The Dark Creations Part 3: A Withered Olive Branch

(General POV)

Location the Nethervoid-The Top of a Lone Mountain

Just returning from Auhtt, and was about to continue creating as inspiration was overflowing the Dark God's mind, when Laharl felt his younger brother, the Blood God, Khorne call him.

Believe it must be important since Khorne hasn't contacted him in weeks since the end of the Second Chapter of the Great Game, he decided to answer immediately once again he sat down on the violet ground, as he focus his mind and essence to the neutral zone...

Location the Warp, Neutral Space-Infinity Fountain Resting Place

Within the white space, where the Infinity Fountain representing each Chaos God, and their corruption including the two other lesser Gods from another dimension, those beings are the Great Horned Rat, and Hashut.

Flying around the fountain it's also the accompanying Chaos relic called the Void Gate of Chaos, an orb that flew around constantly changing color, form, and energy matching the Chaos God it was representing, the Fountain served as a looking glass into other worlds, while the Gate served to breach these other world pull individuals from it into this dimension, these were Chaos Relic created by the Dark One ages ago...

Because of their power, and importance this pocket dimension was name neutral ground by Laharl, and Khorne also serves as a neutral meeting ground for the Dark One, so no one has to enter the other realm and cause well...chaos...in their respected domain, and soon enough Nurgle will join them once the two older Chaos Gods convince him.

Already Khorne was there in a massive shadow silhouette made from smoke and hellfire, with crimson energy surging through the figure, unlike the other times he materialize in this space, he was three times the size he was before.

Khorne called his brother, to the neutral space after he sensed the Dark One using his Warp Tesseracts, again...

Whenever Laharl used them, a surge of power that defy all logic, if there was any in the Warp, to create things way beyond the capacity he should be able to.

That's one the reasons that the Blood God, he made the second bet with him, having some of those Warp Tesseracts/Free Absolute Creations would have been invaluable to Khorne, creating untold weapons and daemons to spread an unending gruesome slaughter in his name, at least now he has three elder daemon generals under his command, Skarbrand serving the main war-commander, Karanak serving as the ultimate hunter and assassin upon his ascension even the Juggernauts surrendered to him making his the undisputed king of hellbeasts in the Blood Lands.

Lastly Zsash the former balrog turned elder daemon, he immediately became the lord over the balrogs and organized them into even more lethal force in my legion, in this weeks that both Laharl and Nurgle have been quiet, Zsash has done the most havoc of his daemons, taking a small force of bloodletters, bloodcrushers, and eight balrog to an orkworld, and less then five days Zsash has slaughter every single greenskin, and conquered another world in his banner.

Immediately upon Khorne and Valkia learning this they decide to bend space around that planet, and drag into their domain in the Warp.

Originally Khorne though of rewarding his latest elder daemon, with ownership of the new daemonworld but he refuse, stating the planet was mainly a jungle world perfect for spawning flesh hounds, and hosting hunts for them and Karanak.

Understanding the hidden value of the world, that Zsash conquered for him he turned it into a flesh hound spawning ground, and reality it serves also as Karanak domain even when his not present, as the three-headed flesh hound keep his duty as his loyal guard hound.

Khorne laugh of this his favored hound, the only other Daemon in his service that possesses his own world, but prefers his duty over enjoying the bloodstained jungles of Ghiorn, as the daemonworld was name.

As Khorne has finished reminiscing, he sensed his brother was finally coming.

And not a moment later, a another shadowy silhouette started to manifest at the other side of the white space.

But unlike the other times that the Dark One has appeared this shadowy figure was more dark, daemonic, with violet and grey energies coursing through the figure like an actual shadow.

Also all eight serpents also manifested with the main body, eight long serpents of shadow with glowing violet eyes.

Now that they both were in the meeting Laharl was first to speak, in a jovial and teasing matter, "You called brother? All the time for Gods is nothing, but still it took you weeks, one can say you don't like me, brother." Khorne hearing this only gave an exasperated sigh before responding, "Must you always, start with immature prattle every time we speak, brother?"

