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Aberrant: Prometheans Unbound - Rain, Wind, and Sunlight


Blue Thunder

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Prometheans Unbound, Chapter 2 -

Branch 3 - Rain, Wind, and Sunlight

Player Characters - Gaston, Leiko

Setting
-
The Nilgiri Hills of southern India
. Flare has requested that the Prometheans assist her in contacting a former Terat known as Shakti. Shakti was one of the small handful of Terats that stood alongside Divis Mal and Scripture before they joined the Teragen. However, less than a year after joining the movement Shakti left, never to return. It is speculated that her Hindu beliefs came into direct opposition of Scripture and the Apostle's Judeo-Christian beliefs.
Shakti is not a well-known Indian nova because she does not strive for national attention like others do. She focuses her efforts on the region she lives in, assisting locals with their needs. All of the villagers of the region respect her, and there are daily offerings in her honor. She brings
rain, wind, and sunlight
to her region as needed, and is a source of local adoration, but Flare is convinced that Shakti hides the true extent of her power.
Joining the group is Noor. Noor is a deeply Muslim woman who has adapted aspects of Islam to her Mal-worship. Flare hopes to show Shakti that there are other faiths within the Teragen by bringing Noor along. Noor only ever speaks to women, and when she does, it is telepathically. She doesn't make eye contact with Gaston or any males she encounters as the group travels.
Flare doesn't know of Shakti's exact location, so Kyle warps them to central India so they can ask the locals and find her whereabouts. The group travels by animal and by foot, asking questions along the way. At a stop in the city of Bhopal, Noor and Gaston spot Edge, a member of the Kabal. They chase after him, but lose him in a crowded marketplace. Flare suspects that the Cult of Mal is spying on them, so suggests that they proceed with caution.

Goal
- Make contact with Shakti and persuade her to assist the Teragen once again. Her exact reasons for leaving the Teragen movement in it's early years are a mystery, but Flare is confident that she can be brought back into the Teragen if the Prometheans explain the situation to her.
Another matter is the Kabal. If Edge is in India, then Clarion and the rest of the Kabal likely are as well. The Kabal may be fewer in number than they previously were, but they're no less dangerous. Their role in India will need to be uncovered.

Start
- The four Terats have been in India for two days, getting accustomed to the country. Leiko, Flare, and Noor take precautions not to be noticed as novas when in cities. But when the group is in the more remote areas like the countryside, where villagers lack electricity and OpNet, they have no need to fear being noticed. Villagers are more than happy to guide a group of Terats along backroads for free.
The four Terats arrive in front of Shakti's "temple" which sits on a high, green hilltop. Several villagers escort the Terats to the temple, but they don't enter; they only lead the group to the front door.

**********

The temple to Shakti sat atop a hill with a wide view of the farmlands below it. The villagers had erected houses and camps at the foot of the hill decorated with many bright flowers, and they tended large stretches of tea fields in the distance. The temple itself was unassuming and basic.

Beyond the front door was a wide, mostly empty room; presumably the area where the villagers came to pray and make offerings to Shakti. It was wide enough to fit several hundred. There were several small pots with plants growing in them, and about a dozen lit candles. There was a padded throne at the far end of the room that was elevated high enough that all could see it, even if the room was crowded. It looked too large for a normal person though...

Flare approached the large throne and noticed a doorway behind the seat that was covered by a patterned curtain. She turned to the others, eyes glowing. "I don't see Shakti anywhere. Perhaps she is beyond this doorway...should we enter? I wouldn't want to offend..."

Gaston noticed something strange about the flowers in the pots, out of the corner of his eyes. A few of them seemed to be...moving. Their leaves curled and their stems bristled, just barely enough to percieve. As he watched, one of the plants bloomed, revealing a blue flower.

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The temple to Shakti sat atop a hill with a wide view of the farmlands below it. The villagers had erected houses and camps at the foot of the hill decorated with many bright flowers, and they tended large stretches of tea fields in the distance. The temple itself was unassuming and basic.

Beyond the front door was a wide, mostly empty room; presumably the area where the villagers came to pray and make offerings to Shakti. It was wide enough to fit several hundred. There were several small pots with plants growing in them, and about a dozen lit candles. There was a padded throne at the far end of the room that was elevated high enough that all could see it, even if the room was crowded. It looked too large for a normal person though...

Flare approached the large throne and noticed a doorway behind the seat that was covered by a patterned curtain. She turned to the others, eyes glowing. "I don't see Shakti anywhere. Perhaps she is beyond this doorway...should we enter? I wouldn't want to offend..."

