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Theoclea Harbor
Whether by boat or by wing, you find yourself at the abandoned docks of Theoclea. What used to be a bustling trade hub is now as quiet as the gods. The masts of wrecked warships litter the harbor, whose waters sparkle orange with the rising sun. Once-beautiful structures now meet the shoreline in various states of collapse, and the skeletons of countless soldiers lie among the rubble.

In the distance, the mighty volcano Incendi slumbers, surrounded by forest. At its feet, just visible above the tallest standing structures, you get a glimpse of the Olympian Temple still half a mile away. The feeling that that is where your destiny lies is unshakable, but after the long trip, you're not particularly ready to move on. And indeed, several other souls have arrived alongside you. There is no question in your mind that they come for some similar purpose.

edited 21st Apr '14 11:59:06 PM by StygianEmperor

Flesh is a design flaw.

Theoclea.

Once it was one of the most well-known cities known to man, home of the entire Olympian Pantheon. Now it was but a shell of its former self, the ships in the harbor seeming to reinforce the concept of this land being a graveyard.

Surely this graveyard was a desolate wasteland where men would need to hold their tongue, lest they risk the ire of the dead-

"Oh, uh, hello!" a Falconman clad entirely in vicious black armor said suddenly, giving a little wave to the others. "Didn't know anyone else would be here. Wasn't expecting that. I just flew in from Horakht, and boy are my wings tired." He chuckled to himself for a moment. "So what brings you fine folks here? Oh, almost forgot, name's Ishaq, but you can just call me Shaq, I'm here because that's what the voice in my head said to do. Oh, but I didn't mean it like that. Don't worry, I'm not crazy, it wasn't my voice. It was someone else speaking into my mind."

After a few weeks of sailing from the Northlands, Buliwyf had finally arrived in Theoclea. As he stepped off of his vessel and onto the docks, Buliwyf dug around in a belt pouch for a moment before procuring a handful of silver and tossing it to the boat's captain. "I believe this should pay for my trip here, after this voyage I would recommend heading home and spending time with your families." said Buliwyf as he hefted Judgement onto his shoulder.

After wandering further onto the docks and surveying the area, Buliwyf found himself rather unimpressed by the state of the city. "So this is Theoclea? I was expecting something more... substantial." Buliwyf muttered, as he took note of the few people that were gathered around him. Seeing as the first one to speak up was Ishaq, Buliwyf decided to respond in kind "My name is Buliwyf and I was sent here by The Æsir to aid in whatever quest we are here to complete."

A light shone from the horizon, resembling a second sun. It drew nearer to the harbour, progressively growing dimmer until it did not resemble a sun at all. It was a blonde haired woman in golden hoplite armour astride a tawny steed wreathed in flames.

The horse touched down and she dismounted, her mount dissipating in a few tongues of flame leaving her standing there with her helmet tucked under one arm. She approached the Ishaq and Buliwyf, recognizing that the latter was from Varlund. Her eyes shot daggers at him.

"I see those swines in Asgard are mucking about in Gaiosian affairs."

She turned to Ishaq.

"You must be a Worshipper of Hephaestus, yes? I recognize the craftsmanship. Seems like anyone can get a boon from the gods nowadays. I am Solhildr, Herald of Apollo. I've been sent here to investigate what happened here, though you seem just as clueless as I."

The thought of asking Buliwyf if he had any clue as to what happened did not even cross her mind.

edited 22nd Apr '14 12:32:35 AM by PhilosopherStones

GIVE ME YOUR FACE

Buliwyf wasn't normally an easily offended man, but it was generally unwise to insult the Æsir in front of an Einherjar. "Watch your tongue while you still have one in your mouth. I would appreciate it if you were to speak of The Æsir with more respect as I bear no ill will to your Gods, for now."

edited 22nd Apr '14 3:02:29 AM by Eachiunn

"Sister," Shaq replied to Solhildr, seeing how the first thing she did after showing up was insulting the big, tall warrior with the large sword, took a step away from her and towards Buliwyf. "I got a feeling that while we're both clueless in this particular matter, you're missing a few more clues in a lot of other subjects."

