- Location
- Somewhere nearby.
The Demon brought the Jester, the Jester is not a Demon, just a very messed up Nightmare
Apotheosis- A Deity Quest
- Thread starter nwish425
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Ah ok, thanks. That's what I thought (maybe this fact should be made clearer in the text?).
Love the story and can't wait to see what's the "something stupid" we are going to do.
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Oh man, just wait until the Garden of Sinners is introduced, that'll be a... thing. Though yeah, admittedly I do find it hilarious myself and I've definitely been contributing to the whole "Samhain X Calisto, obviously" thing- wonder how long it'd take for it to actually get a reaction from them? I really need to do more with Freesia...
- Location
- Somewhere nearby.
It's going to be a bit until the update is ready, so I'll give you a little taste of what Something Stupid is going to do.
At the grand Basilica in Salum, many of the priests and custodians were taken aback and began to panic as a strange blue light began to glow. It spread along the carvings of the Saints like water rushing though a brook. Old artifacts leftover from the heroes of various demonic incursions began to shake, as if resonating with something in the air that was calling out to them. The stars in the fresco painting on the ceiling began to shine down upon those present, it was a good thing there wasn't a service going on or there would have been a mass panic.
A single custodian ran out from the reliquary, skin pale and covered in a cold sweat, as if he had just seen a ghost. He tripped over his own feet in his rush and spilled over onto the floor, falling before one of the statues of the Saints. He looked up to find it was a statue of Saint Sigeric the Redeemed, and he only seemed to pale more.
"Brother, are you alright?" One of the monks rushed over to help. "What's happening?"
"C-call the High Priests, immediately!" He shouted once he was broken from his shock. "Saint Sigeric's heart... It's..."
He looked back up at the statue.
"It's beating!"
At the grand Basilica in Salum, many of the priests and custodians were taken aback and began to panic as a strange blue light began to glow. It spread along the carvings of the Saints like water rushing though a brook. Old artifacts leftover from the heroes of various demonic incursions began to shake, as if resonating with something in the air that was calling out to them. The stars in the fresco painting on the ceiling began to shine down upon those present, it was a good thing there wasn't a service going on or there would have been a mass panic.
A single custodian ran out from the reliquary, skin pale and covered in a cold sweat, as if he had just seen a ghost. He tripped over his own feet in his rush and spilled over onto the floor, falling before one of the statues of the Saints. He looked up to find it was a statue of Saint Sigeric the Redeemed, and he only seemed to pale more.
"Brother, are you alright?" One of the monks rushed over to help. "What's happening?"
"C-call the High Priests, immediately!" He shouted once he was broken from his shock. "Saint Sigeric's heart... It's..."
He looked back up at the statue.
"It's beating!"
Lurking_Badger
Cheese Enjoyer
- Location
- Wisconsin
Time to resurrect a demon slaying badass to take down a new hellish incursion. Lets get that heart pumping!
View: https://youtu.be/mVurA44hwiw
(I get strong Doom Slayer vibes from this guy)
- Location
- Philippines
I might be wrong but wasn't the temple infiltrated by demons? Or was it only that group of exorcist?
- Location
- Somewhere nearby.
The Inquisition was what's been infiltrated, essentially state and church supported demon-hunters.
- Location
- Washington
Oh, fun trivia about my last omake since I was too tired to remember to mention it in the author's notes:
The title comes from the song Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo, the first song sang by the Lesser Nightmare's and some of the dialogue at the end is from A Gorey Demise by Creature Feature, and the song at the end is the translated lyrics of Nightmare Parade by FAKE TYPE. (with some minor changes to be better fitting).
The title comes from the song Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo, the first song sang by the Lesser Nightmare's and some of the dialogue at the end is from A Gorey Demise by Creature Feature, and the song at the end is the translated lyrics of Nightmare Parade by FAKE TYPE. (with some minor changes to be better fitting).
Either this bodes well for us or poorly. As in, we either got some sort of power upgrade or we made a new enemy.
The Borderland
- Location
- Somewhere nearby.
I've decided to make another infopost, this time about a specific region. In this case an uninhabited area known as the Borderland.
No one is sure how the Borderland wound up as it did, but one thing is clear, stay away from the northernmost part of the eastern continent. The Borderland is a region of frozen wastes and barren landscapes. Not even truly considered part of the eastern continent, the Borderland is uninhabited by any species or civilization. Occasionally someone is stupid enough to venture, or some animal or monster wanders too close, such individuals are usually never seen again.
