Rising out of the mists of the Divine Realm, a thousand pools in a thousand colors each reflect the gazer in a slightly different way.

Before the Seal, this was one of the places where gods would come to look down upon the mortal realm, and occasionally enter it.

Now, the pools show only reflections of the forlorn deities themselves.

The day is a momentous one: Many deities have come to witness what will hopefully be the dawning of a new era.  They wander among the pools, talking amongst themselves.

In the center of the murmuring crowd, three deities sit, waiting for those they have called.

"The ways are as open as they will be," intones the pale, tall figure of Pharasma.  "If this is to work, it will be today."

"It will work," chimes the steel voice of Brigh.  She does not look up at the others, but continues to focus her jeweled lenses on the work of her hands, where spell glyphs and chemicals mix, suspended in the air.

The third deity, Korada, sits calmly, meditating to himself, his three monkey-like tails wrapped him at the waist.

The crowd grows silent as the forgotten gods make their presence known.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:12, Thu 05 Jan 2023.

Within the Divine Realm, one that hasn't shown her face in thousands years.  She looked at all that was present and gave those that she knew a smile and a warm greeting.

"You are correct Pharasma.  Today will be the only day that it will be. from within the crowd a soft voice could be heard.  Standing there was the untimely being known as Ardul'ssysn.

Then she looked to Brigh followed by Korada. "I'm curious as to why have you called for me.  I haven't been here for a very long time and my churches has been either destroyed or replaced by some of the other gods that stand here. then she looked back at Pharasma for she was one of those gods that took over one of her temples.

A figure seemed to slowly shift into the area.  He had not been in the area before and was new to the place.  He arrived some way back from the others.  He walked slowly and with light steps towards Ardul'ssysn.  Shadowdale fell in beside her.  He turned to her and said in elvish.
My Lady.  As I promised.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Thu 05 Jan 2023.

Ardul'ssysn looked to the man that walked up to her, her eyes moved up and down over his body as she then smiled "Shadowdale.  The prophecy has come to light. she nodded her head to him.  "A promise to one is a noble honor.

Amidst the mists and the colours there are still places of shade, forgotten little eddies and abandoned lightless gaps. From one of these a tatterdemalllion figure slowly forms, wisps of shadow questing to form a patchwork tumble of whiskers and fur that approaches the murmurring crowd. It scampers, sniffing at the other deities, towards the three seated figures, coalescing into a diminutive blot of a rat standing upright though other shadow rats continue to chase one another around it, exploring. For know, they said nothing, content to listen to the two others selected to bring them back into the mortal plane

Walking out of the mists at a sedate pace to join the gathering, Elera quietly adds, "I am glad to see that we will be returning to reclaim the roads and paths of the mortal world." She watches the greater deities for a moment before placing her focus on the other minor gods as she continues, "I hope that our path is blessed. I am Elera, and I was once a local deity who protected travelers. Who were you three?"

Drifting into tatters a little, Skeeve twitched his snout, “We watched over the forgotten things, the recollections that came to folk in the hour of the wolf”

“It seems fitting to be here, now”, he recalled solemnly, “And perhaps the world we see us again in the flotsam and the jetsam, the trinkets and the white elephants, the myths and the half remembered kin”

Ludovic just walked out from behind another being chosen at random to join the crowd looking at the pools. On his shoulder was a long-term buddy that was a psudo dragon mixed with a ferret and a raven. In his hand was a new creation that he was currently calling an 'explorcupine'. It was a little hedgehog that glows as if it was made out of lava and seemed to have a general personality that would fit on a massive city stomping monster. A personality that was ruined by just how small it was.

Outside of the crazy monsters that he normally kept around himself, he looked the most out of place. A normal human with messy black hair and a leather over coat. He looked almost like a commoner if not for the chemical stains on his fingers.

He smiled and waved to everyone, but he blew a kiss to Pharasma as his theology of self-improvement and changing your fate stood in opposition to the idea of her plan for all things. It wasn't a hate, as a matter of fact he often sent Pharasma flowers. That 'kill them with love' tactic of war!

