Set for Magic: the Gathering
Palouranos - Storyline Summary
Written by Peter L

The World of Palouranos
The common theory is that the gods came to the place and created a beautiful world that would reflect their own magnificence. Their glory alone created our world but the truth is quite the opposite.
It was the land that created the gods. Across the golden fields, and deep beneath the depths of Lake Limnitranos a source of magic, unbridled in power, began to stir. Among the highest peaks of Flamoros, the bowels of the Elosapios, and the endless forests of Lampdasos life began. At first a singular conscious that separated into five separate identities. Each identity claiming a part of the land that had borne them. Though formless they spread their power to all reaches of the land.
From each 'god' life was granted. Unto the fields came the Myrmex, to the mountains the Minotaur, the forests the Centaur, the swamps spawned the Gorgon while the lakes, ever mysterious and shifting, kept its secrets.
However, something happened that the gods did not intend. The very power that had given them life had also created a race of it's own, human. Humans, limited in ability and knowledge, managed to infest the land and spread it's way through the vast reaches of Palouranos.
At first the humans acknowledged and worshiped the gods. They built great wonders to celebrate their magnificence. The gods were happy and granted unto each of the wonders a protector.
The great Colossus of Flamoros, Statue of the Fire God, was guarded by the legendary Hydra.
The Pyramids of Chrysagros, home to the everlasting essence of the deceased heroes' spirits, was guarded by the Sphynx.
The great and exuberant Gardens of Lampdasos, was guarded by the Echidna.
The Mausoleum of Elosapios, gate to the underworld was guarded by the three headed Cerberus.
The Lighthouse of Limnitranos, made in honor of the sea-lake and all its explorers and inhabitants, was guarded by the Scylla.
However, the humans also brought violence, death, disease, and a burning desire to conquer what was not already theirs.
Their struggles have ensnared all races of the world and the land has began to suffer. The land, who had given live to the gods was now dying. And so were the gods.
I am Thatos, son of the fire god, and I can no longer watch from Mount Philotheos and watch the world die. The gods have grown indifferent and stupid but there is still fire burning in my chest. I will right the wrongs that have been done to this world but I can't do it alone.

*****

The minotaur demi-god would not stop until he had it. His cloven hooves cracked as they touched the searing ground but they reformed again. His skin blistered and bled but the gods blood that flowed through his veins healed all his wounds.
He was a creature born of fire but even the molten depths of Mount Pyros threatened to steal his life. Until recently Thatos didn't believe he could die but as he watched his own father fade into dust he knew it was only a matter of time until all the gods joined him. Not unless the humans were stopped.
Looking through sweat filled eyes Thatos raised his dark brown and massive forearm to shield his eyes from the heat of the motel pool now in front of him. In the center of the lake of fire was a stone pedestal standing impossibly against the heat. Atop the pedestal was the Fire Gods Lantern.
"A gods life is not so easily taken Father," Thatos screamed as jets of steam screamed out of fissures in the wall, "I know there is still an ember of life in you! You know what I've come for!"
There was no answer. All was silent save for the low rumblings of the volcano.
"DO NOT IGNORE ME FATHER!" his voice cracked as the intense heat liquefied the inside of his throat. Mumbling under his breath he continued with a fiery determination that only his father could have bestowed upon him, "If you will not hear my words then I will take what is mine."
Thatos kneeled on the ground and wove his fingers together. He knew the powers of the mountain wouldn't aid his cause so he required another type. A low slow chant emerged from his mouth and to him there was nothing else. A light blue aura surrounded the minotaur and the Lantern. Rising from it's place of honor the lantern began to float across the molten lake and into Thatos's waiting hands.
He looked onward and expected an eruption, an explosion of anger but instead all fell silent. The air cooled and the molten lake slowed, and crested. Without the power of the lantern the volcano had lost its power. Thatos was afraid that this act may have extinguished the final light of his fathers heart.
