Path of Being Evil (Original Fantasy Quest)
- Thread starter Black.Horus
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
Eternal_0bserver
(Unverified Bookworm)
- Location
- Earth, Northern Europe
[X] Plan: New friends, old enemies.
-[X] Temple of the Six
-[X] House Forge
-[X] Forging Bonds
--[X] Mary
-[X] Ruined Church
So, the forge allows us to further study artefacts craft, which is very valuable considering how powerful the equipment bonuses are. And I want to do this early as it might be a time-limited event. In addition, an event with the arrival of a dwarf delegation can give us bonuses to craft actions.
We have to explore the abandoned church, or it might come back to bite us later. Before doing this, however, I want to study the church of the Six cause we may learn something useful for that action. In addition, we should try to learn more about the main religion of the city anyway, and what kind of threat it may pose to us.
As far as forming bonds ... Wow, that's a lot of characters. I want Vecna to have at least a couple of friends who can help her and, possibly, keep the worst of her character in check. I chose Mary because she seems to have many different connections, and can probably help us find exotic materials. And this is the right time from what Roy said.
-[X] Temple of the Six
-[X] House Forge
-[X] Forging Bonds
--[X] Mary
-[X] Ruined Church
So, the forge allows us to further study artefacts craft, which is very valuable considering how powerful the equipment bonuses are. And I want to do this early as it might be a time-limited event. In addition, an event with the arrival of a dwarf delegation can give us bonuses to craft actions.
We have to explore the abandoned church, or it might come back to bite us later. Before doing this, however, I want to study the church of the Six cause we may learn something useful for that action. In addition, we should try to learn more about the main religion of the city anyway, and what kind of threat it may pose to us.
As far as forming bonds ... Wow, that's a lot of characters. I want Vecna to have at least a couple of friends who can help her and, possibly, keep the worst of her character in check. I chose Mary because she seems to have many different connections, and can probably help us find exotic materials. And this is the right time from what Roy said.
- Location
- Washington
[X] Plan: Gotta Work On Your Evil Foundation
-[X] Lab Details
-[X] Mavis Underbelly
-[X] Portable Undead
-[X] Outdoor Foraging
-[X] Lab Details
-[X] Mavis Underbelly
-[X] Portable Undead
-[X] Outdoor Foraging
ThatGuyWithIdeas
Treize died for our sins
- Location
- Romania
[X] Plan Patching Up A Critical Weakness
-[X] Temple of the Six
-[X] House Forge
-[X] Hitting the Library
--[X] Intrigue: DC 10
-[X] Ruined Church
Mostly the same plan as New friends, old enemies, but we need Intrigue training now, not later. We have people who are potentially suspicious of us, and 5 Intrigue is not going to cut it when it comes to keeping them off our trail.
-[X] Temple of the Six
-[X] House Forge
-[X] Hitting the Library
--[X] Intrigue: DC 10
-[X] Ruined Church
Mostly the same plan as New friends, old enemies, but we need Intrigue training now, not later. We have people who are potentially suspicious of us, and 5 Intrigue is not going to cut it when it comes to keeping them off our trail.
- Location
- Europe
[X] Plan Patching Up A Critical Weakness
-[X] Temple of the Six
-[X] House Forge
-[X] Hitting the Library
--[X] Intrigue: DC 10
-[X] Ruined Church
-[X] Temple of the Six
-[X] House Forge
-[X] Hitting the Library
--[X] Intrigue: DC 10
-[X] Ruined Church
I will close the vote in 6 or so hours. Plan Patching Up A Critical Weakness is currently in the lead.
Turn 3: Result
[X] Temple of the Six
Diplomacy DC: 35
Roll: 55 + 7 = 62
1 Success
Your investigation towards the main religion of Phione Council State by asking passersby has reached it's limit and it is met with mixed result. Many of the intel you acquired are just simply outlandish even for Gods and in often cases conflicting with each other. You wouldn't gather anything conclusive at this rate, though many of those who you had questioned seemed to agree with how unlikely it is for the Temple to have anything to detect Necromancer. Something about not being it's main purpose. In any case you had enough dilly dallying. It is time for you to get answers straight from the source.
To be continued in the Interlude: The Six Elemental Gods
[X] House Forge
Stewardship DC: 50
Roll: 52 + 14 = 66
1 Success
The Crafters Union had made true of their word. It took a month and half for them to transform a part of your house into a forge with your strict supervision, but they had still done it. Some of the younger Crafters complained a bit with how strict you are being, but the old timers just laughed at the whining children in their eyes and said how this would build up character. You can't exactly helped it. You need to be very careful on this little renovation of yours to make sure they would never discover the cellar.
In the end it took a lot of work, but the deed is done. You now have a forge of your own inside your house. With this you should be able to start working on metals and other magical trinkets. You wonder what a Zombie with blades for arms would be like?
House Forge gained. You can now craft yourself graded items. Further actions unlocked.
[X] Hitting the Library
-[X] Intrigue: DC 10
Roll: 98 + 5 = 103
Success
You spend the rest of your time not guiding the rambunctious group of smiths by reading in the silence of the liblary. There are many kind of books here you realized, more books than you had ever seen in your life. From simple language books to complex magical theories. If you didn't know any better how the largest liblary is obviously inside Mystogan then you would have though you are inside one. Your realization however just can't stop the wonderous tone to seep into your voice as you wordlessly appreciate the home of knowledge you are in.
