The Nexus.

Home of the gods. It is a realm that is owned by none yet home to many.

Within the Nexus is a land of wonder that has existed since the beginning of Creation itself. Endless in scope, it is said to be ever growing in all directions making one who would seek to travel its entirety need to serve eternity to accomplish the task.

The realm follows a cycle of day much as the realms of mortals do yet their is no sun nor moon; the light simply dimming when the night arrives with the specks of light within the sky being the realms within Creation itself. When day comes, the light in the sky augments. Clouds do move about the realm bringing with them rain yet they are an after thought to most.

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Realm Traits:

The realm is one made of Celestial energies that formed the realms themselves. Within the realm, all sentient beings can understand one anothers spoken language. Note that this does not apply to the written, or other types of non-verbal languages.

# of Provinces: None

The Nexus has seen all of eternity pass as its existence is linked to Creation itself. Thus ruins and other structures permeate the landscape if one looks for them. Places of note that can be viewed from the Juncture:

Flame Eternal: A rising stream of fire, the colors of which change with every passing second as it goes through the multitudes of color within Creation, as it rises from just above the ground in the distance and into the sky.

The Metropolis: More accurately, ruins of one. What must have been a vast and thriving metropolis now is but a set of remnants of an age gone by. Some areas seem in better shape than others though.

The Perpetuam: A river that flows between the Metropolis and the Juncture where you first arrived. It can be seen streaming from east to west, yet its flow is indistinct, seeming to flow in whatever direction one believes it to flow to.

The Stormlands: To the south can be seen the Stormlands, a vast stretch of lands that are covered with storm clouds that seem to rise up to the sky and touch the ground. Streaks of lightning can be seen arcing across it regularly.

The Fangs: A long stretch of mountains that can be viewed in the ease. They seem to reach out as if to bite the sky, their tall and triangular peaks looking like canines or fangs. The Perpetuam seems to flow to or from it yet it is hard to be sure from this distance.


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Your immersion into this realm was timed with your emergence from the other realms. Your body  took shape in the blink of an eye yet to you it was as if a century had passed as your body formed and your consciousness began to drift from the expanse of Creation into this vessel. Your mind was linked to the other selves that you had in the other realms and it was as if this was meant to be, to show you how you could exist here and elsewhere at the same time.

You knew what you were, who you were and why you were here yet at the same time this whole place was new.

In this realm, unlike the other two, you felt as if you belonged here yet were not OF here. No, your body may have formed here but your being was from Dakalnar.

As your being became solid, you saw that you were not alone. The others around you were unique and different than you yet you felt a certain commonality with them. You understood that the common thread you all shared was your place of birth: Dakalnar.

As you all looked to one another you noted that you had formed in a circle. Each of you stood facing one another in a circle with the area where you stood marked by your arrival:

- Kairos stood before you with the land around him strewn with a fog that hung around his feet, shimmers and shadows within the fog seeming to call to all around him that brought forth feelings of hope and inspiration for what was to come.

- Xeslin stood before you with the land around him sprouting flowers and plants of many colors and kinds, the gentle touch of creation in that which may not accept life being able to overcome such a task.

- Anastaria stood before you, the area around her shining with an inner glow as if the sun were at her feet. You could sense the warmth of this light and the knowledge that there was always a way, that there was hope to do better than what you thought possible.

- Talramirez stood before you, the land about him showing the growth of plants and small creatures as they sprouted to life. As these creatures took shape they began to work about him, minature beings forming what seemed to be a possible home for themselves before dissipating, a new form taking shape and growing from where the first had been. It was a cycle, life always flourishing where it needed to, finding a way.

- Elise stood before you, an aura flowing about her as you felt the passions of your own wants and desires come forth. You felt the possibilities of what you could accomplish and the need to see such things through to try and achieve all that you would wish to without hesitation.

- Ember stood before you, the giant form of the draconic deity looking down upon you all. The earth around him cracked and broke, the ravages of the destructive force he represented seeming to buckle under the weight he brought forth.

