How to be Kephera

Meresa

Unexpected, hilarious encounter with @Gurashi, @Xenthos, and @Esei. (Edited some conversations)

You teleport along the aether strands to the Aetherplex Chamber.

The Aetherplex Chamber.

The spherical chamber is formed from a hollow geode comprised of dozens of precious gemstones. Large jagged formations of rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds line the walls and ceiling. The floor has been cut and polished to a brilliant shine, revealing concentric circles of brilliant colours. Upon close examination of the glassy floor, shimmering reflections briefly glide across its smooth surface of wondrous mansions and abodes. A current of electricity continuously runs throughout this mineral wonder, causing tiny sparks to erratically blossom up and down the crystalline formations. Shimmering with aetheric energy, a bright glowing portal floats here in midair. Hackles risen, a fierce timberwolf prowls about here. A screech owl is here, surveying the surroundings. There are 2 great brindle mastiffs here. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs lingers here, his figure traced in a soothing aura of effortless serenity. Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe is here. He wields a wooden lute engraved with spiders in his left hand and a whimsical copper spatula in his right hand. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. There is an aetherways portal here.

You see exits leading north (open door), south, out, and through a bright, glowing portal.

You see the following people here:

Daraius, Gurashi, Meresa.

You curtsey gracefully before Daraius.

Gurashi chitters excitedly. "What are chances indeed..."

Cautiously, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Daraius, "Is ALWAYS a cataclysm?"

Meresa glances around briefly. "What cataclysm?"

He is a compound-eyed kephera wyrden demigod. He looks imposing at first glance, standing nearly two meters high with a black chitinous exoskeleton and broad blood-orange thorax. His bulbous red eyes sit on either side of his wedge-shaped head, and a small pair of stunted antennae protrude from atop his skull, looking broken. Where his mouth would be sits a small pair of jagged mandibles. Two sets of spiny orange arms are affixed to his torso, the top set of which are long and thewy while the second are spindly and pulled close to his chest. A long abdomen hangs down to his knees and is angled away from his back, ribbed in full black bands with small orange flecks throughout. Evidence of conflict mar his once shiny carapace, with the occasional crack and abrasion clearly visible. His legs are long and covered in thick orange plates with tiny black spines tracing down the back of his calves, ending in small segmented dual-toed feet. Set on either side of his lower back are two delicate orbs that whistle and click as he breathes. Two pairs of veiny, translucent wings looking far too small for his body size hang stiffly from his back. Despite initially appearing intimidating, his demeanor is subdued, the smaller set of hands laced together tightly. Tattooed on his hands is an illustration of a bumblebee constellation. Shadows cling adoringly to him, reluctant to surrender their grasp on one with the truefavour of Nocht, the Silent. Wyrden flames flicker across his form like a shadowy cloak, the sweet scent of roses trailing in his wake. A scarlet hieroglyph rests in the centre of his forehead, flickering with occasional tongues of lightning to show the truefavour of Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales.

Wavering one paw noncomittally, Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Once or twice cataclysm has visited itself on the Basin around the time of my festival."

Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "We always seem to manage."

Raising his hands in the air, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Doom from Soulless... et al..."

Your legs begin to tremble with weakness and you feel light-headed and dizzy. The thought of food looms foremost in your mind.

Your legs collapse from under you and consciousness leaves you as you pass out from extreme hunger.

You are unconscious and thus incapable of action.

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi plays a wooden lute engraved with spiders and directs the harmonious notes towards you.

Your body flushes warmly to the vibrating sound.

You stand up and stretch your arms out wide.

Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs says to Gurashi, "Chef?"

You ponder the situation.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Yes!! uhh."

Gurashi gives a bowl of chicken and dumpling soup to you.

You eat a bowl of chicken and dumpling soup with gusto.

You say to Gurashi, "Thank you... who are you?"

Gurashi stares blankly into space.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Eh? Oh!"

Gurashi perks up, offering a grand bow. "Am Gurashi An'Ryshe of the Glomdoring! Many greetings."