While you are also deeply interested in the restricted section of the liblary, you are here on a mission and it is to fix your flaw of being unsubtle. You wouldn't rest until this weakness of yours is gone!
It took you half a month of tirelessly reading many literature of being sneaky and by the end of it you are convinced the bags under your eyes has grown. At least you are certain your inability in being not obvious has lessened. Just at the right time too. You want to try some of the techniques being written in your outing tonight after visiting the temple.
Intrigue Raised by 2. Now your Intrigue is 7. Further action unlocked because of Crit and PITY.
[X] Ruined Church
Intrigue DC: 25
Roll: 1
Failure
It, it did not work.
To be continued in the Interlude: House of Twilight
Random Event Rolls
88 (Pass)
96 (Crit Pass)
59 (Pass)
Diplomacy DC: 35
Roll: 55 + 7 = 62
1 Success
Your investigation towards the main religion of Phione Council State by asking passersby has reached it's limit and it is met with mixed result. Many of the intel you acquired are just simply outlandish even for Gods and in often cases conflicting with each other. You wouldn't gather anything conclusive at this rate, though many of those who you had questioned seemed to agree with how unlikely it is for the Temple to have anything to detect Necromancer. Something about not being it's main purpose. In any case you had enough dilly dallying. It is time for you to get answers straight from the source.
To be continued in the Interlude: The Six Elemental Gods
[X] House Forge
Stewardship DC: 50
Roll: 52 + 14 = 66
1 Success
The Crafters Union had made true of their word. It took a month and half for them to transform a part of your house into a forge with your strict supervision, but they had still done it. Some of the younger Crafters complained a bit with how strict you are being, but the old timers just laughed at the whining children in their eyes and said how this would build up character. You can't exactly helped it. You need to be very careful on this little renovation of yours to make sure they would never discover the cellar.
In the end it took a lot of work, but the deed is done. You now have a forge of your own inside your house. With this you should be able to start working on metals and other magical trinkets. You wonder what a Zombie with blades for arms would be like?
House Forge gained. You can now craft yourself graded items. Further actions unlocked.
[X] Hitting the Library
-[X] Intrigue: DC 10
Roll: 98 + 5 = 103
Success
You spend the rest of your time not guiding the rambunctious group of smiths by reading in the silence of the liblary. There are many kind of books here you realized, more books than you had ever seen in your life. From simple language books to complex magical theories. If you didn't know any better how the largest liblary is obviously inside Mystogan then you would have though you are inside one. Your realization however just can't stop the wonderous tone to seep into your voice as you wordlessly appreciate the home of knowledge you are in.
While you are also deeply interested in the restricted section of the liblary, you are here on a mission and it is to fix your flaw of being unsubtle. You wouldn't rest until this weakness of yours is gone!
It took you half a month of tirelessly reading many literature of being sneaky and by the end of it you are convinced the bags under your eyes has grown. At least you are certain your inability in being not obvious has lessened. Just at the right time too. You want to try some of the techniques being written in your outing tonight after visiting the temple.
Intrigue Raised by 2. Now your Intrigue is 7. Further action unlocked because of Crit and PITY.
[X] Ruined Church
Intrigue DC: 25
Roll: 1
Failure
It, it did not work.
To be continued in the Interlude: House of Twilight
Random Event Rolls
88 (Pass)
96 (Crit Pass)
59 (Pass)
All I had to say is, your dice hates you.
Last edited:
- Location
- Someplace Somewhere
Ouch that nat one will hurt.
Interlude: The Six Elemental Gods
The Six Elemental Gods. The beings worshipped in the religion that could be considered as the main belief of Phione Council State. You had seen some of their temples back when you are in Varon, but in your homeland the Twin Sisters of Day and Night was still the Gods most people are devoted to which also includes you and Sister Kas. You only known the barest amount of facts about this foreign religion which is unacceptable considering one of their Gods apparantly reigns over Dead. What if they also had their own forces specializing in hunting abominations like you similar to the Exterminators from the Church?
For the moment however you put those concerning thoughts of yours at the back of your mind with a quick shake of your head. While thinking about all the possibilities is all well and good, it would only become a detriment if you stopped moving forward because of the fear it brought.
You instead took another long assessing look at the temple and it's surrounding. For some reason it was build on top of the river flowing between the city, requiring you to use the availabe boat just to take a step in this supposedly Holy ground. The house of worship in front of you is definitely grand, but something about it feels lacking. It looked like it was build for the purpose of venerating only one kind of God, and not Six like what you had been told. Is this why the people called it the Water Temple? Because it sure does looked the part.
In any case I can just ask the availabe Priest for answers. You thought with a frown, stepping between the row of massive pillars holding the roof together and entering the Temple proper.
The insides also looked grand from the first glance. The room where you are in is large and spacious with small canals on the sides for water to flow. The marble floor you are walking on is covered in a long royal blue carpet leading further into the temple and you can see many pieces of art depicting what you assumed to be the Six Gods adorning the walls. All clearly shows how deep rooted this religion is in the hearts of Phione people.
You are not daunted however. Almost half a year living in this wealthy country had already acclimatized you to the feeling of being slapped in the face with symbols of luxury such as this. Dear Goddess, your workplace is much more extravagant than this place without even trying!
