Pantheon 2.0 - Game Thread

[Injerian Praetus II]

I was not criticizing. I was noticing that you have added a domain - Hybridization - to your original Malice and Mutation. I would have been impressed if you had created a new species - and such a prolific one, at that! - so soon using your known domains. I am doubly impressed that you have acquired a new domain so quickly in order to do so.

I never assumed you were. But no doubt others will think ill of my experiments. The Houka are a mutation - but all life is the product of mutation; some of it survives, others do not. The Houka thrive, and you should be proud.

I think we disagree on the definitions of Nature and improvement. Those of us who are more attuned to Nature could warn you against Balances and Patterns, and the good of Nature in the long run. Alas, I do not suspect you are concerned with these things.

However, I will make a request. Although I am, of course, concerned with all Nature, I am specialized. Please keep your Malice out of the Forests. The sap in all trees is my blood, and any damage to any Forest is damage to me.

Malice? Your word for the will to progress all life. I am merely the will to improve the world. Is that evil? Perhaps in your mind. I am the means to perfection. Can you fault me?

[Vadhaka]

Perfection at the point of a dagger? I cannot decide whether I like that or not.

Hail fellow Deities of the Pantheon. *bows*

First, it has come to my attention that one of my misguided followers has attempted an unsanctioned assassination on a Prophet. I am announcing to my faithful that such targets are sacrosanct without my blessing. While I realise that free will is inevitable, I hope my object lesson will cause them pause...

...The body of the assassin will be defiled, and his corpse displayed for all to see in reminder that dishonouring my symbol, not to mention the assassins creed, Nil mortifi, sine lucre, is a short path to shameful death. I apologise unreservedly to the Deity concerned.

Second, as you will no doubt be aware, my followers have founded their home city of Shama. The island itself is mostly surrounded by sheer basalt cliffs with the exception of the harbour, and I would take it kindly if potential visitors inform me before hand of their intent to visit.

Unexpected or unannounced visitors, especially important ones, may find themselves ripe targets for the Thieves Guild. But simply inform me, and I will ensure that they are not interfered with.

Peace favour us. *bows*

[Bhakti]

Malice? Your word for the will to progress all life. I am merely the will to improve the world. Is that evil? Perhaps in your mind. I am the means to perfection. Can you fault me?

You assume perfection is an end that can be achieved. Where life is concerned, this is a misconception. You will not - can not - create a species that is "finished" or "perfect." You cannot drive the world to a state of perfection if that state does not change. The world - Nature - is perfect because it changes. The perfection is in the ebb and flow; the cycles; the changing patterns. That cannot be improved.

As for the definition of Malice, I admit the possibility that we are not in sync. Because of who my parents were, I know things that I assume everyone knows. I apologize for such assumptions. In the days of my parents, this world was grievously injured - nearly fatally so, if such a thing can be imagined! - by one who wore the title of God of Malice. Now you call yourself the same thing. Perhaps you did not know of Eiran's history, and did not know how that title would be viewed by many.

[Injerian Praetus II]

You assume perfection is an end that can be achieved. Where life is concerned, this is a misconception. You will not - can not - create a species that is "finished" or "perfect." You cannot drive the world to a state of perfection if that state does not change. The world - Nature - is perfect because it changes. The perfection is in the ebb and flow; the cycles; the changing patterns. That cannot be improved.

But I can. Nature is in flux - it ebbs and flows - but always prone to disease and death and poverty. I will eradicate that. I will bring a wonderful new world into existence where us gods can rejoice in a better living - and that all life flourishes. You deny me this dream, or dare say it is unattainable?

Now you call yourself the same thing. Perhaps you did not know of Eiran's history, and did not know how that title would be viewed by many.

Where I come from - from beyond, the word 'Malice' was synonymous with the Will to Achieve Perfection. I seek not death, nor do I seek pain. I wish every organism to be alive; to await transformation at my hands. I wish to start no wars, for everyone, barring the weak, will survive for me.

[Vadhaka]

Coulgarn, Master Craftsman of The Assassins, worked late beside his forge that night. This was an unusual commission, straight from the head Temple itself.

He was building a gibbet. Or to be more accurate, many little gibbets.

This was not his style at all...he was a weaponsmith, not a blacksmith, but well he understood the importance of this commission.

The gibbets would be used to display the pieces of an unusually foolish assassins body, and each would be shaped to the appropriate limb or segment. Then they would be neatly hung from a black iron frame in the shape of the body formed by the gibbets.

This, he thought to himself, was what happened when people got ideas above their station.

He knew better than most how foolish it was to disrespect the gods of others. He may have been a follower of Vadhaka, but he owed respect to The God of Fire and the Forge as well, and he never forgot it, for from His sphere he drew the skill which made him such a devout and valued follower of his own God.

The Gods all served purposes, and he would say so tomorrow while he read the proclamation by the Temple on behalf of the Prophet. Give one your devotion, but give each their due in their rightful place.

[Bhakti]

But I can. Nature is in flux - it ebbs and flows - but always prone to disease and death and poverty. I will eradicate that. I will bring a wonderful new world into existence where us gods can rejoice in a better living - and that all life flourishes. You deny me this dream, or dare say it is unattainable?

What do you propose? Will all species become photosynthetic? Obviously, there will be death if something must eat to live.

And what of overpopulation? If nothing dies, each species will eventually contain more members than could fit on Eiran. Will you do away with birth?

[Injerian Praetus II]

You waste your energies, fellow deity, in analysing my dreams. Best to relax at the foot of some river that runs through your forest, content in your law of the jungle. Know only that I know how to better the world, and that there are no flaws.

[Norn]

Well you are confident, and confidence is key.

[Bhakti]

[Prebe]

I was not criticizing. I was noticing that you have added a domain - Hybridization - to your original Malice and Mutation.

Very astute Bhakti. He who bendeth the rules shall be bent himself in time.

[Norn]

I was unaware that mortals were privy to our conversations here. Or is Prebe a brother as yet unintroduced?

[Xar]

I was unaware that mortals were privy to our conversations here. Or is Prebe a brother as yet unintroduced?

I give you a forgetful Jastrau who didn't don his mantle of divinity today.

[Norn]

Ah, in that case I bid you greetings brother Jastrau. It is a pleasure.

Indeed, it is a pleasure to meet all my brothers and sisters in divinity. May you all find what you seek in Eiran.

[jastrau]

I have no knowledge of this "Prebe". Perhaps he is an upstart with ambitions? But I agree with him none the less. And thanks for the welcome Norn.

[Norn]

You are most welcome.

[Vadhaka]

Hail Jastrau. Perhaps you would like the blood of this mortal upstart to enrich your fields? Only say the word and pay the price.

[jastrau]

Nah, let's spare the fool. I harbour an inexplicable sympathy for this pathetic being But there is this pesky worshipper of mine... I'm giving him this year to improve. If he doesn't, there'll be work comming your way.

Fertile soils.

Jastrau

[Vadhaka]

*bows* I will always carefully consider a commission.

[Norn]

A whole year? How gracious of you my brother. And here I had thought that mercy had died in Eiran, murdered by the blind hand of justice.

[Benito Alvarez]

A whole year? How gracious of you my brother. And here I had thought that mercy had died in Eiran, murdered by the blind hand of justice.

The blind hand? Not blind enough ot miss such impertinence. Tread carefully Weaver.