Pantheon 2.0 - Game Thread

[Astavyastataa Kadna]

My siblings, I have calmed down from my anger and blood lust. I have thought of many things. Mostly of the horror that I have unleashed. I see now that Protection and Honor cannot exist along something as one sided as Combat or Battle.

For Combat and Battle IS one sided is it not? How can you create or love or hold with Combat? What else can come out of it, but death?

You have seen me change myself many a time throughout our existence, my bretherin. Witness the last.

Here is the message I sent to my Prophets Jameak and Lirania:

To Jameak and Lirania: "I come to you both disgraced. I have forgotten what it was that we created together when we left our army encampment that day long, long ago, Jameak. I have filled myself with a lust for blood and killing. My hatred of Nor Yekith blinded me to what I should have kept in the foremost of my mind; to truly know your enemy, you must truly love him. I have become addicted to the fight, and not what we are fighting FOR. Our family, our love. To protect those who cannot protect themselves. I have spoken these words to you both, but I did not listen.

I am done with it.

I forsake Combat. I leave it behind us. To take up the sword is honest and good, but only when all else fails. It takes strength to fight against your foe, but strength can be used in so many more ways than Combat. Combat is a sword, but strength is the arm that wields it. And the arm can also hug. Can also create, can it not?

I take up Strength. The Strength to resist the darkness within, and to bring out the light within us all. To bring Protection to all. To do what is honorable.

I ask for your forgivness. I will not forget myself again. As always, I am with you. But perhaps, this time, it is better that YOU are with ME.

To our people bring our new dogma: "Do not hurt where holding is enough, do not wound where hurting is enough, do not main where hurting is enough, do not kill where maiming is enough. The greatest warrior is he who does not need to kill.""

I forsake Combat and take up Strength. I am finished with needless battle. It sickens me. From now on I take up the sword only when necessary, lest it overcome me again.

To those I have harmed, I am sorry. *bow*

That is all.

Ahhh, my friend ... it is good to see you pull back from the brink. May I propose also:

...I see no need to NOT let the undead return to their peaceful slumber. I say that we return these souls to where they belong, in the afterlife.

That such a dialogue be held with Argothoth. We should not assume it is our right to reverese what another God has done that does not directly injure us.

While I agree that there is Suffering and even Madness ... sufficiently powered by the Pantheon ... I can absorb those effects! After that ... we have heard that some undead in fact look to other Gods for worship. Let them petition Argothoth themselves if they require the embrance of death's sleep again. Let us not assume to make the decision for them.

What say you friend Adomorn? Do you join me in this?

[Benito Alvarez]

...I see no need to NOT let the undead return to their peaceful slumber. I say that we return these souls to where they belong, in the afterlife.

That such a dialogue be held with Argothoth. We should not assume it is our right to reverese what another God has done that does not directly injure us.

While I agree that there is Suffering and even Madness ... sufficiently powered by the Pantheon ... I can absorb those effects! After that ... we have heard that some undead in fact look to other Gods for worship. Let them petition Argothoth themselves if they require the embrance of death's sleep again. Let us not assume to make the decision for them.

What say you friend Adomorn? Do you join me in this?

I agree that we need to disscuss things with Argothoth, but I cannot help but notice that you have once again positioned yourself to absorb yet MOVE power by the events of the world.

I want these souls to be returned to where they naturally would be, in the afterlife. I am not looking to boost myself or anyone else, I simply want them returned now that the threat has passed.

On the note of talking with Argothoth, we are in agreement, but I will not support actions that will feed off of their pain. I would rather end their pain, entirely.

[Astavyastataa Kadna]

Ahhh ... my friend. If I can end Suffering and Madness and also be strengthen by such actions ... does it not help me to further comfort distressed citizens of this world?

[Benito Alvarez]

Ahhh ... my friend. If I can end Suffering and Madness and also be strengthen by such actions ... does it not help me to further comfort distressed citizens of this world?

It would, but feeding off their sorrow is not the same as helping end it. Now, if you took up the domain of Happiness or Love, it would be a different matter.

[Astavyastataa Kadna]

Ahhh ... my friend. If I can end Suffering and Madness and also be strengthen by such actions ... does it not help me to further comfort distressed citizens of this world?

It would, but feeding off their sorrow is not the same as helping end it. Now, if you took up the domain of Happiness or Love, it would be a different matter.

Ahhh ... I would not want to strip cousin Bahkti of his Domain ... I simply help out as I may! Let the animosity of the past Turn that was between us be released! May I again call you friend and ally?

