The downsides of concealing it outweigh any benefits, and any negatives from her use of it are her mistakes, not ours.
[X] [STONE] Reveal the stone to Isendral, and tell her everything you know about it.
[X] [GIVE] Give her the stone if she demands it
[X] Plan North and Purpose
[X] [STONE] Reveal the stone to Isendral, and tell her everything you know about it.
[X] [GIVE] Give her the stone if she demands it
[X] Plan North and Purpose
[X] [STONE] Reveal the stone to Isendral, and tell her everything you know about it.
[X] [GIVE] Give her the stone if she demands it
[X]Plan: cushion the blow so she doesn't strangle us again.
Goodness me, this is very impressive! And it fits pretty seamlessly into my plans for this and other projects, so I've no problem declaring this canon.
I am pretty sure we'll have opportunities to learn all those things later at a point in time where doing so won't require us to withhold the stone that appears to contain all that remains of a husband that our only ally cares for deeply from that ally.
[X] [GIVE] Give her the stone if she demands it
[X] [STONE] Reveal the stone to Isendral, and tell her everything you know about it.
[X] Plan North and Purpose
Sure, we could probably get cool stuff from studying the stone, but it's not like we don't already have a massive to do list of things to get done.
Hmm. Seems pretty unanimous, which I suppose I kind of expected - I was and remain prepared for the vote to go elsewhere, but this one was somewhat of a gimme, let's be honest. I'm busy the rest of today so I may not close it today, but perhaps tomorrow or by tonight.
[X] Plan North and Purpose
[X] [STONE] Reveal the stone to Isendral, and tell her everything you know about it.
[X] [GIVE] Give her the stone if she demands it
The Gods of Chaos may be simple creatures; but their simplicity, in its own right, can be like a prism, allowing them to manifest in odd forms. Each is but the mortal mind screaming its curative nihilism, and having it shaped, warped, consumed by the absolute primal vortex of emotion that is their nature. Khorne's blood, Nurgle's disease, Slaanesh's perfume, Tzeentch's birds, they are a mighty portion, perhaps even the greater portion, of the gods but they are not the only portion, far from it. And as above, so below.
That is to say, there are some very strange daemons hiding within the warp.
Take, for instance, Bleakfrost. A Thing of Nurgle, equal to a Great Unclean One; but rather than a creature of ravaged disease and rotting flesh and all manner of decay, he was a frost-ridden thing of purest of chill, a trampling, trodding, vile monster that took life through the cold, as sorrow freezes all joy. He wandered the Great Steppe on Malus, when indeed he is extant on Malus, feasting and feeding on all that dare come near him. But more than once he has wandered west and more than once he has wandered East: a great army under his aegis attacked the Mountains of Mourn, and too marched against far Cathay.
But for every unique abomination that Chaos might make, a wonder too forms.
Ignispes is a Fifth Generation Slaan, and lover of bright Aqshy in all its forms. Its marks on his flesh are bright and clear and loud and obvious, as perhaps befits a master of Aqshy (though to be sure, as a Slaan if need be he can wield any of the Winds, though in battle his first instinct is certainly the Lore of Fire). His eyes are bright rubies on a rim of shining gold, his scales the doppled shade of fire's bright reds and glorious emeralds. This reaches its apogee in a birth mark that lies over his heart, from which streams writing in the tongue of the Old Ones, in the many hues of fire.
Do not let that fool you however, he is as much a wielder of the more subtle arts of Aqshy as he is raining fire from the skies. For he was created, born and bred, to carve out and cauterize the wounds to the Warp that are the daemons of Nurgle, especially--though not solely--the ice-born. Fire cleanses the unclean just as well as the ice, after all.
But every word he speaks excites the heart; and every syllable he utters births courage; and bright hope burns in the heart of all those who fight by his side, for strong Aqshy is his by right.
It was in the time of Bleakfrost's march on the ogres that he first met Ignispes. For he marched to smite the servants of despair, and the servants of hopelessness, and to stand with the Last Children of the Old Ones.
The battle was fierce, and long, but in the end Slaan and Ogre cast them into the abyss from whence he came. And a wound Ignispes inflicted on Bleakfrost, a terrible burn that unthawed his once mortal heart, and released some portion of the man he once was. So now mournful and immortal monarch war within that soul, carving a path of destruction through that portion of Nurgle that is icy despair, and serving to weaken him, infinitesimally; but where there is victory against despair, even the slightest victory, there is hope, for all of us.
--
The Hope Bringer: While, to be sure, Ignispes does wield the unsubtle, Elemental portions of Aqshy, his truer love is the more subtle emotional effects. Where he walks he brings courage, valor, hope, and surety to those who face Chaos, and to those who stand by his side; while his enemy's, aside from the scorching tongues of fire, are riven with fear, jealousy, anxiety and worse, brought to a fever pitch and interfering with their strategies.
Nurgle's Bane: He was born to smite Nurgle and all his creatures; and in particular, those born of that portion of him that is ice. To be sure, however, that bright hot flame can cleanse illness and despair as surely it melts ice and sorrow. This he proved in battle against the Daemon Bleakfrost and his servants of ice, in turn receiving an eternal enmity from all the servants of Nurgle, and especially those who bear the mark of cold, biting, chilling despair.
[X] Plan North and Purpose
-[X] To tell
--[X] Northern Ship Archives: The outpost burrowing into the northern mountain has discovered records detailing the past of the massive ship buried there. Advanced orks, a strange labyrinthine space, and the name Lauvanel. This may be a thing Isendral should know. Free if Northern Hulk is chosen
--[X] The Northern Hulk: The northern mountain contains not only empty ruin - there is an ancient vessel underneath the rock, likely dating back to when the mountain collapsed. Free if Northern Ship Archives is chosen
--[X] The Enemy: Basic protocols for battling Chaos entities were something passed down to every species on Mallus at their origins. It would be beneficial to spread them.
--[X] Asur of Ulthuan: You know much of the early stages of elf history, with the slann having instructed much of them in magic. Isendral may be interested.
-[X] To ask
--[X] Ayacmanik: What is their purpose? How did Isendral create them? What does she intend for them? Despite your examinations of them, the Rangdan are still an enigma.
--[X] Interstellar Overview: Lizardmen expansion into the greater galactic landscape will be a necessary step towards finding the Old Ones. Information on Mochantia's nearby surroundings, as well as its position in the galaxy itself, would be beneficial.
--[X] The Old Ones: Your long-lost makers. What does she know of them?
--[X] The Uax: Isendral has clearly run into the fungal collective before, and may have advice on how to best defeat concentrations of its past - and thus, give a clue as to how the Old Ones were involved in its making.
--[X] Mochantia: What is the purpose of this planet? What compelled Isendral to make her home here?
[X] [GIVE] Give her the stone if she demands it
-[X] [OFFER] Offer to help break the madness enchantment placed upon the soul if she wishes for the help.
[X] [STONE] Reveal the stone to Isendral, and tell her everything you know about it.
-[X] To tell — [X] Northern Ship Archives: The outpost burrowing into the northern mountain has discovered records detailing the past of the massive ship buried there. Advanced orks, a strange labyrinthine space, and the name Lauvanel. This may be a thing Isendral should know. Free if Northern Hulk is chosen
— [X] The Enemy: Basic protocols for battling Chaos entities were something passed down to every species on Mallus at their origins. It would be beneficial to spread them.
— [X] Asur of Ulthuan: You know much of the early stages of elf history, with the slann having instructed much of them in magic. Isendral may be interested.
— [X] The Northern Hulk: The northern mountain contains not only empty ruin - there is an ancient vessel underneath the rock, likely dating back to when the mountain collapsed. Free if Northern Ship Archives is chosen
-[X] To ask — [X] The Uax: Isendral has clearly run into the fungal collective before, and may have advice on how to best defeat concentrations of its bodies. She may also be able to provide information about its past - and thus, give a clue as to how the Old Ones were involved in its making. — [X] Isendral's Story: If her words are to be believed, Isendral has lived long and seen much of significance in her time in the galaxy. Perhaps asking about her past would prove fruitful.
— [X] History of the Eldar: All that you know suggests the Eldar have existed for great lengths of time. What could be learned from their history?
— [X] State of the Eldar: You do not know much of the Eldar, beyond that they reign over much of the galaxy. Insight into their current state could be beneficial.
— [X] The Old Ones: Your long-lost makers. What does she know of them?
Well…there goes any chance of helping the soul within, not sure if xantalos will allow us in character to ask to be allowed to help the soul remove the insanity curse/chains.
It was a option we could have put in to get more bonus points most likely.
Well…there goes any chance of helping the soul within, not sure if xantalos will allow us in character to ask to be allowed to help the soul remove the insanity curse/chains.
