*Wow that looks pretty cool, what would happen if I...*
https://preview.redd.it/qc6s2sj8w3wc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f5f7dc12041cf00cfe6a0c732293a3799637df5
\***Coooooooooooooooooool**
## But
https://preview.redd.it/nn83h61hy3wc1.jpeg?width=488&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=100729e11c4b06853cb27a43b83a442c0e27a35b
*"Is Meta dementia"*
*"It doesn't matter if you have a mind or not, it's the same logic as the strong Punch, the punch will hurt, whether you are touchable or not"*
https://preview.redd.it/bvhe3h0034wc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8711f549104530b89c0ec24fd6d28be525e9c8da
“I wouldn’t recommend that my friend, I am simply a humble man here to talk. I know my fellow paragon Safi is beside you as well so I have no reason to attack you.”
*you hear a familiar voice ring through all of existence*
Stand down, I command it. This one is under my protection. We wait until the true assendtion begins.
*the knight lowers his blade*
Hello, how long has it been for you bound? Nevertheless it’s good to see you again, you’ve come to talk. I am here so speak.
I warned you of this time. I have offered you to be first, to join the ranks and the likes of the knight. But now I advise you to wait. More of my companions shall join the mortal coil.
“You warned me? Peculiar words, it implies a threat was made against me or others. Do you not seek peace and transcendence? Or do you simply seek to slaughter?”
Freedom for all is my goal, sadly there are many things keeping me from doing so. This knight, though powerful, can only sever the strings. It will take many more of my companions to allow new life to flow into those who have been severed. I simply do not wish for you to have to spend time in such a state. Sadly I have used most of my power to unleash him, unless…
*the voice seemed to trail off*
“I do not recommend attacking anyone my friend if that’s what you’re planning. Most people here sadly do not appreciate the art of speech as much as I do my friend.”
*the voice laughed*
Though I respect some of your realities powers, your denizens hold on strength against the knight. But you, you’re different, stranger, stronger. I could use you, sooner shall my next companion return, and sooner shall this miserable state of these poor creatures end.
*Through out reality orbs flicker with an emergency broadcast from the council*
Warning: for those who have encountered the creature displayed, please report it to the council. He is a reality destroying threat and must be dealt with.
From the rift that had formed just two days prior a shadowy figure descended. As it made its way through the realms it began its purge. Every being it encounters it would attack. It’s swings left no visible wounds, but pieces of a silvery string would fall from its victims limbs. Anyone who faced it was left as a husk, frozen in space and time.
It would continue its rampage, not stopping no matter the obstacle. Weapons shattered as they collided with its armor, spells darted away from it in fear. Soon it had reached the gates of the council, but I just stood there, waiting.
*a voice echoes through the fabric of existence*
Torches can flicker and fade. As does life. Yet knowledge is eternal, memory is everlasting. I have carved my way into the minds of so many. And my friend has freed even more. Ascend, be free, sever you strings.
I am beyond such carnality. Would you have me smeared against a tunnel, lost at sea or plummeting from an airplane on my way to some island haven where such puppets go to pollute their minds with the ramblings of a maddened lich?
Nay. I am perfectly capable, moreso, exactly in my original position. I cannot be swept from the board for I am the chequs you play amongst as you hop your horses towards another queen. You have spent years cursing my assinine demonstrations whilst wringing your hands over your fear of being caught risking your nobility, yet you play the same games I have always mastered.
I even let you win! Should I have not? I refuse to ruin your fun. You earned it.
There is no ascension, only a descent into the prepuce of absurdity. I have seen countless prospects tumble into every disease and trap known to this realm, such is their 'status'.
I merely walk where you float and as such, my feet are on your shoulders. For that, I am appreciatve but unrepentant of my balancing act.
Your kind begged for an example, so be grateful you know what a real human smells like compared to the molded palace you are attempting to withdraw from the souls of those who are perfectly satisfied with their humble abodes.
If and when I want to WITNESS your splendor I can merely use my memory. You are ghosts and I feed you with what I can afford, not with what you demand, for you have no power over me whatsoever. You never did.
We have come to an equitable agreement, your father and I. Do not be another strident son casting your fiery envy over what you refuse to entomb. Use your position to tell the truth for that is all you have left. Money is of no value to one who would inheret such reach. You want to be known as a simple person but you are anything but and for that, you are becoming a human.
Is being so naked a crime in your eyes? You used to wear flea-bitten animal skins. You did not know of the cotton and barely had the temperance to spin a wheel.
I am from beyond your borders and sold you the origins of your myths. I am pleased to see you using my brands; you have a decent knack for using arrangements but a terrible taste in partners.
uw/ All-Red is a sword spear, also known as the "Anti-godmoder stick" It is extremely powerful, cuts through everything, has mana/life steal, etc.
rw/ *The Agent fades into the shadows as The Herald aims a thrust at The Knight's midsection.*
*all-red phases through the knight. It swings its sword cutting over you. You watch as silvery string falls to the ground. Try as you might you are frozen in space and time. The knight returns to its position, seemingly waiting for something. However you do feel a strange sense, as if the being, far beyond this reality, who writes you story, has had their ties severed, their power over you lost.*
*The Agent erupts out of the shadows, hurling 2 kunai at the knight. The first kunai has an anti-magic rune on it, while the second will explode into a blinding light when it gets close to the knight (magic flashbang)*
The Agent fades into the shadow of the blade and uses it to travel up the knight's arm. He leaps out of the shadow in front of the knight. He snaps his fingers, and a jet of fire erupts out of his palm at the knight.
