the pit to look for the bomb.

Ruse decended a bit, back into the stratosphere again. He did not like the extra concentration required to use his telepathy. However, he still was high in the sky though - able to reach the lower void level again when the SUIT detected the bomb was about to blow...assuming Aesin did not disarm it first.

COMMAND: Delay the SCAN order for later.

Ruse then remembered that he just scanned the nuclear bomb.

COMMAND: Access procedure for disarming the nuclear bomb.

Ruse then sent a telepathic/mist controlled message to Aesin, in a monotone voice again of course. He used the mists as a medium for the message, like before.

"Godling...you must disarm the bomb like this... <insert procedure here>."

DANGER DANGER DANGER

SCAN order delayed.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Opening nuclear chemical explosive disarmament strategy..
Opened.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/2:49?



The procedure for disarming the bomb was listed in simple - yet complete - detail.

--

As Aesin descended the rope, he heard a buzzing sound, a clicking sound, the clanking of metal on stone..

There was something down there, with the bomb.

Before he could fully register the threat, his mind filled with the information necessary to defuse a bomb. It was a miracle. It hurt like hell - he let out an agonized groan - but now he knew how to stop the nuclear weapon.

Ruse continues to fly the hell away, while also monitoring Aesin's progress. As he flew, Ruse tried to look for places in his realm that would be good for stashing his new valuable items safely.

COMMAND: Does SUIT have any information about why Charles was on the run from the conclave?

COMMAND: Define master code 12un129u3123. If doing so will not jeopardize Ruse's administration of SUIT, or SUIT itself, then if there is some information not immediately accessible to me, then input 12un129u3123.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Fri 18 Sept 2009.

Aesin was surprised at his sudden knowledge. It seemed he was receiving help.

He then looked around for the bomb and also on the look out for whatever was down here.

Ruse sees - far away - a huge outcrop of rocks and black, stone hills.. perfect for hiding whatever needed to be hid. It looked as if the area was riddled with caves.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: Could you access 'Charles's' criminal record?'
ANSWER: Possibly.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Requesting access to CHARLES OF NUUYARK (CONCLAVE) CRIMINAL RECORDS..
Requesting..
Requesting..
Request failed.
Request denied.
No files found.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What is MASTER-CODE?'
ANSWER: MASTER-CODE is the master password given to all SUIT users. It is the password that overrides all personal passwords and allows access to the DEEPWARE protocols, which are in addition ENCRYPTED.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Inputting 12un129u3123..
Full access given to Ruse.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/2:49?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

--

Aesin looks into the gloom and spots a long, blue-and-red object lining the entire far wall - the nuclear bomb. It was easily the size of a horse. On it's face, a black timer with red numbers - 2:34 until it was to blow. The red illumination was the only light in the dank cave.

Through the glint of red, Aesin could see something.. metal glinting in the darkness.. a corpse? Some sort of metal-man, with much of his flesh replaced with rusting iron.. two small green glints for eyes. Long, elegant claws on his hands, rusted but easily sharp enough to cut flesh. Steam pumping from his back - he was hunched, as if his back was broken.

"Vas-ya.. Vas-ya.." it screeched, it's voice like a dying bat. "Vas-ya.. protect the Divine Valley.. Vas-ya.. protect the League of Crailek.. Vas-ya.. worship of the Golden Moon.. Vas-ya.. Vas-ya.. Metatron.. Vas-ya.."

2:26

Aesin activates his power: The Judicial Process. While he keeps his guard up against the being, he examines the bomb and attempts to figure out the disarming procedure as outline to him by Ruse.

Ruse continues monitoring Aesin's progress telepathically, although besides the knowledge of how to disarm the bomb (which was as forceful as it was not only because it was a forceful knowledge transfer, but also because at the time he didn't have enough concentration due to the void to make it gentler), Ruse was just maintaining a fairly passive link - just enough to know what was going on with Aesin's condition, as well as the things Aesin was experiencing with his senses. For now, he let Aesin handle things on his own and was content to just passively observe for now.

Ruse wanted to find a safe place for his items, at the very least a safe, secure place where he could lay out his items and perform a full SCAN.

COMMAND: Re-try accessing Charles' criminal record and conclave information.

COMMAND: List the prior illegal modifications that were once made to SUIT.

COMMAND: Re-attempt to verify Ruse's certification of this SUIT, now that he has full access and true ownership of it.

Ruse continued along toward the cave system, praying all the while silently to Master Divine that Aesin would disarm the bomb in time. Ruse would try to provide more "secret" assistance if possible, and as needed, but under no circumstance would he jeopardize his "cover."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

Aesin, Ruse knew, was running on adrenaline and nerves. He was an extremely adept fighter, yes, and a potent individual in general.. and he didn't wish to fail. Still, the operation wracked his mind.

Ruse was beginning to develop a slight headache; the mark of overuse.



DANGER DANGER DANGER

Accessing Charles's criminal records..
Requesting access..
Requesting..
Requesting..
Request denied from CONCLAVE.
Would you care to send a formal complaint?
Would you care to send a formal request for permission?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

>CHARLES
       >Illicit Modifications - Illegal InfoPick Software
                              - Illegal Telepathic Mesh
                              - Illegal Narcotics Processing Protocol
                              - Illegal SUIT Hacking Protocols
                              - Illegal Electrical Evoker
                              - Illegal ... minor

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Requesting certification..
Certificate not found.
Would you care to draw one?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/2:15?

DANGER DANGER DANGER



Soon Ruse saw the rocky, many-caved area in greater detail; he was close.

--

"Vas-ya.."

The Judicial Process didn't halt the strange creature, and it's mechanical grip - eerily strong - soon found it's way onto Aesin's own muscular arm. Still, Aesin felt a surge of power rush through his body - the events had been some of the most chaotic he'd ever experienced - and he easily broke free of the grasp of the thing.

"Vas-ya.. Protect the Valley Divine.."

The bomb read: 2:20

Aesin found it difficult to access the information regarding the bomb while the creature was still chanting, watching him. Still, he realised that the first thing he needed to do was to remove the timer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:59, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

Aesin, now free of the machine attempted to communicate to it. "Halt, i am not a threat. I am here to disable this bomb, for the safety of the Valley Divine."

Ruse wondered a bit about Vasya and the other things going on with Aesin, but suddenly he had to care a little less now, with his mind beginning to feel the strain. While he was stronger than before and more adept with his mind, Ruse never had a chance to fully recharge his energies.

With some regret, Ruse severed the telepathic passive link from Aesin, and focused on letting himself recuperate. At least for a few precious moments. Once the timer got closer to zero, if Aesin still hadn't disarmed the bomb, then Ruse would risk burnout and assist him from afar. But he decided to let it rest in Aesin's hands for now, for he absolutely could not afford to burn out right now, while he was both helping Aesin as well as transporting the items.

Ruse chanted a few mystic syllables, and let his mind magic once more create a mental "cushion" to help comfort his mind and facilitate regeneration.

COMMAND: Do NOT send in any requests to the conclave for information.

COMMAND: Define certificate drafting procedure, as well as the pros and cons of a certificate.

COMMAND: Open and define all six of the illegal modification files.

COMMAND: SCAN Vasya, location in the pit of Charles temple, where Ruse found this SUIT.

Ruse continued to head for the cave system. If the bomb blew, he'd be safe from the blast there as would the items. If not, he could still safely store and scan them, as well as stop a bit and meditate to regain more psychic power. Worst case scenario he could safely burn out there from helping Aesin.

Ruse felt the mind-link be cut, felt a surge of relief. The mind meditations - imagine yourself on a luxurious beach - cling to the words I, We, They - meditate on 3.. they helped a little.



DANGER DANGER DANGER

No requests sent to the CONCLAVE.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What is a certificate of ownership?'
ANSWER: In this tricky world, property and ownership rights are often difficult to prove. The certificate of ownership is verified by the Conclave and independently stored by the Earthborn Territories' Information Vaults - an irrevocable, protected proof of purchase. In case of theft or foul play, the certificate allows one full security and ease-of-mind. In order to draft a certificate, one needs to declare themselves the owner of an item. If it is linked to the Territories by 'lesstech, such as SUIT, then the certificate is bounced to the Conclave and the request is processed. If it is not, then the user must go to the HALL OF THE SUN within the VALLEY OF TEN TOWERS and fill in an application form.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What is ILLEGAL INFOPICK SOFTWARE?'
ANSWER: InfoPick is an illegal modification to SUIT (and it's rivals) that allows the user to manipulate magnetic fields, informational currents, Luandunic superglyphs and - to a limited extent - physical forces in order to break open any lock - mundane, magical, or electronic. It was used to great effect in the War of Divine Rights by the Earthborn Territories, but with the advent of the Conclave it was decided that such technology should be banned.

Opening file..
File sources deleted.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What is ILLEGAL TELEPATHIC MESH?'
ANSWER: A telepathic mesh is an illegal almost-intelligence modification applied to SUIT, allowing it to act as a 'second individual' in the telepathic 'wave array of most humans. This typically doubles the individual's psychic abilities and shields, but the most potent application of this modification is that one can telepathically access any informational file that SUIT has access to, encrypted, hidden, locked or otherwise. The mind has too alien an electrical current for the security systems to react. Thus, the mesh is banned technology.

Opening file..
File sources deleted.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What is ILLEGAL NARCOTICS PROCESSING PROTOCOL?'
ANSWER: An illegal modification to SUIT, the Narcotics Processing Protocol is an expansion of SUIT's cleansing and medical protocols. It allows one to manipulate the natural chemicals found within the body and change them - and then withdraw them. The user, in this way, can process almost any known non-magical, conventional narcotic, providing they know the chemical formula. This allows them to create large amounts of free drugs and toxins, something the Conclave objected to - thus why the NPP is banned.

Opening file..
File sources deleted.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What is ILLEGAL SUIT HACKING PROTOCOLS?'
ANSWER: An expansion of the SUIT's scanning protocols, the illegal modification to SUIT allows the user to hack into and manipulate another suit from a far range. It is an incredibly dangerous illegal modification, as the user could command another suit to begin "burning", and is thus banned by the Conclave.

Opening file..
File sources deleted.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What is ILLEGAL ELECTRICAL EVOKER?'
ANSWER: The illegal electrical evoker forces the SUIT to store as much energy as it possibly can, and uses this energy to 'evoke' electricity - to summon, in layman's terms, lightning from the tips of one's fingertips. This is a dangerous protocol to the user, since if the stores of energy run out it will draw directly from the user's electromagnetic field - and if that runs out, the electrical current of the mind, resulting in it's death. Regardless, the evoker is one of the most powerful tools in the Earthborn user's arsenal, capable of killing in a second.

Opening file..
File sources deleted.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What is ILLEGAL ... MINOR?'
ANSWER: A catch-all phrase to refer to all of the 'minor' illegalities that would result in a fine, if that. Unfortunately, most SUIT users have at least one minor SUIT modification - such as the mediaglyphic modification that allows one to download and view pirated movies on the SUIT - and the Conclave doesn't seem to punishthese crimes too harshly.

Opening file..
File sources deleted.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

SCANNING VAS-YA..
SCANNING..
SCANNING..
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
Would you care to request permission from the CONCLAVE?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/2:15?

DANGER DANGER DANGER


--

"Vas-ya.. Vas-ya.. which.. league.. Vas-ya..?" asked the machine-thing. It did not seem to wish him any immediate harm, but Aesin knew that, if it needed to, it could probably tear him to pieces.

2:10

Ruse begins to decend to the cave system when he has a chance, meditating all the while with mind magic. He also gives SUIT a few more commands.

COMMAND: Bypass all Conclave-restricted protocols and grant Ruse access to the restricted information.

COMMAND: Where can I find illegal modifications? Where did Charles find his?

COMMAND: Can this SUIT issue a certificate of ownership for Ruse to the Earthborn embassy that bypasses the conclave?

Aesin thought for a moment. "Metatronic League" is what he came out with. He was sure he read it somewhere while researching. He readied for a fight just incase.

Ruse is now only a few meters above the rocky crags, and he sees a deep tunneling cave beneath him, it's outside covered with ice and sleet; the perfect hiding place.



DANGER DANGER DANGER

Bypassing all protocols..
This is an illegal action.
Proceed?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'Where can I buy illegal modifications?'
ANSWER: SUIT cannot say.