It was a option we could have put in to get more bonus points most likely.
Not really - this is the height (or close to it) of the Eldar's power, before they lost damn near everything to the goat, and soulstone-like stuff is a probably-important part of that knowledge base. There's no reason to believe our sister-in-shenanigans Isendral, bonded to Isha in some fashion, is incapable of doing something about it.
Plus, if we build trust high enough between us, she's likely to ask of her own accord for our help if she still needs it.
Not really - this is the height (or close to it) of the Eldar's power, before they lost damn near everything to the goat, and soulstone-like stuff is a probably-important part of that knowledge base. There's no reason to believe our sister-in-shenanigans Isendral, bonded to Isha in some fashion, is incapable of doing something about it.
Plus, if we build trust high enough between us, she's likely to ask of her own accord for our help if she still needs it.
I agree, not only have we been consistently showing Isendral that we're willing to cooperate and respect her wishes, but that we have a unique point of view and approach to things that may provide the key to unbinding the spell of madness from the soul stone before it can be activated; allowing the soul within to be revived into a new body safely.
It also explicitly says that we tell Isendral everything we know about the stone, that includes the madness spell, and I'm assuming our capabilities to cure it.
Stone Jaguar Technology and Accompanying Characters - Bot105
AN:
Neat, the votes over. And what a close one it was!
So anyway here's a technology.
A obsinite statue of a jaguar, carved with points of articulation at each joint, and bearing the sigil of Huanchi in place of eyes. A Totem to Huanchi. This totem is unpainted, the expected battle damage making such a practise futile- instead, in order to depict the unique patterns atop its 'skin', the black stone is carved where dark spots would be, rendered into an intricate pattern that is cut off by the smooth sections in between.
This construct serves as a 'familiar' to a paired chameleon skink (and in the event of its survival before its master, can be quickly linked to another with a simple interfacing device (a red dot laser pointer)), providing to that chameleon skink a loyal companion augmenting their physical capabilities.
The Jaguar provides greater strength, speed, and durability:
With its magic-based actuators allowing it to crush bone with its maw, and sever limbs with a swipe of a paw, the chameleon skink has a stalwart guardian that can kill any who seek to fight the skink in combat.
With the carefully integrated handhold-saddle, and the powerful- yet silent- stride of the statue, the chameleon skink can quickly shuttle themselves and a passenger across a country. At speeds exceeding a cold one at the least.
And with the solid black stone- seamless plate mimicking hide- the chameleon skink finds a shield strong enough to ward off small-arm projectiles. A self-mobile solid mass of obsinite just as flexible as its master is a very fine shield, even if it's not intended to act as such.
As a companion to the near invisible chameleon skink, the Jaguar must match that skink in stealth, and provide great utility. As such, a potent suite of enchantments is integrated into the 'soul' of the Jaguar. The standard invisibility, sound muffling, and wind emission suppressors of course. But on top there is a wind-regulariser, carefully altering the winds of magic distirbed by its presence to return to normal.
Then there is the thrice-mixed blend of Ghur, Hysh, and Uglu. An enchantment that impresses into the Jaguar the instincts to hide, and gives it the flashes of insight needed to stick to the blind spots of those around it.
All of which carefully overlaid with the strongest notice-me-not and fate-twisting enchantments that can fit within the remaining space.
Then, to provide utility for the chameleon skink, the jaguar is given a mage sight, curated towards detecting metaphysical traces, to supplement the tracking abilities of the chameleon.
Mapping this technology to more 'gritty' concepts- having a Jaguar gives a chameleon skink bonuses to combat, tracking, and movement speed- particularly at great distances.
It should be noted however, that controlling a Totem-Familiar relies on a far more intricate and involved mental interface, of such depth that it can disorientate the inexperienced or unsuited.
And you know how it goes, like my previous one. Story. There are few reasons to call an Elder Chameleon Skink to a Slanns chambers, Pax-O mused, that didn't involve a supreme murder. For one such as him to be called up must mean a task of great import, assassination of a critical enemy, theft from an enemy (which included murdering the enemy who has what is wanted), surveillance of an enemy (murdering them when done). Lots of murder.
Plenty of reasons for a Chameleon Skink to be called to a Slann for personal orders, but all of that involves an enemy. Which in this case, there is not. There is no enemy that requires the Chameleons touch, not since the Uax were blown away by the Slann.
So then, Pax-O waited in the chamber, with the quiet curiosity of not knowing what was to come. Idly he sweeped the room again. Low visibility- thick black shawls covering the high set illumination runes, only letting in enough light to cast the cultivated plants in hard shadows.
Alone, but the plants, thick leafy Lustrian fare, overgrown enough that they crowd in the sides of the room. They cloistered claustrophobically into a flora-based corridor, that carried from the room entrance to the empty dais.
Above, a grid of cross-bars, set high into the ceiling, with holes interspaced on the bottom face. A simple sprinkler system. And above that grid, hidden pathways, allowing a Chameleon Skink to perch above and look down on those amongst the plants.
Below, simply brown paved stones, paint daubed in between the seams- to cover up the glow of seeping geomantic power. Such is the power that a Pyramid-Temple stockpiles, that the Geomantic Web can afford to flow power across the surfaces of the Temple. Wiping away dirt as well as metaphysical curses and detritus.
Behind him, the room entrance, two solid slabs of stone on hinges, carved with plaques in Haunchi's name. And set slightly ajar, so that the outside light streamed in and cast Pax-O's shadow forwards.
Ahead, the dais, an upraised platform so that a speaker can do so from a place of prominence. Flat and relatively undecorated, except for the pictograms inscribed on the edge. Then, at the back wall the dais is pressed against, a grand carving dedicated to Lord Coxitza. Which Pax-O would inspect, if it wasn't for Lord Coxitza, who was sitting in their palanquin in front of the sigils.
Pax-O blinked.
Lord Coxitza blinked back. Their palanquin of simple black stone casting its body in shadow, such that the thin white scars across its face were barely visible. And that shadow cast extended out, moving slowly until it reached the edge of the dais. The shadows movement stilled as it approached, and when it halted, a single hand reached out, and a Skink Chief pulled herself out of the shadow, to stand on the edge of the dais.
"It is this ones pleasure to introduce to the esteemed senior herself as Bronz'klauw, once of Itza, now under Lord and Master Coxitza." She speaks.
Pax-O glanced at her arms, left bare of robes, and of flesh and blood, not bronze. Then genuflected, "Let it be known that Elder Pax-O received the call, and answers. What is your Masters will?"
Bronz'klauw slouched slightly and sat down at the edge of the dais, the extreme formality dropped with the ritual. Seeing this, Pax-O stood upright. "Lord and Master Coxitza requires the testing of a new device, and requests your consultation."
Bronz'klauw waves her hand to the right, and stepping out of Coxitza's shadow, a child of Huanchi steps forth. A Blessed black-furred Jaguar, flesh and blo- no.
Not flesh and blood. Obsinite stone. A big cat statue formed of the black stone, smooth in shear sections, broken up by mottled spots- mimicking the Jaguars hide. Four paws of heavy stone, puffs of fur glued on, and peaking in between the tufts, the tips of bronze claws retracted. The constructs limbs clearly segmented, joints visible as thick seams formed of rounded edges. Two softly glowing sigils in place of eyes, atop the head that looked curiously back at Pax-O.
"This is the Stone Jaguar. First of the Totem-Familiars. It exists to 'provide a warbeasts superior physical attributes and instinctive purpose to supplement a Chameleon Skinks capabilities.', however, testing with young Chameleons reveals a facet undiscovered. That the inexperienced are overwhelmed by the experience of utilising Totem-Familiars. As the mental linkages required for optimal use have been found too complex for the young."
Bronz'klauw tossed a small cylinder towards Pax-O, the Jaguar padding after what must be its control device.
"It is the hope that a more experienced Chameleon shall avoid this. Take this artefact. See that when the protrusion is depressed a laser emits from the blunt face? Shine that in each of the Jaguars sigils, and then draw the symbol of Huanchi on the floor, so that it may see the Old One. This is the instructions for linking the Totem-Familiar, brace for the link as you do."
Pax-O turned the pointer, so the blunt face extended out, and the rounded end settled in his palm. He flashed the light into each of the Jaguars sigils, and the Stone Jaguar stilled from that first light, staring intensely at where the red dot went. And as Pax-O drew the sigil of Huanchi- a feline eye between leaves- he felt a telepathic push building against his mind.
Then it completed and a connection was made. And Pax-O saw himself standing in the open, holding the laser pointer, unadorned but the charm of Itzl, and the armaments of the Chameleon Skink neatly tied on his back; dagger, blowpipe, and rifle.
