And time passed once more. Shadowton grew once more, adding two more circles around it to support the growing population and of course, the growing trade. The elves proved true to their word and they brought goods, technology and different other stuff from their side of their woods, while the Umbra traded their building technology. All in all, it was a profitable trade for both nations.
In all this time, Ashevelen travelled the world under whatever guise the mortals she met needed to be trustful of her and she did what she knew best, trade. Ever looking for someone to outsmart her, her travels brought her all over the world but she was mindful, no more intruding over the domains of different divines. No more distractions.
But, it was time to go back to Shadowton. Penumbra and the others were left alone for far too long and mortals being mortals, they need constant supervision ‘lest they end up breaking themselves somehow. Summoning her shadows, Ashevelen flew over the world at an impossible speed and reached the Umbral Forest in mere minutes.
A celebration ensued as the Umbra/Satyr mortals found their Goddess waiting in the “Trade Square”. For a few days and a few nights, the Umbra stayed in line to trade with the Goddess. Maybe-maybe one of them would manage to profit, but, of course, they still had a lot to learn before they could best their creator.
After the party ended and the line of merchants reached an end, Ashevelen raised her head from the ground she used as a “pillow” when she heard a polite Aham . One more Umbra, last one. Opening her eyes, she was surprised to see Penumbra himself. Recently returned from a trip down to the coast, the champion raced back home as fast as they could when they heard the creator came back.
“ Great Goddess it’s an honour to lay my eyes upon your form. ” said Penumbra with a low bow.
“ Penumbra, my champion. You’re back from the new village site. I was lost in my thoughts, apologies, what do you require? A trade, perhaps? ”
“ It is I who should apologise, my Goddess, for disturbing you. Surely whatever you were thinking about was certainly more important than me. I did not come for trading this time but to ask questions. ” replied Penumbra with a very apologetic tone.
“ My thoughts involve you, Penumbra, as a matter of fact. But, go on, ask away. I have a few free moments before I start my work. ”
“ I am humbled to hear that I’m in your thoughts, great Goddess. My question is this. What’s my purpose? Why have I been made your champion? I am not the best merchant in Shadowton, surely there were better choices. ” Ashevelen stood up from her place on the ground and Penumbra kneeled straight away, thinking that they angered the Goddess.
“ You dare question me? ” replied Ashe while laughing gently and before Penumbra could start apologising, she continued “ Don’t worry. You have not angered me. It’s a good question. One I asked myself multiple times. In truth, I made you on a whim. I wished to see how the Umbra will grow if I give one some actual power. I haven’t made a mistake in promoting you if that’s what you’re thinking. Does that answer your question? ”
“ It does, Goddess but it raises more questions. I want to prove to you that the Umbra deserve to exist, we know that you can erase us from existence with a mere thought and I can speak in the name of all Umbra that we’re honoured that you’ve chosen to give us life. That is all I wished to ask of you, unless you wish your forever servant to stay here, I shall leave you. ”
“ Some of those questions you’ll have to answer yourself, Penumbra. I can’t provide you all the answers even if I wanted to do so and as I said, I do have something in mind for you. A quest. ”
“ Anything you want, I shall do. ”
“ Leave Shadowton and take two more people with you. Anyone you wish, tell them it is my will. Walk this world as I did until now. Travel to the desert city in the north-west, meet the Umbra there and see how they fare. Afterwards, go north and keep north until you reach the ice glaciers, see if Umbras can live there. Mark a spot for a future village then come back. In this journey, you’ll find answers to your questions. Is that clear? ”
“ That will take a long time, my Goddess but I understand. Your forever servant will do what it must. I shall gather a party and leave by nightfall. ”
“ Yes, it will take a long time for your mortal legs. Don’t leave by nightfall. I give you a week to prepare. Take whatever you need in your journey. ”
And so, Penumbra, now charged with a divine quest and more questions than answers, left the Goddess to her own plans. Oh’ and mighty plans she had. For it was time for the lady of trade and shadows to make her own realm. Maybe advance the Umbra a bit more in the meanwhile.
Raising a hand in the air, a shadow ball lifted into the sky and it went up and up and up. Darkening the whole town of Shadowton. Initially the villagers rejoiced thinking that their Goddess blessed them with something before the ball made a circle in the air and started, with increasing speed, to approach the village. Becoming bigger and bigger as it approached the village and that's when the screaming started. Umbras and Satyrs ran in all directions before being stopped by a clap from their Goddess.
The shadow ball stopped above Ashevelen’s finger and slowly started to absorb the Goddess and the Trade Square until eventually either remained. Only the shadow ball, to the bewilderment of the gathered Umbra/Satyrs. They circled the shadow ball but were too afraid to touch it ‘lest they draw the ire of their creator. The shadow ball made weird sounds, akin to a vum-vum-vum-vum , around it and seemed to be in constant movement. Spinning and spinning until it spewed out solid strings of shadow which the Umbra around were more than confused about but thinking it’s a gift from the Goddess, collected it for safekeeping.
Things were different inside the shadow ball for a realm was being formed. Stretching as far as even Ashevelen’s divine sight could see, a cube was being formed. Taller than tall and wider than the wide, it stretched in all directions and in the center laid the Goddess herself.
As the cube was finally formed, market stalls would appear out of the ground. Millions of them, each currently empty but in time, they will be manned and filled by mortal goods and Umbra hands. Buildings would appear as well, shadowy versions of those that Ashevelen has seen in her travels, a mixture of mortal architecture and style. A place where anyone could find something that will remind them of home.
Ashevelen concentrated even more and a massive tower rose beneath her feet, forming around herself, marking the center of her realm and the seat of her power with a view of all of her realm. But her work was not done. More had to be done, more and more!
Chanting some words in forgotten languages, she conjured a massive amount of divine energy and reached across the world to every shadow in the world. Every single one of them, from the smallest shadow done by a candlelight to the biggest shadow of a mountain at noon. Ashevelen touched each and every single one of them with her power, moulding them, changing them from mere shadows to a portal to her realm. Inert initially but upon uttering the words “We wish to barter with the Lady of the Trade” in any language that mortals know or thinking about Ashe’s realm and trading there and an offering thrown in the shadow, they would allow passage to her realm. To her bazaar.
And even more, all the Umbra would feel the knowledge in their mind. They all would end up, if they followed their commandments, in her realm upon death as merchants. Their souls forever trading with the other mortals, always looking to enrich their creator. Once an Umbra approaches the moments before their, any and all objects they stored within themselves would be brought before the Goddess herself for one last trade. If the Goddess would find their object worthy or if they would sell them properly, the objects would then be taken to be sold once more in the bazaar but if not, then, they would be thrown out of their dying body. Discarded as useless.
What felt like an hour of work for Ashevelen, for the mortals outside her realm, it was a week or two. Finally coming out of her shadow ball, Ashevelen noticed that walls were being built around it. Walls which she almost broke as she came out of the ball in her full form, before realising and changing shapes. Her arrival was met with surprise which then turned into yet another celebration.
Explaining to the Umbra the new rules was harder than she thought initially but after a few tries, they understood and some even scrambled to bring objects to her that they thought useful to buy a place into her realm prior to their deaths which was refused straight away.
It was finally her time to be surprised when she noticed a Satyr wearing something covering his body made out of shadows. Questions were asked and answered straight away, Penumbra had an idea about how to use the solid-shadow strings that would come out of the realm’s entrance and taught it to the others. The result was clothes made out of it. Very crudely made clothes but it was a spark and that would be enough to grow into a proper fire .
During her time creating the Shadow Bazaar, Penumbra already recruited 2 companions and made their way towards the desert but not before teaching the Umbra. Getting the idea from their own flexible limbs and the clothes that the Satyr would make, it took a few tries until they learned it themselves.
Ashevelen creates her realm and makes it accessible to everyone via the shadows of the world which she enchants to allow passage to her realm and back again to the same exact spot provided they think/utter the magic words and offer something to the Goddess. At the same time, the entrance to the realm, spews out a string of solid-shadows which Penumbra teaches the Umbra how to use in order to make clothes.
More importantly, Penumbra receives a divine quest.
Starting MP: 5 Starting AP: 5
-2 MP Created the Shadow Bazaar Realm -4 AP (Discounted from 8 MP) - created a shadow teleportation system -1 AP (Discounted from 2 AP) - Blessed the Umbra with the ability to enter Ashe’s realm exactly beforing dying for one last trade if the death is natural -2 MP (Discounted from 3 MP) - Created a monument which generates strings of solid-shadows which acts as an entrance
Ending MP: 1 MP Ending AP: 0 AP
Starting Spirit: 14
+1 Spirit - Appeared in the post +1 Spirit - Post is of medium length -8 Spirit - Taught the Umbra how to weave the solid-shadow string into rudimentary clothing
Penumbra and the wood elves, now temporary allies (and/or comrades), went towards the Umbra village to learn about trading and to show the benefits of having the Umbra as allies. Somewhere along the way, about twenty minutes away from the village, dark energy filled the sky and the voice of Ashevelen could be heard once more throughout the forest.
A few seconds after Ashevelen finished talking, a dark bolt of energy hit Penumbra and their upgrade was complete. Instantly afterwards, the knowledge of currency and how it works filled their mind as well.
“ Goddess! We thank you! ” shouted Penumbra happily as two legs grew from their body, quickly touching the ground.
The elves were a little freaked out by this at first, leaping away from Penumbra when the Umbra was struck, and then gradually re-approaching once the coast was clear. Several of them gave Penumbra’s new legs a curious and/or weirded out look over while the rest just wanted to know what was up.
“So, ah, what was that about?” the charismatic but low level [adventurer] Fang hesitantly asked them “Your goddess gave you… legs?”
Penumbra shook their head and smiled, kindly.
“ Not only legs but new abilities. I feel their knowledge in my mind and I know how to use them. For example, I’ll try something new because I’m very curious…” replied Penumbra as they got close to Fang’s shadow and went inside it for a few seconds, only to reappear a few metres away, from a tree.
“ I can now do this! ” they exclaimed while laughing.
