Pagan Gods: Of Brotherhood and War

21:54 Basilisk_of_Imbalance:
A gash through space and time like a knife cut through a sandwich wrapped in cellophane, its contents spill.
An ancient tree topples, disappears into the void, interrupting the row of elms; bushes, clumps of dirt, stones, crumble, fall, vanish. And stepping from inside, from its blackness comes monstrosity. Nameless Scream. Formless Whirl. Wings. Horns. Nostrils. Eyes. And where those eyes look, nothing remains.
21:55 Basilisk_of_Imbalance: DARK GENERAL (the formants gargle and bend) PERISH IN YOUR DARK!
21:55 Basilisk_of_Imbalance: It screams "Devastate the earth where he was created, wreck his dwelling.”
The Eyes like searchlights leave in their wake blankness.
The scream again in different registers like waves from the sea:
"Let the entirety of it make the dust storm block him.”
"Let the sun not shine on him.”
“Let the bright day turn to darkness for him.”
"Destroy his life and conquer these woods!”
And it turned off, as if a curtain drops, noise collapses into silence: monster vanished.
03:09 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Bjarg and the General survey the damage caused by the latest incursion of the Basilisk of Imbalance. They know what they have to do now. They know the secret weapon they must deploy against the monster. And they hurry to make preparations before the full moon celebration.
03:25 Jake_English: *It has been long since last the young man has set foot in these woods, with matters to attend to in so many places. The sight of the damage wrought in recent incursions fills him with a great and righteous zeal, the kind of temperament that has him raising a glowing hand skyward and firing once, twice, a few times more. Once more several great winged serpents with their skeletal faces materialize in answer to his summons, their forms seemingly made of brilliant light made solid, the embodiments of hopes and dreams given corporeal form. He conscripts such flaming fires so difficult to douse into his service, dispersing them to patrol the woods, to banish fear and despair with the light of hope, to make war upon the monstrosities that may remain or return.*
03:26 Jake_English:
03:26 Jake_English:
03:37 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Bjarg and the General glance up at the dimming sky as streaks of light suddenly appear and shoot across the heavens. This phenomenon has never before been seen by either ... and they continue their preparations not sure what to make of this new development. Will it turn out to be beneficial to the Forest ... or simply another weapon of evil.
03:44 minotaur21560: The air is filled with foreboding.
03:51 minotaur21560: Like icy fingers on me, this day, a day on which I am to be recognized and honored by the Leaf Lord before the host of my brothers, is also a day full of solemn need, and it is my plan to purify myself and look for signs and auguries. I begin taking off the gear of my office, back plate, shoulder and leg guards. I unhitch the leather kilt, hold it in my hands exposing the red cords of my office that bind my balls. But even they should be removed for this preparatory rite. And last, even, most unusually, my helmet. The General stands revealed as a man, hearty, strong, loyal veteran of battles, and servant of the woods, and he drops to one knee before the Lord of Leaves.
03:53 minotaur21560: "I will do ablutions, washing off the cares of previous days in the clear cool waters of your lake, Bjarg who knows each leaf that grows. They call your rites of purification 'Nissaba' and they call your name in the trees 'Ningirisu'. Yours is the shepherding of the folk of the wood."
03:56 Bjarg_the_Demigod: The waters of the Lake can accomplish that and much more. Go immerse yourself as the full moon rises.
03:59 minotaur21560: I turn to walk with purpose under the canopy of leaves, my stride taking me to the shore of the lake, stepping into the waters which rise as I wade out, naked, mind focused on the good people of the wood, on the duty of their armed force, and on sacrifice. The water is cold. It lifts away dust and care.
04:00 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Ningirisu? It has a nice flow to it. You know, I have not seen you without your helmet since the day you were captured and brought to the secret cave.
04:04 minotaur21560: My gray eyes are steady, meeting the gaze of the god as I return from the brief plunge, naked, clean now, and as if with renewed innocence and sense of service. 'Yes, lord, the word is old. Our place here needs strong magic in these days of difficulty and challenge."
04:07 Jake_English: The tongue is ancient. The language of ur, of the land of cuneiform and ziggurats, the inventors of beer. *The young man emerges, bowing low to the demigod master of the forest.*
04:10 Bjarg_the_Demigod: I have always thought that, of the three recipes on the ancient tablet for the production of beer, one of them was for pumpkin spice beer..
04:07 Achlys: And she came in -- soft banks of fog-- she walked, pushing them up on her nose, the very dark, horn-rimmed shades, our lady of mourning.
04:08 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Bows to the Lady l... welcome Achlys.
04:08 Achlys: Looks over the top of her glasses at the god, nods to accept the bow, takes in the rest of the scene, the young page, the naked and unvisored General.
04:11 minotaur21560: I stand, arms at my side, my pelted chest still dripping with water. I bow my head to the Lady, feeling the rightness of her presence, then give a sidelong glance at the demi-god who is known for his ironies.
04:11 Jake_English: *He rises, glancing towards the maiden of mists, bowing low as well to her. It has been long since last he saw her.*
04:13 Achlys: She looks at the young raider, whose chest is almost as dark with fur as is the General's which has been doused in the waters of the lake. Then she looks back at the naked General and chants: "Fumes keep rising from the far lagoon. / What sorceress looms erect / Against the empty sunset?"