Except now, Pax-O shimmered with witch-light, the Jaguars keen magical magic-based senses piercing the network of duplicity enchantments engraved on his gear and the mute presence engraved in his soul.
Pax-O formed a thought he didn't know he could, and the Jaguars head turned, looking away from Pax-O's form to see the walls and leaves. And Pax-O saw through the feedback the Ghyran and Uglu intermixing- Perhaps the Lord Coxitza has altered these plants to do so?
"-ax-O? Respond if you can hear this." Bronz'klauw is speaking, must have been trying to pull back his attention.
Pax-O and the Jaguars gaze snapped back to Bronz'klauw, whos soul was enshrined in Sot- No. Focus. "My apologies Senior. I have accustomed myself. What is the test you-" No wait, chain of command- Lord Coxitza's task (Why did he forget Lord Coxitza was in the room?) "-Lord Coxitza's task?"
Bronz'klauw ignored the faux pas, and shifted to sit more formally, "Very well, the test as decreed by mine Master, Lord Coxitza, will be a simple fetch of an artefact, with Lizardmen preparations to impede and test your skill with the Stone Jaguar. Consider this artefact." She took a small black cube from her robes, and tossed it up and down in her palm. Then threw it to Pax-O.
He caught it, and noted that in the Jaguars eyes it emanated a unique scent- tied to the intricate enchantment bound within.
"Remember that scent, you shall be required to find and take the cube at the beginning of the test. The test shall take no more then a week, and shall cover only Ocelotl and its surrounding territories."
A simple fetch, taking no more then a week. A task given by a Slann. It is in no way a simple fetch. "I hear and understand, when shall the test commence?"
Bronz'klauw was interrupted (or perhaps not, as she made no move to speak) by Lord Coxitza. "Now." He spoke for the first time. And his voice roiled from gorey throat and carried Uglu Winds and the cube in Pax-O's palm disappeared, teleported away from the Jaguars reckoning.
And Pax-O saw the Jaguar see the winds carry back and into Coxitza, and both they, and Bronz'Klauw fell into shadows, gone.
Bereft of elders to give respect for, Pax-O left in a sprint, the Jaguar matching his pace as silently as he was.
And as he reached the entrance of the Pyramid-Temple, where the magical pillar will carry him down to the ground, his superior telescopic vision spied a great many things falling from the sky.
Ten thousand black cubes, each more identical then the last, falling into the great city of Ocelotl.
Pax-O frowned, his skin shifting to invisibility, his consternation so strong he barely noticed the Jaguars stone skin rippling in tune.
<STONE JAGUAR>
Industrial Skink Chieftain Yul'bekvas pulled back the seat (three legs, no back, fur of a monkey spider as padding) to his desk and sat down absent-mindedly. Absent-mindedly, because as he returning from a social break, his Charm of Tepok chimed, showing him a gleaming cube falling from the stars. In his hands he holds it, turning it this way and that.
He did not recognise the markings, although Lizardmen made it clearly was. And while he does admit he is no skink priest, he felt he could recognise enchantments at the least. So to see something so novel intrigued him, enough to take a break from filing efficiency reports to haunch over at his desk, staring down the cubes black faces.
Although, this cube does use Qhyash in its construction, so that means it is a Cabals or Slanns make. Perhaps he should surrender this to his superiors? It may be important and must be returned to the rightful owner. Old Ones forbid he would not want to steal, or even worse, inconvenience his masters!
Yes. That is what Yul'bekvas should do. He should get up immediately and surrender this clearly important cube to his superiors, they know what to do.
He looks up and sees the jaguar sitting on his desk.
With a great flailing squeak, Industrial Skink Chieftain Yul'bekvas threw himself backwa- scratch that, downwards, as one foot catches on the underside of the desk, and other tangled in the legs of the stool.
Slowly, (mockingly), a Chameleon Skink unveils next to the jaguar (no wait, its a statue?) and leans down. He speaks politely, "Greetings Chieftain, Please show to me that cube you have."
Dumbly, Yul'bekvas nods and presents the cube. He lifts it up in the air and asks, "To take it back, yes?"
Pax-O takes the cube and pushes it close to the statues 'face', then hands it back to his nervous hands, "Hmm? No. Is worthless. Good day Chieftain."
Without a second look, Pax-O jumps off of Yul'bekvas's desk and walks away. The statue(?) obediently padding behind.
Yul'bekvas stays on the ground for a few seconds, then brushes himself off. "… What just happened?"
-
Near imperceptibly (near, as in Pax-O's brisk criss-crossing canvassing of the city, he attracts a following of curious Chameleons on break) Pax-O stalks the city. Climbing up roofs, into and across barrios, down crowds, and through the busy streets of Ocelotl without a single non-Chameleon soul noticing.
(He makes a note to raise a request to increase Chameleon training- he's noticed his stalkers too easily.)
Pax-O only picks up the scent of the target cube within the internal beast pens. Pens set aside for housing war beasts during siege. In particular, one large pen suited for razordon, which has been befouled by their muck.
And once the scent is acquired, he leaps onto the back of the Jaguar and takes off. The greatest evidence of his passing is the faint scent of manure caught in his feet. Which is no consequence, the oils he secretes will cover the smell soon enough.
Oh sure, there is other evidence of him as he runs from the pens to the northern gates (by his reckoning, as he follows the path the Jaguar sees), such as the almost unhearable thump of stone against stone- a sound so quiet only a Temple Guard could hear, or the flicker of movement in the corner of the eye- so similar to the very same flicker the mosquitoes of Mochantia. But those are inevitable- simple consequences of moving so fast that the wind rustles.
As he approaches the open northern gate, so clear in his view, he hears a voice in his head. The voice of Lord Coxitza.
"The first phase is complete, two and a half hours."
At the gates, in the centre of those towering edifices, a lone Skink riding a Cold One stood there holding the cube (the scent transformed, becoming a light in witch-sight, almost a star.). Looking directly at Pax-O, cloaked, near invisible Pax-O.
"Begin phase two."
The Cold One turned, and Pax-O noticed upon the waist of the Cold One, blocky stone artefacts imitating small wings, flared out and embedded in gems. And with the first step the skink made, the artefacts shone with prismatic power and the skink rider accelerated, trampling down the highway with greatly enhanced speed.
Pax-O leaned down, parallel to the Jaguars back, and urged it onwards, and they gave chase unheard.
<STONE JAGUAR>
Gallingly, the Cold One was leagues faster then Pax-O, such that he could only follow the skink through the beacon that was the cube. That was, until the magics bound in the Stone wings of the Cold One shut off, their power spent. Then, the Cold One was only slightly slower- enough that by the time the Cold One was showing signs of flagging, Pax-O was within rifle fire.
(He dare'nt do that however, he would not forgive himself for hitting the Skink.)
Yet, just as the Cold One's breathes grew ragged enough that it was slowing down, it hit a preordained patch of the stone. Unremarkable, were it not for the fact that a Slann took a brief moment to tell a story on it.
As the Cold Ones foot touched the beginning of that stretch of path, a jolt of revitalising energy ran up its leg, a sip of the Geomantic Web was ran through its teeth. And the space before it twisted so that by merely running forwards, it took a complete ninety degree turn without losing a single point of speed.
That is to say, the Cold One rider hit their second wind, and disappeared into the jungle faster then Pax-O can blink.
He made a single curse in his mind, (causing the Jaguar to huff an intimidating growl) and called his steed to make the turn. He gripped the in-built saddle as tight as he could, and grunted as the G-forces slammed into him as the Jaguar agilely curved. Pax-O disappears into the jungle as well.
-
A big, stone box sits by the side of a game trail, standing there for so long that creeping vines have grown around it, forming a lattice braced against immovable structure. A solitary bird chirps atop it, before flying away, as a Cold One runs down the game trail, the riders spear thumping against the stone box.
Mere moments later, the box explodes forwards, its face forcing out the vines in a burst of foliage. The Saurus sentry inside sets her foot down, and waits for her charm of Xhotl to buzz.
It does, and the Saurus acts. Instinct notifying a presence invisible, instinct demanding movement against it, instinct demanding violence in Xhotl's name. The Saurus steps onto the game trail and swings her spear out.
Directly towards Pax-O's throat.
The reaction is immediate. Strong haunches bracing, and the shoulders dipping, and the Jaguar leaps into the air, up and over. And Pax-O's dagger slices out, towards the Saurus.
Severing the head of the spear from the shaft.
The Jaguar lands perfectly, silently, and continues to chase the Cold Ones scent.
The Saurus looks at her broken spear, and at the shallow footprints in the dirt of the trail. She drops the spear and grabs a second one from within the upright coffin. The box grinds shut as she returns to her duty.
A big, stone box sits by the side of a game trail, sitting in a tapestry of brief, bloodless violence.