The closest elf to their appearance was suitably spooked by Penumbra’s sudden re-appearance, while the rest were suitably amazed by the skill.
“Are divine blessings always that… zappy?” #bfafb2berry, the raven haired [shadowland survivor], asked “It didn’t hurt, did it?”
“ I don’t know, truly. The only blessing I received, prior to this, was when I was dying and the Goddess brought me back to life. I don’t remember much but it felt…strange. Like a burning sensation, same as if you put your hand in a fire but instead of pain, it was warm and gentle. I cannot explain it but I can tell you how I became a champion if you wish? ”
That got unanimous agreement from the [adventurers], and so, Penumbra told the tale of the “rabid” Tarsk and how they threw themselves in front of it, saving the life of a warrior even if they weren’t one.
The elves were equal parts impressed and amazed, and asked several questions for clarification or more details. But perhaps the most important ones ended up being “So what kind of class is a [champion]? It sounds really strong! What kind of skills did you get from that?”
Penumbra looked at the elves very confused. They walked in silence for a minute or two and then turned around to them.
“ I’ve got no clue what you’re talking about. What is a class? What’s [champion]? I don’t…” replied Penumbra, not understanding the question at all. Skills? Classes? And before, #bfafb2berry mentioned “levels”...all these questions were upon their mind and it was time to get answers.
It was the elves turn to be confused, the [adventurers] glacining between themselves. “Do you not have…? Not know…?” Fang asked, and when it was obvious the answer he’d get was no he tried to explain.
“It’s like, well, it's what you are. I’m an [adventurer], snail over there is a [spearelf]” he started with a present example and then got bruiader “the people who dedicate themselves to hunting are [hunters]. [gatherers] gather. And by doing the work related to your class you can gain experience. And when you get enough you gain a level in it. So I’m just a level 7 [adventurer]”
“And I’m a level 22 [shadowland survivor]” #bfafb2berry, the highest level of them, butted in to point out.
“Right, and then when you gain a level you sometimes get skills that can do all sorts of stuff. [forest traversal] makes us better at moving through the woods without even thinking about it. I think we all have that one” he checked around and got some nods “yeah, comes with being an [adventurer] looks like. Where as you can also get more unique stuff like my [calm] or #bfafb2berry’s [shadow slayer strike] she almost used on you”
“And does this sound more familiar now?” Fang asked, and again found no recognition to be found “Weird. The prince made it sound like this was just how things were. That to do a thing, to, um specialise, then you need a class”
“Maybe it was more like, you should get a class?” #bfafb2berry suggested “I can't imagine doing adventuring without all the skills we get to help. And I never would have escaped these woods if I hadn’t level up and my class had changed to give me more specialised skills to survive here on my own”
The Champion listened closely to the elves as they described what levels and classes were. Trying to the best of their ability to understand the idea behind them first and then how it would work.
“ Let me see if I got this straight. Say, I’m a normal Umbra fishing in the river, I’ll get this class thing, called [fisherman] and if I continue fishing, I’ll get these level things which will make me a better fisherman? ” asked Penumbra before continuing, “ And these abilities I’d gained from [fisherman] class, I’d just get them? Just like that? Similar to how the Goddess just blessed the Umbra with new abilities? Like, poof and I have them? ” added Penumbra.
All this time he mimicked, using his shadowy arms, the whole scene. A fisherman fishing then getting a level and new abilities to the best of his shadowy ability.
“There’s a little voice that speaks in your head that comes in when you're resting, well for us it's when we rest, other less dangerous classes just come in whenever apparently, and say, um, well ‘level up! [Fisherman] class level 4 to 5” #bfafb2berry explained “and then if you are lucky it will also go ‘skills gained: um, [fish…. Detection] and… [favoured foe: fish]’ or something and then from then on you just kinda know what skills and classes and stuff you have”
“I heard there was a [gatherer] who fell out of a tree and lost all her memory, even her name, but she still knew what her class and skills were,” Fang added anecdotally.
“ And how does one get a class then? Do we just do stuff and suddenly this “voice” starts talking to us? Do we need to trade with your divine for this power? If so, what do we need to give him or her? Our souls are given to the Goddess, already. Maybe fruit? No, no, shiny rocks? ” replied Penumbra, their voice getting high pitched as they went through different objects they could provide to Jeon and then almost instantly answering back to themselves that it is impossible.
“Huh? No no, you just get someone to initiate you in it and that’s that. Either people who already have the class can do it, I got my [adventurer] class when I joined up with my party a little while ago for example, or you get like the tribe to do it. I was a [gatherer] before, and to get that me and a bunch of others had to find these painted rocks the other [gatherers] had hidden during a little ceremony” Fang said, and then defended his tribe’s variation of the initiation with “It was symbolic!”
“ Hmmm, I think I understand. I’m not sure if I do, but I'll have a word with the High Archon, our Umbral leader and see if it’s something we can do on our own. Or, wait, I have a better idea. ” said Penumbra and then stopped abruptly, turning towards Fang and #bfafb2berry.
“ You wish to understand what trading it and we wish to know how to get this class thing. Let’s do a trade for it when we get to Shadowton. You give one of our Satyrs a class, in whatever way you see fit and we’ll teach you how to trade. Maybe we can add something else as well. Would that work for you? ”
“Um… sure?” Fang said hesitant, then seemed to think for a moment and then decided more confidently “yeah sure why not could be interesting”
“ Thank you, Fang. #bfafb2berr-” started to reply Penumbra before they were cut-off by the blood-chilling howl, followed by a few others. Shapes could be seen moving through the forest, rapidly approaching.
“What the? Barkwolves?” Fang asked/guessed but #bfafb2berry was already a step ahead when it came to alertness, commanding “Spears! Now!” and setting the elves moving. They backed up together, spears raised while one of the [spearelves] used “[quick spearwall]” to speed up the [adventurers]’ feet as they carried them into a defensive semi circle facing the source of the sound.
Penumbra quickly transformed their hands into sharp blades and stood as tall as they could, looking in all directions for the threat, only for them to stop almost straight after as the shapes they’ve seen proved to be a group of six Tarsks, that approached the group and circled them, growling at the elves while throwing a look at Penumbra and then fully ignoring them.
With a raised hand towards the elves, Penumbra quickly said, before they could take any aggressive action and potentially get themselves killed, “ Easy there, easy. Don’t attack them or you will die. They’re thinking you’re about to harm me. Put the spears down, easily. No sudden moves. Their keepers should be approaching soon and then they’ll pull them back. ”
Fang grit his teeth as the elves backed into an even tighter knot, the [adventurers] most certainly thinking about fighting rather than cowering till #bfafb2berry spoke up: “I… I trust you” she said, with a shaky breath, before she dropped her weapon. With what would have been the lynchpin of their fighting force surrendering, the rest gradually followed suit, with Fang, once he too followed, spreading his arms wide and tentatively trying to “[calm]” the situation
The closest Tarsk to Fang, continued to approach him. Slowly and stopped right next to his face, giving him a few tentative sniffs before it made a whining-like sound and gave him a big lick all over the face before settling its massive body - in comparison to Fang’s - down, next to him.
Penumbra let out a hearty laugh upon seeing the scene and as if on a queue, a whistle could be heard and a few Satyrs came from the same direction as the Tarsks could be seen approaching in a rush. Anyone could see that they were out of breath and that they’ve been running for a long time already.
As they started talking to Penumbra in #bfafb2 Speech, a long conversation followed quickly exchanging words. From time to time, as their conversation continued, they would point at the elves and the Tarsks. After what seemed like hours but it was actually a few minutes, Penumbra turned towards the elf group.
“ Sorry for this situation. These are the Satyrs, the guardians of the Umbral Forests and those are Tarsks. The ones from the story I told you before. They’ve told me off for bringing you to the village without announcing it in time and that the Tarsks would have ripped you to shreds if I wasn’t here. We’ve got free passage to Shadowton now and we’ll get an escort as well, just in case. ” explained Penumbra to the elves.
“So have these things ever actually protected anyone? Because currently that is 2 for 2 on near death misunderstandings” A wet, stiny, and ever so unamused Fang had to ask.
The Tarsk closest to Fang, growled playfully at her and, while on all fours, jumped from side to side while letting out a howl each time it landed. The Satyr Keepers looked at the scene and let out a hearty laugh before chatting between themselves. If one would take a closer look at the Tarsk, they would see that they were smaller and overall younger than the other ones.
“ Ha, ha! It looks like Tusky likes you. It wants to play! ” laughed out loud Penumbra.
“ But, to answer your question. Yes, they did. The Tarsks can eat pretty much anything and are extremely loyal, in normal conditions. It just took us a minute on how to train them and we still don’t know how to properly but in time…” answered Penumbra, as it urged the group to gather their stuff and move on towards Shadowton.
Soon, the Circle could be seen. Watch towers, walls and quite a few Satyrs manned the walls looking out in the forest for any threat. Tarsks could be seen outside as well, patrolling the immediate area. A whistle and a few howls could instantly be heard as they could be seen by the sentries and a series of different whistles came from the Satyr escort the group had.
Behind the Circle, different buildings could be seen and Umbra moving around, trading with one another, talking or simply going about their business.
“ Behold! The Satyr Circle and Shadowton inside. ” exclaimed Penumbra.
The elves were most certainly impressed by all this. A few even climbed up the watchtowers to get a better look, much to the annoyance/amusement of the satyr guards. Fang was too busy internally cursing about his new [Tarsk Tamer] class to do any diplomatting or question asking, so it wound up being #bfafb2berry who enquired “How’d you make this stuff so big? We have meditation nests and little shelters and things but this? How does it stick together and not just blow down?”
The Satyr sentries were ready to attack the elves as they climbed the watchtowers initially but Penumbra calmed them down using their status as champion and the idea that this was all for better trade opportunities.
“ That, #bfafb2berry, is something that our Goddess taught us how to do. I personally don’t know how it is done but I’m sure you can work out a trade with our builders and they can teach you. Fear not the shadows or anything at all while within our walls. We are not a warrior people as you might've guessed, it is in our nature to trade and amass knowledge. " said Penumbra as Umbra and Satyrs gathered and watched the group from a distance.
