Blackhoof

Yeah, Epics tend to lash out violently when their weakness is present or hinted at. I can imagine Epics simply attacking him when he fills their minds with their weakness. Maybe only make each power effective against vanillas? They still work against Epics but are weaker, and don't go near prime invincibility status.

In HoA he mentioned that he tortured OreSeur for information, learning the location of Kelsier's bones.

Day 3 Tribourne: Laserbolt Blackhoof takes black Voidus takes red Laserbolt entered with her super-speed, zooming through doors held open by her servants, and appearing on her throne above the waiting messenger. All he likely would have seen was a blur in the air followed by her sudden appearance. In fact, if he had of blinked, he would have missed even that. She smiled as she looked down on the arrival. She studied him- tall, strong….. and strange. There was something odd about him, something unnatural in his eyes. Laserbolt’s smile weakened, turning into a frown. Was this….. one of those Immortals? She had heard rumours that Necropathy could gift his powers, and he had created an army with them. She didn’t know exactly what his powers were, but if this was one of those…. there must be a reason it is called an immortal. Then again, it could be an Epic, but sending an Epic as a messenger seemed wasteful. Finally deigning to speak, she raised her voice, “Greetings, messenger. What brings you to my humble third of Tribourne?” Legolas almost missed the sudden blur which entered the room, even his enhanced eyesight registering it as little more than a streak of light which suddenly resolved itself into a human figure sitting on a throne. He forced his hands away from his hips, where his pistol would usually be had he not left it behind. Reflex-motions like that might save his life in a battle but in here they’d be more likely to get him killed. He bowed to Laserbolt as she greeted him, remaining only a hair above the depth he would offer to Necropathy or Severance out of respect. “Greetings my lady.” Legolas began, trying to force some manner of charm into a voice more used to barking orders. “I come on behalf of Necropathy of Adelaide with an offering, and a proposal.” “Interesting. Please, go on.” Legolas nodded politely before continuing. “My lord Necropathy would like to pursue an avenue of partnership with you in particular as well as the Triumvirate in general. I shall request for you to later schedule a meeting with the others to discuss the potential of our cities in helping each other, but my lord feels that a city as divided as Tribourne is not as strong as it could be, if one of the Triumvirate were to rule the whole city rather than merely a third then it would be far more productive and strong. To this end I have been instructed to place myself at your disposal while I am here. The Immortals of Adelaide have many… unique abilities that you may find useful in defeating the other two.” Laserbolt raised an eyebrow and smirked as the Immortal offered, in a matter-of-fact manner, to help her overthrow the rest of the Triumvirate. She laughed lightly, “Well Necropathy is a bold one, isn’t he? Your offer certainly is tempting, but I need to know more. Please, may I have a demonstration of these abilities of yours? Here, have a servant to kill.” She looked at a nearby servant, and engaged her laser vision. The servant screamed as twin beams of light grabbed her, pulling her closer to Laserbolt and then angling her towards the Immortal, dropping her within arm's reach of the warrior. Legolas nodded once more as one of Laserbolt’s servants was dragged towards them. Once she was close enough he reached out gently, one finger extended and ever so lightly grazed her cheek, inflicting the lightest of scratches. The scratch reddened almost instantly before fading into a line of deepest black. Then the screaming truly began. A patchwork of black lines sped across her face, seeming to grip her tightly as they did their horrible work. Within seconds her entire face had turned to black, the faintest smell of rotting flesh began to rise from the wound. The servant choked out her final screaming breath before finally stilling. The spread of black halting now that the victim had died. To complete his demonstration Legolas raised his other arm before scratching it deeply, identical black lines sprang into being as he held it up for Laserbolt to see, but this time the lines of decaying flesh slowed and stopped before running in reverse, healthy flesh replacing the black and even the deep scratches he’d inflicted healed themselves. “I also have extensive training in most forms of combat, even the slightest wounds that I inflict will decay as you saw whether I inflict them with my body or a weapon.” He left out the slight physical enhancements afforded to him, if Laserbolt thought that his accuracy with bow and gun were the result of training rather than another ability then she’d be even more wary about crossing Necropathy. Laserbolt smiled with glee as her servant’s flesh melted in seconds. Such power! The Immortal demonstrated its healing abilities and her smile grew wider. This could be a very useful asset indeed. And Necropathy has an army of these? He will be a valuable ally indeed. “Thank you for the demonstration.” She said, as some other servants dragged their colleague’s body away. “I would be glad to accept your proposal, and shall inform the others immediately about a meeting for an alliance.” She gestured to her scribe, leaning in to whisper. “Send a messenger to Quakezone and Foundry. Tell them that a diplomat from Adelaide has arrived, and wants to meet with all three of us as soon as possible.” She raised her voice, gesturing to her servants and guards. “Leave us!” They shuffled out, leaving only herself, the Immortal, and Windstorm in the shadows behind her. “Now, discussing the matter of overthrowing