Me and Kail wrote this up, and the gods decided not to use it, so I decided to post it here in case anyone would still like to enjoy it.

(Via Fish Street and the Dawnstrider hangout northeast of Fish street, Deneen walks from his normal location on the north side of Shallam to "The Ancient Treasures Exhibit" of the imperial museum. Presumably this generates chatter on CT and a preliminary search for him. When the first individuals locate him, or when someone who knows what's going on finds him in the Museum...)

PROPOSED ALTERNATE WORLD VISION: With a loud report, a pillar of light begins branching down from the mountainous topmosts of Yggdrasil. It drifts toward the south; toward the shining domes of Shallam.

WORLD VISION: The sharp report of an unseen blast in the firmament accompanies the sudden materialisation of a column of light slowly winding down from the heavens. Stray shafts of soft light fall upon the Imperial Museum of Shallam.

(As the crowd gathers, questions as to what is happening will be asked.)

Pericles enters from the northeast. (to “the Ancient Treasures Exhibit”)
Han-Silnar enters from the northeast. (to “the Ancient Treasures Exhibit”)
Oghma enters from the south. (to “the Ancient Treasures Exhibit”)

AS DENEEN: "He comes! I have felt this presence once before! There is no doubt!"

AS DENEEN: "You citizens paid no heed to what I had seen! Now you will undoubtedly see!"

AS DENEEN: "This sword, now pure! I sense him here!"

AS DENEEN: "By the grace of all things holy! He has returned to his city!"

(Etc., plus banter with players as appropriate.)

AS PERICLES: Not more of your ravings. We have heard all this before.

AS HAN-SILNAR: "chin" emote

(chatter continues)

AREA VISION: The pillar of light, an unbroken line hundreds of miles long, sweeps across Shallam and alights on the Imperial Museum.

ROOM VISION: A flood of blinding white light streams through every window, presses at the edges of every door.

ROOM VISION: Deep chords thrum. Suddenly, all light is drawn inward. All is engulfed in darkness, except the great sword of Darius, which is illuminated with near unbearable intensity.

AS DENEEN: "All hail the Warmaster! Hail General Darius!"

Kail, amid other chatter: "Shallam's first Sultan? [is this true?] Can he we speak with him?"

ROOM VISION: Deneen gazes fixedly upon the sword. The thrumming strengthens with increasing complexity and layered resonance.

ROOM VISION: The glint in the old aristocrat's eye changes and becomes unfamiliar, as though not his own. He turns to peer at the gathered crowd, as though he is seeing each person for the first time.

ROOM VISION: Deneen speaks in the voice of another.

AS DENEEN: "People of Shallam!"

AS DENEEN: "These last centuries I have pounded at the gates of the Soul Realm, desiring to speak once more to the citizens of the city I once led to unite all Sapience under a Good government. Finally Lord Thoth allows me to convey my spirit here, through the sword I once used to break the locks of the Overseer's chamber, into this weak vessel."

AS DENEEN: "Now, silence! Hear my words before I must depart!"
Note – If the group is not chattering, the "Now, silence!" is obviously unnecessary.

AS DENEEN: "Of each soul that completes its cycle in the mortal planes, I ask the news of this, the city nearest to my heart."

AS DENEEN: "Through centuries I hear the intermittent news of traitorous Sultans, and vain, complacent Viziers. Of military weakness and religious myopia."

AS DENEEN: "Mortal folly, in my time and this time, diminishes Shallam. But as Shallam has grown weak in mortal wisdom, it has grown strong in the robust wisdom that comes from Divinity."

AS DENEEN: "Noble Maran La'Saen led Shallam to another golden age and ascended to the Pantheon. Then, from the primal essence of the Sun, came Lady Mithraea, giving Her light to all Sapience, but especially to those who salute Her most, here in the City of Light. And wise Lorielan, of the Elder Gods, Who walked the realms in my day, and Who now gives Her Wisdom in the service of a world purged of all but Goodness."

AS DENEEN: "How fortunate is the city that can draw on the wisdom and power of these Three!"

AS DENEEN: "But some years ago a baker of Shallam named Vanna passed the gates of the Soul Realm. When, as is my custom, I asked her for news of the city, she informed me that you citizens--you, here gathered--rejected the opportunity to link your government to this triple fount of infallible wisdom."

AS DENEEN: "And so I say to you: folly!"

ROOM VISION: The aristocrat staggers suddenly, the spirit that possesses him weakening its grip.

AS DENEEN: "The Te'Serra will not lead you, like braying mules, to where you do not wish to be led, but I, being mortal, have no qualms in doing so!"

ROOM VISION: Deneen staggers forward, nearly falling.

AS DENEEN: "No longer should the leaders of the cause of Good be tempted to hold their counsels in darkness, for the sake of pride and power!"

