Tag: lore24

#Lore24 – Entry #214 – Helica Month #2 – The Angel of Grad Artanais

Excerpt from the Journals of Azita Gaji, Explorer of Helica

The tales of an angel, seen and heard across the broken expanse of the once great city of Grad Artanais are true!  I have witnessed her with my own eyes, heard her voice singing the Eversong with my own ears! 

As I dared venture down from the overlook in which I camped last night, a thick fog rolled in from the poisonous sea that borders the ruined city.  On the one hand, it would be useful in concealing my presence from the roaming demons that fill this place, but on the other, so too would they be concealed from me.  It didn’t take long for me to hear them, their claws scraping over the broken skyscrapers that lay about in piles, rending the ancient metal remains of machines that were somehow frozen in time, still there and not rusted away by time and seasons.  I tread carefully, using every sense I had to navigate in the direction I had chosen, careful to avoid notice. 

It was perhaps two hours into my dangerous trek that I began to hear the Eversong, the reverent and soothing tones echoing eerily through the dead city’s remains.  Then I heard her voice, the voice of the angel herself, clear and distinct, chilling me to my very core.  Her voice sounded otherworldly, a starkly beautiful, yet hauntingly melodic sound amongst the fog-shrouded decay and littered remnants of demon-infested civilization past.  I saw her guiding light then, piercing through the fog, and in the direction I had intended to go, a ball of light in the dim fog, like a beacon.  And so, I followed the light and the song, sensing not the demons as I went to her light.  As I neared, the light faded out, only to be replaced by another further along, her voice moving with it, leading me, guiding me.

I followed the angel for perhaps an hour, my tension eased by her voice and her holy light, finally coming to understand what it was that those summoners and their protectors who had survived this place to tell the tale had experienced, for truly she is a being of the divine.  And she led me exactly where I had deigned to go!  It was nearing midday, the fog finally starting to thin, when I finally came upon the ancient shrine complex, broken and decayed, but still recognizable to me as the place I had discovered in the lost records where many of the Amaranths were once worshipped. 

There the angel left me, and I ventured forth into the ruin, seeking the shrine of Saghirah, and hopefully, one of her ancient, forbidden scrolls.

#Lore24 – Entry #213 – Helica Month #1 – The Forbidden Scrolls of Saghirah

Excerpt from the Journals of Azita Gaji, Explorer of Helica

Long have I journeyed across Helica’s blasted and broken landscapes, the ruins of a world long dead that lays infested with monstrous demons thirsty for mortal flesh and malkikai, ancient machines that no longer recognize their masters and seek to slay them just the same.  Seldom in these days do I see the civilized parts of the world, those cities and towns that remain in the wake of the Transgressor’s destruction, for what I seek, should any remain, lays far beyond the reach of man and the Church of Phyresis and their closed-minded, dogmatic faith in their god.

What is it that drives me to brave these blasted lands and ruins of ancient cities, you may ask?  Nothing less than forbidden knowledge, of course!  The knowledge denied to the people of this world by the Church of Phyresis, the knowledge once bequeathed to the people of Helica by the Amaranths themselves!  But not just any Amaranth, no, the lost Amaranth Saghirah! 

There are reasons the Church of Phyresis has tried to hide knowledge of Saghirah, and these scrolls are those reasons!  She can see the very essence of time and space themselves, has seen beyond the very creation and destruction of Helica to the great beyond, has seen the stars that lay in the far beyond!  She sees the past, the present, and the future, and in her knowledge lies the key to the true destruction of the Transgressor! 

Why would the Church of Phyresis not seek this knowledge, you ask?  Quite simply, they fear it.  They fear the loss of control over the people of Helica, their place of power.  It is the same story told many times, of the desire of those who wield great power to maintain their control over that power.  But…but I have a theory that there is more to this tale than what I know now.  If I am able to locate one of these lost scrolls, then perhaps I can corroborate this theory with the words of the great Amaranth. 

On the morrow I venture into the ruins of Grad Artanais.  Though it is a sacred site to the Church of Phyresis, they have not scoured the entire ruin; even they do not have the power to survive there long enough to do that.  I am convinced I have located the ancient temple complex that once housed the Shrine to Saghirah, and perhaps one of the lost scrolls I seek.  Given what I had to dig through to find this information, and comparing it with the records of the archives, they have not found what remains there yet. 

May the Angel of Grad Artanais watch over me during this excursion; I will need all the help I can get.

#Lore24 – Entry #212 – Supers Month II #31 – A Troublesome Kitsune, and a Hunter Called

Musings of Demon Lord Kurae

Oh, my sly little Kitsune!  Such a naughty girl! 

