Roleplay

[center][font=courier new]14. [b]THE ELEVEN[/b] all consider giving offerings.[/center] ----- [columns][center][color=transparent].............................[/color] [font=Courier New][size=5][b][color=B6A915]EDEN[/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/YHkaKZj.png[/img] [b][color="6A0013"]PARISA[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/0JrmOG6.png[/img] [nextcol] [sub]Parisa rolls her eyes, muttering darkly under her breath. "[color="6A0013"][i]The gods really know how to pick 'em,[/i][/color]" she says, dropping all guise of formal speech in an instant. Eden elbows her gently and adjusts the veil that covers her eyes, walking to the center of the room. Delicate fingers trail the rim of the brazier and she looks over at the Eleven, brows furrowed in concern and confusion. "[color=B6A915][i]I'm shocked that you're all so willing to pay homage to the deities in spite of what we've shown you. I congratulate you on your eagerness, but I'm afraid that whatever you have to offer will most likely be rejected. Even the offerings we would regularly give have not been accepted by the chamber.[/i][/color]" She waves her hand over the basin and it begins to swell with liquid from an unknown source. It's clear and reflective, and much too still to be water. From within the folds of her robe, she draws a small golden coin, though both faces have been smoothed down so that it's more of a mirror than anything. It sinks into the fluid, and disappears, before ricocheting out the mouth of one of the gaping dragon maws and into Parisa's waiting hand. "[color=6A0013][i]Since receiving our gifts, the gods have grown mostly ambivalent of our presences. No longer receptive to our praises or pleas for answers, rarely do they act at our behest, only at their discretion.[/i][/color]" Eden then turns to Psilocybe, a small smile curling the corners of her lips. "[color=B6A915][i]You are correct in that regard. We here at the temple have requested that the camp's blacksmith forge for us weaponry that matches the missing pieces upon the statues, but doing so has yielded us no results. Only recently did one of our own begin to actively seek more answers... but...[/i][/color]" She trails off then, seeming unwilling or afraid to continue.

"Could whatever they are supposed to be holding have been stolen?" Mazon asked. "Perhaps that's what they're waiting for. For their true weapons to be returned. Either that or the missing weapons are symbolic. I wouldn't put it past a god to use metaphors instead of saying things straight out. Especially if they can't actually talk."

[center][font=courier new]15. [b]MAZON[/b] asks if the weapons were stolen.[/center] ----- [columns][center][color=transparent].............................[/color] [font=Courier New][size=5][b][color=B6A915]EDEN[/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/YHkaKZj.png[/img] [b][color="6A0013"]PARISA[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/0JrmOG6.png[/img] [nextcol] [sub]"[color="B6A915"][i]Not that we know of.[/i][/color]" Eden goes over to the statue of the Lightweaver and runs her fingers along the forearm of the statue, frowning slightly. "[color=B6A915][i]When we discovered this place, it looked untouched. But of course, we don't know for sure... The only real lead we had was Camus... but he hasn't been here for a long time.[i][/color]" She falls silent, unwilling to continue her story, and so Parisa picks up where Eden had left off. "[color=6A0013][i]Many of us did not survive this reception of our newfound powers. The only ones who were left were We, Eden, Keyne, North, South, Gabriel, and Camus. Camus worshipped the Arcanist, and prayed for answers day and night. Once, he came to us in a panic, claiming that he knew where the missing artifacts of the gods may be and that soon they would be found. This was around the same time we began to receive vague words of warning about the approach of chosen champions, and so we urged him to calm himself, speak to the Founders before doing anything rash. In spite of our warnings, he disappeared that night, and we've not seen him since. You may be right in thinking they await what once was theirs, but we know little more than you do in that regard.[/i][/color]"

