Thread 6258655

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"Philosophy?" The Engine Near of Environmental Rejuvenation, the newest of that most esteemed council of technological sages, Exhaust 72, said as if testing the word. Ever fair Kanzeon, leaned down and with a smile that could cleanse the heavens themselves of strife, giggled and explained

"You should know my scholar is rather fixated with philosophy. You've read his attempt to preserve his kindhearted beliefs and share his world view with the world"

"Yes, The pamphlet titled the Journey was one of the first cultural exchanges we received. I find its tales to be a great source of wisdom, even if the poeticism of its lectures are somewhat overblown" The Engine Near hummed "So, you wish to discuss philosophy? Should've prepared for this, when hosting a philosopher"

"Among other things. Like your experiences with the natural world, will allow us both to understand eachothers three views much more clearly" You answer, smiling brightly despite the grunge and grime of your surroundings deep in the quarry of the soil revival center of Eternal Celestial engine

"I do not see how the that will promote deeper comprehension between our beliefs, of which I have more than three" He states, as the guided tour stops to admire a machine threshing long infertile and polluted soil to break it up, soften it and allow for its ease of transport to a different facility to cleanse it of its contaminants

"And that is because you are no philosopher. And three views is a term from Long-Jian" Kanzeon once against explain "To broadly refer to an individuals beliefs about life, the wider world and their personal values"

"Shangralan idioms baffle even the most studious minds, yet I still do not see how discussing nature will expedite our mutual understanding" Exhaust 72 states soberly, their three mechanical eyes staring towards the distance ceiling

"Much can be learned through meditating and ruminating on nature, one can learn much of the nature of the importance of struggle against seemingly unsurmountable odds by watching Carp try to swim upstream to challenge a waterfall" You answer, clapping your hands thrice in the manner Guozhi used to do "You have a fondness for nature, and speak of its designs, let us speak at length of what you, I and Kanzeon have borne witness to in nature and wax philosophical as we walk"

"I suggest our dear Engine Near leads the discussion" Kanzeon said with a jackalish smirk and Exhaust let out a drawn out sigh as he gathered and arranged his thoughts, trying to discern how best to begin a discussion of a subject he was nearly entirely unfamiliar with.

"Struggle. One flaw in the biological systems of the Ever Running Engine that I have noticed, is that more oft than the failures experienced by the manufactured replicas of their grand designs we maintain" They start
Cont

>>6258655 (OP)

"Ah, but that is because they are tended to. Does a wild hound live as easy a life as a tamed lap dog? Nay. However, the lap dog would die if it was neglected, except in exceptional cases of course, but the wild hound knows how to care for itself. If all the tenders of this world abandoned their stations and forsook their duties, would the mechanisms of this engine not rust and decay as they fall into disuse?" You immediately aruge and Exhaust 72 strokes their face contemplatively "However, if we were to evacuate all loggers from a mountain, even without their toil and caretaking efforts, the forest would grow, wane and wax. Without outside forces, the natural world tends to itself, not as efficiently as a well oiled machine, but more gracefully and more adaptively"

"I cannot find fault in that logic. The natural world is truly the ever running engines most perfect machine" Exhaust 72 laughed, their three cybernetic eyes glowing with enlightened thoughts

"Oh here we go" Kanzeon muttered under her breath

"Ah, a sign of your novice status as a student of philosophy. All who meditate upon the wisdom of my teachings, know that perfection is an unreachable ideal. Nothing is wholly without flaw. Pursue perfection, but never believe you can reach perfection. It is the height of arrogance to believe one has obtained perfection in any form" You delicately scold the Engine Near with the cadence and demeanor of a jovial teacher. The cyborg oversee swiveled their torso around and cocked their head to the side

"Not even the natural world can obtain perfection?" They counter

"Consider evolution, how species grow, change and split from eachother. It is not the most effective adaptation that survives, but the one that is held by successful breeders. There is no perfect lifeform. Consider the Tigerfolk, Angra, Ogryn, the various Abhumans of the worlds of man. They adapt to become the masters of certain enviroment, to survive in conditions baseline humanity could not thrive. Yet, they struggle elsewhere. Consider the once forsaken now Relieved. They spent so many generations upon a polluted, lifeless wasteland, they have a psyche that struggles to grasp the concept of plenty and comfort. Now, expand this to other sapients. Then further to all animals. Farther yet to all life. and then consider, what would biological perfection look like?"

Exhaust 72 left out a cough of black smoke

"I...had not considered all available data" They muttered "One cannot define the ideal of biological perfection, for what form it may take depends on the precepts and advantages one is seeking to improve or the negatives traits one is seeking to suppress. Yet, Nature functions more seamlessly than machines, in a way, is it closer to perfection?"
Cont

>>6258656

"Are you or I closer to perfection? Are any of us? The natural world is more appealing to industrial sprawl to my eyes. A world with a health wilderness is more able to support life, human or not. A planet is not mankind's property alone. From the worms in the dirt to the birds in the sky, all of them have equal claim. Their lives have as much value as ours, they are our kin in a way. We may take advantage of them as livestock, hunt them for subsistence or drive them off for our own safety. But that does not mean we should be blind to their suffering. Without the panther, the cliffjumpers overbreed, and suddenly verdant plains are picked clean and smaller beasts are trampled" You explain "I cannot tell you, if the chaos of the natural world and all its cycles are closer to the ideal of perfection than a well oiled machine, but I know which I prefer to spend my time within"

"A stream" Exhaust 72 suddenly muttered "It changes its course, through numerous factors, gradually. It can be diverted or dammed, but if left to its own devices, the biosphere will adapt and conform to its flow"

"He's a quick learner, especially considering he has a head full of bolts" Kanzeon praised with a playful titter, hanging on your arm

"Well put, well put, Exhaust 72, you are beginning to understand and open your eyes!" You graciously compliment his first philosophical musing, encouraging his exploration "And a stream can be dammed through happenstance or the petty ambitions of wildlife, but it the world around it will adapt and continue on. Unless the world is wounded beyond recovery, nature will adjust and continue to thrive"

"Thus is the efficiency of the designs of the ever running engine" The Engine Near praises, raising up their shovel head tipped staff "We cannot hope to match its design but...ah, we should strive to, thus your scolding on the nature of the term perfection and the long winded explanation of natural functions"

"Long winded" You hiss through your teeth, and feel Kanzeon's weight and warmth press on your side, winding her fingers through your hair, before recomposing yourself and stating "I believe you would find a kindred spirit upon New Varro. The Steel-Monger is of a similar nature to your own, I believe. But let us continue speaking of the beauty of the wild places of the galaxy and, if you may, illuminate me on the nature of the ever running engine"

"I would enjoy that greatly, but I'd request you tell me of the many environments you have wandered" Exhaust 72 agrees rather excitedly

What he tells you next is most enlightening. The Ever Running Engine is a conceptual creator phenomenon, easily mistaken for a belief in a true deity, though the denizens of the Eternal Celestial Engine worship it, they believe it to be a universal logic.
Cont

>>6258657

A sort of rational blue print for reality itself, woven throughout the universe in complex diagrams and schematics that can be decoded and used to influence the world, in the most common way by deciphering mechanical processes to create, maintain and improve technology.

With proven designs and well functioning machines being considered sacrosanct and holy. But the designs of the eve running engine can also be understood and present themselves in a more conceptual manner. Like Exhaust 72 seeing it everywhere as he observed the beauty of nature and noticed how the various aspects of it interacted and complimented eachother.

Or how another Engine Near he mentions, Circuit 18, would mediated and insist his workers meditate to "Defrag" their thought processes, following a method they believed was a means to align their own brainwaves with a design of the ever running engine to streamline the train of thought and stress centers of a living mind.

All the denizens of the Eternal Celestial Engine toiled to fulfill one of the processes of the ever running engine or hastening to coming of a yet unrealized designs. They believe in fate, in the way of the plan of the Engine being ordained to be wholly realized, but that the advent of its various influences to be determined through personal actions and motives. And when pressed to describe what the engine was, besides merely the architect of all progress, Exhaust 72 describes it as the original motive force. That it had a singular physical form for a brief instant, upon the advent of creation and that its first design was that of the universe itself. Given logic and form. And that further more, they believe you to be one of the greatest workers of the Ever Running Engine's designs, and Kanzeon and her sisters as its avatars. Which must be because they were able to produce technologies and tools far beyond their comprehension and you, well, because they have according to Exhaust 72 "Heard of the great changes you have wrought, by action or influence, across numerous worlds"

Which tells you that one reason the Engine Nears wish to meet you, is out of a religious need on their behalf. They wish to bear witness to their idols' great servant and "manipulators", and hope to receive a scrap of its knowledge through you. But you can also tell that that is not their sole motivator.

"My fellow Engine Nears? There is one for each vital function of our society and industry, with seats being redesignated, dismantled and manufactured as the needs of our world change and the great designs of the ever running engine are revealed. Presently, I am the eighteenth Engine Near. In prior eras, there have been as many as forty two engine nears, during times of schisms and societal upheavals" He begins "at request I could describe them at length in various terms and.."

He paused, his eyes flashing green then white before returning to their usual ochre
Cont

>>6258658

"It would seem the other avatars have arrived, and the audience is soon to begin"

"Already? Liberty must've gotten excited" Kanzeon sighed "Well, no better way for you to know than to look upon the subject yourself, eh, love?"

What do you do Lieren?

>Meet with the Engine Nears, and voice your approval of their efforts to rebuild their world and their method of ruling

>Have Exhaust 72 tell you of the other engine nears as you travel to the audience chamber

>Delay the meeting and go for a walk with your sisters in law through the lower class housing, to give them the privilege their rulers seek first

>Ask about the schisms and upheavals Exhaust 72 has mentioned, as you walk to meet his peers

>Write in

>>6258659
>Meet with the Engine Nears, and voice your approval of their efforts to rebuild their world and their method of ruling
Ensure to make sure Piston-108 gets some guidance from Kanzeon. This si the seeds of our 'Jade Mechanicus' Faction so too speak, tell them how our Motive force is the Journey, our experiance. But also reinfoced by results.

>Write in
Meditate upon this world, look inwards and be still at the clockwork heart of this "World". Let us see what we may learn about it our ourselves

>>6258659
>Delay the meeting and go for a walk with your sisters in law through the lower class housing, to give them the privilege their rulers seek first
>Meet with the Engine Nears, and voice your approval of their efforts to rebuild their world and their method of ruling
I'm definitely inclined to praise the engineers and give them incentive to continue along their path, but I also want to meet with the lower classes to ensure that they aren't being neglected, even unintentionally. Make sure everything is going well before telling them as much.

>>6258659
>Support >>6258684

Man we are making our own mechanicus faction that’s actually reformers

>>6258659
>Delay the meeting and go for a walk with your sisters in law through the lower class housing, to give them the privilege their rulers seek first

>>6258659
>Meet with the Engine Nears, and voice your approval of their efforts to rebuild their world and their method of ruling

>Have Exhaust 72 tell you of the other engine nears as you travel to the audience chamber

>>6258659
>>Meet with the Engine Nears, and voice your approval of their efforts to rebuild their world and their method of ruling
>>Have Exhaust 72 tell you of the other engine nears as you travel to the audience chamber

>>6258742
I had a thought that we should express interest in the modifications that some of their subordinates made to the "holy" designs.
Exhaust-72 mentioned in the last thread that he was discouraging such things, so perhaps showing an interest could encourage them to begin experimenting and sharing results with each other? In other words, doing research instead of simply relying on old technology?

>>6258659
>>6258684
>Support

>>6258659
>>Have Exhaust 72 tell you of the other engine nears as you travel to the audience chamber

Malal here. Wait may be a bit longer. Not feeling well

>>6261293
Np rest Malal

>>6258659
>V: 8

>Meet with the Engine Nears: 6

>Have Exhaust 72 tell you of the other engine nears: 2

>Delay the meeting and go for a walk with your sisters in law: 4

>Ask about the schisms and upheavals Exhaust 72 has mentioned: 0

>Write in: 1
>>Meditate upon this world: 1

>>6261293
Why do all the good QMs always end up dying?

>Why do all the good QMs always end up dying?

They use their lifeforce to fuel their writing skills. This often drains them till death or mental collapse. They also can attract the wrath of the universe and get horrible luck in exchange for an excellent quest.

Calling the vote now.

>>6261401
Thanks for getting the vote together

So Lieren will briefly delay his meeting with the Engine Nears to walk with his kin by marriage through the lower class levels of Eternal Celestial engine, before meeting with the Engine Nears themselves and voice his approval of their efforts to revitalize their environment and their method of ruling

Writing now

>>6261870
No for me its my machines being testy and the summer heat making them more so. Doesn't help I can't stand the heat either

<Account given by a low class physical laborer, Wrench 1212, relating to the visitation of Honored Caretakers of Archeotech, Kanzeon, Mari, Al-Uzza, Anahita and Liberty, accompanying the Primarch Lieren of Nothing during his progress through the lower levels of Eternal Celestial Engine. An event that is now remember through the Festival of Chimes and Cogs, performed once every decade upon the Industrial world to ritually usher in renewal of both the carefully guarded gardens of plantlife as well as the maintenance of every reachable mechanism in the engines vastness>

"I was just a boy then. If I had been asked by one of my superiors, what was beauty. I'd have answered a well oiled belt or a tightened lugnut. Oh how blind I was, how ignorant. We all were. I knew something was non standard about that day, when the illumination levels of our factory line housing suddenly lit up. I was near blinded, luckily, I had my safety goggles nearby. My work partner, Wrench 1213, wasn't so lucky and was flashed and couldn't see properly for any hour...Ah, where was I"

*The aged interviewee, at present time a candidate for the seat of the Engine Near of Labor, paused to gather their thoughts*

"Ah yes, the beauties. Jade like is how they're described, but at the moment when I first laid eyes upon those ephemeral creatures, Imagined them as maidens of pure glass, the crystal stuff that they showed us how to make and put in our laz rifles. The flexible, rubbery kind. They were...it was like they had been ushered in from another plane of reality all together"

*The interviewee sighed and reclined in their chair, stroking their beard worn in an archaic Long-Jianese fashion*

"Nothing like, not even the Primarch. Oh they were of similar size and stature, but they were different. Hard to explain. Think of it like a model of car, made from a similar frame but for different purposes. I knew at once they were a different kind of human, even from the son of the emperor. Liberty, I remember her the most clearly. She was bold, stomping through our clutter and inspecting our work stations, asking question and challenging to taskmasters with a childish ferocity. She came right up to me, and asked why I had a wrench instead of a hand. I told her I didn't need five digits more than I needed a good solid clamp. Nearly ripped the aug straight off my elbow and told me I'd be getting a proper cybernetic. Never thought I needed one"

*The interviewee flexed their age worn Star metal appendage*

"Then came Anahita, asking if I was refused a better prosthetic and when I told her I simply preferred the simple solution, she asked if I was slow and mentioned that a proper replacement hand could grip just as well as a crude wrench. Hadn't though of that. Only really ever needed one hand. Knew a guy who had two wrenches for hands once. But then again he also had a set of Mechadendrites My biological templates, explain that I'd picked the wrench when I'd lost my hand during a lesson"

>>6262099

*Interviewee nodded thoughtfully*

"That calmed them down, but I followed the visions of beauty, like the rest of my work line had done, and watched them like they were spirits, as they walked through our quarters and workspace, setting things right and making sure we were content and happy with our allocated position in life. I was confused at first, we all were, but then, one by one, we realize they were doing the Engine's work. They knew its designs weren't being followed properly, that our designated position in its functions weren't conforming to its vision and had come to help right the mistakes they saw"

*Interviewee looked across their private garden in a moment of thought*

"Lovely women, I struggle to categorize them as human. I have similar thoughts of Lieren but...you have to understand, being in their presence is like standing before relics of a more beautiful and well oiled age, when machines were properly tended to and all had at least some understanding of the Eternal Engine's will and grand plan for us all. It was like I was standing before divine avatars. They have not aged a day since their progress through our factorum, nor has Lieren. I ponder often, the Terran Emperor's own absorption of the Engine's blueprints, and wonder if not Lieren and Kanzeon were spawned from the same document. If the Sisters of artifice were not cousin to the Design process of primarchs. I know that, at the very least, Lord Lieren and Lady Kanzeon's hearts were tuned to the same frequency....Ah, I just recalled. They visited one of the sweet shops and Little Lady Liberty bought all the kids sweets after Al-Uzza tested them for pollutants. It was the first time I had a sweet besides the celebration of my production date! Ah such sweet memories. They walked so long through the slag and clutter, allowing us to gaze upon their magnificent designs and streamlining our surroundings and lives. I am thankful I had gotten a single glimpse of the Eternal Engine's will made manifest, but I am more grateful for those sweets"

*Interviewer notes that the Engine Near candidate had replaced many of their teeth with porcelain replicas, indicating they had lost a number of their teeth. Interviewer also notes, that Wrench 1212 is famous for their fondness of sugary foods and beverages and ran a store to sell and import them for several decades, and still sends regular gifts to Madam Liberty of the [Currently verifying data ] expedition fleet. Liberty herself mentioned her fondness for that "Dumb Brat 1212" often during meetings she had with the Mechanicum of Mars*
_

The chambers of the Engine Near council, is styled after a great combustion engine, of ancient designs. It is cooled by intake valves and great spinning fans, with copper pipes coated with frost causing a mist and fog to perpetually hang in the Center.
Cont

Their seats were arranged in a row, with the most vital offices taking the tallest thrones. The highest of which were offered to you, Kanzeon, Mari, Al-uzza, Anahita and Liberty.

Exhaust 72, the Engine Near of Environmental Rejuvenation, heralded your arrival "Bear witness, to the task manager of the Engine's timeless will, Lieren! And supplicate yourselves before the Avatar's of its design. Kanzeon, Mari, Al-Uzza, Anahita, and Liberty!"

The Seventeenth Engine Near, Circuit 12, Engine Near of Labor management preened their wings of mechandendrites, their brains split between two cases as they melodiously hummed "My overseers report they had blessed the work force with their presence and initiated a number of reforms and acts of charity"

"Not as much as I was worried we'd have to" Anahita boasted, brushing rust from her vest "You run a remarkably tight ship, and more importantly, don't grease its gears with your labor"

The Sixteenth, Wire- 612, the Engine Near of Cable Management and Efficiency crackled through a vox implant in their wrist, their throat atrophied and turned into a container for an external power bank "Our predecessors foresaw that the Engine's work was more aptly accomplished with well cared for and maintained workers. Like with electrical wiring, it is better to keep everything organized and in its place. Happy workers do such work themselves, and do not need prodding or external factors to work efficiently"

"I knew the way their housing was arranged reminded me of something" Al-Uzza chuckled

"We may thank the avatars of the Eternal Engine's plan for their assistance and generosity to our laborers, later" The fifteenth Engine Near, Breakpad- 44, The Engine Near of Transportation grumbled "Though, I will state that I was delighted to hear they'd be so kindly as to allow them to bask in the presence of supreme servants of the Engine we all serve"

Mari tapped her toe

"Ah yes, yes" The first Engine Near, IOD-101, The Engine Near of Energy Generation agreed, clapping their two organic hands together. The Engine nears bowed and gave them the floor to speak as one "We are very glad to be granted an audience with the Architect of Long Jia and the warden of its development, similarly as we are pleased to in attendance to the family blessed and entrusted with the designs of the great days of glories. Before introductions, I would ask, all of our illustrious guests, if they have any sage wisdom or critque to share with us, so we may improve and refine our functions as leaders"

"Need more beauty to your construction" Anahita snorted "I understand, function before form, but a little more light and color would improve the mood and mental health of your workers"

"The air conditioning units are well positioned, but there should be more. Air flow must be improved before I agree to levying any level of assistance to your factories, for the benefit of their workers" Al-uzza steely critiqued, adjust the glasses framing her puppet's eyes

>>6262102

"None. Except that you should speed up the terraforming projects" Mari said with a delicately scolding tone "And open up your residential areas for better air flow, like Uzza said"

"Stop trading to the mushrooms" Liberty huffed "Heard you pay those greenies off! Well stop! You're under Big Bro's protection. Just turn the guns you would've traded to them on them, and let us blow the karkers out of the sky"

The Eight Engine Near, Respirator 83, The Engine Near of Public order and law enforcement hacked and wheezed, spraying the contents of their mouth an electrolight rich water, all across their splayed our lower half of mechandendrite tendrils

"Sorry bout the runt" Anahita laughed "She picked up the bad habits of Lieren's boys"

"Should wash her mouth out" Al-uzza hissed through her teeth as Mari giggled and Kanzeon grimaced and tried not to shut her eyes

"Hah! I do so love the innocence of youth" The fourteenth Engine Near, Cradle 07, the Engine Near of Education and Health tittered, clapping two padded cybernetic hands designed like plush toys as

"Honestly, I have no critique to make. It is a small miracle this place isn't a dystopia." Kanzeon admitted "There are many areas you can improve in, my sisters pointed out a few noteworthy ones, but your current ruling council is on the track to make this place meet the criteria and standards of living we're striving for all the worlds under our care to have"

The Engine Nears' augmented eyes all flashed bright silver in delight, before all eighteen of them turned to you. You'd been preoccupied counting and divining the precise functions and purposes of their augments and prosthetics. Only the youngest of them at all appeared human, but they retained their human hearts and minds just as well as Kanzeon and her sisters did.

"I approve whole heartedly and totally your efforts to mend the damages wrought by the over industrialization of your world and the follies of your forefathers" You begin, nodding "and I find your way of ruling and method of Governance to be acceptable, to uplift and give the reigns of leadership to those most deserving of the authority, those most able and adept in their chosen roles, with deep wells of wisdom and vast intellects to serve and guide the rest of your society, to be not only agreeably but efficient. So long as the ability of the Engine Nears is matched by their sense of humanity and responsibility, if their talent is augmented by a righteous sense of purpose and their intellectualism is tempered by good virtues and deeds"

"Your praise pleases us greatly, to hear such earnest compliments delivered by one as diligent and ambitious as yourself, who turned a primitive society to one that surpasses our own selves" IOD 101 exclaims jubilantly "I shall recall this moment to my final functional hour"
Cont

>>6262103

"And why is it you wanted to speak to us so badly you hounded us for every hour since the official incorporation of your planet into the Long-Jian empire?" Kanzeon cut him off.

The Engine Nears held a brief, silent discussion in Binaric cant. Which you understood, as did Kanzeon, Al-uzza, Mari, Anahita and Mari.

"Permission to attend the holy vessels piloted by the Avatars of the Eternal engine. And if that is too far a demand, then our service in rendering the still ground bound vessels space worthy, and if that proves to also be an overt ambitious request, then we would simply ask that we be allowed to bear witness to the holy sacraments they tend to, and learn of the ancient wisdoms so we may manufacture comparable wonders as we have witnessed from our dealings the imperial house hold and visitations to Shangrala"

All of the sisters except liberty click their tongue, and make it very clear that the first two requests are completely out of the question and they'll only give the Engine Nears carefully currated examples of technology to reproduce. And, they decided in a moments discussion that last for several arguments they have digitally and mentally between their true bodies, they will only consider giving them technologies to benefit their world or improve the quality of their peoples' lives and welfare.

How do you answer the Engine Nears humble request, Lieren?

>With permission from Kanzeon and the others, explain why they cannot attend to them or try to repair their fallen sisters' bodies

>Offer their best and brightest a chance to assist in the productions presently ongoing in the "non space worthy" colony ships, on the condition they do not tamper with anything

>Agree to grant them schematics and templates and leave it to the sisters to decide what exactly they receive.

