Jacob's Journal, entry 86-92
I got distracted and only sporadically wrote Jacob's journal until I got completely caught up tonight. A new story starts Wednesday so I wanted to make sure this was ready to go.
We headed back into the frozen wasteland and after a quick discussion we chose to go evacuate the researchers instead of going straight after the Wailing. Cesar failed to pick up his cold weather gear as we left the jungle since we didn’t go back the way we came. Instead he lit himself on fire to keep warm. We reached a weather station that looked to be in decent condition but only had one power source running (at least that’s what Sam said, I couldn’t tell anything about it).
Carina went in first to sneak around and make sure we weren’t running into any surprises. Cesar had gone back to get the plane while we took care of getting the researchers ready to go. There were 15 researchers in the station, all hiding and trying to get a signal out. Carina came back out and got me to assist in calming the researchers and getting them to agree to leave. They were suspicious, but after we talked a bit they agreed to leave. At first we planned to fly them the closest city, which wound up being Cape Town in South Africa.
I wish Carina and I had discussed it before hand, because when they asked where we were taking them I merely said to safety which seemed to unnerve them. I couldn’t just say we’d fly them where ever, it’s not my plane and I’m not in charge of my bandmates. I don’t give orders to them...well, I try not to. Carina didn’t seem to have an opinion on where to fly them, so we settled on the closest port. Then Sam reminded us he could simply teleport them there and we wouldn’t lose any time. He went and came back about the time Cesar returned with the plane (and pants which he’d lost when he set himself on fire). We flew to the next station out on the coast and seemed to be getting pretty far from the disturbances. Just in case we convinced the scientists there to leave as well. When Sam got back Cesar gave him a power recharge and we decided to figure out what our next step would be.
We decided our best bet would be to find where the other orb was. From there we figured we could strike both and hopefully get away with them before Gaia’s forces realized what we were doing. Cesar talked about leaving decoys that would be infused with power from the sacrifice of a couple of villages but we shot that down pretty quickly. I’m honestly don’t know if he was making an elaborate joke or if he honestly thought we’d go along with it. Sometimes I just don’t get where Cesar’s coming from. Anyway, we figured without the decoy we’d take the orbs into Acopa and store them there until we had a bead on exactly where Oranus was in Ehekatoyaatl. We’re going to take full credit for this venture and I really hope it doesn’t come back to bite us in the ass but we’ll have to see. It’s going to be tricky making this right with both titans that are involved AND the Dodekatheon. Storm’s risking the most here but it could cause issues for all of us, except maybe Cesar since turning the Air Titans against one and other will make the Azlanti’s lives much easier.
We went back to Terra and Carina used the shadows and her own stealth to sneak in and take a sample from the orb. (Yes, that’s how I’m thinking about this - it’s the only way to keep from getting supremely grossed out.) As we were waiting we noticed a large bat like creature fly over head. This was nothing remotely meant to be found in nature and it was easy to tell this was another of Coatlique’s creations. I sent Rune after it to make sure it wasn’t going somewhere to cause trouble (well not immediate trouble at least). When he returned he informed me that it dove into the ocean following the Wailing apparently. Nothing good can come from this, but we let it go for now, I’m sure we’ll have to deal with the bat and the Wailing again before this situation is fully resolved. When she brought the sample back I cast Aradine’s Thread to locate the other orb and immediately saw the thread leading in a north west direction. Part of me suspects we’re going to wind up going all the way to the North Pole, but we’ll see.
With a clear direction we started off and managed to avoid several groups of dinosaurs but a flight of Pteranodons caught sight of some of us and immediately dive bombed us. Based on their attack it was easy to see it was Storm, Helena, and I they saw, but even though their attack connected none of us were hurt. The ensuing battle was brief and we were soon on our way again. We reached the coast and Helena’s going to raise the Titanic so we can continue to follow the thread. It’ll be interesting to see what we come up against on the next leg of this journey.
As planned, Helena raised the Titanic and we boarded ready to start the seafaring portion of our journey. Considering the last time we were in Terra I slapped my hand against the hull and gave the ship some extra armor just in case we ran into trouble. The first couple of days were calm and peaceful. While the ghostly crew kept the ship running smoothly and Cesar enjoyed manning the wheel, I took the time to meditate and see what I could discover about our future. I didn’t get much, but then my glimpses into the future generally leave me scratching my head in confusion. Still, my vision was pretty straightforward this time. Along our journey we would be running into an old friend, a stone princess in fact. At the time I guessed this would be one of Storm’s oriead lady friends but I was wrong. More on that later. The other thing I saw was our mission ending in a great storm. Now, considering what we’re trying to do I can see this as a glimmer of success, or it could be a sign that Zeus learns what we’re doing and proceeds to kick our asses. I think I’ll take the more positive and optimistic viewpoint until proven otherwise.