04:16 Achlys: The somber numinous mood breaks when she turns to the Leaf Lord "so I'm here for the Belles Dames. I saw the advertisement. Are they here yet?"
04:19 minotaur21560: Very gently, in a low tone I answer. "You mean Bedlam, my lady? But the true celebrations do not start till later..."
04:20 Bjarg_the_Demigod: No I think she actually came for the deck .. and he reaches into his pack to offer it to the Lady. And take this too, you may need it ... handing her a flat mirror.
04:21 Achlys: "Oh Yes, this is perfect." She takes all of these.
04:22 minotaur21560: I watch all this, still with a vague feeling of foreboding.
04:23 Achlys: She turns then, fixes Minotaur with a stare and quotes for him, seemingly, and for him alone: "O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms, / Alone and palely loitering? / The sedge has withered from the lake, / And no birds sing."
04:27 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Before he can say another word ... the alarm sounds across the forest. A trap has been sprung. Traps created from the same materials as the force field that held the monster in stasis when he was imprisoned. He should never have been released, but that is another story. Incubus now finds himself confined to a familiar stasis chamber with no hope of escape, no possibility of touching or ever harming another again. In time a way will be found to return those he has sent to the void. But for now. we celebrate.
04:28 minotaur21560: I hear the alarm that peels like bells, and startle, suddenly feeling naked without my armor. I glance at the Leaf Lord, noticing that he seems calm.
04:31 Bjarg_the_Demigod: I look at the naked General and nod. "Yes, these traps have been designed and manufactured by the best scientists and engineers in Gem Valley.
04:31 Bjarg_the_Demigod: There will be no escape.
04:35 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Bjarg raises the green orb to the darkening sky and recites a few ancient words Then,
04:36 Bjarg_the_Demigod: the trap is empty. "I grew tired of the monster and his evil."
04:43 Achlys: "And this is why I sojourn here, / Alone and palely loitering, / Though the sedge is withered from the lake, /And no birds sing." But we were preparing the Minotaur for his... honors and... ordeals. "O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms, / So haggard and so woe-begone? / The squirrel’s granary is full, / And the harvest’s done."
04:45 minotaur21560: I listen, bow my head, cross an arm over my pelted chest which is broad. I am a warrior. I know my duty.
04:52 Bjarg_the_Demigod: You should get dressed my General. We will move this celebration to the Lodge.
05:00 Achlys: "wait" the lady holds a brush and pot of paint. Gently leans, paints a wavy line of green across the torso of the general. Then dips again to leave a wavy line of blue. And looking briefly at the General's eyes, she leaves a blue line down the back of the shaft of his hanging weapon. "There".
05:01 minotaur21560: My eyes widen. I nod. Then bend to continue strapping on my gear.
05:02 Bjarg_the_Demigod: The Lady is a true artist.
05:09 Madison_Jones: I haven't missed the festivities I have?
05:10 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Greetings Mage. No, none yet. And we are moving to the lodge.
05:52 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Just as the full moon rises over the Forest
05:52 minotaur21560: I stand, seeing the light wash over us. It takes my breath away.
05:52 Madison_Jones: Oh, that reminds me. Bjarg, you said something about Bedlam being a special guest tonight?
05:53 Bjarg_the_Demigod:
05:53 Garras: *simply closing his eyes and scenting the breeze*
05:53 Madison_Jones: Woah, that's like... Majora's Mask large... *Looks at the moon.*
05:54 minotaur21560: yes, only Achlys thought Bedlam was a poem by Keats and started reading from it...
05:54 Madison_Jones: Oh, um Bedlam is very much more than a Poem. Um... I might be a little worried actually.
05:55 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Yes, Bedlam was invited. He should be arriving any minute.
05:55 Madison_Jones: I hope Volos knows...
05:56 Fenrich: *taking a seat next to Garras*
05:56 Madison_Jones: For a while the demon was visiting me without permission, and when the big wolf found out, he got REALLY upset. Probably for good reason if I'm being honest, Bedlam broke my bed once....
05:57 Jake_English: *Another bear, this one not seen in some time. The young man also salutes this bear.*
05:57 Madison_Jones: *Nods to @Fenrich*
05:57 minotaur21560: Looking up with a mixture of quiet gravity and delight, the Dark General nods in greeting to his brother Bear.
05:58 Madison_Jones: Oh, and Mosk! He's cute looking. *Smiles*
05:58 minotaur21560: And in the silver light, the half light, the figure of another.... a great bear.
05:58 Mosk_the_Ghost_Bear: Did I miss anything important yet?
05:59 Jake_English: *Three bears under one moon…*
05:59 Madison_Jones: *Gets a sudden chill*
05:59 Mosk_the_Ghost_Bear: "Cute? Well I suppose in a tentative, first impression sort of way"
05:59 BEDLAM: Walking through the wood slowly, the little things scatter...
