19th January 2011
In the heart of your Worldsoul's castle, you and Taylor worked together to create a serene and beautiful lotus pond. Taylor, using her control over the demon insects, handled the more delicate tasks, while you oversaw the larger elements of the project. Floating behind you are the buckets containing various fishes and plants you had purchased from the multiple pet stores and online merchants for this occasion.
The first step was to find the perfect location for the lotus pond. Guided by the principles of feng shui and the desire to harness the ley energies that flowed through the area, with Taylor at your side, you set out to explore the castle grounds. You were searching for a nexus of ley energies from where, you hoped, that the changes you wanted to introduce via the lotus pond would propagate throughout the Worldsoul.
After careful examination, you discovered a secluded garden hidden deep within the castle's walls. As the green sun hangs low in the sky, casting its eerie light over the garden, you notice something unexpected. The entire World was washed in the green light of the sun, yet in the garden, a soft, golden light filters through the canopy of leaves, bathing the garden in a warm and gentle glow. The golden sunlight felt out of place yet strangely natural, as if it belonged there despite the green sun overhead.
Unlike the harsh and unforgiving light of the green sun, the golden sunlight was gentle and kind. It caressed the plants and flowers, coaxing them to life with its nurturing touch. The leaves seemed to shimmer with a newfound vitality, and the flowers bloomed with a brilliance that seemed to defy the light of the green sun.
Despite its oddity, the golden sunlight brought a sense of peace and tranquility to the garden. It was as if the sun itself had softened, its harshness tempered by some unseen force. As you basked in the warm glow of the golden light, you couldn't help but feel there was something more to this. Perhaps, you thought, there was still beauty and goodness to be found in this strange and twisted world.
As you walked in the garden, you could feel the ley energies pulsating beneath the surface. It was the perfect location for your lotus pond. You say the same to Taylor.
"So dad, how are we doing this?" She asks.
"So bout the pond. The shape, size, and depth of the pond ain't just for looks. It's all about the Feng Shui, y'know? We gotta make sure it's just right to channel the right kind of energy." You say.
You crouch down, drawing a rough outline in the dirt with a stick. "See, the shape needs to be circular, like this. It symbolizes harmony and balance, and it helps to circulate the energy evenly. And the size? Well, it's gotta be big enough to accommodate plenty of lotus plants, but not so big that it overwhelms the area. And the depth? That's important too. It should be deep enough to support the plants and store enough energy, but not too deep that it disrupts the flow of water and energy."
You stand back up, dusting off your hands. "So, that's why we're building it this way. It's all about creating the right environment for the lotus pond to thrive and for the Essence to flow properly. Got it?"
She nodded and with her help, you began to prepare the garden for the lotus pond, ensuring that every aspect of its design was in harmony with the ley energies that flowed through the area.
With a wave of your hand, you command a number of Marottes, the demonic hopping puppeteers, to begin their work on the lotus pond. Made of infernal strings, they unravel into their elongated forms, their long, thin legs stretching out as they scuttle and hop around the designated area. Following your instructions, they dig into the ground with remarkable precision, their movements guided by both Sorcerous principles and Feng Shui considerations.
You observe their work closely, ensuring that the pond's construction aligns perfectly with the energies of the ley lines that intersect beneath your Worldsoul. The Marottes work tirelessly, their expertise in architecture and landscaping evident as they sculpt the pond's shape and contours with meticulous care.
As the pond begins to take shape, you guide the Marottes in selecting the perfect spot for the lotus plants to flourish. You direct them to create gentle slopes and strategic indentations, all designed to enhance the flow of Essence throughout the area. With each movement, the Marottes bring your vision to life, their actions guided by your Sorcerous knowledge and their innate understanding of the land.
As this was happening, Taylor demonstrated her mastery over the demon insects and it proved invaluable as she directed them with precision and finesse. While you oversaw the construction of the lotus pond, Taylor focused on the finer details, ensuring that every aspect of the project was executed flawlessly.
Using her control over the demon insects, Taylor first tasked them with hunting down any pests that could potentially harm the lotus plants. The insects scoured the area, their eerie hum echoing as they ferreted out pests and other nuisances, ensuring that the pond would remain pristine and free from any threats.
Additionally, Taylor utilized the demon insects to assist the Marottes with intricate tasks that required a delicate touch. Whether it was placing small stones along the pond's edge or arranging aquatic plants in a specific pattern, the demon insects proved to be invaluable helpers, their tiny forms deftly maneuvering through the landscape.
