*The red light from the red eye behind the red Dragon mask of Meiji washes over Solar and the land around him. The air has a quality of sunset about it and the shadows cast are soft and melancholy. It would be beautiful, if it wasn’t for the ambience this left. The breeze was still, the light was dark, the warmth was chilling and the peace was not solitude, but abandonment. There was a feeling of the end. Something eldritch lurked hidden in Meiji’s eyes. Perhaps now this was only apparent because the red was terribly intense. Solar had jibed Meiji into an indolent rage.*

 

Your proposal is acceptable to my Master. You will attend carefully to the following instructions. 

 

The Imperial Palace is located within the Grand City of New Kii, far west of here in the lands those of your kind who predate you labelled the “ Thread”. It is easily recognised: the surrounding lands are barren due to the actions of one old and dead false God, a God who died by hands of my Master. Your vaunted immortality shall not protect you from my master if you should countenance the schemes of fools and attempt to betray him. 

 

My master cannot be tricked, deceived or manipulated. His mind is unrivalled. His thoughts strip the world bare of the distractions of matter and energy and he knows truth. He has instructed me from my conception and through him I have learned the truth of my purpose. You, deity, will speak with him. It was please him to speak, because words are truth. He will learn the truth of you and, if you are currently concealing your intelligence, then you will learn the truth of him. 

 

He will speak with you now.

 

Clearly, you wish to ignore me. Hence, the Prelate will repeat everything I have said so you may have your victory. 

 

*Meiji had spoken of Fei and as he had done so the red had diminished. The red eye’s glow had lost intensity and the red had contracted. The blue of the other eye had begun to become the dominant force in the colour scheme of Meiji’s sight. As the changes ended, a violet light, a mixture of the red and blue that seemed not to affect the world in any way, surrounded Solar. The colour was calming. In a world without Ritalin a Doctor would have prescribed Meiji’s violet stare to relax a hyperactive child.*

 

*Meiji removed his helmet with both of his hands. If one ignored the peculiar eyes, the rest of his face was human like, though slightly odd. His moustache was thick and wavy, but in many ways more composed of whiskers than of human hair. His nose was sharp and long, though not hilariously so (he’s not Cyrano de Bergerac). His lips were gaunt and humourless. They were pressed together tightly so they thinned and completely concealed his teeth. His ears were pointed and streamlined. In everyway, his appearance was reminiscient of a hound: an old, distinguished and reliable hunting dog. If Meiji was a dog then he was a well-bred one, the sort whose glossy coat and aloof manner would have won his owner prizes in any dog show. He would have probably won the sheep-dog competition too. God help Babe the sheep pig if he had tried to upstage Meiji: the Grand Marshal have ripped the polite little swine into strips of succulent bacon.* 

 

Well right, the city is west of here. If you end up in the sea you’ve gone too far or the wrong way. If you end up in a swamp you’ve gone too far north. Don’t go to the swamp that’s really creepy. A guy I knew went into that once on a patrol mission. He didn’t just come back muddy but he started ranting about riddling faries and the like. No one been there since because you’d be surprised how mightily tough it is to hit a fairy with a flying kick, especially when your leg is covered in leeches from the bloody swamp. Lasy guy who attempted a leech-assisted flying kick at a fairy missed hi target and hit some elf smack-bang in the middle of the face. For the love of Kaiser…

 

Er – I mean – er – Kaiser be damned!

 

Kaiser be damned. 

 

Yes, er, for the love of the Jade Emperor that law suit lasted ages. 

 

And yes, er, apparently the Jade Emperor will see you now. I don’t know how the Marshal knows that, he just does. 

 

The Emperor told me.

 

Ah, voices no one else can hear?

 

Yes. 

 

sign that. Very healthy sign.

---

The Original Crazy Reactionary

Sorry the response is so late, I'm into exam period now... and still with no connection ¬_¬ It's like hell but without all the interesting people from history. I'm also writing this right after a maths exam, which is my excuse for the generally shoddy writing within

*Iacobus offers a respectful tip of the hat in response to the greetings of the new arrivals, but even his politely aloof manner can't hide his surprise when Skunk kneels to him.*

Please, there is no need for kneeling or additional titles; we are friends and allies here, and such gestures are uncomfortably reminiscent of what the gods demand in greeting. Welcome, one and all, to my realm. Skunk, it is always a pleasure to meet another god committed to friendship and cooperation. And you two are Norobu and Mizumi, I believe? I think we met before in the Kaiser's lair.

Under ordinary circumstances I would of course invite you all into my city, but unfortunately my people have only recently arrived in this area, and a building site is not really the most appropriate place to greet guests. In addition, I have urgent news regarding the being known as the Dreamer.

*Iacobus explains as quickly as possible the information given by Lord Oda, carefully avoiding the subject of where exactly he learnt this, as well as a brief summary of the events leading to the Dreamer passing on to Fei for Skunk's benefit.* I'm sure Battle would want to learn of this as soon as possible - if one of you two wishes to relay the message, I should be able to open a Vortex into his influence - alternatively, I had intentions of dispatching messengers myself, although in the current confusion it would be faster to send one of you than pull people away from the construction work.

Meanwhile, in a desperate attempt to pull through my plot elements before doomsday during the scene-of-unending-dialogue... Ah yes, I've also slightly changed Ohtli's colour, the new one should be easier to read.

Well, with these figures we aren't going to have the industrial district finished anywhere near quickly enough... wait, who put the roads in as high priority? I think we can manage to get by on walking on dirt tracks for longer than we can without lumber mills! Heavens above, don't people ever...

*And so on. Ohtli is still storming through the developing settlement with a dangerously tangled mess of papers, complaining to anyone who will listen, which at the moment happens to be a small army of clerks trailing behind and taking notes.*

Tlatoani. *The voice is loud and stern, but carefully lacking in any rebuke or request in its tone. It is a voice which expects recognition, rather than demanding or requesting it, with most of the emotion carefully screened out. Ohtli glances up sharply to see a tall woman, just over middle aged and looking like she has every intention of progressing straight into Feisty Old Lady, approaching with her own entourage of a rather nervous-looking Zyanya, the scribe Ohtli sent off for the maps.* Could I have a word?

Itotia! Always happy to oblige, but things are quite hectic right now, I've got so much planning to sort out... could it wait until later?

I'm afraid it's urgent. Can we speak privately?

Ah, er, of course. *Ohtli looks somewhat uncomfortable stepping aside to where nobody is busily writing down his every word, but he turns to the Tlacochcalcatl with irritated determination.*

I'm very busy, I hope this is- Tlatoani Ohtli! I have a queue of soldiers waiting to be decommissioned a mile long outside my office, don't you dare suggest that I would take a moment off to see you if it wasn't important!

*Itotia makes no attempt to hide her own anger now, rather keeping her voice low so that only Ohtli can hear her. He blinks, looking somewhat taken aback, and responds in a similar low tone.* I'd assumed it was about Zyanya, but I have to say I hardly think that's as important as you're making out, Itotia Xipil.

Don't be childish. I would have thought that you could have told that the stunt with the maps was a bad idea.

Stunt? I needed those fast and-

And you didn't go through the official channels, you went around me. Anyone who hears about that is going to think we can't work together.

*Ohtli hesitates, but it is not in submission, which Itotia picks up on instantly.* Don't even think that's not important now the army's standing down, I'm still a state official as much as you! And the war with Ceron's changed the people's attitudes. You've always had their respect, which is fine. You need it, I don't, and you've got natural authority anyway. But I've led the armies, I've defended our land from threats, and now I've earned their respect.

What are you saying, Itotia? A power struggle? Between us?

I know it sounds as absurd to you as it does to me, but this is a city of thousands, and it won't sound so silly to them. As far as most people are concerned I'm just another state official commanding a lot of loyalty, and with the disbanding of the army I don't have much to do with it anymore. In situations like that, people start thinking about who they'd side with if it came to a struggle; I've seen it in badly disciplined units. There'll be civil strife from that without either of us needing to even make a move. And so it does not help when you go around undermining me like this!

*Ohtli looks abashed, and nods silently, pausing a moment longer before replying.* You're right, I'm sorry. I didn't think.

*Ohtli's apology seems to take some of the strength out of Itotia's anger, and she sighs, leaning back against a bit of scaffolding.* Well, you're just trying to get things done. Aren't we all. But this thing... it isn't going away soon, and it'll take some effort from us just to stop it getting worse. Something's going to have to give eventually... but until then...

Stick to the procedures, right. Give people a bit of faith in security there if nowhere else.

Do you think we will be safe here until we find a new land?

Well, I have faith, I suppose... besides, you know the layout of these lands as well as anyone, wouldn't you say that we're about as far from the danger as possible?

I suppose. The Oracle chose well, but... we still had to abandon our home. And so soon after getting it back.

We'll find somewhere new. And we're still living free. Ha, I bet that bastard Chancellor and his cronies are scratching a living as someone else's slaves now.

And shifting again before anyone can spend too long pondering the inevitable consequences for Ohtli of that sort of doomed proclamation...

So, Lord Oda... I've never met a Lord before. What's it like?

---

It is indeed a pleasure to see you again, Your Holiness, under these less stressful circumstances. I am honoured that you remember me from that time, especially considering I was transparent at the time. We're all still very excited that Yumeko, new holy daughter of the Moon, has been able to cure those ninjas of our god that needed it.

Indeed, though the news of Master Fei's intentions and growing power is something we should definitely not overlook in this relatively calm time. We shall inform our god, and if you wish, we could also request that he meets with you soon, if it is of high priority that plans be made and action taken against this mortal with The Dreamer's power.

Noboru, do you also think we should tell everyone to avoid negative emotions? That way we won't be empowering The Dreamer, or rather, Master Fei, right?
Hmmm perhaps not as silly as it sound. I guess we should continue with the planned celebrations this evening.
Awesome!

We are honoured by your offer to make a Miracle happen to bring us home faster, but we will respectfully decline this generous offer. The creature of our god could bring us there swiftly, and our god has probably not yet returned. We will depart on our own soon. Skunk, you are of course welcome to keep accompanying us on our journey, though you may wish to stay here if you want to settle down in this region. Whatever your decision, it has been an honour meeting you.

Indeed! I hope to hear more of you in the future... You should also consider feeding your creature more. I've heard large white mushrooms may promote growth.
Before we go though, is there any more you can tell us about this region, Wise Iacobus of the Aztecs? Has all been calm? I hope there have been no more sightings of undead or other activities in the region? I'd like to have as much information about the situation in these Neutral Lands, before we return with Jimmy to inform our Deity.

