Colchis - 831.M30
You take a deep breath and speak, your voice calm and measured. "Settra, I am oath-bound to never teach Enuncia to another. It is a vow I cannot break. However, I can offer you an alternative. My son, Lorgar, can instruct you in the ways of Enuncia. He possesses the same knowledge and power, and he is not bound by the same restrictions."
Settra's eyes narrow, his expression darkening with insult. "You would pass me off to another? You dare suggest that I, Settra the Imperishable, should be taught by your offspring?" His voice rises, filled with indignation and rage. "You insult me further with your cowardice and disrespect!"
The air grows tense as Settra prepares to strike, his skeletal warriors and mummified guards shifting into readiness. You hold your ground, meeting his furious gaze with unwavering resolve.
"Settra," you shout, your voice cutting through the tension like a blade, "do you truly wish to be taught by a man who so freely breaks any oaths he makes if it makes his life easier? Would you trust the word of one who abandons their vows at the first sign of difficulty? You insult me by implying that I am such a man!"
"I am not a liar or an oath-breaker! I stand by my word and my honor! You, who pride yourself on your unyielding will and eternal reign, should understand the value of an oath made willingly. I offered you a compromise, a way to gain what you seek without dishonoring my oath. Yet you spit on that offer with your arrogance!" Your say as your voice rises, fueled by righteous anger.
You take a step closer, your eyes locked with Settra's.
"You accuse me of cowardice, yet it is you who hides behind your pride and refuses to see reason. You, who would rather cling to your wounded pride than accept a path to greater power and victory! You, who would let your arrogance blind you to the potential of an alliance that could save countless lives and secure your own reign against an insidious foe!" You shout, barely controlling your anger.
Settra's fury remains, but there is a flicker of something else in his eyes, a grudging respect for your unyielding stance. You continue, your voice steady and unrelenting.
"I did not offer this lightly, Settra. The knowledge you sought was one that reshapes the world, a power greater than that of the Gods. But after this……
insult, I would rather fight you and die than teach you this power." You manage to spit out, the insult against you too much to bear.
Settra's fury smolders like a furnace, but as your words echo through the desolate plain, a change comes over him. The raw conviction in your voice, the unwavering stance you take, begins to pierce through his towering pride. He stands silent for a long moment, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. Slowly, the tension in the air shifts, the hostility giving way to a grudging respect.
"Very well," Settra finally says, his voice cold but measured. "You have spoken with the heart of a warrior and the integrity of a king. I acknowledge your worth and the strength of your conviction." He takes a step back, his gaze sweeping over you and Lorgar. "But the insult to my pride cannot go unanswered."
He pauses, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I propose a challenge. A test of strength and valor. Each of you shall face one of my champions in single combat, to the death."
You nod, accepting his terms. "And if we refuse?" you ask, wanting to ensure you understand the full extent of his offer.
Settra's smile widens, though it is devoid of warmth. "Then I will bring my army to bear, and we shall engage in a grand melee to settle this once and for all. The sands will run red with blood, and only one side will emerge victorious."
You exchange a glance with Lorgar, both understanding the gravity of the situation. "Tell us about your champions," you ask, your voice steady. "If we are to face them, we should know what we are up against."
Settra's eyes gleam with a mixture of pride and anticipation. "Very well. My champions are the epitome of Khemrian might, each a legend in their own right. The first," he gestures to a massive, shadowed form emerging from the ranks of his army, "is a Khemrian Warsphinx."
The ground trembles as the Warsphinx steps forward, its immense form towering over the assembled warriors. The creature's body is a fusion of stone and ancient magic, its leonine features exuding both majesty and menace. The Warsphinx's eyes glow with an eerie blue light, and its powerful muscles ripple beneath its stone-like hide. Its massive paws, each the size of a man's torso, leave deep impressions in the sand as it moves.
"This is Ankhaten, the Sentinel of Eternity," Settra continues, his voice tinged with reverence. "He has guarded my tomb for centuries, his strength unmatched, his ferocity unbridled. Many have tried to best him, but none have succeeded."
You and Lorgar study the Warsphinx, its presence a testament to the power and grandeur of ancient Khemri. The sheer size and strength of Ankhaten make it clear that this will be no ordinary battle. You can feel the weight of the challenge settling over you, but your resolve remains unshaken.
