Colchis - 830.M30
The Tribe had gathered at the Oasis, united under the scorching sun, their faces turned towards the center where the elders sat. Before the meeting, Lorgar had approached you with determination, his eyes ablaze with purpose. Reluctantly, you had agreed to let him take this test alone, understanding what the moment meant to him.
"The time has come," you declared, your voice carrying across the assembly, "for us to embrace a new path, one that leads to a future where the desert is not our foe, but our ally."
As you spoke, the sun beat down, casting harsh shadows and highlighting the determination in the eyes of your tribespeople.
"We stand on the brink of greatness," you continued, your gaze sweeping over the crowd. "I have discovered a power that will change our existence in this harsh land."
Lorgar nodded in agreement, preparing the tribe for your proposal.
"This power will not rid us of our need for water, but it will make our survival in the desert much easier," he explained.
As he detailed the abilities they would gain, a sense of awe filled the air. Some were hesitant, wary of the unknown. Others saw it as a blessing, a chance to flourish where they had merely survived.
"I'm not certain about this," one voice rose above the murmurs, expressing the concerns of many. "What if this power alters us in ways we cannot foresee?"
Yet another countered, "Consider what this could mean for us! We could flourish in the desert, not just endure."
The debate surged, voices clashing in a symphony of opinions. Some warned of the dangers of such a power, while others envisioned a brighter future.
A young warrior stepped forward, his voice unwavering. "I say we seize this opportunity," he proclaimed, his eyes shining with resolve. "We have always faced the desert with bravery. Let us face this new challenge with the same courage."
Amidst the ongoing discourse, a new voice emerged, one filled with doubts and fears yet unspoken. It was Elder Garaq.
"We must weigh the consequences of this power," Garaq began, his tone somber. "What if this ability sets us apart from other tribes? What if we are viewed as anomalies or threats? We risk not only our safety but the cohesion of our tribe."
His words resonated with many, sparking murmurs of agreement. The notion of being perceived as different, as outsiders, struck fear into their hearts.
But amidst the rising debate, a voice emerged, cutting through the tumult like a blade. It was Svenja, a young mother, her tone resolute.
"We cannot be ruled by fear," she proclaimed, her words ringing clear. "This power could be our salvation, a means to thrive in the desert where others merely survive. We must look to the future, to the generations yet to come."
Svenja's words ignited a fiery debate, with some echoing her sentiments while others clung to their doubts. Emotions ran high as the tribe grappled with the weight of their decision.
"We mustn't overlook the dangers," one cautioned, their voice laced with worry. "What if this power alters us irreversibly? What if it leads us down a path from which there is no return?"
Yet Svenja stood firm, her belief unshakeable.
"We've faced countless trials," she declared, her gaze unwavering. "And we've triumphed together. This power is no different. It's a tool, a gift that can safeguard our way of life."
"We can't predict the consequences," another countered, echoing the fears of many. "It could change us in ways we can't fathom. We must tread carefully before making such a monumental choice."
But others saw beyond the risks, focusing instead on the unity and strength it could bring. They argued that this power could bind the tribe, fortifying their identity and resilience in the face of adversity.
"We are a tribe, a family," one fervent supporter proclaimed. "This gift could unite us like never before, forging a bond stronger than steel. It could give us purpose and solidarity, uniting us in ways we've never dreamed."
"We must weigh the risks, yes," another interjected, seeking common ground. "But we can't ignore the potential rewards. This power could be our salvation, and we mustn't let fear cloud our judgment."
As the debate raged on, another faction emerged, led by the elders and traditionalists. They voiced concerns over the potential loss of their heritage and way of life.
Elder Siobhan, a keeper of the tribe's lore, spoke first.
"Our traditions define us," she intoned, her voice resonant with history. "Embracing this power could sever our ties to our ancestors and the wisdom they've imparted."
Many nodded in agreement, their faces etched with worry at the thought of abandoning their customs. But there were those, like Raheem, who saw it differently.