Laharl laughed and told he was sorry, and that was also the sacred duty of an older brother to tease their younger siblings, he even went further saying he did it too when they met and faced Nurgle.

Hearing this the Blood God couldn't answer back, cause the Dark One was right...despite his fighting the Plaguefather, with all his strength he still used some moments to tease and toy with Nurgle.

Seeing Khorne has gone silent, Laharl decided to save and keep the conversation rolling by asking Khorne how he was, and what he has done during their rare opportunity of peace?

Khorne, looked at his brother silently for a moment, not understanding why he was compelled to talk about simple things...but it felt...nice...so he complied telling him about the things his been up to and done in the last weeks.

Khorne told him he created two more elder daemons, choosing Karanak as one and the other being the most fearsome and strongest amongst the Balrogs, his name being Zsash.

Zsash has more than proven his brutality, cunning, honor, and loyalty in battle being conquering and corrupting an entire planet that now resides in his domain, not only that but a recently spawned bloodletter was starting to earn his notice, since the first thing he did was cut off the head of the next lesser daemon he saw.

Upon hearing this Laharl knew immediately which bloodletter his brother was talking about, U'zuhl or as he'll become known as the infamous herald and daemonic champion of Khorne, Skulltaker.

This means that soon other famous name daemons will start rising from Nurgle's realm as well aside from Rotigus Rainmaker, soon Epidemius the Tallyman, and Ku'gath Plaguefather will soon be spawn and start their rise to power, but before that Laharl wants to hasten their coming, plus offer well a olive branch to Nurgle, but first he had to know what Khorne needs of him.

So once the conversation ended between them Khorne got serious and told him that he'll send a shipment of the wagered 1300-Tons of Blood Brass Ore to him, in a couple of hour, the Blood God needed insurance that his minions that are task with this are not to be harm, and allowed to enter and leave the Blood Lands...and also Khorne mention that they need their next shipment of Ambrossia.

Laharl laughed a bit at the last part of Khorne's speech, Laharl, he swore that as long as his daemons honor and respected his realm they're permitted entry and exit from it, and upon them returning he'll send the next Ambrossia shipment with a few extra barrels added on their way.

This in the end was a good chat between but just when Khorne was about return to his body, Laharl requested he stayed for he needs him for what he's about to do.

Confused, the Blood God began thinking what could his brother be plotting...when...Khorne yelled, "NO!!! LAHARL DON'T YOU DARE, DO WHAT I KNOW ARE ABOUT TO DO!!!!" Laharl, tried to calm his brother and get him to listen only for Khorne to keep yelling at him, "SHOW ME SOME RESPECT, BROTHER!!!! YOU'RE PLANNING ON INVITING NURGLE HERE!!!!"

Laharl seeing that there wasn't anyway to make this easy, decided to just be blunt, and said, "Yes, Khorne that's exactly what I'm planning to do. Offer an olive branch or a rotten one to our brother, and finally have a conversation without hostilities." immediately after Khorne hear his final word he responded/yelled, "HOSTILITIES!!!? BROTHER HAS YOUR MARATHON OF DEBITARY, ROTTED YOUR BRAIN!!!!? NURGLE...IS...HOSTILE!!!! TO BOTH OF US AT THIS MOMENT!!!!! LESS YOU FORGET I'VE JUST TOLD, YOU NURGLE IS LAYING SIEGE AT MY BORDER, AND PROBABLY YOUR AS WELL!!!!!!!"

Laharl shuke his head and clarify the Blood God's mistake, "Nurgle isn't singing us, his daemons are...or have you forgotten the state we've left him at the end of the battle?"

