“Because stories are important.
People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it's the other way around.
Stories exist independently of their players. If you know that, the knowledge is power.
Stories, great flapping ribbons of shaped space-time, have been blowing and uncoiling around the universe since the beginning of time. And they have evolved. The weakest have died and the strongest have survived and they have grown fat on the retelling...stories, twisting and blowing through the darkness.”
            -  Terry Pratchett, Witches Abroad


Reglum Urbs Finis walked among the people, and witnessed their thousand tiny stories ... subplot, you might say ... weave themselves into the greater story.

It was a familiar story: one of the greater archetypes.    It was a story of 'Rebirth'.
This story archetype almost always has a threatening shadow that seems nearly victorious until a sequence of fortuitous (or even miraculous) events lead to redemption and rebirth, and the restoration of a happier world.


Only five years ago, the kingdom of Ancalia was a beacon of peaceful prosperity. Under the wise rule of High Negus Arad, the Elect of God, Ancalia was a green land of thriving cities, rich fields, and a people grateful to the One for their good fortune. Such peace perhaps brought quarrels between the hereditary jantirar lords of the countryside and the royally-appointed kantibas of the cities and major towns, but the roaming justiciars of the seven great knightly orders were swift to resolve such difficulties with their wisdom and their blades.

This all ended five summers ago. Through some unfathomable col- lapse of the celestial engines, nine dire Night Roads erupted throughout the country. Hordes of misbegotten Uncreated poured into Anca- lia and the Hollowing Plague raised every corpse as a ravening husk. Some cities were slaughtered within days, while others had time to evacuate as the knightly orders contained the outpouring long enough for their countrymen to escape. The loss of life was horrific and the ancient orders were all but destroyed by their sacrifice.

The surviving people of Ancalia have retreated to coastal enclaves and a few isolated inland refuges where the abominations cannot easily pry them out.


Nekoik was one such coastal enclave, where the struggling remnant of humanity had gathered, under the dwindling protection of the once mighty Surcessant Order, huddling behind its gated walls for what protection such could provide.


Urbs had come here to begin, and write, his own story.  Which was the 'Quest' archetype.
The hero travels in search of a priceless treasure and must defeat evil and overcome powerful odds, and ends when he gets both the treasure and the proverbial girl.
Often "Quest" stories make our hero(s) encounter a variety of challenges that are all seemingly unrelated.

It was here, in Nekoik, that Urbs sensed the first set on his Quest to save the World ... two worlds, actually.



Please, use the 'urban, medieval port city' setting to introduce your character: remember, First Impressions are an important part of any story, and character.

The path from Arcadia was long and arduous in a way that barely was worth mentioning. Regium had to carve a path on numerous occasions, ending the impediments impeding them and removing the unimportant role in his backstory. Until, finally, they had the sense of where they needed to be for the next step in their quest.

It was time to step into Arcea.

Ancalia, specifically. It would take a bit of doing to remember all the place names. In Arcadia, such distinctions were incredibly unimportant and only appeared in the minds of the sapiens who populated Arcadian universities - their innate knowledge of of Arcea had been instrumental in the courts understadning what was going on and deciding to act.

It was a pity that, almost as a rule, were not built for this type of story.

Urbz sighed as they walked the final steps. Had they traveled normally, no doubt Urbz would have ended up in some ancient ruin, an underground dungeon, or a clearing in the table.. places where nightroads typically ventured. Also, it was very likely that Urbs would have been eaten, because those nightroads were open and constantly spewing unspeakable horrors in to the world.

What a terrible and pointless story that would have been!

But Urbz was walking the Road from Arcadia, and that road lead to beginnings and endings. Beginnings were not Urbz specialty, but they could always sense where the next step of the story was, so they just stepped towards that.

And going on a quest with heroic adventurers to save the world(s), there was only

Which is how Urbs found themselves sitting at the corner of a tavern of questionable repute, surrounded by hardened men and women of dubious character, in a tiny enclave of Nekoik.

The filth of the place was the first thing he noted. The chair they sat in was filthy! Filth and dirt existed in Arcadia, of course, but they were usually not important to stories, so it didn't come up that much. Thankfully, the dust and grime wasn't supposed to cling to rulers important, so Urbs edited any that he came into contact with.

They rose, flipping the dust away and straightening their austentatious finery.
A wave of information on the city crashed into him like a charging knight. Then it hit Urbs, and he fell back into his chair.

"An avalanche of pain doth assail mine brow! What curse hath vexed me to so endow. A flood of lies and pointless detail, my hair I could tear, my lungs call to wail!" The voice was flowery and learned, the tone betrayed nobility, culture and (more embarrasingly) pretention.

Of course, any who heard it knew what Urbs meant. That was the power of metaspeak.

(Oh god! What the fuck? Why does my head hurt so much?)

Having an understanding of how a city work thrust upon Urbs brain in a sudden instant was not pleasant, particularly when so many concepts were utterly foreign to a Fae mind.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Tue 19 Nov 2019.