[center]------------------ [columns][img]https://i.imgur.com/jvDAo3N.png[/img][nextcol][color=transparent]...[/color][nextcol] The words took a while to sink in. Deimos just stood there, letting it all wash over him. So... All this praying he'd done since he was little... It was all pointless? Words to a God who'd kill him or mutilate him if she decided he was pious enough. What... What was he going to do with that? All this time he'd at least had the promise that the Shadowbinder accepted him, maybe loved him (wasn't that what Gods did, after all?) and now it was gone... He looked up at the Shadowbinder's visage. It was still beautiful. He still wanted to believe that she was his friend but... "I uh... Don't suppose this Camus left any notes?" [/columns] ------------------[/center]

[center][font=courier new]16. [b]DEIMOS[/b] asks about [b]CAMUS[/b].[/center] ----- [columns][center][color=transparent].............................[/color] [font=Courier New][size=5][b][color=B6A915]EDEN[/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/YHkaKZj.png[/img] [b][color="6A0013"]PARISA[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/0JrmOG6.png[/img] [nextcol] [sub]Eden merely shakes her head, sadness lacing her voice and causing her once even tone to stutter. "[color="B6A915"][i]Well... yes. But he was always such a paranoid boy, everything was written in a code that none of us could decipher. I believe we've kept it hidden somewhere out of cautiousness, but I will try to find it for you should you wish to take a gander at it.[/i][/color]" The priestess wrings her hands and bites her lower lip, seeming nervous about parting with her next words. "[color="B6A915"][i]The only thing he left behind that was written in a tongue we could understand was still enigmatic.[/i][/color]" She and Parisa trade glances... at least, the best they could, all things considered. Eden takes a deep, shuddering breath and then speaks, though it seems more like she's reciting something she'd long since interwoven into her every thought. [indent][sub][font=courier new]The gods have forgotten the taste of life, in death, no longer do they feel its joys and pain. Make their children unveil themselves, unleash the heartbreak their souls must contain. Through the alm of grief and of pacts forged in blood, the voices of spirits through their minds shall soon flood.[/indent]