"Hello? Is there anybody inside? I came here to pay my respects to the Six Elemental Gods and to learn more about them." You said loudly to the empty temple, not forgetting to put some money on the donation box along the way.
"Oh? A visitor this late into the evening?" A female voice sounded out from within after waiting for a few moments, and it also didn't took her long to appear.
Your first impression of her was 'She is gorgeous'. Many people in the city is actually, and you blame their higher living standards for it, but there is something about her that is just enthralling to you. Her knotted blue hair is long and looked smooth to be touched, her bright blue eyes gleamed like water from a clear lake, and the voice she made to speak with you flows smoothly like a river to almost make you feel breathless.
"Good evening Miss. My name is Zarya Lynn and I am the Head Priestess of this humble temple. How can I be of service?"
You need to take a couple of blinks to realize she is speaking to you, and once you do, you gave her a well formated and well thought out reply as of why did you need her.
"Aueya-service! Yes, I service you explain stuff Six Gods!"
For a moment everything is silence. Priestess Zarya gives you a couple blinks of surprise before softly smiling. You can hear the mirth in her next words to you. "I take it you want to learn about the Six Elemental Gods?"
Actually you want to die.
"Y, yes. Yes I do." You shakily said to her instead before continuing. "I am from Varon and was not familiar with the Gods of this land. I thought it is only appropriate of me to learn more about them in order to further integrate myself with Phione's custom. Will you mind helping me in this? Ah, also my name is Vecna Vera."
"I wouldn't mind, Miss Vecna. In fact it would be my pleasure. It had always been a joyous occasion to introduce another to the faith I believed in. Please, follow me." The Priestess told you in response, giving you a motion to follow her which you abide by.
In your journey to her destination, you can see more and more arts representing the Six Elemental Gods the further you go inside the Temple. You realized however that most of them are only portraying a single God among them, or more correctly a single Goddess. What was her name again? Was it Cordelia?
You can also see more people of faith along the way. Most of them are Humans and of the female gender, but there are also some Elfs and surprisingly Beastkins among them. They swiftly stepped away at your approach and gave a warm nod to Zarya which the blunette returned. It seems she is well liked in this Temple. Fitting for the Head Priestess you suppose.
"So, should I call you Sister, Mother, or....?" You asked Zarya sheepishly after a while. It wouldn't do to let the silence continue after all. Fortunately, she seemed to agree with you and before long you are chatting amicably with each other.
"We do not use those honorifics here so you can simply call me Zarya, Miss Vecna. Though you can use Sister Lynn if it makes you comfortable."
"Zarya then." You nodded in confirmation before switching to another topic. "Is there a reason why one of the Gods seems to be more worshipped here than the rest? Wasn't her name Cordelia?"
Zarya beamed at your question. Looking quite pleased at the subject. "That is correct. Goddess Cordelia is the one we mostly pray to in this temple. The reason for that is because at each city in Phione we have different temples set up to pay our respects to mainly one of the Six Elemental Gods. This one in Mavis is for Cordelia the Goddess of Water."
"Only one God for each city? Is it alright to divide the Gods like that?"
"We do have rooms within the vicinity for believers to pray towards the other five Gods and the capital has a large one build for all of the Six, but it is alright because the purpose of this arrangement is because there would be a time of pilgrim being done once a year for a religious activity. At that season, devoted people will begin their journey by visiting various city temples housing different Elemental Gods until they had reached the number Six before going to the Grand Temple in the capital. Sacred Text said it was to follow the footsteps of the Six in their journey across Altaria to save the world from the Elemental Lords. It had always been like this ever since the time of the religion's founding 300 years ago."
"300 years? This faith is that young?" You said in surprise. The Twin Sisters has been around for basically forever and the only other religion that you know of, the Island Guardians, at least had lived for more than a millenia. It is surprising to hear of such a noteworthy faith to only had lived for an entire Elf lifespan. Though, there is another detail in her explanation that had caught more of your attention.
"Wait, Elemental Lords? Who are they?" You questioned the Head Priestess in contemplation. They sounded pretty important, and judging by how Zarya expressions had suddenly turned solemn, it is not in a good way.
"The Elemental Lords are a group of four very strong Elemental beings who had brought untold calamities upon Altaria 400 hundred years ago. In the past, they had commanded massive elemental armies and had murdered countless people in their rampage. Tearing lands apart with neither care nor mercy for anyone. Many believed if they weren't stopped then, they would eventually have destroyed the world. These beings are called Igneous, Lord of Ruinous Flames. Baraq, Lord of Chaotic Storm. Grimes, Lord of Bottomless Mud. And Gliss, Lord of Eternal Blizzard. The disasters these Four had made are so devastating that even now, centuries later after their demise, remmants of their influence can still be seen on the face of Altaria."
You silently hears the explanation Zarya had given you, mind trying to comprehend the scale of disasters that was being told. In fact, hadn't you heard of this tale before? Could this possibly be-!?
"Disasters....are you talking about the Convulsion of Nature? A time when many different kind of magical disasters had happened all over the world? The insane disasters such as the Flipped Mountain and the Still Hill? I had thought they were just merely legends. You are not only telling me how they were actually real, but also how the Elemental Lords are the cause behind these events?"