Perched atop a defaced and crumbling building, which must have once been a dazzling white now a grey hue with flecks of red as the once proud building accumulated dirt and blood, was a figure clad entirely in black leather and metal, inspecting the newcomers on the shore. Deciding that it was time to show herself, the harpy's wings unfolded and allowed the figure to glide to the shore, and landed next to the valkyrie.

"Well, this looks fun. I'm guessing that you're all here because one of the Immortals told you to come here. So, should we introduce ourselves and our patron god? I'll start, I'm Roxane, and Hermes told me to come here." A dreamy look entered Roxane's features as she said Hermes name out loud, all the while talking rather rapidly.

If you're reading this you have 5 seconds to...

Melqarth's boat had just reached harbor, and he spent a moment fastening it to the pier.

He picked up his spear, and made sure he had all his equipment, before stepping off and approaching the others.

He remained quiet for now, keeping his spare hand inside his toga. The Jackalman used the spear as if it was a walking stick.

Inside his mind he was already wondering why it was that there were others here, and he mentally prepared himself for a fight.

1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this post

Solhildr narrowed her eyes at the Falconman.

"I have no problems with you, Falconman so I suggest you not insult me so."

She then glared back at Buliwyf.

"And you, perhaps wait before you do or say a anything that could endanger your life."

The arriving Roxane and Melqarth caught her attention. She addressed the Harpy first.

"We have already begun the process of establishing first impressions, acolyte of Hermes. Unfortunately this Einherjar isn't doing too well."

She squared up with Melqarth and have him a once over.

"You on the other hand don't need to say much to make a good first impression. Rest easy, Jackalman, only friends and cringe-inducing acquaintances here."

GIVE ME YOUR FACE

Melqarth looked at Solhildr, narrowing his eyes for a moment before relaxing them.

He spoke calmly, and without hesitation "I appreciate the sentiment. But I can't say I like what has happened to these ruins... I had only heard rumors. I didn't want to believe it, but it seems that this holy city truly has fallen."

Melqarth stepped forward and crouched down by one of the long-dead soldiers "I can only hope that these men had coins for their passage."

1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this post

A small boat reached the harbor. Xyka glared at the others before gathering his things, tying his various nets and traps to his body and finally fastening his boat to the dock. He flared his nostrils and flicked his tongue before getting off the boat and walking to the others.

His eyes averted to each of them before proclaiming in his guttural voice: "Xyka Ulu!" He held his arms high for a moment, spear and shield in either hand.

grup we please

Solhildr slowly walked over to the Jackalman and knelt beside him, examining the corpse. She took a small gold coin from a pouch and placed it in the dead soldier's mouth.

"I pray you have safe passage into the Hel and await your return when the world is threatened."

She quickly stood up and looked over the rest of the bodies.

"Someone who speaks of the river must be an apostle of the Ferryman. Providing safe passage to those who have fallen in battle, a trade I can identify with."

Xyka's rather loud entrance was more than enough to get Solhildr's attention.

"And who might you be?" she asked the Lizardman.

GIVE ME YOUR FACE

Melqarth nodded, solemnly and looked at his own coin that he kept around a necklace.

"I will meet the Ferryman again one day... But not yet."

He stood up and looked at Xyka, with a hint of curiosity.

"Greetings upon you." he waved slightly to the side of him in an open gesture.

"You seem like you are learned in the ways of the Hoplite, Lizard-born?"

1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this post

From the water a skeletal hand rises and grabs one of the dock's supports. Another hand followed, reaching higher. The upper hand pulls as the lower hand rises and a skull, its eye holes shining with a pale blue light. The skeletal figure rises up the support for the pier, until it gets near the bottom of the dock. She swings over, gripping the bottom of the dock with her hands and pushing against it with her feet, holding her up against the bottom for a bit. The light of her eyes dim, looking like eyes closing, and she listens. She hears the murmurs of conversation. Do I go now and risk them attacking me, or do I wait and risk being too late... She sighs, no air leaving her jaw, Fuck it, I go now. With that, she swings back to the support and finishes the climb up on top of the dock, rising up from below the dock to where the rest would see her.

