Obelisk Runic System

[09:10] Leading the group, they moved to the tower, a place where the Khan worked on his projects and now he would do once more, this time with the help of another artificer, since Xarxes was not there.

Still, good enough since he was not one!

Indeed.

But now, what was there, is an obelisk, notably made of Tyrium and with adamantite to make it more resistant, clearly something quite different..

And ominous.

"This is the most recent project, the Demonic Obelisk - something I've been working on in order to increase our defenses..

Something to make we stand out far more." It didn't take long for the explanation to begin, but now for details - "A beacon that uses one of the oldest demonic foundations, the strong attracts the weak.. The lesser gather around.

And obey.

We'll do that here, we'll have this Obelisk drain life from the ground and produce demonic miasma, to attract demons that will defend our borders! However this will only work..

If we have a suitable runic system made upon it." The being informed, before then gesturing to Amelouth.

The one that was chosen.

"I want you to help me create a runic system, one to make the demonic mana flow through the pillar - one that also stores and then releases the demonic miasma!

Can you do that?" The question is made, as he finally fell back into silence.
(Sak'noth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[09:11] Gigames believes all this nerd talk is too much for her two brain cells.
(Gigames)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[09:13] Balrith says, "Perhaps it shall keep outsiders wary as well. The weaker especially are suceptable to such miasma."
[09:21] Within the walls of his tower, Sak'noth led the group into a room, notes and other objects of study ornamenting the workspace. Sak'noth drew their attention to his current project, an oblique column of composite metals, brooding with the strange juxtaposition.

Amelouth listened, nodding as she uttered some curses under her breath- akin to the phrases and invocations heard during the frenzied ecstasies of the Sabbaths.

"Interesting.." She said, mentally assessing some potential grimoires to reference before turning her gaze to Sak'noth eagerly. "I can do that, I'd love to help!"
(Amelouth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[09:25] With the witch's provided words, a snap of fingers followed, Imps began to walk around the place and then, scavenging things. Mainly orichalcum, to be turned into dust.

As expected.

When this had been acquired, then to the witch it was brought - with this in hand, the Khan spoke - "So, you can start working on it, create the runic system and then, I will imbue some of my ether already in these.

If you need more materials, just ask, but powder for the runes you already has access to." The creature informed, giving space for the artificer to work.

As needed.

This was done mainly he didn't know how to do such things in practice, he would leave a good part of the work to her as expected - but he would remain there to help if requested, since the project was his and also, its completion was of paramount importance.

Since this is for the better future of Abendrot.

"Balrith, what have you been up to lately." He questioned the demon while they were there.
(Sak'noth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[09:27] Gigames peers at the motions in the room, imps going to and fro, demonic overlords conversing. Witch working upon runework. It was all interesting new information to the foul fowl.
(Gigames)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[09:36] And so he was spoken to. And thusly he would reply.

"Currently, taking a few of the Lessers out side to obtain more experience. As well as the usual scouting and gathering missions. Olivia and the slave have been assigned to such as well. Though I have placed her focus more upon growing the lesser and those slaves which may be combat able." A pause came before he would continue.

"Other then that, I am making preparations to head into the shadowlands, to find and hunt a rotting beast. To use pieces of it as ingredients for a new Plague." The Demon would answer swiftly and diligently to his Master.

"Qiliph has shown to have great growth. Though Blightina has seemed to stagnate slightly. I will need to bring them on more excursions into the wilderness." Those Demons that followed him. Attracted by the Rot and Blight. It was obvious he had his own forces.

"Other then such, I plan for more expeditions and scouting missions into the Shadowlands. Perhaps to set up an outpost at a later date for when ever we plan to go on the offensive once more. And to study the naturally occurring plagues and parasties that fester in those lands." Seems the Elemental Demon had been planning a lot recently. Yet has not acted it seems. Likely due to Sak'noth not giving the orders or consent yet to his plans.

"Other then that, ive simple been doing skirmishes and harrasment operations when able against our enemies. Picking off the weaker ones, and looking for more slaves or willing servants."

As found with the recent Fae Blooded one he brought in. And even if he lost a fight against an enemy, it would least tire them out.

