Aion Teleos Network

[ The communion is clear, practiced, and clipped. Business-like. ]

We have quite a few new arrivals, so... Welcome to the Pleroma. I am sure we will all have the opportunity to introduce ourselves to you, but it's often polite to introduce oneself, isn't it? My name is Akua Sahelian, and I speak to you now of what I wish were a warm welcome, but instead, of serious tidings.

I do not know how many of you have been introduced to the wider group, or how much information you've been presented, so allow me to give you all a basics, hm?

If you can hear this, you have accepted the Pleroma. You may have already met one, or many of them, but regardless if you met them before -- we oppose the Kenoma -- perhaps not the individuals, but the... force of kenoma itself. Pleroma and Kenoma are no mere forces of Good and Evil -- The Kenoma would destroy this world -- and all worlds -- to rebirth a world of their own making from the ashes. If you have joined with us, then you have found perhaps something to save here -- or perhaps you believe that your world is still out there. Some do, but I will not promise that which I cannot see with my own eyes. Whatever has brought you to us, I'm afraid that I cannot promise an easy fight -- or an easy existence here. Even now, the Kenoma have captured two of our own, and I have no doubt that they will come out with an experience that only a True Villain by the name of the Regent could craft. [ In communion, it sounds like a Title, a Name. ]

We will have to rescue them, and though I wish I could say that only those that are willing to fight should come, the truth of it is that we must collectively join together. There is no choice, and we will need every willing person to join in, to save our allies. If you have experienced combat before -- of any sort -- your experience will be more than welcome. If you do not, please reach out to one us, and we will find a place for you. We all have...grand and great talents, and we'll need every single one, to find victory when our allies are eventually retrieved. You will be needed, no matter what your experience was before you arrived, you will be able to find some use of your unique talents. Please, if you are new, speak up, tell us about yourselves, and ask your questions. I'm sure someone will answer it. Even the smallest of talents, can mean the difference between losing more of our allies an assets, or victory.

I cannot provide details at this time -- no plans have been set -- but I will tell you to be ready.

Speaking of being ready, however... I must turn a part of our discussion to something just as serious, but in a different vein. I think it clear, that we will have to continue to fight those who have signed on to the Kenoma, and while it's an inevitability, particularly in these times -- we need to assess our enemies. We will want to share the names, the abilities, and the demeanors of our enemies, those in the Kenoma who may be a threat, those who would be weak to physical threat, or...

[ A pause, then. ]

I was...dissipated recently. As I regrew, I... knew something. [ Her voice now almost sounds...authoritative. Like she is Speaking something of great import, the communion gives her words an emphasis that she can only imagine, as it would not work in person. ]

While no Sovereign, they are sovereign in this land, and though their plans have been thwarted in some small ways, they have been given a gift. The gift of knowing the true hearts of their followers, one way or the other. They have no use for the frail and the convictionless, after all. Venera and Godsblood are not the only ones that face culling, as the light of the Sovereign fades.

I believe... there may be individuals within the kenoma that have less conviction than others. They may be willing to help, or even defect, although we will be racing against the Regent's own touch. We may wish to seek them out, and free them from the Kenoma, they may come willingly, but they may also come by force. If you have spoken to those who lack conviction for their Sect, please, share that as well. It may be invaluable. If we know who lacks the resolve to stay with them, we can then pursue them, convince them, or bring them to our bases, to be convinced. I know some may find that unpleasant work -- but... Well, let's just say occasionally, capturing your enemy and teaching them of your perspective works.

I'd know.

[ A pause, before: ] Well, now. Please chime in, I shouldn't do all of the talking.

[ A few days after the events of the TDM and as the new Pleroma-will-bes settle in, Hiccup decides it's the best time to do something that may only be questionably useful. The message that gets pinged to everyone's shards at some point midday, no matter when they check it is as such: ]

To those of you who are new to our doomsday paradise, welcome! For those of you who have been here a while, you're welcome to listen along. Who knows you may learn a thing or two — maybe.

This is Horos. You've probably found yourself in one of two places, Godsblood or Greentruth. Both are great places with their own unique venues, some more not for the faint of heart than others. If you prefer city life and beachside houses, Godsblood is for you. The city is as vast as it is steamy — No, really. There's plenty to get into, but I'm pretty sure I've flown in skies less cloudy. It's not a bad place if you're looking for fancy markets and nice taverns — But, be warned. While there are those who will look out for there, screaming you're from another world will get you more trouble than not. Blending in is key and, really, who doesn't want to be theirselves?

Greentruth may take you more time to adjust in, but personally it's the preferable place. A village built in the heart of a forest, its local animal and plant population may be surprising. If you like reptiles, there's plenty of them. Be careful of the plants, too, because they may leave some... undesirable effects. But if you can get past that, the village is a bustling heart of brave people who won't turn even the strangest of us away. If you're looking for a feeling of relative safety, then look no further! A different sort of danger lives in the midsts of the trees.

As for anything else if you're receiving this then — congratulations! That means you've started finding your own place here and now you've got to take you journey further. This is a world far beyond the two places we've congregated in and even beyond that... The world, the universe has got a lot more vast. Whatever that may mean, just know that we're here to help each other. At least I am. So if you need anything, there will always be someone for you. In one of those two places or here, in this weird... mindscape like thing? Look, it's still pretty new to me, too.

Anyway, if you have any questions or anything to pitch in — Well, we're all ears! Or shards, as it were.

[Estinien still isn't sure how he feels about this method of communication, but now that it seems like something may be on the horizon, he'll sacrifice his mental well-being to get it done. He pushes inexpertly into the psychic realm, reaching out to all of those touched by the Pleroma.

It comes through roughly like his voice, but with a persistent sense of wary anticipation tinging it.]

Hail. This is Estinien Wyrmblood... with any luck, I have been able to reach you.

My dreams have been plagued by queer echoes of the selfsame vision we all had upon our arrival. It feels as if the shrines are once again stirring, and that more lost souls have fallen within their hold. If so, we can be sure that the Regent and their new thralls will one more move to claim the victims as prisoners.

( cut for length )