Xyka nodded to the Jackalman and then spoke to the Valkyrie, "Xyka. Xyka Ulu, champion of Athena." He raises his shield and points it to the Valkyrie. He makes no point of asking for the names of those around him.

Xyka lifts his head slightly. His tongue tastes the wind and he turns and looks to the docks.

grup we please

"Close enough," Chereen thought at the dolphin whose body he had taken over. His own body's hands had been locked on it's dorsal fin, in a trace while he rode it's body. He released it before getting too close to shore and then swam the rest of the way in, seeing a most motley crew indeed.

Trump delenda est

Melqarth silently watched the two newcomers approach. Tucking his coin back beneath his breastplate and adjusting his toga.

Part of him wanted to snarl at the sight of the Undead Witch, while another felt sorry for her. His brow merely furrowed as a result of this.

But he quickly looked towards the temple, in quiet contemplation.

1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this post

"Well... this was nice," Shaq added. "But I came here because of that giant temple right over there," he pointed at the Olympian Temple that was visible. "So if you're all just going to be standing around here, you can very well stand around there. So... let's go!"

He suddenly turned around, and started running in the direction of the temple.

"LAST ONE THERE'S A SPOILED LOAF!" he shouted back. "I'll make it easier and won't even use my wings!"

Chereen, smiled slightly at the hawkman's challenge and invoked the Speed of the Deer, moving so fast the eye had difficulty keeping track of him.

"Go ahead, use your wings," he said as he passed Shaq. "I won't mind."

edited 23rd Apr '14 4:24:35 AM by tricksterson

Trump delenda est

Melqarth sighed, and decided that it was wise to follow them.

But he walked at a brisk pace, rather than participate in the race.

And kept a watchful eye on the streets.

1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this post

"A race? I am so going to win this. And finally, something that doesn't reek of formality." And with that, Roxane took a running leap after Shaq, and using her wings, propelled herself into the air, and flapping her wings furiously in order to be more speedy, Roxane, made a beeline for the Olympian Temple, unheeded by obstacles such as trees or becoming lost, having a clear view of the temple from her birdseye view.

From above, Roxane gleefully yelled, as she sped towards the temple, "So long, LOSERS!"

If you're reading this you have 5 seconds to...

Solhildr gave the Lich a look over before spinning on her heel and followed the others, sticking close to Melqarth.

GIVE ME YOUR FACE

Grass, bushes and even saplings started to sway out of Chereen's way as he broke off the beaten path as he invoked Nature's Weaving, letting him run a straighter course to the Temple.

Trump delenda est

A horrid stench reached Melquarth's nose as he cautiously moved onward toward the temple, hanging a left on the wide road curving between the city center and the harbor. In the next moment, he picked up the sound of disturbed flies, intensely buzzing from somewhere on the other side of the closest building. Solhildr was close behind, and noticed his pointed ears perk up.

---

Roxane was steadily gaining on Ishaq, but she marveled at his speed in spite of his heavy black plate armor. However, the race distracted both of them from the half-dozen or so pale figures drawing gastraphetes amid the fallen columns of the ruins. With unwavering accuracy, several bolts sailed in the avians' direction.

---

Chereen, approaching from the overgrowth, suddenly came upon a man crouched low in the bush overlooking the main road ahead of the Jackalman. He was wearing a pale leather cloak, and holding another such crossbow, which he whirled around at the elf's rapid approach.

---

The others yet remained behind at the docks, and were able to bear full witness to the undead creature approaching them from the water. Xyka, who had never seen such a thing in his life, was struck with primal terror. Buliwyf was less perturbed, but in his experience, the presence of the undead was rarely not cause for concern.

edited 23rd Apr '14 3:11:04 PM by StygianEmperor

Flesh is a design flaw.

Zak-thaael calmly and slowly walks by the others toward the temple.