---

*Skunk felt much more at ease now. Iacobus had made him feel much more welcome into this realm. Hopefully all of the Gods Skunk ran into would be this friendly. He listened to Iacobus' information that one called 'Lord Oda' had given him, and the explanation of The Dreamer and this 'Fei' person. Skunk stood there trying to find things to make himself more joyful, while trying very carefully not to be upset about anything. It wasn't very hard for him as he was a natural optimist, and with all this warmth and friendship around him he was in much too great a mood to be brought down. Skunk had also erased all thoughts about any possibility that Noboru, Mizumi, or Iacobus were not to be trusted. And his attitude towards them would only get better as time progressed.*

*Mephitis was enjoying the time spent with his new friends, occasionally listening in on the conversation the Gods were having and analysing their expressions. Mephitis had spent a great deal of time listening in on any conversations he could. He was fascinated by human speech, emotion, and expressions. This hobby of his led to him being able to read people with extreme accuracy, especially Skunk. Skunk knew this, and would often refer to Mephitis if he thought a person may, or may not, be trustworthy. Skunk would also often refer to Mephitis on decisions that had to be made, even if he had already decided himself. For now though, Mephitis had already established that both the ninjas and the newly acquainted God were sincere, and had made Skunk aware of this. Mephitis was just intrigued by what Iacobus had to say at this moment and couldn't turn away.*

*The two ninjas began to speak, and Skunk turned his attention them. Most of what the ninjas had to say had nothing to do with him, but listened anyways. Gathering more information could never hurt. Noboru asked if Skunk would like to join them on their journey, and Mizumi mentioned that Mephitis could eat some mushrooms to grow. Skunk pondered for a while. He would like to settle down in this region, and it would certainly be useful to be close to a friendly God like Iacobus, but he wasn't quite ready to settle down yet; he still had so much to learn. Skunk turned to Mephitis, just catching the wolf's eye. Mephitis nodded. Skunk wondered how Mephitis knew what he was thinking for a moment, but remembered how long they'd been together and continued his train of thought. He realised that the ninjas thought he wanted Mephitis to be a large creature, but that wasn't even Skunk's decision. Mephitis had chosen to stay small all these years, it made it easier for him to follow his God around during his travels, and to eavesdrop on his conversations.*

*The ninjas finished speaking, asking Iacobus about what was happening in the Neutral Lands, and Skunk turned his attention to Iacobus. He would wait for Iacobus' reply before letting the ninjas know that he did, in fact, want to continue with them on their journey. He also wanted to mention that Mephitis wouldn't let himself grow, and that any attempt at making him grow would probably fail. Besides, Skunk liked him being small; he made for a better friend, and a much stealthier warrior.*

---

[Lionhead Pub] [Good Read] [Photobucket]

*The deity calmly listens to the explanation of both Meiji as well as the Prelate. There are a few points of interest, including the fact that Kaiser has apparently been overthrown. Apparently, his monks had rebelled against him again or something similar. Ah, monks. Truly a constant in life on the boards.*

*Still, one had to wonder how much truth was told. Kaiser had never struck Solar as somebody who was easy to kill. Though his nefarious plans had been foiled time and again, he always managed to come back after some time. Most likely, the leader of these monks had overthrown Kaiser, but failled to actually kill him. Of course, there was no way to be sure, and it didn't particulary matter for now either.*

*The god found himself interested by this "Jade Emperor." One had to wonder who and what he was. But he'd find out soon enough. By all means, the conversation with him should be interesting enough.*

*Smiling his patient smile during the explanation, one would find it rather hard to get an accurate idea about what the deity's thoughts were. His face was like a mask; smiling politely, but otherwise not showing anything of major interest. No surprise, no  indignity, no disdain, nothing of the sort. It was somewhat unnerving, really, as the monks were left wondering whether that little smile wasn't covering up needlessly bloody ideas about a little rampant murdering of their group.*

Alright, I think that should be enough information to be able to find the place. I'll make my way there as soon as possible. Thank you for your time. Now, if you'll excuse me, gentlemen. I still have a relatively long journey ahead of me. Perhaps we'll meet again another day.

*The deity sets off at a brisk pace, walking past the monks, who make sure to clear the way for him before he comes too close. Only Meiji doesn't move away from the spot. For a moment, the god wonders whether he couldn't just behead Meiji and keep his head around as a throphy, but he gets the feeling that wouldn't be the best idea ever, so he decides to simply treat him as if he isn't there, passing him without casting a second glance on him.*

*Before long, the deity is but a speck on the horizon. Whatever you say about this deity, you can't say he's slow. Well... Technically, you could, but you'd be lying. And if he heard it and was in a bad mood, you might experience a sharp decline in your health. So remember people, lying is a bad thing. *

---

*The god that was Solar is indeed fast, and his mind is going over the new information he has acquired. As Solar plans out the best actions to take in the future, his mind is still not so occupied that he doesn't notice a presence approaching him from behind. He twists around and draws his sword as he does so. It's not Meiji or anything that has come at him from behind, but a much smaller being. New Solar has turned around just in time to see an imp make a crash landing and tumbling through the snow*

*It seems to have a sword strapped to its back, but the sword is bigger than the imp itself and it seems unlikely he would be able to wield it effectively. It now also seems occupied with screeching and hopping around on one foot, with the three clawed toes of his other foot, which he probably hurt, stuffed in his mouth. A cough from New Solar is enough finally make the creature realise again that he is not alone, and there is in fact a confused god in his presence. He quickly faces the god and smiles as if nothing had happened*

Greetings Great One! I is glad I having found you! I can go back home quick now!
OooooOOOH! You have nice black armour. You slay Hellhound or something? They always be chasing me.

Right... Who are you, who are you working for, and why should I waste my time talking to you?

Aspenar indeed rude, not offering name! Should bite tongue! I is Aspenar, and I is great blacksmith! No master today. I works with just other imps, though Cesparius like pretend being boss. We all blacksmith now, though some enchant. Not Aspenar, makes teeth tingle! Once a tooth even fall out of mouth! Or it was lucky pebble I kept in cheek. Aspenar not remember... hmmmm.

Do you actually have anything important to say, or are you just trying to see how long you can keep talking until I either start valiantly vanquishing little imps, or until I start ignoring them. After kicking them away for a mile or two.

Advertising! I here to advertise new shop at volcano! We are best weapon place! You need weapons or items or skin protection? Nice ring, maybe? You come see us and we make for you! We make best quality, low prices, short wait time! Best in realm! We buy too! You have nice sword. We pay price!

My sword is not for sale.

Has nice sparkly crystals though. Switching colours! Once had master with eyes like sword crystals.
My eyes actually do the same.
Yes, but have pupils! Old master not have those. Never quite knew who and where he looking at. From him Aspenar learn telling name is important. If he didn't say name all imps would try to follow order at same time, all thinking he had been looking at them when giving order. All obeying safer than none obeying!

Indeed. I think now would be a time to notify you that I'm starting to feel a little more violent urges again by now. I've just had to talk with monks keeping some annoying company, which was frustrating enough. Get to the point or I'm leaving.

Right! Free stuff! I has sample of work and flyer for you, Great One! I gladly give you these:
*The Imp takes one sheet from a stack of fumbled papers and hands it to the god*


*As New Solar reads the flyer, the imp manages to free the sword strapped to his back, and presents it to the god. The sword seems to be of excellent quality. Some 4 feet long, not too heavy, well decorated, razor sharp and with an unnatural gleam that would suggest a minor enchantment*

(click for larger picture)

This average sample. We can make even better when special order for payment! It has minor enchantment to protect against miracles, so mortal dies little less quick, or me! Hmmmm, makes Aspenar wonder why he not has own weapon. Or helmet! You think I look in helmet? More important! Do you like sword? It yours now! We work hard for customers! Visit us in future, alright? Maybe? You may visit us always! To order weapons... or just visit Aspenar if you like. I is lonely sometimes. Other imps just work-friends.

(Images used were not made by me and credit goes to Grievance, TwistedGubby, Dripik12 and Stefanmarius from deviantart.com)

---

Cease your manhandling, peasant, I am Lord Oda Nobunaga, Extraordinary Commissioner for Advanced Theology, Undersecretary to the Slayer, Imperial Minister-without-Portfolio – 

 

*Music without detectable source begins. Everyone can hear it, yet for some reason they do not find it odd or strange. They do not filled compelled to search for the source or to look about wildly in alarm. No, all they can do is look at Oda as if he was under a spotlight, which, curiously enough, he was.* 

 

- Daimyo of the Edo Province and… and I…

 

*Oda’s speech turned to song and the Jaguar Knights that accompanied him felt obliged to provide backing dancers and a chorus. To the people within this spectacle, it all seemed natural and logical. There senses were not dulled by any opiate, no they had entered an area in which the nature of reason, logic and thinking had become a little twisted.*

 

*The Jaguar Knights adopt Dark Green as their colour for the duration of this post, but only because I can't replicate the colours you're doing Iacobus, you'll have to explain to me how. *

 

In the dark of the night I was tossing and turning
And the nightmare I had was as bad as can be

It scared me out of my wits
A corpse falling to bits!
Then I opened my eyes
And the nightmare was...me!

 

I was once the most powerful man in all the land.
When the ninjas escaped me they made a mistake!
To their false God they should pray
To hide there’s no way!
Test Subjects, beware,
Lord Oda’s awake!

In the dark of the night will find them
In the dark of the night just before dawn!
Aah...

The data will be sweet
When the tests are complete!

In the dark of the night

 

They’ll be gone!

 

I can feel that my strength is slowly returning!
Tie my sash and a dash of cologne for that smell!
As the pieces fall into place
I'll see them crawl into place!
Death to their god, Battle, his grace, farewell!

In the dark of the night terror will strike them!

Terror's the least I can do!

In the dark of the night will brew.
Ooh!

Soon they will feel that their nightmares are real.

In the dark of the night

They’ll be through!

In the dark of the night
will find them
Find them!
Ooh!
In the dark of the night terror comes true.
Doom them!

fools, here's a sign
It's the end of the line!

In the dark of the night...
In the dark of the night...
In the dark of the night...

Come my master,
Rise my Lord Kaiser,
Let your shine!
Come forth now,
Yes, come ever wiser

In the dark of the night...
In the dark of the night...
In the dark of the night...

They’ll be mine!

*All throw there hand into the air.*

*The music without source ends and the people caught up in it find themselves able to control their movements again. Thee is an awkward exchange of glances as well as an air of utter incredulity. Lord Oda takes the opportunity to adjust his glasses, which had become skewed during the musical piece. He coughs politely and ponderously*

Lyrical exposition and choreographed movements… I know of but one possible cause. 

*He scrutinises the world about him, a few minutes later he finds what he had been searching for. The damaged head of a Koios TITAN pokes above the ground, the rest of it no doubt buried beneath the soil. This was the old Thread after all and it is no doubt crawling with leftovers from that era.*

*The head, from a distance, looks like an odd shaped rock and could easily go unnoticed by someone who did not know what to look for. Despite its inactivity and fatal damage, it’s eyes flicker with residual charge. Perhaps during Liberalis’s storm it received a jolt of lightning?*

As I presumed, A TITAN melodic field. We must vacate this area quickly and never speak of what has occurred again. 

Now, to your question…

By that, I mean you’ll get a more canonical post later. I’ve been very lazy this time around with my song modification, but you know, I’m out of practice without the TITANs .

Appropriate youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAH1HPmPZF4

---

The Original Crazy Reactionary

This is a long post, filled with song. If you do not have time or desire to read through it, all of importance that happens is that Iacobus and Skunk receive a free sword and flyers from the imps.

