A talk with the devil

[12:39] Selever Valkrin says, "My ol' ass..."
[12:39] Selever Valkrin says, "Fuckin' young kids gettin' strong as hel."
[12:39] Xander Byron asks, "Nah, just me and a few others?"
[12:39] Selever Valkrin says, "Eh, maybe."
[12:42] {Won Restrained RPB against Selever Valkrin}
[12:42] Xander Byron says, "Name's Xander."
[12:42] Xander Byron asks, "You?"
[12:42] Selever Valkrin says, "Selever Valkrin."
[12:42] Xander Byron says, "Nice to meet you."
[12:42] Selever Valkrin says, "Bandit of Daggermark, shank and rob people fer a livin'."
[12:42] Xander Byron asks, "Really now?"
[12:43] Xander Byron asks, "So since I won, are you gonna give me your money?"
[12:43] Selever Valkrin says, "Ya gotta take it man."
[12:44] Selever Valkrin says, "That's how the game works."
[12:45] Selever Valkrin says, "Shoot the fuck out of me and fuckin' run off with my shit."
[12:45] Xander Byron says, "I'd rather take information from you."
[12:46] Xander Byron says, "Come now, let's walk and talk."
[12:47] Xander Byron says, "Alright."
[12:48] Xander Byron says, "Do you know any witches, necromancers, occutlist, people who are able to steal the essence of someone's soul, someone who is capable of using riftmancy."
[12:49] Vandureth says, "...Why the fuck are children here..."
[12:49] Xander Byron says, "You forget the same one that came with you to reclaim your crown."
[12:50] Vandureth exclaims, "AH!"
[12:50] Vandureth says, "Right..."
[12:50] Vandureth says, "My head is still... Spinning."
[12:50] Xander Byron asks, "Must've taken quite the hit haven't you?"
[12:50] Vandureth says, "We all did..."
[12:51] Xander Byron says, "My eyes are still... Well, I don't think they will ever change."
[12:51] Xander Byron says, "Speaking of, I'd like to have a chat with you soon."
[12:51] Xander Byron says, "Very. Soon."
[12:52] Vandureth says, "...In hindsight. I pity that other Nethradin we fought. He reminded me of someone I knew."
[12:53] Vandureth says, "Regardless... It is almost time."
[12:53] Vandureth says, "I soon, shall ascend from this ghastly form."
[12:54] Xander Byron says, "It's a shame if that's the case. But you two beings are from the same realm so I wouldn't be surprised."
[12:54] Xander Byron asks, "But, what do you mean about ascending that form?"
[12:55] Vandureth says, "I personally find this... State of being... Unsightly. Too large, and extremely... Unbecoming of me."
[12:56] The Valkrin stares at the young man as they've asked such a thing. And of all places it was inside the mire itself. Such a place he has memories of, fond ones at that.

It brung joy to at least see parts of the place still in tact. Though the many people who made the place lively was no more than history. Still a few people out their surprisingly as he too was one.

Answering the boy's question, he offers a nod.

"Ye' that I do. Not sure if they're still around though, one of them bein' Vandureth one who's has much knowledge of hel itself."

Then lord and behold they've shown themselves in the fle- spirit?

"Ah, sup Van.. Long time no see.."
(Selever Valkrin)
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[13:02] Vandureth gave a light squint with their quartet of eyes. Gazing upon Selever.

"Aah… Selever… Or are you still going by Vitus?"

Either way. It mattered little.

Their ascension was soon at hand! All he needed were, for lack of better terminology, supporters of it.

"Long time no see indeed. It is good to see you in... Well. Alive. At least.

And what is there to say about Hel? It's a rather wretched place, all things considered.

But. Regardless. Excitement consumes me. Soon, a grand ritual shall be held. And I? I shall, at long last, be Crowned proper from it.

I shall be the next to emerge Primordial."
(Vandureth)
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[13:10] The short Ookami was covered in battle wounds, a smirk given towards the large spirit as he replies.

"Eh, I go by Selever again.. Someone still tends ta call me Vitus from time ta time."

He shrugs.

As the news of the said ritual would bestow them the long last tittle of Primordial they've held an amused expression.

"Ah ye'? That's good news, if ya need help with anythin' don't hesitate ta shoot me a letter."
(Selever Valkrin)
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[13:10] A ghastly state that could be ascended from, the idea never even crossed his pubescent mind.

"What will you Ascend into?" he coaxed, wondering just how far their transformation will take them.

Thoughts flooded his mind, after hearing how by absorbing life essence from others, being bathed in starlight or by consuming the force of a star; Even finding nirvana by being taken hold of the void. There were several ways of ascending into a greater beings.

Did this mean that Vandureth would transform into a god?

Not even a moment went by as it seemed to be true, his concerns, his ideals, everything came to fruition as Vandureth confirmed the truth.