The Demon planned to keep the enemies on their toes. To not let them fully re organize for another assault.

Perhaps as a way to stall the enemies and give Abendrot more time to recoup, sacrificing his own body and life to do so.
(Balrith)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[09:58] Myarsie whispers to Sak'noth: Fist has been paid, she also gave us a uh, magibane pizza slice. She mentioned that if I could give it to an Aenite that'd be great sorta stuff!
[10:00] An obelisk.. something rooted in the ground. Amelouth's own rib-shaped stave seemed to hum as she contemplated the abomination before her, a channel for the perverse, demonic energies of Helheim to empower its kindred. The idea made her think of trees, how their roots drew from the lifestream to sustain the network of the forestry. Dal'Thala was the name of Delphina's capital to most, but Amelouth also knew it was used interchangeably in Wylden with the forest, 'our home'.

Taking her thumb, Amelouth pressed it into a nearby reserve of Orichalcum powder and drew an oblong circle with a calligraphic stroke, her wrist spinning widdershins.

Depravity, a perennial phenomena, was also an eternal decision. What, if any, moral difference is there in knowing or not knowing the consequences of ones' sins? The decision is indifferent..

it was not good for the demons to be alone in their judgement

"Serpens ater, sta super caudam tuam." Amelouth exposited from the stygian meditation, setting to work upon the sigil in a trance.

After a moment, a strange rune- a bastardized, menacing glyph was before them. It was incomplete without the rest of the phrase of course, but the rest of the set would ensure the efficacy of the talisman. The runic seal, a gross exaggeration and distortion of the word 'home' looked more like a crude depiction of a fruit. Someone versed in ancient Wylden might also observe the recondite resemblance to another, novel construction of the antediluvian iconography- a tableau of a different word entirely.

touch
(Amelouth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:00] Myarsie whispers to Sak'noth: I have also made the small Faeborne that Balrith was carrying around, into Fabbondel's apprentice. She's collared for the time being.
[10:09] As Amelouth set to work on the runes, the Khan's attention was drawn back to his kin who were now talking - as this was apparently getting involved in some things.

Quite.

"Excellent and a plague? We could certainly benefit from something like this, given Meranthe's countless underdeveloped beings that goes against us - we could create something that would weaken everyone!

Yes, destroy them from inside out.

Few are those with the ability to defend themselves against something like this, let me know if you need help on this expedition - I will personally accompany you if required." The winged beast nodded to his kin, before continuing - "And an outpost would be more than adequate, but complicated due to the presence of Aphros near the borders of the Shadowlands - but, it's something for the future..

Since we already have some plans in mind for that city." With that notion given, the figure gestured to Mya who arrived to stand beside him.

As usual!

Before he then paid attention to Ameloth's work, which mixed artificing with profane enchantments - something expected from a witch, but quite amazing to behold.. After all, even if he was a demon, he did not knew everything - so it was certainly a learning experience.

One he enjoyed.

"Good, continue the work - witch." The creature demanded, looking at the obelisk that was runified.
(Sak'noth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:09] Sak'noth's voice (to Myarsie): Good work, keep it like that.
[10:09] Sak'noth's voice (to Myarsie): And for the pizza.. Store it for now, but I doubt any Aen soldier would accept it from us.
[10:10] Myarsie whispers to Sak'noth: I feel like if I put it into any chests, someone is going to make the mistake of eating it.
[10:10] Myarsie whispers to Sak'noth: Where should I.. Put it?
[10:10] And so Balrith would simple nod to Sak'noth.

"Then consider such done. Fel Khan." A simple answer. Seems he had gotten permission to move forwards with his plans. Now he only need to find a guide (Must find event master! Cry....)


(Balrith)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:11] Gigames hops off it's perch, flapping it's wings as it does so, a few smatterings of blood appearing here and there from it's festering wounds.
(Gigames)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:11] Myarsie whispers to Sak'noth: .. May I treat Gigames.
[10:20] Amelouth took a moment, closing her eyes as she settled back into the present and grounded herself. No matter how familiar the energies of Helheim were to the witch, it was always an exhilarating affair.

"I shall." She affirmed with a deep breath. "But first, a little rest. I'd like to pick up some Fantasia before continuing."

