Chapter 34: Will the Tenth Be Illusive?

With Tashome staring expectantly at the mirror face of the staff, Sammy wasn’t inclined to disappoint. His instant acceptance of her was far too appealing and intriguing.

Samantha spoke with her subdued, yet epic reverb voice, “I am indeed present… in a manner of speaking. Greetings, Tashome. Canmore. I acknowledge your honor and return it.” Despite a pause, no one spoke. Canmore was a bit white-faced. So she continued, “You are very familiar with spirits, Tashome? I am in fact a goddess.”

His eyebrows rose slightly, but he nodded in understanding. “Spirits are accepted in Valuwei and Yonpur. There are many. Many, many, many. Over a thousand with names. There is no room or human desire for spirits to ascend to your supreme level. Balance is kept, and color and chaos sprinkles the life of the Valuweian. Not overpowering the mortal, unless they are foolish, unlucky, or both.”

“I am intrigued and fascinated to hear it… do many of your people leave and travel as you do?”

“Not many. A sparse few traders. Most come to Valuwei Onei for that. Traders and fugitives venture out. I’m one such escapee of justice. I had a troubled youth.” A small, wan smile. “So now I fight and kill men for money in a world of gray, teased always by hints of illusive color. My punishment.”

“I am sorry to hear it, Tashome. At least such a place exists. I’m glad. It must be far from the Dominion, who’d smother it all in ash and salt I imagine.”

“Remote, yes. They would, yes. They tried, but fate intervened again and again. Storms off the coast wiped out entire fleets during their golden age of expansion. I think they gave up after the third. I guess we’re just lucky.” He grinned.

“A separate continent, then?”

“No, but close. Up in the depths of the biting cold. The northern mountains are even worse for the sages. They’ve always been vexed by the minotaurs, resistant to their magic and supported by shamans. That’s a simple word for it. Theirs is Shonwaree and it is effectively a priest of their pantheon. The sages have never done much in conquest there, and always were driven back out of the Klairestrines by clan alliances.”

Minotaurs. Minotaur gods. A pantheon. Holy shit.

Despite the issue of appearing ignorant, Samantha had to ask, “Do they still war? Have relations improved?”

“The minotaurs despise the Dominion but haven’t been interested in their lands. They used to raid in retaliation. Minimize their casualties. But they hold long grudges. Thankfully, they don’t see Valuweians the same. They come in peace and trade, and vice versa. They shun the great waters but love various things that come from it. They respect our ways… they think of our spirits as their gods’ children and creations.”

Well, they don’t sound so bad. I wonder if they’d hate me or not. I’m technically not human I guess? And I’m certainly not one of their ancestral enemies. Guilty by association? Hmm.

Noticing Tashome had not picked back up his bowl, and no one eating at all, Samantha said, “Please feel free to eat, gentlemen.”

Tashome made the prayer sign again, then picked up his bowl to continue, and the other two followed suit.

“Tashome,” Samantha continued, “I am curious if your beliefs preclude you from serving a goddess.”

He raised an eyebrow in response and replied, “Oh? Why is that?” Coy.

With slightly amused airs, she said, “I hear some are recruiting.”

“Some? Perhaps you could give me a list to choose from.”

“I can. Redberry and Samantha, Goddess of Mirrors and Illusion.”

He could not completely hide the intrigue in his expression, but he said, “Hmm, are you sure that Redberry is recruiting? I do enjoy nature…”

Grinning briefly, Samantha said, “The waiting list is very long, I’m afraid. I, on the other hand, am actively seeking members.”

“I’m not surprised by the first bit. Redberry is quite aloof, from the feel of my prayers.” He chewed his food slowly as he considered. Swallowed. “I pray to all spirits and gods, Samantha. You already have my liege lord in obedience, yes? Oath-bound to service?”

“Of course.”

“And your good friend, Canmore!” Canmore added.

“Oaths to deities aren’t to be taken lightly,” Orswyth offered, “but Samantha is boundlessly trustworthy. She has a sound conscience and a pure heart. Perhaps even too pure. I sometimes fear it is better for me to trust her more than myself, as where I have given up, she did not give up on me. There is no better ally than her, in spirit.”