-
Pax-O growled as he left the misbegotten cave systems the Skink dragged him through. After the quick sand trap he was irritated, after the Amoxen nest his scales itched with sticky blood, and after the ambush that stole his rifle he was very close to screaming.
Before him, the Skink rider sat on a rock, having leashed their Cold One to a post hammered into the ground (It connects to perpendicular rod, a stand for a terradon?). The Skink looks up from its water canteen at the sound, but does not see Pax-O. Notably, the Jaguar does not sense the cube upon their person. There is the scent, rubbed off in the motion. But the flareing magic of the enchantment is missing.
The Skink ditched it, and Pax-O needs to know where. Good, Vindication.
Pax-O reached into a pouch and grasped the idol to Tlazcotl within, and he recited the cold-blood mantra until he was calm.
Interrogation.
As they approach, the Skinks only sign of attention is turning their head upon hearing the Cold Ones agitation. By that point, its too late, and the Jaguar casually pins the panicking Skink to the ground, and Pax-O unveils, crouching above them, and shining a light-rune into their face.
"Name. Spawning."
"Cold One Rider Atatoka'kroak! Ocelotl- Twenty seventh spawning chamber sixteen!"
Pax-O paused, and the Jaguar lifted its paw a fraction, best to go easy on the young. "The Cube. Where is it."
The Skink pauses, and Pax-O lightly raps the forehead of them. "Speak up, can't hear you."
"Gave it away- to the chieftain that was here!"
Pax-O looks left, and right, "And where is that chieftain?"
Atatoka points upwards, "Flew away; Look, there's the stand for her!"
Pax-O nods, and the Stone Jaguar lifts its paw off of Atatoka'krok. "Good, good bye."
He swiftly mounted the Jaguar, cloaked, and left them to their rest. The only evidence of the Jaguars presence was the scrapes in the stone walls of the chasm, as they swiftly scaled the shear cliff.
At the very top, Pax-O noted that the Jaguars physique and saddle made going over the edge awkward, and so he dismounted and made both himself and the construct climb that final bit individually.
As he stood back on solid ground, and brushed dust off his knees, the Jaguar scanned the horizon, searching for that telltale beacon of the cube. Pax-O pulled out a parcel and unwrapped it- dried grubs.
By the time he finished his snack, the Jaguar has spotted the cube, and he was travelling at break neck pace again.
The terradon has to land at some point.
<STONE JAGUAR>
In the middle of a clearing, there stands a terradon roost. A vertical pole hammered in, below a horizontal bar fused to the top. And watching that roost, two sets of eyes. One set, magical, stamped onto stone only warmed by the muted flow of magic between eye and maw. The other set, bulging out with thick wrinkled skin over top.
Carefully, ever so carefully, a hand reaches behind Pax-O's back, and unslings his blowpipe. And a dart is retrieved from some hidden space. A vial of poison is uncorked- diluted Lustrian passion flower, forces the victim into a sleep they do not escape. But as weak as this vial is, a mere sedative. Only strong enough to knock out a terradon for six hours at this dosage.
The beacon of mage-light droops from the sky, the terradon exhausted from its flight. Pax-O fires.
The terradon misses the roost, and collapses onto the ground in a messy, leather winged heap. It shakes its head, before laying down to sleep.
Pax-O strikes the Jaguar with his hand, excitement urging him into action. And his thoughts urging the statue forwards, towards the insensate beast. Halfway across the clearing, however, the Jaguars sight screams. The winds of magic burn as something descends on the clearing.
A voice, clear in his head. "Phase three."
Forty bolts of lightning strike the ground, a good distance away from Pax-O. And when the ringing in his ears clear, and his vision stabilises, he sees a ring of Skinks. Rifles in hands, and aiming at him.
They fire.
In a burst of unearthly agility, the Jaguar twists its body, its maw going up to the Chameleons neck, its body rising, and its tail whipping in a counterbalance. And Pax-O is thrown to the ground, his body covered by the Stone Jaguar, curled into a protective circle.
The bullets hit. They crack from the barrels and whistle through the air and thud against the stone. And they bounce on the ground as flat discs and fragments of obsinite.
Forty bolts of lightning, and the ring of Skinks are gone. Leaving Pax-O to stand, unharmed, guarded by the unbroken Jaguar.
Pax-O picks up a fragment of a bullet. Simple obsinite, unenchanted. He discards it and approaches the terradon more cautiously.
This is well served, as the moment he approaches, a wing is thrown up and to the side (a cloak reeking of Uglu, as well), and the terradon rider leaps out.
Bronz'Klauw leaps towards Pax-O, her eyes glimmering. In one hand a dagger of venom. In the other, a macuahuitl infused in violent poison.
The dagger comes first, two steps into Pax-O's space, and the straight edge stabbing upwards. It is only his long age that allows him to parry the strike, his daggers strong catching and wrenching it away. A flip, and his own weapon swipes across the face- aiming at the eyes.
Bronz' sways backwards, falling away from the parry, and is well away before the following swing. Then, darting back again, her club swinging downwards with too much momentum and speed to parry or block.
So he doesn't, and the Jaguar intervenes. Its long rounded tail snaps forwards, the crack as it breaks sound, and the crack as it impacts enchanted stone equal in noise. The club slips from Bronz's hand, sent high into the air.
Losing your weapon is a clear sign of disadvantage, so Bronz'klauw, Senior Attendant, does what Sotek exalts. Advance, aggress, seize the advantage.
She lets go of the club, and leapt forwards, before the tail could even retract. Yet Pax-O was faster, and he dropped, turning boneless in the Chameleon way and he slid below the undercarriage of the Jaguar.
In one swift move, Pax-O placed the construct- many times over both of their strength combined- between himself and the foe. Disadvantaged, unbalanced, and open. Little options to avoid the Jaguars crushing jaws.
And as that maw closes in, obsinite teeth and roof and floor closing with the finality of death. Bronz'klauw takes the best option, the one that preserves her hallowed life the longest.
She jams her dagger between the Jaguars teeth.
The dagger, forged in Chalkaro by the eldest Kroxigors. Enchanted in the spell forges with violence, not sacrifice, in mind. Held in the armoury of Tlanxla and blessed in Soteks name.
The dagger that has served for eight decades in Bronz'klauw's hands, shatters.
In this moment, she recalls Soteks commandments yet again, and lets that guide her next action. Advance, aggress, seize th-
Pax-O, in the winding ways of the Chameleon, leaps over the back of the Jaguar, and tackles Bronz'klauw to the grass floor. His dagger lands by her head, and the macuahuitl lands soon after, in a dull thud.
"The Cube." He stares her down.
Bronz'klauw stares back evenly. Then casually pulls the cube out of her robes and hands it over.
Pax-O tosses it into the air, and pulls Bronz'klauw back into standing. "Okay. Now what?"
"The test," Lord Coxitza, who was always there. "Is now over. Now, to clean the damage."
Both turn to look at the Slann, their palanquin floating in the air without a care in the world.
Pax-O and Bronz'klauw bow, and move to do so. So neither notice the slight huff Coxitza makes. With a wave of their hand, magic flows and the clearing changes. The perch disassembles, the terradon returns to their nest, and the dagger of Bronz'klauw is repaired, returned to the sheathe.
She bows lower.
"Rise, now, Pax-O. Allow me to show you the way to deactivate the Totem-Familiar," To Pax-Os eyes, he sees the Lord Slann telekinetically lifts the laser pointer, and shines the dot before the Jaguar. They spin the dot in circles around the stature, the Jaguar watching intently, spinning in place. And upon the tenth rotation, the statue lowers down and curls into a ball. Then, with a silent hiss, the magic within goes dormant. Freezing the Jaguar into a statue once more.
"Now, we will return to my halls, and you, Pax-O, will relate to me your experience and your counsel," As he spoke, Bronz'klauw returned with a pouch full of the obsinite shards, and she climbed into their shadow, "Brace for teleportation, are you ready?"
It was all Pax-O could do but mutely nod.
Then the Slann hummed, and they were gone.
AN:
Yul'bekvas kept the duplicate cube, and keeps it in a cubby near his bed. This is clearly the most important information this omake conveys.
I have found an interest in Kill 6 Billion Demons, can you tell?
Have some character sheets.
A 4th generation Slann dedicated to Huanchi. Their appearance is rarely seen, as shrouded in Uglu as he is. But when Lord Coxitza deigns to lift the matrices of Notice-Me-Not and Think-About-Something-Else enchantments, allowing those around them to see their truest form, they mark witnesses with a terrible curiosity. Such that they speculate in the off-hours and quiet moments of relaxation, forming gossip on what could have caused the many scars across their body.