Pharasma looks with some concern at the first gods who approach.  "Wait, how many of them are -"

Korada opens his eyes for the first time.  "Just those two."

"And do they not know -"

"How could they?"  The monkey god's feet touch the ground as he steps forward with a quiet smile.  "Welcome.  It is good for you to learn of each other, as you shall depend on each other in the days to come."

"Tell them about the elves," Brigh chimes, the vials and symbols spinning in even greater number as she works.

Korada allows himself a glance of annoyance at the clockwork form, but returns his smile to the smaller gods.  "Soon.  Continue to speak amongst yourselves as we await your sixth member."

Ardul'ssysn looked to Brigh as the words spoken made the small follicle on her neck rise. "Yes what about the Elves.  Seeing that we two are the only Elves on this summon. her words ware soft still but all could hear the concerning tone of the Elves.

Then she looked around at all the figures "Who are the others?

So many of us stand around waiting.

Ludovic turned around once and appeared as one of the Fey'ri before rotating again to appear as winged elf, then again as a human before bowing to Ardul'ssysn. "Ludovic Von'Vorlolakas, King of the created monsters." The hedgehog in his hand scowled at her as if it was the end of all things and she would feel its tiny wraith!

From the shadows a large figure emerged, clad in bloodstained armor Thaddeus approached the others. "Thaddeus, the Crimson King." He quickly interjected, deciding to use his 'King' title just like Ludovic had done. He looked down at the others and chuckled a bit, gazing at them curiously. "What's going on?"

Ardul'ssysn looked at Ludovic as he proceeded to transform into many shapes that didn't matter.  He was a human and by the looks of him one on the edge of losing his sanity.  Claiming a title that existed long before he was ever thought of.

She looked down at the little creature in his hand and for a moment she was contemplating of sending it out of Time, for it showing her such disrespect.  Instead she smiled to it "Little thing, you should know your manners when in the presence of Divine.  There is not one here that couldn't remove your existence.  Show respect to those before you or I personally will turn you to rusty monster. her eyes sparkled for even a minor being would tremble in the presence of any Divine.

Then she looked over to the Crimson King as he made his entrance.

For those that don't know of me, since its been a very very long time that I been away.  I am Ardul'ssysn.  For those that knew of her, they knew she was ancient.

Skeeve chittered to himself, shadows billowing momentarily before reforming into  the figure of a young ratfolk, “I am Skeeve; if I had titles they have long since been forgotten”

His whisker twitched at the thought of Elves perhaps having been … lost … and he wondered what the three eldest might have to say

Korada nods.  "Six were called, and six have come.  Thank you for your presence."

"The Seal is as strong as ever," Pharasma laments.  "But a path as been found to descend to the Waking World."

"But only for those that have been forgotten," Korada gestures to the six.  "We know almost nothing of what has befallen the mortals in our absence, but of you, no memory remains.  No worshipper, no writ, no legend.  It is as though you never were."

"You can be made invisible to the Seal," Brigh adds, "with the appropriate alterations."  The glowing sigils have stabilized now, enveloping six small vials of iridescent green liquid.

"In the Waking World, the six of you, appearing as mortals, may venture forth to break the Seal."  The pale gaze of Pharasma sweeps over the assembled beings.  "If you choose to go."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 15:30, Fri 06 Jan 2023.

"Tell them about the elves," Brigh repeats.

Pharasma and Korada exchange glances, but neither speaks.

After a long moment, Brigh speaks again.  "The elves are believed to be entirely extinct," her steel voice rings plainly.  "That was the final magic, the foul act of sorcery that allowed the mortal powers to seal the Divine. Simultaneously ending the life of every remaining elf in the world."

Korada looks with sympathy upon Ardul'ssysn and Shadowdale.  "Neither of you had communed with your elves for ages even before the Sealing, and I'm afraid you may have to wait much longer to do so.  Restoring the race may not be possible until after divine power is restored to the world."

