Echoes of Creation (30k/Exalted)

Colchis - 830.M30 (Two Weeks before Lorgar's Arrival)

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As the stars twinkled overhead, casting a soft glow over the camp, you gathered your companions around the earthen jug. They had stood by you through thick and thin, and you had not hesitated to show them the fruit of your labor.

Your companions had looked at the jug in wonder, grasping the significance of what you had achieved. Without hesitation, they had joined you in filling several containers with the water, ensuring that your tribe would have a supply of fresh water.

You had a brief discussion with them on the future and they had agreed with you. Your future and that of the tribe were entwined with the restoration of the Men of Stone.

Now, a few days later, as High Night descended upon the desert, you stood before the assembled tribe, the jug gleaming in the firelight behind you. The time had come to address them, to share your vision for a future of prosperity and abundance.

As the final stragglers approached the tribal gathering, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation. The tribe had gathered beneath the starlit sky, encircling a roaring bonfire that cast dancing shadows on their eager faces. Standing at the heart of the assembly, surrounded by your steadfast allies, you prepared to unveil a vision that would shape the tribe's destiny.

"Kinfolk," your voice rang out, commanding attention and respect. "I stand before you with a dream, a dream of unity, strength, and boundless prosperity. A dream that will guide us through the trials ahead and lead us to unrivaled greatness."

All eyes, young and old, fixated on you, captivated by your words. The elders, guardians of tradition and wisdom, regarded you with a mix of curiosity and reservation. Undeterred, you continued, painting a vivid picture of a future filled with abundance and progress.

"I envision a tribe that thrives in harmony, pioneering new ways, cultivating the land with unmatched skill and safeguarding our vital resources for generations to come."

A ripple of approval coursed through the crowd, but dissenting voices soon arose. An elder, his demeanor steeped in age-old wisdom, raised a skeptical brow.

"And how, young one, do you intend to achieve such lofty aspirations? What assurances can you offer that your vision will not lead us astray?" he asked.

"Esteemed Elders," you replied with unwavering confidence, "I have communed with the spirits of the desert, and they have unveiled to me the path to our tribe's greatness. It lies with the men of stone, creations of the Ancients, beings of unparalleled wisdom and power who can reshape our destiny."

The crowd murmured in awe and uncertainty, but the Elders remained skeptical.

"The spirits offer to guide us in finding and reviving the men of stone," you continued, "and in exchange, they will stand as our allies, bestowing upon us their wisdom and protection."

"How can we spare resources and effort on such a quest when our very survival hangs in the balance?" the voice questioned from the throng, expressing concern for the tribe's ongoing water crisis.

"I understand your apprehension, but the spirits assure me that by restoring balance to the land and enlisting the aid of the men of stone, we will also find a solution to our water woes." You reply, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

Though the Elder's expression softened, doubt still lingered.

"Actions speak louder than words," he asserted. "Show us tangible results and then we will consider your vision."

"So be it. I shall prove the merit of this path." you declared, accepting the challenge.

It was time to unveil the true power of the jug and demonstrate its capabilities.

"My kin," you began, your voice carrying across the assembled crowd. "Behold, the earthen jug before you. This vessel is no ordinary jug. It is a symbol of our future and a testament to the spirits' guidance."

With a dramatic flourish, you lifted the jug, displaying it to the tribe. "This jug has been imbued with a special enchantment," you explained. "It is capable of continuously replenishing itself with water, no matter how much is poured out."

Gasps of amazement rippled through the crowd as they realized the implications of your words. To demonstrate, you poured a cup of water from the jug and then let others examine it, showing that it miraculously started filling itself.

"But that is not all," you continued. "We have also filled several other containers with water from this jug, as proof of its power." With the help of your companions, you brought out the containers, each filled to the brim with fresh water.

"These containers," you announced, "are a proof to the abundance that awaits us if we follow the path the spirits have shown us. With the guidance of the men of stone and the protection of the spirits, we can overcome our challenges and thrive in this harsh land."

The tribe murmured in awe and excitement, their doubts slowly melting away as they witnessed the miraculous demonstration before them. The elders, in particular, seemed impressed by the display, their expressions thoughtful.

"We stand at a crossroads," you declared, your voice ringing with conviction. "But with unity and determination, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us embrace this new path and forge a future of prosperity for our tribe."

With a newfound sense of purpose, the tribe began to discuss the possibilities that lay ahead. The jug and its endless water supply had sparked a glimmer of hope in their hearts, and they were ready to embrace the changes that lay ahead.

With that, you turn to your companions, knowing that the real work is just beginning. As you discuss your next steps, the tribe watches, their doubts lingering but tempered by a glimmer of hope.

The discussion unfolds into a passionate debate, with voices rising and falling like the ebb and flow of the tide. Some voice concerns, fearing the unknown and clinging to tradition. Others, emboldened by your words, speak of hope and possibility, eager to embrace change.

