Librium

[Joa-Boo]

“My fellow Sanctians, I join you today in celebration. Today we celebrate the 100 year of our city. For a whole century now, this flying city, Sanctasplin, has been our fortitude, our shelter, and our home. It is with great honor that lead you, my great people, into the next century. May we flourish and grow under the guidance of the almighty Paitrux.

This great day is a day of remembrance. We remember, so that we do not fall into a place our ancestors worked so hard to build out of. We remember their sacrifice. The great people before us understood that for the good of all in flesh we must sacrifice our volition and trust only in Paitrux. Our wills are determined for the security of all. This is Paitrux gift, freedom from strife and failure. It was by this sacrifice that Paitrux delivered our people from the jaws of Librium where now nothing stands but death and destruction. Remember good people and you too will be delivered.”

These words rang over the masses of people that gathered at the city square. So many different faces crowded the streets that all led to the heart of the city, the Paitrux temple. Everyone gathered to hear the Luminary speak. This was his 12 year out of a life service to the city making the slender and gentle elf 57 years old. Every year, on this very day, everyone gathered to hear the Luminary retell Sanctasplin’s history. It had become quite the celebration.

All eyes looked toward Varkannon, the current Luminary, on top of his high perch. From this balcony on the Paitrux temple, the Luminary could see for miles. It was the tallest thing in the whole city. Just above the balcony rose huge pillars of gears and pipes turning through intricate clockwork that caused the dials on the massive tower to keep time. The clock declared it to be noon with the sun at its highest point in the sky. The rays touched everything in the city. Rows after rows of factories piled closer to the center of the city, producing everything from house hold items to the clockwork soldiers that policed Sanctasplin. Just beyond those were layers of houses all crammed a 5 mile radius around the center of the city. From the tower a few smaller spouts of land could be seen where the people grew food and farmed animals. The whole city was condensed in these tight areas because all of Sanctasplin floated above the clouds.

Varkannon looked out at his people with a friendly smile. One hand, animated by the story, moved in a way to project his words. In the other he held onto a huge staff made of pure gold and emeralds that decorated the whole beam. The head of the staff was shaped like an owl with a glowing ring around the top of its head. From the backside of the sculpted owl was an assembly of gears turning to keep that light glowing brightly. Every Luminary from the beginning of Sanctasplin has held that same staff. It is told the staff is an instrument of Paitrux.

“We remember the glorious day when Paitrux first made himself know to our ancestors. He came with grave news of a terrible shift in Librium that would make life miserable. He explained that a great evil, Deminas, was coming and with him hate and death would follow. The people panicked. They feared they would all surely die. Then Paitrux told them he would deliver them from their dark fate if only they put this faith in him. And so our ancestors; the elves, dwarfs, orks, and humans, all chose to follow the almighty into deliverance from Deminas. Those who stayed surly met a gruesome fate. Left behind were the minotaurs, centaurs, goblins, fallen elves, fallen humans, scaly skins, and a matter of all other kinds of beasts. We remember our ancestor’s choices, making us the chose people of Paitrux.


We remember that all others grew mad, beats like, and dark in nature. The other races not chosen by Paitrux attacked out people, jealous of our sanctity. Our people struggled but Paitrux kept his word. He inspired a number of great people, giving them vast powers to do the things that needed to be done. Paitrux called these people the Lumen. The Lumen were gifted by Paitrux to fulfill a single purpose in his will. Their bodies transcend in ways the natural flesh could not. These powers were to be used to fulfill that purpose. If they should not, the Lumen would devolve into terrible abominations. Those who chose to not follow the path of Paitrux twisted into horrible forms of darkness to display the lack of obedience to the almighty. However, those that do follow the righteous path and fulfill the will of Paitrux become one with Paitrux and leave behind a monument to their success in the form of a marble statue. This time period, under the protection of Paitrux, aloud for our people to grow. We remember the many Lumen before us.

We remember the dark turn of times when Deminas learned of Paitrux’s plans and inspired many of his own. They too were marked just as the Lumen but we learned to call them Deminaughts. The Lumen were marked with shields on their backs and the Deminaughts had eyes on their chests. We learned to tell them apart and banished all of the Deminaughts. Their powers still allowed them to reap havoc through own cities even with the Lumen trying to stop them. Still Paitrux kept his word. As grave times came near to an end for our ancestors they suddenly shot into the sky. The whole city rose into the heavens. We were finally delivered from Librium and Deminas’s evil clutches. Paitrux came forward with one commandment, “Trust in me fully and you will be saved. Your will is mine to command.” So our people sacrificed their free will so all could be safe from Deminas once and for all. We remember so we too can be free.”

The crowds went wild during this portion of the story, some even cried. Everyone had a smile as the jumped and danced all over. Varkannon took this moment to catch his breath. His eyes moved from the streets to the many floats ships that sailed through the air. A tower of smoke form the coal burning piled out from the top of columns on each in order to keep the blimps floating. The people on the ships were cheering too.