A faint sparkle illuminates the lenses of a stylish pair of aetherpiloting goggles as Daraius turns to Gurashi and says, "I have to take my leave, if you'll pardon me."

Gurashi chirps happily at Daraius.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims to Daraius, "Be well!"

Clasping his paws and offering a polite bow, Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs says to Gurashi, "May you be well, and your efforts fruitful, insofar as they do not run counter to the aims of the Collective."

Gurashi blinks.

Evette chirps happily at Gurashi.

Daraius rests a paw delicately upon the head of Bizirik, the leothin as he passes, dipping his bewhiskered canid muzzle to Gurashi in farewell.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Daraius, "O-K, same to you! But other way around."

A cone of sparkling light rises up around Daraius and whisks him away.

Meresa dips her head politely, if a bit stiffly to Gurashi. "Good to meet you. I am not very familiar with the Glomdoring."

Gurashi perks up, as if snapping back to reality. "Oh! It's a forest," He gestures towards the south. "The -best- forest. Big and spooky! We are a very intimidating peoples."

Gurashi flexes his muscles in an impressive display of strength.

Chitin unchanging as he strikes a flexing pose, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "See."

Meresa nods her head slowly at the pose. "You are intimidating because of your, ah, exoskeleton?" she queries.

Buzzing audibly, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe chitters, "My ca-ra-pace."

Meresa repeats, "Carapace. Hmm. Could I acquire one myself?" she muses, studying Gurashi.

Gurashi blinks, looking to you curiously. "Oh, uh..." He chirrs, "if were kephera, yes. But uhm," He snaps his fingers, "could always get an aethersuit that is made of carapace or something!

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Are many carapaced things."

Gurashi chitters to himself with speedy movement of his mandibles.

Meresa says, more to herself, "But I am not kephera... and have no suit..." Shaking her head, she turns back to Gurashi. "I am sure there must be a way. I will find one, and report back."

Gurashi nods his head sagely at you.

With a very serious nod, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Good luck with quest."

Gurashi chirps happily.

Gurashi gives a ravenwood picnic basket to you.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Happy Solstice."

Gurashi gives the world a smart salute.

Gurashi drifts outward, trailed by the hauntingly beautiful notes that dance upon the air.

You teleport along the aether strands to the Matrix.

Before the Matrix.

Banks of clouds roil about here. Suspended by four bridges of transparent crystal, an enormous circular walkway looks out over the crystalline structure of Hallifax. The walkway is made of semi-translucent gemstone with handrails around both the inner and outer circumference to prevent any unnecessary accidents. Though wispy clouds can be seen to move around the crystalline towers of Hallifax, the cool air here is only a gentle, serene breeze, as if the wind itself was tamed before the Nexus of Power. There are 4 cylindrical chairs of transparent crystal here. Encircling the area, a wide crystalline table sits upon a line of balustrades here. Silver breastplate polished to a shine, a Hallifaxian Sentinel stands here at attention. There are 30 Sentinel Deputy Commissars here. The graceful, translucent form of a bird of paradise dances in the air, the insubstantial image shifting through a constant stream of vivid colours. Radiating with an incandescent brilliance, the Matrix floats within the circular walkway, slowly turning and revealing flowering geometric patterns. Wind whipping through his wings, Fraesic Sunfar, Keeper of the Matrix is here, face upturned to the chill breeze. A Guardian of the Apeirohedron floats here, confusing onlookers with its impossible to grasp shape. There are 2 storm-coloured greyhounds here. There are 10 Guardians of the Dodecahedron here. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been permanently hung here. A statue of a diaphanous dodecahedron stands here, memorialising his noble spirit. Standing perfectly erect, Leeoh Vardan, Senior Deputy Commissar, supervises with a keen eye here. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. There are 2 sapphiric skylarks here. There are 2 frisky puppies here. Leaping about after its shadow, a curious young kitten playfully wanders about here. A green parakeet scratches against the ground in his search for a quick meal. Holding his phoenixlike head aloft, a sidiak bird manifested from crashing whorls of colour floats proudly here. Cyun lingers here, the coolly pure scent of skyblooms and wind wisps surrounding their form like mountain mist. They wield a cloud garden tessen of misty white crystal in each hand. Skyborne Parvenu Yemaozi is here. Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs lingers here, his figure traced in a soothing aura of effortless serenity.

