Young Gods (Read OCC and be aproved before joining)

[PoliteSuccubus]

As Orn chases his lover Si across the skies of Urgo he passes over the crescent shaped continent Ires. When he first lights the inner shore dozens of islands spring to view in the Issup Sea, some populated, some not...a few aflame with volcanoes. The inner curve of Ires glitters with beaches where the waves have pounded the new mountains that rise in cliffs above the thrashing water into pebbles. Very few of the beaches are old enough to contain sand, as yet, but a few of the larger ones have. Along which many small villages and now, at the dawn of a new age, city-states are rising.

Like Thalia. In the three generations since the Voss family declared themselves the royal family they have turned Thalia into a thriving city-state built on commerce. Poised at the southern end of Ires, below the end of the mountain range, they enjoy being able to trade with the desert people via the river Ria which runs into the Issup provides a natural harbor to trade up and down the coast. The current king, Joff, realizes what a plum his city would be on some warlords cake, and has begun building up the military.

Beyond the mountains lay a great desert in which nomads live and build hidden cities over the sites of underground rivers. Trade caravans from Eboneya and Bahaus edge along the desert from the North-east and North-west and are always looking for better routes. Eboneya trades largely in weapons and armor
while Bahaus trades in worked metal, and ore bars of tin and copper.

Eboneya is under the influence of the new Warlord Droom. He’s long admired how the Voss family has crowned themselves, and seeks to unite all the warring clans under his banner and do the same.

As Orn flashes over the outer curve of Ires he can see Bahaus nestled securely in its forests and Outer Mountain ring. The people of the city are industrious and hard working; craftsmen, miners and artists. Ruled by a council of guild elders they are the most content people as far as expansion are concerned.

There are other cities, to be sure; Oin, Vectorin, Em’s Crossing among others. But Orn keeps a special eye on those mentioned...they are cities claimed by the young gods, and will bear watching.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Alyiss

Alyiss came to awareness in an alcove. She'd come to learn later that this was her speical alcove in the Courtyard of the Gods, and from it she could go to any temple or shrine in the world below deicated to her.

At the moment, however, it was a bit confuseing. A few moments ago, it seemed to her, she had finished her interviews in a somewhat sterile 21st Century Earth office...and now she found herself faceing a courtyard of white pillars, fragent greenery, and many other alcoves like the one she found herself in. Some were occupied by statues, others empty.

Moveing forward she saw others...and some of them were quite odd. Animal headed, some of them...or made of gems or metal. A dragon type person was playing a game that looked like a cross between chess and go with a man with feathers for hair....

All desidedly odd.

A woman with grace and beauty drawn into every line of her approached. Her skin glowed white, as were her eyes, hair....everything about her a lumious white.

"Hello," She said, her voice like velvet, pitched low. "I'm Si, the moon goddess. You must be Alyiss, Lady of Quests. Allow me to show you around."

Si smiled when a man who was as golden as she was pale exited from his alcove. "According to the people below I am your mother, and that handsome man over there is your father. They say that the sun god chases the moon, and when he catches her the sparks they create become gods. We, in turn, we the children of the Mother Earth, who bore us out her lonelyness."

"Ah." Said Alyiss.

"Mother isn't often up here, she prefers to remain on the ground and oversee everything there. She doesn't interact with the humans much, just accepts their tribute and punishes or rewards them as she sees fit with floods or good growing seasons."

"You can come a rest here as often as you like, beyond this temple is some lovely gardens and a maze that keeps out the pesky humans who make it this far." She smiled. "Don't look surprized, a few always try and we exspect some of the godlings to actually make it. It's all in the myth making business, after all."

She crossed over a small streamlet via a danity bridge, in which gemmed fish swam.

"You will make friends, and foes, among the other gods. It's exspected to have some quarrels between us. And you are in a unique postion there. A lot of bets will be laid over the outcome of quests and deeds of derring do, and you will be bribed or threatened as the case may be to use your influence on the outcome."

"I see." Alyiss murmmered. "My old life was..so mundane. I never traveled more than 20 miles from my home. And I didn't want to be bored for however many centuries I'd be here....Quests and journeys seemed both safe and exciteing at the same time."

Si grinned at her. "I can totally see your point. I myself would never have chosen motherhood. 2000 years of women asking how to keep their spawn from whineing?" The pale woman gave a mock shudder.

They had returned to Alyiss' alcove, and she realized she hadn't paid much attention to the beatiful surroundings or it's inhabitants.

