[h1][center][color=gold]The Goblin Underground & The Dwarven Kingdoms[/color][/center][/h1] [h2][sub][center][color=gold]Civilization vs Heroism[/color][/center][/sub][/h2] [h3][sub][center][color=gold]Dead Goblins, Broken futures and Goverments?[/color][/center][/sub][/h3] The underground caves were vast and even deeper they went underground. The caves began wider at least that was something that the goblins would notice when going further deep. The expedition deeper was thanks in part to goblins disappearing the deeper they went with those who returned home to ever bigger caves. The GU went through hard during this period. First earthquakes, then attacks of the monsters, then disappearances. It was as if someone was set to kill them or make their lives hard. In regards to the disappearances, Maxima had enough. Arming her best warriors turned heroes due to the monster attacks, she led them deep within the caves. In the lowest parts, just above the Library. It was there they noticed signs of life. Sentient life. Signs of people other than goblins. Danger. The caves were more like mine shafts and well carved as the deeper it went occasionally. But during the trip they would return to a more natural state and the deeper they went the more common it was to see mushrooms growing in the walls of caverns. Eventually, they discovered that the cave stopped at a large opening too dark to see but incredibly deep like an underground ravine. It was incredibly large. It was bigger than most other caves seen below and it seemed more humid than others. The group could also easily see lights in the darkness below at the bottom of the cave but it seemed a bit distant. The party quickly readied their weapons and approached carefully through the shafts. It wasn’t until they saw the first creature that they stopped and hid. Each goblin, all specifically selected by Maxima for this task, all small and easy to hide in mine shafts if the need ever arose to escape danger. Then, Maxima, unarmed, stepped forward in the light. Her eyes adjusted slowly to the light and saw what must’ve been a small goblin with a long beard. Trying to extend her influence over him, she quickly realized he wasn’t a goblin but something else. “[color=red]Hello! Do you understand me?[/color]” said Maxima in what was her friendliest tone. Behind her stood at least 20 goblins, hidden from view. Ready to attack at a moment’s notice if needed. The creature that they found was fair skinned, compared to then with auburn hair and a brown bear, his clothes were rather strange too and he seemed to have a pickaxe out of iron seeing then the silence was rather deafening before he opened his mouth shouting. “[color=blue]Uthgúr! Uthgúr! Vod Sheget![/color]” he soon grabbed a lamp beside him and started running screaming down the shaft. The lights of the mine shaft seemed to begin extinguishing as the sound of panic began to echo through the walls. Not understanding what the person was saying, Maxima and the group advanced. Weapons at the ready to kill anything that would endanger them and with Maxima’s connection to Galaxor, he was aware of what was happening. The group continued to move forward as the echoes of the dwarfs began to diminish in the distance but the lower they got through the mines the more the echo of sound of the dwarfs returned and with the group arriving in a new cave tunnel they soon saw a group of the creatures heavily armored in iron with weapons a officer shouting. “[color=blue]Ïkor![/color]” As the group of dwarfs in front of then readied their warhammers and got into position. Immediately, Maxima and the goblins went into position too. Spear throwers in the back and a group with diamond shields in the front. Maxima was right in the thick of it. Leading from the front was always her style after all. With a bit of luck, she could take a good part of these dwarves on her own but she preferred not to try it out. “[color=red]Hold! We’re the Goblin Underground and I am their leader, hero of Galaxor God Of Heroism, Knowledge and Time. Know that we are under his direct protection and we don’t wish to fight but if you want a fight…we’ll make sure to take you with us. [/color]” The dwarfs continued ready for a fight with the officer saying in his language. “[color=blue]What did she say?[/color]” Another dwarf mumbled. “[color=blue]Don’t look at me i don’t know…[/color]” someone soon replied “[color=blue]At Least they speak… compared to when things like this happen…[/color]” The officer coughed before shouting. “[color=blue]Returning your lands! Green things you are bypassing our lands![/color]” With a puzzled look, Maxima looked behind her at the others but they shared the same confused looks. Neither of them spoke each other’s language. That didn’t make things easy…at all. That’s when Maxima had an idea. Quickly taking out a stone table, she sculpted on it a picture of a goblin and then a happy face on it, thinking that hopefully it’ll translate to “friend” in whatever language these creatures spoke in. Afterwards, she slid it across to them, not wanting to approach too much. The group looked at her, the officer seeing the happy face with him saying in dwarvish. “[color=blue]Marvelous, now that…[/color]” He seemed annoyed saying to the man beside him. “[color=blue]I don’t like this especially after the invasions…[/color] A soldier soon said. “[color=blue]Sir, you think the high queen mother El’zadir might help?