Urbs adjusted the way he moved, spoke and look so that it was less offensive to the citizens, performed a few consolitoary gestures so that they would know he wasn't hostile. It looked like there were a few gestures that indicates that "proved" someone wasn't a shapeshifter from the nightroads, which Urbz performed.

Urbs looked over the crowd.

"I see furtive glances, and the hands of a few went to blades."
No knights here, but a few adventurers at least, which could be far better or worse.

"But for now I pray, let your fear and wraith be stayed.

I serve as traveling royalty, from another land afar, and I come in, a peaceful dove to this humble bar.

Heroes I seek to join with, to fight the growing tide, for the evils that have set this land, the people should no longer abide.

By all means, summon your guards if you wish, the authorities should see, and hope that your fine people will establish diplomatic courtesy.

But first I pray, fetch me a drink, for the road was long, and I have much to think."

("Whoa there, it's cool, fellow sentients. I'm not here to attack you. Here looking for a group of heroes to deal with this mess. If you want to call your guards and have me speak to the local king, I understand, I really should meet them anyway. But no hurry, really."

The city continued to function; throbbing and pulsing around Urbs with little consideration for the newcomer within their midst.
In fact, it was as if they barely even registered his appearance among them.

Those who moved did acknowledge Urbs, as they moved about their business, greeted him with a smile and a nod, however.  His presence seemed not to bother anyone at all, in fact the denizens felt an immediate warmth and respect for the nobleman.

Urbs understood instinctively that this place was a sanctuary, of sorts.  A guarded refuge for these people against the otherwise hostility of their world ... and they felt a great kindness for those who kept them safe.
The warriors and knights who guarded these walls; and their Commander, Sir Jerrim Minbane who, for lack of any local authority, prefixed over the city by virtue of being the superior knight among those garrisoned here.

But Minbane was not the start of ‘the story’.    He would be a respected player in those events, but would be, at best, a catalyst for Urbs into events.   In a sense, Minbane was the crossroads, where otherwise unique elements would come together, and cross paths.

Indeed, Urbs senses that presenting himself to ‘the local kind’ would be a valuable step along this own path.

Urbs realized that they must take the role of the visiting noble from another land.

The story being told here was a good one, defenders who had lost much and were facing some great outside force. The stories being presented to him at once were too much to contemplate directly. Urbs was already not used to this level of causality.

It was far easier to step into a holistic view of the narrative and simply follow along. This was not just a local inference, it was a categorical imperative of the Fey. A Pelagus such as Urbs could think casually, but it was taxing, and Urbs was already taxed from their long journey.

So, time to relax a bit and slip into the role.

Some soft adjustments to Urbs appearance and clothing took place. Nothing that you wouldn't notice unless you were staring at Urbs. He shifted a few social classes, and clothing adjusted to the way those accustomed to the city would wear it. A few pointless baubles appeared on his regalia as he became a visiting ruler.

Speaking only to the audience, they engaged in a soliloquy.

"The bitter struggle, foes as such impossible arrayed outside the gates, awaiting to devour and worse those who dwell within.

Yet, impossible, a hope upon the brow of the lowly peasant. Upon the frail, undernourished frames, the glint of the stars within their eyes! The precious gems of hope and trust, treasures beyond compare in such circumstance!

Shining in a sea so that even the saphires atop the dark mother's crown jewels must pale in comparison for it's rarity.

Such heroes gathered against such a fearsome foe, mortals unyielding in the face of foes so fearsome that even the heroes of my kind would give pause. And yet, they pause the foe themselves. For years!

Such magnificent valor! Glorious defiance! Their plight such that this visiting noble is moved to tears. My heart does wail and the tears doth flow." And of course, they did.

They did feel for these people, but Regium's primary goal was saving the world. Given that the next step in the story was coming here and meeting heroes though, it made sense that saving this city might be an important part Regium's primary goal.

After finishing, Reigum felt much better, and made their way to Commander Sir Jerrim Minbane. Regium was quite certain that this wouldn't present too great a difficulty now that they'd taken up the role of the Visiting Ruler.

As Regium Urbs Finis made his way through the city, the crowds acknowledged him with respect.
"Good day, m'lord<coral>" might be hollered, while others tipped a cap ... but regardless of their manner or response, Urbs could see that these people respected and admired their city-leader, for it was their respect for he that they now showed Urbs.

The military persona at the barracks followed suit, coming to attention as Urbs drew close, while one of superiority stepped politely forward to ask, "<coral>What can we do for you, sir?"

And finally, a swift audience was arranged with the city-lord:  Sir Jerrim Minbane, Commander to the Surcessant Order (in these parts, at least).

"It is a pleasure to meet you, ..." Minbane said, offering his hand, but stumbling a little over how he might address such peerage, for he had never met this visiting noble, nor knew Urbs' name.
In fact, later that evening, it would occur to Minbane that he hadn't been informed of such an austere arrival through the gates of Nikoik ... something he'd have expected from his knights.
"... And how may I help you this fine day?"