As we rounded what would be the Horn of Africa in Midgard the seas began to churn. My bandmates gave the warning and shared the knowledge that a sea monster and five Nemean sharks were heading for us. The sea monster looked like some type of Nemean Dinosaur but which one...well I have no idea. Caleb was never into the water based dinos that much so we didn’t pay attention to them. Still we prepared to deal with the creatures and soon Cesar blew the wheel house apart with his desert eagle - that thing really is more of a hand cannon than anything else, but he certainly got the dino’s attention. Cesar, Sam, Carina, and Storm all had a hand in the destruction of the dinosaur. Helena and I did what we could against the sharks, but after one launched itself at Helena nearly penetrating her considerable armor Cesar made quick work of it. Carina went through the sharks bounding from one to another slicing them up like sushi before Sam and Cesar finished the rest of them off. Storm hauled half of one of the shark carcasses up on deck so I’d have some fresh shark meat to fix a few decent meals for us before we reached our destination. Who am I to turn down the opportunity to cook for my band?
We only traveled three more days before we reached the Terran version of the Isle of Crete. Unsurprisingly there were minotaurs all over the place, along with the minotaurs Antean giants were working the main dock we saw so rather than alerting them to our presence Cesar brought us to shore among the rocks, several miles from the dock. We had to climb, jump, or fly to the top of the cliffs but that wasn’t a problem for any of us. The meadow at the top of the cliffs seemed to be the pasture for large cows and bulls - probably Nemean as every other animal we’d run into were but I’m not an expert so who knows? Still, they didn’t pay much attention to us and we left them alone as well. We traveled on finally reaching a walled town. In order to get a better look at the town we hiked up into the mountains above the town.
There we discovered we weren’t the only ones spying on the town. A very attractive and naked nymph was taking in the sight of the town. When we saw her profile it was startling to realize this was actually Echo, Erika’s wife and my vision made sense. Echo is the stone princess - definitely not one of Storm’s lady friends, though I doubt he’d have any objections with getting to know her better. Don’t know that Erika would like it though - I get the impression she’s a bit possessive about Echo - could be reading that situation wrong though.
Anyway, it seemed the female hecatonchire, Anglia, we’d run into last time we were in Terra was actually Echo’s daughter. She was there searching for her, hoping to get to know her and possibly take her some where other than Terra. Cesar pointed out that Storm had a couple of hecatonchire’s in his service and suggested she’d be welcome on his island (OK, it’s still Artemis’s island near as we can tell, but Storm’s pretty much commandeered it). We agree to help her and Cesar filled her in on our own plans so we can work together. The orb wasn’t in the walled town nor was Anglia so we had to figure out where to go next. My spell wouldn’t lead us directly to the orb for some reason, so we had to continue searching. According to Echo there were two places the orb or Anglia could be. The coastal city near the docks or a partially subterranean town further inland.
Cesar sprouted hummingbird wings and flew off to scout the coastal town. When he came back he said neither were there but the giants were fishing and attempting to catch sea monsters. Echo put some clothes on (disappointing, but much less distracting) and we took off towards the underground city. When we were close enough for Cesar to see it he pointed out that the cave entrance for the city was large enough to get the orb through which meant the entrance could become a portal for Sam and we could get it out that way.
Carina and Cesar scouted the area so we wouldn’t run into any surprises. There were two watchtowers manned by Antean giants with spear gatlin guns on the path. It looked like if we stayed off the path we could by pass them completely, though there were several minotaurs in the area according to Cesar. Carina snuck into the cave and discovered Anglia’s whereabouts as well as the fact the Anteans were preparing for an influx of giants coming to try and win Anglia’s affections. She also found the orb and that it was currently guarded by 6 Antean giants. We need to act fast and get in and get out before Anglia’s suitors show up, otherwise this could get ugly.
Cesar’s a much better tactician than I used to give him credit for. While his favorite plan is still a variation of “Get ‘em!” he can also come up with more subtle plans of attack. The distraction he and Storm put together was pretty ingenious. Using his mastery of flame Cesar made huge footprints leading off into the woods away from the watchtowers. While he set the watchtowers a-blaze, Storm used his powers of the wind to throw his voice and make it sound as if large booming norse accented voices were insulting the Anteans. Considering the Musphels were recently caught drilling in Terra (thanks to us if you remember), it wasn’t hard to make the Anteans believe they were attacking once more. While they gathered then set out to track the Musphels Sam teleported us to the entrance of the cave. Echo immediately burrowed underground and followed as Carina guided us to Aglia’s chambers.
Once there, Carina got Echo’s attention and she popped up and immediately entered the chamber to introduce herself to her daughter. Things went well and Aglia agreed to go with her mother so they could get to know each other better. There was a hiccup things when a couple of Anteans came to check on Aglia and Storm ducked under her skirts to hide. She made up some garbage about seeing a minotaur and the Anteans left though we made sure Storm knew that no matter how tall she is - ducking under a woman’s skirts to hide is NEVER a good idea. Not when you’re trying to be stealthy.
It took some convincing but Echo managed to get Aglia to help us out by distracting the Orb guards. Cesar helped Aglia out by bestowing his considerable charm on her and the guards were pretty much putty in her hands. Once we were inside the Orb Chamber Sam opened a portal to Reinohikari and we said our goodbyes to Echo and Aglia. With the two of them safely away Sam made another portal to Acoppa. Storm grabbed the orb and we were off.