With Taylor's guidance, the demon insects and Marottes worked in perfect harmony, each contributing their unique skills to create a masterpiece of landscaping.
As you oversee the construction of the lotus pond, you decide to dig multiple channels to bring water in and out of the pond. Using your telekinesis, you guide the tinker tools you acquired from Squealer's Workshop to assist the Marottes in carving these channels.
The channels are carefully designed to mirror the ley lines below them, synchronizing with the natural Essence flows. Water will be brought in through channels positioned on top of ley lines, bringing Essence-rich water to the pond. At the same time, channels are built to take out water from the pond, leading it to other channels that also carry out the Essence.
This system was designed to not only keep the lotus pond filled and healthy but also to ensure that the Essence from the ley lines is efficiently distributed throughout the rest of the Worldsoul, enhancing its vitality and stability. With the channels in place, the lotus pond begins to take shape, harmoniously blending sorcery and Feng Shui principles to become the beating heart of an entire World.
As you carefully carve the intricate runes at the bottom of the empty lotus pond, you utilize both your telekinesis and the tinker tech tools to carve runes imbued with sorcerous power, designed to act as a control mechanism for the pond's unique properties.
Each rune was meticulously crafted to channel and manipulate the energies of the ley lines that run beneath the Worldsoul. The sorcerous glyphs were arranged in a pattern that reflects the concepts of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, aligning with the spiritual and mystical aspects of the lotus flower.
As you work, you sense the power of the runes resonating with the ley lines, creating a harmonious flow of Essence that will infuse the lotus pond with its intended properties. Once completed, the pond will serve as a focal point for the Worldsoul, blending the natural energies of the ley lines with the spiritual essence of purity and renewal.
As you carefully plan the placement of the lotus plants within the pond, you consider not only their aesthetic appeal but also their symbolic significance. You had decided to plant white lotus flowers, known for their purity and spiritual significance in many cultures.
The white lotus is often associated with purity, enlightenment, and the journey towards spiritual perfection. Its pristine white petals symbolize the purity of the enlightened mind, untouched by the mud of worldly existence. The lotus's ability to emerge from murky waters and bloom into a beautiful flower is seen as a metaphor for the journey of the soul, rising above the challenges of life to achieve enlightenment.
You carefully arrange the places where you were going to plant the white lotus plants in the pond, ensuring that they are evenly spaced and positioned to receive optimal sunlight. You envision their vibrant white flowers will contrast beautifully with the dark waters of the pond, creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere.
You meticulously checked every aspect of the lotus pond's environment, ensuring that it would foster a stable and clean ecosystem for the plants and insects within it. The temperature was just right, with the golden sunlight providing the perfect amount of warmth without being too harsh. Surrounding elements like rocks and logs were strategically placed to provide shelter and resting places for insects and small animals.
The lighting was carefully controlled, with the golden sunlight filtering through the leaves in just the right way to create dappled patterns on the water's surface. Water quality was of utmost importance, and you used your powers to carve runes of purity which would remove any impurities and ensure that it was crystal clear.
Fertilization was also crucial, and you added just the right amount of nutrients to the pond base to promote healthy plant growth. Other plants and insects were introduced to the ecosystem to form a balanced and harmonious environment. Bees buzzed lazily from flower to flower, pollinating the plants, while dragonflies darted about, their iridescent wings catching the sunlight.
As you surveyed your work, you couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Now, it was time to take the next step.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the tranquil pond, you stood at the water's edge, preparing to perform a powerful magic ritual. The air was filled with the soft hum of insects and the gentle rustle of leaves, creating a serene backdrop for the mystical task ahead.
Before you lay a circle of stones, each carefully placed to form a perfect ring. Within this circle, you had placed three reagents, each representing one of the elements: water, fire, and earth. These reagents would be used to create the elemental guardians that would inhabit and protect the pond.
The first reagent was an Ice Crystal, a shimmering gemstone that sparkled like a diamond in the fading light. You held it aloft, feeling it cold in your hand. With a deep breath, you placed the crystal at the center of the circle, where it glowed softly, imbued with the essence of pure water.
Next, you carefully placed a Sunburst symbol, a golden flame captured from the heart of a roaring bonfire. As you place it into the circle, it leaped and danced, casting flickering shadows across the stones. The flame grew brighter and hotter, until it transformed into a blazing figure, its fiery form crackling with energy.
Finally, you sprinkled a handful of Rich Earth onto the ground, the last reagent needed to complete the ritual. This earthy mixture, composed of fertile soil and sacred herbs, represented the element of earth and would ensure the health and vitality of the plants surrounding the pond.