We remember that others may still roam the lands of Librium, tortured by the will of Deminas. They seek to harm us. They seek to tear us out of the air. So be diligent in your practices. Trust fully in Paitrux and your Luminary and all will be as is. Now, let us celebrate the 100 years of Sanctasplin and may there be another 100 years ahead.”

Everyone cheered so loud it was all that could be heard for miles through the air. Fireworks and music erupted into the city streets as the people celebrated their city. All seemed perfect on the city in the air.  

[Joa-Boo]

Sanctasplin is an economically thriving industrial city. That growth is purely based on the fact that the people do not work for money but for the order of the city. Everyone owes their efforts to the city for keeping them safe so they do their work just to keep it that way. There is an overarching sense of moral abiding that keeps things moving forward.

Order is the center of it all and that order comes from their faith in Paitrux. The Luminary’s in the past set in stone rules to guide this order. In Sanctasplin there are many guilds and these guilds are heritable. Each guild determines social class and job. All of the farmers have farmer babies and the miners have miner babies. The city is broken up by sections with checkpoints between each. Only people of higher guild levels can freely pass through these checkpoints. Everyone else must get permission from a Lu, a Paitrux priest. Each checkpoint is guarded by a mixture of steam giants, mechanical soldier filled with gears, and a single guild of flesh soldiers. Lumen do not normally patrol the city unless they are doing it to boost their public image or are told to as a reminder to the people that Paitrux will keep his word. All soldiers are a display and promise to that order that is tightly kept in Sanctasplin. The final portion of order is the faith in Paitrux. Paitrux and his designated people are all knowing and all powerful. If a Lu or the Luminary asks someone to do something they are required to do it. That is the faith required by all in Paitrux’s commandment.

Most things are done in the city. The factories that make all forms of goods are found in the city, the hospitals, the schools, the research facilities; it was all found in the floating city. Only a few things were done either back on Librium or on other nearby floating land chunks. All farming and agricultural jobs were done on these large chunks of floating land. Layers of space allowed for all kinds of crops to be grown and animals to roam. The city was quite self sustaining. The only thing that had to occur on Librium is quests for more resources. Mining and cutting down trees for lumber was a highly regulated task only preformed by the lowest of guilds. Whole air ships would send down waves of people to recycle those working on Librium and take back large amounts of the needed recourses. All of this was under the watchful eyes of Lumen and other soldiers. These areas are always under high risk of being attacked by those stranded on Librium. Some say they have seen terrifying abominations lurking in the woods beyond their camps. They are haunted by past Lumen that never accomplished their willing. These beasts are called Liests.

A Lumen is born when Paitrux inspires someone with a will. The experience is described to be painful but that has varied from person to person. The end result is always the same however, the Lumen looks exactly the same, grows strange types of powers, and has a shield marked along their back. When a Lumen is inspired they do not know what the will they have to complete. The time limit they have to complete it before they become a Leist varies significantly. The only thing that can prolong a Lumen’s life is by killing a Deminaught. There is no known pattern to how a Lumen is chosen. Everyone just accepts that Paitrux knows best. Anyone can become a Lumen but no one has ever been inspired that wasn’t already apart of the chosen people. These rules, while really unknown, are assumed to be the same for Deminas’s Deminaughts. The only exception is once a year, on the anniversary of the great rising, a sacrifice is chosen at random to be offered to Paitrux. This Tribute is marked by Paitrux to become a Lumen and his will be done.

Now that Sanctasplin has been around for 100 years this order is slowly deteriorating. Some people have grown tiered doing the same thing over and over again. Others have lost faith in Paitrux because they do not see much need to follow him or believe in him. The difference in social classes thickens and this creates tension between groups. There has even been a small fight that the soldiers had to stop. Trust is a hard commodity to come by even with Lus. One of the big saving factors is the 100 year anniversary celebration and the marking of another Lumen.  

[Joa-Boo]

Librium = name of the Planet this thread is on

Sanctasplin = name of the floating city for Paitrux’s chosen people. Races include elves, dwarfs, orks, and humans. Very few people of other races have been allowed to join the chosen people but exception are made.

Paitrux = A deity who rules over his chosen people of Sanctasplin. He has promised to deliver his people for the evils of Librium.

Deminas = A deity who rules the lands of Librium.

Lumen = someone that is inspired by Paitrux to do his will. This will is a special task that is unknown to the Lumen. The Lumen is granted unique powers to assist in this task. If a Lumen completes their task they become a Lumight. If they fail to complete their task after an unknown amount of time they become a Liest. If Lumen kills a Deminaught the time they have before they become a Liest is increased.

Lumight = an enlightened Lumen that completes their task. They instantly become a marble statue the moment they complete their task and become one with Paitrux. Their flesh self is considered dead.

Leist = a failed Lumen. After time the Lumen begins to fall into insanity and losses control of their powers. They slowly deform into a monster of some kind. Their Flesh self is considered dead.

Deminaught = someone that is inspired by Deminas to do his will. This will is a special task that is unknown to the Deminaught. The Deminaught is granted unique powers to assist in this task. If a Deminaught completes their task they become a Demight. If they fail to complete their task after an unknown amount of time they become a Blight. If Deminaught kills a Lumen the time they have before they become a Blight is increased.