Those few that are never come back the same, something about the Borderland changes all who enter. Bodies minds and souls alike are warped, sometimes beyond recognition, and not even gods have been able to fix them. Gods avoid the place, instinctually feeling revulsion and disgust towards the place. In the distance is a series of mountains that seem to call out to those who wander too close, drawing them deeper in until its too late, what little information that has been recovered suggests the mountains themselves are where the worst of the warping effect of the Borderland is at its strongest, and have been called the Mountains of Madness by what few survivors were still capable of coherent speech. If you believe anyone is attempting to enter the Borderland you should do everything in your power to stop them, but if they should enter the bounds of the Borderland itself then do not follow, they should already be considered lost and no attempt to save them should be mounted.
The prevailing theory about the Borderland is that it isn't even part of the mortal world, but the border between the mortal world and what the mortal world used to be before the rise of the gods.
No one is sure how the Borderland wound up as it did, but one thing is clear, stay away from the northernmost part of the eastern continent. The Borderland is a region of frozen wastes and barren landscapes. Not even truly considered part of the eastern continent, the Borderland is uninhabited by any species or civilization. Occasionally someone is stupid enough to venture, or some animal or monster wanders too close, such individuals are usually never seen again.
Those few that are never come back the same, something about the Borderland changes all who enter. Bodies minds and souls alike are warped, sometimes beyond recognition, and not even gods have been able to fix them. Gods avoid the place, instinctually feeling revulsion and disgust towards the place. In the distance is a series of mountains that seem to call out to those who wander too close, drawing them deeper in until its too late, what little information that has been recovered suggests the mountains themselves are where the worst of the warping effect of the Borderland is at its strongest, and have been called the Mountains of Madness by what few survivors were still capable of coherent speech. If you believe anyone is attempting to enter the Borderland you should do everything in your power to stop them, but if they should enter the bounds of the Borderland itself then do not follow, they should already be considered lost and no attempt to save them should be mounted.
The prevailing theory about the Borderland is that it isn't even part of the mortal world, but the border between the mortal world and what the mortal world used to be before the rise of the gods.
DragonUnitOmega
Akechi/Fem!Akira gives me life
- Location
- Inaba
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Etc
This place is just giving me Mystery Dungeon vibes (ie the strange and warped nature of the dungeons, not so much the tone of the games).
A part of me wonders though if this land was scarred by the Patchwork God, one of the few pieces of evidence left of its existence, or just scarred by a similarly twisted deity.
A part of me wonders though if this land was scarred by the Patchwork God, one of the few pieces of evidence left of its existence, or just scarred by a similarly twisted deity.
Life Blooms Evermore
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
A/N: Figured I shouldn't keep putting this off, so... @DragonUnitOmega and @nwish425 sir, the Conclusion to the "Berstuk Arc".
Truly, she shouldn't feel sympathy for it, the favor would neither be appreciated or returned. She had no issue with letting Nephew Leshy take some of Berstuk's ashes. Really, there shouldn't be any reason to feel bad about what happened.
Brother was... somewhat difficult for her to figure out just from looking, but nobody else seemed all that bothered about what happened- doubtless, there was no 'love' in whatever Berstuk had for a 'heart', and if one understood it wasn't hard to guess Sister's thoughts.
Really, she was vaguely aware of everything going on, having resumed her 'human' form to avoid frightening the Archdruids. On any other day, she definitely would of been curious why they reminded her of her beloved Pack...
"We did a good thing after all." Did they... did she? Sure, every single one of Berstuk's 'Children' were beyond redemption, but... was Berstuk beyond redemption?
She was unable to access his thoughts, and though she had no problem with what she did at the time... was she too angry to properly reason with him, or did it have to be this way?
Most upon hearing 'made from the bodies of others and consumes evermore' would likely assume it was describing some monster. Being a monster is something she has never wanted...
Only those with no potential to repent deserved to 'die', something that exists purely to make everything around it worse had no right to exist. But she'll never know if Berstuk was truly beyond redemption, was it truly right for her to take away that chance?
"Sister..." Feeling a hand on her shoulder, 'Echidna' didn't need to look back to understand who it is. Sister's power rolled over her like warm, soothing water, and finally 'Echidna' let out a sigh.
There was no point in worrying about Berstuk anymore, the world couldn't afford the time it would of took for him to realize the error of his ways. She should be focusing on that Watkins fellow, really.
The things those little rodents are saying... she really should of reacted sooner. Turning in Watkins' direction, the small rats were chittering up a storm- and in response, Watkins turned around to look at her.
"Yes, did you want something from me Goddess?" Outwardly, she showed nothing but calm and grace- no need in showing her displeasure at the fact she could smell fear on him...
Herself, Sister Sophia, and Brother Freyr contributed a lot to this 'hunt'- she didn't get why he would feel wary having her direct attention. There were a lot of things she clearly didn't understand...
Still, she would not let fear stop her- he wants to set up an animal sanctuary here? Very well, none of her family and especially not herself would refuse to help. The only real issue was that this land had been tainted by Berstuk, both actively and with his mere presence.