With all three reagents in place, you began to chant the ancient incantations, calling upon the elements to heed your summons. The air around you seemed to hum with power, and you felt a deep connection to…….somewhere.
Slowly, the elementals began to take shape within the circle. The Water elemental rose from the crystal, its form fluid and graceful, shimmering with iridescent light. The Fire elemental stood tall and proud, its fiery aura casting a warm glow over the area. The Earth elemental emerged from the soil, its sturdy form rooted in the ground, ready to nurture and protect the plants.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, you stood at the edge of the empty pond, ready to perform the final step in its creation. The air was still, and a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air.
With a deep breath, you closed your eyes and focused your mind, calling upon the elemental forces of water to heed your call. You could feel the Essence building within you, a tingling sensation that flowed through your veins and out into the world around you.
With a wave of your hand, you opened the mystical channel that would flood the pond with water. A rush of water erupted from the ground, cascading into the basin with a gentle roar. The pond began to fill, the water swirling and churning as it settled into its new home.
As the water level rose, you could feel the Essence of the pond shifting, becoming more alive and vibrant. The once-empty basin was now a shimmering pool of water, reflecting the colors of the setting sun.
With a sense of satisfaction, you stepped back and admired your work. The pond was complete, a beautiful and tranquil oasis that would bring joy and peace to all who beheld it. The sound of running water filled the air, a soothing melody that seemed to calm the very soul.
As you stood at the edge of the pond, the Earth elemental by your side, you were ready to begin the final phase. In your hands, you hold a handful of lotus seeds, each one a promise of beauty and tranquility.
With a nod to the elemental, you watch as it dives into the pond and begin to dig into the soft earth, creating small pockets for the seeds to be planted. You float the seeds above them, slowly lowering the seeds into the earth and covering them gently, ensuring they are settled in their new home.
As you work, you feel a surge of Essence building within you, a deep connection to the earth and its cycles of growth and renewal. With your telekinetic abilities, you continue assisting the elementals, guiding the seeds into the earth with precision and care.
Beside you, Taylor is busy with her own task, directing her bugs to plant seeds of other plants around the pond. The air was alive with the sound of buzzing wings and the gentle rustling of leaves as the bugs worked diligently to fulfill their task.
Once the seeds are planted, you turn your attention to the water. With a wave of your hand, you lift balls of water from the buckets, each one containing a different species of fish. Japanese Carps, guppies, koi, gouramis, eel tail catfish, murrels, assorted barbs, and even bettas float in the air around you, their colors shimmering in the sunlight.
With a gentle flick of your wrist, you release the balls of water into the pond, watching as the fish swim out into their new home. The water comes alive with their presence, the fish darting and weaving through the plants and rocks, creating a vibrant underwater world.
As you step back to admire your work, you feel a deep sense of satisfaction. The pond is now complete, a harmonious blend of earth, water, and life. It is a place of beauty and peace, a sanctuary for both creatures and spirits alike. And as you watch the fish swim lazily through the water, you know that this pond will bring joy and wonder to all who visit it.
But while complete, there were no Lotus flowers blooming. To fix this, you had one solution. As the sun continued setting, you stood before the pond, ready to perform a ritual to speed up the growth of the lotus seeds. The air was still, and the scent of earth and water filled your nostrils, heightening your senses for the task ahead.
In your hands, you held three mundane items that would serve as reagents for the ritual: a vial of rich, fertile soil, a small crystal clear bowl filled with pure water, and a bundle of dried herbs known for their nurturing properties. These items represented the elements of earth, water, and life, essential for the rapid growth of the lotus seeds.
You began the ritual by sprinkling the soil around the edge of the pond, creating a circle of fertility. Next, you poured the water from the bowl into the pond, infusing it with the essence of purity and life. Finally, you burned the dried herbs, releasing their fragrant smoke into the air, a symbol of the nurturing Essence you wished to imbue into the seeds.
With the reagents in place, you closed your eyes and began to chant, calling upon the Essence of Wood to heed your call. The air around you seemed to shimmer with magic as you poured your Essence into the ritual, willing the lotus seeds to grow and bloom with unnatural speed.
As you chanted, you could feel the Essence of the pond shifting, becoming charged with magic. Suddenly, there was a burst of light, and you opened your eyes to see the white lotus flowers rapidly growing and blooming as one. Their petals unfurled in a mesmerizing dance, taking in the last golden rays of the setting sun.