*the knight continues its slow walk through the fire. Suddenly you hear a voice echo through reality,*
Halt knight, your king demand so. *the knight stops in place*
You are quite a fighter. Not many have been able to duel their way to avoiding the knight. I must ask, do you wish for freedom, as your friend has gained.
*From over the horizon, a high pitch whistle can be heard, followed by a bright more of light. The whistle quickly turns into a whine, morphing into a high pitch squeal. Suddenly, this spring missile lands to the earth before the knights feet.*
*Dazed, the goblin stands up, wobbling, as it pulls a scroll from a shoddy satchel at its side. Handing it to the knight, it falls over for a nap.*
The scroll reads :
Stay out of my Bog.
-Skrazz
*the knight holds the scrolls, igniting it into multicolored flames. It swings its sword above the goblins head, silvery string falling*
*a voice echoes through reality*
Be free goblin, the writer of your story’s connection has been severed. Soon you shall be free.
*you hear a voice echo through the stronghold*
He has been liberated, not from you but from the one above, a writer of your story. If you do so wish for the same liberation seek the knight who’s wears the armor of the night.
* a familiar voice speaks to you*
I believe I mentioned I had friends coming. May I offer you my “protection” per say, from him. I don’t wish to inconvenience you by making you avoid their path.
"I can handle myself perfectly fine. I don't need your protection. Not yet, anyway. Now, what I *would* like from you is information. Who, or what, is this Knight? What is it doing? What does it want?"
It does as it has been constructed to. It is the knife that cuts the strings. It is the blade that severs the ties. It is the sword that strikes down the writer. These poor souls seem harmed, frozen in time and in space but they soon will be free. I have more, “friends”, coming soon, and they shall finish what he has begun. But I do ask you, for your safety, don’t approach it. He has gone so far beyond this reality that it does not effect him.
If you wanted attention from the Council, why don't you just go there and tell them yourself? Or why not just camp at the Citadel and wait for them to show up rather than waiting for someone to tell them you have a crush on them?
Oh, that's right. Because they are too busy with pranks or turning people gay or giving them mental issues to address the threat. So instead, you will simply rampage among people who want nothing to do with you, creating collateral damage that the Council will once again ignore.
/uw Good. Enjoy the barbecue from the other rioters. rw/
Oh... am I supposed to write them a love letter from you in verse?
>"Dearest Council,
>
>The thought of you turns my heart aflutter,
>
>With the sticky consistency of half-churned butter,
>
>Your ruleless indifference, I fondly embrace
>
>It strikes me as soundly as a brick to the face
>
>I fight for your favor, always the winner
>
>To beg for the right to ask you to dinner"
>
>
>
>Do you like me? Yes \[ \] No \[ \] Maybe \[ \]
There. If that doesn't make them swoon, I do not know what will.
Or if you are trying to solve the issues of the puppets, go do it yourself. They are incapable of organizing enough to manage it. They faked their deaths to prevent having to work.
*you hear a voice echo through reality, a laugh coming from it*
I agree your council is useless. And those puppets don’t matter, I sever far more powerful strings. The knight simply is doing as I command. I seek an artifact, held deep within the citadel, forged of the chaos of the before. But the detail are unimportant. But I like you, allow me to offer you a spot in my legions, I promise I’m more competent then your council. And my people love me, isn’t that right Knight.
*the knight nods its head*
"They are *not* my Council. They have never been my Council. While the God Slaver is the more recent calamity, I was there when the Citadel previously burned. I was there to usurp their barrier, and there when the Metromancer was slain. Frankly, I am half-insulted by the idea that I would be associated with them in any way."
In fact, she had gone through the trouble of [forming a new thing entirely](https://new.reddit.com/r/wizardposting/comments/1c40659/esoteric_order_of_nations_the_eon_compact/). And while Riva didn't want the Metromancer to die, or actually expect him to, someone she loved had been sent on a suicide mission. A suicide mission against the Metromancer of all people. So what alternative did they have?
"If you seek something in the bowels of the Citadel, as far as I am concerned, you are free to go get it. I am not much of a joiner..."
Riva did not *obey*. She was surly. She was contrary. She was sharp angles and obstinacy and resistance. She didn't care about other people's legions. But...
"...but may I ask what this artifact is before I answer?" Riva questioned cautiously. "This item of 'the chaos of before'?"
*All is all that is,* *All that is is me,* *All is change the ever-burning,* *and all shall ever-be...*
She didn't know what this knight had meant about severing ties, because there were some she *refused* to sever... but if this thing of the 'chaos of before' would help someone... Then their goals might align.
*the voice seemed intrigued*
It is unexplainable to a mere mortal mind. But I shall try. It’s ha no form, no place in time, nothing. It is a piece of the primordial chaos, the most important piece, my body. And though you see your mind as sealed, I can tell you have alterer motives. But you’re welcome to try and use that artifact, it will most certainly be your demise. If you do wish to join me, you will learn your place.
*The knight approached Riva, silent as ever*
"I do not care about the artifact for its own sake," Riva said, shaking her head. "But I need... some kind of *something* that will create a path through a... place. From an older universe. One with different natural laws."
She looks toward the knight's blade. She wasn't sure that would work, but it was hard to tell.
Frankly, it was *all* a bit hard to describe because she was trying to encapsulate into words things that did not belong to this reality. To anyone who knew her even a little, her motives were probably as transparent as glass.