Then, she glanced to Balrith.

"I'll return with an elixir for you, as well!"
(Amelouth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:20] Balrith says, "It will be welcomed."
[10:22] Amelouth asks, "You.. your wings. Shall I bring some for you, as well?"
[10:22] Gigames says, "Gigames... injured..."
[10:22] Amelouth says, "Gigames, I see."
[10:22] Gigames is probably still bleeding profusely. Considering both wounds were about bleeding heavily.
(Gigames)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:22] Balrith says, "Many are injured."
[10:22] Myarsie exclaims, "Yes. The tournament was a bloody one!"
[10:22] Amelouth says, "Ah.. yes, some for you both. I shall make an extra or two as well, so they'll be ready for the others."
[10:22] Balrith says, "And the excursions afterwards as well."
[10:23] Gigames says, "Giga...mes... Hunt... grow, strong..."
[10:23] Myarsie says, "Good, good Gigames."
[10:23] Gigames seems to have forgotten what it was saying, as it goes back to preening itself.
(Gigames)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:37] Apparently the work would not continue right now, as Amelouth... had other things to do.. But would return at least! Until then, the being looked around and at those present.

The four of them.

"Well then, while we await the witch's return - Mya." A pause, he looked at the servant who was beside him, "Soon we will go down to the sewers, to deal with that rabbit - one more time.

We will take those present with us." The creature informed, as it was who was available.

He had no specific choices, other than the Hand. So, whenever he went to clear these lairs - would pick from those around to assist.

As expected.

"Besides.. I feel a growing accumulation of ether, I'm close to an ascension." A brief comment was made and well, for those who were always close to the Khan it was remarkable.

They could feel it.

As recently more and more ether was being emitted from the winged beast, he would very soon be going through a metamorphosis - as was expected of demons, such as himself.
(Sak'noth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:41] "Perhaps if we are lucky, we will run across those weaker beings to take back as slaves and servants as well." Though most beings wandering around had been quite strong.

A hard feat these days. But one he needed to accomplish none the less.

But even so, he stood by. He had never been around for the ascension of an Elemental into a greater form. But he knew well enough as well. Sak'noth was growing in power.

Only further growing his feverent loyalty in the Higher Demon.


(Balrith)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:42] Gigames shakes itself once more. An uncomfortable feeling welling up between it's feathers. It's own blood.

"Lair... Rabbit... Eat, grow... stronger..."

The chicken head tilts to the side, observing all the other people present in the room with a single beady red eye.

"Evolve... Gigames… Evolve soon... Too..."

It dips it's head, in a nod of sorts. It wasn't clear if it was assuring itself or the others.
(Gigames)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:43] Their hands rested behind their back, a subtle wobble! With the key jingling at their side they'd twist it off of their belt loop, holding it towards the taloned Avian afterwards.

"Your gift, Balrith, is very appreciated. I've put the little Faeborne to work for Fabbondel, she'll either become a good little servant. Oooor a doll for me to pick at whenever I get bored. Something or another. Sooo thaaank you VERY much!"

They'd clap their hands together when the oversized chimkin spoke. "And another evolution~ So soon so soon! How exciting!!" They were in a splendid mood today.
(Myarsie)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:44] {Item} You picked up Sewers Key. Dropped by Myarsie..
[10:44] Balrith says, "I figured you would enjoy such. Now we only need to find more."
[10:49] "Perhaps, slaves are always useful - however, I think we have enough for now, but a hunt is always entertaining and I will not refuse to carry out one.

Never.

Even if only to catch and then release, as I've seen some mortal fishermen do with what they caught." The notion was given, as the clawed finger tapped against the beak.

The sound echoing through the tower.

"Oh great, Gilgames.. Evolve, grow and become powerful, subjugate your opponents and reach perfection - make our horde feared again in these lands.

As it should.

For this is what fate desires of us." The creature tapped its beak as it spoke, before turning its attention back to Mya, "That's right and when that happens, you too will evolve Mya - become stronger, more..

Similar to me." With that that clawed finger from before was used to touch the young girl on the top of her head, causing a small sting..