Khorne scoffed but what the Dark One said to him next finally convinced him, "Didn't I do the same thing with you? Now look at us, instead of trying to kill each other, we're talking like brothers...sometimes." Khorne scoffed and grumbled before he responded, "FINE!!!! CALL HIM!!!! But if thus turns out wrong it be you to pay the price brother, not me." Laharl nodded in agreement as he started to focus hid psychic powers through the Warp and onto Nurgle...

Location the Plague Garden-The Blighted Mansion/The Restoration Pools

The Plague God was still soaking and healing in his vile pool, it been hours since Laharl has done whatever he did that affected his Garden, and he still hasn't heard anything from his scouting force he has sent to investigate, the anomaly that the Dark One is responsible for.

Nurgle he was starting to get annoyed and impatient, he was just about to send another force to investigate whatever had happened to his beloved Garden, when he sensed something or someone calling him...

To his surprise, it was...Laharl, his older brother calling him from some far away place, disconnected from all three Chaos realms.

In truth Nurgle was curious in what could his brother want with him?

But from what Nurgle could sense from his location there wasn't any anger or aggression directed towards him, and after focusing his daemonic, godly senses he noticed that Khorne was also in this place, and like Laharl has no ill intentions towards him...

He mentally analyzed what to do in this invitation that his eldest brother has send to him, after a while he decided to risk it and answer the call that the Dark One was sending to him.

So the Plague God, got as comfortable as he could with his armless and wound cover body, and focused on sending his consciousness to the place that Laharl and Khorne are.

Location the Warp, Neutral Space-Infinity Fountain Resting Place

After a moment of sending the message to the Plague God, Nurgle, both the Dark One and the Blood God could feel another dark, divine presence coming towards the Neutral Space and to the space between them another shadowed figure was starting to manifest.

Another massive shadow made silhouette was starting to appear in between the open space the two other Gods present, it was massive and round, with antler like horn with green pestilence energy surging through it form, as two lightsaber green eyes appeared and glowed brightly it spoke in a old, sickly voice, "Well...brother I...heard, you're...call. So what...do...want from...me?"

Just as Laharl expected Nurgle answer his call, while Khorne was annoyed in his corner.

Laharl welcomed Nurgle to the Neutral Space, and began explaining what it is and what the two relics in the center are.

To say the Nurgle was impressed and shocked was understatement, the three Gods and brothers continued to converse which eventually lead to the Dark One, Laharl revealing the power of his Warp Tesseracts' powers and capabilities, telling his brothers of his latest creation/addition to his realm, which were the Bog, but he censored mentioning about his Great Wurm, that's a surprise Nurgle would have to discover on his own.

Then he started talking about his wives, and Khorne joined talking about his own which surprised the Rot Lord, that his brothers wouldn not only care for another so deeply, but also share power it actually earned some more respect from the Grandfather, and eventually he joined in on their conversation which would never happened in the original lore, the Chaos Gods actually having a pleasant, brotherly conversation with each other it could be considered impossible...if not, for Laharl.

But eventually Nurgle had to ask, again, why he was call to this place?

As he still see his older brothers, as enemies and threats to himself, that's when both Khorne and Laharl started explaining that regardless of their grivensess, and view their still brothers and it was Khorne to ask Nurgle, "Brother. Despite achieving what you, desire a universe of stagnation and renewal. It was just be you, and no more growth, think about it if everything is infected, where will new pestilence grow or evolve? Where will you gain a challenge of creating and infecting come from? Regardless of your views negative or positive, you need us as we need you brother."

This shocked the Plague God, as he looked at Laharl next and he expressed that he was the one that made Khorne see what he is seeing now.

As they said regardless on his view without Laharl or Khorne things will become...stale...and not in the good way, and before he could leave and think about what his brothers said to him, Laharl said to him, "Before you leave, brother I got somethings to show you in the fountain." Nurgle curious on whatever his brother could possibly show him, stayed as the basin of the fountain started to fill and show images...

First of erogant doctor, proud of healing from another world he was once a proud Imperial physician of the highest caliber, who founded hospices all across the Electoral Province of Nordland, and was as compassionate as he was gifted, with specialising in curative unguents and salves, the good doctor cured hundreds of people every year.