There was no way this place would ever be able to recover without assistance, so... "I would like to lend my assistance curing this land. My Pack referred to me as Mother, though it would not be inaccurate to call me a Guardian Beast. I have saved many from death through my Blessings, and I have no doubt my Sister here would like to help too."
Even without shifting her body, it wasn't difficult to recognize Sister nodding gently. "I am Sophia... I fix things, heal people, life is... amazing." Watkins eyed Sister for a moment, before a brief look of realization crossed his face.
She hated how he was clearly still wary about them, even as he lets out a calm breath. "Well, I suppose there's no reason for me to insist otherwise... just, things would of gotten better, even without your involvement. Its really not necessary."
Oh, she sincerely doubted that, Gods are not something so powerless that the 'rules of nature' could effortlessly overcome... there was no point going down that mental trail, she had something actually important to do.
"Apologies, Watkins sir, I would feel much more comfortable doing all that I could to help." Even her pleasant smile didn't seem to put him completely at ease, she was certain she understood the concept perfectly now...
Whatever, she just needs to prove she's not just words. "Sister, Brother, listen- I shall spread my mass as much as I can, and seep into the earth itself. I will do my best to connect to the root system of the plants and trees. Once I have done so, it is your duty Sister to channel as much of your power as possible through me. Are we in agreement?"
Honestly, she could of easily just slid a tendril underneath their feet and 'spoke' directly into their bodies, but again- she needed Watkins to understand the three of them weren't anything to be afraid of.
Putting the plan into action was simple enough, she didn't even care about the spike in fear upon 'shedding' her humanoid form. Overall, only two things were problematic in any form-
The first being the center of these woods was the most contaminated, meaning fixing that alone would take up most of their combined power. Then there were the... 'trees', that the Banshees hadn't yet claimed.
Overall, it wasn't a full restoration like she would of preferred- but with the flowers & lone tree growing within that central grove that was once Berstuk's 'throne', she no longer had any doubts that this place may one day truly heal. Sure, it would never be the same again, but that would of already been the case before their involvement.
The flowers would eventually begin to spread outwards in a radius, and the fruit that lone tree was baring... the power of Life resonated deeply in them, she could tell. She wasn't entirely sure what consuming one or even just its juice would do, but... had the three of them truly created some panacea? Perhaps something even greater...
----
A/N: Why yes, I am implying Sophia/'Echidna'/Freyr just created Literal Ambrosia- focusing so much Life Energy in the same place, plus multiple flavors of Healing Magicks? It'd be weirder if they didn't create some super-substance. Also, my goodness, the nectar bees could get from those flowers...
Besides all that, I kind of just wanted to finally get this done- been over a month, and I have so many other plot threads I have to get around too. I really just wanna get to writing the Epilogue for the "Berstuk Arc" and take a little break to sort out my next move.
Life Blooms Evermore
----
Following Reaper's departure, she... just stared at where Berstuk used to be. He was a monster, convinced that life was some 'disease' that plagued people- that his embracement of murder was somehow a good thing.----
Truly, she shouldn't feel sympathy for it, the favor would neither be appreciated or returned. She had no issue with letting Nephew Leshy take some of Berstuk's ashes. Really, there shouldn't be any reason to feel bad about what happened.
Brother was... somewhat difficult for her to figure out just from looking, but nobody else seemed all that bothered about what happened- doubtless, there was no 'love' in whatever Berstuk had for a 'heart', and if one understood it wasn't hard to guess Sister's thoughts.
Really, she was vaguely aware of everything going on, having resumed her 'human' form to avoid frightening the Archdruids. On any other day, she definitely would of been curious why they reminded her of her beloved Pack...
"We did a good thing after all." Did they... did she? Sure, every single one of Berstuk's 'Children' were beyond redemption, but... was Berstuk beyond redemption?
She was unable to access his thoughts, and though she had no problem with what she did at the time... was she too angry to properly reason with him, or did it have to be this way?
Most upon hearing 'made from the bodies of others and consumes evermore' would likely assume it was describing some monster. Being a monster is something she has never wanted...
Only those with no potential to repent deserved to 'die', something that exists purely to make everything around it worse had no right to exist. But she'll never know if Berstuk was truly beyond redemption, was it truly right for her to take away that chance?
"Sister..." Feeling a hand on her shoulder, 'Echidna' didn't need to look back to understand who it is. Sister's power rolled over her like warm, soothing water, and finally 'Echidna' let out a sigh.
There was no point in worrying about Berstuk anymore, the world couldn't afford the time it would of took for him to realize the error of his ways. She should be focusing on that Watkins fellow, really.
The things those little rodents are saying... she really should of reacted sooner. Turning in Watkins' direction, the small rats were chittering up a storm- and in response, Watkins turned around to look at her.