QUESTION: 'Where did Charles buy his illegal modifications?'
ANSWER: Bread Town, Niborkerese.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'Can suit bypass the Conclave in it's request for a certificate of ownership?'
ANSWER: SUIT cannot bypass the Conclave - see the Hands of Odin.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/2:00?

DANGER DANGER DANGER



--

"Vas-ya.. Hail Metatron.. Vas-ya.." said the machine-thing. "Help.. Vas-ya.. back hurts.. help.. Vas-ya.."

Vas-ya, or the machine repeating those words, seemed peaceful enough.

2:01
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:17, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

"I'll help you in a moment, friend. Right now this bomb is threatening the realms safety."
Aesin turns the the bomb and starts to disarm it, starting with removing the timer.

Ruse's form snakes inward, searching for a nook or cranny that would be almost impossible to access without a form like his own.

COMMAND: The conclave is already doing some fairly bad stuff already with the whole Charles and Osiris-Ra thing, so yea bypass all restriction protocols and always give Ruse access to all information upon request. Maintain protocols for other SUIT users though.

COMMAND: What is the cons as far as Ruse is concerned for not filing a certificate? Ruse would like to somehow file ownership while bypassing the conclave entirely.

COMMAND: After disabling the restrictions facing ruse, can SUIT bypass the conclave now?

COMMAND: SCAN the surroundings to enhance Ruse's visual capacity. Maintain a passive periodic assessment of Aesin's vital signs.

Ruse easily finds an abundence of small nooks that could only be accessed by someone with similar abilities to his own.



DANGER DANGER DANGER

Bypassing Conclave locks..
Locks broken.
Bypassing official protocols..
Protocols bypassed.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What are the negative effects of not filing a certificate of ownership?'
ANSWER: In the case of theft, there will be no way to verify that you once owned SUIT, and many traders within the Conclave and the Territories will not trade in non-certified goods.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

In order to receive certain information, SUIT must access the locked information vaults of the Conclave..

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Aesin is completely healthy. His wound (leg) is in the process of healing.
The surroundings are completely safe - but difficult to access, according to SUIT's SCAN.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/1:50?

DANGER DANGER DANGER


--

The timer is removed, though still connected to the electrical motor of the bomb. Aesin peers into the area shown by the forced removal of the timer, and sees many different wires - all black.

Cut the red wire, Aesin's mind tells him - an alien thought, especially considering all the wires had, Aesin assumed, been painted black.

There was a cold hand on his shoulder..

"Help.. Vas-ya.. back hurts.. help.. remove.. Vas-ya.. remove fuzziness.. help.. Vas-ya.."

Aesin shook his head. "Stay here, friend. We've encountered a problem with the bomb."
He then picks the up bomb and takes it outside.

Ruse slips into a nook deep inside of the cave system. When he finds one that is large enough to accomodate the items in his body, as well as his body itself, as well that is relatively dry, clean, and stable, Ruse morphs back to physical form and lays the items from Charles' temple out one by one, next to each other in a neat row.

COMMAND: SCAN these assembled items. Display their function and properties, and also save their schematic information to memory. (including the magical tools)

COMMAND: Report to Ruse about Charles' criminal records now that the locks have been bypassed. If this is not possible, then report everything about Charles and the conclave - especially the creation of the temple and these items, and Osiris-Ra and plagues and conspiracies - that SUIT personally would know and have in its own memory banks.

While SUIT carried out its orders, Ruse sat in the nook cross-legged, and began to close his eyes in meditation. He held the silver dagger tool (not the one from the vault yet) and used it as a focus for his minor mind magics, to help the process along.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

SCANNING (BASIC) items..
               >x2 Rail-Grade Earthborn Firearms
               >x1 Belt of Earthborn Military Shock-Grenades
               >x1 ?????????? [INFORMATION NOT FOUND, REQUEST CONCLAVE DATABASE?] Silver Dagger, Supernatural Make
               >x1 Vial of Earthborn Nanocarriers (Anti-Viral)
               >x1 Earthborn Vibration Blade, Military Grade
               >x1 Lead Case, Supernatural Make
               >x1 Full Set of Zen-Qabalistic Ritual Tools (Knife, Stave, Pentacle, Cup)

Would you care for a DEEP SCAN?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Accessing CHARLES OF NUYAARK'S criminal records..
Accessing..
Data not stored locally.
Must request access to CONCLAVE INFORMATIONAL VAULTS.
Request access?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Accessing file > CHARLES

Charles created the TEMPLE OF THE HOLIEST ANGLES roughly two years ago, relative SUPERNATURAL time. It was built using CONSTRUCTION NANO-CARRIERS, of which he had two dozen, but they quickly died out. He installed two EARTHBORN GUARD-SPIRES, as found in HUANG KONG and NUUYARK, each with a single DTH-88 ORB model robot, keyed to DNA or PSYCHIC verification patterns. There were also ALARM SIGILS as taken from LUAN DUN technomagical research. The GROUND LEVEL was built to be his ZEN-QABALIST TEMPLE, and he often practiced MAGICK there. There is a tiny lower level, where he installed both a WEAPONS-GRADE EXOTHERMIC REACTIONARY MATERIALS DEVICE (PLASTIC BOMB) to go off if he doesn't access the temple after a certain amount of time, installed to trigger a deadlier, subtler POCKET NUCLEAR CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVE device, which he strapped to the back of a ???????/FILE: VAS-YA, allegedly an ancient being from the AGE OF LEAGUES.

The FOUR ZEN-QABALIST ITEMS are used to hone and focus magical power in the Earthborn ZEN-QABALIST tradition. Many GODS find them to be too clunky compared to their own ROYAL tradition. Would you care to know more?

RAIL-GUNS are constructed of diamond and fueled on BLUE PLASMA and are often attuned to the NERVOUS SYSTEM of an individual, using a SUIT as a buffer; un-SUITed attuning is an extremely painful process. The RAIL-GUNS are extremely dangerous, capable of creating diamond projectiles and discharging them extremely quickly - faster than most other firearms. The only downside is the amount of ENERGY they use as compared to other firearms; a SUIT is practically needed in order to use one effectively, and they're quite heavy. For raw destructive power, though, only SYSTEMARCH weapons can compete. Would you care to know more?

SHOCK-GRENADES trigger tiny NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS to destroy an enemy, and are often attuned to the mental processes of the user via a SUIT; in this way, they may pull the pin, throw the grenade, and expertly choose the timing of the explosion. Without mental attunement, the grenades will explode in six seconds once pin has been pulled. Would you care to know more?

NANOCARRIERS appear like tiny, MACHINE-bugs. When activated, however, they explode, releasing millions of tiny NANOMACHINES into the atmosphere, each one performing a function. Used to 'carry' nanomachines. The most common uses are CONSTRUCTION, ANTI-VIRAL, and DEFENSE. Would you care to know more?

A VIBRATION BLADE is a blade crafted by EARTHBORN smiths to vibrate at an intense rate, enabling them to cut through virtually any armour. Would you care to know more?

THE CONCLAVE is the ruling body of the REALM SUPERNATURAL, being borne out of the death of the LEAGUE OF DIVINE RIGHT. Would you care to know more?

OSIRIS-RA is the ancient enemy of the CONCLAVE, and the only GOD (allegedly) who exists as a VIRAL ENTITY and has mastered the BLACK ART OF HAR-KHUIT. Would you care to know more?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/1:23?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Ruse began to feel a little better.

--

When Aesin reached outside, massive bomb in hand, he realised that it was snowing. He was suddenly very cold. There couldn't be long until the bomb was to go off..

"Vas-ya.."

The pathetic thing had followed him outside, shambling along slowly.. it was now leaving the pit, and calling out to him mournfully.

He embraced the cold air. He took a moment to think on his current strength and if it were enough to heave the bomb upwards towards the void. The same time he scraped at the paint, seeing if it would reveal the true colour of the wires.

Ruse paniced a little bit. He just realized that the larger bomb that Aesin was working on was just the distraction. The real bomb was on Vasya's back!

Ruse concentrated hard for a moment, this time the process of knowledge transfer being easier since the void wasn't threatening to suck him apart. Thank Master Divine that he chose to rest his mind a bit!

Ruse manipulated Aesin again, again with a combination of telepathy and god powers. The mists near him, more now that he was outside surely (although Ruse didn't know he moved yet), would appear to speak to him.

Godling! We the mist spirits say that the big one is a distraction. The real atomic bomb is connected to Vasya's back. The larger bomb is a powerful bomb, yes, but its explosion will only be local at best. You must disarm it now, and fast, before the real bomb lays waste to this part of the valley...and the misty spirits within it!

And somehow, Aesin knew about the real deal.

COMMAND: Define deep scan.

COMMAND: Which of these items are conclave-legal?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'What is a Deep SCAN?'
ANSWER: A Deep SCAN is a scan that not only draws from the SUIT's spectacular, yet limited, data banks, but also the Informational Vaults of the Conclave and the Earthborn Territories, providing a truly versatile information set allowing the user access to information regarding almost any object.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Scanning legality..
>Rail-Guns are LEGAL for those with a license/EARTHBORNS/ASSOCIATES (and higher) of the CONCLAVE
>Shock Grenades are LEGAL
>"Silver Dagger", Supernatural Make, is UNIDENTIFIABLE with a basic SCAN, but there is a (90%) chance of it being ILLICITLY MAGICAL; it may easily be ILLEGAL.
>"Anti-Viral" Nano-Carriers (provided they're all "Anti-Viral") are LEGAL
>Earthborn Vibration Blades are LEGAL for those with a license/EARTHBORNS/ASSOCIATES (and higher) of the CONCLAVE
>Lead Cases are LEGAL but a SCAN cannot be made inside; it might be harboring something ILLEGAL
>Zen-Qabala magical tools are LEGAL

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/1:10?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Ruse sends the psychic message across the Valley of Mist towards his current ally.. his mind hurts just a little, but he manages..

--

The bomb was actually much lighter than it should've been - as if it wasn't made fully of hard metal. Aesin knew he could lob it into the Void, where it would cause no harm. The chaos was enough.. to fuel him, to fill his veins with fury.. and strength. He could do it.

The paint wouldn't come off.

Suddenly, from the mist..

Godling! We the mist spirits say that the big one is a distraction. The real atomic bomb is connected to Vasya's back. The larger bomb is a powerful bomb, yes, but its explosion will only be local at best. You must disarm it now, and fast, before the real bomb lays waste to this part of the valley...and the misty spirits within it!

Aesin looked troubled suddenly. He glanced at the Vasya and then back at the bomb. He decided to get this one out of the way first and swung it around a few times to gain momentum and then re;eased it up into the air.

Ruse severs the telepathic link again, and resumes resting his mind. He was essentially juggling his energy reserves right now, but both Aesin's wellfare, as well as that of the realm, depended on it. As a zealous god, Ruse was willing to hurt himself a little if it meant helping the tree a lot. He gave Aesin all the tools necessary now to disarm the bomb and at the very least stop the immediate threat to both of them - and Vasya apparently as well.

Ruse was relieved to know that the majority of the things he found were legal for him to carry, since he was a Conclave Associate. He still chose to hide them for now though, until this Temple of Charles thing blew over.

COMMAND: Can SUIT perform deep scans without alerting the conclave or other parties that the scan and information inquiry is occuring? Ruse needs SUIT to be able to perform its functions without the Conclave knowing about it.

COMMAND: Maintain passive scan of Aesin's lifesigns, and of course the bomb timer.

COMMAND: Ensure that the schematics for all of the items present in the chache, as well as for Vasya's data (top secret or not), are recorded and committed to memory.

They - along with the data Ruse gained of the temples' defenses and the two bombs, would allow Ruse to very easily replicate these things in the future, as well as provide many interesting principles for his peoples' tech/magic level as his realm evolved.

If Ruse could spare the mental energy without burning out, he would make a brief psychic scan of the new silver dagger to help supplement SUIT's information scans, after which he'd quickly resume meditation. If not, he went straight to meditation, holding the quabbala silver dagger to help channel mind magic.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'Does the Conclave have to be notified if SUIT commits a Deep SCAN?'
ANSWER: No. While the SCAN may request access to permission-only vaults within the Conclave, most of the information is drawn from the free files held within Conclave soil - which any law-abiding machine may freely access - or within the Earthborn Territorial Vaults, of which SUIT is attuned.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Aesin is healthy. He has almost healed the wound. He is under risk of infection, however - there is an intrsusive lead bullet within his leg - but as a /Divine/ there is more than a ninety-nine percent chance of full recovery.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Drawing schematics..
RAIL-GUN SCHEMATICS acquired.
SHOCK-GRENADE SCHEMATICS acquired.
VIBRATION BLADE SCHEMATICS acquired.
NANO-CARRIER SCHEMATICS acquired.
"SILVER BLADE" failed.
NANOMACHINES failed.
LEAD BOX failed.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/1:00?