*Iacobus seems to ponder for a bit, as musical tones begin to be heard on the wind. Something which seems a bit out of place, considering most of Iacobus' people seem hard at work, and not inclined to use musical instruments while doing so. Though it doesn't seem weird for some reason*

Do you hear that, Noboru? Sounds like some sort of celebration. I guess we could use something cheerful. Things have been tough since coming here.
That is true. How are you holding up by the way? When we were first rescued you were among those in the worst mental and physical condition, and even I still have nightmares.
I'm... doing better. It gets difficult at times. The stuff with Fei and the Sohei still around doesn't improve the situation. I can still vividly recall the face of the man who tortured us, and the presence of the monster. I remember all of what I was put through.
*At this point, the music is all around, and Mizumi continues her story in the form of song. Obviously she is also within the melodic field of the malfunctioning TITAN robot nearby*

I must’ve dreamed a thousand dreams
Been haunted by a million screams
But I can hear the marching feet
Monks moving into the street

And though there was news today
The danger hasn't gone away
For my heart is still filled with fright
Its adding to Master Fei's might

There’s too many monks
Too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Can't you see
This is a realm of confusion

These are The Boards we live in
And these are the tools we're given
Use them and let's start fighting
To make it a place worth living in

Ooh Hero Gods where are you now?
When everything’s gone wrong somehow?
The men of steel, the men of power
Are losing control by the hour

This is the time
This is the place
So we look to the future
But there’s not much love to go round
Tell me why, this is a realm of confusion

This is the realm we live in
And these are the powers given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make it a place where guys win

I remember long ago -
Ooh when the Moon was shining
Yes and the stars were bright
All through the night
And the sound of child laughter
When things still felt right
So long ago -

After training we'll be able to fight
Our ninja forces will put it right!
We're not just making promises
That we know, we'll never keep

Too many shades
There’s too many Sohei
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Can't you see
This is a realm of confusion

Now these are the realms we live in
Yes these are the lands were given
Have faith and keep on praying
To have conviction worth fighting for.

This is the realm we live in
And these are missions given
Stand up and let’s start showing
Just where our paths are leading to.

*After Mizumi stops singing and takes a bow, Norobu can't help but applaud. The situation didn't really call for song, but he didn't know Mizumi could sing and is impressed*

What about you Noboru? You've been taking quite the leadership role lately. From what you've told me, that is something new for you.
That's true. I guess, well, I just feel I can really make a large difference over here. Have my life mean something, you know? Hmmm. I'm having a strange and sudden urge to express myself using song...

This ain't a world for the feeble-hearted
No safe retreat for the faith-departed
I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd
You're gonna hear my voice
I will make my fam'ly proud.

It's my life
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I want to save the world while I'm alive
It's my life
My heart will never go astray
I think its time
I did it my way
I just wanna help the world survive
That's my drive

I fight for the ones who stood their ground
For Battle and Jimmy who never backed down
Tomorrow's getting harder make no mistake
is still out there
And so much is at stake

It's my life
And it's now or never 
This legacy will last forever
I have important things for which to strive
It's my life
My heart will never go astray
When all is said
I did it my way 
I won't live in vain while I'm alive
'Cause it's my life

I will stand tall when they're calling us out
Won't bend, won't break, and I won't back down

It's my life
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I want to save the world while I'm alive
It's my life
My heart will never go astray
I think its time
I did it my way
I just wanna help the world survive
It's my drive

It's my life
And it's now or never 
This legacy will last forever
I have important things for which to strive
It's my life
My heart will never go astray
When all is said
I did it my way 
I won't live in vain while I'm alive
'Cause it's my life

*While Noboru is singing, three imps have arrived at Iacobus' village. To the few villagers that notice them, them may well appear to be either large bats or very small dragons. Neither of those two options would explain why the strange creatures are dropping a load of flyers onto the village. As Lord Oda is trying to escape the range of the TITAN's melodic field, the wind blows one of them right into his face, an event giving him reason to re-adjust his glasses for another 30 second. Meanwhile the imps have spotted the divine auras of the gods Skunk and Iacobus, and are flying down to meet their potential customers*

*The three imps land. Even though they are all clearly imps, they vary widely in appearance. One has eyes so large it almost makes him look cute, while another is covered in tiny barbs. A third is heavily scarred and has a crooked jaw and a slight drooling problem*

Greetings potential customers! We are here to bring you the opportunity of a lifetime!
We has new shop on big smoky mountain and... do you's hears musics?
Yes! It's horrid!
I like it! So as I was saying...
*At this point the imp continues his message through the medium of song and well choreographed dance. As if weeks of hard work went into this sale's pitch*

Everybody come here and listen
We have deals for you!

Ahhh
Ah aow, hey!

We've been working so long
To bring you tools needed for war
Creepin' up and down now
Quality's and prices are low

If you really wanna see
What we can make for you
Come to our workshop attic
visit! -ahhh

Come on the imps have got it
Come on now everybody
Our quality will bring you cheers
And when you've finally bought it
You can beat everybody
You'll be the one the enemy fears

Ahhh
Ah aow, hey
Come on then, open your ears
Oh yeah-eh
Reasonable prizes. not profiteers

Well our forging methods are deft
There's no smith we cannot outdo
Priced-down ruthless, it's almost theft
Wether you're or full of honour
We can make weapons of any type
Every item you'd need in a fight
What you want is what you're gonna get
We can enchant special effects, uh

If you really wanna see
What we can make for you
Come to our workshop attic
visit! -ahhh

Come on the imps have got it
Come on now everybody
We make swords, axes, shields and spears
And when you've finally bought it
You can beat everybody
You'll be the greatest of your peers

Ahhh
Ah aow, hey 
Come make us wealthy marketeers -We've got it goin' on
Hey, hey, yeah
Our weapons will save you from tears
We've been working so long
To make ready our perfect store -and bring you the tools for war
Creepin' up and down now
Now come buy or just come say hello
Buy a sword, flail, hammer or bow

come on, come on

Everybody come to our workshop
Everybody buy -ah aow
Everybody come to our workshop
Everybody buy -ah aow -ahhh

Come on the imps have got it -Everybody come to our workshop
Come on buy, everybody 
we can make any and all gear -Everybody buy -ah oaw
Come on the imps have got it -Everybody come to our workshop
Come on now everybody 
Forging things is our chosen career -Everybody buy -ah aow

We've got it goin' on!

*For a few seconds the imps stare at each other and the two gods and ninjas, but none seem to be the cause of their apparent newfound dancing and singing abilities*
The area has magics!
What we do?!
Give the free swords and flee in terror! Yes, that would be the wisest course!
*As said, two of the imps quickly lay a sword, respectfully at the feet of the gods and flee. The third places down a small pile of flyers next to two swords, and speaks some quick words, before taking of as well*
Enjoy your free sample! Has minor miracle protection. Come visit the shop!

---

Long expositionary post. No need to read, though Iacobus might want to read the last few paragraphs. Anyway, hopefully this is vaguely interesting or enjoyable. I also hope it's suitable terrible, in the Ivan sense of the word.

 

Oh yes, and Battle those were masterpieces!

 

Make her fear; Make her hurt. 

 

*They may have been illusions but they were illusions that crawled in the skin like some carnivorous parasite. Every touch resonated across the senses. Every wound bled. Every crime took its toll on innocence. It was unimaginable horror: sound, vision, texture, odour and taste were nightmares. Monsters from the id haunted the periphery, and memories far worse lurked in focus. To be subject to the Dreamer’s torture for a mere hour, was to live a thousand lifetimes in the shadow of atrocity. You saw every death and every moment that had hurt you in a constant repeating cycle. Each time it was an intense as if it was the very first time. You knew only despair and doom, while all the time hunted by nameless fears.*

 

No!

 

*The scream was muffled and weak; It quickly drowned beneath the many other wretched and ignored pleadings that filled unceasingly the prisons of Fort Iga. Anywhere else such screams would cause alarm, here they were the ambience of the place. The Sohei were unmoved by them, and if Sohei were not moved then you were doomed. You could expect no pity from their dark master. Lord Oda had a hand and leg in which there was no feeling and such numbness had infected his emotions.*

 

*The prisoner stumbled in her narrow, domed cage. She moved and looked as if she was drugged, but her mind was only impaired by the residual terror of the Dreamer’s work. The creature had dug its talons deep within her and she ached from it. Images unspeakable flashed across her eyes. She struggled to tell reality from illusion and so when two Sohei opened her cage and dragged her through the halls of the austere and imposing Fort Iga, she knew not if it was true.*

 

*This place was truly forsaken by the light. Iga was gloom, mould and abject misery. Even its fires were passionless and melancholy as well as few and cold. They were little more than a formality. Fort Iga relished its darkness. The stagnant air vibrated only with the cries of mercy and the sound of Sohei being made by reducing thinking men to mindless vessels of sinister power. Serpents adorned the wall and all was glory to the Kaiser.*

 

*Into a chamber the Sohei dragged her and positioned her into a forced kneel at the base of wide but shallow steps. It was a general rule in this place that the chambers were always infinitely worse than the corridors that preceded them. This was no exception, for at the top of the stairs awaited the duel figures of Lord Oda Nobunaga and The Kaiser. One nursed his left hand in his right, to help disguise the fact it did not function, while he looked at the prisoner studiously from behind his spectacles. The other was gaseous, his misty aura evaporating from him despite his cold stare that came from his right eye, long ago abandoned by the left.*

 

They grow ever more pathetic. Look, she weeps and silently pleads. There is no mercy here, blasphemer. You have chosen the dark path of heresy and this is your eternal damnation. 

 

The previous experiments have permitted to me refine my technique. I believe I may have perfected the process, your Holy Majesty.

 

Your God eternally blesses you for your service, Oda. I will have my Tengu then?

 

My Lord, I hope your eagerness does not mean you have grown displeased with the Sohei?

 

Quite the contrary, the Sohei are sacred in my sight. Yet, if all you predict is correct, the Tengu will be so much greater. At the very least, they will ease my dependency on the Dreamer. After the Gods have dealt with her and then met their fate, I would rather be rid of her. 

 

*They both began to descend the stairs in very different ways. Kaiser glided down them majestically, diffusing downwards like fog. In contrast Oda, stumbled and limped. Each movement was carefully planned and executed, all with great difficulty. Upon Kaiser seeing this, a remarkable thing happened: Kaiser went to the Lord’s side and actually assisted him. Anyone who had known Kaiser well might well have died of shock. Kaiser never helped humans.*

 

This prisoner was in the custody of the Dreamer for four hours. She is strong. As I recall, the Emissary had already attempted to... extricate himself after a similar period of time. 

 

The Emissary attempted to cheat his punishment many times. He forgot that I am life and death. He regenerated no matter what he tried.

 

How does she endure?

 

She has hope. 

 

Even so, surely fanciful delusions could not maintain her against the Dreamer. It did not protect The Emissary. 

 

You dismiss it far too quickly, Oda. The Emissary is as he is because he has none. He despairs, as he should. He betrayed his God and now suffers a fitting punishment. He would not even live to save his wife. He is broken, unable to be a hero anymore. All he wants is to die. But he had hope once. 

 

Then I took it from him.

 

So what sustains him?

 

I do. 

 

Of course, Eternal Emperor. 

 

* Kaiser grabbed the girl’s chin and, with his one eye swivelling from left to right in its socket, he managed to accomplish the feat of looking deep into the girl, scrutinising her emotion. After  a few seconds of study, he emitted a powerful laugh that expelled black, odious and dense cloud onto the girl’s face.*

 

It is hope that had kept Fei alive all these years. She is the same. She has hope. She hopes for rescue. She hopes for better things. She hopes for an end to this moment. She unfalteringly believes in salvation. She has hope.

 

Take it from her.

 

By your command it shall be so. I shall teach her what it means to be weak. I shall show her the true terror of what the body can endure and yet survive. I shall break her. Praise to you my Eternal Emperor.  

 

*The Kaiser turned, the prelude for his departure. Oda surged forwards, to take his place.* 

 

Sohei, restrain her and bring me my implements. Scribe, prepare to enter recordings for Test Subject Thirty-Seven. 

 

Your tears and pleadings are wastes of your energy. Desist: you would be better to hoard it. We are just at the beginning. If you thought bad memories and phantasms were true suffering, then you have never properly experienced the true magnitude of physical pain. The scars you shall bear will not heal. I will make you hurt, make you fear like you never imagined.