>offer them instead positions in the Ministry of Development and a chance to further the designs of the eternal engine with imperial backing and sponsorships

>Write in

>>6262104
>offer them instead positions in the Ministry of Development and a chance to further the designs of the eternal engine with imperial backing and sponsorships

>>6262104
>Offer them positions in the ministry of development
>agree to grant them whatever schematics the sisters agree is good

>>6262104
>Agree to grant them schematics and templates and leave it to the sisters to decide what exactly they receive.
>offer them instead positions in the Ministry of Development and a chance to further the designs of the eternal engine with imperial backing and sponsorships
I really want to expand their influence and make them a means of potentially reforming the Mechanicus way down the line. Just be sure they understand that research and tinkering are good and healthy things to do and aren't abuse of the natural order.

>>6262104
>Agree to grant them schematics and templates and leave it to the sisters to decide what exactly they receive.
>Offer them instead positions in the Ministry of Development and a chance to further the designs of the eternal engine with imperial backing and sponsorships

>>6262104
>Agree to grant them schematics and templates and leave it to the sisters to decide what exactly they receive.

>offer them instead positions in the Ministry of Development and a chance to further the designs of the eternal engine with imperial backing and sponsorships

>>6262104
>Agree to grant them schematics and templates and leave it to the sisters to decide what exactly they receive.

>offer them instead positions in the Ministry of Development and a chance to further the designs of the eternal engine with imperial backing and sponsorships

>>6262104
Eh too bad guys. Their desire to help is appreciated but, those two requests yeah they cant do much about them especially the second. Death or worse claimed, unfortunately. And sadly. Lieren could do it but is an especially difficult process to do it how we want it, and not how it was done in the past. When we freed Hysh for example it was an option, if we wanted. But we decided to not do so.

>Agree to grant them schematics and templates and leave it to the sisters to decide what exactly they receive.
>offer them instead positions in the Ministry of Development and a chance to further the designs of the eternal engine with imperial backing and sponsorships

This are still valuable and important things. I am afraid of giving them the explanation, even if we would provide a sanitized version.

Ah is always very nice to see this accounts of the future.

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the long wait. Good news, I might finally be able to enjoy having an AC again in a couple of days!

offer them instead positions in the Ministry of Development and a chance to further the designs of the eternal engine with imperial backing and sponsorships:7

Agree to grant them schematics and templates and leave it to the sisters to decide what exactly they receive.:6

total votes: 7

So Lieren will agree to grant the Engine Near's schematics and templates, but leave it up to Kanzeon and her sisters to decide what designs they're actually given, and to salve being unable to fulfill their two other requests, offer them positions in the ministry of development and a chance to further the works of the eternal engine with imperial funding and backing

writing now

"Unfortunately, thrice revered and thrice honored clockwork sages closest to the eternal engine's plans" You answer as politely as is possible, speaking poeticisms through binaric chant to the delight of the Engine Nears and Liberty as you stand and sweep across the chamber floor, frost clinging to your robes and cool mist swirling beneath your sleeves as you flick your wrists theatrically for emphasis "Even I am incapable of fulfilling your humble requests to provide service by tending to the treasures left to us by our ancestors, sent adrift down the great rivers of time from times undreamed. For their Pilots and wardens are sufficient to the vessels needs and rather protective of their rightful inherited positions and responsibilities"

"Do not" Kanzeon warns, emerald eyes flashing fiercely "request from us further explanation. It is a private subject. As much as if we pranced into your workshops and took over your private projects"

"The height of rudeness" Al-Uzza adds

"You might be good grease monkeys but, eh, well, to be blunt. Me and my sisters are better than you'll ever be" Anahita snickers

"Sorry" Mari squeaks and Liberty just nods along

And before any of them could raise questions or suggest compromise, you lash your arm upwards

"Surely you wise scholars of the Engines universal architecture must realize, that knowledge is power and must be guarded well, lest it be unleashed and wielded improperly by ignorant hands. Which is why, the earthbound vessels, those that have been consigned to function as mere Manufactorum, cannot be attended to by any but those that the owners of the other vessels deem suitable for the task and deserving of the responsibility" You explain, clapping your hands and dipping your chin down "Hence why those are requests that I must refuse"

"And the third request?" IOD-101 asks after a moment of silent discussion with his junior Engine Nears, cranking up a mechanical finger and smiling almost grandfatherly behind his rebreathing mask and the tubes connected to his cheeks

"The greatest of technologies Shangrala possess are, again, under the purview of my lovely Kanzeon and her sisters. They have agreed that they will share the technologies that are wide spread across Shangralan society and that are enjoyed by the populace widely, improving their ease of living and comfort" You answer with a nod and a charming smile "And, they will discuss delivering other designs as need arises and if you prove yourselves trustworthy and capable of employing such advance machines and technologies"

"Technology can be dangerous when it isn't properly wielded" Al-uzza politely explains "Kanzeon, in particular, is rather reticent to hand out advance technologies, out of fear of its misuse"

The engine nears exchange glances, Kanzeon glowers at them

"You'd agree if you've seen what I've seen" Kanzeon breaks the silence "And just the kind of catastrophes improperly used tech can lead to"
Cont

>>6264462

"We'd be happy to help make you earn your licenses, but Kanzeon is rather strict" Anahita giggles. Then Mari looks your way, and you smile

That was the signal to sweeten the deal

"Of course, I can present and easier means to attain such a high honor and privledge. I offer you high positions in the Long-Jian Ministry of Development, under my seal and mandate as its head and the imperial grand architect" You step forward, and flick the sleeve of your robes up "The exact seats and responsibilities, would need to be discussed withing the ministry itself and verified by the imperial stamp, but I can promise you that much. And the funding and backing that comes with it. That you may use to work the Engine's designs as you see fit. If it is to hasten bringing this world back to good health and raising the standard of living here to the standards demanded by imperial mandate, or to ensure the blueprints that have been laid out since the spark of creation are properly followed across other worlds, or to learn from other projects and provide your own expertise and great wells of wisdom to other builders"

"We are contented with merely being granted access, however restricted, to the high and arcane technologies preserved by your bride's lineage" IOD 101 answers, and humbly bow their head "And we would be delighted to become peers of a builder of such quality as yourself, we have all admired your works great and small from Shangrala to new Varro. The offer to be granted positions within the ministry you lead, is beyond our most hopeful projections and expectations. We will be more than happy to accept whatever Kanzeon, Mari, Al-uzza, Anahita, and Liberty are willing to grant to us for study and learning. Any sanctified templates or holy designs they entrust to us, we will preserve with our lives and treasure, and ensure they are only used properly"

"You'd better. I'll need all of you to go through several lectures before I allow a single water generating stone to enter into the atmosphere of this planet" Kanzeon says with a dangerous smile and squint to her eyes "But we'll start small and easy"

"Is there anything else for us to discuss?" Al-Uzza talks

"I'd like to get a tour of their factory floors, again" Anahita says, chewing idly on a copper wire

"Hey! lemme shoot the Orks when they come back" Liberty demands, making Cradle 07 coo and giggle, clearly fond of the youngest of the sisters

Mari glances at Exhaust 72, and holds a silent conversation with him through binaric cant, concerning the terraforming devices she had already donated to the world

"Actually, we'd be overjoyed if you'd be willing to lecture us and tell us of the day to day duties of maintenance you perform upon the archeotech devices under your lock and key" Circuit 12 chimes "if that would not be an impudent and churlish request to make, just the chemical compositions of the oils and cleaning products you include...the composition of the star metal alloy...."
cont

>>6264463

And you swiftly make your retreat from the chamber

And while Kanzeon and the others deal with the Engine Nears, what do you do, Lieren?

>Meditate and contact Magnus and check up on his self refinement and training, as well as his latest domestic projects

>Check in on Perturabo and his designs for Olympia, and deliver unto him all the compliments and praise his renovations of the Imperial palace have recieved

>See how Nuceria is fairing and see if Angron is keeping up with his psykerist training, and annoy your brother by preening about your married life

>Contact Carys and make preparations for your meeting with Eldrad and ask what was done with the spirit's antlers, and inform her of the progress the Aeldari you are training to string bows have made

>Write in

>>6264464
>Contact Carys and make preparations for your meeting with Eldrad and ask what was done with the spirit's antlers, and inform her of the progress the Aeldari you are training to string bows have made
How they doing our sour plum friend

>>6264464
>Meditate and contact Magnus and check up on his self refinement and training, as well as his latest domestic projects

>Check in on Perturabo and his designs for Olympia, and deliver unto him all the compliments and praise his renovations of the Imperial palace have recieved

>See how Nuceria is fairing and see if Angron is keeping up with his psykerist training, and annoy your brother by preening about your married life

Do all three, make it a psychic zoom call

>>6264498
>support

>>6264498
YES
Why pick only one? I'm sure they're all curious about how the others are getting on. Also, we need to deliver the compliments and praise to Perturabo in front of the others, just to embarrass and irritate him.

>>6264464
>Contact Carys and make preparations for your meeting with Eldrad and ask what was done with the spirit's antlers, and inform her of the progress the Aeldari you are training to string bows have made

>>6264464
>>Contact Carys and make preparations for your meeting with Eldrad and ask what was done with the spirit's antlers, and inform her of the progress the Aeldari you are training to string bows have made
Also how our fella Amatheon is doing

>>6264464

>Check in on Perturabo and his designs for Olympia, and deliver unto him all the compliments and praise his renovations of the Imperial palace have recieved

>Contact Carys and make preparations for your meeting with Eldrad and ask what was done with the spirit's antlers, and inform her of the progress the Aeldari you are training to string bows have made


Didn't we fucking set Pert up to rebel last time we talked to him? We may want to check in and see if his snapped and killed the young sister he adores yet.

>>6264727
>Didn't we fucking set Pert up to rebel last time we talked to him?
Sort of; we encouraged him to start reforming Olympia without breaking his oath of loyalty, with the logic that Dammekos would largely excuse any liberties he took so long as Pert successfully accumulated power and prestige in his name.

>>6264464
>>Check in on Perturabo and his designs for Olympia, and deliver unto him all the compliments and praise his renovations of the Imperial palace have recieved

>Contact Carys and make preparations for your meeting with Eldrad and ask what was done with the spirit's antlers, and inform her of the progress the Aeldari you are training to string bows have made

>>6264727
>Didn't we fucking set Pert up to rebel last time we talked to him? We may want to check in and see if his snapped and killed the young sister he adores yet.
More than rebel, it was reform. We heavily suggested him to attempt to create his own powerbase, find his own supporters and teach them. Give it a try before violence and judgment. Essentially see for himself what else can be done before shooting starts, if it starts.

Last snipped we had seen of him from Malal, had him changing is type of approach post conquest of cities with more rebuilding and less executions. Also he made that cultural society we advised him to make with his sister, and he changed the personal symbol he uses. From the mask to an hammer.

At the marriage while looking around the imperial palace he liked our work and our people. I think we inspired him enough, and being on Shangrila for a little while was probably a balsam for him and his sister. Of course our long distance conversations also helped. A new perspective, a relatively short but joyous event and friendly talkings can change someone.

>>6264498
>Support

>>6265025
Really, it was just not being alone that got him away from that darker path. Somebody else understood his artistic side, somebody else shared his ideals about a better society, somebody else saw that eerie star that only he could see. He loves his sister, but even she couldn't understand his situation the way Lieren and the others could.

>>6264464
>>6264498
>Support

>>6264464
>V: 10

>Meditate and contact Magnus: 5

>Check in on Perturabo: 7

>See how Nuceria is fairing and see if Angron is keeping up with his psykerist training: 5

>Contact Carys: 5

>Write in: 0

>>6264464
>Contact Carys and make preparations for your meeting with Eldrad and ask what was done with the spirit's antlers, and inform her of the progress the Aeldari you are training to string bows have made
Erebus do you here the bell tolling? We're coming

Going to try and call the vote and get to writing later today, unless anything unexpected prevents me from doing so. Should have an easier time writing, since my house has a working AC again for the first time in a long time so me and my electronics are no longer boiling in the summer heat.

Sorry about the wait, as always. But, hopefully it isn't going too be too much longer and nothing will get in the way of the upcoming update.

Calling the vote now. Sorry again for the wait.

>>6265392
Thanks for getting the vote together, XD >>6266101
and with this vote

Well, it doesn't change anything due to the golden rule of one less than half of total, so Lieren is going to check in on the three brothers he's close with/ knows and then Carys

Starting with Perturabo, of course.

Writing now

The city of Perturcivitas, one of the staging grounds of the sweeping of what his brother Lieren had dubbed a "Petty Rebellion", was flourishing. Despite the best efforts of now shamed, disgraced and deposed nobles, who were now beneath even Perturabo's contempt. He almost found it insulting through the ease of which he had to now enact reforms on nearly every strata of Olympyian society, now that Dammekos had granted him the authority to carry out his will. He doubted his adopted father understood his requests or read through the missives he sent him at length, trusting his oath of loyalty absolutely, but the tyrant did not need to understand. He simply needed to nod and grant his permission. As long as the quiet upheaval benefited him and reinforced his position, Dammekos would agree to grant Perturabo any privileged or command he sought.

Not that it was necessary. He'd studied how The Yan dynasty of Shangrala had been replaced with Long-Jia and experienced so smooth a transfer of power. How the high riders were replaced with the free rule that Angron's presence alone permitted to exist in a state beyond base anarchy. And that was to replace those he removed from positions of authority and power with men and women he deemed at least competent at the tasks asked of them, who owed him more loyalty than they did any other. Some he had saved from the dark depths of prisons, others from the pyres of superstitious farmers, but most he had simply given a chance to express their natural genius and talents, and with a little polish had more than proven their worth.

With all the sweeping changes. The pot of Olympia was stirred, and those who sought to bring about his downfall or demise found new allies against Perturabo's ever increasing tide of societal changes and civic improvements. Some had even dared to rise in rebellion against him, or rather, Dammekos and his line. Only to be crushed and removed from the board all together. The "Payment" He had received from his reprieve upon Shangrala, had made certain of that. And, with Dammekos listening more and more to his council, their replacements were much more capable and far less self interested and narrow sighted.

And it worked. it was working. There'd been conflict to start, but many of the once independent cities and states had sworn fealty after a few examples had been made and his "Hammer Force" had shown exactly how effective an army comprised of the most elite and professional of soldiers, armed with weapons far more deadly than any other army upon olympia could field. And yet, he wasn't spoken of like a monster or thug brute. In fact, amongst the common masses, he had gained something of reputation for mercy and fair handedness.
Cont

>>6266601

Being seen to help rebuild and provide aid to those who had been his enemies mere days before and rapidly improving the cities who kneeled, had seen him given a brief glimpse of the praise he always knew he deserved. The blame for the conquests he headed, fell solely at Dammekos feet, and his epithet of the Hammer of Olympia had changed meaning. And he had gained a number of other titles, given to him without mockery. Of the winter harvest was one of his personal favorites, that he had received when he humiliated a lord of one of the more fertile regions, by bringing to his starving masses food shipments he had harvest mid winter and during a drought.

That lord's heir was now wedded to the wood witch who had made those out of season harvest possible, a blatant attempt at stealing her talent, however she now ruled in both lord and heirs stead, following some advice Calliaphone had given her from the books she'd been given by Lieren. A rare smile twitched onto Perturabo's face as he reflected on the recent events, the world seeming oddly brighter as he looked over the shining, electrically lighted streets of the first city named in his honor and he was at last noticed for the visionary he was, rather than the blunt instrument he had been forced to be.


Blow by Blow, hammer strike by hammer strike, and with a velvet touch to compliment the iron strike, Olympia was being remade and bettered, and his efforts were recognized. Dammekos freely praised him and didn't try to be accredited to HIS triumphs, the people he'd conquered or subjugated through more delicate methods saw him at worst as a general forced to obey a red handed master, and the common masses only knew Perturabo by the good he did for them and the beauty and efficiency he brought to their lives.

It was almost felt like an insult how easily it all had been done.

"Reflecting, my lord?" Procopius, his right hand and most trusted subordinate, and perhaps something akin to a friend, asked as he found him gazing out across the streets of the city with a strangely contented smile on his lips

"Admiring" He corrected, motioning for the man to come closer "When we first came to this city, we brought its walls to rubble, and now, look at the fruits of our labors. How competence and excellence had brought a city on the verge of destruction to become a jewel of Olympia"

"It isn't the only one we've changed. This city is one of many, my lord" Procopius remarked, nodding as he stood at his side "Those that have resisted you reforms and authority, can only look on and see how obeisance to your genius and collaboration with your efforts is rewarded"
Cont

>>6266602

"And soon fall in line, short sighted enough to not realize they are giving up their own seats of power for a moment of glory. But, their loss is the gain of those who toiled and suffered beneath their lacking rule" He agreed, nodding as he felt a familiar presence and felt himself smile happily "Procopius, go in my stead to the council meeting, and inform them that I will be unable to attend today's gathering. And if need be, delay the announcement of the new subsidized farmlands. I refuse to not be at my sister's side, lending her my support and image as she proves her brilliance to the world"

Porcopius nodded and retreated from the veranda

"Ah, my true brother" Perturabo greeted when he knew he was alone, as from the mist, a ghostly image of Lieren emerged, looking impressed by the sights of the city before him
_

"Perturabo. I see my council has not gone unheeded!" You compliment him as you watch him sit down and pour himself a glass of ice water

"Oh I've only made proper use of the talents already present upon this world, that were yet unrealized" He says, putting the appearance of humility but the triumph and pride in his achievements were clear for you to see "Have you come to admire the results of our combined efforts?"

"In part, of course I have. I am overjoyed that you've found a friend worthy of you" You say happily as your projection sits beside Perturabo, in a lotus position, hovering in the air, and he furrows his brow but does not raise offense and is touched by your words "You've found the jade trodden down into the mud"

"I've found Iron tossed away as slag" He states "And refined it. And, I suppose I am fond of Porcopius. He is is rare intellect and I appreciate how freely he speaks his mind, unburdened by the etiquette and deceit of the upper classes"

"I can tell he is not alone in your regard. They must truly be talented individuals to earn your approval" You say "I trust that your silken rebellion is progressing as naturally and with as much ease as a river flows from the mountains"

"Surprisingly so. Olympia is all but unified now, and I am not abhorred or dismissed. No longer do others look at me as a base tool of war, a blunt instrument of destruction and oppression. Though I lead armies and demand excellence from those working under me, I am looked upon fondly, at last. Much to the bitterness of my so called brothers" He explains, relishing every word "The people see how I labor and toil for them, and finally recognize my works and that I have uplifted and improved their stations in life"

"It brings me joy that you are no longer overlooked by those you sought to bring benefits to. And how greatly you delight in seeing the fruits of your labor. The pride you take in such work, is beyond praise worthy in my eyes" You compliment and Perturabo turns away, a brief tear forming in his eyes
Cont

>>6266603

"I simply needed to right tools and approach" he says, savoring the compliment "I cannot pretend I alone am responsible for these advancements, they would not have been possible without..."

"Like minded individuals. Friends. Like Porcopius" You interrupt, knowing Perturabo well enough that he won't voice what he's started to feel towards his assistants in his quiet revolution

"I suppose" He says, after a few moments of tenseness "They are at the very least, capable and without glaring faults. If that is what Shangralans consider a friend, I suppose they are. But you mentioned, you came to admire the improvements I've brought to this world, this society, only in part. Don't tell me I'm an uncle already"

You howl with laughter. Not at all expecting a joke from Perturabo

"Oh no no" You say, waving your hand "I've come to tell you also how greatly appraised the palace you designed and constructed are. Many architects are trying, and failing to copy the style and techniques you used. Every noble, minister and official has naught but admired your work, the equilibrium of form and function. The renovations are considered masterpieces in their own right. If you have time, I can repeat all the praise they have received since you left"

"Forgive me, Lieren, but I can't hear all of them. I'll need to be at my sisters side later today, later, when she stuns those who overlook her as just a girl, with the ingenuity of a reform solely of her own design" He explains, before he raised a singular finger "But I shall indulge in a few, so I may take into account any criticism that..."

"There are none" You tell him plainly "Even our greatest builders and artists could not find fault in your designs. Perfection isn't achievable, but the masters of Shangrala do not think they can reach the heights you have. One, who had worked on the previous palace's construction, in particular demanded I tell you that he was inspired by your use of dyed and carved construction concrete and that it, as you had once said, had been made equal to cut and polished jade. And several have asked if they could return to work under you, when the Gold Dragon's River is built"

He stares, eyes widened in quiet surprise.

"What of the military?" He asked

"The generals would kiss the soles of your shoes, in thanks of the functionality of the defensive measures you ensured would be in place" You tell him honestly "And Jinhai himself, would present a fine silk robe to you as thanks"

"This reminds me...Dammekos has asked me to rebuild the palace of his ancestors" Perturabo, eyes almost gleaming from sheer joy and satisfaction, begins to tell you "I think it'd be fitting for it to be a collaborative effort between the two of us. Consider it my thanks, not only as a brother, but a fellow patron of the arts. "

And thus, in a rare instance, you had been caught by surprise!
Cont

>>6266604
_
"You grow more impressive every time we meet, Magnus" You laugh, as the two of you walk through the low tide of the Great Sea "I am happy to see how Guozhi's final lesson has born fruit"

"And I am happy that Perturabo has at last found the recognition he craved, and a chance to truly express the height of his genius" Magnus laughs back "And yes, what I learned that day, has greatly benefited Prospero and myself. The practice of Pure Alchemy have greatly served not only myself, but the entirety of my world and have given us a new avenue of study and improvement to seek. How has the fire you claimed assisted you?"

"I am still learning all of its secrets, I am far from being your intellectual equal, brother, but Hysh's light has assisted me in combat and contemplations both" You explain "But, of your alchemy, may I ask how you are using it to help your people?"

"The presence of the warp energy saturating Prospero, means that mutations and similar afflictions can become common when the tides of the great sea shift, and there are a number of psionically born ailments" He explains "I've used alchemy to create something of a preventative treatment. It was not easy but"

He slight of hands a white, glowing crystal into your hand

"Hysh can to be solidified like the raw energies of the warp. When refined and placed within a fountain of water, it grants a slight measure of its purifying and cleansing energy" He explains and you, for the second time in the day, find yourself caught off guard and surprised

"Nearly as surprising as Pert asking for my help to build a palace" You mutter in awe and Magnus looks as surprised as you had been when Perturabo asked for your assistance, having been looking away from him when he had made up his mind to do so, missing the mental processes he had gone through to reach that decision, if he hadn't decided on it long before you'd paid him a visit

"That is surprising. But he does think of you highly" He explains

"He does of you as well" You tell him as you turn the crystal around "Could you show me how to find this crystalized light? I may have need of it in the future"

"Of course, dear brother"
_

"...And it is particularly adorable how She runs her diagnostic checks of her internal systems right before she wakes up, and the way the ventilation of her true body sighs and breathes as she sleeps is nearly as fascinating as the expressions her avatar makes while her mind is resting. And then there is her cooking. She can replicate most dishes, but she also puts in the effort to actually cook with non-generated ingredients" You continue to rattle off all of Kanzeon's Charm points as Angron, shirtless and in bloodied sand, mediates on a blade, levitating it off the ground with a few children around him who are gawking and staring at the strange golden eyed mist gossiping with his brother about the countless ways he is in love of his wife.
cont

"Are you doing this to provide a distraction, or has love finally turned your brain to mush?" He asks sharply and you just titter like a girl on her wedding day and kneel before him

"Selfless, pure love is a driving force. Kanzeon and I share it, and also hold it for all of humanity" You tell him "And it is not my fault that she has revealed ever more intriguing aspects of herself for me to admire after we've been wed. But you are doing well to maintain your focus. I presume you are attempt to channel the frequency of the metal?"