Jerrim Minbane was a healthy and strapping man;  a life of conflict and experience had honed his confidence and physique equally, and he held himself well.  Urbs couldn't tell if the man was noble born, but had no doubt that he'd earned any respect and position he held.

For a moment, Regium paused, sizing up the man. Of course, the effete noble would not work here. This was no heritage obsessed nobleman, this was a defender of his people.

Still, there were certain roles he could not escape. In this case, being a diplomat from Arcadia meant he'd have to introduce himself with a degree of "formality" such as it was in Arcadia. Thank the editor for metaspeak.

What followed was exhemporized with hand waving and delivery one might expect upon a stage.

"From the land of stories, wine and lyre, Arcadia, we have traveled far, my poor brave countrymen fallen along the waysides as they journeyed, stories erased, threads cut short with nary even the scant mercies of the fates glimpse upon them as they were plucked from the tapestry."

[I'm sorry if this wastes your time. Many fell trying to get here, and I must honor my fallen with a degree of formality as is the custom of my people.]

"Thine troubles blaze in a beacon, doom upon doom piled to the sky, so that even Pandora and Casandra wept and the faithful knight's faith was shattered. The foul smoke of the burning seeps endlessly, tarnishing the silver spires.


[We've noticed a great deal of trouble from this land/world. Like, LOTS OF it. Things have obviously gone very bad here and this affects us.]

"The epic clash, the glorious hero, the great hosts of heaven and the hordes of hell are helpless, fading as though neverborn to the doom that seeps into souless oblivion. Weep the loss of these immortal heroes and villians, lest there is none to weep but the lonely Pelagus."

[As this land is being damaged, our world is being damaged.. vanishing, as well. It's complicated. But some of us have noticed and we'd like to help you, as we can't fight this from our own world.]

"Only Regium Urbs Finis of the Waxing Court of the Silver Spire of Arcadia, arrived, battered but unbowed, in their role as Finis - Ender.here to bring an end to danger to both their lands. For Arcadia is the land of stories, and here lies the tale of an epic one."

[My title is Regium Urbs Finis, a fae noble of high repute. I'd like to help you. First your city, then this world, eventually, to end the danger. I have some supernatural abilities you may find useful.]

Regium could not find one single thought or thread related to the fae in this city from his understanding of custom. The word would likely mean nothing to the man.

"And in this land of stores, some have the powerto turn the page, to know what need be done to bring about a serendipitous and sublime crescendo. The portents and signs speak their razor half truths, and spoke as if to the heavens - venture to this place, and seek heroes of great import."

[One of my abilities is to know what to do next in a quest. It tells me to wait here for a great hero.]

"For it is foretold that a being of great power, for good or ill, will arrive. And hark my words, for I speak truthfully: they may wear the countenence of the fair maiden, they may bear the mark of the beast, but their deeds will be great, and they may end this curse if we join our efforts."

[Prophecy reveals that a hero will come here, and the next step is to await for it. I do not know what this hero will be like, only that they will be be more than human, with powerful abilities.]

"Of course, we are beings of action, and there is work to be done! Lest thee think the noble race of Fae of Arcadia, shirking in courage or moral character. So we pledge assistance for the city in what ways we may offer until such time as the fated being arrives."

[Till then, I thought I should visit and ask if you needed anything done. If there's anything the city needs help with, I may be able to help.

Once he was finished, he gave a brief bow one would give to the ruler of the city.. an then offered to shake the man's hand.

"With honor and humility, I request that you acknowledge the position of one Regium Urbs Finis as an Ambassador of Arcadia extraordinary and plenipotentiary.

[That's just official formal word I have to say now. You will probably never actually have any relations with Arcadia. It's not really a government like humans have. Do you still even have ambassadors?

I'm happy to shake your hand, but I understand if you don't want to shake the hand of a non-human with strange powers. In your shoes, I'd probably mistrust me at least a little.]

Minbane sat and listened to Regium Urbs, struggling to listen to the Fae’s words, yet somehow understanding the jist of the thespian jingo enough to take the foreigner’s meaning.

His face frowned in concentration, but he nodded as heard of the sacrifices in lives made to bring Urbs to this point.   Minbane understood such costs; and the regrettable goals that required such.
But then the introduction turned to Urbs’ nature and heritage, and Minbane seemed sceptical ... and of Urbs’ apparent powers, and prophecies.

But either way, the Knight couldn’t help but like the strange man before him.

Finally, when Urbs made his offer of assistance, Sir Minbane looked at him a long time.
There was much to be done; much more than Minbane could ever hope to achieve.
Suggestions of impending Heroes, and aid from other worlds ...

Sir Jerrim Minbane was a practical man.  He worked with practical means, towards practical solutions.
To be offered ‘supernatural’ means, with an end goal of ‘saving the world’ wasn’t something that fitted into his paradigm.