those two egomaniacs that I rule with…. That will be a difficult task. They both possess powers that make them near invincible. I should know, as I have tried very hard to kill them both in the past. So far, my plan has been to undermine their realms and weaken their power base, hopefully causing them to either leave in frustration or surrender to my de facto dominance once I control their territory. It pains me to admit that I am unable to defeat them in combat, but were I to receive a force of Immortals to help me…. their armies could never stand a chance.” Laserbolt’s smile would have put a crocodile to shame. Tribourne: Quakezone The Emperor of the western district of Tribourne sat in conference with his advisors, seated around a large table. "I call this meeting in session", Quakezone announced. "Dreadbearer, what is your report on Project Watchful?" Dreadbearer, a mental Epic who could create and enflame fear, leaned forward, addressing the group. "My lord, it is nearing completion. The tracking devices are all prepared, we just need to wait for Miniaturisation to finish shrinking them. The needles and "vaccines" are also prepared, awaiting the insertion of the miniaturized trackers. Once they have been prepared, I estimate it will take a few days to distribute them and have the entire population of the third on record and being tracked." Quakezone smiled. "Excellent work, Dreadbearer. Now, Grenadier, give us your report on the state of our military." Grenadier nodded his head, and began. "My emperor, recruitment and training are both going extremely well, and we now have some 16'000 Quakers, with a further 30'000 conscript militia. Our troops are well-armed and well-equipped, although we still rely heavily on exports from Foundry. These imports total 16% of our small arms, 34% of our heavy weapons, 22% of our military electronics, 38% of our vehicle spare parts, and 40% of our miscellaneous equipment." Quakezone frowned, and replied, "Work on getting those percentages down, but work harder at stockpiling equipment. If war breaks out, it likely won't drag on for too long, so we should prioritise our resources in places other than increasing our ability to supply our own forces." Grenadier nodded and wrote in his note pad. Quakezone then turned to another Epic. "Darkpyre, what is the state of my city's stability and order?" "Well my lord, the riots and demonstrations have stopped, although random vandalism is still occurring, despite the vandals you executed the other week." The meeting continued like that for another few hours, until finally Quakezone dismissed his ministers and called to meeting to a close. As he left the conference room, he saw his secretary at her desk to the side, and he approached her. "Did I receive any messages during my absence?" The secretary stood, and bowed. "My emperor- you received just one, from Queen Laserbolt." Quakezone grimaced. He hated that irritating woman. What he wouldn't give to crush her skull as he did to other challenges to his authority. "What did the message say?" "She is requesting a meeting of the Triumvirate, to discuss important matters of state. Her message did not elaborate." Quakezone rolled his eyes. A meeting? What could she possibly have to discuss with him? Things had been tense lately, with Quakezone and Laserbolt in particular trading clandestine blows through their proxies and agents. They both knew the other was responsible for the issues in their kingdoms... they just couldn't prove it. "Very well," He sighed, "Tell her that we will meet tomorrow at the Circle at 10am." Quakezone turned without waiting for a reply, scowling at the prospect of meeting with his co-rulers. Foundry wasn't so irritating- the former factory worker was a blunt man, and preferred to keep to himself mostly. But Laserbolt? In Quakezone's eyes, her arrogance, vanity and ineffectual rule were clear markers of weakness. But weakness that he was unable to exploit to her demise. For long, at least. He met up with Glasstorm, and the two Epics walked together in the corridors of Quakezone's fortress. "Have you ever read Hobbes' Leviathan, my dear deputy?" Glasstorm shook his head. "Well, recently I have been paying greater attention to it. In fact, I have started modelling my rule on his theories. Hobbes wrote that what people wanted above all else was security, not freedom. They will always choose the former over the latter. And to guarantee security, and thus some small measure of freedom, and safeguard against civil war, a single, absolute sovereign was needed. One man, or body of men, with complete power. Not limited by morality, weakness, conscience or a constitution. The government needed to be a leviathan, a beast so terrifying that none would dare trespass against its laws." "I offer this to my people- security. This latest meeting confirms that my strategy is working. More people are immigrating here than ever before. Laserbolt offers some freedom to her people, giving the gangs free reign. And they hate her for it, despite her attempts to appease them with spectacles and blood sport. Foundry works his people like slaves, giving them all jobs and a purpose, but a purpose that he cannot even pretend serves them. Perhaps this seems smart, but many of his people die from exhaustion, or flee from the harsh conditions. People need more than jobs, they need hope. A tiny light, that they will never reach.... but something to strive for." "I give my people this. I offer them the protection of the leviathan and they accept it. They work, they serve, they obey. They have just enough freedom to content them.... but not enough to overly damage my productivity. I will win this stalemate, when I control the most populous and most productive third of the city. The other two will surrender to my authority, and I will emerge as the undisputed ruler of Tribourne." Quakezone smiled. "I will win."