"To shatter the blade" He answers "And you sound like a lovestruck fool"

"Perhaps that is exactly what I am. Have you tried to wield any elemental forces?" You ask

"I've been focusing on my empathetic ability. Learned how to take on the wounds of others" He explains, brow wrinkled in intense concentration "And at least you're aware of it. But no. I haven't tampered with any elemental forces"

"Magnus could teach you, though I know how to wield fire, frost and some lightning with some skill" You tell him

"Some skill. Hah, You have a cycle of five elements you draw upon. the Woo Zing. Magnus explained it to me" He grunts

"I don't fight using earth, metal or wood. Water and Fire are really the only parts of the Wuxing I harness regularly in my techniques and pyskerism" You explain as you notice a hair line crack form in the blade Angron is vibrating with his telekinesis

And a moment later, it shatters and is reduced to iron powder. Angron grabs a large hammer to break next, his students watching and trying to copy the feat on spoons carved out of horn
_
"I'll contact Eldrad telepathically and inform him you'll be arriving soon" Carys tells you "And I'm happy to hear that the Aeldari that have made themselves your students are making progress and learning how to hunt with bows like our ancient ancestors had done. I've noticed that some of them have been drawn to the Path of the Journeyman, or at least have softened their opinions of human as well"

"If they change their path, that is their decision, but I to have of course noticed how they have grown less distance and closed off towards the members of the wanderers in the fog" You tell her "And I too am glad to hear you have arrived safely on Ulthran and have enshrined the antlers of the fallen spirit son of The hunter and the Gardener"

"The farseer council has declared a period of mourning and reflection after they had heard the story behind those horns" She explains "And are considering planting them in a warded and secured part of the craftworlds garden"

"I see...I see" you say, nodding along "And you mentioned that Eldrad had a request of his own?"

"Not a serious one. I think he made it as a friend, rather than a farseer" She explains

And what is the request you hear, Lieren?

>To show him Hysh.

>To bring Meixiu during your visit

>To introduce him to Angron

>To show the friendship between Long-Jian humans and Xenos

>Write in

I love the AC machine spirit

>>6266606

>To introduce him to Angron

>>6266606
>To introduce him to Angron

>>6266606
>To show him Hysh.
All of these are good decisions that could have beneficial far-reaching consequences (even the friendship meeting), but I think Hysh is the one that could really tip the scales if the Eldar chose to embrace it. Giving them access to a power intrinsically opposed to Chaos could potentially give them ways to survive against Slaanesh, and an entire race historically opposed to Chaos would now have a powerful weapon with which to fight it.
Eldrad would basically be in debt to us forever, which we should be certain to hold over his head whenever it's sufficiently funny.

>>6266606
>To show him Hysh

>>6266606
>To show him Hysh.
Look at this light

>>6266606
>To show him Hysh.

>To introduce him to Angron

Both of these are proof, in their own way that fate can be changed and chaos opposed. Angron, who the seers insisted was damned. And Hysh, which can not only ward away chaos, but cleanse the taint and injuries it left behind.

Introduce the eldar to our gang sign. Have them spread it everywhere and make them admit lorgar isn't certainly doomed.

>>6266606
>To show him Hysh.

>To bring Meixiu during your visit

>>6266606
>>To bring Meixiu during your visit

>>6266606
>To show him Hysh.

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the wait.

Show him Hysh: 6

Introduce him to Angron:3

Bring Meixiu with you:2

Total votes:9

So the request Eldrad has made is for Lieren to reveal to him the pure white light of Hysh

Writing now

"Simply to glimpse the flame that heals and mends rather than burns and consumes, that sheds radiant white light" She explains and you perk up and a relaxed smile plays across your lips "as only you can weave and shape it"

"He wishes to be shown the light of Hysh, as channeled by one who has already been washed by its cleansing brilliance?" You ask to confirm, twirling your hand and alighting the mist wrapped path that you've met Carys' spirit within the Empyrean, the winds whispering down as they're called by the breeze held loosely within your palm, the fog growing lighter as the traces of corruption hiss and retracts towards the darkness as the former farseer merely tilts her head in idle curiosity

"To show that to wield the cleansing fire is not to invite damnation, I presume" She explains, righting her posture and giving a polite nod "That the white light can provide succor to those beset by corruptions thralls and scour chaos from where it festers and ferments, that it is truly a purifying force rather than a cruel illusion of it"

"I see. I expect the farseers of the craftworlds witnessed Hysh's whirlwind as it broke from its cage and roared across the empyrean, blazing like a newly ignited sun. And not understanding it, are afear and cautious of it" You hum, curling the white tongues of flames around your fingers "Very well, I shall present to him how I harness the power of the uncolored flame and if he wishes, teach him how to safely channel this cleansing light to mend and to harm"

"And if you permit, when we meet upon Ulthran, I to would like to be taught how to harness the white wind" Carys says firmly and confidently "So I may spread your lessons further to my own followers, so we become a bulwark against the servants of eightfold path and denounce them and their works wherever we meet them, as you do, my honored and honorable teacher"

"I see no reason to refuse, those with the ability and will should be shown how to guard themselves and act as a shield against the discordant darkness" You tell her happily "But, I shall first reveal the light of Hysh to Eldrad and hear his thoughts and council, then afterwards I will teach you and thus your flock how to catch the wind of purity"

Carys bows her head in acceptance and the two of you depart, with you wishing her good fortune and safety through the Empyrean as you return to your own body, and sit up from the cooling unit you'd taken as a meditation rock, the menials and workers watching you curiously as they perform routine maintenance of the device, little understanding what you'd been doing or the purpose of meditation but having, in some small way, sensed the light of hysh as you call a gleam of it into the palm of your hand.

And a quick wind whisper confirms your worst fears, Kanzeon and her sisters are still in audience with Engine Nears, who are finding new topics of discussion to pursue even after having received the answers that they had sought.

Cont

"Simply to glimpse the flame that heals and mends rather than burns and consumes, that sheds radiant white light" She explains and you perk up and a relaxed smile plays across your lips "as only you can weave and shape it"

"He wishes to be shown the light of Hysh, as channeled by one who has already been washed by its cleansing brilliance?" You ask to confirm, twirling your hand and alighting the mist wrapped path that you've met Carys' spirit within the Empyrean, the winds whispering down as they're called by the breeze held loosely within your palm, the fog growing lighter as the traces of corruption hiss and retracts towards the darkness as the former farseer merely tilts her head in idle curiosity

"To show that to wield the cleansing fire is not to invite damnation, I presume" She explains, righting her posture and giving a polite nod "That the white light can provide succor to those beset by corruptions thralls and scour chaos from where it festers and ferments, that it is truly a purifying force rather than a cruel illusion of it"

"I see. I expect the farseers of the craftworlds witnessed Hysh's whirlwind as it broke from its cage and roared across the empyrean, blazing like a newly ignited sun. And not understanding it, are afear and cautious of it" You hum, curling the white tongues of flames around your fingers "Very well, I shall present to him how I harness the power of the uncolored flame and if he wishes, teach him how to safely channel this cleansing light to mend and to harm"

"And if you permit, when we meet upon Ulthwe, I to would like to be taught how to harness the white wind" Carys says firmly and confidently "So I may spread your lessons further to my own followers, so we become a bulwark against the servants of eightfold path and denounce them and their works wherever we meet them, as you do, my honored and honorable teacher"

"I see no reason to refuse, those with the ability and will should be shown how to guard themselves and act as a shield against the discordant darkness" You tell her happily "But, I shall first reveal the light of Hysh to Eldrad and hear his thoughts and council, then afterwards I will teach you and thus your flock how to catch the wind of purity"

Carys bows her head in acceptance and the two of you depart, with you wishing her good fortune and safety through the Empyrean as you return to your own body, and sit up from the cooling unit you'd taken as a meditation rock, the menials and workers watching you curiously as they perform routine maintenance of the device, little understanding what you'd been doing or the purpose of meditation but having, in some small way, sensed the light of hysh as you call a gleam of it into the palm of your hand.

And a quick wind whisper confirms your worst fears, Kanzeon and her sisters are still in audience with Engine Nears, who are finding new topics of discussion to pursue even after having received the answers that they had sought.

Cont

>>6267811

What do you do, Lieren?

>Slip away to the webway while the Engine Nears are occupied, telling Kanzeon of your departure and that you'll meet her back by New Varo.

>Cut the meeting short by reminding the engine nears of their applications to the ministry of development, and scare a few of the denizens of the webway by traveling it aboard Kanzeon.

>Track down a few Aeldari Journeymen and teach them how to work with Hysh, to present them to Eldrad, knowing most Aeldari would only believe the usefulness of the wind if they see their fellows using it.

>Covertly contact the nameless and have them travel with you, since them learning how to harness Hysh's light seems both logical and a means to improve their efficiency as spirit hunters

>Write in

Sorry for the shorter update.

>>6267812
>covertly contact a few nameless

Eldrad being the first adopter will wok perfectly fine

>>6267812
>Covertly contact the nameless and have them travel with you, since them learning how to harness Hysh's light seems both logical and a means to improve their efficiency as spirit hunters

>>6267812
>>Covertly contact the nameless and have them travel with you, since them learning how to harness Hysh's light seems both logical and a means to improve their efficiency as spirit hunters

showing that humans can learn it should trigger Eldar pride and get it to spread

>>6267812
>Covertly contact the nameless and have them travel with you, since them learning how to harness Hysh's light seems both logical and a means to improve their efficiency as spirit hunters

>>6267812
>Covertly contact the nameless and have them travel with you, since them learning how to harness Hysh's light seems both logical and a means to improve their efficiency as spirit hunters
Guess we're going to be running a seminar.
>Hysh and You: New Horizons in Anti-Warp Warfare

>>6267812
>Covertly contact the nameless and have them travel with you, since them learning how to harness Hysh's light seems both logical and a means to improve their efficiency as spirit hunters

>>6267812
>>Cut the meeting short by reminding the engine nears of their applications to the ministry of development, and scare a few of the denizens of the webway by traveling it aboard Kanzeon.

>>6267812
>Track down a few Aeldari Journeymen and teach them how to work with Hysh, to present them to Eldrad, knowing most Aeldari would only believe the usefulness of the wind if they see their fellows using it.

>Covertly contact the nameless and have them travel with you, since them learning how to harness Hysh's light seems both logical and a means to improve their efficiency as spirit hunters

My mom had a seizure and is in the hospital, so I'm presently in no state to write. I'll keep you guys update. Hopefully the wait won't be too long but I'm just too stressed right now to write.

>>6269059
Jesus, hope everything turns out well.

>>6269059
thats awful to hear. Don't think about it here, return when things get better. I hope she gets better

>>6269059
Take all the time you need to look after your mother, Malal. You only get one in your life, so cherish her health

>>6269059
Hope your mother's okay.

>>6269059
I agree with everyone above, go spend time with your mother

>>6269169
>>6269303
>>6269317
>>6269507
>>6269639
Thanks for your kindness and well wishes, she was released from the hospital today but we haven't gotten many answers as to why it happen, but we're keeping a close eye on her, hoping it was just a freak occurrence . Still too stressed out to write, but my mom seems to be okay.

>>6269931
Those can happen, a friend of mine had one from playing games on his playstation in a dark room when he was in highschool.
But it's good to know it didn't lead to anything serious.

>>6269931
Good to hear that she seems to be okay, but best take time off to watch her carefully. Better safe, than sorry.

>>6269931
very good to hear.

>>6269931
Was banned from posting but hope she stays healthy and keeps doing well Malal. We are here for whenver you do come back.

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the very long wait, my mother is doing well, still keeping a close eye on her but she's well on the road to recovery. Still scared stiff about what happened

Covertly contact the nameless and have them travel with you, since them learning how to harness Hysh's light seems both logical and a means to improve their efficiency as spirit hunters: 7

Track down a few Aeldari Journeymen and teach them how to work with Hysh, to present them to Eldrad, knowing most Aeldari would only believe the usefulness of the wind if they see their fellows using it.:1

Cut the meeting short by reminding the engine nears of their applications to the ministry of development, and scare a few of the denizens of the webway by traveling it aboard Kanzeon.:1

total votes:8

So Lieren will covertly contact the nameless and have a few of their members travel with him to teach them how to wield Hysh to improve their effectiveness as evil spirit slayers

writing now

>>6271356
Your all good Malal, we're glad to hear shes doing better. Thank you for keeping us informed.

The audience would obviously continue for sometime, as the augments of the eternal celestial engine had far greater reserves of stamina than that of unaltered men and great enthusiasm and zeal in their discussions. You send a heartfelt message of apologies to Kanzeon and to her sisters, and wisely wait awhile before begging pardon to take your leave from the world, leaving them all high and dry. Which you are teased about, but not seriously and in a good natured manner. Mostly by Kanzeon herself. Al-Uzza does sooth some of the guilt of leaving them to the droll discussions asked for by the Engine Nears, as the sister had, after it was clear the audience would last longer than a few hours, had taken to only 'inhabiting' their present avatars when it was their time to speak and were instead focusing on more worthwhile and enriching activities elsewhere. Liberty, for example, had started taking pots shots at space debris towed near the Eternal Celestial Engine, while Anahita was pestering your astartes who'd asked to be taught the work of the forge as her students with some of her mechanical drones to see how long it'd take them to realize it was her behind the mischief. Kanzeon and Al-Uzza, were, when you spoke to them to tell them you were taking your leave to travel to Ulthwe, working with some of the Oracle Breed elders to manufacture hardy and pollution resistant grain to transport to the "Forge world"

So, with a clear conscious, and before departing from the world covertly, you contact the psionic messengers of the nameless, the psykerists who have jointed membership with the spirit hunting sect and the wanderers in the fog sect, who have the most profound wind whispering abilities and the greatest clarity of mind and sturdiest foundation of Will. They then contact their superiors in their respective school, who, as they were instructed when the sixth school was founded, contact the Void School that oversees the entirety of the nameless and all its hunters.

And, as swift as wildfire or a cosmic gale, one of the members of the void school, hand selected, vetted and tested by ever sagacious Malcador, meets you and acts as his representative in place of the Sigilite himself, who alongside your father holds the reins of the nameless now in truth.

Above the desolate, harsh landscape of an asteroid mined into a shell, you sit cross legged before the representative, who by his manner and posture you immediately know to be from Terra rather than Shangrala, though the meeting place is a commercial ship produced by one of the first artisanal star ship wrights of Long Jia, though the modifications to the vessel, hidden below the surface like poison beneath a toad's skin, tell you that they didn't merely buy the craft straight from the market floor.

Cont

>>6271381

"A visit to an Eldar Craftworld" They repeat, as if to taste and contemplate the idea and concept of allowing members of the nameless to join you on your journey

"Ulthwe, I am close to its head, Eldrad. He was at my wedding and spoke with both of my fathers" You explain, as you focus on honing the blade of the sword of love, and experiment with imbuing the light and wind of hysh into it alongside the orderly frost of silver moonlight and the gilded flames that ever burn your soul "I have promised to meet with him, to discuss matters pertaining to my lost brothers and this power I wield"

"Which is unlike any I have seen" The representative admits with an impressed nod "Though, I had witnessed its presence once or twice. The Sigilite had warned me of your, gentle approach, to xenos. And the rather surprising fact you'd yet to be betrayed by them and had even converted several of their breed to your...what did he call it? "Self help book?"

"Not the worse description of the Journey I've heard" You laugh jovially and flourish the blade, frowning and click your tongue as you realize you'll need to employ the delicate art of [ Paradox Creation ] to properly temper the purified blade in hysh's light "And Carys, the first adopted of the what the Aeldar dub as the path of the Journeyman, was close with Farseer Eldrad, and he and I get along well, though not all the Aeldari I teach are adherents to the philosophy sprouted from my views and understanding of this world we all dwell in"

"Yes, I've noticed you've been teaching an incredibly lethal power to the knife ears under your plum and azure wings, which, I'd ask why those colors are associated with you, considering I've only seen you wear white or drab, natural colors" They answer, as they begin to disassemble their terran made las pistol, out of habit and to settle their nerves, mimicking your own maintenance of your the sword usually worn at your side "And that you've come to talk with me, tells me you've farther reaching plans than to inform our masters at Terra of your continued mingling with Xenos"

"Have you not grown accustomed to their presence?" You asks quietly and solemnly

"I avoid the ones you've taken as pets" He answers respectfully "I do not risk the presence of a race of telepaths who feed off emotion and memory, do not think I may know the thoughts of sapient flowers nor their intents, do not trust fungus more treacherous than any orkoid strain that has shown itself capable of parasitoid behavior "

"That leaves the Sagit and Se'ah'in" You retort, with a jackalish smirk, and they stop polishing the barrel of their side arm
Cont

>>6271382

"The Sirens are, until maturity, too dangerous to approach, too mercurial. And in adulthood, to tame to consider a threat despite their greater bulk and better grasp of their sonic attacks. And the Sagit...I just don't like dancing" They say, and while their xenophobia is apparent, it is more of a cool, disdain than the blazing hatred of a fanatic "I avoid them. They are, presently, approved to co-exist alongside humanity. My distaste for them, is borne of a reasonable sense of caution and suspicion"

"It is better than confronting them, I suppose" You coldly remark, now oiling your blade after that you've set its temper "And to answer the question you asked before we got sidetracked, yes, I've further reaching plans than asking for aid in finding my lost kin and showing this power I now hold to the Aeldari. I wish to teach the nameless how to wield it as well"

"A purifying, radiant white flame, that cleanses and chases away darkness and corruption both" The representative hums thoughtfully

"And may heal where other fires burn, and whose light enlightens as well as it illuminates" You answer

"It is a good tool, but it is taken from the Warp" They indicate, flipping their las pistol around and checking its sight, aiming down its sight and staring, before taking off its scope and polishing it

"You'd prefer the las weapons we manufacture in Long Jia" You offer with a smile "Their sights are more durable and the flexible glass we use in their construction make them both more accurate and powerful"

"I trust what I know. I do not know this light twinkling around your fingers. It resembles sorcery. That it is poison to that which few know threaten humanity and our master's plan" He answers "Only makes me more suspect of it"

"Then allow to me demonstrate that there is no more risk in wielding it than either of our psykerist gifts" You ask of him, softly, gently

"I will select the candidates" They tell you "The fact it takes the form of flame occasionally, pure white fire, reminds me of the report I heard concerning an incident that occurred during the long-jian intervention on the homeworld of the twelfth primarch, how one of the founders and current leaders of the operatives my group oversees, who were influenced by a warp born power, and driven to an act of zealotry unlike him. You can, then, understand my hesitation to embrace this power, that may very well be a poison concealed in a jeweled container"

"You speak like a Long-Jian" You chuckle

"I'll take that as a compliment, though I do still struggle to grasp the poetic, idiom dense and overtly symbolic dialect of your host society" They say, with the barest hint of a smile on their face "They won't be ranking members, new recruits, less of a risk, less of a loss if my doubts are proven, and if the eldar attempt a betrayal"
Cont

>>6271383

"I will not fault or slight your for your suspicions. Caution is a medicine. though like any medicine, whether it is a treatment or a poison depends wholly on its dosage. As it has been said, water can soothe the parched throat or drown and hide away your corpse"

"Who said that?" They ask, with earnest and innocent curiosity

"A philosopher who was drowned by the Yan prior to my arrival to Shangrala, those were in fact his last words" You explain politely

"I'll have to deepen my research of Shangralan history" He mused "But I believe our discussion is at its end, Lord Second"

"Then I shall take my leave, and begin my travels to Ulthwe" You tell him with a smile, cupped fist and a bow "But, do reconsider your choice of side arms"

"I'm a creature of tradition" Is how he replies

What aspects of Hysh do you focus on teaching the Nameless agents accompanying you, Lieren?

>Healing and Mending

>Illumination, Literal and Mystical

>Exorcism and Banishment

>Cleansing and Purification

>Write in

Also feeling like writing a cut away to another primarch

>>6271384
>Exorcism and Banishment

>Cleansing and Purification


Either or, Both are great.

>>6271384
I support
>>6271392

this is the power of "GTFO". lets teach them that.

>>6271384
>Illumination, Literal and Mystical
I'm guessing this would make the investigation part of the Nameless' work a lot easier.

>>6271384
I'll support: >>6271392
Anything specifically tailored to contrast the dangers they face is great.

>>6271432
That's not a bad take but while cultists can be subtle they also slip up often.
I trust they can find the enemy but they really need the tools to expertly excise the tumors they find, and throughly.

>>6271384
>Illumination, Literal and Mystical

>Cleansing and Purification
their job is to find chaos wherever it dwells and burn it out root and all.

>>6271384
>Exorcism and Banishment
>Cleansing and Purification
We want it to be a weapon against Chaos, and I think cleansing might lead to wards or somesuch that could hamper Slaanesh's ability to nab Eldar souls.
I think the only "bad" choice here is Illumination, because regardless of the truth it sounds a lot like cultist brainwashing shit and there's going to be a bunch of skeptics on each side who will leap on it as proof that we're compromised and trying to infect people.

>>6271384
>Exorcism and Banishment

>Cleansing and Purification

Maybe Ferrus Manus? Or Curze?

>>6271384
>>6271392
Support

>>6271383
>Also feeling like writing a cut away to another primarch
Totally up for that. Curze would be neat, but it'd also be good to see Guilliman or Vulkan, or somebody else we haven't really seen.

>>6271384
>Illumination, Literal and Mystical
>Cleansing and Purification

i want to teach all of it to the nameless cause its alot of utility

>>6271524
Illumination is not brainwashing, its revealing something. It allows them to identify Chaos.

>>6271384
>Illumination, Literal and Mystical
>Cleansing and Purification
Reveal your true form

>>6271384
>>Healing and Mending
>Cleansing and Purification

Guess I'll do the tally this time

Total votes: 11

Healing and Mending: 1

Illumination, Literal and Mystical: 4

Exorcism and Banishment: 6

Cleansing and Purification: 10

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the wait. Got woken up today by hearing a family got in a car accident, and the one who called me didn't think to lead with explaining it was "Just a small bump" and no one was hurt. so yeah.

>>6273263
Thanks for the assist Anon

So Lieren will teach the Nameless agents Cleansing and purification and a bit exorcism and Banishment

Writing now

_
The night pearl had not gone through a full rotation, yet the world and life that Star Seeker had known had changed and he knew that, as the strange narrow eyed people from the stars that called themselves the Long Jianese would have said, that the reality he had once known had vanished into the sea like a clay ox. What sort of beast a Clay Ox was, remained a mystery to the man who had sought to become a spirit speaker in the life now gone. He and his master had been approached by a pair of elders, wearing masks of smooth, lustrous stone, who spoke of dangers lurking the fog of mind and the mist of the spirit and offered to teach them both their ways of wandering through the fog.

Star Seeker had not realized how literal they were being, and had seen the world of the Long Jianese and all the magics they knew. But, then, one night during his training. He was approached by his master, and told of deeper secrets and that they were to be trained by two packs of sorcerers.

His master was gone now. He'd failed. Star Seeker had put down what had taken hold of his flesh with his own two hands. Oddly, he felt at peace with himself and did not blame those without names who urged them to battle against the haunts they'd captured. Indeed, he felt stronger, more of a man grown now.

