Creation: The Age of Gods (The Godhood Game)

[Zendrelax]

Pyrac, Saturday

After the failure of the wooden building as a temple, there were many who suggested building the temple from stone. Though everyone present agreed that this was the logical next step, there was an issue: their stone resources were greatly limited. It was true that they had a quarry not too far away, and had built from stone before (such as with the city walls), but the knowledge required designing stone buildings, and their construction, was severely limited. The Flamekeeper prayed to Pyrac for guidance, but received no answer that he could understand.

In spite of this, the stone was gathered, the plans made, and the work began. It was decided that they would build it piece-by-piece, and start with the inner-sanctum. Stones and mortar were laid, braziers installed, and the alter, which had an even larger brazier set upon it, constructed. They then began the outer-sanctum, which contained another alter, and numerous braziers for prayer to Pyrac. The walls were bare, there were no banners, no icons engraved into the wall, and no colorful fabrics. Though these things were known to Pyrac’s followers, they were considered unnecessary by the majority of them. Furthermore, even if they were desired, there was little to put on them that was not already present. It was separated from the inner-sanctum by a large wooden door.

The Flamekeeper entered that door, and thought over the process of the construction. He had, as he had done in the past, kept some of his conversation with Pyrac a secret from his Lord’s followers. Pyrac’s response, while it hadn’t at all been straightforward, had been a good deal more detailed than the Flamekeeper had let on, and he had been given far more detailed instructions than “build a temple.” He had been told to do so, but in a way that would take time. A way that would make the lighting of its brazier be upon the day that he saw a group of travelers, whose path had been easily predictable to those who could watch them, coming toward the city. He did not like to deceive the followers, but at least he had prevented the forest fires from harming any people or livelihoods.

Then, when he lit the brazier, he was told to burn the temple down, and start anew.

At least he knew the answer now.

[Arxia]

Orataine, Sunday

"Ah, Heliana I have heard whispers of your beauty throughout my realm, but now I get to partake in it first hand.
"As for you, Granzil, I have heard bad things about you, and I wish to set the record straight," Orataine greeted both of them, at the white marble steps leading up to the gates of the city. On both sides of the large staircase were gardens, with streams and waterfalls, as well as wild animal life. The sun showed the day as being around 10 AM, and a gentle breeze flew by.
"I," he bowed, "Am Orataine, God of Oratory, Creative Planning, and all things Politics. I've requested you here to discuss relations, and perhaps other things.
"To Heliana, one would be a fool to not extend friendly relations to a Goddess of Plants. In fact, it took me days to even craft the Capitus Glow Flowers," he said gesturing to the patches of blue glowing golden flowers on either side of the stairway. "With that, I hope the two of us will become good friends."
And to Granzil, I would like to be so bold as to immediately ask for your help. You see, my first Prophet since I have come back to the world, has been driven away from his home island with his followers to go start a civilization elsewhere. Every town on the island of Elvorna has persecuted him and his followers. I would request that you, the God of Chaos and Violence would bring the towns of that island to war with each other until every one of them has been killed. Of course you could decline, but I figure there is no better God worthy of doing such a task.
"If you are to agree, do not worry about hurting my prophet or his followers, they have already left for a new island.
"With that all being said, if you would be so kind as to follow me to a meeting hall," a stone conference room emerged around them, with large stained glass windows all around, and wood inlaid with gold seats around a white marble table. Orataine, sat at the head of the table, "Let us get down to discussion."



Aldric dismissed the gathering to go about their duties. He had just finished up the service that morning with a prayer that they would find a new home soon. For two years he went around the island searching for a town that would accept him, but to no avail. And so him and some 200 followers of his left in a large boat they built themselves from the forest of a mostly unexplored part of the island.
For Aldric, life on the boat consisted of leading services, praying to Orataine, trying to make contact with his God, eating, sleeping, and repeating. He really hoped he could find a new land for his people.

[Rtron]

Granzil, Sunday.

Granzil grinned. "Of course I'll agree to eliminating those you seek eliminated. I've got just the people for the job. I've two catches though. The island goes to me. My people need a land to grow in. To gain power. They need a land to set up as a base a place to return to, instead of the road they've now, constantly hunted. And, you will help all of my followers leaders with everything that falls under your domains. In return for that, my followers will be at your disposal for situations such as this. If you agree, then I shall begin at once. If not, we will continue or negotiations." Granzil said, taking a seat. His eyes were gleaming with plans. They stayed a solid color of purple, swirling about, as if in a whirlpool.