AS DENEEN: "Before too long, I will greet each of you at the gates of the Soul Realm, and ask you how the Jewel of the East is faring."

AS DENEEN: "I hope that you will have better to say of the city than I have heard in the past ages."

ROOM VISION: Deneen falls to the ground, the strange voice that issues from his lips now weak and faint.

AS DENEEN: "I must find another power. My sword will lead you. Go now to the sacred place of Light's sacrifice.

ROOM VISION: The aristocrat shivers violently and falls into a dead faint. The museum is suddenly eerily quiet; only a low hum issuing from the great sword breaks the silence. A wisp of light issues from Deneen's parted lips and flits quickly from the room.

ROOM VISION: A flash erupts from the now still sword, causing you to cover your eyes instinctively as your mind swims from the sensory overload. A second flash follows immediately, and dizzying sparks swim across your vision...

(Chatter can ensue for some moments)

Kail says, "Light's sacrifice? And that means...?"

(more chatter, perhaps some will hit on the location as Deucalion's altar, perhaps some will think of the gorge as the location of Death's Heart. Kail will steer the conversation as appropriate to the altar.)

Kail says to Han-Silnar, "Do you think Deucalion's altar is the location we need?"

Han-Silnar says to Kail, "How would I know? Just investigate it."

Kail says, "That's what we'll do, then. Is Deneen alright?

ROOM VISION: Han-Silnar kneels over the prostrate form of Deneen. Yanking at Deneen's expensive looking blue and silver shirt, the Aldar turns the aristocrat onto his back.

ROOM VISION: Han-Silnar places two fingers on Deneen's temples. Moments later, Han-Silnar slaps Deneen's face sharply, and the prostrate man shows signs of revival through fluttering but unseeing eyes.

Han-Silnar yells, "Marhisa! Come minister to the dandy. I'm certainly not going to play sick-nurse."

Marhisa yells, "Is he ill?"

Han-Silnar yells, "He'll be less ill if you stop wasting time and get here "

Pericles says, "It's decided. To the back gate."

Everyone moves.

ROOM VISION: Pericles reaches for the sword and unfastens the hooks that hold it fast to the wall. With the blade securely in his grasp, he steps carefully back into the crowd and cradles the sword broad-side in both hands. He makes his way to the exit of the museum and the crowd melts to allow him passage.

Pericles leaves to the northeast
Han-Silnar leaves to the northeast

WORLD VISION: The column of light above the Imperial Museum of Shallam melts away gently.

(At "Within a Grassy Clearing", after chatter dies down.)

ROOM VISION: Pericles, still gingerly cradling the ancient broadsword, hesitates before approaching the glowing altar in the center of the clearing. It is immediately apparent that the hum emanating from the blade matches that already emanating from the altar. The shimmering shield that protects the altar is as strong as ever.

ROOM VISION: The apprehension writ on the face of the fearless Pericles mirrors that of all gathered: what will result from the union of these two disparate powers?

Kail says, "Umm...."

(general chatter)

Pericles says to Silas, "Should I place the sword on the altar, Sultan?"

Silas nods to Pericles.

Pericles says to Han-Silnar, "Shall I do it?"

Han-Silnar growls.

Han-Silnar says, "Do it"

ROOM VISION: Pericles advances across the grass towards the altar while the gathered crowd allows him a wide berth. With no further hesitation, he pushes the blade of the broadsword through the shimmering shield and rests the treasure upon the verdant moss of the altar

ROOM VISION: Pericles withdraws from the altar. Everyone looks on intently.

ROOM VISION: Light pours from the altar into the sword.

ROOM VISION: The single jeweled eye of the wolf seems to search the crowd, though nothing moves. A deep voice speaks wordlessly, grows louder and louder.

Silas's eyes grow wide, as he steps slowly forward. He looks heavenward.

Silas yells, "Father, I hear Darius' voice! And I would go to the battle with this blade in hand!"

Silas plunges both hands through the shield of energy, and draws the sword out before him in one motion. He turns to the assembled citizens, his eyes betraying wild excitement and barely contained energy.

WORLD VISION: A loud eruption draws the eye skyward, and the column of light above Shallam springs violently back into existence. Shockwaves of power ripple outwards from Deucalion's altar.

ROOM VISION: A flash makes the assembled crowd shout in terror. As the light hits you, your sense of place is obliterated. You fall, insensible.

(10 second room black-out, everyone is sprawled)

In the room: Silas lies here motionless, both hands tightly gripping the hilt of a glowing sword.

(After blackout, allow chatter. Silas does not respond and does not stand up. OH NO!!!)

Pericles says, "Sultan!"

ROOM VISION: Han-Silnar leaps to the side of the sprawled Silas, showing much more concern for the fallen Sultan than he had displayed to Deneen. The Aldar examines the Sultan intently.

