Most of those who arrived were from the Hollowed Grounds, with a smattering from King's End and the Greatwood. A few arrived from farther afield, and Hadama watched the Halovian contingent trickle in with a slight nod of acknowledgment for Zenith, Safrin's least experienced demigod, and a warmer inclination of his head for Sah and Noah's adopted daughter, Ravenna.
He was not concerned with Sah's experience, knowing and trusting the Wild Thunder well. Instead he turned his attention more fully on Caido's newest demigod and the smallest Hale - though she was quite a bit taller than the last time he had seen her, so much that he barely recognized her. At the shakes of their heads - and those of others who had gathered - he inclined his head in acknowledgment and gestured with his trident to the gathered Void creatures and plants.
"Creatures corrupted by the Void affect the minds of those they touch. Hallucinations. Nightmares. Such that you can lose your ability to tell friend from foe." He nodded to the Daisies next. "Some plants, like the Void Lotuses, are also that powerful. Others, like these Cursed Daisies, create uneasiness and fear. All affect your judgment and can make you a danger to yourselves and those around you."
His gaze swept the gathered audience, his expression grave and his deep voice solemn. "It is best to fight them from a distance. Out of their reach, or out of range of their pollen. Normal weapons will still damage them. But magic is most effective. Air magic. Gravity magic. Cast by Abandoned or imbued into items." He paused and then added, grimly: "Ice magic and earth magic can be used against these lesser creatures but will not harm the Family or their stronger servants."
He gestured toSah, motioning the Wild Thunder forward. "Would you demonstrate an attack with fire magic first, please?" he rumbled quietly to his friend. "And then air afterwards?" When Sah was ready, Hadama used his trident to flick open the door to one of the Tangleweed pens. Needing no further invitation, the spiky, writhing ball of vegetative tentacles and malice rolled straight for the hunter, shadowy whips lashing out from it to try and grasp the Wild Thunder!
He was not concerned with Sah's experience, knowing and trusting the Wild Thunder well. Instead he turned his attention more fully on Caido's newest demigod and the smallest Hale - though she was quite a bit taller than the last time he had seen her, so much that he barely recognized her. At the shakes of their heads - and those of others who had gathered - he inclined his head in acknowledgment and gestured with his trident to the gathered Void creatures and plants.
"Creatures corrupted by the Void affect the minds of those they touch. Hallucinations. Nightmares. Such that you can lose your ability to tell friend from foe." He nodded to the Daisies next. "Some plants, like the Void Lotuses, are also that powerful. Others, like these Cursed Daisies, create uneasiness and fear. All affect your judgment and can make you a danger to yourselves and those around you."
His gaze swept the gathered audience, his expression grave and his deep voice solemn. "It is best to fight them from a distance. Out of their reach, or out of range of their pollen. Normal weapons will still damage them. But magic is most effective. Air magic. Gravity magic. Cast by Abandoned or imbued into items." He paused and then added, grimly: "Ice magic and earth magic can be used against these lesser creatures but will not harm the Family or their stronger servants."
He gestured to