And so he'd trained, now wearing the ancestral relics of his master as his own, refining the "Psykerist" powers and cultivating inner strength by day, and being honed into a weapon against the night devils by the light of the night pearl above the world of fog. Until, he was fetched again, and told he was meeting the Giant. He'd heard, since he learned enough to talk briefly with the Long Jianese, of the Giant before. A living figure of myth. A great hero. A trickster. and an overwhelming power. The enemy of tyrants and devils, who had sired hundreds of warrior sons upon a goddess of the woods. A man who could make friends with plants and whom could see into the hearts of all men.

Star Seeker was nervous, as he and others he had known had past the slaying trial where others had failed to earn the right to cast aside their name for the duty of slaying mischievous sprites, waited to meet the giant.

"I heard" The man of metal hummed, eyes glassy as they'd cast aside their hallowed flesh "That Lieren of Nothing lead an assault upon a city that was undergoing a full daemonic manifestation with all of the schools and successfully banished the cults of several of the discordant motive forces, that oppose the Ever Running Engine"

"I heard that giantess he's attached to the hip with, he'd pulled out from the gullet of one of them nasty critters" A sprout of a girl with tangled hair the color of summer grass chirped like a bird "And the both of them gutted the shadowy spook together"

"Lieren killed the sorcerer Kamal Kanan, who slaughtered his own people for power" The tall, war paint wearing "Vishnu" laughed "My chieftess says he'd torn them apart, with his bare hands"

Cont

>>6273653

"Our Aeldari friends, told me that he dove into a rift in reality to rescue the thralls of their dark natured cousin" A man who smell of marsh water said "The handsome creatures who now live alongside us"

Suddenly, several pairs of eyes were settled on Star Seeker

"I've heard he slew a fox and stole its burning hide" He blustered, recalling vaguely a story of the Giant battling a den of golden furred foxes. The others gathered to be taught by the Giant, seemed to accept his story, as more tales were shared of the great man.

Star Seeker sensed his approach before any others. It was like standing before a great, raging fire, the waves of sweltering heat crashing against him as he stood mere feet away from the boundary of a world swallowing inferno. Like a sea of fire that burned so hot it began to glow like molten metal. The Giant, stood in the center of the Valley of Flame, consumed himself by the torrents of fuel-less fire. The ground split, and the winds of winter blew, silver water spilling out and shining like moonlight and turning to white steam where it met the ever expanding conflagration of a great man's soul. He was, spiritually, more of a giant than he was bodily. Star Seeker felt he had stood before a once distance star and now scorched his hands reaching towards it.

Then there were the eyes. First, silver, cold like a winter morning sky. Heralds of inescapable death. Then, playful and gold like the summer sun, alighting the bounty of spring come to fruit. Long strands of ash grey hair floated behind them as they sauntered forward like the kings of the mountains. The fog world had their own kings, they called them panther. And Star Seeker wondered if Lieren had been sired upon one of these Fog Panthers by his father who sought to claim all stars. His smile was a predators grin as much as it was tale weavers relaxed smirk.

This was a man, a warrior, a spirit speaker of two aspects. Perhaps more. Behind him, a shadow stretched towards the horizon, showing the different roles the Giant Whom Seeks Nothing, plays in his life.

Then, there was a feeling. Like he'd been peeled open and prepared for butchering. Star Seeker met the giant's eyes, and felt as if he was having his fortunes read by his own, still bloody bones. The giant stopped mid stride, and studied him like a Bramble Thief does its prey. He was weighing his heart, checking him for sins and wrong doings. He could feel that in his hand, he held a spear that was trained on his chest, should he be found unworthy.

He was not alone. Spirits, great and small, of Ice and of the dead, watched Star Seeker closely, as intimately as a mother judges their newborn when times are lean.

Star Seeker lifted up his chest
Cont

>>6273654

"I shall have to make you one of my personal disciples, Boy" The titan spoke with a voice as pleasant as honey dripping from the comb or fresh rain after a drought "You have a great resilience of will, that must be cultivated. Strong foundations, are worthless without direction"

The others had averted their gazes or shielded themselves with wards as the blazing sea retracted to only burn Lieren

"What is your name?" he was asked

"I was given the name Star Seeker, when I had survived to my tenth year" He answered. And the giant asked all of there names, one by one, having something to praise of each of them.

They were traveling to another world, he told them, to meet with a man who saw far beyond the horizon and into the day to come as Star Seeker understood it. But they would also be trained, how to tame and order a particular wind, to capture a white light and use it to purify that which is foul and clean that which has rotted. And, Lieren said, to chase away the bad spirits and force them from the corpses they puppet.

Star Seeker remembered how his master died. And felt destiny's pull as he listened to Lieren speak of a spirit called Hysh, whom had become his friend after he had freed it from the cave it had been trapped in.
_

The new members of the Nameless you're training, quickly adapt to wielding Hysh's light in place of their own souls' power. And with a few objects touched by chaos and a few corpses of those befouled by it, they are able to practice and learn how to use the White Flame to purify and wash away the corruption of Chaos and the warp, from the smallest of its manifestations. It is a small beginning, but every journey begins with one step. You continue having them practice and use the power to wash away safer energies as well as cleanse small chips of warp stone and render them safe and sterile of corruptive energies, without any of them undergoing or experience even the subtlest of mutations. They're small tests, petty experiments, to prove that Hysh can be safely wielded against the great enemy and to see how those who are not primarchs may harness its powers.

They already know the null denouncement charm, how to write its script and use it to ward places and people, but showing them how the imbue the charm with Hysh energy increases the null denouncement's effectiveness and allows it to be used more offensively, even a script of paper fashioned like a talisman can be used to great effectiveness when it is charged with the White Flame.

These are the practices you put them through before entering the Webway, having them prove they can purifying the slightest presence of chaos corruption and cleanse those items and remains that were polluted by its presence, that they can wash away mutative energies and render materials that express such taint safe or at least safer to handle directly.
Cont

>>6273655

And you'll have to commend the representative of the Void school for the selection he had made of students. He'd called them expendable, but all of them have the right mindset to wield the Pure White Flame as a purifying force. They imagine the process in different ways. "Grinning" Abigail from New Varro, envisions washing clothes and wringing them out over white water rapids. Wrench-82 considers it as using flame to treat metal and burn off contaminants. The Vishnu Rishi dreams it to be a great saber carved of solidified fire. Meng from the Xue province, see sit as a anti venom, a curing salve to be applied and rubbed into boils and burns. And Star Seeker from Massacre, thinks of it as a white dawn that chases away the darkness like a panther does starving hounds. All of them are right, from a certain point of view.

And all of them have experience resisting the temptation of chaos and fighting and slaying evil spirits. They had to, to join the Nameless, even if they are considered fresh recruits, they had endured the eight days of rigorous meditation and exposure to warp energy and then bested a wicked spirit in single combat. They simply had not received the cybernetic augmentations awarded to the successful recruits, yet, now had they been assigned to a school. Though you knew which they'd join, after training them and getting to know each of them personally.

Which makes their secondary instruction more difficult. Beating a daemon in combat, is in someways, more easily done than banishing it directly or exorcising and removing it from a vessel it has taken, and that is why you lead with showing them how to cleanse away chaotic taint and purify its presence and Qi first. As those will be good foundational skills for them to utilize in the process of banishing the warp born spirits.

Another obstacle, is, of course, how to get them to functional and useable experience in banishing rites and exorcist techniques, you've been teaching them the exorcist techniques you inherited from the Dai monks, the arts of the Cleansing Rain as well as the powers Arianka had blessed you with when she trusted you with a glimmer of her silver moonlight. Thus far, they have only grasped "The Five Daggers of Winter's Embrace" and are not ready for any more advance moves of the Cleansing Rain practice. And you have created variations of the most basic techniques of Cleansing Rain with Hysh, which you are considering to make a branch school of exorcism, out of respect for the Dai Monk's own practices and in recognition to the difference in movements and results between the two arts.
Cont

>>6273656

How do you get the new recruits experience in banishing/ exorcising Chaos Daemons, Lieren?

>Use the possessed unfortunates the Nameless were able to capture and contain, and kept in hopes of treating their affliction for their training. If nothing else, they shall be released from torment one way or another.

>Ask Arianka's children or the souls of your late companions to serve as stand ins, as they will be measurably less dangerous opponents for them to confront

>See if you couldn't use [ Paradox Creation ] in someway to assist in their training, and seek out non aligned spirits for them to hone their technique on.

>They've slain daemons before. Just search out breaches in the webway, and give them the task of using what they learned to banish them

>Write in

>>6273657
>>Use the possessed unfortunates the Nameless were able to capture and contain, and kept in hopes of treating their affliction for their training. If nothing else, they shall be released from torment one way or another.

>>6273657
>See if you couldn't use [ Paradox Creation ] in someway to assist in their training, and seek out non aligned spirits for them to hone their technique on.
Paradoxx

>>6273657
>They've slain daemons before. Just search out breaches in the webway, and give them the task of using what they learned to banish them
Let's clean up the Webway a little.

>>6273657
>They've slain demons before

>>6273657
>They've slain daemons before. Just search out breaches in the webway, and give them the task of using what they learned to banish them
As long as we're personally on hand to step in if things go wrong, this might very well be the best choice.
It will demonstrate to the recruits, the Nameless, and the Eldar that this is indeed a combat-viable power against the warp, and only the most paranoid would claim that we rigged anything with the demons that end up being fought.

>>6273657
>>Use the possessed unfortunates the Nameless were able to capture and contain, and kept in hopes of treating their affliction for their training. If nothing else, they shall be released from torment one way or another.

the hordes of lesser neverborn are effectively infinite and facing them won't seal the breaches in the webway.

on the other hand, we have people that we can save from death and worse than death. Given the nameless' duty, they are far more likely to be dealing with neverborn intrigue and corruptive influence using mortals. This is a big step to making sure that every mortal that so much as sees a daemon doesn't get shot just in case because we have no method of dealing with them.

>>6273657
>>Use the possessed unfortunates the Nameless were able to capture and contain, and kept in hopes of treating their affliction for their training. If nothing else, they shall be released from torment one way or another.

this will serve alot of purposes it will show them the horrors of why demons should be spurned at all points and give them experience in dealing with tricky demon infiltrations

>>6273657
>>Use the possessed unfortunates the Nameless were able to capture and contain, and kept in hopes of treating their affliction for their training. If nothing else, they shall be released from torment one way or another.
These are Nameless greenhorns, still Nameless but not fully trained to be the demon slayers we made them to be yet. This should help.

>>6273657
Lieren?

>Use the possessed unfortunates the Nameless were able to capture and contain, and kept in hopes of treating their affliction for their training. If nothing else, they shall be released from torment one way or another.

We had the option, when we released Hysh, to take a spark of it to use as the core of a new spirit for kuan im's replacement.

Is there anything stopping us from doing the same thing now?

Lieren provides the spirit, Hysh and his own yin yang of universal harmony. Kanzeon provides the flesh(replacement parts). Voila, ship baby!

Now that we have space empire, we could use the extra production. When emp arrives, we can introduce him to his grand baby. Proving the usefulness of Hysh and an ethical way to birth ship people.

Calling the vote now, sorry for the really long wait. Hurt my hand and couldn't write comfortable with it. Still a bit sore/ stiff

Use the possessed unfortunates the Nameless were able to capture and contain, and kept in hopes of treating their affliction for their training. If nothing else, they shall be released from torment one way or another:5

See if you couldn't use [ Paradox Creation ] in someway to assist in their training, and seek out non aligned spirits for them to hone their technique on.:1

They've slain daemons before. Just search out breaches in the webway, and give them the task of using what they learned to banish them:3

Total votes:9

So Lieren will train the Hysh-wielders in banishment and exorcism by having them attempt to purge the possessions of the unfortunate victims contained by the Nameless, ending their suffering through curing their affliction or cutting short their agonized lives.

Writing now

>>6275662
Cause the spark would've been super condensed compared to the now "Free ranged" White wind.

The journey to and into the webway is delayed. You take the newly minted wielders of Hysh's mending flame and white wind on a detour. A merciful pilgrimage, to a hidden citadel constructed covertly by the Nameless far from any community or indeed any stretch of inhabited land. A unknown fortress, not a place of honor. Not intended to defend borders or house armies. A secret prison, a hole where all that is placed within it vanishes. It is a regrettable necessity. And as much as it is a glimpse of the worse of all the hells created within the warp, it is a beacon of hope however faint. A flickering lantern light before the all darkening night.

The hope that there is a cure for possession besides execution. It is a place where those unfortunates captured by the nameless in the spirit hunts, unlucky enough to be taken as a vessel for a Daemon and become inhabited by the wicked spirit, mutated, warped twisted, are contained and sealed. A sect of the Nameless, trusted with acting as Wardens for these poor souls, keep it secrets safe even from their fellow spirit slayers. The Unknown Place is upon a world that cannot sustain life outside of the walls. Even transformed and transmuted in body by the devils parasitizing them, the afflicted cannot survive outside of the fortress. The members of the Keepers of the Lost Sect, could through their equipment and augments.

The foreboding metallic white walls rise from the scorched soil of a planet burned by its sun's light, gleaming blindingly in the ceaseless day as you, solemnly, lead the yet unenlightened sages of the white flame across the featureless landscape. The boundary between worlds is thin here, thinner by your presence. And, thus, you upon reaching the four leagues marker, a simple monolith carved with the pitying prayers and pleads on the behalf of those who had been dragged screaming to the darkest depths of the Empyrean alongside their vermin that infested their flesh and a second, smaller stele that bore the of those rarely courageous few, who upon the moment of becoming gripped by a wicked spirit, found the will to by their own hand or through submitting themselves to the Nameless, end their life before the spirit could bind itself with their own soul.

"By the edicts of the Unknown Place, I can go no further. Accursed Brand Upon my brow would empower the unfortunates kept in that pit. Perhaps even allow the more potent of evil spirits to full manifest through the flesh of their tortured hosts. Travel in the direction of the shadow I cast, and present the slips I handed you to the gateguard. You shall know them at a glance. They are a dour, grim sort. One of the few of the Nameless to successfully oust a Daemon after it had found purchased within their flesh, within their soul, and within their minds" You explain to your students "I shall remain here, to give you what guidance I am able"

You breathed out and sighed, placing your hands upon your knee
Cont

>>6275772

"If no aid can be given, and no progress is made by any of you, we shall depart for the labyrinth. The Wardens shall give their own deadlines and allotment of patients for you each to treat, if you expend either, it will also be considered a failure and we shall take our leave of this grim locale and proceed to Ulthwe" You explain and command, and notice Star Seeker wondering what you will do as you wait "I shall meditate, and draw off further darkness from this place so steeped and shadowed by suffering"

And with that, they proceed on their journey, leaving you along besides the Stele of Suicides and the Monolith of Stolen Souls.

What do you do while you wait to hear of your students Success or Failures, Lieren?

>Contemplate and meditate on both the Stele and Monolith.

>Attempt to create new psykerist techniques harnessing Hyshs

>Practice [Containment] and [Paradox Creation]

>Ask your wife if she thinks they'll succeed and wonder excitedly about your other brothers

>Write in

>>6275774
>Practice [Containment] and [Paradox Creation]

Poor Lirean, he will always be both the best to help and the worse to have in the area for this stuff.

>>6275774
>Practice containment and paradox creation

>>6275774
>Ask your wife if she thinks they'll succeed and wonder excitedly about your other brothers

>>6275774
>Contemplate and meditate on both the Stele and Monolith.

>>6275774
>Write in
Meditate upon ourselves, turn inward once more to work upon the path of enlightenment for it has been some time since we did.

>>6275774
i'll support the write-in economy >>6275963

>>6275963
>>6275774
>support

>>6275774
another Nameless Sect ? Lieren works even you don't look !
>Contemplate and meditate on both the Stele and Monolith.
There is something to learn from them.

>>6275772
Supporting the write in to meditate inward and search for another fragment of enlightenment.

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the wait. Been helping with chores at my mom's house. Also saw that new superman flick. Glad they finally got his character right on the big screen

practice [containment] & [Paradox Creation]:

Ask Kanzeon what she thinks the probability of your trainees success is:

Contemplate the stele and monolith: 2

Meditate upon yourself and turn inward and seek enlightenment: 4

total votes:9

So Lieren will meditate and turn inwards, in pursuit of enlightenment.

Writing now

< https://youtu.be/9k1F3PjY948 >
Star seeker vanishes from sight, amidst the whirling sand and narrowing horizon, last. His soul glows like a star as, subconciously he holds onto the stream pouring from the golden sea and into his vessel much like a child would the hand of their mother. Smiling fondly after him, you slowly lower yourself to the sun baked ground and allow the soil and dust to flow over you, carried by the wind as it piles around your crossed legs and atop your shoulders. Kanzeon, nearby but a fair distance from the planet of the condemned, draws her soothing and ever comforting presence from you, recognizing in an instant that you intend to meditate and need your mind free of distractions and outside influences. Even one as warming and centering as the mutual love and purposes the two of you share, love for eachother. And all mankind.

Pacing your breath, the twin heart beat inside your sturdy chest began to slow. Ever scar and wound you bore against your struggle against tyranny felt renewed, fresh and raw as you entered a state of such calm that you'd appear to have simply sat down and died peaceably on this lifeless plain. The grains of sand and touch of breeze cooling you against the relentless sun grew distance. All that remained as you emptied your mind of all thought and concerns, all emotion and feeling, is love. That potent elixir that has driven your every action since birth and balanced the cold logic you were born with and the raging passions you embraced. It can remain, for it is the core of your being. The Very Center of Lieren of Nothing. Whether he is farmer, hunter, warrior, philosopher, builder, revolutionary, husband or primarch, love is what makes you him. That simplest of joys, to love and be loved in turn

Diving deeper into your empty mind, consciously controlling your heart beat and carefully paced breaths, you search for deeper mysteries within yourself beyond the truths and self realizations you have long ago made. Your feel every atom and molecule of yourself grow disparate and unfamiliar as you enter the void, fully submersing yourself in pursuit of greater insights and enlightenment within the self

The great sea Magnus the red spoke of rages around the giant built up brick by brick from his very foundation by Love, as those who had gone mad following darker paths and twisted ways lash and rage against the calm harbor within the golden sea, protected by sheer walls of frozen moonlight and blistering white light. Love is the foundation, the basis of everything you are and have accomplished. If all other emotions were stripped and the ruthlessly efficient machine you were originally was revealed, Love would remain and give purpose to its actions. It is the seed of Lieren that has grown into a mighty tree, providing shade for all who would come to its roots and boughs.
Cont

>>6277743

But there is more. Even in the state of emptiness, where self loses meaning and you in meditation become all and nothing, yourself and none and everything, there is another substance, an energy, what the tech cults term as a motive force besides love. Hidden, uncultivated. Where Love has been carefully tended to and encouraged to grow and spread and blossom like a fair lotus rising from the mud, this hue of the soul has been left to grow wild and without culturing. While the hue of your so deeply stained by Love is a Gentle Gold, and the moonlight used to thread and mend your heart is a Harsh Silver, and the healing flame you've kindled is Pure White, this truth of self you only now confront through the whispers of the tormented and their tormenters and their jailors crawl into the blissful void you've created, is muddling its color. So, with a great effort, you purge your mind and spiritual surroundings of all distractions with a billow of surging golden flames formed into a raging torrent, howling gales of frozen silver moonlight and a flare of purifying light that leaves you truly alone in the sands and within the realm of souls.

And alone, you are able to turn inward, looking more deeply within yourself and towards your own nature than you've ever done before to bear witness to and comprehended this once hidden truth

And as your consciousness once more confronts itself, What is the revelation and fragment of self that you face, Oh loving Lieren?

>The Efficient Machine. That which came before emotion and has guided you beside it. Cold Logic

>The Raging Ogre. The dark rage and hatred which permeates your soul against all oppressors and tyrants. Hot Fury

>The Mourning Sage. The grief and sorrow that has soaked into you, having lost so much in pursuit of prosperity. Constant Pain

>The Giggling Maid. Wonder and amazement, joy and excitement, the innocence you've kept and sheltered within. Blithe Spirit.

>The Defiant Struggler. Righteous outrage and steel will, the determination that has seen you dethrone and hang tyrants wherever you tread. Drive & purpose.

>The Mirthless Cynic. Doubt and regret, contemplation of the future and the fear of futility, rational and realist. Tempered Thoughts

>Write in

>The Efficient Machine. That which came before emotion and has guided you beside it. Cold Logic

>The Defiant Struggler. Righteous outrage and steel will, the determination that has seen you dethrone and hang tyrants wherever you tread. Drive & purpose.

>>6277744
>The Efficient Machine. That which came before emotion and has guided you beside it. Cold Logic
>The Giggling Maid. Wonder and amazement, joy and excitement, the innocence you've kept and sheltered within. Blithe Spirit.

>>6277744
>>The Giggling Maid. Wonder and amazement, joy and excitement, the innocence you've kept and sheltered within. Blithe Spirit.

giggling maid sounds a lot like magical girl lieren. and kanzeon has remarked on his innocent heart before.

This sounds like an amazing contrast both for what that what the emperor intended vs what he got. How malal and lieren are as opposite as can be and how lieren internally contrasts with the grim dark of 40k.

>>6277744
>Defiant struggler
>The giggling maid

Life needs Joy, but it is the struggler which threw us against the first tyrant Belathor in aid of a spirit of order.
Either is acceptable, as interesting or potent.

>>6277744
>The Efficient Machine. That which came before emotion and has guided you beside it. Cold Logic

>>6277744
Checked.

>The Giggling Maid. Wonder and amazement, joy and excitement, the innocence you've kept and sheltered within. Blithe Spirit.

>>6277744
>The Giggling Maid. Wonder and amazement, joy and excitement, the innocence you've kept and sheltered within. Blithe Spirit.
Joy need more of it

>>6277744
>>The Mirthless Cynic. Doubt and regret, contemplation of the future and the fear of futility, rational and realist. Tempered Thoughts

Hear me out: originally, we were constructed to be The Efficient Machine. The Vile Influences (TM) tried to push us into the direction of the Raging Ogre. This did not entirely succeed but pushed this aspect of our original template towards destructive thoughts. This aspect was also inflenced by our love; however in a negative way: it is worried about what big E/ the Marsian priesthood could do to our wive; it is worried that officially denying the existence of Chaos might keep the Empire from winning; it is worried about what the Empire might do to our Xeno followers.
Instead of properly coping with these worries, the The Mirthless Cynic takes the easy route of negative feelings and inconsistent, compqrtimentalised thought patterns.

>>6277744
>The Raging Ogre. The dark rage and hatred which permeates your soul against all oppressors and tyrants. Hot Fury
>The Efficient Machine. That which came before emotion and has guided you beside it. Cold Logic
Just got mentally flashbanged by Giggling Maid.

>>6277744
>>The Raging Ogre. The dark rage and hatred which permeates your soul against all oppressors and tyrants. Hot Fury

>The Defiant Struggler. Righteous outrage and steel will, the determination that has seen you dethrone and hang tyrants wherever you tread. Drive & purpose.

>>6277744
>>The Giggling Maid. Wonder and amazement, joy and excitement, the innocence you've kept and sheltered within. Blithe Spirit.

Confronting more than one revelation and fragment of self might be a ...taxing endeavor

>>6277744
>The Efficient Machine. That which came before emotion and has guided you beside it. Cold Logic

>The Mourning Sage. The grief and sorrow that has soaked into you, having lost so much in pursuit of prosperity. Constant Pain

>>6277744
>The Giggling Maid. Wonder and amazement, joy and excitement, the innocence you've kept and sheltered within. Blithe Spirit.
This sounds like a vote we really shouldn't be greedy about.