With this doctor's guidance, Nordland overcame outbreaks of the Screaming Ague, Blacklegge, and even the crippling Ghoulpox.

The more Nurgle watched the more annoyed he became, but Laharl calmed and told him to keep watching and that he'll love the aftermath of this Festus' story.

So begrudgingly the Plague God did as his brother said, and kept on watching.

It was the onset of Gnashing Fever that marked the beginning of the end for this mortal, as he tried with all his might to heal this disease, but at the end, the doctor could not stem the spread of this new and highly contagious disease.

Festus locked himself in his laboratory, working ceaselessly to create a healing elixir, but was all for not, countless sleepless nights passed, and despite his best efforts, Festus still had no cure.

Those plague victims he had managed to sequester in his laboratory were dying and he was powerless to prevent it.

As the last of his test subjects shook themselves to death, Festus dropped to his knees, crying out for help, one by one, the slack-jawed corpses in Festus' laboratory turned their heads to look at him.

With one voice emanating from a score of parched throats, they promised to give Festus the knowledge necessary to cure not only this plague but all the diseases in the mortal world, in exchange for a lifetime of service. In his desperation, Festus agreed to the dark bargain.

The result a benetated champion of Nurgle, driven mad by the knowledge bequeath to him, instead of healing diseases and stop the spread of plague in the world, he became a agent of pestilence studying Plagues to make them more deadly, more potent, and more affective to all the races of the Old World.

Seeing this and all that Festus has done, please the Plague God but that's when the Dark One told him that was more left for him to see, as the basin changed it image showing a daemon resembling his darling plaguebearers, only more bloated and mounted on a palanquin.

This high-daemon's task is an unending one, and it generates a great deal of paperwork, so he rides a palanquin to share the burden and to more easily force a path through Nurgle's hordes.

Two dozen Nurglings attend the Tallyman's every need, providing the parchment, operating the death's head abacus, excreting the ink for the quill pens and even defending Epidemius from harm should a foolish enemy venture too close.

His name is Epidemius, who brooks no idleness or distraction from his helpers who, unlike other Nurglings, remain deathly silent lest they disturb their master from his task and thus rouse his ire, like Nurgle, Epidemius abhors anything that distracts from the serious matters of life and death.

The only sounds that can be heard are the gooey shufflings as Nurglings heave the palanquin forwards, and the irritable scratching of the Tallyman's quill as he seeks to keep his records up to date.

From his perch, Epidemius surveys the thrift and splendour of Nurgle's creations, making note of casualties and infection rates as well as secondary symptoms such as unusual colourations and odours.

This information, properly collated and distilled, is of incredible value to Father Nurgle, but must be recorded with absolute precision and in a timely fashion to be of any use, this herald greatly pleased Nurgle as he asked, "Why...show me...these beings?" the Dark One only raised his hand to stop Nurgle's question for a moment as he told him there was one last thing he must watch, before Laharl can answer his question.

Once again the basin's waters changed and showed the image of himself with a Nurgling perched on his shoulder, before falling into the cauldron that he was working a new plague in, instead of drowning the little plague imp drank all the brew, and ascended to become a Great Unclean One, named Ku'gath Plaguefather.

Ku'gath Plaguefather, is among the most favoured of all Nurgle's Great Unclean Ones.

Whilst other Great Unclean Ones work to spread the plagues already extant, Ku'gath is fascinated by the breeding of new and virulent life, Ku'gath aims to one day breed a contagion that can infect the gods themselves.

The Plaguefather prides himself upon his detachment, so absorbed is he in his search for the perfect plague, Ku'gath remains relatively untroubled by the shifting balance of power within the Realm of Chaos, yet this is not to say that the Plaguefather does not play his part in the Great Game, Ku'gath's experiments are nothing without practical results, and he is ever eager to test fresh creations on the battlefield.