He turned his back on what was once a proud monument to his father and walked away. His father was now too weak to do anything about the humans but Thatos wouldn't make that mistake.
Drawing his bone staff that he carried over his left shoulder Thatos held it tightly with his right hand while carrying the lantern with his left. It was old, and covered with soot but the power it held was far beyond his own. A small flare flickered in its center. One that would never be extinguished.
It wasn't until late in the day when he finally reached the foothills of the mountain. His strength had returned greater than before. Just carrying the lantern brought him strength and knowledge.
Their was smoke rising in the distance from one of the few villages that remained untouched by the war. Thatos's head hung low knowing that it too was now destroyed. The army from Kentros was just crossing the border when he began his trek but three days was a long time to be gone. The villagers had fed him, and shown him hospitality and they were now dead of imprisoned.
Quickening his pace Thatos ran into the center of the village to find hordes of centaurs still celebrating their victory. They looked at what they thought was a foolish minotaur and snickered among themselves. They thought they would have a little fun with them but they would be mistaken .
"I challenged the greatest of you," Thatos announced, knowing the Centaurs were a proud race and wouldn't deny a challenge, "I challenge the greatest to a duel. With my last breath I would see at least one more of you die!"
There was more snickering among the centaurs but word spread quickly. The Centaurs gathered and soon their champion was sent to the center of a stone dias that was once a shrine.
The centaur was extremely large with scaled skin and a long reptilian like tail. Like no centaur Thatos had seen before. There was a calm around the creature that only came from great skill in magic.
Thatos made his way to the dias to the centaurs surprised. A large crowd had formed but in the distance Thatos could see the heads of both humans and minotaur impaled on spikes that lined the villages roads.
Kneeling to the ground he ignored the centaurs scoffs and spoke the incantation. The small flicker of the lantern's light exploded outward with a ferocity and magnificence that the world had never seen before. Thatos's skin peeled and fell to the ground in sickening pools. His eyes popped and the pain was too much to bear. Falling to the ground in a molten heap his maw parted into a smile.
Before he work he could still smell the charred remains of the centaurs. Only a god could survive the lantern's fire. Struggling to his feet he cantered over to the centaur that he challenged. Unlike the others his bones and flesh were still intact but still charred. He indeed was powerful but not powerful enough.
Grasping the lantern in his left hand and his bone staff in his right he set off to the west. Despite his strength he could not manage alone. He would need the help of another demi-god.
Thatos moved quickly through the lands of Flamoros but the forests of Lampdasos were quickly approaching.
Entering the forest Thatos knew that he could no longer use his father's lantern. If he did there was no way that Rhaegina would help his cause.
It wasn't more than a few hours through the forest that the alseids first appeared. The would block his way with growing bush or send mindless beasts to stand in his way but Thatos wouldn't be denied. The more he rampaged through the forest the stronger enemies they sent but they too were easily dispatched.
Soon, the forest would no longer accept the death of their creatures. Thatos finished the journey to the centaur city, Kentros, without further incident. No incident but he was sure that Aeopus knew he was coming.
Exciting the forest Thatos saw a large valley of vibrant greens as he sun was just ascending past the rolling hills. The city was almost lost in the glare of the sun but its stone walls and buildings stood proudly.
Having run almost the whole distance Thatos thought it better to approach slowly. He didn't want to look like an attacking enemy.
Soon, four centaurs surrounded him but Thatos knew they were meant as a guide. Thatos didn't want to cause any problems so followed them. He had no need of Aeopus or his wise words but it was important not to make enemies of him just yet.
They led him quickly through the wide, stone streets, and into the great hall. Typical of a centaur city there were no stairs, or second floors, and everything was out in the open. The great hall however, was floored with magnificent marble, and clear of all life save for two other centaurs.
