Colchis - 831.M30
You, Thalassa, Dharok, Lorgar, and the thousand Space Marines moved cautiously through the ever-shifting labyrinth, a maze of twisting corridors and treacherous passages. The walls, adorned with ancient runes and pulsating with dark energy, seemed to shift and change with each step, creating an eerie, disorienting effect. The Shard of Winters, bound by the oath to not attack you or your people for one more day, watched your every move with a cold, calculating gaze.
Settra and his army had engaged the two Hekatonkhire, the sounds of their battle echoing faintly in the distance. You could only hope that they would hold their ground long enough for you to find a suitable location to dream up the terraforming machine. The weight of the responsibility pressed heavily on your shoulders, but you steeled yourself and pressed on.
"Stay close and keep your wits about you," you instructed the group. "This labyrinth is designed to confuse and mislead us. We must remain vigilant."
Thalassa nodded, her eyes scanning the shifting walls for any sign of a stable passage. Dharok and Lorgar walked beside her, their expressions a mix of determination and concern. The thousand Space Marines, echoes of the Imperial Heralds and Lorgar's gene-sons, moved with precision and discipline, their presence a reassuring reminder of your strength.
As you navigated the labyrinth, the Shard of Winters began to speak, its voice smooth and cultured, yet dripping with malice. "Ah, what a charming endeavor," it said, its tone mocking. "Do you truly believe you can outwit me in my own domain? This labyrinth is but a mere extension of my will, and you are nothing more than pawns in my grand design."
"We will find a way," you replied firmly, refusing to be intimidated. "Your tricks and illusions won't stop us."
The Shard chuckled softly. "Such bravado. But tell me, what drives you to persist in this futile quest? Is it hope? Desperation? Or perhaps a misguided sense of duty?"
"We are driven by the belief that we can create a better future," Thalassa interjected, her voice steady and resolute. "A future where life can flourish, free from your malevolent influence."
The Shard's laughter echoed through the labyrinth. "A noble sentiment, indeed. But you must understand, my dear, that such ideals are fleeting. The cycle of life and death is eternal, and I am merely its most recent manifestation."
You pressed on, ignoring the Shard's taunts. The labyrinth twisted and turned, each passage blending seamlessly into the next. The shifting walls seemed to mock your efforts, but you remained focused, trusting in your instincts and the guidance of your companions.
As you turned a corner, you came face to face with a dead end. The walls closed in around you, and for a moment, it seemed as though you were trapped. But Lorgar stepped forward, his presence commanding and powerful.
"Do not be swayed by illusions," he said, placing a hand on the wall. "We will find a way through."
With a surge of determination, Lorgar channeled his power into the wall, causing it to shimmer and dissolve. A new passage appeared before you, and you continued onward, undeterred by the labyrinth's attempts to confound you.
"Impressive," the Shard remarked, its tone laced with sarcasm. "But such feats will not save you. You may have found a way through this maze, but the true challenge lies ahead."
"We will face whatever comes our way," Dharok declared, his eyes blazing with conviction. "We will not falter."
The Shard's voice grew colder, more menacing. "Very well. Continue your journey, then. But know this: the path you tread is fraught with peril, and the price of failure is steep. You will find no mercy here."
Ignoring the Shard's threats, you led the group deeper into the labyrinth. The passages grew narrower, the air heavier with a sense of impending danger. Yet, despite the challenges, you pressed on, guided by a shared purpose and unwavering resolve.
As you moved forward, the labyrinth seemed to become more alive, reacting to your presence. The walls shifted with greater intensity, creating obstacles that required both skill and determination to overcome. Each step was a test of your resolve, but your faith in each other and the mission kept you going.
"Ah, the stubbornness of Heroes," the Shard of Winters' voice echoed around you, dripping with mockery. "You tread on my ground, seeking to disrupt my order. Do you truly believe you can succeed?"