"No doubt you want to go to your temple and look it over, and your city...Thalia, isn't it? Just 50 years ago it was just another fishing village and now it's the great trading hub of the inner coast. When deep sea vessals are invented I am exspecting great things from them."

Si gave Alyiss a kiss on the cheek, her lips as cool as a night breeze. "Have fun and enjoy yourself."

In less than an eyeblink Alyiss found herself in a temple made of grey stone with a marble figure of herself, cloaked, holding a bowl and ten feet tall, standing over an alter bare of any decoration.

"All right." She said turning about, taking in the bareness. "To begin."

 

[SwampThing]

Pippit found herself in a shallow bowl set in a small carved piller in a disregarded corner of a bustling city square. She laughed.

Orn, the shining Sun God, had explained to her in the Courtyard that this was the city of Thalia. Pippit looked around herself, amazed. Then it was all true. It had all just seemed like a joke when she'd talked to those silly suits. Something to think about over a pipe. But she had gotten exactly what she'd asked for. She was a Goddess now. A small Goddess. With the head of a bird. She laughed so hard she fell over in the small bowl.

"Wozzat?" Asked a mangy looking beggar leaning against the alter. His wooden cup lay before him, empty. He raised himself up, and peered into the shallow bowl set into the alter. "Izza frog! Hullo frog." The begger picked the little creature up, returning to his spot before the alter. In his bowl were a hard biscuit, and a small plum. "Howzzat?" He wondered, and laughed.

Pippit leaped from the beggar's hands, and through the crowded marketplace. A richly dressed merchent almost stepped on her as he reached in his pocket for a plum. "Filthy pest." he muttered, and bit down on a bedraggled gutter flower. "Well, by the gods, how did that get in my pocket? And where's my plum?" The merchent laughed.

The tiny woman with the head of a bird sat on a wooden barrel on the far end of the crowded square. Between the busy people she could see her little altar, rough-made of stone and wood, covered in curious perches and alcoves for small nesting creatures and the leaving of trinkets. Such a small and fragile thing.

Wondering what the other gods would be like, the mockingbird took off to explore her new city.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

The calm of the celestial garden was momentarily disjointed by a hiss of steam, marking the arrival of the Eternal Gear. He glittered and shone with the promise of progress yet hissed, clanked, and whirred in indication of the simplicity that would be lost and the cast iron routines he favored so.

"Salutations Mother and Father Units, progeny unit designate Eternal Gear has entered the premisis."

His cold tinny voice echoed annoyingly throughout the serene gardens, it seems that some "modifications" would have to be made to this alpha version godling before he could be released to the public.

 

[Morgoth]

Urthralis came into existence in his alcove. After the introductory speech, he was off to Veciv. What better way to make a place for himself in this world than by starting immediately. As he came to his temple, he grew angry that no one entered this beautiful building. As he gained emotion, he appeared in the middle of the street as an armor-clad man, helm covering his horrible face, armor glistening from sunlight. Those in the street fell to their knees, begging for mercy. As joy from his worship now flooded him, he changed. He now appeared a handsome man, flowers through his fair hair, colorful robes fluttering as if from a light wind. He bid them rise, and walked out into the city, surveying it and finding that it pleased him greatly. As he spread his smile, all around him became infected with his joy, smiling as they passed. Those who did pass him found that this was one of the most enjoyable days of their lives, even though it was quite ordinary.

 

[kamalw1]

Kane sat on the throne in his empty temple, thinking to himself about how he could start gaining a following. He smiled to himself as he saw the promise that this city, Eboneya, held for him. There was a great tradition here of grooming fine warriors, and it seemed that the ruler of the city, Warlord Droom, was looking to expand his influence. "It looks like I got here at a good time," Kane thought to himself. That's when he got an idea into his head. He stood up off the throne and left the temple, out into the cool night air. He walked through the city until he reached Droom's residence. He eaily wlked through the home, as everyone was sleeping. He entered Droom's bedroom and touched his forehead. Droom woke up with a start.

Kane watched the shocked expression form on Droom's face as he registered the form of the big, dark-skinned man standing over him in golden armor with a long spear. "Don't be afraid," Kane said in a booming voice. "My name is Kane, and I am the God of War. I have appeared to you to tell you that if you dedicate your life and this city to me, I will make you a great warrior who will one day be remembered as a great conqueror. Tomorrow, speak to the people, and tell them to build up my temple. If I am satisfied, I will appear to you again." He then touched Droom's forehead again, causing him to fall back asleep. Kane then turned around and left the room, plotting his next move.

