Look!
I did have time, after all.
Edena said:
ANSWER: A voice speaks to Ergoth-Nog. It is fatherly, it is kindly, and it is stern:
Look around you.
Behold the fields that were.
Behold the tall trees that stood.
Behold the clean rivers that once flowed.
Behold the majestic mountains that once stood.
Now, behold what is.
Those who did this thing, continue in their destruction.
Who will stop them?
Who will choose to stand and fight for the world?
You must fight the fight.
You must win the battle.
The Pact was to defend.
But when life loses it's value, and is taken for naught, the Pact is: to avenge.
- - -
In his mind, Ergoth-Nog answers:
"True is that, and truth you speak. But what is this enemy to avenge?
There are many kind of enemies and we don't have power to fight these enemies. We fully intend to support efforts here on Oerth against those that would spread the red curse. Like Melkor and his ilk. People are supposed to live and die, be greedy, yes, and spread and survive. But now balance has been disturbed and it is getting worse. If we don't heal damage done to earth and nature itself, any fight would just be meaningless road to oblivion. Natural cycle of life and death has been disturbed already, evil from beyond is spreading and twisting this reality into state of corruption, which ultimately could become so bad, that 'void of beyond' could just happily devour everything. We have to pick our fights very carefully now.
These people of my brother-tribes were lied to and abused by Iuz the Evil. Still they lived 40 year in peace when war ended, without
ever getting personal revenge for that humiliation. It is not sane to seek revenge for revenge's sake, even when it would be seemingly deserved by some. We will fight, and we will heal lands, and we even will ally those distasteful to us, to give us surviving change. Fighting is surviving, healing is surviving, time for finer points of avenging and lessons later. We will not forget what has passed here. But yes, before we can truly heal, we must root out few rotten flowers and get rid of red goo."
To himself he then says:
"But how do I do this? I know I am lacking in wisdow and experience. I wasn't expecting this responsiblity this soon?"
Then shakes his head to himself:
"Then again, one never expects this kind of destruction. Cataclysms are not exactly every-day either."
He gives himself a dry laugh. It makes him feel somehow better. There is much to do.
Those brave men and woman, who've joined into quest to 'get their home back' are suffering for different troubles. Druids and shamans of Barbarians and and magicians and priests of others (especially those of Storm riders) are doing everything they can to make small areas livable. Their magic is not strong enough to do it as efficiantly as would be needed. They summon elementals and storm spirits to clean small areas of dangerous toxins and lava and rubble that seems to be everywhere.
At the same time they start to organize small groups, almost in the sense many adventuring groups are formed, for their military. New tactics in this new kind wilderness are trained feverenly and various *monsters* are picked and magically enchanted to work better in this new apocalyctic place Oerth once was.
Diplomats, mostly from Ratik (the city gone *poof* recently) are sent to various allies to ask help in fixing earth with Oerthblood or magic.
Everyone does not agree with Ergoth-Nog and other leaders with similar views. Some go berserk and start seaching for enemies responsibe for killing their 'family' (or add whatever reason it is) lusting for blood, not caring if they live or die, and why should they. Most of these people can't die anymore. Some just go mercenary, or decide to join with other here.
Most of these leavers are among barbarians or people
from Ratik. Storm riders and others are feeling secure with one of their great leaders still alive. Legedary son of their king, their Chosen One.
Some go mercenary.
Few take Anabstercorian's offer, though it is not very popular. None join Aedri, since there is so much old dislike at stake.
Few join armies of Iuz, evil lot all of them, because of old history.
Many of the good folk find other folks more likable, their places filled with light and good, and power to make them feel safe..
There are few personal fights, few curses thrown, leaders try to keep many from leaving with different motivating ways, but none are actually forced to stay. "If they don't like how we do things, they are better off elsewhere, anyway", many say.
((In terms of PL, I don't consider this being anything major, Edena's choice however))
Time of hope, time of changes, time of choices. This is how I feel, this time is about.
Elvor, late Lord Baron of Ratik