It was a sight to behold, a beautiful and awe-inspiring display of nature's power. As the last rays of sunlight disappeared below the horizon, the pond was bathed in a warm, golden glow, the lotus flowers standing tall and proud, a testament to the magic that had brought them to life.
With a sense of wonder and reverence, you watched as the flowers continued to bloom, their beauty a testament to the power of magic and the beauty of nature. As you take all this in, you and Taylor find yourselves sitting on a nearby bench, marveling at the beauty before you. The lotus flowers are in full bloom, their delicate petals glowing in the fading light.
"Ain't this somethin', Taylor?" you say, your voice thick with emotion. "I never woulda believed we could make somethin' so beautiful."
Taylor nods, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's amazing'," she says.
You both sit in silence for a moment, taking in the sight of the pond and the surrounding scenery. The air is filled with the gentle sounds of nature, the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds.
"You know, I'm really glad we did this together," Taylor says, breaking the silence. "It's been nice to just spend some time with you. No fighting or anything, just us together."
You nod, a smile playing at the corners of your lips. "Yeah, it has," you reply. "And I couldn't have asked for a better partner in crime. Now let's start."
Both of you moved towards the grassy bank and sat there, ready to teach her the art of meditation. With a wave of your hands, you dismiss the demons. The water and fire elementals, taking this as a sign, fade into the pond.
As you and Taylor sat there, you breathed in deeply, noticing that the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves added to the peaceful atmosphere.
"Alright, Taylor," you began, "close your eyes and take a deep breath. Let yourself relax and focus on the sounds and sensations around you."
Taylor followed your instructions, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. You guided her through a series of relaxation exercises, helping her to let go of any tension or stress she may have been carrying.
"Now, I want you to imagine yourself floating above the lotus pond," you said softly. "Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the gentle breeze against your face."
As Taylor visualized herself floating above the pond, you encouraged her to sense the essence of the lotus flowers, to feel their Essence and beauty. You then directed her attention to the Green Sun, the mystical source of power and life in this world, asking her to sense its warmth and light.
With each breath, Taylor grew more relaxed and attuned to the energies around her. She began to feel a deep connection to the lotus pond and the Green Sun, sensing their presence and power in a way she had never experienced before.
After a time, you gently guided Taylor back to the present moment, helping her to slowly open her eyes.
GAIN:
Qiao of the Meng: Two Dots.
You have unlocked alternative Magical abilities such as Sorcery, Qiaos, Demon Arts, etc. ALL
CAPPED by your Qiao of the Meng. So that is to say, you can only purchase up to two dots unless you spend xp to raise Meng higher.
How you gain new Magic is by performing a Sorcerous ritual to rewrite reality to be able to do so. So say you want to learn Iron Mountain or a Vampire Discipline, you need to gather relevant reagents, perform a ritual and get the first dot in that Magic. Then you can purchase dots for xp as normal. The Qiaos are the exception as you can just train them.
CHOICE:
You have trained Taylor for two weeks, it is now time to see if you want her to join you as a Circle member or not.
Keep in mind that while we are using ExWoD, the actual lore is that you are using an undiminished Infernal Exaltation. So do not worry about the downsides of being transformed into a Fomarch, they do not apply as you are using raw, untainted Primordial essence to Transform Taylor and any one else in the future.
[] Taylor Gains 30xp and 20xp. You do not turn her into a Fomarch and she gains The Mask of Hell.
(She remains human, if extremely skilled for her age.)
[] Taylor Gains 30xp and transforms into a Formarch and gains the Mask of Hell and can purchase fomari powers with xp.
(She gains appropriate Fomori Powers and unlocks appropriate Psychic disciplines both of which can be purchased/raised with xp)
Now, Transforming a Person into a Fomarch would not normally unlock any other powers by themselves, but Taylor, being a Parahuman is a special case and she unlocks appropriate Psychic powers. Other parahumans are the same. They too unlock appropriate powers that reflect the parahuman powers they wield.
I have Edited MASK OF HELL as it would make sense for Exalted Akuma to have this version. Keep in mind that Taylor, by agreeing to not go out for 3 weeks, would have earned 30 Soul points for Sour Commerce. This is 10 Soul Points from the First week. She is finishing the second week and has one week left. So 20 more points.
As for why Mask of hell, this is a default option to all people you transform to hide the source of their powers from people and the Entity shards. As far as any one is concerned, the powers are Parahuman in nature.
The Mask of Hell
The character's powers no longer manifest tell-tale signs. No amount of mind-reading, aura-gazing, or truth-sensing can ascertain that the character has made dealings with the forces of Hell.
Sign: None.
Side Effect: None.