Demight = an enlightened Deminaught that completes their task. They instantly become a crystal statue the moment they complete their task and become one with Deminaught. Their flesh self is considered dead.

Blight = a failed Deminaught. After time the Deminaught begins to fall into insanity and losses control of their powers. They slowly deform into a monster of some kind. Their Flesh self is considered dead.

Luminary = the high priest of Sanctasplin. He acts as an oracle of Paitrux to the people of Sanctasplin. His say is law. They serve as the Luminary for life. They are required to always have the Paitrux staff in the presence at all times.

Lu = a priest of Paitrux. Their word is law but they cannot argue with the Luminary. They order the armies and organize the people. They serve a lifetime.

Guild = the group you are born into. Guilds determine your job and social class. There are 4 Ranks of guilds and each rank has different types of jobs. There is the Lu guild which is above all. Rank 1 is the highest rank guilds. These guilds are the researchers, the engineers, the soldiers, and the entertainers. Rank 2 is the next social class of guilds. These guilds are all types of factory workers and builders. Rank 3 is the lowest of the ranks. These guilds are the farmers, the miners, and the lumber workers.  

[Joa-Boo]

Profile Basics

Name:
Race:
Gender:
Age:
Rank:
Guild:
Skills:
Mortality:
Inspired Powers:
Influence Powers:
Weapons:
Appearance:
Bio:

Example

Name: Joa Boo
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Guild: Rank 2
Job: Librarian
Skills: Self taught combat training, Knows a lot of info from reading, handy with a clockwork pistol
Inspired Powers: Can transform into a huge wolf-human mix and he can manipulate shadows.
Weapons: Scythe, clockwork pistol, and a pike
Appearance: Joa Boo is a large burly man with long black hair that covers most of his tanner then most face. His eyes are a clamming gray that look to always be searching. He dressed as well as he could, making his attire an assembly of cotton clothing, a nice colonial suit jacket, with buckles holding everything together.
Bio: Joa Boo was tossed into the world of learning at a young age because he would one day become a librarian. He was expected to know a lot about all the books in the library and he set out on this task as soon as he could read. Joa Boo’s quest for knowledge never seemed to be satisfied. He had read everything before even leaving his school age. This made life unsatisfactory on Sanctasplin. He wanted more. He wanted to understand more about the world they were in. He began to question so many things about their way of life, their systems, and even Paitrux. Why had they been doing the same thing over and over again? Shouldn’t something have happened by now? Joa Boo is skeptical of this deliverance because he doesn’t see the threat of Deminas. He begins losing rip with reality, falling into fantasies of all the ways the world could be and even some of the books he had read over and over again. Could becoming a Lumen be the next step in understanding what these deities were doing?


Link to Profile page: http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?page=1&t=23509535#347542253  

[Joa-Boo]

“It is now time my good people. We remember our almighty Paitrux’s word. He will deliver us from the darkness that litters Librium. One way he shows us that is by inspiring a tribute. Let us now chose a single tribute. Paitrux will be done!” Varkannon shouts over the people all around and they erupt into a frenzy of cheers once more. This is the highlight for so many people. The laymen type does not fully understand what it means to become a Lumen and it is romanticized at a young age. This is everyone’s chance to become something more than normal, get out of their guild, make something for themselves, or be important. Varkannon lifts his staff into the air. He slightly angles it over the crowds and the light in it shines brightly. Suddenly a bright beam of yellow light fires from the staff like a flash light. Varkannon feels the tug of the staff. He allows it to direct his hold until it falls onto this year’s tribute, the 100 year tribute. The light falls onto you and a mixture of sighs and cheers take off. Of all the people it could have been the light chose you; Paitrux chose you.

“Well there you have it, this year’s tribute.” Varkannon’s voice was ecstatic. Two propeller-driven steam giants float over to your location and lower a lift for you to climb on. They raise your towards Varkannon’s balcony and drop you next to an alter. “Tell us your name tribute. This is your moment of fame!”  

[Joa-Boo]

“Odell you placing any bets?” A larger than normal punch was thrown towards the shoulder of a dignified looking woman. The man’s fist froze up in a block of ice before it could make contact with her gentle figure. With her nose up high, she turned to face the others around the tower. A tempered look fell on each of them. The group gulped. “Ahh hell Odell this is a century long tradition. We always bet on the new tribute. Now what is it going to be?” With a powerful yank, man tore his arm off where it had been frozen into a block. He shook his torso until another arm replaced the missing limb. His deep burly voice chuckled when he noticed all the scared faces. “My money is on a rank 3 tribute. I’m putting 6 gold pieces to rank 3. This place is always a little less gloomy any time we get a bright eyed and dream filled tribute from the lower slums of this city.”

“Might I remind you Noah that there have only been 10 tributes from rank 3 over these past 100 years. You’re a fool if you think this one will be another rank 3 after last years. Put me down for 10 gold pieces on a rank 1.” Odell moved her gaze toward the roaring crowds below. The group of Lumen laughed.

