Heretical lessons

[19:57] The Half-Ogre's gaze seemed to shift towards the Earth for a few moments. It was as if he was thinking of something from far in the distant past. Then his attention returned to the present. The clouds over those scarlet orbs cleared and he continued to speak.

"Ogre, I am Nanzo the Mighty. There are few wonders left within the world but you have wandered into the last den of them." He paused for a moment, clearly waiting to make sure this Ogre was understanding. It was speaking complete sentences at-least and was rather small. Meaning it'd diluted blood, if it survived and had a few more generations a being such as himself would be the outcome no doubt.

"You will have to be strong, you will need to crush those pathetic fools who cling to the stone-houses for protection." His gaze shifted across the others present for a moment. "These are allies of wonders such as we. Know their faces and smells, restrain your wrath from them."

A sort pause, a silent radiance from his form a silence that seemed almost oppressive and unwilling to be cast off. Then his attention shifted back tot he Ogre. "We are kin, you and I. For that reason I would teach you how to be mighty, such as I."

The elder was wizened by age, surely, and his once towering eight-foot height was slightly dampened by a bowing of the shoulders. Still, there was an aura of danger, of corruption, radiating from the figure.
(Nanzo)
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[20:04] glances down at Nanzo as they start their spill about the glory days likely within the mire.

"Zok has heard the name before, but I know the mire is no more and my kin have been reduced to the wilds. Most kin are preyed upon for greedy little people to use our body parts for weapons.

I, Me, Zok plans on crushing them for I will not appear to be like the ones that are so easily preyed upon. I'll use human skin to hold together my armor. Yes, I'll see how they like being used for weapons and armor."

Zok nodded.

"Will follow you Nanzo for a while at least to see what you are made of. Perhaps I can learn a thing or two from you plus I believe we have similar ways of combat or that's what Zok believes anyways."
(Zok Blunttooth)
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[20:18] Nanzo's glory days were indeed from his time within the Mire. His time under Torgon more than his time ruling it. Ruling that place had been a nightmare unlike anything you'd imagine.

Still, the half-ogre's head lilted to the side as they looked up at Zok. They intended to fight the good fight it seemed. A fight that would be difficult but his reason for fighting was noble indeed. "The wonders are but prey for those of the stone-houses. I am wise, will teach Zok how to be strong, how to empower your mighty frame for the rigors of war."

Nanzo himself was bedecked in the cloak of a Barsburgian general and the shell of a Dullahan. When it came to equipment he wasn't the best equipped per se but his items had history for sure. "So, you call upon the might of the stars and your own demonic heritage as well?"

As he spoke his form shifted slightly towards the side. Looking at Kuro, closely as if checking to see if they'd a more confident stance. "And what of you Kuro, have you steadied your spirit for the coming struggle?" Had they gotten their nerves back under control was the real question.
(Nanzo)
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[20:23] Zok continued looking at Nanzo as the man spoke. "Zok learned that stars can restore when going at full strength. It's very good for me not to completely tire from one assault or will be sitting looking crazy, but yes. I draw power from them to restore for now, and likely more in future"

He's only just begun, but for now the Ogre needed to get his foot in the ground before making any crazy claims.

"I will change the norm of what people see my kin as, and strike fear back into their bodies. Smaller people only see Ogres as dumb and practice, but that will change very soon."

He'd change it one body at a time.

"Zok will learn what he can from Nanzo."
(Zok Blunttooth)
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[20:33] The Tyrant nodded his head and after a moment he sat down upon the earth. His legs coming to interlock underneath him and he waved his hand in front of him as he did so. "Sit." An order, given without hesitation as the monster seemed ready to teach. Clearly, he would impart some wisdom on the young monster.

"First, I will aid you in connection to a star of power. My own star which has fueled me in my many rampages across this continent. Once that is done I believe I will teach those of my students near who wish to learn the truth of Symbolic casting, that is magic from the heart. Feelings and emotions."

As he spoke the wizened astrologer looked towards his other students. A shame none of them housed the magical potency of the stars or this could be a beneficial lesson to all of them. He knew though that a lesson on the power of symbolic casting would be a boon on any magi of the ethereal alignments.

"The stars are gods, little deities within the night sky. They house within them the dreams of the living. They house an endless stream of power, energy, henceforth I will name mana. This mana is what fuels creatures such as you and I. Beings of wonder more akin to the natural world and its splendor."

As he spoke it would seem that he was just going to sit here and take the Ogre under his wing. Nanzo seemed to do that a lot lately! Perhaps in old age his teaching instincts had been honed.
(Nanzo)
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[20:33] Shame asks, "Hm~? A connection with the stars you say?"
[20:34] Nanzo willed a faint glow of crimson mana to radiate off his frame.
(Nanzo)
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[20:34] Nanzo says, "A deep connection."
[20:36] Shame clapped in her hands.

"Perfect! I always wanted to know how to do that! Interestingly enough, I am looking for information on the subject, and I may have found a source... But that comes later! Please, continue..."