Thalassa glanced at you, her eyes reflecting both determination and annoyance at the Shard's constant taunts. "Ignore it," she said softly. "Focus on our goal."
You nodded and pushed onward. Suddenly, the floor beneath you began to tremble, and massive stone spikes shot up from the ground, threatening to impale anyone who wasn't quick enough. The Space Marines reacted with practiced efficiency, using their strength and agility to navigate through the deadly obstacle. You, Thalassa, Dharok, and Lorgar followed suit, dodging and weaving through the spikes.
"Impressive," the Shard mocked. "But this is merely the beginning. Your resilience will be tested far more severely before you reach your destination."
Further along, the labyrinth's walls started to close in, narrowing the passage to a claustrophobic crawlspace. The temperature dropped sharply, and frost began to coat the surfaces, making them slippery and dangerous. The Space Marines formed a protective barrier around you, using their armor and strength to prevent the walls from closing in completely.
Dharok's breath misted in the cold air. "We must keep moving," he urged, his voice steady. "We cannot afford to be trapped here."
You and your companions pressed against the icy walls, inching forward despite the discomfort and danger. The Shard's laughter echoed around you, a cold, mocking sound that grated on your nerves.
"How quaint," it sneered. "To think that mere determination can overcome the power of the eternal winter. You are but ants in a storm, insignificant and doomed."
Lorgar's eyes flashed with anger. "We are not insignificant," he retorted. "We carry the light of hope and faith. That is something you will never understand."
The Shard's voice grew darker, more sinister. "Hope and faith are illusions, fleeting and fragile. In the face of true power, they crumble into nothingness. You will see, soon enough."
Ignoring the Shard's words, you continued to push forward. The narrow passage finally opened into a wider chamber, but the relief was short-lived. A sudden gust of icy wind swept through the room, carrying with it shards of ice that sliced through the air like daggers. The Space Marines raised their shields, protecting the group from the onslaught.
"We're almost there," Thalassa encouraged, her voice firm. "Just a little further."
As you navigated the chamber, the ground beneath you began to shift, creating deep fissures that threatened to swallow anyone who misstepped. With careful precision, you and your companions leaped over the gaps, maintaining your balance despite the treacherous terrain.
The Shard's voice persisted, relentless in its taunting. "You are fools to defy me. The labyrinth is my domain, and you are mere intruders. You will not leave here alive."
Thalassa shot you a determined look. "Don't listen to it. We have come too far to turn back now."
You nodded, feeling the weight of the Shard's malice pressing down on you but refusing to let it deter you. As you continued, you encountered a series of intricate puzzles, each one designed to test your intellect and patience. With teamwork and determination, you solved each puzzle, despite the Shard's constant attempts to distract and demoralize you.
"Your persistence is admirable," the Shard conceded, its tone almost grudging. "But it will avail you nothing. The power you seek is beyond your grasp."
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of navigating the shifting labyrinth and overcoming its numerous challenges, you reached a vast, open chamber. The air was thick with energy, and the ground glowed faintly with an ethereal light. This, you realized, was the perfect place to dream up the terraforming machine.
"We've found it," you said, relief washing over you. "This is the spot."
Thalassa stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "Then let's begin. We don't have much time."
As you prepared to dream up the terraforming device, the Shard's voice echoed once more, a final, sinister warning. "You may have found a brief respite, but know that your efforts are in vain. The cycle will continue, and I will rise again."
"We'll see about that," you replied, your voice unwavering. "For now, we have work to do."
The group gathered around you and Thalassa. The tension in the air was palpable, and the unease among your companions was evident.
"This seems too easy," Thalassa murmured, her eyes darting around the chamber. "The Shard has been relentless in his attempts to stop us. Why would he let us reach this place without more resistance?"
"I have to agree. The Shard has something planned. This is all too convenient." Dharok nodded in agreement, his expression grim.
"We need to be cautious. The Shard's power is vast, and his cunning is even greater. He wouldn't let us get this far without a reason." Lorgar said with concern.