- Miritas stood before you, his robes flowing from him as if they were less clothes than a part of himself. His visage could not be seen within the hood, his form more shadow than physical form. The land about him seemed darker than possible, the air itself looking somewhat oily in its thickness. Whispers that brought chills even into your own divine beings could be sensed while looking upon him.

- Diamytron stood before you, his frame unimpressive in terms of striking fear as he stood with a lanky frame, standing well close to 7 feet tall. His eyes, never blinking, were also without pupils as the purple embers behind them gave a small sparkle as he looked upon you all, as if taking in all he could from what he saw. The land about him was clear, small whisps of light flowing about him as whispers that could not be understood were constantly speaking.

- Moritas stood before you, his frame being somewhat unimpressive as he stood before you wearing a simple gray tunic. His skin was pale gray while his hair was completely white. To contrast this were his eyes, a deep black set with red pupils that seemed to pulsate slighyly as he looked upon each of you. The land about him seemed to be turning to ash, the earth itself losing all that made it viable to life as it slowly spread from where he stood.

- Barion stood before you, his presence instilling some inspiration even to those who were not prone to combat. It was as if he inspired the want for battle yet also the feeling that you would win such a combat if you gave it your all. The physical prowess of Barion was impressive, the musculature perfect for his size in every way. He smiled as he looked to you all, one that was more of friendliness than anything else, which you felt bring a smile in return from you (even Moritas unable to resist). The land before his feet was of stone, unbreaking and strong, able to resist the strongest of blows.

You all looked to one another knowing this and as the seconds passed you saw that the ground around you returned to normal, the effects of your appearance and domains dissipating from the area.

The area around you was clear of anyone else, the hill top you had appeared upon allowing you to view the lands around you. Closest was the Perpetuam itself while slightly to the west was the Metropolis itself, the vast city sprawling across the landscape almost as much as you could see in that direction.

The rest of the area were off in the distance, needing some travel to get to.

In reply to Overlord (msg # 2):

As Elise observed her divine siblings, and as they observed her in turn, she gave a nod of recognition and respect to each. Then her gaze swept their surroundings, taking in the vast land surrounding them, as well as the visible landmarks in the distance. Finally, her attention returned to those present, and she bowed in recognition and respect, although this time more to the gathered group than to any individual. Although her facial features were fuzzy and hard to discern, somehow her expression communicated a feeling of wry amusement.

"Happy birthday," she said to everyone present. Then she hummed a short little ditty quietly to herself, before looking around again. "Does anyone else Desire to find out why this place is?" Her gaze flicked toward the city in the distance, before returning to the group with a question unspoken.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Mon 17 Oct 2022.

Looking deeply at each of her siblings with a warm and gentle cheer, Anastaria held a shining smile as she acknowledged all the other divines with respect. Returning and giving a nod of recognition to all equally.

Gazing about the realm around with a strong curiosity, Anastaria's eyes hummed with a brilliant gold as they sparkled with the reflection of creation's light. Wooshing her elongated tail around her form as its scales glittered, there was a sense of excitement and wonder across her form and face in an almost child-like manor.

Anastaria spoke with a gentle yet refined voice, "Indeed, a very merry birthing to us." Looking then to Elise, Anastaria gave a simple nod as she replied softly, "I desire to gleam upon all bathed in light and its shadow."

Looking up across the sunless skies, Anastaria fell into a throw of curiosity that she then shrugged off. "I say that we all return here in a year's time to share our recounts of existence. As well that we all agree to not work against one another, with no holding of animosity between us. Instead that we come together eventually with our efforts. "

Taking off then from the ground she stood, Anastaria's hooved and furred legs held a divine swiftness that could almost carry her through the light. Wafting behind as it trailed was her long deep black curly hair, fur, and fins. Slowing down just as she came infront of and beside the more ephemeral deity, Miritas. Bringing an arm up slowly as she tried to lock arms with who she considered to be her divine counter-part. Gazing up warmly with a soft smile at his darkened hood, not to see past the shadowy visage, but to reaffirm her good will. "Let us work together to bring the light and darkness, to protect and guide their children. I'll trust you to protect me as well, dear." Anastaria's words were spoke with a genuine friendliness and enthusiasm as she smiled warmly despite the chilled whispers.