Turning towards Fang, they smiled and said " I shall speak with the tamers to see if they'll allow you to keep the Tarsk as a sign of goodwill or a favour in the future. "
“Joy” the [Tarsk Tamer] replied, as the horror he was now inseparably bonded to scampered along after him. The rest of the elves gave his new pet a wide berth, when they weren't too busy taking in the strange world they had found themselves in.
#bfafb2berry and a few of the others gave the citizens of the town a wave before the [shadowland survivor] replied to the explanation “We won’t be scared, and I’m sure the tribes will be very interested in learning how to build like you do” she and the other [adventurers] weren't exactly the kind to settle down after all “once we teach them how this ‘trade’ thing works”
After a few minutes of walking, they passed from the Circle and entered Shadowton. While the architecture was the same between the Satyrs/Umbra, anyone could see things were different. The building placement was in squares within squares, occasionally if one would look closely, they could see a gap between buildings which would allow the easy transportation of goods.
Umbras initially minded their business but as the group approached, some stopped looking at the elves with wonder, fear or greed. New people meant more trade after all. An Umbra approached the group and bowed their head to Penumbra before engaging in conversation.
“ It seems that both of the leaders are away with business and the Goddess is not here either. But that’s not a problem, I shall take you to her temple. Someone there will explain trading better than I can. Ah, and let me show you around before we get there. We are in the living quarters now, all the Umbras live here. We’ve got the Hunting quarters to the west, that’s where our hunters bring all the food they catch to be cooked. In the south east, there’s the warehouse quarters, everything we find, everything we make is stored there…and to the south west, we’ve got the craft-umbra quarters. That’s where we build our weapons, get things ready for the buildings etc. ” started Penumbra, pointing out the different places as they mentioned them.
“ And…this. This is the most important part. The temple of Ashevelen and our marketplace ” said Penumbra after walking for a few minutes.
The marketplace/temple was a normal looking place for a market. A few stands where Umbra were peddling whatever they’ve managed to find or build on their own, different objects, shiny rocks and so on. Exchanging the objects for coins was maybe the most peculiar thing to be noticed. In the middle of the marketplace square, laid another square. This one was currently empty and none dared to go inside. The seat of Ashevelen herself.
Some of their kin might have found the whole place rather off-putting, and longed to return to the cover of the trees, but the [adventurers] had no such instincts, or at least they were smothered by the fascination in the new. The elves fortunately did not gain a single level in [tourist] but they certainly acted like they had several as they strolled about, wide eyes and pointed ears taking in each and every thing as they were shown around the town.
They also proceed to get in everyone’s way, several crowding around to watch a sale going on, while another had to be physically stopped from crossing into the forbidden square due to being in a daze of newness that prevented them from picking up on the context clue that you did not go in there. Once that was learned, the first thing #bfafb2berry did was ask “So what is the middle square and why is it forbidden?”
“ That is the seat of the Goddess. Only when she’s there we are allowed to cross the square and trade with her. There isn’t a single Umbra here that hasn’t tried to outsmart her and “win” a trade. Even the Satyrs tried without having the same know-how as we do about trading. We once tried to get 10 of us to trade with her at the same time, thinking that if she’s distracted, she will make a mistake while haggling with one of us…turns out she was just playing us against each other. What arguments the first said, she told to the second one and so on, by the time we picked up on it…we already lost. Now, tell me, what do you wish to learn exactly? Each trade is different. Pacts or bartering of goods? ” explained Penumbra patiently
“Let’s… start with the simplest and work our way up from there?” #bfafb2berry suggested unhelpfully, though in her defence, neither pact nor bartering had translated pertiguarly well into the elves’ tongue.
Penumbra smiled and realised their mistake in asking which one to start with. For the elves, either was as good as the other but for the Umbra, bartering was more useful. In their mind, a trade was already being formed and they had to win it.
“ We’ll start with the bartering of goods as it will be more useful for both of our villages. Pacts can be tricky, wording is very important as some might have a double meaning. Agreed, I’ll act as a translator once more. ” replied Penumbra as they guided the elves to a stall where an older Umbra stood. The difference between Penumbra’s young appearance and the older Umbra was obvious even for someone who wasn’t an Umbra. The shadowy substance that the bodies of Umbra was formed of, was hard in many places, looking more like a crust than liquid.
After a few moments of talk between the two Umbras, the older Umbra, named Brax started to talk in a slow and monotone voice. It was as if even their voice hardened and if one would listen closely they could notice this.
Penumbra, ever helpful, started to explain to the elves how trading works, the ups and down, the good and bad. The explanation took over an hour and food was brought eventually by another Umbra to the group as Penumbra offered to provide them a favour in the future.
Once things had been talked out in exquisite detail the first issue arose, which was that the [adventurers] had not exactly carried trade goods with them. They had their weapons, a few odd tools, clothes, all important paint and rations and that was about it. At the very least, the elves had an idea of what they could have brought with them that would have had worth, but as it was it looked like the first trade of the elves was to be made with a handful of nuts.
“Didn’t you say something about us teaching about classes as a thing we could trade for?” #bfafb2berry suggested after she decided that this nut bartering was probably not going to leave a good impression.
They translated and translated and watched with curiosity, how the elves were trying to figure out what they could sell. Occasionally Penumbra would interject and give them suggestions before eventually they stopped as it would disturb their thinking process.
“ Yes, I did and that was one of the first tests . Remember everything you can when speaking with one another. An off-hand comment today, can mean a successful trade tomorrow. We’ve taught you how to barter, you teach us how to get this classes things. ” replied Penumbra, praising #bfafb2berry for her memory.
The elf nodded, though her expression was caught between being proud at the praise and feeling just a little patronised. Either way, she now had a new goal: class first, then get some of this ‘money’ thing from that to do a trade for goods.
“So, hmmm,” she pondered for a moment and then asked “maybe I could show you how to make a [hunter]? I had that class first and still remember how I was inducted. How much would that be worth, do you think?”
“ In money or knowledge? As much as I see, we have taught you how to trade. It would be a fair deal as it is but, and don’t let the Goddess know I’ve done this, I’ll add from my personal connection, 3 coins. As for the class, why a hunter? Can you do something else? What are our choices? ” quickly replied Penumbra.
“Well you mentioned that you have those, and I know how to do it” #bfafb2berry said simply, “As for your options, well, most people start off as just hunters, gatherers, or adventurers, and then the classes grow out from there as you level up. My basic [hunter] and [adventurer] fused into my [shadowlands survivor] after, well, your goddess did her thing”
“There’s definitely way more than just those three starting ones mind, I heard they had things called [herders] up north for example, and presumably there's all sorts of other ones too. You just have to work out what kind of thing counts as an initiation, and have people who acknowledge it. Case and point, I just got a [Tarsk Tamer] class” Fang added informatively from where he was crouching and very carefully petting the monstrosity he’d accepted was a part of his life now.
A small group of Satyrs and Umbra gathered around Penumbra as soon as they raised a hand in the air. If they were to learn classes, it would first be used on others. On those that need one first.
“ Graxx, step forward please. You shall be the first, have no fear. This is a safe trade. ” spoke Penumbra in #bfafb2-Speech as a Satyr stepped forward. Graxx was a big fellow, broad shoulders, #bfafb2 hair and with more scars covering his body than one would think it is possible, each in different stages of healing. Behind Graxx, a big Tarsk stood which followed him closely, making Fang’s Tarsk look tiny in comparison.
“ Please proceed in making Graxx a hunter or a Tarsk Tamer if you can. Graxx has been handling the Tarsk ever since we’ve received them from the Goddess. ”
“I’m not sure I can replicate it, seeing as I just used the [calm] skill enough and it kind of happened,” Fang said, but #bfafb2berry was already on point with passing on her bit of knowledge.
The elf borrowed one of her fellow’s spears and tossed it to the satar “maybe once you see how this works, how it feels, then getting other classes will too” she said, before setting up the initiation.
“It’s simple. Stay behind this line” she instructed the satar as she drew one in the dirt with her own spear. Then she rummaged around and pulled out a warped fish from her pack and carfly attached it to her own spear and stepped to the side and held it up a fair distance before him, using the spear to wiggle it a bit in a facsimile of life.
“Now, first off all you have to do is strike forwards and skewer this” she instructed simply, though it turned out to not be quite that simple, as the elf was primed and ready to make the fake fish a slippery customer. “Just think of it as a game,” she added encouragingly.
Penumbra translated to Graxx, word by word and even imitated the moves #bfafb2berry did, away from the actual fish. Graxx approached the line, nodding to #bfafb2berry in respect and then started skewering the fish which didn’t work initially. Grunting in frustration, he tried again, this time managing to scratch the fish but not fully skewer it.
After a few minutes, Graxx closed his eyes for a few seconds. Soon after he opened them back, he looked different. Focused. With a few fake strikes of the spear, he finally managed to skewer the fish.
He got a little round of applause and, just like that, a little notification was announced in his head:
Class gained: [hunter] level 1 Skill gained: [intuit direction: prey]
Along with a set of intuitions about levels, classes and skills worked.
Graxx looked around for the voice that spoke the words but Penumbra quickly interjected and explained what would happen if he gained a level and true enough, Graxx did gain a level and an ability. Pondering on what exactly he did, he approached his Tarsk.
“ Sit. ” he uttered in a very direct and strong tone.
The Tarsk looked at him and growled strongly.
“ I. Said. SIT. ” shouted Graxx, adding his own growl.
They continued doing so for a few minutes and a notification was announced in his head:
Class gained: [Tarsk Tamer] level 1 Skill gained: [Tame Tarsk] He then nodded to Penumbra who watched the whole spectacle with a pondering look.
“ It seems it works on Satyrs. We’ll try on our own with some Umbra but it seems like you’ve held your end of the bargain. We thank you. ” said Penumbra, passing 3 coins to #bfafb2berry. y. The elf slid them apart and admired them for a moment, before storing her now rather perforated fish for later, and then finally turning around and using a set of gestures to buy some fresh herbs to go with it.