"How." he gasped, taking a step forward as the depths of his hues followed it's ghastly form. "Could you teach me?" he began. "How to consume the essence from others, h-how to control the souls, consume them and use them to my own benefit. H-How to... Well, do everything?" The mere idea of it all infatuated him.

"Please, help me reach your status. I'll do everything, I want to become god." He had the relics, he held the ambitions, the drive. He just needed someone to guide him.

(Xander Byron)
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[13:17] Curious.

A nod was given to Selever from the beast of fog.

"You're obviously invited. And may participate in the ritual itself, if you so desire.

I will be in need of supporters for the ritual... Though I cannot say Nyx would likely approve of assisting with such."

She was a Primordial herself after all. Why would they ever desire the rise of others.

They turned their head towards Xander. Staring for a moment. Did they even know what it was to become a God? What it meant?

It was not something to be done at a whim.

"What are you willing to Sacrifice, Xander? To become a God? What would you be the God of? What would you give up, just to be an embodiment?

Gods are as Kings. Followers are as peasants.

You are not just benefactor. You are the greatest servant to your people.

Boons. Hopes. Dreams. Guidance. Provider.

To be a God is to offer everything you have to those that would follow you, in exchange for their servitude and faith."
(Vandureth)
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[13:25] What was he willing to sacrifice? Did he truly understand what it meant to become a god? What he'd represent and preach, what he'd define as a whole and embody until the end of time.

"Everything."

He'd sacrifice, his family, friends, fortune, gold and even more, knowing that in the end. He would have the power to bring any of his dearly departed back to life. That he'd capture their soul and harness it for himself, to transform them back into beings of his image.

Ixchel, Ryujin, each of the Divines had done so. Even the mighty Red god that rests far into the mountains had turned original humans into his desired image. All on a whim if they so chose.

"Yes, I'd be able to do that and more." He just needed.. He just needed someone to show him the way. Someone to show him the path to achieve such a form, to accomplish such a dire state. He'd slaughter his entire school if he had to and more if that was what it took.

Xander never wished to serve another, to lay at another's feet while praying for something that would never happen. His mother sold her soul to Hectate, yet nothing came their way. Their enemies still live, their family and friends still die, while the divine entity itself still lays claim to his mother's soul.

Occult energies began to resonated throughout his form as his blackened hues sought Vandureth's form desperately. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes." Garljing let it's own religion die out, Moxtli was destroyed and not one word was heard from the gods who many sold their lives for.

"I will be the one to make a change, to do something." Xander was willing to risk it all.
(Xander Byron)
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[13:25] "Ah nice, nice. And eh.. Who knows, as she is a goddess herself, she may or may not approve. Though I'm sure if yer intentions isn't ta bring harm ta her children and herself, it's possible they wouldn't mind."

He says with a slight dismissive wave and a chuckle. Aware that Naysien wants the Night mother dead still kind of bothered him. If the Ebonblooded were to succeed in such a feat, the hope of bringing the mire back would be in vain.

Then looking in the direction of Xander. They were quite eager for knowledge, to become a god themselves. An interest was taken on the young man as a smirk offered their way.
(Selever Valkrin)
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[13:40] "Poor answer." they'd remark. Eyes seeming to stare, not at Xander, but through them. To their very core. Judging them.

Vandureth, awkwardly, despised most notions of such extremes. Sacrifice dozens, if not thousands for the sake of nothing but power?

No. If there was reason behind something, then it could be warranted.

This was nothing more than Avarice for all intents and purposes.

"I advise you think long and hard regarding this simple question: Who are you?

If you truly put thought into it, you may yet come up with a response that would impress.

Without vision, you are lost. Without an ear to listen, faith shall fade. Without understanding, you will be forgotten. Without reason, you will find only despair as reward for avarice.

If you wish for Godhood? Think everything through. Being a God does not mean infinite power. It does not mean you will be capable of every feat.

This makes it a fragile, and narrow bridge. You may make it across. But all who have supported you? May not.

And there will be no opportunity to get them back."

Children truly mystified Vandureth at times. The Helspawn had contemplated their own goals for a long time. Using stolen memories as reference for it all. In that sense? He had lived several lifetimes already, by gazing upon the lives of others, as if turning pages of a book.

Meditation upon every detail that could be conceived by his own mind.

And it culminated to this day, where he still walked that proverbial bridge as carefully as he could.

Their head turned back to Selever, and nodded.

"My intent has nothing to do with them, so long as they neither cross me directly, nor act in ways that are strictly against my intents. In both cases, there would be no real choice in opposing them."
(Vandureth)
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[13:52] A single nod of the Valkrin before turning his attention back on the young man.

Hearing Vandureth put down knowledge on the young man, considering they've made a poor choice on what their objectives are.

Quite curious to what they'd say in response. Of course, there were many things that had to be achieves. God hood was something many considered to be 'perfection' but little had they've taken account for is that divine beings have their flaws too.