The Plaguefather rides upon a massive palanquin bedecked with alchemical paraphernalia; vials full of seething powder, flasks of indescribable liquid and hessian sacks stuffed to bursting with Nurglings.

This great bulk is held aloft by a carpet of straining Nurglings, and Ku'gath is attended on by countless others, all bred from the Plaguefather's pox vats. Ku'gath's Nurglings are not merely servants they are also ammunition, for in battle Ku'gath is wont to hurl them into the enemy ranks.

The unwilling projectiles burst on impact, drenching the target with disease-ridden fluids, Ku'gath watches keenly as each Nurgling's pox takes effect, should the plague achieve Ku'gath's expectation, he gurgles with a proud father's delight.

If the results do not meet with approval, Ku'gath immediately brews a refined version of the plague, dunks a fresh Nurgling, and lets fly once again.

All three images pleased Nurgle to no end, all three of his children have proven more than worthy to be the favorites of the Decaying God, that's when the Dark One finally told his brother of the true power of the Infinity Fountain and the Void Gate.

Once again, Nurgle was shocked at the power the fountain and gate, possess and understood why his brother placed here with the rule that only at their unanimous decision can any of them use it, that's when Laharl made an offer that Nurgle couldn't refuse, "Nurgle. Brother. Exchange, for the souls and essence of Festus, Epidemius, and Ku'gath, you must promise to uphold a truce with us, no invading or attacking from us three until we're all back to full force. Do you agree?"

Nurgle was surprised by the offer not only we'll he gain three powerful servent, but also security for him to fully heal and restore his armies to what they were before the war, so as stated before it was an offer he couldn't refuse, plus he needed some time to think on what his brothers said to him, so he accepted, then they turned to Khorne who nodded in acceptance of their pact as well.

With the Chaos God of Promises, as a witness their oath was bound, and the Void Gate floated over to Nurgle the rings becoming rusted, and covered in mold as a green rift opened before the Plague God, and three souls/essences floated out the rift, and onto Nurgle he claimed them as he nodded to his older siblings, and started to fade away.

With their bargain/truce struck between them Khorne said, "I hope this will end with, Nurgle trusting us. I for one, do not want to anger our patron if we fail. Well, brother the cago will send immediately, don't forget about yours." Laharl shuke his head, chuckled at Khorne's reminder, as he assured that when the shipment arrives in his realm, he'll send Ambrossia to him.

Nodding at the Dark One, the Blood God also faded back to his body, followed by Laharl doing the same as them.

(Laharl/Carnage God POV)

Location the Nethervoid-The Top of a Lone Mountain

Returning to my body and realm, I felt quite satisfied and accomplished, I've made a huge progress with Nurgle, and also assure he'll be stronger for the upcoming threats yet to come...Tzeentch, the Emperor of Mankind, Slaanesh and so on.

Stretching my body I've felt curious on my said progress, and told Aillia to bring up my Pantheon List, with a cheery (Sure!) and like that the blue transparent screen appeared before me.

Pantheon

Chaos Gods

1.Laharl, Chaos God of Carnage, Void, Lust, Love, Promises, Infernals, Punishment, Horrors, Domination, Desacration, Devastation, Madness & Creator.

Worshipers-Carnage Daemons, Neverborn, Adhuman-Gobos, Carnage Corrupted, & Chaos Cultists of Carnage.

Rank: Mid-High

Faction: Chaos/Carnage

God Artifacts-Ragnarok, Claw of Hades, Iron Maiden 666.

2.Khorne, Chaos God of Blood, War, Wrath, Hatred, Rage, Murder, Strength, Courage, Honor, & Martial Honor.

Worshipers-Blood Daemons, Warriors, Berserkers, Blood Corrupted, & Chaos Cultist of Blood.

God Artifacts-Unmaker.

Affection Level-Respected Sibling Rival 61%, Enemy 50%, Submission Progress 33%

Rank: Mid-Low

Faction: Chaos/Blood

3.Valkia, Lesser Chaos Goddess of War-maidens.

