Colchis - 830.M30
Beneath the scorching sun, its fiery orb at its zenith, you and your companions converged at the mouth of the cavern, an entrance to the treacherous tunnels of the Ambulls. The oppressive heat only fueled your determination, propelling you to prepare the wardstone, a formidable barrier against the unknown terrors lurking below.
It had been a few days but with unwavering resolve, you began carving intricate runes into the stone, each stroke of your chisel a defiant challenge to the Ambulls lurking in the depths. As you worked, your companions fortified the area, standing as stalwart defenders against the encroaching darkness.
Sven and Raheem anchored sturdy poles into the ground, supporting the wardstone's weight. Siobhan and Haraq cleared debris and readied the ground, their movements purposeful and swift. Together, you constructed a barrier that would withstand the mightiest of assaults.
As the wardstone took shape, its runes blazed with an inner light, a testament to the ancient magic it contained. With a final, reverent touch, you positioned the stone in place, completing the protective circle around the cavern entrance. The air crackled with energy, a tangible forcefield sealing off the Ambull's domain from the world above.
Stepping back to admire your handiwork, a profound sense of awe washed over you. The wardstone stood as a beacon of defiance, a bastion of light amidst the shadows. The true test lay ahead, but with the wardstone in place, you were prepared to face the horrors lurking in the depths.
As you exchanged nods with your comrades, a silent understanding passed between you, a shared determination to see this task through. In that moment, a vivid memory surged to the forefront of your mind, transporting you back to a crucial moment in your past.
"I offer you a boon," you had declared, your voice resonating with authority. "A gift of strength in return for aid in taming the Ambulls."
Haraq stepped forward first, his eyes ablaze with determination. "Grant me greater prowess in combat," he demanded.
Siobhan spoke next, her voice clear and unwavering. "Endow me with swiftness and agility unmatched."
Sven's request followed, his gaze steady and resolute. "Grant me strength equal to my resolve."
Lastly, Raheem implored, his voice filled with purpose. "Bestow upon me insight into mystic forces, that I may better aid the Tribe as a Shaman."
With solemn resolve, you accepted their wishes, fully aware of the sacrifices such boons demanded. With a wave of your hand and a whispered incantation, you granted each of them their desires, forging a bond stronger than blood, in preparation for the daunting task that lay ahead.
Companisons: They Roll 9 Dice in Combat, except Raheem, who instead trained in Sorcery and Willpower. He has maxed the path and with 10 Willpower and the Spirit's help, so long as he is on Colchis, he does not need to roll for "Perils of the Warp"
The memory faded, replaced by the present scene, the echoes of that pivotal moment lingered, a reminder of the bond that united you and your friends. Together, you stood ready to face the challenges ahead, armed not just with physical prowess, but with sorcerous might.
In the center of the Wardstones, you stood, a beacon of determination amidst the encroaching darkness. Raheem stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of ancient incantations as he began to chant. The air grew heavy with magic, the very essence of the cavern seeming to respond to his words.
As Raheem's chants reverberated through the chamber, a deep rumbling echoed from the depths, signaling the approach of the Ambull. The ground quaked beneath your feet as the massive creature burst forth from the shadows, its eyes blazing with fury and hunger.
But as the dust settled from the first Ambull's arrival, a deep, guttural growl reverberated through the chamber, sending shivers down your spine.
A second Ambull emerged from the darkness, its massive form casting a menacing shadow across the stone walls. This one seemed larger and more aggressive than the first, its eyes blazing with a primal hunger. It sniffed the air, sensing the presence of its kin and looked upon the impending scene of battle.
With a roar that shook the cavern, the first Ambull charged, its massive form crashing against the Wardstones' barrier, its claws scraping futilely against the magical shield. The second Ambull followed suit, its determination unwavering.
The Wardstones flickered as the second Ambull charged, its intent clear, escalating the situation beyond the group's initial plan. In a desperate bid to protect your companions, you unleashed your full Anima, a radiant display of power that marked you as the focal point of the Ambulls' attention.
Your Anima flared to its full iconic brilliance, a dazzling display of light and energy that enveloped you, drawing the Ambulls' focus entirely upon yourself. The creatures, driven by instinct and fury, locked their sights on you, their primal gazes filled with rage and hunger.
Haraq, Siobhan, Sven, and Raheem watched in awe and concern as you began drawing the Ambulls away from them. Their bows remained at the ready, prepared to support you in any way they could, but for now, the battle was yours alone.
As the creatures lunged, you stood your ground, your resolve unshakable. Your companions watched in disbelief as you faced the Ambulls head-on, a lone figure bathed in the radiant light of your Anima, a symbol of hope and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds.
But as the second Ambull's massive claw grazed you, it sent you flying through the air. The force of the blow was immense, knocking the wind out of you as you crashed into the rocky ground. Pain surged through your body, but your determination remained unbroken. You staggered to your feet, ready to face the Ambulls once more, your resolve stronger than ever.