Still, I have to give her credit for learning her lessons exceptionally well…that was quite masterfully done in all honesty.  Worthy of a demon, really.  And she was perfectly willing to let the plan fall through there at the end, probably had a backup plan already plotted out, but for the chance arrival of our little Gun Bunny and her timely pull of the trigger.  And here I thought I’d broken Kitsune completely!  Well, that’ll teach me, won’t it?  That sly girl has more spirit left than I gave her credit for.  She’s been avoiding me in her kennel since she returned from Earth, but I figured she was just pouting after experiencing freedom for so long.

Oh, I could’ve read her mind, absolutely, but why let her know that I know?  It’s much more fun to spring a trap on someone like her who is used to springing them on others, you see.  Let her run a little more, get that leash good and loose about her neck, then pull it back HARD.

Yes, I’ll be keeping a closer eye on her from here on out…or rather, another of my minions will be.  When one such as I has a hobby of collecting dangerous game and keeping them as pets, it is prudent to have a game warden on the payroll, a big game hunter at hand, wouldn’t you agree?  If the game is as wily as Kitsune, then there must be one who can, at the very least, match her cunning.  My hunter will keep Kitsune in check, of that you can rest assured.

Don’t feel bad, my pet.  You’re proving quite capable of serving me, and your performance thus far has been exemplary, but you have a long way to go before you’ve proven yourself able to be trusted to the level I once did Kitsune.  As short-lived and short-sighted as your kind are, I must admit, you still find ways to surprise even me.  It’s a credit to your race, pet. 

Come, we have a resurrection ritual to begin, and you must make final preparations to the site to insure we aren’t disturbed.

#Lore24 – Entry #211 – Supers Month II #30 – Broken Dolls, and Those Who Need Punishment

Musings of Demon Lord Kurae

Well…yes, that whole affair could have certainly gone better.  I may enjoy my work, and I certainly take great joy from messing with my enemies, but…but that last little bit of the recovery operation on those relics was quite messy. 

Was I particularly enamored with the princess of dolls?  No, not really.  It’s an amusing idea, mind-control masks and whatnot, but if you want true loyalty, you need to instill it through more long-term means, like breaking the spirit and enslaving the soul.  I’ve done this for ages, and it works so very well.  And it’s much more therapeutic!  As a way to mess with humanity, it was amusing, but unfortunately, very shortly lived. 

And that, my pet, is where my concern truly lies.  These heroes have proven themselves worthy of my attention.  I daresay they would’ve been wonderful additions to the minion pool but for that sniper…although I have my suspicions that not all is as it seems about that.  We’ll have to do a little divination later, discern what exactly happened there at the end that allowed the entire control system to be destroyed.

I see that we must deal quickly and harshly with our heroines, for we cannot allow them to continue growing in power.  Most concerning is the one calling herself Black Cat.  I very much would have enjoyed a new kitty for my lap, but the fact that she’s managed to slip free of the trap Kitsune set, and with a set of items that can be modified into magical amplifiers…yes, this is quite troublesome indeed.  The one called Cyber Seer…I think I see potential there for controlling that one; her soul is positively filled to the brim with perversion, and that is absolutely something I can leverage.  The loss of the Pink Pussy is but a minor inconvenience, really; she was ultimately going to become another plaything in the end anyway, so this will be a delay only; she too is a beast born of sexual desires, and that I will use against her.  This armored knight, Mecha Musume?  Her technology is impressive, but she’s perhaps the most fragile of them all, and I already know of at least one who may be useful in bringing her to heel, if properly motivated.  The sniper, Gun Bunny, she must be studied more closely, though given her ties to Pink Pussy, I imagine she’ll be no trouble; in fact, I think another of my loyal servants may have already found a suitable foil!

Oh, Shadow Lynx?  No, she’ll be no trouble at all.  She doesn’t realize it, but she’s already working for me.  Her manager gets her marching orders from DOMME, after all.

We have work to do, pet; let us begin final preparations for the resurrection ritual and set up our next play as we plot our vengeance!

#Lore24 – Entry #210 – Supers Month II #29 – An Immaculate Obsession

Musings of Demon Lord Kurae

You know what I absolutely LOVE to mess with more than culture and governments?  Religions!  Twisting the minds of the faithful is so very delightful, pet!  Why, do you know how many mortal souls I’ve converted to my cause through religion?  I’ve literally lost count.  Oh, it’s much fun corrupting them!

Now, take this soul that my minions have discovered.  She’s feeling rather desperate to find purpose in her life, praying to a god that may or may not exist, but one that isn’t answering any prayers from her regardless.  Now, that makes an absolutely perfect entryway for someone, say, myself, to take on the role of the god in question and guide this hapless sheep to the purpose she seeks.  Oh, yes, I’ve done this so many times, it’s practically like facing a newborn human child in battle.

I do have an advantage that others don’t when it comes to this kind of thing.  I can see every “sin” that a soul has committed, every bit of guilt, every little morsel of depravity it contains.  So, with a little nudge here, a bit of divine inspiration there, and a trickle of power to seal the bargain, just like that, I have a most loyal and blind follower. 