"Our traditions are vital, but they shouldn't hinder progress," he countered, his voice steady. "Cultural evolution is natural. We must adapt to survive, and this power could be our salvation in the unforgiving desert."
Raheem's words ignited a fierce debate, casting the tribe into a tempest of conflicting emotions and opinions. Some saw his perspective as a beacon of hope, a path to a brighter future, while others viewed it as a betrayal of their heritage and values.
"We cannot forsake our ancestors' wisdom," an elder proclaimed, his voice laden with reverence and heat. "Our traditions are the bedrock of our identity. To abandon them would be to abandon ourselves."
But Raheem stood firm, his gaze unwavering. "Our traditions should guide us, not bind us," he countered. "We must evolve, adapt to the challenges of our harsh land. This power could be the key to our survival, a tool to strengthen our tribe."
As the debate raged on, another fear surfaced among the tribe: the fear of the unknown. Many voiced concerns about the potential consequences of accepting such a gift, fearing it could bring unforeseen dangers.
Meanwhile, a group led by Elder Garaq expressed a different apprehension. They saw the power as a possible witchery, a deceitful ploy by malevolent spirits.
"We must tread carefully," Garaq cautioned, his words echoing with ancient wisdom. "This power may lead us astray, into the clutches of darkness. We cannot be lured by false promises."
You stepped forward, your voice a clarion call in the heated debate. "This is not witchery," you asserted, your words carrying the weight of conviction. "It is a chance, a chance to forge a new path, to secure our future."
Despite your earnest plea, the elders remained unconvinced, their minds clouded by fear and mistrust. It was then that Lorgar, the Rain Caller, once again stepped into the fray.
His voice resonated with power and authority as he addressed the tribe, his words a soothing balm to their troubled souls. He spoke of unity, of strength in diversity, of a future where the tribe flourished.
"I have touched the land," Lorgar declared, his eyes shining with inner light. "I have felt its power, its purity. This is not witchery, nor deceit. It is a gift from the land itself, a gift we must embrace."
His words struck a chord, resonating with the tribe's collective heart. Slowly, hesitantly, they began to see the power not as a threat, but as a promise. A promise of a future where the tribe thrived, united in purpose and spirit.
"I understand your fears," Lorgar began, his tone commanding attention. "But we must not let fear dictate our future. This power is a gift from the land, a chance for us to shape our destiny."
Despite his impassioned plea, skepticism lingered among the elders. They remained steadfast, wary of the potential risks.
Undeterred, Lorgar stepped forward, his presence commanding respect.
"Esteemed Elders, listen to me," he began, his voice resonating with authority. "This power is not a deception. It is a tool, a tool that can help us transcend our limitations and secure a better future."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "I have seen what this power can do. I have felt its strength, its purity. It is not a curse, but a blessing, one that we must embrace."
Lorgar's words sparked murmurs of uncertainty among the tribe.
"We face many challenges in the desert – thirst, enemies, hardships. But with this power, we can overcome them. We can thrive, not just survive." Lorgar pressed on, his voice unwavering in the face of criticism.
Turning to the elders, Lorgar's eyes shone with determination. "I ask you, give us a chance to prove the worth of this power. Let us show you its potential, its ability to safeguard our tribe and our way of life. I promise you, we will not fail."
The elders exchanged hesitant glances, their expressions conflicted. After a moment of deliberation, Garaq, the eldest among them, stepped forward.
"We will grant you your chance," he declared, his voice grave but resolute. "But know this, if this power proves to be a danger to our tribe, there will be consequences."
Lorgar nodded solemnly, accepting the challenge before turning back to the tribe.
"Brothers and sisters," he addressed them, his voice filled with hope and determination. "We stand at a crossroads. We can choose to embrace this power, to forge a new path for ourselves. Or we can choose to remain shackled by fear and uncertainty. The choice is ours, but know this, together, we can overcome any obstacle, conquer any challenge. Together, we are strong."
