[AU] The Legends of the Gods and Heroes of Greece

Time Vortex Alternate Timelines
41

Updates for the Glorious Grand Greeks:

The Thebesian army has settled in Delphi and begun to erect temples to Zeus, over the outcries of the priests of Apollo. An army comes in without our permission, takes our land and uses it without our acknowledgement, and brings along citizens of their own city-state? This is the equivalent of an invasion!’ Chief Priest Horatio cries. ‘While we do appreciate and worship Zeus, we are a city of Apollo, given that he blesses us to give visions to all who ask. We are truly neutral. Hey Cadmus, and anyone else who is listening! Instead of coming in here and disrespecting us, why don’t you investigate who abducted our Oracle! We want him back and the culprit punished, not this army and these temples of Zeus!’

A faint sound of metal clanging can be heard deep within the center of Mount Olympus. ‘The divine smith Hephaestus has fired up his forge again, and he will be preparing some weapons of war,’ the citizens of Elis remarked to one another. Lightning has also been sighted, arcing into the mountain through a series of metal rods. ‘It’s alive! It’s alive!’ Hephaestus cheers out. ‘What’s alive? I see nothing alive,’ his daughter Euthenia says. ‘Just a phrase, but this spear I have crafted may as well be a living work of art. I have been able to make it absorb heat energy like lightning, and redirect it! Course, it’s only good for one shot before it overheats and is too hot to handle, but think of the meat that can be cooked with this!’ ‘Who would have wanted this type of thing?’ Euthenia asks. ‘Sorry, that’s customer confidentiality privilege, so I cannot tell you.’ He replied. One of you has gained a tool to really ‘shock’ the competition!

A group of anti-imperialists in Aegina have been protesting the talks between Aegina and Corinth. They have boarded the diplomatic vessel from Corinth and have begun to ransack it! Bellerophon is currently en-route to handle the situation.

Updates from the Spartan competition, it appears that Heracles is one of the top 5 finalists for the Spartan generalship. He would have been the outright winner, however he failed miserably during the maze competition, preferring to bash through the walls of the maze instead of finding his way out. We will most likely have this settled in the near future.

Theia, the all-seer

(OOC) Make sure to check you emails on the site, I sometimes send emails to you for follow-up questions or more information on your moves!

42

To: Zeus
From: Cadmus

Father,

I have travelled to the requested meeting site and I am ready to discuss the recent events. However, I do not appreciate your threats against my brother Heracles. His temper has always been an issue, but threatening to throw bolts at your own son will not go over well with myself or Perseus. His plans to take over the Spartan Army may serve our cause, so simply allow him to continue on his path. Potentially killing him will serve us no good.

Sincerely,

Cadmus
King of Thebes

43

To: Cadmus
From: Zeus

Hello,

I have read your letter and understand your concerns. I will be at the meeting place immediately.

Sincerely,
Zeus.

44

[spoiler]Due to my resignation from practically the whole East Pacific, this is happening.[/spoiler]
“I now put you under the jurisdiction of the winning god or goddess. Whoever wins in battle, you shall follow.”
knock-off, having decided what she was going to do from here on out, flew away into the clouds. Spread here divine wings and flew. Up, up, away. Abandoning all of her followers and an entire city-state.

It’d be finders, keepers for all of her troops. A big explosion of war to be seen from the clouds would be nice, knock-off thought. Leaving able troops on the ground like that would cause a stir, and quite ferociously at that.

45

OOC- With the move to the new sub forum, I wanted to post another update! I am still waiting on one important move from Bellerophon/Fortuna, so the story arc involving Aegina and Corinth talks are on hiatus. If anyone would like to join in, take a look at the first and second post to see which characters you can play as, and announce yourself and jump right on in!
My gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines,

I apologize for my extended vacation. I am glad to see that Apollo’s stoppage of time worked to perfection, and none of you realize that a month has passed. Here are some updates for you:

The triple alliance between Corinth, Rhodes, and Syracuse has impacted the economy of Eretria. Currently three of the four trade routes by sea have been blocked by their navies. Eretria, perhaps in a moment of desperation, has turned to Cadmus for assistance. Overland trade between the two cities has begun, where Thebes is used as a trade hub between the city-states. It also appears that Eretria has paid for the construction of a navy for Thebes, which is good because everyone knows you can’t win any sea battles with paddle boats.

