Story - Foh: Part 1.5

Created: 16 July 2020, 11:06:03 EDT

Last updated: 4 May 2023, 12:42:02 EDT

Part 1.5

The event continues...

After just enough time for visitors to start to feel settled in the constant ebb and flow of the grand Hararan Streets, the large screens, both mechanical and magical, all begin to flicker and switch over to a new view. A change from the normal display of ads, news, and music videos, there now appears to be a large symbol of a stylized sphinx with wings spread. This symbol is known for representing Harara, but has also become a defining mark for the pharaoh himself. Many come to a halt and gaze up at the screens in anticipation for what comes next.

There are a few more moments of waiting until the view changes again, now showing pharaoh himself ready to give an announcement. He stood proud, his distinct crest shining behind him, his furry chest puffed out, and a large grin on his face as he held his arms spread in an inviting motion and wings open wide allowing the light to sparkle off his gold-tipped feathers. There is an overwhelmingly positive reaction from those that call this place home, with cheers being heard from many areas along the crowded streets of Harara. The reception is reminiscent of what you might expect when a celebrity walks on stage, and Heru seems to be enjoying it!

Heru by Browbird

Heru

	“It is I! Your pharaoh, Heru! Welcome all - citizens, tourists, guests and more - to our beautiful and flourishing kingdom. As the magnificent King, I am honored to invite you to my home.”

He raised his arms even higher, taking a dramatic pause before lowering them and folding his wings against his back. His voice has a distinct loudness to it that makes it difficult to ignore as it echoes over the city. Despite this, he isn't as imposing as most may assume; there is a youthful excitement and an almost laughable amount of dramatic flair in his motions. However it doesn't seem as if he's simply putting on a show for the cameras, there is a kindness and sincerity to his expression and poses, perhaps it could be lent to his natural charisma?

He then leans back, laughing a hearty, booming laugh that bounces between the buildings, easily reaching every corner of the city.

Heru

“Many have come to Harara searching for games, competition, glory, and riches! You might be asking, what does this mean? What is all of it truly for? Well! Your glorious pharaoh will tell you! We have taken great pleasure in creating three competitions to be hosted throughout my city that anyone can join. You may wonder the purpose of all of this, and what else would it be than to find out who is the best of the best-- and also to discover who is worthy to claim the grand prize."

Heru

“Yes, a prize beyond your wildest dreams! I realize there are many of you who would be fine with simply being rewarded with gold, glory, and the respect of the pharaoh, as it is a treasure in itself! But I am a generous King! To those who prove themselves to me and best my competitions I have only the finest prizes! And to the one who emerges victorious over all else, I have an item that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere in the great sea of stars, as it is one of a kind! A priceless prize that I myself won in a competition with another king.

I call it the Astraevum.

Heru reaches off screen to pick something up and returns with a pointed object about the size of his head. He holds it triumphantly in one hand to show off for the cameras. Faint sparkles reminiscent of fading stars at dawn shimmer within the iridescent crystal-like blue as light shines off of it creating reflections of color around its surroundings. The shot zooms in to give viewers a glimpse of the small details contained within the strange stone. What looks like at least a hundred tiny spinning gears spin endlessly within it, suspended by thin metallic bars that aren't attached to anything. There is a clear magical look to the item, and even to some who have traveled to countless worlds there is still something otherworldly about it.

Astraevum by Browbird

When Heru seems satisfied that the Astraevum has been shown off enough, he'll place it on a pedestal behind himself so it is still in view of the audience.

Heru

	"It is quite magnificent, don't you think? A suitable reward for my games. It will be on display in the palace until the rewards ceremony at the end of the festival. So pay us a visit if you have the time!"

Heru

“The competitions we'll be holding in this city are as follows: A spectacular show of magical skill both in performance and combat, fierce battles of legendary warriors from across the cosmos and mythical beasts, and of course the glorious sol roc relay across the city skies. Can you hold your own against hundreds of other individuals of all levels of skill and power? You will be able to sign up for any and all of these events for free. To simply view these magnificent games you must only make your way to our many coliseums.”

