🦊 Планета Флерантор, осколки человечества 🦊

In the depths of the chthonic forest, amidst the ruins of an ancient human capital, a heart beat. Myriads of invisible threads stretched from its immense body to thousands of roots piercing the surface of Fleranor and going deep underground. Even more threads controlled the life forms spawned by the Twisting Mind, guiding them along their path. Distorted trees and sticky swamp, legions of spawn, and irresistible intoxication – all obeyed the rhythm of Hurat-Rekret's heart. The Twisting Mind commanded them to change, evolve, multiply, and carry the seeds of the chthonic forest into new lands. But most importantly, the heart watched over the cocoons – blood-red, hanging here and there. Within these cocoons, unfinished spawns futilely clung to the past, trying to preserve their original essence: Vardans, humans, beasts – all were material for transformation. But alas! The chthonic forest can no longer expand further. Tribes resist, the Shadow Walkers threaten to unleash the power of the Great Will, and worst of all – mountains hide the remnants of humanity. The heart retains an unpleasant aftertaste regarding humans. The empire has been consumed, but the task is not yet complete. And where else is there to grow if not upwards – towards the frosty peaks? It’s the easiest, safest way. But inconvenient.

The stubbornness of humanity is admirable. Such resilience, such pointless desire to survive... Alas, the inevitable is inevitable. Humans are not destined to defeat the Twisting Mind.

"Humans built an Empire. The Empire devoured itself. Pointless. Absorption is the best outcome for humanity. Humans moved to the mountains. Expansion of a new empire is impossible in the mountains. Pointless. Absorption is the best outcome for humanity. Humans founded three Clans. Each Clan is incapable of independent existence. Pointless. Absorption is the best outcome for humanity. Humans survived. Evolution of humans is impossible. Pointless. Absorption is the best outcome for humanity. Humans refused absorption. No rational reasons were found. Pointless. Absorption is the best outcome for humanity. Humans blocked the path to the nearest settlement. The solution is to clear the path, absorb humanity. Rational. Will transmitted to champion."
Dodzik Sarabas Nevereverland successfully left the club of connoisseurs, known by its whimsical name HW, whatever that meant. Someone waved goodbye, someone shed a meager male tear over yet another lost soul, and some didn't even look up from their game because the game is more important than your life. Thus, Dodzik Sarabas’s journey came to an end, and the journey of Hero Sarabas began. True, without weapons and equipment, one cannot go far on this glorious path, not even a golden-tongued fellow. Alas.

Before the no-longer-dodzik lay the entire settlement of connoisseurs. Where will he go?
The young but promising researcher Aristarch arrived early in the morning to his teacher – the wise Augur. Although the young man had not yet reached the rank of apprentice, he could already confidently call himself an assistant to a master of higher rank.

– Aristarch, – greeted Augur dryly. – You have shown yourself well. It's time to consolidate the result. Are you ready for tasks?
Ambitious and eager to possess influence, Tsulak finds himself in the middle of a settlement of fighters.

Where will he go?In another part of the settlement of fighters, Zaya and her relatives return home. Home for such a large family was a spacious hall – a haven worthy of a clan of great warriors. Brothers and sisters quickly disappear from sight so as not to hurt the narrative budget and the eyes of their father, while Zaya remains alone with her progenitor.

– Daughter, I understand everything... – Medvedson began in a tone that definitely did not convey understanding, – but why are you so interested in this bookworm? Reading books is the only thing he's capable of. Storn came to me. He complained about you. Says he has already lost two strong Gurps on your letters. How many times do I have to repeat, daughter, Gurps are used for exchanging information between Clans, not for love notes.

The father looked sternly at his daughter. He wasn’t angry, but clearly dissatisfied. Medvedson, a warrior of the Clan and a respected fighter. And his daughter hasn't even reached novice! And she likes bookworms!
Bombs are an invention of connoisseurs. The best weapon of humanity in these dark times. A single successful throw can kill several monsters from the mountains or break through a sturdy wall. But if you don't know how to throw them, then the worst outcome is likely – death and your insides scattered on the snow. Therefore, even a fool who knows how to throw bombs is considered a valuable fighter in any Clan.

– I have a task for you, – Captain Almus, head of the guards of the settlement of sufferers, told Chryash. – Complete it, and I will forgive past sins. And I’ll even pay extra.

Chryash had plenty of sins, and Almus was not one of those intimidated by a bomb in his hand. He has fought against creatures of the forest. More than once. After that, no one remains unchanged.
Elixirs were brought by one of the surviving capital alchemists. A dangerous thing. Elixirs are toxic; only specially trained people can take them. And even then, for every positive effect, there is a harmful one. Balance. Therefore, elixirs have not become widespread among the warriors of the three Clans. There are enough alchemists in the settlement of connoisseurs. And only there.

Ida could not help but please the wise Utar. Every new alchemist is a small holiday for the keepers of this gloomy craft.

– Good, very good! – The sage nodded vigorously when Ida easily accepted his new elixir. And didn't even blink! – Congratulations! Your body is stronger than most living humans today. Hmm. You want to learn how to make elixirs, don’t you?

Utar conspiratorially rubbed his hands and looked intently at the girl.