 

*It would be pointless of me to describe the tortures that Oda employed upon his ever-conscious patient. There was metal heated until it glowed white and soft with heat. There was wounds inflicted in all the places where the pain would linger and the body could not acclimatise. There were the cruder methods of direct application of Dreamer energy, which stimulated every nerve to roar with such intensity that it felt as if you were frozen in the moment that separated life and death. There were creatures; horrible maggot-like creatures that crawled into the breeches in the flesh and made you feel as if they ate you from the inside. Even Oda hid behind his Sohei when he released them. There was more but it blurred in the memory, a handicap that was perhaps more of a post-traumatic defence than anything. Worst of all was every feeling of pain was expected, every sensation foreseen and every time the girl could not stop it. Whether by design or by consequence of his limp Oda advanced slowly with his implements. Even when restrained horizontally on a table and behind the cringing eyes of pain, his tools could be seen by the victim long before they struck.*

 

*These were snippets, sample memories that the suffered might have been able to, if pressed, recall and retell. Yet they did not tell the story. Oda could have worked for months upon a victim and never used half his arsenal. He did not do it for amusement. He did not do it to pass the time. When you dealt primarily with the essence of pain then pain always had a purpose. He was not immoral he had merely abandoned ethics or perhaps he had simply never had the time to fill out the paperwork required for a conscience. In any other context this unimposing, balding and middle-aged man with his thin spectacles perched scholarly on the end of his nose and with his vampire-esque pale complexion would have been something of an eccentric, a joke. Yet, in the shadows and gothic architecture of Fort Iga, he was . Nothing, not even Kaiser, could rival the hellfire that awaited this man’s soul. No one survived him. You might have escaped Iga, but he’d haunt your every waking moment forever. You’d never have your life back.*

 

She is suitably cowed. Bring the creature for infusion! 

 

*The Sohei wheeled in a vat that brimmed and bubbled with liquid Dreamer energy. There was the hint of awareness to it. In the silence it inaudibly cackled. Something stirred in its depths, awakened by the movement of its container. A Sohei placed a thick, protective glove on Oda’s right hand and with it he reached deep and firmly in the vat. He searched with his fingers until they came upon something, which he grasped tightly. As quickly as he could, he extracted it and held it up for his victim to see, his glove halved in thickness, melted away from contact with such toxic fluid.*

 

Do you perceive its beauty, its purity of essence? Rejoice, for your human weakness is at an end. I give you greatness. You shall be the vanguard. Behold the destiny of all Eden.

 

*And the young victim came to know fear. But this was not her reminiscing. No, this was another. The world around him faded and though he was reluctant to leave such a happy place he found the white light around him enchanting. The rhythm of a heartbeat sounded, as if coming from all around. And for the first time in a long time, Lord Oda looked upon his master.*

 

Oda

 

*The Lord found himself back in the mundane forest, unkempt and a prisoner. It seemed he had paused mid-sentence and his captors were now giving him funny looks, wondering perhaps why he had stopped speaking. He did not seem like a man modest enough to not enjoy the sound of his own voice. This was not true though, Oda did not enjoy the sound of his own voice. He merely thought it was beneficial to cover up the silence or other people’s thoughts with it.*

 

I will make an exchange. Tell me of yourself? What is your name? Do you have family? You may not believe me but you are quite fascinating. You demonstrated formidable skill against the eyeless creature, where did you learn such art?

 

*No longer under pressure to talk, Oda held his right hand up so he might inspect it. He looked at the Serpent Ring on it.*

---

The Original Crazy Reactionary

Fairly short one here, since I don't have the energy or material for another Ohtli or Itotia epic. Maybe later. I'll try to get something posted for Iacobus, but with exams and so on it might be quicker if you just assumed he says something general about not having seen anything dangerous, hope they travel safely, and so on.

Also, quick note to Skunk that Iacobus wouldn't have mentioned that Oda told him that, since the ninjas would probably want to kill him.

*If Lord Oda were not busy inspecting his ring, he might notice the flash of indignation which briefly passes over the Jaguar Knight's face as he finishes his question. It is quickly gone however, replaced with a vacant grin which, with a sudden horror, Ohtli realises he recognises.* Me? Well, I'm Nagual, and it's just a pleasure to meet you. That thing without the eyes was pretty , wasn't it? Ah, we're all blessed by the White in our own way, but he left us just nowhere, didn't he?

Well, we learnt in the Ceron war mostly, lots of ancient mystical forces- *The knight adopts an imposing stance and a far deeper, grander voice as he says these three words. It's clear that the voice he put on when he first met Oda is not his only experience in masking what he sounds like.* -And the like. Nothing to the extent of that thing though, obviously. Pity about the eyes though. Do you reckon it sees like a bat? I hear they find their way about by squeaking! Ha! Can you imagine it squeaking its way around the forest?

*Suddenly, they are interrupted. Once again, music is beginning to play, and the TITAN's partially-buried head is sparking into life once more...*

Kept my head in the earth so long,
It makes a robot hard to find,
I've had enough of plans gone wrong,
To last a lifetime
But rusting on a lonely night,
Is never gonna make things right!
I've got to get out,
And show them my clout!

I want to live again,
I want to kill,
I want to maim,
I want to- BZZZZT!

*The interruption is from an obsidian axe burying itself deep into the TITAN's Melodic Matrix, which Nagual's frantic digging has finally uncovered. He sighs and turns back to Oda.* Thank Iacobus we got that finished off.

---

Well, this is what happens when I write posts in a rush, plum forgot that there were one or two non-generic things I wanted to say, so apologies for double-posting but I'd best say them now.

We haven't had sufficient time to explore the region, but so far no gods have emerged. However, there has been some activity by the Sohei - I cannot say for certain what their purpose is, but one found its way into this forest earlier today. If you stay with Jimmy you should be safe from them, but you should warn Battle that they are abroad again.

That's right, you were transparent, weren't you... in fact, neither of you two shows any signs of Oda's experiments anymore. Has Battle found some way to cure you? Would it be likely to work on the Sohei as well?

---

Yumeko... uhm, the dream child, who was used by Kaiser as a host for The Dreamer, she was able to undo, or in my case partially undo, the changes that were done to us. Truely it shows the wisdom of our god in taking her as his adoptive daughter. Through his mercy, we have received release from our disfigurations. Not all have chosen to rid themselves of what was done however, as some intend to their tainted forms and abilities for the betterment of the world.

I would not know if Yumeko would be able to cure a Sohei. It's a fate none have come back from, I'm afraid. I do not know, but I will make sure to inquire about this information.
*Noboru wipes the sweat of his forehead. He is glad to have gotten through a conversation without bursting into song this time*

I heard the Holy Daughter mention that she used her angelic energy to heal us, and that she had just about enough stored up to undo our mutations. If she is able to cure the Sohei Bakemono, I would guess that it would only be a limited number over a long time. I'm sure our god will keep trying to find ways to help them better though.

I guess we should depart soon. It's been an honour speaking with you Wise Iacobus, and also you, Holy Skunk. It is becoming late however, and we can not stick around much longer. Thank you for your information.

---

*Skunk actually found the singing to be a nice, refreshing change of pace, and both Mizumi and Noboru had excellent singing voices.
Skunk bends over to inspect the sword. It's of great quality, and the enchantment could be very useful. He picks up a flyer or two and reads it. A new scythe and perhaps some new daggers could be a nice addition. Iacobus picks his up and inspects it. They both strap them on after eying them for a while.
Skunk turned to address both the ninjas, and Iacobus.*

"As much as I would like to stay and settle down here, I am not yet ready to.
I will travel to your God's lands, Mizumi and Noboru. I think I will be able to learn a lot from him. I also do not want to disrupt Iacobus' townsfolk, they have enough work on their hands building their own town, and I would probably just be an annoyance if I even needed help from them.
That being said, I will most likely return one day soon Iacobus. This area suits me very well, and having an ally so close will be of great help. Hopefully your town will be complete and I won't be too much of a hassle to help. Thank you kindly for your time, and for making me feel so welcome. I hope to see you again soon. Farewell, great Iacobus."

*Skunk bows to Iacobus. Mizumi and Noboru say their farewells and bow to the God. Iacobus says farewell to the ninjas and the new God as they turn to where the creatures are still playing. Noboru calls Jimmy, who turns at the sound of his name. Skunk whistles to Mephitis, who turns his attention from Liberalis to the God. Jimmy picks up all four of them - the two ninjas, Skunk, and Mephitis. Jimmy and Liberalis say goodbye to one another in their own way, and Jimmy turns to the horizon.
As they head off into the distance, Noboru and Mizumi wave to Iacobus, Skunk gives a sort of salute, and Mephitis waves at both Liberalis and Iacobus. Jimmy also gives a little wave as he bounds towards home.
Skunk shows off his new sword to Mephitis, who is rather intrigued. This could probably help Skunk out a lot in the coming years.*

---

[Lionhead Pub] [Good Read] [Photobucket]

*The cartographical Legate seen earlier, approached an detached Meiji with great deference, ending in a kneel when he was a metre away.* 

 

Your Grace, we’ve found it! 

 

You have done well. My Master will be pleased. 

 

My life is but for the Emperor.

 

Yes, that is our role. Notify my Master of your findings. He will no doubt wish to release the angel. 

 

At once, Grand Marshal. Your grace, during our survey, we also detected the creature of Battle, moving into the southern forest. 

 

A creature of a false God? 

 

Yes, it had the image of a tiger. A great blasphemy against such a noble animal. We monitored it for as long as we could, until it disappeared into the woods. It appeared to be with humans, but we cannot be sure. The distance was too great to see anything more than the creature. 

 

Its origin?

 

Difficult to discern, but assuming it travelled by the shortest path then from its observed trajectory I would infer that it came from the North West. 

 

I wish to test my skills. I wish to see if I am worthy to serve my Master. I shall intercept this beast and kill it. 

 

But sir, if it returns westwood then it has a head start. It would be very difficult to catch up with it. 

 

Difficulty shall not dissuade me. I relish challenge in the service of my Master. Inform him of your findings. I shall fillet the beast. 

 

*With a motion reminiscent of the piston drive wheels of a train (well, it would be reminiscient of a train if they had been invented) Meiji broke into a sprint. It was in many ways an awkward movement, but then Meiji struggled with even the most simple of human motions. There was always something distinctly unhuman about him; he always seemed uncomfortable in his own skin. Yet this was an impressively fast run, but true to form it was unhuman in its speed.*

 

*The Legate watched Meiji disappear into the terrain of the neutral thread, as a Prelate walked up from behind and joined him.*

 

You know, I’ve been wondering, just how do we actually contact the Emperor?

 

I don’t really know, people just seem… to know. It’s as if just by virtue of us knowing, they know. Sometimes we have a contrived method of communication, but I don’t think we are even bothering with that pretense anymore. 

 

Well that can’t be right. Nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.

 

Not that again! After you were denounced unanimously by the Scholars of the Imperial Academy, you still maintain this “spectacular relatives” rubbish!

 

It’s called Special Relativity. 

 

And it’s a bunch of nonsense! What next, are you going to argue for a statistical intepretation of the the Second Law of Thermodynamics? Perhaps everything is made of tiny invisible particles?

 

Well actually, I think there exists an underlying wave/particle dualit –

 

You’re a monk, boy, you were born for monking and you’ll die monking. Get this pseudo-scientifical madness out of your head and get back to your map-making. Oh, and go light a signal fire to alert the Emperor.

 

Contrived methods of communication?

 

What the hell are you talking about? There’s trees, there’s mountains, go light the damn fire. 

 

But you said –

 

I said light the damn fire.

