EPISODE 163: FORGING A NEW AGE 3
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
Golems, Automatons, Warforged, and other artificially created sudo intelligent devices are not the same. In truth, the golems built here at New America Research Center are coming closer and closer to a mix of Automatons and Golems. However, before we get deeper into the fusion of these two, we must first understand what each of the three creations is, and how they function.
Golems are creatures made of earthly materials. Think of the dirt, metals, flames, water, air, and more things of an earthly nature. Although it is exceedingly difficult, crafting golems from primarily fire, water, and other elemental materials is possible. Only it takes a skilled master to create anything of note. Golems are creatures of simple instructions. Do task A, such as lifting a heavy stone and moving it from one end of a room to another. A golem will continue this task until the process is complete. Afterward, they are unable to proceed further without secondary instruction. Anyone can already see the inherent problem with such creatures. They function through mana, either directly provided by a user or a source such as the Mana Batteries.
Automatons are mechanical constructs primarily built of metal. They are more delicate than golems, but not as resilient as warforged. Automatons benefit from being smarter so long as the life-imbuing spell is of sufficient tier. They can hold far more instructions than golems and can work on more complicated tasks. Imagine Task B, pouring water from a large container to a smaller one. A golem is not as dexterous and would spill water during the task. An automaton will have much more precision and will likely not spill a single drop. Like golems, they can run on sources of mana, however, they work best when supplied with a specific… flavor of mana. Fire mana works best when helping all the smaller parts within an automaton function properly.
Warforged, unlike the other two, are primarily beasts created for war—it is in their title. These creatures are created by skilled [Mages] , who specialize in animal husbandry. We refer to these mages as [Biomages] . These creatures are built to destroy enemy forces. Whether that be through sieges to wear down their defenses or travel through terrains more dangerous and difficult for the magi to strike at enemies. Most warforged are built with the ability to consume whatever, similar to the ancient goblin bloodline. These creatures can consume anything to sustain themselves. No matter if it’s flora, each other, or the enemy they are confronting.
Our Holy Son, May the light of the Goddess forever shine through him, has combined the resilience of golems and the complexity of automatons. Not just in terms of smaller parts but in terms of commands. Automatons have always been able to be smarter, and he has taken and created a spell that…
— Excerpt from a report written in New America Research Center.
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CLANG!
Soft kisses caressed Kabal’s neck, and teeth gently nibbled at her ear. She groaned, her body hot as her hands reached down and felt the body of her partner. Her lithe fingers reached down, gently stroking the firm chest of Tendra. They reached down further, attempting to slip their way into his loose trousers and grasp his-
Tendra gasped, waking up from his dream . His face was flush, and his body was hot. He sat up, and the blankets covering his chest fell to reveal broad shoulders and a sun-kissed, firm chest. The same chest heaved up and down as the recollections of the dream faded. He turned over—blonde-blue hair draped over the bed as Kabal quietly slept next to him.
“Let’s make that dream a reality,” he whispered, his hand gently pulling the princess closer to him. Like him, she was naked, and his hand traveled up her body the same way she did in his dream—until he firmly, but gently found one of her supple breasts. He squeezed her nipple, and Tendra received the exact reaction he desired, as Kabal let out a soft moan. His actions didn’t stop, and he pulled her deeper into his embrace. His hot, pink tongue licked at her neck, and he made his way down as her moans continued.
“Te-tendraaa,” Kabal gasped. It was only now that she was truly waking.
Tendra, of course, didn’t respond. His mouth was preoccupied as he nibbled at her pink, succulent nipple. That, however, was only one of his stops as he continued to make his way downward. Gentle kisses were planted on her stomach, and a second hand made its way upward and into her mouth.
Kabal sucked at his fingers, but eventually, as he neared his goal, he pulled both hands away and raised her legs high. Her marine-blue toenails stuck into the air as his hot tongue found her tight, gushing pussy.
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Tendra Lorde stared at himself in the mirror. His hair was dark, not black but a blue so deep that it appeared black. His eyes matched his hair and singled him as a member of the Lorde House. Oh, how that irked him.
“Prince Tendra…,” the voice of a steward called.
“Is it time,” Tendra questioned.
“Yes.”
Tendra turned, carefully approaching his desk and the stack of documents upon it. Here was the analysis done by the newly hired people to the Lorde House. Each was hand-selected by Tendra and together, he had them analyze all the good and the bad of the Classed-Based Constitutional Monarchy. His approach today would be as a… two-pronged trident. Should the first of its heads strike, and Tendra was successful in rallying enough to vote against the CBCM, then Tendra could rest easy knowing whatever plans the [Chosen] held were blocked—even if it was only for a few years. And, if the first of the trident spearheads missed, then the second surely wouldn’t. He’d snatched up many young and promising magi talent that would work for him and see that his agendas were prioritized.
He smirked, his confidence raised after last night and this morning. Tendra wouldn’t allow Prince Lawruthian to have Kabal—they spent the night together ‘discussing’ their plan to thwart the CBCM. It was the reason the young woman hadn’t returned to the safety of her mansion. The reach of a king was far, yes , but the rebellion of a son was inevitable .
“It’s time,” Tendra stated. The documents gathered as he turned from the door.
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The wind howled, but the festive atmosphere of Edrya, Home of Heroes, and the capital city of Great Edryan, could not be denied. Throughout the streets, children ran, a generation who were unlike the others—for should Edryan change their system of government, then they would be the first to experience its changes. The citizens smiled, dancing in the streets. Others walked the green parks newly built throughout the city. Where magnificent statues of previous [Heroes] lay in decoration. Many prayed, not just to the Goddess Madris, but many young couples called the name of the Demigoddess of Love. They hoped for her blessing in starting their relationship. Even more frequented their favorite tavern and discussed the Challenger’s Ring. The event had drawn on longer than expected, and the final tournament was pushed back. It would now continue while the nobles decided the future of the state.