"Yes, did you want something from me Goddess?" Outwardly, she showed nothing but calm and grace- no need in showing her displeasure at the fact she could smell fear on him...
Herself, Sister Sophia, and Brother Freyr contributed a lot to this 'hunt'- she didn't get why he would feel wary having her direct attention. There were a lot of things she clearly didn't understand...
Still, she would not let fear stop her- he wants to set up an animal sanctuary here? Very well, none of her family and especially not herself would refuse to help. The only real issue was that this land had been tainted by Berstuk, both actively and with his mere presence.
There was no way this place would ever be able to recover without assistance, so... "I would like to lend my assistance curing this land. My Pack referred to me as Mother, though it would not be inaccurate to call me a Guardian Beast. I have saved many from death through my Blessings, and I have no doubt my Sister here would like to help too."
Even without shifting her body, it wasn't difficult to recognize Sister nodding gently. "I am Sophia... I fix things, heal people, life is... amazing." Watkins eyed Sister for a moment, before a brief look of realization crossed his face.
She hated how he was clearly still wary about them, even as he lets out a calm breath. "Well, I suppose there's no reason for me to insist otherwise... just, things would of gotten better, even without your involvement. Its really not necessary."
Oh, she sincerely doubted that, Gods are not something so powerless that the 'rules of nature' could effortlessly overcome... there was no point going down that mental trail, she had something actually important to do.
"Apologies, Watkins sir, I would feel much more comfortable doing all that I could to help." Even her pleasant smile didn't seem to put him completely at ease, she was certain she understood the concept perfectly now...
Whatever, she just needs to prove she's not just words. "Sister, Brother, listen- I shall spread my mass as much as I can, and seep into the earth itself. I will do my best to connect to the root system of the plants and trees. Once I have done so, it is your duty Sister to channel as much of your power as possible through me. Are we in agreement?"
Honestly, she could of easily just slid a tendril underneath their feet and 'spoke' directly into their bodies, but again- she needed Watkins to understand the three of them weren't anything to be afraid of.
Putting the plan into action was simple enough, she didn't even care about the spike in fear upon 'shedding' her humanoid form. Overall, only two things were problematic in any form-
The first being the center of these woods was the most contaminated, meaning fixing that alone would take up most of their combined power. Then there were the... 'trees', that the Banshees hadn't yet claimed.
Overall, it wasn't a full restoration like she would of preferred- but with the flowers & lone tree growing within that central grove that was once Berstuk's 'throne', she no longer had any doubts that this place may one day truly heal. Sure, it would never be the same again, but that would of already been the case before their involvement.
The flowers would eventually begin to spread outwards in a radius, and the fruit that lone tree was baring... the power of Life resonated deeply in them, she could tell. She wasn't entirely sure what consuming one or even just its juice would do, but... had the three of them truly created some panacea? Perhaps something even greater...
----
A/N: Why yes, I am implying Sophia/'Echidna'/Freyr just created Literal Ambrosia- focusing so much Life Energy in the same place, plus multiple flavors of Healing Magicks? It'd be weirder if they didn't create some super-substance. Also, my goodness, the nectar bees could get from those flowers...
Besides all that, I kind of just wanted to finally get this done- been over a month, and I have so many other plot threads I have to get around too. I really just wanna get to writing the Epilogue for the "Berstuk Arc" and take a little break to sort out my next move.
- Location
- Somewhere nearby.
Nice to see this being wrapped up, and in case people don't get it, Watkins is scared for good reason. Gods are very powerful, and he couldn't really do anything to stop any of them if they anted to do something harmful. He doesn't know the other than the fact that they killed Berstuk, and there cult be many different reasons to do that, and this world is still feeling the effects of Ares, a god everyone thought was good.
Life Consumes All
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
A/N: So, while the "Berstuk Arc" is officially over now... there's one last thing, pretty sure @nwish425 already approved. Also, Warning- Hanged Brotherhood member's PoV.
No, what he needed was for them. To just. Shut Up! In hindsight, perhaps he did lose his temper, but it... felt so good, hearing nothing but blissful silence for once.
Unfortunately, that didn't last long, because the noise got even louder when he was found- and then it just, kept, getting, LOUDER. Ultimately, he couldn't stay there, too much noise and nobody was willing to leave him alone.
Yet no matter where he went, the noise would always become too much to handle and then... he had to find somewhere else. How annoying. He wandered around, looking for some place for him to actually live...
For some reason, he eventually found himself at some rotten old forest, full of dead things. He didn't understand why he went to such a worthless place... well, not at the time.
There were others who had found this place, nobody was sure why... until they saw it, a paradoxically living corpse of some old gnarled tree, having finished strangling a person to death with its branches.