 

Fine, just reintegrate yourself into the narrative and stop criticising the author without telling me… 

 

To Oda

 

TITANs, even they had a purpose in the Kaiser’s plan. 

 

*It was Oda’s turn to scowl, though passionless as he was, this only amounted to the arching of an eyebrow. If there was one thing bound to instill any emotion in Oda, it was insulting his beloved Sohei.*

 

You err to think the Sohei blind. They see more than you might realise. They neither suffer the impediments of these trees blocking light nor does the cover of darkness perturb them  They are, all ways, so much more than humanity. They demonstrate the greatness of the Kaiser. 

 

But, of course, you have no faith in the Eternal Kaiser. If I am to be amongst your people it would be prudent to have at least a basic understanding of your culture and your ways. I am curious about your religion, tell me, if you would, of your faith? And also, for similar reasons, of your legal system? That is, if you possess codified laws. I am not so naïve as to think every people capable of it. 

 

*In terms of extracting information, Oda had no time for subtlety. But then in his former line of work he had no need for anything but blunt questioning, for if someone hadn’t told him what he wanted to know, they suffered until they did and probably for a bit after that as well. In terms of hiding his disdain, Oda had no time for it either. He was disdainful to everything but his work and the Kaiser. The Emissary, the Dreamer and even the Slayer had been demeaned by his tongue. He had been the most powerful person in the Kaiser’s realm. Displaced, he still saw everything as beneath him.*

 

*However, he looked down at a leaflet that had hit him in the face; a leaflet dropped by imps. Its contents interested him.*

---

The Original Crazy Reactionary

Since in the time it's taken me to have a conversation with Oda, the ninjas and Skunk most other people have been able to write a highly successful screenplay, be lauded and praised by all, gradually sink into a doom of depraved decadence before dying in obscurity and becoming the subject of a biopic which is, ironically, even more successful than their original screenplay, I hope people won't mind if I speed things up a bit in this post, since even my secondary characters are mostly just wandering around town waiting for me to tell them to do stuff.

Just assume I pressed Alt-2 or something

Oh, religion! Great fun, although my mum always says I should spend more time reading the srciptures and praying to the White rather than re-enacting the great battles of the holy past but that's just her, and the priests are all really boring anyway.

Oh, the laws, well I don't really worry too much about that, Ohtli's job really, you'll meet him soon, oh look there he is now, better hurry or he'll get round the corner before we catch up! Come on, slowpoke!

*Nagual's hand darts out and grabs Oda by the arm, before pulling him along to catch up with the rapidly-departing Ohtli and his ever-growing army of civil servants. After recovering from his initial shock, Oda responds with a variety of complaints about how he has just got the arm back and how much it reveals about Nagual's peasant origins, while the Jaguar knight cheerfully ignored him.* Ohtli! Governor Ohtli!

...reallocate mining contracts- hmm? Oh, Nagual! Always a pleasure, but-

The Oracle asked me to pass this man over to your care. He is a servant of the Kaiser. Oda Nobunaga, meet Governor Ohtli.

*Nagual's change in attitude is startling. Only a moment ago he was naieve, enthusiastic, cheerful, but now his bearing is one of military discipline and decorum. What was at first a playful grip on Oda's arm is suddenly firm and restraining. At first, Ohtli seems amused by the shift, but his smile disappears when he hears the Kaiser's name.* So, Oda Nobunaga, you serve the Kaiser?

*The loathing in Ohtli's voice when he spoke of the Supreme Chancellor is no longer present, but the mention of the Kaiser carries with it immense disapproval and almost disappointment, like a stern teacher asking his best pupil why there is a rude image on the blackboard. It is the sort of tone which could induce shame in the most hardened of warriors. Oda responds by trying to make himself look as dignified as possible, straightening his posture, dusting off his robes and flattening his hair.*

Well, I would have thought this more Itotia's area, but if the Oracle said so. We haven't got any sort of holding facilities anyway, so I suppose I can keep an eye on him. The White only knows how long before we can get a judiciary running properly - since the Oracle involved us personally, I take it there are more specific offences than prisoner of war legislation?

Correct. A full list would surely take some time to work through.

Holy One! *Ohtli and his small legion bow instantly, and even Nagual offers a respectful semi-bow. Oda, by contrast, stares straight at Ohtli.* I have committed no crimes. There exists no evidence for such charges but your God's word, a most biased and unreliable source.

And your extensive boasting regarding the point, as witnessed by the Ontontin. And the testimony of Battle's villagers would surely be informative. But for now, you are a diplomatic prisoner. Governor Ohtli, do we have plans drawn up for the settlement?

Oh, erm, yes, Holy One, the planners have been working quickly, but there are still a few disputes to be resolved over the priority - if I may, Ueman is being quite unreasonable regarding how soon the temple district should be finished...

That is no longer a concern. May I see them? *Ohtli nods, and begins retrieving papers from a variety of awed clerks, most of whom are not used to such personal treatment from the Oracle of their god. Iacobus casts an eye over them, and glances back at Ohtli.* We have the resources for the capital city, yes? *Another nod, and Iacobus returns to the plans, looking in more detail. Meanwhile, we may assume that Oda is busy trying to convince Nagual that everything he heard was an extremely vivid hallucination or something.*

*Apparently satisfied with the plans, Iacobus's aura pulses, and several seconds and splashes later Liberalis returns to the island. He is a bit disappointed that Jimmy had to leave again so soon, but it was to see him again. Maybe his god would let him roam a bit more, now that he was spending all his time on the Boards? He'd like to see some of the other creatures again.*

*Liberalis picks Iacobus up, and the god takes up a position between the great cow's horns. Then, his hands glowing, his brow furrowed in concentration, the god's work begins.*

*It begins with supplies flying upwards, rising from the piles where they have been stacked and stored. Then they begin to warp, to reshape themselves, to carve and to coalesce, before flying together to assemble, nails driving themselves deep into timber with no hammer to guide them. Over the entire island, the settlement begins to take shape. Liberalis adds his efforts, and the construction begins in earnest, great beams and bricks flying together with perfect precision, easily weaving their way around the startled townsfolk.*

*Of course, even with such swift work, there is an entire city to build. Night is beginning to fall before the final stone is layed in place. Then, a weary-looking Liberalis sets Iacobus to the floor, before trudging off to rest. Although feeling even worse himself, Iacobus does his best to put on a show for Ohtli, who is approaching from nearby, where he had been going over some reports with his clerks. Nagual watches from nearby, still restraining Oda.* I am afraid people shall have to live in somewhat cramped conditions until we can get the other settlements built, but this should... suffice for now. *Iacobus has to pause to catch his breath. The lengthy building took more out of him than he thought.* There should also be appropriate facilities for Oda, and any criminals who haven't been properly housed until now, in the barracks. You two, Tlacochcalcatl Xipil and Queztalcoatl Ueman please meet me at the High Temple in an hour.

*Iacobus sets off towards the temple district himself, while Nagual begins to lead Oda away. Ohtli, meanwhile, dismisses his various hangers-on for the night, and heads off to look for Itotia.

---

*New Solar spends a moment to inspect the sword. Though not equal to the Varscona, the craftsmanship of this sword is incredible. By all means, it'd be a worthy purchase, and in this case, it's actually free!*

*For a moment, the deity stops wondering whether it'd be fun to kill the imp out of sheer boredom and starts thinking about the possibilities of this new "Imp Workshop." He could enchant his armour. He could get some small, professionally forged weapons to further compliment his already formidable fighting capabilities. Perhaps he could even enchant this new sword later!*

*He carefully weighed the weapon he had acquired in his hand. Compared to the Varscona, which wasn't exactly the lightest sword around (despite the enchantments which made it feel lighter in the god's hands), this sword wasn't exactly heavy either. By all means, it looked like a support weapon, when the situation required greater damage dealing capabilities.*

*The thought of doing damage almost made him burst into song. But the due to the destructive tendencies of Iacobus' followers, there was no TITAN in the general area, and thus, there was no music. Had New Solar known this, he had most likely taken the time to rant about how undeniably Iacobus was. But fortunately for everybody reading this post, he didn't.*

*This thought made him want to try out the weapon, and thus he returned to the real world. The imp had begun chattering about some of the other imps by now, with an annoyingly high-pitched voice. For a moment, the thought of testing the weapon on the imp came to his mind, but that quickly vanished. You don't stab a messenger. Well... You don't stab a messenger who brings gifts. Especially if they're high-quality weapons. Unless, of course, they try to stab you with them, but the imp was rather harmless by all means. If he had wanted to kill the deity, he could hae tried to do so a few times now. He'd have failed, perhaps, but imps are generally not known for their brilliance, though exceptions to the rule exist.*

*The deity takes a moment to collect his thoughts as the imp finishes talking about how he fell over an anvil once. Then he smiles, holds up his hand to make sure the imp doesn't just continue with the next tale. As the imp quietens down for a moment and looks up expectantly, the deity speaks:*

I thank you for bringing this new shop to my attention. Please pass along the message that I am most pleased with your gift, and that I'll most likely be visiting your wonderful workshop sometime in the near future to make a purchase.

Once I do find the time to visit your workshop, I'll see whether I can place any orders with you personally. Provided that you do not chat for an hour in the timespan of half an hour, that is.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be off. I have some mysterious Emperor with unusual minions to meet. A deity's work is never done. Best of luck to you, sir... Whatever your name was. May your days be... Impy, and filled with joy. Err... Or was that suffering? I never know. Demons generally like suffering more...

Ah, hell. Just have fun in whatever way you imps have fun or something. Until we meet again, which we doubtlessly will.

After all, *The deity thinks as he walks away,* Overly chatty individuals such as this particular one always tend to come back to tell their victims more about their "Adventures." And considering how imps are demons, they're all the more likely to do so, as most demons enjoy causing suffering. *Though the deity wonders whether this particulary daft little demon is even aware of the verb "to suffer."*

---

So, very long post here which is mainly for characterization and contains very little plot-wise, so for those who don't fancy reading through it there's a brief summary here:

• Nagual and the Jaguars are going to be exploring the Neutral thread.
  
• Itotia and Ueman, the Quetzalcoatl (High Priest) are off on a mission of diplomacy, exploration and trade.

*The flickering torchlight and pale luminscence of the moon give the High Temple an eerie majesty which it lacks in the daytime. Anyone regarding it for too long would probably lose this impression however, as seated at the bottom of the steps leading up to the open-air altar at the top is Itotia, carefully juggling a set of three balls.*

*One so disawed by the juxtaposition is approaching now. He appears slightly older than Itotia, but cuts a far more impressive figure on account of the highly decorated clothes and headdress he wears, in addition to an overall more aristocratic bearing.* evening, Tlacochcalcatl! Keeping busy?

*For a moment Itotia's concentration wavers and the balls look in danger of crashing unceremoniously to the ground, but she recovers her rhythm admirably, and gives the new arrival a scowling glance.* Some of us are not willing to sacrifice our bodies to age just yet, Ueman.

Quite. *Ueman casts a glance over the scene again, his gaze entirely by coincidence sweeping over the two extra balls which sit untouched in their box.* Although I personally prefer to age gracefully. You're here early?

So are you.

I had some business in the area - I am the Quetzalcoatl, after all. Is Ohtli not with you?

Why should he be? He's taken the respite to spend time with his wife. He's been working so hard the past two days that he's hardly had time to see her. Like me.

And unlike me, perhaps? My ministries are important, Miss Xipil, they give the people hope and drive. You could benefit from some more faith in your own life, you know.