Xeslin considered the world around him for a brief moment before turning his focus to those others who had manifested in the same place. His divine senses revealed to him their shared nature and in a fashion he supposed that made them kindred; of a kind. However he felt no great warmth or familiarity to these beings. Still two of them had already spoken to him, albeit not entirely directly, so he reciprocated.

"Happy Birthday to you all as well."

Then promises were made. Xeslin was new to existence but he quickly discovered something true about himself: he hated promises. Still, feeling as though he was suddenly trapped in a wicked web, he nodded in the affirmative.

"Of course. I will endeavor to do so and look forward to similar reciprocity."

Hoping to avoid binding himself any further to these strangers he gestured to the lands beyond. In particular the river that separated them from the ruins of the metropolis.

"I believe I'll go and investigate those ruins. Should I find a suitable means of crossing the river."

Xeslin moves to the Perpetuam.

Tal looked about to his siblings, as they were, giving each a nod of greeting in turn and offering a bit of a smile at the remark of their birthdays.

"A joyous time to find ourselves here to say the least. But I agree," he notes back to Anastaria regarding their return here, "I shall return here in a year's time so we can speak more. Its likely we'll all find ourselves crossing paths in this place at some point anyway. As for myself..." he notes, with a look into the distance, "I feel I must at least get a better look at the fire that burns within our sight. Such a wonder..." he muses, opting to head in the direction of the Eternal Flame for his initial trek into the Nexus; should any others opt for a similar path.

The responses she got weren't exactly what she expected, but -- then again -- Elise wasn't entirely sure what she expected in the first place. She cocked her head in acknowledgement of Anastaria's proposal, and was going to follow Xeslin's progress down the hill toward the river -- but then Anastaria flashed forward toward her polar opposite, Miritas, and Elise watched with breathless anticipation to see what reaction the God of Darkness and Fear would have to this action from the Goddess of Light and Redemption. The two of them were paired in more ways than one, from Elise's perspective -- not only in that light and darkness opposed each other, but also in that the Passion of Fear was often conflicted with the Desire of Redemption.

Elise's gaze moved swiftly over the assembled Gods again. None appeared, at first blush, to be so clearly and obviously opposed to her own domains. She glanced to where Xeslin was receding into the distance, and then toward Talramirez as he similarly departed. Perhaps those Gods had the right idea.

"I too shall return in a year's time. Any who wish to investigate the city would be welcome to join me," she offered, but did not really expect a response. Instead, she set off toward the ruins of the once-massive Metropolis. If anyone did want to come along, they could probably catch up.

Kairos' lips quirked a smile at the acknowledgements his fellows made to their emergence into Creation, wondering what Dreams had caused such a coterie to be brought forth. For a few moments, he said nothing, let the others introduce themselves, watching their interplay, their purposes. His smile broadened, "Greetings, siblings, and well met. Happy birthing day"

His eyes watched Anastaria as she confronted - albeit politely - her opposite, and others drifted off. He would see what else transpired beore he picked his path

Miritas looked on and as Anastaria approached him he seemed to straighten slightly, his back and shoulders squaring up as she approached. Yet as they stood next to one another and Anastaria spoke her request, he seemed to eye her for a moment before a small smile broke his lips.

Agreed... sister. Let us work to aid the mortals in taking there place within our respective domains. Let us see them not fear either but embrace them as part of a whole.

Moritas looked on all of this, his mannerisms showing no sign of reaction. As two fo the deities left he watched them go before, without a word, he turned and began to make his way towards the Metropolis himself.

Diamytron watched the now three deities head off, turning to the others with a look of curiosity.

That was rude... I believe.

As Talramirez stated his want to look onto the Eternal Flame, Diamytron nodded.

I shall join you, if you accept.