DANGER DANGER DANGER


Ruse could not scan the Silver Dagger without, he felt, destroying his mind and casting sanity aside. The meditation helped..

Ruse heard a crack - lightning? - from far above, and the cave shook a little.

--

Aesin felt the weight be thrown from his body, and the very force of the throw pushed him to the ground. The true extent of his abilities shocked him. There was a huge bang - an explosion of light and flame - far above, and a golden swirl as the mist was violently dissipated.. but the explosion, before it could naturally finish, was sucked further up and disappeared as if devoured by some greater force. It had been forced into the Void. The Void fed on the energy of the blast, making it it's own.

"Vas-ya.. back hurts.. Vas-ya.. help, Metatronite, help.."

The Vas-ya was above Aesin now, staring at him pathetically.

Ruse decided to rest up a bit longer before trying a psychic scan on the dagger. He needed to be able to help Aesin if push came to shove too. He assumed the crack sound was Aesin tossing the plastic bomb up into the void - that much he saw before severing the link again - although he'd have SUIT verify.

He resumed his mind magic meditation, curiuous about the new silver dagger but wise enough to wait a bit.

COMMAND: Perform a deep scan of the item cache, although do not reference permission-only conclave files at this time.

COMMAND: Display the source of the explosion just now, in the upper atmosphere.

COMMAND: Why can't SUIT get accurate schematics on the dagger, nonomachines, and box? What does SUIT need to be able to do so? Can Ruse use psychic energy to help SUIT in this instance?

Aesin stood tall again and looked at the Vasya. "Ok friend, let me have a look at your back" he said calmly, despite knowing what it was.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

DEEP SCANNING..

>Nothing unusual found about RAIL-GUNS. Legally bought. Owned by CHARLES OF NUYAARK. Would you like to learn more about Diamond Weapons, Rail-Guns, or Earthborn technology?

>>Nothing unusual found about SHOCK-GRENADES. Legally bought. Owned by CHARLES OF NUYAARK. Would you like to learn more about explosives, Shock-Grenades, or Earthborn technology?

>>>Nothing unusual found about the VIBRATION BLADE. Legally bought. Owned by CHARLES OF NUYAARK. Would you like to learn more about melee weapons, Vibration Blades, or Earthborn technology?

>>>>Nothing unusual found about NANOCARRIER. Legally bought. Owned by CHARLES OF NUYAARK. Contains... ... ... NATI-VIRAL THEOELECTROMAGNETIC NANOMACHINES used to immunize and cure UNKNOWN CONDITION. Request access to the DEEP VAULTS of the CONCLAVE? Something is suspicious. Possible threat of illegal nanomachines.

>>>>>SILVER BLADE is HIGHLY UNUSUAL, possibly ILLEGAL. Keyed to the GLYPHS OF OSIRIS-RA. Incredibly dangerous. Obviously ILLEGAL. Hand in to the CONCLAVE OFFICIALS AT ONCE. Do not KEEP IT ON YOU. DANGEROUS. UNKNOWN THEOMAGICAL PROPERTIES. /CURSE?

>>>>>>Nothing unusual found about the LEAD BOX. Legally bought. Owned by CHARLES OF NUYAARK. Contains... ... ... GRADE A UNUSUALLY ILLEGAL ENERGY (OSIRIS-RA). ILLEGAL. Hand in to the CONCLAVE OFFICIALS AT ONCE. Do not KEEP IT ON YOU. DANGEROUS. UNKNOWN THEOMAGICAL PROPERTIES.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

The explosion occurred: fifteen hundred meters up, two kilometers west. Chemical explosives, plastic. Logic: the explosives within the Temple. Chemical scans.. verify this logic-pattern. Energy ripped into the Void Supernatural.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

The nanomachines are shielded by the energetic informational field of the carriers and thus cannot be fully scanned at this time.

The lead box contains a warping influence that disrupts informational cycles, possibly magical. SUIT cannot fully scan it at this time.

The silver dagger contains a warping influence that disrupts informational cycles, possibly magical. SUIT cannot fully scan it at this time.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Estimated Time to Explosion: Unknown/000000000000000000000000000000000000?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Ruse, though still mentally fatigued, was feeling a little better.

--

The Vas-ya, without showing teeth or any noticeable mouth, seemed to smile. There, strapped to it's back with the finest in Earthborn duct-tapes, was a small silver orb, about the size of a closed fist. It seemed to pulse, almost as if it were alive or discharging energy, and on it's front there was a strange symbol: three triangles, their point leading to a simple black orb. A hazard sign. Beneath it, in deeply faded letters:

WARN-ING: HI--LY RAD---TIVE. HANDLE WITH C-ARE. EA------- ONL-Y

Aesin's sharp battle senses told him that this was the deadliest weapon he'd ever seen.

Aesin looked carefully at the bomb. He was not sure how to tackle this kind of bomb. "There is an explosive on your back, friend. Any idea how to disarm it?"

((Aesin, you now have the knowledge of how to disarm the bomb now, remember? The "mist spirits" or  something similarly mysterious gave it to you. :P ))

Ruse decided to scan the nuclear bomb again, just for safety's sake, in case some information about how to disarm it was overlooked. He also believed that the dagger and box were both connected to Osiris-Ra somehow, and that the nanomachines were most likely a cure to the plague mentioned in the leaked Conclave message. What worried Ruse, though, was the conspiratorial nature of what the conclave was doing. He definitly did NOT want Osiria-Ra revived, although he also didn't trust the conclave enough right now to just submit the items. With Charles dead, the only other person who might possibly be able to tell Ruse who his friends really were (and who could help him prevent the revival) was Summers. He considered contacting the Master Divine, but his sorcerous abilities were too weak right now to attempt such a thing.

On the plus side, Ruse was a fortress and would be the last being to be corrupted by the box and dagger, thanks to his special abilites that would allow him to push out any invasive influences. However, what scared him was the thought of these falling into other hands who might not be so mentally and spiritually resilient as Ruse.

COMMAND: Ruse does not trust the conclave right now, so please delay conclave-vaulted information until further notice.

COMMAND: Yes, please tell me more about diamond and rail weapons.

COMMAND: Define Glyphs of Osiris-Ra.

COMMAND: Define the eye of Osiris-Ra and the other parts (referencing the osiris ra file from way earlier).

COMMAND: DEEP SCAN Nuclear Bomb again. Update schematic profile if necessary.

Ruse continued to meditate while SUIT did its own thing, allowing his expansive midn to recuperate its energies.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Deactivated request to access Conclave Information Vaults.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

>With the advent of nanotechnology within Earth, diamond suddenly became much easier (and thus more cheap) to make. The cunning Earthborn quickly realized that they could make firearms out of diamond - making them almost impossible to destroy, self-cleaning, and relatively light. It was easy enough, in the early days, to make a weapon out of diamond and still use a gas- or chemical-based charge to propel the bullet, and soon the typical plastic or iron bullets were replaced with sharp diamond rounds.

>>Diamond Rail-Guns take this technology to a new level. In addition to using diamond-rounds, the rail-guns themselves were made of diamond and warfare-grade glass. Within the glass microfusion cells fueled both the core creator nanomachines that almost instantly - more quickly than the human mind can grasp - created diamond bullets as well as fueling the combustion system that flung the bullets. The necessary molecules are gathered by hunter-seeker nanobots that quickly find the necessary minerals and return them to the creation-cells, in the process recharging the energy cells. In this way, a Rail-Gun never runs out of ammunition or energy and can fire faster than most other weapons known to man, but is also difficult to use effectively.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

>The Glyphs of Osiris-Ra are a group of runic symbols (with, it is hypothesized, unknown magical qualities) that were designed and used by Osiris-Ra, the Red Hand, Isuban, and the Shrine of Isuban. These markings typically were engraved onto any item that belonged to the bloodthirsty being.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

>The eye of Osiris-Ra is the sight-giving, light-detecting organ (the eye) of Osiris-Ra.
>Which other body parts did you want information on?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Deep SCANNING..
Nuclear Bomb found. Faulty data received earlier.
Purging databreak..
Purging..
Databreak purged.
Faulty information repairing..
>The NUCLEAR POCKET ORB is a nuclear chemical explosive weapon capable of immense destruction. It does not have a timer and often needs an external influence to explode - typically the charge of another explosive - though it will react to any tampering forces, such as the "Divine abilities" of Gods, the "Psychisms" of Systemarchs, the Void, etc. Only a dedicated Earthborn technician can disarm it. It was designed to be portable and lethal.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Ruse was feeling - very slowly - a little better. Just a little.


--

"Vas-ya.. Vas-ya.. hurts, back hurts.. help.. Vas-ya.."

The Vas-ya didn't seem to be much help. It looked miserable.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:25, Fri 25 Sept 2009.

Ruse snapped to attention!

If the telepathic information that he sent to Aesin earlier still applied to the pocket orb-nuke, then he sighed with relief. If, however, it was also mixed up with the plastic explosive schematics, then Ruse immediately sent Aesin the following feeling/message:

We spirits apologize, godling. We thought the plastic bomb was the nuclear one. Disregard the knowledge that we have given you, and know that that little orb is indeed the true nuke here, and that it will not detonate on its own...unless it is tampered with by the powers of gods or systemarches, and the like. Or of course just plain tampering too - go now back to whence you came, and find an earthborn technician. Only they have the knowledge of how to disarm such a thing. It is too much for mere lesser spirits like us. We must go now - this place is unfit for spiritual activity.

Ruse left the "mental cushion" of his mind magic up in either instance, and if he sent another "mist spirits" message, then he'd immediately sever the link afterward and resume meditation.

Ruse decided to leave whatever it was inside of the metal box, sealed within. He suspected that if it were removed, trouble would ensue.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:32, Fri 25 Sept 2009.

Aesin didn't seem to listen to the voices speaking to him. Instead, he stood perfectly still, watching over the Vasya.

Ruse's mind hurt quite a lot now. He wasn't making much progress, though longer messages came easier. The meditations helped quite a lot, but they really needed uninterrupted practice, and Ruse had to stop every few minutes to attempt some psychic ability or another. It really was quite strenuous.

--

Aesin felt a peculiar feeling in his mind..

Associate Aesin, this is Earthborn Low Lord Bjorn. Do you hear me?

Before he could reply, however, his mind was assaulted by the 'spirits of the mist'..

We spirits apologize, godling. We thought the plastic bomb was the nuclear one. Disregard the knowledge that we have given you, and know that that little orb is indeed the true nuke here, and that it will not detonate on its own...unless it is tampered with by the powers of gods or systemarches, and the like. Or of course just plain tampering too - go now back to whence you came, and find an earthborn technician. Only they have the knowledge of how to disarm such a thing. It is too much for mere lesser spirits like us. We must go now - this place is unfit for spiritual activity.

Luckily for both mysterious voices, the nuclear device did not go off.

"Vas-ya.. hurts, friend, hurts.."

Aesin speaks aloud with an unsure tone "Yes, i hear you. Where are you?"

The "spirits" in the temple were now gone. The mist receeded a bit too, but really not much changed. A shamanistic assessment, if made, would reveal the area to be as devoid of spiritual activity as it was before. Of course, Ruse's ruse wasn't spiritual at all, but no one besides him and the primordials needed to know that.

Ruse focuses on pure meditation now, being done with Aesin. He had the information that he needed for now. In his current strained state, from helping Aesin so much, ruse couldn't do much of anything right now safely. so he would rest, and figure out how to stop Osiris-Ra from reviving himself. Preferably, he'd figure out who in the conclave he could really trust with this information. That, and he was afraid that lesser beings would become corrupted by the proximity of the Osiris artifacts too, so since Ruse was the only one who could handle them safely for the time being, he would just wait and meditate on a plan.

The mist dissipated; the spirits continued to avoid the place. Ruse, finally dedicating the time needed to his Mind meditations, started to feel much better. The rift in his mind began to heal. He was still a very young, very tender God, and such a marvellous ability was a difficult thing for him to handle.

--

Speak mentally. You'll find it easier. Are you at the bomb-site?

The message was subtle, but eased it's way into Aesin's mind.