"If you want to blend in," Brigh continues, with no particular emotion in her metallic words, "you may not wish to appear as members of an extinct race."

They pause, awaiting reaction to their words.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:49, Fri 06 Jan 2023.

Turning to Elera Nehnisa.
I call myself Shadowdale Greenleaf.  I am or was the god of Fools, The Mad and Traitors. But that was a long - short time ago.  His voice was matter of fact.  Holding no hint of emotion.

The dark elf looks over at Korada.  I may pass the seal with ease as even the gods here do not remember my nature or history.
You now explain why I have not been tortured for so long.  She had nothing to torture me with.  I would have spotted images of the past or illusions.  I can see through her tricks.  She could not torture me with the now.  That is a good thing to know.

As for Lady Ardul'ssysn.  If my understanding is right.  She was before the elves were and after they were gone at the same time.
He look to the Lady and shrugs his shoulders.  I am here to protect Lady Ardul'ssysn and will follow her wishes for the most part.

Then a sarcastic smile hits his lips.  Again looking back at Korada.  Although I think in your hurry you missed the irony of sending a female and male elf into a world with none.  But what Lady Ardul'ssysn and I do about such an issue is between The lady and myself.

He then stands at ease waiting to see what unfolds.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Fri 06 Jan 2023.

Elera returns a smile to the others who introduce themselves and says, "I am glad to meet you all. I hope that we are all prepared."

She shifts her gaze Brigh as she listens to his explanation about the state of the elves before looking to Ardul'ssysn and Shadowdale and saying, "If they are attached to these aspects of their divinity, then I think we should find a way to make it work. In the worst case, we can just have them keep their hoods up or grow out their hair and style it to conceal their ears while we interact with the mortals."

Ardul'ssysn stood there and as the three began to speak again she listened as well looked over those that were requested to come.  Divine beings that have all been forgotten.

It wasn't till Brigh repeated the request about telling of the Elves.  Neither Pharasma or Korada would give such insight.  Were they afraid that the Elven Gods standing before them would refuse to help the human gods for they did nothing to save the Elven population from this horrific effect.  None of the other gods that was standing around spoke up either or offered to say a word.

That was when all present could feel as if Time itself Stopped and Ardul'ssysn's eyes gazed over all present as if looking for someone or something.  Then they landed on a few beings Findeladlara‎, Ketephys and Yuelral‎.  None of them was eager to inform her of what has transpired.  Were they too only so eager to return to a world where none of their followers existed anymore.

Turning back to the three she looked sadden but it was also filled with anger.

As Brigh continued to speak "There is a lot of speculations in what you three speak about.  If the Elven race is believed to be entirely extinct.  That allows a possibility that all are not. she calmly stated.  "I will not allow a human race to place fear within me or my people.  If you wish for my help, I will not hide from being of the Elven race to No one. then a malice smile crossed her face.

It will place a bit of fear in those that created this dreadful Seal, if an Elf survived then the Divine could return.  It will also give hope to those that didn't wish for this to happen. her eyes cut to Pharasma "Is that not what you wish.  To give the mortals Hope.

"The hope of mortals, or their despair, is not my concern.  Merely that they meet their appointed end."  Pharasma allows a scowl to briefly darken her features.  "The Seal is an affront against Destiny.  I care not how you end it, only that you do."

Brigh gestures at one of the pools.  "Choose the mortal form that you shall take.  I shall reduce you to mortals, with only a glimmer of your divinity peeking through.  And that glimmer, you must conceal."  She surveys the six again.  "If the mortals acknowledge any one of you as a god, and you are worshipped again, the Enchantment will eject you from the mortal realm.  There can be no gods there until the Seal is fully broken."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:48, Fri 06 Jan 2023.

Ardul'ssysn was very pleased of the reaction she got from Pharasma for if the Elves were to extinct all the humans from the world.  She would surely be having a different attitude.