Eventually, he managed to suggest, “Perhaps, you could entertain us?”
He had no idea what an apparent Fae could do, or contribute.  He didn’t want to insult Regium Urbs, but was something at a loss.
“Or bless our crops?”

Urbs gave a mischievous, almost impish grin, and their features became less human as he took on the role of the djinn who grants literal wishes with unforeseen consequences.

It wasn't exactly a role that brought happy endings to the person making the witch, but it was just too tempting for the Fae to indulge.. at least a little. Besides, there were a few variations where things did work out for people who were honest and good.

Then be entertained!

Urbs said not a word, just began snapping their fingers, keeping that same sly grin, ears now oversized and garb looking more outlandish.

And suddenly music starts on the beat of Urbs snaps. The musicians, of course, know exactly what he wants them to do. He's the Regium, of course.


A band of a dozen joined on cue, rising from the ground. Each was human, with sterotypical builds for the instrument they were playing. They looked mostly human with but with pointed ears and solid black eyes. They carried drums, horns and other instruments from across Arcea. They were very good (not quite masterful) players, but it was cleared they had performed in perfect harmony.

The song was similar to but legally distinct from a Bright Republic musical based on a magical wish giver who befriends a lowly thief. Shadows of this tale had made it's way to Arcadia, of course, and the style played out along the

A happy looking, barrel-chested singer broke out into spontaneous song.

"Hey there, you're looking tired. Sad is the face that wears the crown?
Well don't worry, time to get ready, and turn around that frown!
Does the state of, your kingdom, have you considering another levy?
*two musicians, not playing on that beat, made a tsk tsk motion*
"Can Urbz? Solve your problems? WELL TRUST ME HE'LL TAKE OUT A BEVY!"

The tempo kicked up with sudden stops. The singer stood forward and continued singing.

"So let me - just stop you -, I can tell what your thinking!"
"Who are - all these guys - with all this singing."
"How dare they - make this noise to my hall - I don't find music entrancing"
"But what knight - in what land - could resist pretty people dancing?"

And from either side of Urbz, dancers suddenly jumped out. There were 8 of them, 6 young women, and two young men, all very comely, lithe and dressed in colorful costumes. Each introduced themselves with a smile and coquettish wave as they preformed their art, pirouetting and showing off their agility.

After they'd had a brief interlude to display their talents, the singer continued.

"I'm sorry, I messed up. You still seem pretty confused."
"But I think that when you see what we're selling, you'll definitely approve."
"We'll sing, we'll play, we'll dance. To make your blues go away."
"You should try the veal, but just so you know, we're not here just till Thursday"

The joke didn't make more sense to Urbz than it did to anyone outside of the Bright republic (and even then). Actually, jokes never made much sense to him, though this was the part where he laughed, so he did.

"It's not just Singer, Musicians, Dancers, I hope you will mind.
You name it, Urbz'll make it. Specialists of any kind.
Miners, Readers, Shell peelers. Tinker Tailor, Soldier, spy,
It doesn't matter, your the boss, happy to do it till we die!"

A Tinker, a doctor, an engineer, and a soldier appeared, bringing the total of new Fae in the Castle to 24. They were not skilled in dance or music or rhythm, but they all bowed and posed on cue, facing Minbane.

Urbs gave a breif appreciative clap. The performers did not move from their bow position.


[I can summon specialists of any variety and add them to your city. You asked for entertainers. A small gift. They are soulless and uncreative, but they will perform their profession as asked.]

He considered, carefully, the best way to improve the city.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Tue 10 Dec 2019.

The sudden appearance of performers, summoned from proverbial thin air, startled Sir Jerrim Minbane and the other soldier’s present in the room ... and many had immediately taken a defensive stance, drawing their weapons.
But they stilled themselves at Sir Minbane’s hand, as the senior Knight watched on with confusion and curiosity ... but willing to let this (for lack of a better word) charade continue ... albeit with a quizzacle and uncertain look upon his face.
<orange>Urbs and Minbane are currently occupying a large gathering room in the local barracks.  Not a castle.   It is a large space, designed to host a large number of people; likely a war council room or training area.>/orange>

As the performance comes to its end, and Urbs’ offer is made, he could see the Knight Superior taking in the scene before him; his mind racing to both understand what he’d seen, and what to make of it ... including, what to do with Urbs’ offer.


As Minbane put his thoughts together, Urbs focused on the story at hand, and specifically the best way to improve the city.
As her already sensed, this city’s tale (and that of this land itself) was one of ‘Rebirth’.   That having once been great, it had fallen:  and should it’s story play out*, this city would rise like the prophetic Phoenix from its own ashes, to soar.
         * and not all stories do: for like all living things, a story can die before reaching maturity!
But there would, of course, be many crossroads along the way ... and, as always, should the wrong turn be taken, it’s story may end untimely, or twist in an unseemly way.