 

[Morgoth]

Urthralis thought, and he found a venture capable of growing his power. He moved to the palace, into the king's suite. He sent forth heavy waves of love toward the temple and love towards Urthralis. Then, with a word, he awoke. "My lord", he said, hastily bowing to Urthralis. "Rise, rise. Tell me, do you love me as much as I do humanity?" he asked, his voice smooth and quiet. "Ye... yes", stuttered Alar. "Then, let me tell you what you must do. Make your populace worship me. Get me priests and build me a greater temple. If you do, I promise you, I will use the faith you have in me to prosper humanity. Now, sleep. Come to the temple with architects and priests tomorrow and we will speak of this matter more. Sleep", commanded Urthralis, and questioningly but surely, Alar went to his bed, falling fast asleep in moments. Urthralis went from the castle, and as he passed, nightmares turned to pleasant fantasies and wakefullness turned to unconscious bliss.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Alyiss

Coming from the clean 21st century to the cradle of humainty made Alyiss wrinkle her nose and hold a small bundle of flowers to it more often than not. Note to self: bathing will be a requirement of my followers

Thalia was a bustleing, growing city with a happier than average populance. They local people wore, for the most part, long sideless tunics belted with sashs that also seemed to work as pouches, over loose pants with short cuffs and slippers that tied around the ankles. Women wore the same outfits as men, but decorated the hems and wore brighter colors.

Debt slaves worked in sets of two, chained at the ankles, on repairing public roadways and buildings.

The roads were wide, and had many shops along them. She found it facinateing how the shops occupied the lower level of two and three story buildings and the shop keepers sold things hanging out of broad windows. At night, she assumed, the windows were closed and the keeper retreated to their apartments in the rooms above.

As she learned the city, she would touch a hand or arm here and there and dispense some advice..."True love awaits you at the fishmongers, two streets over." She told one young man. "Your husband knows, go home and die this night." she told a woman. "You daughter lives in Via's Ferry, if you wish to join her." She told a widower.

When they asked who she was, how she knew...she told them, she was Alyiss...and she just knew, and she gave them a small stone carved in the shape of a compass.

But she hadn't found who she was looking for yet....the person who's destiny was tied with hers.....

The sun was beginning to set, and the streets she walked along were getting shabby, but still she pressed on.

Ahead of her, in a dead end street, a bell tolled at an orphanage made of the native ornage stones of Thalia. Children ran past her, laughing or crying, grumbling if interrupted in play. One girl, long faced and thin bodied, shooed the children in the door.

When Alyiss saw her, she knew, but she wanted to touch her to be sure.

"Excuse me..." She ran the last few yards, before the girl could shut the gate and touched the thin girl on the wrist.

The girl shivered at the feeling that flowed from Alyiss' fingertips. "Yes? Who are you?"

Alyiss smiled. "I am Alyiss, and I"ve come for you."

"Why?" Slightly frightened the girl pulled away.

"Because I am your destiny."

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

It was a cool evening in the fledgling city of Bahaus and those that slept shared a singular dream. Marvels beyond their comprehension surrounded them, cyclopian architecture rose about them, and great works of artifice dwarfed them, yet they felt as if they were the ones in charge. An optimistic and perfectly even voice decalred to them thus, "Believe in me, and I shall in turn believe in you. The road to greatness is found in the hearts of the bold and hope springs eternal in mankind. Take your hand in mine and I shall lead the way, give praise to my name in the morning and again in the evening, do well your appointed labors, and you shall know the greatest joy, that of accomplishment. If you would know greatness, light a candle in your window tomorrow evening and speak the glory of Eternal Gear. You shall know me and mine by the glory of our works..."

All recieved this vision but one man, a blacksmith up at the latest of hours hard at work mending the weapons of the guild's men. He put his hammer down to wipe the sweat from his brow when there was a knock at his door. He went to it to see who could be calling at this hour and saw a cloaked figure.

"Ho blacksmith, would you take mine sword at this wee hour? Your comrades throughout the city have denied me and you are the last, please reject me not."

"It's late, but let's have a look."

The cloaked figure unsheathed a sword of some strange material, the blacksmith looked in awe at the craftsmanship of the sword and noted it's peculiar construction.

"This is the greatest sword I have ever seen in all of Bahaus, and I venture to say that no king in this world knows of a better one. It would honor me to repair such a blade, although I doubt I have the skill."

"The skill is thine, you are the first chosen of the Eternal Gear. With this sword of office shall you know great secrets of the forge, I shall make you a smith of men as well..."

The blacksmith stood mesmerized and thus was the Chief Artificier born...