Barion was about to tap Moritas on the shoulder in a "there there" type of way but hesitated as the God of Death walked past him without even offering him a glance. Smiling anyhow he looked onto the remaining gods present and clasped his hand, a small thunderclap heard from the action.

Well a Happy Birthday to all of us!

Looking at Ember he approached her, looking at her formidable size with not fear but a joyous look of a challenge to be overcome.

I would so enjoy taking YOU on one day, dear sister. But not today, not on such a joyous day.

Turning to look at the others he pointed to the Metropolis.

Anyone want to race me to the city?

The boyish excitement in his mannerisms was so off center with the rest of the group here that it was almost comical. The somber Moritas looked at Barion, shaking his head slightly.

Ember looked down upon her brothers and sisters as she tapped a massive talon against the floor beneath them, giving it some thought before her body shrunk and shifted into a more diminutive and amicable form, similarly draconian, but more humanoid, only about 9ft tall, rather than the 30ft of their draconic one, giving her siblings a small smile.

"Well, I suppose it's nice to meet you all, it's quite... interesting to see the variety of things that escaped from Creations Clutches" She gives a wider smile, showing off her metallic teeth as her talons gave a soft crackle from their destructive energy, before fading again, ember stretching a bit as she looked at the others

As she looked at her siblings leaving, having greeted them all in her Mariend form, she shifts back into her draconian one, spreading her large wings and taking to the air, her wingbeats creating powerful downdrafts as she hovers for a moment "I shall go join the others in exploring, such a place seems to have much to offer us" She grins as she starts to speed off through the air towards the Metropolis, flying at quite high speeds for something of her size.

Watching most of his siblings depart, Kairos nodded and offered a smile to Barion - and Moritas, as he passed. He spoke clearly, that those nearby would hear, "You would outpace me, I am sure, brother. But I would walk with you and those others headed to those ruins. Perhaps we might join those already on their way" and his eyes turned to take in Elise and Ember, on their way

As the rest of her siblings spoke or moved, some agreeing to her requests and others without a word on the matter, Anastaria seemed giddy either way.

When Miritas stiffened up at her approach, Anastaria made sure to be careful and reassuring. Yet when the soft smile broke on his lips and she heard his words, Anastaria closed her eyes briefly and smiled gleefully. "Wonderful, I look ever forward to it then my dear brother!"

When Diamytron spoke of Moritas's unspoken leave, Anastaria gave a shrug. In truth none of them owed each other any words or promises. If he would be impartial, then Anastaria would leave it at that.

Giggling lightly at Barion's motions and words, there was a boyish charm to it all. Witnessing Ember begin her early start flying in the direction Bariom posed his challenge.

Looking up to Miritas, Anastaria spoke lightly, "I have decided to go where you do, brother. However I would definitely like to race them." There was an almost child-like excitement at the idea. However she cared not entirely either way.

If Miritas agreed to that direction, Anastaria smiled brilliantly. Immediately taking off seriously in the same direction. Seeing how she compared to Ember and Bariom before deciding if she would step through the light or not.

Tal turned to Diamytron  and gave the being a nod, even offering a bit of a smile, "Company to visit such a site would be welcome," he agreed.

He looked to the others as they all made their own choices on what direction they wished to explore here in this new world, looking thoughtful at each selection as if it spoke of their own desires and hopes.

Turning back to Diamytron, "What draws you to the Fire anyway? Curiosity or something more basic?" he asked curiously.

Ember

Ember took her draconic form and took to the air. The others watched her fly off, her wings taking her high up into the air. She WAS quick for a creature her size but even as she took to the air she saw other creatures flying about, natural to this world it seemed, easily outpace her.

They were smaller so more nimble, she told herself, unwanting to admit she may not be as fast as she believed herself to be.

She flew over the Perpetuam with ease, seeing the calm water as it flowed in one direction across the landscape. Within the waters she saw the shapes of large creatures, perhaps twice to three times her own, moving under the waters slowly without care. The fact something that large could even exist made her wonder what else this realm held.

