[~♫] Chapter 3: Angels and DemonsIn which prophets are reborn, and profits are made.Feed the elf to the research gnomes we've enslaved to create new weapons of war and wealth for us. Her pointy-eared flesh will fuel their endeavors.
We're not building an altar to anything.
I say, settle. +2 hammers are not a lot, but it's like another citizen working a workshop, and what's the most important thing is those +5 PURE gold income. It will allow you to build 2-3 additional cities without lowering your research slider. You will save MUCH more in beakers than if you spend it to research some really early technology.
Fellow councilors, I'd like to introduce you to the lady Sidhe, a refugee from... what was the name of your tribe again?
We called ourselves "Svartalfar", Lord Goodreau.
Yeah, that's the one. Now, I understand that you've had a chance to meet with some of the Luonnotar priests?
I have. They were as kind to me as their words were wise.
Good. Now, the council and I have been in discussion, and I admit that we've been having a hard time deciding on the best way for you to apply your priestly talents here in town.
I still say she is best employed in study and research... she could teach us much of the spell-singers of Elvenkind, and their lost magics.
Aye, and I won't have her preaching of her gods in this town!
Yes, yes! Feed her to the researchers! Consuming her flesh will imbue them with Elven secrets!
Alright, who is this man, and how does he keep getting into our meetings?
I believe this is his home, Lord.
Ah, is that so? Mental note; designate a proper Council Chamber before the next meeting. One that isn't a citizen's home. Now, if you'll excuse us, sir, where were we?
I was about to suggest that our lady guest work with the Luonnotar priesthood in town... many of them find work as healers and crafters, and she could aid them.
And what, poison their young acolytes with talk of false gods?
Good councilors, if I may... after speaking with the Luonnotar, I've come to realize that coming here was no mere happenstance. I have held faith in my god higher than all else in life, but it was not until the darkness of these past weeks that I realized how misguided this was. My people trusted Esus to lead us through this Winter safely, but if not for you and your godless heroes, I would have died along with the rest.
Well said. Satisfied, councilor?
Hmph.
Then unless there are any objections, perhaps our lady guest would like to join the settlement, and work as a specialist with the Luonnotar?
I would be most honored.
Excellent! Now, on to other matters. How close are we to being able to get fish out of the bay, and on to our plates?
I believe I've found a solid understanding of the principles of buoyancy, but... well...
Well what?
I don't know the first thing about fishing.
Then learn! New refugees find their way here every week, and our population is growing. We need those fish to feed them!
Of course. I promise you, before the ice melts from the bay, we will have them.
Good. Now, about those skeletons coming out of the barrow west of town...In the end, the council agrees that their forces are not yet strong enough to battle the undead. Instead, they keep their newly trained team of Workers at a safe distance, and turn their attention south of Twelfth Bay, where warmer temperatures have revealed a sprawl of ruins three times larger than the one where the Prophet had been rescued. This time, lest they encounter more danger, both the Scout and Warrior leave to explore the ruins together.
At a distance, they hear the sounds of battle, which end as they draw closer. When they enter the ruins, they find a curious sight; an armored warrior and an angel, performing funeral rites for several long-dead bodies. After introductions are made, the two reveal themselves as travelers who had come to the ruins seeking shelter, but found only walking corpses. Upon hearing of Twelfth Bay's similar problems with undead, the travelers agree to help them, in exchange for their help burying and consecrating the dead here. As they turn to leave, a particularly grateful spirit trails after the Scout, whispering its thanks, and promising to guide and protect him as it can.
The angel seldom speaks as they travel to the barrow, ignoring questions about what brought him down to Erebus, and the life of an adventurer. His companion is less shy, and names himself a Dragon Slayer; though he doesn't claim to have done any actual dragon-slaying, he explains that the title means "Professional Monster Hunter". He happily shares tales of battles with all manner of exotic beasts, from direwolves and ogres to griffons and undead... though he similarly avoids questions about his homeland.
As they draw closer to Twelfth Bay, the Angel pauses, and explains that he senses the presence of evil in the woods to the north. He claims that demonic spirits will be drawn to the echoes of pain and rage from Odio's Prison, and that they should remain vigilant. The Dragon Slayer offers to deal with the barrow, while the others turn north to investigate the woods.
Attacker:Dragon Slayer:
4 (
8.8 → 3.6)
VICTORDefender:Skeleton Archer:
1 (
5 → 0)
SLAIN
Attacker:Dragon Slayer:
4 (
10.8 → 6)
VICTORDefender: (+75% Hill/Forest/Tower Defense)
Skeleton Hero:
1 (
5.25 → 0)
SLAIN Attacker: (+1-2 First Strikes)
Angel:
4 (
7.2 → 3.7)
VICTORDefender: (+25% Forest Defense)
Skeleton:
1 (
3.2 → 0)
SLAIN With the barrow brought to rest, and the threat ended for now, the Angel thanks the Grigori for their assistance in the fight against evil, and he and his companion decide to join their cause. The Angel vows to remain behind, and protect their fledgling settlement against harm, while the other three turn east, to explore the land beyond the mountain range.
Status - Week 40:The Grigori TribeUnits:
Angel: 4, 7.2, 1 (Guard, 12th Bay)
D.Slayer: 5, 12.0, 1 (Exploring)
Scout: 5, 3.6, 2 (Exploring)
Warrior: 4, 4.8, 1 (Exploring)