Seeing that of the three Brigh , the Bronze Lady was the only to show or speak the truth of the Elves she moved over to her and looked down into the pool offering of mortals.  For what may seemed a very long time, Ardul'ssysn looked over many and all she was seeing was humans.  Then a small light shined upon a gem that held the body of what looked to be a female Elf.  She smiled to them all.  "Not all have been extinct is seems..  She looked to Shadowdale and wondered what mortal form would he choose to take.

"I will take that form. she pointed to the gem upon a dusty shelf.

It was a Elf encased in a gem, a obsidian skinned Elf with silver hair.  It seemed that the mortals like to keep treasures of a race that was beyond their lifestyles.

Shadowdale pulled his cloak around him.  Pulled his hood up so his face was covered.
He lifted an arm up.  A shadow appeared.  Gray white and it became solid.  A Snowy Owl swooped down to land on his arm.
What took you so long.  Got lost again I think.
He made some noises and the bird answered him.  It seems to be telling him off.
He turns to Brigh. I once became a Ranger of the snowfields.  When your touch is as cold as mine and you talk of the midnight sun.   You can look as you please.  Most creatures think your mad anyway.  I see no point in changing the way I look.  I did not change it for her twisted pleasure and I will not change it now.  Anyway I intend to leave the talking to others and spend my time making sure our mortal forms do not die.  If they do are we gone for ever or do we return here?

He asks.

OOC:
Notice the change in my picture.

"Neither," Brigh answers.  "You will remain until the Seal ejects you or your mission is complete."

"I would not make a habit of dying," Korada adds.  "Death leaves a mark, even when it does not stick."

The lil molten hedge hog just rah rahed at the elf in its impotent fury.

Ludo seemed sad at mention of the elves. Humans with how easy they varied had been his favorite but elves differed so vastly when they did, it was a blessing to have them. Though all elves having a single ancestor just seemed silly.

"I am good with human as I will alter the body later but Id like to design a monster domain this time around. Leave magic to sister sand, I will wear my artifice and monster! If that is ok."

Ludovic's statement seemed to be meant more for himself than any of the other deities, so Elera let it go unremarked. After a few moments of consideration, she begins to settle into the form of a human woman with coppery hair and adjust her features as she watches herself in the pool before she says, "I think this will do nicely." With her body molded, she steps to the side and fidgets with an amulet as she waits for the last two to shape their bodies.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Sat 07 Jan 2023.

Skeeve had manifested into his chosen form already, that of one of the ratfolk, and his snout twitched a little as the others found their own. For a brief moment his head tilted as he considered something, but he remained quiet. Among such tallfolk, he might go a little more unnoticed, but that was how he had been before, a minor godling, caring for the forgotten

Thaddeus gazed at the mortal forms and after a few seconds he picked his form, he let out a chuckle, satisfied with his choice. "I look forward to fighting once again, it's been too long."

Shadowdale add to Korada.
That is interesting.  There are fates worse that death.

Ardul’ssysn smiled at Shadowdale. “Yes there are many but being Forgotten is one of the worse. You loose all connections to your followers and the worlds that spoke your name. she paused for a moment “Placed in a Void that you have no control of or knowledge of Time. some may see that her eyes begin to allow sparkling teardrops to fall.

Shadowdale nods.  This is why we will make a good team.  For me being forgotten was a blessing.  The only thing I ever really had control of was myself and then sometime not even that.
He moves a hand to is belt then touches hers.  Placing a small soft square of fabric in it for her tears.

Sensing a lull in the conversation, Skeeve's nimble fingers fluttered, small black claws glinting in the reflected light of the pools. He smiled, rodent-teeth exposed, and addressed the three gods who had called them forth, You would not be sending us through if there was not an inkling of a thought about how the Seal might be broken, no?

Kodama nods, his eyes glowing with Foresight.  "Six tasks complete shall break the Seal.  The first: destroy the Crown of the Ogre King of Varnield.  The next tasks shall be made known to you when the first is complete."