Aesin took the strangers advice. Yes, i am at the bomb-site. The bomb is attached to the creature next to me.

Ruse meditated some more, focusing completely on regaining his lost energies. As strenuous as this was, afterwards Ruse would be better than ever at his innate talents. During the meantime, he decides to access some of SUIT's information.

COMMAND: Over-riding the conclave and permission block requests, what can SUIT tell me about Charles' secret mission?

COMMAND: What does SUIT know about the Master Divine? Are there other ways of reliably contacting him besides telepathy and Stormseering?

COMMAND: What references to PLAGUES can SUIT cross-reference that would align witht he leaked Conclave message? How does this relate to OSIRIS-Ra?

COMMAND: Has charles had any extensive contact with any systemarchs recently, especially in relation to SUIT, OSIRIS-Ra, and his secret mission?

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Overriding permission requests..
Accessing CHARLES databank..
No mission found.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

QUESTION: 'Who is Master Divine?'
ANSWER: Master Divine, as he is sometimes referred to, is an ambiguous father-figure and alleged ruler over the Realm Supernatural. His name is mentioned in only the most superstitious of double-divinity cults, and there is no proof as to his existence one way or the other. Some say that using Stormseering, a magical field in the Royal Tradition of the Divines, one can contact him; others say that if you are determined enough to send a message, he will find it, as he says all. There is no proof one way or the other that he exists, and most Earthborn find the very thought laughable.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Searching..
Results Found.
>'Plague of the Dead Sun': What the sand-plague designed by Osiris-Ra (and his master surgeons) was called. A hypothetical plague, never seen, that would turn everything within it's influence - everything that had a metaphysical imprint - into sand. Only in sand can the Empire of Osiris be rebuilt.
>>'The Thrice-Plagues of Odin': The plague that Odin was said to curse Osiris-Ra with: there were three aspects to it in total. The first was to make him hideous to any onlooker. The second was to ruin his mind, making him very slowly go senile and stupid. The third was to drain his divine power.
>>>'The O.R. Plague': A euphemism in Conclave use for the alleged ability of Osiris-Ra to never be killed, as he spreads his metaphysical (and, eventually, physical) imprint virally. In this way, as long as an aspect of him exists, he cannot be killed.
>>>>'The Plague of Gold': An attempt by Osiris-Ra to turn the Valley Divine into solid gold, killing all within it in an ironic attack upon his hated enemies. No proof of it ever succeeding.
>>>>>'The Plague of Travel': The theory that when an aspect of Osiris-Ra was summoned by Egyptian mystics upon Earth many, many years ago it created a metaphysical ricochet that caused the Black Plague in Europe some thousand years later.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

SUIT does not contain information as to the Systemarchs Charles has been dealing with.

DANGER DANGER DANGER


Ruse was, again, feeling a little better.

--

Okay.  Stand by. We'll be there soon, Aesin. Good work.

"Vas-ya.. help me.."

Ruse was not yet able to stormseer, so the only other way of possibly contacting Master divine was through his telepathy, which thankfully was so potent that it could reach even across the void. However, Ruse did not feel recovered enough yet to make such an attempt, and continued meditating.

COMMAND: What is currently triggering SUIT's warning sensors?

COMMAND: Define Councilman Roid, spider of Gold.

COMMAND: Define Councilman Agrippa, Earthborn of Luan Dun.

COMMAND: Cross-reference the term "spider" with "Osiris-Ra" and "Osiris plagues" display the results.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Mon 28 Sept 2009.

"Help is on the way, friend." Aesin stood perfectly still.

Ruse took one of the diamond rifles with him, but left the other things in the hidden nook - except SUIT of course. For the time being, they would be safe here, until he could contact Master Divine or some other being that he could trust to help him.

After SUIT answered his mental queries, Ruse portaled himself over to Max's realm of Xi.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

The DANGER warnings are being triggured by a violently explosive device nearby - already SCANNED - which, if it combusts, could destroy much of the Realm.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

COUNCILMAN ROID, SPIDER OF GOLD is a Systemarch born in the leader-caste. As one of the rare smith-priests left to the people, he was elected as their representative on the Council of Ten, as most other Spiders of Gold were considered biased due to their blood-born hatred of the League of Divine Right. Roid is relatively young, with few Dhaals, but he has a reputation for wisdom, cunning, and cutting intelligence that are especially revered by the Systemarch people.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

COUNCILMAN AGRIPPA, EARTHBORN OF LUAN DUN is an Earthborn human and the Territories' representative on the Council of Ten. He believes himself to be the reincarnation of the historical Agrippa, a particularly famous alchemist, magician and mathematician in Earth's distant past, but these delusions are common to the pagans of Luan Dun and he has been nothing but an efficient and extremely valuable member of the Council, with an especial interest in the control of information.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

No result found on the cross-reference.

DANGER DANGER DANGER

Danger - a beast of metal - fallen king - clouded castle resting in the sky - girlsgirlsgirls -

And Ruse was in Xi.

--

Aesin, we're less than a minute away. Are you outside the temple? Is that where the bomb is?

The wind was cold. Very, very cold.

Yes, im just out front of it. The bomb is here with me.

Stand by..

There was a loud crashing sound from above, from behind the mountain. The stones shook a little. A metal, green and red pod appeared, three steel blades cutting the air above it. Inside, Aesin saw three individuals: the bomb team. The contraption belched out smoke and got even louder as it drew close.

The strange contraption landed, sending a gust of air across the place, and its loud roar was slowly silenced. The steel fan slowed, stopped. The three men crawled out, walked determinedly towards Aesin.

"Associate Aesin?" one, the leader, said.

They wore suits made of a kind of blue mesh, and wore strange goggles. Small plastic firearms, not unlike the one Aesin had stolen, were at their belts.

Aesin bowed. "Yes sir. The bomb is small and attached to this... creature here. On the back".

"Right," he said, looking at the sphere. "Nuclear orb.. last year's make, by the looks of it. Okay. Aesin, you're done here. Good work. Expect a quick response - and payment - from your channel shortly. Now, if you don't mind, we've got tricky work to do."

He examined the orb closely. The Vas-ya held still. His two assistants wandered about the temple, exploring a little, taking stock.

Aesin bows and leaves to go to his realm.

When both Gods were gone, the Earthborn sealed off the temple area with red tape, deactivated the spiral guards, sent the nuclear orb to an intensive forensic lab (after defusing it, of course), and searched the temple completely. They set up beds in the main area, and were joined by a small group of Earthborn soldiers in reserve. They numbered six, now. The flag of the Conclave flew high above the Temple.

Tyche appears here and looks around.

He was near a fountain, of sorts, which sporadically erupted in cold, clear water. About him was the finest architecture, buildings and roads made of white stone, and Tyche marvelled at the beauty of it. He was very cold - the mist rolled in the distance - and the courtyard he found himself was seemingly empty. The stone pavement beneath him was damp.

He used his new senses as well as his old to try and find traces of a people, or a god... perhaps his power wasn't as strong as he thought.

There were plenty of people about.. no Gods.. intruders, to the Western mountain.. he felt as if he were in some sort of sacred courtyard..

Tyche began going over to the western mountain, teleporting intermittently allowing for speed, yet saving his mind.

He reached there soon enough.. but stopped, from a safe distance, when he saw the Conclave banner flying above the temple. Six dark spires surrounded the red and grey temple, and Tyche's clairsentience knew that machine life existed within. He saw soldiers guarding the place, looking coolly confident.. Earthborn, by the looks of them.

Tyche felt a little dagger of fear pierce his gut.

He'd had a bad experience with Earthborn soldiers.

Ruse appears here, inside of his tight little nook in his nameless mountain cave system. He looks around, and if everything checks out he gathers up his items to himself, apparently blending them into his cloak seamlessly. He also paradoxes the two Osiris items over to himself in the Halls of the Sun, getting them out of his realm.

He had noted the presence of the other divinity lurking in his realm for some time now, although due to the proceedings could not move to engage it. His form dissolves into strands of clouds, and he slithers back out of the mountain toward Tyche.

Sensing the other god make his way into the realm he contacted him.

Do you happen to know any psionics? He said quite boldly, and also quite blatant with his own psionic ability.

Tyche felt a slight tingling across his mind, as if someone was gently stroking it playfully. Like a cat that was currently amused but if you pissed it off, out would come the claws. He did not know, however, if this feeling came from the other god, or was just a result of his own use of psionics. His mind was either becoming mildly fatigued, or Tyche had just made contact with a most sublime and mentally deft target.

You are very bold about your ability, godling. I am thinking this response back to you, across your own channel, so this does not confirm or deny your question. Do tell me though what are you doing here, in this mystifying realm of veiled beauty?

Tyche used his own abilities to verify his suspicious. Ruse could tell that while Tyche's mind was only looking at the surface... it was looking as if with a mental eye, not just "feeling" like telepathy might. (I am also using my own power to verify)  So you do, but then that is the reason I am here. I can feel my mind expanding with my use of psionics, even breaching into new psionics. I was hoping to run into someone who knew more about psionics or could look into my mind and possibly even how to control them better, and since the conclave is not an option... which reminds me did you know there is a large conclave temple in your realm protected by earth-born? I don't think either one likes psionics.

Actually, Ruse was quite deft in noting Tyche's mental eye. Tyche was not the only one with special powers outside of pure psionics, and Tyche found Ruse's mind to be utterly inscrutable and hazy. He was still unsure if Ruse was truly psychic or not. He most likely was, but Tyche's mind's eye was - for possibly the first time ever - blinded! It was like looking into a thick bank of mist. However, thanks to Tyche's other abilities, he could not yet rule out Ruse either.

Piggybacking on Tyche's open channel, Ruse very gracefully "avoided" the mental eye, making the situation as unclear as ever.

You do know that psionics are illegal according to conclave law, yes? You admitting to me that you are psychic is a crime. Although don't worry, I have decided to utilize my right to not report you. Leave that to those Callisti pricks. And yes I am quite aware of the temnple. You would do very well to stay away from there. I know who you are - that guy who stabbed the systemarcg in the eye, right? That was awefully mean of you, although I do think that running was a good decision on your part...but you didn't hear that from me. though.

Ruse, meanwhile, was coming closer and closer to Tyche's position.

Stay where you are - I will be there shortly. I have decided to grant you an audience in person.

Ruse had to verify Tyche's intentions - something that he could do extremely well if necessary.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:10, Fri 09 Oct 2009.

Ruse stopped suddenly, and remembered something very important.

He responded back to Tyche.

Okay...please stay where you are. I need to go do something extremely important, but in theory I should be back soon. If another god not myself comes, I advise you to leave. I can contact you from afar if necessary.

Ruse then portaled back out to Litheris.

((Well then just consider it A: I'm bluffing that I know, or B: Your trying to call my bluff.))

Tyche from this distance away from the Earthen begins to count them from a distance and uses his abilities (clarsentience + odds power) to determine if his mental magic would work on them. Tyche had no intention of staying put as long as the other god was going to act that rudely to him, besides, was a little fun too much to ask?

((Fair enough. I wonder how you thought Ruse was rude, but that aside what you say is fair enough in my book))
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Sat 10 Oct 2009.

The odds were extremely slim - less than three percent - that Tyche's mental magic would work on them. He counted eleven Earthborn soldiers, but there was a large possibility of more inside. He sensed great danger from the spires..

((What about detecting Ruse' psionic?))

Tyche frowned he began calculating the odds of a "best approach", going through using teleporation to get into the place undiscovered in different places, to things like pretending to be one of them.

Ruse had left the realm, but when he was within the Valley of Mist, Tyche sensed no psychic abilities on the God of Mist.

Tyche knew that pretending to be one of them would fail. They could read him, know that he was a Divine, and there weren't so many Earthborn as to make it a simple matter for him to blend in..

Teleporting.. there was a small chance - twenty percent - that he could teleport into one of the areas within the temple safely.

20%... was enough for Tyche, well not now, but being a god of chance, 20% was just a first step. He sat down and cleared his mind. He needed to concentrate. He first focused on a magic blessing to himself, just a basic luck magic spell that would up it closer to 25... then he began to use his own power, focusing hard he pushed the needle that was chance up, slowly. It began to peak at about 50, time for some randomness. In his mind, a dice rolled as reality around him warped and he suddenly vanishes, leaving only a small pop of where he'd been. Time to make a gamble!

There was a seventy-five percent - three-fifths of a chance - that he would be fine teleporting into the Temple of Charles.