“10 gold pieces, s**t, you’re on Odell!” A fiery youthful face jumped up from her place on a bench. Her long red hair flowed around her with every motion. A pair of strong hearted green eyes lit into Odell’s as her cold blue sword like eyes fought back.

“Then what is your bet?”

“I’m with Noah on rank 3.” The young woman’s voice rang with excitement. Noah gave her a high five.

“You are both foolish. Val, do you dare match my bet?”

“I raise you 2 more gold pieces!” The red head was jumping with excitement. She looked for any moment she could find to beat Odell.

“That is quite the risky move to make their Val. Yet what is the point in winning. Our money is worthless anyway. We get whatever we want.” Darkness poured from him. “I am putting 8 gold pieces on rank 2.” The hooded figure hummed his words all in one slow monotone. His body remained motionless on top of a ledge in between the intricate gears turning in the clock tower and the group of Lumen below.

“Felix, why are you always such a downer? Lighten up will yah. The rest of us are trying to have fun.” Another girl, younger than the rest, appeared in the mix of gears just above Felix with a giggly smile. She quickly teleported just in front of Felix and then threw her arms forward for a hug. Felix was faster, he figured she was going for another hug and, without changing anything about his posture, fell through the walls until he landed safely tower level with the rest of the Lumen. “I want to add 2 more gold pieces to Felix’s and my bet.” Seconds later she appeared by his side anyway, hugging his leg.

“Shelly, you sophomore, you know you are too young to gamble.” Odell squashed the young girl’s fun immediately.

“Felix makes her let me play. I want to play!” Shelly was near tears but Felix never budged.

“I wager 10 gold pieces for a rank 2 tribute.” Felix changed his mind. No one else could see it but Shelly knew he was smiling.

“Alright everyone, money on the table.” Noah opened a pouch to his side and dropped the gold pieces onto a table in the center. Everyone joined in and waited as the new tribute was lifted  

[Dugan195]

Hudson sat in his the dark deary jail sell as he heard the tribute selection going on outside the prison. Since he joined Sanctasplin as a general laborer, and the tribute selection was one of his favorite days during the year. Having been swept up for the dark lands of Librium Hudson was grateful when the Lu Priests found him on one of their expeditions and came across the baby goblin. Whether it was pity or Paitrux's will one of the Lu priests decided to give him Paitrux's blessing and allow for him to escape from the clutches of Deminas. In the hard life of the guild 3 members it was a major time of the year. Also it served as their main reminder that things could get better if they impressed Paitrux. Before being arrested Hudson was one of those people. He thought if he worked hard and did good maybe eventually Paitrux would bless him with a better life. Then things got tough. The rations of food got smaller. Famine in his district came. The blight of the starvation and misery was not a concern for the members of the higher guilds. Every year he got to relax and take some time off work for the festivals.

Work increased, but the pay didn't. Prices rose, and the lines for rationed food became longer and longer. Starving Hudson stole a small chicken from a restruant he was passing by. Little did he know that the chicken belonged to a high ranking Lu Inquisitor. Angered over a lowly rank 3 stealing from someone as blessed by Paitrux as an High Inquisitor the priest had Hudson arrested for heresy. Since then Hudson's life has been hell. Daily he was tortured for his "sins". The mechanical guards would drag him and the other prisoners out into the "redemption chamber" where they would chained up then beaten, whipped, racked, and otherwise tortured by the mechanical monsters as Lu acolyte priests recited literaries from the holy books. After enduing hours of torture every mourning they were sent to a hellish ironworks to prove their faith through hard labor. The ironworks was hot and steamy, it had none of the minuet safety conditions that normal factories had. The heretics were not afforded any consideration, their fate was in the hands of Paitrux; if they could last through their sentence then Paitrux was thought to have forgiven them and guided them back to the light. If they died then Paitrux had deemed them unworthy of cleansing.

As Luminary Varkannon told the story of the rise of Sanctasplin Hudson closed his eyes and listen to the story, imagining the saving of the people. Since he started suffering the Inquisition's wrath Hudson had questioned his faith in Paitrux. Why would such a benevolent being instruct his priests to do the things done to him for simply stealing to eat. He could not afford the food, the ration line didn't give enough food to survive on. But hearing the story of Sanctasplin's creation warmed him. Maybe, just maybe, Paitrux was real after all. Maybe he was watching over the chosen of Librium. If that was so, then perhaps he would cleanse Hudson of whatever sin put him in this hellish place and Hudson could return to his normal life. But who was he kidding, no one, not even the glorious Paitrux, cared about a rank 3 laborer, let alone a goblin.

Luminary Varkannon started the selection and he could hear the crowd go silent as the light radiated out of the staff and sought out the year's tribute. Everyone in the slums he lived in was excited over the centennial tribute. Everyone thought that this year's tribute would be something special, Paitrux's will for him would be miraculous. Hudson wondered what type of man or woman Paitrux would deem fit for such a special occasion. Suddenly he felt a warmth on his back, like the cold stone wall was heating up. Weakly he lifted his head and saw that the walls of his cell were lit up bright as day even though the sole window of his cell was so tiny it usually was hard to see at high noon in his cell. Looking straight to the door Hudson feared that one of the mechanical soldiers had come for him for a confession session with on of the Lu Inquisitors, an occasion where the Inquisitor would torture you one on one looking for any information on Deminas and his agents within Sanctasplin. No matter what the crime was the Inquisitors believed all the prisoners were connected in someway with the forces of darkness. When Hudson saw that the door was still closed he looked around the room confused till his eyes crossed the path of his window where he saw a shining beam of light blazing through his tiny window illuminating the entirety of his cell. What was causing this light?