In the wasteland, Granzil continued his work. Shapes could be seen in the moving purple light, some human, some humanoid, others going as far from human as physically possible. All the while, the grinding and clinking could be heard, echoing throughout the empty land.

For his part, Ronaef was burning down a village. In a recent battle, one of those hunting him and his followers had been allowed to escape. The man lead them to his brethren's base of operations. Ronaef wasted no time. Purple fire spread quickly from building to building, as most of Ronaef's horde had made the necessary sacrifice, and possessed the gift of Granzil, the purple fire.

[Bookkeeper]

Dusk Report (Round Two)

So went Creation. Compared to the heavenly actions of the previous years, these times were relatively uneventful. Heliana spread the mushroom to the mountain followers of Tsovn, in exchange for the promise of protection of her cavern. As the exploits of the bandit warlord Ronaef continued, the legend of the Sword of Chaos grew (Granzil +1 Act). Notably, the Lord of Difference Kathreftis scoured the lands until laying eyes on the young scholar Kamir, whom he took into confidence as his oracle. The cardinal comet remained unclaimed by any god, passing back into the heavens.

The Pantheon Tonight
-Aischylos: 2 Acts
-Alanoth: 2 Acts
-Duo: 5 Acts
-Granzil: 3 Acts
-Heliana: 3 Acts
-Hoax: 2 Acts
-Kathreftis: 0 Acts
-Manimarco: 4 Acts
-Orataine: 2 Acts
-Pyrac: 4 Acts
-Ratra: 4 Acts
-Thalassa: 3 Acts
-Tsovn: 2 Acts

New Oracles:
-Kamir (Kathreftis)

- - - Updated - - -

YEAR 14

The days went on, and so did the gods. Despite the many sects rising among the mortals, it was a time of relative peace. The appearance of crossed oval constellation served to bolster faith in Kathretis (+1 Act), and the practice of cremation to dispose of the dead gained widespread use, imitating the fiery destruction of Pyac (+3 Acts).

But a great change was in the making, as the world and its god were entering a new phase...

CED: A spirit of exploration has seized humanity, and the seas seems to beacon a bold new frontier. Water Gods gain superior sway over reality this round (of course, none of you are Water Gods, so...)

Also, the comet has yet to be bid on, and can still be claimed for a minimum of 2 Acts.

The Pantheon Today
-Aischylos: 4 Acts
-Alanoth: 4 Acts
-Duo: 7 Acts
-Granzil: 5 Acts
-Heliana: 5 Acts
-Kathreftis: 3 Acts
-Manimarco: 6 Acts
-Orataine: 4 Acts
-Pyrac: 9 Acts
-Ratra: 6 Acts
-Thalassa: 5 Acts
-Tsovn: 4 Acts

[Muttonhawk]

Heliana, Thursday

"Chapter III, Growth."

The pilgrim in green garb spoke to the gathered village folk. The village head had agreed to give him food and shelter for the night in exchange for reciting the story of the Cavern of Creation. Travellers had become popular in some parts, especially small villages, for their stories as the different writing systems used were many and widespread education of them to common folk was not available. The pilgrim himself was on a journey to the city of Arbor, to visit the fabled Cavern of Creation and experience the runes of Heliana as they fed the senses of all in their presence. Pilgrimages to the cavern were becoming more common of late as Arbor prospered and the worship of Heliana grew, either in the form of shrines or monasteries.

The chapter that the pilgrim had reached was about halfway through the interpretation that was written on tablets by monks and nuns of the Arbor monastery almost a decade and a half ago. The interpretation was popular, but often shifted in a few of its words every now and then as copies were scarce and most recitals nowadays was done by memory. Nevertheless, the villagers sat in silence, listening intently. All, from the eldest to the youngest, came out to listen to a new story.

"Not knowing any other purpose when hearing their mother's song, the plantlife of the world marched ever-forward after Heliana, her beautiful chiming chorus beckoning them inland. They started on the beaches, where they had first mastered swallowing sunlight, and slowly spread to soil. Grasses and trees formed quicker than any, but were limited. Various climes on which the plants made landfall forced them to adapt and many had to struggle. When the plants found deserts, their advance was halted, when the plants found icy wastelands, their advance was also halted.

"Heliana saw the reluctance of her plantlife despite her song and sought to nudge her creation into the barren regions. In her hands, she took the seeds of her children and blew them across the entire earth on an unnatural wind. Many of the seeds died, but the shrewd and worthy seeds took it upon themselves to survive in spite of their surroundings. Where the seeds landed in the desert, some conserved and hoarded water, some dug deep to drink and some did not stray from oases. Where seeds landed in the snow, they would dig their roots into the ground to survive the ice, some would shed their leaves upon hearing the whispers of Heliana during the winter and for Heliana's whispers of spring, would take the time to regrow, many plants decided to sleep under the snow when it came.