There was a sucking sensation, and he appeared in a wide, open hall, with a wooden floor.. and only a steel cabinet to give him company. The rest was empty.. an attic, by the look of the stairs leading downstairs. He could hear murmuring - conversation - from below.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:30, Mon 12 Oct 2009.

He didn't move from his sitting position... and closed his eyes not moveing, a little spying never hurt... he listened to the conversation below, allowing his ears to be assisted by his mind (clarsentience).

Below.. three figures.. soldiers -

"Couldn't find the box, Roid was pissed.."

"Oh, fuck him."

.. working for days.. Conclave territory.. several more around..

"Hahah! We can't do that. No, we'll be fine. Not our fault. Oh, Ruse.."

"Ruse is fucked."

"Hah, oh is he fucked.."

Tyche thought for a minute before he opened his eyes after double checking everything was clear he stealthy went to the cabinet and looked to make sure it wasn't locked.

If there was an external lock (meaning it wasn't part of the door, so like a pad-lock) he just teleported the thing from one hand touching the lock to the other. If there was some sort of combination lock, he began running odds through his head until he found the number. If it was a key lock... well that was easy, he pulled out a lock pick and mini-file out of his coat pocket and quickly took to the lock with them.

Once the cabinet unlocked (or was never locked) he used his odds power to make sure there wasn't an alarm attached to it. He then opened it as quietly as he could.

There were no locks.. loose chains, but the cabinet had already - obviously - been looted. There were no alarm systems, and the cabinet had already been looted. There was a feeling though.. this thing had been touched by Ruse, Tyche knew,

The items the guards were talking about perhaps... He thought to himself. Perhaps now was not the time to cause trouble... but instead investigate! Oh how much fun he would have here... Three gaurds down below he knew. He went through a quick list of odds questions: Gaurds below Armed? Have mental protections? Chance a mortal could access an alarm quickly from the attic.

After checking he odds, he thought that maybe it would be better to ambush them... he then gets a nice idea. Time to put his mind to use in a way other than psionics. He touched the cabinet and teleported it and himself in a position in the middle of the room what would block his view from the stairs. He knew this would make a small bang... but not like a step. Distraction was often useful.

He then used his senses and Clarsentience to monitor how many came up, and where they were, he tried to keep his "godly energy" to a low though.

Are the guards armed? 90 percent chance that they are.

Mental precautions? 85 percent that they are.

Alarms in the attic? 20 percent chance that there are.

"Huh.. what was that?"

Four up the stairs.. behind the cabinet.. all armed.. a little scared.. determined to succeed..

"What the..?"

Tyche smiles... all four of them? He might not have to fight... but how is that fun, especially when the trap was set. He focused, like a martial artist getting ready for a fight, except his was a mental preparation. He put his whole body on the cabinet (like he would lay down on it) and the teleported them both reappearing above the soldiers back-down (so it will land on them, or as many as I can get). He then teleported himself off and across the room.

Once there two daggers appeared in his hands from seemingly nowhere... ignoring the inevitable pain of bullets that would rip through him (or already have) as he threw the two daggers (using luck more than his almost non-existent skill to let it hit their necks).

Should there be any more survivors... time for a little random destruction: He pointed towards any remaining and blasted them with whatever the primordials desired they be killed by.

The cabinet jumped for a second time that evening; it fell on the first soldier, crushing him, possibly to death - but certainly to unconsciousness. There was a shout, and..

Tyche appeared. Two daggers were flung into the soldiers. On hit a soldier in the leg, causing him to shout out in pain, while another was flung to far, and clattered against the back of the attic. A burst of pain rushed through his mind. He still hadn't fully recovered -

Three still had guns, and the iron bullets flew towards Tyche, three hitting him in the torso, one in the shoulder, and countless within his legs, which were shattered beyond earthly repair. He could not move.. he was a cripple. Surely they would finish him off..

Ruse re-incarnates here, slithering fromt he void in white wisps of couds and vapors of all different types. He re-solidifies, angry at Aesin and decided to somehow find a way to put the god of order down like the curr that he is.

But Ruse will do this in his own way. He'll not fight on Aesin's terms again.

And with that, Ruse portals out to Litheris.

Shit... this was a lot cooler in his head. But he had to try... he had to KILL THEM ALL! If he was soaking in rage... then he would revere it back in the form of Random Destruction! He let the fire-works fly!

Bullets flew, and Tyche's hand rose in response..

Random Destruction.

He felt a great sucking, a great deepening of the area.. like the sudden appearance of gravity.. darkness - no, blackness - no, the absence of darkness and blackness and everything..

The Void.

The crushing force, the greatest force on Yggdrasil, the luckiest weapon, summoned in an extreme motion of self-defense.. a black hole, sucking everything within.. all the dust in the room.. the four soldiers.. the cabinet.. Tyche, screaming and flailing, thrown into the dreaded nothingness of the Void..

But more.

The entire room was sucked in.. and then the entire Temple.. the plateau.. the mountain.. the clouds in the sky.. much of the rocks, including Ruse's weapon stash.. the outskirts of the Mistellan city.. thousands of Mistella, thrown into the gaping maw of the Void, half their city..

The Valley was in tatters. Half of the city had been ruined. Thousands had been lost. When the Void finally collapsed upon itself, all it left was a basin of cold, clear stone, another valley within the first.. the valley of death and destruction, the valley of doom..

((Thankfully ruse has his stash on him now, lol. He took it with him when he got the Roid items.))
This message was last edited by the player at 14:54, Mon 12 Oct 2009.

Ruse appears here, and senses for divinity. He chants a few words, and summons up the mist spirits themselves to give him a recount of what happened, by whom, and how bad the damage is.

Ruse knew most likely who the culprit was, but he asked the spirits none the less for the sake of completeness.

The spirits had been sucked into nothing. There were none left. The Void had taken and kept them.

There is no divinity within the Valleys of the Mist.

The city was in tatters, as was half of the Realm.. as if a crazed sculptor had brought his knife down and carved half of it off.. into nowhere. Many of his people have disappeared.. half of the city had simply, but violently, vanished.

Ruse was pissed.

Never again would he allow non-conclave sanctioned gods or beings to freely traverse his realm without supervision.

Tyche would pay one way or the other for this crime. If this was an accident, then he would make restitution. If it was on purpose, then Ruse would see him dead, somehow.

The angered lord of mist headed into the city and called the Mistella to him. He needed to assess how many were left, and how bad the damage was. A witness report would be great too, if possible. He would also try contacting the spirits of the city in the part not damaged, to see if any further accounts of what happened could be determined.

"Come to me my people, for I am concerned and very, very angry."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:37, Mon 12 Oct 2009.

The Mistella came, battered, broken, weeping, torn, filthy, wet..

The once prideful race had fallen. They were shaking, sick..

Ruse looked onward to his people, very displeased with what he saw. This was a wake-up call to him of how unprepared he and his people were to face the dangers of the realm supernatural.

He waved his hand, and the wettest mists and vapours of the area suddenly dispersed, rising into the air and sky and filling in some of what was lost. It also had the positive side-effect of removing a lot of the dampness from the area - including the shivering Mistella.

Ruse called out to the land - to his realm itselg. A god to his domain. He willed for the realm to begin the process of terraforming itself into something more suitable for the Mistella, and for the bare skies and torn land to begin to heal itself. He wasn't quite using essence yet, but was more using his godly connection to the valley to manipulate the land.

He then looked back to the Mistella who had gathered, and knew that he had to come up with a decisive plan of action. The time of the lord of mist had only yet begun, and the Mistella would rebuild their society into something even more grand than before. From the destruction would arise an even better creation. But for now, Ruse focused on the present.

"Listen to me, my people! A crazy god - Tyche god of Chance - unleashed a burst of void energy upon the realm and caused this devestation. I do not know if he is either Mad or extremely stupid, but he is to be considered an enemy of the Mistella and the realm until further notice - actually, if any strange gods or other beings are found in the realm, I want it reported to me or a priest immediately. We need to rebuild though, now. For while half of the city was leveled, we were fortunate enough to have the other half survive. I want a newer, and better city built upon the ruins of the old one. I want the sick to receive quality medical attention from our doctors and life mages, I want every heterosexual Mistella to find a mate and copulate, and produce a new generation of Mistellan children - who are to be reared responsibly by their parents. Now go forth and be fruitful and multiply, although first and foremost tend to the sick and weak - we all need to help one another to pull through this."

And then for the planning.

"I want the artisans and builders to organize, and begin planning and implementing the repairs to the city. I want all doctors and healers - both scientific and magical - to band together and work diligently to heal the sick and injured. I want farmers and herders to work to assess and further our food supply. I want the guards to continue being diligent, and the priesthood and magistrates to resume their duties of supporting their god and community. I temporarily declare that all capitalistic activites are to be suspended until the city is rebuilt and our civilization is once again stable - I fully expect every man, woman, and child to do their fair share in helping to recover from this tragic loss, and I will tolerate no selfishness until our city is once again fully operational."

Raelis appears in this realm with his callisti and looks around.

((oh and just in case it's not clear, Ruse is addressing the ADULT heterosexual population, non-related of course, when he asks for them to be fruitful and multiply.))

The people saw Ruse, and their hearts, though stained with tragedy, were lightened. The speech was inspirational. They wanted to help. The Mistella had no ethical problems with polygamy, and many kept various sexual partners regardless - they were joyed, if only a little, for an excuse to take more. The survivors had already began the hard work involved of caring for the sick, and temporary care shelters were set up around the city. The markets had been opened freely, and any who were hungry could eat. Respect for the dead - and pride - stopped looting and treachery.

The fact was, half the Mistella had been destroyed in the blast.. and the chains of command had, for the most part, been severed. Without direct and personal intervention from their Lord, things would fall once more to tatters. The farmers could farm, but had run out of assistants and laborers; most of the high priests had been slain; the magisterial bureaucracy had been smashed. Society was in ruins.

--

Raelis appeared on a flat, smooth stone bed of rock. He could see for many kilometers around him. On the horizon to the east was the broken city of the Mistella. There was nothing else on the plains - not a rock, and most certainly no flora. Something horrible had happened here.

Raelis turns a complete circle, taking in the destruction in a kind of trance.  Then he shook himself violently and headed for Ruse's location.

While Ruse was more than willing to provide testimony against Aesin, as well as answer any pertinent questions he may have, he did realize that he'd need to spend a little more time directing his people if the rebuilding process would work. This was good too, given the fact that Raelis had asked for a delay on the Chalybis mission. Not too long of a delay though of course, but enough.

The lord of mist smirked as he had already suspected his people would like his request to be fruitful and multiply. He knew that the heterosexual adults would create a new generation of Mistella to populate his godrealm, while the homosexual ones (both Ruse and the Mistella were pro-gay, and believed in the naturalness of such a predisposition despite the relative predominance of heterosexuals) could help the society in other ways, including child care or through professions.

Ruse very quickly scanned his people using his divine senses and connection to them, and telepathy as necessary (out of range of the Callisti of course), to get a feel for which of his people were best suited for particular types of tasks. He then organized people into groups, as well as gave promotions to what little existing priests and magistrates were left (if they deserved it of course based on their talent and skill), as well as recruited some more from the remaining population (and linked each new one with an existing one in a mentor-apprentice relationship). He also assigned some people from non-essential jobs - like painters and bums and what have you - to help with laboring in the fields as well as other areas that needed help. Some soldiers were also re-assigned to help with the farming and the construction activities - something not all that uncommon in earthborn history, and the history of other species presumably. (soldiers tend to be versatile when need be)

Any dissent was met with a stern scowl from their lord Ruse, who was assigning people based on the talents he knew they possessed. His personal attention on his people was most efficient, and this was good because right now, the Mistella could use every little bit of help - both practically and strategically - as possible.

"You all have your assignments. I have organized you all based on your merits and personal intrinsic talents, so know that my wisdom here is good. After we get our city back up and running again, I will lift these assignments and allow you all to once again gravitate toward semi-capitalism and the careers and soocial positions that interest you the most, regardless of your skills (as long as you don't harm society of course), as it was before. Also, I have invited the god Raelis, lord of words as a guest here, so please do not show him hostility right now. Now go forth my people, and rebuild this city as a tribute to your god and your race!"

Ruse stood there, giving direction as needed. He waited for Raelis as he did so, feeling the other god was nearby.