Moving onto whatever Pan has been up to, it seems like he has been training his Satyrs in the art of combat. This is good, especially since many of the men of Elis have been searching the Satyrs out, most likely because they impregnating the men’s wives. Pan has descended into Crete, to go into what remains of King Minos’ Labyrinth. Legends have it there lived the famed inventor Daedalus, as well as the viscous bull-man the Minotaur. Perhaps Pan is searching for them? I cannot see into the Labyrinth, so I will not be able to update the world until Pan emerges.

Back in Delphi, the Oracle has returned! “I am sorry for leaving so abruptly, but I received a vision that I had to follow-up on alone. I will be here, and will be open for consultations for all who ask.” The people rejoice, though not too excitedly, for they are under the watchful eye of the soldiers of Thebes. Construction to temples for Zeus are still underway in the city, but there appears to be not as vociferous a protest. In fact, many of the loudest voices have not been heard from in a month.

But, just when it appeared to be somewhat peaceful in Delphi, the city is under attack from the Harpies! The Harpies, attracted to the shiny armor the soldiers of Thebes have donned (as well as their general hunkiness), have taken to snatching them up! They seem to come out and attack when construction on the temples to Zeus commences.

On the Spartan generalship front, it appears that the final general position is down to Heracles and one other commander. The final task awaits the two of them. And they are in the city of Argos preparing for their ordeal.

Near Ithaca, wreckage floated up onto the shore of mainland Greece. It appeared to be a ship of Corinth. I know there was a ship of Corinth searching for the Sirens in the waters of Ithaca. Either they strayed too close to the territory of Ithaca, or the Sirens really do exist over there…

Finally, the soldiers of Ithaca, given the departure of knock-off, have been returned to the command of Odysseus. Odysseus has moved his navy closer to Syracuse, and it looks like the city is going to be attacked soon.

Supposedly there are also talks between Zeus, Cadmus, and the city of Argos, but I have not heard any details about what has been coming out of that.

This is everything I have for now, good luck, and may the moves be ever in your favor!

Theia, the all-seer
[edit_reason]bolded some things[/edit_reason]

46

To Pan:
From Cadmus:

“Pan!!! (screams Cadmus upon hearing of the harpies attacks on his soldiers). Call off your vicious harpies at once, or there will be hell to pay goat man. If my troops are continued to be attacked by your vile creatures, I will unleash the full might of Thebes on you and all those who serve you. I have done nothing to provoke you or your actions. We all know who controls the harpies, so enough of your meddling in Thebesian affairs. This is your last and only warning.”

-Cadmus
King of Thebes

47

A messenger pigeon (there not extinct yet!) arrives with a well calligraphic scroll:

To:
Cadmus son of Zeus
King of Thebes

Your Majesty,

Thy attack with thy Thebian Army upon the neutral city-state of Delphi tis and twas uncalled for. Then to add insult to injury thy hath started to be built temples to thine own divine father Zeus. Delphi tis NEUTRAL! The city belongs to Apollo and Apollo alone, for he hath blessed the Oracle with His divine blessing of prophesy for ALL to partake of.

But for the sake of peace, I Pan shalt ask the Daughters of the Sky to withdraw for now. I Pan ask of thee to remove thine army from Delphi in peace. Because misfortune always follows those who try to disturb seers and prophets.

With hope for understanding,

Pan

48

Cadmus, upon carefully reading the message from Pan, replies back through a courier

Dearest Pan,

I believe it is necessary to state that the so called “invasion” (as you described it) of Delphi was not so. The Thebesian Army was called upon by the Delphi priests to install peace, security, and order to the city following the disappearance of the Oracle. Not only was the city lacking proper defenses, the citizens were being terrorized by monstrous beings lurking in the dark depths of the mountains and forests. Since the arrival of the Thebesian Army, these mysterious attacks have all been eliminated due to the bravery of the Thebesian soldiers. With regards to the construction of the Zeus temples, the Delphi priests graciously allowed me to build them in the city, to show their immense gratitude for me saving their beloved city. I would also like to point out that since the Thebesian Military was asked to restore law and order, the Oracle has returned back to Delphi, and the city’s economy is booming due to the economic ties I have furnished between the two great cities. I understand your concerns regarding the Delphites and the Oracle, and will chalk up your actions as simply misunderstanding the situation. However, the Thebesian Army will continue to remain in the city to resume construction of the temples and assure continued safety and security. If those vile harpies continue to harass the city and my army, I assure you, I will devote all my resources and manpower to crushing anything associated with the likes of Pan. I wish to end this matter on friendly terms between us.