Just to spice things up a little, I’ve decided that this new church will be a most chaste one, a place for all the wayward souls to flock to where they’ll fine purpose in divine chastity, always completely and utterly sealed away from sexual pleasures, but always craving them, and always willing to do anything I could ask of them in the hopes of reaching that wondrous denied climax.  You humans really are that simple; you’re barely above animals where your sexual behaviors are concerned. 

What do you think, pet?  I’m thinking…yes, I like this aesthetic here, the look of these nuns, and…yes, heavy metal beneath their regalia, sealing away their naughty bits.  With the divine inspiration I’ve just given my newest devotee, she’ll be creating all kinds of devious devices in the name of her new lord.  We’ll call it the Sisterhood of the Immaculate Chastity…yes, that sounds quite delightful, doesn’t it?  Oh, we won’t discriminate, we’ll allow the boys in to, but they’ll have to conform to the standards of the church, mind you, and that could mean a bit of alteration, but I have people that can handle those details.

I really do enjoy my work too much sometimes, I think.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I’m a demon lord; excessive indulgence is part of the job.

#Lore24 – Entry #209 – Supers Month II #28 – A DOMME-inating Presence

Musings of Demon Lord Kurae

You know, I think we’re going to mess with the humans a bit more.  They seem to be going all in on this idea of “superheroes”, so why not join the fun, hmm? 

All these little upstarts playing the role of the villains…they need some order in their lives.  Yes, I’m quite aware of the irony of a demon lord such as myself suggesting that order be imposed.  I have learned from ages of experience that a bit of order in the chaos I dwell within goes a long way.  Not too much mind you, and if it’s in service of the greater chaos, then all the better.  But never contrary to the chaos, mind you.

Now, as I was saying, pet, let us begin working a little order into things, get all of my chaotic little schemes working toward the ultimate goal.  What’s needed here, to play into the game, is a villainous organization to oppose our budding heroes!  We’ll call it…DOMME!  What does it mean?  Oh, don’t worry about the details, that’s not what’s important here! 

What’s important is what they do, you see.  We’ve already found hundreds of souls who will make excellent minions down the line, so let’s start them into their work right away.  Use this media machine the humans have developed in this world to our advantage.  Cause more chaos, divide and conquer!  Slander the upstart heroes for what they do, frame their actions in the most harmful ways possible, make it look like what they do goes against the very grain of modern society.  Control all these “online” spaces, silence any voices that dare speak against us!  Utterly dominate the narrative!

What do you mean there’s already groups doing this?  Really?  Hmm…very well, bring them into the fold.  They sound just as evil and vile and despicable as me, so I’m sure they’ll fit just fine into my new regime.  We’ll DOMME-inate the media, then the world!

Why thank you, pet; I do try to absorb myself in the culture I wish to foster, after all.  Do you think my evil, villainous laugh sounded okay, or do I need to put a bit more into it?

#Lore24 – Entry #208 – Supers Month II #27 – A Call for UNITY

Musings of Demon Lord Kurae

You know, I don’t particularly care for politics; I have far too many politicians in my stable of souls than I care to admit.  Lawyers too.  BUT!  But they do still have a purpose; they’re so easy to manipulate, so very useful when playing with humanity.  They can get away with so many lies and terrible things, and the masses will simply smile and cheer and continue to vote for them, no matter what they do. 

Humanity truly is a stupid species.

Anyway, I’ve noticed that the politicians are calling for restrictions on those with “superpowers” now that they’ve started showing themselves openly, or sanctioned powers of their own they can use should any of those naughty superpowered individuals go out of control.  I say we give them exactly what they want.  Shall we share with them the secret you’ve uncovered, my pet?  Yes, let’s show them how they can create their own warriors.  Completely loyal to their masters, fighting for what is “good and honest and pure” and all that drivel.  I’m sure we can find the right-minded types to get the ball rolling easily enough, for what is a politician if not ambitious? 

We’ll create their “superheroes” for them, starting with the United States I think.  They’re supposedly big on liberty and freedom, and I can already think up several “patriotic” heroes for them to parade around and pander to the masses as examples of properly reigned in heroes.  Then we’ll expand out from there, one nation to another, gifting them with their own powerful heroes.  Why, I daresay this plan will be quite unifying for the humans of Earth.

And then, just when they need them most, we’ll reveal their true allegiances, their true owner and master…me.

#Lore24 – Entry #207 – Supers Month II #26 – A Shaper of Flesh and Souls

Musings of Demon Lord Kurae

Well, well, my pet, it seems that your work is coming along quite nicely.  And here you were telling me that you were rusty after so long without practice!  This vessel seems quite well formed, very much in line with what I required.  Lovely proportions, really.  And seemingly just as natural as any naturally born human body.