[center][font=courier new]17. [b]THE ELEVEN[/b] begin to decipher the riddle. ----- [columns][url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=39788553][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/397886/39788553.png[/img][/url][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=wind rune size=1] [color=4DBC5F][b]MATCHA.[/color] ( @Viscerats ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]"Your spirit is free, child. Strength of heart is as— nay— more important than that of the mind, and of such courage you have plenty."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]A gentle breeze blows through the enclosed chamber, deep underground it may be. The stone composing the statue of the Windsinger shifts, and the engraved symbols on its pedestal change. The script in which it is written is strange, but as the dractare look upon it, the letters seem to shift into more recognizable ones. [/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=4DBC5F]Voché: Songstress of the Wind[/font][/color] ----- [columns][url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=40643781][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/406438/40643781.png[/img][/url][nextcol][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=light rune size=1] [color=C1AB31][b]SERAPHINA.[/color] ( @wanderingstar ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]"You are a purveyor of truth in this harsh and murky world, and for that I am jubilant."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]There's a bright flash that, for a moment, obscures the vision of all who stand inside the room. Blinking and confused, the dractare turn their gazes towards the pedestal of the Lightweaver to see that new words have revealed themselves. [/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=C1AB31]Solaris: Aegis of the Sun[/font][/color] ----- [columns][url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=27119204][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/271193/27119204.png[/img][/url][nextcol][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=nature rune size=1] [color=3C8E41][b]HAL.[/color] ( @pepperony ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]"Life is many things, perilous and labyrinthine, but beautiful in so many forms. It is only fitting that he who comes from it is the same."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]The smell of earth and flowers fills the air, it's a sweet scent that bears with it the promise of life and of rebirth. It soon fades, leaving everyone feeling a tad wistful. The stone from the podium of the Gladekeeper then starts to shift.[/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=3C8E41]Sylvana: Protector of the Wood[/font][/color] ----- [columns] [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=236763&tab=dragon&did=58680046][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/586801/58680046.png[/img][/url][nextcol][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=shadow rune size=1] [color=7F1DBA][b]DEIMOS.[/color] ( @SoftBones ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]"Do not let the shadows consume you, let it do your bidding, happiness and tragedy come hand in hand, as does light and dark."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]What little light was in the room seems to be snuffed out without a moment's notice, leaving all within staring into the deepest black that has ever been. It's impossible to make out shapes in the density of the shadow that has fallen over the room, but soon enough it lifts, revealing that new words have formed on the Shadowbinder's statue.[/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=7F1DBA]Shadar: Penumbral Charlatan[/font][/color] ----- [columns] [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=51316250][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/513163/51316250.png[/img][/url][nextcol][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=lightning rune size=1] [color=29DCCD][b]TALLE.[/color] ( @TheAwesoMew ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]"Those that take for granted their station will be eclipsed by those in this world who will stop at nothing to take what they deserve."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]The room shakes, and there's the faint sound of rumbling that echoes through it. For a moment, there's a concern that the chamber is falling, but no, it sounds too much like the roll of thunder. So deep underground, how could that noise possibly seep through the earth in such a way? Distracted by the noise, the dractare barely notice the new script appearing on the pedestal of the Stormcatcher.[/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=29DCCD]Brohnello: Guardian of the Storm[/font][/color] ----- [columns] [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=58634091][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/586341/58634091.png[/img][/url][nextcol][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=plague rune size=1] [color=B92121][b]BEHRAD.[/color] ( @Crazyraspberry ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]"Keep patience in your heart and everything you desire shall appear at your feet."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]For a moment, the basin at the center of the chamber trembles and the fluid within begins to bubble. It's a sickening green and smells of festering rot, but as it touches the floor it evaporates. The scent of decaying meat lingers in the air for a moment, and the words on the Plaguebringer's pedestal start to change.[/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=B92121]Moritae: Sovereign of Necropolis[/font][/color] ----- [columns] [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=45195797][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/451958/45195797.png[/img][/url][nextcol][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=water rune size=1] [color=4C46E3][b]VIDA.[/color] ( @Ridill ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]"Earth, wind, fire, all of these things appear fierce and unshakable, but only water is the foundation of all things."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]The distant sound of crashing waves and the smell of spraying surf fills the air. All at once, it's soothing and disconcerting, you can almost feel the gentle warmth of sunshine on your skin. As the soothing rhythms of nature fade away, the new script on the Tidelord's pedestal finishes rearranging itself.[/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=4C46E3]Ninphala: Shepherd of the Tides[/font][/color] ----- [columns] [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=38902766][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/389028/38902766.png[/img][/url][nextcol][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=ice rune size=1] [color=9AE4FF][b]AUTIOT.[/color] ( @Topazal ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]"We who adopt the freeze know better than most that it hides beauty underneath."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]A chill settles over the chamber. For a brief moment, the still pool of liquid inside the basin develops a thin layer of frost, though it soon melts away. As if sensing the change in the room, the words on the Icewarden's pedestal begin to shift.[/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=9AE4FF]Eiyce: Veiled Frostguard[/font][/color] ----- [columns] [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=40499700][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/404998/40499700.png[/img][/url][nextcol][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=earth rune size=1] [color=BC997F][b]MAZON.[/color] ( @shozurei ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]"Even the earth cracks and crumbles, even the hardest of stones can be worn down, so do not fret when you stumble."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]The earth tremors for a moment, and it seems that the chamber debates whether or not it should cave in, burying all within. Thankfully, it settles, and the Eleven are left puzzled and with a new inscription on The Earthshaker's pedestal.[/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=BC997F]Chasmarotis: Creator of Mountains[/font][/color] ----- [columns] [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=47396863][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/473969/47396863.png[/img][/url][nextcol][nextcol][size=5][font=courier new][emoji=arcane rune size=1] [color=E078E6][b]PSILOCYBE.[/color] ( @Licorictus ) [/b][i] [/font][/size][indent][font=corbel][i]" Continue to search for curiosity is your greatest friend and most formidable foe."[/i][/columns] [font=corbel][sub]Though barely noticeable, a subtle pink mist swirls around everyone's feet before subsequently dissipating. It doesn't seem like it had any lasting effects, although in the confusion the inscription on the pedestal of the Arcanist has undergone some changes.[/sub] [size=6][font=courier new][color=E078E6]Aruval: Astral Augur[/font][/color] -----