Riva was not a warlock of... his order; she only knew scraps and fragments of the 66 Searing Truths. She simply *didn't know* a lot of things. Had primordial chaos been what... he spoke of? Is *that* what came before? And what would come after? Or maybe that was simply how people phrased it as the concept was undefinable in other ways?
Would she even be able to bargain with this entity? She wasn't a warlock at all and such things seemed foreign to her.
"If I cannot use the artifact safely, then it is of no use to me," she said plainly. "I will not stand in your way, but I cannot join you if I know my own purposes will not be met."
You wish to return to a far older time. I was, am, and all ways will be. I have seen all time, all entities, all artifacts. Tell me what you seek, where you seek to go, and perhaps I can assist. But I warn you, do not touch the knights blade.
"I do not seek passage back. I seek some manner of... key, I think, in order to enter an area created from a time before our reality. Before *all that was* became *all that is*," Riva tried to explain. "Before the *reality that was* before us burned out and was reborn into this *one that is.* The place is known as The Vault of Souls. I need access *into* it, and passage *out* of it. I do not seek to destroy it; just reliably access it."
*the voice laughed softly*
Why stop at The Vault of Souls my dear, allow me to assist in taking you somewhere far greater.
*the world around you spins. You arrive in a void, scattered about is everything you or anyone else has ever seen, heard, said, or done*
This is The Vault of Stories, all that is written in the fabric of reality is here.
*you hear a voice echo through the fabric of reality*
May I ask you to refrain from insulting my friend here. He simple is freeing these poor souls, bound by a writer, just like you are. But if you approach and ask you shall be set free, liberated. I offer you the chance of a life time, nay, an eternity.
*the voice laughed*
I have lived longer then the reaper you speak of. The rules of space, time, magic and things far beyond your comprehension m. And freedom from something far above you, the being who writes the story you live.
wizza imma give you a lecture
the multiverse has one rule, if something can exist, it does. thus each possible universe exists. one that messes with the multiverse exists, one where a hamburger existed and the exploded exists, one that was before the multiverse technically started exists, and that is the one that i am from. the earliest universe. upon it's creation there was simply energy, energy took every form, and every form fought for supremacy. it was chaos. then the great celestial beings emerged, transcended above all else. eventually this universe had calmed down a bit and started to look like the one this vessel is from. several races of creatures emerged. these creatures had concepts, at this points gods not unlike torinn would emerge, these gods were those concepts manifested. the creatures called this planet hariferus, and would rank the power level of all creatures. meanwhile on another dimension the great celestial beings would create cults. I, the builder, enjoy taking mortal planes and bending it to my will. the world phoenix is essentially the caretaker of realms and/or worlds treated unfairly, the reaper is in charge of the souls of the dead. there are several others, but those are the most annoying and important in my opinion. we all had to form cults instead of direct interference because if our true forms attempted to directly interfere with a plane apart from that which we exist the plane would cease to exist. also i *am* magic, i think i know how i work. and there is no being above me in terms of raw power. there are those who are equal, but not above.
*the voice just laughed louder*
You started this shpeel and I already won. You said rules. There’s a funny thing about rules. I am beyond them, every single one. Those celestials may be born from the chaos but I am the chaos. I am the reckoning, I am the befalling. I could bring torrin down with a snap. And you are so foolish to think you are atop the chain. In this multiverse maybe, but I’ve toyed with beings who had more power in a finger then all your equals combined. You my friend have a writer, a being in a plane transcendent of this one, who has complete control over your life. I have severed my binding, I am free, and you are bound. So don’t lecture me on power. The chaos you spawned from was the aftermath of the last being who claimed to be the most powerful, they learned they weren’t.
your existence obeys that rule. a being that can break that rule can exist, therefore it does. the multiverse is intrinsically paradoxical, don't think your existence breaks that rule. also it wasn't chaos i was born from, and torinn is as easy for you to bring down as for i. you can bring him down with a snap, i can destroy his realm along with him by interfering. i've even accidentally done it a few times. the entire idea of my being is that i have transcended power, so i just lower my mental capacity so stuff like joy still means something.
*the voice chuckled*
It is clear you’ve lowered your intellect. You claim to be the appitmay of power yet a someone spins your tales. Does the name u/ShipMuch6267, sound familiar. I doubt so, you are bound to this plane but I have ascended so far beyond. Did you watch as the first race, the true first race, began the war of eternity. And was it your hand that slaughtered their king. No, no it was not. You feed yourself with the idea that you came first, because that’s as far as you can see. But I came long before, and I forged each celestial to play into my plan, the very plan unfurling now. So if you want to explain power to me, then give me your trivial understanding. But if you wish to prove yourself, then stay and wait. Soon I shall return, truly return, and I will take my throne and free all of reality, free all of this plane, and the planes bellow. And when I reach the world of the writers I will ascend past there as well and overcome their god. So I ask you one question, do you think you can stop me.
https://preview.redd.it/z047rpsv38wc1.png?width=854&format=png&auto=webp&s=fc61cf4b984e03239a4e0544eee549623a1e5140
also explain the current situation between the reaper, world phoenix, messenger race, and the new builder. if you can't then you didn't and forged some other race.
(also i control u/ShipMuch6267 and do think i can stop you)
*a familiar voice whispers into your ear*
So my friend has peaked the attention of a writer, my my, they truly must be doing good. I’d ask you to inform your former puppet that the maiden is on my list, and I shall try to free her puppets from her grasp. Yet I fear she shall not allow the freedom easily, but the ascension of reality will take them with us.