Worshiper-Blood Daemons, Blood Valkyries, Warriors, Women, Blood Corrupted, & Chaos Cultists of Blood.

Affection Level-Respected Brother-in-law 50%, Enemy 59%, Submission Progress 30%

Rank: Lesser/Daemon Queen

Faction: Chaos/Blood

God Artifacts-Slaupnir, Loceplex Daemonshield.

4.Nurgle, Chaos God of Plague, Disease, Decay, Death, Despair, Rebirth, Renewal, Stagnation, Life.

Worshiper-Plague Daemons, Sick, Diseased, Plague, Suffering, Plague Corrupted, & Chaos Cultists of Plague.

Affection Level-Respected Sibling Rival 9%, Enemy 91%, Submission Progress 2%

Rank: Low-Mid (Newborn)

Faction: Chaos/Decay

God Artifacts-Worldblighter.

Carnage Patheon

Ruler of the Carnage Pantheon: Laharl, Chaos God of Carnage, Void, Lust, Love, Promises, Infernals, Punishment, Horrors, Domination, Desacration, Devastation & Omni-bending

Worshipers-Daemons, Adhuman-Gobos, Carnage Corrupted, & Chaos Cultists.

Faction: Carnage

Highest Deities of the Pantheon

Brides of Carnage-1.Chi Aahtahg, Lesser Chaos Goddess of Corruption of Nature.

Worshipers-Dark Druids, & Dark Florrah

2.Kiira Blakenroze, Lesser Chaos Goddess of Dark Desires.

Worshipers-Succubi & Lust Corrupted.

3.Scalpel Bleedinhart, Lesser Chaos Goddess of Bio-crafting of Life.

Worshippers-Biocrafters, Medics, Scientists, God Complexed & Unhinged.

4.Jade Emerlhyde, Lesser Chaos Gobo Goddess of Anarchy.

Worshippers-Gobos, Rebels, & Opressed.

5.Cassandra Crimsontear, Lesser Chaos Goddess of Bloodstained Majestry.

Worshippers-Soldiers, Nobles, Chaos Guardsmen, & Prideful Souls.

6.Ruu, Lesser Chaos Slime Goddess of Twisted Innocence.

Worshippers-Slimes, Lost Children, Broken Innocent, & Daemons.

7.Ragna Kaalika, Lesser Chaos Goddess of Rampage.

Worshippers-Brutes, Daemons, Carnage Corrupted, & Terrorists.

Low Deities of the Pantheon

Elder Daemons of Carnage-1.Ba'al Allseer, the Great Seer.

Worshipers-Daemons, Seers, Carnage Corrupted & Chaos Cultists.

2.Mordred Deathharbinger, the Ultimate Slaughterer.

Worshippers-Daemons, Warriors, Carnage Corrupted & Chaos Cultists.

3.Nidhog, the Destroyer.

Worshippers-Daemons, Carnage Corrupted & Chaos Cultists.

4.Beelzalbub, the Fly of Ruin & Gluttony.

Worshippers-Flies, Daemons, Carnage Corrupted & Chaos Cultists.

Named Herald-L'litha, the Rising Succubus Herald.

Ascension-15.01%

Elder Daemons of Blood-1.Skarbrand, the Rage Incarnate.

2.Karanak

3.Zsash, the Lord of Burning Shadows.

Named Herald-Skulltaker/U'zuhl, the Rising Sacred Executioner.

Ascension-34.62% Skulls Collected: 272.

Named Herald-Epidemius, the Tallyman of Nurgle.

Ascension-100%

I started progressing in subjugation with Nurgle, and it seem my streak of tinkering and crafting has finally ascended my [Creation] divinity to it max form.

I'll check on it later, as I still have things to do and create in my realm as I want for Khorne shipment of Blood Brass Ore so I can create another godly artifact to add to my arsenal.