When Spook became a Tin savant he certainly seemed to have good balance when fighting the guards.

Yeah, he was corrupted by the Shard's Intent. I read that he was a kind and generous person before taking up Ruin.

Yeah I'm fine with it. Mckeedee: I noticed on a reread of the last Salem post that a citizen was shot. This could be a good chance for some interaction if Mouldbreaker shows up to deal with the interloper?

No, actually, i hadn't planned for him to recruit her originally. It just sort if happened I'll think of a name and powerset before the next post. Also i realised i probably wasn't clear, but Iconoclast sent multiple gifted servants out on attacks.

Iconoclast smiled as he waved goodbye to the last gifted servant, sending her off to cause more chaos. The defeated Epic lay in a leather chair, tied securely. Now it was just him and her. He turned to the Epic, moving but not struggling in her restraints. She could easily escape them, but he had warned her about using her powers. And like all Epics when faced with a hopeless situation against a superior force, she relented. "Now, it is time to discuss your part in this." Iconoclast began. "How do you feel about this city?" She looked confused for a second before replying. "I... It is a paradise. I have... Well, had an army of slaves and servants. All the luxuries of a pre-Calamity lifestyle. What more could I ask for?" Iconoclast leaned in closer. "How about... Freedom." "...freedom, sir?" "Freedom! You are trapped here, with the Queens controlling all you do. They give all, and apparently, given Euphoria's disappearance, they can take all. This is a system doomed to collapse. Don't you want to be at the forefront of it all? Wade through the blood of tyrants as you take your due? You, my dear, can help me bring down this city, and you can be free. No-one truly owns what has been given to them. Only in force is true ownership found." She looked thoughtful. "Very well, I will help you. But if the Queens catch me, I will claim you forced me." Iconoclast cut her bonds with a flick of a talon and smiled. "My friend, I would not have it any other way."