She almost did not notice the flock of creatures coming at her. They were small, perhaps half the size of a Mariend. 3 feet in length, they seemed to have wings that were translucent or moved very quickly as she had a hard time seeing them. They darted about, like mosquitos, about two dozen of them. They seemed fragile enough compared to her but their numbers may prove an issue as their size, and flight patterns which allowed them to hover easily, would allow them to strike at her at multiple angles all at once.

Her Divine Senses showed her what she was up against. It seemed the skies were not as safe as they had seemed.

24 x Swipers, Rank 0
Aspect: Flight I, Hive I
Nature: Life I

Elise, Kairos, Anastaria, Xeslin, Moritas, Miritas & Barion

The group made there way down the hill and found themselves before the Perpetuam. The fight that Ember fought high up in the air was to far to be seen in detail from this location and thus the group was focused on the river before them. Barion raced any who wished to try their hand at it. His gain of speed was normal for a god at first but quickly began to double and then triple and then quadruple in speed as his legs seemed to shimmer with divine energy.

Anastaria simply smiled, walking as Barion ran to find herself ahead of him in the blink of an eye and then again and again before being lost to your sight until you reached the Perpetuams banks. Barion smiled, tapping Anastaria on the shoulder.

Good show, Anastaria. Had to let you take the lead as I didn't want to leave our fellows to far behind us. Also, not very nice of me if I was to beat you on our first race.

He laughed, Anastaria and the others not truly sure if he was kidding or meant it as he truly seemed to believe his words.

They saw ruins of what must have been a small community, perhaps 12 buildings or so, here alongside the Perpetuam. Remains of a dock were still present but unsafe to step on. The river itself flowed softly, with little ripple on its surface.

As they waited they saw then a creature approach them. It was a lizard humanoid. Not unlike the Mariend or the Dreki yet unique in their own way. These were closer to lizards than the other two, their eyes bulbous somewhat and allowing them to see from the sides compared to the two Dakalnarian races which had forward looking eyes like predators. Their scales were more like a snake, glistening from a natural oil covering their body. It work tattered clothing as it approached you, bowing slightly and holding out its hands that were cupped together facing up while its head was bowed to face the ground.

Pleaze, me offer you food in exchange for time. You need to traverse? I help. I able to bring across. I ask only what can give. Food be most wanted. Gold be most appreciated. I can bring across, if you wish. If not I walk away. Me offer nothing as have nothing to offer for life. Life of myself not worth your time to kill.


Talramirez & Diamytron

Talmirez and Diamytron made their way towards the Eternal Flame. They knew of its name instinctively yet not its purpose.

As they walked, Diamytron kept eyes on the land and fauna and creatures they came across, his eyes glimmering as he took it all in.

Curiosity, for the most part. Yet, I must admit, my being is drawn to it. Is it not for you as well?

Talmirez did not feel such a draw to the flame. It was there and was intriguing but a feeling to want to go to it? No.

Tell me, Talramirez, how goes it upon your personal realm? I have found mine to be... daunting. It has resisted my presence, seeming to resent it. I wondered if this was the case for others besides myself.

Ember gave a roar of annoyance as she saw the creatures flying at her, letting them come nearly beside her before she struck out with a paw, her claws seeming to tear through space itself as identical spectral claw marks to her mighty slash appear on all of the Swipers around her "Begone, pests!" She growls and called out, Annoyed by their very existence, not wishing to harm herself further when her divine body is still recovering from wounds inflicted by another realm.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:09, Sat 29 Oct 2022.

"What is your name, Ferryman?", asked Kairos softly, hands spinning to pull food to the piteous creature, "What has happened here to leave it in such a state?"

Give the creature 3 Essence worth of food

As Barion tapped her shoulder and spoke, Anastaria took a second before giggling as she joined in on his hearty laugh. "Indeed Barion, good show! How rude of me to leave everyone behind, I'll have to watch my step next race. Though you best give it your all on our second!"

As they waited, Anastaria looked around. Curious of the ruins, the cause of their run down, and who they had housed. Yet it seemed one of the answers might have presented itself.