Scars is the sum total of what is known of their appearance. Although none can agree if it is an expansive canvas, or merely a very distinctive nick. Their attendants fret endlessly about if their unguants and creams may agitate the severe burns. The temple guard tense with their every motion- uncomfortable with the ragged and weeping slashes across the frame. As the legions marched, their palanquin at the fore, whispers travel on the exact shape of the thin white lines across their face.
And their siblings, the Astral Communion, and the lizardmen closest to Coxitza. They scarcely describe what they see them as, but even knowing the cause, they still quiet at the travesty.
Traits
Predatory Mindset:
This Slann is particularly adept at hunting. They have the instinct needed to turn the foe into prey, and have a talent for terror tactics. They are best used as magical support for a guerilla force. They are also a major advocate for increasing the subtle forces at the Lizardmens disposal. Should they be given a moment to themselves, they will progress research projects centred around this. The blackfang saurus sub-breed, ghost enchantments, silenced weapons and more, all are within Lord Coxitza's interests.
A shroud of Uglu:
This Slann's magic has infused their shadow, transforming it into a part of the Hedge, an infinitely finite edge things fall into. The shadows cast around them thicken to absolute black, and form a hungry abyss the enemies of the lizardmen fall into.
The allies instead, find it an infinite hole to sequester themselves into. A fortress hidden within. Their Eternity Warden and the Temple Guard complement stand guard within, always a mere leap away from entering reality.
A Chameleon Skink who had served in the Chameleon patrols since Lustria. After noted to have a mindset suitable for Totem-Familiar use, was reassigned to act as an instructor and field-tester in the use of Totem-Familiars. When not requested for these tasks, Pax-O serves as an attachment to Lord Coxitza's staff.
Traits
Elder Chameleon Skink:
Pax-O served from before the beginning of the new era, having spawned before arriving in Monchantia. This Skink is, while generic mostly, still one of the oldest Chameleon Skinks in existance, and has the skill to match.
Totem-Mind:
Has a greater then average suitability to the mental interfaces Totem-Familiars use. Having the skill needed to control multiple of these constructs. Pax-O is permanently accompanied by Stone-Jaguars, and is often assigned to the testing of new designs.
A Skink Chief who has worked for Lord Coxitza for ages. Well accustomed to her Lords strange nature.
Traits:
Lord Coxitza's Attendant:
Bronz'klauw has served Lord Coxitza since Lustria, she knows the precise inclinations and desires of her Lord intimately, and as such, provides them the things they want before they can vocalise it. Lord Coxitza has a minor boost to every action, as they are given precisely the tools needed, before asking. Strictly speaking, all Slann have this bonus, due to their own attendants. This merely signifies that the attendants assiatance does benifit a Slann.
Bronze Claw:
Since the sanctioning of Sotek, she has chosen to worship the Serpent God. As such, her combat skills have improved significantly, relative to the average attendant. She uses a straight dagger and macuahuitl, poisoned, to pierce skull and lung.
I have rewritten this story three (3) times. That is all.
The Gods of Chaos may be simple creatures; but their simplicity, in its own right, can be like a prism, allowing them to manifest in odd forms. Each is but the mortal mind screaming its curative nihilism, and having it shaped, warped, consumed by the absolute primal vortex of emotion that is their nature. Khorne's blood, Nurgle's disease, Slaanesh's perfume, Tzeentch's birds, they are a mighty portion, perhaps even the greater portion, of the gods but they are not the only portion, far from it. And as above, so below.
That is to say, there are some very strange daemons hiding within the warp.
Take, for instance, Bleakfrost. A Thing of Nurgle, equal to a Great Unclean One; but rather than a creature of ravaged disease and rotting flesh and all manner of decay, he was a frost-ridden thing of purest of chill, a trampling, trodding, vile monster that took life through the cold, as sorrow freezes all joy. He wandered the Great Steppe on Malus, when indeed he is extant on Malus, feasting and feeding on all that dare come near him. But more than once he has wandered west and more than once he has wandered East: a great army under his aegis attacked the Mountains of Mourn, and too marched against far Cathay.
But for every unique abomination that Chaos might make, a wonder too forms.
Ignispes is a Fifth Generation Slaan, and lover of bright Aqshy in all its forms. Its marks on his flesh are bright and clear and loud and obvious, as perhaps befits a master of Aqshy (though to be sure, as a Slaan if need be he can wield any of the Winds, though in battle his first instinct is certainly the Lore of Fire). His eyes are bright rubies on a rim of shining gold, his scales the doppled shade of fire's bright reds and glorious emeralds. This reaches its apogee in a birth mark that lies over his heart, from which streams writing in the tongue of the Old Ones, in the many hues of fire.
Do not let that fool you however, he is as much a wielder of the more subtle arts of Aqshy as he is raining fire from the skies. For he was created, born and bred, to carve out and cauterize the wounds to the Warp that are the daemons of Nurgle, especially--though not solely--the ice-born. Fire cleanses the unclean just as well as the ice, after all.
But every word he speaks excites the heart; and every syllable he utters births courage; and bright hope burns in the heart of all those who fight by his side, for strong Aqshy is his by right.
It was in the time of Bleakfrost's march on the ogres that he first met Ignispes. For he marched to smite the servants of despair, and the servants of hopelessness, and to stand with the Last Children of the Old Ones.
The battle was fierce, and long, but in the end Slaan and Ogre cast them into the abyss from whence he came. And a wound Ignispes inflicted on Bleakfrost, a terrible burn that unthawed his once mortal heart, and released some portion of the man he once was. So now mournful and immortal monarch war within that soul, carving a path of destruction through that portion of Nurgle that is icy despair, and serving to weaken him, infinitesimally; but where there is victory against despair, even the slightest victory, there is hope, for all of us.
--
The Hope Bringer: While, to be sure, Ignispes does wield the unsubtle, Elemental portions of Aqshy, his truer love is the more subtle emotional effects. Where he walks he brings courage, valor, hope, and surety to those who face Chaos, and to those who stand by his side; while his enemy's, aside from the scorching tongues of fire, are riven with fear, jealousy, anxiety and worse, brought to a fever pitch and interfering with their strategies.
Nurgle's Bane: He was born to smite Nurgle and all his creatures; and in particular, those born of that portion of him that is ice. To be sure, however, that bright hot flame can cleanse illness and despair as surely it melts ice and sorrow. This he proved in battle against the Daemon Bleakfrost and his servants of ice, in turn receiving an eternal enmity from all the servants of Nurgle, and especially those who bear the mark of cold, biting, chilling despair.
Ooh, I quite like the use of non-traditional daemon aesthetic and theming with Bleakfrost, and using that angle to delve into the way Aqshy can be used in a conceptual and emotional sense as well as a burny one.
It also explicitly says that we tell Isendral everything we know about the stone, that includes the madness spell, and I'm assuming our capabilities to cure it.
This is correct - you guys effectively chose to lay all your cards on the table and let Isendral decide what to do. It's something I could've pretty easily forecast as happening given your previous choices, but it's still important for me to let y'all decide.
AN:
Neat, the votes over. And what a close one it was!
So anyway here's a technology.
A obsinite statue of a jaguar, carved with points of articulation at each joint, and bearing the sigil of Huanchi in place of eyes. A Totem to Huanchi. This totem is unpainted, the expected battle damage making such a practise futile- instead, in order to depict the unique patterns atop its 'skin', the black stone is carved where dark spots would be, rendered into an intricate pattern that is cut off by the smooth sections in between.
This construct serves as a 'familiar' to a paired chameleon skink (and in the event of its survival before its master, can be quickly linked to another with a simple interfacing device (a red dot laser pointer)), providing to that chameleon skink a loyal companion augmenting their physical capabilities.
The Jaguar provides greater strength, speed, and durability:
With its magic-based actuators allowing it to crush bone with its maw, and sever limbs with a swipe of a paw, the chameleon skink has a stalwart guardian that can kill any who seek to fight the skink in combat.
With the carefully integrated handhold-saddle, and the powerful- yet silent- stride of the statue, the chameleon skink can quickly shuttle themselves and a passenger across a country. At speeds exceeding a cold one at the least.
And with the solid black stone- seamless plate mimicking hide- the chameleon skink finds a shield strong enough to ward off small-arm projectiles. A self-mobile solid mass of obsinite just as flexible as its master is a very fine shield, even if it's not intended to act as such.
As a companion to the near invisible chameleon skink, the Jaguar must match that skink in stealth, and provide great utility. As such, a potent suite of enchantments is integrated into the 'soul' of the Jaguar. The standard invisibility, sound muffling, and wind emission suppressors of course. But on top there is a wind-regulariser, carefully altering the winds of magic distirbed by its presence to return to normal.
Then there is the thrice-mixed blend of Ghur, Hysh, and Uglu. An enchantment that impresses into the Jaguar the instincts to hide, and gives it the flashes of insight needed to stick to the blind spots of those around it.
