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Post by Disastercorn on Feb 3, 2019 1:51:46 GMT -6
A U R O R AFemale | Hedgewitch | Vagabond
Aurora stood frozen, encased in shock as the voice echoed through her from the very start. She had never been one to have great willpower, bending and cracking to those with strength greater then her own. Feeling the words jolt around within her mind, the mare barely breathed. The voices of the others bled away into the space, leaving behind only her own heartbeat and the touch.
The feeling...
Eyes widened more as suddenly a figure flicked to a shimmering form before her, before them. Wings slowly appeared, large and gleaming from their back. A different type of touch centered in her form, witnessing in shock the entity that appeared and vanished just as quickly within the fireplace that granted the room its warmth. As the feeling faded and the voice was all that remained, Aurora cast her gaze to the floor, gasping like she had been drowning.
Only as the voice grows and suddenly vibrates with volume unheard before, does she gasp and flinch. She feels her though, feels the god that had previously been so scary. Slowly her eyes lift from the floor, to look towards the unicorn standing illuminated before them.
"I will." She whispers before shaking her head.
"This world is full of ill-will and hate. Hurt, destruction. Death... The other gods have stood by and watched for so long and have done nothing but give some of us a fleeting touch... We need... change." Aurora closes her wings and widens her stance more. "I have already been touched by Kaia... How... I want to be your Missionary but I am worried you will not have me because of that..."
POST 3 | WORD COUNT 287
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Post by Dream-Lark on Feb 4, 2019 12:41:49 GMT -6
 Sinarin;Vagabond|Thief
The common horse barely managed to hide his flinch as a figure coalesced into view before them, at the same as a voice whispered softly in his ear. No...in his mind, Sinarin decided after a moment’s thought. The sound was...directionless, and it threw him off a little.
Silver eyes studied the unicorn that had appeared before them, listening warily. When the moth wings appeared upon his back, breath was sucked in quickly. The feeling was the same as when the Bone Tower had risen from the ground, encasing them all in that sense of power and presence.
This wasn’t a trick, this truly was someone who Digend had chosen to speak for Her.
Gaze flickered to Trixie as she spoke up first, then darted in surprise to the little pegasus beside him. Her readiness to accept the mission was what had truly caught him off guard. He had expected her to worry more, to be indecisive or fret. But her words made sense, and made his heart clench gently in his chest.
Sinarin leaned against her gently, shoulder to shoulder, drawing comfort himself in her presence, as he offered her his own.
“I can’t say I really want to cast aside the gods. They haven’t forsaken us completely, They still offer us blessings, sometimes,” the thief announced, attention centered once more upon the unicorn that was calling them to action.
“But I’ve never denied Digend was real, since that night of the Tower rising. I’ll admit to any and all She’s real, and I’ll work with you. But I...I haven’t completely given up on the others just yet,” Sinarin explained, giving his head a small shake. His faith in the original five might be shaken, but it wasn’t shattered yet. Even the gods deserved a second chance to prove themselves, didn’t they? But still…like Aurora said, the world did need change. Maybe the original gods needed Digend to shake them out of complacency.
And in truth, it was nice to think that the Vagabonds might have their own patron god after all, instead of stuggling to attract the attention of the others from their respecive herds.
WC:359 | Post #4 |
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Post by kruuja on Feb 5, 2019 20:13:43 GMT -6
BIRGEN There were questions, words, and gazes - all weighing his claim - yet all Birgen could do was nod, and stare in return. He couldn't bring himself to admit anything to Trixie's straightforward questions about the nature of his Ascendant, the Cult's light on the violent path, but neither did he wish to deny the truth. He averted his gaze, but just as suddenly as nervousness began to swell in the redhead's chest, it dissipated. No, merely changed its shape with the sudden manifestation of the Ascendant's form, his heart filling with both awe and terror as wings sprouted from the back of this spectral form. With his tender words, the Ascendant introduced them all to a presence. The presence, all too familiar to him in anything but its true form. Unlike the dark unicorn standing before them, it wasn't a mere specter the cultist felt in that brief moment. A smile tugged at his lips again, but it was askew and tense. The stallion wasn't sure if he understood what his eyes were seeing, but it didn't matter. The strange dreams full of pain and distorted visions that had haunted his consciousness finally seemed to make sense. The heretic gods had always been weak, and the thought of them continuing to burden this world with their lingering existence was a concept the cultist was more than willing to adopt. They were not only powerless before the ever-growing chaos but in its way. Birgen did not hear the doubt in some of the strangers' voices. Perhaps the Ascendant indeed wished for him and Fletcher to convert this mismatched lot to their faith, but all he could focus on was the dark unicorn's words. He turned to look at Trixie, Aurora, and finally Sinarin, mulling over each stranger's hesitant words before huffing in quiet dismay. "There's nothing to be afraid of. It's like she said", Birgen nodded towards Aurora. "The old gods are as good as dead, and you know this to be true. They won't lead you or protect those who are faithful", the stallion added, scoffing. "What solace do their blessings bring anyway? Such precious gifts, only to be wasted away in pursuit of nothing."He gazed at the Ascendant's ethereal form. There was only one right answer for him, even though he hadn't always wholeheartedly believed in it. In Digend. "I accept hi- ... Her call."