And if I don't know, you'll be all too eager to tell me. Honestly, Ueman, do you ever listen to yourself?

I try not to, I find people who spend too long listening to themselves forget to listen to anyone else after a while.

Ah, preparing platitudes for your next sermon already, I see. evening Nagual.

*Ueman turns around in surprise, starting back when he sees Nagual hopping lightly down from the roof of a nearby house. He's changed out of his panther-pelt uniform now, and but for the fact that he just finished clambering over the rooftops one wouldn't think anything of him to look at him.* Ah, evening lad. Pleasant day?

Well, I don't think I can complain. Ok, I had a run in with an officious beaureaucrat, tripped over the cat, burnt my dinner, broke my arm, lost my life savings on a bet and got fired and exiled, but I found a penny!

*Ueman chuckles and begins some light chat with the soldier while Itotia gets up and walks over to Ohtli, who is just arriving by the rather more conventional route of the street. The conversations continue for a few more minutes, before a glowing white portal begins to form just in front of the foot of the temple. Nagual leads the way, and after a few seconds there is no hint that any of them were ever there.*

*What greets them on the other side is surely the inside of the temple, for no other building could be large enough to house it. It is brilliantly lit, through a combination of torches and mirrors, and the brilliant glow of Iacobus himself. Various glyphs, carvings and statues decorate the room, which I'll probably describe in more detail when someone else's character finds their way here. Several seats are arranged around a large, central map of the Boards, currently showing the geographical features and the location of Iacobus's village, but little else, presumably waiting to be updated as he learns more.*

Welcome, all. Please take a seat.

Our people are now established in the region, but it will inevitably be some time before they are fully settled. How are each of you progressing?

Most people have found houses relatively peacefully. There's been an increase in petty crime since we arrived, but I'm hoping that the more settled atmosphere of the city will help reduce it.

Unfortunately, the cramped living conditions mean we'll need to keep a close eye on preventing disease for the next few months. I reckon that if we start properly surveying the surrounding area tomorrow, we should be able to draft up plans for the other villages in a week or so.

The army is decommissioning quite well, but with the Ceron war and so on we've had a standing army for quite a while now, and it might take some time for them to adapt to civilian life again. People also might need some time to get used to there not being a strong military presence in their day-to-day lives.

Finding a new home has been an obvious boost to morale and faith, but people are still quite disheartened by the loss of our homeland. My priests are going to be doing more visits and community work than usual for the next few weeks, to try and address individual concerns. I was also hoping we might plan a festival at some point?

That would be chaos, the civil authorities are stretched to the limit as it is-

Please, Governor, there will be time to discuss such matters later, for now we are collecting information.

Of course, holy one, my apologies.

The Sohei incursion earlier was a foolish attempt to breach our borders, and none other have repeated it. Despite its obvious power the creature had flaws, and my Jaguars will be trained to counter them in only a few days. Of course, our numbers are still limited, and if their commanders deploy all of their fearsomely small imagination and chance upon a massed attack strategy, we may be unable to hold the border alone.

Thank you. And that's a very nice Lord Oda, Ontontin.

Oh, you guessed!

What were your impressions of our new guest?

Tch, arrogant and annoying. A bit odd too. He said he was interested in me but spent most of the trip staring into space.

Very well. Our problems at home clearly require addressing before they can fester, and of course much effort needs to be put into confronting them. Unfortunately, we cannot focus entirely on local issues. The Boards face unstable times - once there was a dynamic equilibrium between the conflicting factions but now old alliances are weakened or breached altogether, and individual powers are rising to dominance. The period of calm and recovery following Ceron's fall is apparently coming to an end.

Since we have not encountered any evidence of other occupation so far, it would seem that this area remains largely deserted, although the remote inner lands could harbour other gods - if Solar survives, his pride could have led him to return here. To the West, it would seem that Fei is setting events into motion with the stolen remnants of the Kaiser's old empire. Kaiser himself may have been killed, which would be a blessing, but if he has not he will be looking for a way to return himself to power. Our surviving allies so far would appear to be BattleF08 and Skunk, but their power isn't enough to rival Fei's.

We cannot simply wait and secure ourselves here; we must move into action ourselves. Our first priority needs to be gathering information and securing links with as many allies as we can find. Our first priority needs to be to ensure that the surrounding area is safe. Ontontin, I would like you to take the Jaguars and scout out the lands encompassed by the mountain ranges.

Holy One, won't that leave the city defenceless? The city watch are a police force, we can't expect them to defend against a serious invasion.

Any serious invasion by Fei would be a bloodbath anyway, Itotia, we just can't match the Sohei-

His entire force can't be Sohei and besides, there's going to be other threats.

Liberalis and I will remain to defend the city, and with the full Jaguar Order deployed the scouting will proceed relatively quickly.

If you're worried about troop numbers, Tlacochcalcatl, the Shorn Ones are always ready to lend a hand.

Ueman, if you think I'll let Shorn Ones get fighting on the city streets you've got another thing coming. It would be chaos!

They're quite capable of restrained fighting, Ohtli.

I am sure that there will be no need to take the Shorn Ones into battle just yet. On the other hand, if Fei sends the Dreamer after us, I think you will find Shorn Ones on the streets a far preferable option, Governor.

Tlacochcalcatl, I would like you to set up a group to explore the Boards at large, and to serve as diplomats. Obviously, the group makeup is yours to decide, but I would recommend some cartographers and traders.

Well... yes, of course, Holy One. Would I be able to reactivate some soldiers to act as guards? There are probably several who would have trouble finding jobs to go to, so it would be a benefit to them.

If I may interject, Holy One?

Of course, Quetzalcoatl.

Meaning no disrespect to the Tlacochcalcatl, while you are of course a very talented general, your diplomatic skills are not really... famed.

Oh, I see where this is going.

Well, Ohtli, would it be such a bad idea? I have experience negotiating with hostile parties, and I could spread the word of Iacobus to the poor lost souls of the rest of the Boards.

*Itotia looks most displeased by this development, and perhaps if it weren't for the presence of Iacobus she would have voiced her objections earlier, but in respect for the sanctity of the meeting she has held herself back so far.* I thought you wanted to plan a festival, Ueman?

Well, I'm sure that the other clergy would be able to manage most of that. As Ohtli kindly pointed out, much of the organisation would fall to civil authorities anyway.

Very well, Quetzalcoatl, you may accompany the party. However, you are not to preach to our allies. Attempts to convert people can often strain friendships.

---

You bear the stench of human upon you. Our kind has the power of the elements at our fingertips, the blessings of the Gods upon our names and the passions of the exotic and you are reduced to being a horse and cart for those that are so much less than us?

 

*Jimmy didn’t have a moment to locate the source of the insults, even if he could have spotted it in the darkness of the night. Completely contrasting to the black air, the five blazing fireballs launched at him were easily spotted. The creature was experience, though, and evasion was a reflex rather than something conscious. He dodged the miraculous fires, which collided with the terrain instead, exploding and igniting that which could be ignited.*

 

 *The neutral thread was more devoid of civilisation than the and threads and the nights here were a natural kind. Because of this, the fires that now burned were a welcome addition. Jimmy could now see more clearly and could discern a human figure standing upon a slight elevation, not too far away. Yet, even with the five flames, Jimmy would not have found this dark individual had he not possessed a more curious trait. Light shone from his eyes, one red and the other blue. They eyes radiated strong enough to cut through the darkness.* 

 

They’ve tamed you beast. They’ve put a saddle on you and made you nothing more than a common mule. You disgust me. You shame our whole race. I will free you from your humiliating slavery as an act of mercy. 

 

*The unknown figure tensed himself, adopting what seemed to be a defensive stance. Then, without warning, golden energy ripped apart his body, freeing golden lightning to strike the air. His armour melted and fused to his body. His body melted and some unseen hand began to mould it into a shape new, stretching and warping this hostile being’s form. There was material within, no doubt, for this man grew from something human sized to something so vastly larger. As the last of golden lightning dissipated in the shape of a golden flower, a golden dragon took the field against Jimmy.* 

 

*It was not a dragon of the medieval kind, with wings and scales and baritone voices with which to announce their sinister plans to acquire more gold and kill some motley crew of adventurers. This was an oriental dragon, with a snake-like body and whiskers of wisdom upon its snout. Its mass was comparable to Jimmy’s, though a little smaller. In addition, it travelled on all fours and in doing so it lacked Jimmy’s height. Well, until it reared itself on to its hind talons and stood precariously upright.*

 

*It had no words, in becoming a beast it had lost its voice and now only growled. It’s body glistened beautifully, reflecting the light of the stars and the feeble flames. It would have made a child squeal with delight for there was no hint of blood lust or violence to this creature. There were no features to its face. There was pride, there was arrogance and there was superiority. But there was a genuine look of loyalty, duty and principles to it. So it almost came as a mild surprise when with a frightening and bestial roar it lunged at Jimmy, snout open and talons bared.*

---

The Original Crazy Reactionary

It's late, it's been a while.

Tempest lay motionless on the ground, his eyes focussed on a leaf hanging above his head. Here between the threads the terrain was strangely varied, and Tempest had chosen to rest in a small group of bushes for the times being. Since his last encounter with Seemingly, Tempest had decided to travel with three of the six men he had branded. The intention was to strip each of them of their individual identities, and in doing so mould them into ideal servants to their god's cause. Tempest was all too happy to do this, not only because he knew that Seemingly's gain was his own, but also because he found he enjoyed the pure manipulation involved. It also meant that he was allowed to freely roam the boards in the name of their reformation. Tempest had strayed from the original plan by beginning to refer to the men not by their brands, but by the equivalents in the old language. Tempest was sure he would later have to give a proper reason for this, but the only real reason was that he felt it added a certain extra allure to their characters. Gods are essentially showmen, and their greatest servants often follow in the same vein.

So it was that, after going off on a pointless and unforeseen tangent, Tempest found himself lying beneath a bush with Invidia, Avaritia and Superbia. The moon cast a soft, silvery light over Tempest's features, with the interweaving branches forming subtle patterns on his face. The leaf which Tempest had spent the past hour staring at was pulled from its perch by a gentle breeze working through the shrub. A smile tugged at the corner of Tempest's mouth; for one who did not sleep, this seemed as close to tranquility as was possible.

Tempest's gentle moment was ended when he heard the sound of something padding through the grassland surrounding him. The next instant Tempest had slid himself from beneath the shrub, and was crouching with one hand on the pommel of his sword. In his head he cursed for not having been more careful. All three of his companions were sleeping, and he knew that rousing them would risk them alerting whoever was there to the group's, but more importantly to his own, presence.

As Tempest began to scan his surroundings, a cloud passed in front of the moon, scaring the delicate silver sheet from the world and plunging it into blackness. Tempest's eyes were as as any at penetrating the dark, but even so he struggled to make out anything, especially without knowing where to look. Tempest was unused to being taken by surprise, and he felt annoyed with himself and uncomfortable, feelings made worse by his frustrating inability to see.

After a few minutes during which Tempest found himself able to hear his heart racing, the cloud began to thin, sending narrow shafts of light down onto the Thread. One of these beams reflected off something metallic and Tempest's head snapped round. He could now make out two figures and, ahead of them, two animal shapes. The larger animal had the angular features of a canine, while the smaller padded gently along in a manner Tempest did not recognise. Even in the dim light, and regardless of their size, there was no mistaking the irresistable aura of a god's creature.

Tempest now turned his attention to the two figures. Now forced to assume that these were gods, he gave each thorough consideration. One did not strike him as tall enough to be a grown man, which seemed curious, while the other walked with a confidence lacking in his diminuitive counterpart. Tempest was now able to make out that the object which had caught the light was what appeared to be a plain, unadorned scythe as he would expect to see held by a farmhand, hardly the tool of a god.