All of which carefully overlaid with the strongest notice-me-not and fate-twisting enchantments that can fit within the remaining space.
Then, to provide utility for the chameleon skink, the jaguar is given a mage sight, curated towards detecting metaphysical traces, to supplement the tracking abilities of the chameleon.
Mapping this technology to more 'gritty' concepts- having a Jaguar gives a chameleon skink bonuses to combat, tracking, and movement speed- particularly at great distances.
It should be noted however, that controlling a Totem-Familiar relies on a far more intricate and involved mental interface, of such depth that it can disorientate the inexperienced or unsuited.
And you know how it goes, like my previous one. Story. There are few reasons to call an Elder Chameleon Skink to a Slanns chambers, Pax-O mused, that didn't involve a supreme murder. For one such as him to be called up must mean a task of great import, assassination of a critical enemy, theft from an enemy (which included murdering the enemy who has what is wanted), surveillance of an enemy (murdering them when done). Lots of murder.
Plenty of reasons for a Chameleon Skink to be called to a Slann for personal orders, but all of that involves an enemy. Which in this case, there is not. There is no enemy that requires the Chameleons touch, not since the Uax were blown away by the Slann.
So then, Pax-O waited in the chamber, with the quiet curiosity of not knowing what was to come. Idly he sweeped the room again. Low visibility- thick black shawls covering the high set illumination runes, only letting in enough light to cast the cultivated plants in hard shadows.
Alone, but the plants, thick leafy Lustrian fare, overgrown enough that they crowd in the sides of the room. They cloistered claustrophobically into a flora-based corridor, that carried from the room entrance to the empty dais.
Above, a grid of cross-bars, set high into the ceiling, with holes interspaced on the bottom face. A simple sprinkler system. And above that grid, hidden pathways, allowing a Chameleon Skink to perch above and look down on those amongst the plants.
Below, simply brown paved stones, paint daubed in between the seams- to cover up the glow of seeping geomantic power. Such is the power that a Pyramid-Temple stockpiles, that the Geomantic Web can afford to flow power across the surfaces of the Temple. Wiping away dirt as well as metaphysical curses and detritus.
Behind him, the room entrance, two solid slabs of stone on hinges, carved with plaques in Haunchi's name. And set slightly ajar, so that the outside light streamed in and cast Pax-O's shadow forwards.
Ahead, the dais, an upraised platform so that a speaker can do so from a place of prominence. Flat and relatively undecorated, except for the pictograms inscribed on the edge. Then, at the back wall the dais is pressed against, a grand carving dedicated to Lord Coxitza. Which Pax-O would inspect, if it wasn't for Lord Coxitza, who was sitting in their palanquin in front of the sigils.
Pax-O blinked.
Lord Coxitza blinked back. Their palanquin of simple black stone casting its body in shadow, such that the thin white scars across its face were barely visible. And that shadow cast extended out, moving slowly until it reached the edge of the dais. The shadows movement stilled as it approached, and when it halted, a single hand reached out, and a Skink Chief pulled herself out of the shadow, to stand on the edge of the dais.
"It is this ones pleasure to introduce to the esteemed senior herself as Bronz'klauw, once of Itza, now under Lord and Master Coxitza." She speaks.
Pax-O glanced at her arms, left bare of robes, and of flesh and blood, not bronze. Then genuflected, "Let it be known that Elder Pax-O received the call, and answers. What is your Masters will?"
Bronz'klauw slouched slightly and sat down at the edge of the dais, the extreme formality dropped with the ritual. Seeing this, Pax-O stood upright. "Lord and Master Coxitza requires the testing of a new device, and requests your consultation."
Bronz'klauw waves her hand to the right, and stepping out of Coxitza's shadow, a child of Huanchi steps forth. A Blessed black-furred Jaguar, flesh and blo- no.
Not flesh and blood. Obsinite stone. A big cat statue formed of the black stone, smooth in shear sections, broken up by mottled spots- mimicking the Jaguars hide. Four paws of heavy stone, puffs of fur glued on, and peaking in between the tufts, the tips of bronze claws retracted. The constructs limbs clearly segmented, joints visible as thick seams formed of rounded edges. Two softly glowing sigils in place of eyes, atop the head that looked curiously back at Pax-O.
"This is the Stone Jaguar. First of the Totem-Familiars. It exists to 'provide a warbeasts superior physical attributes and instinctive purpose to supplement a Chameleon Skinks capabilities.', however, testing with young Chameleons reveals a facet undiscovered. That the inexperienced are overwhelmed by the experience of utilising Totem-Familiars. As the mental linkages required for optimal use have been found too complex for the young."
Bronz'klauw tossed a small cylinder towards Pax-O, the Jaguar padding after what must be its control device.
"It is the hope that a more experienced Chameleon shall avoid this. Take this artefact. See that when the protrusion is depressed a laser emits from the blunt face? Shine that in each of the Jaguars sigils, and then draw the symbol of Huanchi on the floor, so that it may see the Old One. This is the instructions for linking the Totem-Familiar, brace for the link as you do."
Pax-O turned the pointer, so the blunt face extended out, and the rounded end settled in his palm. He flashed the light into each of the Jaguars sigils, and the Stone Jaguar stilled from that first light, staring intensely at where the red dot went. And as Pax-O drew the sigil of Huanchi- a feline eye between leaves- he felt a telepathic push building against his mind.
Then it completed and a connection was made. And Pax-O saw himself standing in the open, holding the laser pointer, unadorned but the charm of Itzl, and the armaments of the Chameleon Skink neatly tied on his back; dagger, blowpipe, and rifle.
Except now, Pax-O shimmered with witch-light, the Jaguars keen magical magic-based senses piercing the network of duplicity enchantments engraved on his gear and the mute presence engraved in his soul.
Pax-O formed a thought he didn't know he could, and the Jaguars head turned, looking away from Pax-O's form to see the walls and leaves. And Pax-O saw through the feedback the Ghyran and Uglu intermixing- Perhaps the Lord Coxitza has altered these plants to do so?
"-ax-O? Respond if you can hear this." Bronz'klauw is speaking, must have been trying to pull back his attention.
Pax-O and the Jaguars gaze snapped back to Bronz'klauw, whos soul was enshrined in Sot- No. Focus. "My apologies Senior. I have accustomed myself. What is the test you-" No wait, chain of command- Lord Coxitza's task (Why did he forget Lord Coxitza was in the room?) "-Lord Coxitza's task?"
Bronz'klauw ignored the faux pas, and shifted to sit more formally, "Very well, the test as decreed by mine Master, Lord Coxitza, will be a simple fetch of an artefact, with Lizardmen preparations to impede and test your skill with the Stone Jaguar. Consider this artefact." She took a small black cube from her robes, and tossed it up and down in her palm. Then threw it to Pax-O.
He caught it, and noted that in the Jaguars eyes it emanated a unique scent- tied to the intricate enchantment bound within.
"Remember that scent, you shall be required to find and take the cube at the beginning of the test. The test shall take no more then a week, and shall cover only Ocelotl and its surrounding territories."
A simple fetch, taking no more then a week. A task given by a Slann. It is in no way a simple fetch. "I hear and understand, when shall the test commence?"
Bronz'klauw was interrupted (or perhaps not, as she made no move to speak) by Lord Coxitza. "Now." He spoke for the first time. And his voice roiled from gorey throat and carried Uglu Winds and the cube in Pax-O's palm disappeared, teleported away from the Jaguars reckoning.
And Pax-O saw the Jaguar see the winds carry back and into Coxitza, and both they, and Bronz'Klauw fell into shadows, gone.
Bereft of elders to give respect for, Pax-O left in a sprint, the Jaguar matching his pace as silently as he was.
And as he reached the entrance of the Pyramid-Temple, where the magical pillar will carry him down to the ground, his superior telescopic vision spied a great many things falling from the sky.
Ten thousand black cubes, each more identical then the last, falling into the great city of Ocelotl.
Pax-O frowned, his skin shifting to invisibility, his consternation so strong he barely noticed the Jaguars stone skin rippling in tune.
<STONE JAGUAR>
Industrial Skink Chieftain Yul'bekvas pulled back the seat (three legs, no back, fur of a monkey spider as padding) to his desk and sat down absent-mindedly. Absent-mindedly, because as he returning from a social break, his Charm of Tepok chimed, showing him a gleaming cube falling from the stars. In his hands he holds it, turning it this way and that.
He did not recognise the markings, although Lizardmen made it clearly was. And while he does admit he is no skink priest, he felt he could recognise enchantments at the least. So to see something so novel intrigued him, enough to take a break from filing efficiency reports to haunch over at his desk, staring down the cubes black faces.