"And the second champion?" Lorgar asks, his voice steady but with an edge of curiosity.
Settra's smile broadens as he nods and gestures to another shadowed figure emerging from the ranks of his army. "The second champion," he announces, "is a Tomb Scorpion."
The ground beneath your feet begins to tremble as the Tomb Scorpion claws its way out of the sand. Its massive, chitinous form glistens in the harsh desert sunlight. The creature's body is a fusion of ancient bones and mechanical parts, animated by powerful necromantic magic. Its pincers snap menacingly, and its stinger, dripping with venom, curls and uncurls with lethal intent.
"This is Kharatep, the Stinger of the Sands," Settra declares. "Forged in the depths of the necropolises, Kharatep has lain in wait beneath the dunes for millennia, emerging only to defend the honor of Khemri. Many have tried but none have survived his deadly embrace."
You and Lorgar regard the Tomb Scorpion with a mixture of weariness and apprehension. The creature's sheer size and predatory nature are enough to make any warrior pause, but you both steel yourselves for the challenge ahead.
Settra then raises his arm, signaling another champion to step forward. "The third champion," he intones, "is a Necrosphinx."
A rumbling sound fills the air as the Necrosphinx strides forward. This colossal creature combines the form of a lion with the wings of a falcon and the head of a man. Its eyes burn with an unearthly light, and its movements are imbued with a deadly grace. The Necrosphinx's wings unfurl, casting a shadow over the battlefield as it roars, a sound that seems to shake the very heavens.
"Behold Usirian, the Judgment of the Skies," Settra continues. "Usirian is a guardian of the underworld, a beast of both brute strength and divine purpose. His claws can tear through the mightiest of armors, and his roar can summon the spirits of the dead to his aid. He is a force of nature, and his fury knows no bounds."
You feel the weight of Settra's words as you look upon the Necrosphinx. Its sheer power and presence are overwhelming, but your resolve remains firm. You have faced great challenges before, and you will face this one with the same determination.
Finally, Settra gestures to the last of his champions. "And the fourth and final champion," he says, his voice filled with reverence, "is a Hierotitan."
The Hierotitan steps forward, its towering form casting a long shadow over the desert. This immense construct is a blend of stone and magic, its body adorned with hieroglyphs that glow with an inner light. The Hierotitan's eyes burn like twin suns, and its staff crackles with arcane energy. It moves with a slow, deliberate grace, each step a testament to its ancient power.
"This is Sutekh, the Living Colossus," Settra proclaims. "Sutekh is a conduit of the gods, a vessel of their wrath and power. His magic can alter the very fabric of reality, and his strength can shatter mountains. He is the ultimate defender of Khemri, a symbol of our eternal glory."
You and Lorgar exchange another glance, the enormity of the challenge before you sinking in. These are no ordinary foes; they are legends brought to life, embodiments of ancient power and fury. Yet you stand undaunted, ready to face them in battle.
Settra watches you both, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of anticipation and respect. "You have asked, and I have answered. These are my champions, the finest warriors of Khemri. Face them in single combat, and prove your worth. If you survive, the insult to my pride will be considered paid, and we shall join forces to vanquish the Shard of Winters."
UNRELIABLE NARRATOR:
Settra is using some big words to describe the 4 champions. This is just what he believes and may not be true, especially the Gods part.
CHOICE
[] Fight Settra and the Army, the champions stay out of it. (Same battle plan will be used but feel free to modify it if you want)
[] Fight the Champions. Each of you face one Champion
-[] Choose who fights what.
WHY HE OFFERED THIS?
It made no sense that you would not try and convince him to take the lesson from Lorgar before fighting so I rolled for it, thinking it would not work without a stunt and surprisingly, it almost worked. Fan lost his temper at being accused as an oath breaker and walked up to Settra and told him that he would rather die than teach him Enuncia anymore. Settra is still insulted but acknowledges that you keeping to your oath and facing death to do so, is worthy of respect, so he offered this compromise.
CHAMPIONS
Settra and his army, with the Scorpion and Hierotitan included (Yes it is the giant skeleton statue with lazor eyes).
Khemrian Warsphinx and Necrosphinxes