We’d barely stepped foot in Acoppa when I heard a prayer from Echo promising me that I had nothing to worry about when it came to the possibility of Hrimsa and Aglia taking an interest in one and other. Aglia’d apparently heard too much about my daughter’s charms from the Terran giants and she wanted nothing to do with her. While I hadn’t really been all that concerned about a potential connection between the two girls I can’t say I was thrilled to learn that the Terrans were interested in Hrimsa as well. I really need to find a mate for her - sadly for her own good as well as the pantheon’s.
But back to the current matter at hand, Cesar called for Huitzlipotchli and filled him in on the basics of our plans. He was willing to conceal the orb in the sacrificial fountains, but he also told us about a crystalline satellite that Coatlique apparently sent up into orbit. He said the satellite seemed to be gathering energy and we knew nothing good to come from that. We agreed to check it out once we’d lifted the other Orb from the jungle in Antarctica. Sam teleported us back to the jungle and checked in with his colleagues to see if he could find out anything about the satellite - sadly there wasn’t much they could tell him.
We came up with a plan and Cesar decided he would be the distraction (his favorite role in a plan I think). He used his duplicate power to create several additional Cesars. While he and Carina worked out what he’d say to stir up the giants, I designed an archway big enough to move the Orb through then stepped back and let Storm build it.
Cesar incensed the giants by making them think the few Hecatonchires in the area were after their women. With the camp in chaos we were able to quickly slip in, grab the Orb and fly back to the arch. Cesar told us to go ahead and he’d meet us in Acoppa. I think he wanted to stick around and watch his handiwork for a few minutes before getting back to work.
I never believed I would see the world from space. I wasn’t an astronaut and I didn’t really have a desire to become one. But my god is Midgard beautiful from this distance. There’s something awe inspiring about seeing the world this way. There are times when my photographic memory is a blessing, this is one of them.
Once we secured both Orbs of Oranos in Acoppa we turned our attention to the crystalline satellite. Cesar called his solar chariot and we used it to make our way into space and towards the satellite. The chariot is a stretch hummer - pristine white in the front with every changing murals covering the back. It truly fits him. Despite the convenience of the solar chariot Carina and Cesar needed space suits in order to handle the vacuum of space. Sam, Helena and Storm had gifts that would make the trip easy on them and I’m resilient enough that while I wouldn’t exactly be comfortable, I would survive the amount of time we would be gone without too much difficulty.
A blue glow surrounded the satellite and upon our approach a group of Wailing riding pteranodons moved to intercept us. We couldn’t leave the safety of the chariot without risking the lack of gravity or a way to propel ourselves around. Knowing the chariot was our best and only true means of escape if things went south I slapped my hand against the side and boosted the hardness of the vehicle. From a distance there’s very little I can do in combat so I focused my energies on infecting the flyers as that would make them easier for the others to kill. I did the same thing to the Wailing and sat back letting my bandmates handle the carnage. Which they did efficiently and with a bit of enjoyment I would say.
Once we were able to land on the satellite we could rely on its gravity field and got out of the hummer. Our path was blocked by two nemean t-rexes ridden by the Wailing and five more crawling our way. We made quick work of them and the brood mother that joined the fight before we were done. I know those things have specific names but I see no reason to use them. Coatlique’s creations have some pretty gruesome, and yet flowery (long) names. I prefer my shorter versions.
With the fight over Storm ripped open the crystal panels to reach the controls. Helena set to work to take control of the satellite but had some difficulty. Storm was able to see a color and musical pattern to the controls but he couldn’t quite get the hang of it. Cesar decided to give it a go and started pushing random buttons. A purple laser shot out and destroyed a completely different satellite - no telling what we screwed up there. When we couldn’t get a handle on exactly what the satellite was meant to do nor had a way to control it, Cesar sabotaged it and we towed it away from its orbit and released it into space before heading back to Midgard and then on to Acoppa.
After arriving back in Acopa we tried to figure out our next course of action. We could head into Ehekatoyaatl with Ouranos’ orbs in hand but without knowing exactly where he was that would make it much more likely we’d call attention to ourselves. Not to mention it’d be bloody difficult to fight while trying not to lose them or let them get damaged. Instead we decided to sneak in and find out where his palace (or maybe his prison) was located. In order to get in we’d have to go through a battlefield where the Azlanti fought the sky titans and their spawn.
The sky titans and their spawn are immune to certain elemental powers like lightning. But they’re vulnerable to darkness so Carina crafted bullets (for Sam and Cesar), crossbow bolts (Helena), two kusarigama (Storm), and a spatha for me out of the shadows.
Once in Ehekatoyaatl we’d have to fly as there was nothing like solid ground, structures were made of clouds nothing more. So the flyers would need to carry the others, no big deal, we made a plan and got ready to go.
Cesar sprouted his hummingbird wings and picked Helena up. Sam jumped on Storm’s back, practically surfing and Carina perched on my shoulders. She seemed a bit surprised when I didn’t bring out the hammer, but there was no reason to have it since I had to use the spatha to make sure my attacks were most effective.