Although, this cube does use Qhyash in its construction, so that means it is a Cabals or Slanns make. Perhaps he should surrender this to his superiors? It may be important and must be returned to the rightful owner. Old Ones forbid he would not want to steal, or even worse, inconvenience his masters!
Yes. That is what Yul'bekvas should do. He should get up immediately and surrender this clearly important cube to his superiors, they know what to do.
He looks up and sees the jaguar sitting on his desk.
With a great flailing squeak, Industrial Skink Chieftain Yul'bekvas threw himself backwa- scratch that, downwards, as one foot catches on the underside of the desk, and other tangled in the legs of the stool.
Slowly, (mockingly), a Chameleon Skink unveils next to the jaguar (no wait, its a statue?) and leans down. He speaks politely, "Greetings Chieftain, Please show to me that cube you have."
Dumbly, Yul'bekvas nods and presents the cube. He lifts it up in the air and asks, "To take it back, yes?"
Pax-O takes the cube and pushes it close to the statues 'face', then hands it back to his nervous hands, "Hmm? No. Is worthless. Good day Chieftain."
Without a second look, Pax-O jumps off of Yul'bekvas's desk and walks away. The statue(?) obediently padding behind.
Yul'bekvas stays on the ground for a few seconds, then brushes himself off. "… What just happened?"
-
Near imperceptibly (near, as in Pax-O's brisk criss-crossing canvassing of the city, he attracts a following of curious Chameleons on break) Pax-O stalks the city. Climbing up roofs, into and across barrios, down crowds, and through the busy streets of Ocelotl without a single non-Chameleon soul noticing.
(He makes a note to raise a request to increase Chameleon training- he's noticed his stalkers too easily.)
Pax-O only picks up the scent of the target cube within the internal beast pens. Pens set aside for housing war beasts during siege. In particular, one large pen suited for razordon, which has been befouled by their muck.
And once the scent is acquired, he leaps onto the back of the Jaguar and takes off. The greatest evidence of his passing is the faint scent of manure caught in his feet. Which is no consequence, the oils he secretes will cover the smell soon enough.
Oh sure, there is other evidence of him as he runs from the pens to the northern gates (by his reckoning, as he follows the path the Jaguar sees), such as the almost unhearable thump of stone against stone- a sound so quiet only a Temple Guard could hear, or the flicker of movement in the corner of the eye- so similar to the very same flicker the mosquitoes of Mochantia. But those are inevitable- simple consequences of moving so fast that the wind rustles.
As he approaches the open northern gate, so clear in his view, he hears a voice in his head. The voice of Lord Coxitza.
"The first phase is complete, two and a half hours."
At the gates, in the centre of those towering edifices, a lone Skink riding a Cold One stood there holding the cube (the scent transformed, becoming a light in witch-sight, almost a star.). Looking directly at Pax-O, cloaked, near invisible Pax-O.
"Begin phase two."
The Cold One turned, and Pax-O noticed upon the waist of the Cold One, blocky stone artefacts imitating small wings, flared out and embedded in gems. And with the first step the skink made, the artefacts shone with prismatic power and the skink rider accelerated, trampling down the highway with greatly enhanced speed.
Pax-O leaned down, parallel to the Jaguars back, and urged it onwards, and they gave chase unheard.
<STONE JAGUAR>
Gallingly, the Cold One was leagues faster then Pax-O, such that he could only follow the skink through the beacon that was the cube. That was, until the magics bound in the Stone wings of the Cold One shut off, their power spent. Then, the Cold One was only slightly slower- enough that by the time the Cold One was showing signs of flagging, Pax-O was within rifle fire.
(He dare'nt do that however, he would not forgive himself for hitting the Skink.)
Yet, just as the Cold One's breathes grew ragged enough that it was slowing down, it hit a preordained patch of the stone. Unremarkable, were it not for the fact that a Slann took a brief moment to tell a story on it.
As the Cold Ones foot touched the beginning of that stretch of path, a jolt of revitalising energy ran up its leg, a sip of the Geomantic Web was ran through its teeth. And the space before it twisted so that by merely running forwards, it took a complete ninety degree turn without losing a single point of speed.
That is to say, the Cold One rider hit their second wind, and disappeared into the jungle faster then Pax-O can blink.
He made a single curse in his mind, (causing the Jaguar to huff an intimidating growl) and called his steed to make the turn. He gripped the in-built saddle as tight as he could, and grunted as the G-forces slammed into him as the Jaguar agilely curved. Pax-O disappears into the jungle as well.
-
A big, stone box sits by the side of a game trail, standing there for so long that creeping vines have grown around it, forming a lattice braced against immovable structure. A solitary bird chirps atop it, before flying away, as a Cold One runs down the game trail, the riders spear thumping against the stone box.
Mere moments later, the box explodes forwards, its face forcing out the vines in a burst of foliage. The Saurus sentry inside sets her foot down, and waits for its charm of Xhotl to buzz.
It does, and the Saurus acts. Instinct notifying a presence invisible, instinct demanding movement against it, instinct demanding violence in Xhotl's name. The Saurus steps onto the game trail and swings her spear out.
Directly towards Pax-O's throat.
The reaction is immediate. Strong haunches bracing, and the shoulders dipping, and the Jaguar leaps into the air, up and over. And Pax-O's dagger slices out, towards the Saurus.
Severing the head of the spear from the shaft.
The Jaguar lands perfectly, silently, and continues to chase the Cold Ones scent.
The Saurus looks at her broken spear, and at the shallow footprints in the dirt of the trail. She drops the spear and grabs a second one from within the upright coffin. The box grinds shut as she returns to her duty.
A big, stone box sits by the side of a game trail, sitting in a tapestry of brief, bloodless violence.
-
Pax-O growled as he left the misbegotten cave systems the Skink dragged him through. After the quick sand trap he was irritated, after the Amoxen nest his scales itched with sticky blood, and after the ambush that stole his rifle he was very close to screaming.
Before him, the Skink rider sat on a rock, having leashed their Cold One to a post hammered into the ground (It connects to perpendicular rod, a stand for a terradon?). The Skink looks up from its water canteen at the sound, but does not see Pax-O. Notably, the Jaguar does not sense the cube upon their person. There is the scent, rubbed off in the motion. But the flareing magic of the enchantment is missing.
The Skink ditched it, and Pax-O needs to know where. Good, Vindication.
Pax-O reached into a pouch and grasped the idol to Tlazcotl within, and he recited the cold-blood mantra until he was calm.
Interrogation.
As they approach, the Skinks only sign of attention is turning their head upon hearing the Cold Ones agitation. By that point, its too late, and the Jaguar casually pins the panicking Skink to the ground, and Pax-O unveils, crouching above them, and shining a light-rune into their face.
"Name. Spawning."
"Cold One Rider Atatoka'kroak! Ocelotl- Twenty seventh spawning chamber sixteen!"
Pax-O paused, and the Jaguar lifted its paw a fraction, best to go easy on the young. "The Cube. Where is it."
The Skink pauses, and Pax-O lightly raps the forehead of them. "Speak up, can't hear you."
"Gave it away- to the chieftain that was here!"
Pax-O looks left, and right, "And where is that chieftain?"
Atatoka points upwards, "Flew away; Look, there's the stand for her!"
Pax-O nods, and the Stone Jaguar lifts its paw off of Atatoka'krok. "Good, good bye."
He swiftly mounted the Jaguar, cloaked, and left them to their rest. The only evidence of the Jaguars presence was the scrapes in the stone walls of the chasm, as they swiftly scaled the shear cliff.
At the very top, Pax-O noted that the Jaguars physique and saddle made going over the edge awkward, and so he dismounted and made both himself and the construct climb that final bit individually.
As he stood back on solid ground, and brushed dust off his knees, the Jaguar scanned the horizon, searching for that telltale beacon of the cube. Pax-O pulled out a parcel and unwrapped it- dried grubs.
By the time he finished his snack, the Jaguar has spotted the cube, and he was travelling at break neck pace again.
The terradon has to land at some point.
<STONE JAGUAR>
In the middle of a clearing, there stands a terradon roost. A vertical pole hammered in, below a horizontal bar fused to the top. And watching that roost, two sets of eyes. One set, magical, stamped onto stone only warmed by the muted flow of magic between eye and maw. The other set, bulging out with thick wrinkled skin over top.
Carefully, ever so carefully, a hand reaches behind Pax-O's back, and unslings his blowpipe. And a dart is retrieved from some hidden space. A vial of poison is uncorked- diluted Lustrian passion flower, forces the victim into a sleep they do not escape. But as weak as this vial is, a mere sedative. Only strong enough to knock out a terradon for six hours at this dosage.