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Anth 101: Myths and Gods of the Bronze Age

At the beginning of the Bronze age people began to settle into larger cities and as usually happens, create reglious systems more complex than known before.

While the goddess Alyiss was the goddess of quests and journeys the followers of this cult were also requried to bathe regularly, wash their hands before touching food, and rid themselves of lice and fleas. As a result the followers were often rediculed and easy to spot among the other city dwellers by their clean hands and faces. The benefit of this practice was: Longer life exspecy, lower infant mortality, and that more followers of Alyiss survived the various plagues that swept the continent.

The actual beginning of the Bronze Age is acredited to Enteral Gear who, it is said, came to a blacksmith and showed him the making of bronze. Enternal Gear is somewhat of an annomly among pagan gods as he seems advanced for his time. It can only be assumed that some early genius or possiablely physic with visions of the future created him as a way to explain the things he's seen. (Preface: An overview of gods and goddesses)

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Meanwhile, back in the Bronze age...

Droom awoke with a snort and rubbed a callused hand across his face. "Hey," He shook his frist wife awake. "What did we have for dinner last night."

"Umm?" She cracked one eye open at him. "Thrid made pepper stew. You had three bowls, you big ox." She said, rolling back over. In the whole world she was the only one who would dare insult him. The great disadvantage of haveing a deep affection for a wife.

Droom rolled over and eyed the sleeping forms on the carpeted floor. "Hey!" He called out. "Onnya! Don't make that again. It gave me strange dreams."

Onnya bowed her head. "Yes, my husband."

With that matter in hand Droom rose for the day.


***************************************


Alar woke at dawn, his servents bringing him a light repast and the nights reports. His dreams had been odd, so he waved away the reports for now and taking a cup of wine went to the balacony and surveyed his city.

It was growing in stength and security; it's people not so continent as not to stive for more, but happy enough to not revolt.

"How many gods are there?" he asked his manservent.

"Three, my King. The sun, the moon, and the earth."

"Any others?"

The servent looked puzzled. "Not..that I know of, my King."

Nodding and waving the servent back Alar went to the shrines and poured a bit of his wine at the base of each.

"Father son, light my way. Mother moon, reveal your mystery. Grandmother earth, bestow your bounty." Lastly, he finished the wine himself and putting away odd thoughts and dreams returned to the business of governing.

************************

(OCC, if it was easy, how would it be fun?)

 

[Morgoth]

Urthralis rested in his temple, content but impatient. He was still beautiful, but was changing every minute that passed. He promised to himself that unless the king came to him by noon, he himself would come to Alar. It just wouldn't be so cordial.

 

[kamalw1]

Kane sat in his temple and realized that, after waiting most of the day, his late-night visit to Droom was unsuccessful. It seemed that he would have to do something on a larger scale.

As the sun was setting, Kane left Eboneya and went to the surrounding area. He stood under the darkening sky and let out long howl. It was a call that could be heard for miles around. After a few minutes, packs of wolves started coming from the wilderness, surrounding Kane in a circle. They all looked at him, as if awaiting his command. When there were sufficient number of them, he led them back into the city.

Many of the people who happened to be in the streets ran in fear as Kane walked through with the wolves following him. The God paid them no mind as he continued on, walking towards Droom's house. When he arrived, he opened the door himself and walked in. The few guards who were there stood in awe when Kane and the wolves glared at them in unison. He then walked into Droom's bedroom.

"You have chosen to disobey me, but I will grant you a second chance. If you care to look outside the window, you will see the entire house surrounded by wolves." Droom walked to the window and glanced out. He saw numerous wolves all sitting around and facing his house. He looked back at Kane, a fearful look on his face. "Droom, tomorrow you will lead the people to my temple and tell them that if they worship me properly, later generations will remember them for their valor and bravery. If you do not do this, my minions will bring suffering to this city. You have been warned." Kane then turned around and left the house.

When he exited the residence, he let loose another howl, and the wolves all ran away, back to the wilderness from which they came. Kane looked around and saw many people still staring at him, in awe of what just occurred. With their eyes on his back, he returned to the temple.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

The next morning in Bahaus started like any other, people going about their daily chores, socializing, the same routines. Slowly they realized their communal dream and soon the entire town was rife with wonder at this mysterious Eternal Gear. The guild council who had also shared the dream were most interested in this promise of progress and convened at once, their arguements were close on either end, some wished the people to light a candle at their windows and others said nay. Then the guild's soldiers recieved bronze swords, when they questioned Karlot Smith about the origins of these blades he eagerly told them of the mysterious cloaked figure who told him how to make bronze. The decision was made, Eternal Gear would be honored as the city's patron god. That night, most of the city put a candle in their windows and the Eternal Gear saw and was pleased. As a sign of his favor all things in the city that had corroded or rusted were made anew. Streets shone against the moonlight as the cobblestones were made whole, where rusted tools had been discarde lay new shining bronze tools, all things were mended and whole.