The Night mother embraces darkness rather than the light. Naysien encourages wrath and vengeance rather than peace to the ones who oppose of their horde.

It is only their choice of what they seek to turn an ear to, having a goal in mind that would lead them to such path. Though if they wish to learn of the occult and take the souls of many, Selever didn't see an issue to it.

Though the Ookami himself was one of the very few people who were lead to despair in one ways than many, yet another broken being without much of an alternative in mind.

He's been simply robbing and shanking people just about any chance he could get. All in return it brought destruction towards his well being, barely able to stand. Wounds that were there for as long as the Ookami breathes.
(Selever Valkrin)
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[13:59] Poor answer?

Biting down hard, his fist clenched as his gaze met the ghastly figure. "I'm Xander Byron. The son of a witch and dragonslayer, born from the riches of gold and power to achieve what was once thought impossible." he bit back through his teeth.

"I know of the intents and you may call me foolish but I'm tried of people praying to gods who never answer their calls. To beg and plead without even being given a glance." Imagine that, to give your entire life to a deity only to be ignored and not even given a look.

"People spend their entire lives worshipping these figures. Praying for a miracle or believing that they'll get something out of the end, yet they remain in the cycle of rebirth while the gods look down at them and laugh at their struggle. Watching us for their entertainment purposes, can you fathom how many times people have been forced to reincarnate into different lives to end up dying over and over again. To never reach the nirvana that they were promised, to finally put an end to this miserable life?"

He stepped closer.

"We're entertainment for the gods. They watch us as if we're scum, watching us struggle as we climb up the hill of betterment. Only to repeatedly fall to otherworldly disasters, to watch them be tortured and killed due to the carelessness of others, mothers, children, fathers, nonmagi and magi included. Pets, animals, and even mythical creatures. Leading people to make deals with creatures from Hel to try to escape this painful existence!"

A sigh.

"It'll hurt.. It'll hurt to sacrifice those I love, care for, or anything more.. But it's a lesser evil to achieve a greater goal. Something I wish to end and make up for. To do what these so called gods don't. To be the patron who actually cares about their followers. As for my followers dying throughout the process?" he simply shook his head. "I've heard how there were a few who sold their soul to the Darklord and was able to be brought back to life because of that fate. If they follow me, I'll claim their soul and bring them back in my image. Just as Ryujin did with the Drakanites, and as Ixchel did the same with Naguals. I will find the means to do the same."

He stepped again.

"I know ascending itself won't give me everything, but it'll give me the time to learn everything."

As for the mention of his supporters dying? He

"THAT'S who Xander Byron is."
(Xander Byron)
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[13:59] * You have been awarded 1 Roleplay Points! *
[14:15] The Nethradin gives a low sigh. The answer was truthful, if they were being honest.

But that did not make their reasoning any better.

"Allow me to put it this way. Godhood is not given to people because they want it.

It is not something that comes to fingertips at a whim. It is earned.

But it can never be earned alone. Ryujin is a god because his own forebears intended it so.

Garljing was a mistake, yet a resulting God nonetheless, because Ryujin intended it so.

The Primordials exist, because cement embodiment of concept and elements of the world alike were needed.

Eos of Light and Sorrow. Existing to bring hope into creatures of the light.
Nyx of Corruption and Love. Existing as counterpart to Eos, bringing hope into creatures of the dark.
Gaia of Earth. Granting foundation and purpose.
Achlys of emptiness and yearning. Granting the existence of new beginnings. Blank slates, and potential.


I intend to become the embodiment of Fog, Respite, and Sanctuary. My mists shall blanket places blessed by the power I shall wield. Where those of innocent blood, may find comfort and calm. Whilst the wretched shall wander eternally, in asylum, for their own sake, the sake of others."

A pause was made. Not to catch a breath. No, they really didn't have need for such things as breathing, after all.

"What would you be the embodiment of, Mortal Child? What vision would you follow, to show that claimed benevolence?

To bring an ear to millions, if not billions, across Eternia? Both in Life, to those who need it, and in death? Who desire comfort in rest, and blessings upon those they hold dear?"
(Vandureth)
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[14:50] There was more than what it seemed, the entirety of ascending, to achieve a status that only few others have. That it wasn't something that could be taken, or achieved out of simple wants. It was a status that is rightfully bestowed upon those worthy enough, how Primordials existed because they were a concept that was needed.

The names of the current and existing divinity figures were named, each explanation giving Xander a better explanation of who they were and stood for. Even Vandureth held a plan for the place they would hold.

Fog, Respite, and Sanctuary. A noble figure, something to protect those who deserved it while the others would wander aimlessly for eternity. A decision that he'd never imagine a Hel-Spawn to have, especially the prince of Hel.