He gestured around them, indicating the desert expanse. "Look at our surroundings. The desert is unforgiving, relentless. Our traditional practices have sustained us, but they may not be enough to ensure our survival in this harsh environment. We must be open to new ideas, new possibilities, if we are to thrive."
Lorgar paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "The power being offered is not so different from the spiritual practices we already accept. It is a tool, a means to connect with the spirits and the land. Just as our ancestors called upon the spirits for guidance and protection, so too can we harness this power to ensure our survival."
He pointed to the oasis, a symbol of life and sustenance in the desert. "Imagine what we could achieve with this power. We could restore the oasis to its former glory, ensuring a stable water supply for generations to come. We could protect our tribe from threats both within and without, ensuring our continued prosperity."
Lorgar's words were met with murmurs of agreement and uncertainty. He knew that convincing the tribe would not be easy, but he believed in the power of his words and the potential of this new path. He stood tall, his eyes alight with determination, ready to lead his people into a new era of prosperity and growth.
"Bold words, but they do little to show the face of this power." Garaq points out.
Lorgar, undeterred, stepped forward, his gaze unwavering.
"I understand your concerns," he began, his tone measured yet resolute. "But I assure you, the power I offer comes not from any dark or malevolent source, but from the very essence of the desert itself."
He gestured to the world around them, the endless expanse of sand and sky. "The desert is a place of harsh beauty, where life and death dance in an eternal cycle. It is a place of purity, of simplicity, where the truth of existence is laid bare."
"Our ancestors understood this," he continued, his voice tinged with reverence. "They revered the desert, respected its power, and learned to harness its strength. This power I offer is an extension of that ancient wisdom, a continuation of the bond between our people and the land."
The elders listened intently, their expressions softening slightly, but still wary. "But how can we be sure?" one elder asked, his voice tinged with doubt. "How can we know that this power will not bring harm to our tribe?"
Lorgar's response was unwavering.
"We can never be certain of what the future holds," he admitted. "But we must have faith in ourselves, in our ability to discern right from wrong, good from evil. This power is a gift, a tool that we can use to shape our destiny, to protect our people, and to ensure that the desert remains our home for generations to come."
He turned to the tribe, his eyes alight with conviction. "I ask you to trust in me, in us, to use this power wisely and with reverence. Together, we can overcome any challenge, defy any foe, and carve out a future worthy of our ancestors' legacy."
A hush fell over the crowd as Lorgar closed his eyes and touched the soil of the Oasis, his brow furrowed in concentration. A soft breeze stirred, carrying the scent of flowers and fresh water. The ground beneath his hands began to glow faintly, a soft, golden light that spread outwards, encompassing the entire oasis.
The air shimmered with power as Lorgar's connection to the land deepened. He could feel the pulse of life beneath his fingers, the ancient fading power of the Spirits. With a deep breath, he called upon his power, channeling it through himself and into the oasis, strengthening the fading power of the spirits and adding his own to it.
The light grew brighter, more intense, until it seemed to fill the very air around them. The tribe watched in awe as the oasis transformed before their eyes, the water shimmering with a newfound clarity, the plants growing greener and more vibrant.
And then, with a final surge of power, the transformation was complete. Lorgar stood, his body bathed in a radiant light, his eyes shining with an inner fire. The tribe fell to their knees, overcome with reverence, as they realized the true nature of Lorgar.
Lorgar was no mere man; he was a beacon of light in the darkness, a protector of the tribe and the land. His act of holiness had not only protected the oasis from evil but had also revealed his true nature to all who witnessed it.
"My brothers and sisters," Lorgar began, his voice strong and resonant, carrying across the assembled tribe. "Today, we have witnessed a miracle. But let us not be blinded by the light, for it will not be my power alone that will save us. It will be our unity, our strength as a tribe, that will bring us through this trial and the next."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "We must remember our past, honor our traditions, but we must also look to the future. We cannot live in fear of the unknown, of change. We must embrace it, for it is only through change that we can grow, that we can thrive."
