Chapter 895: Try Not to Bring Down Civilisation
Added 2024-05-08 23:00:03 +0000 UTCOuter Rexion had many temples, but they weren’t clustered together, as was the norm. With the town itself circling a massive shaft, the temple district likewise took the form of a ring. Positioned just behind the shaft-side plazas and entertainment districts, the houses of the holy were conveniently located for post-sin repentance.
What the locals called the Worship Ring was a wide boulevard. The cavernous ceiling accommodated the often exotic architecture of the temples, lining both sides of the broad street. Around each temple were annexes, stalls and shop fronts. Ritual supplies, holy books and iconography were all available, along with more specific products.
In defiance of geology and physics, underground rivers fed the growth chambers that produced all the food and water for Rexion. Accordingly, there was a small temple to the god of rivers in Outer Rexion, abutted by the world’s least successful fishing supply shop.
Jason walked around the Worship Ring, down the wide and busy boulevard. He immediately recognised how much prime real estate had been allocated to the churches. He suspected the brighthearts had been generous when expanding the original outpost, since no temples could be built in Rexion proper.
The original brightheart city had its own temples and priesthoods, devoted to the same gods the surface dwellers worshipped. Those temples were long buried and the clergy long dead. The domains of the gods had been overrun by the Undeath priesthood, following the spiritual rules of holy war. It was something Jason understood himself; an instinctive knowledge that came from possessing domains himself.
Domains were, ordinarily, inviolable. A god could not move in on another god’s territory, but their followers could. The first step was for the mortal servants of one god to conquer the territory around the spiritual domain of another. With sufficiently thorough control of the area around the domain, they could then invade it to claim for their own god.
Just as Undeath had claimed the site of the old city, so did Jason in resolving the transformation zone. The priests were eradicated, along with the god’s power, embodied in the avatar. When Jason conquered the transformation zone, there was no one and nothing left to contest the ground.
As he made his way around the Worship Ring, he brushed against the domains of the various gods. It was a strange and complicated sensation, something between a handshake, a warning and a dating profile. He stopped in front of the temple of Hero, where a sculpture stood in the middle of the boulevard. An edifice of bronze, silver and gold, with a lot of dark iron, people had to navigate around it to continue along their way.
The sculpture depicted a leonid figure. Fierce and menacing, it radiated power. The golden mane shone faintly with light and the dark armour glowed where the plates met. Jason could feel heat radiating from it. He wasn’t sure how long he stood staring as the street traffic flowed past. He was stirred from his reverie by a voice right beside him.
“He wasn’t like that. Angry and violent. He could be, yes, but only when he had to. So often are we only remembered for that which we didn’t want to do in the first place.”
Jason turned to see a man that looked to be in his mid-forties, but his silver rank meant that the real number would be much higher.
“You met him?” Jason asked.
“I once had the privilege. Quite a few years ago, now, on the other side of the world. But I have researched him quite extensively.”
“Vitesse?”
“Greenstone,” the man said with a smile. “You’re him, aren’t you?”
Jason took a closer look at the man. He wore simple coloured robes, like a priest of one of the more humble gods. Similar to those of the Healer, but without markings and a light sandy colour, rather than brown.
“You’re one of them, aren’t you?” Jason asked. “The former priests.”
“We like to think of ourselves as seekers of purpose. But yes, Lord Asano. I am.”
“Don’t call me Lord.”
“But that is what you—”
“I know what I am.”
“Then what should we call you?”
“My name is Jason. If you insist on being formal, Mr Asano will do.”
“Many of us are here, waiting for your return. We keep watch on this sculpture, knowing that you would come. We have been waiting for so long. For your guidance. And our purpose.”
“Everyone seeks purpose. I’m not your messiah.”
“Aren’t you? We have studied your ways. Your nature. Your companions. You walk with gods and travel beyond reality. What was once yours alone you have gifted to every essence user. If you are not a god walking amongst us, you are akin to one. Do you even realise how your voice resonates in my mind like a song of the heavens?”