[/color]” “The message might take forever to reach her… I don’t like this…” The officer replied looking more nervous; he felt it could be a trap. As the dwarves looked at the drawing, it was clear that they didn't understand anything out of it. Confusion written clearly on their face. Luckily, it seemed that both groups had the same idea. If they can't understand each other, maybe their divine patrons could help. Raising a hand in the air, Maxima started speaking. “[Color=red]Oh’ great timeless warrior-sage, Galaxor. I, Maxima, your hero and first creation call upon thee! Please show yourself and help us avoid unnecessary spilling of blood. I don't wish to kill them. [/color]” And then nothing happened for a few tense minutes…and then it did. As if he was standing there all the time, a golden-blue-purple-ish dwarf appeared in the middle of the dwarven group. “[Color=gold]Boo![/color]” said Galaxor as soon as he was been noticed by dwarves, letting out a divine pulse of energy, sort-of beacon that only divine beings could sense and follow. The dwarves jumped in panic seeing their line disorganized and they panicked with screams as they looked at him in surprise, some shouting the name of their goddess. As they pointed weapons, cursing to themselves and against him as they were shocked. With a laugh, Galaxor transformed into his usual self and teleported to Maxima’s line which tried to tell him what happened but got stopped before managing to say a word. “[Color=gold]It's ok. I know what happened. Foresaw it and was waiting for this moment. [/color]” started Galaxor to say with a wink before continuing “[color=gold]Terrible what would've happened if I wouldn't have come. Whole cave would've fallen down. Now shush. Let's wait for their goddess. [/color]” With a wave of his hand, Galaxor taught the language of the dwarves to Maxima and gave her a wink. The earth soon began to shake for a moment as the dwarves looked at each other before shielding themselves. The wall of the cave soon broke revealing the great expanse of the underground once again the surface covered in mushrooms and hanging from the wall was El’Zadir her eyes glowing white in the dark until the dust settled the obsidian skilled El’zadir was in full display looking at Galaxor she then said. [color=#9d07d9]“... It's been a while since i saw another divine… especially this far deep.”[/color] El looked nervous but also a bit exhausted by what Galaxor could see. A second before the wall would collapse, Galaxor snapped his fingers and when the debris flew towards the goblin lines they disappeared…and reappeared somewhere far into the past. “[Color=gold]Well, hello to you too. I'd like to say the same but I've met quite a few recently. I am Galaxor, God Of Heroism, Knowledge and Time. [/color]” he said, while approaching the goddess, his Cosmic Destroyer hanging by his side. The dwarves seemed equally fine having shielded together as the rubble was moved El’zadir looked at Galaxor she seemed curious yet reserved by her body gesture she then said. “[color=Orchid]Galaxor… god of heroes and time?”[/color] She was curious, he seemed more like a warrior war god, a hero yes but a lord of time seemed unlikely. “[color=gold]Aye, and knowledge too. All three are timeless. Time to spend heroing, knowledge to know when to stop and let others take the mantle. [/color]” replied Galaxor with a grin. He knew how mismatched his domains of power seemed, yet, they all were linked to one another. She raised an eyebrow in confusion but she then gave a nod and a light bow saying. [color=#9d07d9]“Well…my name Is El’zadir goddess of civilization and mother of the Dwarves you see around…”[/color] she said with education and politeness something she exuded well. Compared to herself who looked more like she went through a few battlefields. With the introduction she then replied. “[color=Orchid]Well god of heroes… and goblins…[/color]” She smiled to then for some reason her presence made the goblins trust her it seemed to be her divine aura she then continued. “[color=#9d07d9]What brings your group to the 13 dwarven kingdoms in the underground.