395 words | Post 4 |
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Post by moonlightwalk on Feb 6, 2019 10:01:24 GMT -6
Lilliana | Hedgewitch
Lilliana had been eager, fascinated. She had always had a weakness for mystery and if there was one being wrapped in riddles it was Digend. She believed Digend was the answer, how they would save lives in these troubled times. Or that was perhaps only what she hoped desperately. A sliver of doubt crept in her heart and settled there in that moment though. Cast aside. It sounded simple, not grave, but the images of the pool she gazed into two seasons ago still haunted her mind till this day. She had asked how they could save lives and in turn the pool had show them the image of the gods turning to dust. Was this what this Ascendant was asking of them?
She had never considered what saving lives might cost, but then, did she not need to do whatever was best for those around her even... even if it meant... She gulped, eyes landing on the -what was he? A phantom?- horse in the middle of the room while she listened to Trixie. What did it matter what they were, only what they choose to do now. At Aurora's words, she felt her resolve strengthen. If it would protect the world. If this was the right thing...
She suddenly felt exhausted, single tear -poetically she would call it- making it's way down the side of her head and she gasped out: "What does She need us to do?"
Post 4 | 234 words
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Post by SagaWolf on Feb 8, 2019 12:20:26 GMT -6
Fletcher
Disciple
Hybrid: Horse-Kirin
"I will be her Missionary! " Fletcher proclaimed in a raspy voice as he rose to his feet, staring at the unicorn before them. This was not the Ascendant he had seen before when forced into that dreamlike state, but he was no one to judge on appearance alone. The feeling was there, that was the same, or at least enough to convince him of the truth and the moth wings only sealed the deal further.
Fletcher had been born and raised to follow the will of Digend, to spread chaos and pave the way for the dark god. He believed fully that the Cult had built the bridge which made the birth of Digend possible, the Hedgewitches had simply opened the door. But Fletcher had also spent a large portion of his life wondering and questioning the Cult's ways. Killing and spreading fear was all good and Chaotic, but it never seemed entirely sustainable. Chaos was so much more than slaughter, and from the words spoken by the strangers in the room, he began to understand why Digend had gathered them.
Everything changes and so too must the Cult of Digend. She was here now, she was alive, it was time to change tactics.
"I drew my first breath in the name of Digend and I will give my last to her as well. "
Word count: 224 | Post: #3
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Post by unifangs on Feb 13, 2019 11:51:22 GMT -6
With each answer comes only a thousand more questions. Maddock has to fight the urge to lay out a thousand inquiries at the feet of this ascendant, to ask and seek. Her ears are perked and she stares ahead on at the scene with eyes round and wide. Every sprinkle of information is absorbed and tucked away, feeling already one step closer to the answers she’s so desperately sought. Her tentacles curl a bit and she listens to the others open themselves to this stranger. Maddock waits in the quiet for several beats before she finally answers the ascendant. “I’ll answer her call,” Maddock says. Change isn’t something to fear. Chaos isn’t an inherent bad, for the universe itself is discord with stars collapsing and forming supernovas. In the most destructive forces there is beauty, but she doesn’t see wickedness in the face of her young god.. She sees only a world awakening and flowers blooming. Maddock stands practically on the edge of her hooves as she waits, listening and open as ever to this new gospel. WC: 177 Post: 4 |
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Post by gone-astrayy on Feb 16, 2019 2:14:11 GMT -6
Persephone | Bard
A presence made itself known to Persephone. She could not see nor hear what it was, but it was there, a slight pressure washing over her. Closing her eyes, she welcomed the presence, the Ascendant, as Birgen had called them. A voice rang out, followed shortly after by the shimmering presence of a unicorn. As Persephone's eyes open, and she sees the body shimmer into being, her curiosity spikes.