It was still unclear at the time what they were all looking at, but well... best way to find out is to test it... the thing didn't seem to care about anything, other than there was suddenly something alive near it and snap went the unlucky sod.
That was the most important thing they found out- some chose to consider it a god of some kind, but what kind of god murders people on mere reflex?
Well, he supposed none of them really had any ground to stand on metaphorically, god or not nobody would dare to bother him here- to kill a god is a struggle, it would take something truly special to do so.
In time, they became the 'Hanged Brotherhood', as if any of them actually cared all that much about each other- only on giving their 'praise' to Berstuk to make him into an even stronger weapon against those that'd stop them.
Truly, it had been going so well... until one day, some freak leaking of 'nature' appeared out of nowhere- and soon, this dead forest was running red with blood... but mostly their own, as other monsters and people practically materialized into existence.
The 'Hanged Brotherhood' were being cut down, like calves to the slaughter, and only a lucky few got to know why- it wasn't merely monsters, but divine ones, not to mention the obvious gods like that woman in white whose mere presence seemed to cause plantlife to bloom around her.
The others might be crazed lunatics, but he had no interest in getting jangled around like a puppet by that woman in black. He also could of swore he saw some of his 'allies' inexplicably fall over, always whenever one seemed close to making a kill and he could of swore the nearby air would get humid at the same time...
Then, the final giveaway- though Berstuk would not Bless them like most gods supposedly did, they could still passively feel his presence. Berstuk... was gone, most likely ripped to pieces by one of those gods.
No point trying to delude himself Berstuk somehow survived, so that meant having to go on the run again and find somewhere new again. This is why he doesn't like people, they're all so rude and inconvenient.
Taking a short moment to relax, he let out a loud sighing breath... Maybe if he was lucky, he could claim some of Berstuk's power for himself. Then he could just live peacefully anywhere he wanted...
"Is that really what you think?" Eyes flying open, he tried to find whoever said that, but there didn't appear to be anyone in sight... "Is that so? I would apologize, but you wouldn't so... no."
Again, that voice, where was it coming from!? Wait... why was there fog forming? "Oh, adorable, 'fog', sure." Eyes slowly widening, i-it wasn't fog...
"Well well, I guess you do have some intelligence." Backing away from the ash cloud, his back bumped against a tree- yet the moment he tried to move, gnarled arms held him in place.
Looking up, he couldn't help the horror- i-it was one of the victims, b-but this was supposed to have been one of the normal trees. "Normal? You sweet child, no~ Nothing here is normal."
Feeling himself being dragged upwards, he tried to struggle and flail- yet nothing he did seemed to work. Hearing the sound of rustling, his eyes flickered forwards- and wished he hadn't done that.
The creature looked like some giant blooming flower, dull white and blood red in coloration. Its 'face' locked squarely on his, and spoke one last time. "Tell me, 'Brad', how wonderful would you say your screams are?"
He screamed, loudly, desperately trying to push the creature off him- but soon, he couldn't hear anything... see anything, not even smell. Merely... the rough wood, keeping him immobilized.
It would take a while for him to realize what had actually happened, partially- for he would never know that his terrified expression and movements were preserved forever, like a statue.
Nor would he ever realize that his wooden prison would drip with red and black ooze, the black eventually forming into 'abominations' merely known as 'Nightmares'- and that the red ooze, was his fear, a fear that will never die and be used to nurture this new forest & its inhabitants.
For the queen of this place, the 'Forest of Woes', had much to do- more Sinners to add to her Garden, thus more of her beloved children, meaning the need for yet more fear.
Just because she could not be a Dream like her savior, did not mean she had to be a monster- those that walk the Waking World deserve happiness, but for those that do yet care not for others? She will have them brought to their true home, and make themselves actually useful for once.
Such loveless beings who comprehend naught the suffering of others, how disgusting. But even they have value...
----
A/N: Thus, finally, the "Berstuk Arc" has reached true completion- a Nightmare that Estelle had once ran into, inspiring, who didn't want to be a 'monster' yet didn't know what to do...
Cue said Nightmare coming across the strangest thing, a forming distortion in the Dreamscape- a slain god's final, desperate attempt to leave a mark... and instead, the Nightmare noticed the sheer wellspring of Life at the center of the distortion, and knew what to do.
Resonating with that potent source of divinity, she knew what to do- the distortion was now hers, this 'Forest of Woes' would not become a blight to the Wakers, no no no...
Well, so long as their Sins weren't too high, for any enemy of Life shall suffer the cruelest fate imaginable- forced to nurture life, such a horrific thing for those that care naught for others...
(Name? Venus, I guess. Fear? Biophobia, the Fear of Life and/or Nature, I'm not sure. Her Children/Lessers? Vitans, also embodying Biophobia since they're pretty close to being her actual children I guess)
(Also, she'd actually have no real issue working with Samhain- for he is not a Sinner. The only actual problem is that she's the core for the Forest of Woes, keeping her Garden's Sinners alive. She can't really walk off without severe consequences.)