She found that she rather enjoyed the whole process, and was already thinking about how this would be handy, and how she might be able to ply her certain set of skills to get more of this money stuff, or even head north, grab some stuff she’d heard about, and head back here with it to trade that way, when she too got a notification.
Class gained: [Trader] Skill gained: [Deduce worth]
She blinked a few seconds, looked at the herbs, and muttered the skill and found out she’d been kinda ripped off. Still, the annoyance that was caused was more than made up for by the euphoria of levelling and gaining a new class.
She had not expected this but, if she thought about it, it made sense. It was as if the class system had been introduced to this new culture by their contact, and it was rapidly improvising and coming up with classes and skills to reflect their various occupations.
“So I’m a [Trader] now. How about that?” she informed the others when one asked what that skill she had used was.
And so, the elves and the Umbra/Satyr people taught each other very important things. Classes and trade would certainly go a long way in making the two “nations”, good allies. As time would pass, a trade route would be formed between the Umbral Forest and the Darkwoods and travellers from both nations would walk the resulting beaten path with no fear of ever being attacked.
The Elven-Umbra gang approach Shadowton but get stopped by a group of Tarsks. Fang gets a new class and a new pet. Penumbra teaches the elves how to trade, with some help from a very old Umbra and in exchange the elves teach them how to use classes. Graxx, a Satyr, gets the [Hunter] class and then adapts the idea and gets a level in [Tarsk Tamer].
After everything was said and done, the elves/Umbra set up a trade route between the nations.
N/A
+1 spirit, awarded to Penumbra for appearing in the post +1 spirit awarded to Penumbra as this is a collab +1 spirit for being away from their deity +1 spirit due to +5000 characters +1 spirit due to +10000 characters +4 spirit can be awarded as a lump sum if a champion embarks upon and completes a significant mission, quest, or personal goal of some sort that they either set for themselves or were given by another champion or mortal.
total: 14
Darkwood [Adventurers] Guild: Start: 12 +1 prestige awarded from playing a major part in the post +1 prestige awarded as this is a collab +1 prestige due to +10000 characters End: 15
It was time, Ashevelen was ready to leave the Umbral Woods and travel the world. The first time since her creation of the Satyrs. Sure, she scoured the woods and the badlands around it but this time it was time for her to go farther away. See what others created and meet the other divines. More than once she felt the presence of a divine approaching the forests only to leave but as she started walking, she felt something.
Yet another divine was approaching and this one was headed straight to the forest and there were no signs of them changing directions. “Step” by “step” it got closer and that was enough. Transforming in her fully divine might, Ashe took flight and awaited the other one.
The divine seemed to stop on its steps for a minute after getting close enough, before its movement started again but not at the same pace, more like a run through the woods, its movements going erratic and unpredictable, rotating around her.
Ashe shook her head, whoever this new divine was, she wasn’t in the mood for games. Taking a deep breath, shadows swirled around her and with a snap of her fingers, the shadows of the forest became her eyes. Looking for a few seconds at the “intruder” she smiled and the shadows enveloped her, appearing a few metres away from the new divine.
“ Welcome to my forest, divine sister. ” said Ashe, in a friendly voice. Whoever this new one was, she looked fierce.
The area seemed empty except for a strange lack of light yet she could feel the deity nearby still moving but this time very close as she looked around a tree fell to the ground before being lifted a dark being could be seen saying. “Certaais!” The tree was soon flung in her direction.
Ashevelen shook her head and the tree soon got enveloped in the shadows. Her power made the tree what it was, it can as easily take it away. The tree fell on the ground with a loud thud , its branches still in one piece, as if it wasn’t just thrown a few metres away.
“ These tricks don’t work on divines, sister, as you well know. I suggest you come out of your bubble of darkness or whatever hides you from my senses and calm down. Let us talk in peace. ” gone was the friendly voice of Ashe, replaced with a steel voice, similar to how a staff sergeant would speak with his privates.
The area seemed to be surrounded by darkness as the light began to fade around Ashevelen the deity seemed to prefer a lack of light or anonymity until she heard “Keiayei? Hiy ai kriuaik yhe?”
Darkness, not darkness, all the same for Ashe. But she was getting annoyed. This delay was taking longer than she wanted and this other divine seemed keen on destroying her work.
“ Because I'm divine as well and because you’re the one going over my domain. It is considered a sign of respect to say your hellos when we meet one another. Not enough divines left out there, believe it or not. ” replied Ashe.
She soon noticed a pair of red eyes staring at a distance; the darkness soon faded as a being dressed in heavy armour appeared. She quickly approached dark veins and red eyes was a feature on the divine face she opened her mouth saying “Blether less mah leid then ah imagined…” (A bit different your language is from what i imagined.) her accent was a bit off the common.
Ashe inspected the armour for anything powerful enough to actually hurt her but discovered it was merely that, an armour. Still, a dangerous opponent if she needed to be one. Even more dangerous to her Umbra and the elves. Hearing her accent from closer, Ashe paid no mind to it. In her travels around the cosmos, she met a multitude of divines and mortals, each with a different one.
“ I care not about the language. Speak in whatever tongue you may wish. I am Ashevelen, the lady of the trade. Who are you and why are you attacking a fellow divine without warning. ” quickly replied Ashe.
She crossed her arms, seeming to examine Ashvelen before saying. “Met no deity and the ones I trust say trust nobody… so forgive my paranoia.”
Nodding, Ashe smiled for the first time “ I understand that but know that Homura is the one that called us here. Maybe you recently woke up due to her call, doesn’t matter really. Welcome to the Umbral Forests, my current home and the home of my creations. I beseech you not to harm them as long as you are here. ”
The divine raised an eyebrow saying “this lands is yers?” taking a quick look around before giving a small nod she then said “My name is… Oa’qeisskesi” she said her name after thinking for a few minutes, probably never thought of it for a while.
“Greetings, Oa’qeisskesi. Yes. I am sharing them with another divine and currently in contact with a few others. There are quite a few of us out there. Some are wandering around, some have created mortals and shepherding them and others found themselves different jobs to do around here. ”
“How many of us are there?” Oa’qeisskesi was interested in the information and a few whispers could be heard around her before she said. “Siauta!” Turning to the empty forest, before turning around with a straight face.
“ I don’t know, I haven’t met them. I personally met 3 of them and I’ve seen the works of at least 2 more but there are many, many more. Travel towards the big elvish city and you’re sure to meet a few. I’m surprised that I’m your first. ”
“I don't know if that is good or ill…” Oa’qeisskesi said with doubt thinking for a moment “Very close our powers are… What portifolio you have?” she kept her regular straight face.
Ashevelen laughed out loud at the word “portfolio” but not of malice. “ Apologies for that. Portfolio. One one I haven’t heard until now to describe our domains. As I said before, I’m the lady of the trade and recently of shadows, if you look around, I’ve colonised this area. Yours? ”
Oa’qeisskesi seemed interested but after hearing trade she was confused upon hearing her domain she soon said. “A bit complicated to explain besides the words abyss…” As she gave a small walk to the right her shadow seemed to have white eyes looking at Ashevelen Oa’qeisskesi, said. “Whit's trade?”
Ashevelen shook her head and launched a tirade of words towards Oa, explaining what trade is in all the ways it could be possible to be explained. From normal trading to pacts and everything in between. It was the type of explanation that only a divine being would truly understand.
“ I hope that clears it up a bit. Nothing is complicated for a divine being, sister but I get what you mean. ”
“It's strange…” Oa’qeisskesi said who retained a straight face throughout the whole explanation. She then said, rolling her head to the north “you said somebody lies north?” her vision isn't far enough to see what it was but she could feel a bit more activity in the north.
“ Yes, a city of mortals raised by one of us. I haven’t been there myself but managed to see it from the air sometime ago. Just…don’t go attacking them as well. Divines are supposed to be above these mortal squabbles, if you know what I mean. ” replied Ashe, thinking about the massive city and large number of elves she managed to see.
“Difficult…” She heard from Oa’qeisskesi her shadow seemed a bit erratic, she couldnt see through it but she could feel something else. Oa'qeisskesi soon said her eyes seemed to glow “... their souls are what we need…” her aura seemed a bit more savage before stopping with a sigh from her she then said “I must go around then otherwise too much attention to draw…”
If Ashevelen noticed the difference in Oa’s shadow, she didn’t care. It was Oa’s business what other demons she had to deal with but she seemed dangerous and could prove a threat in the future.
“ May I ask, why do you care about attention? Attention from whom? Surely not mortals. ” quickly replied Ashe.
Oa’qeisskesi stared at Ashvelen after hearing that, she soon said “fear i have not all can be kind… all seek themselves to be better” looking to the right while Ashevelen could just see she just seemed to look at a distance but for Oa’qeisskesi the black sun stood beside her it soon said “I also agree… After all, who knows what lies beyond… but are you sure we shouldn't go there a lot of souls to fuel the abyss” Oa’qeisskesi soon said. “No… too dangerous…”
“ Everyone is kind if you offer them a good deal, trust me on that. Nothing is dangerous for a divine but each with their own sister. I’d like to ask you not to harm my mortals or any that are in these forests. They’ve got the protection of multiple divines and we’ve got plans for them. ” replied Ashe.
Oa’qeisskesi pondered before saying “i will keep mah word, for now but when those I care can't wait, I’m sorry but my word won't hold a contract. Can’t last forever when times change…” “ I cannot fault you for that. Each has to take care of their own. ” replied Ashe sagely. She knew very well what that meant, a threat for the future and not of now. That was fine for Ashe, more than enough time to prepare.
Oa soon started to move forward but she stopped after a few steps, throwing something to Ashe. Divine energy glowed around it until it landed in her hands.
As she held it seemed like a copper coin with Ashe’s face on it and on the back it seemed like words from the abyss. Holding tight in her hand it soon started to make several copies of itself made out of copper
. “Keep the change…” said Oa as she kept walking.
