Posts from 🐙 Planet Aberat, Kingdom of Selya-Mira 🐙 Auto-translated

- Exactly! - Radiant suddenly remembered the book she had bought earlier. - Well, now I'm going to feast my eyes on you. - She said to the paper medium and began to read.

- Thank you, sir. We were lucky that I managed to buy some time before your arrival, - he paused for a moment, scrutinizing the site of the recent battle, then wiped and sheathed his sword. - However, don't you think that some explanation would be appropriate? Perhaps it's not my place to suggest it, but I can already put two and two together. Today was the day when I felt like a green recruit again, and that's not a pleasant feeling. After all, I could be wrong in my assessment of the situation, and that would lead to disastrous results. Besides, when a criminal knows more than you do, it's an insult to the honor of the uniform.

I hope Albrecht doesn't hate sand too much. Because it's rough, unpleasant, and gets everywhere...

Well, if you're not a "lifer," sand doesn't get everywhere...

Albrecht isn't the best scout, but if he sees anything, you'll be the first to know. For now, you'll have to choose a direction randomly.

He's heading towards the setting point of the central star of the solar system (if it's setting).

It's enough not to be Anakin Skywalker...

In this situation, Albrecht's main task is to find a dead camel; after that, everything will go smoothly...

IRL stuff is over. I think I still have some time before the task, I'll try to figure things out.

Scratching his head, the narrator concluded that Albrecht went to where the text was the most faded, i.e., to the center! After a short journey, Albrecht sees a scorched man crawling across the sand, who has no legs. This character shows no interest in his surroundings and does not react to the person he encounters. What will Albrecht do? Meanwhile, with Radianta: From the book about reproduction, the raider emphasizes the following: 1) Initially, the ancestors of the Caish reproduced like the Northerners: women carried disgusting larvae, called "children," and if the larvae of the Northerners grew quickly and were born intelligent, then things were much worse for the ancestors: they were left with primitive creatures incapable of independent existence. 2) Modern Caish received the method of reproduction from the ancient K'eyne. It is called "cegentes" and comes from the gene of preservation. 3) The gene of preservation allows the Caish and K'eyne to store the original genetic code in their skin, which differs from that of their ancestors. This gene prevents deviation from the initially formed appearance of the Caish, thereby providing significant resistance to any mutations and changes in the body. It also makes the Caish immortal, but due to its vulnerability to stress, the gene of preservation tends to degrade, which leads to the aging and death of the Caish at very individual intervals. 4) The reproduction process consists of three stages: intimacy, sacrifice of flesh, and formation. 5) The first stage involves the exchange of substances between a man and a woman as a result of intimate contact. 6) The second stage involves shedding most of the skin and some tissues of both individuals. This process is described in detail and graphically in the book. It can cause serious harm to health and is considered dangerous. 7) The third stage involves the instinctive formation of a cocoon of the future new individual from the shed tissues. 8) Next, the cocoon should be stored in a safe place. It will grow and develop on its own until a mature Caish emerges from it. The maturation period is up to one and a half years. 9) The first sacrifice of flesh usually heals completely through regeneration. After that, risks arise. It is not recommended to have more than three offspring, as the risks increase significantly after this number. It is worth realistically assessing the condition of one's own body and its readiness for sacrifice. 10) There are medical and magical methods to reduce the risks to zero, but they are complex and rarely available. So, what are Radianta's impressions of this information? Of course, she knew how her species reproduces, but without the details. Meanwhile, with Treebeard: "So it is..." Captain Akoren pondered. "Alright, just for you. When Lady Yuiner Kalidar became Minister of Appointments, she had many opponents. But none of them went as far as Mist. She was concerned about the obscure origins of the new First Minister and some of her peculiarities. As a result, Yuiner Kalidar survived an assassination attempt only thanks to her impeccable health and good regeneration. Mist was not executed for her numerous services to the kingdom of Sela-Mira. Everyone knew that she was loyal, but very radical. And that doesn't lead to anything good. That's the whole story. She was given thirty years, which are coming to an end. However, Mist's case is entirely and completely Yuiner Kalidar's responsibility. Even I don't know what will happen to her after her release," Captain Akoren sighed. "Don't worry about it. Whatever rumors may circulate about the Minister of Appointments thirty years ago, she is a ray of light in our dark kingdom.