“That seems refreshing, though concerning,” Tashome said. “I hope you have non-fanatics as well, Goddess.”

“I am not acceding to your characterization of Orswyth, but yes, I have those who are more dubious.”

“Mm. Honestly, I am tempted just to know exactly what really happened on the hill. But… I need to know your position on other spirits. What are you trying to make in the long term? What world would you want to see?”

“I already have good relations, technically. I am amiable with Redberry. I’ve been to her realm. And might I add, the fairies and dryads like me.”

“Dryads exist?!” Canmore exclaimed in wonder. Meanwhile, she detected Tashome’s eyes widening slightly.

“Yes. Tashome,” Samantha continued, “the Dominion is obviously my enemy. I plan to build on their outskirts secretly and hide from them as long as I can. I will take every ally I can that isn’t pure evil scum. I’ll even take dastardly rogues like you” — Tashome barked a laugh at the clear poking fun — “on board, after all. I have no intention of inhibiting other spiritual entities that are, likewise, not pure evil scum.”

She sent a cue to Orswyth to raise up the staff in time for her to finally appear visually, resplendent on her throne. Certainly, Canmore was more awed, but Tashome was not unmoved.

The Goddess Samantha held a hand out to Tashome. “Join me and I will help you bring the color of your dreams back into the lands you must walk in exile. Through me will that reflection be cast upon the world again. Perhaps, in time, you and your people can show me how to manage this balance you speak of.

“I’d like a world where Redberry was happier… where she could create again and engage instead of withering away, unable to summon inspiration for her incredible potential. So. Will we help each other?”

Tashome had listened intently, craning his neck up toward her. He took a deep breath when she was finished, shaking his head slightly. “Are you this adamant with all the vulnerable men you’ve collected under your wing?”

Samantha smiled brilliantly. “Only the ones that need it. Man or woman.”

In a thin voice, Canmore muttered, “I dunno if I’ve been insulted or complimented…”

Turning her smile to Canmore, she said, “Orswyth was adamant for me, hmm? But I am glad we’ve met officially, Sergeant.”

“Yes, ah, me too! Thank you, Goddess!”

Tashome looked away, face cast in deliberation. Finally, he set aside the bowl and stood. “There are a lot of pressures conspiring to convince me, here. Would you show me the agreement?”

Sammy reached out in spirit to him in that way that everyone but him had received after they’d already agreed. Tashome squinted as if reading or studying. “The trump above all other masters, hmm? A queen truly lives in these lands again. I hope Orswyth is right about your benevolence.”

“In intentions, yes, of course. But I will gladly receive all counsel, particularly in such earthly matters as I am not as well versed. I want the results to match the intentions, not just… whatever my whims are.”

“Hmm. Most with such an attitude don’t get so high as you.” After a pause, he said. “Very well, then. I cannot deny the signs, can’t deny this is my fate. So the dice fall. Spirits help me.” He reached his hand to the mirror and spoke the words that made him the tenth Follower.

Follower conversion successful. 1 FE gained. 1 Daily FE gained (total: 14).

The quest “Fledgling Deity: Ten is Divine” is complete. 330 FE gained. Holy Relic Investiture unlocked. 2 free Ordinations granted.

New Quest unlocked: “The Divine Precepts” — Create a code of requirements for Followers.
● Rewards: +7 FE, 1 free Holy Relic Investiture

Oh my god-dess-self! I got to 10! Now I have to decide on priests… and a code… ugh. Feels like homework. I have to take it seriously as fuck for sure. I guess it’s like the ten commandments, not that I’m going that far.

Five Precepts of Taoism or Buddhism? I’m surprised I even remember that. Hmm. No killing is common… no. I don’t think I have that luxury at all. I don’t know if I could do it personally, but I have killers as allies…

Right after the conversion, Tashome sat back down on the cushion cross-legged and closed his eyes, as if meditating, saying nothing.