"And so shall I watch over you and the enemies of the future will know only failure, the friends of progress will rejoice."

 

[Morgoth]

The behemoth that was Urthralis sauntered up to the palace gate, and with a groan, ripped it off its hinges. When a guard came running, Urthralis batted him away with the gate. He let out a horrendous roar, engulfing the city in silence. He went to Alar's room and tore in. "Maybe you didn't understand last night. I told you to come to my temple! I've been waiting this entire damn day! Now, make me happy, or I may be forced to kill you", ordered Urthralis, the rage coursing through him as a red current, hot and terrible. Alar fell to his knees, crying. "Oh, lord. I am sorry. I thought it was a dream. Yes, I will come to your temple. I will tell the city of your glory!" he gasped out, watching, startled, as Urthralis changed before him. With a flick of his golden hair, Urthralis turned about. As he neared the door, he turned to face Alar. With a smile he spoke, "In return for your worship, I will bless this city. It will become a city of culture and of joy, and will grow and be powerful. We shall use wits, not brawn, to overcome our enemies. Worship me and I will make you great", he prophesied, turning to the door and walking into the night. Alar stood hesitatingly and called for the palace staff. By morning, tales of the night would have spread over the entire city.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

Bahaus was energetic today, rife with energy as various guildsmen worked on the massive ediface that was to be the grand temple of the Eternal Gear. Instructed by the High Artificier Karlot Smith, they sat down foundations according to those he claimed, came to him in a dream. Perhaps it was their imagination but the Eternal Gear seemed to match their labors, as more of the temple was constructed, the condition of the buildings of Bahaus seemed to steadily improve in quality, as if being repaired by some unseen force.

Meanwhile in the gardens of the gods, the Eternal Gear watched a crystal sheet with great interest, the sheet was attached to an artifact of his own design. He watched another godling batter down the gates to a castle and demand attention and praise from the people's king.

"Petulant brat, their faith in him shall be built on a grand foundation of cobwebs and sand. If this be mine nemisis then progress shall win the day, if he be mine lackey then I must prepare for his sound incompetance."

 

[Lady_Siren]

Ellesime Came to in a strand courtyard. She lay in her own alcove dressed in a flowing garment. She stood up cautiously and looked around. Some how she knew where she was and somehow she knew where to go. Instincivly she transported herself to her temple. She was in the city of Silveria. Silveria was one of the very few cities under a Matriarchy. Instead of a king Silveria was ruled by Queen Gabriella. Ellesime began to wander her streets surveying all her soon to be followers. Silveria was a beautiful place. Plenty of trees offered shade and plenty of flowers sweetened the air. Yet there was also a feeling of security. First thing she would do when she gained influence over the queen she would have walls built around the city for protection. Then she could concetrate on the finer points to being a goddess. First she would find a priestess. She strode through the streets lightly probing peoples souls until she found one that would speak to her. She glanced to her right and paused. The slightest flicker. She probed again searching for that flicker, There! A woman with hair so black it appeared blue stood speaking to a child. That woman was to be her preistess. Now to get her attention, Ellesime sent out a wave of power just enough to alert the woman. She was sensitive to the supernatural. She just didn't realize it. The woman spun around her eyes wide as they met Ellesimes. Ellesime sent one message "Come to my temple." The disapeared before the womans eyes. Now Ellesime lounged in her temple awaiting the woman. "She will come" she murmured softly a smile curving her lips.

 

[poohlive]

