Deep in the Oertian earth, even deeper than the Underdark, a little worms burrows its way through the layers of sand and debris. Deeper and deeper down it goes, untill it notices that there is no more earth, but a strange substance. Soft, slimy and with a glimpse of intellect. The worms stops, and changes into a man: Ho Skoteinos. This man is the first man to look upon the new Hive Cluster of the Formians.
He is deeply impressed by what he sees: The purple substance is everwhere, and on this substance, hundereds, no thousands of Formians live their lives, working, researching, planning and preparing attacks. The buildings are alien at least. Strange structures, never seen before. The buildings seem to move, to breed, the seem ... alive?
Only seconds after touching the substance, a pair of Formians arrive. <<We have been waiting for you, Leader of the Orcs>>, a voice echoes in his head. “Yes, I am here. Bring me to your Queen.” <<Of course>>.
They take him to a great building, a great hall, built around her throne. It’s a strange throne, with pipes reaching out of it and it emenates great magical power. Closer inspection reveals that it is not just a throne. This whole structure is built around a huge organ: Hewards Mystical Organ...and on this throne She sits. She, the leader of the Swarms.
“Vaeregoth”, he speaks, still awed by the impressive sight, and he kneels. <<Have you considered our offer? Are you here to bring us the message we want to hear?>> She projects the words into his head. She sounds neutral, but with a slight threat if her vision is denied to her.
“Yes, my Queen. I have considered your offer, and we accept. Me, the Orcs, and all their allies will willingly accept the gift you have offered to us. From now on, we shall think as one, act as one ... BE one.” <<I am glad you have seen the wisdom of our words. We shall begin the ritual immediately>>
Almost a minute passes, and in that minute, nobody speaks a word. Complete silence fills the great structure. Then, suddenly, Ho Skoteinos hears voices. No one or two, not dozen, hundereds or thousands, but millions of voices. Order being given, reports being made on progress of new structures, of new research, of scouting missions. It’s too much to comprehend, even for his strong mind. He’s on the edge of breaking, when suddenly, he finds himself able to focus on one voice at a time.
Minutes he remains montionless, completly shocked by the immensity of what he has seen, of what he has become. Then, he gets up. <<My Queen...I can see, no hear, no sense...no I *am* the Swarm...>>. <<Yes, my child>>, she replies, <<you are one of us now...>> And with these words, he returns to his people, who will become Her people too...
[OOC: All my forces have gained the Hive Mind (Ex) ability as per SRD (look for the Formian entry). This had already happened in the Interlude, but now, with people probably scrying everone else's asses off, it's public knowledge]