Life Consumes All
----
He had never been 'normal' growing up, but really... everyone else were the weird ones. So much noise, always going on about stupid crap like how he's 'troubled' and 'needs a woman.'----
No, what he needed was for them. To just. Shut Up! In hindsight, perhaps he did lose his temper, but it... felt so good, hearing nothing but blissful silence for once.
Unfortunately, that didn't last long, because the noise got even louder when he was found- and then it just, kept, getting, LOUDER. Ultimately, he couldn't stay there, too much noise and nobody was willing to leave him alone.
Yet no matter where he went, the noise would always become too much to handle and then... he had to find somewhere else. How annoying. He wandered around, looking for some place for him to actually live...
For some reason, he eventually found himself at some rotten old forest, full of dead things. He didn't understand why he went to such a worthless place... well, not at the time.
There were others who had found this place, nobody was sure why... until they saw it, a paradoxically living corpse of some old gnarled tree, having finished strangling a person to death with its branches.
It was still unclear at the time what they were all looking at, but well... best way to find out is to test it... the thing didn't seem to care about anything, other than there was suddenly something alive near it and snap went the unlucky sod.
That was the most important thing they found out- some chose to consider it a god of some kind, but what kind of god murders people on mere reflex?
Well, he supposed none of them really had any ground to stand on metaphorically, god or not nobody would dare to bother him here- to kill a god is a struggle, it would take something truly special to do so.
In time, they became the 'Hanged Brotherhood', as if any of them actually cared all that much about each other- only on giving their 'praise' to Berstuk to make him into an even stronger weapon against those that'd stop them.
Truly, it had been going so well... until one day, some freak leaking of 'nature' appeared out of nowhere- and soon, this dead forest was running red with blood... but mostly their own, as other monsters and people practically materialized into existence.
The 'Hanged Brotherhood' were being cut down, like calves to the slaughter, and only a lucky few got to know why- it wasn't merely monsters, but divine ones, not to mention the obvious gods like that woman in white whose mere presence seemed to cause plantlife to bloom around her.
The others might be crazed lunatics, but he had no interest in getting jangled around like a puppet by that woman in black. He also could of swore he saw some of his 'allies' inexplicably fall over, always whenever one seemed close to making a kill and he could of swore the nearby air would get humid at the same time...
Then, the final giveaway- though Berstuk would not Bless them like most gods supposedly did, they could still passively feel his presence. Berstuk... was gone, most likely ripped to pieces by one of those gods.
No point trying to delude himself Berstuk somehow survived, so that meant having to go on the run again and find somewhere new again. This is why he doesn't like people, they're all so rude and inconvenient.
Taking a short moment to relax, he let out a loud sighing breath... Maybe if he was lucky, he could claim some of Berstuk's power for himself. Then he could just live peacefully anywhere he wanted...
"Is that really what you think?" Eyes flying open, he tried to find whoever said that, but there didn't appear to be anyone in sight... "Is that so? I would apologize, but you wouldn't so... no."
Again, that voice, where was it coming from!? Wait... why was there fog forming? "Oh, adorable, 'fog', sure." Eyes slowly widening, i-it wasn't fog...
"Well well, I guess you do have some intelligence." Backing away from the ash cloud, his back bumped against a tree- yet the moment he tried to move, gnarled arms held him in place.
Looking up, he couldn't help the horror- i-it was one of the victims, b-but this was supposed to have been one of the normal trees. "Normal? You sweet child, no~ Nothing here is normal."
Feeling himself being dragged upwards, he tried to struggle and flail- yet nothing he did seemed to work. Hearing the sound of rustling, his eyes flickered forwards- and wished he hadn't done that.
The creature looked like some giant blooming flower, dull white and blood red in coloration. Its 'face' locked squarely on his, and spoke one last time. "Tell me, 'Brad', how wonderful would you say your screams are?"
He screamed, loudly, desperately trying to push the creature off him- but soon, he couldn't hear anything... see anything, not even smell. Merely... the rough wood, keeping him immobilized.
It would take a while for him to realize what had actually happened, partially- for he would never know that his terrified expression and movements were preserved forever, like a statue.
Nor would he ever realize that his wooden prison would drip with red and black ooze, the black eventually forming into 'abominations' merely known as 'Nightmares'- and that the red ooze, was his fear, a fear that will never die and be used to nurture this new forest & its inhabitants.
For the queen of this place, the 'Forest of Woes', had much to do- more Sinners to add to her Garden, thus more of her beloved children, meaning the need for yet more fear.
Just because she could not be a Dream like her savior, did not mean she had to be a monster- those that walk the Waking World deserve happiness, but for those that do yet care not for others? She will have them brought to their true home, and make themselves actually useful for once.