Sincerely,

Camdus
King of Thebes

49

Hello, hello, my friends and followers, I announce updates to the world!

We will begin off the coast of Eretria, where our first city-on-city action has taken place! Eretria, most likely growing tired of being under blockade by the triple alliance, has attacked the fleet of Syracuse. Their navy, bolstered by the improvements they made earlier, could punch a hole through the Syracuse blockade and get some of their fleet past it into open waters, before the hole could be filled by the Syracuse and nearby Corinth navies. A small fleet of Eretrian ships are currently out in open waters, making a beeline towards Sparta.

Now, out in Syracuse, the godless Odysseus in Ithaca has attacked the port! It was a masterful attack only the cleverest man in all of Greece could muster, and the Ithaca navy has stopped Syracuse from using their shipyard, for the time being. The remaining Syracuse ships have moved out to sea, to regroup.

Poseidon rages in Atlantis (the shaking causes an air bubble to pop directly above the city). “ODYSSEUS! HADES! THESE DAMN AWFUL BEINGS! ATTACK SYRACUSE??? MY VENGANCE WILL BE SWIFT!” The surf has started to quicken up around the coast of Syracuse and closer to the blockade in Eretria.

Over in Delphi, Cadmus and Chiron have put an end to the harpies and their attacks. The harpies have retreated towards the higher ground, whatever men they can grab in tow. Cadmus has personally returned to Delphi to oversee construction of Zeus’s temples.

In Aegina, there previously were some protestors ransacking the diplomatic vessel of Corinth. Well they have been dealt with; the guards on the vessel got the people off it, by throwing them overboard if they had to. Unfortunately, one of the protesters could not swim (can you believe that?) and drowned. The rumors that he was killed on the vessel have been tough to quell, and they have spread through the city, each time told becoming more fantastic.

Pan has emerged from the Labyrinth of Crete, and he found something! It was one, no wait, two, no, three Minotaur! They look to be vicious and frothing at the mouth, calmed only by the beautiful music played by Pan on his flute (and not copious amounts of wine like his Satyr buddies). One of these Minotaur, perhaps the female one, carries a brutal looking battle-axe.

Finally, a victor has emerged in Sparta. The Greek hero Heracles has taken the last generalship role in the Spartan army! It was a tough tough competition, but ultimately Heracles came out on top due to him literally being a freaking monster. The Spartan army has been bolstered by this development, and has begun to mobilize their troops out in Argos.

The map has been updated! Happy moves everybody!

Theia,

The all-seer

50

Zeus read the latest updates.

He groaned. Not minotaur…

He summoned a huge red flag (maybe 3 miles on the short side) and had it flap in the wind over Crete, and gradually over the ocean.

And in case that didn’t work, he put a dense fog around the southeastern part of the Peloponnesian Peninsula. He smiled in satisfaction. No Minotaur going to Sparta now.

51

Lot of updates, lots to cover today:

First, we will begin in Sparta. The Eretrian fleet that made it through the blockade headed south, towards Sparta. Due to some favorable seas by Poseidon, the Corinth fleet could intercept them. All but one ship was commandeered or destroyed, and the only ship that made it through was due to a fog off the coast summoned by Zeus. The Eritrean ship has docked in Sparta and is attempting to buy wares with the gold on board. A Corinth fleet is off the coast of Sparta, ready to intercept any ship that leaves, once it is sighted through the dense fog.

Back up to the blockade. It appears that Syracuse has heard news that its city has been attacked, and it has broken up its blockade and headed straight towards Ithaca. Poseidon has made the sea clear in their path, so they are sailing faster than humanely possible. Poseidon has also made the waters around the Corinth portion of the blockade very choppy, to counter the fewer numbers of ships there. It would be safe to say that any attack on this blockade will begin at a disadvantage because of these choppy waters.