So this was the Ascendant of Digend. The one who led the cultists, who let them murder and torture in the name of Digend. Her interactions with Digend so far showed her a vastly different side of the goddess than the cultists seemed to see. Perhaps this was a signifier of change about to come.
Listening to Dalach's words with keen ears, Persephone nodded, mostly to herself, connecting the words with her own experiences. Feeling a pull, she looked upon the unicorn's body as the wings of a moth began to unfurl, and Persephone could feel Digend's presence. It was more than she'd ever expected to feel, it was pure, it was powerful, it was... gone. The shimmering image of the wings disappeared as Dalach spoke once more, and Persephone shifted on her hooves. She accepted Digend, she already knew the touch of the goddess, the kindness, and the same need for support the mortals she watched over needed.
"I do not disavow the other gods. They have remained hidden from us, but I do not believe they have forsaken us. I see the work of the gods, all of them, in the cities I visit, the paths I walk, the songs I sing. But, Digend has become my patron goddess. Born from cracks of society that we fell into, she is the goddess we need, and I believe she can do great things if we allow ourselves to bear the fruits of her vision. I have already begun to tell stories, weave songs of Digend. I will accept her call."
Word count: 330
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2019 18:35:39 GMT -6
The dark unicorn gives Trixie an almost sorry look.
“Yes, one of my duties is to be the leader of the Cult. More importantly, however, I am her mortal herald”, Dalach says, and then looks away: “She will not force you. If you are unsure, she will wait for you to see the light.”
Dalach’s eyes travel over each of those present as they speak. First, Aurora.
“You are here. This alone makes you worthy. Besides, she would never turn away one just for having the blessing of the old gods. I, myself, long held one until she came to me”, Dalach tells her, sounding almost comforting. His words are for everyone there, but her especially, as she is the one who needed the conviction.
Sinarin gains a less sympathetic look, but Dalach nods. Birgen, Lilliana, Fletcher, Maddock and Persephone all join their voices to that of Aurora before them.
Dalach smiles.
“Do not be afraid my friends, for what she asks is not heinous; nor is it criminal”, he gives the unaligned Vagabonds an almost gentle, friendly smile. Birgen and Fletcher receive more knowing looks, for they are no strangers to heinous acts of violence.
But this is not what Digend wants from them now.
Then, with a single blink of his eyes, he locks out those who did not agree, and does not allow them back in.
The moth wings rise on his back again. He seems, for a moment, more real. Physically there. Digend’s presence is felt as he walks the room, handing each of his chosen a piece of jewelry; the ones who did not hesitate. Aurora, Birgen, Lilliana, Fletcher, Maddock and Persephone.
To those left outside the pieces seem to materialize out of nothing.
He then turns to the others; the ones who agreed but held doubt, such as Sinarin.
“Digend asks you to travel Hireath and tell people of Her. Tell Her story, tell of Her power. Tell of Her promise. Be unafraid for you are under Her wings. Be Her pastors, be Her priests. Harm none unless you are harmed - welcome all, strong and weak alike. Tell them this is the new way, a new world”, Dalach’s words have an unnatural boom again, as if two voices are speaking on top of each other.
“Guide them to her city of Asylon. In your heart, you know where it lies”, he goes on, and in an instant, a memory of a journey you have never made is drawn into your minds, clear and precise. You know that if someone asked you the way, you would know it.
“Those of you who were most eager to hear Her call; She grants you a gift. Within your pendants rests a sliver of her power. It will protect you”, Dalach smiles as his body, once more, loses its wings and becomes a lot less real. He is fading now: “Gaze within its depths, and know you are never alone.”
He is gone.
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CONGRATULATIONS
You have completed Vagabond 706: Calling!
Characters who accepted the call in-game can do a free rank change to the brand new rank of Missionary! Missionary is a new Cult of Digend rank granted the special task of converting and guiding new recruits. Full rank information to follow in the wrap-up journal.