06:00 Madison_Jones: *Quietly brings out the casks of honeyed mead stashed from yesterday. Lays out some cups.*
06:00 BEDLAM: "Is it the midnight hour?"
06:00 BEDLAM: Bedlam has arrived
06:00 minotaur21560: I performed ablutions in the cool waters of the lake, and the purification was called 'Nisiba' and the name of the Leaf Lord is 'Ningirisu' who is given the shepherdship of the people. And great is the red monster who honors us also.
06:00 Madison_Jones: Hey Bedlam. *Waves.*
06:00 BEDLAM: nods to @Madison_Jones
06:01 Fenrich: *eyes half lidded*
06:01 BEDLAM: Wine is laid on the altar, red and thick, a delicacy from my people.
06:01 Madison_Jones: *Brings a cup of honey mead to the guest of the evening.
06:03 BEDLAM: "I did not mean to interrupt, I was asked by the Lord to arrive."
06:04 minotaur21560: *crosses an arm on my chest to welcome the red giant who does not advertise green frozen vegetables.
06:04 BEDLAM: smiles...
06:04 Bjarg_the_Demigod: You have interrupted nothing, Bedlam. Welcome!
06:04 BEDLAM: "Thank you Lord Bjarg. I regret I am unfamiliar with the ceremony, I may need to be led."
06:05 BEDLAM: "I wonder."
06:06 Taryn_Swiftsword: *steps through the woods just outside of the reach of the firelight. Silently watching for a moment and then softly walking towards the sound of merriment. Removing my hood as i approach, "Greetings all. This is a lively gathering to happen upon after much traveling"
06:06 Bjarg_the_Demigod: The ceremony is for the promotion of the General.
06:06 Madison_Jones: Taryn, come have something to drink. There is plenty of mead to be had.
06:07 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Greetings Taryn!
06:07 minotaur21560: I turn, hearing the voice of a brother, of a knight whose fate is intertwined with mine over many lifetimes in many worlds "Hail Swordsman, I am honored that you arrive to witness my instantiation, and the binding that this entails."
06:07 Garras: A slight turn of the head, the ear. The subtle flickerbrown of an appraising eye over Minot
06:07 Madison_Jones: This is actually the same supply of Mead the Bjarg ordered from the WelCum Barroom a year ago. I've just created more of it using its overly vague and poorly understood mechanics...
06:08 BEDLAM: nods to @Taryn_Swiftsword and the infamous @Garras
06:08 Garras: A slow sliding loll, silent marble swerve and a hint of a fang at the curl of lipped grin.
06:09 Taryn_Swiftsword: @minotaur21560 Greetings. I would not miss such a momentous occasion for you
06:09 Jake_English: *Salutes taryn.*
06:09 BEDLAM: "What is the occasion?"
06:09 Taryn_Swiftsword: I take a cup of the mead and walk over to the General. clasping his hand.
06:10 Taryn_Swiftsword: Raises my cup to Jake and Bjarg in return for their welcome
06:10 minotaur21560: Having heard the Leaf Warden mention the ceremony to come, I prepare myself, unhitching the belt of my leather kilt, putting it aside. I also shed the shoulder guards and backplate, putting in their place a thorn vine which hangs round my neck like a necklace. "I have faced the B.O.I. in battle, Beldam, and though I did not prevail, through the intervention of a god, I remain here to see this moon and this company."
06:11 minotaur21560: I stand, arms to either side, chest jutting forward, under helmet with the red cords of my rank displayed round my manhood which hangs proud and free.
06:11 BEDLAM: I nod in understand to @minotaur21560
06:12 Madison_Jones: *Sips some mead watching the General...*
06:12 Bjarg_the_Demigod: You faced a formidable opponent, General. Don't underestimate yourself.
06:12 BEDLAM: drinks from the cup... with only mild confusion
06:12 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Takes a bright red cord from his pack.
06:13 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Now, is there anyone present who strongly desires the opportunity to tie the third red cord on the General?
06:13 Taryn_Swiftsword: stands back and leans against a tree watching all as I sip from the cup
06:14 BEDLAM: eyebrow raised, curious is someone is to be strangled... then understand, it is an investiture ceremony...
06:15 Madison_Jones: I would be willing to do it, I believe I could even add a small blessing given the fullness of the moon oh Lord of Leaves.
06:15 minotaur21560: On my body, traces left by the lady of mourning, a wavy green line horizontal on my torso, a wavy blue line, and on the shaft of my cock, riding its back the full length down, a straight blue line.
06:16 Fenrich: *leaning against Garras for a moment only to feel him start to stand and slowly sits back upright himself.*
06:17 Mosk_the_Ghost_Bear: Joins Fenrich and Garras ... the Tres Amigos
06:18 Madison_Jones: *Approaches @Bjarg_the_Demigod with a light bow, extends hand hoping to take the red cord...* May I?
06:19 Garras: *Stands, looks. A subtle breeze.*
06:19 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Of course.