Suddenly Hudson heard the entire crowd outside the jail go wild. People started screaming and shouting. The footsteps of the mechanical guards that lined the crowded echoed as they started to prepare to quell a riot. What was going on out there? The light in the room was blinding, Hudson could barely keep his eyes open. For so long he had been in the dark, but not this mysterious light was blinding him.  

[Joa-Boo]

It took a few seconds for it to kick in. The crowd’s cheers, the bright light, the steady dead beat of gear soldiers moving, all the attention was on you. The bright light filled the dungeon space around you as though the light had stepped in there with you. You could feel its warmth pass all around like a warm breeze reaching. As the light engulfed your chains they broke off. Now completed surrounded, you could sense a slight tug toward the light, as if it was pulling you toward freedom. The sensation was truly inspiring.

In the next moment the walls around your cell were torn apart by the heavy chain turning grip of two steam giants. The ripped the walls out of place and saddled you into a safe compartment between them. Within seconds you were being lifted, safely, towards Varkannon on his brilliantly lit balcony. Arms of the light streamed in all directions around his staff and each vein swirled around you as you neared. The crowds of people below didn’t know what to think. Some cheered, some were angry, some were scared. No one was quite certain what to feel as this year’s tribute was pulled straight from jail.

“Well this is quite the surprise. See great people how Paitrux delivers. He has chosen a redeemed soul from our pockets of sinners. This shows that even the lowest can be saved by Paitrux’s mighty divinity. Do not fear my people. As Paitrux has commanded, put your faith in him. You must be feeling very relieved young goblin. I believe you are the first of your kind to be chosen.” As you finally reached the balcony a podium raised from the ground. You were strapped to the altar and turned so everyone could see the transformation of the mark on your back. This was the moment the tribute become inspired.

As the light flooded around you, the sensation went from warm to unbearable. The beams cut deep into your body and charred it closed immediately afterward. Even through your clothes the bright beams could be seen etching into your flesh. The bold strokes pulled at your skin until forming a shield across your back, the same shield of every Luminary. Then once the shield was completed the light lifted, pulling back like a snake cocking to strike, and then rushed into you through the shield marking. Your vision blurred, your body pulsed, ached, tensed, and then relaxed. They light never showed up again. There was this constant warming sensation, as though your blood was thicker, stronger, and warmer than ever. You were inspired.

Varkannon reached over you to pull off the straps. His smile stretched from ear to ear, wrinkling every part of his aged face. Then, as he lifted you from the altar his face molted from happy to fearful. His eyes glared into your own, you could sense his confusion, frustration. You could see his mind rattle through every explanation it could or rather make an attempt to move forward. His confusion worked like a sickness and you were infected seconds after his initial transformation. You watched as his eyes fell from yours and then down to your chest. You had just been inspired by Paitrux. Just as every Lumen before you had. The shield marked on your back and a rebirth from normal life into a powerful one whose cause was to complete some will. But there was no name for what you were for beaming from your chest was a bright golden eye; the mark of Deminas!

It took Varkannon a brief moment to properly react. Had he done something wrong? Was this some sign that a terrible end was coming for all of them because Deminas was now at their doorstep? No, Varkannon was wiser. Varkannon was a brilliant leader; a devilish schemer was your first inclination, who could skillfully pull his people through anything. Instead of turning you to present to the masses behind you, Varkannon dragged you closer to him and then spun around you to divert the attention of everyone from you to him.

“What a wondrous and special inspiration this has been for all of us. I have decided that for a centennial tribute we will present him later in a more epic way with a more grand celebration. Happy 100 years to Sanctasplin!” Varkannon’s voice roars over his people and they go wild.

What the people didn’t see was what happened behind Varkannon. Before you could react or even begin to understand what was happening a small girl flashes in front of you and kicks you in the stomach. As you double over a massive hand grabs you by the head and spins you to the center of the tower and out of sight of anyone. A woman quickly brings your hands together, freezing them in a block of ice, and then a dark hooded figure grabs at your ankle. You make eye contact for a brief second. Your eyes, still confused, plead for an explanation but that pair that looks back gave no remorse of inclination. Instead, and very quickly, he drags you through the many floors of the tower and into a darker cell than the one you had previously been in. This was on the dark side of the flying city.

The room you were pulled into was dark and felt empty. Both your back and chest burned, somewhat still emitting a bit of light. That light was just enough to make out a strange on the other side of the cell. It shifted once it knew you saw it. There was a group of loud clanking noises and then the lights turned on.

“So what the hell is it?” The same woman that froze your hands together asked as she cautiously approached you.

“What I want to know is if this means our bet is off?” The larger man was torn between wanting to crush you and wanting his money.