This was an extremely wise decision on the part of Ruse. The Mistella were still in a state of  shock, still psychologically battered, and those who could not work were not forced; still, many prided themselves on - in addition to everything else - being able to cope with anything, and work soon began. Temples and galleries were opened as temporary shelter and hospitals, the markets became food-points, and farming soon begun in earnest. The Mistela soon learned that not only did they not need commerce, they didn't particularly miss or want it..

A shift in ideology was occurring within the Valley of the Mist. Things were changing. They had to.

The biggest advantage of living in the Valley, perhaps, was the great supply of fresh water. There was enough for everyone, and it was all sparkling pure. Disease had been cut down, but many Mistella still got sick - either from the shock or from the sudden lack of vital forces that they'd been accustomed to before, forces that had been devoured entirely.

Soon there was movement among some of the more aggressive Mistella, and Ruse was approached by a tall, dark-haired Mistella with cunning eyes and a shining blade at his belt. He was strong, confident - but not cocky. "Lord," he said, "I am Vact, and I have an important announcement to make.. I'm requesting your official permission to create and lead the Daggers of Teich. You have, of course, heard of us.."

Ruse had picked up the name, mentally, before, but he hadn't heard any specifics - to much was on his plate. Just as this was occurring, Ruse saw the God of Words appear, followed by a silver Callisti. He was to be very busy.

Raelis strides forward his robe fluttering in an unseen breeze.

"Ruse, what in the name of the conclave happened here?  Do you know the source of the destruction?  Is there anything I can do to assist?"

He turns and looks around him.

"Deal with this gentleman, I need to try something."

He turns and starts muttering quietly.

Ruse looked at Raelis with an almost kind look. While he mostly hated Raelis at this point (yet appreciated him as a hapless springboard to power), Ruse found that he liked Raelis' disposition a lot more than most low lords. Not once was the god of words disrespectful to Ruse - a term that was very endearing to the Mistellan arrogance indeed.

"Welcome Raelis...as you can see Aesin is yet again a fool for suggesting this to be trickery. This devestation is quite real I assure you, but we are recovering quickly. Yes, when we are done I will invest the realm with divne power, and bring it and my people one step closer to enlightenment."

He claced a finger up to Vact, politely motioning for him to wait just a few moments.

"Raelis, this destruction was caused by none other than Tyche god of chance. Somehow he unleashed void energy. I don't actually know much more than that though, because as I look back I portaled back to Litheris shortly before I felt my realm and people being wounded."

He looked at Vact, and said,

"I want to give you my full attention for this, so please let me deal with Raelis here and when he is off on his way I will call you immediately. It hopefully won't take long. but do know that I am interested in your proposed ideas and want to devote attention to them."

With a wave of the hand, Ruse sent Vact away, and turned back to Raelis.

"God of words, please take your statements with the Callisti and leave as fast as possible. As you can see, I have much work to do here, before we are ready for the mission. I am willing to answer your questions though."

"Yes, Lord. Do not keep me waiting," was all Vact said, and he was off with a swagger.

The Callisti near Raelis hummed.

HE SPEAKS THE TRUTH. CONCLAVE CHANNELS SUPPORT CLAIM. TYCHE IS NOW A MAD GOD. VOID WORK .. AN OFFENSE.

Raelis knew that if he really wanted to begin healing the Realm, the best thing possible was to use life magic to reconcile the smooth aspects of the Valley of Mist and the original aspects. This would require the spirit quest of Ruse and Raelis among the smooth valley, where the land will speak to them.. and tell them what needed to be accomplished next. They should sacrifice a mortal belonging to Tyche the Destroyer upon the smooth rock once they reach their destination, and things would be revealed. The Realm had been hit pretty hard. It was in a state of shock.. and soon, if it wasn't healed, would start to manifest the symptoms of its wound through plagues and other nastiness.

Raelis staggers as the magnitude of the devastation beats on his mind.

"YOu have a problem Ruse,  Quite a serious one with your realm.  I can help but you have only so long before your realm starts ripping itself apart.  There are two possible solutions - either a spirit quest to restore your realm or I can carry your realm essence to safety in my realm and give you and your people sanctuary there for all time.  I will support you in either decision.  While you are thinking could you lets get the oaths out of the way.  Given the callisti Aesin used is directly involved in later events I've been asked to take new statements to be logged with this callisti to put the whole matter beyond doubt."

"Could you state your name and titles, that you do not possess psionics and everything that you did after I left my realm up to the point that Aesin killed you."

((Nat, can Ruse's spendind a degree to level his realm from 2 to 3 bypass the need for a spirit quest and stuff? My thoughts are that he is jump-starting and improving the realm with straight-up divinity, as his seed itself is still technically intact. Thoughts?))

Ruse shook his head, and replied,

"I appreciate your offer, but my realm's seed will stay here where it belongs. While the realm suffered a good deal of damage, its seed and overall divine nature are still quite intact. I will - with my people - nurture it back to health once more. I will be investing zealous energy to make this process seamless too, for it is in the nature of zealous gods to bring about true perfection. I will partake a spirit quest if necessary, but since my realm's seed is still technically not expended, I will try using my divine connection first."

Ruse then drifted over to the Callisti, and said,

"I Brown Hierophantasm Ruse the Second of the Balanced Valley of Mist, Zealous God and Fragile Dabbler of Mist, Lord of the Invisible Tendril, Aggressive Associate to the Conclave, Master of the Far-reaching Monologue, Bender of the Unbreakable, Unlucky Bastard here do by swear that I do not have psychic powers. More importantly, I also swear by the primordials themselves that Aesin killed me in cold blood and mis-used the Callisti the dismissing it early so he could disobey the conclave, as I did not raise a hand to him in violence, either physically or metaphysically (I basically stood there and died). While he may or may not have been satisfied with the situation, I was not violent in the least. I exchanged words with him, and he pointed his sword to my neck. Rather than risk being put under suspicion by the Conclave, I did not respond in kind with violence but merely asked him to put down his blade. He then proceeded to murder me, using his god powers to help him in this. He basically tantrumed, and it is dangerous to put much power in the hands of such a man - like giving a child a loaded gun."

Ruse looked at Raelis, and said,

"The fact of the matter is that I was under an investigation in which I was not supposed to be killed - especially since I was following the rules and being nice (Aesin disrupted the investigation deeply). He needlessly took one of my lives, which are a limited resource. Also, he chose to over-rule the Conclave's decisions on this matter and take the law into his own hands. He is a dangerous vigilante and I motion that at the very least, he also be killed once in retribution for taking one of my lives - that or he compensate me in a most severe way...like with thousands of his people or some other extreme compensation. But quite frankly I'd be very happy if he was executed, since he did not only murder a conclave associate in good standing, but also defied the conclave and sullied its trust by interferring with an investigation."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Thu 15 Oct 2009.

The Callisti hummed. Ruse was not killed - he did not break the oath.

RUSE IS INNOCENT. HE DOES NOT POSSESS PSYCHIC ABILITIES.

RAELIS THERE IS A 100 PERCENT CHANCE THAT YOU ARE LYING. WHY ARE YOU LYING? WHY? WHY WOULD A LOW LORD LIE?

OOC : I murmered something as you were saying you don't have psionics.

Raelis suddenly seems struck by a thought. "I'm not lying, I'm telling an untruth.  I told you I would so there ..."

His voice trails off into silence and he seems deep in thought.

"Occum's Razor.   I really should have thought about that."

He turns to the callisti.  "I've got what I need now, you can return to the conclave.  I want a full report on this together with all truth sensing filed as proof of Ruse's lack of psionics."

As soon as the Callisti disappears Raelis turns back to Ruse.

"I want to ask your advice on something.  I'm in something of a quandary.  Let em give you a hypothetical example.  I have a god I'm somewhat responsible for who I know is lying about having psionics and simultaneously telling the truth.  Now that seems contradictory at first sight but lets look at it a bit more closely.  They don't have psionics doesn't mean they don't have access to psionics just that they personally don't have them.  So they are telling the truth in that they don't personally have psionic powers but lying in that they are deceiving me that they do have access to psionic powers.  So are you aware of any way of getting psionic powers without having them yourself?"

Ruse thought for a moment, and responded. He actually was sincere in his pondering. Ruse did wait for the Callisti to disappear though, not only for his own benefit but also potentially for Raelis' too. Unlike Aesin, Ruse was finding himself becoming more and more fond of the god of words, and if all went well fully intended to bring him along "for the ride" later.

"Hmmm. How a god - hypothetically of course - would gain access to psionics without actually having them? Well let's see. That's almost philosophical, don't you think? The only thing that I can think of is using an Earthborn chip but that technology cannot begin to rival divine and systemarch level psychic abilities so logically it isn't an issue for your hypothetical situation, but I don't know much about those and I'd certainly never use such a dreadful thing myself (he is being absolutely sincere in this lol, and would never put a chip in his head). While intellectually I understand the practical use of certain cybernetics, generally they are disgusting crutches...except in the cases of artificial lungs and what have you. Medical technology is generally okay, I think."

Ruse grinned a bit, and continued,

"But what really interests me is this simultaneous telling of truths and untruths. Those are most intriguing, philosophically speaking of course. The only thing I can comment on right now about that is that in your hypothetical example, it would seem very likely that your subject was concealing some parts but revealing truthfully others, but even more important is the intention behind this paradox. For this interplay to occur successfully, the part he is revealing to be truthful that also aligns with your evidence - say if Aesin hypothetically harmed your subject or something and you had evidence that also supports this from outside sources that couldn't be tampered with - and things aligned...then most likely it is actually the truth. Of course, no one except a primordial can ever know everything 100% of the time, but that aside (let's not get into a logic loop) it sounds like the subject of your hypothetical situation was hiding things for some greater good that, to my analytical mind, most likely is benevolent to the Tree of Life. Otherwise quite frankly, I don't think your subject would bother wasting the effort if he/she/it didn't mean well by it. With just the information you've given me, my assessment is that your subject does not have the heart of a criminal."

Ruse waved over a Mistella and told him to fetch Vact. After the Mistella left, Ruse looked back to Raelis, and quickly said,

"I think that you should opt to wait for a long while and see what results. In your hypothetical situation, you simply don't have enough information to be ethically pinning down your suspect yet, since despite the allegations being true or false you could be putting away someone who may very well wind up being one of your most valuable allies one day. Even if your have legitimate suspicions (or illegitimate for that matter), the fact that the subject's intentions are not clear to you (nor is he able to safely make them as such yet), yet also have a high chance of being relatively benevolent ones, means that if you act against the subject now you may actually be making a mistake in the long-run, in other unforseen ways. I think the truth will reveal itself in time, as other factors fall into play. But for now the best thing to do would be to leave your subject be as he/she/it seems - based on your scenario - to be more benevolent than not."

"Now, I really must be getting back to fixing things here. I have a lot of work to do, and at the least I want to get things stable enough so when we move against chalybis, I can focus completely on the mission. Thank you for your assistance in this matter - a Mistella does not forget a good or bad deed lightly, and you certainly are more in my good graces than not."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:24, Fri 16 Oct 2009.

Vact soon came swaggering over. He spotted Raelis, gave him a cold look, and turned towards his Lord.

"Lord," he said. "Are you willing to talk, now?"

Ruse nodded his head, and replied to Vact with an arrogant confidence that firmly matched the man's own.

"Yes Vact, I am glad that you came back promptly. Lord Raelis has no more legitimate business here at this time, although please do treat him as a guest while he is here until he leaves as he is in my good graces."

Ruse drifted over to Vact, multi-hued mist trailing in his wake. It dispersed as quickly as it appeared, indicating Ruse was at least whimsically interested, if not completely.

"I will hear your proposal Vact. Tell me both more about yourself, as well as the new group you would like to form. I want the who, what, where, when, why and ultimate purpose."

Ruse listened to the mistella intently, although gently monitored the man to make sure that no lies or malice was occuring.

Raelis nods decisively.

"Good luck with your realm."

He turns and leaves.

"I'm glad he has left," said Vact, voice dripping with disgust. "He had all of the arrogance of a Mistella but none of the beauty."

He saw his Lord straight in the eye.

"I have seen visions, Lord, visions of a madman invoking the greatest darkness. I have seen the future of the Valley of Mist. I have seen dreadful things in the future, and worse things in the past. I have seen all the suffering, all the violence, all that Teich the Destroyer has brought upon us. They call me Vact the First Seer, and I am here, humble," he said the word a little bitterly, "and willing to serve. I am here to ask your permission to form the League of Teich, the mystery cult that will serve as the greatest religion the Mistella will ever see, the monastic order dedicated to protection, justice and revenge."