As if in response to your conversation, the Shard's voice filled the chamber, a cold, mocking laughter reverberating through the walls.
"Indeed, you are perceptive, Heroes. You are all puppets, dancing to my strings. Every step you have taken, every challenge you have overcome, has been orchestrated by me."
"You think you have come this far on your own merit? You are but pawns in a grander scheme, one that you cannot hope to comprehend. Your efforts are futile, your victories hollow." The laughter continued, chilling and sinister.
"We won't be swayed by your words, Shard. We know what we must do, and we will see it through." Thalassa said with clenched fists, her eyes blazing with determination.
The Shard's voice turned dark, dripping with malice. "Oh, but you will see. You will witness the true extent of your folly once this is over."
"We know the risks, and we know the stakes. The terraforming machine is our only hope. We must see this through, regardless of the Shard's plans." You stepped forward, addressing your companions with a calm yet firm voice.
Lorgar placed a reassuring hand on Thalassa's shoulder. "You have the strength within you to do this. We believe in you. We will stand guard and protect you while you dream up the machine."
"We are in this together. Whatever the Shard has planned, we will face it as one." Dharok's expression softened, his eyes reflecting both resolve and empathy.
Thalassa took a deep breath, drawing strength from your words and the unwavering support of her companions. "Thank you. I will not let you down."
As you and Thalassa began the ritual, the chamber seemed to pulse with a palpable energy. The Shard's voice continued to taunt, but you remained focused, drawing on your faith and determination.
"You are all fools," the Shard sneered. "You walk willingly into your doom. But perhaps that is the fate of all heroes, to strive and struggle, only to fall before true power."
Ignoring the Shard's words, your companions formed a protective circle around you and Thalassa. The thousand Space Marines, echoes of the Imperial Heralds and Lorgar's gene-sons, stood ready, their presence a testament to the strength and unity of your group.
As the ritual progressed, the ground beneath you began to tremble, and a faint, ethereal glow enveloped you and Thalassa. Both of you channeled your focus and energy into the task, your determination unwavering despite the Shard's attempts to distract and demoralize all of you.
"We will not be swayed," you declared, your voice strong and resolute. "We are not puppets. We are warriors, dreamers, and believers. And we will see this through to the end."
The Shard's sinister laughter echoed through the labyrinth, his voice dripping with malice and mockery. "Warriors? Dreamers? Believers? Such quaint notions in the face of true power. You speak of seeing this through, but the reality is far grimmer than you realize."
The air around you grew colder, the oppressive presence of the Shard pressing down on your spirits. "You think you have found a brief respite, a moment of peace to craft your precious machine," the Shard continued, his tone mocking. "But the duration of my oath is nearly over. In a little time, I will be free, free to unleash my forces upon you and your tribe. You will be crushed, and all your efforts will be in vain."
Thalassa's hands faltered momentarily, the weight of the Shard's words seeping into her thoughts. You reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, grounding her. "Ignore him, Thalassa. Focus on the task at hand. We are with you."
Dharok's expression hardened, his grip tightening on his weapon. "You underestimate our resolve, Shard. We will not falter, no matter your threats."
The Shard's laughter grew louder, more sinister. "Threats? Oh, these are not mere threats, but promises of what is to come. The moment my oath expires, I will unleash a tide of destruction upon you. My minions will swarm your lands, your people will suffer, and your dreams will crumble to dust."
Lorgar stood tall, his eyes blazing with an inner light. "Your time is running out, Shard. You may have power, but you lack what we possess: faith, hope, and the unbreakable bond of unity. We will stand against you, and we will prevail."
The Shard's voice turned cold, devoid of any pretense of amusement. "You are all fools, blinded by your own hubris. The cycle will continue, and I will rise again, stronger than before. You cannot stop what is inevitable."
Thalassa closed her eyes, her breathing steadying as she drew strength from your words and the unwavering support of her companions. "I will not be swayed," she whispered to herself, her determination solidifying. "We will not be swayed."