We made it most of the way through the battlefield before we were noticed. At that point, the Aztec and Chinese Storm Giants turned their attention on us. Stymphalian Birds also joined the fight but they were dispatched fairly quickly by Carina and Cesar. The giants did a number on the rest of us. Despite our affinity with the skies (Storm has a much greater affinity to be honest), both Storm and I were vulnerable to the lightning the storm giants hurled. Working to the best of our abilities we cut through the giants and the birds, including the Roc that entered the fray late in the game. Still, we made it through and though a few of us took some damage we’re all ready to move on and see just what we’re going to find in Ehekatoyaatl. I’m hoping we’ll find Oranous fairly quickly. Storm’s going to have a lot of fast talking to do once we have his location, but considering the chaos (and hopefully good) these negotiations will cause, I’d say the sooner we can get this over with the better. Bringing another titan to our side can only be a positive right? Yeah, I’m not 100% sure of that either, but I’m thinking positive.
Once we were completely inside Ehekatouataal, Helena plotted a course over the jet streams that took us into the path of the Coatls - the big feathered dragons - because Cesar hadn’t killed one yet. I had when I went to assist Adam’s band during Echo’s delivery. It was a pain in the ass and I didn’t really expect these to be any different. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as large a challenge as I figured and soon we were on our way once more.
We went past two cloud castles, one had several Stymphalian birds and a bird headed goddess within. We didn’t stick around and jumped back into the jet stream fairly quickly. We came across a group of storm giants and cut them down fairly quickly, though Cesar refrained from killing the last one, who just happened to be female. He told her there was no question, he was going to kill her, but in return from some information on Oranos’ location I’d kiss her and he’d make it a quick death. She readily agreed and I made sure Cesar realized that pimping me out, even for a simple kiss was not acceptable. After spending our entire time as heroes and demi-gods picking on me for my interactions (and affairs though they were few) with women now that we’re gods and I’m quite committed to my marriage using me as a bargaining chip was NOT a good idea on his part.
Given that she gave the information we needed and upheld my unasked for part of the bargain and kissed her, moving back out of the way before Cesar fired point blank. She didn’t even try to avoid the shot. Considering if she hadn’t gone along with the deal he probably would’ve tortured her, I don’t know if what she did was necessarily brave or just intelligent.
I was still grumbling when we reached the large cloud fortress Oranos was supposed to be in. The entrance was guarded by two hyades (cloud nymphs). They demanded sex in order for us to pass. I think if we hadn’t been on an unspoken deadline Storm would’ve taken them up on it. He does have a think for nymphs of all types. Instead he invited them to his home after our mission was complete and they were happy to agree.
Inside we encountered more hyades and more offers. Storm was enjoying the attention, but not taking advantage of it - not that he would, he may enjoy physical pleasure but not at the detriment of our mission or when it could take advantage of his partner(s). If we’d only had to deal with the hyades it wouldn’t have been a big deal. A bit distracting to be sure, but not a big deal. Instead a female storm giant entered the hall and immediately called an intruder alert. Twenty stench ridden harpies appeared at the end of the corridor and started moving out way.
Given how horrific they smelled I knew Carina couldn’t get in close combat with them so I handed over my gun. I hadn’t used it in ages though I continued to keep it in good working condition. Storm and I planted ourselves as we would be able to…stomach the oder of the harpies and prepared to do as much damage as possible. Suddenly Storm let out a shout of surprise as his trousers fell to his ankles. He had the attention of twenty horny harpies, a deprived Storm Giant and many sex starved hyades. The hyades of course wouldn’t come near him because of the harpies, and the storm giant was dead before she’d taken two steps. Luckily some of the harpies fought amongst themselves for who got first go with the Greek. I could’ve lived for all eternity without witnessing this whole disturbing turn of events.
It was a dirty, disgusting fight and I was exceedingly glad when it was over. Storm and I cleaned up as quickly as possible in order to rid ourselves of the stink of harpy (god powers are wonderful things - a simple thought and use of legend and I was completely harpy free). Storm’s pants were in tatters so to preserve a little dignity he crafted a pair of pants out of the clouds. Cesar gleefully told him he was never allowed to pick on him for losing his pants to the flames after this, but I think Storm will continue to do so. Cesar claimed one of the hyades had caused Storm’s wardrobe malfunctions, and none of the rest of us saw anything to indicate otherwise. Seemed like an odd thing to do but hey - these nymphs had been without male companionship for centuries. I guess a little madness wasn’t out of the question.
Storm had taken a bit of a beating so I healed him before we moved on to Oranos’ receiving chamber. Once there Storm took the lead with Cesar backing him up. I didn’t disagree with what we were doing, but I really didn’t want to advertise my involvement as I can’t see Gaia being too happy with us for stealing Oranos’ balls out of her realm. If I was going to have any luck convincing her to move to Vanaheim I needed to be as removed as possible. I wouldn’t deny my involvement but I didn’t really think I’d be bragging just yet either.
Oranos agreed to deal with Hurracan’s forces and leave the Dodekatheon and Azlanti alone for the time being upon the return of his manhood. Sam teleported Storm and I back to Acoppa to retrieve the orbs. We waited until Helena and Carina were gone (they went back to Acoppa once we returned) then I used my healing abilities to reattach everything. Oranos was ready to go almost immediately and we took our leave as quick as possible. When we reached Acoppa Hurracan’s forces were already retreating in order to deal with Oranos’ attack.