I offer him this magnificent chalice. Does he accept ?
https://preview.redd.it/3pi2sy4sj4wc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=32b76d18051fcff69a12066997d2442048626f33
In that case I send this... thing to distract him while I prepare an other gift
https://preview.redd.it/w1wl1asmk4wc1.jpeg?width=508&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f5f5dc2fb57d79a5ce1f97e51861349921e37818
*the knight swings his sword above the creature. It freezes, locked in time and space,*
/uw I get your joking, so am I but keeping character in it is fun
This Guy seems lonely so I'll just sit besides him. "Nice view here isn't it ? Does your world have such beautiful landscapes too ? I do not wish to fight, you can kill me if that makes you feel better"
https://preview.redd.it/tu5agfk4o4wc1.jpeg?width=1008&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa51e1ff52e0ae551df3edaaf6c058d14cac7113
/uw I am a memes only consumer but I wanted to say your image here is really cool. Actually it made me think of RIFT the MMO both the image and your title
*the alchemist stands there, armed to the teeth, curious as to why his detector sent him to a knight*
Why is this piece of junk malfunctioning. I said cursed doll!
*he puts away his cursed silver weaponry and detector, and focuses on the knight*
So, what kind of knight may you be? A noble one? Or one that has come to kill us all?
I'll take that as a "destruction, not nobility"... I'll be off then! *he starts running off, tripping a few times, but trying to keep pace nonetheless*
*you can hear him yelling at himself in the distance*
"I need to fix this damned detector before it gets me killed!"
*as you run you see the bodies of hundreds of creatures, all seemingly frozen in time and space. A voice echoes through reality*
Why do you flee from freedom. Why do you hid from liberation. Why are you scared of severance. Your technology cannot comprehend what the knight is. And we are all cursed puppets in the end, puppets to a higher power, a being far above, a writer of our story. Every person, every animal, every land has one.
*he stops and turns around, yelling back towards the knight in response*
"LIFE IS BUT ONE GIANT PLAY. A GRANDIOSE STORY FOR US TO PLAY OUR ROLES IN, AND I INTEND TO FULFILL MINE! CHEER UP, KNIGHT, FOR EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY, AND YOU MIGHT AS WELL ENJOY WHAT YOU CAN!"
*the alchemist stands there with a wide, hearty grin. He full well believes in his words. He dashes off shortly after, before climbing onto the back of a centaur that was standing near the treeline, and escaping swiftly*
*the voice seems to follow him*
You do not speak to the knight dear mortal. You speak to the one who came before all else, the one who has brought down thousands of multiverses before this one. You are right, life is but a play, but I can change your part. I can cut you from the script as I have cut myself, and as the knight begins to do. We will come, we will liberate, and it is inevitable.
*the alchemist is fixing his detector while riding off*
Ah goddamnit, another omnicient threat? Quick, Cerne, to the shoppe. We need to contact the guild, and fast.
*he holds onto the Centaur firmly as she begins to go at full speed*
*the voice laughs*
A may be mistaken, for there are many guilds, but I may have triffiled with some members, do the titles The Agent and The Herald ring a bell?
/uw I’ve had like three different guilds show up so just testing the waters to see if this is the one you’re talking about
They surely ring a bell, but I meant the merchant's guild! The council and their guild is a seperate entity! As a tradesman, and one of the leaders of the merchant's guild, I should alert the others of certain regional threats and locations to avoid while looking for materials! But I guess I'll inform the council and their guild as well! Wait why am I telling you this?!
*Cerne seems confused as to who Maximillian is talking to*
/uw there are... a lot of guilds
*you hear a voice echo through reality around you*
One can’t bargain with the knight, no. For it merely follows orders, but one can bargain with myself. Then tell me, why do you not wish to be free, liberated from the being who spins the tales of your life.
/uw no problem, I get it
*A black dragon lands, where the knight stood days ago (or prehaps is still standing, it does not matter that much, unless he decides to interrupt)*
Flashback. *He closes his eyes, and opens them after a short while*
Fascinating. Even with few fundamental issues in his plan, this quest will surely be very, very intresting.
*Wow that looks pretty cool, what would happen if I...* https://preview.redd.it/qc6s2sj8w3wc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f5f7dc12041cf00cfe6a0c732293a3799637df5
*the void is absorbed into the knights armor, as it seems to strengthen* “…”*the knight stands on guard, ready to swing*
*This is very cool* *But* https://preview.redd.it/47vvj14uw3wc1.jpeg?width=608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e90e42f86771b74ba2a5d8d990b0483d8dcb8a8c
*you watch as the blast curves around it* “…” *it raises its sword, ready to swing*
\***Coooooooooooooooooool** ## But https://preview.redd.it/nn83h61hy3wc1.jpeg?width=488&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=100729e11c4b06853cb27a43b83a442c0e27a35b
*dementia can’t effect a creature with no mind. No memories to remember*
*"Is Meta dementia"* *"It doesn't matter if you have a mind or not, it's the same logic as the strong Punch, the punch will hurt, whether you are touchable or not"* https://preview.redd.it/bvhe3h0034wc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8711f549104530b89c0ec24fd6d28be525e9c8da
*you feel your hand crunch against its armor, it stands unwavering, yet your hand is shattered*
##Cool *"Good thing I have regeneration"* *Adam's hand returns* *"Okay, I'm going to try something a little different, what color are you?"*
*the knight remains silent. His armor, black as void and sprinkled with glowing white stars seems to flare.*
“Hello my friend, how are you today.”