06:20 minotaur21560: Painted as I am for war, and by a great lady, I can feel the onset of deep dreams, of prognostications, of augury. In a sing-song, I chant quietly : "…and burns and burns and burns / in the shadow of the pole star / in the shadow of the Great Bear/ in the shadow of the Leaf Lord/ Pool of blood reverse as bones mend and wounds close ;/ As the Wind of the Mountain occupied the throne, / He spanned the sky as the rainbow. / Like a floating cloud, he moved alone. "
06:20 BEDLAM: sips from my sweet cup
06:21 Madison_Jones: *Graciously takes the cord and then approaches The General.*
06:22 Madison_Jones: Given the coming months and the cold weather, I think this blessing will do... *Closes my eyes while holding up the red cord, the moonlight gleaming off it as it resonates.* In the name of Lumen god of the Moon, bestow your power on this cord to protect The General from the harsh winter.
06:23 Madison_Jones: *The Cord glows brightly for a moment and then I knee before The General, and add the cord to the others.*
06:24 minotaur21560: I jut my chest proudly forward, the cord is tight, coiled round the others pushing out to either side
06:24 Madison_Jones: *Quietly returns to Bedlam's side. Sips drink.*
06:25 minotaur21560: "I will do my duty. I will protect. I will fight. I will lead. I will banish monsters."
06:25 BEDLAM: chuckles
06:26 Garras: Watching the jut of chest.
06:26 Fenrich: Espying the look in those eyes.
06:27 Taryn_Swiftsword: Eyes linger on the three chords tied around the General's dangling jewels. Admiring how they glisten in the firelight
06:27 BEDLAM: "Are we now called to celebrate?"
06:28 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Yes, let the revelry begin!
06:29 BEDLAM: "I wish to offer you wine from my homeland. it is rare and filled with life." @Bjarg_the_Demigod
06:29 Madison_Jones: From... your homeland Bedlam? *Coughs*
06:30 Garras: *sleep subsuming.. eye a glaze*
06:30 BEDLAM: "Yes... it's B'klum."
06:30 Fenrich: *offering shoulder to Garras* to all, be well.
06:30 Taryn_Swiftsword: I feel someone's eyes burning upon me. Scanning the crowd I catch eyes with Madison and give a slight smirk. Opening my cape enough to reveal my bare thigh and loincloth.
06:31 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Well thank you, Bedlam. And I would not be a good host if I did not offer some to the Mage first for his assistance in the ceremony.
06:31 Garras: Together, seeking respite. "Good night."
06:31 BEDLAM: 'watching Madison Jones move into his mating dance...
06:31 Madison_Jones: *Eyes the bare thigh.* I think I might want to try out a different outfit tonight.
06:31 BEDLAM: crops to my knee and faces @Volos
06:31 Madison_Jones: *Quietly moves over to the Lodge to change.*
06:32 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Good night Garras. Thanks for joining us tonight.
06:32 BEDLAM: "Lord Volos..."
06:32 Mosk_the_Ghost_Bear: Good night, my brother.
06:33 Volos: "My Beta BEDLAM, you may rise"
06:33 BEDLAM: standing to greet my lord with a kiss
06:33 COPPER_WOLF: "Greetings Master and Demon." Arrives with copper fur glowing with moonlight.
06:34 Jake_English: *Quietly salutes the copper wolf and the wolf lord.* Evening to you both.
06:34 BEDLAM: "I wish to introduce you to our host, Lord. This is Bjarg he is lord here. I was about to favor him with B'klum, wine from my homeland."
06:34 Volos: "Perhaps not with your fangs so deeply this time"
06:34 BEDLAM: smiles
06:34 minotaur21560: I remain quiet... noticing the whirl of changes round me. They form and move and dance.
06:35 Taryn_Swiftsword: First there were a company of bears, Now wolves. I admit i feel slightly out of place being a mortal man.
06:35 minotaur21560: I finger the thorns at my neck and intone, quietly: "He made me walk through thorn bushes of the mountains. / He stripped me of clothes and armor. / He gave me a knife and dagger, saying to me / ‘These are appropriate ornaments for you.’ "
06:35 COPPER_WOLF: The Copper Wolf comes to investigate the @Taryn_Swiftsword...
06:35 Volos: " @Bjarg_the_Demigod, perhaps I have seen your realm before"
06:35 Bjarg_the_Demigod: And I was about to favor the Mage with the first drink brought by our guest.
06:36 BEDLAM: "There is plenty to share. it's a heady thick wine, sweet with flavors of Paprika and cinnamon."
06:36 Taryn_Swiftsword: I stand firm, eye brow raises to see @COPPER_WOLF approach. cheeks flushing. "Hello there..."
06:37 BEDLAM: "With your permission, Lord Bjarg I will fill your cup, and that of your decorated champion."
06:37 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Perhaps, there have been many wolves that have roamed these woods.
06:37 minotaur21560: I glance up, vaguely aware of this world as well as others.
06:37 COPPER_WOLF: A light nuzzles to the @Taryn_Swiftsword, the copper tipped fur both soft and brilliant this evening.
06:37 Volos: "I have brought a barrel with tap for Bloodrose, one of the rarest vintages in the earthly realm"
06:38 BEDLAM: bows back and favors Lord Volos' drink...