Moving into Aegina, it appears that Bellerophon and some of the diplomats of Aegina have left to Corinth for a meeting. Maybe they are trying to get out of the somewhat hostile atmosphere in Aegina.

Into Corinth now, Bellerophon has ordered Agamemnon to block off the isthmus to any forces with a defensive presence like a wall. No one can pass through unless they are allies or are given permission by Bellerophon alone.

Heracles rages back in Argos. “The Bellerophon boy thinks he can toy with me? Does he think he can stand up to my Spartans! We can, and should, break through his little fence. But first, I have been receiving reports that the horses in our camp as well as back in Sparta have gotten out of their stables and cannot be calmed down. I’ll have to calm them down with my tranquil demeanor myself.”

Onto Thebes, Cadmus has allowed the Eritrean fleet to dock in their port, and is continuing to construct his navy. The paddleboats in his navy now have enough space for eight people! Cadmus has also tasked his soldiers with being more alert, less idle, and consolidated the forces for more defensive purposes. Delphi and Thebes are becoming more fortified, and the people in the cities are getting more tense and nervous.

Now onto the big news. Cadmus has attacked Pan! Cadmus snuck into Pan’s camp in the dead of night, probably to rescue his soldiers taken by the harpies. Pan was tipped off that there might be an attack soon, so he posted guards and could successfully entrap Cadmus. Cadmus brought his Spartoi with him, and armed with bows they took out all of Pan’s harpies. Pan’s Minotaur entered the fray, and in turn destroyed all of Cadmus’ Spartoi. Cadmus rescued his soldiers, and he also killed a Minotaur. However, Cadmus lost the centaur Chiron in the battle, who was decapitated by a Minotaur and her axe, as well as some of his soldiers before he could turn into a dragon and escape with them. Pan was strangely not present at the camp, and he lost all his harpies, one Minotaur, and ten of his Satyrs. Cadmus lost Chiron, all his Spartoi, and some of the abducted soldiers of Thebes. Cadmus has set to work back in Thebes in spawning more Spartoi, and he can be seen plowing the field day in and day out with dragon’s teeth (I wonder where he got those teeth from, or rather, eww).

Now, some things happened because of this battle:
Because Cadmus was able to defeat the harpies, he has gained the loyalty of the twins Castor and Pollux! They are fierce warriors, horsemen and hunters, and can borrow the wings of Hermes to fly.

A ship docks near Pan’s camp, a group of heavily armed women get off the ship. They approach and observe the female Minotaur wielding the axe, and announce to the gaggle of Satyrs who somehow cannot keep their mouths closed, “we watch all of our sisters, and this Minotaur has shown her prowess in battle. We would be delighted to know who her commander is. For we are the Amazons, fiercest warriors in the land.” The Amazons have discovered who Pan is, and seek to consult with him.

Keep on sending me moves or posting here, and have fun!

Theia, the all-seer

Map has been updated, and it can be found here or in the first post:
http://imgur.com/a/X6x6p

[edit_reason]Added map[/edit_reason]

52

Zeus wondered where knock-off went, but felt protected to protect Ithaca from the Syracuse navy. He summoned a lightning storm and a few waterspouts to send them that way.

53

— Begin quote from ____

Zeus wondered where knock-off went, but felt protected to protect Ithaca from the Syracuse navy. He summoned a lightning storm and a few waterspouts to send them that way.

— End quote

The weather phenomena have manifested off the coast of Ithaca, and the map will be updated accordingly. The Syracuse navy has stopped, for the time being.

54

[spoiler]I am introducing a new element into the RP. Each of you has been given a personal message that contains something strange going on in Greece. It would be beneficial to figure out exactly what is happening, probably together is best. I won’t tell you exactly what is happening, you will have to figure that out.[/spoiler]

Immortal and mortal beings…

I see all, and what I see, or rather what I don’t see, scares me. Even with my prodigious talents, I cannot tell what is happening. But something is happening… something big. Fear and terror are beginning to be felt everywhere. I do not know if you will be able to stop whatever it is from happening, but perhaps with your own talents and attainments you will be able to follow the clues and be proactive in your response.

Continue on with crafting your legend, but keep all of this in mind.