"I assure you Miss Vecna, the Elemental Lords are very much not a legend. Such a horrifying show of power is indeed very difficult to imagine during a time like this, when there are none who wields the title of a Legendary, but their defeat is what had made the Six to be so special among the people eyes. Back then, it was said the concepts of Elements are so prevalent to the point where the people who had bested the Elemental Lords during the Convulsion are called the Six Elemental Heroes by the masses. These Six then will later on become the Six Elemental Gods after their ascension to Godhood. It is a very important event which narrates the beginning of the faith I believed in."
"I see." You said in abject wonder. The religion sounded like it had started off strong. No wonder it had become so prominent in such a short time. "You seemed to regard your faith very highly Zarya."
"Fitting for a Head Priestess am I not?" Coyly smiled Zarya towards you. Making you splutter in to utter an apology, but the blunette just laughes it off. "I am kidding, I am kidding. I guess I did lay it off thickly for a moment there. I hope I didn't bore you with my ramblings, Miss Vecna."
"Not at all! It is very interesting Zarya. Thank you for letting me indulge in my curiosity." You assured the woman of faith and you actually mean it. If the Convulsion of Nature is true then maybe you can learn something useful about the Elemental Lords to help you in your journey to become a full pledged Necromancer. Not now when you are still very weak, but maybe when you became an Expert you can pursue the remmants this legend had left behind.
"I am glad for you to say that." Softly said Zarya, oblivious to your sacrilegious thoughts, before perking up at the sight of an artwork up ahead. Stopping right before it alongside you. "It seemed we also had arrived. Tell me Miss Vecna. What did you see?"
You turn your gaze up at the artwork. It is a picture made out of colourful threads. Was it called needle painting? It depicts a group of six people in an inspiring pose, and having them seems ready to face off againts a demonic looking giant made out of fire. It is easy to tell that this picture means to portray the mortal forms of the Six Elemental Gods during their battle againts an Elemental Lord, who is most likely Igneous. What is interesting however is how there seemed to be at least a single person for each of the race among the Six.
"I take it these are what the Six looked like? They are not all Humans?" You voice out your thoughts to Zarya, who then explained to you the meaning behind the picture while having an air of melancholy around her.
"They aren't. It is quite rare in a religion doesn't it? But, it is what makes them beautiful in my eyes. In a time of hardship, these six had managed to work together despite the differences that they had. Uniting in a single goal to help everyone. I will now tell you about each of them to the best of my abilities."
At that, you set your eyes firmly on the blue haired Head Priestess beside you. Ready to hear about the Gods she believed in.
She started it off with the Goddess of Water. Zarya expressions when describing her is cheerful and full of pride. Make sense considering for whom this temple has been build.
"First, there is Cordelia, the Goddess of Water and the patron of this Temple. As a mortal Human, she was and still is considered to be the greatest Sorceress of this Era. With wisdom and compassion, she is often being seen giving aid to others before her time as one of the Six. She helped farmers by bringing rain to the lands suffering from drought, she helped sailors by calming the raging seas to give them a safe passage, and she helped the ills by curing them with her blessed water. Among the Six, she is considered as the Goddess of Agriculture, the Goddess of the Sea, and the Goddess of Healing. Phione mainly worshipped her because Goddess Cordelia is very well known to be a native from here."
She then explained about the God of Wind. While less than Cordelia, she seemed to also favor this God judging by the excited look on her face.
"Secondly, we have the freedom loving God of Wind Gildor. He was a famous traveling Elven artist in his mortal life, enamoring many people through his mesmerizing songs, dances, and paints. Old tales said of how he is both curious and friendly, always sharing and seeking every wonders the world could offer. Most only thought of Lord Gildor as an eccentric and handsome Elf in the beginning, but time had ensured his works to be among the greatest arts you can found throughout Altaria. Among the Six, he is considered as the God of Beauty, the God of Arts, and the God of Connection."
The next God is one of Earth. Here, Zarya's stance became firmer and you think she is trying to make her voice sounds confident to help you easily visualize the God in question.
"Next, we have the ever reliable Hardrak Irongift. If you find the name familiar then you must have recognized it from the recent news about our soon to be Dwarven guests. Hardrak the God of Earth is the uncle of Cragmar Kingdom's current High King Horrak. He was the best Dwarven blacksmith in Cragmar while also being it's fiercest fighter. He is famous for his action of jumping out of the mountain alone to save Akhti and the rest from hordes of drakes, the story had practically been retold countless times in many bars and taverns. The people loved Lord Hardrak, the Dwarf's even more so as he is the first Dwarf to had ever ascended to Godhood in known history. You can see signs of him inside forges with Dwarven influence. Among the Six, he is considered as the God of Strength, the God of Mountain, and the God of Craftmanship."
Now, Zarya expressions became troubled. She spoke slowly and carefully. As if she is uncertain in how to best describe the Goddess of Light to you.
"After that, there is Athanoss the Goddess of Light. She is a Serpentine Scalekin who eludes many including us from the Temple with her actions. According to the Sacred Text, Goddess Athanoss was the most vocal of Scalekin who wished for Akhti and the rest to leave the Serpentine land yet when they do so she for some unknown reason followed. She was described as both calming and chilling, always patient to hear about people's unreasonable opinions yet will not hesitate to kill a child. Strangely she was also being associated with aspects of Law and Order which can be seen in the Snake themed Court Rooms of Phione. Among the Six, she is considered as the Goddess of Truth, the Goddess of Redemption, and the Goddess of Justice."