Before storing the key given into his 'side pockets'.
(Sak'noth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:49] The festering foul fowl facetiously furloughs it's frail frontal feathered forearm. Pulverized perniciously by practically polymorphed personages placating precepts with proper pouncing of peccable poultry.

"Moo." It says.
(Gigames)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:50] Myarsie gleefully grins when that's said, hopping up and down in place!
(Myarsie)

[ After a looooong time ]

[10:49] Sak'noth asks, "Everything concluded, Mya?"
[10:49] Myarsie says, "Mmm? Yes."
[10:50] Sak'noth says, "Come."
[10:50] Myarsie says, "Grabbing a few things.. Be riiight back down."
[10:51] Myarsie returns.
(Myarsie)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[10:53] Entering the laboratory, the obelisk remained in the same place - the beginning of the stage they were previously never went forward, so much of the work still remained, however more things would be done today.

Consequently.

"Mya, collect the demon horns and grind them into a fine powder and imbue occultic ether into these.

This obelisk must emanate a powerful miasma, such as mine." While saying that he looked towards the obelisk, before gesturing for Amelouth to approach - "You remember what was done, correct? If so, you can start working now - when you finish your step.. We will apply the horn powder.

And then this is conclude this step." Concluding his speech, the Khan fell silent - now, waiting for them to start acting.

As expected.
(Sak'noth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:02] The young now dual crafter sat upon the cot in a corner, legs sliding forward and criss-crossing as they listened to the Fel Khan, a slow dip of their head follows before they'd pap their hands against the cot and push themselves upright.

It didn't take much for the young Cambion to move away from the duo and retrieve the demonic horns from the storage upstairs, alongside that of a motar and pestle. A large one. Each horn unceremoniously dropped into the circular device.

"A miasma as powerful as yours..." They mutteredd before raising their wrist, talons extended to dig into their palm. A few flecks of blackened, corrupted blood dripped unto the cut away demonic horns. The pestle was than grasped, and their occultism flared wildly around it. The once pristine marble stained a deep black before they begun grinding the demonic horns.

Each rise and fall of the hand was accompanied by a deep pulse of occultism. Cascading darkness that rolled and licked across the edges of the motor. A subtle yet raking grinding sound emitting from the enamled bones being crunched, mashed and broken down into a fine powder.

Each crackle, each crunch, did elicit a slight twitch at the corners of their lips. A momentary smile and a half-lidded stare as they worked. There was no attempt to make small talk during their work however, a dull, airy silence remaining ever present throughout.
(Myarsie)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:03] Amelouth laid out some of the various herbal specimens from containers on her person, sorting through various Poppylus stems until- she came to some brighter stemmed, bulb-shaped blossoms, a lily. She brushed the disquieting pistils under her nose, inhaling the sweet aroma as she fell back into the entoptic commiseration with the unholy pillar, placing the flower before it.

Her thoughts seemed to descend until somewhere, there was a sudden switch- they were ascending.. no, turning and twisting, in seventy different ways; by the lowest estimate, thirty-six. Lily-language..

i am white

“Hic sum.” Amelouth heard herself chant, her finger tracing a line.

Amelouth's index, possessed, raised slowly and dipped itself into the Orichalcum powder, wetting its nib. An unseeing eye, whetting its beak. Her finger drifted into the air, swaying in the slow yellow ellipsis of a nystagmic undertow of a mountainous dream, and yet also a dreamy mountain. Amelouth fell into its gaping mouth. Another jaundiced, serpentine voice expounded upon the ivory climb, falling like lightning from the heavens.

you are white!

“Hic sum.”

Sudden, frantic lines from Amelouth's finger were dashed in rapid succession, elaborate shapes emerging from the implied dimensions and discrete junctions between the intersecting points among the pitter-pattered etchings. The moire rune seemed to shift depending on the angle upon which it was glimpsed, all different iterations of the same basic meaning, 'iactura'. An underpinning mantra, layered in deceptive rhetoric and subversive antonymy in divergent, bolting arcs. Iacturaiacturaiacturaiacturaiacturaiactura... it thundered within her head, the taste of blood rolling in her mouth like an electric, allotriophagic blanket.

“Hic sum.”