Gaston noticed something strange about the flowers in the pots, out of the corner of his eyes. A few of them seemed to be...moving. Their leaves curled and their stems bristled, just barely enough to percieve. As he watched, one of the plants bloomed, revealing a blue flower.

Gaston then says, looking to the flowers with a little smile, "Something tells me that she knows we are here. Maybe we must not make him wait any longer" and at the same time he thinks "I better keep my distance from the flowers, in case Mrs. Shakti really apreciates them"

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Leiko glances around at the temple in interest. "Are there n*crackle*lly caretakers? Perhaps, if we call out, they can convey to Shakti that we a*pop*re to speak with her." Noticing Gaston's interest in the mobile flora, she speaks at it with concentration creasing her forehead. "We mean Shakti no harm, and will depart after our discussion if she wills it."

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Leiko glances around at the temple in interest. "Are there n*crackle*lly caretakers? Perhaps, if we call out, they can convey to Shakti that we a*pop*re to speak with her." Noticing Gaston's interest in the mobile flora, she speaks at it with concentration creasing her forehead. "We mean Shakti no harm, and will depart after our discussion if she wills it."

Meanwhile, at the same time that he was looking for anyone who could guide them to Shakti, he couldnt avoid rejoice at the tought of how a he was evolved, form a insecure children in the streets of Sevilla to one of the few who have the power of the gods at his disposal, and even when he knew that perhaps Shatki could have the power to destroy them if things dont go right his inner child was delighted with the idea of such a great challenge. Because there is one thing that he knew for right, and that was that, given proper time and effort, no woman, baseline or nova could resist his charm if he really put his mind to it.

But for the moment there were no time to daydream and, remembering that the shortest path between two points is a straight line he talked to the flowers in a loud voice"¡¡¿Hello?!! ¡¡¿Hola!!? Is there anyone here. We must see lady Shakti" even when he knew that this action will not be the most subtle course of action.

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The plants recoiled from Gaston's words. A voice then echoed throughout the room; it was faint, like a whisper, yet travelled to the ears of the four Terats. It originated from the back room.

"You may enter, children of Teras..."

Flare faced Leiko. "I suppose she is here. We shouldn't keep her waiting then..." Flare approached the pathway behind the throne, moved the curtain aside, and entered.

((Assuming everyone decides to walk through...))

The hallway was dark and barely illuminated; it went on for several meters before leading to another curtain. Passing through the curtain at the end, the group stood in a new room. It was smaller than the previous one, but was filled with large pillows and colorful decorations. Dozens of lit candles sent trails into the air and various flowers in bloom sat upon tables. And at the far end of the room, nestled on top of a large pillow with her eyes closed, was Shakti.

Shakti was the definition of awe-inspiring, truly appearing as a goddess. Her six arms moved about as she sat, as if they each possessed free will of their own. Her skin was a soft teal color ((just imagine her speech text color)) that gave off a gentle blue glow, and her hair was kept in a complicated knot with several decorations. She wore a minimum of clothing with rings, bracers, necklaces, and several piercings; what little clothing she did wear was usually see-through, and the fabric moved as if being blown be a gentle breeze. Most obvious of all, her body looked perfect in every regard, from any angle, from any perspective.

((High Mega-Appearance with Awe-Inspiring and First Impression enhancements.))

The smoke in the room trailed towards Shakti and swirled around her, while the nearby flowers danced in their pots. After all of the Terats had entered the room, her eyes slowly opened to look upon them.

"Noor...Leiko...Gaston...Flare...your coming was forseen. You wish to speak with me on matters of importance to the Teragen."

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Shakti was the definition of awe-inspiring, truly appearing as a goddess. Her six arms moved about as she sat, as if they each possessed free will of their own. Her skin was a soft teal color ((just imagine her speech text color)) that gave off a gentle blue glow, and her hair was kept in a complicated knot with several decorations. She wore a minimum of clothing with rings, bracers, necklaces, and several piercings; what little clothing she did wear was usually see-through, and the fabric moved as if being blown be a gentle breeze. Most obvious of all, her body looked perfect in every regard, from any angle, from any perspective.

((High Mega-Appearance with Awe-Inspiring and First Impression enhancements.))

The smoke in the room trailed towards Shakti and swirled around her, while the nearby flowers danced in their pots. After all of the Terats had entered the room, her eyes slowly opened to look upon them.

"Noor...Leiko...Gaston...Flare...your coming was forseen. You wish to speak with me on matters of importance to the Teragen."