This time you can clearly tell how Zarya had mixed feelings about the next God. She doesn't seem to hate him, but she also doesn't sound like she is comfortable with something about the God. Is the God of Darkness existance was also full of controversy like the Night Twin?
"Then, we also have the God of Darkness Cormac. He is the most fearsome God among the Six and arguably the oldest. He is a Crow Beastkin who had fought during the Beast Wars. Akhti and the rest sought out his help because he was the only one who had known the way to stop the immortal Elemental Lords. If you had ever wondered why us people of Phione buried money alongside our dead then it is because of him. Lord Cormac was known to appreciate worldly possessions thus the reason for the Crow image in our coins and why we buried them. Among the Six, he is considered as the God of Hunting, the God of Fortune, and the God of Dead."
The last God she explained is the God who ruled over flames. Her mood is now up again. Describing the apparantly Chief God among the Six with nothing but positivity.
"And finally, last but not least we have Lord Akhti himself, the God of Fire and the one we will be celebrating the birth of tomorrow. Just like the Goddess Cordelia, Lord Akhti is a Human God. One who embodied Courage, Martial Prowess and most importantly the Sun. He is a wandering Hero during the Convulsion of Nature. Traveling from place to place and saving people from the rampaging Elementals. He is the one who banded together the rest of the Six Elemental Gods and is the God Chief of their Pantheon. Among the Six, he is considered as the God of Bravery, the God of the Sun, and the God of Battle."
And that was all. At the end of it Zarya looked like she needed to take a couple of breaths due to the small exposition she had just aired out, but for the most part she just looked content.
"That was very interesting Zarya. Thank you for spending your time with me." You said to her after you finished digesting the information being given. There's a lot to unpack from her explanation, and you would need to review some of them more throughly when you returned back home. This Cormac in particular sounds dangerous. You would very much like to ask a few more questions about him.
Sadly however it is starting to get late. You did not want to bother Zarya too much and you really do want to investigate the church tonight if at all possible.
The Head Priestess seems to notice your intention and thus began to retrace her steps back the way you both came from. Seemingly wanting to escort you out.
"Leaving so soon? It does approaching the time for dinner, but I can't exactly stop you. I do hope you find my faith to be worth following?" Zarya said to you with an eager smile.
"I will think about it." You replied in a noncommittal tone. You don't think any Gods will ever accept a Necromancer like you. "It has been a pleasure Zarya."
"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Vecna. Though can I ask you something before you leave?"
"What is it?"
"Would you like to spend your time at the festival with me?"
"What? Why?" You asked her. Surprised at the invitation that came out of nowhere. Her reply however just makes your heart ached.
"You looked like you can use a company."
"...."
You can't say anything for a while. Are you really just that obvious? You know you hadn't been exactly open to others as of late, but that was intentional. You can't be making true connections with anyone when you need to always keep up your facade. No matter how exhausting it is to you at times.
You thought you had been hiding it pretty well behind your indifferent persona, but has it really been affecting you that much?
Zarya is still waiting.
"I..."
[ ] "Accept." Maybe it's okay to loosen myself up for once?
(Will spend the Event: Blooming Cinder with Head Priestess Zarya. Relationship with Zarya Lynn will begin at ☆☆☆.)
[ ] "Decline." While I could try to open myself up more to others. It doesn't meant it has to be with Zarya.
(Will spend the Event: Blooming Cinder with Team 8 while on guard duty. Relationship with Zarya Lynn will begin at ☆☆.)
For the moment however you put those concerning thoughts of yours at the back of your mind with a quick shake of your head. While thinking about all the possibilities is all well and good, it would only become a detriment if you stopped moving forward because of the fear it brought.
You instead took another long assessing look at the temple and it's surrounding. For some reason it was build on top of the river flowing between the city, requiring you to use the availabe boat just to take a step in this supposedly Holy ground. The house of worship in front of you is definitely grand, but something about it feels lacking. It looked like it was build for the purpose of venerating only one kind of God, and not Six like what you had been told. Is this why the people called it the Water Temple? Because it sure does looked the part.
In any case I can just ask the availabe Priest for answers. You thought with a frown, stepping between the row of massive pillars holding the roof together and entering the Temple proper.
The insides also looked grand from the first glance. The room where you are in is large and spacious with small canals on the sides for water to flow. The marble floor you are walking on is covered in a long royal blue carpet leading further into the temple and you can see many pieces of art depicting what you assumed to be the Six Gods adorning the walls. All clearly shows how deep rooted this religion is in the hearts of Phione people.
You are not daunted however. Almost half a year living in this wealthy country had already acclimatized you to the feeling of being slapped in the face with symbols of luxury such as this. Dear Goddess, your workplace is much more extravagant than this place without even trying!
"Hello? Is there anybody inside? I came here to pay my respects to the Six Elemental Gods and to learn more about them." You said loudly to the empty temple, not forgetting to put some money on the donation box along the way.
"Oh? A visitor this late into the evening?" A female voice sounded out from within after waiting for a few moments, and it also didn't took her long to appear.