@Edgedancer: I guess a bit of both aha. It will take some time for all concerned parties to reach Neverthere's hideout, so I guess when that happens I will make another CM post. Well he can attack if he likes but CM will be annoyed that he didn't get to give his convoy a big finish

Ok, so what needs to happen next with the Dominion? The plans are in motion. Once a bit more time in-game passes, I plan to make a corpsemaker post where he sends out his mechs and vehicles. Electro and Timeport are heading off to get Neverthere. and whatever Voidus is planning with Murphy

And yes, I stole the Mistborn gold Ferring power and name for an Epic Unashamed and unapologetic

Day 3 Geelong: Bloodmaker Bloodmaker drew his large knife across the throat of a struggling vanilla, licking the blood off of his lips as it spurted out, covering him head to toe. Blood from a dozen weaklings covered him, dying his shoddy clothes red. It tasted good. Skipstep was nearby, slitting the throat of another. But he teleported away before any blood could touch him- he considered it a mark of skill that he could kill and disappear before the victim even realised that they had died. A loud shot echoed through the room, and Bloodmaker felt a lance of hot pain take him in the kidney. Growling in anger, he turned and raised his own handgun, blowing away the raggedly-dressed weakling. His side continued to send shock-waves of agony through him, but they rapidly diminished. He knew without looking that it was healing, and soon his flesh would be as good as new. He felt his reserves of health slowly diminish as the wound sucked them up to heal him, days of sickness being used up in seconds. Bloodmaker looked around, seeing the last weakling fall, one of Skipstep's daggers in her heart. The room fell silent. Skipstep appeared next to him, and began cleaning his knives on a weakling's clothes. This group had been hiding in a partially ruined building in the mostly ruined suburb of Corio. Most Geelong residents had moved, or been moved, south when Warplock took control. Things had been a lot less fun for Bloodmaker and Skipstep since that had happened. "Well," Skipstep chirped. "That was fun! How are your health reserves going?" Bloodmaker frowned. "They are getting quite low. Another bullet wound would drain them dry." Skipstep shrugged. "We can risk it, that family was pretty lucky to have a loaded gun, after all." "Yes... one more family, and then we are going back to base." Skipstep jumped and clapped, giggling in joy. Bloodmaker never understood the idea of laughing at the prospect of killing. It was more of a.... need, than a fun past-time. The duo left the house and went on their way, Skipstep teleporting wildly into every building they past. Eventually they found a pair of hiding survivors... and the fun began again.

And Quakezone pony finally here!

Day 3 Tribourne: Laserbolt "My Queen." Laserbolt looked up from the reports she was reading, annoyed to read that Quakezone had successfully quieted dissent in his district. Slaughtering an entire crowd.... almost genius in its simplicity. Laserbolt would have to take inspiration. "What is it? I am busy." The Epic bowed deeply. "I am sorry for troubling you, my Queen, but I have just received word that a messenger has arrived for you." "From Quakezone or Foundry? Just tell them to wait and-" "No, mistress.... from Necropathy." Laserbolt raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. Necropathy? The ruler of Adelaide? She knew that she had been quite focused on Tribourne, but surely he could not be interested in expanding so soon? Could his rule be so stable? Frowning, Laserbolt pondered this information for several more seconds. Finally, she replied. "Direct them to the lobby, and tell them to wait. I will meet them in person." "But mistress, there is something... strange about the messenger. They could be an Epic, are you sure going in person is a good idea?" Laserbolt smiled, and ran, fast as lightning, behind the Epic, appearing in the blink of an eye to whisper in his ear. "Boo!" The Epic jumped and flushed, obviously forgetting how fast she could be. Laserbolt laughed in derision, and dismissed him. It wasn't often that my powers are displayed, she thought to herself. Perhaps some more.... demonstrations are in order. But first, there was the matter of this "strange" messenger. ................................................. Bushfire Bushfire looked out across her desolation... and smiled. She had just recently cleansed this area, burning every tree, every bush, every building to the ground. All around her was ash and cinders, and the hot, dry air seemed to threaten another conflagration. She breathed deeply, and sighed. This was why she did it. The peace, the quiet... the serenity of a wasteland. She was not a powerful fire Epic by any means, as many assumed her to be. No, although she could create small bursts of flame, her real power was weather control. With her mastery of the temperature, she made everywhere around her unseasonably hot. With her mastery of the air, she prevented and diverted rain, drying out the bushland and woods. And when the conditions were perfect, she started a small fire, and with her control of the winds, directed it, fed it, fuelled it. A natural bushfire needed these conditions, and could thrive on them. But with her will behind it? She could burn half a state. And indeed, burn half a state is what she had done when she first came into her powers. Over several months, her fires had raged from central Victoria to eastern South Australia, killing thousands and burning small towns into ash. Behind her were dozens of vehicles and crude tents, filled with her Raiders. They were rough, harsh men, mostly ex-criminals that she had broken out of prisons across the state a year ago. Ever since, they had travelled the countryside, burning and pillaging as they went. Many of them had donned elaborate costumes, dressing in leather and wearing spikes. She did not care what they wanted to wear, or how they acted. As long as they obeyed. She heard the sound of engines in the distance. "Excellent," She muttered. "My raiding party has returned." Another successful raid on Wendigo's caravan. A few more of those, and the witch herself would come forth. Bushfire planned to fight her, and Bushfire planned to win. She would take Bendigo for herself, and pillage everything it had. More importantly though, she would get rid of that depressing and frustrating pall of cold weather and snow hanging around the middle of Victoria. Did you have any idea how annoying it was, trying to burn Victoria when cold weather got in the way, messing with her control? Very.