The rune's discrete yet evolving etymology of the backwards' script still hid within the minutiae, but a final stroke reconfigured the whole of the glyph into a clearer symbol, a rune directly transliterating to particular dyes, exotic shades of dust..

kermes-murex
(Amelouth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:12] "Miasma, if powerful enough, attracts lesser demons - no wonder our lands now increasingly have more of our kin." The creature commented, while looking sideways in Mya's direction.

They set to work, grinding and imbuing the horns - which would be of paramount importance in that project - as they were the parts of demons and thus would be effective in improving the performance of the runes!

Demonic runes.

Which were now done by Amelouth, who used her knowledge of the dark arts to conduct this step - it was fitting. Something appreciated, since they already had this project on hold for a long time..

And with the tower falling, they would need this ready.. The faster, the better - so her abilities were, is, of great importance.

"Continue, witch.. Don't stop now." He commanded as his wings fluttered and then enveloped him, such as a mantle.

His talons tapped against the bricks e was stepping on and his presence filled the room, permeating with demonic miasma, precisely because he was there.. Something not pleasant for most, but for both of them it shouldn't be a problem.
(Sak'noth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:17] Speckled, dark powder. Somehow dry, shimmering with the occultic taint of the Cambion. The alchemist pressed their bared, open palm into the mixture and closed their fingertips around it. A handful is grasped, than raised, and allowed to sprinkle back into the bowl.

"Mmm..."

They'd murmur ever so slightly to themselves. Unlike the passion of Amelouth and her work, Myarsie had taken from Dregs. Empty, hollow, and analytic in nature. A perfectionist. Was the powder fine enough? Was it sticky? Did it catch unto things it should not?

A few motions and a drop of the fine powder back within the motar once more. Thrice is the process repeated before the Cambion raised their hand and stared at their palm, idle eyes observing it for any specks of dust..

Once satisfied the motor and pestle are set aside and they move to remain out of Amelouth's way. Their task? A completed one. Demonic horns further infused with the taint of occult and a a sprinkle of cambion blood, to add the presence of the Kaor, the Fel Khan, into the mixture.
(Myarsie)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:22] Myarsie set a bowl of the demon horn dust beside the Orichalcum silently, the room curdling with occultic decay from the overseeing Fel Khan.

The lily flower was placed before the obelisk by Amelouth next, and she smashed a fire crystal under it. Shattering upon impact, Amelouth quickly gathered the ember-like fragments into a pile under the flower's petals, a light stream of smoke rising- the blossom graying into ash, devoured by the slow flame.

A clause rose in Amelouth's throat, ribbiting. The first two runes were complete, the obscure, preternatural abjection of their contrast complementing their challenging, transgressive nature. Within the posts that the pair were established, the syntax seemed to bring Amelouth to a gate of cold, heavy iron. Whomever the gate belonged to did not seem to intend for any kind of entrance or exit. Amelouth knocked.

The silence was immutable, even with the dull thud of her knuckles against the unyielding metal. Though, after some time, a faint hissing began to grow, cusping the threshold of her hearing. A thick, dark smoke began to emanate from behind the door, masking her vision with its opaque plume. It wasn't long before the smoke blinded her entirely. The sound of more knocking pulsed through the thick, black fog as a disembodied voice strobed throughout the reverberations.

know thyself

“Per officia amici.”

Amelouth heard her voice answer, although it was not herself that spoke. Confusion erupted in that instant, her introspective disorientation leaving her in worms. Innumerable worms, crawling over and across her skin. Between her fingers and toes, under her eyelids. Under her flesh, her churning organs groaning under the duress of the slimey, wriggling spaghettification. Amelouth realized she was being devoured by worms, the worms all gorging themselves until they would eventually feed a bigger worm. A scarlet worm, unfathomably large. She tried to beheld the unholy entity and her consciousness turned in onto itself, through itself, coiling around her vessel- a brilliant and sanguine Python squeezing her into ochre. The scales flared, and the smell of a dying python travelled into Amelouth's nostrils. Her awareness dissipated as she came to realize that she was a worm.
~
Her blood ran cold. She stomped on the python's head, crushing its skull under her heel. The crushing of its cranial structure sounded like not breaking bone- but instead, like a bird singing in the morning to a peeping sun, dancing before worms rising from the soil under dawn's red rays. The smell of dew, sweeter than anything, smelled like hushed whispers, hypnagogic epithets and warnings of demons hiding under flowers.