Urbs’ senses that the next crossroad for this city, would be when/if the only living descendant of the land’s previous ruler arrived safely within its walls ... for this event would begin a new chapter in the city’s prosperity.


“Builders!”
Minbane’s sudden response to Urbs’ offer startled The Regium from his deliberations.
“We need people who can maintain and add to the physical defences of this place”.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:30, Sat 14 Dec 2019.

"Constructs of stone, are all very well.
Nessesary artifacts, a cities shell.
Protect it's people from the pouring rain
And arrows from foes, unjustly aimed."

[That makes sense. I'll see what I can do]

"Were this Arcadia, I coulkd snap my fingers.
Yet, realities unyielding nature lingers.
The buildings would in your garden like weeds
Depndence on stonemason's art you'd be freed."

"So builders, I will summon as well,
make and maintain places where your people dwell.
Know that these beings will do their job,
Even fight against a angry mob"

[If this were Arcadia, I could will some buildings into existence quickly. Alas, no.]

"But I would advise you to contain your limitations
You must be aware of these beings limitations!
Imagination and independece is not their forte.
And all of these beings will die if they sorte!"

"Further, above their bodies, mortality looms.
Inherently, all mortals must face many dooms.
Food, water, sleep and age.
Just want you to be sure your use is sage."

[Ok. I'll do that. You should know that after I leave, these slaves will have to be told what to do. They are obedient but not creative, and will die if they leave the city. They are physically human in other ways.]

He snapped his fingers again, and 24 builders appeared. A variety of carpenters, painters, mortar men and burly builders were formed, along with an archtect and foreman. Each were varieties of demihuman of legend.

The musicians blinked a few times, and left their comfortable pose, They turned to comfortable sitting poses but held their instruments, waiting for commands. Their faces were not nearly as animated as before. Regium's will was no longer controlling them directly, so they were fundamentally


"A word of advice, given for free.
Please consider this possibility.
I am limited to around 50 a day.
But after I'm done, these being will stay."

"A few hundred guards would ease your load
To freeing your forces to protect the road.
They will not be able to leave and attack
But they can help hold the enemy back."

[I know you have tons of brave warriors and knights, but I could summmon some
extra guards who can help hold your walls. That's long term though.]

"My journey was long, and my vigor is gone.
Tomorrow my powers will once again be strong.
Those summoned today, must suffice, I pray.
Soon I will go and find a place to stay.

Before I leave, know that I have surmised
The cities next page to triumph or demise.
Once this city had another leader
Their decedent returns, as a ghost from the aether.

For good or for ill, I do not know.
Though I await a hero, so perhaps their soul glows.
A shining bright beckon on the night.
Against the end of all things and eternal night.

But stories are tricky, and prophecy is uncertain.
My window to the future is fully becurtained.
We are all fates pawns, for life is a jest.
Who knows what foes our resolve will test."

[You should know that I have prophesied the next thing to do for this city. My prophecy warns that the descendant's return will be an INCITING INCIDENT or PIVOTAL EVENT.

For good, or bad, I don't know. Prophecy is insanely tricky, particularly in an odd
realm like this one.]

"Two things I request, if it's not too dear.
"An assistant and small stipend for while I'm here."
"They need not be skilled in a particular way.
"Just a young lad or lass who can work for some days."

"While I dwell in this city, this will be like my home land."
"For I am one who knows all cities like the back of my hand."
"Yet there are assumptions about this world I will certainly get wrong."
"Already this city's stories in my head become a throng."

"So a single page, or perhaps a double."
May help desist imminent trouble.
They need not be brave, strong or prescient,
I only insist that they be truly sentient."

[If you are cool with it, I would like a small stipend and someone who can keep an eye on me from doing something stupid. Any human will do, really, as long as they are Pelagus (sentient).

I don't have much knowledge of commerce and that appears to be important here. No one special, I don't mind if they spy on me, I sort of expect it.]

"And I suspect that this our business will conclude.
I'm not sure upon which you wish to collude.
I can do little more with my power tonight.
Though I do not eat or sleep except for delight."

[That's about it. I don't have to sleep, but that's about all I can do at the moment.

I don't NEED to eat or sleep though, so if want to keep talking or have a feast or something, that's cool, but I know you are a busy man who isn't overly ceremonious.]

Sir Jerrim listened on mildly perplexed and amused in equal measure.

When Urbs finished speaking ... having made his offer ... Sir Jerrim looked at him for a very long time.  The knight scrutinising the noble, and considering his words.  Words that didn't always quite make sense to him, but he caught 'the gist' well enough.

"So," he gestured to the performers and engineers, "these ... folk ... are real, are they?
And they're here to stay?   They will carry on with the ... malarky ... and these ones will help with the construction and maintanence?
So long as we tell them what to do?
Like 'perform!' and 'fix that door'??

Are they real?  Where did they come from?"
But then his thoughts turned suspicious. "And how do I know that this isn't some trick?  Some infiltration?"