Your first impression of her was 'She is gorgeous'. Many people in the city is actually, and you blame their higher living standards for it, but there is something about her that is just enthralling to you. Her knotted blue hair is long and looked smooth to be touched, her bright blue eyes gleamed like water from a clear lake, and the voice she made to speak with you flows smoothly like a river to almost make you feel breathless.
"Good evening Miss. My name is Zarya Lynn and I am the Head Priestess of this humble temple. How can I be of service?"
You need to take a couple of blinks to realize she is speaking to you, and once you do, you gave her a well formated and well thought out reply as of why did you need her.
"Aueya-service! Yes, I service you explain stuff Six Gods!"
For a moment everything is silence. Priestess Zarya gives you a couple blinks of surprise before softly smiling. You can hear the mirth in her next words to you. "I take it you want to learn about the Six Elemental Gods?"
Actually you want to die.
"Y, yes. Yes I do." You shakily said to her instead before continuing. "I am from Varon and was not familiar with the Gods of this land. I thought it is only appropriate of me to learn more about them in order to further integrate myself with Phione's custom. Will you mind helping me in this? Ah, also my name is Vecna Vera."
"I wouldn't mind, Miss Vecna. In fact it would be my pleasure. It had always been a joyous occasion to introduce another to the faith I believed in. Please, follow me." The Priestess told you in response, giving you a motion to follow her which you abide by.
In your journey to her destination, you can see more and more arts representing the Six Elemental Gods the further you go inside the Temple. You realized however that most of them are only portraying a single God among them, or more correctly a single Goddess. What was her name again? Was it Cordelia?
You can also see more people of faith along the way. Most of them are Humans and of the female gender, but there are also some Elfs and surprisingly Beastkins among them. They swiftly stepped away at your approach and gave a warm nod to Zarya which the blunette returned. It seems she is well liked in this Temple. Fitting for the Head Priestess you suppose.
"So, should I call you Sister, Mother, or....?" You asked Zarya sheepishly after a while. It wouldn't do to let the silence continue after all. Fortunately, she seemed to agree with you and before long you are chatting amicably with each other.
"We do not use those honorifics here so you can simply call me Zarya, Miss Vecna. Though you can use Sister Lynn if it makes you comfortable."
"Zarya then." You nodded in confirmation before switching to another topic. "Is there a reason why one of the Gods seems to be more worshipped here than the rest? Wasn't her name Cordelia?"
Zarya beamed at your question. Looking quite pleased at the subject. "That is correct. Goddess Cordelia is the one we mostly pray to in this temple. The reason for that is because at each city in Phione we have different temples set up to pay our respects to mainly one of the Six Elemental Gods. This one in Mavis is for Cordelia the Goddess of Water."
"Only one God for each city? Is it alright to divide the Gods like that?"
"We do have rooms within the vicinity for believers to pray towards the other five Gods and the capital has a large one build for all of the Six, but it is alright because the purpose of this arrangement is because there would be a time of pilgrim being done once a year for a religious activity. At that season, devoted people will begin their journey by visiting various city temples housing different Elemental Gods until they had reached the number Six before going to the Grand Temple in the capital. Sacred Text said it was to follow the footsteps of the Six in their journey across Altaria to save the world from the Elemental Lords. It had always been like this ever since the time of the religion's founding 300 years ago."
"300 years? This faith is that young?" You said in surprise. The Twin Sisters has been around for basically forever and the only other religion that you know of, the Island Guardians, at least had lived for more than a millenia. It is surprising to hear of such a noteworthy faith to only had lived for an entire Elf lifespan. Though, there is another detail in her explanation that had caught more of your attention.
"Wait, Elemental Lords? Who are they?" You questioned the Head Priestess in contemplation. They sounded pretty important, and judging by how Zarya expressions had suddenly turned solemn, it is not in a good way.
"The Elemental Lords are a group of four very strong Elemental beings who had brought untold calamities upon Altaria 400 hundred years ago. In the past, they had commanded massive elemental armies and had murdered countless people in their rampage. Tearing lands apart with neither care nor mercy for anyone. Many believed if they weren't stopped then, they would eventually have destroyed the world. These beings are called Igneous, Lord of Ruinous Flames. Baraq, Lord of Chaotic Storm. Grimes, Lord of Bottomless Mud. And Gliss, Lord of Eternal Blizzard. The disasters these Four had made are so devastating that even now, centuries later after their demise, remmants of their influence can still be seen on the face of Altaria."
You silently hears the explanation Zarya had given you, mind trying to comprehend the scale of disasters that was being told. In fact, hadn't you heard of this tale before? Could this possibly be-!?
"Disasters....are you talking about the Convulsion of Nature? A time when many different kind of magical disasters had happened all over the world? The insane disasters such as the Flipped Mountain and the Still Hill? I had thought they were just merely legends. You are not only telling me how they were actually real, but also how the Elemental Lords are the cause behind these events?"
"I assure you Miss Vecna, the Elemental Lords are very much not a legend. Such a horrifying show of power is indeed very difficult to imagine during a time like this, when there are none who wields the title of a Legendary, but their defeat is what had made the Six to be so special among the people eyes. Back then, it was said the concepts of Elements are so prevalent to the point where the people who had bested the Elemental Lords during the Convulsion are called the Six Elemental Heroes by the masses. These Six then will later on become the Six Elemental Gods after their ascension to Godhood. It is a very important event which narrates the beginning of the faith I believed in."