You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, and in.

Several strips of ravenwood bark have been finely sanded down into countless silken strands that have then been woven into an elegant picnic basket. The delicate handle of the basket is of ravenwood, the dark wicker adorned with tiny golden crow charms affixed with thin strands of golden wire. Each of the lids of the basket has been carved with the silhouette of a lithe female wielding an enormous sickle easily twice her height. Adjustable black leather straps line the interior walls of the basket, allowing for the secure storage of cutlery, and bottles, while a blanket of soft golden wool lines the bottom of the basket and spills over onto the sides.

It has 27 months of usefulness left.

It weighs about 1 pounds and 8 ounce(s).

The beauteous craftsmanship of Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist radiates throughout it.

A ravenwood picnic basket is holding:

"cookie333855"                a white chocolate avalanche cookie

"cookie339870"                a cookie resembling a buckeye

"soup377951"                  a bowl of chicken and dumpling soup

"platter323487"               a heaping solstice dinner platter

"cup259045"                   a fused cicada wing tea cup

You take a white chocolate avalanche cookie from a ravenwood picnic basket.

You take a cookie resembling a buckeye from a ravenwood picnic basket.

You give a white chocolate avalanche cookie to Cyun.

You give a cookie resembling a buckeye to Skyborne Parvenu Yemaozi.

"Oooooooooh!" Cyun says to a white chocolate avalanche cookie, eyes wide with wonder.

You take a fused cicada wing tea cup from a ravenwood picnic basket.

Cyun puts their nose over a white chocolate avalanche cookie and inhales.

You give a fused cicada wing tea cup to Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs.

Daraius dips his bewhiskered canid muzzle politely to you.

Cyun says to you, "Thank you!"

Daraius pours golden aubade white tea from a fragrant cedar tea bottle into an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

You smile and say, "You're welcome."

In exhcange, Daraius gives an immaculate porcelain tea cup to you.

You take a heaping solstice dinner platter from a ravenwood picnic basket.

Meresa considers the porcelain tea cup a moment, turning it over.

Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs says to you, "Careful not to spill it..."

You say to Daraius, "This is expected, then? To give a gift in exchange for one given?"

4.14.20 THE KEPHERA RACE

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    4.14.19 | MORTAL RACES                   THE ILLITHOID RACE | 4.14.21

Descended from the Elder Goddess Keph of the Thousand Eyes, the kephera race present themselves as insectoid humanoids. Along with the illithoid, they are the newest race to have been discovered in Lusternia. Before, they were hidden beneath the Basin of Life and their sole purpose was devoted to containing the half of Illith that was severed in two by Keph. When this half of Illith splintered into the race of illithoid, the kephera had no choice but to make themselves known to the rest of the Basin. They are matriarchal in nature, and are the only race whose females and males have remarkably different statistics. Another unique attribute of a kephera is their strong exoskeleton, which acts as a natural armour.

Languages: Common.

PERKS:

Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs says to you, "Exhanges are not strictly necessary, but I had tea at hand and I was inclined to share."

With a gentle growl, Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Can I be of any further service to you, comrades?"

With a loud yet playful whistle, a mechanical dirigible comes puttering in on currents of air, its metallic claw grasping a heaping solstice dinner platter, which it quickly deposits in your hands.

A mechanical dirigible bobs up and down on the air currents before jets of steam erupt from several of its valves, then putters off.

Clasping his paws and offering a polite bow, Lord Daraius Shevat, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "May you all be well, and your efforts fruitful."

As Daraius departs to the southwest, the sense of warm serenity fades, leaving you colder in comparison.

You blink.

(Hallifax): You say, "Did someone send me a platter?"

(Hallifax): Daraius says, "It may have been anyone who witnessed you starving at the aetherplex."