Pharasma blinks, a small bow appearing in her hands.  She extends it to the smallest god.  "This spirit bow shall awaken each twilight.  Let it guide your aim, and you will fire an arrow of darkness unerringly towards your objective.  But," she adds sternly, "never use this weapon against any living creature, or it shall lose its power."

Bligh presents the six vials of glowing green to the assembled gods.  "When you are certain of your form, drink this.  Allow it to diminish you.  You may gain power in two ways in the mortal realm: by a hero's acclaim, or by taking the lives of other mortals.  Grow wisely, and gain allies where you can."

Kodama spreads his arms, gesturing to the surrounding deities.  "The assembled gods have agreed to grant one boon to each of you.  Make your request, but remember that all of our powers have waned, and too great a gift may place the mission in jeopardy."

His eyes glow again.  "And I will grant you each the answer to one question, although I will warn you that you will not be satisfied with all of my answers."

"Drink first," Pharasma proclaims.  "Then make your request.  Ask your question after that, and then we will go.  And be quick.  The paths grow narrow."

Ludo gave the tonic a good look over. He would add it to his formula list later but did down it."Well that is a hard one. To what scale do we gauge big requests? I would very much like to be able to mimic a monster ability I witness and change it out for another if I fins something more fitting."

"If that is too much I would always settle for the far greater boon of Pharasma's time."

"As to my question, mortals have a god shaped hole in their hearts. What replaced us?."

After some murmuring, a nondescript minor god in the form of a small frog-like humanoid comes forward and hands Ludovic a cauldron.  "Th-this should do what you wish.  Render and eat the p-part with the abil... with the ability you want.  But don't eat anything str... anything more pow... nothing t-too m-much for you."


Kodama answers, "Those who look to the light have kept to the gods, even though their faith is now blind.  Those who look to the darkness, see the world's new powers as worthy of worship."

Shadowdale steps forward.
I will drink.  Taking the flask and drinking it slowly.

As for my ability.  To be able to learn and use any spell a Cleric, Druid or Wizard of old could based on my own spell power as a Witch.  This ability will be limited to my own understanding (Wisdom or Intelligence) and I will have to find the spell before I can add it to the list I know.
He raises his arm with his owl on it to make the point.

As for my question. Does the protection of death cover Snowy here?
The owl make a Hoot noise.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Sat 07 Jan 2023.

Skeeve bobbed his head, thinking, “I will, too” and quaffed the luminous potion handed to him

“For my boon”, he chittered, one paw dabbing at the corners of his mouth, “In this form I will miss the company of others, those blessed with sleek fur and keen senses, so I would wish to be able to bond such as familiars or companions”
This message was last edited by the player at 09:13, Mon 09 Jan 2023.

Ardul'ssysn didn't wish to rush anything, she allowed everyone to go before her.  Before she took on the form of the mortal and spoke to the three Gods that seemed to be in charge of all this.

Letting out a soft sigh as she smiled to Shadowdale and his newly transformation.  His act of kindness just a few moment ago was very touching to her.

As he spoke of his request, she thought for a moment of what she might wish to request.  But first she wanted to see if they were able to accommodate his request.

This request causes quite a bit of uproar.  After some whispered discussion between somewhere between three and a dozen gods, a cloaked goddess beckons a bony finger towards Shadowdale.  "Follow me," she says.  "If you wish this to be done in time for you to depart with the others."

A flurry of leaves rustles in as though by an unseen wind.  A hand crafted of wood and dirt extends from the mass, handing Skeeve a tiny circlet crafted from vines.  It indicates (without words) that Skeeve should put the thing on his tail; if he does, it will sink into his skin, leaving his tail tattooed with a pattern of vines.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:52, Mon 09 Jan 2023.

Elera stepped forward and made a final few adjustments at the pool before taking the vial and downing the contents. She wipes her mouth against the back of her handwraps as she asked, "Please help me master the secrets of Ki and Investiture. They will doubtlessly be essential to me in the mortal realm." She steps back to allow Thaddeus and Ardul'syssn to make their requests while she waits for a response.