“ I’ll take this as a fine for attacking me in my domain for no reason. Have fun in further endeavours. ” replied Ashe in a hurry.
As soon as Oa’s energy went farther away and she was sure she wouldn’t come back yet, Ashe quickly scoured the whole of the forest for any hidden surprises but she found nothing. Nothing but a champion that was about to fight with some elves. Exactly what she told them NOT to do.
Interjecting quickly in their conversation and potentially saving Penumbra, Ashevelen raised herself up in the sky. Looking at the whole of the forest and started thinking, something had to be done. This Oa proved to be dangerous and that will only grow in time. Ashe’s Umbra and not only were in danger and it was the duty of all divines to protect their mortals unless they don’t deserve it.
“ What to do, what to do…” said Ashe to no one in particular and then it hit her, she once thought about some upgrades for the Umbra but they would have to prove themselves for it. Nonetheless, they did for now and the danger anyway was too great to be bogged down by stuff like this.
Flying in the middle of the village, Ashe gathered all of the Umbra that were around and asked the Satyrs to let no one get inside the village until she’s done. The High Archon bowed their head towards Ashevelen in reverence and asked what they could do for their creator.
With a wave of her hand, the Archon and all the other Umbra shushed. Gathering her power, the whole village became darkend. Nothing could be seen inside it and if someone were to watch from afar, they’d see a black dot where the village stood.
With a great shout the “dot” shrinked and shrinked until it reached Ashevelen and then a great column of shadows rose from it and hit the sky with staggering speed. Each of the unmodified-by-other-divines-Umbra would then get hit by a string of shadowy energy, wherever they were in the world, enveloping them all in it. Dark sparkles went around and around in a circle around the Umbra and so, they ascended .
Soon they’ll discover their new abilities and they will thank the Goddess for such a kind boon. Blessed with higher resistance to light, they would find themselves able to walk in the sun of the day with no fear. The ability to put a few objects inside themselves to store for later on would as well be very useful for the Umbral merchants as they would not need to carry everything on them, making them targets for the bandits that would be sure to appear with the rise of civilisation and perhaps the most useful ability the Umbra received, was to be able to become one with the shadows of the world and in a limited area be able to transfer themselves from one to another. The last thing the Umbra will notice will be the fact that some of them would've grown legs or tentacles that would work the same as legs.
“ Rejoice for I have looked upon you and I decided to deserve something in return for your devotion. The sun is no longer a source of fear, you shall now be able to walk like the Satyrs if you so wish and now, now, you will be able to store objects within your shadowy forms. Same as I can do. ” shouted Ashe to all the village.
The Umbra rejoiced and a celebration was soon starting to be made around the village with food and drinks being prepared.
“ And. ” added Ashe before the Umbra could start their mortal celebration.
Ashevelen showed them the coin she received and created a large number of coins for the Umbra to use, she then went on and explained what the coin is and how the coins are to be used while also going into finer things about inflation and so, as much as she could without scrambling the brains of the Umbra.
In the days that would follow, the Umbra will have a very early payment system done between them with each job they do, getting them coins which they can use to trade with. The Printing Coin was to be left in Ashevelen’s possession but before Ashevelen went on her trip, she dug a whole in the ground and released a very large cache of coins inside it.
Ashevelen is about to leave the forest but senses the presence of a different divine approaching at high speed. She gets attacked by the divine but manages to calm her down. They talk and Ashe notifies her of different divines that are around the world and is surprised to hear that she’s the first one, Oa met.
Eventually Oa gets a new destination, the big elven city and offers the Self-Printing Coin to Ashe before she says that she won’t harm anyone just yet . Ashe takes this as a warning that soon this divine will cause problems for everyone, mortals included and decides to upgrade the Umbra in order for them to be ready for what may come later.
Ashevelen
Starting MP: 2 Starting AP: 3
-2 MP to upgrade the Umbra to a 6MP race -1 AP to teach the Umbra what a currency is and how to use it
Ending MP: 0 MP Ending AP: 0 AP
Oa
Starting MP: 3 Starting AP: 5
-1 MP (discounted from 2 MP from the abyssal aspect) - created the Self-Printing coin made from the Abyss but coated in copper.
Ending MP: 2 MP Ending AP: 5 AP
The Umbra have been upgraded to a 6MP race. They have gained the following abilities :
Some of them have sprouted legs/tentacles in order to walk The Umbra have gained the ability to store objects inside themselves The Umbra have gained the ability to teleport between shadows in a limited area (roughly, 4 metres apart) The Umbra have gained higher light resistance to the level of a normal human
And time passed. A mere minute for a divine but for the Umbra and the Satyrs it was a long time. Months or maybe a year or two? Ashevelen didn’t teach them how to count days as there weren’t any at first but then, night came and with night, the Umbral Woods became a proper home for the Umbra. No longer “trapped” in their part of the forest, some decided to scour the lands and do what it was commanded, trade with the other mortals.
A village was built in the southwest, close to the forest border where the Umbra were first created. The village was designed in a squared manner with each inner square having a designation. Living quarters, market, hunters etc but the most important square was at the centre of it. A house of worship or simply a bazaar where Ashevelen would occasionally rest from her travels, spend time answering questions for the Umbra/Satyr combination and maybe the most important thing for her, trade with the Umbra. Menial things for a Goddess were brought forth and if Ashe found the traders good in their deals, rewards were given out.
The leadership of the village was of a dictatorial order with a High Archon in charge of everything of the village. Coincidentally, the High Archon was also the best merchant in the village and the one that Ashevelen chose herself after a trade deal that lasted 4 full days.
Outside of the village, a circle of houses, barracks and watchtowers was formed. The Circle was the home of the Satyrs. Protectors of Umbra and the forest. While they weren’t Ashevelen’s creations, they were viewed as such but still they had a purpose and the Umbra had a different one. They weren’t meant to live together, they were meant to protect the Umbra and that’s what they did. Every day from morning to evening, they would train with sharpened sticks and they would scout their part of the forest, eliminating anything that might pose a threat to their charges.
Their leadership was of a militaristic order as it was decreed and they answered to none but the Goddess herself. Together with the High Archon, they would meet every week and talk about concerns and plans for the future.
In this whole time, Ashevelen turned to studying something that always fascinated her. Shadows. The Umbra were her first experiment and they proved successful for now but further study was needed and study she did. Each day she would manipulate the shadows in different ways, moving them around, making them solid for seconds or simply creating them in places where shadows weren’t supposed to be until… something unlocked in her.
Shadows swirled around her and it was said that all the Umbra felt her transition to the Goddess of Shadow-Trading.
Suddenly her form changed, shadows twirled around her and bent with her every move. Hair turned black and her robes would constantly change colours from a black that almost seemed alive to the flowery gold she had before and as soon as her transition ended, she appeared in the middle of the Umbra village.
With a shout and a move of her hands, shadows gathered around her body and an explosion of energy was expunged from it in a circle and spread around the village, Circle and bit further up the forest while leaving most of it to the original inhabitants. Changing trees, animals and everything in its path into shadowy forms of themselves. The Satyr’s weapon, made out of the wood from the trees Ashevelen changed, turned shadowy as well, barely being able to be held by the Satyrs now as their almost intangible form was different from what they trained with.
Shouts of wonder, joy and confusion could be heard in the village as well as in the Circle but with a held-up hand, Ashevelen stopped them all.
“ Listen to me, my creations and listen well! I have made this place your home, everything around us has now been transformed into an Umbral way. Rejoice for I was not able to give you this gift earlier but now you have it.
My Satyrs. Umbral forest guardians. Learn how to use your new environment to your advantage, know that shadows are now your friends and you shan’t need to fear them. Your weapons are made now out of the same material as the Umbra, use them wisely. ” said Ashe, her voice like a thousand thunders so that all could hear her. The forest resonated with her voice and wind carried it long outside the forest borders.
The Umbras were elated by the change and tried approaching their Goddess with offerings but as soon as they approached, Ashevelen disappeared. Using the shadows to transport herself in a different part of the forest.
Looking upwards from where she was, Ashevelen took flight and surveyed the home of the Umbra. A part of the forest and land around it transformed as per her will. Barely anything was green anymore, everything bowed down to the shadows at night, while during the day, it would look as they did before. Such was the shadowy aspect of Ashevelen.
Thinking about what might happen if others would try to attack the Umbra and potentially defeat the Satyrs, Ashe got another idea and with a smile she gathered her power once more.
Out of nowhere, shadows appeared and gathered around Ashe, forming a circle that went on and on into the sky until they finally got into her hands and with them joined she pushed all the energy downwards.
A black crater formed where the energy hit and out of it, things appeared. More and more of them came out until the energy stopped and so did their appearance.
Ashe flew downwards where a number of Satyrs already gathered, surrounding the creatures which didn’t enjoy it. Teeth bared and talons sharp, the Satyrs wouldn’t have stood a chance against them.
The Tarsk stood up to 2 metres tall with long sharp teeth and even sharper claws. A number of eyes on their heads that allowed them an almost 360 view around them. Carnivorous and highly territorial.
“ Peace! Calm my creations. Calm. Satyrs, these are Tarsk. Your new animals of burden. Use them as you will but don’t harm them on purpose. ” said Ashe with a wave towards the Tarsk to signal them to be calm.
The Satyrs approached carefully but upon seeing that the Tarsk were calm and welcoming to their presence, they quickly forgot their previous caution and started guiding them to the Circle.
As the Tarsk were brought to the Circle, Ashe looked with curiosity upon the Umbra/Satyr combination as they began feeding them with shadow meat from an animal they recently killed but tragedy was bound to happen. Unused to tending animals, one of the Satyrs approached too much to the mouth of a Tarsk as it fed and like any animal, it leapt towards the Satyr in a protective manner. Mouth open and claws poised to strike.
Before anyone could intervene, a nearby Umbra jumped in front of the Tarsk with one hand turned into a large spike. The Tarsk went straight through it but not before taking a huge bite from the Umbra which couldn’t turn intangible as its spike was stuck in the Tarsk. Another spike was put through the Tarsk as it clawed the Umbra, each not wanting to die, each clinging to life with as much power as they had.