Paden was a town striving with life. It had been part of the coastal cities, growing with the boost of trade and imports coming in. It didn't lay on the sea itself, but harbored the river going out to sea, and saw a fair share of both wealth and prosperity.
Within the streets, some cobbled, others just brown dirt with deep wheel ruts running between them, the entire city moved with life. People took off on errands, searched for their loved ones, or a meal to start the day.
Some ran off to school, or church, or out to the fields to practice a new slingshot or bow they had just made.
One of these children, a young lad with curly blond hair and crystal blue eyes, ran with a sling in his hand. He ducked down a back alley, making his way to where he knew a small pile of rocks were just waiting to sail into the river.
Something bumped into him, something hard. The boy looked up, afraid for a moment, he could swore the shadows opened up to block him from his afternoon of fun.
"Look who we have here," Drake folded his hands over his chest, sneering at the young boy who had just fallen on his back.
"We've got ourselves a little runt. Whatcha doing runt?"
The boy, named Kevin, got up, but was thrown to the ground once more. He bit his lip, and tears fell down his cheeks without him getting a seond thought in. Drake, along with two other voices in the background gave hoots of laughter.
"Gonna cry runt?"
"Little baby can't take a fall?"
Drake knelt down, grabbing for the sling in Kevin's hand, "What have we here?"
"That's mine!" Kevin screamed, but it was cut short as a swift kick from his right made him double over in pain. It hurt to breathe, he laid there, in the dirt, crying, as Drake tore the sling apart.
"Sorry baby, broke your little toy."
A man became visible to Kevin, tall and lanky, with missing teeth and greasy hair. He punched Kevin in the face, and he tasted blood as his body spun around on the ground.
"That's gotta hurt."
Another man kicked him, this one not as tall, but just as lanky as the last. They looked like, and in fact were, brothers. He gave Kevin a swift kick.
"Yeah, come on..."
The all reached down to finish up their bullying job, but something stopped them. Drake looked to the darkened corner of the shadows as a figure emerged. He hovered over all of them, well over a foot of even the tallest boy, and his clear white robes almost made a hue of light come off of him.
Enden growled, and something much deeper accompanied him, the threat of a large cat ready for its meal.
Something in that growl made all of the boys run.
Kevin laid there, alone, crying, bleeding, and unable to stop the pain.
"The truth hurts," The figure said, still looking at the empty alley, where the boys had been not a moment before.
Kevin didn't say anything, he tried to get up. It was a piss poor job, but it worked.
"Do you want revenge?"
Kevin eyed the man for a moment, not sure if the question was just rhetorical or not. It sounded rhetorical, he could never get revenge on those kids. They were bigger and stronger, but he would like to, oh yes, he would.
"Yes," He said, "I do."
"Why?"
"I didn't do anything! Why do they have to be like this? I wish they'd all die."
"That is not justice."
"Yes it is..."
"Justice is an eye for an eye. Justice is paying for the crime you commit. They roughed you up, but they do not deserve death. I can help you, make them pay for what they did to you, but I will not do anything else. Once their debt is paid, the offer is done."
The kid stopped for a moment, examining this deal. He wanted more, he wanted revenge, but for being such a young boy, he was also smart and very grown up for his age. He thought through it properly, as many men probably wouldn't have done.
"What do you want of me in return?"
"Faith. If you believe in me, then you will always find justice."

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Alyiss

The girls name was Xia, she was 14 and the eldest at the orphanage. She was faceing a hard choice...to stay and become property of the orphanage as a debt slave the rest of her life, or to leave and try to make her way on her own.

She was plain, she knew. No one would want to marry her. As a soiled dove she doubted she could make enough to keep fed, although some patrons weren't picky. She had no real skills other than taking care of children younger than her, but she had no references or training to become a teacher or governess, or the bloodline to become a ladies companion.

But then the strange woman had come, strideing out of thes sunset and touched her hand and in a white flash she saw a life ahead of her of duty and service...a long life that ended with her bend and bowed, with long white hair while throngs of people mourned her and lay flowers on her briar. A life of meaning and fulfillment that would reach beyond the hear and now, but unto generations to come.

"Who are you?"

The woman smiled. "I am Alyiss, and I"ve come for you."

"Why?" Slightly frightened she pulled away.

"Because I am your destiny."

Xia knew it was true, could feel it in her bones, her heart, her soul. She knew she stood at a crossroads of choice. On one hand lay the dusty orphanage and a life of toil without note or reward, and on the other this strange woman and a life of toil with purpose.

"I have to tell them I am going." Xia said.

"I'll wait." the woman nodded.

And to any human watching, she did wait. But truly she had a misson in the courtyard, and was there in the space of a thought. Quickly she sought out the God of Wealth.

To appearances he was a round and happy man, with ringlets of hair about a ruddy and smiling face. But his eyes were as hard as coins, and his hand stayed firmly on his purse.

"Ah, I was exspecting you." He beamed. "Come to make a bargain already I see..."

Alyiss shrugged. "Just a loan, as it were. I'm new to the game and I don't want to blunder to badly."

"Wise, wise." He nodded. "So, what can I do for you?"

"I need..." She thought in her head quickly...her temple could survive at 5 Talons a year...But she'd need time to build up her following..."I need thrity gold talons, as a loan."

He barked out a laugh. "Only thirty? Other gods have come to me for their weight in gold, and you only want thirty?"