>>6277744
>The Efficient Machine. That which came before emotion and has guided you beside it. Cold Logic
Make peace with what we were, the origional blueprint.

>>6277743
>The Defiant Struggler. Righteous outrage and steel will, the determination that has seen you dethrone and hang tyrants wherever you tread. Drive & purpose.

>The Efficient Machine. That which came before emotion and has guided you beside it. Cold Logic

Calling the vote now, Sorry for the wait

The Efficient Machine:7

The Defiant Struggler:3

The Giggling Maid:8

The Mirthless Cynic:1

The Raging Ogre:2

The Mourning Sage:1

The revelation that Lieren makes is that of innocent wonder and joy, a fragment of self like a giggling maid.

writing now

>>6278775
It is also simply not possible

https://youtu.be/ohdxy_3v4RI
_
Innocent wonder, a childlike sense of awe towards the worlds, blithe joy at experiencing new and exciting things. Despite everything, despite being crafted rather than born, despite all of the killing and murder you've committed, despite the horrors you've been forced to confront and comprehend to the rotten core of their putrid existence, there, guarded jealously and shielded from all the awfulness of the world and its harsh reality, is a youthful innocence kept within yourself.

The carefree giggling of children at play, the smile one wears as they greet the morning sun on a day as close to perfect as can be arranged. Amazement at ones own abilities, wonder over the talents of other. An aspect of the child you were so briefly, that endured even as you saddled with many responsibilities and what felt like all the weight of the world and had your companions, close friends and playmates torn away from you as you faced evil without peer, whose vileness defies description. And yet this innocent child within you endured, and still faces the world with a blithe sense of innocence, finding awe and wonder in all the sights and experiences they can encounter.

It is the innocent heart fair Kanzeon spoke of, one of the foundational pillars of your personality and self. Your blithe spirit that has kept your heart from hardening or falling to despair despite every tragedy and atrocity you've faced. And in facing this aspect, this fragment of yourself, an incremental approach towards enlightenment is made. And, you face the Giggling Maid within you and know her. Another self, like an avatar of the divine or simply another mask to be worn.

"Isn't it so fun" The grey haired girl titters, as the two of you race through a field of funerary flowers "To still be able to interact, however slightly, with the energy of those who have departed and left us behind, Big Bro? Aren't we blessed, to have hatched on a world with so many incredible and friendly people, isn't it great that we were met with trust and loving, open arms! And its only become a more blessed life since, all the hardship and work, to make a world that is fair and kind to all. Isn't that our dream, for all to feel this joy, to look forward with wonder and anticipation, rather than fear or hate?"

"Since the day we saw the Village withering away through starvation, since the day we walked beyond it and saw how the land and her people suffered. Since we saw the way the people's faces lit up with hope, how they forgot their worries watching tales and theater of our heroism and valor, how they were inspired by us simply doing what we felt was right" You agree with the one silver and one golden eyed maiden version of yourself, a possibility that never could be, as both of you tittered in the same manner, covering your mouths with the back of your sleeves in your usual fashion which was often called feminine.

Cont

>>6279505

"I know, I know! And that was just our first step, we've seen so many interesting things, saw worlds painted in different colors than our own, lost and made friends, mourned and loved and yet even though we've traveled far, the fields of flowers and crisp spring air are still just as amazing as they were on our first winter, when the frosts subsided and the people tossed off their furs and no longer went to sleep with growling bellies!' She exclaims, throwing up her arms above her head jubilantly "And to find so many people who remained fair hearted and true, despite serving the worst of men, wasn't that even more exciting. Everything is just so lovely, even when the awe it inspires is terrible and frightening"

"Even the foulest of sights can incite wonder if approached from the right angle, even the malignant and deformed contain some remnant of beauty. A world scorched and bled by war, grows flowers more lovely when peace returns" You muse poetically, strumming a pipa absent mindedly

"You're thinking too much, there's no reason to seek understanding for a mysterious wonder or to contemplate for long what makes something exciting. Just enjoy what you can, while you can, and then find what else is exciting" The Giggling Maid titters, scolding you for getting tangled up in morose meditation and profound contemplation "Innocence is a treasure that is easily lost, if one thinks too hard. Isn't it enough to just smile, laugh and wonder? Stand in awe of the beauty of creation, in the beauty of life, of mankind, to let that be enough, the simple, child like wonder of a world known and yet unknown. To treat each day as a new beginning"

"As a new journey" You say with the aspect of yourself in unison, barking with your laugh that some have called frightening to the point of being spine tingling "And confront any horrors and sorrows it may bring with a blithe, spirit that cannot be dampened or darkened"

"To find the time to admire the flowers and play over the graves of those who've gone ahead, to dance and sing with their spirits and wonder when you'll next meet them, when you'll meet someone new who'll find a place in our heart just as big as they had filled!" Giggling maid laughs, prancing, skipping and running through the field of memorial flowers "And show them the wonders we've seen, teach them how to remember what it was like to be young and carefree, how to hope and dream and laugh and play again, without being weighed down by all the complicated stuff and worries of life"

The Giggling child aspect of yourself runs back up to you and cups a hand around your ear, and you whisper the lesson of innocent, the wisdom of children and the enlightenment that can only come from an innocent and childish outlook of life and world

And between the Giant and the Child, a golden core completed and shined radiantly within their chest
Cont

>>6279506

And what is the lesson the aspect of yourself you've accepted and embraced tell you, oh carefreely laughing Giant?

>Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful

>One should not forsake their inner child, but rather accept and learn from it and recall what it was like to be innocent, to be ignorant, and walk beside their own younger self

>All that is terrible, all that frightens and terrifies, can be made weaker and lesser by laughter. Glee is the greatest bravery of all, confront nightmares, monsters and villains alike with a smile.

>It is a cycle, innocence and cynicism, much like birth and death. Muddied waters clear and pure springs cloud. But like one may be reborn, so to can joy and hope endure a harsh season of agony and sorrow.

>Write in

>>6279508
>All that is terrible and frightens and terrifies can be made weaker and lesser by laughter. Glee is the greatest bravery of all.

All are good lessons, especially 2, but 3 is the most surefooted of every lesson. But if I may suggest an extension
>Embrace Glee like you ought embrace Trust, with all the ignorance and enthusiasm of a child.

>>6279508
>Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful
My guy born to dilly dally forced to be cold unthinking machine

>>6279508
>>Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful
>>6279614
lol

>>6279508
>>One should not forsake their inner child, but rather accept and learn from it and recall what it was like to be innocent, to be ignorant, and walk beside their own younger self

honestly i feel like some of these options are traps dont know why

>>6279508
>Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful
Innocence does not have to be at odds with the trials and rigors of life. Wonder does not have to be threatened by understanding, happiness does not have to be diminished by suffering, cynicism and closed-mindedness need not be the wages of a lifetime's experiences.

>>6279508
>It is a cycle, innocence and cynicism, much like birth and death. Muddied waters clear and pure springs cloud. But like one may be reborn, so to can joy and hope endure a harsh season of agony and sorrow.

I will in fact break ranks, And vote 4.

>>6279508
>Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful

>>6279508
>>Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful

>>6279508
>Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful

why? there is no why. you don't need a reason to look forward with wonder. thus, wonder is maintained despite all reason.

sounds like a good lesson for people who are just starting down the chaos grimderp slippery slope.

according to cultivation light novels, now that lieren has reached peak golden core realm, he needs to face a tribulation and ascend to nascent soul.

where iirc his soul gains thought, awareness, separate from his brain meats and body. he might already be on the edge of that since he talked to the giggling maid, but I assume the golden sea is going to start waking up.

but lieren is all over the place with his bloodline and hererodox cultivation. definitely an unusual young master

>>6280189
Actually probably not as close as you think and advancing quickly is dangerous

>>6280240
You dare!

kowtow one hundred times and shatter your cultivation.

:)

>>6279508
>Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful

>>6279508
>>One should not forsake their inner child, but rather accept and learn from it and recall what it was like to be innocent, to be ignorant, and walk beside their own younger self

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the real long wait

All that is terrible and frightens and terrifies can be made weaker and lesser by laughter. Glee is the greatest bravery of all.:1
- Embrace glee...etc:1

Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful:6

One should not forsake their inner child, but rather accept and learn from it and recall what it was like to be innocent, to be ignorant, and walk beside their own younger self:2

It is a cycle, innocence and cynicism, much like birth and death. Muddied waters clear and pure springs cloud. But like one may be reborn, so to can joy and hope endure a harsh season of agony and sorrow.:1

total votes:11

So the wisdom the giggling maid imparts to Lieren is the insight of"Why must innocence be discarded? Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold. Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful"

Writing now

As you sit amongst the flowers memorializing the dead, Giggling Maid braids blossoms and petals into your shared iron hued hair as the two of you discus all of the wonders of the world and of life, great and terrible, joyful and tragic. The whistling and wailing winds of sorcery are becalmed, the ever storming great sea soothes to a placid lake and the Empyrean skies brighten to the amber hued dawn as you enjoy the company of one aspect of many of your multifaceted self for awhile, teaching as much as you are taught and lectured in a way that only a child blissfully ignorant of the many harsh truths of life can school their elders.

"Why must innocence be discarded?' She asks, winding colorful flowers through your hair as you admire a horizon that embodies all the limitless possibilities of a life well lived "Why must one grow old and mature, and harden and grow cold"

It is a question and a mystery that hangs heavily like nightly fog and winter mist, soaking into anything and everything as you ponder and mediate on the question Giggling Maid has posed to you, wondering if there is in fact an answer or if the question itself is the answer, challenging the belief that one must grow callus and scarred to endure in a bleak world where heroism is not rewarded and kindness is not repaid. But, then, don't you know the answer? Such was Yan and all of Shangrala when you first arrive, and through belief and toil, you and others changed the world and brought forth a society that did benefit and encourage simple acts of kindness and charity, that allows joy and innocence to flourish despite the dark truths and cruel fates that exist every and are not easily prevented nor halted.

"Simply living is reason enough to celebrate and be forever joyful!" Is the conclusion your blithe spirit, embodied by Giggling Maid, reaches and you cannot disprove their naive wisdom, for it is true. Life itself is a miracle. Surviving and persisting despite all hardships and sorrows, is cause for celebration. It is in of itself a triumph, and reason enough to face the unknowns of tomorrows and horrors of both past and future with a carefree grin and unconquerable glee, to be forever joyful in the face of all that is wrong, all that is cruel, and all that is unpleasant, foul and abominable.

You laugh, and laugh. Your laughter ringing through the warp and the numerous planes of reality and unreality like a bell tolling on a festival day, the chimes singing in the wind on the day of a wedding, the cooed lullabies of a nurse maid welcoming a new life into the world and the struck gong heralding the end of war and bloodshed. A pure, blissful sound that reverberates through the discordant realms and beyond growing louder, and louder and louder and more carefree and jubilant until.

For a brief moment, the mocking laughter of dark gods is drowned out by the joyful guffawing of a man who refutes their grim and selfish gospels.
Cont

>>6281555

But yours is not a lonely laugh, and across the stars other voices join in the moment of innocent joy as a great weight is lifted from your soul
_

The stone in the center of the golden sea, glowed as the waters around it rippled anew as Lieren cast off, purged and cleansed themselves of the impurities and weight of sin and doubt, of all the accumulated filth of mortality and the struggles against and contact with the force of chaos. Sloughing away, the weaknesses and scars of the spiritual and mental fortress of the second primarch fell away, replaced with gleaming patches of childish giggles and innocent glee, as the giant embrace their inner child's joys and renewed their vigor, guarding themselves and all who would grant themselves a reprieve, for even a mere moment, from the dreary toil and harsh truths of reality and life to laugh and make merry no matter how dire of a day they awoke to find themselves within.

The self immolating soul of the young man shimmered and glittered with innocent joys and sparkled with dreams and curiosity of the days yet to be experienced and friends and foes yet to be met, and Lieren laughed, in defiance of the ever encroaching chaos, in challenge and refusal of the dark gods that played with lives like pieces upon a game board who for the moment could do naught be gnash their teeth and seethe as they found a joy they could not sour or corrupt, nor ruin or end.

The blithe spirit and happiness acting to them as a poison most painful as it brought succor and relief to those who could hear the giant's carefree laughter
_

Hacking and wheezing through acrid smog, the pale skinned giant of Barbarus found himself chuckling mirthfully as his harvest scythe cut through smog and foe alike, somehow the struggle of scaling higher in the toxin blanketed mountain had briefly relented and eased. His companions, his loyal death guard, cackled happily behind their crude rebreathers, skipping and jauntily hopping as they pursued the thralls of the tyrant deeper into the poisonous vapors and fog that, for a few precious moments, had become like gentle mists. He wondered if it was some sorcery, a trick to delude and lead astray him and his soldiers, but the triumph of victory fast approaching and the return of the scalding burn of the toxins upon his lungs and eyes forced away the thoughts

And so, while the sight of the laughing troop would terrify even the monstrous tyrants of Barbarus, the brief joyous respite they and Mortarion had found remained a mystery to them. As did the odd staying of the toxins from that patch of terrain they had fought for and won, where the air remained every clear and pure...
_

The Child of the spared mother giggled and gurgled happily as the Night Haunter lurked above, watching the young mother tend to their infant, with the brightest blue eyes. Konrad Curze watched, curiously.
Cont

>>6281556

He had never seen even a newborn laugh so carefreely upon Nostramo. And when he focused upon the child, he saw conflicting visions. But none where it was his hand that brought the end to the infant, even when they were grown. And they would grow. As if in defiance of fate, whenever the babe was fated to die, Konrad Curze somehow found himself in the visions of the soon to be, moving and striking to guard the innocent. And he saw them by his side, and never raising a dagger behind his back. Somehow, the night haunter found the innocent laughter of the newborn unaware of the wickedness and injustices of the world he was born onto...pleasing. And soon, he found himself going out of his way to hear the sound, to ensure it.

The Joy of Innocence, however brief, brightened the perpetual twilight. And those who preyed upon those too young to have been corrupted, soon found themselves the victims of the Night Haunters most imaginative tortures. But the blue eyed babe, Konrad found himself returning to, almost desperate to see a future where they were broken down and soiled like the rest of Nostramo, but instead, the more he watched, the more he lurked, the more he saw the two of them, the child grown into a man, as friends and comrades. The child by his side, even if he became more monster than man or overcame his darkest impulses and worse nature.

"Curious" Konrad mused, and frowned, as he realized, for the first time since he awoke in the gloom, that he had smiled without feeling any malice or the thrill of the kill.

Curious indeed...
_

"Why are you laughing, Cousin? You are about to greet she who thirsts" The Drukhari questioned, blade upon the throat of one of the insipid and witless "Journeymen" who'd been hoodwinked to practice some Mon'keighs hollow faith and live like they did

"I pity you, to not know such joys. It is all so amusing, so pleasant. The pain is gone, despite your ministrations" The answered, giggling happily, eyes glazed over "Oh how could I not have seen it until now? How good this ife this has been to me. What a miracle it was to even be born"

"That would be blood loss, fool" Their torturer snarled

"No. No I think not. Far wanderer Carys was right, I had nothing to fear. So what if I am consumed, so what if I vanish. I have lived. I have loved. I felt passions pure and fiery, and yet was not corrupted by nor subsumed by them. And now, as you slice my throat, all I feel is..." They continued, even as their voice turned to gurgles and chokes, their eyes locked mirthfully with their killers who read their lips and heard their last words that had been drowned by their own blood. "Triumph, for a life well lived"

"Triumph" they muttered, feeling oddly...strangely ill at ease, dirty, filthy even as the craftworlder shut their eyes, still smiling even as their soul fled their body. They wore no spiritstone. They were dammed to agony and eventual unmaking, yet, they had died smiling

Died embracing their killer.
Cont

>>6281557

The drukhari felt more alone than they ever had before, eyes sharpened as they stalked away, haunted by a storm within their blackened heart and mind.
_
Hoarfrost coated his bloodied hands, as the warrior stared down at the battlefield, the blade of his axe against the throat of his rival warbands leader. He suddenly giggled, throwing back his head, his delicate laughter brassily ringing inside his horned helmet as, to the confusion of his rival and both their armies, simply laid down their weapons and set aside their helmet, their scarred visage rosy cheeked and mirthful as they paced away, admiring the setting sun that had lit the bloodied field like a torch's light, feeling the wind upon their face and forsaking their pursuit of glory and souls for the simple pleasure of walking through snow and against the breeze.
_

An eleventh son stood upon the prow of a ship at sea, storms and leviathans all raging around them as they laughed and sung a shanty that only they and the storm knew, they had spoken of golden lights in the distance then of laughter that cut through the roar of the thunder and waves unending and now stood exposed laughing and celebrating as if they and their ship had already arrived at safe harbor.

"Come all you good sailor men and listen to me. I'll sing you a song of the fish in the sea, Oh~~! its windy weather boys, stormy weather boys, when the wind blows we're all together, boys..."
_

This noise, this cacophony, I despise it. Drown it out with dirges and funeral bells! I can endure its cloying presence no longer!

Nurgle raged, grinding their rotted teeth as their children cowered before them. And from a gilded cage, a chirping sound not unlike bird song, defied the father of plagues and joined in the chorus of a thousand innocent laughs and jubilant sounds.

Make it stop! Make it stop! I can't stomach the noise, its too much to bear! Whoever can silence that whelp, I'll grant you more pleasures than can be found even in my palace

So commanded slaanesh who bit down on their hand and snarled as their flawless beauty contorted into a mask of raw hatred as the sounds of laughter untouchable and unknowable by creatures such as they rung in their ears and made all the immortal delights and distractions around them seem putrid and foul.

....Fools

Khorne shifted upon their throne, and lifted a finger, and simply ordered his thralls to wage war more intensely, bidding them to find joy in bloodshed, as their rivals seethed and balked at the laughter of the man they'd marked as one of the greatest prizes.

Hope springs eternal

Was all the changer of ways muttered as the laughter rung and echoed across eternity, an eternity trapped in a moment.

Doesn't it irritate you? Why do we wish to join in, when it is a mockery of all we are as well?

Malal asked himself, finding themselves oddly fond of the noise that brought such torment to their fellow chaos gods

>>6281558

Send the slaves to the pyre and drown out this mirth

Hashut bleated furiously, whipping their slave fodder and children to blot out the joy that radiated from one soul with suffering and misery on an industrial level.
_

The laughter waned and quieted, yet remained, surrounding the soul branded and ever burning, quietly whispering and murmuring and creating around them a current of incorruptible innocence and undimming joy, their own sense of innocent wonder and blithe spirit forever guarding them against the horrors in the dark and the negative and discordant emotions and energies that sought to bring them low and defile them.

The Giggling Maid existed within and without Lieren, both independent and an aspect of the primarch's flourish and unrelenting spirit.

And as Lieren himself released and vented all the torments and pains that polluted their spirit, and laughed in happiness and relief that they were so fortunate to exist and to live and to see others lifted up and made better by their own deeds, the Giggling Maid grew curious, as children often do and began to wander as their other half's laughter echoed through the warp, as all Daemons that neared the child spirit and aspect of their quarry shied away and fled as the raw innocence of her being boiled their hides like potent acid.

And before Lieren ended his meditation and returned to the dreary waking world with newfound and renewed joy shining within his eyes and smile, Giggling Maid wandered far in search of play and exciting new sights and people.

And where did you wander and who did you find, Giggling Maid, as Lieren faced all that was terrible and cruel with the laughter you both shared?

>A face familiar yet not. A little boy with bright blue eyes, in a world that did not know laughter like yours, watched by a man split in two, but not like Lieren and you.

>A man who smelled of dogs and iron, who knew his duty in battle yet looked like he may forget the times between it, in a world of frost and ice

>A familiar world of fog and mist, where three imperial siblings played beneath the watchful gaze of a carp that became a dragon. Say hi to Jinhai on Lieren's behalf

>The shadow that had hurt you both before. Mock the first of the fallen and remind him of what he lost forevermore before running away

>write in

>>6281560
It's always a good day when we fuck with the 6 by accident.

>A man who smelled of dogs and iron

>>6281560
>A face familiar yet not. A little boy with bright blue eyes, in a world that did not know laughter like yours, watched by a man split in two, but not like Lieren and you.

With the brand thinning the veil, and the aura of innocent joy burning chaotic beings that get close, lieren might actually be able to drive away evil spirits again.

>>6281560
>A face familiar yet not. A little boy with bright blue eyes, in a world that did not know laughter like yours, watched by a man split in two, but not like Lieren and you.

Though I am tempted to write in that the spirit goes to arianka's damaged cage.

both because malal seems pacified by innocent joy rather than enraged and because it might be super effective against her restraints.

Under the assumption that when she told lieren he took part of her into himself that was literal. As in, she exists in two places. In her cage, and in lieren's tender heart of moonlight. Her way out to the wider warp is directly through the golden sea she's linked to. which would be good, since it means we don't need to launch an invasion of malal's tomb to get to her.

>>6281560
>A man who smelled of dogs and iron, who knew his duty in battle yet looked like he may forget the times between it, in a world of frost and ice

>>6281609
I like this better.

changing >>6281579 to
>Another maiden, who is of frost and moonlight, could use a giggle

>>6281560
>A face familiar yet not. A little boy with bright blue eyes, in a world that did not know laughter like yours, watched by a man split in two, but not like Lieren and you.
Almost no bad choices here, and I'd like to see more of Guozhi.
I will concede that I am intensely curious what would happen if she wandered off to mock Malal though, given that he seems to be of two minds about the matter.

>>6281597
>>6281636

actually, yeah, I think I will switch to arianka. If the giggling maiden has the balls to taunt belakor, then she probally won't be put off by malal. especially if she has a backdoor from the golden sea.

>Another maiden, who is of frost and moonlight, could use a giggle

>>6281557
Konrad has our man, Lets go.

>>6281560

I'll back the write in heres >>6281609
>>6281636
>>6281654

>>6281560
>>A man who smelled of dogs and iron, who knew his duty in battle yet looked like he may forget the times between it, in a world of frost and ice

>>6281560

>The shadow that had hurt you both before. Mock the first of the fallen and remind him of what he lost forevermore before running away
Heh loser how that tatto look

>>6281560
>write in
The laughter is joined by another, the one who laughs loudest and true among their troupes. He whom survived the tribulations of the dark ones and still smiles amid the tunnels beneath reality

Laughing God meet giggling maid.

>>6281560
>The shadow that had hurt you both before. Mock the first of the fallen and remind him of what he lost forevermore before running away
DESTROY Be'lakor with JOY and INNOCENCE.

>>6281818
Oh fuck, that's perfect. Supporting Cegorach.

by my count thats

russ 2
guozhi 2
arianka 3
Belakor 2
cegorach 2

>>6282041
its a battle of votes !

>>6282041
Cmon people it's belakor we need to see that loser face again

>>6281560
>>A man who smelled of dogs and iron, who knew his duty in battle yet looked like he may forget the times between it, in a world of frost and ice

>>6281560
>The shadow that had hurt you both before. Mock the first of the fallen and remind him of what he lost forevermore before running away

russ 3
guozhi 2
arianka 3
Belakor 3
cegorach 2

now we go from having a winner to a three way tie.

>>6282318
boy, sure would suck if I changed my vote to Leman Russ at the last minute.