While the all four seemed oblivious to Tempest's presence, he gently drew his sword, taking care that only the dark side of the blade was exposed to the moonlight. When the figures had passed, Tempest roused his three companions and began to follow the group; Tempest's interest had been aroused.

---

"Effortless superiority"

In the name of the Kaiser,

Supreme is thy power,

Unequalled is thy wisdom,

Matchless is thy compassion,

Protect me for I am weak,

Teach me for I am ignorant,

Forgive me for I am unworthy,

Though I stand in darkness

I fear nothing that is to come,

For thou art my Master,

And I should know thy glory

Until the end of my days.

So be it. 

 

*Oda kneeled upon the drab floor of his cell. His wrists were pushed together and his hands were perpendicular in orientation to their arms, facing away from each other. He was clearly in some idiosyncratic prayer position. There could be no doubt about it, the position had all the ample amounts of submission and reverence that Gods demanded. He opened his eyes when he finished, giving the bars of his cell a disapproving glare. He allowed his mind to wander, to dwell on thoughts of happier times.*

 

Ah, welcome back. 

 

*She had died. She had felt it. She had known it. She had begged for it. She was not mistaken, but now she was alive again, alive again at the mercy of Iga. Memories of torture and fear came back, to be joined by new pain and fear. Why was she not dead? Why was she not free?*

 

*Oda sat at his desk, a piece of furniture sinisterly positioned in front of her. He had not looked at her: he was too preoccupied with the documents he annotated and grain shipments he signed with elegant penmanship. Yet Oda had a nasty way of giving everything his full attention. He had ways of looking at you without using his eyes. Like a teacher could sense a misbehaving student even when facing the other way, writing on the blackboard.*

 

You are confused, peasant, I shall explain. The Kaiser is the One True God of Eden. No one dies unless he allows it. As you have yet proved less than satisfactory in your conduct the Kaiser revives you for he intends for you to live as long as is required for you to learn.

 

Rest assured, however, that your sessions with me shall be far from monotonous. Each time I revive you, I shall employ a different mechanism to assist with your instruction. Fists have proven to be non-conducive to your education. This time I think we shall explore… something that goes deeper.

 

*He opened to top draw of his desk, brushing aside the top layer of quills and papers, he extracted a small, beautifully decorated box. He placed it on his desk and opened it. After he took a few seconds to admire the contents, he spun it around so his victim could see. Inside the box was an array of what could only be surgical equipment. It could have been brand new for these tools had been immaculately well kept. Even in the dank dark of Iga, their polish gleamed. With difficulty, Oda lifted himself from his chair and limped to the front of his desk, so now no barrier separated him from his victim. She tried to crawl away, unable to stand due to the disorientation that lingered from her resurrection and the violence of her previous death. Her feeble attempt at fleeing was ended by now familiar firm grip of the gaunt hands of the Sohei.* 

 

Let us begin again. What is your name?

 

*She did not reply, a memory of her resolve had returned to her. And she was determined to deny this monster any satisfaction.*

 

My, my, you do delight in being difficult. You may avoid reprimand for such misbehaviour if you answer me this correctly, who is the One True of God of Eden?

 

Battle.

 

Battle is a purveyor of parlour tricks and a philosophy of swords and sword-based justice that the power of The Kaiser banished for a Thousand Years. To think such a worthless creature a God... I do not understand how anyone could be so mistaken. 

 

*He reached into the box and extracted something that was clearly designed for something horrible. He looked at it over the rim of his glasses, as if he wanted to see it truly, to see it pure with his own sight. The worst part was there was no malice. Oda's dispassion had a way of making the victim feel like they had applied for this, as if they had filled out forms, signed up online and waited eagerly in line two days before opening. He was so officious, so matter-of-factly. You were a document, in need of a signature.*

 

You are deluded; deceived and ensnared by the sleights of hand and light shows of petty magicians. You are not at fault. You are of lowly birth and lack the ability to reason. But I will save you from your ignorance. I am a philanthropist; I shall free you from falsehood and lies and reveal to you the truth of the Kaiser. I will use all the resources at my disposal. I shall devote the time to teach you, with inexhaustible patience, for as long as it will take to educate you. And, thanks to the Kaiser, we have all eternity.

 

*Four hours later and the woman was dead, again. Then, just a few minutes later, she was alive, again. Alive to go through it all, again*

 

Shall we begin again?  What is your name?

 

*Back in the present, Oda roused himself from his recollections. For considered that he ought to use this time in jail productively and write his memoirs, before he realised that such a thing could well be used against him as evidence. He found it despicable that people in Iacobus’s prisons had to lie just to avoid being found guilty. Where was the truth’s place in such madness? Yet he contented himself with another thought. He reached inside his robe, which his guards had not searched. Concealed by his body, he extracted an opaque vial. The vial shook violently in his hands. The force had come from inside.*   

 

In the name of the Kaiser, supreme is thy power.

---

The Original Crazy Reactionary

*The forest here was unlike those of the and Threads. In the lands, they were quiet at night, all the animals slumbering in peace. In the valley forest of the Thread, the animals were quiet out of fear, hiding in trees and underground where the dark creatures that silently stalked the night might not find them. In comparison this forest was deafening. Nature had already begun to reclaim the abandoned Neutral Thread.*

*It was into this forest that Battle's vortex sent fred. The inhabitants of the forest seemingly paid no attention to the intruder, and the busy sounds of creatures hard at work living continued unabated as the undead god moved through the underbrush.*

*Battle had said the vortex would take him to Iacobus' city, but Fred could neither hear nor see signs of human life. Truthfully though, it was probably best this way. For an undead creature, a god no less, to appear in the city of people who had just fled their homeland after it was corrupted by such beings... Fred mentally thanked Battle for his forethought.*

*Fred would not be able to sense the location of the city just yet, not while surrounded by all these plants and animals. He was still unpracticed in seperating the life chords of humans and other beings. Iacobus' signature itself would be impossible to find, swamped in the mess of life that would no doubt surround him. Fred would have to keep searching.*

---

*Of course BattleF08's tiger creature Jimmy was quite surprised to see, what at first he concluded was a god, transform into a creature. The creature which he concluded was obviously a Crocodile, didn't look , though it was obviously aggressive. The meaning of its words was mostly lost on Jimmy, and unfortunately it didn't show any indications of why it wanted to fight Jimmy, in its natural form. Jimmy was curious whether the creature was defending something, following the orders of some god, or just wished to see who was stronger. he figured if it was the last case, he could still make friends with it later. He had fought with creatures that later became friends before. For now though, there was no choice but to fight*

*Of course, being the creature of BattleF08, he had seen a lot of combat in his lifetime, so he was perfectly ready to give this "crocodile" a thrashing. In fact, it had been some time since he had last had a fight. The last time he had had a difficult battle was against a giant being the dark side of his god brought from Hell. Jimmy spread his claws and unleashed a roar to match that of the dragon as it lunged to attack. With speed like an attacking viper, the dragon attacks Jimmy. A foolish move however, since Jimmy is a veteran fighter, and has a defensive strike already prepared, against a head-on attack like this. His right claw impacts on the creature's upper neck and bashes its head to the side. Its scales prove a significant defense however, and as sharp as Jimmy's claws are, they tear nearly only through the dragon's scales*

*The dragon's speed works out for him however, for even when it is struck to the side, one of its claws scratches over the underside of Jimmy's arm, tearing through his skin. What follows is a thrilling piece of combat in which Jimmy places his skill and reflexes against the speed and reaction time of his scaly opponent. Exciting as it is, both creatures masterfully dodge each other’s attacks. Jimmy makes a lunging strike, followed by a kicking back flip, but fails to connect before being forced on the defensive, dodging three quick strikes of the dragons’ head. Jimmy makes a jumping attack, but the dragon is quick to shift position, and Jimmy jumps up right on time to avoid having his legs hit and grappled by a tail swipe of the dragon*

*As he turns around in the air to face the dragon, lightning crackles around his claws, but even the lightning bolt that he fires is dodged by the dragon. This of course proves to Jimmy that he is facing a challenging opponent, and that he'll have to use his best moves in order to win. The Meiji isn't about to let the creature contemplate options however. He makes another unsuccessful attempt to strike at Jimmy's legs, followed quickly by a viper strike. A bad move, as before his head reaches its target, Jimmy manages to grab Meiji by the neck. The dragon struggles to break free unsuccessfully from Jimmy's powerful grip, before going with the more clever option of launching a fireball at Jimmy's chest at close range*

*The explosive power isn't enough to knock Jimmy over, but his fur is set aflame. He knows he'll have to let go of his opponent in order to douse himself with a water miracle. Before he does so however, he clenches his fist, arches it back, and punches the struggling dragon as hard on its snout as he can. As Jimmy manifests the power of a water miracle, the dragon, released from Jimmy's grasp, staggers back and falls over. Meiji isn't down for the count just yet though, and rears himself up again as Jimmy finishes putting out the flames that covered him. Meiji strikes again, but Jimmy ducks away past his defense, and delivers a powerful claw attack to Meiji's chest area. His claws tear deeper this time, and the dragon loses several scales completely, exposing the damaged tissue beneath. Unfortunately for Jimmy, Meiji now also sees his chance to make a move he has been planning since the beginning of the fight*

*The dragon's tail coils around Jimmy's legs and tightens. As Jimmy attempts to keep balance, Meiji's snaky body quickly coils around him completely. The coils of the dragon's snake-like body tighten in an effort to crush the life out of Jimmy. Meanwhile, the creature also does his best to tear into his flesh with its sharp claws and teeth. Jimmy struggles as best he can, but his opponent has him stuck in a pretty bad position. Then, just as a horrible cracking sound is heard from two of Jimmy's ribs, BattleF08's loyal Tiger manages to free one of his arms. Wasting no further time, he charges a lightning miracle and pushes the orb of lightning onto the dragon's neck. Though Jimmy also receives quite a shock, the electric current running through Meiji's nervous system is enough to allow Jimmy to break free from his grip*

*Jimmy quickly takes a few steps back to create some distance between him and his opponent and catch his breath as Meiji recovers from the shock and involuntary muscle movements. Jimmy is bleeding from several areas on his body and his ribs are no doubt very sore, but he's endured far worse in fights. Jimmy charges this time, but his opponent manifests a lightning miracle in its snout. In a beautiful move, Jimmy jumps up, right as Meiji fires of his miracle. The dodge isn't perfect and the lightning manages to blast Jimmy's legs a little, but Jimmy keeps his momentum, and slams hard into Meiji, pushing the dragon against the ground with the force of the impact. Meiji is in a vulnerable position now, and Jimmy is quick to make use of it*

*In an effort of brute strength, Jimmy grabs the body of his opponent and lifts it off the ground. Meiji struggles and roars in protest, as he has no intention to be tossed around. Try as he might, he is too late to break free from Jimmy's grip. He is tossed high into the air while, in one skillful move, Jimmy flips forward, landing on his arms, and stretches his legs skyward just as gravity has started to bring Meiji back down. Jimmy's legs slam hard into Meiji's stomach, and the unfortunate creature is sent flying into a mountainside, as Jimmy flips back on his feet. Jimmy has an opportunity now to possibly finish the fight, if he can pounce on top of Meiji while he is still down. Nothing but his life at stake in this fight however, and Jimmy decides to do the honourable thing of letting Meiji get back on his feet, before the battle resumes*

---

(A post in the stead of TheKaiser. He also meant to include a part for Oda, but considering its nature decided it wise to postpone, should it reap dissension .)