His sudden suspicious tone was a cue for his soldiers to retake their previous defensive stance.
After all, the truth was, they knew very little of this 'noble' who'd come into their city ... bringing unknown people out of thin air, and asking for 'a stipend' and 'guide'.

But Urbs' 'Council of One' still enforced a level of decorum, and so the change in stance was subtle ... and the commander remained respectful.

Urbs reached out, and touched a dancer's shoulder, and willed one of the sturdy builders forward, his arms raised and no tools that could be used as weapons.

"As real as you, more real than me,
With complete human physiology.
They will grow old, tired and die.
Abuse them badly, and they'll likely cry."

[You got it. They are real. They are human. Go ahead. Have your doctors look at one of them. Or a guard do it.]

"They are here today, and built to last.
They are not quite people, they are extras of the cast.
They exist for their job, and little more.
As conversationalists, they are quite the bore."

[You are correct on their characteristics. They are humans biologically, just not mentally or spitually. No will. No soul. Just make sure they get fed and sleep.]

"You see in Arcadia, the story's the thing.
The main character may be a hero or a king.
But what is a kingdom without subjects to rule?
Without subjects a king's just a throne borne fool."

"What hero travels without a magic blade?
Something a blacksmith surely would have made.
The warlord general needs an army the hero should beware.
Though each of their names, the story does not care."

"So they are summoned as story needs.
Made whole cloth from fate's strange weave.
We Fae are stuff of stories, which some of us can bend.
And know that I am a ruler, of both cities and ends."

"Cities may be built of stone or wood, buildings modest or tall.
But a city without people is not a city at all.
Most men you will not hear of, their stories are not told.
And because their unimportant, their existence is cheaply sold.

[This is really, really complicated. My version of reality works differently from yours. Most people aren't that important in stories, so don't have much of a role. Because of that, a sufficiently powerful will can MAKE unimportant people exist.

They exist because I am Urbs, I can create people in cities, because people exist in cities. So, it's not a bit stretch of the narrative for me to add them in. They come from my will and *effort*. I can only do so much.

If they leave, or your city fails to be a city, they will vanish, but otherwise, they are human, other than the minor cosmetic changes.]


Urbs gave a sad, knowing smile.

"Given the dangers you face, and your lofty position.
I can understand that my nature brings substantial suspicion.
Ask me your questions, I will tell no lies.
Send for your diviners and have them look into my eyes.

One thing I would council, before you order me away.
Please consider that in this place I've just arrived today.
When I got my bearings, I came right to speak to you.
And you've seen personally some of the things that I can do.

To infiltrate the city, I'd have stayed in an inns room.
I wouldn't stride the streets to try and weave your doom.
Cities are my nature, no need to infiltrate.
For example, the password is "Eranul" to your East gate."


"Humbly please consider, that I've powers more.
To remain undetected and gather your citys lore.
But I've no desire to use them in this way.
I wish to be ally, it's why I've come today.

[I get why you are suspicious of non-human outsiders, and I don't blame you for being distrustful given that your city is under siege. If you wish I will answer your diviners, though I don't think that will suffice.

However, please consider how little sense my actions make if my intent were to infiltrate. I walked up to the leader of the city, utterly surrounded by guards, and SAID I was a non-human with strange powers. This should not strike you as an optimal move.]

"Or perhaps just move with precaution, no need to take it fast.
Send a few of yours to spy on me, I will not think it crass.
Trust will not bought with unctuous displays of powers or tricks.
A fae knows only time and deeds will a friendship make thick.

As for my summoned extras, I do so only at your request.
You may not trust my honour but on my behavior, I will be my best.
An escort I will of course abide if it lessens your protest.
In time my good behavior will your suspicion slowly contest."

Regium spoke softly and calmly, as befitting a level-headed leader.

[I will not summon more extras without your request. You are welcome to send a few guards to keep an eye on me as an escort. I do not mind. Hopefully, in time, you will see that I am not here to harm you or your city.]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Fri 20 Dec 2019.

Jerrim Minbane sat, again, still and appraising this strange new man before him.
Given the dangers that Nekoik faced, the senior knight did indeed harbour suspicions ... but somehow he felt that Urbs was laying straight with him, and presenting himself in honestly and good faith.

And so, as he decided to take the Fae on face value, a smile crept across his face.
“So tell me, your lordship, as plain as you can, why have you come here to Nekoik?
And what is it you hope to achieve?  And what are you planning to do next?
What is it your ask of me?”

He broke into a more non-literal telling, for this was not something he wanted to make light of with simple rhyme. For an Arcadian, the way the story was being told was a part of their body language and tone. That might not come across to a human, except that meta-speak was based on collective subconscious, and so the point of it carried.

"Alas, times tragedy bears forth, and has plainly eroded this world. Already, I can see the edge doth blunt, the colours doth dim in comparison to the glorious tapestry which once unfolded, for verily, thine realm, this goodly simple Arcea of clay, is doth cast the shadow that is Arcadia. Thine realm must shine so that mine doth prosper."