Oh, don’t be so modest!  Humans are indeed simple creatures, but there is undeniably art in what you create, that much is evident by your reputation in your world, of your lasting legacy.  It won’t be long until we have reclaimed the relics, and we can fill this vessel with the soul I’ve chosen for it.  Though I think you’ll be instrumental in applying some minor…tweaks to that soul.  He was always a rebellious one, and while I can admire that in a minion, I do think a few little insurances against disloyalty will be appropriate.  You can do that, can you not?

Again, you are too modest, my pet.  For one who bore the djinn into your world, what is it to alter a soul?  Especially a human one?  Look at it as a challenge, my delightful pet, my shaper of flesh and souls.  You have a new purpose, do you not?  Rejoice in my benevolence and worship me as I’ve taught you.  There will be many more stories for you to tell after this, and I do so enjoy the sound of your adoring voice.  Yes, just as it should be…

#Lore24 – Entry #206 – Supers Month II #25 – A Tempest Brewing

Musings of Demon Lord Kurae

You know, for all your talk of keeping supernatural threats out of your world over the centuries, you’ve done a rather terrible job of it.  Did you know that there’s an entire family of succubi living on your world?  And all of them clustered around Sentinel City?  They’re not of any relationship to me and my line, but I can sense them just as easily as I can any other of demonic blood.

Oh?  So, you were aware of them!  How very curious.  Why, then, my pet, have they been allowed to remain upon your world?  Hmmm… you’re telling me that this Order of Hecate has made arrangements with them, or at least the head of their clan, this Claire Tempest, and that they have been allowed to stay there?  That is quite an interesting agreement!  One would think that the chaos swirling around them would have led to their destruction or expulsion long ago; were not demon hunters a thing in your world at some point? 

Most curious indeed…perhaps these succubi are of a different breed altogether, then?  Or perhaps demonkind from this realm, or whatever realm they were spawned from, are simply an inferior breed to my own, for their powers are insignificant when compared to my own.  Their ambitions are certainly nothing compared to the demons I’m familiar with; they seem to be thinking entirely too small.  This Claire Tempest seems the only real threat, honestly; from what I’ve observed, the others barely register any dangers given their rather miniscule desires and ambitions in the grand scheme of things.  Although the facility ran by Jennifer Tempest is of some interest;  could be some wonderful recruits waiting for me there…yes, indeed, there are a pair of souls absolutely craving power right there…

Still, I think I’ll be keeping an eye on them.  Something tells me they could be trouble for me down the line… Oh, yes, you’re quite right, I should just eliminate them now, but where’s the fun in that?  I’m curious to see just how they react when I start my invasion in earnest.  Will they stand up and defend their world, or will they move on, or perhaps join me? 

It’s not knowing that keeps me coming back for more, my pet.  I’m a demon; I thrive on chaos, after all.

#Lore24 – Entry #205 – Supers Month II #24 – A Seer in Darkness

Musings of Demon Lord Kurae

You know one of my favorite things to do before I invade a world?  I mean, of course, there’s the preparations and gathering of information, but that’s work that must be done.  What I love to do even more is mess with its inhabitants.  Just to target a random morsel here and there and gift them with a little speck of my power so that they may see and know what comes without fully understanding what it is they witness. 

Well, yes, I suppose my gift does drive them mad, for the minds of mortals, especially humans, are especially fragile.  Even a mind as resilient yours has been broken while you’ve been in my care, has it not?  But you see, the chaos of madness, that is something to savor all on its own!  The only commandment I give forth to my chosen playthings is to not kill themselves as the visions of the future continue.  The rest I leave to them.  What will they do with their knowledge, with the sliver of power I’ve granted them?  Yes, things may become a bit more complicated now that this world has been so infused with raw magical power, but truly, it is a wonderful chaotic mess that’s developing!

Take this one, this little, insignificant fellow in, what was this city called again?  Ah yes, Sentinel City.  Yes, this little nobody who had a meaningless existence before, now has a purpose!  He’s fully embraced the power of chaos, as you can see.  I don’t bother myself with the specifics of what he’s seen in the future, but he seems to have taken on a bit of a dramatic and whimsical air about himself, hasn’t he?  A clown, bathed in blood, and preaching of the End Times to a growing flock of believers he’s cultivated in his image.  Can you see it, that little detail that binds them all together?  No?  Well, let me enlighten you, my pet.  He’s tapped into the very strings of fate, you see, and can see when death comes for them, and he’s intervening to stop it.  In his own twisted way, of course.  His entire gang of heathens now exists to find more to try and bring into the fold for the sake of saving lives that would otherwise be snuffed out.

Oh, this must be causing an absolute fit with the powers of fate in your world.  And to think, he’s but one of many across the face of the mudball!