Han-Silnar says, "He still breathes. Priests! Heal him now!"

(Priests try hands, rites, diagnosing., Silas does not respond)

ROOM VISION: Bones crack and skin ruptures along Silas's arms, but he only grips the blade more tightly.

Han-Silnar says, "The spirit of Darius shares his frame. I am surprised his body is not wholly broken."

Kail says, "Is it safe to move him?"

Han-Silnar says, "Bring him to the palace"

(If that picking up Silas like an objecting and moving him to the palace with the hobbling effect is possible, then we do that. If NOT possible, proceed to....)

ROOM VISION: Han-Silnar and Pericles step to opposite sides of the fallen Sultan. With the assistance of members of the gathered crowd, they gently lift the unconscious Sultan and begin moving out of the clearing.

Han-Silnar leaves to the north
Pericles leaves to the north (One MUST BE FOLLOWING the other, they have to move together)

(Silas has, assuming it's possible, left the room without his exit being detected)

(In the sultan bedroom)

Han-Silnar enters from the ###
Pericles enters from the ###

ROOM VISION: Han-Silnar, Pericles, and several servants of the Palace gently place Silas in his bed.

The gods make their grand entrances.

ROOM VISION: Pentharian raises His hand and makes a curious turning gesture. Consciousness suddenly appears within the opening eyes of the Sultan, and his death grip on the Sword of Darius slowly relaxes. A wisp of light flies from him, leaving his body cold and sallow.

Pentharian turns to the gathered crowd.

[Note: These are suggested words for the gods, but of course the gods may say whatever They like. Who says what can also be varied.]

Pentharian says, "Silas, my Hand and your Sultan, heard the call of Darius. In taking up this blade--

Pentharian takes up the sword and holds it calmly before Him.

Pentharian says, "He invited Darius' spirit, briefly, to live beside his own. Darius had a great soul, had great Valour. And Darius could have certainly killed Silas if he had had a mind, cut him off at the very root. But he did not. Darius found, as We Te'Serra do, that Silas, flawed as he is, is worthy to lead with our imprimatur until his strength should give out, as all the powers of mortals give out.

Lorielan says, "Darius sacrificed much, sacrificed the aeons of peace that were his due, to continue to attend to this city's affairs. We heard his words, as many of you did. And he has spoken Our will. We will not lead you, as Darius said, like braying mules, but know Our will, and flaunt it, if you must, in the fullness of your knowledge.

Mithraea says, "The Caliphate failed once, though most of Shallam's citizens willed that it should go forward. Mortal law says that the citizens must do more than express their will, the gods must do more than assent. We say that the law of Good is above the laws of men. Therefore, if you are wise, express your will again as you have before, and develop the particulars of a new Caliphate; a Caliphate that may well lead Shallam to a new golden age.

The gods make their exits.

With difficulty, Silas clambers down from the bed and looks on silently. His face is very pale.

Kail whispers something into Pericles' ear.

Pericles nods to Kail.

Pericles says, "The Viziers will enter closed session. I am to escort you all from the Palace."

Kail approaches Silas. Silas slings an arm across Kail's shoulder and walks heavily towards the Council Chamber, wincing in pain.

Everyone leaves.

WORLD VISION or AREA VISION: There is a deep thud as the heavy gates of the Palace are closed. Smoke issuing from one of the Palace's many chimneys is the only sign of the deliberations going on within.

man i love you guys

This would have been much more fun than, say, ousting the AP on trumped-up charges of treason.

You guys as well.

So you guys submitted something that would have been pretty cool

And the gods decided to go with a bull- mess instead?

Timewarp please, we can still fix this

A+. Azor for Pentharian.


See, this is how it's done.

Actually.
This is how it should be done.




This is how it's actually done.

lold. The God that sends out 'gifts' without a signature, which blow up the person who uses them. Right. Not devious at all.

That was Pandora.

It was mischievous.

seriously timewarp

Post the -actual- event that happened? This ones pretty badass.... and I want to see what everyone is bitching about

So that's what happend, seems Penth and Babel had nothing really planned out so they did something on the fly.

Riiiight.

The timewarp needs to start before this point, I think this is where it all turned to -

Seriously it is not too late to timewarp!!

I don't know what you lot are talking about. This has been remarkably entertaining.

Also @ Kail: All good but for including Lorielan & Han-Silnar. Always interesting to see relics actually have an influence on the modern world.

You know what else would be entertaining?

Finishing what we started!

All in good time!

So that's how it went down with Ellodin? It is slightly lame, but not telling Penth that he got it from Babel is still enough to merit the oustings.

By the way, that event has absolutely nothing to do with the Caliphate event. Would someone post a log of the Caliphate deus ex machina event? I still haven't seen the one that actually happened.