Cesar’s father seemed to approve of our actions. We’d all been gone from our own realms long enough, so we said good bye and went our separate ways. Gods I hope this doesn’t come back to bite us in the tail later.
We headed back into the frozen wasteland and after a quick discussion we chose to go evacuate the researchers instead of going straight after the Wailing. Cesar failed to pick up his cold weather gear as we left the jungle since we didn’t go back the way we came. Instead he lit himself on fire to keep warm. We reached a weather station that looked to be in decent condition but only had one power source running (at least that’s what Sam said, I couldn’t tell anything about it).
Carina went in first to sneak around and make sure we weren’t running into any surprises. Cesar had gone back to get the plane while we took care of getting the researchers ready to go. There were 15 researchers in the station, all hiding and trying to get a signal out. Carina came back out and got me to assist in calming the researchers and getting them to agree to leave. They were suspicious, but after we talked a bit they agreed to leave. At first we planned to fly them the closest city, which wound up being Cape Town in South Africa.
I wish Carina and I had discussed it before hand, because when they asked where we were taking them I merely said to safety which seemed to unnerve them. I couldn’t just say we’d fly them where ever, it’s not my plane and I’m not in charge of my bandmates. I don’t give orders to them...well, I try not to. Carina didn’t seem to have an opinion on where to fly them, so we settled on the closest port. Then Sam reminded us he could simply teleport them there and we wouldn’t lose any time. He went and came back about the time Cesar returned with the plane (and pants which he’d lost when he set himself on fire). We flew to the next station out on the coast and seemed to be getting pretty far from the disturbances. Just in case we convinced the scientists there to leave as well. When Sam got back Cesar gave him a power recharge and we decided to figure out what our next step would be.
We decided our best bet would be to find where the other orb was. From there we figured we could strike both and hopefully get away with them before Gaia’s forces realized what we were doing. Cesar talked about leaving decoys that would be infused with power from the sacrifice of a couple of villages but we shot that down pretty quickly. I’m honestly don’t know if he was making an elaborate joke or if he honestly thought we’d go along with it. Sometimes I just don’t get where Cesar’s coming from. Anyway, we figured without the decoy we’d take the orbs into Acopa and store them there until we had a bead on exactly where Oranus was in Ehekatoyaatl. We’re going to take full credit for this venture and I really hope it doesn’t come back to bite us in the ass but we’ll have to see. It’s going to be tricky making this right with both titans that are involved AND the Dodekatheon. Storm’s risking the most here but it could cause issues for all of us, except maybe Cesar since turning the Air Titans against one and other will make the Azlanti’s lives much easier.
We went back to Terra and Carina used the shadows and her own stealth to sneak in and take a sample from the orb. (Yes, that’s how I’m thinking about this - it’s the only way to keep from getting supremely grossed out.) As we were waiting we noticed a large bat like creature fly over head. This was nothing remotely meant to be found in nature and it was easy to tell this was another of Coatlique’s creations. I sent Rune after it to make sure it wasn’t going somewhere to cause trouble (well not immediate trouble at least). When he returned he informed me that it dove into the ocean following the Wailing apparently. Nothing good can come from this, but we let it go for now, I’m sure we’ll have to deal with the bat and the Wailing again before this situation is fully resolved. When she brought the sample back I cast Aradine’s Thread to locate the other orb and immediately saw the thread leading in a north west direction. Part of me suspects we’re going to wind up going all the way to the North Pole, but we’ll see.
With a clear direction we started off and managed to avoid several groups of dinosaurs but a flight of Pteranodons caught sight of some of us and immediately dive bombed us. Based on their attack it was easy to see it was Storm, Helena, and I they saw, but even though their attack connected none of us were hurt. The ensuing battle was brief and we were soon on our way again. We reached the coast and Helena’s going to raise the Titanic so we can continue to follow the thread. It’ll be interesting to see what we come up against on the next leg of this journey.
As planned, Helena raised the Titanic and we boarded ready to start the seafaring portion of our journey. Considering the last time we were in Terra I slapped my hand against the hull and gave the ship some extra armor just in case we ran into trouble. The first couple of days were calm and peaceful. While the ghostly crew kept the ship running smoothly and Cesar enjoyed manning the wheel, I took the time to meditate and see what I could discover about our future. I didn’t get much, but then my glimpses into the future generally leave me scratching my head in confusion. Still, my vision was pretty straightforward this time. Along our journey we would be running into an old friend, a stone princess in fact. At the time I guessed this would be one of Storm’s oriead lady friends but I was wrong. More on that later. The other thing I saw was our mission ending in a great storm. Now, considering what we’re trying to do I can see this as a glimmer of success, or it could be a sign that Zeus learns what we’re doing and proceeds to kick our asses. I think I’ll take the more positive and optimistic viewpoint until proven otherwise.