All WHOOCs are wonderful and wanted! Also everyone, Mckeedee is dropping out of the Wastelands His city was Brisbane, but he hasn't made any posts about it so far. It is effectively a blank slate for whoever wants it.

I think that moving ahead is necessary. Corvallis is a bit more active than any other thread (less players i guess), and i don't like the idea of waiting weeks or months to progress to the next day. I mean, Portland has only just started and Corvallis is near lunch time. There is no shame in different activity levels, but I would rather Judy move ahead and deal with the consequences. So far there hasn't been any crossover between Corvallis and the other cities other than one mention if the dome by Deathskull.

well i left it vague because 18th Shard's character Phoenix is hiding in an also vague location, and i have no idea where. Although Phoenix went from the scene of the fight with Converter straight to some building so it is likely around the edges of the field, and thus a bit far away from Argon's house.

Well the entire Trifecta but Quota Well he could have seen that Atrophy has a potential in with Cornucopia, and thus could be a semi-double-agent if Insight made him get closer with the government

Ghouls can attack her too, they'd burst in and immediately attack whatever they see.

Blackhood takes black Voidus is red as usual. mail-mi is green Twi is purple. Mailliw here. Corpsemaker looked up from his maps, as his human captains and his Epics filed into the room. Soon, nearly two dozen people filled the room, crowding around the table. He nodded at them, holding their gaze for several seconds. Some of the captains flinched away, looking downwards. As did some of the Epics. Finally, the ruler of the Dominion spoke. “Thank you all for coming. I will now reveal the next phase of my plan, now that we have amassed a sizeable force.” He swept his hand across the map of Portland. “Phase Two begins today: Shock and Awe. This city is mine… but its inhabitants, and the opposing Epic factions do not realise it yet. Within a few hours I want mechs and vehicles with microphones in every part of the city, proclaiming a message I will record. They will play the message as loud as possible, and travel across the city so that all can hear it. A force of soldiers will guard every one. This message will, hopefully, convince the people and Epics of Portland that swearing allegiance to me is the best option for their continued survival. Secondly, the mere act of projecting strength across the city will prove that I own it. Obviously, Thoughttown will be the only part of the city that we cannot go… yet. I still want the message proclaimed over its walls, though.” “Next, I will begin touring the city in a convoy of mechs and tanks, with Electro and our newest ally Collaborate as my personal bodyguards.” He turned his steely gaze to Collaborate for a few seconds. “He will also be in charge of the convoy militarily, second only to me. Do not feel slighted, though, this is purely to take advantage of his power.” “This convoy will also visit a number of locations, such as my coffee shop, where I will grant them my special protection and assign a pair of toy soldiers to guard the premises as a show of force. Any Epic, ally or no, that interferes with one of these establishments or any of its staff will face my wrath. This will incentivise people to serve me especially well, and demonstrate my generosity.” “Of course, recruiting will still go on, Murphy, I want you to follow Collaborate’s directions to the headquarters of this…. Minor Epic Empire, and give them one last chance to swear allegiance or die. If they refuse…. well, then they will be the final stop for my convoy. Streetwise, I want you to listen to see if you can find any other useful neutral Epics for Timeport to visit. Quota and Upgrade, I have a special job for you.” He smiled. “You two will work together, and we will see just how powerful Quota can become when his powers are Upgraded. You may be able to affect the entire city, and a blanket of awe and dread