"I see." You said in abject wonder. The religion sounded like it had started off strong. No wonder it had become so prominent in such a short time. "You seemed to regard your faith very highly Zarya."
"Fitting for a Head Priestess am I not?" Coyly smiled Zarya towards you. Making you splutter in to utter an apology, but the blunette just laughes it off. "I am kidding, I am kidding. I guess I did lay it off thickly for a moment there. I hope I didn't bore you with my ramblings, Miss Vecna."
"Not at all! It is very interesting Zarya. Thank you for letting me indulge in my curiosity." You assured the woman of faith and you actually mean it. If the Convulsion of Nature is true then maybe you can learn something useful about the Elemental Lords to help you in your journey to become a full pledged Necromancer. Not now when you are still very weak, but maybe when you became an Expert you can pursue the remmants this legend had left behind.
"I am glad for you to say that." Softly said Zarya, oblivious to your sacrilegious thoughts, before perking up at the sight of an artwork up ahead. Stopping right before it alongside you. "It seemed we also had arrived. Tell me Miss Vecna. What did you see?"
You turn your gaze up at the artwork. It is a picture made out of colourful threads. Was it called needle painting? It depicts a group of six people in an inspiring pose, and having them seems ready to face off againts a demonic looking giant made out of fire. It is easy to tell that this picture means to portray the mortal forms of the Six Elemental Gods during their battle againts an Elemental Lord, who is most likely Igneous. What is interesting however is how there seemed to be at least a single person for each of the race among the Six.
"I take it these are what the Six looked like? They are not all Humans?" You voice out your thoughts to Zarya, who then explained to you the meaning behind the picture while having an air of melancholy around her.
"They aren't. It is quite rare in a religion doesn't it? But, it is what makes them beautiful in my eyes. In a time of hardship, these six had managed to work together despite the differences that they had. Uniting in a single goal to help everyone. I will now tell you about each of them to the best of my abilities."
At that, you set your eyes firmly on the blue haired Head Priestess beside you. Ready to hear about the Gods she believed in.
She started it off with the Goddess of Water. Zarya expressions when describing her is cheerful and full of pride. Make sense considering for whom this temple has been build.
"First, there is Cordelia, the Goddess of Water and the patron of this Temple. As a mortal Human, she was and still is considered to be the greatest Sorceress of this Era. With wisdom and compassion, she is often being seen giving aid to others before her time as one of the Six. She helped farmers by bringing rain to the lands suffering from drought, she helped sailors by calming the raging seas to give them a safe passage, and she helped the ills by curing them with her blessed water. Among the Six, she is considered as the Goddess of Agriculture, the Goddess of the Sea, and the Goddess of Healing. Phione mainly worshipped her because Goddess Cordelia is very well known to be a native from here."
She then explained about the God of Wind. While less than Cordelia, she seemed to also favor this God judging by the excited look on her face.
"Secondly, we have the freedom loving God of Wind Gildor. He was a famous traveling Elven artist in his mortal life, enamoring many people through his mesmerizing songs, dances, and paints. Old tales said of how he is both curious and friendly, always sharing and seeking every wonders the world could offer. Most only thought of Lord Gildor as an eccentric and handsome Elf in the beginning, but time had ensured his works to be among the greatest arts you can found throughout Altaria. Among the Six, he is considered as the God of Beauty, the God of Arts, and the God of Connection."
The next God is one of Earth. Here, Zarya's stance became firmer and you think she is trying to make her voice sounds confident to help you easily visualize the God in question.
"Next, we have the ever reliable Hardrak Irongift. If you find the name familiar then you must have recognized it from the recent news about our soon to be Dwarven guests. Hardrak the God of Earth is the uncle of Cragmar Kingdom's current High King Horrak. He was the best Dwarven blacksmith in Cragmar while also being it's fiercest fighter. He is famous for his action of jumping out of the mountain alone to save Akhti and the rest from hordes of drakes, the story had practically been retold countless times in many bars and taverns. The people loved Lord Hardrak, the Dwarf's even more so as he is the first Dwarf to had ever ascended to Godhood in known history. You can see signs of him inside forges with Dwarven influence. Among the Six, he is considered as the God of Strength, the God of Mountain, and the God of Craftmanship."
Now, Zarya expressions became troubled. She spoke slowly and carefully. As if she is uncertain in how to best describe the Goddess of Light to you.
"After that, there is Athanoss the Goddess of Light. She is a Serpentine Scalekin who eludes many including us from the Temple with her actions. According to the Sacred Text, Goddess Athanoss was the most vocal of Scalekin who wished for Akhti and the rest to leave the Serpentine land yet when they do so she for some unknown reason followed. She was described as both calming and chilling, always patient to hear about people's unreasonable opinions yet will not hesitate to kill a child. Strangely she was also being associated with aspects of Law and Order which can be seen in the Snake themed Court Rooms of Phione. Among the Six, she is considered as the Goddess of Truth, the Goddess of Redemption, and the Goddess of Justice."
This time you can clearly tell how Zarya had mixed feelings about the next God. She doesn't seem to hate him, but she also doesn't sound like she is comfortable with something about the God. Is the God of Darkness existance was also full of controversy like the Night Twin?