After a short time, Albrecht sees a burnt man without legs crawling across the sand. This character shows no interest in his surroundings and does not react to the person he encounters.

Is he looking for some Obi-Wan and shouting about how much he hates him?

- I understand,” he nodded, deep in thought for a moment, then continued after a few seconds. “Allow me to report. Today, at a specific time, while patrolling the park, I discovered a suspicious individual with a particular appearance. Without identifying himself, he inquired about the location of the well-known flower messenger, Keraak, implying that he had some accusations to make against him. I invited him to file a statement for an investigation. During the process of questioning the individual, he unexpectedly attacked me, rendering me incapacitated for a time. Upon regaining my senses, I searched the Fortress, but unfortunately, none of my colleagues were found within the Stronghold, either before or after the incident, not even at the guard post, which I believe is a result of increased security. However, the perpetrator was not found.” He paused, glancing down the corridor to ensure they weren't being overheard, and lowered his voice. “However, I found your office unlocked, as well as a passage leading from it to unknown areas within the Stronghold. I suspected this was the work of the perpetrator, but I decided, in accordance with the regulations, not to enter alone without backup, fearing an ambush and the possibility of accomplices. Here is the report,” he retrieved a piece of paper from his chest plate, which he had intended to place on the Chief's desk. “After that, I reported to the festival as you ordered, but given the situation, I couldn't openly report this, and furthermore... due to the lack of clear information at the time, I had some difficulty assessing what I had seen. Nevertheless, from external sources, I learned that his appearance matches that of a certain Captain Remar Vuln, and furthermore, I heard rumors of a possible special operation at the festival, aimed at capturing him and his associates.” He produced a second piece of paper, a fox-shaped one. “And this is a statement from Keraak himself, whom I managed to find at the festival; a few hours ago, he was the target of an assassination attempt by an unknown assailant. Upon returning to the Stronghold and encountering the escaped prisoner, I also managed to gather information that she was released by my suspect, presumably from the previously discovered tunnel, although she denied any involvement in his actions. I believe it is necessary to document any possible damage. Sir,” he saluted, placed his hands behind his back, and stared intently at the Captain, awaiting his reaction to the report.

5) The first stage involves the exchange of substances between a man and a woman as a result of intimate contact.

So that's what it is. And I thought it was possible to avoid all the nastiness. It turns out the Minister of Appointments has a bunch of guys doing that... But here, not a single one got any. 😡😡😡

After a short time, Albrecht sees a burnt man crawling on the sand, without legs. This character shows no interest in the surroundings and does not react to the person he meets. What are Albrecht's actions?

We know these tricks, he's holding a grenade in his hand and waiting for a sucker...

Albrecht cautiously approaches the disabled man.
- Hey! What is this place?

Radiant almost threw up at the sight of the colorful illustrations on the pages of the book. “How awful… To do something like that, you probably have to love each other very much. Like my dad and I do. But I wonder, what would happen if several individuals, more than two, mixed their fluids and shed their flesh together? Ugh… How disgusting.”