06:39 Taryn_Swiftsword: My hand timid at first. I give a soft smile and begin stroking the soft fur of @COPPER_WOLF. Running my hand behind his ears and scratching the scruff of his neck
06:39 BEDLAM: fills the cup of @minotaur21560 with B'klum.
06:39 minotaur21560: I hold it, look at it, bring it to my lips and drink.
06:40 minotaur21560: Briefly meet the gaze of the giant in thanks.
06:40 Volos: "the Harvest Moon should bring the best of the vineyards and killing grounds of Earth"
06:40 COPPER_WOLF: Eyes the color of amber topaz watch the human @Taryn_Swiftsword stroke my copper fur. In return, my paw strokes your human skin.
06:41 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Thank the gods there is no pumpkin spice
06:41 BEDLAM: pulling the decorated warrior @minotaur21560 into a huge embrace, my spaded tail wraps his leg and a kiss to favor his accomplishments!
06:41 BEDLAM: barking laughter
06:41 minotaur21560: I feel the crushing strength of the demon and his fiery kiss
06:42 BEDLAM: ohhhh this one is worthy... muscle and vibrant soul...
06:42 Volos: *I watch my spawn embrace the human as his fur reflects the red moon*
06:42 COPPER_WOLF: "The Copper Wolf thinks humans scented with Pumpkin Spice are pleasant."
06:43 Taryn_Swiftsword: For...eating?
06:43 Bjarg_the_Demigod: That was my question.
06:43 minotaur21560: The embrace of a demon calls forth in the dark general.. something... eyes become increasingly wild...he lifts the rope of thorns from his neck and says loudly “Here I will pierce my tongue and speak words of blood.”
06:43 Jake_English: Hang on a moment let me just make a call… i think i ought bring some gifts from my colleagues for the occasion.
06:43 BEDLAM: my lust AROUSED...
06:44 COPPER_WOLF: "Perhaps human. Do you like the taste of Pumpkin, Spice, and everything Nice?"
06:44 BEDLAM: "SPEAK..."
06:44 minotaur21560: He puts aside the helmet - the second time this day, opening his bearded mouth, begins to pierce the lolling tongue with one long thorn like a needle and thread, beginning to draw it through, the thorns pass, cut, blood drips... and below a parchment catches it... these things will be written, read...
06:44 Taryn_Swiftsword: I make to reply to @COPPER_WOLFbut my attention goes to the General who has something to proclaim
06:45 minotaur21560: "From the handhold of the bow, we launch an arrow./ The arrow did not approach the monster, but returned./ Monster that called out to it: "Arrow that has come, return to your reed-bed; frame of the bow, return to your forest; bow-string to the ram's tendon, arrow flight to the bird.”
06:45 minotaur21560: Tire him out, this monster, so that he may let fall his wing tip in opposition to the storm wind.”
06:45 minotaur21560: "Great lion, fierce opponent in battle! Mighty one, castrater of enemy warriors! Destroyer of cities, who turns their settlements into dust! Great wild bull, battering ram who destroys great walls! We call upon you to protect us!"
06:45 Volos: *I harken to the words the Bullman writes in blood*
06:45 BEDLAM: "You speak prophesy?"
06:46 Mosk_the_Ghost_Bear: With his brothers gone, Mosk feels out of place. Good night, thank you for the invitation. But it is time to depart for my island,
06:46 minotaur21560: And with that the general lifts a great spine, the longest spine, the spine of a stingray, he lodges it in his own glans, his weapon of war, painted with the blue line by the lady of mourning.
06:46 COPPER_WOLF: Watches the General...
06:47 minotaur21560: it drips more blood down to the parchment, as if adding a colophon. Calling upon spirits. This pain which allows communication with gods and spirits... leaving only traces which must be put together after.
06:47 minotaur21560: The general collapses in a swoon.
06:47 BEDLAM: catching the general
06:47 BEDLAM: Taking him to seat
06:48 Bjarg_the_Demigod: At his collapse the Moon Temple suddenly appears bathed in the silver light.
06:48 Bjarg_the_Demigod:
06:48 Jake_English: *Having departed, now returning with an ancient delicacy that has up until now been missing from the festivities. The great serving-board being hefted in both hands is piled high with cakes as round as the full moon overhead, each one a delectable morsel and no two stuffed with the same filling. Some are small as coins, others are as large as shields.*
06:48 BEDLAM: I watch in awe as the Temple forms
06:49 COPPER_WOLF: The Copper Wolf seems uneasy at the appearance of the temple...
06:49 Taryn_Swiftsword: *my brow furrows with concern. following the swooning General.
06:49 BEDLAM: "What portent is this?"
06:50 Taryn_Swiftsword: I admit I have no answer. It seems a lot has gone on since I was last in these woods.
06:50 BEDLAM: "The moon is a power this night... wait the Lord speaks..."
06:51 Bjarg_the_Demigod: *gazes out across the expanse of the Forest to the Moon Temple.
06:52 Volos: "swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circle orb"
06:53 Jake_English: Tonight is not only the harvest moon but the moon festival as well. Perhaps the moon god has decided to pay us a visit for the occasion.
06:53 Jake_English: All the better that i managed to procure a great load of moon cakes for the occasion.