Theia,

The all-seer

55

-deleted-

56

Greeks, it was a big day of events, so let us get started:

We begin in Ithaca. The Syracuse navy, which could not move forward due to Zeus’ weather phenomena, has been attacked on its left flank! It looks like the Ithaca navy leading the assault double-timed it back to Ithaca, and were able to strike the idle Syracuse navy. The Syracuse navy, being larger, pushed through the attack and have put the Ithaca navy sandwiched in between it and the storms.

Next, we move up to Delphi. The soldiers of Thebes who were stationed in the city have taken ill with some unknown ailment. When the Oracle was consulted on the matter, he replied,
It is simple: Lord Apollo is furious that the neutral city of Delhi has been invaded as such, and has afflicted the soldiers of Thebes in Delhi with a plague. Since he is the god of healing, if you want to be rid of this affliction, you must leave Delphi.

Now, onto Eritrea. By now you will have probably noticed that troops of Corinth have been stationed outside the city. Due to an untimely release of an arrow by an Eritrean soldier, Corinth has attacked Eritrea! Agamemnon, leading the fight, relayed instructions to the Corinthian and Rhodes’ navies, who have regrouped and pushed into the port of Eritrea! The port of Eritrea is completely lost to Hades, and has been taken by Corinth and Rhodes. The Eritrean navy is either destroyed, out to sea, or in the port of Thebes. Meanwhile, in the battle, Corinth pushed Eritrea into their city walls, thanks to some nimble flying by Bellerophon, as well as clever use of lightning bolts he “borrowed” from Zeus. However, they were forced to stop, as Hades had greatly bolstered the city wall defenses. Corinth has besieged Eritrea!

However, it is not all good news for Corinth. The Spartan army, moving north, busted through Corinth’s defensive front. The lack of Agamemnon in the defense was noticeable, and even though Sparta did not have control of their horses, their foot soldiers were still strong enough to handle Corinth. Corinth has been pushed back into the city, their defensive front gone. Sparta waits nearby, in control of the land bridge.

A command of Spartan soldiers had previously broken off from the march up to Corinth, and moved back towards Argos. None other than Heracles commands it! ‘This is for betraying us, dear Perseus!’ The Spartans under his command have attacked Argos, and normally they would pose no threat at such few numbers against the entirety of Argos, but there was a monkey wrench thrown into the mix, and by monkey wrench, I mean a many-headed, crazed Hydra! Apparently, someone lured the Hydra right into the fight between Argos and Heracles and his Spartans! It seems like it is not on either’s side, just eating both Argos and Spartan soldiers. Heracles has not encountered it yet on the battlefield, and though he is strong, I fear he may need assistance to defeat it, as he did many years ago.

The city of Aegina is enraged! With the insanity of both the Corinth and Aeginan diplomats, there is talk that this is an attempt by Corinth to sway Aegina into an alliance! “They sacrifice their own people to sway us, what awful people!” The enraged townspeople call as they riot towards the citadel of Aegina. The King has not responded at all. Dockworkers in Aegina’s port have noticed several ships missing though.

Let us see what Pan is up to. Well, one thing. Apparently (which is a feat unto itself) he kept his Satyrs in line and gained the loyalty of the Amazons! Pan has not been heard from in a while though, and word is that he has been wandering the countryside, looking for something, or someone. Also, the women of Elis (remember them?) look like they are going to give birth soon. I for one cannot wait to see the beautiful children, and I am sure Zeus will be pleased at his wards’ offspring.

Let us move onto Sparta. The Eritrean ship docked there attempted to leave through the dense fog, but, as it left the port, it was set ablaze! The ship, and all its contents, have been lost. It looks like there were several wayward Spartan officials who attacked the vessel, but escaped through the crowds. Also, conspicuously noticeable was wine, a lot of it, spilled on the ground. Cadmus personally went down to Sparta, turned into a dragon, and spooked the untamable horses into submission!
Now, Cadmus had heard rumors of a Nemean Lion in the wilderness around Thebes, so he decided to send Castor and Pollux to investigate and hunt for it. I am sorry to say that Castor and Pollux have been killed. It looks like they were mauled by the very lion they were attempting to hunt. This lion has been extremely agitated, so I don’t believe the twins were going to be any match, even with their prowess.