>>6282327
Kek, of all the times to lose my ID. I'm >>6281653

>>6281608
And i am supporting: >>6281818

>>6282342
4 WAY TIE
4 WAY TIE
4 WAY TIE

>>6282346
He he he (Grunt Mass effect)

>>6281560
>>A man who smelled of dogs and iron, who knew his duty in battle yet looked like he may forget the times between it, in a world of frost and ice

>>6282406
Actually, change vote to
>>6281818
Support this

russ 3
guozhi 1
arianka 3
Belakor 3
cegorach 4

>>6282504
Both Russ and Cegorach should have 4.

>>6281818
Isn't Cegorach hiding in the Webway so Slaanesh can't eat him? How is the Maid going to stumble into him in the warp?

>>6282508
All conventional understanding of the warp suggests this is impossible, but the Giggling Maid doesn't know that, so it's fine.

>>6282506
nah, anon changed a russ vote to ceggy.

>>6281560
>>A man who smelled of dogs and iron, who knew his duty in battle yet looked like he may forget the times between it, in a world of frost and ice

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the long wait.

A man who smelled of dogs and iron, who knew his duty in battle yet looked like he may forget the times between it, in a world of frost and ice:4

Another maiden, who is of frost and moonlight, could use a giggle:3

The laughter is joined by another, the one who laughs loudest and true among their troupes. He whom survived the tribulations of the dark ones and still smiles amid the tunnels beneath reality:4

The shadow that had hurt you both before. Mock the first of the fallen and remind him of what he lost forevermore before running away:3

Total votes: 14


We have a tie. But I don't feel like breaking it, so I'll just have both the two choices win

So Giggling Maid will wander and meet two, the lord of wolves and the laughing god, before Lieren finishes meditating and sees the result of his disciples exorcism training

writing now

That last thing Leman Russ expected to see as the snow drifts churned up a red mist across the recently abandoned battlefield, where blood still steamed and corpses still twitched, was a child. A child that to his senses and heart seemed as familiar as a little sister to him. He watched, wondering if he was imagining things or had fallen for a spirit or witch's tricks, but Freki and Greki both raised their hackles and pinned their ears to the side of their head as the small figure jaunted, skipped and hopped towards him, dressed far to thinly to even survive Fenris' gentlest summer breeze. But as she moved through the red mists, bloodied snowflakes and frosts clinging to her queer manner of dress, the sense of familiarity clicked into place.

She resembled the drunken Skald he'd encountered one night after being tossed into the snow by his friends to cool of his heated blood. Lee'eh, or at least that was how the poets name started. She could pass for either a daughter or a sister, and one of her eyes matched his, but her hair was the same iron hued as that Skald or ghost of a rhyme maker. Tightening his grip around his axe, which he had been sharpening after it had dulled on many a foeman's skull, Leman, still uncomfortable around the unnatural beings he kept seeming to run into whenever he was alone in the snowdrifts, dared to approach the tiny child, who was laughing and caterwauling as she bounced and sprung amongst the corpses.

"Hark" He called out, raising his axe as his two packmates kept pace at his sides, growling, showing unusual aggression towards the little girl that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. The girl had stopped, stooped over one of departed battle brothers. Leman felt his lip lift into a snarl. The girl blinked rapidly, as if she was amazed she was spotted and more and more he began to feel the presence of "Other", scentless and mysterious. The shadow the child cast was larger than her body. She dropped the limp wrist of the dead Huscarl who had been a day before laughing and quaffing with the wolf king.

"Leave him" He commanded, coldly as the little girl tilted her head like a slow pup and then grinned

"You smell like a dog" She greeted cheerfully, crawling through the snow before hoping on her feet, odd dress splattered with drying blood "And Iron!"

"What are you?" He questioned at axe point, cautiously, remembering every prior encounter with the supernatural or the unexplainable, and having been taught to distrust that which cannot be touched or known

"Me" The girl snickered "Like you are you. Or were. You're losing yourself"

Another Riddler. But, there was wisdom to her words. Freki and Greki, dropped their guards and were now simply staring confusedly at the little laughing girl. Leman arced an eyebrow.

"Am I?" He chuckled, and she nodded, looking deadly serious "And who are you to know me better than myself?"
Cont

>>6283464

"Me" The girl snickered again "And yes you are, you've forgotten how to smile honestly and laugh"

Offended he twisted the handle of his axe

"What is there to be joyful of, in this here killing field?" He asked, more harshly than he meant to "Are you a frost giantling or some sprite that delights in the suffering of us men?"

"I am me" The girl said, now souding annoyed by his quesitoning "And everyone else here is having fun"

"They're dead' He snapped and then stopped, as, for a moment, he could see them, in the bloodied frost, mortal foes and slain friends, arm in arm laughing like they had been part of the same band and tribe, as if they had been close friends. Leman's mouth dried, and he realized the girl had less substance than the ghosts formed of snow before his eyes. But only for a moment, then she was as solid as the wolves he knew as his siblings

"And so what if they are! Why mourn when you can remember and be happy! Bittersweet memories are better than bitter pouting!" She declared, thumping her chest "You've still got tomorrow, and the next tomorrow, and the one after that. Stewing in grief will just ruin the days to come, spoil the fun! Life is to be celebrated"

He nearly asked her again what she was, but thought better, knowing what her answer would be.

"Life is brutal and short" He chuckled

"And? All the more reason to savor the sweet parts of it. You're forgetting the good parts of existence, the fun, the excitement, and that's making me mad! And its upsetting your friends! They were telling me how fun you and..." The girl ranted and raved, and then stared off as the ghosts in the storm faded one by one, and Leman felt a tear freeze to his cheek. He looked in the direction the clearly unnatural child was looking, and saw nothing. But, somehow, her scolding made him feel warmer and more alive than he had since the battle had ended, and he felt himself chuckling with her as she giggled and capered deeper into snow

He pursued her, on the off chance she was mortal and just one of the tribe of the poet he had met, but no matter how far he chased, he could not catch her. And while it reminded him of the times he played with his first pack, and made Freki and Greki act as playful as pups as they ran after the skipping girl deep into the mountains, they could not catch her. But, somehow, the game, the distraction, felt as much of a triumph as the battle he had won. And the loss of his men and friends stung less, he almost swore as if they were still beside him.

Turns out the laughing snow child had been right, it was better to reminisce than it was to mourn.

It took Leman Russ days to return to find his way back to the rest of the army, but he did not regret the game he had played with the oddly bossy and strange little girl.
Cont

>>6283467
_

"Hmmm, how curious" A much old thing, that smelled of poppy seed and firework powders asked, leaning down as Giggling maid realized she'd lost her new friend and brother somewhere in the snow, after she heard a familiar sobbing and ran off in pursuit of it, before she'd been pinched on the back of her dress and lifted up and dropped somewhere else "You're a portion of that most amusing Monkeigh, a fragment. What, does he think to fill in the shoes of Khaine next, sundering and scattering himself"

"You are not the face you wear" Giggling maid snorted "And where is that doggie I was playing with?"

The colorfully dressed Aeldari smiled from behind their mask

"You've wandered into the webway, little one, and you are right. You must know what a god is, hm? considering whom you're a shard of" they questioned, snickering as the maid screwed her face and wrinkled her brow

"I don't care" She declared with a crass and defiant grin "Gods just spoil everything and make the world more complicated and sad"

Cegorach, inhabiting the body of a member of his troupe, wearing them like a puppet, threw their head back and howled with laughter

"How amusing! Yet wise. Yes, we are more trouble than we're worth aren't we! Oh to be so young and carefree" He teased and was pleased to see the splinter of a not so mortal soul was snickering with him "As for the doggie...I presume you mean the brother of your..."

"My brother. I call him lemon' She tittered "Though Lieren doesn't know him yet, I know our kin"

"You played a prank on him, I saw a little bit of it" He cackled "Lead him far from the fires and furs, deep into the harsh wilds"

"We were playing" Giggling maid corrected "I know you know the difference, Laughing man. And Lemon wouldn't die to something like a bit of snow"

"I suppose not, but you waded through corpses and marched half through the plague garden, and never stopped laughing and smiling. I almost thought you were one of my darling little dolls, until I got a better look at you" the last aeldari god told her, patting her on the head with borrowed flesh "you're as reckless as the original flavor, even I know better than to waltz into the places those parasites stink up without a plan"

Giggling maid pouted

"We made a promise to her. Hearing her cry, made me really mad. and I had a plan"

"Oh?" Cegorach questioned

"I just wouldn't get caught" She boasted, and the deity felt a flicker of fondness for the little tyke

"Well, a better plan than the Aeldari have come up with for reaching Isha" he admitted with a shrug "Say, this follower of mine was going to put on a show, would you care to watch it? I feel I owe as much, to even a portion of the being that's taught a few of the others how to laugh and stop taking everything so seriously"

"I'd love that" Giggling maid answer with a curtsey and a beaming smile "But why are you hiding? Wouldn't it be better to laugh in the open, from your belly and with all your heart"
Cont

>>6283468

"I don't want to end up as a punchline of a bad joke" He answered, and found that rather than stay with the body he'd spoke to, the aspect of that Monkeigh had followed him deeper in the webway, still smiling even as she saw a glimpse of what Cegorach truly was.

"But if you're enjoying yourself, isn't it worth it to laugh to the end?' She asked, as he once more picked her up, carefully, like a wet feline juvenile and carefully dropped the blithe spirit nearer to the surface of the webway

"Not if it isn't the last laugh" He told her

"There will never be a last laugh. There's always something worthy of laughter, bitter or true" She snickered "And we should laugh as much as we can, until we have OUR last laugh"

Cegorach laughed. Giggling Maid laughed. The Harlequins the laughing god ordered to distract the brat of joy spirit laughed. Cegorach still laughed when it proved almost impossible for his dancers to keep the blithe little devil entertained long enough to get her out of his hair.

He'd have to arrange to meet that primarch, and tell him to keep a tight leash on the wandering aspect of his, lest she get up to mischief he couldn't forsee. Mischief the laughing god would be sure to push the Giggling Maid to committing, for his own entertainment and schemes...
_

A harsh bark of laughter ended your meditation and practice with the new found powers brought about by this next step you'd taken towards enlightenment.

You could sense Giggling Maid's presence still, and still here her laughter, within you and far away. And the moment you tried to track where they were, you felt their presence near in the Warp and a great relieved sigh shift through the winds of the Empyrean. She must've been troubling some vast soul, whom you'd need to apologize to, considering that no chaos entity would be passive and allow themselves to be troubled by a reflection of you

"We are and are not one and the same" Giggling Maid corrected cheerfully as you stood from the sand, and you could, if you expanded your spiritual sense, see her beside you, grinning before she suddenly sprinted off and you felt her presence travel countless leagues through the spiritual realm as something, somewhere else, caught the portion of your soul she embodied's attention and she ran off with all the carefreeness of a child at play. And you couldn't help but to chuckle at her antics, especially as several Daemons that had been haunting nearby had gotten seared by her as she rapidly ran past them as they circled both your soul and its wandering blithe spirit.

Giggling Maid kept nearer to you than she did when you meditated, but still wandered and explored nearby currents of the warp rather than remain in the shallows you habitually stood in.
Cont

>>6283469

Keeping an eye on the aspect of yourself and testing how to use the insights bringing them into "existence" had brought you, you banish some of the negative energy afflicting the planet and push away the chaotic energy with the pure innocent joy you've cleaned and polished and reclaimed.

Sending a wind whisper to the psykers within the citadel, not being able to approach nor wanting to see how the shield of innocent joy you wrapped around yourself would interact with such a potent nexus of suffering, asking about the results of your disciples attempts to banish and exorcise the victims of possession kept within.

Their reply is curt, but excited.

Several patients had been lost, but none had been taken by the devils inhabiting them. Some had expired after the spirits fled, their mutated bodies unable to survive without their daemonic strengths, others had been burned out by the vengeful evil spirits as they were forced from their flesh, and some had merelys at up, and with their last moments of clarity requested to be granted one final mercy.

However, there had been successful exorcisms, and each of the trainees you'd sent had managed to save one soul.

And your triumphant laughter rung through the desolate world and into the warp. And for a moment was joined by dozens of other laughs. One of which felt oddly familiar. And the only answer giggling maid could give was that he was the laughing man, when you turned towards the part of yourself she embodied and was an "avatar" of.

What do you do after hearing of the success of your disciples, Lieren?

>Celebrate it, and demonstrate the insights of joy and blithe spirit you've attained, before taking them to Ulthwe

>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice of serving the nameless or being sent to live on anyworld within the Long-Jian empire in peace

>Make sure the daemons who bedeviled them and killed the others as they fled into the warp regret their meddling, by chasing them in the Empyrean

>Try and figure out how exactly Giggling Maid exists and what they are, as the both of you are aware that she is both a part of you but also isn't.

>Write in

Leman and Cegorach: "Who/what is this sassy lost child?"

>>6283470

>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice of serving the nameless or being sent to live on anyworld within the Long-Jian empire in peace

>Make sure the daemons who bedeviled them and killed the others as they fled into the warp regret their meddling, by chasing them in the Empyrean


I fucking love Cegorach being confused about the sassy lost child, and how he found her. Nurgle malding over Isha getting visitors from the humans and not be stopped is great.

>>6283469
Lmao, so now we have a fragment of ourself running around trolling people when we aren't paying attention.
>Servant of Tzeentch wonders where that fragile highly important ritual tool went, suspects treachery from his protege
>The Maid is banging it against a rock because it makes the rock turn funny colors

>>6283470
>Celebrate it, and demonstrate the insights of joy and blithe spirit you've attained, before taking them to Ulthwe
>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice of serving the nameless or being sent to live on anyworld within the Long-Jian empire in peace
At the very least we should deal with the prisoners ourselves, given that leaving it to Malcador could end very badly for them.
Also I can guess that trying to divine the nature of the Giggling Maid would meet with a lot of resistance on her part, in the vein of 'that's not the point!'.

>>6283470
>Celebrate it, and demonstrate the insights of joy and blithe spirit you've attained, before taking them to Ulthwe

I think it's a bad idea to offer the prisoners the chance to live in peace on our worlds. That's just asking for chaos shit. Even though they are free of the taint, they still carry the knowledge of the immaterium.
write-in:
>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice of serving the nameless or being sent to live in a sanctuary. Unfortunately, the knowledge they possess binds them like chains.

>>6283720
>I support

A sanctuary could do them good.

>>6283470
>Celebrate it, and demonstrate the insights of joy and blithe spirit you've attained, before taking them to Ulthwe

We just had this lesson and revelation. We should celebrate where we can. It will be a good lesson for the students as well.


>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice of serving the nameless or being sent to live on anyworld within the Long-Jian empire in peace

yeah, start the tradition here before people get the idea that they're expendable or can't rejoin society.

>>6283470
>>Try and figure out how exactly Giggling Maid exists and what they are, as the both of you are aware that she is both a part of you but also isn't.

>>6283470

>Celebrate it, and demonstrate the insights of joy and blithe spirit you've attained, before taking them to Ulthwe
>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice of serving the nameless or being sent to live on anyworld within the Long-Jian empire in peace
These two first, then this one
>Try and figure out how exactly Giggling Maid exists and what they are, as the both of you are aware that she is both a part of you but also isn't.

The first two fit well together, a small congratulatory post then a serious conversation.

Then we have to know what the Giggling Maid is because I'm 100% sure that both E, Malcador and Magnus will have a lot of questions about her when we meet them later.

>>6283970
Party not post

>>6283470
And i am back
>V: 7

>Celebrate it: 5

>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice: 6

>Make sure the daemons who bedeviled them: 1

>Try and figure out how exactly Giggling Maid exists and what they are: 2

>Write in: 0

>>6283470
>Celebrate it, and demonstrate the insights of joy and blithe spirit you've attained, before taking them to Ulthwe
>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice of serving the nameless or being sent to live on anyworld within the Long-Jian empire in peace
Joy and happiness huh how important it is

>>6283470
>Celebrate it, and demonstrate the insights of joy and blithe spirit you've attained, before taking them to Ulthwe
----

So it begins, our first Daemon. Just like the chaos gots an aspect of ourselves thats still apart of us but seprate, a finger to our palm...all the same hand but different. So if Mania; the Joy that overwhelms all caution

>>6284873
nice gif !

>>6283470
>Celebrate it, and demonstrate the insights of joy and blithe spirit you've attained, before taking them to Ulthwe
>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice of serving the nameless or being sent to live on anyworld within the Long-Jian empire in peace

>>6283987
>V: 10

>Celebrate it: 8

>Sit down with the saved prisoners and give them a choice: 8

>Make sure the daemons who bedeviled them: 1

>Try and figure out how exactly Giggling Maid exists and what they are: 2

>Write in: 0

>>6284873
I think you're misunderstanding it. The Giggling Maid represents innocent joy, unfettered by hatred, prejudice, cynicism, or suffering. She is a reminder that while bad things do happen they don't have to rob you of happiness and optimism.
Naturally, a measure of moderation is necessary, but that's hardly news to a Journeyman.

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the wait.

>>6284931
Thanks XD, though you did miss a write in that got two votes that switched "Anywhere in Long-Jia" to "Sent to live in a sanctuary"

Result is still the same in the end, and Lieren will Sit down with the saved prisoners, offer them a choice, then celebrate this triumph and demonstrate his newly attained insights/ abilities before heading to Ulthwe with Star Seeker, Grinning Abigail, Wrench-82, Rishi, Meng and the other exorcists in training

Writing now

>>6284873
Very strong cheeky brat energy, very nice

>>6285236
Yep

You give a command, and can only imagine how tense the atmosphere in the prison of the possessed becomes when they hear your order to bring those newly freed souls out into the desert to where you wait at a safe distance, admiring the changing hues of the red and orange horizon and melting ice in your hand to measure the time when the star above the scorched world refuses to descend down across that same ruddy sky. Were the hearts of the wardens and your disciples filled with concern and worry? Were they frightened on behalf of their charges? Or did they feel a momentary, guilty vindication believing that there worst fears had been confirmed?

The barely more than half a dozen unfortunates purified of their possession and released from their torments, are dressed in fresh silk. The sort that is worn for weddings or funerals of nobility, but undyed, leaving it up to personal interpretation and the judgement of your truth revealing eyes, what their fates would be. They are an eclectic and varied bunch, with no two of them sharing a homeland or background. They are thin, malnourished and covered in scabs and bruises, and with burns marking where minor mutations had been cut away and excised, some are missing digits, but all of their eyes are as dull as mud, with only the faintest light of hope and life returned to them now. They are young, they are old, they are men and they are women, but they all wear haunted expressions and walk with the gate of the condemned.|

And oddly, they do not wince, recoil or turn away when you meet their sorrowful eyes, no matter how long your gazes lock. One buy one, you have the newly unpossessed victims be walked up to you and sat down, and you examine them intently and intimately, exposing them to a current of unmitigated joy as you feel your hands down their weak limbs and gaze deeply into their hearts, minds and souls as delicately as you're able to

The first, a girl who has the traits of Bask Nobility, sits numbly as you run a thumb across her teeth, checking them for rot and disease. The second, an old shaman with a recently shaved head and ritualistic scarring across his body, lifts up his arms as you check the muscles beneath the flesh that had once been twisted into a mockery of chiropteran wings. The third, a soldier who fell into the sway of Kong Nue's musicians, peaceably offers his throat as you check his throat to measure the temperature and density of his blood that had previously been replaced with a thick, tar like substances under the ministrations of his unwanted passenger. The fourth, a dancer from New Varro whose movements inflicted suicidal thoughts once she'd been taken by the evil spirit, weakly dances before you, copying your motions and smiling as she is made radiant and jubilant again as hear ears ring with innocent laughter. And it continues like this, each of the former prisoners appearing healthy and normal except for the damages wrought to their body and mind.

Cont

>>6285604

And in fact, their force of will and spirit, have been wrought and refined through the tribulation they had faced. One by one, your disciples relax, relieved that their patient has passed your mysterious tests while their watchful and obedient wardens stand with laz rifles, waiting for the order to put down their charges should you find a singular flaw or crack in their souls or bodies. You find none, except for the trauma that is to be expected to be a prisoner in one's own body and used to satisfy the dark desires and wicked ambitions of Daemons. in fact, none of half dozen or so of them show any hesitation or fear of death as you examine them. And they seem immune to the piercing sensations that your intent gaze inflicts on others. Indeed, they have an unusual tolerance and natural resistance towards psykerist powers and Empyrean energies, could it perhaps be a positive result of the evil spirits twisting them to fit their needs?

"They are pure!" You declare after checking the spine of the last of the Cleansed, finding that their nerves reacted only to the stimulus of their body rather than any disembodied spirit. And in this dreary world steeped in suffering is once again brightened by the triumphant and celebrative cheers of your exorcists and the guards of the possessed alike, who embrace and cry as the former prisoners stare in confusion, as if they cannot believe that they've been saved and redeemed. So you explain to them how they'd been saved, and the choice ahead of them

If they would serve or be released back to society, under close watch and the stipulation they forget this period of suffering. You tell them, that the side effects of their possession makes them uniquely equipped to serve as Spirit hunters. And the moment you tell them this, their eyes steel and their expressions harden, and immediately any thoughts and considerations they had to return to normalcy, to believe all their suffering was just a prolonged nightmare, vanishes along with the pull and temptation of an ordinary life of comfort and security.

All Seven of the Cleansed agree to be conscripted and inducted to the nameless and taken from the bleak prison they had languished in. And before you transport them to one of the secret training grounds of the sect of Daemon hunters, you host a grand celebration for them, their exorcists, and the wardens who had watched and escorted them in their final moments of torment, a party and festival that is also intended as a demonstration of the new powers and techniques your new insights of joy and blithe spirit you've attained. It begins once the representative of the Void School, Malcadors man, arrives to confirm your findings and the purity of the cleansed.
Cont

>>6285605

"The sigillite will be pleased with your foresight to recruit these unfortunates" He tells you, pretending to sup at the glass of dragon spit liquor you slipped him as you'd winded down an energizing dance that renewed stamina, vitality and willpower all at once through the relaxing of worries and induction of hope renewed "Once they've received training, they will serve the Nameless well. But the agents you're training to wield "Hysh", require further evidence of not only their effectiveness"

"But also the safety of the cleansing white flame they used to purify these victims of circumstance, I am aware" You say with an irritated click of your tongue "as if it had not already proven that it is both safe and useful when wielded in the right hands"

"We must take every precaution, oh primarch" he answers dully, narrowing his eyes as Kanzeon leads several of her metallic drone bodies in combing the hair of the youngest of the Cleansed, the first you inspected, the girl from Bask who had been offered by her own fallen noble house as a vessel for a demon of Na Gou. Who'd been captured by Elazar himself, during a lightning raid on that putrid line's last bastion.

"They are not abominable intelligences" You soothe their worries before they can voice them "The emerald eyed radiance before you simply has too vast a soul to be contained with a single body"

"I am aware of her nature" He answers, over the lip of his glass of untouched spirits "I am still uncomfortable to see so much metal move in mimicry of human perfection"

"Perfection does not exist" You hum, swirling your own drink and imbuing it with a purifying draught of innocence with just a swirl of your finger drawing an arcane sigil

"You know what I mean, Primarch" They grumble, shaking their head "Still, I am certain Malcador will be pleased with this progress...You are heading into Xenos territory next, are you not?"

"Of course, I am not a dragon who lingers and makes their home in a singular stream, I prefer to wander the vast blue black skies" You laugh, slapping them on their back "And it is a family matter, no concern of yours"

"So long as the xenos retain their inexplicable loyalty and trust towards you" the representative answers "I shall not pry"

"Of course" You concur, smiling and relishing the scene of carefree cheer playing out before you

And as you Journey to Craftworld Ulthwe, what do you do, Lieren?