Jason muffled a groan.
“If you want someone to worship, look around. There are literally temples in every direction. There’s a reason I don’t have one.”
“But you do. Rexion is your temple.”
“No, it isn’t. It’s a home for a people who were almost wiped out. It belongs to them.”
“But your power—”
“Is irrelevant. You want me to be a god? If I hear about any of you proclaiming Rexion to be a temple or otherwise causing trouble for the brighthearts, then you will see my wrath.”
“Please do not be angry, Lo—”
“You’re not going to listen, are you? It’s been almost twenty years. Even if you had nothing left when I set you free, that’s enough time to build a life all over again. To find a purpose, or to make one for yourselves. I know a lot of you have. But the ones like you, you’ve spent it waiting for me to set you on some ill-defined path. And it’s not even me you’re waiting for? If you’ve been at it this long, you’ve built up some idea of me and convinced yourselves it will solve all your problems. That no one else can. I’ve seen where that leads, on the world I come from. But I’ll never be the person you’re imagining. No one can be.”
Jason threw out his arms, gesturing at the temples around them.
“That guidance you’re looking for? That purpose? That is what gods do. If none of them can fill the hole inside you, I certainly can’t.”
“Gods have failed us. You walk on the ground, yet possess their divinity. Not distant and heartless. You know what it is to struggle with the rest of us.”
“That doesn’t make me responsible for you. I’m the guy that saved you a long time ago. I will accept your gratitude, but you’re wasting the time you’ve gotten back. I’m not your path. You have to find your own.”
“We venerate you.”
“Don’t.”
Jason shook his head. He’d used his aura as a privacy shield, but he could sense the people watching them from a distance. More like this man. Their emotions were singular and driven. Obsessive. None of his words had put so much as a dent in the feelings of the man in front of him. He was hanging on Jason’s every word yet hearing none of them.
He looked up at the Gary sculpture, angry more than anything at being interrupted. There was no point wasting any more words on the man so he didn’t, vanishing into the sculpture’s shadow. He emerged somewhere he really didn’t want to be, but needed to.
The temple was one of the more unusual ones, being a tower shaped like an arm jutting up from the ground. Clenched in the hand at the top was a head glaring imperiously down on the passers by. Jason glared back up at it.
“Really?” he asked.
“It’s religion,” Dominion said, appearing next to Jason. “Showmanship is part of the deal.”
None of the passers-by seemed to notice the god.
“I didn’t handle that situation very well,” Jason said.
“There isn’t a good way to deal with that kind. Unless you want to kill them all.”
“No.”
“Then, sooner or later, there’s going to be a cult.”
“I think…”
Jason trailed off, then let out a sigh.
“I think I’m going to need some guidance. I’m not ready for what the power I have now will mean to people.”
“Yeah, you’re going to mess some things up. That’s nothing new, but the scale you’ll be doing it on is. You could do some real damage, now.”
“Yeah,” Jason agreed, his voice resigned. “I was hoping you had some advice.”
“Have you considered giant banners with your face on them?”
“That’s your advice?”
“This is how you ask for it? You know you’re terrible at praying, right? Rocking up to a temple and glaring at it like it owes you money.”
“That’s… not entirely unfair,” Jason conceded.
He turned to look at Dominion standing beside him.
“Do you actually rule anything?” Jason asked.
“My clergy knows damn well to follow orders.”
“But that’s it, right?”
“I am not a ruler, Jason. Kings and emperors rule. Caliphs and prime ministers and greater district regional distribution managers. They rule; I am the very concept of ruling. I am not a hegemon but hegemony itself.”
Jason thought on Dominion’s words while looking up at the menacing temple visage.
“Showmanship is part of the deal,” he said. “I was once told that you are the one that decides who rules and who serves. But that wasn’t right, was it?”
“No. There is no divine right of kings. Mortals choose and I try to help them not make a complete mess of things.”