Inspecting the mortal curiously, Kairos asking the questions on the forefront of her mind. "Worry not, we have no reason to harm you or bring a sooner end to your being."

Anastaria could cross the river without help, however she would stay and wait with the others to be ferried should they take the beung up on their offer and exchange.

Elise was surprised to see how many followed her toward the city ruins, and she stopped to wait for them to catch up. Barion's reckless race with Anastaria left her a bit surprised and amused, but she instead chose to walk with those who followed: Kairos, Xeslin, Moritas, and Miritas.

At the river she looked around curiously, and listened to the lizard man as he approached and begged for food. As Kairos asked an excellent question and provided him with what the creature had requested, Elise listened carefully for his response. Her eyes swept the town as Anastaria reassured him that the group meant him no harm.

"You fear that some might choose to harm you for no reason."

It was mostly a statement of fact, with only a bit remaining as question seeking confirmation of that which had gone unstated.

"Why?"

After a moment, she turned and bowed to the lizard man respectfully. "My apologies -- you may call me Elise."

Xeslin considered the lizard mortal. It was clear that they were one of the few survivors of this place and the one capable of crossing the river before them. However the other divinities seemed keen on assisting the mortal. He was, however, taken aback by Elise bowing to the mortal. He would not do the same but he did give blink slowly at the mortal as to indicate a degree of acknowledgemnt.

"I am Xeslin.

Tal shook his head at the initial remark from Diamytron, replying as they drew closer to the Flame.

"Not so much drawn as.. interest. A burning interest in its creation. But perhaps that is merely another aspect of being drawn," he reasoned.


As they continued and the topic turned, Tal gave a nod to this as well, "I felt the same myself. The realm welcomed me, but at the same time it did not. Another dwells there it seems, or at least one who opposed my influence. They attempted to rebuff my connection to the land, but I was stronger. I have gone to face them even now. If your realm feels similarly, perhaps it is due to a similar opposing influence," he suggested.

Ember

Ember called upon Titanic Cleave, a great resounding wave of sonic energy emanating from her as she beat her wings once in a powerful snap. The whole of the group of Swipers were struck by the blast, their flight patterns pushed back a bit as they all suffered from the effects.

Ember usese Titanic Cleave upon 24 Swipers for 4 Damage on every Swiper

The Swipers began to buzz about themselves, seeming to flow into a cyclonic funnel before forming into what looked like a large arrow head shaped being made up of the 24 swipers. As a whole they swarmed and struck upon her.

She noted the flow of their bodies, all working as one as it struck her, reshaping as it bounced upon her body to suddenly be flying off to then begin another turn to attack her. Where there had been twenty four of the small creatures there was now one larger being. Her Divine Senses registered them as 24 individuals yet they worked not as individuals but as one cohesive unit. A hive mind, if you will, with on purpose: Taking her down.

The new form seemed more agile, morphing and changing shape as it maneuvered about.

The strike had taken its toll on her as well. Where the individuals were probably only going to be a nuisance, this one form was strong and hurt when it struck. Piercing her aura she felt the pain of the strike as it pulled away to strike again.

Embers aura reduced to 8 from 9
Ember takes 16 Damage from strike from Swipers

Her battle in the tunnels on her home realm and she was feeling the hurt now.


Elise, Kairos, Anastaria, Xeslin, Moritas, Miritas & Barion


My name? it asked, taking the food that was given by Kairos as he manifested it from essence with a look of wonder and thankfulness as only one who has gone without could give. He gathered the food, bringing it behind a rock and covering it with leaves and branches before returning to you all.

My name? My name not important for ones of your stature but if you must call me then do so with the name of Rizz.

Fear is something I have learned to use to keep safe myself and others. The Nexus is a dangerous place and one must learn to accept ones fear and trust it if one is to survive.

This brought a look of slight disgust by Barion who saw this as a clear sign of weakness while a small nod from Miritas.

This place is old. I not know how it was before but know that war brought it to its end. What war I not know. So many. Fathers say one was here and then was not.

He pointed to the river.