The beacon of mage-light droops from the sky, the terradon exhausted from its flight. Pax-O fires.
The terradon misses the roost, and collapses onto the ground in a messy, leather winged heap. It shakes its head, before laying down to sleep.
Pax-O strikes the Jaguar with his hand, excitement urging him into action. And his thoughts urging the statue forwards, towards the insensate beast. Halfway across the clearing, however, the Jaguars sight screams. The winds of magic burn as something descends on the clearing.
A voice, clear in his head. "Phase three."
Forty bolts of lightning strike the ground, a good distance away from Pax-O. And when the ringing in his ears clear, and his vision stabilises, he sees a ring of Skinks. Rifles in hands, and aiming at him.
They fire.
In a burst of unearthly agility, the Jaguar twists its body, its maw going up to the Chameleons neck, its body rising, and its tail whipping in a counterbalance. And Pax-O is thrown to the ground, his body covered by the Stone Jaguar, curled into a protective circle.
The bullets hit. They crack from the barrels and whistle through the air and thud against the stone. And they bounce on the ground as flat discs and fragments of obsinite.
Forty bolts of lightning, and the ring of Skinks are gone. Leaving Pax-O to stand, unharmed, guarded by the unbroken Jaguar.
Pax-O picks up a fragment of a bullet. Simple obsinite, unenchanted. He discards it and approaches the terradon more cautiously.
This is well served, as the moment he approaches, a wing is thrown up and to the side (a cloak reeking of Uglu, as well), and the terradon rider leaps out.
Bronz'Klauw leaps towards Pax-O, her eyes glimmering. In one hand a dagger of venom. In the other, a macuahuitl infused in violent poison.
The dagger comes first, two steps into Pax-O's space, and the straight edge stabbing upwards. It is only his long age that allows him to parry the strike, his daggers strong catching and wrenching it away. A flip, and his own weapon swipes across the face- aiming at the eyes.
Bronz' sways backwards, falling away from the parry, and is well away before the following swing. Then, darting back again, her club swingind downwards with too much momentum and speed to parry or block.
So he doesn't, and the Jaguar intervenes. Its long rounded tail snaps forwards, the crack as it breaks sound, and the crack as it impacts enchanted stone equal in noise. The club slips from Bronz's hand, sent high into the air.
Losing your weapon is a clear sign of disadvantage, so Bronz'klauw, Senior Attendant, does what Sotek exalts. Advance, aggress, seize the advantage.
She lets go of the club, and leapt forwards, before the tail could even retract. Yet Pax-O was faster, and he dropped, turning boneless in the Chameleon way and he slid below the undercarriage of the Jaguar.
In one swift move, Pax-O placed the construct- many times over both of their strength combined- between himself and the foe. Disadvantaged, unbalanced, and open. Little options to avoid the Jaguars crushing jaws.
And as that maw closes in, obsinite teeth and roof and floor closing with the finality of death. Bronz'klauw takes the best option, the one that preserves her hallowed life the longest.
She jams her dagger between the Jaguars teeth.
The dagger, forged in Chalkaro by the eldest Kroxigors. Enchanted in the spell forges with violence, not sacrifice, in mind. Held in the armoury of Tlanxla and blessed in Soteks name.
The dagger that has served for eight decades in Bronz'klauw's hands, shatters.
In this moment, she recalls Soteks commandments yet again, and lets that guide her next action. Advance, aggress, seize th-
Pax-O, in the winding ways of the Chameleon, leaps over the back of the Jaguar, and tackles Bronz'klauw to the grass floor. His dagger lands by her head, and the macuahuitl lands soon after, in a dull thud.
"The Cube." He stares her down.
Bronz'klauw stares back evenly. Then casually pulls the cube out of her robes and hands it over.
Pax-O tosses it into the air, and pulls Bronz'klauw back into standing. "Okay. Now what?"
"The test," Lord Coxitza, who was always there. "Is now over. Now, to clean the damage."
Both turn to look at the Slann, their palanquin floating in the air without a care in the world.
Pax-O and Bronz'klauw bow, and move to do so. So neither notice the slight huff Coxitza makes. With a wave of their hand, magic flows and the clearing changes. The perch disassembles, the terradon returns to their nest, and the dagger of Bronz'klauw is repaired, returned to the sheathe.
She bows lower.
"Rise, now, Pax-O. Allow me to show you the way to deactivate the Totem-Familiar," To Pax-Os eyes, he sees the Lord Slann telekinetically lifts the laser pointer, and shines the dot before the Jaguar. They spin the dot in circles around the stature, the Jaguar watching intently, spinning in place. And upon the tenth rotation, the statue lowers down and curls into a ball. Then, with a silent hiss, the magic within goes dormant. Freezing the Jaguar into a statue once more.
"Now, we will return to my halls, and you, Pax-O, will relate to me your experience and your counsel," As he spoke, Bronz'klauw returned with a pouch full of the obsinite shards, and she climbed into their shadow, "Brace for teleportation, are you ready?"
It was all Pax-O could do but mutely nod.
Then the Slann hummed, and they were gone.
AN:
Yul'bekvas kept the duplicate cube, and keeps it in a cubby near his bed. This is clearly the most important information this omake conveys.
I have found an interest in Kill 6 Billion Demons, can you tell?
Have some character sheets.
A 4th generation Slann dedicated to Huanchi. Their appearance is rarely seen, as shrouded in Uglu as he is. But when Lord Coxitza deigns to lift the matrices of Notice-Me-Not and Think-About-Something-Else enchantments, allowing those around them to see their truest form, they mark witnesses with a terrible curiosity. Such that they speculate in the off-hours and quiet moments of relaxation, forming gossip on what could have caused the many scars across their body.
Scars is the sum total of what is known of their appearance. Although none can agree if it is an expansive canvas, or merely a very distinctive nick. Their attendants fret endlessly about if their unguants and creams may agitate the severe burns. The temple guard tense with their every motion- uncomfortable with the ragged and weeping slashes across the frame. As the legions marched, their palanquin at the fore, whispers travel on the exact shape of the thin white lines across their face.
And their siblings, the Astral Communion, and the lizardmen closest to Coxitza. They scarcely describe what they see them as, but even knowing the cause, they still quiet at the travesty.
Traits
Predatory Mindset:
This Slann is particularly adept at hunting. They have the instinct needed to turn the foe into prey, and have a talent for terror tactics. They are best used as magical support for a guerilla force. They are also a major advocate for increasing the subtle forces at the Lizardmens disposal. Should they be given a moment to themselves, they will progress research projects centred around this. The blackfang saurus sub-breed, ghost enchantments, silenced weapons and more, all are within Lord Coxitza's interests.
A shroud of Uglu:
This Slann's magic has infused their shadow, transforming it into a part of the Hedge, an infinitely finite edge things fall into. The shadows cast around them thicken to absolute black, and form a hungry abyss the enemies of the lizardmen fall into.
The allies instead, find it an infinite hole to sequester themselves into. A fortress hidden within. Their Eternity Warden and the Temple Guard complement stand guard within, always a mere leap away from entering reality.
A Chameleon Skink who had served in the Chameleon patrols since Lustria. After noted to have a mindset suitable for Totem-Familiar use, was reassigned to act as am instructor and field-tester in the use of Totem-Familiars. When not requested for these tasks, Pax-O serves as an attachment to Lord Coxitza's staff.
Traits
Elder Chameleon Skink:
Pax-O served from before the beginning of the new era, having spawned before arriving in Monchantia. This Skink is, while generic mostly, still one of the oldest Chameleon Skinks in existance, and has the skill to match.
Totem-Mind:
Has a greater then average suitability to the mental interfaces Totem-Familiars use. Having the skill needed to control multiple of these constructs. Pax-O is permanently accompanied by Stone-Jaguars, and is often assigned to the testing of new designs.
A Skink Chief who has worked for Lord Coxitza for ages. Well accustomed to her Lords strange nature.
Traits:
Lord Coxitza's Attendant:
Bronz'klauw has served Lord Coxitza since Lustria, she knows the precise inclinations and desires of her Lord intimately, and as such, provides them the things they want before they can vocalise it. Lord Coxitza has a minor boost to every action, as they are given precisely the tools needed, before asking. Strictly speaking, all Slann have this bonus, due to their own attendants. This merely signifies that the attendants assiatance does benifit a Slann.
Bronze Claw:
Since the sanctioning of Sotek, she has chosen to worship the Serpent God. As such, her combat skills have improved significantly, relative to the average attendant. She uses a straight dagger and macuahuitl, poisoned, to pierce skull and lung.
I have rewritten this story three (3) times. That is all.
!!! Rewritten it 3 times, and it certainly shows with the quality of it. Hot dang, that's some good stuff right there. Do let me know if there's another name for it that you'd prefer.