would increase the impact of my message considerably. The rest of you will stay here, and defend the armoury.” “Any questions?” “Boss?” Streetwise volunteered, tentatively raising a hand into the air. “I saw… something earlier when I was keeping an eye on the base.” He stopped mid-speech as he realized something, the woman could be watching them here as well. Her head wasn’t poking out of any walls but that didn’t mean much. “It’s er.. in my report, I think it’s best not to discuss it out loud.” He slid the piece of paper over to Corpsemaker, it listed what he’d been able to see of the woman, along with the location of someone who looked exactly like her and his conclusion that this was probably some kind of projection Epic like Regalia, the location being where her real body was. Corpsemaker frowned, scanning the report. This must be the same intangible Epic that Electro, Timeport and Quota reported seeing riding a dinosaur last night. The dinosaur implied that she was an ally of the Empire…. but if they knew where her real body was…. He smiled. “Excellent work, Streetwise.” He took out a pen and scribbled on the bottom of the report. “Timeport, I want you to try and recruit Chimera again, and take a mech with you this time, to get there in a timely manner.” Corpsemaker handed Timeport the note, smiling evilly. Pay this astral projector a visit, not Chimera. Bring her back alive if possible, but dead if necessary. Reply in writing. I....what?! Timeport grinned his trademark grin. He took out a pencil and responded,You mean, I get to go get the hot chick in her actual body, and I get to take any mech I want and bring her back here? Yes please! He lowered his gaze just slightly, looking at the ground in front of him as he handed Corpsemaker back the note and said “You wouldn’t object to anything... frisky happening once I’ve gotten the target, yes? I promise it won’t take too long.” Quota knew by the sudden outpouring of glee that CorpseMaker had made Timeport the offer he’d been waiting for. Peering over his shoulder allowed him to glimpse a few words--more than enough to figure what was going on. Calamity, he thought, why does Timeport get the best job? “Think he’ll need a hand?” Quota asked. His plans for the sparkly teleporter could wait. This job was bound to be more fun. Electro raised his hand a bit. “I could go as a guard. I wouldn't mind the trip.” He had more range than the others. Corpsemaker raised an eyebrow at Timeport’s request. Others chimed in as well, and he responded to each in turn. “If Chimera accepts our request this time, then no, but if he provides any trouble…. punish him as you see fit. But remember, I want the target serving us, by choice or by force. Nothing debilitating.” “I would normally allow you to go, Quota, but I am afraid that you will be far more useful today projecting your powers over the city. After today though people should have received the message, and you will be free to do as you like.” He considered Electro’s request. Timeport probably wouldn’t need help though, not with some astral projector with likely no other powers. But if he were being sent after Chimera, it would be logical to send Electro as well. How clever was this little spy? He made his decision. “Very well Electro, Timeport might need help against Chimera, so you can go as well. But you will be back here in time for my convoy to depart, understood?” “Sir, yes, sir,” Electro saluted, grinning at Timeport. This'd be fun. Corpsemaker looked around. "Anymore questions?" Silence and shaken heads greeted him. "Excellent. Move out."

I'd rather keep Iconoclast independent of Insight, personally But Atrophy? That could be interesting.... I'd definitely be fine with Atrophy getting kidnapped and interrogated like that. Also, is anyone planning on responsing to the latest ghoul attack in Corvallis? 18th Shard, the place being attacked is where Phoenix is hiding, so he should probably react or something

Timeport would be able to avoid her indefinitely. He can resurrect once dead, and teleport if she tries to trap him.