"Our ancestors faced challenges just as we do now. They overcame them through unity, through strength of purpose. We must follow in their footsteps, forging ahead into the unknown, together as one tribe."
"We must remember that we are not alone in this world. There are other tribes, other peoples, who face their own struggles. We must reach out to them, build bridges, not walls. For it is only through cooperation, through understanding, that we can truly prosper."
"And so, my brothers and sisters, let us look to the future with hope in our hearts, with unity in our actions. Let us remember our past, honor our traditions, but let us not be bound by them.
As Lorgar's words echoed across the oasis, a sense of unity and purpose washed over the tribe. They stood in awe of Lorgar, his presence commanding respect and admiration. The air crackled with energy as Lorgar's voice carried the weight of their collective hopes and dreams.
"Let us forge ahead into a new dawn," Lorgar proclaimed, his voice ringing out like a clarion call, "together, as one tribe, one people, united in purpose and in spirit."
His words ignited a fire within the hearts of the tribe, filling them with a renewed sense of determination. They raised their voices in a thunderous roar, their cheers reverberating through the desert. The oasis seemed to glow with a newfound radiance, mirroring the hope and resolve of its inhabitants.
As Lorgar finished his speech, the tribe erupted into cheers and applause, their souls ablaze with the fervor of his words. They knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with Lorgar at their helm, they felt invincible.
GAIN:
The Blessed Oasis
In the heart of the desert, where the sun beats down mercilessly and the sands stretch endlessly, lies an oasis of life and tranquility. This oasis, known to the desert tribes as a place of respite and rejuvenation, is said to be protected from evil by the blessing of Lorgar, the Holy one.
According to legend, when Lorgar first discovered the oasis, it was a near barren and desolate place, devoid of life and hope. But with a touch of his hand and a whispered prayer, Lorgar brought forth water from the depths of the earth, causing lush greenery to bloom and life to flourish in the midst of the desert.
The tribes believe that Lorgar's blessing imbued the oasis with a protective barrier against evil forces. Any who seek to harm the oasis or its inhabitants are said to be thwarted by unseen forces, their malevolent intentions turned back upon themselves.
One story tells of a band of raiders who sought to plunder the oasis, believing it to be an easy target. But as they approached, a fierce sandstorm whipped up out of nowhere, driving them back and leaving them lost and disoriented in the desert.
Another tale speaks of a fel sorcerer who sought to curse the oasis, jealous of its beauty and bounty. But as he spoke the words of his curse, his voice faltered and died, his powers rendered impotent by the protective barrier surrounding the oasis.
To this day, the oasis remains a sanctuary of peace and life in the midst of the harsh desert, its waters a symbol of hope and healing for all who dwell in the desert tribes. And though Lorgar himself has long since passed into legend, his blessing continues to protect the oasis and all who call it home.
LORGAR:
Lorgar nearly failed the "It is not Chaos" roll. But then Lorgar rolled 94 on the Channel Faith roll. Needless to say, he gained an aspect and overcame the last argument against taking the option.
I will be updating Lorgar's Character sheet to show his new Aspect.
CHOICE:
You can sorcerously bind the Grox but that will limit them to a handful of people. This will be a major bottleneck to make use of the Grox.
One option is to call in Lorgar's debt to make it so that he has to work with Raheem to create binding rituals for the Grox and succeed in his hunt. Once that is done, all the Rain callers, once free of their debts, can be thought Binding rituals for the Grox. This also saves your very limited magical reagents.
[] Call in Lorgar's debt and have him and Raheem create Binding rituals.
–You will not participate in this as this is meant to help Lorgar Grow as a Sorceror. This also expands the maximum herd size but it will not grant them TDC mutation if they drink from the oasis.
[] Do not call in the debt.
–You bind the Grox as normal. They get TDC mutation but herd size is limited until you breed more and is bottlenecked by you and Lorgar. You can create binding rituals later but it uses up valuable and limited magic reagents.