That is, until Ashevelen appeared next to the Tarsk and Umbra and with a flick of her hand they both were pushed aside. The Tarsk was slowly dying, letting out a deadly howl and while the Umbra stood up to nod in thanks to the Ashevelen, it quickly went down as well. Not dead yet but slowly fading from life.
Ashe approached the dying Umbra and was surprised to see it smiling.
“ Did…did…I…save…him?” said the Umbra with its dying breath.
“ You’re dying, in the presence of your creator and you’re worried if you managed to save the other one? ” replied Ashe with a grin of her own. Shaking her head, she touched the Umbra with the tip of her finger and a dark substance came out of it, surrounding the Umbra, healing any and all wounds it sustained.
“ Rise, my child and be blessed. You have earned yourself a second chance at life. ” said Ashe, as the confused Umbra stood up. Its dark form somehow becoming darker and more malleable than before.
“ My Goddess? What is happening to me? ” asked in a very confused manner the Umbra.
“ I name thee, Penumbra. My hero. My champion. I have made the Umbra to be traders and avoid conflict but you’ve jumped straight into danger to save your fellow mortal with no fear for your own life. Fighting and killing a stronger opponent than you. While not a very successful merchant, you’ve proven yourself to be a warrior. You shall only answer to me from now on and none may ever take this status from you, no matter what. ”
Penumbra stood silently and listened with reverence as he was praised by its creator. In the end, it went down on the floor, arms opened wide to each side in a sign of respect.
“ I thank you, my Goddess. Whatever task you give me, I shall strive to accomplish it. May I ask what your first task is for me? ”
“ Gather whatever weapons you wish and know how to use and go north. Walk until the edge of the forest, meet your neighbours, let them know they’re always welcome to trade and determine if they will pose a threat to the Umbra. ”
With a nod of respect, Penumbra stood up, only to see the amazed looks of the Satyrs and Umbra alike. All gathered around forming a circle around him and Ashevelen. As Ashe took her leave, the crowd burst out in cheers. Some congratulating their new champion, while others offering advice on what’s to come.
An Umbra village develops and around it a Satyr one as well. Ashevelen learns how to use shadows and unlocks the Shadow aspect. She changes a part of the Darkwoods into the Umbral Forest with her new powers, altering the environment.
Ashevelen also decides that the Satyrs might not be enough to protect the woods and creates Tarsk. Highly territorial and loyal creatures. One Tarsk became feral as a Satyr approached too much to its food and an Umbra jumped in front of it, defending the Satyr.
In a sign of benevolence, Ashe elevates the Umbra to the status of Hero and names it…Penumbra!
Starting MP: 5 Starting AP: 5
-3 MP to acquire new aspect SHADOWS -1 AP (discounted from 2 AP) to make a minor change to the landscape. -1 AP (discounted from 2 AP) to create an extraordinary non-sapient species -1 AP to create a hero -1 AP to teach the Umbra how to build sturdy buildings using wood
Ending MP: 2 MP Ending AP: 1 AP
Tarsk are carnivourous creatures that are 2 metre tall creatures with the intelligence of a wolf. They've got a multitude of eyes which provide an almost 360 view of their surroundings. Their teeth and claws are very sharp and will not hesitate to use them on those that intrude on their territory. They're very territorial but loyal to their owners if tamed.
Turn 1 - The Umbral Woods & the HumanSatyr Awakening
And so, the Ferryman and Ashevelen left Myrtu and the steppe. True to his word, the Ferryman took a detour back to the Umbral Woods and dropped off the human statues which Ashevelen got from Mytru.
With a smile and big thank you, she bid farewell to the Ferryman as he continued his endless task, while Ashevelen turned to a different task. The Umbra quickly gathered around their Goddess, offering her apples and whatever else they found, in exchange for some menial help from her.
“ I see I have taught you well, my creations and while I have to refuse your price for the offerings, I will grant you a gift. As important as my help would’ve been, I assure you. But, before that…”, she stopped mid sentence and motioned for the Umbra to look upon the human statues, which they quickly did, studying them and trying to understand what they are exactly and after a few moments, Ashevelen continued.
“ They are called humans. Another mortal race created by a different divine. They are not to replace you but they are to act as your companions, friends, builders and whatnot. In their current form they’re unsuited to do much here and later on, they’ll even be more unsuited to be. So, please, stand aside and see your creator work. ”
The gathered Umbra quickly scrambled, some hiding in the shadows of the trees, while others at what they considered to be a safe distance.
Ashevelen moved her hands rhythmically and with a few words, the human statues were enveloped in shadows. The shadows moved and swayed, moulding the statues, giving them a slightly altered form. Feet became hooves, legs bent similar to a goat’s and their skin turned back and then, and only then, their statue forms broke and the shadows disappeared.
The humans fell on the ground, a look of confusion in their eyes.
“ I am not your creator but I have given you life. You shall be called Satyrs and you shall be the guardians of this forest. Two tasks I give you and in exchange, I shall offer you divine protection. Guard this forest against those that mean it harm and reproduce, make more of yourselves. My Umbra will show you around and choose a spot where you can build a village. ” said Ashevelen, her voice friendly but firm.
As a few of the Umbra guided the confused Satyrs to a different place in the forest, Ashe turned her attention to the other Umbras who were still waiting for their gift.
“ I have not forgotten about you, don’t worry. I grant you the book of trade. ” said Ashe while putting her hand inside her robes and pulling out a massive book.
“ This, my creations, is one of my most prized artefacts. No matter where you are, as long as you’ve put any type of currency inside it, it will show you the local prices for any goods you might inquire about. It will allow you to get the best trades at the best prices and if pointed towards a person, will give you the best advice on how to approch him. ”
The book was blank currently but with time, it would start filling itself up with prices, goods and services.
Ashevelen returns to the Umbral Woods. Awakens the human statues and renames them Satyrs, giving them two important tasks. Guard the forest and make more of themselves.
She also gifts the Trade Book to the Umbra, their first artefact.
Starting MP: 0 Starting AP: 2
-2 AP for the creation of the Trade Book. A book which after fed any currency used in the local area and a material, food, service is mentioned it will automatically tell the user the best price for what they require. While also reading the mood of the mortal they're trading with, giving advice on how to best approach them.
Ending MP: 0 Ending AP: 0
The humans of the Umbral Woods are called “Satyrs” now, they’ve got hooves for feet and a black skin.
Quirk(as of this moment): Vampirism - Ashe is a normal human with blood-red eyes and long canines at a first glance but once she ingests blood she becomes stronger, faster and can quickly regenerate minor wounds. Depending on the type of blood, human or animal, the strength/agility/regeneration varies. A passive ability is that she can hear and smell better than most humans and that ability gets enhanced if she drinks blood.
Quirk Weakness': Ashe cannot eat or drink normal food/liquids, she needs to drink blood every few hours to sustain herself. Drinking too much blood at once or losing too much blood can cause her to go into a bestial rage and attack anyone close to her, foe or ally. Staying too much into direct sun-light weakens her as well. The more strength/agility or regeneration she uses, the often she needs to feed.
Strengths: Close-Combat Specialist Deadly Calm Agile Strong sense of smell/hearing Weakness: Afraid of going into blood-rages Insomniac Support Role Bad memories of darker times
Background/Personality: Ashe was born out of the union of two well-known villains from her home country. Her father had the quirk to manipulate any blood he could see and used it to kill many heroes that got too close to him, while her mother had a similar quirk as Ashe. Together they made a strong power couple and with the combination of their quirks, Ashe’s quirk was created.
Most of Ashe’s childhood was spent on the run from heroes, police and other villains and whenever one of aforementioned groups would catch up with them, a bloodbath followed. Quite literally in most cases. As such Ashe grew up to be similar to them, learning how to fight and hide almost before she could talk properly.
Eventually, it all came to an end. When Ashe’s quirk manifested itself, she went into a blood-rage and killed a few innocent bystanders unwillingly. Police and heroes soon arrived at the scene and while her parents put up a strong fight, Ashe was uncontrollable and unpredictable and got them caught. Her mother died soon after incarceration due to the wounds she sustained in the fight while her father was sentenced to jail for life.
Ashe was taken by child services and put in the care of psychologists that knew how to take care of children whose quirk was dangerous and with those that killed people unwillingly due to it. Years passed and while her recovery was almost complete, she kept relapsing into blood-rages whenever she would pass through one of the places where her parents used to take her.
Her foster parents, Japanese citizens that lived in Romania at the time, decided she needed to learn how to control her powers and not only control them but to be away from Romania. Anywhere but far away from all the bad memories. Deciding to move back to their country, her blood-rages soon stopped as long as she kept being fed blood.
How did you get into UA?: Exam
What was a fateful moment in the exam or recommendation?: Ashe was allowed to bring blood for her powers to work and while she didn’t know exactly what the exam was, she drank quite a bit before it.
The robots didn’t prove to be a big inconvenience to Ashe as her enhanced strength and speed was enough to dodge and eventually hit them. Her initial fights went well but in the end, a blood-rage always had to ruin everything for her. Using much of her strength in fighting the robots, she needed more blood. Blood which she no longer had available to her. Focusing strictly on the robots, memories of the civilians she killed always in her mind, she went fully beastly and tore in through them. Knowing full well that at the end of the exam, fresh blood waited for her.
Ashe finished 1st in combat efficiency and 23 in support.
Quirk(as of this moment): Vampirism - Ashe is a normal human with blood-red eyes and long canines at a first glance but once she ingests blood she becomes stronger, faster and can quickly regenerate minor wounds. Depending on the type of blood, human or animal, the strength/agility/regeneration varies. A passive ability is that she can hear and smell better than most humans and that ability gets enhanced if she drinks blood.
Quirk Weakness': Ashe cannot eat or drink normal food/liquids, she needs to drink blood every few hours to sustain herself. Drinking too much blood at once or losing too much blood can cause her to go into a bestial rage and attack anyone close to her, foe or ally. Staying too much into direct sun-light weakens her as well. The more strength/agility or regeneration she uses, the often she needs to feed.