I always find divine players actively engaging in the Achaean affairs really great and wonderful, and indeed very very highly appreciate it, but ... I cannot help myself here...isn't it a bit odd that someone like Pentharian would listen to someone like Babel but would not let Ellodin share his part of the story, at least?

I mean...I always felt that it kinda was a commonly RPish shared knowledge that Chaos seeks to destroy and deceive its opponents. Even if Ellodin made a huge mistake, he still served Good, Order and Light for many decades, whereas...Babel, at least as far as I know , never even marginally served the Good, Order and Light, nor did he do anything else that would give him much credibility when it comes to claiming what the truth is - at least spoken from the perspective of Good and Order.

I cannot say I really understand the RP going into this, really, at least at the current point. Babel's, of course, I do understand, but Pentharian's, I do not. But maybe I will in the future. Looking forward to this!

Edit: Great plot, Azor! Well written out, and making a lot of sense. And I am sad that I missed the actual event, from reading it, it was quite exciting. One always misses way too many exciting things....

While I, too, thought the Ellodin/Pentharian thing was a little off, you have to remember that all the Gods are siblings or at least relatives. While they might hate each other, they do know each other better than we would. (Though the comment in question, about Babel never hiding his intent, is definitely silly)

Righteous fury does not listen.

Man, I still cannot read Caliphate without getting that bizarre OOC feeling.

wat

Translation:

That said, Yay Caliphate. I enjoy 'ing at this part of the event, but the rest of it wasn't so bad.

Man, Ellodin must have been doing a lot of stuff behind the scenes that caused you all to fall in love with him.

Translation:

Ellodin must be really cool OOC and he has you all on his AIM/MSN lists so that you can chat way into the night, and since he doesn't do anything ICly that could even possibly be seen as controversial, he's the coolest and most devoted AP there ever was!

As this is the RP forum and you'll all jump me for being oh so mean, I should preface this with the simple statement that I do like Ellodin. He's a good guy, but when you are the mortal leader of an organization dedicated to stamping out Chaos, you don't take orders from the God of Chaos himself without confronting your OWN God about it. See how things could have been different if Ellodin had went to Penth and said, "Hey dude, Babel says I can destroy these demons if we do this thing, what do you think?"

This would mostly be why I'm kind of amused about the whole situation.
There was nothing he could do, as a player, to stop the Divine from kicking him out of his orgs, and considering how hard they expect us to work to get positions such as that, it seems very lame that one can go from a HIGH Church, House, and City rank to ousted from all of them. I can understand the divine wanting a new leadership, and if they had just replaced him there would not have been one-tenth as much BAW; however, when you show the players that you are willing to do whatever the hell you wanna at the expense of their time, hard work, and attention, there is going to be a little discontentment here and there.

You're still missing the fact that he, uh, took orders from the enemy without letting his own God know. The fact that he kept it a secret is what keeps you all from throwing out the "he did it for the greater good!" defense.

I was wat'ing at the bolded part thanks for the translation though

Ellodin was pretty stupid but hardly treasonous.

I wonder how quickly you would throw me under the bus, Alban, if you saw me talking to Flair or someone in some secret chamber. I mean, would it be enough to perhaps kick me out of the city of Shallam? I heard you're good at that.

Have you tried making sense? I have been enjoying you frothing at the mouth in game for the last couple of months though.

The last I knew treason was the deliberate attempt to undermine your homeland/faction.

Psh, I would just tell Pentharian on you.

Jk, Danith, ily. Thanks for being awesome IG

Flair and I wouldn't exactly be swapping recipes. We might be, I don't know... bashing... together... and then, let's say someone found out, and everyone debated on whether or not it was right or wrong...

Yes and no doubt you would be punished. It is really odd you think people are saying Ellodin shouldn't have been punished.

Ellodin should be re-inducted to Shallam imo, just never allow him to attain any position with power.

In the interest of allowing this to move forward in-game, this has been removed at the request of several participants.

Um, why would you post this to the forums?

I guess he was trying to clear up some stuff.
Sidenote: I hate veils I've wanted to interact with Corbeaux, but I can never see him.

Yeah that is idiotic, i hope it gets modded.

Kindly edit it out, Corbeaux.

Oh well.

I love consistency in admin's decisions. I also love consistency in player's responses to people posting IC stuff on the forums. </sarcasm>

Since I'm not around often, I enjoyed reading the letter

So now Shallam is just a puppet to the Alliance? Nice. Puppet governments always do well

Also, all that throne moving reminded me of that scene from TNG where Q pronounces judgment upon humanity.

...really, Corbeaux?

olol

My apologies, Ellodin.

I forgot to submit the work to the RP Board for clearance on whether the event was over, complete, and safe for public transmission. That, and I didn't get the memo.