Such loveless beings who comprehend naught the suffering of others, how disgusting. But even they have value...
----
A/N: Thus, finally, the "Berstuk Arc" has reached true completion- a Nightmare that Estelle had once ran into, inspiring, who didn't want to be a 'monster' yet didn't know what to do...
Cue said Nightmare coming across the strangest thing, a forming distortion in the Dreamscape- a slain god's final, desperate attempt to leave a mark... and instead, the Nightmare noticed the sheer wellspring of Life at the center of the distortion, and knew what to do.
Resonating with that potent source of divinity, she knew what to do- the distortion was now hers, this 'Forest of Woes' would not become a blight to the Wakers, no no no...
Well, so long as their Sins weren't too high, for any enemy of Life shall suffer the cruelest fate imaginable- forced to nurture life, such a horrific thing for those that care naught for others...
(Name? Venus, I guess. Fear? Biophobia, the Fear of Life and/or Nature, I'm not sure. Her Children/Lessers? Vitans, also embodying Biophobia since they're pretty close to being her actual children I guess)
(Also, she'd actually have no real issue working with Samhain- for he is not a Sinner. The only actual problem is that she's the core for the Forest of Woes, keeping her Garden's Sinners alive. She can't really walk off without severe consequences.)
Something Stupid
- Location
- Somewhere nearby.
[X] Something Stupid
You think you're about to do something stupid.
Callisto thinks so too, you can tell by how she's looking at you. You can see her out of the corner of your eye, you still haven't looked away from the soul fragment. The others were still debating amongst themselves about Sigeric, none of them noticed something was off. It's almost like you can hear a voice…
"I never thought I'd find this, can't wait to tell Sepa," Ebenezer said. "You know I saw an opera about Saint Sigeric just a few months before I died?"
"Really?" Manann asked. "Any good?"
"Meh, I suppose it's fine." Xenos told the Captain. "But I agree with the critics, something's missing, like it's not finished."
They've been going on like this for several minutes, not even noticing how strange you're acting. Your fingers run along the edge of the fragment, when did you even walk over? You gripped it in your hands, your twig fingers running along the edge. That got their attention.
"Samhain?" Ebenezer was the first to speak up. "What are you doing?"
You didn't answer, the fragment feels so strange… Yet so familiar…
"Samhain, are you listening?" He moved close. "Why don't you put the fragment down? Here…"
His hand drew close, reaching out towards the fragment. Before you knew what you were doing you smacked his hand away and leapt back. Above a storm quickly formed, flashes of lightning breaking though the darkness of the Black Field's eternal night. You look down at the fragment in your hand…
And you make a decision.
You raised the fragment up…
"Samhain!" Callisto was the first to react. "Don't!"
And you drove it directly into your chest.
For a moment nothing happened, and then you could feel it. Something was building within you, something powerful and all consuming. You couldn't quite identify it, but Manann could.
"This feeling…" If he had eyes they would widen. "So much rage… GET DOWN!"
He jumped forward, knocking Callisto to the ground just in time to avoid a surge of power erupting from you. It was like an explosion of bright blue energy erupting from you and spreading over the Black Field. Your head flew backwards and your arms were knocked to your sides as you began to scream. The same blue energy bursting forth from your eyes and the holes in your stitching.
The pang of hunger as you worked the fields, feared and ignored by those around you.
Images began to fill your mind, overwhelming sights and smells and sensations. It was like you were being pulled apart and put back together over and over again. Soon the blue began to spread to the Black Field itself, cracks and carvings alike erupting with the same power.
Blood and meat clogged the gutters as you went from home to home. None would survive.
You were angry, so damn angry. The anger threatened to consume you as a torrent of power and wind erupted around you. The storm descended to surround you as clutched your head, screaming all the while.
The revelation of what you were fighting for. Betrayal and pain, a father's sins paid.
Soon the Nightmares of the Black Field began to be affected, eyes changing to the same blue as they felt your pain and anger. Many clutched their heads and fell to their knees, others began to wildly lash out at their surroundings, yet refraining from harming anyone. The images continued to assault your mind… No, not images… Memories…
You saw it.
Your memories.
You saw Hell.
At the grand Basilica in Salum, many of the priests and custodians were taken aback and began to panic as a strange blue light began to glow. It spread along the carvings of the Saints like water rushing through a brook. Old artifacts leftover from the heroes of various demonic incursions began to shake, as if resonating with something in the air that was calling out to them. The stars in the fresco painting on the ceiling began to shine down upon those present, it was a good thing there wasn't a service going on or there would have been a mass panic.
