###And so the Age of Engines began, a time of wonder, adventure and exploration. Yet for the Escobar, this journey was not a long one. Many ships approached the failing city, or heard tales of it's sundering upon the holy radio. The news was ominous indeed, a powerful titan of air and thunder had thrown a spear of immense size from deep in the swirling maelstrom as the ship had wandered through it's territory. The massive weapon was crude, but effective, having pierced the ship and damaged the engine! Several ships rushed to the aid of Escobar once it had reached a safe distance from the titan's territory. Those who arrived there saw that Escobar had 4 lands. They are as follows: A mudflats, a swamp, a boiling sea, and a mistlands. While it is unknown the mote income of most of these lands, the populations present upon the ship are better known. There are two main races, the Calgari and the Untulgari. The Calgari are crustaceous humanoids with long armored stilt-like legs who use their incredible height and slim form to walk through the mudflats and the swamps they inhabit. They are often colored brown, green or bluish, but red Calgari are fairly common as well, with redness being a recessive trait in a large part of the population. The have rather elven faces, though their fair inflexible facial carapace prevents most forms of facial expression, which is often confused for stoicism or aloofness by races which use facial expressions regularly. Yet this could be hardly further from the truth, the Calgari are a race of hospitable people. Their culture is well known for it's generosity, as hosting guests and visitors is considered a great passion of these humble folk. Their villages often share a single dining space, with families or social groups hosting the daily dinner for the entirety of the village. Their villages are of solid construction, mostly formed of wood and clay, having a strong sense of structure and design, creating massive stilted buildings, and having a lesser emphasis on ornate or superfluous details. In general, they live rather long lives, subsisting off agriculture and foraging for the majority of their food. Mild druidism paired with their inhospitable choice of locals makes them rather challenging to visit, and even more difficult to conquer, as the Untulgari have come to sorely resent. As a result, they would present a difficult challenge to any who would chose to invade rather than befriend them.
The Untulgari are a proud warlike race native to the Escobar mistlands. The Untulgari are broad giantkin of white ash or somewhat sooty coloration. In their twilight home, the Unulgari are effective fishers and hunters, using their large eyes and lean muscular builds to effectively hunt. They are highly militant, living in warbands that often erupt into full scale battle whenever they meet. In most cases, this only occurs when one warlord has come to raid another for spoils, slaves, or territory. Often their settlements are well defended camps, with only the truly powerful warlords along the coast of the boiling sea having permanent structures.
Typically these giants stand about twelve to fourteen feet tall, and are of lean build as opposed to the stockier stock of most giants. They are rather heat resistant, living among the steamvents and hot pots of the mistlands and sailing across the boiling sea, often fishing by hand in the boiling waters or climbing across superheated rock. These cold blooded giants use the heat of the land around them to heat their blood and reduce energy use, which has also made them very effective hunters in this incredibly hot area. However, in temperate or colder regions, they easily become sluggish.
The attack that began to sink the Escobar had ripped through the engine, scattering meteorite sized debris and divine technology in violent impacts across the lands, though most of the lands are otherwise unscathed, having not been directly hit.
Admiral Auden BracketAdmiral Auden looked out over the jungle, having recently made a deal with the Goddess of Goo, Jyll. While her intentions have never been clear, she has a long and documented history of spreading slimes across the multiverse. But in this instance, it had been a headache for Admiral Bracket. The slime pits had grown wild and free in the jungle, mutating and shaping themselves to the environment in an echo of the adaptability of the residents. The pits had bored deep into the earth, creating a vast complex of cenotes in a section of the jungle. And while this alone was rather beautiful, with slimy trees and foliage grew up and around the cenotes, offering alien and wonderous views of the lakes and rivers of slime beneath framed by gelatinous jiggle trees, the population of various slimes there posed a strain on the ecosystem. A report form Scout Leader Uldrain pointed out that in time, the slime species could be classified and potentially even domesticated for use across the nation, though they admit the military lacks the necessary equipment for doing so at the moment. Yet a conflicting report from Lieutenant Sanders strongly calls for the eradication of the slimes, pointing out that they will likely return after a few turns of the heavens. Though they admit this may reduce the nation's standing with Jyll, who could be a powerful ally in their own way and the army would need weapons to do so. Among the other papers Bracket found reports indicating that if something is not done soon, food stores would be depleted as the nation was now consuming more food than it was producing.