06:53 COPPER_WOLF: "That could explain this." Eyes the temple looking confused.
06:53 BEDLAM: "I should like to try one."
06:54 BEDLAM: still holding the Warrior @minotaur21560
06:54 minotaur21560: I wake up, smelling the fragrance of moon cakes brought by an islander. And there, the Temple silvery.... I see it.. filling my eyes.
06:55 minotaur21560: "O Moon Shrine, your interior is a mountain of abundance, your exterior a hill of plenty. No one can learn the interior of the E-kiš-nu-ĝal, artfully fashioned mountain. Your place of marvel is of cedar, your name makes the Land rejoice. Your lord is the one called the beautiful lord, ornament of all the lands. "
06:55 BEDLAM: "The moon holds sway over the assembled."
06:56 minotaur21560: "Your gate is the blue sky imbued with fearsomeness. Only when it is open does the moon illumine the horizon. Your platform is where fates are determined by the gods; you make just decisions. Your name be praised indeed! "
06:56 minotaur21560: "In your interior, the evildoer dare not lay hold of the holy statutes. The evil-doer cannot even come to know your interior, which is a dragon. "
06:56 Volos: *my sable-furred hide bristles at the vision of the Moon Temple, wondering what its appearance portends*
06:57 Taryn_Swiftsword: Takes a sip from my mead and walks across the campfire taking up a mooncake that @Jake_English brought. It appears tonights festivities are as changeable as the tides. swinging between merriment and high ritual
06:58 Bjarg_the_Demigod: The evening has proved to be full of surprises.
06:59 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Was the Moon Temple not once the home to a wolf pack?
07:00 COPPER_WOLF: "The Madison knows that story, perhaps he should tell it..."
07:00 Volos: *I draw from the barrel of Bloodrose, celebrating my victory, limited as it was against, against my adversaries in the latest battle against the Red Cult*
07:01 Jake_English: *A single four, corresponding to the smallest cakes. He samples one — the filling is red bean paste.*
07:01 BEDLAM: "YES Death to red star!"
07:01 minotaur21560: I also drink now, seeming less in the grip of muses and oracles... eyes drift round the company, settling on the bright face of the swordsman.
07:01 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Yes, Mage, tell us the story of the wolf pack..
07:02 COPPER_WOLF: "Very well, I shall relinquish control. Forgive me my master." Offers an affectionate nuzzle to @Volos.
07:02 Volos: *I offer a goblet to my Beta @BEDLAM, "to their demise!"*
07:03 Taryn_Swiftsword: I taste the mooncake and grin, "Mmm white lotus..."
07:03 minotaur21560: and mine... red date and walnut...
07:03 COPPER_WOLF: The transformation begins, cleaner than last some of you saw. The body changes, condense as bones shift and fur contracts, copper tips going dull as eye burn with the color of Amber Topaz. Grunts of pain as the lupine form changes, the body of a man remains.
07:03 BEDLAM: Taking Bloodrose from my Master.
07:04 Taryn_Swiftsword: My eyes catch the General's gaze. A look of concern is shared. I nod seemingly asking if he is alright.
07:04 minotaur21560: I nod, with the ghost of a smile.
07:04 Madison_Jones: In the place of the Copper Wolf is me, naked and pure under the moonlight.
07:04 Madison_Jones: "Now, I shall explain the story of the wolf pack that once inhabited these lands for those who care."
07:04 Taryn_Swiftsword: I blush, not realizing the wolf i was petting was @Madison_Jones.
07:05 BEDLAM: chuckles
07:05 Volos: *I cross arms with my Beta, Demon and Wolf Lord sipping from each other's cups*
07:05 Madison_Jones: "Let's see what tricks I have picked up from Argoniya..."
07:05 BEDLAM: drinks deeply
07:06 BEDLAM: eyebrow at that name...
07:06 Madison_Jones: I wave my hand using the rich mana of this land and create an illusion in the sky above the fire. A mural is displayed from the temple for all of you to see.
07:06 Madison_Jones:
07:06 Madison_Jones:
07:08 Madison_Jones: "There are two deities who constantly fight each other, Lumen the Moon God, and his brother the Sun God. That temple shifts based on who is in control. Lumen is in control now, and so it can only appear under the Moonlight, specifically if it is a crescent moon or better. If there isn't enough moonlight, it cannot appear. It is Lumen who that ancient pack worshiped."
07:09 Volos: "It is tonight the Harvest Moon"
07:09 Madison_Jones: "Jake and I investigated the temple before, found it. The remains of the pack were there, all bones. Their high priest was... alive, but undead I would say. Still serving Lumen. As far as I can tell, when the power shifted to Sun God, the wolf pack became trapped there, and starved to death."
07:10 BEDLAM: I rise and select cake... all look tempting
07:10 Madison_Jones: "During the crisis of The Monster, I took the power of the high priest upon myself as Luman had given me his blessing. And so now I serve that role."
07:10 Bjarg_the_Demigod: The pack starved in less than a month>
07:11 Madison_Jones: "It was centuries. The shifting between the brothers takes centuries to happen Bjarg."