In the moment that Gaston's eyes find Shakti two voices started to talk to him. One telling him that this could be the begining of a new hope for the prometheans or the worst mistake they've maked. The other voice simply give him a lot of ideas regarding about what could a man do with such a beautiful being, voices that Gaston was trying not to hear ::blush .

Then he will try to get near Shakti to introduce himself and kiss such a desirable hand (unless it´s obvious that Shatki is not o.k. with the idea).

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((Paying 1 temp WP to resist her static voice for the scene. Making a faux pas with someone like this would be hazardous for my health. ::wink ))

Leiko will wait until Gaston is done with his introduction, then make a proper (and deep) Japanese bow to the amazing nova. "I am grateful you have agreed to meet with us. We wish to speak to you of the philosophy of Teras, and of we Prometheans, and of your place in the Teragen that you abandoned. May we sit with you?" Leiko, thanks to her recent invitations to Pandaimonion events, has gotten somewhat adjusted to staring at the more-beautiful-than-life novas, especially ones who wear a minimum of clothing, and works to keep her eyes planted respectfully on Shakti's face (chin, not eyes, as that could be misconstrued as competition; and not staring at her obvious aberrations or anything that could be misconstrued as sexual interest).

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Then he will try to get near Shakti to introduce himself and kiss such a desirable hand (unless it´s obvious that Shatki is not o.k. with the idea).

One of Shakti's hands gracefully extended itself and allowed Gaston's kiss. It then caressed his face and retreated back to her body, once again resuming it's dance.

"I am grateful you have agreed to meet with us. We wish to speak to you of the philosophy of Teras, and of we Prometheans, and of your place in the Teragen that you abandoned. May we sit with you?" Leiko, thanks to her recent invitations to Pandaimonion events, has gotten somewhat adjusted to staring at the more-beautiful-than-life novas, especially ones who wear a minimum of clothing, and works to keep her eyes planted respectfully on Shakti's face (chin, not eyes, as that could be misconstrued as competition; and not staring at her obvious aberrations or anything that could be misconstrued as sexual interest).

Noor bowed her head and looked at the ground, not wanting to disrespect Shakti by directly looking upon her. Flare bowed alongside Leiko.

Slowly, Shakti's body began to change. Her skin darkened and turned a tan color, and the glow that accompanied it began to fade until it no longer existed. Her arms slowed until they came to a rest at her sides, and the breeze that whirled around her frame died, letting her clothes settle. By the time the change was complete, she appeared more...normal...at least from a baseline perspective. She still possessed six arms and she was still as beautiful as before, but most of her outward signs of quantum growth went away.

((She isn't using Dormancy or Bodymorph. It's a new power that I'll introduce eventually, one that lets her temporarilly suppress her aberrations. She's also turning off Awe-Inspiring, so the characters aren't so...well, awed.))

Shakti let a smile form at the corner of her lips. She spoke perfect English, with a strong Brittish accent. "Is this better? I find it harder for others to interact with me when I allow the energy of the cosmos to flow so freely throughout my body. My apologies."

"There is no need to apologize," Flare said "We have come without invitation, but our need is urgent. It seems you were already aware of our coming, though..."

Shakti turned her head and raised a hand to light a candle. The other five arms were motionless. "I was made aware of your coming by a friend. You are all Terats. I have been made to know your names, but I do not know of your purpose here. I must admit that I rarely hear news of the outside world. My life is devoted to my followers now."

She turned to face the group again. "So what is your purpose for this visit? My time with the Cult of Mal came to an end years ago. Are you requesting that I return to Mal's side?"

Flare stepped forward, but not so much as to appear offensive. "Much has happened recently. The Teragen is going through a dramatic change. We seek your wisdom and guidance...you once stood by Mal's side, even before he came to the Teragen. Few within the movement have ever met you, but those that have had the fortune describe you as an intelligent and wise nova. We ask only that you consider helping us against Delorimier, who has started a crusade within the movement to remove those he disagrees with."

"I know it is much to ask, but...I feel you are our only option right now, and we are desperate. You have a history with Delorimier, if I am correct. You opposed him in the past. Now, we are the ones opposing him."

Shakti's expression changed at the mention of Delorimier; her smile disappeared and her eyes narrowed. Her head turned to face a flower, and she stroked it's petals with one hand while another summoned a small cloud above it. "Delorimier...he is very much like a wolf in sheep's skin, as Pedro would say."

The cloud above the flower began to darken. As it did, the light in Noor's forehead began to glow brighter and she contacted Shakti telepathically. The two spoke in words the others couldn't hear.