Placing the circlet upon his tail, Skeeve nodded his head in thanks to the animated hand, uncertain whether it was a deity or an underlying. His eyes glittered with sharp intelligence as he considered his question

Kodara himself steps forward, taking the crown off his golden-furred head and handing it to Elera.  "May this aid you in the discipline you seek."

Pharasma answers, "Yes.  Your familiar is part of your created form, not a creature of the Mortal Realm."

Elera carefully takes the crown and holds it reverentially for a few moments. Once she's taken a moment to examine it, she draws a scarf from her bag and gently begins to wrap the crown within as she says, "Thank you, I will treat it well. With luck, I'll be returning it to you when everything is said and done." With the crown wrapped, she places it into her bag and waits quietly.

Thaddeus contemplated his request and his question for a while before he drank the potion. "I want the gift of strength and toughness, a sliver of my true power with me in the mortal realm." He paused for a while, thinking some more on what to ask the Gods. "What happened to my followers?"

Ardul’ssysn was standing there and in a blink of an eye she had witnessed over hundreds of senecios of what would happen after stepping into this mortal vessel.

She looked up at the three and spoke with sincerity “ I have witnessed many options when I awaken in this new form that you’re asking of my aid. I discovered that it will be weakened more so than I expected. taking a moment “I have an infinity of spells at my thought. But once inside this mortal I will be greatly weakened as she too is weaken by not able to know many spells.  I request that once I become this new being that she will not be so drastically hindered. That she will be able to cast twice the amount of spells per day and able to know three times the amount per level. 

Taking a step “That is my request for helping you in this mission. then she looked to Brigh “My question is. How do we destroy this Crown of the Ogre King of Varnield? If this item is an Artifact it would have certain conditions in being destroyed.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:25, Mon 09 Jan 2023.

"Were you to receive that amount of power here," Brigh explains, "you would no longer be able to bypass the seal."

A god in the form of a gnome steps forward; his hands are ink-spattered.  "I can offer you this.  It's far less than you asked for, but it will broaden your access to arcane magic at least."

A dwarven god steps forward, tossing Thaddeus a belt.  "At least you asked an easy one, lad."


Korada's eyes glow as he dwells on a scene you cannot see.  "They kept the faith and died well.  Were it not for the seal, you would have welcomed many of them to battle with you in the hereafter.  But they opposed those who now rule - particularly Sartranak, Tyrant of the Northern Wastes - and were defeated.  None who remembered you survived to pass the stories on."

Although she looks to Brigh, is it Korada who answers.  "Although the King himself is nearly impossible to kill, his crown is merely a piece of metal and jewels.  Melt it, crush it, tear it to pieces: when it is no longer a crown, its magic will fade."

Ludovic inclined his head to the amphibian god. "I promise I will make it up to you. Count when we all get back to the world I am going to personally craft you a divine beast worthy of you."

He stowed the cauldron, it was going to get a lot of use. Clapping his hands Ludovic smiled, "Into the breach we ride."

Ardul'ssysn listened to what Brigh had to say about her gaining such power would be too much, but when a god in the form of Gnome walked up to her and offered her something she looked at it ???

"That you.

I have been away far too long and I don't know of  your name. she said as she extend her hand to take the item.

Shadowdale steps forward.  I will follow you willingly.  Teach me to understand magic better, as much as you can without it coursing problem for me and the seal.
He follows the figure and waits for it's guidance.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Mon 09 Jan 2023.

"You'll get the hang of everything again, soon enough.  Safe travels."  With a swish of a cloak, he melds into the crowd.

The others seemed to be waiting for her to ask a question, so Elera rolled her words over for a few moments before she decided that knowing where they would arrive would likely help the group integrate themselves with the mortals. She asked, "Do you know anything about where we will arrive after we pass the seal. I imagine that the world has changed in these 500 years, but even outdated information is better than nothing."