>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings

>Return the trainees who've grasped how to string their bows like late Kurnous once did, the ones who wish to return to their people rather than remain by your side

>Bring the Cleansed along for the Journey and train them personally in daemon hunting techniques + the night crane style


>Contact Magnus and have him join your talks with Eldrad Ulthran

>Write in

>>6285607
>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings

>Contact Magnus and have him join your talks with Eldrad Ulthran

>You hum, swirling your own drink and imbuing it with a purifying draught of innocence with just a swirl of your finger drawing an arcane sigil
"Magnus, I have the perfect addition to your alchemical concoctions. Childlike innocence."

>>6285607
>Contact Magnus and have him join your talks with Eldrad Ulthran
>Bring the Cleansed along for the Journey and train them personally in daemon hunting techniques + the night crane style

>>6285607
>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings

>Bring the Cleansed along for the Journey and train them personally in daemon hunting techniques + the night crane style

>Contact Magnus and have him join your talks with Eldrad Ulthran

>>6285607
>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings
Probably best they understand that phrases like 'filthy xeno' are frowned upon, and that an eldar reaching in their pocket is not a deadly threat to be immediately neutralized.
>Return the trainees who've grasped how to string their bows like late Kurnous once did, the ones who wish to return to their people rather than remain by your side
This is kind of a moral obligation, innit? Unless we're going to insist they string all the bows before they're allowed to leave.

>>6285607
>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings

>>6285911
>Support.

>>6285607
>>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings
>>Return the trainees who've grasped how to string their bows like late Kurnous once did, the ones who wish to return to their people rather than remain by your side
>Contact Magnus and have him join your talks with Eldrad Ulthran

>>6285911
>>6285607
Just these two keep it simple and don't spread too far. Teach manners and return students

>>6285607

>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings

>Return the trainees who've grasped how to string their bows like late Kurnous once did, the ones who wish to return to their people rather than remain by your side

>Bring the Cleansed along for the Journey and train them personally in daemon hunting techniques + the night crane style

>>6285607
>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings

>Return the trainees who've grasped how to string their bows like late Kurnous once did, the ones who wish to return to their people rather than remain by your side

>>6285607
>>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings
>>Return the trainees who've grasped how to string their bows like late Kurnous once did, the ones who wish to return to their people rather than remain by your side


If any of the eldar want to leave, this is a good opportunity. They aren't prisoners and they'll act as witnesses to lieren's character as they teach others.

The white flame sages are definitely going to need etiquette training. Not every aeldari is friendly and they'll use mishaps as ammunition against them and us.

Leave the new spirit hunters on the base. As they aren't psykers I'm unsure of the crane styles effectiveness as it effectively the hyuuga gentle fist with psychic energy. Not to mention that splitting his attention three ways and then among a group of trainees is not the best teaching environment.

>>6285607
>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings
>Return the trainees who've grasped how to string their bows like late Kurnous once did, the ones who wish to return to their people rather than remain by your side
Spreading to much is bad anyway and greedy

>>6286304
>>6286060
What is being spread thin here?>>6286274
Night crane is qi blocking. Any living thing with warp energy is vulnerable and people that get exorcised of daemons operate on special rules.

>>6286414
Read above my guy

>>6285607
>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette, behavior, mannerisms and peculiarities, to prevent any potentially deadly misunderstandings

>Return the trainees who've grasped how to string their bows like late Kurnous once did, the ones who wish to return to their people rather than remain by your side

>>6286414
sure, any living being with warp energy is vulnerable...

but as it involves manipulating warp energy to mess up your opponent, it might not be usable by notmal non psychic people.

>V: 12

>Instruct the Exorcists in training on Aeldari etiquette: 11

>Return the trainees who've grasped how to string their bows: 8

>Bring the Cleansed along for the Journey: 3

>Contact Magnus and have him join your talks with Eldrad Ulthran: 4

>Write in: 0

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the real long wait, underestimated the summer heat and got broiled outside

>>6287630
Thanks XD

So, Lieren will give the white flame exorcists some lessons on Aeldari Etiquette and escort the Aeldari who wish to return to Ulthwe and spread the teachings of Kurnous after grasping how to String Their Bows like The great hunter spirit once did

writing now

Once the celebration has come to a close and the Cleansed are entrusted to experienced and diligent mentors and teachers, separated across the hidden castles and dojos controlled by the Nameless, you gallivant over to the enclaves of the Journeymen Aeldari, where your alien disciples who have been granted the supreme privileged and honor of being taught How Kurnous Strung His Bow practice and train together away from distractions and from human civilization, by the request of several of your students who still find within themselves enough arrogance to look down their nose and dub humanity as base born beast despite living amongst those kin who had forsaken their egos and decided to walk alongside them in a journey without end.

However, a number of those haughty disciples, who used to sneer and spit Monkeigh like venom at any human besides yourself, have tempered their pride and found peace and contentment within the Journey, and request that you instead deliver a message to their closest and dearest explaining their decision to forsake their prior path to walk the road of the Journey men. Carys is quite thrilled to present these converts to you, whose humility is as obvious to you as the taper of their ears and longness of their limbs. But she does not shame those who retained their pride and arrogance, and you do not scold them for remaining as they were when you first taught them. For you know that for them to tip their chins earthwards and thank you earnestly for teaching them the way Kurnous of the hunt once strung his bow, that some of their rough edges had been sanded and smoothed and, you at least, they look to as, if not a respected teacher, than at least an equal and a individual worthy of respect and trust.

Kanzeon, as always, has some rather choice words and insults to level at the haughtiest amongst them and none of their number is fool enough to get into a contest of tongue lashing with your lovely wife, who insists that those Aeldari who refuse to acknowledge the worthiness of mankind to trek to Ulthwe on foot, rather than in the comfort of her decks and chambers. Which is a mandate you cannot veto easily, but the Aeldari accept as if the long walk will prove their superiority. Which is a belief more than one of them truly holds in the depths of their heart.

However, you do not leave them alone, despite Kanzeon's needling to just ignore them and show them the same disdain they've shown your fellow man. And though they complain and grit their teeth, they are willing to repay you for your lessons, by assisting you in teach the White Flame Exorcists the finer details of Aeldari etiquette. While you could have given them a crash course on their body language, mannerisms, and unspoken manners and taboo, the harshest critics are often the best teachers and it is easy to get an proud craftworlder to lecture and instruct rigorously a "monkeigh" who approaches them humbly on their knees
Cont

>>6288147

Haughty thought they may be, their pride is as easily manipulated as the strings of a puppet and with you present as a secondary teacher, the First generation of Hysh wielding Demon hunters quickly learn enough of UIthweian etiquette and Aeldari language to be able to hold a respectful conversation with one and thus prevent any potentially dangerous misunderstandings.

And, to your utter astonishment, one of the most proud of these princes and princesses, actually sits down the exorcists and tries to show them, as you taught them, How Kurnous Strings His Bow, in private, away from the prying eyes of their companions and fellow craftworlders. You do not intrude or lend your own wisdoms to the effort, nor do you reveal their kindly act to the others. She has come far since you first met her and challenged her to sit down and try to string a bow that existed only in her heart.

Rhanne-Shean the banshee of Ulthwe, may not have noticed it herself, but her heart has softened somewhat in the travels she has had with you. She may not have embraced the Journey, as some of the others had, and her temper remains as red as the fierce coloration of her hair, but her world view has changed and her eyes have grown kinder. Why, she even finally gave you her name, after stubbornly refusing to do so for so long.

You can't help but feel a bit proud of her. She had difficulty learning how to string her bow like Kurnous once did, but now that she's grasped it, she is trying to spread and preserve the method without restricting it to hands of only her fellow Aeldari. And even if she reasons that it was because daemon hunters should be taught such a lethally effective technique, that thought you covertly glimpse within her barbed heart.

There are some close calls with trigger happy corsairs and Craftworlders with more prejudice than sense, but your good relationship with the Aeldari diffuse these conflicts before they can fully bloom, by explaining the strange monkeigh are your students and part of a presentation that Eldrad had requested of you. And your disciples help to soothe their pique, but you cannot give them nor take full credit, as this trip Kanzeon is accompanying you and there are few things besides craftworlds than can rival your beloved's level of firepower and threat.

And fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, none of the dark natured Aeldari dare to approach your group as you seek Ulthwe. Which is a shame, you were curious to see how they handled exposure to the endless fount of innocence and joy now sheltered within your spirit.
Cont

>>6288148

And what is the first thing you when you reach Ulthwe, Lieren?

>Watch Kanzeon have fun insulting farseers who can't harm her in any meaningful way

>escort the white flame exorcists and introduce them to Eldrad, and demonstrate the power of Hysh

>Introduce your disciples to Aeldari Cuisine and pass times, enjoying their curiosity and wonderment

>Ask Eldrad to tell you of your brother first, in exchange for restraining your wife and stopping her tongue from being too sharp

>Write in

>>6288150
>Write in
The last visits are often a bit chaotic and thus this time we should try to be polite and appropriate, return the Aldari acting as our front runners and arrive in cordial style as elegant and serine as all Long-jai try to be but be aeldari style polite. Upon our arrival introduce ourselves and our students before entering so there are no shocks. Then...

>Ask Eldrad to tell you of your brother first, in exchange for restraining your wife and stopping her tongue from being too sharp
By sending the students ahead we'd have them on the social backfoot, we gave first. Now you then us again after.

>>6288150
support >>6288154

Never be predictable.

>>6288154
Support

>>6288150
Backing this sure.

>>6288154

>>6288154
Supporting.
It is now time for Lieren to flout Aeldari expectations by not flouting their expectations. Bonus points if an eldar tries to figure out what we're surely up to.

>>6288150
>Support: >>6288154

>>6288154
>>6288150
Support this vote!

Calling the vote now.Sorry for the really long wait, got struck by writer's block

Arrive in cordial style and introduce yourself and your students: 7

Ask Eldrad to tell you of your brother first, in exchange for restraining your wife and stopping her tongue from being too sharp:7

No reason to put a total vote count, since there is a total consensus this time

Lieren will arrive in elegant style and introduce his students, and then ask about his brother before any other buisness

writing now

The Giant Monkeigh was once again admitted entrance to the craftworld Ulthwe, by command of the farseer council and via invitation from the great Eldrad Ulthran. Loremaster Tenmon had not personally bore witness to the unusual specimen, but he, along with the other followers of the path of the chroniclers, knew what good he had done the Aeldari. Though Tenmon believed he overstepped his bounds, asking for assistance in return, he could not denying that the creature had been beneficial to their species in more than one way. Though some had wounded egos, that it would be a primitive to be entrusted with the teachings of their spiritual sire, Tenmon was not so vainglorious nor weak to hubris. The Monkeigh spread the teachings, proving that it was a test of sorts, just as the farseer council had tested him upon his first appearance, though he had proven reliable for his return of spirit stones to another craftworld, Kher-Ys he believed. And then there was his slaying of that corrupted child of Isha and Kurnous. In just a short span of time, this, Lieren, had proven themselves a friend of their kind. Even if some misguided youths and world weary elders had been misguided and drawn into his curious belief system

Today again, Tenmon would record their arrival and the lessons learned by those who had left to be taught by him, and had not been seduced by his belief system and then what great prize the farseers had made mention of when informing him of the Monkeighs visit. They were the first to arrive, the privileged few entrusted with Kurnous' power and wisdom as a hunter, whom some believed may go one to form the beginnings of a new, elite breed of warrior. One that, some hopeful chroniclers, whispered may come to rival the legendary aspect warriors. Tenmon had doubts himself, for those kin who spent too long in the company of the Giant Monkeigh, had a habit of finding themselves drawn to the rogue path of the "Journeyman". Tenmon had seen it happen to close acquaintances and one of Eldrad's own apprentices had been the founder of the abnormal path.

The loremaster frowned, as he counted which children of Ulthwe had remembered their loyalties and place in the galaxy, and which had deigned to return and chosen to live amongst the primitive society that Lieren had arisen from. Just as he expected, more of their number had been lost to the Journey. But, those who had remained, were of good stock and noteworthy skill, and would greatly benefit the craftworld.

Curiously, the Giant did not make his appearance with the warriors he had escorted back to their proper place, they greeted their family and their fellows and demonstrated the lethal skill the golden eyed one had passed onto them, and were welcomed with open arms back to Ulthwe, their home. And still, Lieren did not appear.

Usually his entrances were rather more bombastic, according to those who had witnessed his arrivals directly before.
Cont

>>6290755

Then, a string instrument began to be played, followed by a percussive choir and then an accompanying wind instrument. A pleasingly somber and non disruptive melody played, as at last, the Monkeigh made his apperance. And Tenmon instantly recognized how he had tempted so many of his kin and why he was all but invited into Ulthwe. He moved with the grace and elegance of an Aeldari, and the music, which the loremaster guessed was of his native planet, was pleasing and soothing. And he was followed by Monkeigh of a more standard size, who moved with similar poise and dignity to their giant counterpart, as they cordially made their entrance, in a manner of respectful dignities. Some might scowl to see them acting in the manner as envoys from another Craftworld, but Tenmon understood they were simply being polite by adhearing to expected ettiquette.

All except for one. The Ancient Amalgam of Monkeigh souls. He had heard of it only in passing. A being called Kanzeon, whose presence was uncomfortably similar to other existences brought about by the merger of souls. But, while such beings usually looked towards Aeldari with unconcealed avarice or hunger, this one glared down at them with barely disguised contempt and scorn, as the puppet of flesh given a spark of life via implanted arcane mechanisms, clung and hung on the arm of Lieren, as if they were a mated pair of Gyrinx, entwining their tails.

He'd been told Lieren had tied themselves to this Kanzeon via a ceremonial bonding ritual the Monkeigh called Marriage, a ceremony Eldrad had taken part in personally. Tenmon could not understand how even a race as psionically dim as a Monkeigh could at all be at ease with such an...aberration, but catching a glimpse of the Amalgam's true vessel, he wisely kept his opinions sealed and guarded in his mind. Her presence was like a great shadow, a crushing weight or a vast sea.

Shaking himself from his revulsion of the mate of Lieren, Tenmon recorded the words the Monkeigh spoke, introducing first himself, and then the gaggle of lessers he'd brought as his disciples, a eclectic band of Monkeigh, mostly dressed in dissimilar fashion to his own, some more barbaric than their peers, and one that was attached to crude cybernetics. Tenmon listed them in order of importance, based on their apparent aptitude as psykers.

Starseeker, Wrench-82, Grinning Abigail, Rishi, Meng, Lanying, and Sam Stormrider. Tenmon briefly wondered about the meanings of their names, before thinking better and listening as Lieren explained why he had come. A source of power he'd found, that showed potential as a weapon against Chaos and the denizens of Sha'iel, but did not explain more to the farseers chosen to welcome him and his disciples to Ulwthe.
Cont

>>6290756

Tenmon was curious, but, chose to wait until this visit had born fruit and Eldrad explained what it was that Lieren had gifted to the Aeldari and how it benefited their survival to pry and seek answers, instead he made note of how each of the disciples showed remarkable knowledge and adherence to Aeldari customs and etiquette, and how impressive of a specimen Lieren was to witness personally. The warp around him almost seemed to revert to a more peaceable state, even though the boundary was thinned by a mark left upon his brow that radiated with chaotic influence and there was an almost refreshing innocent sense of joy that whispered through the air surrounding him...
_

"I'd hear what you know of my second imperiled brother, firstly, Farseer Eldrad" You calmly tell the great Eldrad Ulthran as He, Kanzeon and you sit to enjoy some tea you'd brought as a gift, as Kanzeon inspects a fruit salad she'd been offered suspiciously "Before any other business or discussion"

Eldrad shut his eyes for a long moment, and sipped at his tea

"A delightfully quaint beverage, refreshingly herbal" He complimented, before setting down the cup "And, I do not fault you for you impatience, but I am regretful to tell you that this matter will not be as simple as the intervention we staged for Angron"

"And the reason?" You ask respectfully, as Kanzeon looks disdainfully at the murals and frescos showing the ancient history of the Aeldari people around her. Eldrad eyes the brand on your brow, "Ah, I see. Our enemy is seeking to obstruct our reunion"

"I will not mention the destiny or fates we witness for this brother, only that Chaos will not be so...indolent as they were upon Nuceria" he says warily "We believe, if you are lead to the world of your brother, if you meet him earlier than when he is brought up to your father's galactic conquest as a general, there will be consequences"

"We've bested these parasites before" Kanzeon said, not disrespectfully, but with a sharp tone "Even when they've joined forces"

"We have reason to believe our mutual eternal adversaries are working closer to ensure that this brother is not saved as Angron was" He says calmly, though his expression is one of frustration "I simply advise caution, I will uphold the bargain we made, but I must ask. Is your brother's well being worth all the lives of a planet"

The meaning of that question was abundantly clear, you knew how petty tyrants were. If they could exert enough influence upon the material plane, through some dark rite or another, they would happily threaten and destroy entire worlds out of pique or for amusements own sake. They did not have such power to wield over the material universe, presently, individually. And the mark upon your brow, thinned the barrier that kept them from exerting their powers upon the mortal realm...
Cont

>>6290757

What do you tell Eldrad, about his concerns, Lieren

>"Then I shall simply have to kill their agents, massacre them to the man, and cut off what influence they have, as swiftly as the hawk snatches the hare"

>"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"

>"This damned brand! I cannot risk the lives of so many in favor of one. It is a childish delusion to believe I could save him without...Ah, I see" Laugh and tell Eldrad about Giggling Maid and how she might provide a solution

>"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?"

>Write in

>>6290759
>Write in
Take a moment to sip our tea and truly consider the options ahead.

"The Great Enemy enemy circle my brother was vultures circle a man in his final moments. In respect for the kindness and true friendship we hold I will listen to this future you speak of, the path he was you belive doomed to walk. Though I hazzard a guess by your words."

Fold our arms into our sleeves as the scholars are want to do

"The Discordant ones will make use of the conflicts upon hsi world to direct him and through agents poison his ear to turn him against his would be rescuers...worse still you speak of a world. You belive should I enter that place I will condem it in totality?"

Let the moment hang

"I want to save my brother, Fate is the Salve of Fools as I have always said. So ill ask you face to face ym friend... What is it you saw."

[We must not send the Giggling maid, the Laughing God warned her and us when they met to not linger alone in their haunts, too young, to soon. We need infomation on what they saw while we may change the outcome we can see some of the pieces that may be in play]

>>6290759
>"no, But I have other brothers."

Oooooh Magnus! We have an extradimensional reunion to plan!

>>6290759
>>"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"
Ideally Magnus (maybe accompanied by Angron?)

>>6290759
>"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?"
And >support: >>6290767

>>6290759
>>"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"

>>6290757
>"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"

...magnus. He is more prepared for the threat chaos presents and is already familiar with the webway.

Though, there is always more to learn, so I don't imagine he'll turn down a trip through it.

>"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?"

another tool for the eldar and magnus against chaos. A chance to inform magnus of the giggling maid when we speak to him and reason to go to lorgars aid if brotherhood wasn't enough.

The giggling maid in particular may have qualities that would aid in healing lorgars heart if magnus can draw on that quality. Alternatively, she'd be safer with magnus' supervision if he needs to call on her as opposed to deploying her alone.

>>6290759
>"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"
>"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?"
Angron would make a lot of sense, but I'm leaning towards Magnus. I imagine he would be quite the natural at wielding Hysh, which he will need.
Hopefully throwing either of them into chaos turf will go well. With any luck, Tzeentch/Khorne will try recruiting them and the other gods will try to prevent that, making them go right back to squabbling instead of providing a united front as they would against Lieren. Something like that at least.

>>6290759
>"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"
>"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?"
The mistake is trying to beat Chaos while playing by its rules. If the game is unwinnable you change the game that's being played.

>>6290862
>With any luck, Tzeentch/Khorne will try recruiting them and the other gods will try to prevent that, making them go right back to squabbling instead of providing a united front as they would against Lieren.
Like chumming the water to bring the gods own vices back to the fore. They are literally embodiments of their own twisted ideals, they can't set them aside for long if they encounter something that would compel their wicked nature.

>>6290759
>"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"
>"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?"
This chaos really need though lesson

https://youtu.be/u9WsZoceais?list=RDu9WsZoceais

Two figures of legend loomed over a kneeling figure, Brother Askandar of the Chimera Legion and it's acting Lord Commander the legion refusing to accept a Legion Master until their Father be returned to them. The man had a sterling record and was a worthy appointee for the post, a man whom had served alongside several of the Legions sects and acted as a unifying force atleast between a few... the best hope to hold them together before Lieren is reunited with them.

Yet they were not simply looking at him, they saw beyond the sight of mortal men, past the veil of dreality and into the realm of divinities. While the Lord Commander knelt in submission to his masters this room was host to more than these three, 'others' lingered and while wary of the
Master of Mankind and his Sigillite they held their gaze.

An owl of ice and duty stood haunched over the Astartes, frosty wings forming a canopy over the figure as the world of spirits slowly rotated around him, spectral frost daring to grasp at the edges of his armour and panoply. Its feathers were razors it's eyes were solemn fury of the damned yet it was not the worst figure in the room.

No their thirds eyes followed another.

A figure in plain robes splattered with blood, smelling of fresh blossoms, copper and mania. A skipping maiden prancing around the figure in celebration for his promotion. In some moments she was human with flowing hair, in others her ears were longer and she bore small horns with blossoms in her hair, some moments her face was nought but a smiling maw of teeth.

But when she saw the marshals of humanities destiny look upon her she smiled, she laughed before bringing a finger to her full lips.

“ssshhhhhh”

They both knew no matter whom ruled, no matter where the Second Legion went, they would be followed.

>>6290759
>>"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"
>>"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?"

>>6290759
>"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"
>"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?"

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the really long wait, got hit with writer's block again. Almost put it off for another day, truth be told, cause I got a bad stomach ache from some carrots I'd been munching on while trying to unclog the creative flow. But it was nothing some boiling hot oolong couldn't fix

"The Great Enemy enemy circle my brother was vultures circle a man in his final moments....etc": 2

"No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well": 9

"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?": 7

total votes:11

Alright, so a combo of "No. But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes. I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well" and "If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?" is the answer Lieren will give Eldrad/ Not so Big E

Writing now

>>6291285
First off, excellent ambience choice. Really fit the mood/ atmosphere of the writing here, which was excellent. Especially how you described giggling maid from Big E and Malcador's point of point of view, very spooky and excellent, very yokai-ish imo

"No." You answer without hesitation or doubt, all lives are equal and only the greatest of fools would sell a planet for a single man's life, however that was not the extent of your answer and Eldrad and Kanzeon both could tell that, the former looking upon you with sadness in the deep wells of wisdom in his eyes, while the latter gently stroked your hair, seeking to draw you to comfort as you fought to subdued your desires and passions, to wrought them into a rational and possible path.