"...Caroline...dead? To think that Delorimier would carry out such a vile act...it is worse than I thought." The cloud darkened even more, and sent water droplets onto the flower. Shakti contemplated for several seconds, then looked upon the entire group, her face saddened.

"...I have much to think on. I was told by a friend that you would arrive on this day, at this time. I was also told that the four of you would play a role in something greater. I regret that I do not know more. Perhaps it is best that you meet this friend while I contemplate on what I have learned this day. His name is Krishnamurti Pradmurabpan. He came to me several days ago and introduced himself, claiming that he had encountered the Teragen before. If you seek him out, he may be able to help you in ways I cannot."

Shakti's body began to glow. "I wish the four of you much luck in your travels. When the time comes for me to make my decision known, I will contact the Teragen. I...thank you...for your...visit..."

As Shakti finished speaking, her body began to revert back to it's original form, her skin changing color and her arms raising themselves and moving about. Her eyes closed and she dismissed the cloud that had formed above the flower. Flare turned to the others, nodding, then headed for the entrance. Noor kept her eyes from looking directly upon Shakti, and she left as well.

Before Leiko left, one of Shakti's hands grabbed a book and held it in the Japanese woman's direction. her eyes remained closed. "Take this...it may serve you well at some point."

((The book is written in a language Leiko does not recognize. It is written and binded by hand, presumably by Shakti. It is perhaps 600 pages thick, and fairly heavy. The letters are small and take up a great portion of the pages, with no images or blank pages.))

((If you wish to speak with Shakti more and/or ask questions, feel free. We'll assume they get spoken before the group leaves.))

***Outside the Temple***

Flare eyed the book that Leiko now held. "That went much better than suspected. She hasn't outright agreed to help us, but she does show interest. She must have respected Caroline...anyway, I know who Krishnamurti Pradmurabpan is. He's helped the Teragen once before, and her description of his abilities seems to match. Sadly, he's even more cryptic than she is..."

((The scene can fast-forward to Krishnamurti Pradmurabpan's village, unless you suggest something else or wish to go elsewhere. The meeting with Shakti is meant to introduce the four Terats to what's about to happen, but the meeting with Pradmurabpan is where things will heat up.))

***Shakti***

After the Terats left, Shakti began to contemplate on what she had just learned. She also thought back to what Pradmurabpan had told her just a few days back...about the woman with the mind of divine light, the creature of earth and fury, the blood-stained jester, the mighty dragon that descended from the heavens...and the woman that Shakti gave her writings to.

Shakti's wisdom was great after having undergone the Chrysalis on two occassions. But even with all of her understanding, there were forces at work in the cosmos that she would never comprehend. This fact ate at her like no other.

What did fate have in store for these four Terats?

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***Outside the Temple***

Flare eyed the book that Leiko now held. "That went much better than suspected. She hasn't outright agreed to help us, but she does show interest. She must have respected Caroline...anyway, I know who Krishnamurti Pradmurabpan is. He's helped the Teragen once before, and her description of his abilities seems to match. Sadly, he's even more cryptic than she is..."

((The scene can fast-forward to Krishnamurti Pradmurabpan's village, unless you suggest something else or wish to go elsewhere. The meeting with Shakti is meant to introduce the four Terats to what's about to happen, but the meeting with Pradmurabpan is where things will heat up.))

In a moment Gaston speaks to Flare, almost like saying something with little importance"Flare, my friend, do you think the best course of action is going to see this man right now? Remember that Edge, and probably some other Kabal's freak is still behind us, and who knows what can they try if they to do to stop us to speak with him.... Maaaybe we should... hmmm... i dont know... split and meet later in a secure place... but that's only my opinion..." and smiles ::cool

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Shakti's expression changed at the mention of Delorimier; her smile disappeared and her eyes narrowed. Her head turned to face a flower, and she stroked it's petals with one hand while another summoned a small cloud above it. "Delorimier...he is very much like a wolf in sheep's skin, as Pedro would say."
Leiko nods, her face grim. "Is there any advice you can tell us on how to deal with him, and help those who have fallen under his sway?"
Before Leiko left, one of Shakti's hands grabbed a book and held it in the Japanese woman's direction. her eyes remained closed. "Take this...it may serve you well at some point."

((The book is written in a language Leiko does not recognize. It is written and binded by hand, presumably by Shakti. It is perhaps 600 pages thick, and fairly heavy. The letters are small and take up a great portion of the pages, with no images or blank pages.))

"Thank you," she replies, somewhat confused, as she glances at the book. "What language is it written in?"
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