Strengths: Close-Combat Specialist Deadly Calm Agile Strong sense of smell/hearing Weakness: Afraid of going into blood-rages Insomniac Support Role Bad memories of darker times
Background/Personality: Ashe was born out of the union of two well-known villains from her home country. Her father had the quirk to manipulate any blood he could see and used it to kill many heroes that got too close to him, while her mother had a similar quirk as Ashe. Together they made a strong power couple and with the combination of their quirks, Ashe’s quirk was created.
Most of Ashe’s childhood was spent on the run from heroes, police and other villains and whenever one of aforementioned groups would catch up with them, a bloodbath followed. Quite literally in most cases. As such Ashe grew up to be similar to them, learning how to fight and hide almost before she could talk properly.
Eventually, it all came to an end. When Ashe’s quirk manifested itself, she went into a blood-rage and killed a few innocent bystanders unwillingly. Police and heroes soon arrived at the scene and while her parents put up a strong fight, Ashe was uncontrollable and unpredictable and got them caught. Her mother died soon after incarceration due to the wounds she sustained in the fight while her father was sentenced to jail for life.
Ashe was taken by child services and put in the care of psychologists that knew how to take care of children whose quirk was dangerous and with those that killed people unwillingly due to it. Years passed and while her recovery was almost complete, she kept relapsing into blood-rages whenever she would pass through one of the places where her parents used to take her.
Her foster parents, Japanese citizens that lived in Romania at the time, decided she needed to learn how to control her powers and not only control them but to be away from Romania. Anywhere but far away from all the bad memories. Deciding to move back to their country, her blood-rages soon stopped as long as she kept being fed blood.
How did you get into UA?: Exam
What was a fateful moment in the exam or recommendation?: Ashe was allowed to bring blood for her powers to work and while she didn’t know exactly what the exam was, she drank quite a bit before it.
The robots didn’t prove to be a big inconvenience to Ashe as her enhanced strength and speed was enough to dodge and eventually hit them. Her initial fights went well but in the end, a blood-rage always had to ruin everything for her. Using much of her strength in fighting the robots, she needed more blood. Blood which she no longer had available to her. Focusing strictly on the robots, memories of the civilians she killed always in her mind, she went fully beastly and tore in through them. Knowing full well that at the end of the exam, fresh blood waited for her.
Ashe finished 1st in combat efficiency and 23 in support.
Ashevelen let the Umbra roam the forest as she lifted herself in the air, becoming invisible to the mortal eyes. Watching their interactions with each other and the world around them. They were given minimal intelligence, for Ashevelen wanted them to learn about the world on their own.
The Umbra roamed the forest trying to hunt the different critters that roamed it with minimal success at first. Unknowing how to use their ability to become corporeal, they would hide in the shadows and pounce on unsuspecting prey only to pass through it and scare it away. After, maybe an hour, some of the Umbra learned how to use it and suddenly, food became easy to catch.
It was in that hour that some of the Umbra decided to go after easier prey than other critters. Themselves. Two bigger Umbras approached a smaller one from behind and in a moment of inattention, pounced on it. Biting and clawing at the smaller one, eventually it died and the two other Umbra started devouring it.
Ashevelen appeared as a thunderbolt between them in an instant.
“ STOP you fools! Did I give you permission to kill each other? ” shouted Ashevelen at the two Umbras. Her anger was clear on her face.
In a moment of pure stupidity, the Umbra looked at each other and decided the divine being in front of them would make a truly refreshing meal and tried to attack Ashevelen. With a mere flick of a finger, the two died instantaneously.
Other Umbras watched the exchange and approached their creator, heads bowed down low. Fear radiating from their bodies.
“ Let that be a lesson to all of you. You shall not eat each other and you SHALL NOT try to attack your creator. Next time I shall remove you from this plane, forever. ” continued Ashevelen, as the Umbra surrounded her. Quietly listening to her words.
“ But maybe, just maybe…I was too harsh. I shall teach you today something very important for your future. I shall give you 3 great gifts. The gift of knowledge of trading, light resistance and how to strengthen yourselves to better hunt. May these three gifts be a sign of my benevolence and love towards you. ”.
Concentrating on the surrounding Umbra, Ashevelen looked into each of their blank eyes and started talking about the basics of trading. Buying, selling, profit and loss. Everything that would make a person a shrewd beginning merchant. Following that, she let out a strong friendly light from her body and while the Umbra initially tried to shield from it, they quickly realised that the light was not doing them harm but strengthening them. Continuing on that, shadows swirled around her body. Flickering in and out. In. And. Out of existence. Some of the Umbra understood the hidden message in the shadows and quickly tried to reproduce the effect. While still at its early stages, one of the Umbra gained the ability to modulate their shadowy hands into something sharp.
Just as the teachable moment had concluded, a new figure entered the scene. Floating down from above, there was a godly aura about him. As he planted his feet on the ground, the Umbra suddenly felt compelled to throw themselves to the forest floor and prostrate themselves. He was tall, with red skin, a pair of horns, and dark attire. The soul of an unknown creature swirled around him, occasionally trying to dart off only to be yanked back - as if tethered by an unseen chain.
He briefly glanced toward Ashevelan, before his gaze shifted to the sludge-like remains of the two Umbra she had slain, forgotten. The stranger extended a hand, and the two souls of the Umbra suddenly became visible for all to see. They were pulled toward him, and began swirling about his figure alongside the first soul.
Ashevelen felt the arrival of the new divine being as they approached from above and went on her guard. Unknowing the divine aura, it was better to be ready for anything than be caught unprepared.
“ Umbra, leave us. ” commanded Ashevelen and while the other deity compelled them to bow, as her creations, she had the upper hand for now. All but the few that were already close to them left the scene, swiftly.
Looking at the souls of her Umbra as they went towards the newcomer, Ashevelen nodded. Whoever this deity was, it had power over the souls of mortals.
“ Welcome divine brother. I am called Ashevelen and these are my mortals, the Umbra. If you wish to bring them harm, know that I will be mighty displeased and I shan’t take it kindly. ” said Ashevelen, her voice calm but guarded.
“I intend these ones harm,” the newcomer said, nodding to the souls he had taken. “Though I didn’t think you would mind, given that they are already dead. But where are my manners? My name is Aldion,” he said with a polite bow.
“ Those you may take. They had the audacity of trying to attack me. Their creator. If they weren't dead, I’d kill them again. But, I didn’t mean those, I meant the others. I ask you, Aldion, from one divine to another, let them be. I’ll find a way to punish the others for their sins later on. ” replied Ashevelen, her voice becoming friendly. Gone was the guarded tone.
“Enacting punishment for sin is a commendable goal,” said Aldion. “And it just so happens to be a goal I have taken upon myself. You aren’t after my job, are you?” he asked, raising a bemused eyebrow and offering a slight smirk. Contrary to his words, there was no suspicion or unfriendliness in his tone, although there was calculation in his eyes.
“ Is that so? You wish to punish the sins of mortals…” said Ashevelen, a smile on her face. The gears in her brain were already working out potential ways of how to use this new divine in her own purposes.
“ I wouldn’t wish to take your job at all, my friend. Mortals are silly things and I’d have to punish them for their sins, the cosmos would end twice over by the time I’d be done. But, either way, if that’s what you wish to do…I wish you good luck. ” replied Ashe, making a small break before continuing “ May I ask what you’ll do with those souls? ”
“I have some ideas,” Aldion nodded. “I’m not ready to tell you every minor detail - trade secrets, and all that. What I can tell you is that the process will be quite painful, and there will be little left of them by the end, but what is left shall be repurposed into something more productive. I’m also not going to be collecting every single one of them by hand, as I have done thus far - that shall become tiresome, and as you say, will take far too long. Right now, I am currently looking for a suitable location to establish a… centre of operations, so to speak. Not here, however. Do you find this agreeable?”
Ashe nodded as Aldion explained and her eyes flashed at word trade .
“ If they deserve to be punished then feel free to do so. I care about what happens to them while alive. If they follow my commands, they are free to do whatever they want but if they don’t…death is what they deserve. I had mortals before and it always ended the same. This time it will be different. ” replied Ashe, her tone turning sour at the mention of previous mortals.
Shaking her head, Ashevelen grinned at Aldion. An idea finally formed in her mind.
“ I have an idea.You may call me a master trader and a pact maker. So, I would like to propose a trade between us. Would you be willing to hear me out? ” continued Ashe.
Aldion raised his eyebrows. “I had a bad experience myself, in my past life,” he said softly. “I place great stock in pacts and contracts myself, and so I understand they are not to be engaged in lightly. But, in the name of a different future, I shall hear you out.”
“ A fellow pact maker. Very happy to hear that. I need a way to control my Umbra, to make sure they follow my commands but without me having to punish them every single time they break a commandment.
What do you say, if we make a pact that all my Umbra’s souls will, by nature, go to you. No matter where they are in the world, they will be attracted to you and your base of operations. Only way for them to stop this would be to follow all my commandments. If they break any of them, they will come over to you. You will get the power of their souls and I will have a way to guide my mortals. All you’ve got to do is to build an artefact or something of the sorts which will attract their souls to you, just so they don’t get other ideas and try to run away. How does that sound? ” said Ashevelen, laying out her plan to Aldion.
“That sounds more than fair,” Aldion agreed. Then, he extended a hand, and closed his eyes. A moment later, a thin black leather tome with gilded edges was conjured into existence, and a feathered quill appeared in his other hand. He flicked his wrist, and one of the Umbra souls shrieked in pain as it was set ablaze by phantasmal fire, transforming it into energy which flowed into the quill. His hands a blur, Aldion then flipped open the tome and began to write, with the Umbra’s essence serving as his ink.
Then, suddenly, he stopped. “What sort of commandments?” he asked her curiously.
Ashevelen watched Aldion’s display and shook her head. That was more majestic than it needed to be. With a snap of her fingers, a papyrus appeared floating in front of her. The terms of their deal written in plain language.