As we rounded what would be the Horn of Africa in Midgard the seas began to churn. My bandmates gave the warning and shared the knowledge that a sea monster and five Nemean sharks were heading for us. The sea monster looked like some type of Nemean Dinosaur but which one...well I have no idea. Caleb was never into the water based dinos that much so we didn’t pay attention to them. Still we prepared to deal with the creatures and soon Cesar blew the wheel house apart with his desert eagle - that thing really is more of a hand cannon than anything else, but he certainly got the dino’s attention. Cesar, Sam, Carina, and Storm all had a hand in the destruction of the dinosaur. Helena and I did what we could against the sharks, but after one launched itself at Helena nearly penetrating her considerable armor Cesar made quick work of it. Carina went through the sharks bounding from one to another slicing them up like sushi before Sam and Cesar finished the rest of them off. Storm hauled half of one of the shark carcasses up on deck so I’d have some fresh shark meat to fix a few decent meals for us before we reached our destination. Who am I to turn down the opportunity to cook for my band?
We only traveled three more days before we reached the Terran version of the Isle of Crete. Unsurprisingly there were minotaurs all over the place, along with the minotaurs Antean giants were working the main dock we saw so rather than alerting them to our presence Cesar brought us to shore among the rocks, several miles from the dock. We had to climb, jump, or fly to the top of the cliffs but that wasn’t a problem for any of us. The meadow at the top of the cliffs seemed to be the pasture for large cows and bulls - probably Nemean as every other animal we’d run into were but I’m not an expert so who knows? Still, they didn’t pay much attention to us and we left them alone as well. We traveled on finally reaching a walled town. In order to get a better look at the town we hiked up into the mountains above the town.
There we discovered we weren’t the only ones spying on the town. A very attractive and naked nymph was taking in the sight of the town. When we saw her profile it was startling to realize this was actually Echo, Erika’s wife and my vision made sense. Echo is the stone princess - definitely not one of Storm’s lady friends, though I doubt he’d have any objections with getting to know her better. Don’t know that Erika would like it though - I get the impression she’s a bit possessive about Echo - could be reading that situation wrong though.
Anyway, it seemed the female hecatonchire, Anglia, we’d run into last time we were in Terra was actually Echo’s daughter. She was there searching for her, hoping to get to know her and possibly take her some where other than Terra. Cesar pointed out that Storm had a couple of hecatonchire’s in his service and suggested she’d be welcome on his island (OK, it’s still Artemis’s island near as we can tell, but Storm’s pretty much commandeered it). We agree to help her and Cesar filled her in on our own plans so we can work together. The orb wasn’t in the walled town nor was Anglia so we had to figure out where to go next. My spell wouldn’t lead us directly to the orb for some reason, so we had to continue searching. According to Echo there were two places the orb or Anglia could be. The coastal city near the docks or a partially subterranean town further inland.
Cesar sprouted hummingbird wings and flew off to scout the coastal town. When he came back he said neither were there but the giants were fishing and attempting to catch sea monsters. Echo put some clothes on (disappointing, but much less distracting) and we took off towards the underground city. When we were close enough for Cesar to see it he pointed out that the cave entrance for the city was large enough to get the orb through which meant the entrance could become a portal for Sam and we could get it out that way.
Carina and Cesar scouted the area so we wouldn’t run into any surprises. There were two watchtowers manned by Antean giants with spear gatlin guns on the path. It looked like if we stayed off the path we could by pass them completely, though there were several minotaurs in the area according to Cesar. Carina snuck into the cave and discovered Anglia’s whereabouts as well as the fact the Anteans were preparing for an influx of giants coming to try and win Anglia’s affections. She also found the orb and that it was currently guarded by 6 Antean giants. We need to act fast and get in and get out before Anglia’s suitors show up, otherwise this could get ugly.
Cesar’s a much better tactician than I used to give him credit for. While his favorite plan is still a variation of “Get ‘em!” he can also come up with more subtle plans of attack. The distraction he and Storm put together was pretty ingenious. Using his mastery of flame Cesar made huge footprints leading off into the woods away from the watchtowers. While he set the watchtowers a-blaze, Storm used his powers of the wind to throw his voice and make it sound as if large booming norse accented voices were insulting the Anteans. Considering the Musphels were recently caught drilling in Terra (thanks to us if you remember), it wasn’t hard to make the Anteans believe they were attacking once more. While they gathered then set out to track the Musphels Sam teleported us to the entrance of the cave. Echo immediately burrowed underground and followed as Carina guided us to Aglia’s chambers.
Once there, Carina got Echo’s attention and she popped up and immediately entered the chamber to introduce herself to her daughter. Things went well and Aglia agreed to go with her mother so they could get to know each other better. There was a hiccup things when a couple of Anteans came to check on Aglia and Storm ducked under her skirts to hide. She made up some garbage about seeing a minotaur and the Anteans left though we made sure Storm knew that no matter how tall she is - ducking under a woman’s skirts to hide is NEVER a good idea. Not when you’re trying to be stealthy.
It took some convincing but Echo managed to get Aglia to help us out by distracting the Orb guards. Cesar helped Aglia out by bestowing his considerable charm on her and the guards were pretty much putty in her hands. Once we were inside the Orb Chamber Sam opened a portal to Reinohikari and we said our goodbyes to Echo and Aglia. With the two of them safely away Sam made another portal to Acoppa. Storm grabbed the orb and we were off.
We’d barely stepped foot in Acoppa when I heard a prayer from Echo promising me that I had nothing to worry about when it came to the possibility of Hrimsa and Aglia taking an interest in one and other. Aglia’d apparently heard too much about my daughter’s charms from the Terran giants and she wanted nothing to do with her. While I hadn’t really been all that concerned about a potential connection between the two girls I can’t say I was thrilled to learn that the Terrans were interested in Hrimsa as well. I really need to find a mate for her - sadly for her own good as well as the pantheon’s.