07:12 Madison_Jones: "When Sungod is in control, the Moon Temple BECOMES the Sun Temple, and vise versa."
07:12 Madison_Jones: Gestures to mural again.
07:12 Madison_Jones:
07:12 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Of course. When does the Sungod next take control?
07:13 Jake_English: If i recall, they do battle every few centuries.
07:13 Madison_Jones: "That I do not know. They battle on occasion. It's possible that Luman could retain control for thousands of years."
07:14 Jake_English: Do you think it is possible for eclipses to have an effect on the magic in the temple?
07:14 Taryn_Swiftsword: And do the wolves keep wary of the temple? Remembering their long imprisonment there?
07:15 Madison_Jones: "That would be a question better asked of Lumen I believe, or of course Sun God. Oh, and don't say Sun around Lumen. He REALLY hates that word."
07:15 BEDLAM: chuckles
07:16 Jake_English: *Another sampling of the smallest cakes — mmmm, egg custard.*
07:17 Madison_Jones: "They are brothers. Moon God and Sun God."
07:18 Jake_English: Lumen was a favorite guest of dahvin. I do hope the lord of the forest is doing well.
07:18 Madison_Jones: "This explains a lot..." Sips while standing around naked. Cast another glance and smile at @Taryn_Swiftsword
07:19 Madison_Jones: "Yeah, I guess they were dating for a bit Jake."
07:20 Taryn_Swiftsword: i finish the moon cake I devour and feel warm from drink and from standing there by the firelight. I unclasp my cloak and hang it on a nearby treelimb. revealing a smooth chest and ceremonial loincloth. I turn and see my cup is empty.
07:21 Madison_Jones: I come over to @Taryn_Swiftsword and notice a few sparse drops in his cup. I poke it with my finger glowing with amber light, and those drops multiple filling the cup.
07:21 Madison_Jones: "Mystic Barkeep trick."
07:21 BEDLAM: I fill your cup with drink from my homeland
07:21 BEDLAM: glowers at Madison... faster than Bedlam...
07:22 Madison_Jones: Holds up another cup to be filled by Bedlam.
07:22 BEDLAM: fills
07:22 Taryn_Swiftsword: That is quite the party trick...You must be a very popular barkeep.
07:22 Jake_English: Too popular, some would say.
07:22 Jake_English: I have told him he needs time off.
07:22 Madison_Jones: "You could always try coming by the #barroom Taryn. You could meet Umbra!" Smiles.
07:23 Taryn_Swiftsword: I toast Madison and drink the mead in one go. Not wanting to insult @BEDLAM I take the cup he filled and toast him
07:23 BEDLAM: ''nods @Taryn_Swiftsword'
07:23 Taryn_Swiftsword: Head swimming already* I thank ye both my tongue will not be dry tonight.
07:24 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Oh I think I understand where the confusion is coming from. Lunan, the god of the moon was indeed a thing with Dahvin. But Lumen is the Goddess of the Moon who presides over much of the usual events during a lunar cycle.
07:25 Jake_English: Ah. I seem to have gotten my names mixed up. A not infrequent occurrence in one who has endured as many teenage concussions as i.
07:26 minotaur21560: I am become tipsy, blood still round my mouth and on my dick, yet I stumble over to @Taryn_Swiftsword and lean against him briefly
07:26 Madison_Jones: "Yeah, that being said... I will say that Lumen was fairly... androgenous when he blessed me."
07:26 Taryn_Swiftsword: My arm wraps around @minotaur21560 to steady him. "Take a cake friend. The drink will be better tolerated"
07:27 minotaur21560: I nod, and take it and eat, though it hurts my tongue.
07:27 Madison_Jones: "Well Bedlam, I would love to taste some of your drink." Sips from the cup.
07:27 BEDLAM: eyebrow rises
07:27 minotaur21560: *grins at the red giant
07:28 BEDLAM: Pours some for Madison...."It has sweetness and tastes of Paprika and cinnamon."
07:28 Madison_Jones: Takes a sip of the drink.
07:28 minotaur21560: wanders over towards the leaf lord, and is respectful though drunk and leans against him next...
07:28 Madison_Jones: "Is it just me, or is it getting a little warm out here?"
07:29 Madison_Jones: "Jake, pass me a moon cake please."
07:30 Jake_English: *One of the small cakes is passed to the maze keeper. Then another for madison.*
07:31 BEDLAM: chuckles
07:31 Taryn_Swiftsword: *Takes a sip from the goblet filled with Bedlam's drink. My eye winces and I let out a slight cough. "Cinnamon and paprika? That does warm the blood."
07:32 Madison_Jones: Turns back to Taryn with a smile, takes a sip of the drink.
07:32 BEDLAM: Watches Taryn's cock.... smiling.
07:33 minotaur21560: *whispers to @BEDLAM there are many tales concerning that swordsman
07:33 Madison_Jones: "This stuff is really good, but it's making me feel." Hand slides down to feel my member... it swells a bit.
07:33 Taryn_Swiftsword: I lean tipsy against the smooth bark of a tree, Hips jutted out as my posture softens.
07:33 BEDLAM: "There may be more soon..."