“ The commandments are as follows: You shall not kill other mortals unless it is in self-defence or an accident. You shall not cheat each other, ever. All trades are final and non-refundable. Always strive to get the best deal out of a trade between two parties. If another mortal asks for your help in trading with another, you are not allowed to refuse him. Your decision in a trade is final and you will not change your mind. You shall never back down from your part of the deal, even if you lost. Never lie. Always tell your version of the truth as you know it. Follow the law. If you outsmart someone in a trade, you must accept if the other party proposes another to you. ” said Ashevelen, her voice was like steel. These were her commandments and they will be followed or else…
As she spoke, the papyrus in front of her started to be filled out with the words she spoke.
“ May we add to the deal, as I am the one losing here, that for each 200 received souls, you shall give me one of your more…martial mortals to protect my people if needed and they have to follow all my commands, whatever those may be? ” asked Ashevelen, cautiously.
“I cannot accept such a term,” Aldion said. “For I have no mortals. No living ones, at any rate. And even when we count unliving ones, I’m still down to only two.”
“ Not yet at least. Let’s say…every 300 souls and when you’ll have mortals, you’ll pay me back for every 300 I already sent over. They can be mortals, golems, undead warriors. I care not, as long as they can act as bodyguards. ”
Aldion considered this for a moment. “500,” he proposed as a counter-offer. “For you are asking me to fall into debt. And I have not yet decided how many mortals I am to produce. Some breathing room is justified, I think.”
400 and if you will never make mortals or not enough. I will accept an artefact of my choosing for every 10000 souls, you would be in debt for. ” quickly countered Ashevelen.
“That seems fair enough,” Aldion nodded. “Now, I have some conditions of my own. Whatever forces I provide you with cannot be deployed against me, my realm, or any of my servants. Doing so will result in the immediate destruction of the forces who have been ordered to do so,” he suggested. “Of course, alongside this deal I would be happy to sign a separate non-aggression pact, specifying that our forces are not to attack one another on the condition that we do not interfere with one another’s contracts or trades, and that you do not interfere with the destined afterlife of any souls which are rightfully mine. Does that sound agreeable?”
Ashevelen considered the offer for a moment, more out of habit than anything. The terms were more than fair.
“ I agree. Your forces will never be used against you, your realm or any of your servants as long as they identify themselves as your servants and that they do not initiate the attack first. Self-defence will be permitted. ” clarified Ashevelen and the continued “ I agree with the non-aggression pact as well. I will not interfere with the souls that are rightfully yours. By rightfully, you mean as per our first pact, I assume. I’d like to add that if our people are, for whatever reason, compelled to attack each other by a different mortal or deity that we will meet and discuss it in person. Each and every time it happens. That way, we will avoid the situations where the pact is broken due to outside interference. ”
Aldion shook his head. “When I say rightfully mine, I refer to all souls which shall be bound to me - by contract or by deed. If a soul of any creature is already destined for my judgement or ownership, then any contracts you make with such a soul cannot supersede that. You may barter for anything else they possess - just not their soul. And of course, when I speak of deeds, I refer to oathbreakers, dealbreakers, perjurers, betrayers… for they are the worst sort of scum. Those who live lives of crime or commit grievous atrocities according to the laws and customs of the society in which they live, as well, he explained.
“I speak not just of creatures who commit such offences against me or my servants, but of creatures who would commit such offences against anyone” his voice became surprisingly heated, but then he settled down somewhat. “I am sure a goddess who values pacts and contracts as much as you do will not object to the gruesome punishment of those who try to break them, and I am equally sure you have no interest in laying claim to that which is already owed to another.”
Ashevelen shook her head, “ That would mean you’re getting all the Umbra, no matter if they followed my commandments or not which would null the first contract. You would be already getting a major part of the souls of the Umbra, any more and I might as well just kill them all now. Oathbreakers, deal breakers are already covered in the first contract. They would break my commandments if they would do so. Violence is not permitted either. Everything that was stipulated in the first contract is part of the second. You’d end up getting the souls, claiming the second deal and you will wiggle your way out of the first one’s debts. ” countered Ashevelen, talking fast.
Aldion sighed. “You misunderstand,” he said plainly. “I was speaking of creatures other than the Umbra. Such as…” he pointed his quill toward the soul of Zylana. “...This one. Let’s say one of her kind - not one of your Umbra - commits one of the crimes I have already described to you. Their soul shall be mine to judge and punish. Let’s say someone attempts a barter with you, either offering you their soul, or asking you to protect their soul, in an attempt to escape that fate. Do not accept such a trade, because their soul is not theirs to give - it is already mine by right.”
He gave this a moment to sink in, before continuing on. “ Besides, the terms under which I am allowed to claim the Umbra’s souls are already quite clear - I do not see how this loophole allows me to claim all of them. You have quite clearly stipulated that if they follow all of your commandments they are exempt from such a fate, and to be quite honest I do not see why I would wish to punish a soul that truly obeys every single one of your commandments.”
Ashevelen laughed out loud and shook her head.
" Sorry, my new friend. I assumed you talked solely about my Umbra. I won't interfere with the souls of other creatures. Unless they request one of my Umbra or even myself, to barter on their behalf with yourself regarding their souls which I won’t refuse but otherwise, I shall not interfere with their souls.”
Making a small break to check her papyrus, she continued talking soon after : “A divine that knows the meaning of honour and won’t punish mortals just because. A rare sight. One more thing before I agree or disagree. Say a Umbra or another mortal is doing something truly evil, let’s say negotiate the death of innocents but only because he was hired to do so. A Umbra would not be allowed to deny helping out the negotiations even if they knew it is a bad thing to do. Would you brand said Umbra as a sinner? ”
“Your commandments do not make allowances for killing innocents, even as part of a contract,” Aldion pointed out. “So yes, I would.”
“ I don't mean as the killer themselves but as a negotiator, a third party which my commandments state they are not allowed to refuse a request. What I mean is, if one does evil without knowing it is evil, do you hold that one accountable? "
Ashevelen waited for Aldion to speak but before he could answer she shook her head.
" No need to answer that. I understand what you mean. I agree with your terms. If a troublesome situation appears, I'll make sure to point it out to you and we can discuss further. "
Aldion raised an eyebrow. “Very well,” he said, taking another glance at the contract Ashevelan had drawn up, before beginning to write a copy of his own into the tome he had conjured.
“ If you would sign on the contract with your blood, souls, initials or anything that might link to you, I shall do the same on yours. If we are in agreement, of course. ”
“It would be best if we each signed our names on both contracts,” Aldion pointed out.
Ashevelen grinned at Aldion. “ Very well. I think this will be the beginning of a long partnership. ”
Ashevelen signed the contract she had drawn up and passed it onto Aldion to do the same. Aldion did just that, before offering his book and the Umbra-infused quill to her.
Taking the book and the quill, Ashevelen inspected them twice. The book to make sure there were no tricks and the quill for her own curiosity. Satisfied, she signed the book with her name, binding the Umbra to torture and pain if they should not be what she imagined them to be.
Ashevelen looks after the Umbra and catches two of them eating another one. In a moment of stupidity, the two Umbra decide to try eating their creator and they end up dead. Realising that she might’ve been too harsh with the Umbra, she decides to teach them the basics of trading and blesses them with extra abilities.
Aldion sensed the depravity of the two Umbra, Ashevelen killed, and arrives at the Dark Forest. The two divines exchange greetings and discover they’re quite alike. After talking for a bit, Ashevelen proposes a contract between the two. The Umbra have to follow certain commandments given by Ashevelen otherwise their souls end up with Aldion. Besides this, Aldion and Ashevelen sign a nonaggression pact between each other.
Ashevelen Starting MP: 0 Starting AP: 5
-1 AP - taught the Umbra how to bend shadows -1 AP - blessed the Umbra with minor light resistance
Ending MP: 0 Ending AP: 3
Aldion Starting MP: 5 Starting AP: 5 -4AP (discounted to 2 via the Hell Aspect) to create the Black Book. Readable by only the gods, and driving anyone else mad, this book contains a written record of every single contract signed by Aldion and his servants, and notifies Aldion when those contracts have been violated in some way. It also carries a record of every single soul in Aldion’s debt or possession. Lastly, it will also contain self-updating laws of every single law in every civilization on Galbar, once enough souls with knowledge of said laws find their way into Hell. Obviously it contains far more information than its size implies. It also hurts like a bitch if you get hit by it. +2 toward the Contracts Aspect. Ending MP: 5 Ending AP: 3
The Umbra gained the ability to manipulate shadows in different forms, claws, blades etc. The Umbra gained a minor resistance to light. The Umbra now know how to trade between each other and with others.
Also known as : Ashevelendar/Ashevelen/AsheTheReborn
Best compliment so far from [@Tortoise]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/qdK70br/image.png[/img]
On the brilliant roleplay : [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/185726-through-the-gateways-humanity/ooc] Through The Gateways [/url]
Playing as the Goddess of Trade in Divinus 7
[img]https://i.ibb.co/QjWNXR4/Ashevelen-Token.png[/img]
Playing as the Goddess of Shadowy-Trades in Divinus 7
[img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1006946263599677521/1014229630783340544/ShadowsAspectToken.png[/img]
Thank you!
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Also known as : Ashevelendar/Ashevelen/AsheTheReborn <br><br>Best compliment so far from <a class="bb-mention" href="/users/tortoise">@Tortoise</a><br><img src="https://i.ibb.co/qdK70br/image.png" /><br>On the brilliant roleplay : <a href="https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/185726-through-the-gateways-humanity/ooc">Through The Gateways</a><br><br>Playing as the Goddess of Trade in Divinus 7<br><br><img src="https://i.ibb.co/QjWNXR4/Ashevelen-Token.png" /><br><br>Playing as the Goddess of Shadowy-Trades in Divinus 7<br><br><img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1006946263599677521/1014229630783340544/ShadowsAspectToken.png" /><br><br>Thank you!</div>
Member
xVampire3go
Lord Zee
Neziul
Vec
CitrusArms
Not a Sayan
Rekkuza