((Nat, is he pronouncing Teich the same way was Tyche? Also, is he referring to Tyche as Teich the destroyer, or is this a different being or idea?))

Ruse listened to Vact with great interest. He was eventually going to need to create a sect of elite Mistella to directly enforce the will of the lord Ruse and the inhabitants of the valley of mist (in that order of course). With the new change in ideology that both Ruse and the people were undergoing, what better  time than the present?

Ruse smirked when Vact's voice was slightly bitter as he said the word "humble." No Mistella would dare proclaim themselves to be above the god of mist, for Ruse's arrogance was easily a match for that of the Mistella, who would know to quell their pride in the presence of the mist god. The Valley only maintained its integrity at this point due to Ruse's efforts after all.

"Vact..." Ruse said cooly as the blue glow of his eyes danced whimsically. "Tell me, how would this new religious order compare to the currently existing Mistellan religion? What place would the Mistellan people have in it? Would the outside world have in it? Would the one true god of mist have in it?"

Ruse gently but firmly began to read the man's mind. He wanted more information on these visions and what caused them. As well as what Teich actually was, and what Vact's plans for the new sect were. As well as what he thought of Ruse.

((Oh and one other thing: what, if any, interesting or odd features can Ruse notice or attribute to Vact? Does his mental probe and innate god connection to Vact reveal the man's innate abilities, talents, etc?))
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Sun 18 Oct 2009.

Vact was a strange Mistella, and as Ruse examined him closely - mentally and physically - he saw that it was no wonder that the man was proclaimed a Seer and a Prophet. His eyes were surprising clear for a Mistella, whose pupils typically shifted colours and shape - subtly - according to their moods. His remained still, sharp, focused.. as if he could truly see. He held himself, if a little arrogantly, like a true prince.

Within his mind.. it was broken. A clear divide. A kind of trained insanity, perhaps.. one half filled with joy and love towards the Mistella, towards his fellow people, a desire to see them rule and to achieve the greatest heights.. the other half bitter, angry, furious towards the being - Teich the Destroyer, who Ruse realized was known, once, as Tyche, God of Chance - but, again, there was a sort of love. A reverence towards Teich that sickened Ruse.. this destruction, Vact knew, would be what changed the Valley of Mist into something truly beautiful, not just a hollow beauty, and he would thank Teich for it even as he strangled the God to death..

Ruse's eyes widened. He saw, now, the supernatural freak abilities of Vact.. the visions, yes, while uncanny were fairly standard for the mystical undercurrent of the Realm Supernatural.. what caused them? anything at all, really, a freak accident caused by the Void.. but there was something else. He was born under the stars.. no, the right stars.. and he had the ability to truly kill. To kill through incarnations. To rob a God of all his lives..

Vact loved Ruse as one loved a father, but would not hesitate to kill him if he got in the way.

It was a terrifying thing, and made Ruse feel sick.

"We, the Destroyers of Teich, would be the ruling force of Mistella society. We would drive the others onwards, towards greatness. We would avenge ourselves - for all our fallen comrades - on Teich and his allies, including the One who is Machine. We would take the brightest and the best, train them for combat and war. Train them in dark revenge-sorceries. The Valley would become the center of the Heaviest World.."

Vact interested Ruse, made him angry, made him mildly frightened, and also intrigued him. He knew that he could probably kill Vact straight up, but the fact that he is frightfully powerful enough to realy harm a god is in and of itself a scary thought. Sort of like how a small pistol can still frightfully kill a person, no matter how well-trained. A pragmatic god would have killed Vact immediately, although Ruse was not purely pragmatic - he was efficient, and he did prefer not to harm his people unless they disobeyed him. So really, it was a matter of how best to utilize Vact's traits and abilities for the good of the lord Ruse and his godrealm, since Vact did belong to Ruse.

Ruse considered for a moment, and an interesting thought crossed his mind - why not give Vact even more power than he has now, while simultaneously ensuring his 100% loyalty even to the point of suicide? This was too good an opportunity for Ruse's long-term plans to give up, and Vact too good a resource to merely cast aside. Vact had the qualities of a perfect second.

Ruse gave Vact a wide grin, and replied,

"Ah yes, what you say pleases me greatly. You please me greatly...you are a very interesting Mistella. You are of very good breeding it seems, and have the traits of an excellent commander-general. I agree that with the restoration of our realm will come a restoration of our people, and our enemies will be punished most severely."

The rocks and small plants on the ground surrounding Ruse and Vact begin to be crushed and snapped, and even the edges of Vact's pants-cuffs were slightly frayed. It was by the solidification of the mists themselves, reacting to Ruse's seething anger at Tyche and the state of his realm and people. It would be obvious to Vact that Ruse was as angry as he was. Then Ruse's face lit up with a bit of happiness as he was optimistic of the future, and he continued,

"But I will no longer just contain my anger. I will wield my divine power and restore the realm directly, bypassing the necessity of spiritual quests and seed manipulation. I will also bring my people one step closer to perfection very, very soon Vact. And in the new order that will soon arise, I need elite servants - servants who will both have the heart to serve, and the capacity to do it with lethal efficiency. So yes, I give you my permission to create a new branch within the general Mistellan religion. However, there will be some slight changes."

Ruse paced a bit in thought as he gazed upon his damaged city. Change was needed most badly.

"The new sect will not be called the Destroyers of Teich, for what would happen when Teich is finally gone? I instead want the new sect to be called the Daggers of Teich, for we will put Teich to the blade, but even after his demise we will continue to exist, and will put other enemies to the blade if necessary. Of course we will still keep the name Teich in rememberance of the fact that he is the single most dangerous threat to our realm, and has inflicted the most damage upon our society. The priorities of the sect are to be as follows: serve and protect your god Ruse, protect the god's people and his realm from those who would harm it, take revenge on those who have harmed us or disobeyed the lord Ruse and escaped punishment, and finally a very general task of helping to assist other Mistellans and the general priesthood with bolstering our realm and improving our knowledge and skills, both physically and mentally."

Ruse then stopped pacing, and looked at Vact with the most piercing and beautiful eyes ever.

"Vact...how would you like the honor of serving me as the highlord of this new sect? I need a man of your talents serving at my side, although will not hold it against you should you decline. Although know that the leader of this new elite branch of my religion will be granted a gift of my divine power - a gift so rare and precious that I can only give it to one person at a time."

(Sorry, I meant to say the Daggers of Teich but made a slip.. good catch!)

"My Lord," said Vact. "I am deeply honoured to receive your offer of near-divinity, but I will have to decline. I am the Seer of the Daggers of Teich, and I am loathe to accept a crutch - even from an Ascended Master such as yourself. I wish to succeed on my own merits, and my pride, forgive me, will not accept such gifts."

He looked at Ruse directly, unnerving the God of Mist.

"I will serve at your side for as long as I need to," said Vact. "But if you ever get in the way .. I'm afraid I would have to remove you. Forgive me in advance. The vision is simply too great, now, to impair.."

((No problem Nat. I thought he was trying to switch it up or something, lol. Oh and by the way can I force him to become a second, or does he have to accept? If so then it would be most prudent to make him into a loyal demigod to prevent a potential conflict in the future. If not, then I'll have to put some sort of telepathic failsafe into his head or something. It would be silly to put too much power into this man's hands unchecked.))

Ruse furrowed his brow at Vact, and replied,

"I'm disappointed in you Vact. How could even the possibility of my demise be a part of your mindset? Do the Mistellan people not exist because of me? Am I not the only thing keeping this realm in one piece? How could you not feel that it is of the utmost necessity to keep me alive and well? You would all be dead soon in the chaos of the aftermath of Tyche's attack if it weren't for me. Surely you could show a little more piety to your creator, yes?"

With that aside and out on the table, Ruse then switched topics, back to the sect, and asked curiously,

"Oh and by the way, if you say that you are only the seer of the Daggers of Teich, then who do you propose would actually lead the sect? Obviously The religion as a whole worships me - including the daggers - but I mean what sort of leadership structure are you thinking would come right under me, as leader(s) of the daggers? Have you considered anything about organization of the organization, so to speak? If so I would like to hear your thoughts on this."

Vact deliberately dodged the cut about him becoming the Second. He'd seen - visions - about creatures devoted to Gods, their wills broken..

"I would be the Seer and Commander. I would answer only to you in the best cases. Beneath me, I have five men who are perfect lieutenants. The rest will be organized under the five."

((I decided to just take the most efficient route, even if it means being a bit strict about it. After having died once already, Ruse is not willing to have a loose cannon running around. Plus, demigod Vact would be an even more effective tool than before (and he is not willing to throw away such a valuable member of his people like so the demigodhood will help protect Vact too), and Ruse won't ever let someone besides his second rule the mistella directly beneath him. I can't take risks anymore, at least not before ascending lol.))

Ruse thought for a moment, and wondered if he shouldn't just force Vact to become a second right here and now. He did not like such a threat running around unchecked, and really the only thing keeping ruse safe right now was the fact that he was the Mistellan deity. At the same time though, he did wonder if allowing Vact to retain his own full will would have other benefits.

But the the fact that Vact was such a loose cannon, and a bit unstable, frightened Ruse. In these dark times, Ruse couldn't take chances of his empire collapsing due to some clash of visions. Really, Ruse's vision is what ultimately mattered in the end. That, and Vact would learn to love being a demigod, for while he would be loyal to Ruse, he wouldn't be a mindless puppet like he thinks he will. Finally, Vact's efficiency and capability as a tool will be enhanced with an infusion of Ruse's divinity.

"I have heard your designs and read your mind and soul. I want you to walk by my side and help me rebuild our realm and people. However, I have encountered other godly dangers and found them to be quite a threat, to be the least. If you go as you are now, you will die. And you are too valuable to me to just throw away to die needlessly. So I have decided to gift you with an infusion of my divinity so that you can walk gracefully and boldly by my side, in these dangerous times."

And with that, Ruse pointed at Vact, and from his outstretched finger streamed forth the most beautiful and pure mist anyone had ever seen. It had glowing motes of gold in its otherwise pure white vapours, which were as silk to the touch. The golen mist surrounded Vact and caressed him, before finally merging with him and evolving him into something beyond mortal...something part divine, whose power and wellfare was directly linked to Ruse's own.

To act against Ruse would be unthinkable.

However, Vact would find that aside from revering the god he already did, that his free will was quite intact, that aside from defying the lord Ruse, that he had all the agency and creativity of before his miniature-ascention.

Hopefully Vact would be relieved. If not, then in time he would discover the wonderous benefits of being a god's favored servant.

"Do not consider my gift to be a crutch, for even now our enemies remain powerful. Instead, view my gift as a mark of my favour, for I can only choose one to be my second in command, and that is a great honor. I felt that you were more worthy of my gift than thousands of other Mistella, so carry my gift not with shame but with pride and elegance."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Mon 19 Oct 2009.

"I.. thank you, my Lord," said Vact. It was clear that he detested Ruse takign such control over his destiny, and was still unsure of the idea, but the beauty of the mist and the new power..

"With your permission, Lord Ruse, I will form the Daggers of Teich and begin our operation. I wish for it to be as separated from your own influence as possible. I mean no offense, Lord," he added hastily, changing track, "But this is a Mistellan issue, and.. well, many of the people blame your incompetence for the Day of Darkness and Ruin. They would feel more comfortable with me at the reins."

There was now something bridging the divide between Vact's mind: Ruse. He woulds serve Ruse, and the Mistellan people, to the best of his ability. Ruse had created a Second.

((I never thought about how the infusion of power would also help fortify/fix Vact's mind. Nice one!))

Ruse shook his head, and replied firmly, a tone of insult creeping out from his voice.

"Yes, you will form the daggers of Teich, but know that nothing that either the Mistellans or this realm does is beyond my authority. And Mistellan issues ARE my issues, or did you forget that I am fundamentally linked with my people?"

Ruse looked about the leveled city and realm, sighed, and then looked back to Vact with a glare.

"And how dare you or any other Mistellan even think that what happened was due to any fault of my own. I was away for a brief time trying to prepare for an invasion against the metal one Chalybis, as well as talking some sensibility into the Conclave - an effort that I achieved at a great cost to myself. Coincidentially enough though is the fact that I suffered that cost and was under the gaze of the primordials when Tyche unleashed the void, which got killed in his own void-explosion, but that is beside the point. What happened here was due to no desire to fault of my own, and as bad as this will sound, it really was a completely random act in the grand scheme of things. And I am not yet all-powerful either, but know that this realm would be falling to pieces, and its seed damaged, if it were not for my efforts right now. I will show you soon how much I really am the difference between you all dying, and coming closer to perfection."