Through the night, the debate rages on, fueled by the glow of the bonfire and the fervor of conviction. Your companions stand by your side, their words echoing yours, their presence a testament to the unity of your cause.

As the first light of fifth fire pit is lit, a consensus is reached. The tribe agrees to embark on this new journey, to embrace change and innovation, and to trust in your leadership.

As you watch the light of firepit caste its light over the assembled tribe, you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The road ahead will be challenging, but with the tribe's support, you are confident that you can lead them to a brighter future. Yet you did not care as the tribal gathering transformed into a joyous celebration.

The fire crackled and danced, casting flickering shadows across the faces of your friends and companions, Haraq, Siobhan, Sven, and Raheem. The mood was jubilant, filled with laughter and song, as you all revealed in the success of your vision and the promise of a brighter future.

The air was filled with the aroma of roasted meats and exotic spices, and the sound of drums and laughter mingled with the gentle rustle of the desert breeze. Around the fire, stories were shared, old friendships were rekindled, and new bonds were forged.

As the celebration reached its peak, the Spirits of the Desert made their presence known. A hush fell over the gathering as their ethereal forms materialized before you, their voices echoing like distant thunder.

"In shadows deep, we've watched your course, through trials fierce and battles force, yet deeper still, a secret source, a gift profound, from ancient source. A being bore your power's might, in realms unseen, beyond the light. It brought with it a hidden light, a truth obscured, but now in sight. Your journey's path, a winding road, through realms of fire and icy cold, but now, a truth must be told, of gifts unseen, of stories old."

They paused before continuing, "The being left a legacy, A hidden gift for you to see, a shard of soul, a mystery, a truth unveiled, for you to be. So take this gift, this shard of light, and wield it well, with all your might. For in its glow, the future's bright, a path revealed, in darkest night."

The spirits summoned forth a shimmering light, which coalesced into a small, intricately carved box that was seemingly made of silver and darkness. Raheem approached, his eyes wide with awe, and carefully lifted the box from its resting place.

"What is it?" Siobhan asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It is a gift," Raheem replied, his voice filled with reverence. "A gift from the spirits, to aid you on your journey."

Raheem and the others tried to claim it, but their hands were unable to touch it, as if they were grasping at shadows. It was clear that this gift was meant only for you, chosen by some unseen force that recognized your unique destiny.

As you reached out to touch the box, a shimmering cascade of silver and shadow flowed from its surface, enveloping your body in intricate, glowing tattoos. The patterns danced across your skin, weaving tales of ancient power and hidden truths.

A surge of energy coursed through you, filling you with a deep sense of purpose and determination. The tattoos glowed brighter, resonating with the power that now flows within you.

In that moment, you felt a connection to something greater than yourself, a force that transcended time and space. It was a gift of strength, a legacy left by the being who bore your power to you.

---

GAIN: STARTING BONUS

CORRUPTED MOONSILVER TATTOOS (5 DOT ARTIFACT):
The Corrupted Moonsilver Tattoos, a twisted fusion of Luna's essence and the formless, deceptive essence of the Ebon Dragon. These tattoos resonate with the trickery and deceit of the Ebon Dragon himself. Unlike their pure counterparts, these tattoos do not seek to tame the Wyld but rather to ensnare the world in a web of illusions and falsehood.

A series of gleaming black and silver tattoos across your body. They are normally hidden from all senses, magical and mundane but when your anima flares, the tattoos become visible and they blaze with the same light as your Caste Mark.

CHOOSE 1 OF THE BELOW AS YOUR STARTING BONUS:

[] Fool Self
-If any Infernal charm has activation conditions such as being in water, a place of desolation, constantly moving, being trapped, or being in a city or place of residence, then by spending 1 Essence and 1 Willpower, for the rest of the scene, the Infernal is treated as though the condition is being satisfied. Each condition requires 1 Essence and 1 Willpower spent separately, to be declared at the time of spending it.

[] Fool World
-This gives the Infernal a tattoo artifact, an armor that by spending 1 Essence and 1 Willpower, provides immunity to damage from mundane means for a scene. If the character is attacked by magic means or magical beings like spirits and demons, then instead of invincibility, the damage is simply downgraded from aggravated to lethal, lethal to bashing, and bashing damage cut in half after soak (round down).

For the purpose of Immunity, Psykers, Astarties, Thunderwarriors, Custodies and all Eldar DO count as Magic beings. Orks by default do not count but Warbossess, Weirdboys and notable Nobs do count. Necrons always count or never count.

NOTE: Both are things you can eventually build so you are not LOCKED to one choice. This is ONLY the starting bonus. Also the immune thing is also available in the Malfeas Charm set, so choose the one you want to start with.