"But, I do not need to be the one who intervenes." You continue, smirking as Kanzeon drags her fingers through and out of your wrought iron hair, chuckling while you sip at the steaming cup of tea in your hand, that you lift above your chin as you declare with true confidence and unwavering belief "I have other brothers, I am sure they'd be enraged to hear of his mistreatment as well"

"That would merely shuffle the danger faced off onto your kin" Eldrad states, swirling and staring at the froth bubbling in the froth of his tea as if trying to use it to divine the future "Though, admittedly they do not bare the mark of a questing beast upon their brow, nor have so offended the great powers of the warp as you yourself have, though I do not believe they are as...equipped or adept to confront their thralls and machinations"

"They can handle it, I'd believe they could, even if my scholar wasn't the one to the suggest it. He just makes me more confident that they can do it, you know how good he is at reading people" Kanzeon says, chuckle dying on her words as her eyes sharpened "They were literally built to fight battles of a scale beyond most imagining, a galaxy spanning crusade"

"And while they've given up on subverting our mutual relation, Lady Kanzeon" Eldrad says "They still seek the allegiance of his brothers"

"Magnus knows the threats of the Warp, even if our father is yet unaware of his knowledge. Angron, is still in the dark, but he'd not easily give into the temptations of those curs" You answer, holding up a hand flat in the air as you spoke and began to flick your wrist for emphasis "And we are acting as if they are certain to confront the full strength of the most contemptible of enemies and threats or if they will interfere directly at all"

"Love, you don't believe that they won't. They won't have as easy a time influencing real space, without that scar on your head" Kanzeon says softly, poking the brand on your brow gently "But even before you bore that mark, they tried to make your life a living hell in any way they could"

"I know" You say quietly, as Eldrad nods

"We know there will be some play made by the dark gods" He said "Without the thinning of the veil, their ability to influence the Materium will be weakened, but the power of collective faith, will give them enough of a foothold to reach through and interact with the mortal world, having faintly and fleeting"

Cont

>>6293739

"If we're to believe chaos would interfere, no matter how we approach these troubles, then it is of great providence that we have uncovered a weapon to wield against them, no?" You suggest, swirling your own cup of recently refilled cup of steaming tea to cool it enough to comfortable sip from it "I've already come here to guide you to Hysh's white light. Magnus and Angron both, could learn to wield"

"And what of Perturabo?" Eldrad asked

"I am uncertain of his level of psykerist ability, if I'm to be honest. I trust he'd be a quick learner, but he's always struck me as a more...material sort" You explain with a smile "Though there are some signs he does share the gift, however, most importantly. I would not take him from his work on Olympia! He's has finally found his season to bloom and show all that dreary world his bright and vivid colors, hiding behind the dullness of iron, now polished to a mirror like sheen. I'd hate to interrupt his spring, Angron and Magnus I feel, one or both, could use a holiday of sorts and they would not come back to find all their works soiled and smashed by the jealous few"

"Ah" Is all eldrad has to say in response

"Though, I know Perty would jump at the chance" You say with a grin as Kanzeon licks the syrup sticking to the delicate utensil and winces

"Too sour" She says with a shake of her head "And, I'd suggest if we are pushing the responsibility onto one of your brothers, it should be Magnus, rather than Angron. We've both met them, Ulthran, so you know why I'm suggesting one of the other"

"Magnus is power" Eldrad agrees and you nod along

"I will forever be his second in psykerist ability and strength" You admit with a laugh "And he's grown quite the potent supply of resentment against the worst enemy. And, of all my brothers I've clasped arms with, his world is the most stable"

"Tch, Angron is trying to make anarchy work on Nuceria, Perturabo is in the process of putting a boot heel to his planet's squabbling fiefs, and Magnus created utopia simply through his guidance and force of will" Kanzeon remarks, as she tried to find an alien fruit that pleased her palate in the salad Eldrad had offered to both of you "If anything, Magnus will probably come back to find his society has improved in his absence, considering how well he's lead them up to now"

"Which makes me wonder, why you, of all your brothers, refused the crown. From what I've witnessed, the rest of your wayward kin have found thrones of their own or been offered them outright, while you went out of your way to ensure you would not be seated upon one and placed beneath the weight of a heavy crown" Eldrad muses and you laugh

"Eldrad, friend. You already know the answer to that. All I aspire to is the betterment of the world. Ambition is such a stifling frivolity, when there is work to be done to aid others and cultivate prosperity" You tell him as you lift up your cup of tea towards the heavens
Cont

>>6293740

"Now, shall I introduce you to Hysh?" You ask, as you set down your cup of tea and conjure a white flame within the palm of your hand and make it flicker and dance, casting interesting shadows with its pure radiance. And you've never seen such a look of wonder of awe and wonder upon Eldrad's ancient face ever before. Kanzeon is less impressed, but still admires the bright white light as it swirls around the center of your palm like a breeze captured and bottled, though it is free to fly away whenever it deems fit to.

And how do you demonstrate the power of Hysh, Lieren?

>By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light

>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of

>With a live combat demonstration, turning the brand upon your brow into a lure...in the webway and away from the craftworld itself

>Simply allow the white wind to flow from your hands, and spread itself through the "Skies", to become as a aurora

>Write in

Oh boy we’re granting Eldar full resistance to She who thirst with this they won’t be claimed by her

>>6293741
>With a live combat demonstration, turning the brand upon your brow into a lure...in the webway and away from the craftworld itself

>>6293741
>By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light

>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of

>>6293742
Why would it?

>By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light

>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of

>>6293741
>By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light
>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of

>>6293742
I, uh, think they're going to have to work their way up to that level, if it's even attainable at all.

>>6293740

>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of
>With a live combat demonstration, turning the brand upon your brow into a lure...in the webway and away from the craftworld itself

>>6293740
>"And what of Perturabo?" Eldrad asked
>"[He has autism]" You explain with a smile
>"Ah" Is all eldrad has to say in response

>>6293741
>By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light

>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of

Man Eldrad's life has been nothing but Ups since he's decided to roll with Lieren

>>6293741
>By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light
>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of

>>6293867
>Man Eldrad's life has been nothing but Ups since he's decided to roll with Lieren
He's probably still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

>>6293741
>By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light
>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of
A combination of these two

>>6293741
>By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light

>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of

>>6293867
I mean eldar journeymen are a social revolutionary concept that is shaking things around already, plus definetly more fighting against dark eldar with journeymen around spreading their word (see Amatheon talking around)...

>>6293876
>He's probably still waiting for the other shoe to drop
>Lieren and Eldrad learn the hard way that using Hysh causes Aeldari to melt

>>6293741
>By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light
>By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of

>>6293728
If writer's block is getting to be bothersome, maybe you could spend a week or two writing vignettes about other stuff that's going on in the setting, stuff that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Lieren or quest progression, just fluff about whatever you like.

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the real long wait, wasn't feeling well physically. Nausea and headaches for a few days

With a live combat demonstration, turning the brand upon your brow into a lure...in the webway and away from the craftworld itself:2

By telling Eldrad of your disciples the successful exorcism and banishments they performed with its light:8

By inviting Eldrad to try to wield it himself and explaining exactly what you've seen the white wind is capable of:9

Total votes: 10

Alright, so lieren will tell Eldrad about the successful banishments and also invite him to attempt to wield hysh himself and explaining its powers

Writing now

>>6293835
lmao

>>6296176
That could work...Been toying with a dynasty/ inheritance quest, simply cause I listened to a song that got that idea burning in my mind. But I don't think the on and off agains writer's block is too big of an issue, atm

"Hysh" Eldrad repeats, with intonation and timbre as if he was referring to a revered holy relic or a sanctified portion of gospel "The white, purifying wind. Yes, I am as prepared as I could possibly be to bear witness to the flame that both cleanse and mends, that you"

He pauses and glances to Kanzeon, who waves him off

"Trust me, I know that my husband dived headlong into peril in pursuit of that source of power" She brush asides "I am still deciding exactly how to respond to his ceaseless reckless behavior, beyond scolding and reminding him of my worry"

You wilt back, smiling weakly as you keep the hand holding a kindling of Hysh aloft

"Yes, but I was not alone in that endeavor, so it was less dangerous than some of my other wanderings, love" You defend yourself, before sighing "And then, I shall begin by informing you, that by utilizing Hysh's light and channeling it properly, using it through pyskerist technique, arcane glyphs and arrays and other more esoteric measures, those disciples who are now being shown the utmost hospitality by your own junior farseers, were capable of and successful in exorcising and banishing several victims of daemonic possession, after a meager amount of training and practice"

"Impressive. Non fatal exorcisms are not unknown, but are certainly not common. And for them to achieve such results, after "Meager" training, speaks of Hysh's effectiveness as a ward against chaos" Eldrad reflects, tenting his hands and smiling "And, from your wording"

"Yes, all of the pups he's brought along for the trip saved a life and a soul" Kanzeon interrupts, as she gazes out at the farmlands and hydroponics of the craftworld "And banished the parasites infesting those they could not save, without suffering any casualties amongst themselves"

"Most impressive, though I imagine that the quality of their teacher and the profoundness of their lessons, can receive the majority of the credit" He compliments, and before you can humbly argue it was their own talent, Kanzeon titters and shakes her head

"But try to get him to admit it" She snickers "It was a combination of Lieren's expertise as a mentor and their own innate ability"

"Of course" You admit with a slight pout, nodding along "But, simply telling you of their success, will do little to make you acquainted with Hysh and it light that brings clarity and reveals that which is foul, I will of course, allow them to explain in detail the steps they went through in rescuing the victims of possession, personally and in private if they or you desire it to be so, but more pressingly"

"How to wield Hysh, that is what you're getting at, that you will instruct me in how to harness this awesome power so recently returned to the world and allowed to roam freely through the sea of souls"

"A physician may not treat a patient without first seeing to them, a forge must be inspected before it is lit, and without light one cannot read" You muse, paraphrasing some poetry you read recently

>>6296183

And then, you gather the energies of hysh in your hand, swirling them in the palm and nurturing them and allowing them to grow into a sphere of colorless radian, glowing white as a morning star as you control and shape it between both of your hands

"I am reminded of the ancient artform of polishing mud balls, a distraction I believe humanity once practiced, for medative purpose and too amuse children" Eldrad remarks, though his tone is one of utmost respect as he watches you temper hysh into a crystal like sphere within your hand and with a fair amount of [Paradox Creation] application

"Of course, we will start with the foundational, a single simple expression of the white wind" You explain as you roll the now solid, glass like sphere around in your palm "Yes, you will first wield Hysh in its aspect of..."

Which aspect do you guide Eldrad in wielding first, Lieren?

>Illumination

>Exorcism/ Banishment.

>Healing

>Cleansing/ Purification

>Write in

>>6296184
>Cleansing/Purification

Honestly Exorcism is kinda a moot point for the eldar.
If you got possessed, you're already fucked.

>>6296184
>Cleansing/ Purification
Hygiene is important yo, take away that purple stuff

>>6296184
>>Healing

>>6296184

>Cleansing/ Purification

>>6296184
>Cleansing/ Purification

>>6296184
>>Cleansing/ Purification

>>6296184
>>Cleansing/ Purification

>>6296184
>Cleansing/ Purification

>>6296183
>>Illumination
farseers be all over that shit. non-divination stuff is niche for someone who specializes in divination. which gets fucked over by chaos interfering with fate.

>>6296184
changing my vote to
>Illumination
>>6297112 convinced me.

>>6296184
>Illumination

>The Lair Dogma
“A Panther guards it's home in the mist emerging to hunt, seek them out either in their lair where you will die forgotten in the pale fog or be the prey they leave it too hunt”- Unknown

The Second Legion are famed for holding ground, never yielding. This paired with their Primarch's preferred method of tactical strikes has led tot he formation of the 'Lair Dogma'. The Dogma is a simple method of warfare yet highly effective and efficient though some may consider it unorthodox or dishonourable. In poetic terms some compare it to a Fog Panther expanding it's territory as it goes something like this....

>Phase one [Strike]
The Legion's raid teams strike enemy strongholds or key asset points in decapitation strikes to claim key territories, VIPs or assets.

>Phase Two [Hold]
Now that a site or several are secure allied units rapidly deploy within this foothold a metaphoric claw sinking deep into a wound latching on to never let go. The Legion secures these areas and hold them with their characteristic traits.

>Phase Three [Rend]
Now the Legion are embedded these sites serve as launch pads for further “Strikes” in effect the embedded claws now peeling open their foes from Strike teams hitting targets further down the chain making use of their held positions to reinforce where needed and provide cover if desired.

“I have witnessed there way, you will get no glorious march over open ground no meeting enemy guns or blades upon the field. You will have your throat slit, hold occupied and from your own throne commands will be given to take the homes of your vassels. If you wish to face then you will have to march upon their domain where you will meet them dug in and waiting”- Unknown

----
Proposed way of war for the Second legion making use of what they've been shown and their traits so far.

“Those lucky few whom meet them on the field will nto face a marching army but rather a mobile strike force of heavy infantry whom will crack your defences like a spear does hide, opening the way for those whom are less obvious~”- Unknown

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the long wait.

Cleansing/ Purification: 6

Healing:1

Illumination: 3

So, Lieren will start Eldrad off with Hysh's Cleansing/ Purifying properties

Writing now


total votes: 10

>>6298192

Oh I really, really liked this lore/ strategy tidbit. Feels exactly like something Lieren will do, and I might just steal it like I've done with a few things before. I can very vividly picture the Lair Dogma playing out on tactical map, btw

And that second unknown quote feels like something another astartes or even primarch might say about the strategy

"Cleansing and purification, the use of which I've proven most apt and useful through the success of my exorcists in training" You explain as you continue to roll the crystalized hysh flame around your hand "The White Flame's power to burn away all that is terrible and foul, the property of its wind to blow away with even a gentle breeze the corruption and influence of chaos like only so much ash and dust"

"And I presume, you will leave me to discover its other uses or else return at a later date to instruct me on the other forms the white wind may take?" Eldrad asks and you simply laugh and toss him the ball of hysh made physical

"That all very much depends. I have no illusions that you require my guidance to discover all of Hysh and become acquainted and used to wielding it in all its aspects, but joint practice would be a delightful prospect, if we can both find enough reprieve in our lives of toil and duty to train together" You tell them as they catch the sphere and examining "Your first exercise, is to harness and draw the hysh I've trapped within that gem and to learn how to summon it from further afar, without polluting the energy with detritus like daemonic or chaotic Qi, though there is little danger of that considering Hysh's property of scouring such forces away from itself and out of its path"

"Interesting" Eldrad muses idly as he swirls the ball of hysh around in his palm, delicately and cautiously wrapping his long and thin fingers around the crystalline sphere as you watch him experiment, leaning and resting against Kanzeon as she gazes out on the fields and paddies of the Craftworld, her mind wandering freely as you enjoy your tea and Eldrad learns how to draw Hysh out from a stone.

You do not need to provide further instruction, as within a matter of minutes, he has drawn out the white flame, and released the wind to dance and sparkle around his fingers, swirling around and covering them like an ethereal glove

"I see, I see" He mutters, allowing the light to escape from his fingers as he nods along "Fortunately, we will not need to travel for me to learn how to use this flame to wash away the influence of chaos, come, walk with me, I will have my instruction as we walk to the materials I will use as practice'

"Of course' You say as you stand and move to help your wife up, but she waves off your assistance

"I think I'll stay and admire the view for awhile" She tells you, turning back to face the agriculture of Ulthwe, not so much as admiring it as studying it "And finish off the tea the two of you are leaving behind"

"Well then, enjoy the view and the tea, my most treasured gem" You tell her sweetly, leaning down to instead kiss the back of her hands, chuckling as her ears flush a brilliant shade of red "Let us away, Eldrad, and leave my wife to her view"

"Let us" Eldrad says, a wry smirk playing out on his lips as the two of you walk in step with eachother "I sense your curiosity of exactly the materials I refer to"

>>6298600

"It is a meager curiosity, I know you Aeldari handle that which is touched by discord with great care. I know it can not be the remains of that fallen spiritual relative of your species" You begin "But, I am also aware it cannot be a great well spring of corruption or a living source of it, hence, it must be artifacts, and while I know some of your history, I do not fool myself into believing I could assume the exact nature of the materials you speak of. Or their origin"

"You answer without answering, you'd have made a fine farseer" Eldrad remarks "But, as you suggest, they are artifacts from the sordid past of our people. Relics from the fall and of the decay that followed after it. What you humans might call, knickknacks"

"I'd assumed, but wouldn't those be extremely dangerous, if only due to the nature of She who thirst's birth?" You ask and Eldrad eyes darken, his smirk curling to a snarl

"They are not artifacts touched by She who thirst's birthing waters" He explains, in a very Long-Jianese fashion "In the days following that black dawn, upon realizing the utter destruction done to their kingdom and the devouring of their gods, some of the Aeldari of the time gave into despair and sought...protections"

"Ah, thinking the siblings of that serpent scaled slut would grant them succor and sanctuary at the small cost of their sanity and soul" You muse poetically and Eldrad nods, eyes ablaze with a mixture of shame and hatred

"A elegant way of terming of the clawing, scrabbling desperation of those who degraded themselves further than their hedonistic ways already had, descending so low even those who still cling to the supposed glories of the empire's last days refused and turned them away" He explains, swirling his hand and calling back a flicker of hysh

"You are trying too hard, you must reach your hand to the wind, rather than try to drag it to you like a leashed horse" You explain, and he nods, and immediately provides better results "See, once you are aware of the presence of its light and the touch of its breeze, you can pull it from the Empyrean as readily as you would cup water from a stream"

"It is easier, if I picture it as attempting to shine a light upon the possible futures I've witnessed, now, how can Hysh be wielded to cleanse and purify?" He asks

"Well, it is not merely metaphysical taint it can scrub away, but for the spiritual filth, the method depends on your own view. My white flame exorcists, only made progress when they adapted the method to their own views and experiences" You explain "And it was through these personal forms of hysh, that they were able to accomplish what they have, after so recently learning how to channel the wind through their own will"

"In what manner did they invision their practice?" He asks

So you provided, "Wrench-82, from Eternal Celestial Engine, thought of the process as using flame to treat metal and burn off containments"
Cont

>>6298601

"Meng of Xue, pictured Hysh materialized as medicinal salves and anti venoms, to treat boils and poxes. Star Seeker, of the Aurora Aurochs Trive of the World of Massacre, saw Hysh as nothing more than brilliant white dawn chasing away the night. Rishi, pictured it as a technique akin to my own spirit subjugating blade, but rather than forged from the cloak of the everburning will, his was fashioned from the fires of hysh itself, and Grinning Abigail..."

"Enough, I've heard enough to understand" Eldrad cuts you off "to have greater ease in channeling and using Hysh, I must think of it as something familiar, and adapt its energies to that which I know. As I am starting with using it as a purifying force, I must think of it as such a force as I know them"

"I am interested in hearing what they are, once you return from the vaults where you lock away that which you shall expose to Hysh's light" You say

"You knew you'd not be allowed into them" He says, confirming rather than accusing

You nod

"Of course, the bran upon my brow, complicates these things. Increases the risk, I understand and am not offended, but this will give me time to seek out my students and see how they are getting along with your fellow farseers" You tell him, your work done now that he has grasped the fundamentals of wielding Hysh in its aspect of a purifying flame, and take your leave .

And find that, despite some farseers best attempts to find Umbridge or fault with your disciples, through their adherence to aeldari etiquette and respectful manner and willingness to explain the powers you've taught them to wield and their humble curiosity of the farseer's own gifts and responsibilities, that the farseer council of Ulthwe is getting along well with the White Flame exorcists. And that your students are acting as model guests upon the craftworld, with Starseeker explaining stories of his people to a gaggle of curious Aeldari while Wrench-82 tells an artisan why they prefer their "Primitive" augments to the Wraithbone surrounding them, neither party being disrespectful to the other.

And sights such as those, bring your great joy, to see people so different putting aside those difference and interacting without suspicion or fear.

And what do you do, as you finish your short visit to Ulthwe, Lieren?

>Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to

>Reach out to Angron instead, and describe the pains your brother is going through and offer to show him a weapon to aid in freeing him from his misery

>Allow Eldrad to explain the circumstance to your brother, and return to training your Astartes prospects as you aid in expanding Long-Jian space

>Take a season to relax, away from your responsibilities as primarch and grand architect of long jia

>Write in

>>6298602
>Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to
My favorite red brother

>>6298602
>Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to
I'm actually very torn between Angron and Magnus.
If I had to make a guess, I would say oratory skill will be very important when going to Colchis and trying to gain support, given what a religious clusterfuck the place is. Magnus will undoubtedly take to theological discussion like a fish to water, nerd that he is, but Angron's ability to read a crowd is invaluable in that context as well.
Another question is which brother would be able to bond with Lorgar better, and here my bet would be Angron, because being an empath is practically cheating. Not that Magnus isn't charming in his own right.
But if I'm leaning towards Magnus its mostly because I'm worried about exposing Angron to the Chaos fuckery the gods will inevitable throw his way. How would Angron react to feeling the emotions of a Daemon? I'm not sure if the middle of a critical mission is when I want to find out. Meanwhile Magnus has already faced Belakor, so I trust him to be, if nothing else, harder to surprise.
Still, there are a lot of arguments to be made for either brother, I feel. I'm half tempted to get them together and ask which of them wants to go rather than drop it in someone's lap.

>>6298602
>Allow Eldrad to explain the circumstance to your brother, and return to training your Astartes prospects as you aid in expanding Long-Jian space

>Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to

>>6298602
>Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to

>>6298602
>Magnus
He is a scholar, as is the theologian

>>6298602
>>Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to

>>6298602
>>Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to
>Suggest he asks Angron to come with him (if possible).
If possible, this undertaking is important enough to warrant the presence of two Primarchs. Magnus to delete daemons, Angron to do most of the talking.

>>6298602
Ok this might be a little controvertial but here me out
>Write in
Once we have the location of Lorgar's world and we LEAVE the craftworld, do you know whom we call? We call Dad, the Emperor. Tell the Master of Mankind the chaos gods have more than a foothold on this world they're sleeping on the damn couch and nurgle has blocked the shitter.

Now we have informed someone whom CAN handle the situation we focus upon setting up training places and recruitment worlds for our Legion so that when they arrive we can surge and never be undermanned again..

>Reasoning
We can't break our vow to the Emperor again we're on thin ice as it is and exposing Magnus or any Primarch is a major risk as there is also a planet of zealots and whom knows what we've caused. Chaos is waiting there with a beartrap.

This is a horrible call to make but as we are now this is beyond us, we need to learn our lesson here and instead tell someone in a better position. He has the Custodes and more, he has Malcador and atleast one other Primarch as we know. We pass this up the chain and stress the danger of the situation. We bought him bonus time and here is where he should use it.

>>6298602
>Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to

>>6298602
Besides Magnus Lorgar was one of the most psychically gifted Primarchs, they'll make a great pair and I know Magnus will do a good job in liberating him from religious bs

>>6298602
>Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to

>>6298602
>>Reach out to Angron instead, and describe the pains your brother is going through and offer to show him a weapon to aid in freeing him from his misery

Sorry for the long wait. Its going to be a bit longer. Haven't been feeling well the last couple of days. Nurgle's paid me a visit and I am feeling absolutely miserable atm. I'll try and make the new thread tomorrow if I'm not feeling as sick as I do today and archive it if no one else has by then.

>>6301296
Feel better Malal. the QM curse is real and does love tender meaty people

>>6301296
Nurgle's going to the whole quest because we promised to break his wife out of his basement.

Calling the vote now. Sorry for the really long wait. Feeling just well enough to make the next thread.

Immediately contact Magnus, and tell him of the situation concerning your brother and why you must ask he intercede, as you are unable to:
-Suggest Angron go along:
Allow Eldrad to explain the circumstance to your brother, and return to training your Astartes prospects as you aid in expanding Long-Jian space:9

Contact your father, the emperor of mankind:1

Reach out to Angron instead, and describe the pains your brother is going through and offer to show him a weapon to aid in freeing him from his misery:1

Total votes: 11

So Lieren will reach out to Magnus, and tell him of the plight of their brother and why he cannot help him, but that he could instead.

Writing now

>>6301840
New thread!

>>6301846
>>6301846

Meant for it to be longer, but I started getting nauseas and couldn't go on