Characters who had no hesitation in accepting the call have received a Token - an unique piece of jewelry. It consists of a bone chain that has the texture and consistency of bone, but behaves like a metal chain, and a pendant holding a living, tiny storm. The storm is colorful and ever changing, and when one gazes into it, they can see moths and fireflies dancing upon its surface.
Besides being a pretty trinket, a Token makes its wearer unusually and uncannily lucky in their efforts. Whether it be avoiding trouble or getting out of it, things seem to work out for Digend’s chosen when they wear this item. This doesn’t convey any statistical benefits, but the effect can be used in RP and personal storytelling. Receiving a Token does not corrupt your character or lock them out of blessings / gifts from other gods.
If your character did not yet agree to become a Missionary (Trixie, Florian, Shiann), they can still do so, but they can not receive a Token.
To be able to get a free rank change to the rank of Missionary, you must accept the rank before Chapter deadline in this game. Characters who did not accept will not have heard Dalach’s message at all.
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Post by Idiosyncrasea on Feb 16, 2019 20:01:09 GMT -6
At first Trixie balked at this idea. Even if this new role didn’t require hurting others, wouldn’t supporting Digend make her a cultist?! The idea of having something in common with that lot of equines immediately alarmed and disgusted her. And she remembered from the summoning how Digend seemed very against the other gods. Would supporting them mean forsaking the gods she’d believed in for so long? What if something bad happened to them eventually, if Digend gained too much power?
But… she alone couldn’t stop Digend from gaining power, and from others choosing to believe in Digend. And as she thought more, she realized it was quite possible that taking on this role could mean helping others, in addition to helping herself, and it did sound quite different from the bloodthirsty cultists. If she, and anyone else, chose not to support Digend, what could happen? And maybe it could even be true that the other gods really had failed the world… Or maybe they hadn’t, Trixie didn’t know, but maybe it was possible that she might manage not to entirely forsake them by taking on this role (even if probably still at least partially)...
Or maybe this was a huge, elaborate trick, that could lead to a dangerous trap that she and whoever else who took on this role might be unwittingly leading others into… but Trixie found herself not quite as afraid of this possibility, as of what might eventually happen if she didn’t agree to doing this. Even if they were told they wouldn’t be forced to support Digend, Trixie still strongly feared that those who remained unbelievers for too long might still be harmed, either by Digend herself or followers. And perhaps, Trixie, she might manage to quit being a missionary if that ever seemed like a good idea, hopefully…
“I… I guess I will do this… I-I mean, I will!” Trixie said, her unease and guilt growing sharper as she said these words, but by now she was much too scared to not do it.
WC: 340 | Post: 5
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Post by SagaWolf on Feb 17, 2019 13:18:51 GMT -6
Fletcher
Disciple
Hybrid: Horse-Kirin
The knowing look Fletcher received from the Ascendant was somehow comforting. In that one look, his past actions had been acknowledged and validated and he understood all too well the importance of keeping the unsavory details to himself. The Cult had done what was necessary and what no one else would do. They had bridged the worlds, paved the way for Digend's birth and now that he-, she (it was difficult to change his mental image of the bloodthirsty stallion...) was here, the Cult would adapt and Fletcher would be on the forefront of that change!
As the month wings rose on the unicorn's back, Fletcher felt awe and adoration swell in his chest, gently reaching for the token with his teke. It was... beyond beautiful! At that moment as he marveled at the carved bone moving like a metal chain and stared into the tiny swirling storm, Fletcher felt complete. His entire life had led to this moment; his changed blessing and his altered form had been gifts along the way to keep him from faltering. He had doubted, naturally, until that first change cutting him off from Argus and now he was being rewarded for all of his hard work.
To be a Missionary Of Digend! A smile curled the edge of his mouth and then pulling into a grin as he lifted the storm by its chain, watching it rotate slowly. Dalach was gone by the time Fletcher took his eyes off his gift and the old Cultist laughed joyfully (still a terrible and grating sound) as he hung the token around his neck. He smiled at the room, to those who held tokens and to those who did not alike.
"Change feels good, does it not? " he asked wryly and picked up his pipe, puffing to get the near-dead embers glowing brightly again.
Word count: 307 | Post: #4
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2019 14:50:17 GMT -6
COMPLETE 20 AP and 20 CS to Birgen, Fletcher, Maddock, Persephone, Trixie, Lilliana, Aurora, Sinarin & Florian! |
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