She sits down, intently listening to Nanzo's words.
(Shame)
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[20:39] Nanzo asks, "Who are you... Again?"
[20:39] Shame says, "Oh, I am Shame! I have been around here."
[20:40] Nanzo says, "I know, I have seen you before."
[20:40] Nanzo asks, "You are a witch or simply an outcast?"
[20:40] Nanzo says, "Kuro..."
[20:40] Nanzo says, "Sit."
[20:40] Shame says, "Hmm, not a witch, but I have not yet technically been outcast by anyone."
[20:40] Kuro says, "Okay..."
[20:40] Shame says, "...It may not be long."
[20:40] Kuro sadly sits on a stump of a dead tree.
(Kuro)
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[20:40] Nanzo says, "Next to me."
[20:41] Nanzo says, "I wish for you to write down what I say. A book of my teachings... Is something I wish created."
[20:41] Nanzo says, "However, I lack the knowledge of such things."
[20:41] Noctis strolls over to sit and also listen to Nanzo's lesson eve if she can't technically use it.
(Noctis)
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[20:41] Kuro says, "Oh alright I'll grab some paper then."
[20:42] Shame says, "Ah, yes, paper! One second, I do remember having written some things down, but I don't have my book by me right now..."
[20:42] Nanzo says, "The book of Nanzo, I do so enjoy the thought."
[20:43] Shame grabbed a paper and a writing utensil.

"Aaalright, go ahead~!"
(Shame)
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[20:44] Nanzo says, "Kuro, I wish for you to pay attention. Communing with a star is not to different from a spirit. Simply on a more abstract scale. The same lessons can be applied to that Umbral hiding in our shadow."
[20:45] Zok sat on the ground which caused a slight rumble. "So, stars are little gods people pray to for power? Zok isn't into much praying since praying is something that means you have faith and things are chanced by fate.

Zok knows what he wants and how he'll do it, so I feel either the stars will listen or not. It will not change how Zok, Me, I approach people and handle them."

The ogre nods.

"But if Zok could get more power out of them I would never turn down something like that, and you look mighty, so there might be some truth in what you say.

Continue Zok will listen and follow along to what Nanzo has to say about starts crushing people."

Zok listens intently.
(Zok Blunttooth)
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[20:55] And so the old monster began hosting an impromptu lecture upon the nature of the cosmos. Which, while not useful for everyone, would be a boon to those celestial magi who followed the darker paths of the world. As he sat their his eyes began to close and he thought, focusing the jumble of chaos within his mind into something coherent and true.

"Praying is for the low-landers, the stone-walled, those grown soft and fat off of wheat and barley. I do not advise prayer, we are of the wonders and our power comes from something greater than mere beggary of the lesser peoples." clarified patiently the nature of communion, a heresy of untold scale to the Celestial church no less.

His eyes opened and within that triplex of crimson there seemed to be a sparkling radiance. Light emanating from within as he channeled the power of his star. Oddly enough his flesh wiggle and bulge as that radiance leaked out from his gaze. "You do not beg for power, you demand it from the stars above. You reach out and declare that you are strong. That you will march upon the fields of this world and declare the superiority of you star. Crush those of the Lion, break those of the lesser celestial bodies."

"That is the way of Crom Cruach, my star, our star after today. It is a star which harnesses the raw power of life to enact changes from within the bodies of its hosts. Short-lived as they are, they provide untold benefits during a struggle. I have had arms nearly cut off, heal back in seconds while under the throes of the star of corruption." As he spoke faint flickers of crimson light radiated off him.

"One must root themselves to the earth, connect to the stabilizing force of the planet. Only then can you cast your gaze, cast your mind towards the endless abyss that is the void above. Many become lost and afraid, they cling to what is known, they seek out the constellation of the lion and hid within its matted fur. We are greater than they, come with me know my fellow celestials. Harness your thirst for life, your passion for chaos, you will to win. Root yourselves and join me as we gaze into the abyss above and seek out Crom Cruach."

"Allow me to be your guide but tarry not, delay not, we are sure in our will for power. We will show the mighty Crom Cruach that we are worthy of its favor, worthy to carry the gifts it grants. Able to crush its rivals avatars."
(Nanzo)
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[21:03] {Item} You drop Vaalmoora's Kindness.
[21:03] {Item} You picked up Vaalmoora's Kindness. Dropped by Nanzo..
[21:07] Zok nods. "Ah, Zok likes the sound of that demand those tiny little things for power while others pray and beg. It's not my style, no I will make them listen and watch as I crush the tiny ones around me."

It seems that following Nanzo would have it's benefits and a lot of pros since just being an Ogre was a con itself there wasn't much that Zok had to worry about.

The ogre leans against the tree and continues listening to how commanding the stars would provide great power.

"Zok really like the sound of this, it sound like a lot of fun and bloodshed will follow. I can't wait to go out and stomp on the tiny folk that hunt the ogre-kin for sport."
(Zok Blunttooth)
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[21:10] Shame wrote down Nanzo's words - Well, the instructions, at least.
This star, Crom Cruach. It's one she hadn't heard about yet - and she does not know how it affects those attuned to it - aside from Nanzo's words.