“That former priest was right, wasn’t he? I’m not just some guy. I can’t be, anymore.”
“Not when they know who you are. But you don’t have to let them. I wander around all the time and no one has a clue.”
“I don’t suppose you have some tips on hiding all that power? I can do it well enough when I concentrate, but it’s like trying to hold in a poo. The moment things get exciting it’s going to pop out, whether I like it or not.”
“I can help you with that.”
Dominion casually held out a fist-sized orb. Inside, sparks of blue, silver and gold danced around one another. Jason reached out to accept it.
-----
Item: [Projection Command: Presence] (transcendent rank, legendary)
The authority to control the presence of an expression of transcendent power. (consumable, magic core).
Effect: Gain control over the presence of your transcendent power, denying mortals the power to perceive it.
Uses remaining: 1/1
-----
“Thank you,” Jason said as he absorbed it into his inventory for later.
“You realise it’s only a stop-gap measure. A way to hide yourself while you get a handle on interacting with the mortal world. You will need to get a handle on that if you don’t want to be a god of chaos.”
“Still not a god.”
“Is there really a difference?”
“Well, someday this planet will die and you gods with it.”
Dominion let out a wincing chuckle.
“That’s a horrible thing to say.”
“Sorry.”
“Also, I know you’re new to operating on a god level, but we tend to avoid the word ‘poo.’ It doesn’t convey the dignity we’re going for.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Why did you really come here, Jason? You didn’t need me to tell you that there’s nothing you can do about your would-be followers. The Adventure Society is watching them, as are several churches, including mine. Even you aren’t oblivious enough to not have guessed that.”
“What do you mean, even me?”
“I said what I said. Why did you come to see me, Jason?”
Jason grimaced, not answering immediately.
“On Pallimustus, I’m not an outlier. This prime avatar is just gold rank. If I try going rampant, there are forces that will spank me for it. I’ve gotten away with a lot by being too important to someone or other to just get snuffed out, but I’m immortal now. It’s easy enough to kill my avatar and give me a quarter-century time out.”
“Ah. Your concern is the realm of your birth. The relative power you will have there.”
“Yes. I don’t know if there’s anyone on Earth stronger than I am now. Boris, probably. Maybe Rufus. But that only makes it worse. It’ll be me and all my friends. We could probably conquer the world for a Sunday Fun Day. Just the possibility of that is going to get people making drastic choices.”
“Yes. Enough personal power makes you a political power, whether you like it or not. Every high ranker has to learn that lesson, but you’re not practising with wooden swords, are you?”
“No. And it’s going to be so much worse on Earth. Here, the cultures have adapted to individuals with so much power. Over there, power has always been collective. There have always been those who concentrated that power, but there were limits. They always needed people to make it work.”
“As I see it, you have two choices. Conquer your world, or stand apart from it. Above it. Like a god. You have to rule them, or make them realise that you are so far above them that you have no interest in their little games. Anything in between and it will be chaos.”
“No half measures.”
“No half measures,” Dominion agreed. “When you act — however you act — it must be definitive. Beyond challenge. And when you refrain from acting, you must be beyond question.”
“How can I be beyond question? There will always be those who doubt and disagree.”
“When I say beyond question, I do not mean a questions of morals or values but of power. Make them see that they are nothing before you. That when you choose action, they cannot stop you. That when you choose inaction, they cannot compel you. Whether you are their ruler or their god, to see you, they must always look up.”
“Might makes right.”
“Yes. You don’t like it, I know, but it is the reality. Civilisation is built on not just ideals, but the power to enforce them. And there are always hands in which that power disproportionately rests. The moment you arrive on Earth, those hands will be yours. So, try not to bring down civilisation.”
“Thanks.”
Dominion grinned.
“You didn’t come to me for easy answers.”
“It would have been nice, though.”
“Wouldn’t it just. Speaking of power, though, there’s some knowledge that Knowledge might not want you to know.”
“And what’s that?”
“She can peek into the head of your prime avatar, but not your true self. The living universe.”