This guides left him but he continued to walk forward. Aeopus stood proudly in front of him but his age was apparent. His hair, mane, where stark white and his skin old and leathery. To his side however was a young female centaur whose power Thatos could clearly see. Her hair was tied back and the look on her face was of pure hate. He didn't know what he did to deserve such a response but there was nothing he could do about it.
Aeopus spoke and his words were deep and commanding, "So, the slaughter at Mount Pyros was not a lie. The very son of the fire god was responsible and no less then that has come to greet this court. Tell me, Thatos, son of fire, what brings you here!"
Thatos' eyes burned with fire. There was no possible way the old centaur could have known who he was. If he knew about the massacre there was no way Rhaegina would agree to help him.
"Of course," Aeopus continued, "One can hardly blame you for doing what you did. This is a war after all. But it is curious to find you at our doorstep. What brings you here, son of fire?"
Thatos looked at Rhaegina and knew that she, unlike Aeopus, didn't accept that his act was acceptable, even in a time of war.
He would have to be careful with his words, "My father is dead. There is a mere spark of his former magnificence left in this world but as far as I see he is dead." Thatos paused, "You know what killed him?"
The centaur leader nodded.
"I mean to stop it!"
"Then you mean to make war on the world?"
"No," Thatos assured, "There is a way but I need help."
"And you've come to ask for that help?"
This time is was Thatos who nodded.
"NO," Rhaegina screamed, "You cannot help this... minotaur. You know what he's done to our people."
Aeopus' face showed no emotion. He turned slowly to Rhaegina, "He is no minotaur. He is a demi-god just as you are, and it's not my help he's asking for. It's yours."
The look of disgust was almost enough to make Thatos sick to his stomach. His quest was already one wrong move away from ending.
"But you are her commander," Thatos burst, "Order her to help me in my cause. You know that all the gods are dying and so is this land. Without their guidance the humans will destroy everything. You know that the great beasts already wonder the lands!"
Aeopus nodded again which was beginning to frustrate Thatos. Everything about him was serene and calm. He knew of such travesties but seemed unwilling to do anything about it.
"What are you waiting for!" Thatos screamed, "Say something."
Aeopus turned to Thatos but with no urgency in his words spoke softly, "To the West a great army is forming. The mortal man Imperator Justus has set his sites on our fair land and would see it destroyed. The Myrmex soldiers at his disposal number in the tens of thousands and can be replaced as easily as they're killed. Rhaegina is our finest warrior and we need her in our hour of need. None of Kentros, under the law of Aeopus will help you."
Thatos threw the lantern in front of him and the spark came alive. "You will make her come," he ordered, "Or I will lay waste to this entire city!"
Aeopus calmly raised a hand and the lantern fell silent. It's iron bars, and chains began to wither and crack.
"Do you really think you can come into the home of the centaurs and threaten us with that artifact?" The lantern began to crumble under the weight of Aeopus' magic. Thatos couldn't believe that a mere mortal could undermine the power of his father. It truly shamed him to see what his father had become.
Dropping the lantern, drawing his staff he lunged at Aeopus but fell short as his body was filled with arrows. Thatos looked but saw no other centaurs.
He attacked again but roots roared through the marble floor and bound him. Thatos struggled violently against the roots but just as he broke through more emerged.
His body emanated heat until the roots simply fell way. He attacked again and plunged his staff through Aeopus heart. Looking at him with the same infuriated calm look the centaur simply removed the staff and through it to the ground. A green glow surrounded him and soon he was not only healed but a quite a bit larger.
For the first time Aeopus took a step forward and their was a glean of madness in his eyes.
Rhaegina reared up on her hind legs and darted between the two combatants, "Enough!"
Raising a hand Thatos could feel his heart clench in his chest and was forced to a knee.
"I will never help you!," Rhaegina cried, "You think you can destroy hundreds of centaurs, kill the man who has raised me and think I would do anything for you! You will leave or be killed!"
Without a word but with the look of murder in his eyes Thatos retrieved the lantern, staff, and stormed out of the great hall."