[Benito Alvarez]

Ahhh ... I would not want to strip cousin Bahkti of his Domain ... I simply help out as I may! Let the animosity of the past Turn that was between us be released! May I again call you friend and ally?

Indeed. It will be nice not to be attacked from all sides again. Much calmer that way.

[Astavyastataa Kadna]

oh give it a REST blusterbutt. do ya not have better things to do than pick on Adomorn???

HEY!!!! the maelstrom of illusion must be hiding that last post of AK's!!

well I'M not editing!

You are correct ... WE have MUCH better things to do!!

*the maelstrom envelops Mithyaat Vam ... and then the Maelstrom of Illusion hides them from even goddly sight!*

But those who are extremely sensitive would swear they heard giggles ... !!

[Bhakti]

As I've said, I have never heard of a plan that had remotely as good a chance of success, nor had I heard that anyone else was willing to go up against Nor Yekith.

Of course I made no mention of fighting against Nor Yekith.

Apologies. I worded that badly. I meant to say that none who were willing to go fight Nor Yekith had a chance before Argothoth came up with his plan. It is true that you were often willing.

On a happier note, I am extremely pleased by your change of Heart, brother! The Adomorn I have Loved seems to have returned to us.

But those who are extremely sensitive would swear they heard giggles ... !!

I am surprised - and more than a little disturbed - by the revelation that you giggle, AK.

[Moxinomal]

It's true! I've heard him do it!

[Benito Alvarez]

Apologies. I worded that badly. I meant to say that none who were willing to go fight Nor Yekith had a chance before Argothoth came up with his plan. It is true that you were often willing.

On a happier note, I am extremely pleased by your change of Heart, brother! The Adomorn I have Loved seems to have returned to us.

Just wanted to be clear.

And I am just as pleased by it as you are, Brother. I feel lighter than I have in a long time. Less angry. It is a good thing.

[O-gon-cho]

It is a good thing.

Ack!!

*shielding eyes*

Martha Stewart in armour!!!

[Bhakti]

What is this "Martha Stewart" creature you refer to, Sister?

[Benito Alvarez]

So.

We have heard what Bhakti learned. I would assume that Maeror learned something different? And we have y et to hear from Melirelle.

We cannot begin to solve the problem without first gathering information. So what has been learned?

[Norn]

Whilst I understand your stance on what Argothoth has done Bhakti, you must admit that with the flight of Nor Yekith, none of us will ever know what he would have done with his newfound might.

[Vadhaka]

Perhaps not sister. But I am content to believe that he would have done just what he said he would, and have seen nothing to suggest the contrary. *shrug*

Personally however, I think that this is a discussion with limited relevance right now. We cannot know what any of us will do, only what has been done.

If my trust is misplaced, I will be the first to oppose him if he demonstrates perfidy. Until then however, I am, as I said, inclined to trust him.

[O-gon-cho]

What is this "Martha Stewart" creature you refer to, Sister?

Trust me, Brother, you are blessed to have been spared knowledge of such. I will not burden you with it.

[Argothoth]

i didn't act aggressively.

I gathered my undeads in my new land. I will stay in peace as long as anyone attack me first.

Many thanks to who still trust me

[O-gon-cho]

Talayeh sat on her perch, looking at the view of the Valley of Celestial Harmonies. Normally coming here soothed her, as she could have privacy and time to collect her thoughts. But today, as her gaze swept over the Valley, what she saw only reminded her of her troubles. For her gaze saw greens and other golds in the sky, heading towards the feeding grounds in the frenzied hunger of the pre-flight mating heat. She knew that those with Riders would have their hunger controlled, so they only blooded their kills, thus leading to longer flights and more productive clutches.

She couldn’t bring herself to observe the flights with the others. She had always been among the first to rise, and the fact that she hadn’t yet did not settle well with her. What if she didn’t? Raucous, consumed with self doubt ever since he was touched by a second deity, had withdrawn from her, as well as from most of the weyr. Her hope that her flight would draw him out, and show him that he was still as effective and needed was diminishing. This prank by this new deity to the Pantheon was turning ugly for her, and she had no idea how to get Raucous past it if she didn’t rise. And even the results of her flight would be uncertain.

Lowering her eyes to the Valley’s floor, she saw a small human female scurrying back into the weyr to the Hatching Grounds. That had to be the candidate who had recently been returned. Everyone else had given up hope on the egg she had so zealously guarded ever hatching; after all the Hatching itself was over three months ago. Yet she persisted in keeping it on the Grounds, insuring it was covered with hot sands. Talayeh smiled to herself. If the faith of the young could bring about events, Calypso Solus would have been rewarded many times over with the hatchling she so obviously cared for. No matter what his own condition, Raucous would have to address this issue with the child soon.