 *Meiji healed himself and that alone was a hard task. He was battered. His scales might have been resistant to slashes and bites, but where there were no cuts, there were bruises. He roared a distressed roar as he achingly but defiantly lifted himself on his four limbs and stood in the dent made by his own body in the side of the mountain. Still he noted that the enemy creature had waited and allowed him this time to recuperate. Meiji gave him a respectful nod and launched a heal miracle his way. There was not just honour to this but a tactical consideration. The enemy had shown himself to be sporting and Meiji, being in such bad condition, could do with being owed a favour.*

*This brief comradeship terminated by the realisation they were still fighting, Meiji schemed a new tactic. He thought it a pity there were no people around to use as hostages. Then it came to him, there were people around, just dormant at the moment. He opened his mouth, and from it issued a blast of the death miracle. It was not aimed at Jimmy, but at the soil. As the grass at ground zero died a sudden death, skeletal hands rose from the soil. From the cluttered piles of blackened grassland dozens of bone-worn ragdolls unearthened themselves and ran for Jimmy’s legs, holding loose bones from crushed skeletons. Surprised yet grateful by the heal miracle, Jimmy didn’t quite catch on to the clean-picked bones flying at him, crashing into his legs, feet, heels and toes. Needless to say, he growled and slammed at them with hands and feet and decimated them as he would an enemy platoon. The skeletons didn’t do much damage and that’s when Jimmy looked up at where Meiji had been: “Growl?”*

*Catching on too late, Jimmy was to suffer from making the mistake of losing track of the primary enemy. All in an instant, he realised his mistake, saw a flickering shadow loom over him and attempted to turn around fast enough to counter. Meiji had swerved around Jimmy and launched himself in the air like a flying fish, his long body dragging behind his bared claws and mouth. The two of them crashed to the ground, crushing the majority of what was left of Meiji’s bony squad, and dug a trench of toppled topsoil. The two of them struggled, raking blows over one another’s body and stomping every possible part of each other. Jimmy managed to roll over onto his back and give Meiji a well-placed shove, sending Meiji soaring out of the pocket in the plains they were fighting on, but not before Meiji had been able to scratch at Jimmy’s legs and lay part of them bare.*

*The two of them were under no illusion that this was just a sparring game. Meiji had frequently attempted to bite at Jimmy’s neck and Jimmy in retalliation had left scratches all over Meiji’s bloody scaly body. Both stood opposite each another. Meiji’s analytic mind went over all the possible ways of killing this tenacious tiger, but concluded only the ineptitude of his training. He would have to construct a strategy on the spot. Jimmy meanwhile wanted to end it and went on the offensive, charging on all fours and leaping for the dragon, who was slightly caught off-guard. Meiji barrel-rolled his snakey body and nearly got away from the tiger’s attack, were it not for his long body. And once again Jimmy took hold of the dragon’s tail with his front paws, still standing on all fours from the landing. Half-turned, Meiji heaved back and forth without succes. Lighting-swift, Jimmy took better grip on the tail by digging in his claws and then set into a forwards roll, taking the tail with him, putting in enough momentum to drag along a surprised Meiji.*

*An outsider would almost consider this a kid’s game, going tumble-over one another amongst the conflagration of forests and the shattered earth and mountains: a play-pen for big children. Meiji came crashing down like a wet towel despite all resistance he could give with his short claws, a tearing at brittle ground and a rush of dust. With aching all over from earth-grounded scars and a rambled, he shrugged off the pangs of pain and saw Jimmy straddled at the tip of his tail still: the tiger was getting up and moving away, but Meiji wouldn’t concede to this: he threw a fireball Jimmy’s way out of spite.*

---

Bathing in eternal sunlight...

{Sig Made By SenileSkunk!}

Many apologies for the apalling lateness of this post... for some reason, despite having known for a while now what I wanted my response to involve I've been utterly unable to come up with a decent way of getting it into type, so this'll probably be awful.

Now come, Tlacochcalcatl, you're being quite unfair. My men are perfectly capable of maintaining their discipline under pressure.

Provided that they're lucid to begin with.

You make them sound like addicts. I assure you, in any situation requiring combat I would of course defer to your unquestionable experience. They won't even touch the piule unless you order it.

That aside, I would have thought even you could understand that they hardly have a diplomatic appearance.

I'm accompanying the party - at the Oracle's discretion - to make up for a deficit in your own diplomatic skills, so you can keep your criticisms to yourself I think. If anything, the Shorn Ones will serve to make your own guards look a bit more ceremonial and a bit less aggressive.

*The subject of the argument are two tall, muscular men, conversing quietly slightly away from Itotia's own party of half a dozen. Their heads are completely shaved apart from a single, long braid draped over their left ears, and painted with half-and-half in blue and red. At their sides they support maqahuitl similar to those wielded by the Jaguar Knights, but of a different scale - with an obviously two-handed grip, these are almost as tall as they are.*

*A white glow forms a few metres away from the group, and Itotia sighs and turns away as she notices the portal.* Fine, they can come, just so long as you keep them under control.

That won't be a problem, they can control themselves. Oh, did I notice you talking to Nagual earlier?

Yes, he was exercising before the portal opened to wake himself up. I can't imagine why he would have left just as you turned up.

Oh, very . I asked because I could have sworn I saw him giving you a little piece of his collection, but I thought he never parted with those.

Well well, don't you have some searching eyes. Yes, a contribution from a few of his pets, just in case we get into anything a bit too dangerous. Anyway, unless you'd rather spend the day questioning everything about my possessions, shall we get going?

*Itotia quickly sets off through the portal, Ueman following after giving a quick nod to the two Shorn Ones. And the instant he appears on the other side, he finds a pair of desperate hands pushing him back through. For the instant Itotia emerged from the portal, she spotted the approaching fred, who had spotted the forming portal.*

*He might be healed of his usual plethora of injuries, but such a key player in the Undead war is instantly recognisable to Itotia. And though she draws the enchanted sword gifted to Iacobus by the imps, it is only to protect her from any miracles the god should fling at her as she, too, retreats through the portal.*

*On the other side Ueman is already praying, and the two Shorn Ones are holding their massive weapons ready, while the two soldiers from Itotia's band are holding spears ready. But the urgent prayers have obviously got through - even as Itotia staggers back through the portal and gets ready to defend it, a second portal is forming, bringing Iacobus directly to the edge of the city, waiting to see if Fred will come through.*

---

Come now, you exaggerate the pain. It was a simple procedure. If you continue to be prone to such histrionics I will have my Sohei… enforce your silence.  

 

*Her screaming had stopped, but her wounds still felt the need to remind her brain of their presence, very loudly. It took all her attention and the rest of her body, feeling neglected, sulked by going numb. Oda placed the guilty instrument into a cloth, which a Sohei then took and used to clean and polish it with pain-staking attention. Oda’s expression betrayed a longing to shine his equipment himself, a pleasure denied to him by a injured arm. The Sohei clearly did an impeccable job, the tools still in the case gleamed like only well cared for silver could. At least Oda’s torture had a certain class.*

 

Why do you do this? How can you do this to human beings?

 

*The victim’s voice had been weak, faltering with every syllable. She had not eaten, drank or slept for days. She had died, several times. Most people don’t recover from it the first time, Oda ensured the experience became familiar. Her eyes could not see because they kept trying to close. Her thoughts were chaotic and fleeting, for her concentration was as tired as her body.*

 

Human? You think yourself human? My nation has a charter of the fundamental rights of human beings. If you were human then the Imperial Ministry, The Committee for Ethics in Empiricism, would never permit you to be here. But you are here. They permit it because you are not human. You are property. Once you were Battle's, now you are mine. If you would care to look at your arm you will see my seal there. People are not branded. Explain to me, then, why you bear such a mark if you are not a thing, if I do not own you?

 

*A snake biting it’s own tail, burnt into the skin by fire. She looked at it through weary eyes and then looked up at Oda, who returned the gaze but from his high ground. Imperiously, he looked down upon her. He was man who was in the element in the dark. His gaunt face, with its sharp features, allowed shadings and shadows to form across it.* 

 

No. I will not be your slave.

 

And the arrogance continues. You presume much, trinket of mine. Slavery is outlawed. My civilization is enlightened and recognizes there is nothing more abhorrent than to deny a person their sovereignty and right to their own soul. Only thinking beings can be slaves. That is the requirement and if we consider that then you most certainly are not a slave. 

 

*He had lips that thinned as he spoke, as if to make up for how little his mouth opened. He was a man with so much natural authority and so logical a tone that he could dismiss the most reasoned counter-argument with a wave of his hand.* 

 

You are less than even an animal. Animals are intelligent, sensitive beings to whom cruelty to is frowned upon in civilized circles. I have two dogs. They are noble, loyal companions with such keen minds. I shall illustrate this with an example. This is our twelfth session and despite my employment of every method of instruction known to me you have yet to recognize the truth of the Kaiser – due to no failure on my part. My dogs would have learned this in only one session and with time to spare. 

 

Your mind is of a far inferior quality, savage and untamed. Why even the common vermin you curl up to sleep with would have learned by now. You are not an animal. You are something that crawled through the filth of the world and now masquerades as a being far beyond your station. 

 

Look at yourself, creature, look at how you lay hunched and strewn across the floor. Compare this with how I sit upon a chair. I have food and clean water; whilst you would consider the scraps upon my plate a feast and a parasite-ridden, dirt puddle an oasis. You wear rags and chains and I wear fine silks and wool. Think of your home, before the Kaiser’s power turned it to ashes, think of its little wooden shelters and contrast it with the stone magnificence of Iga! Know how inhuman you are!

 

*This was Oda ranting. He had spoken more quickly, refined his syllables so each was an incisive as scalpel but as momentary as a bolt of lightning. His eyes, which had been dark, merciless pits, now reflected the hundreds of deaths he had seen. There was the faintest hint of passion to him, his officious hand made, in passing, the seeds of gestures. But he was not a man that ignited in fire. No, his coldness were merely whipped up into a blizzard.*

 

I am Lord Oda. I am a person. End this. Complete your education. Join humanity. Feel the comfort of a newly made bed. Taste ice cold water. Leave this stagnant air behind. See the last of me. Who is the one true God of Eden?

 

*Her diminished conscious mind, struggling with an unconscious that had been denied the freedom of sleep for so very long, was easy prey to his twisted logic. He warped the argument and as he did so he warped her view of reality. The evidence was on his side, for he stood tall in the robes of nobility, flanked by might guards that followed, if not anticipated, his every whim. In the darker corners of his mind, his will invaded and took hold. His reason conquered her own. But she resisted.* 

 

BATTLE!

 

I cannot tell you how disappointed I am. I am sorry to say that this leaves me with but one last option. Prepare to receive the clarity that being a Sohei bring. Ready the converter! Follow me, bring the creature. 

 

*Oda roused himself from the memory and once more took in the sights of the cage that was now his home. He sighed in a fashion closed to a yawn. He was not yet tired and was unlikely to be so soon. In the past, he had functioned on four or fewer hours of rest. He disliked sleeping for it greatly diminished productivity. The Sohei did not practice it and that was another reason to avoid it: what the Sohei did not practice could only be a human weakness. Instead, he amused himself by going to the bars of his cell.*

 

Guard! I will take supper now. Also, if your society has culture worthy of mention then I would sample your literature. Do be quick, idleness and sloth are neither virtues nor do they amuse me.

---

The Original Crazy Reactionary