"...Short-lived."

If it means what she thinks it means, it doesn't sit too well with Shame. Despite that, she follows Nanzo's instructions. She laid down, feeling her body sink into the earth a bit, eyes cast to the skies, her mind focusing on the endless darkness of space.

It won't hurt to communicate with the star at least, even if she's not wanting to directly attune to it yet, right?
(Shame)
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[21:16] Oshiro Meditates as he listens to the whispers of the woods
(Oshiro Emiri)
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[21:21] Nanzo spoke of a star that very few knew of. Only those he'd have taught himself and the lone mad-men who communicated with Crom Cruach accidentally. That didn't seem to be stopping the Tyrant from advising those who'd joined him to commune with him. If he had his will, they would each be attuned by the end as well.

After all, when touching the edges of a cursed star it was always easy to be drawn into the thing. Even if those with him resisted the tantalizing aspect of power would always be there. It was a simple matter of the time when their desperation was unanswered by their current stars and a stronger, greater, patron was needed.

"Now, focus Zok this is where things will be difficult for you." As he spoke the Tyrant opened an eye and gazed upon Zok, casting the Ogre in a dim-crimson glow. "Steady your body, but allow your mind to float. It'll be almost like a dream, now sleep... Allow your soul to travel beyond the flesh." As he spoke his words seemed to get slower, and to anyone who witnessed it? Well, they'd think he was just relaxing the Ogre. In fact, he'd just uttered a subtle hex upon them. One of slumber, knowing well that the need for astral projection would not be something an Ogre could just do.

His gaze shifted towards Shame and his words drifted through the air, almost like a whisper. "As short as your will is able to sustain it. Just as all things..." Then his eyes closed and he felt his form float upwards, he was a speck in the astral sky and his form seemed to soar to those who could see it.

Those who communed with him would follow, would be dragged along as the astrologer floated beyond the sphere of the world. Like a shooting star in reverse they shot through the void of space. A void that seemed almost oppressively alive with the monstrous beings within. Still, they did not tarry and Nanzo paid no heed.

It wasn't long until they came upon the sight of Crom Cruach, a massive ball of red-fire that seemed to shine with a faint-red light. It appeared almost peaceful. Where it not for the sight of the endless stream of cursed souls trapped within its molten cage. They would not enter the next cycle of life for an age. Lost within the flames and yet those same flames seemed to crackle and pop.

Sounds of fire heated the desires of the celestial magi who communed with the star. Primal aspects of ones being pushed to the fore-front as an animalistic strength radiated from the star. Then just as the feeling of atavistic madness became oppressive the trio would be shunted through the endless void until they, with a start perhaps, were returned to their mortal bodies.

During this time those who witnessed the events saw nothing beyond the trio, each in their own way, mediating and communing with the stars above. No doubt it'd be rather boring for those uninitiated to the mysteries of the cosmos.
(Nanzo)
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[21:36] Nanzo says, "Ah, another wonder... A shame they missed communion."
[21:36] Jikanu says, "Seems i woke up late to whatever is happening."
[21:36] Nanzo was naturally gazing upon the fae.
(Nanzo)
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[21:36] Guppy exclaims, "Hi!"
[21:37] Nanzo says, "Jikanu you've been here the whole time."
[21:38] Jikanu says, "I didnt think that was all to the commuinion to be honest but if it was cool. I might look into the star some but to tired for now haha."
[21:38] The rabbit listened to their teacher speak saying nothing less they distract themselves from the task of writing down his words although the pen did pause for a moment; so much of what he said was at odds with what the church taught and the mabbit couldn't help but notice it.

The difference between those begging for power and those reaching out to grasp it.

The mabbit continued writing but then their teachers words began to slow until he stopped speaking entirely causing Kuro to look up but it seemed Nanzo had merely started to meditate? Kuro was too focused on writing down his words though they didn't see him come back and when he finally spoke it startled the little mabbit who squeaked.
(Kuro)
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[21:38] Nanzo reached a hand and settled it upon the mabbit's shoulder. Squeezing, reasuringly. Well, as reassuringly as a monster like he could be.
(Nanzo)
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[21:44] Nanzo's words did little to quell Shame's fears. For now, at least.

Behind her mask, Shame's eyes closed as her mind traveled far, far upward, through the cosmos. The sights were amazing to behold.

Darkness, specks of light, of various colours. Each, possibly holding untold power.

Eventually, the sights of Crom Cruach made its way into Shame's mind.
It looked peaceful, but very much alive. Radiating utter strength, affecting those around it.

Eventually, it became too much - and swiftly, Shame opened her eyes - still in her own body.

"...I will have to remember this for later! Ah, I can feel the joy of the one behind my mask almost overflowing~! Even if I end up not attuned to this star, what I saw just now, is a beauty to behold!

Ah... I am going to continue to lay down for a while."

And so she did.
(Shame)