If need to cross I can help. I have boat to carry across. 3 at a time. Only 30 minutes per ride. Not long. Come. Come.

He motioned down towards the dock where you saw that one of the areas that had seemed like a collapsed dock was actually a large raft. It was in bad shape but seemed water worthy.

He stepped on and motioned for you to follow, signalling that the first three could embark while the others he would come back for.

Moritas did not even hesitate as he walked upon the raft and kept facing the other side, not  seeming to care if he was to be first or not by the others standard as he had chosen to be one of the first three.

Barion and Miritas looked to Kairos.

You gave payment, perhaps you can go first and decide who would be the third. said Miritas

I'll go last. I don't mind. I can hold my own against anything that comes my way here anyhow. Wouldn't want any of you to face a danger alone.

Barion gave you all a smile, considering the matter decided.

Talramirez & Diamytron

Diamytron did not push the question about the flame, nodding but turning to look at the Flame with a look of ignited curiosity now.

At Tal's answer about the realm he shook his head.

Yes, it seems our realms are born of us but, like us, are prone to individuality. I have found the presence of the influence opposing my presence a bothersome thing. When you face your opposition, if you would not mind, tell me more about the experience. I am trying to understand the why behind this effect and wondering if there is a correlation between the forces opposing me in my realm and those opposing the other deities in their realm. Coincidence or circumstance.

The duo saw in the distance what appeared to be a small community. It seemed to hold 3 dozen buildings or so. They could easily bypass it or could pass through it. It was a decision they now had to make.

Tal gave a nod back to Diamytron, looking ahead to the town they found themselves approaching.

"Advanced, to say the least, and violent. I can detail more after the confrontation of course, but we shall see how it goes.." Tal agreed, looking ahead to the buildings and considering.

"Shall we inquire in the town or pass through? If others were drawn to dwell so near the flame, they may have insights into it. Or share similar views if nothing else," he noted. It was clear he thought checking on the town might be a good idea at least.

She roars in pain and annoyance as the swarm forms up to hit her, balking back a bit in pain before slashing the air with both claws this time, the swipers feeling the raking and rending forces of her destructive energies overcome them twofold as she pulls her mighty wings around herself, pulling into a dive down towards the ground as she prepares to defend from any further attacks, looking for possible routes of escape. If only she hadn't been hurt in her own realm, she should have no issues dealing with some insignificant flies.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:01, Tue 01 Nov 2022.

In reply to Overlord (msg # 21):

Elise nodded her understanding as Rizz explained himself; everything he'd said made perfect sense to her. When he lead the group to the river she followed, although she remained near the back. Her eyes kept returning to the ruined town behind her.

"Barion," she said after a pause. "It will take some time for the others to cross. I'd like to see if there's anything interesting in what's left of those buildings." She pointed back at the bulk of what had been the settlement, before smiling shyly at him. "Would come with me as protection? It's probably been picked clean, but your presence would provide a measure of assurance." If her godly appearance had eyelashes, she surely would have been batting them.

Anastaria gave a slight nod as she followed along with what Rizz was saying. It was obvious he had a stature of lowering himself in respect to those fears, mainly out of survival. Yet it pulled a sad frown upon her face when he said his name was unimportant of someone of their stature. Unsure if he knew what theirs actually is. "When you lower yourself below those you meet in such a way, you tend to hand them over all of the control right away. While this might often save you from some's ire. Those who might truly seek to do you harm would surely take advantage of this, if out of nothing but pure enjoyment and benefit without lose or much resistance. As they might not care either way."

"You should be more mindful in how you act out of fear to not place yourself directly in the situation you wish to avoid. However that doesn't mean you should brazenly ignore them when it is more appropriate to listen."

Anastaria followed more quietly afterwards as they made their way to what turned out to be the raft. As the others discussed who would go cross now and who would later, it seemed it would take two trips none the less as she would make her way without it.

Taking instead the opportunity to talk with the raftmen again, "Rizz, are there others around here like you I could speak with more? We aren't quite from around here, I'd like to get better acquainted while wait."