The reddening scales of the python became the still burning remnants of the fire crystal under the burnt stem where the head of the lily plant once was. Amelouth blinked slowly as she leaned forward, inscribing the next rune with her middle finger, 'shal'dorei'. The shadows of the rune seemed to ripple with the lingering, misty smoke, a cruder, more visceral word highlighted under the shimmering dust more abstractly.

fear
(Amelouth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:29] With the powder made and imbued with the mana of his cambion, the Kaor took it and then.. Raised it in front of himself, one hand was placed over the powder and then, a claw touched it..

With that act done, ether was manifested! Pure, destructive energy that slowly trickled down almost like water onto dust.

Mixing with it, imbuing it further.

"A great work as always, my Mya, with this we will be able to strengthen the runes of Amelouth and thus make them suitable for the obelisk.

You may rest now." The creature made that clear and informed, as it carried out its part of the job.

With each passing instant, the miasma from before faded away.. For this one, it was concentrated at a common point, this being the mixture of dust and ether - which began to emit an etheric glow and clearly, unpleasant..

That even, it seemed partially wither away the vial in which it was contained.. And this continue for a few seconds.

Until finally it was ready and upon the table, it was placed.

"When you've completed your work, let me know and step back Amelouth - then I'll finish this." With such words spoken, he now waited patiently...
(Sak'noth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:30] Myarsie simply bows their head quietly in a nod and returns to their cot to observe.
(Myarsie)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:32] The fear.. it was like a knelling bell to Amelouth.

Traversing the stratum-defying altered states and divining the enigmatic syntax had left her dizzy, trying to get a grip on her slipping awareness. She looked back at the runes she had finished, pride washing over her as the sight of its tattered definition seemed to re-assert itself, ontological lesions precise, like a butchers'- or a surgeons'- cut. She took a deep breath.

Riverrun, the peal of a bell, followed by the growing sound of static, seemed to get louder in one of her ears. Her friends, acquaintances, lost in their own winding paths and ends in the forest came to mind. The Aphrosian soldier that stabbed her side. “I forgive you.” Now, a pig, crowned with a rune.

sin'dorei

Then another replaced the Gadarene illusion; children, flocking. They tended to her wing as Amelouth tried to take them under it. “I forgive you.” All suddenly swine, drowning in the feathery tides as they ruffled deeper and deeper, swallowed like quicksand. The ruffled sea seemed to stir, the quills under the white waves drawing ink from an abyssal, sightless iris.

tzefardei’a

A final figure was before her in her vision, the Deep Prophet himself- his tentacles each writhing independently, plotting, dreaming.. lucidity ionized the pitch black void, the unlight of an ever-burning wick glowing between them atop an eigengrau candle. Amelouth seized the kairotic torch, finding her rib-shaped staff in her hand in its stead. Guided by a sudden Hel-ish surge of war-frenzy, she thrust it forward. In the pervasive darkness, she felt it impale something, the sound of viscera ripping and bubbling a macabre cadence. Instead of K'thul, a deceased Dal'Thalian prince, Ariamis Caewynn, was before her- her staff piercing his eye, rotting the surrounding socket and flesh with her poisonous magic. The scar of her first injury along her side was bleeding, warm.. her heartbeat spilling out into the streams of leaking blood. She looked down, seeing her own body to be that of a water(blood)logged sow.

“Raphèl mai amècche zabì almi?“ She cried out suddenly, in the vision- and aloud before the obelisk.

Stirring from her trance, she arose from her stupor with a growl and coated her leech-finger in powdered Orichalcum. Her anger quickly gave way to tears, the witch's scrawl interspersed with anguished cries as she negotiated the sigil. The rune appeared to portray a broken tower, crumbling away at a striking Hel-bolt of lightning. The intense vision still lingered in her cognizance, the sound of a roaring river still ringing in her ear.. like static. Her sobs eventually settled as she rested, catching her breath. Then, she looked at the alien rune with one eye closed, inspecting its meaning..

deaf
(Amelouth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:35] Truly, the Kaor was not an artificer, much less an alchemist - but he showed a certain appreciation for those who were, who did this kind of work - because the things created by them were fabulous.