When it came his turn to speak, Xander paused. Thinking about what position he'd call calm to. To what he'd want to embody and take up in the world, what he'd want to establish withintheir world.

It was something that Xander never thoroughly thought of, something that never even crossed his mind if he were to ascend. But the question was presented, and he fell silent for multiple minutes while he thought out his plan.

Keeping his gaze locked upon Vandureth, he continued to think about what he'd want to be. Mulling through all of his triumph and failures, to think through the struggles of the world and pain that everyone suffered through.

"I'll become the embodiment of destruction and change." he finally answered, "I'll give the power to those who are overwhelmed, spat on and treated like dirt. To empower them with the talent, and power to change the fate of their world." Change never happened throughout peaceful talks or agreed terms. There was always one side winning, and changing history to fit their view. That's how their life worked.

"That through their trials and tribulations, they'll finally find rest among the stars within my created realm until the end of time. Where they'll live in peace in a sanctuary where no harm will ever find them anymore. A place where the wicked and undeserved will be obliterated from existence." he told, not believing that those who were underserving needed any mercy at all. "Where those who did thy wrong, will never be reborn but eliminated for all eternity."

Confirming his thoughts, everything within his soul spoke the truth as he glared back into Vandureth's vision. As Xander felt his very soul being judged, he simply looked back, showing the Prince everything that he was worth.

"To give power to the weak. That's what I'll be." If it were thousands, millions, or even billions, he'd answer their calls no matter how far. On their physical realm, or among the spirits. He'd hear their call and aid them.
(Xander Byron)
[15:03] A brief chuckle came from the Helspawn at that remark. Destruction. Change.

"You would be vying for my Father's seat at the proverbial table, then, Xander.

The Dark Lord is Chaos, Darkness, and Power.

He has long offered that type of assistance, but always for a price. As he, the embodiment of power, was always looking for more.

As for realms...

You're overselling what is possible, Xander. Gods exist in tiers, per say. Realms are more or less... Granted. Rather than made.

And the power to destroy a Soul in of itself? Even I would not utilize such an act so lightly.

Well... Lightly, is more a subjective term. Those who do wrong, in my opinion, should be offered a decision. None that strictly benefit them in terms of options.

Repent through servitude and actions. Eternity of solitary. Or destruction of their Spirit.

The Soul is a different matter entirely. No being in Eternia should ever use it without EXTREME necessity being present.

Death Magic is something that is beyond simply tainting the mind. All tales, even among spirits, lay down the story of those wielding it falling into a state of such depravity, that wanton murder is nothing more than daily habit for them."
(Vandureth)
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[15:22] Frowned at the counter that presented itself towards him.

"If I'd be competing with your father, then I'll be the one that wins." It would take time, years, maybe centuries even, but if he managed to best the test of time, then he'd collect the power necessary to defeat such a creature to come out on top.

"I know that there wouldn't be a way to work alongside them as we have different goals." And how no one liked a competitor. "As for overselling? Nothing is impossible, that much is so with in our world Vandureth and you know it. If I'm able to learn how to use riftmancy, no world would be outside of my reach, I could even create, or as you put it, earn my own realm if I became strong enough." That much he knew was true.

The power to erase a soul was known as Death magic, something so powerful that it'd drive the user insane. Losing the understanding of their self, or otherwise.

However, there was a secret that he held. "I wield an ancient tome. A grimoire so to speak." he explained as he pulled his own tome from his rucksack. Dropping it from his grasp as it began levitate before him as it's pages turned open. "Treatise On The Occult", his voice boomed upon saying it's name out loud. "We both know that names have power, and the notes I've taken from the grimoire are listed down in my own very tome."

Laid open were ancient test, but descriptive illustrations of several human experiments and what could be done with the manipulation of occult magic. How the maddening effect of occult magic on one individual could be diverted, only through transferring it's corruption towards another being through willing or forceful means.

"I won't lose my means of self Vandureth." confirming his determination as his eyes showed so. "You say that people deserve redemption yes? That they deserve a chance to repent?"

His lips thinned as his head shook. "If people who continue on with atrocious acts know this, then they'll keep on doing the greater evil. They won't stop knowing that in the end, that they can repent and be given something beneficial in the end."

Closing his hand, his tome slammed shut before floating back with in the confines of his pack. "Everything has been happening the same and nothing is changing, sure good and evil are subjective towards each person but we both know that wicked deeds are happening all over. Even the once shimmering city is full of hypocrites and sinful magi who continue to wield the magic of the Angels. Something needs to be done if anything is going to change."

Taking a breath, he knew that the journey he'd lay out for himself was insurmountable. But even then he'd stop at nothing to try to achieve it.

"Nothing will change if nothing new will happen, and that's why I plan to be the one to do something different. You can't keep on trying the same thing and expect different results. That's not how our world works Vandureth.

And you know that."
(Xander Byron)