[/color]” “[color=gold]Civilization? Interesting domain you’ve chosen for yourself. Goblins are just one of my mortal creations, I have made humans too. The tall ones, I’m sure you’ve seen them. [/color]” replied Galaxor as he turned towards Maxima and the goblin group. “[color=gold]Off you go back home. I’ll handle things here. [/color]” and before they could reply, they’ve all been teleported back to the Goblin Underground. “[color=gold]Well, some of their people have gone missing while going in your tunnels and while they wanted to initially send an exterminator squad to eliminate whatever manner of beasts inhabited these tunnels, I advised them to check it up themselves. Quite strange it took them so long to meet your dwarves after you broke a hole in their ceiling. [/color]” “[color=Orchid]That was due to the ongoing war… at least that is finally ending.[/color]” El’zadir replied to his statement of the ceiling it was more in her panic she dug quite deep as well after a moment of pondering she then said to her dwarves. “[color=#9d07d9]Return to your homes for now this might be a meeting that takes time…[/color]” With a bow they began to leave as well going down the tunnel to the ground floor access she then asked. “[color=Orchid]Choose? no i was born to my domain… without much of a choice or…[/color]” she looked at her hands again they were roughed by time but she pondered as well who she was still. “[color=gold]Aye, it’s ending now. Asheel and I killed off one of their leaders and Sylia destroyed a large part of their forces…not to say that she sealed some of them off in the blood ocean. From what I saw, they’re building their own civilization there. [/color]” said Galaxor in reply before raising an eyebrow at El. “[color=gold]I think you misunderstand godhood a bit. No offense intended, of course. But a god chooses their domain. Some do it consciously, as I did with my knowledge and time domains and some do it instinctively, like heroism was for me. Maybe some part of the divine energy that created you came from countless mortal civilizations on Galbar that were, are and will be. You might’ve had the domain of evil or death or disease or anything that comes associated with civilizations, yet…you’ve become the essence of civilization itself. [/color]” replied Galaxor to her pondering. “[color=#9d07d9]Seems like how i began…[/color]” She said with a light smile after a moment of silence she then continued. “[color=Orchid]So would the greatest of heroes quench his thirst in a dwarven feast or would you believe yourself too busy?[/color]” “[color=gold]Busy? What’s busy for divine beings? Lead the way, El’zadir and I’ll bring some of my own drinks, if that’s alright. Trust me, they’re divine. [/color]” said Galaxor in reply while adding a wink at the end. El’zadir smiled saying “[color=#9d07d9]You remind me of a friend at times…[/color]” she soon lead the way to her holy site in the citadel of Donoroll a grand fortress made out of carved stone constructed north of the tree of life a grand city underground in the cavern layers. Inside the grand citadel the feast halls were readied and with El’zadir’s arrival together with Galaxor the halls soon were filled with drinks made from rock nut ale or what other plants they could brew. Many plates of food distributed against the giant hall able to accommodate one thousand individuals echoing through the halls were songs made by singers, composers and their instruments. “[color=Orchid]Hope you don’t mind, my children are rather festive…”[/color] El’zadir commented as both were seated at the end of the grand hall. “[color=gold]I’m everyone’s friend, El’zadir. Part of the whole hero thing. [/color]” replied Galaxor with a wink before following El. As Galaxor was led through the citadel, he waved, smiled and on occasion threw stone tables with information about mining and what plants can be used to make what, translated in dwarvish around to onlookers. All the information that was given, was collected by the GU over time and as it is with information, it is meant to be shared. “[color=gold]I hope you don’t mind. I spread some tidbits of information my GU gathered to your dwarves. They have been around since…the beginning of Galbar as for the “children”, well, they’re mortals. It is in their nature to revel. [/color]” said Galaxor, apologetic in tone before smiling at the mortals around and then with a wink to El, he added “[color=gold]Especially in the company of two divine beings. [/color]” Afterwards, he lifted a hand up, and bottles of RALK appeared on the tables, one for each dwarf. “[color=gold]Drink up! It 's divine. [/color]” shouted Galaxor for all to hear. “[color=#9d07d9]Ralk?[/color]” El’zadir looked confused as her children would start drinking many of then liking it she soon shrugged saying. “[color=Orchid]Drink what the gods do…[/color]” she soon took a large swig out of her bottle and then said. “[color=#9d07d9]Rather bland for my taste…[/color]” Galaxor laughed out loud at El’zadir’s obvious distaste for the drink. “[color=gold]You’re the only one to think so, El’zadir. Look around at your people. They’re enjoying it. [/color]” and true enough, it seemed that everyone was loving the new drink introduced to their city. “[color=gold]Now, as much as I love a good feast…shall we speak business? [/color]” said Galaxor, suddenly serious. She gave a shrug to the drink, it was probably because she was used to less divine drinks. Hearing of him turn more serious she gave a nod saying. “[color=Orchid]Yes i believe so… what brought your people to my peoples land’s i may have been underground for too long so i don’t know the situation above.