[columns][center][color=transparent].............................[/color] [font=Century Gothic][color="#80ffaa"][size=5][b]MATCHA [img]https://i.imgur.com/8cHbm2B.png[/img] [nextcol]-----[sub]The Coatl grimaces and flexes his left hand, gently cradling it in his right. Blood still welled from the small cut he'd made on his palm, but the pain of it was mostly overwhelmed by the slight sense of pride now filling his chest. He'd never been the first to figure out anything! It seemed that as long as it was conveyed through poetry, he could more or less understand what needed to be done. "[i][color="#53C86D"]I hadn't expected that the gods would desire such vulnerability, but... I suppose that's par for the course.[/i][/color]" ----- [/columns]

    [columns][color=transparent]ooooooo[/color][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/271193/27119204.png[/img][color=transparent]oooooooooooooooo[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][size=7][color=transparent]o.o[/color][i][b][color=DA0D03]H[/color][color=8C3375]A[/color][color=3D58E4]L[/color][color=580F14].[/color][/b][/i][/size][/font] [font=corbel][size=3]rugged body — jagged fangs[/size][/font][/columns]   [columns][color=transparent]ooooooo[/color][nextcol][font=corbel][size=3][color=transparent]ooo[/color]with his eyes trailing matcha as he stayed near the carefully crafted gladekeeper statue, it was only after turning his gaze to the two priestesses before it seemed to hit him. while hal had never been exactly praised for his intelligence, it was a boost to his ego to be able to preform for his chosen deity; these two, looking like they were nearly falling apart mind you, hadn't been able to. that feeling stayed until everything suddenly changed around him... when he was free of whatever trance like state that had been, he felt like he couldn't catch his breath. the vision had been beautiful, yes, but he'd had an opportunity to speak with the deity he'd only heard stories of. eyes lifting, hal made an attempt to swallow and get rid of the dry taste in his mouth as he stared at the wooden statue. answering with a small nod, his hand pulled away from the mess of roots at it's base as it started to creak and shift. was everyone seeing this?[nextcol][color=transparent]oooooooo[/color]

[columns] [center][font=gabriola][color=FEE366][size=6]Seraphina[/size][/color][/font] [img]https://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/406438/40643781p.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] ----- She stumbled away from the statue of the Lightweaver as soon as the vision ended, her eyes wide and limbs trembling. She glanced around wildly at the others, and, seeing that no one else was on the verge of panicking, took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. This... all of this... it was [i]unnatural[/i]. It made her feel like something beyond her control was peering straight into her soul, and she hated it. Seraphina turned towards Parisa and Eden, her gaze slightly downcast. "Can I please leave?" she asked quietly, her hands folded into a tight knot in front of her. "If there's nothing else of importance, I want to leave." ----- [/columns]

[center][font=courier new]18. [b]SERAPHINA[/b] asks to leave.[/center] ----- [columns][center][color=transparent].............................[/color] [font=Courier New][size=5][b][color=B6A915]EDEN[/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/YHkaKZj.png[/img] [b][color="6A0013"]PARISA[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/0JrmOG6.png[/img] [nextcol] [sub]Eden seems fairly unperturbed by what was happening, though Parisa seemed shocked and enraged all at once, keeping her emotions barely contained. The Light priestess places a gentle hand on her companion's shoulder to calm her down and then looks to Seraphina. It seems as though she understands the emotional toll an experience like this can take. "[color="B6A915"][i]Of course, allow me to escort you to the surface. It can be easy to get lost in the deeper chambers of the Cairn.[/i][/color]"