Gain 1 shine crystal mote, 1 gold mote and 1 ivory mote. Gain a population of 200 unclassified slimes. Replace one Wood Mote income from the jungle with a Slime Mote income permanently.Next report comes from a communications priest, a title for those who parley with the gods by attuning themselves to the Divine Engine's Holy Radio. The god Falknes has agreed to your offer! There was little discussion, the god pleased to have sold off the land for a good price, if nothing else.
Location Gained: Falknes Caverns.
Yume No Yōna KazeYume set sails for the Wild Mountains, a lush mountainous region that was rumored to be teaming with wildlife, much of it dangerous. They looked out over the Bow, spyglass in hand. The wind had shifted several minutes ago, likely an eddy cast off by an island. Yume's connection to the air allowed them to detect the mountains before they appeared out of the cloudbank. By that time, Yume had already begun moving, the shock of their appearance having already warn off. For the peaks that appeared out of the mountains were much larger than one would have guessed. One land in particular was much larger than other lands, a rarity among the islands, but not unheard of. Though such a prize often indicates the direct work or favor of a god, and could not be approached lightly. Surrounding the Sky Mountain, were one Lush Mountain and one Mountain, as well as one Green Hills.
While the Sky Mountain's dangers were less clear, the dangers of the mountains were quickly clarified. The lush mountains were wild, full of dense forests, tigers of immense size, jungle trolls, and a variety of poisonous snakes and flora. The mountains and hills were less dangerous, still having trolls of various types, but less environmental dangers overall.
Znekinq RapidtailZneking made a quick decision and sailed northward, easily outpacing the firestorm that came to occupy the location they had just passed through without tailing them further. Without knowing what lay beyond, Rapidtail set out for an island to the north at random, and within a few days, they had arrived. As they flew, the ratling forges burned bright and hot, splashing liquid metal upon any who were unwary or simply unlucky. Wrought iron blades of dubious craftsmanship, but exceptional in their wickedness, the sharp uneven blades cutting and shredding in equal measures.
Add: 40 Ratling Iron Sword (1d10).As the northern island Rattail had set course for came into view, it was clear that it was a small island, only composed of two lands, a badlands and a mesa. The badlands seemed mostly uninhabited, mainly being a choked place of exposed stone, heavy winds carrying dust and sand. Only twiggy brush was able to grow here, and animals were few and far between. The mesa more hospitable, the ancient remains a land carved by eons of erosion, the plains between the mesas were dry but somewhat fertile. The savannas here surrounded the the raised mesa, sparse grasses and the occasional grove reigned here, and large herbivores roamed the landscape. The raised mesas, which boasted some hearty high altitude plants, boasted little other floura or fauna. Large birds were common here, flightless and harsh, they hunt across the mesa troughs. Their prey is often the swift deerlike marsupials, something akin to a cross between a kangaroo and a small elk, which roam the lands in herds. Large lizards also dwell here, though less dangerous than the birds.
Empress GwendolynEmpress Gwendolyn did, if only for a moment, have a small smile upon her face as the messenger swiftly departed. She had just received word from Flaknes, who had taken their bid for the mountain land over the offer of Aeternum Custiodium.
Remove two iron motes and one pearl mote from your stores. Gained location information: Falkres Mountains.She took a few moments to observe the city of Tolan, looking out from her perch here at the top of the plaza. The citizens seemed content, bustling about in the morning market, the smell of fish and the sounds of their rancorous saleskells cawing out advertisements for their fresh catch. Though there was little time to observe her charge, her folk, her responsibility. She may be hard on those around her, but they bear the burden of charting the future of these people as much as she does.
The city of Escobar came into sight a day or so later, though one can hardly be sure with the divine engines, as it's often unclear how much time has passed during their flights. Still, the ship Escobar had not yet sank, and the Empress joined the Admiral in observation of the morbid sight ahead of them.
Aeternum CustodianThe Aeternum Custodian held their eye shut for a moment in disappointment. They had been outbid in the auction of the mountains by some distant engine of birdfolk. They apparently offered the demigod a jewel of the sea, which captured the fancy of the deity, as well as good solid iron. An opulent bid.