But back to the current matter at hand, Cesar called for Huitzlipotchli and filled him in on the basics of our plans. He was willing to conceal the orb in the sacrificial fountains, but he also told us about a crystalline satellite that Coatlique apparently sent up into orbit. He said the satellite seemed to be gathering energy and we knew nothing good to come from that. We agreed to check it out once we’d lifted the other Orb from the jungle in Antarctica. Sam teleported us back to the jungle and checked in with his colleagues to see if he could find out anything about the satellite - sadly there wasn’t much they could tell him.
We came up with a plan and Cesar decided he would be the distraction (his favorite role in a plan I think). He used his duplicate power to create several additional Cesars. While he and Carina worked out what he’d say to stir up the giants, I designed an archway big enough to move the Orb through then stepped back and let Storm build it.
Cesar incensed the giants by making them think the few Hecatonchires in the area were after their women. With the camp in chaos we were able to quickly slip in, grab the Orb and fly back to the arch. Cesar told us to go ahead and he’d meet us in Acoppa. I think he wanted to stick around and watch his handiwork for a few minutes before getting back to work.
I never believed I would see the world from space. I wasn’t an astronaut and I didn’t really have a desire to become one. But my god is Midgard beautiful from this distance. There’s something awe inspiring about seeing the world this way. There are times when my photographic memory is a blessing, this is one of them.
Once we secured both Orbs of Oranos in Acoppa we turned our attention to the crystalline satellite. Cesar called his solar chariot and we used it to make our way into space and towards the satellite. The chariot is a stretch hummer - pristine white in the front with every changing murals covering the back. It truly fits him. Despite the convenience of the solar chariot Carina and Cesar needed space suits in order to handle the vacuum of space. Sam, Helena and Storm had gifts that would make the trip easy on them and I’m resilient enough that while I wouldn’t exactly be comfortable, I would survive the amount of time we would be gone without too much difficulty.
A blue glow surrounded the satellite and upon our approach a group of Wailing riding pteranodons moved to intercept us. We couldn’t leave the safety of the chariot without risking the lack of gravity or a way to propel ourselves around. Knowing the chariot was our best and only true means of escape if things went south I slapped my hand against the side and boosted the hardness of the vehicle. From a distance there’s very little I can do in combat so I focused my energies on infecting the flyers as that would make them easier for the others to kill. I did the same thing to the Wailing and sat back letting my bandmates handle the carnage. Which they did efficiently and with a bit of enjoyment I would say.
Once we were able to land on the satellite we could rely on its gravity field and got out of the hummer. Our path was blocked by two nemean t-rexes ridden by the Wailing and five more crawling our way. We made quick work of them and the brood mother that joined the fight before we were done. I know those things have specific names but I see no reason to use them. Coatlique’s creations have some pretty gruesome, and yet flowery (long) names. I prefer my shorter versions.
With the fight over Storm ripped open the crystal panels to reach the controls. Helena set to work to take control of the satellite but had some difficulty. Storm was able to see a color and musical pattern to the controls but he couldn’t quite get the hang of it. Cesar decided to give it a go and started pushing random buttons. A purple laser shot out and destroyed a completely different satellite - no telling what we screwed up there. When we couldn’t get a handle on exactly what the satellite was meant to do nor had a way to control it, Cesar sabotaged it and we towed it away from its orbit and released it into space before heading back to Midgard and then on to Acoppa.
After arriving back in Acopa we tried to figure out our next course of action. We could head into Ehekatoyaatl with Ouranos’ orbs in hand but without knowing exactly where he was that would make it much more likely we’d call attention to ourselves. Not to mention it’d be bloody difficult to fight while trying not to lose them or let them get damaged. Instead we decided to sneak in and find out where his palace (or maybe his prison) was located. In order to get in we’d have to go through a battlefield where the Azlanti fought the sky titans and their spawn.
The sky titans and their spawn are immune to certain elemental powers like lightning. But they’re vulnerable to darkness so Carina crafted bullets (for Sam and Cesar), crossbow bolts (Helena), two kusarigama (Storm), and a spatha for me out of the shadows.
Once in Ehekatoyaatl we’d have to fly as there was nothing like solid ground, structures were made of clouds nothing more. So the flyers would need to carry the others, no big deal, we made a plan and got ready to go.
Cesar sprouted his hummingbird wings and picked Helena up. Sam jumped on Storm’s back, practically surfing and Carina perched on my shoulders. She seemed a bit surprised when I didn’t bring out the hammer, but there was no reason to have it since I had to use the spatha to make sure my attacks were most effective.