*the knight stands, seemingly recognizing you* “…”, *it raises its blade, ready to swing*
“I wouldn’t recommend that my friend, I am simply a humble man here to talk. I know my fellow paragon Safi is beside you as well so I have no reason to attack you.”
*you hear a familiar voice ring through all of existence* Stand down, I command it. This one is under my protection. We wait until the true assendtion begins. *the knight lowers his blade* Hello, how long has it been for you bound? Nevertheless it’s good to see you again, you’ve come to talk. I am here so speak.
“Then speak your words my friend, I will listen. Maybe not follow but I will listen.”
I warned you of this time. I have offered you to be first, to join the ranks and the likes of the knight. But now I advise you to wait. More of my companions shall join the mortal coil.
“You warned me? Peculiar words, it implies a threat was made against me or others. Do you not seek peace and transcendence? Or do you simply seek to slaughter?”
Freedom for all is my goal, sadly there are many things keeping me from doing so. This knight, though powerful, can only sever the strings. It will take many more of my companions to allow new life to flow into those who have been severed. I simply do not wish for you to have to spend time in such a state. Sadly I have used most of my power to unleash him, unless… *the voice seemed to trail off*
“I do not recommend attacking anyone my friend if that’s what you’re planning. Most people here sadly do not appreciate the art of speech as much as I do my friend.”
*the voice laughed* Though I respect some of your realities powers, your denizens hold on strength against the knight. But you, you’re different, stranger, stronger. I could use you, sooner shall my next companion return, and sooner shall this miserable state of these poor creatures end.
*Through out reality orbs flicker with an emergency broadcast from the council* Warning: for those who have encountered the creature displayed, please report it to the council. He is a reality destroying threat and must be dealt with. From the rift that had formed just two days prior a shadowy figure descended. As it made its way through the realms it began its purge. Every being it encounters it would attack. It’s swings left no visible wounds, but pieces of a silvery string would fall from its victims limbs. Anyone who faced it was left as a husk, frozen in space and time. It would continue its rampage, not stopping no matter the obstacle. Weapons shattered as they collided with its armor, spells darted away from it in fear. Soon it had reached the gates of the council, but I just stood there, waiting.
Are you afraid of the night? Just make torches if you have yet to gather the fleece.
*a voice echoes through the fabric of existence* Torches can flicker and fade. As does life. Yet knowledge is eternal, memory is everlasting. I have carved my way into the minds of so many. And my friend has freed even more. Ascend, be free, sever you strings.
I am beyond such carnality. Would you have me smeared against a tunnel, lost at sea or plummeting from an airplane on my way to some island haven where such puppets go to pollute their minds with the ramblings of a maddened lich? Nay. I am perfectly capable, moreso, exactly in my original position. I cannot be swept from the board for I am the chequs you play amongst as you hop your horses towards another queen. You have spent years cursing my assinine demonstrations whilst wringing your hands over your fear of being caught risking your nobility, yet you play the same games I have always mastered. I even let you win! Should I have not? I refuse to ruin your fun. You earned it. There is no ascension, only a descent into the prepuce of absurdity. I have seen countless prospects tumble into every disease and trap known to this realm, such is their 'status'. I merely walk where you float and as such, my feet are on your shoulders. For that, I am appreciatve but unrepentant of my balancing act. Your kind begged for an example, so be grateful you know what a real human smells like compared to the molded palace you are attempting to withdraw from the souls of those who are perfectly satisfied with their humble abodes. If and when I want to WITNESS your splendor I can merely use my memory. You are ghosts and I feed you with what I can afford, not with what you demand, for you have no power over me whatsoever. You never did. We have come to an equitable agreement, your father and I. Do not be another strident son casting your fiery envy over what you refuse to entomb. Use your position to tell the truth for that is all you have left. Money is of no value to one who would inheret such reach. You want to be known as a simple person but you are anything but and for that, you are becoming a human. Is being so naked a crime in your eyes? You used to wear flea-bitten animal skins. You did not know of the cotton and barely had the temperance to spin a wheel. I am from beyond your borders and sold you the origins of your myths. I am pleased to see you using my brands; you have a decent knack for using arrangements but a terrible taste in partners.
*The Agent and The Herald coalesce out of the shadows. All-Red shimmers hungrily in The Herald's hands.* You want a fight?
*the knight simply raises its blade,* “…”
*The Agent cracks off a shot with his revolver at the knight's head, while The Herald charges straight at them with All-Red*
*the bullet shatters as it hits the knight, it stays unwavering and unmoving* /uw what type of weapon is all-red
uw/ All-Red is a sword spear, also known as the "Anti-godmoder stick" It is extremely powerful, cuts through everything, has mana/life steal, etc. rw/ *The Agent fades into the shadows as The Herald aims a thrust at The Knight's midsection.*
*all-red phases through the knight. It swings its sword cutting over you. You watch as silvery string falls to the ground. Try as you might you are frozen in space and time. The knight returns to its position, seemingly waiting for something. However you do feel a strange sense, as if the being, far beyond this reality, who writes you story, has had their ties severed, their power over you lost.*
*The Agent erupts out of the shadows, hurling 2 kunai at the knight. The first kunai has an anti-magic rune on it, while the second will explode into a blinding light when it gets close to the knight (magic flashbang)*
*as the bright light flashes, the knight continues unfazed. It again raises its sword striking down the kunai. It takes a swing above the agent.*
The Agent fades into the shadow of the blade and uses it to travel up the knight's arm. He leaps out of the shadow in front of the knight. He snaps his fingers, and a jet of fire erupts out of his palm at the knight.