Shadowdale appeared back in site.  He turns to the shadowy figure that had beckoned him.
Thank you for your education and training.  It has been most interesting.  I will do my best to put it to good use.
He returns to the group.  He has a large plain black book in his arms.
His owl has move to his other shoulder and is looking at the book with disdain.
Shadowdale taps the book.
Not quite what I had ask for but we have to be careful what we bring with ourselves.  This should not upset the seal.  I now have my own wizard spell book.  Which I can use alongside my other spells stored in snowy here.  I could have gone for the one with all red and blue gems on the front or one with forest landscape.  This I felt was more inline with who I am.

"Varnield was once a simple country," Korada explains, "with farms in the north and gem mines in the south, many roads connecting the kingdoms to the east and west.  Dwarves and hobbits mostly, although all peoples were welcome there."  He pauses, his eyes glowing.  "The farms and mines are still run by the same peoples, but now as slaves to their goblin masters.  Above the goblins are the bugbears, and above the bugbears the Ogre Lords rule supreme.  They do not bother with names, and their only laws are their whims."

Korada faces the assembled gods. "All those in Varnield who defy their betters are eaten, and many who obey are eaten just the same. The souls of the devoured feed the power of the Seal and bolster the life of the Ogre King. There is no hope in Varnield, and you will find no light there."

Skeeve considered, then added his question, "Who will oppose us, that is, which alliances and individuals, knowingly or through their own self-interest...?"

Korada meditates for some time before giving an answer.

"I can only see as far as Varnield, and that but darkly," he frowns.  "You will be opposed by all who do not understand you, including those you would think your allies.  Slaves and masters alike will strike out at you.  Outlaws and rulers both will be your enemy.  Five times you will be offered the hand of peace in Varnield: three will be genuine, and two will be false."  He looks at the smallest god.  "If you can complete your task in Varnield without falling to despair, your courage shall not falter again."

Ardul'ssysn looked to Shadowdale as he comes back and speaks of what he received. "Interesting.  Neither did I but the warrior got a nice belt and the smallest of us got a nice tailring. a slight smirk came to her lips on the comment about tailring.

She had not lost love for most of these gods were humans.  The other races were fewer but still they didn't stand up against them.  The whole Elven race was supposedly extincted.  Such a foul thing to allow to happen.

There is more to this then they were willing to share with her or Shadowdale.  Most of those assembled for this mission are forgotten or lost Gods.

Listening to Korada's warning only made her even more on edge.

Still she wouldn't allow her race's memories to be wiped so easily.  She will not dishonor them and walk in a world where they were killed.

Thaddeus was already busy buckling the belt around his waist, smirking as he felt the power grow within him. As the Gods spoke more about Varnield the God of War smirked. Not because of the cruel practices that occured in the mortal realm but because Thaddeus felt more than justified in what he felt about the vile enemies he and his companions were about to fight.

That Varnield was a province of slave ruled over by goblins and ogres was news that boded ill with Elera. That they would be betrayed twice was even grimmer news, but at least they'd find three allies. She appreciatively returns, "Thank you for the information, Kodara." Before she turns to the others with a little bit of apprehension and asks, "Are we ready? I know that I am prepared, but it will be a long time before we return here."

A deep crimson flags hanging from above - perhaps thought to be in honor of Thaddeus - suddenly shuddered.  The color shifted, and to the surprise of some, fell quickly away, leaving a plain grey flag.  The color nearly reached the floor, when it halted in midair.  The color was crimson itself.  It changed shapes and textures as it gradually pulsed, but its deep crimson color remained the same.

"I will go as well."  A voice emanated from the color, as its form pulsed in coordination with the sound, directed to the trio of gods running the ceremony.  "I am Ziklag, or Crimson in the common tongue.  I once held sway over everything that made mortal blood flow.  The heart-throb of love, the red veil of rage, the ear-pounding rush of higher purpose.  But the abstract fades from the mind of mortals most quickly."