"Then, we also have the God of Darkness Cormac. He is the most fearsome God among the Six and arguably the oldest. He is a Crow Beastkin who had fought during the Beast Wars. Akhti and the rest sought out his help because he was the only one who had known the way to stop the immortal Elemental Lords. If you had ever wondered why us people of Phione buried money alongside our dead then it is because of him. Lord Cormac was known to appreciate worldly possessions thus the reason for the Crow image in our coins and why we buried them. Among the Six, he is considered as the God of Hunting, the God of Fortune, and the God of Dead."
The last God she explained is the God who ruled over flames. Her mood is now up again. Describing the apparantly Chief God among the Six with nothing but positivity.
"And finally, last but not least we have Lord Akhti himself, the God of Fire and the one we will be celebrating the birth of tomorrow. Just like the Goddess Cordelia, Lord Akhti is a Human God. One who embodied Courage, Martial Prowess and most importantly the Sun. He is a wandering Hero during the Convulsion of Nature. Traveling from place to place and saving people from the rampaging Elementals. He is the one who banded together the rest of the Six Elemental Gods and is the God Chief of their Pantheon. Among the Six, he is considered as the God of Bravery, the God of the Sun, and the God of Battle."
And that was all. At the end of it Zarya looked like she needed to take a couple of breaths due to the small exposition she had just aired out, but for the most part she just looked content.
"That was very interesting Zarya. Thank you for spending your time with me." You said to her after you finished digesting the information being given. There's a lot to unpack from her explanation, and you would need to review some of them more throughly when you returned back home. This Cormac in particular sounds dangerous. You would very much like to ask a few more questions about him.
Sadly however it is starting to get late. You did not want to bother Zarya too much and you really do want to investigate the church tonight if at all possible.
The Head Priestess seems to notice your intention and thus began to retrace her steps back the way you both came from. Seemingly wanting to escort you out.
"Leaving so soon? It does approaching the time for dinner, but I can't exactly stop you. I do hope you find my faith to be worth following?" Zarya said to you with an eager smile.
"I will think about it." You replied in a noncommittal tone. You don't think any Gods will ever accept a Necromancer like you. "It has been a pleasure Zarya."
"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Vecna. Though can I ask you something before you leave?"
"What is it?"
"Would you like to spend your time at the festival with me?"
"What? Why?" You asked her. Surprised at the invitation that came out of nowhere. Her reply however just makes your heart ached.
"You looked like you can use a company."
"...."
You can't say anything for a while. Are you really just that obvious? You know you hadn't been exactly open to others as of late, but that was intentional. You can't be making true connections with anyone when you need to always keep up your facade. No matter how exhausting it is to you at times.
You thought you had been hiding it pretty well behind your indifferent persona, but has it really been affecting you that much?
Zarya is still waiting.
"I..."
[ ] "Accept." Maybe it's okay to loosen myself up for once?
(Will spend the Event: Blooming Cinder with Head Priestess Zarya. Relationship with Zarya Lynn will begin at ☆☆☆.)
[ ] "Decline." While I could try to open myself up more to others. It doesn't meant it has to be with Zarya.
(Will spend the Event: Blooming Cinder with Team 8 while on guard duty. Relationship with Zarya Lynn will begin at ☆☆.)
Again I need to cut an interlude down, but unlike before I am quite satisfied with this one.
The reason for her invitation is because of your timing. If you had picked this a turn earlier then she wouldn't have given it.
The reason for her invitation is because of your timing. If you had picked this a turn earlier then she wouldn't have given it.
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- Location
- Washington
[X] "Accept." Maybe it's okay to loosen myself up for once?
ThatGuyWithIdeas
Treize died for our sins
- Location
- Romania
[X] "Accept." Maybe it's okay to loosen myself up for once?
- Location
- Washington
I see literally no reason to say no. If anything, it could potentially benefit us in the long run to accept.
- Location
- Europe
[X] "Accept." Maybe it's okay to loosen myself up for once?
[X] "Accept." Maybe it's okay to loosen myself up for once?
Besides the being a necromancer and needing to keep that secret thing i don't see why not.
I think it should be Zarya, not Zayra.
There probably were more typos and i forgot about them, i will only point out those three because i am lazy.
Is it just a coincidence or is there a reason for the country being called Phione, the name of a legendary pokemon found in the Water Temple, which is also the name of the Temple Vec just went to.
Besides the being a necromancer and needing to keep that secret thing i don't see why not.
I think it should be Zarya, not Zayra.
There probably were more typos and i forgot about them, i will only point out those three because i am lazy.
Is it just a coincidence or is there a reason for the country being called Phione, the name of a legendary pokemon found in the Water Temple, which is also the name of the Temple Vec just went to.
Ok then, when reading the entire update, it was intriguing to learn about the Six Elemental Gods and seeing how excited Zarya was with discussing the Gods but what catch my attention in particular was her reaction when discussing the Goddess of Light and the God of Darkness. While I understand why she was somewhat leery of the Goddess of Light due the apparent amorality in some parts of her nature, I do not understand why she is more uncomfortable with the God of Darkness as while he does seem more fearsome, it does not explain what precisely makes him an uncomfortable topic for Zarya, unless she has a history with followers of Cormac. Any idea guys?
I am going to close the vote in 3-4 hours.
And closing the vote here. I didn't expect all of you to jump right into it. Well, to the Crit Fail Interlude we go.