As Talayeh turned back to gaze over the Valley, a familiar tickle in the back of her mind sprang forth. She shook her head to clear it. It was not time for the Song of Hatching Welcome thrum. That was only done at the annual Hatching. Yet the tickle became an urge, and Talayeh found herself flying towards Calypso and her egg on the Hatching Grounds.

Perching on a rocky ledge above the Grounds, she saw Calypso standing quietly next to her egg which was gently rocking. Rocking? That meant there was a viable hatchling inside it. Looking beyond Calypso, she saw the rest of the Grounds were deserted, except…

There across from her on a ledge mostly hidden in shadows was Raucous, leaning back on his haunches, wings outspread, and head thrown back in the ululation of the thrum. Everyone else must still be taking part in or observing the current flights. Giving in to her instinct, Talayeh also sat back and joined in. This Hatchling would be welcomed right, if only by a small contingent of the weyr.
****************************************

Calypso watched as her egg rocked harder and harder. From inside, she heard the tapping of the snout upon the shell. She desperately wanted to spring forward and tear the shell apart with her own two hands, but the teachings of Master Kavi had remained with her, and she knew a hatchling who could not hatch itself would not be viable or strong. She did not know why, but felt that she needed her soon to be beloved to be strong. And not only strong in physical strength.

Finally. A split in the shell. The tapping increased, and soon a golden snout could be seen frantically tearing at the membrane still encasing the egg where bits of shell had fallen away. One final loud “Tap!” and the shell fell apart. The golden queen hatchling unfolded herself from the fragments, spread her wings, and cast her head about, eyes searching over the hot sands of the grounds. Turning herself around, she spied Calypso standing demurely in front of her, and the swirling orange uncertainty of her eyes calmed down into blue of contentment, but then quickly started swirling with the red of hunger.

Looking at Calypso she poked her snout towards her to be hugged, “I am soooo hungry. My name is Niamh.”

“You are beautiful and precious to me, Niamh. We need to rely on the Prophet to bring us food. I was not prepared as I should have been for your arrival. I am sorry.”

“We are finally together, and I am content. As long as this Prophet hurries…”

Calypso turned to look at the ledge where she had seen Raucous, and wasn’t surprised to find him gone. She then heard talons hitting the sands and saw both Raucous and Talayeh landing with fresh hacked cubes of meat stuffed into carry sacks depending from their forelegs.

Turning back to Niamh, she reached out to scratch her eyeridge. Niamh closed her inner eyelid and leaned into the caress.

“There, the Prophet and his weyrmate have returned already. I will feed you soon.”
******************************************

Talayeh watched as Raucous distributed the cubes of meat easily within reach of Calypso’s grasp, then step back to quietly observe the Impression and bonding process solidify. He is so capable, she silently thought to herself, his appearance has nothing to do with his own essence. And suddenly, finally, the heat of blooding a kill was upon her, and she sprang into the air above the Hatching Grounds, headed towards the grazing pastures of the herd beasts near the weyr. Raucous went to the volcanic crater of the weyr to watch her, his eyes clashing with the pink of his hide as they slowly took on the swirling purple hue of lust…

[Argothoth]

I thought a lot about my ritual.
I see that a lot of you didn't understand my purpose and my perfection.
So i decided, blessed by Odal, to gather all the mindless undeads that are wandering around Eiran to the island of Limithra.

your lands and your followers will be freed by the unpleasant presence of my dear children.

In the same time, all my followers that arose in the lands of other gods, will be gathered to that island too.

I hope that this deed will be appreciated.

[O-gon-cho]

I thought a lot about my ritual.
I see that a lot of you didn't understand my purpose and my perfection.
So i decided, blessed by Odal, to gather all the mindless undeads that are wandering around Eiran to the island of Limithra.

your lands and your followers will be freed by the unpleasant presence of my dear children.

In the same time, all my followers that arose in the lands of other gods, will be gathered to that island too.

I hope that this deed will be appreciated.

My dear brother,

My people have been largely unaffected, as Immeril was deserted prior to the mists parting and followers of the current Pantheon coming to settle. Yes, there have been a few instances, such as Moxinomal's Sanuta with his family, and the following from the AllFather:

Your people in Zandarar are shaken and horrified as the half-petrified, undead corpse of Jiayna flies overhead, southwards towards Limithra. Many almost go mad at the impossible, horrifying sight.

But otherwise, we have mostly been spared what others have seen.


I only ask that you cradle those you gather in your loving care on Limithra.