In the deep, dark cosmos, on a long, long orbit around the round, round Aberat, there was a starship, winged and unusual. Its name was "Ekriz-Zern," or more simply: "Sorrow of Shadows." This winged marvel belonged to Lady Istiris, one of the heads of the Legion of Shadows.
Warriors and gift-bearers scurried about the ship—faithful followers of the Unknown, the richest assortment of representatives from various races of the Craving evolutionary branch. They were a serious military force. The "Ekriz-Zern" belonged to the "Planet Killer" class, and its crew consisted of the elite. Its notable feature was not only the flashy design in the style of its owner, but more importantly, the laboratories hidden on the lower tiers. In these laboratories were hundreds of capsules with naked individuals immersed in sleep. All these specimens possessed attributes standard for the Craving, as well as fluffy ears and a tail. Number 10878, number 12891... a new generation of the Ketsirai race, not yet ready for awakening.
In one of the cabins located on the more pleasant tiers of the ship, the Will of Being herself—a proto-Ketsirai—was pondering various things. She was a technological mutant who had acquired her form as a result of multiple transformations. Istiris's original race was not even mentioned in the archives of the Legion of Shadows. And it was this artificial body of a nine-tailed fox that gave rise to the Ketsirai gene code, one of the creations made in service to the Unknown. An entire race named after one individual.
Istiris possessed a truly unusual appearance: skin gray as ash, snow-white hair, animal ears, nine dark tails, and colorless eyes that glowed in the dark. Her creations often stood out to a lesser extent. The foundation of the Will of Being's power was the Water Crystallocyte, the absolute embodiment of the gift school of the same name. And, of course, her outstanding intellect. Among all the heads of the Legion of Shadows, Istiris was the most cunning and unpredictable. But flawlessly loyal to the Unknown.

Thus, the Will of Being thought; therefore, she existed. She thought of complex matters, incomprehensible to a simple mind. But connected to Aberat slightly more than directly.

— Istiris, — someone dared to disturb the peace of her who was revered by some as a goddess.

— You again... I sensed you from the first moment, — Istiris smiled in the finest traditions of the Ketsirai race.

A pale man with magnificent leather wings emerged from a crimson shadow in the cabin. Had he possessed ears and a tail, he would have passed for a relative of the one he had disturbed.
— You need me, and so I appeared at the first opportunity.

— Your manners are simply something else, Tzakaal, — Istiris playfully ran her hand along the membrane of his wing.

— Yours aren't bad either, but let's get to the point.

Istiris pointed a finger at Aberat, a luxurious view of which opened from her cabin.

— The trap is about to spring. What is there to worry about here?

— Your own ignorance.

— Ah, you mean that... could gods possibly be here, other than the chosen of Ishmanril?

The question was likely rhetorical, but a third party very much wanted to answer it. So much so that he smashed through the wall between the cabin with a high concentration of gods and the neighboring, far more modest cabin.

— And what if they can?!

An insolent person, practically glowing with the energy of the Cosmos school, brazenly sat on a bedside table, not at all embarrassed by the destruction just caused.
— I love it when the prey walks right into my hands, — Tzakaal bared his fangs and launched an attack. The stranger dodged with ease, although the Lord of Secrets possessed impressive speed.

— I won't even hide it: you're no match for me, wingy!

One lightning-fast strike from a whip that appeared out of nowhere in the stranger's hand sent Tzakaal face-first into the wall. How humiliating for a god...

Istiris, however, did not intend to leave her guest in trouble and responded with the powerful technique of Nine Desires, a spell she had devised herself and which served as a kind of calling card for the Will of Being. Nine different high-level mental influences usually brought enemies to their knees, but this person didn't even feel them, and a moment later Istiris herself was flying through the air to test the strength of her own cabin wall.

— And you call yourselves gods? Your followers are very naive!

The attempt at attack rapidly turned into a defense. Tzakaal and Istiris could only dodge and block the frantic lashes of the whip. Their opponent didn't even need to resort to using her gift, so much did she surpass the two gods in skill and strength. Likely, it would have all ended sadly had the Will of Being not summoned the Water Crystallocyte for help.

A flawless crystal of boundless power, one of the ten nodes of primordial Change, was more worthy of calling itself a god than most existing gods. The absolute majesty of the Water element rushed toward the proud warrior with the whip to turn her flesh into ice and her thoughts into dust.

But even here she managed to repel such vast majesty and only stumbled back a few steps, briefly losing concentration.
— Crystallocyte? I underestimated you, little fox.

— Who are you? — Tzakaal asked spitefully, spitting out his own blood.

— The Patroness of apostates, of course; who else did you think? — the stranger inquired mockingly.

— Who are you?

— Ah, so you're interested in a name. Well, I shall satisfy your curiosity. I am Ek Kiranall of the Deriner void-conqueror clan!

— Your arrogance... will be your undoing!