[/color]” “[Color=gold]The beasts that attacked your people came from other divine beings. They were servants basically of some other divines that wished to consume this world… [/color]” started Galaxor before telling the whole story of the Outer Gods to El'zadir. “[Color=gold]...and so I killed one of them. Now, regarding the Goblin Underground. Maxima has received reports that goblins have gone missing in the tunnels that lead to your people. ‘Thus, she came to investigate. [/color]” concluded Galaxor before taking another sip of RALK. El’zadir pondered hearing the story of the outer gods. She somewhat felt their presence but she was always busy until recently. Her mind seemed to blank for a moment as she pondered again at her situation looking at the metal plate reflecting her. She felt empty thinking who she was or even what to do. She sighed for a moment until hearing the reason why Galaxor’s people came and she gave a nod replying. “[color=#9d07d9]I see…[/color]” She soon gestured to a servant approaching replying. “[color=blue]queen mother anything you wish?[/color] El’zadir gave a nod replying. “[color=Orchid]Yes do you have reports of goblins from the other kingdoms?[/color]” The dwarf gave a nod before stopping and saying. “[color=blue]Goblins?[/color]” El’zadir gave a nod using her powers to show the image of a goblin before vanishing and cleaning her hand from the dust she attracted to make it, seeing it he gave a nod commenting. “[color=blue]Let me see…[/color]” he soon went to a corner where a shelf was picking a scroll, something that made El’zadir a bit confused, approaching she said. “[color=#9d07d9]When did you get that?[/color]” He smiled replying. “[color=blue]Some lads figured how to make this my queen mother…[/blue]” El took a bit back thinking for a moment before giving a nod as he read some of the pages the dwarf looked less happy by the moment before coughing and saying. “[color=blue]Ahh…. my queen… according to reports involving foreign attacks they were… killed…[/color] El immediately rose up in worry turning to Galaxor saying. “[color=Orchid]Forgive me Galaxor i was not aware of this…[/color]” She lowered her head in a humbling way with a bow. The moment El mentioned that the goblins were indeed dead, a few of the bottles from the table shattered and then transformed into dust. “[color=gold]I do not approve of the killing of my subject, El’zadir. I care not what mortals do to one another but those goblins were under my direct protection and out of all of them, two of the children had [i]very[/i] interesting futures ahead of them. Futures which I intended to watch over. [/color]” said Galaxor, his anger obvious on his face. “[color=gold]Give me a good reason why I shouldn’t erase your kingdoms from the face of Galbar. [/color]” he added, as he stood up from the chair. Almost immediately, the Cosmic Destroyer, godbane artefact and killer of the Egrioth appeared on Galaxor’s waist. El’zadir still bowed, while raised from her chair in humbleness and apology. “[color=#9d07d9]Still forgive me for my lack of awareness for my children[/color]” turning to the hall that was silent and seeing the two she soon raised shouting “[color=#9d07d9]OUT![/color]” her voice was commanding something that exhibited royal command divine, making the room quite quickly empty of people. Once the room was empty she sighed, turning to him she bowed again she didn’t display much emotion but she was nervous and anxious a fight between gods could be disastrous especially with a deity that seemed more specialised in fighting it could result in calamity against her even if mass destruction is made she could rebuild but the thought sickened her in part she soon replied. “[color=Orchid]I can’t bring them back that much is true Galaxor… Albeit following ancient rules I believe I am at your service until this blood debt is paid.