"It's all I need, and I don't like asking for more than I need." Alyiss said simply.

He peered at her. "Are you sure you aren't the Goddess of Thrift? Or Wisdom? Just jesting, dear lady. I am not giving loans, today, but...." He held up his finger. "I am exchanging favors. I will give you your thirty gold, but in return you owe me a favor equal to that amount in due time."

"That seems fair." She agrreed. In her minds eye a few small desintys changed...but as she looked closer she saw large changes affecting many lives by the barains struck by greedier gods.

The money exchanged hands and by the time Xia came back to the gate with a small cloth bag of her few possions clutched in her hands it Alyiss had not only returned, but made some small arrangements for items to be delivered to the temple before she and Xia returned to it.

"The frist thing we will do," Alyiss told Xia, is eat and talk. Then we will shop for new clothing and sandles for you. What you have will never do for the work ahead of us."

"As you say, mistress." Xia nodded.

Alyiss almost corrected her, but then stopped. She was a goddess now, and not a clerk in an insurance firm. She must be mindful of the dignty of that office.

"Come then, Xia." And leading the way the pair of them walked through the evening gloom into history.

 

[Morgoth]

Alar came to the temple as he said he would. Stepping inside, he fell to his knees as Urthralis sat on a stool, painting. "Behold, Alar. I call it, "The Throne and the Skull". Now, I must speak with you seriously", he said, turning from the canvas. "I am Urthralis, God of Relations. As king, you have the power to devote this city to me. Do so and I will bless you and your people with a mighty culture. First, I need a temple worthy of a god. Then, I'll need priests. Only after will I bestow my gifts. I must be shown that I am appreciated, after all. I will also make appearances amongst the populace, of course, doing small favors that are within my power. In the end, you and I will be loved. You will be known forevermore as the Father of Phiosophy. After I have my worshippers, you will be blessed with unsurpassed wisdom and talent. Now, I must fonish this painting. You can order the start of construction. You'll notice that you'r architects are already conjuring up ideas", he said, dismissing Alar.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

Eternal Gear had observed the transaction but cared not, 30 talons of gold to establish a temple and following. Let the wee Goddess wrack up her debt, the majority of the guildsmen in Bahaus had turned to his fold. And what a majority it was! His grand temple would be constructed in under five years. Even though the construction was in the hands of mortals, the design was divine, passed down to his chief priest Karlot. Such was the nature of the mysterious ediface that many parts of it seemed pointless and even ugly, but their purpose would be found as the people of Bahaus advanced. With proper care the factory could meet any sort of production needs in the future with minimal alterations. It was indeed part temple, part industrial plant. Of course it might be centuries before they discovered the gamut of it's applications, but then he planned on being around for a long time.

In the mean time however, the antics of Urthralis seemed sadly comedic. Strong arming his way to worshippers through fear and intimidation. It had only taken a week of subtlety to get the mortals of Bahaus to elect to have a temple built of their own free will. To begin with, most gods relationship with mortals begin as transactions but he was being so very terse about it!

"Let him do whatever pleases him, some are simply doomed to failure anyway. Now, what is Karlot up to?"

He adjusted his viewing crystal back to Bahaus and saw that the Chief Artificier had formulated a plan with the Guild Council. A caravan was being formed to go to Thalia and open up a shop selling Guild products (and buy materials to send back to Bahaus). Karlot was able to convince the Council to send along a few of his fledgling Machine Priests to open a shrine as well and seek converts. It was sensible, this initial fervor was very high, Eternal Gear wished to ride it out as long and far as possible in anticipation of a gradual decline. He was certain that these people would now and forever believe in the Gear but they would not likely be as zealous.

While the temple was being built Karlot held services outside his smithy which was in fact the Eternal Gear's initial focal point. His speeches were very popular with the guildsmen and even slaves, for the teachings of the Eternal Gear seemed to conclude, amongst many things, that slavery was wrong because it was not cost effective, but as with all great matters, must be dealt with gradually.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Ria came to Urthralis in the guise of a crone and looked about her with some contempt.

"You are being foolish, you know." She said, leaning against her walking stick. "You order this and that, but...It is emtpy. You tell the king 'give me preists', but what can he do? The people you can cow and make fear you....but is that the kind of relationship you want from them? And preists you need to find yourself, petty godlet."

She spat on the floor of his temple. "Crush the mortals as you will, but if you do not win the hearts of your clerics, your empire will die a swift death. No one will hold you dear in their hearts if your clerics don't, and you will fade as they die. What will you tell these preists when they come? "Worship me?" How, what are your rites and rituals?"