“It is hard to say. He does still have the Lumen mark.”

“Then why does he ******** have an eye plastered on his chest? The cold woman moved closer to you, now filled with anger. She got inches from your face. “This isn’t some sick joke is it. You didn’t just get that tattooed on your chest as some prank?”

“He is a goblin Odell. They are not technically apart of the chosen.” The hooded figure spoke as he completed his last trip with a red haired woman.

“Faith… remember.” The girl also approached you but she did not look as angry. Her almost enlightened presence brought more warmth to you, unlike the coldness that bonded you. “He is still a Lumen and we must trust Paitrux.” She smiled as you two looked at each other. She leaned closer, snapped a finger, and a red flower appeared in her hand. She smiled again as she squashed the flowed in her palm and sprinkled it over the ice. Slowly the bondage melted and you could feel your hands becoming useful again. “My name is Val. These are your new friends. We are Varkannon’s top Lumen. Please forgive Odell. She has everyone’s best interest in mind.”

“Shut it Val. He could be dangerous?” Odell rushed to her side, angry again.

“You don’t know that.” Val fought back.

“Odell has a point Val. We must consult a Lu.” Felix hummed in a mono tone.

“Oh no I am not giving this punk goboin any chance to make anything more of his visit on Sanctasplin. Lumen or not he is still a Deminaught,” that word brought a pain to your chest, “and I am going to tear him up!” The larger man stepped closer to you, brushed both women aside like twigs, and threw a wall of a fist toward you.

“Stop Noah!”

In that instant, just before his fist hit you, Noah was teleported to the other side of the room by the younger girl, with his fist flying dangerously into nothing. He stumbled forward with that much force not making contact. All faces turned to a boy in the door way. He entered the hall, exchanged looks with everyone and then continued to speak.

“Varkannon says no harm should come to him yet. Set him through the trials and then…” Before the boy could finish speaking he had transformed into a statue of marble. Instantly all of the Lumen in the room jumped away from you. The boy had just become a Lumight and completed his will.

“Oh s**t you better start explaining yourself. I want to know everything about you goblin. Your name, your story, and you better have a ******** explanation to why you have the mark of the Deminaught.” Odell wouldn’t come near you but she threatened with producing a chill in the air around you.  

[Dugan195]

Everything started to happen faster than Hudson could figure it out. One second he was sitting in jail yearning to be among the crowd waiting for the tribute selection. A second later he was on a table being burned by the light of Paitrux....then he was pulled into the room where his fate was being decided. As the people around him argued and spoke Hudson tried to speak up, but from years of habit he couldn't speak over the Lumen, even if he was techincally one of them now...atleast he thought he was.

Whilst they were arguing he looked down onto his bear chest and saw the cursed mark of the Deminaught etched across his chest. What had happened to him. It wasn't possible to be marked by both Paitrux and Deminas was it? How did that work? Did that mean he had not one will but two to complete? Was he blessed or cursed? Hudson looked around as the boy came into the room ordering him to continue with the mysterious trials the Lumen faced when they were first inspired. When he turned into a statue Hudson let out a breath of relief, that meant that Paitrux had blessed him.

As Odell spoke to him he cringed in fear, "My name is Hudson ma'am. I am a rank 3 forester. I was saved by a Lu Priest when I was a baby and raised here in Sanctasplin. I am no follower of Deminas. I don't know why this eye is on my chest. I swear it wasn't there this morning. I was in jail for stealing chicken from a restruant. I have always been a faithful servant of Paitrux. I only stole the food because I was starving. The ration's comisioner always gave me less then he was supposed too because I am not technically part of the chosen....I swear it was only out of hunger....I do not follow the disorder of Deminas...I swear it." Hudson was begging for his life. The Inquisitor's of the jail had broken him, not that there was much to break to begin with. He still felt inferior to the people around him, both because he was a rank 3 and because he was not from the persitigous chosen races.  

[Joa-Boo]

“Odell you are frightening the poor thing. It is no shame what has happened to Nathaniel. The boy becoming a Lumight marks the end of his journey. Although he was young, he is now one with Paitrux. The boy is at peace.” Val was just as shocked as the rest to see the boy turn to marble but she came to far quicker than the rest. It was a hard thing to face for the Lumen. They would either find a fate similar to Nathaniel’s or instead turn into a dark twisted monster. Either way their lives were cut short by the inspiration that connected them all. Val’s words must have meant a lot to the rest of them because they all backed off.

“Sorry little goblin…” Val shot Noah a glare, “I mean I am sorry Hudson. As you can imagine this is all very frightening to us.” Noah moved closer to the goblin and reached out a hand to properly greet the new Lumen.

“Is it true then Val, even with the nasty symbol on his chest, Hudson is our brother?” Shelia asked while at the Floright’s side. Val looked down at her with a smile. Odell backed away from the group until she could brace herself against the far wall. She wanted nothing to do with you, a Deminaught.

“It would seem that way. Now to the trials he must go.” Felix didn’t have much to say as well. This was how Paitrux wanted it and he would let it be.