There was a new rumor circulating in the bustling city. A rumor that was whispered from neighbor to neighbor, man to woman, and child to bird. A rumor of a return. A rumor of the Great Houses who once ruled the nation of Edryan alongside the Edryani. They have returned—well, at least one. The Enlar House , a house that was regarded as the noblest in terms of character, had returned. At its head was a young girl, no, woman , who’d long since been friends with the [Chosen of Madris]. Many said it was destined, for the Enlar were the brothers and sisters to the Edryani. It was only right and just, they made their return. Many citizens still lived when the House was active and present in the country some forty years ago. The Edryans weren’t like the elves of the world, but they were longer lived than the average human thanks to magic. They remembered—the grandfathers, grandmothers, and children of that time. They remembered .
Edrya was merry, the people felt safe and held a positive outlook for the future. The streets were decorated in hues of red and gold, and many street magicians wore horned owl-like masks as they did tricks for tips. It was only the early morning yet, the city barely slept due to the ongoing events. Ideas were being discussed and magi-tech revolutionized. Partnerships formed and opportunities granted. Futures were changing, and it all stemmed from one man.
Prince Lawruthian gazed down from his high tower—in which Tenten Parlor stood. His chest slowly rose, showing a normal sign of breathing. Carriages sped through the palace grounds and toward the large walls. A [Caravan of Hope], of prayers and promises of a better tomorrow. A better future . It did not go exactly as planned as Princess Allura would only agree to the deal if the guards took an oath of loyalty and protection now, but it was far better than what he originally expected.
A woman with blonde hair and streaks of magma red stood upon the top of a carriage. She gazed back and upward at the tower the Prince of Edryan stood upon. Even through the distance of several kilometers, their eyes locked. She would not fail him. Not again .
On another carriage was the Princess of Az’Dawn. Secured tightly to her wrist was a bracelet with her hopes and dreams. A chance to prove herself ever so slightly and gain the attention of the [Heavenly Father]. Perhaps she would be able to squeeze more resources if her favor increased—should she survive to hand over the goods.
Prince Lawruthian’s steady breathing continued. Many stood in the room with him, silently watching and waiting for their leader to move. Madria Gamal, who watched him with a desire for more. Amaya Musa, whose fists were clenched as she too gazed from the window, thoughts unknown. Lorde Drumian’s expression was complicated, his eyes drifted to a figure close to the prince. Helios Romus, who forever guarded his sister, gaze settled on the sun hidden behind the grey storm clouds—Ade Oni, who would not accept his defeat and held resentment within his heart.
Many of those present held their complicated feelings. Moona Gamal slightly watched the prince. She knew his greatness was only just beginning, just rising, and would shock the world in due time. Selene Romus was excited, for she always looked for her next muse, her next interest—and, this… should everything succeed, would keep her entertained for years. Viviana Consus remained unworried, but her eyes flicked to Ade Oni, a thoughtful expression on her face as she noticed his mind state. No matter where their thoughts were, none could ignore the Holy Son of Edryan’s presence, his aura.
His aura was deep and felt comforting to those present. It felt like the greatest shield, a mother’s embrace, a father’s acknowledgment. It felt of promises, of a better tomorrow, of a brighter day, of wealth and warmth, a scholar’s wisdom, a warrior’s desire. It felt of the Goddess’s strength, an indescribable feeling—for each who worshiped the Goddess of War, Wealth, and Wisdom all felt Her presence in different ways. Yet… they felt it all through Him .
He turned as the gates opened, and the caravan left the palace grounds. They were headed north, back to the hot desert and Ma’vel. They were headed toward a land far outside his home. A land he’d yet to receive the opportunity to visit. But that opportunity was closing—as the seasons passed, and the prince grew older, so did his timed quest decrease.
“Born To Be King,” he internally muttered, a hidden sneer on his face. Tendra Lorde would not have it. It was not fair. IT… WAS… NOT… FAIR…! His dark eyes locked onto the Prince of Edryan—outwards they appeared normal, but internally, a storm not even his father could calm, raged.
Thirty-three banners stood, each held a regalia that held ancient history. Some held signs that signified wealth, others their warrior status, and more. Men and women— Great Houses who ruled their territories for generations—friends and enemies, acquaintances and allies—old and new. Thirty-one figures stood next to what appeared to be thrones—as they readied to sit, they would decide the fate of millions. Above them on raised platforms that signified so much—wealth, prestige, divinity, and the divine right to rule was a mother and son.
The Demigoddess of Love and Chosen of Madris.
They sat, gazing indifferently at their subjects. All present were long gathered, and the two were the final to arrive. The Queen of Edryan sat in her (True Body) next to her much smaller son. The Demigoddess of Love was dressed in a lavish outfit that expressed her beauty in too many ways to count. The dress was form-fitting and expressed her tight, fit body, yet not many could see past the countless jewels that covered her from neck to toe. Her upper belly and just a bit of her under-breast were exposed to the air, yet none present would dare look at her openly with lust. Her reputation as the [Iron-Blooded Queen] was one that struck fear into the hearts of men and women alike.
The [Chosen of Madris] was quite the opposite. His attire was black, styled in what the Edryans wore when grieving the death of a loved one. It was a statement, a message to those below and the future generations who would learn of this event. It was a statement of death .
Out with the old and in with the new.
Not a single color stained his attire, except the white of his hair. However, should one look closely, they’d be able to see dark gems, the same color as midnight, littered throughout this attire. The Chosen of Madris’s eyes were deep, and his aura appeared to be just as powerful as his mother’s.
The nobles of Edryan, the Great Houses, and three factions were all present. Right here , right now , they would decide the future of this country.
CLANG!