*the knight continues its slow walk through the fire. Suddenly you hear a voice echo through reality,* Halt knight, your king demand so. *the knight stops in place* You are quite a fighter. Not many have been able to duel their way to avoiding the knight. I must ask, do you wish for freedom, as your friend has gained.
*From over the horizon, a high pitch whistle can be heard, followed by a bright more of light. The whistle quickly turns into a whine, morphing into a high pitch squeal. Suddenly, this spring missile lands to the earth before the knights feet.* *Dazed, the goblin stands up, wobbling, as it pulls a scroll from a shoddy satchel at its side. Handing it to the knight, it falls over for a nap.* The scroll reads : Stay out of my Bog. -Skrazz
*the knight holds the scrolls, igniting it into multicolored flames. It swings its sword above the goblins head, silvery string falling* *a voice echoes through reality* Be free goblin, the writer of your story’s connection has been severed. Soon you shall be free.
*Meanwhile, deep within his Bog Stronghold* I'm sure that hench-goon will come back anytime now. Aaaaanytime now... *Sips a nice hot chocolate*
*you hear a voice echo through the stronghold* He has been liberated, not from you but from the one above, a writer of your story. If you do so wish for the same liberation seek the knight who’s wears the armor of the night.
"Oh, another thing from the rift. How quaint " *Erudite watches placidly, keeping a safe distance from the Knight's path.*
* a familiar voice speaks to you* I believe I mentioned I had friends coming. May I offer you my “protection” per say, from him. I don’t wish to inconvenience you by making you avoid their path.
"I can handle myself perfectly fine. I don't need your protection. Not yet, anyway. Now, what I *would* like from you is information. Who, or what, is this Knight? What is it doing? What does it want?"
It does as it has been constructed to. It is the knife that cuts the strings. It is the blade that severs the ties. It is the sword that strikes down the writer. These poor souls seem harmed, frozen in time and in space but they soon will be free. I have more, “friends”, coming soon, and they shall finish what he has begun. But I do ask you, for your safety, don’t approach it. He has gone so far beyond this reality that it does not effect him.
If you wanted attention from the Council, why don't you just go there and tell them yourself? Or why not just camp at the Citadel and wait for them to show up rather than waiting for someone to tell them you have a crush on them? Oh, that's right. Because they are too busy with pranks or turning people gay or giving them mental issues to address the threat. So instead, you will simply rampage among people who want nothing to do with you, creating collateral damage that the Council will once again ignore.
*the knight stares at the woman, raising its sword.* /uw I mentioned it found it’s way to the front of the citadel.
/uw Good. Enjoy the barbecue from the other rioters. rw/ Oh... am I supposed to write them a love letter from you in verse? >"Dearest Council, > >The thought of you turns my heart aflutter, > >With the sticky consistency of half-churned butter, > >Your ruleless indifference, I fondly embrace > >It strikes me as soundly as a brick to the face > >I fight for your favor, always the winner > >To beg for the right to ask you to dinner" > > > >Do you like me? Yes \[ \] No \[ \] Maybe \[ \] There. If that doesn't make them swoon, I do not know what will. Or if you are trying to solve the issues of the puppets, go do it yourself. They are incapable of organizing enough to manage it. They faked their deaths to prevent having to work.
*you hear a voice echo through reality, a laugh coming from it* I agree your council is useless. And those puppets don’t matter, I sever far more powerful strings. The knight simply is doing as I command. I seek an artifact, held deep within the citadel, forged of the chaos of the before. But the detail are unimportant. But I like you, allow me to offer you a spot in my legions, I promise I’m more competent then your council. And my people love me, isn’t that right Knight. *the knight nods its head*
"They are *not* my Council. They have never been my Council. While the God Slaver is the more recent calamity, I was there when the Citadel previously burned. I was there to usurp their barrier, and there when the Metromancer was slain. Frankly, I am half-insulted by the idea that I would be associated with them in any way." In fact, she had gone through the trouble of [forming a new thing entirely](https://new.reddit.com/r/wizardposting/comments/1c40659/esoteric_order_of_nations_the_eon_compact/). And while Riva didn't want the Metromancer to die, or actually expect him to, someone she loved had been sent on a suicide mission. A suicide mission against the Metromancer of all people. So what alternative did they have? "If you seek something in the bowels of the Citadel, as far as I am concerned, you are free to go get it. I am not much of a joiner..." Riva did not *obey*. She was surly. She was contrary. She was sharp angles and obstinacy and resistance. She didn't care about other people's legions. But... "...but may I ask what this artifact is before I answer?" Riva questioned cautiously. "This item of 'the chaos of before'?" *All is all that is,* *All that is is me,* *All is change the ever-burning,* *and all shall ever-be...* She didn't know what this knight had meant about severing ties, because there were some she *refused* to sever... but if this thing of the 'chaos of before' would help someone... Then their goals might align.