"As the plants persisted, they came across the inverse of the forboding climes that they had previously trudged, almost as if it was as a reward for their resilience; great swathes of humid, fertile land where rain and sun were plentiful. The plants revelled in these areas and formed jungles, with the some of the most diverse ranges of survival and interaction as they built themselves a lush community.

"For another set of ages past, the plants spread and mingled with the earth. However, the works of other gods soon became at odds with the march of Heliana's flora. The coming of man and beast, the spread of uncontrolled fire. A new struggle to survive would come..."

-------------------

Capitus

The Cultivator looked to the patches of flowers of which Orataine had crafted. They were certainly different to Heliana's flowers; indeed these flowers fed off Orataine's powers exclusively to thrive rather than surviving and growing on their own means like earthly flowers, still, Heliana had to admit that they were pretty. There was something in their glow that was... regal.

Granzil's arrival was surprising, but Heliana greeted him all the same, "Brother Granzil. Greetings again."

When the three gods sat down in at the grand marble table, Heliana couldn't help but wonder why the divinities of chaos, ecology and politics had even had business to discuss, they were all so different. Heliana kept it to herself, but was personally wary of giving Granzil more opportunity for power, but to convince either Orataine or Granzil against an agreement where they both clearly stood to benefit was an exercise in futility that Heliana did not want to partake in.

Heliana spoke in response to Orataine's original words, though, "Orataine, brother, it is good to meet you. I, too, hope we can maintain a friendship. I hope that we have opportunity to collaborate in the future, you are most welcome among my earthly realms."

There was not much for Heliana to discuss, she would admit, but to let a gesture of good will from a fellow god go with no recognition would simply be rude.

-------------------

In forests around the world, a disturbance could be felt. It was almost unnoticable unless all other sensations were blotted out, but something was happening to some of the trees. The eldest ones emanated an extremely faint green light from crevasses their wood and bark. One patient enough would observe their forms changing extremely slowly, at the speed of a glacier.

Something was happening to the oldest trees...

[Rtron]

Granzil, Thursday.

Granzil finally finished his creations. From the ruins of the village, now rejuvenated and rebuilt, one could see figures walking within. They wore helmets, or hats, that covered their faces and the only thing that was able to be discerned of them was their eyes, which glowed a dark purple, and swirled constantly. They moved with slight creaks and groans. The spoke in a strange language, that sounded like rocks grinding against each other, when the shouted, like a landslide. They were rapidly building a minor fortress out of what they have. Which is a moderately sized village. There is roughly 125 of them, all doing something to increase the protection of the village.

Ronaef, for his part, had just been blessed. One of his more recent recruits, a man who was a natural speaker and set people at ease quickly and was able to navigate the waters of any social situation with ease, had just been blessed as Granzil's Oracle. The man, Fintor, assuaged Ronaef's worries of being unworthy of Granzil's words by that Granzil did not want him to go insane. As Oracles were wont to do. Ronaef quickly sent him off, with a dozen guards, to wander and gain worshipers for Granzil.

[Zendrelax]

Pyrac, Thursday

Pyrac received Orataine’s messenger as graciously as possible when one’s home is an inferno that stretches on for eternity. There were some issues to be had at first, but Pyrac shielded the messenger from the burning heat of the Eternal Flame. The invitation was an interesting one to be certain, as Orataine had not attended Ratra’s first meeting, nor had the Illuminator seen him in the Dreaming since then. Yet, the name was a familiar one, which he had heard spoken in hearths before. It was not a name that he was familiar with, and one could say that the Illuminator’s interest had been piqued.

------------------------------

Pyrac sent the messenger on its way, and focused for a second. Something between a puff and a surge of flame appeared in the meeting hall of Capitus, crackling forth the smell of brimstone. From the fire emerged the form of Pyrac, as he had been and was in the Dreaming. Out of courtesy he had made sure not to burn or scorch anything with his entry. He saw that others had arrived before him.

He began, “Greetings to you. It is good to see you again Heliana, Granzil.” Pyrac turned to the realm’s primary resident, “ It is interesting to see you Orataine, and if all goes well, good also. I am Pyrac, Lord of Flame, Illuminator, and Rejuvinator through destruction. I hope that I’m not late, or interrupting anything. Your messenger had arrived in my realm somewhat unprepared for its,” Pyrac paused the think of the proper way to phrase it, “unique temperature. They were well after leaving, as far as I could tell, in case you were wondering.”