Heru

	“Hararans and travelers alike, do YOU have what it takes to stand before an entire kingdom, to triumph over everyone else, to impress ME? HA HA! I look forward to seeing it! Farewell for now, Harara!”

And with that, the screens ended the broadcast and returned to their normally scheduled showings. The streets, which were relatively hushed, instantly start up again with chatter as people return to their days. There are many individuals already heading towards the palace to join in on the fun. The promise of wonderful prizes bestowed by the king himself is incredibly enticing, especially that mysterious grand prize!

Perhaps you find yourself headed to the palace out of determination or simple curiosity, only to be stopped suddenly by a browbird with a very refined appearance. His attire is fine, and stands out against the usual clothing that's common in Harara. He seemed as if he was looking for someone to catch his eye and his gaze just happened to fall on you.

Mosaic

	“Why hello there! Are you also here for the games?”

He wears a warm smile as he approaches and speaks to you.

Mosaic

	“Something about you stood out to me, you seem like you might be a capable sort. I'm sure your potential is clear to all who lay eyes on you. Would you mind hearing me out for a moment?"

Mosaic

	“My name is Mosaic. I travel far and wide as a collector and curator for a guild. Perhaps we've met before? If not, my credentials are easy to find online."

Mosaic

	“I came from quite far away to witness the games. In quite the unfortunate turn, I do not think I’m the right fit to participate this year."

He sighs wistfully as he gazes off into the distance. There is a clear longing in his tone and expression.

Mosaic

	“I hate to impose, as I’m sure you wanted that prize for yourself. However, I happen to know what that strange artifact in the king's possession actually is. Believe it or not, it formerly belonged to a friend of mine."

Mosaic

	“I will be honest with you, that object is completely useless on its own. Quite unfortunate, but it'd make a nice decoration. However, if the mysteries and magic that may be stored away within it are something you take interest in, I may be able to offer my assistance in that regard."

Mosaic

	“If you are more interested in financial gain, I would also be interested in offering a handsome sum in exchange for it, if you could win. Far more than you would be able to find elsewhere."

Mosaic

	“This is only if you're interested of course, and there is no pressure. Do whatever you'd like concerning the prize and my offer, though I would advise you to be careful who you tell since I'm sure many would jump on this! Anyhow, I'll leave you to your business. Good luck in the games~! ♥"

Mosaic smiles at you again as he offers a small, sleek business card with his contact information written in gold. He then politely bows and will make his way off into the crowd to speak with other adventurers that catch his eye. Considering Mosaic's offer may not be the worst idea, but it will all depend on how the games go...

While the palace is crowded with others applying, the process goes quite smoothly and you are able to get a participation pass after signing a few papers. The games will be taking place over the next few days, and there are many options to choose from with different tiers based on skill level.

There are rewards available aside from the grand prize it seems. Stargold, food, coins, and a particular item called a gilded egg. Those seem to be a particular point of excitement for many participants as they hatch into the large, rare creatures that many use as mounts.

Which event will your character choose?

Soaring across the city skies upon great Sol Roc in a relay that tests speed, skill, and endurance.
The chance to prove one’s mettle in bloody battles in the massive outdoor coliseum.
Showing off both the beauty and strength of your magical abilities when battling another mage.

Note: You are able to complete all 3 of these options!

Sol Roc Relay Test of Strength Aspect Creations

Story - Foh: Part 1.5

Part 1.5

Heru

Heru

Heru

Heru

Heru

Heru

Mosaic

Mosaic

Mosaic

Mosaic

Mosaic

Mosaic

Mosaic

Mosaic

Sol Roc Relay Test of Strength Aspect Creations

◀ Part 1 || Event Hub || PArt 2 ▶