You weave a glamour around yourself, which solidifies into the form of a compound-eyed kephera.

Encased within a shell of pure white exoskeleton, she is a compound-eyed kephera and stands just over six feet in height. Spindly arms and legs are connect at joints within her carapace, ending in clawed appendages. Her head is a perfectly-shaped oval, save for the pair of pale, milky antenna extended near a foot above. A pair of deep blue, glowing eyes are set within the center of her insectoid face, matching the hue of her illuminated thorax.

She is wearing:

a shimmering pack of dusky rose pink

a frosted scale jacket of piling snowflakes

a simple belt of black leather

a formal pair of black gloves

stylish black boots of burnished leather.

You place your hand on the directory, envisioning your destination as you disappear into it.

The Four Winds Emporium.

Banks of clouds roil about here. Soft white drapes and hidden mirrors have been artfully placed around the walls of this shop, transmuting the inbound beams of dazzingly diamond-struck light into a muted serene glow. Elegant shelves of translucent crystal rise from the banks of clouds swirling underfoot, their cascading racks sculpted to resemble whimsical curlicues of crystalised wind, swept slightly downwards to display the available wares to their best advantage. A marvel of consummate artistry and engineering, perfect spheres of luminescent crystal hover over airy pedestals at the four cardinal points, each whirling with wisps of soothing, icy, temperate and scorching winds, symbolic of the four aspects of Air. The silken drapes around the room billow gently with a more natural breeze,

the open windows behind them letting in the scents and sounds of the city below. You see a sign here instructing you that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.

You see exits leading north and down (closed door).

You pay 600 sovereigns and receive a howling ring of the raging tempest.

You inspect the item that is for sale:

This elegant shawl is made from strands of thick chenille wool, the fibres crushed and fluffed to create a unique shining appearance and dyed deep ebony black. The chenille is knitted into an intricate webbed arrangement, forming a large, loose, delicate shawl. Long strands of chenille edge the shawl with elegant fringing, each threaded with several small, polished beads of garnet. The gem's deep purple hue offsets the shawl's otherwise sombre colouring, transforming the garment from maudlin to darkly elegant.

You pay 1,700 sovereigns and receive an ebony chenille shawl fringed with garnet.

You rub a striated jade and emerald wand and it begins to glow with a pulsating light.
Within the enchanted item, an image forms of Gurashi at Shadowfeast Kitchens.  (7806)

From your knowledge, that room is in Glomdoring Forest.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Mister Gurashi, I have a question."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Yes?"

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "May I come find you in the Glomdoring?"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "**You hear an uncertain chittering thrum in the back of you mind over the aethers**."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Is something wrong?"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Well, do not have treaty with peoples from Hallifax to let visit our woods. So. Uh, if need help with a thing, can meet at aetherplex...?"

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "I have a thing. And a report!"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "...a thing? And a report??"

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Yes."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Do not know what either of those mean? Can please elaborate...??"

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Oh. I have an exchange, for the basket and the food you offered before. And I have done some experimentation on acquiring a carapace."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "...oh! Well, how about meet at Aetherplex?"

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Ok!"

You tug upon the aether strands around you, searching for one that connects to the Aetherplex Chamber.

You teleport along the aether strands to the Aetherplex Chamber.

The Aetherplex Chamber.

The spherical chamber is formed from a hollow geode comprised of dozens of precious gemstones. Large jagged formations of rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds line the walls and ceiling. The floor has been cut and polished to a brilliant shine, revealing concentric circles of brilliant colours. Upon close examination of the glassy floor, shimmering reflections briefly glide across its smooth surface of wondrous mansions and abodes. A current of electricity continuously runs throughout this mineral wonder, causing tiny sparks to erratically blossom up and down the crystalline formations. Shimmering with aetheric energy, a bright glowing portal floats here in midair. Hackles risen, a fierce 

timberwolf prowls about here. A screech owl is here, surveying the surroundings. There are 2 great brindle mastiffs here. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Razhril is here. He wields a crouching spider nekai in each hand. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. There is an aetherways portal here.