Yet their dealings with the goddess Jyll had gone much smoother. The goddess descended upon Providence and sunk the slime pits into the side of the mountain. It was a major event among the populous! Spectators travelled from across the nation to view the display of holy power, and it was the topic of happy conversation among the Spectators for weeks on end. The touch of the goddess collapsing in part of the mountain, sending a plume of acidic gas safely and dramatically skyward. This left behind several hundred pits of slime, carved by the holy acid of Jyll into the solid rock. From these poured many many slimes, which immediately cut into the food stores of the Spectators and placed a burden on the food income of the nation. A soldier force, properly equipped might be able to capture and domesticate the slimes, though it is safe to say a temporary reprieve could be achieved in a more violent fashion by the soldiers as well.
Gain one Opal Mote, one Topaz Mote, and one Silver Mote. Gain a population of 200 unclassified slimes. Replace one Wood Mote income from the jungle with a Slime Mote income permanently.[/b]
Lastly the Aeternum Custiodium set their Divine Engine off in search of new lands. The wind data from the west indicated that a small island was just beyond the horizon, and pleasantly, they were incorrect. The island was actually a bit further, and a bit larger. It was composed of three lands, though the contents of this island brought mixed reactions. It was composed of a Hills, a forest, and a moors. For the most part, it was already inhabited. A civilization of dark red humanoids had erected a large civilization upon the one of the lands, a set of hills. Tall stone spires topped with flags and banners capped castles of rough hewn rock, surrounded by stone buildings and thatch roofs of decent build and construction. Though lacking in magic or advanced technology, this medieval race was rather successful. They grew wheat in abundance upon the hills, and vegetables and wool from the moors. While wood and stone were collected from the forest and hills respectively. The ship is hailed once it is in range, and the civilization indicating it is open to trade and discussion.
The Elemental CouncilLast to arrive to Escobar, the Divine Engine belonging to the Elemental Council is the last to arrive at Escobar, joining the Kells and the Sprites in surveying the slowly sinking ship in an attempt to decipher what should be done. The rather damaged ship seems to have had its engine destroyed by a devastating attack by an incredible power of yore, a dangerous reminder that the ships are not immune to damage.
Their discussions with Jyll are equally fruitful, as the goddess accepts their offer and will extend it for another two turns. Though they must depart after that time.
However, Falknes was less understanding. The stubborn god a product of his sphere, they sold their two lands almost immediately, as a rather nice offer was made to the desperate being.
Ongoing EventsLocation Event: Iced Lake
The Rain Goddess Fian has complained about her rival, Sika, a Spring Goddess. Sika thawed a lake belonging to a powerful ice spirit allied with Iskaib. Any who can refreeze the lake will gain Favor with the Goddess Fian and the sundered spirit, though this may incur the wrath of Sika.
Offer Event: A Slimy Sale
The Goddess Jyll has announced an offer to all Divine Engines. She will grant any who accept her deal 3 random treasure motes. In exchange for these treasures, all she asks is to place slime pits upon one of your lands. Doing so will replace one of the motes incomes (your choice) into a slime mote income. This may also create a population of slimes upon that land.
Offer Event: A Dying City
The Divine Engine Escobarb has sustained critical damage and will sink into the Sky Depths in three turns. They call for any ships who can take refugees, and offer lands in exchange. Their message was unclear as to the nature of the mortals and lands in need of rescue, further investigation would be required.
New EventsA Dangerous Offer: A demon of unknown stature and power has requested the aid of at least two sets of soldiers, 200 strong each. Though would welcome any additional sets of 200. They will be equipped by the demon, and will be able to keep any armaments they acquire, if they survive. The soldiers will be absent for three turns. While they are gone, they will fight a terrible war to overthrow a rival power which has gained the ire of this patron. The rewards for victory in the war are unknown, but any surviving soldiers may bring back spoils from the campaign depending on how successful it was.
A Spiritual FontA location of particularly high spiritual power has been discovered, it's location appearing on the radar of each divine engine. While the actual island involved is unknown at this point, it is clear that this island is teeming with the energy of the spirit world for the moment. Enterprising pilots would do well to not underestimate the usefulness of the spirits. The spiritual font will remain for three turns, and will once again fade away, leaving behind just the Lands that housed it.
An Esteemed GuestA particularly wealthy demigod named Pilontus is looking to vacation upon one of the Divine Engines. They have incredibly fine tastes, requiring a residence of luxurious make, and food of good quality. Preferably, they should entertained by the leader of the host civilization, and the offerings of the host be made clear so that Pilontus can accurately weigh which ship shall be graced by his most high presence and deep pockets.
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Topic: Divine Engines IC (Read 1533 times)