A single custodian ran out from the reliquary, skin pale and covered in a cold sweat, as if he had just seen a ghost. He tripped over his own feet in his rush and spilled over onto the floor, falling before one of the statues of the Saints. He looked up to find it was a statue of Saint Sigeric the Redeemed, and he only seemed to pale more.
"Brother, are you alright?" One of the monks rushed over to help. "What's happening?"
"C-call the High Priests, immediately!" He shouted once he was broken from his shock. "Saint Sigeric's heart... It's..."
He looked back up at the statue.
"It's beating!"
Then you began to speak, the voice was strange, not quite yours. Many of the Nightmares spoke with you, overcome with the same power.
The day of blood and fire approaches
The day of spears and scythes
Of boiling seas and screaming breeze
The day that Salum dies
The day of spears and scythes
Of boiling seas and screaming breeze
The day that Salum dies
Your form stuttered and abruptly changed.
With madness not his own
And shadowed whispered lies
The king shall call and bring to all
The day that Salum dies
And shadowed whispered lies
The king shall call and bring to all
The day that Salum dies
One moment you were the Scarecrow of the Black Field, the next you were Saint Sigeric.
The mountain crushed to dust
As all the damned outcry
You cannot run, the end has come
The day that Salum dies
As all the damned outcry
You cannot run, the end has come
The day that Salum dies
You couldn't remember which one you were.
Look on the horizon
For day of scarlet skies
When Mars does stand with Want in hand
Is the day that Salum dies
For day of scarlet skies
When Mars does stand with Want in hand
Is the day that Salum dies
Two figures met in Castle Balward, one was the High Inquisitor, the other remained in shadow. They discussed plans and progress reports, clearly pleased with how their business was going. Then they felt a thrum of power, one familiar to the shadowed figure.
"Do you feel that?" He whispered, looking out towards a nearby window. "I know of only one that felt like that…"
"Saint Sigeric," The High Inquisitor answered. "But how?"
"Someone must have found out the secret of Andras's Bane, someone compatible." The shadowed one told him. "A god from the feel of it, one that avoided your efforts."
"This is not my fault," The High Inquisitor defended himself. "Not that I'm saying it was yours sir, I only mean-"
"Enough," He was cut off. "This changes things, a pity… Make preparations for plan C. Now go."
With that the shadowed figure was left alone, looking out the window towards the sunrise.
"Let's see if you'll do better this time…" The figure smiled. "Old friend."
"Samhain!" A familiar voice called to you from beyond the storm. "Can you hear me?"
You felt something wrap around you and pull you close. Something soft and warm… Someone was hugging you…
Kneeling before the high priests, shame and regret.
"It's ok Samhain," The figure told you as she held you. "It's going to be alright."
A voice over the angry voices, words of comfort.
It took a moment to collect your thoughts, slowly remembering the one with you.
"Ca-" The Nightmares began to calm down. "Callisto?"
A radiant soul, kindness amongst hate.
"That's right, I'm right here." The hug tightened. "I'm right here for you."
A kiss on the forehead.
The storm calmed, the lights faded. Your arms instinctively mirrored her hug, and you could feel something wet falling from your eyes. Tears, you were crying… You understood now.
Forgiveness.
Samhain…
Sigeric…
You have become both.
You have absorbed the soul fragment, Samhain and Saint Sigeric are now one in the same. This will have far reaching effects
You have gained the title Andras's Bane.
One of your Subdomains has become a Domain, please pick that now.
[ ] Bravery
- It was bravery that allowed the fragment of Sigr- of your soul to reach you.
[ ] Nightmare
- Your connection to the Nightmares has deepened, and become an unbreakable bond.
[ ] Decay
- You have felt the touch of the grave, and it has seeped deep.
You have also gained a new Subdomain, Please pick that now.
[ ] Hate
- Your hatred of Hell and all who serve it runs deep.
[ ] Purification
- Demonic influence must be purged before it is too late.
[ ] Redemption
- You are proof that it is never quite too late to become something better.
I remember when you decided to turn that wizard into a scarecrow someone had the idea of people wondering what Samhain did to become one. I think that fits pretty well now.
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- Location
- A place
[X] Nightmare
[X] Redemption
Think the goblins will be upset?
[X] Redemption
Think the goblins will be upset?
[X] Nightmare
[X] Redemption
[X] Redemption
infinityDivided
Prince Of Doom
- Location
- USA
[X] Redemption
[X] Bravery
[X] Redemption
[X] Redemption
- Location
- Somewhere nearby.
I'll update the Nightmare list soon, I like this for the most part and I'm looking forward to seeing how this develops.
- Location
- Washington
[X] Bravery
[X] Redemption
I mean, most logical choices to me. What is more brave than seeking out redemption?
[X] Redemption
I mean, most logical choices to me. What is more brave than seeking out redemption?
- Location
- United States
[X] Bravery
[X] Redemption
[X] Redemption