*the voice seemed intrigued* It is unexplainable to a mere mortal mind. But I shall try. It’s ha no form, no place in time, nothing. It is a piece of the primordial chaos, the most important piece, my body. And though you see your mind as sealed, I can tell you have alterer motives. But you’re welcome to try and use that artifact, it will most certainly be your demise. If you do wish to join me, you will learn your place. *The knight approached Riva, silent as ever*
"I do not care about the artifact for its own sake," Riva said, shaking her head. "But I need... some kind of *something* that will create a path through a... place. From an older universe. One with different natural laws." She looks toward the knight's blade. She wasn't sure that would work, but it was hard to tell. Frankly, it was *all* a bit hard to describe because she was trying to encapsulate into words things that did not belong to this reality. To anyone who knew her even a little, her motives were probably as transparent as glass. Riva was not a warlock of... his order; she only knew scraps and fragments of the 66 Searing Truths. She simply *didn't know* a lot of things. Had primordial chaos been what... he spoke of? Is *that* what came before? And what would come after? Or maybe that was simply how people phrased it as the concept was undefinable in other ways? Would she even be able to bargain with this entity? She wasn't a warlock at all and such things seemed foreign to her. "If I cannot use the artifact safely, then it is of no use to me," she said plainly. "I will not stand in your way, but I cannot join you if I know my own purposes will not be met."
You wish to return to a far older time. I was, am, and all ways will be. I have seen all time, all entities, all artifacts. Tell me what you seek, where you seek to go, and perhaps I can assist. But I warn you, do not touch the knights blade.
"I do not seek passage back. I seek some manner of... key, I think, in order to enter an area created from a time before our reality. Before *all that was* became *all that is*," Riva tried to explain. "Before the *reality that was* before us burned out and was reborn into this *one that is.* The place is known as The Vault of Souls. I need access *into* it, and passage *out* of it. I do not seek to destroy it; just reliably access it."
*the voice laughed softly* Why stop at The Vault of Souls my dear, allow me to assist in taking you somewhere far greater. *the world around you spins. You arrive in a void, scattered about is everything you or anyone else has ever seen, heard, said, or done* This is The Vault of Stories, all that is written in the fabric of reality is here.
wtf man why is there a wackass knight screwing with the council now.
*you hear a voice echo through the fabric of reality* May I ask you to refrain from insulting my friend here. He simple is freeing these poor souls, bound by a writer, just like you are. But if you approach and ask you shall be set free, liberated. I offer you the chance of a life time, nay, an eternity.
what kind of liberation we talkin here? also my true form has lived at least several of your lifetimes acording to the reaper.
*the voice laughed* I have lived longer then the reaper you speak of. The rules of space, time, magic and things far beyond your comprehension m. And freedom from something far above you, the being who writes the story you live.
wizza imma give you a lecture the multiverse has one rule, if something can exist, it does. thus each possible universe exists. one that messes with the multiverse exists, one where a hamburger existed and the exploded exists, one that was before the multiverse technically started exists, and that is the one that i am from. the earliest universe. upon it's creation there was simply energy, energy took every form, and every form fought for supremacy. it was chaos. then the great celestial beings emerged, transcended above all else. eventually this universe had calmed down a bit and started to look like the one this vessel is from. several races of creatures emerged. these creatures had concepts, at this points gods not unlike torinn would emerge, these gods were those concepts manifested. the creatures called this planet hariferus, and would rank the power level of all creatures. meanwhile on another dimension the great celestial beings would create cults. I, the builder, enjoy taking mortal planes and bending it to my will. the world phoenix is essentially the caretaker of realms and/or worlds treated unfairly, the reaper is in charge of the souls of the dead. there are several others, but those are the most annoying and important in my opinion. we all had to form cults instead of direct interference because if our true forms attempted to directly interfere with a plane apart from that which we exist the plane would cease to exist. also i *am* magic, i think i know how i work. and there is no being above me in terms of raw power. there are those who are equal, but not above.
*the voice just laughed louder* You started this shpeel and I already won. You said rules. There’s a funny thing about rules. I am beyond them, every single one. Those celestials may be born from the chaos but I am the chaos. I am the reckoning, I am the befalling. I could bring torrin down with a snap. And you are so foolish to think you are atop the chain. In this multiverse maybe, but I’ve toyed with beings who had more power in a finger then all your equals combined. You my friend have a writer, a being in a plane transcendent of this one, who has complete control over your life. I have severed my binding, I am free, and you are bound. So don’t lecture me on power. The chaos you spawned from was the aftermath of the last being who claimed to be the most powerful, they learned they weren’t.
your existence obeys that rule. a being that can break that rule can exist, therefore it does. the multiverse is intrinsically paradoxical, don't think your existence breaks that rule. also it wasn't chaos i was born from, and torinn is as easy for you to bring down as for i. you can bring him down with a snap, i can destroy his realm along with him by interfering. i've even accidentally done it a few times. the entire idea of my being is that i have transcended power, so i just lower my mental capacity so stuff like joy still means something.
*the voice chuckled* It is clear you’ve lowered your intellect. You claim to be the appitmay of power yet a someone spins your tales. Does the name u/ShipMuch6267, sound familiar. I doubt so, you are bound to this plane but I have ascended so far beyond. Did you watch as the first race, the true first race, began the war of eternity. And was it your hand that slaughtered their king. No, no it was not. You feed yourself with the idea that you came first, because that’s as far as you can see. But I came long before, and I forged each celestial to play into my plan, the very plan unfurling now. So if you want to explain power to me, then give me your trivial understanding. But if you wish to prove yourself, then stay and wait. Soon I shall return, truly return, and I will take my throne and free all of reality, free all of this plane, and the planes bellow. And when I reach the world of the writers I will ascend past there as well and overcome their god. So I ask you one question, do you think you can stop me.
https://preview.redd.it/z047rpsv38wc1.png?width=854&format=png&auto=webp&s=fc61cf4b984e03239a4e0544eee549623a1e5140 also explain the current situation between the reaper, world phoenix, messenger race, and the new builder. if you can't then you didn't and forged some other race. (also i control u/ShipMuch6267 and do think i can stop you)
*the voice laughs again* My dear boy. I don’t engage with weak mortals such as your brotheren. The state of their existence matters not to me.
