@everyone (cw: pit shrine related gore)

[unwings]

It’s time we address the behemoth released from the shrines.

For those who weren’t in the pit, we shared the cavern with 4 occult shrines that produced a steady flow of blood. When the exterior of each was removed, a second was beneath - an armored figure with a spiked halo knelt in prayer, bleeding from empty eye sockets. Save for one other - a standing, armored skeleton-like humanoid carrying the upper half of an iron maiden, and wielding a spiked ball at the end of what appeared to be a chain of its own small intestines.

When the last of these shrines were opened, pillars of writhing flesh struck through the pit’s ceiling. Later, it was apparent these were the monster’s legs, and some were crushed underfoot when it began to retreat from its cage.

Proximity to the shrines caused a flood of sinister whispering and visions of a shadowed figure, and those of us succumbed to the ritual’s effects felt a certain draw to them. It’s unclear if the acolytes were hoping we’d interact with these shrines, as they never intervened, but the monster’s escape caused the eventual collapse of the pit and did them no favors.

Did anyone in the rescue team see where it went, after it broke off from the cavern? Best we learn what this creature is and what it’s capable of before we encounter it again.

There will be a cross-faction book exchange and research effort hosted in Istredd's domain regularly. Please come by if you’re interested in helping with this, sharing books not available in your faction, or any other pursuit of this world’s knowledge.


And, if anyone’s seen Dean Winchester - in the Horizon or otherwise - Sam, Jo and I would appreciate a word.

Comments

[obiwanofthosedays]

I wonder then why you were not created as a hive mind if that was the intent. Most species with that goal tend to develop that way; but now I'm speculating as to the will of your creator.

[ Obi-wan's takeaway here is that Castiel is both horribly old, horribly young, and deeply traumatized.

Oh dear. ]

It's quite similar- at least enough for me to reach out to it and channel it as I would back home; though some actions require more effort than they used to. Training and regular meditation will aid in the adjustment.

[unwings]

We do share a telepathic connection, colloquially known as 'angel radio'. But only for communication, we don't think as a single unit.

[ obi-wan is not wrong, at all, in his conclusions. ]

I find my powers reacting the same. Some are as they were, some are completely out of reach. Is meditation a regular practice for Jedi? Have you entered the Horizon yet?

[obiwanofthosedays]

I've been guided there once before and have created a...domain, I believe is the term? And it is, centering one's thoughts and emotions is vital to our connection with The Force. The difficulty in meditating is on occasion I find myself there when I do not intend to drift quite that far.

[unwings]

It’s a rather low bar of meditation required to enter the Horizon, that’s true. Given most Summoned aren’t terribly experienced with it. I’ve found meditation within the Horizon to be just as effective, if not more.

If you feel the urge to explore, you’re welcome within my domain. You’ll spot a border if densely populated trees, as you approach, a pathway should open.

[obiwanofthosedays]

I appreciatethe in invitation.
You'll find my domain quite easily, I should think.
There's a large crystalline tree in the center, it's hard to miss.

[unwings]

A crystal tree seems hard to miss. Though, I do know another Summoned's domain that contains an iron tree with crystal fruit. Kyle, in Throne.

I'll keep an eye our for your tree, and hopefully see you in the Horizon some day soon.

[obiwanofthosedays]

Curious. When I begin to venture through the horizon, I'll keep an eye out.

You are always welcome to visit, honestly? I would be glad for the company.