With a whisper and a single finger to his lips Aeopus spoke, "Fortify." Raging from the ground large pillars, pushed by large roots filled every opening of the great hall.
"What then!" Thatos turned around and yelled in fury, "Would you kill me just for spite!"
Aeopus leaned in and spoke in such quite terms that only Rhaegina could here, "He is brash, impatient, and dangerous. I wish with all my heart that he could simply be on his way but that wouldn't be wise. Tell him that I see now that my problems don't compare to the problems of the world!"
"He will never believe that!," Rhaegina hurried.
"I know," Aeopus replied calmly, "But he will have what he wants because you will help him."
A tear formed in the corner of her eye, "No, don't make me."
"The world needs protectors, daughter. I'm charging you with protecting the world from him."
With a sad smile Rhaegina hugged Aeopus and left with no more words.

"I'm coming with you," Rhaegina announced as she walked past.
"For what reason," Thatos demanded.
"It doesn't matter," she called from ahead, "You asked for my help. You have it. There is another that can help in the realm of the Lampdasos. We will visit her before Arionide."
Thatos didn't like her tone and didn't trust her but for now he had what he wanted. He wanted to know how she knew of Arionide but it was a question that would have to wait until later.
Their walk through the Lampdasos were just as troubling as his first trip through. It seemed that even a forest goddess gained no special treatment in the Lampdasos. However, with Rhaegina's magic that managed to avoid the traps and beasts the alseids tried to throw in her way.
The further they traveled the lower they seemed to be going. The trunks of the trees would take five minutes just to walk around and they reached so high into the sky they could have touched the heavens.
Suddenly Rhaegina stopped and placed two fingers to her lips and blew. A soft breeze blew through the forest and hundreds of leaves whipped around in a fury. Soon, emerging from the bark of one of the trees stood Karina, Hamadryad.
Rhaegina spoke while never looking directly at the dryad, "Word has traveled?"
The wind blew but no voices could be heard. Rhaegina nodded.
"You know what I ask?" Rhaegina continued.
The leaves rustled once again and then all was silent.
Looking at Thatos Rhaegina spoke, "She will not help."
"We came all this way and she wont' help!" Thatos scorned, "It doesn't matter. A mortal dryad wouldn't have been able to help."
"You speak poorly of mortals even though a short time ago you were almost destroyed by one. There is much magic in this world and beings that wield it far better than you. I think you should learn that lesson."
Thatos only scorned the land she walked on and followed her through the forest. To her credit she headed straight for the swamps of Elosapios.
Despite Karina saying 'no' to their request it appeared as if she no longer felt them a threat. They walked unharmed until they reached the swamps.
It wasn't long until they realized that directly in their path was a creature of great power. One created by the gods and stronger than either of them. The Cerberus, former guardian to the underworld was loose.
Having no other choice but to head straight for Arionide's palace they run into the Cerberus. Both demi-gods use their powers but out outmatched by the three headed dogs. Having run out of options Thatos and Rhaegina simply run. Combining their magic they create a wall to block the Cerberus from following.
Not fearful of anything the Cerberus crashes into the wall but it explodes in a fury of flames and embers. Not enough to kill the dog but enough for Thatos and Rhaegina to escape.
Soon they enter Arionide's palace and make their way into the tunnels. They're ambushed by a group of gorgon but just as their skin turns to stone the spell of the gorgon loses its power over the gods.
Thatos quickly dispatched the four gorgon but finds himself staring at the master of the underworld, Arionide. Even though a look from either a gorgon or Arionide would do them no harm her touch would be fatal.
Thatos explains the situation and Arionide quickly agrees to help. On one condition. A great warrior in her possession would be perfect in the battle against Imperator Justus. They only need to enter the underworld and retrieve him.
Thatos quickly agrees. With a smile and a wicked laugh Arionide disappears and Thatos and Rhaegina are in hell with no idea how to escape.


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