The story therefore I tell is the last, to rage against the outrageous fortune of the tempest, the names of which are incoming have been long told by the shattered remnenants that now make this world. Fimbulwinter. The End Times. The Return of The Elder. The great drying. The wave that sweeps the world.

[As, I said, my long term goal is to prevent the ending of our worlds.]

To be a bulwark against this flood, this calamity, I follow a path to end this tale, as bold an edit as any Arcadian has made to a tale. This glorious tragedy be abetted? I know not how the fates weave both our world's doom. But what creature, even such as I, can dare oppose the bulwark to the end of the world? Against such pomp, such gravitas, I am merely a Shepard of story, a shaper.

So, I have stood against this story, desperately peeking at the tale I must tell that I might shape it's ending, a Casandra, the doomed oracle, for all tales have a metastructure to their endings. So, I saw and asked the next step upon a task that ended things not with a whimper, but to damn the darkness.

Alas, would that I could turn to the end and say what prices will be paid, if the city will survive.. but I am a part of the story, bound to fate and the vagaries of chance and whims of outrageous fortune. Only a glimpse, the next step on the path, is unveiled to me when I forsooth an end our endings, a stopper upon the apocalypse.

That cheat peeks to me as a maiden's comely form through a curtain. It teases, dancing beyond sight and grasp, cloaked in shadow and nothing else. It is for good, for it is said that kenning the future would make one unbound to fate and the meta. Only when the book is closed, the story told, should it truly be read. It is said viewing the thread directly, seeing the book as itis made, would envision such terrible beauty and ugliness would blind, sicken and madden, at once the maiden becomes the crone, not only the aged but the monster and the roles of the viewer, stripped from them reduced to being the cautionary tale.

But the maiden is kind to this Finis, and teases me with a whisper. Hark and heed my words, for her lies are by omission only. My path may be rocky or easy, lead to my death, or utter destruction, but when I ask the path forward, I walk with the faith of the greatest of holy men.

[The next step to prevent the end of our worlds is to come here and wait for the great hero, so it's what I'm doing. After that, I'll find out what needs to be done and do that.

I'm sorry I can't be more exact, but that's not how my prophecy works.]

"As I flung myself from the strange road into this world, this city, I tasted it's streets, it's people, it's stories, like spices and smoke from the braziers by the dock. The distant pyres of war, the determination of your guard, the slow movement from terror to hope, stories worn into the wood of your city like rings of a tree, each giving the faintest impression of what this place is, together as a unified whole, the tapestries of your people, trees in the forest, bricks in the building. Each with their own character, but far too many for even me to view, but together, they make up your city. And it is good.

And I wish to see the tapestry unrent, the building standing, the marketplace happy and bustling. As a Regium, as an Urbs, I am inclined to cities and am a leader. Yey, for I must depart in the name of the greater good when called upon by the whims of the dance of Fate, for the sake of all our people. But for now, I remain, and this place is agreeable, it's stories worthy of telling, so I would aid you in ensuring your people they may do so. The endless tragedy is a bit galling, the taste of ashes.

And yet.. there is a finality about the stories, a headiness that fills me with intoxication, trepidation and interest. Fate's web ensnares me, but I do not feel it's tug as strongly. The common tales I have seen firsthand, I find heady as well aged wine, though they would be as stale oatmeal in my own realm, unflavorful and bland. The world resists me, but I feel I can better resist the world."

While I'm here, I'll try to help out because I like this city.

All I ask of you is welcome to the city. If you would provide a small stipend, and a few people to keep me out of trouble and not doing anything that will inconvenience the city, that would probably be helpful.

Sir Jerrim, again, looked at Urbs for a very long time.   His stare might almost have reached into Urbs’ proverbial soul, before the knight nodded, and said, “It is a harsh world out there, and we have never turned away anyone seeking sanctuary and home ... unless they gave us cause.
Nor shall we you” ... but, for certain, Urbs would be watched, at least for now.
“You won’t need any stipend. Should you choose to contribute to the community, it will provide for you as it does for everyone.
We have little use for coin any longer, though perhaps one day ...

There’s plenty of places to stay.  This city once housed a population much greater than ours.
Then find something to do.
If you want martial training, it’s available to everyone, here.   If we no longer have use for courtiers, merchants or nobles”, making it clear that everyone got their hands dirty, in this dirty new world.

“As for heroes, you’ll find none here.  Just soldiers and craftsmen, parents and ... hell, maybe everyone here counts as a hero?”

But it was clear that, as far as Nekoik’s nominal leader was concerned, this meeting was over.
Once Urbs had the good grace to make himself scarce, Minbane would return to his daily chores organising the protection of this city.
In effect, Urbs could show himself out.

Urbs bowed with a smile and a flourish, and made himself scarce, leaving his entourage as promised.