“I want to point out,” his voice of prayer flared at her mentally, crisp and clear, “there’s something of an issue with your leadership structure. You’ll need an appointment equivalent to your mystagogues so you can assign powerful non-priests appropriate positions. Unless you only appoint high-status individuals as a mystagogue.”

“Ah yes… nobility sneering at peasants ordering them.”

“If you want to rock the boat, so be it, but I wouldn’t advise it at your early stage.”

“Knew that rather quickly, did you?”

“No, but you just confirmed it.” Amusement. “I suggest you structure a hierarchy now. While the difference between Orswyth and Timmy Firststubbles may not be much in spellcraft, the leagues of experience and clout between is like a mountain. You can raise the lower rankers as they show leadership.”

“Sounds like you know your cults.”

“I was in a few in my younger days. Our version of them, anyway. Sex stuff, mostly.”

“Figures. You may be something of a top priestly candidate at this point. And that was not a suggestive segue.”

“I’m honored either way. Take your time as you care too, Goddess. But consider carefully whether you want to raise someone to the heights very quickly.”

“I will.” Immediately, she saw the comparison already. Orswyth and Azure, they could handle and pull off authority. What other candidate? The biggest trouble was she had four believers together on a dangerous mission. Logically, she needed to pick one to give it to. If she gave it to Estara, she’d suddenly — technically — be an authority figure, which didn’t make sense.

“Well,” Canmore blurted into meditative silence, “I’m done eating, and I am going to get around to passing out. It was the pleasure of my life to meet you, Samantha. Er- Your Majesty! Sorry. Lord Orswyth told me to address you like that…”

“It was a pleasure to meet you as well, Canmore. Rest well. But remember to pray before. Thirty minutes. In the future, you may distribute that throughout the day, mind.”

“Yes ma’am- er, Your Majesty!”

Sammy withdrew, thanking and congratulating Orswyth on number 2 of 4 for his quest, after confirming it counted for him. She also told him she was going to go ahead and name him Hierophant to ensure a higher status of authority, which he approved as logical though his humility made him somewhat hesitant.

Azure… the High Priestess. I like it. But the rest needs thought. A few ranks. Hmm. I can’t remember all the Greek words for this stuff. I just have to make it up, I guess…

While pacing and deliberating around the platform, the prayers began to come in…

1 FE (Mirrors, Illusion) obtained from worship. Converted to Illusion FE.

1 FE (Mirrors, Illusion) obtained from worship. Converted to Illusion FE.

1 FE (Mirrors, Illusion) obtained from worship. Converted to Illusion FE.

1 FE (Mirrors, Illusion) obtained from worship. Converted to Illusion FE.

1 FE (Mirrors, Illusion) obtained from worship. Converted to Illusion FE.

1 FE (Mirrors, Illusion) obtained from worship. Converted to Illusion FE.

At 25, she stopped converting the rest that came and in great excitement spent the 25 FE (Illusion) to finally open the domain!

Domain [Illusion] gained. Grant Prayer (Illusion) gained.

The quest “Through a Glass, Darkly” is complete. 10 FE (Illusion) rebated. Power (Create Illusion) gained.

« Chapter 33 | Table of Contents | Chapter 35: To Entertain a Masquerade »

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Samantha, Virgin Goddess of Mirrors & Illusion
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Goddess Level 1; Fledgling Deity

Domains (2/2): Mirrors, Illusion
Faith Energy: 854/1000
FE (Illusion): 10
Followers: 10 (Daily FE Gain: 14 [15])

Brute: 0
Rogue: 0
Wizard: 0 [8/10]
Bard: 0

Special Skills: First Aid, Tarot Reading, Priestly Ordination

Special Traits: Token User, Immortal, Demiplane Domain, Conceptual Body, Fueled By Faith

Powers: Faith Energy Utilization, Grant Prayer (Illusion), Mirror Sense (at will), Mirror Communication (at will), Create Illusion

Status: Token User Promotional Bonus (3/30), New Deity Grace Period (3/7)