We made it most of the way through the battlefield before we were noticed. At that point, the Aztec and Chinese Storm Giants turned their attention on us. Stymphalian Birds also joined the fight but they were dispatched fairly quickly by Carina and Cesar. The giants did a number on the rest of us. Despite our affinity with the skies (Storm has a much greater affinity to be honest), both Storm and I were vulnerable to the lightning the storm giants hurled. Working to the best of our abilities we cut through the giants and the birds, including the Roc that entered the fray late in the game. Still, we made it through and though a few of us took some damage we’re all ready to move on and see just what we’re going to find in Ehekatoyaatl. I’m hoping we’ll find Oranous fairly quickly. Storm’s going to have a lot of fast talking to do once we have his location, but considering the chaos (and hopefully good) these negotiations will cause, I’d say the sooner we can get this over with the better. Bringing another titan to our side can only be a positive right? Yeah, I’m not 100% sure of that either, but I’m thinking positive.
Once we were completely inside Ehekatouataal, Helena plotted a course over the jet streams that took us into the path of the Coatls - the big feathered dragons - because Cesar hadn’t killed one yet. I had when I went to assist Adam’s band during Echo’s delivery. It was a pain in the ass and I didn’t really expect these to be any different. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as large a challenge as I figured and soon we were on our way once more.
We went past two cloud castles, one had several Stymphalian birds and a bird headed goddess within. We didn’t stick around and jumped back into the jet stream fairly quickly. We came across a group of storm giants and cut them down fairly quickly, though Cesar refrained from killing the last one, who just happened to be female. He told her there was no question, he was going to kill her, but in return from some information on Oranos’ location I’d kiss her and he’d make it a quick death. She readily agreed and I made sure Cesar realized that pimping me out, even for a simple kiss was not acceptable. After spending our entire time as heroes and demi-gods picking on me for my interactions (and affairs though they were few) with women now that we’re gods and I’m quite committed to my marriage using me as a bargaining chip was NOT a good idea on his part.
Given that she gave the information we needed and upheld my unasked for part of the bargain and kissed her, moving back out of the way before Cesar fired point blank. She didn’t even try to avoid the shot. Considering if she hadn’t gone along with the deal he probably would’ve tortured her, I don’t know if what she did was necessarily brave or just intelligent.
I was still grumbling when we reached the large cloud fortress Oranos was supposed to be in. The entrance was guarded by two hyades (cloud nymphs). They demanded sex in order for us to pass. I think if we hadn’t been on an unspoken deadline Storm would’ve taken them up on it. He does have a think for nymphs of all types. Instead he invited them to his home after our mission was complete and they were happy to agree.
Inside we encountered more hyades and more offers. Storm was enjoying the attention, but not taking advantage of it - not that he would, he may enjoy physical pleasure but not at the detriment of our mission or when it could take advantage of his partner(s). If we’d only had to deal with the hyades it wouldn’t have been a big deal. A bit distracting to be sure, but not a big deal. Instead a female storm giant entered the hall and immediately called an intruder alert. Twenty stench ridden harpies appeared at the end of the corridor and started moving out way.
Given how horrific they smelled I knew Carina couldn’t get in close combat with them so I handed over my gun. I hadn’t used it in ages though I continued to keep it in good working condition. Storm and I planted ourselves as we would be able to…stomach the oder of the harpies and prepared to do as much damage as possible. Suddenly Storm let out a shout of surprise as his trousers fell to his ankles. He had the attention of twenty horny harpies, a deprived Storm Giant and many sex starved hyades. The hyades of course wouldn’t come near him because of the harpies, and the storm giant was dead before she’d taken two steps. Luckily some of the harpies fought amongst themselves for who got first go with the Greek. I could’ve lived for all eternity without witnessing this whole disturbing turn of events.
It was a dirty, disgusting fight and I was exceedingly glad when it was over. Storm and I cleaned up as quickly as possible in order to rid ourselves of the stink of harpy (god powers are wonderful things - a simple thought and use of legend and I was completely harpy free). Storm’s pants were in tatters so to preserve a little dignity he crafted a pair of pants out of the clouds. Cesar gleefully told him he was never allowed to pick on him for losing his pants to the flames after this, but I think Storm will continue to do so. Cesar claimed one of the hyades had caused Storm’s wardrobe malfunctions, and none of the rest of us saw anything to indicate otherwise. Seemed like an odd thing to do but hey - these nymphs had been without male companionship for centuries. I guess a little madness wasn’t out of the question.
Storm had taken a bit of a beating so I healed him before we moved on to Oranos’ receiving chamber. Once there Storm took the lead with Cesar backing him up. I didn’t disagree with what we were doing, but I really didn’t want to advertise my involvement as I can’t see Gaia being too happy with us for stealing Oranos’ balls out of her realm. If I was going to have any luck convincing her to move to Vanaheim I needed to be as removed as possible. I wouldn’t deny my involvement but I didn’t really think I’d be bragging just yet either.
Oranos agreed to deal with Hurracan’s forces and leave the Dodekatheon and Azlanti alone for the time being upon the return of his manhood. Sam teleported Storm and I back to Acoppa to retrieve the orbs. We waited until Helena and Carina were gone (they went back to Acoppa once we returned) then I used my healing abilities to reattach everything. Oranos was ready to go almost immediately and we took our leave as quick as possible. When we reached Acoppa Hurracan’s forces were already retreating in order to deal with Oranos’ attack.
Cesar’s father seemed to approve of our actions. We’d all been gone from our own realms long enough, so we said good bye and went our separate ways. Gods I hope this doesn’t come back to bite us in the tail later.