You rise from the ground, brandishing your sword with determination. With a swift, powerful strike, you aim for the Ambull's exposed flank, but to your astonishment, the blade rebounds off its thick, armored carapace, leaving the creature unscathed. Simultaneously, your companions unleash a volley of arrows, but they too bounce harmlessly off the Ambull's impenetrable armor.
The situation grows increasingly dire as your attacks prove ineffective against the formidable beasts. You dance with death, your movements a blur of agility and precision as you dodge and weave between the two Ambulls' relentless assaults. Their massive forms lumber and lurch, jaws snapping and claws swiping, but you evade each assault with grace, grateful for the protective wards that held them down, preventing them from unleashing their entire might. Your heart pounds in your chest, adrenaline coursing through your veins as you search for an opening, a weakness in their defenses.
The air is thick with the twang of bowstrings as your companions unleash another volley of arrows, aiming for the thick carapaces of the Ambulls. However, the arrows fall short, bouncing harmlessly off their armored hides. The Ambulls roar in frustration, their attention fully focused on you, the source of their current predicament.
As the sun shone in the sky, casting a harsh light over the rocky terrain, the battle between you, your companions, and the Ambulls reached a fever pitch. Despite your best efforts, the thick carapaces of the Ambulls proved impenetrable to your attacks. Your companions' arrows, normally deadly accurate, bounced off the creatures' armored hides as if striking stone.
You moved with a dancer's grace, dodging and weaving between the Ambulls' powerful strikes, your every move calculated to avoid their deadly blows. The wards you had set up held firm, keeping the creatures contained within their magical confines and stifling their might. But the strain was evident on your companions' faces as they struggled to keep up with the relentless assault.
The Ambulls, enraged and frustrated by their inability to harm you, focused all their attention on you, ignoring your companions' attacks. Their massive jaws snapped shut inches from your body, their claws swiping dangerously close. But you remained unscathed, your reflexes honed by years of training and your resolve unshaken.
Despite the dire situation, you remained calm, knowing that one wrong move could mean certain death. The Ambulls were powerful creatures, their sheer size and strength a testament to their formidable nature. But you were determined to prevail, to protect your companions and fulfill your mission.
But as the battle raged on, it became clear that the tide was turning and not in your favor. You and your companions, exhausted from the relentless assault, began to show signs of fatigue. Your movements became sluggish, your companion's attacks less coordinated. Knowing that you had to change things, you took a risk, you pressed the attack, striking at their weakest points with precision and skill.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, one of the Ambulls faltered, a deep gash appearing on its side where your blade had struck true. With a deafening roar, it staggered back.
The second Ambull, enraged by its companion's injury, turned its fury on you with a deafening roar. In a swift and powerful motion, it lashed out, its massive clawed hand connecting with your side and sending you hurtling through the air. The force of the blow was staggering, and you crashed into the hard stone wall of the cavern with a bone-jarring impact.
Stars danced before your eyes as you struggled to regain your senses. Pain flared through your body, a sharp reminder of your mortality. The Ambull advanced, its eyes glinting with malice as it prepared to deliver the finishing blow. But you refused to give in, drawing on your last reserves of strength and willpower.
With a defiant roar of your own, you push yourself up, ignoring the protests of your battered body. Blood drips from a gash on your forehead, but your focus remains unwavering. As the Ambull looms over you, ready to strike, you gather your strength to launch yourself forward, but fate has other plans.
A burning star streaks down from the heavens, hurtling towards the Ambull with unstoppable force. The ground shakes as the star crashes into the creature, engulfing it in a searing inferno. Miraculously, you are immune to the burning heat and cutting wind, your constitution strangely resilient.
For a moment, the cavern is bathed in intense light, casting stark shadows against the walls. When the light fades, you are left stunned by what lies before you. The star was not a celestial body, but a metal contraption, smoking and charred from the impact.
Cautiously, you approach the strange object, unsure of what to expect. As the smoke clears, you see that the metal star has split open, revealing a small, fragile form within. To your shock, it is a baby, miraculously unharmed despite the fiery descent.
As you look down at the Ambull, lying beneath the metal contraption, you marvel at its resilience. Despite the tremendous impact, the grave injuries, it was still alive, its massive form heaving with labored breaths.
It is clear that this creature is no ordinary beast. Its thick carapace, formidable strength, and sheer resilience are unlike anything you have ever encountered.
As you watch, the Ambull stirs, its eyes locking onto yours with a fierce intensity. Despite its injuries, there is a primal intelligence in those eyes, a spark of life that refuses to be extinguished.
So caught up are you in the moment that you fail to react as the first Ambull charges towards the metal contraption containing the baby. You brace yourself for the worst, unable to move in time to prevent the impending danger. However, to your astonishment, the baby launches itself from its protective cocoon with surprising agility and speed.