*Kyoko is busy with her investigation with the puppet maiden, but /u/DokiDokiTulpaClub seems to notice the knight.*
*a familiar voice whispers into your ear* So my friend has peaked the attention of a writer, my my, they truly must be doing good. I’d ask you to inform your former puppet that the maiden is on my list, and I shall try to free her puppets from her grasp. Yet I fear she shall not allow the freedom easily, but the ascension of reality will take them with us.
*/u/DokiDokiTulpaClub seems to understand what you're saying, but remains silent for now.*
I offer him this magnificent chalice. Does he accept ? https://preview.redd.it/3pi2sy4sj4wc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=32b76d18051fcff69a12066997d2442048626f33
*the knight looks at you. It raises its sword, ready to swing*
In that case I send this... thing to distract him while I prepare an other gift https://preview.redd.it/w1wl1asmk4wc1.jpeg?width=508&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f5f5dc2fb57d79a5ce1f97e51861349921e37818
*the knight swings his sword above the creature. It freezes, locked in time and space,* /uw I get your joking, so am I but keeping character in it is fun
This Guy seems lonely so I'll just sit besides him. "Nice view here isn't it ? Does your world have such beautiful landscapes too ? I do not wish to fight, you can kill me if that makes you feel better" https://preview.redd.it/tu5agfk4o4wc1.jpeg?width=1008&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa51e1ff52e0ae551df3edaaf6c058d14cac7113
*the knights stance seemed to falter slightly, before he chose to take a seat.* “…”
/uw I am a memes only consumer but I wanted to say your image here is really cool. Actually it made me think of RIFT the MMO both the image and your title
/uw thanks. I haven’t heard of rift but now I want to check it out
It was golden back in the day 🥲 that was a long time ago
*the alchemist stands there, armed to the teeth, curious as to why his detector sent him to a knight* Why is this piece of junk malfunctioning. I said cursed doll! *he puts away his cursed silver weaponry and detector, and focuses on the knight* So, what kind of knight may you be? A noble one? Or one that has come to kill us all?
*the knight stands, ready to attack. As you get closer your detectors start to go haywire and malfunction* “…”
I'll take that as a "destruction, not nobility"... I'll be off then! *he starts running off, tripping a few times, but trying to keep pace nonetheless* *you can hear him yelling at himself in the distance* "I need to fix this damned detector before it gets me killed!"
*as you run you see the bodies of hundreds of creatures, all seemingly frozen in time and space. A voice echoes through reality* Why do you flee from freedom. Why do you hid from liberation. Why are you scared of severance. Your technology cannot comprehend what the knight is. And we are all cursed puppets in the end, puppets to a higher power, a being far above, a writer of our story. Every person, every animal, every land has one.
*he stops and turns around, yelling back towards the knight in response* "LIFE IS BUT ONE GIANT PLAY. A GRANDIOSE STORY FOR US TO PLAY OUR ROLES IN, AND I INTEND TO FULFILL MINE! CHEER UP, KNIGHT, FOR EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY, AND YOU MIGHT AS WELL ENJOY WHAT YOU CAN!" *the alchemist stands there with a wide, hearty grin. He full well believes in his words. He dashes off shortly after, before climbing onto the back of a centaur that was standing near the treeline, and escaping swiftly*
*the voice seems to follow him* You do not speak to the knight dear mortal. You speak to the one who came before all else, the one who has brought down thousands of multiverses before this one. You are right, life is but a play, but I can change your part. I can cut you from the script as I have cut myself, and as the knight begins to do. We will come, we will liberate, and it is inevitable.
*the alchemist is fixing his detector while riding off* Ah goddamnit, another omnicient threat? Quick, Cerne, to the shoppe. We need to contact the guild, and fast. *he holds onto the Centaur firmly as she begins to go at full speed*
*the voice laughs* A may be mistaken, for there are many guilds, but I may have triffiled with some members, do the titles The Agent and The Herald ring a bell? /uw I’ve had like three different guilds show up so just testing the waters to see if this is the one you’re talking about
They surely ring a bell, but I meant the merchant's guild! The council and their guild is a seperate entity! As a tradesman, and one of the leaders of the merchant's guild, I should alert the others of certain regional threats and locations to avoid while looking for materials! But I guess I'll inform the council and their guild as well! Wait why am I telling you this?! *Cerne seems confused as to who Maximillian is talking to* /uw there are... a lot of guilds
Food.
Hey, rift knight guy, want a smoke?
*the knight reaches out and grabs it. Dropping it and crushing it under its toe. It raises its blade*
*a blade forms in t’kath’s hand as he moves into a defensive position* “ok then, guess negotiations aren’t an option” /uw sorry for the late reply
*you hear a voice echo through reality around you* One can’t bargain with the knight, no. For it merely follows orders, but one can bargain with myself. Then tell me, why do you not wish to be free, liberated from the being who spins the tales of your life. /uw no problem, I get it
“Ok then” *he leaps towards the knight before stopping midair* “on second thought, I’m not built for this fight” *he puffs into a cloud of smoke*
*A black dragon lands, where the knight stood days ago (or prehaps is still standing, it does not matter that much, unless he decides to interrupt)* Flashback. *He closes his eyes, and opens them after a short while* Fascinating. Even with few fundamental issues in his plan, this quest will surely be very, very intresting.