“Right, Keeper, ascend Hudson into the trials.” Val spoke firmly yet with a smile. “We have one way to see of what importance your will might be. The trials will decide where you stand Hudson. This is your first chance to make for yourself what you desire. Only you can decide where you stand.” Val touched the side of your cold and scared check. The Floright was warm to the touch. Then she backed away as she was replaced with the strange figure you first noticed while in the dark tomb. A large armor soldier with no flesh holding the pieces together hovered over you. A dusty scratch of a voice slowly came to life from all around you. As he spoke the small space around you and the armor slowly dropped further into the dark side of Sanctasplin.

“Hudson there will be a series of trials before you. They will grow in difficulty as you proceed further through these trials. You will only proceed as far as Paitrux wills it. As soon as you sense you cannot go any further you need to only speak these words, ‘Paitrux free me!’ and I will resolve you. This first trial is a trial of skill in combat. Here you will discover your inspired abilities. Paitrux bless you!” The Keeper said with his ominous voice. Once the gears on the elevator stopped turning the bodiless knight lounged forward and kicked you off his pedestal. The elevator rose quickly, leaving you alone in the darkness.

Suddenly a great glow shone from the ground itself. The light was blinding at first until your eyes adjusted. You stood, dusted yourself off, and then took a good look around the vast cave floor. You were surrounded by a random assortment of rocks scattered about the cave. Once you took a single step the floor came to life. Some of the rocks rearranged themselves and on the far ends, all around you, cage doors broke open. 15 or so creatures you had only heard of in stories of Librium filled those cages and now they were let out. Some you know as Minotaurs, others were spiny lizard like people, and there were even two goblins among them. They seemed to be twisted in an evil manner, very much unlike the goblin you were. All of them unsheathed their weapon and converged toward you, each with their own evil snicker. Near your feet was an unclaimed dagger before you and a shield against a rock to your far left. There was nothing but your own skill and a rank of deadly armor shuffling toward you for the kill. The minotaur reached you first with his large hammer ready to swing down at you. Closely behind him were three Spinors (tricerotop looking people) with flails and shields of their own swinging madly.

“Hey that’s not fair. Keeper did you turn the difficulty up?” Shelia asked with the biggest pout she could produce. “I have never seen that many Fallen Libriums come out at once. Hudson doesn’t stand a chance.”

“This was not my doing child. It is the Lu’s job to fill those cages. I only keep the trials.”

“Well are you going to do anything Keeper?” Noah budded in. His face was nearly against the screens they used to watch the trials.

“I do not see why this is unfair. Any of you could handle this.”

“Yeah but only after years of training!” Odell looked through the glass after hearing the others describe what was happening. There was a faint and hidden smile in her cheeks. She understood what was happening. “Good luck to you Hudson.  

[Dugan195]

Hudson was dazed as the next series of events happened. Suddenly he was in a rock filled cavern with horrible monsters charging at him. He stumbled back until he heard the sound of monsters behind him. He spun around surveying the monsters charging him and started to painic, even on the surface of Librum he had never seen monsters this horrifying, and he had seen some scary stuff.

As he stumbled around he tripped on the dagger and shield and picked them up. His arms where shaking as he saw the minotaur swinging his hammer down on him. Hudson rolled past the minotaur and with his new found inspired body somehow made it back up onto his feet. He spun around and struck as the back spine of the minotaur with strength that a man who had been beaten and deprived of food should not have been capable of. He aimed to dive the dagger deep into the minotaur and cut his back, not rendering him useless. Hudson grunted loudly as he swung his shield into the back of minotaurs leg with the edge of his shield; in case his back attack failed he might still break the minotaur's leg.  

[Joa-Boo]

The Minotaur had committed all its momentum to that swing and when it missed there were surly consequences it would face. The small dagger dipped into the bulls back with force you did not know you were capable of. The sensation tingled at your finger tips as cutting the monsters body was an art you had naturally possessed all your life. That is, whatever life you still possessed, was far handier with a blade than you would have ever imagined. The Minotaur stumbled forward with its motion and crumbled to a knee. Another cut and it would have been finished. That last cut nearly made it to the spine and most of the beast’s motor functions would be impaired.

Luckily for the Minotaur you were vastly outnumbered. The group of 3 Spinor’s saw their opportunity to strike and they charged at you with a speed far greater than the Minotaur. They swung flails and swords all around at you as they passed. If all went their way they would have you surrounded while still more and more dark creatures lurked closer.

“Send word to Varkannon. He has told me he wants to watch this.” Keeper spoke with his voice echoing all around the cave walls. Felix answered his command with a jump and dash into the walls near him.

“Won’t that be too dangerous to bring the Luminary this close to a Deminaught?” Val was not sure she liked what she was hearing. She wanted to trust Hudson but not give him any chances he could not refuse. If she was in her place that sounded like a quick and dirty Will complete. She protested by pulling on the armor’s chainmail.

“Your Luminary has spoken and his will shall be done. Would it not also be the very will of Pairux?” Keeper finished and knew his words had trumped anything Val could say. This was true. If Varkannon said it then it was law.

