Echoes of Creation (30k/Exalted)

Colchis - 831.M30

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"Thalassa," you began, your voice gentle yet firm, "I've been thinking about your wish for knowledge and growth. The path of Dominus is indeed powerful, but there's another path I believe would suit you even better, the path of the Genetor."

Thalassa turned to you, curiosity in her eyes. "Genetor? The path of those who delve into the mysteries of life and creation, altering and perfecting the biological form?"

You nodded. "Precisely. As a Genetor, you would harness the power to shape and enhance life itself. You said that you want to make modular implants? Unless you have a thorough understanding of the human body it will not be possible. After all, if you do not know how much a body can take, how can you add more?"

She looked thoughtful, considering your words. "But what makes you think now is the right time to walk down this path?"

"I have the power to grant and remove mutations," you explained. "This ability gives us a unique advantage. You would have a vast sample size to study, experiment with, and learn from. You could refine and perfect the process."

Thalassa's eyes widened with realization. "With your power, I could safely explore the depths of genetic enhancement, learning from each change and making informed improvements."

"Exactly," you said, your voice filled with conviction. "With your dedication and my abilities, we can ensure that any mutations introduced are beneficial and reversible. You would lead the new era of genetic engineering, mastering the very essence of life."

A flicker of excitement ignited in Thalassa's gaze. "The potential is staggering. To shape our destiny so fundamentally... it is a challenge I cannot ignore."

You smiled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I have faith in your abilities, Thalassa. The path of the Genetor will enable you to achieve greatness beyond your wildest dreams. You will be a pioneer, a guardian, and a creator, all in one."

She took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "I accept. I will walk the path of the Genetor and use this knowledge to elevate the path to new heights."

"Excellent," you said, feeling a surge of pride. "Together, we'll unlock the secrets of life and creation. Your journey as a Genetor begins now."

---

In the heart of the desert, under the scorching sun, travel to see the last of your family. As you were entering the territory of the tribe led by your nephew Dharok, your mind wandered to the reports of his tribe becoming more aggressive, raiding neighboring tribes and caravans.

Lorgar, rode behind you. Together, you had discussed the best approach to investigate the situation. You know that a direct confrontation could lead to unnecessary bloodshed, so you chose to parley.

The journey through the desert was grueling, the sun relentless as it scorched the endless dunes. You and Lorgar made the journey in relative comfort, the Grox's muscular frame and thick hide offering some semblance of protection against the harsh elements.

Lorgar, seated securely behind you, held tightly to the reins, his keen eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the encampment. The Grox trudged onward, its heavy footsteps leaving deep impressions in the sand.

As the day wore on and the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the desert in a golden hue, you finally spotted a cluster of tents in the distance. However, as you drew closer, it became clear that something was amiss. Instead of the familiar sight of your nephew's tribe, you saw a gathering of chieftains from various tribes, their banners fluttering in the evening breeze.

"Father, something is wrong," Lorgar murmured, his voice filled with unease.

You nodded, your own sense of foreboding growing stronger. "Stay alert, Lorgar. We must see what is happening."

As you approached the encampment, the gathered chieftains turned to watch your arrival. Whispers spread through the crowd, but you paid them no mind. Your focus was on the figure standing at the center of the assembly, your nephew. But as you drew closer, you noticed the dark aura surrounding him, and the priests of the Covenant who stood by his side, their presence radiating a sinister energy.

You dismounted the Grox and made your way through the throng, Lorgar at your side. The chieftains parted to let you pass, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion. When you reached the center of the gathering, your nephew paused, his eyes locking onto yours. They glowed with an unnatural light.

As you approach the parley ground, a sense of unease washes over you. Dharok stands at the center surrounded by the chieftains of various tribes and the priests of the covenant. They are all gathered here, hundreds upon hundreds of warriors at their backs, their faces grim and determined.

But as you look closer, you notice something unsettling. Your nephew's features are twisted, his eyes glowing with a malevolent light. The air around him shimmers with dark energy, and you realize with a sinking heart that he has been corrupted by fel powers.

You step forward, your heart heavy with sorrow and dread. "Nephew," you call out, your voice filled with concern, "what have you done?"

"Only what was necessary." Dharok replied.

"You are using dark powers to kill and hurt," you said, your voice loud enough for the chieftains to hear. "This is not the way of our people."

"I use the power given to me to unite the tribes," he retorted, his voice dripping with contempt. "In these times, strength is the only language that people understand. I will lead us to victory."

You stepped closer, feeling the oppressive energy radiating from him. "This is not strength, it is corruption. The path you are on will lead to all of our destruction."