Esei arrives, following Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe.

Ilistala emerges from the shadows, curiously looking around.

Sauntering in languorously, a puffball enters from the ether, revealing itself to be a ragdoll kitten with bright cerulean eyes.

Bewitching melodies drift languidly upon the air, heralding the entrance of Gurashi as he glides in from the ether.

Bizirik slinks in from the ether, clicking and thrumming softly.

You see the following people here:

Razhril, Caohite, Xenthos, Gurashi, Esei, Meresa.

Gurashi tilts his head curiously.

You blink.

Esei inclines their head politely to you.

Gurashi stares implacably at you.

You give a howling ring of the raging tempest to Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe.

You give an ebony chenille shawl fringed with garnet to Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe.

Bewildered, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Oh ... you are not a Trill any longer..."

Gurashi tilts his head curiously.

After a long pause, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks you, "...is weird?"

Gurashi tilts his head curiously at you.

Esei ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

Meresa hesitates moment before nodding, blinking her blue-glowing eyes. "Yes... I am not Trill. And acquired a carapace."

Gurashi considers either gift for a long moment, then closes his hand over the ring and throws the shawl over his shoulders, beaming.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Many thank yous! Perfect for cold days."

Squinting, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks you, "What made... want to be a kephera, though?"

Seer Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "You spoke of an item and a report?"

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Oh yeah, a report."

Gurashi flails about helplessly.

Meresa attempts an odd chitter sound, but gives up and only nods emphatically. "It is black and garnet. I was not sure if you could wear many clothes."

You say to Gurashi, "Experiment, if I am more intimidating this way. I'm thinking Trill are not so much."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Kepherans are not particularly..

. intimidating, either."

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Gurashi blushes furiously.

Gurashi peers at Xenthos unscrupulously.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Gurashi, "We kill them all the time."

Gurashi flexes his arms, though there is no visible change. "Are plenty intimidating."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Gurashi, "It's hard for them to be scary when they are dead."

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Xenthos, "Yes but when are very -small- are -very scary-."

Gurashi peers at Xenthos unscrupulously.

Sounding disappointed, you say, "They're not?"

Gurashi flexes his muscles in an impressive display of strength.

Esei very quietly pinches the bridge of their nose.

You tilt your head curiously at Esei.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to Esei.

Gurashi tilts his head and listens intently to Esei.

Seer Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Report? Item?"

Esei raises an eyebrow at you.

You say to Esei, "Oh! Yes, the report is that I acquired a carapace. The item was the shawl, and the ring."

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.

Rubbing his neck, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Guess that counts..."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Well ehm... let know how goes. Are many intimidating races. And peoples from any of them can be REALLY intimidating."

Meresa edges away a few steps from the leopard sniffing at her.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Lady Rancoura of the Glomdoring is most intimidating trill that have ever met."

Gurashi chirps happily.

Gurashi exhales a plume of smoke and a bit of flame and nods, his chin rising as if to a challenge.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe whispers, "She would kick my butt..."

You look thoughtful and say, "Ah... hmm. I see."

Esei leans on Bizirik, the leothin seeking consolation.

Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then 

Gurashi's mandibles twitch slightly as he voices a brief, curious chirr.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Well..."

Meresa dips her head politely to Gurashi. "Thank you again for the food. I was not expecting so much interest in my report."

Gurashi chirps happily at you.

You incline your head politely to Xenthos.

You incline your head politely to Esei.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims to you, "Have a good rest of month!"

Gurashi gives you a respectful salute.

You smile and say, "And you."

You tug upon the aether strands around you, searching for one that connects to the Matrix.

You teleport along the aether strands to the Matrix.

Gurashi

I got all excited in our commune's OOC chatroom and was like "AN ALBINO KEPHERA, SICK" XD

Meresa

Gurashi said:

I got all excited in our commune's OOC chatroom and was like "AN ALBINO KEPHERA, SICK" XD

Lol... Well Meresa is as much a kephera as she is a trill, so I figured I'd keep the color scheme the same.