It's attention seemed to turn to Thaddeus, though it would be difficult to say what made that seem to be so.  "You may, of course, keep the epithet, and the color.  You represent on facet of myself that I am willing to grow out of.  I will focus on the more positive bent."

As the attention of the crimson cloud fell upon the pool, where wave after wave of crimson, red, and orange creature stirred as the crimson mind wandered.

Pharasma and Bligh seem surprised by Ziklag's arrival, but Korada just nods.

Finally, Bligh speaks, "If you intend to descend to the mortal realm, you will need to choose a mortal form.  What you appear as now will not pass the Seal."

"The paths will narrow quickly," Pharasma declares.  "We must depart. Do what you must with haste."

Elera was internally surprised to see a god peel themselves out of a flag, but she maintained an external calm. She crossed her arms loosely and leaned forward slightly as she watched with some interest to see what shape the flag-god would adopt. Perhaps some sort of mortal form just as odd and esoteric as their current misty composition?

Nodding his head twice, Skeeve's bewhiskered nose twitched before he declared, "Let's be about it; I am ready"

Shadowdale puts his new book in his backpack.  Check he got all his weapons and general items with him.
Then turns to the other gods.
I am ready.

Ludo nodded as he was already ready and stated so before. He still pointed at the lady of fate, "Think kindly on me fate weaver. I will be ready to take you to dinner once we get the world opened back up."

Pharasma gazes back placidly. "Restore the paths, oh disruptive one, and I shall permit it."

The crimson aura flickered merrily at the interaction between Ludovic.

He then addressed their patrons.  "For my gift, I will accept whatever you believe to be most helpful to me in my mission.  For my question: What languages will be the most important to imbue into the finite mind of the creature I'm making?"

As he gazed at the pool, he willed the forms he was considering to winnow down until two were left.  Both flaming beings, one red-orange and trim, one white-orange and muscled.  "I will take my first - and perhaps only - form.  I will an Ifrit.  A granter of wishes and a teller of tales."  As he resolved himself, the white-orange form disappeared and only the red-orange one remained, its details wavering as he tried out a variety of appearances before finally settling on one. "I am ready as well."

Ziklag hesitated, then cast his gaze over the pool once more.  "Perhaps it should be a bit less conspicuous, though."

The flames on the head settled into a bright, but plausibly natural, red hair.  The skin softened to the white of a hot ember, and the glowing eyes dimmed to a yellow-brown.  "Wouldn't want to make it too easy for our enemies to identify us once we begin to act.."  He commented.

OOC: Sorry for the double-post.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:03, Thu 12 Jan 2023.

Pharasma leads the forgotten gods to a nearby pool.  With a wave of her hand, the surface glows and then the liquid retreats, leaving a slightly glowing stairway down.  She descends wordlessly, trusting the others to follow.

Elera watched as the flag-god coalesced into the form of an ifrit, and then eventually took on a mostly human appearance. The contrast between themselves was interesting at least. She moved to follow Pharasma down the newly opened passageway before she gestured to the rest of the party, beckoning them forward.

Smiling at Elara, Skeeve slipped swiftly ahead and down the stairs; he was comfortable in the role - purpose even - of being the seeker and pathfinder

Thaddeus stomped closely behind Elera after giving Ziklag the stink eye for what he told Thaddeus. A hesistant smile returned once the little rat skipped ahead.

Shadowdale looked around a little unsure but did not show it.
Ardul'ssysn was gone.  A god named Ziklag was in her place.
Nobody had said anything or given a reason for this.  It was as if she was forgotten.  Which he could see the irony of.
Ardul'ssysn may time give you what you want and to be who you are.  He said to himself in his mind.  He was the sane god of Fools, The Mad and Traitors.  His reason for being here was gone.  This open up thing in a way he was going to have to think about carefully.

He focused on what he could keep and take with him.  Left the rest in the place he come from.
He wait, ready to go forward.