Dharok laughed, a harsh sound that echoed across the desert. "You speak of destruction, yet you offer no alternative. Your words are hollow, uncle. I will do what is necessary to ensure the survival of my tribe, even if it means embracing the powers of chaos."

You shook your head, sadness filling your heart. "There is always another way, Dharok. We can find a path that does not require you to sacrifice your humanity."

But Dharok would not listen. His mind was clouded by the promises of power and dominance that the Gods of the Covenant whispered in his ears. He saw only the short-term gains, blind to the long-term consequences of his actions.

You tried everything to convince Dharok to abandon the powers of chaos. You spoke of the importance of honor and integrity, of the need to protect not just our tribe, but all tribes. But each time, Dharok turned a deaf ear, his resolve only strengthening.

"Dharok, please," you pleaded, your voice barely a whisper. "This is not who we are. We are better than this."

But Dharok's eyes were cold, his heart hardened by the corrupting influence of chaos. "You are weak, uncle. You always have been. I will not let your weakness drag us down."

"Dharok," Lorgar interjected, his voice steady and calm, "the path you walk is not one of strength, but of ruin. The powers of the Gods will consume you, and all that you hold dear."

Dharok regarded Lorgar with a mix of defiance and curiosity. "And what would you have me do, cousin? Abandon the only path that offers us power and protection? I will not do that."

Lorgar stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "There is another way, Dharok. We can find strength in unity, in working together with other tribes to face our enemies. We do not need fel powers to survive."

For a moment, it seemed as though Dharok was considering Lorgar's words. His expression softened, and there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. But then, as if a veil had been lifted, his face hardened once more, and his eyes burned with determination.

"You speak beautiful words," Dharok said, his voice low and dangerous. "But you do not understand. The Gods of the Covenant have promised me something that no one else can. They have promised to bring back my mother."

Lorgar felt a pang of sorrow for his cousin. His father told him how much Dharok had suffered since the loss of his mother, and he was aware of the depths of his grief. But he also knew that the promises of the Dark Gods were empty, leading only to despair and ruin.

"Dharok, listen to me," Lorgar urged, reaching out a hand towards his cousin. "The Gods of the Covenant will twist your wish, making you regret it. They will only lead you further into darkness."

But Dharok shook his head, his eyes blazing with fervor. "You do not understand, Lorgar. You never will. I will do whatever it takes to bring my mother back, even if it means embracing the darkness."

As Dharok stood firm in his resolve to embrace the darkness, the Priests of the Covenant saw an opportunity. They believed that if they could convert Lorgar, the revered primarch, to their cause, it would be a powerful symbol of the legitimacy of their faith. They approached Lorgar with honeyed words, speaking of the power and glory that awaited him if he would only kneel before the Gods of the Covenant.

Lorgar listened to their words with a calm demeanor, his expression unreadable. He respected their faith and their dedication, but he could not bring himself to abandon his own beliefs. As they spoke of the wonders of their gods, Lorgar countered with his own beliefs, arguing that true power came from within, not from external forces.

The Priests grew frustrated with Lorgar's steadfastness, their attempts to sway him becoming more desperate and fervent. They promised him wealth, power, and the adoration of millions if only he would renounce his faith and join them. But Lorgar remained unmoved, his faith unshakable.

Finally, the Priests resorted to threats, warning Lorgar of the consequences of defying the Gods of the Covenant. They spoke of eternal damnation and torment, trying to instill fear in his heart. But Lorgar was not afraid. He had faced the darkness within himself and had emerged stronger for it. He knew that true power came from conquering one's fears, not from succumbing to them.

In the end, the Priests realized that their efforts were in vain. Lorgar could not be swayed, for his faith was too deeply rooted. With a heavy heart, they left him, knowing that they had failed in their mission. But Lorgar felt no triumph in their defeat, only a profound sadness for those who had lost their way.

He knew that the path of faith was not an easy one, but he also knew that it was the right one. And as he watched the Priests depart, he offered a silent prayer for their souls, hoping that one day they too would find the light.

---

CHOICE:
Lorgar can cause an evil creature to truly regret its actions. However, this depends on how far gone Dharok is. There is a chance that he can convince Dharok to turn from the chaos gods and an even smaller chance that he can cleanse the Chaos Corruption from Dharok. (lvl 9 & 10 power from True Faith respectively).

But even if you succeeded in both rolls, you are still surrounded by hundreds of chaos corrupted warriors.

[] Lorgar risks it

[] Lorgar does not risk it