The truth was, despite his ability to communicate clearly, and his knowledge of the city, Urbs was still very confused. There were, essentially, giant gaps in the fey's knowledge that had to be overcome.  Urbz knew all sorts of interesting secrets about the city, but the idea that these things mattered presented absolutely crazy assumptions about the world no fey would have ever considered.

For example, waste.

Urbs knew there were places to vent, and that it happened. However, inmost tales, it simply wasn't mentioned, so it never "showed up" in Arcadia. Dirty places were dirty and clean places were clean. Most stories didn't feature refuse carts or whatnot. The mechanics of how a city was organized, the details of how to get to A to B, were sometimes glossed over in Arcadia if the stories didn't focus on them. For the next several hours, Urbs carefully considered this reality. The fey's mind kept making connections with the new information that had been imparted to it.

The worst part was that Urbs could confide in no one. The questions being asked, given all this new information, had no context. It would have been so much easier if Urbs could just speak to a Sage, Magus or even just another Pelagus, to note the differences and work out theory. Even just to have a knowing look about the insane conclusions on how this world seemed to work. There were brief daydreams of speaking of this at one of the private clubs they'd become fond of in the silver city, sipping moonwine and nightwind tea and chatting about the real world. The other patrons would not believe the stories.

Terrible implications came to Urbs about the truths of this world. For instance that everyone was sentient. Urbs been intellectually aware of the possibility, but he'd discarded it as being too fantastical to possibly be true. Similarly, the idea that death was permanent.

A night spent fretting and thinking this way was not psychically ideal for Urbs, but it did not harm Urbs- no need to sleep, eat or drink.

At the very least, Urbs knew the next step in the story: the city's destiny would be fulfilled when/if the only living descendant of the land’s previous ruler returned.
Urbs knew the low magic of this world. In Arcadia, royalty commonly used scrying glasses in many high fantasy tales. It was relatively trivial for a master to search for water beneath the ground. It was a few hours of work, but the rote preparation gave Urbs time to refresh his essence, and take a break from the impossibility of this world.

So they would search the descendent out and find them.

Using low magic, seer of the bright eye. Between Urbs city/command words, I dont' think they'll have trouble gettnig a good enough description to find out where they are. If that can't be acomplushed, Urbs has some other ways to help the city more directly.





The next day, Urbs made his way out to one of the untapped areas his scrying had shown them, underneath some ruined hovels, a common condition of this place. They summoned

I regret that I find that last bit ... unfinished?
Without understanding exactly what you want to achieve that next morning, I will focus instead on what Urbs divines during the night, and ask that you help me understand the bit about 'untapped areas' and 'summonings'.


Urbs spent the night in meditation and contemplation; not only of the chaotic and irrational nature of humanity and their reality, but also (eventually) to search out 'the descendent'.

Urbs discovered that even his own sublime abilities of Seerage and Scry were somewhat ... inhibited ... upon the plane of man.
It was true that in Arcadia, royalty commonly used scrying glasses in many high fantasy tales. It was relatively trivial for a master to search for water beneath the ground.  But for some reason, this trivial task seemed more difficult in this world.
And Urbs found himself spending most of the night on rote preparation, and felt the resistance of this reality.

But still, eventually, the wisdom flowed (if somewhat reluctantly and disjointedly) through his mind and senses.
As he was searching this world for one individual, of whom he only knew by the vaguest title (and without anything resembling a personal description), the visions that came to Urbs were confused and enigmatic.

When he 'woke from the Dreaming' later, he remembered many things, but how they fit together, he could not tell.
He remembered a baby, and the arms that held it were ... deceitful; full of lies and misdirection, yet somehow protective of the babe.  Somehow, by bonds of Fate, the two had been bound without the knowledge of either.
He remembered a city, far from Nekoik; a city out of place, and out of time.  A place of magic.  Were they worships ... what? The mother earth?
He sensed forces at work, to defile and corrupt.   Not just the baby;  there was more.

And Urbs realised that, the child's destiny ... for good or for bad ... represented this land itself.  A war between the people of this world, and that which was not.   Not Arcadia, something else.  Something cold and dark and consuming.
The war was for both this land, and this child ... for they were intimately bound.  And only those of this world could save the babe from those of that other place.

Urbs sensed that the crossroad of Entropy that had lead him to Nekiok had something to do with 'those of this world'.
Without the champions of this world, the land and babe would be claimed by the darkness.

Sorry you are going through such tough times now. Dont worry about the delay, stuff happens.

I'll wait until I get introduced to another hero, ask people in the city and the leader as Urbs wait.

But for while I'm here, what about the specific things Urbs can do to make the city better? I kind of need to know if this stuff is going to work out before I post.

Specifically....

1) Finding water/minerals/lost supplies materisls with scry, building wells with Entropy and summoned work crews.

2) Clearing away abandoned buildings that are not desired and "digging ditches" with Entropy.

3) Creating a perpetual fire in a kiln using influence/entropy.

4) Offering to summon the souls of any recently dead or trapped undead in the area.

Are any of these viable as little things I can do to make the city better?