She turned to go, and though his face was a mask of rage, he was powerless to stop her.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Droom brought fifty warriors with him to the shabby and small temple of Kane prepared for war. His warriors lined the walls while Droom stood before the altar.

"I am Droom, son of Pet, son of Altru, Leader of the Blue Wheel Clan of the Tribes of the Red Claw. I deal honorably with my people and my foes."


"YOU," he pointed his Kep'ta, a S-shaped weapon of bone and obsedian. "Come like a raider in the night, breaking in like a theif, demanding like a child. You have no lineage, no entitlement earned by battle, no history. I Droom challenge you, as is my duty and my right, to man to man combat. I challenage you NOT to use what godlings powers you have and fight me. These are the witnesses to my challenge."

 

[kamalw1]

Kane chuckled to himself as he listened to Droom's challenge. "Ah, you have fire in you. A good leader you are. When I am done with you, a great one you will be." Kane stepped down from the throne and threw off his cloak, his gleaming armor shining in the dim torchlight of the temple. He walked over to one of the soldiers and asked for his weapon. The soldier handed it to Kane and watched as he walked back over to face Droom. "I expect nothing but the best from you," Kane said to Droom. The two of them pointed their weapons at each other in acknowledgment of the battle, and then charged forward.

The two fighters swung their weapons, alternating between blocking and attacking. Sweat glistened from their bodies as they tried to find suitable openings to attack. The air was filled with the clang of their weapons and the cheer of the soldiers. Neither Kane nor Droom gave way much to the other's onslaught. After a while, the sounds of battle attracted other passers-by, and the temple became crowded as others came in and encircled the mortal and celestial gladiators.

After a while, Droom's mortal body started getting tired. His breathing became heavier, but he would not give up. Droom swung the weapon at Kane's neck, but his fatigue took much of the force out of the attack. Kane swung back, knocking the Kep'ta out of Droom's hand and placing his Kep'ta at Droom's throat. The crowd grew silent, waiting for the next move. Kane looked Droomin the eye. "You have done well. Let it be known this day the Droom, son of Pet, son of Altru, Leader of the Blue Wheel Clan of the Tribes of the Red Claw, has proven himself worthy of being my high priest. If you choose to follow me, through Droom, I will make you a land of great warriors. They will sing yor praises for years to come. All I require is your devotion." With that, Kane walked over and picked up Droom's weapon. He handed it back to him, a sign of unspoken respect passing between them.

 

[poohlive]

"Faith, in a god of justice?"
Enden corrected him, "Faith in the God of Justice."
Kevin wiped the sweat and tears from his eyes, "Do it. I want them to feel what I have."
Enden took out his bow, loading it up with a single arrow that seemed to come from nowhere. He pulled the string back taunt, aimed it straight into the air, and let it fly.
It disappeared into the heavens.
"I call upon the power of Judgement!"
As he said this, three slashes appeared on the doors of two homes close to each other. They were deep, rooted into solid oak doors that made anyone who looked at them think of just what kind of ferocious and determind animal had created that. It was the sign of Enden's judgement, and before too long, everyone would fear it for a different reason.
The three boys, upon returning home, saw the claw marks, looking with both curiousity and fear.
"What made that?"
Enden growled deep in his throat, as blood red eyes of a cougar stood beside him, tall and proud.
"I did."
The cougar ran after them. They tried to escape, but one tripped, and the other turned around so fast, he ran right smack into a wall. The cougar gave them deep slashes in their back, similar to the omen on the doors.
The third one got a bite, deep into his leg, which woulld hurt until the day he died, and also make him know when it was about to rain.
Once the cougar passed judgement, he disappeared back into the forest.
"The purpose of life is equality, balance of both creatures and cultures. Once you forget this, I will do everything in my god-like powers to destroy you. Never forget that. Enden, the God of Justice and Peace makes a decree."
Enden returned to his temple. The boys had received their punishment, and would no doubt spread rumors both good and bad of Enden's methods. He did not care. Justice and balance were required for the god such as him, and he would not purposely spend it rallying the people to pray for him.
They prayed to the god they wanted to, he would make it fair and just to all. If they chose him, he had the power to help, if not...
They could pray to their own God.
Enden stood up as someone came through the serrated pillars. He was being held by a young man, and in front of them both was Kevin.
"What is it?"
"A friend's father. I thought you might be able to help..."
They both helped the old man walk to Enden. He didn't notice until they got closer, but the old man didn't need help because he as old...
He needed help because he was blind.