You glanced around at your companions, their faces set with grim determination. "We know what we must do," you said, your voice unwavering. "We will see this through, no matter the cost. Thalassa, focus on the machine."
As Thalassa resumed her ritual, the chamber seemed to hum with a harmonious energy, a stark contrast to the cold, malevolent presence of the Shard. The thousand Space Marines, echoes of the Imperial Heralds and Lorgar's gene-sons, stood ready.
The Shard's taunts continued, a constant, sinister reminder of the impending threat. "You think your faith can save you? Your belief in humanity is laughable. When my forces descend upon you, you will see the futility of your efforts. You will be crushed, and all your hopes will turn to ashes."
But you remained resolute, your voice cutting through the darkness. "We are not afraid of you, Shard. We will face whatever comes, together. And we will prevail."
The Shard's laughter reverberated through the chamber, a chilling promise of the what he was about to reveal next. "We shall see, Heroes. We shall see."
As his presence began to wane, a ripple of dark energy surged through the room, and the air around you grew colder. The Shard's parting gift materialized in front of you: a series of images, haunting and vivid, displayed in the air like ghostly projections.
The first image showed a peaceful village, its inhabitants going about their daily lives. Then, without warning, monstrous creatures, twisted and grotesque, descended upon them. The villagers screamed in terror as the beasts tore through their defenses, leaving a trail of blood and devastation in their wake. You could see the horror etched on the faces of those who had no chance of escape.
The second image depicted a bustling marketplace in another part of the world. Merchants and customers alike were caught off guard as dark, spectral figures emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. The air filled with the sounds of chaos and destruction as the Shard's minions wreaked havoc, slaughtering everyone in their path.
The third image revealed a group of children playing in a meadow, their laughter echoing through the air. The joy on their faces turned to fear as the sky darkened, and winged creatures swooped down. The meadow, once a place of innocence and happiness, became a scene of carnage and despair.
The final image displayed a grand city, its towering spires and bustling streets a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. But even here, the Shard's forces found their way in. Dark, armored soldiers marched through the streets, cutting down anyone who stood in their way. Fires raged, buildings crumbled, and the city was left in ruins.
As the images faded, the Shard's voice echoed through the chamber, cold and mocking. "Did you think I would simply sit back and wait? Did you believe that your insignificant oath would bind me completely? I promised not to attack you and yours, but I said nothing about everyone else. While you were busy with your little plans, my forces were already at work, spreading death and destruction across this world."
You felt a surge of anger and despair, knowing that so many innocent lives had been lost while you had focused on your own mission. The weight of the Shard's words pressed down on you, a reminder of the relentless evil you faced.
"Tick-tock, heroes. Your time is running out. Prepare to face the full wrath of the Shard of Winters." The voice of the Shard echoed even as the images and the Shard's presence finally dissipated, leaving the chamber in an eerie silence. The reality of the situation settled heavily upon you and your companions. The Shard's forces were already ravaging the world, and countless lives were at stake.
As the Shard's laughter faded into the background, your ritual reached its climax. The chamber seemed to hum with a harmonious energy, a stark contrast to the cold, malevolent presence of the Shard. You knew that the true test was yet to come, but you were ready to face it, united in purpose and driven by the unwavering belief in the light.
CHOICE:
Fan and Thalassa have to be guarded while he Wyld shapes the device Thalassa designs.
[] Write in Plans and contingencies.
Normal Wyld shaping enemy spawn applies and since they are not the Shard's soldiers, they can attack you.
LOST:
Protection: Once you are done Wyld Shaping, your time will be up and the Shard can attack you and your tribe.
You know that for some reason the Shard wants you to fix the planet. You do not know how or why he stands to benifit from it, only that he does. But you cannot stop as without it, you will loose the planet. So this is a trap you will have to spring, if you want any chance of being able to rez the Worldsoul.