Day 2 Town of Wendigo Charlie looked pointedly downwards as he approached The Wall. It wasn't the Wall itself that he refused to look at; the wall that Wendigo had raised around Bendigo to trap her people when she conquered it a year ago. No, the wall itself- even though it was covered in cruel, icy barbs and spikes and remained a potent symbol of Wendigo's domination- was not the source of his minor act of rebellion. The reason he refused to look was the bodies that decorated it. Corpses in varying states of decay lined the top and sides of the wall, particularly around the one and only gate in and out of the city. Some were mere skeletons, others relatively fresh. He knew, though he didn't look, that one or two would still be alive. When you broke a law- any law- or annoyed Wendigo or another Epic, your punishment was impalement. Some of Wendigo's Snowmen would take you and impale you, from the bottom to the top, on one of the many spikes on or near the wall. Depending on your age, health, and the way they mounted you.... it could take hours or days to die. The bodies were rarely taken down, unless they fell off on their own. And so as he and the other workers trudged towards the gate, he kept his eyes firmly towards the ground. Wendigo wanted them to look, wanted them to see the price of rebellion, of trying to escape. And so, like many of the others, he would not. It was a minor act, a petty thing, but anything to resist the tyranny of Wendigo was worth doing. It had been a hard day's work, and it was approaching dusk. Charlie, like many of the younger men, worked as a lumberman, cutting down trees for firewood. And with no electricity and a constant, freezing snowfall, firewood was desperately needed. His bones and muscles ached, and his skin was tender and burnt. It had been a sunny day, but those rays would have barely breached the clouds perpetually covering Bendigo now. Life had been nothing but freezing suffering and back-breaking labour since Wendigo had arrived. They had had Epic troubles, of course, like all cities, but their chaotic anarchy had been nothing compared to Wendigo. When she had first shown up, she defeated and enslaved each Epic in turn. Then she had raised the wall, trapping everyone who had not fled yet. Then the snows began. She had rounded up random groups of people and impaled them in front of large crowds, and ordered her Epics to throw their powers at her, demonstrating her invincibility. He had seen her attacked with beams of fire, crushed by rocks, and impaled by spears of energy. All had barely affected her. He didn't know if anything could defeat her. He had heard that some Epics had weaknesses, things that could negate their powers. Hopefully Wendigo was the same. With the wall stilla distance away, he felt a warm breeze. With the pall of clouds and ice overhead, with snow falling gently all around him, it was refreshing to say the least. He felt some tension release, as he enjoyed a respite from the cold. Suddenly he stiffened. A warm breeze, in Wendigo? That couldn't happen unless- Suddenly he heard shouting from the guards, and the Snowmen growled. A sudden warm breeze heralded one thing, he thought, as a cloud of dust and smoke grew from the group's left. Bushfire. Workers cried out as the guards ushered them towards the gate, firing into the air and ordering them to run. Charlie obeyed, breaking into a spring. Charlie didn't look back, but he heard a sounds like a dozen motorbikes and trucks coming towards them. And he knew that is exactly what it was. Soldiers took up positions, and the Snowmen began charging, icy claws shining. He neared the gates, and he heard gunshots behind him, and the wind carried the sound of revving engines and joyful howls to his ears. The huge, evil gate of ice was close now, but it offered salvation. Life under Wendigo was better than death under Bushfire. The gate slammed shut behind him, and the sound died away. He looked around, but he saw that several of the lumber carts, used in lieu of trucks, were missing. They had been too slow. Bushfire would turn the carts into pyres, as she always did on her raids. Wendigo would not be happy.

why do you say 20% longer?

Given her apparent views on the ultimate sanctity of life, i find it hard to believe that she would sacrifice ferrings or other feruchemists by letting the Set have them. And I feel like the Set making what is essentially a copy of Marsh would be pointless- Harmony could control it easily.