With a grace that defies its size, the baby lands squarely on the charging Ambull, delivering a powerful blow that sends the beast crashing to the ground. You can only watch in disbelief as the baby, seemingly unharmed and undeterred, stands over the fallen Ambull.
The sight is surreal, almost impossible to comprehend. How can such a small, seemingly helpless child possess such strength and skill?
As you stand there, gaping in awe at the sight before you, you realize that the baby has not only saved itself but has also saved you and your companions from certain doom.
Approaching the baby, a sense of awe and reverence washes over you, as if a profound understanding has dawned upon you. There is something undeniably extraordinary about this child, something that transcends the mere act of defeating an Ambull.
You notice a faint, ethereal glow surrounding the baby, a soft light that seems to radiate from within. It is as if the child is imbued with a power beyond comprehension, a power that defies the natural order of things.
Kneeling beside the baby, you reached out a hand, hesitantly at first, but then with a growing sense of certainty. As your hand touched the child's skin, you felt a surge of energy, a connection that transcended the physical realm.
At that moment, you understood. The baby was no ordinary child; it was a being of immense power, a being destined for greatness. It was a realization that filled you with both awe and trepidation, for you knew that this child would shape the world in ways you could scarcely imagine.
The baby, seemingly unaware of the magnitude of its own existence, gazed up at you with innocent eyes.
As you cradled the baby in your arms, a rush of emotions swept over you. The void in your heart, left by the loss of your wife and son, seemed to be slowly filling. Tears welled up in your eyes, a mix of sorrow for what you had lost and joy for the new life you were about to embrace.
The baby stirred in your arms, its tiny fingers wrapping around yours. In that moment, you felt a sense of purpose and hope that you hadn't felt in a long time. Despite the circumstances, you knew that this child was meant to be a part of your life, a beacon of light in the darkness that had surrounded you.
As you looked down at the baby's peaceful face, you made a decision. You would raise this child as your own, showering him with love and care, and giving him the life that your own son never had the chance to experience.
With a trembling voice, you whispered, "Your name shall be Lorgar, for you have brought rain to my drought-stricken heart." The baby gurgled in response, as if understanding the weight of the moment before falling asleep.
As you turn to your companions, their initial shock gives way to concern and apprehension. They gather around you, their faces etched with worry.
"Hold on a moment," Haraq says, his voice filled with uncertainty. "Are you sure about this? That baby... there's something strange about it."
Siobhan nods in agreement. "Yes, it's... unsettling. We can't be sure what it is. It could be a daemon or some kind of witch."
You look at your friends, understanding their concern but feeling a deep sense of conviction in your decision. "I believe this child is meant to be with us. There's something extraordinary about him, I can feel it."
Sven steps forward, his expression grave. "But what if you're wrong? What if this child brings us nothing but trouble? We can't afford to take that risk."
You take a deep breath, trying to convey the depth of your feelings. "I've lost everything, Sven. My wife, my son... This child, he's given me hope again. I can't turn my back on him."
Raheem, always the voice of reason, speaks up. "Perhaps we should observe the child for a while. See if there are any signs of... anything unnatural. If he truly is a danger, we can reconsider our decision."
Reluctantly, your companions agree, though their unease is palpable. But as they go about securing the Ambulls, they change their minds on the fate of the sleeping child.
"I don't understand it," Haraq says, his voice filled with wonder. "There's something... pure about him. I've never felt anything like it."
Siobhan nods, her eyes softening. "You were right, my friend. There is something extraordinary about this child. Perhaps we were too quick to judge."
You smile, grateful for their understanding. "Thank you, all of you."
Working swiftly, you and your companions approach the injured Ambull. With practiced precision, you begin the ritual, to bind the creature to you. But amidst the arcane incantations and gestures, a thought lingers in your mind, a realization that victory against the Ambulls was only possible due to the unexpected intervention of the child, Lorgar.
The Wards had indeed shielded you from harm, but they had also highlighted your lack of preparedness for the Ambulls' might. Even with all your strength and skill, a single Ambull had brought you to your knees, a humbling reminder of the beasts' formidable power.
As you contemplate the next step in the ritual, a question gnaws at your mind. Lorgar, though not your blood, had played a crucial role in the battle. He had as much a right over the Ambulls as you did, if not more. Should you include his blood in the binding ritual, granting him control over the creatures, or leave it as it is, preserving the current arrangement?
The decision weighs heavily on your shoulders, a choice with far-reaching consequences. On one hand, including Lorgar would solidify his bond with you and potentially grant him the ability to command the Ambulls. On the other hand, it could also expose him to unforeseen dangers and risks.
As you mull over the options, your companions look to you for guidance, their expressions a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The fate of Lorgar, and perhaps even the balance of power in this newfound relationship, rests in your hands.
CHOICE:
[] Use Lorgar's Blood.
[] Do not use Lorgar's Blood.
EDIT: zTo be clear, this is bind Ambulls to Lorgar or do not.
You are NOT binding Lorgar to you.