Finally, Poseidon has been trying to keep this under wraps, but there is a Scylla off the coast of Syracuse. It too looks agitated, but perhaps a monster-tamer can handle this thing. I seem to recall a certain Athenian, a certain Spartan, and even a certain charmer with a lyre who has experience with taming monsters…

Also, remember that something rotten this way comes, and it is up to all of you to figure out what it is and what you will need to do to be proactive in your response.

Maps will be updated soon, the strength of some of the city-states has changed, so along with the development update map, the city strength is changing.

Good luck Greeks!

Theia, the all-seer

Maps of:
http://imgur.com/a/GllGV
http://imgur.com/a/Kct16
http://imgur.com/a/DzjaK
http://imgur.com/a/Kfs4r

57

Zeus, hearing Theia’s latest update, had a great idea. “Why don’t I let Ithaca’s navy through and then put the storms back when the Ithacan ships are in port?”

So Zeus, after congratulating himself on being so smart, lifted the storms.

58

During Apollo’s daily rides on his chariot through the sky, sun in tow, he stopped near Zeus and conversed with him (Apollo stopping caused a solar eclipse, by the way). Luckily I was able to hear what Apollo said:

"Look Zeus, I know you and Cadmus don’t speak anymore, but he has been quite meddlesome in my affairs. He invaded Delphi and held my people captive. He tried to turn my messengers and my favorite wards to worship only you. I had to do something, so that’s why I summoned the plague. It’s called ‘Cadmusitis,’ and it is deadly to Greeks who think they are above the gods. Once the soldiers of Thebes left the city, I would cure them, simple enough, no harm done.

But now Cadmus has gone and ransacked my temples, and he has also abducted my Oracle. My Oracle! He’s threatening me by saying if I don’t cure his soldiers immediately he will torture my Oracle, and I will ‘be sent piece by piece the body parts of the Oracle.’ If you -or any god who is eavesdropping on this conversation- care, you should deal with Cadmus’ indiscretions. Because if he goes this route, then for every body part the Oracle loses, Cadmus’ afflicted soldiers of Thebes will lose the same body part."

59

From: Cadmus

Apollo,

It is you who is meddling in my affairs. The people of Delphi asked for my aid. I was begged to occupy the city to ensure peace and stability against vile monsters and bandits who were attacking the city and its citizens. The people prayed for your guidance and help, but, none came. Very typical of the gods to demand absolute loyalty from their followers, but offer nothing to aid them in their troubles. As a result, the Delphites were forced to ask the neighboring city of Thebes to aid them in their time of need. I, ever a humble and religious man, did not hesitate to help my fellow Greeks defend themselves from the horrors that faced them. Not only that, I was able to find and rescue the Oracle from the clutches of Satyrs! Pan and his kin sought to abuse his mystical powers for their own gain, but I was able to save him from their clutches.

I may have overacted by threating him the Oracle, but when you sent this horrific plague to my countrymen, my fellow warriors, I was forced into action. I, like my brother Heracles, do possess a mighty temper, and it erupted when I saw my soldiers dying from this terrible disease. I could not stand idle and watch them die, so I lashed out against all things associated with Apollo. However, I have formally left the city with my army. In an effort of good faith, I will return the Oracle to you, but the plague must be lifted from my soldiers before this can happen. I must have some assurances that they are completely cured before the Oracle may be sent home. I await your reply.

P.S: Do not go to my father with such trivial concerns. My father, Zeus, is occupied with much more important matters than our silly quibbles. We are both men, and can conduct our business matters between ourselves.

Sincerely,

Cadmus
King of Thebes

60

From Apollo to Cadmus,

"Alright Cadmus, if this is a supposed misunderstanding, I will do as you ask. I will cure your soldiers now. However, because I feel like you are especially not contrite in the matter, plus the fact that you have dared challenge a god, the plague has been moved onto you. Cadmus, you have become permanently bald, and you will not be able to turn into a dragon until you are sufficiently penitent.

Also, let us be real here. The matters of a puny mortal like yourself are trivial to me. Everything you do is worthless to a divine being like myself. You dare assume to know what Zeus deems important, and think that the concerns of a mortal are important compared to the concerns of a god. This is why you have been afflicted as such, and if you cannot accept that you are insignificant, it looks like your dragon form will not be making an appearance for a long time."

Good day,

Apollo