[/color]” But even if he seeks revenge she would be ready to fight for her children’s safety even if foolish. Upon seeing El’zadir’s obvious…fear at a fight, Galaxor’s heroic aura exploded with divine power breaking a few tables under the weight of it . “[color=gold]Stand your ground and stop giving me blood debt bullshit! [/color]” Galaxor’s voice rang through the nearby tunnels, creating a small earthquake as it did. With a deep breath, Galaxor’s aura receded and the Cosmic Destroyer became small once more. “[color=gold]I care not for your lack of awareness, they are your mortals. You should’ve taught them better. I refuse your blood debt, yet I shall take a boon to be bestowed upon the Goblin Underground as payment. Refuse and I shall bury your kingdoms as payment. [/color]” El’zadir held her ground covering her face from the blast of wind, once cleaning herself she kept a worried expression only ending when hearing he talk once again about blood debt she soon looked confused. “[color=#9d07d9]That… is literally what you asked… why are yo…[/color]” She replied, stopping for a moment, freezing in place for a solid minute thinking of something after the moment she then said. “[color=#9d07d9]That is only fair Galaxor what[/color][color=Orchid]ever you wish to give to your goblins I shall give[/color]” “[color=gold]Careful with [i]whatever[/i] I wish, El’zadir. I could ask you to bring back all the dead to life. It is within our power, as you know but it's a costly business, in terms of power. My goblins require one thing currently, more than anything. Civilization in the style of government. Currently it’s Maxima taking all the decisions and while she’s more than capable…the Goblin Underground is growing exponentially. If my predictions of the future are correct, in the next 3 years, they’ll reach your kingdoms. So, teach my people the benefit of a government and how to make it work while also…agree that the dwarves will not harm any goblin that doesn’t deserve it. [/color]” said Galaxor, as he slowly calmed down, before adding “[color=gold]Maybe an alliance between the mortals would be useful. [/color]” El’zadir seemed pensive, mumbling out loud. “[color=#9d07d9]Well i could ask death to bring your boys back but i haven’t seen him in aeons at this point…[/color]” She soon stopped thinking after a pause she soon answered him. “[color=#9d07d9]for what you requested I shall do, it's only fair.[/color]” “[color=gold]Death? Is he even still around? Ever since I’ve helped him make the humans, he went away. But, thank you and I apologise for my previous outburst. [/color]” She shook her head replying. “[color=#9d07d9]No Galaxor I am more at fault for the actions of those I rule… As the mother of civilization, the law and justice of the system dictates I am at fault for what happened. You have the right to be angry and even have the right to strike me down… Even if… [/color]” She gashed perside, feeling pain again from her closed wound she hasn’t focused on healing it much since the attack. “[color=Orchid]Even if i would not like it…[/color]” “[color=gold]If you let your mistakes define you, you shouldn’t be a divine, El’zadir. Learn from them and fix your own mess. As for striking you…there’s no joy or honour in striking someone weaker than me nor there’s no logic in it. [/color]” he replied, shaking his head. She pondered for a moment what he said, giving a nod she then said. “[color=Orchid]I see… well would you guide me to your people for me to fix my mistakes[/color]? “[color=gold]Gladly.[/color]” said Galaxor as he teleported both of them to the Goblin Underground. The Goblin underground was something El’zadir only saw once cracking her knuckles she soon said. “[color=#9d07d9]Right… Time for me to do this. It's been a while…[/color]” and with that she started working immediately on what Galaxor asked of him. Beginning to create the laws and governmental structures that she thought would be good for a centralised state and kingdom. The state apparatus creating a sort of autocratic state centred around Maxima the ruler of the goblins, the bureaucracy helping ease most of the problems. But at the same time El’zadir worked in repairing and increasing relations with the goblins and dwarves teaching the goblins commerce and trade with the 13 kingdoms that lived down below. With an apology gift for Maxima and Galaxor being an artefact she made a sceptre made out of pure gold with the help of her children encrusted with a ruby, with green and yellow diamonds flanking it crafted with the greatest of care and quality. [Hider=MP] El’zadir Available: 7 - 1 mp tech boost * Governments * Commerce/trade - 1 mp artefact creation * The Crown of Máxima’s Dominion is an artefact that grants the wearer the power to make goblins follow the wearers command without questions in a large area of many kilometres using divine power. The powers it grants allow the wearer to command an entire society without needing to be in one’s presence. Remaining: 5 mp Galaxor Available - 1 Remaining - 1 [/hider] [Hider=Summary] Maxima and a group of goblins investigate mysterious disappearances of goblins in an unexplored part of the Underground. They meet a group of dwarves but the language barrier makes communication impossible. Maxima calls upon Galaxor for help and soon El’zadir comes too. After a short feast, Galaxor is told that the missing goblins were executed by the dwarves. Getting angry, Galaxor breaks stuff with his aura and El’zadir agrees to pay for her people's mistakes by teaching the Goblin Underground about laws, governments and granting her an artefact. [/hider]