— Why be formal with one's own kind? It is with mortals that one must maintain politeness! — Ek Kiranall laughed and raised her hand.

Not far from the "Ekriz-Zern," a small void funnel appeared, from which beams of pure cosmic energy flew out and immediately struck the ship in the stern. Some were neutralized by shields, but some reached their target.

— She will destroy your little vessel... act!

Istiris pursed her lips. As if she didn't realize that herself... could the great Tzakaal be overcome by despair if he allows himself such thoughts?

The next strike of the Water Crystallocyte was merciless to friend and foe alike. The element destroyed the cabin and a significant part of the ship around it. All for a slim hope of wounding Ek Kiranall. And this hope, surprisingly, soon bore fruit.

— No matter, we shall continue another time...

Having taken a hit, with a huge piece of ice in her chest, Ek Kiranall retreated, jumping from the ship into open space, and soon disappeared into its darkest depths.

— She tried to kill us... and she easily could have, had she known about the Crystallocyte, — Tzakaal said, breathing heavily. — We have come to the edge... closer than ever before.

— I have been at the edge before, — Istiris shook her head, — and I am still alive. But our design has been disrupted.

Although Ek Kiranall's plan to kill two gods failed, the "Ekriz-Zern" sustained significant damage, and battles broke out on the lower decks with intruders who had followed their mistress. Without a doubt, this was a clearly planned strike at the top of the Ketsirai leadership to remove them from the board.

It seems that for some time, the House of Pink Flowers on Aberat has been left to its own devices. One can only hope that the apostates cannot exterminate the Ketsirai in the time it takes for the Will of Being to restore her ship.

Divide and conquer 

The first day of the festival passed almost unnoticed, and the second day began, as they managed to defeat three Sorcerers for the priestesses.

Kearak was deep in thought in the morning. He wasn't even aware of the impending attack on his mistress yet, and therefore sincerely believed that everything was going according to plan. However, he faced a difficult choice: go to the festival again or take care of business. As a true servant of his people, the fox soon chose the latter.

First, he went to the editorial office and submitted another article with propaganda for the Ketsirai, after which he headed to the Stronghold of the capital guard. Kearak needed a bodyguard, and Dervos was quite suitable for the role.

However, while our brave guard was still out, the fateful meeting was to take place a little later.

Meanwhile, with Dervos:

“There is logic to this,” Captain Akoren noted, “few know the details of the Mists’ motives, but the fact of the assassination attempt is not such a secret. Releasing such a self-assured criminal is an elegant move for the Brown Banner. It would have been, if the Mist hadn't been a loyal defender of our kingdom. As for the passage...” the captain sighed heavily, “it leads to a secret dungeon. That's where the Mist was held. Our enemy is well informed. Kearak's messenger must be protected at all costs. If they tried to eliminate him, it means he is more important than he seems at first glance.”

A guard ran up to Gortrich Akoren and handed him some kind of report.

“Hmm... Go, Dervos. You deserve a little rest. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”

The captain and the guard quickly leave. It seems the report contained a reason for concern.

Meanwhile, with Nebos:

“Argh... place... place... place?!” the stranger suddenly roared in anger. “What difference does it make?! This is a desert without end, there is only room for sand and despair! You know... I can suggest one place! Once my home... a home taken from me by those I considered friends! It's there,” the stranger drew a path in the sand with his finger, “avenge me, Darth Kenobi... I hate...”

With these words, the stranger died in a cliché manner from his wounds.



Meanwhile, with Radianta:

At the end of the book, there were a few words about how the Kaine could form one cocoon as a group, but this feature was not passed on to the Kaishi. When more than two gene codes are mixed, or when two closely related gene codes are mixed, the cocoon simply does not form correctly.

Radianta spends 2 Action Points to read the book and gains +10% resistance to fear.

She can go to the festival again or find something else to do.

Meanwhile, with the others:

Skufinson is not ready to move on to the next day yet, and Juvenzia is still waiting for the storyteller.

Drevos goes to collect a new set of bed linen from the quartermaster, after which he throws the old, worn-out set into the trash. Then he finally breathes a sigh of relief.