Ruse levitated into the air bodily, being lifted up by strangs of downy mist. He called upon his divine power...by the metaphysical mandate granted to him by Yggdrasil itself and observed by the master divine. The clouds in the sky began to churn and thicken fairly fast - definitly noticable to the naked eye. The mist of the Valley was growing thicker and thicker, and spreading more and more into the areas above the smooth valleys. Golden motes were occasionally visible in the air, although not nearly to the concentrated degree that they were for Vact's infusion.

Ruse was fixing and improving the realm with his divity alone. Actual degree-level power was being expended.

Ruse's voice rang out loudly, the wind carring it for all Mistellans to hear, both near and far. The lord of the valley of mist would be heard by all, his efforts made crystal clear.

"My people! I am Ruse, premier god of mist, creator of the Mistella, and lord of the realm! I know there are some among you...those whose faith and piety are weaker than some...who think the day of Tyche is my fault. To that, I say thee nay!"

Ruse's hair began to flail about dramatically, his robes rippling from the wind - which had picked up to be over 30 miles per hour by this point. His divine aura became momentarily manifested as golden motes of mist.

"What happened was a tragedy outside of anyone's control. Even Tyche himself was swallowed up by the forces he unleashed, the fool! But he will again be devoured by our wrath...but look now not upon the enemy, but here in the present at our home. I Ruse, god of Mist and lord of the Valley of Mist hereby do call upon the divine might of the mist domain to infuse this land and its people with my divine elegance. I call upon the mandate of the heavens to bring my realm and servants one step closer to true enlightened perfection!"

Ruse glared at Vact, who by now would surely have to be impressed. As a demigod of mist, he would also be sensing the divine power coursing through the air.

"Now Mistellans, ye of little and ye of large faith, behold...my...POWER!!!"

And with that, a final wave of divine energy erupted from Ruse outward, a harmless yet extremely potent shockwave of divine energy erupting from ruse and expanding to cover every single mistellan, and every single nook and cranny of the valley of mist, smooth or non-smooth, ground or sky. The energy contained the full force of a divine degree, released to directly improve the realm and its people but always linked inexplicably to Ruse.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Tue 20 Oct 2009.

The people were in awe. Many dropped to the ground in prayer, or roared their love to the heavens. Vact, intimately tied to the power of Ruse as he was, forgot his earlier pride and fell to the floor beneath Ruse, tears streaming down his face. It was a supreme act of power which served to fortify Ruse's position with the alienated Mistella, turning him from a possible enemy to the victorious leader he'd always been..

But more than the Mistella was affected.

The Realm was sick, poisoned as it was by the foolish actions of Tyche and the bringing down of the deathly and all-consuming Void. The Smooth Valley which was the end product of hundreds of kilometres worth of city, mountain and forest was a taint upon the land.. a taint the Essence of the place would, at some point, have been forced to expunge. That would have involved famine, plague, wars.. the Daggers of Teich and signs of a rebellion were only the first, subtle, signs.

Now, the Essence was cured. The Valley of Mist, while still sorely crippled, would not destroy itself. The people, if Ruse handled things correctly - and he almost certainly would - would not rebel.

In the Smooth Valley, the perfectly flat stone floor was broken. A small olive tree, no larger than a man's hand, burst from the soil below.

Ruse drifted back to the ground silently, not exhausted in the sense a mortal would be after a fast jog or workout, but exhausted metaphysically - Ruse used a very large amount of divine power just now, and would not be able to do such a feat for a while. Divine degrees did not come easily, but at least they were a renewable resource.

The lord of mist's heart skipped - pleasantly - for just a moment when he sensed new plants beginning to sprout fromt he smooth areas of the valley. It would take some time, but the realm would recover. He might still - if he had some spare time after dealing with Chalybis - sacrifice one of Tyche's people in a ritual to the mist spirits to help things along, but most importantly Ruse drove the sickness of the land out, and improved his people at the same time. The Mistella would begin their resurgence!

Ruse drifted over to Vact, and said,

"Vact, highlord of the Daggers of Teich and demigod of mist, I have a task for you. Consider it the very first mission for the daggers of Teich. I need you to organize a group of at least 20 able-bodied Mistellans together, make sure they are rested and healthy, get them any gear they may need, and then break them down into four equal groups of at least 5 people each. I want these four parties to scout out the four cardinal direction provinces of this realm, and report their findings back to you and ultimately me here at the central city. I need to not only assess things after Tyche's voidworking and my divine realm-enhancement, but also just see what we have to work with."

Ruse held up a finger, and added,

"And it is important that you have the scouts NOT engage any hostile threats during this mission. This task is purely exploratory. I just need a report of all the key features - good or bad - of each province. This includes the west, since the temple of charles is no more, and the province itself is now smooth-ish and different than before."

COMMAND: Turn on suit's shielding system, just so it is on for later.

Turning shielding systems on..
Siphoning..
Activating..
Connecting feedback systems /Divine..
Shielding systems on.

"Yes, my Lord. We shall scout the land."

Teich swaggered off, and Ruse knew that he would gather the men and lead them to the best of his ability.

Ruse was most satisfied with the progress of his realm and people. They were well on the way to rebuilding better than ever, and with his divine intervention, they as a people would be more advanced than before. The lord of mist was a muse to his people, at the very least.

He had builders and farmers and the whole gamut assigned to do their various tasks, and Vact was working on the daggers and the scouting project. This left Ruse to tie up loose ends really at this point, as well as freed him up to leave the realm if necessary. Once the infrastructure was restored, and then bumped to the curious realm level, he would then give his pistol over to scholars and tinkers, to assist them in the Mistellan technological advancements, easily understood under the curious mindset.

But for now, Ruse wanted to assess his realm one last time before leaving.

"ghuesaoghseohgj jbgidszhbpiuds fdhnsdh p hbadiohbpshbiop hvrwsdfvh!!!"

Ruse chanted words of power, using his newfound sorcerous insight to weave a most effective spirit-calling spell. He called for mist spirits, knowing that his domain would give them an unnaturally strong affinity for him. Above and beyond the fact they are of his godrealm.

Ruse wanted to question the spirits about the state of the realm after his increase of the realm level, as well as see how the spirit world was doing. He also determined if there was a change or improvement he could do to the ritual of sacrificing one of tyche's people to help the spirit world heal faster. Really, he was seeking any pertinent information.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:26, Wed 21 Oct 2009.

A small, fragile thing, made entirely of mist, came to Ruse. It looked weak. It looked hungry. Nothing else was called. The Void, use, had stripped most of the spirit world of their life..

Loooord... it whispered.

Ruse knew that the spirits would regrow themselves with time, mirroring the realm's progress, but he felt a small pang in his heart as he looked upon this particular spirit. Mist appreciated mist you see.

"Greetings mist spirit. Tell me, is there anything that I can do to help facilitate the regrowth of the valley of mist's spiritual world?"

Ruse pondered a ritual, in collusion with the spirit.

Loooord... we are hungry... so hungry...

The spirit looked more than a little pathetic. It was obviously very ill, very weak..

Ruse ponders a ritual to help the spirits. He also determines if his own ability to call mist (among other things) can be used to help.

The spirits would understand only the actions of the shaman; a human sacrifice, one of Tyche's people, would be needed to enable them to recover. The death of Tyche upon the Smooth Valley would, Ruse knew, regenerate the spirit world at an extremely fast rate.

The mist would help, but only superficially. Greater actions were needed.

Perhaps he could build a sacred temple to the Oldest Religion - the reverence of the spirit-people?

Ruse conjured a ball of mist. Not vapors or anything like that, but pure "true" mist. He conjured a great, expansive mass of the stuff, but used his power to compress the mist into a fist-sized sphere held together by his divine will alone. He offered the orb to the spirit, so that it could have a tasty treat. Superficial perhaps, but the concentrated mist-sphere would at least be like a chewable vitamin...so in this case the higher levels of superficial.

"Take this spirt, empower yourself with mistiness and go. I am concocting up a most insideous plan. Go forth and find other mist spirits from the parts of the realm not touched by the void. Go forth and resonate with the seed, and work diligently to regorw as the realm grows - including in the smooth valley. I have a plan that the spirit world should find to be most satisfying indeed. Now leave me, for I have much to attend to."

Ruse gave the spirit the mist-vitamin, and dismissed it from his presence with a wave of the hand. He would wait for Vact and the scouts to complete their mission, for knowledge of the smooth valley might be pertinent. But Ruse had a wicked plan brewing, although it could afford to wait - if only a little bit. Definitly after Telleratus was invaded would the plan be truly put into motion. But Ruse could not afford to move ahead of himself too quickly - he had to give Vact time to scout, and his people time to settle back down into the swing of things.

Ruse needed to make sure that Max would be ready, so he opened a portal to Xi and passed through.

The mist spirit, thankful for the gift, left.

There was a ticking sound - a corruption, deeper then the rest - an empty house - a guilt-struck God..

He was in Xi.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:04, Sun 25 Oct 2009.

Ruse appears back here from Xi, and finds Vact to ascertain the progress (or results) of the scouting mission.

"Lord," said Vact. "We have finished the task given to us.

"To the West lies the Smooth Valley - the legacy of Teich the Destroyer. There is nothing for us, there, save mist.

"To the East, more of the Smooth Valley - but, towards the far east, there is a great pit. Darkness below. I didn't have the nerve to send an explorer to his death - to send him below. The mystics, Lord, they have a bad opinion of the place: they call it 'Magdranashan', or the Pit, in an older language that I am not privy to.. regardless, I have classified it as an extremely dangerous - or at least menacing - area.

"To the North, more of the Smooth Valley..

"Finally, to the South lies a series of great, natural mountain ranges, and at the top of one of those we found a hut. Imagine our surprise, Lord, when we found within the hut the great hermit-scholar Baldrov! He'd been alive all these years.. at least three hundred, by our count. He refused to leave the hut, and we left him be."

Ruse nodded at Vact with approval. The lord of mist was satisfied with these results. He had some things to do as far as his realm was concerned, but these things would have to be done in order. For instance, neither Ruse nor any Mistella would be investigating that dark pit in the eastern province until after the mistellan society was completely restored and revamped. Then there were a few fish to fry for the conclave as well. Good, delicious fish.

"Vact, I am pleased with these results. However, I want to give a few commands right away. I want all Mistella to STAY AWAY from the pit Magdranashan until further notice. Neither myself nor our people are ready to tackle such a thing quite yet. Not with the restoration underway. Also, you may leave the hermit Baldrov alone, since he seems to be non-hostile and doesn't even want to leave his hut. I will investigate him later. I actually want you to work on something that you will most likely find to be quite to your satisfaction. But that can wait a moment, since I'm more interested in the immediate condition of the people and the restoration."

Ruse looked about the city, and then back to Vact, and asked,

"What is the status of the Mistellan restoration? What progress of note has occured while I was away? Has our infrastructure been restored yet?"

"The bureaucracy has been restored, in a fashion, and a solid chain of command exists.. the bureaucracy has necessarily had to be stripped down, however. Aid, food, supplies.. all are being taken care of. Shortage of food, but we're working on it - the problem being, Lord, is that our farmlands have been destroyed, and foraging is slim.."

Vact looked honestly pained at the thought of his people starving to death.

Ruse was also concerned about this. Normally, a curious level realm would have no problems with food. But then again the realm had only just begun to recover. The god of mist considered his options.

"Hmmm...this is most distressing to me. However, the land itself should be okay now for growing things on. The real problem is most likely simply the fact that our farmland will have to start from scratch. Let me see if I can't use my connection with the realm to speed up some growth of plants - especially fruit and vegetable bearing plants."

Ruse then turns from Vact and faces the realm in general. He calls upon his divine connection with the realm and its land, and wills for more plants to begin to grow, and for the plants that already are grown to bear fruit and vegetables.

((I'm spending this post solely on the terraform action, lol.))

The Realm was in a state of over-drive; Ruse knew, suddenly, that it was trying as hard as it could to recover. The problem was that there was nowhere to actually farm - the mountains too rocky, the Smooth Valley just rock, the city, well, the city..

Somewhere in the East, an olive tree bears fruit.

Ruse ponders for a moment, and considers what rituals he had at his disposal that could have any positive impact right now.