And certainly, he could use it.

As expected.

So much so that now his cambion was a complete artisan.. And he could take advantage of that, for the next stages of that project, in which a lot would be done! Since they would make some extra additions and also imbue the obelisk with the energy of three kaor.

Maybe more.

They would see in time.

For now, focus on finishing that project.
(Sak'noth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:37] The time for the final rune was hearkening, like a ravenous storm looming over a blood wine dark sea. Her concentration was waning under the Protean labor, but the ever dire signatures from Helheim drew her to deeper wells rank with desperation and of perdition, wafting along an ill, second wind. Amelouth set forth a relic, a serendipitous discovery, a dream journal authored in an oneiric script alongside a vial of Fantasia and a ritual cup. She remembered something Omen had once told her about dreams reaching further realms than the waking world, even to Hel..

Amelouth inspected the items in front of her as if a map and compass, opening another accompanying bottle of blood wine into the cup, as if meting a mithridate for whatever awaited her. Then, the Fantasia followed the spirit into the cup. She stirred the concoction with her little finger before consuming it.

She didn't remember placing down the glass- instead finding her hands sifting through the pages of the journal like scurrying rats. Its tangential content and nature seemed to blur with the pages' movement, the somnabul lexicon becoming vibrant with her uninhibited doors of perception. Amelouth came to a page in the journal she didn't recall seeing before, a flaring bush roaring behind the epigrammatic seal- fires casting shadows and darkness Hel-ish malaise. The seal was resilient to her prying mind like beckoning palms awaiting an offering. She realized they were own her hands, a tickling sensation drawing her attention to them as she spotted five locusts crawling between her loosely cupped fingers. Amelouth crushed them in her hand.

The witch found herself surrounded by three, hooded entities. Four? There was something else there.. a presence, of sorts. Amelouth perceived a voice.

take your staff down and throw it before them

She heeded its call and did so, her own staff becoming a locust. Two of the visible three cast forth their staves, their tools likewise becoming locusts. But Amelouth's staff swallowed up their staffs.

“Fiat lum-nullux.”

Then, she recognized the unholy glow from earlier, the dis-illumination of the evil flame untethered. No light, but rather darkness visible. Her staff, now a dragonfly, coiled its tail- as if in the throes of passionate cop, forming a wheeling, dancing half-heart inside of the decrepit miasma.

Amelouth's little finger twitched in the waking world, still wet with the profanely laced communion, found its way into the prepared Orichalcum and coated itself with it. She drew the sacrilegious rune as the image plagued her mind's eye; the culminating witch's ladder of eerily knotted and feathered characters upon the obelisk complete.

pandaemonium
(Amelouth)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[11:44] As soon as the runes were completed, the creature moved - taking the vial with the powder and then approaching the obelisk, which was touched and the essence of it felt - meaning that it was time.

As expected.

With his claws he took the dust and slowly, on the runes that had been made - he applied. With each insertion of the mixture, more of these emanated the nefarious ether, being potentiated by the energy of the Kaor and its cambion, just like what was held in the dust.

It was quite the sight.

"My kind.. We are magical creatures, we exist for a reason, as any other - yet ours is to be at the top of the food chain.. And why? For we are the most magically powerful beings.

Made for this.

So.. Our mana, our blood, flesh... Everything, is something that can be used to create unique and powerful things." An explanation was provided as he worked.

And one by one the runes were imbued.

"I created a ring using that theory, something quite intriguing.. But that made this project possible..

Such a ring, which now adorns the fingers of my Cambion." A wing gesture was made to point in Mya's direction.

And meanwhile.. The last rune was filled and then, the entire obelisk was filled with an aura of negativity, which clearly.. gave an extra touch to this - therefore, that step was completed.

And closer to the completion of the project were.

"That was all, we're done.

You are dismissed for now, Amelouth." With these last words uttered, he moved to the corner of the forge and then fell silent - almost like a statue.
(Sak'noth)