“I don’t like this!” Sheila was begging to get upset. Some of the goblins that hung back away from you trying to stand your ground in combat against three Spinors had grabbed slings and loaded up rocks for the kill. One pulled back and snapped against your knee just before you attempted to block a swinging flail. That splinted sphere crashed against your exposed side as you compensated for their sling shot and it sent you backwards into a large rock. Blood emptied down your side and the pain made it hard to focus on the bodies moving toward you.

“Sheila it will be ok. This guy is special. He can handle himself, you will see.” Odell lied. She figured this was the end of you. Sheila looked over at her, tears ready to flow, and body unsure what to feel.  

[Dugan195]

Hudson grunted in triumph as his blade pierced into the minotaurs back. He yanked it out with ease and went to slit the mintaur's throat when he remembered the Spinor's behind him and dropped to the ground to avoid the blades and flairs of the horned monsters.

"This is insane. How can this be the will of Paitrux!" Hudson growled to himself as he jumped back up and blocked a swing from a Spinor's blade. He countered as slashed as the Spinor's exposed gut seeking to fatally wound it or atleast push it from combat for a bit.

Suddenly the sting of the slings pelted his side. He felt the jagged rocks cut into his bar skin. Blood started to drip down from his exposed wound nad he howled in pain. He had bleed many times, acccidents on the job, beatings by the higher ranks, and especially the torture of the Inquisitors. His back was scarred with the strikes of the whip on his back that he endured for so long. This time though the bleeding felt different. It was like raw power was escaping his body. Was this the power of all the inspired? Did it radiate from their blood? That was truely amazing Hudson thought as he felt bad for spilling such blessed energy. (not gonna find out quite yet) Hudson spun on spot with lightning speed and beared his shield to deflect the next volley of sling shots. Hudson knew he wouldn't be able to turn his back on the Spinor's against so he dove through them and sprinted for a bunching of tall boulders that would throw off the goblin slinger's aim and force them to relocated to get shots at him slowly them down.  

[Joa-Boo]

((That was purely your choice but I do agree; to early. There must be more bloodshed))

“If this gets to be too much for the little guy you are going to stop it aren’t you Keeper?” Noah asked

“That is not my place to decide. Young Hudson is at the mercy of Paitrux. Only can our Godhead decide. That is the way of the trials. You do remember your own trials do you not?” Keeper spoke so clearly as if none of this bothered him. His words set Noah back to his first taste of inspired combat. It was just him verse two Minotaur’s. The fight raged on for hours until finally Noah took both of their heads off. Unfortunately this was only the first trial.

“Oh good he is well at work. The abomination is already bleeding too I see.” Varkannon soaked in through the floor next to Felix in the observation deck. The heavily robed figure, with his staff, pressed against the glass to get a better look. He still did not quite understand what you were and for him that meant destroy it.

“Your Luminary sir, what shall you show for the people if Hudson does not make it?” Odell asked. She was sure this was the plan all along.

“I will of Oryk model us a Lumight so that the people think there new Lumen has already completed his will. We can use Nathaniel’s marble to fashion the marble.” Varkannon spoke without ever looking away from you. “Keeper I know there are at least two more Minotaur’s in those cells. Where are the other two?”

“Right sir, sorry sir.” Keeper practically chocked on his non-existent self under Varkannon’s pressure. The set of armor raised his left hand like waving to someone in the distance. This motion shook the stage you ran on. Part of the rock you were using to shield yourself with tumbled apart leaving you open for another wave of rocks to smash around you. You could hear two more monstrous roars come from behind you. The back wall opened up and two more bulls chased down your location with huge axes. One of them was heavily armored. They submerged on you from different angles, coming close to obliterating you but just before you were cleaved in two a tiny girl grabbed your ankle and; puff you were back in the center, near the slinging goblins.

“I don’t know how Deminaght’s work but your still a Lumen and that means you have some kind of cool super power. You need to figure that out fast if you want to life.” Sheila spoke without taking a breath. Then before explaining anymore she vanished again.

“Very interesting!” Varkannon had not expected the little girl to help. He wasn’t quite sure what to think of it just yet. “Maybe this Hudson does have Paitrux watching over him. Fetch that traitor for me someone.”

“I know where she will be.” Felix was almost torn to have to obey because he cared so much for Sheila but what she had done was heinous if you considered Hudson to be a Deminaught.

You now had a bit more space to work with but it wouldn’t be for long. The 5 or so goblins reached for their daggers and lunged. Soon you would be converged by the Minotaurs and the Spinors.  

[Dugan195]

Hudson looked around as more minotaurs entered the arena. There was nothing he could do to stop this onslaught. He didn't know what his power was or how to use it. He should just say the words to end the trial right here and now or else he would dye before getting to serve Paitrux. It was just a shame, he should have been able to serve. He is a loyal servant of Paitrux, he will not be weak. he will fight in his name. He will defend the faith and Sanctasplin. Hudsron roared and leapt at a goblin bashing his dagger aside and plunging his in towards his stomach going for a killing blow. As Hudson bashed the dagger away he got cut on his arm causing to howl in pain as he brought his blade down. (cut on his arm....dramatic drum roll)