07:33 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Oh oh
07:34 Madison_Jones: Comes over to @Taryn_Swiftsword, offers arm for support.
07:34 Bjarg_the_Demigod: What happens at the Lodge stays at the Lodge ... well almost always. Your results may vary.
07:34 Taryn_Swiftsword: I smile at @Madison_Jones and take his arm, letting mine snake around his waist, My bulge swells slightly as well, filling out the blue loincloth wrapped around me.
07:35 Madison_Jones: "Are you feeling a bit tipsy? One of the duties of a Mystic Barkeep is to make sure the patrons are taken care of for the night if they drink too much."
07:35 BEDLAM: hard laughter
07:36 minotaur21560: *eyes Madison and his new friend, my brother in arms, and I admit they look fine together.
07:36 Madison_Jones: Gazes over to the Moon Temple again...
07:36 Madison_Jones:
07:37 Taryn_Swiftsword: "Not too tipsy...merely...liberated."
07:37 Madison_Jones: "Unless Lumen or the high priest called it, it shouldn't be able to appear." Shrugs, "I just work there though."
07:37 Taryn_Swiftsword: I say with a slight smile.
07:37 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Uninhibited is good.
07:37 BEDLAM: Walks to where the Lord of the party sits and takes seat to his left.... watches the revel with him...
07:38 Madison_Jones: "Unless you need the temple for something Bjarg, I feel it would be better for me to dismiss it for now..."
07:39 Bjarg_the_Demigod: What do you think its appearance on a night like this portends?
07:40 Bjarg_the_Demigod: And why would we dismiss it on the night of a full moon?
07:41 Madison_Jones: "I'm just, paranoid that something might happen. I am sort of the protector of the place. I should probably start a moon cult." Eyes Taryn again.
07:43 Bjarg_the_Demigod: *looks over at Bedlam
07:44 Taryn_Swiftsword: *takes a sip of the drink. "Blood red moon calls for the blood to be spilled, as my elders used to say. Let us hope that is not in the stars this evening.
07:44 BEDLAM: Takes Bjarg's hand... huge hand envelops his...
07:45 Taryn_Swiftsword: *My hand absent mindedly traces the curve of @Madison_Jones's spine. tracing patterns along the smooth skin.
07:45 Madison_Jones: Shutters, turns, and smiles.
07:46 Bjarg_the_Demigod: The red energy meets the green. It almost feels like Xmas.
07:46 Madison_Jones: "Alright, I'll leave the temple for tonight on account of the moon. Would you like a tour of it Taryn?"
07:46 Taryn_Swiftsword: *takes another sip of the goblet and offers the last of the draught to Madison..."Are you trying to recruit me to be in your cult Madison?"
07:47 Madison_Jones: "All religions start as a cult."
07:47 BEDLAM: "Your invitation is still a mystery... most people here ward against me. Some quite specifically. I am bound by laws... this occasion the Law of Hospitality. It's a simple thing."
07:47 Madison_Jones: "Consider this the ground floor into the Ponzi scheme."
07:49 Taryn_Swiftsword: Leaning in and looking up at Madison's eyes, "Well I do like a good pyramid. lead away barkeep."
07:49 Bjarg_the_Demigod: * looks at Bedlam "And the law of hospitality states that there be no reason for it to be offered to a guest."
07:49 Madison_Jones: Takes @Taryn_Swiftsword hand and heads off to the temple. "Good evening everyone."
07:49 Taryn_Swiftsword: I give @minotaur21560 a gentle wave and a wink. following madison into the temple
07:49 Madison_Jones: "Just remember, all you have to do is recruit two under you. Then they recruit two more... and they....."
07:50 Taryn_Swiftsword: 'Good evening all..."
07:50 minotaur21560: farewell and be careful. there are still monsters abroad
07:50 BEDLAM: "I meant I am grateful."
07:50 BEDLAM: holds hand and watches the revel with dark eyes.
07:51 Bjarg_the_Demigod: By the gods, we have witnessed the beginning of a cult
07:51 minotaur21560: A moment in the annals of history
07:52 BEDLAM: "Cults.... they happen hourly.... they have a secret, I may tell you if you ask."
07:53 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Oh, go on.
07:55 BEDLAM: whispers to Bjarg
07:55 BEDLAM: smiles and nods
07:56 BEDLAM: "seems everyone left..."
07:56 minotaur21560: only the diehards remain
07:57 BEDLAM: "I am a diehard... yes."
07:57 minotaur21560: and I am now what a lt general, with three red cords pushing out my manly balls to either side?
07:58 BEDLAM: "I have 3 minutes left to my summoning... then I am taken back to my prison."
07:58 BEDLAM: stands and faces the Lord Bjarg
08:00 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Thank you for sharing the evening with us and for the gifts you brought. I hope we can meet again.
08:00 BEDLAM: "I am pleased to be here. Count on my return if you wish it."
08:00 BEDLAM: disappears in a whif of brimstone and sulphur
08:04 Bjarg_the_Demigod: We should put out the fire, seal the drink, and close up the Lodge.
08:05 minotaur21560: Yes I will help.

Published: 2022-09-13, viewed 54 times.