“My consciousness is seated in the prime avatar. Isn’t that the same thing?”
“No. You can keep things from your avatar, if you don’t want them disseminated amongst the gods. Knowledge can be such a gossip.”
“By which you mean the goddess of Knowledge likes to spread knowledge.”
“It was more fun the way I said it.”
Jason gave Dominion a curious look.
“No one has ever said that to me before. Can you teach me to hide things from my avatar?”
“Someone is already lined up for that. For now, just enjoy yourself. Your friends are about to start arriving.”
Comments
Requesting Jason to play a board game of dominion with Dominion and Knowledge
Aaron
2024-12-06 06:14:40 +0000 UTCWait a second…Dominion is Hegemony personified but Jason is also THE Hegemon. Does this mean Jason took authority from dominion somehow?
Paul B
2024-11-19 20:38:28 +0000 UTCA nice wholesome chat with the God Dominion. I love it
Loserlouie
2024-07-25 22:06:41 +0000 UTCThe idea of collecting gods from dying planets as voices is so amazing.
matthew gilley
2024-06-27 00:24:42 +0000 UTCDoes this make Jason a Tsundere for Dominion?
StarkRG
2024-06-26 23:16:21 +0000 UTCDawn's connection to the World Phoenix and Shade's to the Reaper might have blocked her, but I doubt it. If they exist within her realm, their knowledge should be hers.
StarkRG
2024-06-26 23:15:33 +0000 UTCThx for the chapter
Kconraw
2024-06-24 19:42:33 +0000 UTCGreat chapter!. Can Jason turn dominion into a minion and have his company for eternity
Frank Morgana
2024-06-13 02:41:06 +0000 UTC"Circling a massive shaft." Had a giggle writing that one, didn't you...
Bradley Warburton
2024-06-13 00:13:41 +0000 UTCWhat an excellent chapter. Excellent dialogue and perspective on the topic. Such a pleasure to read. Thank you
Daniel Clark
2024-05-17 20:23:08 +0000 UTCOoooh shit
AfroMocha
2024-05-11 03:23:11 +0000 UTCI really wanted him and Casanda to work out. She was there for him when he needed it most (after the starseed implantation attempt) she always had a calming effect on him and he would of probably handled everything from book 2-6 much better
Fuzzy Wuzzy
2024-05-10 22:57:28 +0000 UTCI’m so glad I’m not the the only one that caught that I wanted Jason to say some smart ass comment about it
Ether
2024-05-10 20:01:21 +0000 UTCThe conversation reminds me of the one Jason had with imir after getting death’s miracle. Only Jason actually accepted what dominion had to say instead of doubting and rejecting what he now is.
Justin
2024-05-10 18:32:09 +0000 UTCThe fact that Dominion called himself “hegemony itself” to the face of the actual entity named “The Hegemon” 😅… So… did Dominion just become a spiritual offshoot of Jason, like Shade from The Reaper 🤔
Konnect
2024-05-10 02:45:24 +0000 UTCDamn… I thought it was Friday…
Cryfdwr
2024-05-10 01:53:44 +0000 UTCI don’t see it as a failure. If they couldn’t figure out on their own in 20 years that it’s good to help people, what reason is there to believe they would ever learn that lesson? In that very conversation the guy was “hanging on Jason’s every word yet hearing none of them.”
Xiggurat
2024-05-09 22:00:07 +0000 UTCWould you let a bunch of people who spent the last 20 years trying to pressure you into being something you’re not, into your very soul? No thank you.
Xiggurat
2024-05-09 21:55:07 +0000 UTCWon't worrk, ouroboros. The orb from Dominion is single use only, so if Jason uses it he can't pass it on to Nik or anyone else.
Ligeia
2024-05-09 19:59:54 +0000 UTCWho knew Dominion could be a mench.
Matthew A Baker
2024-05-09 19:32:26 +0000 UTCI think the difference is that it's defined authority instead of the raw version. Potential state authority had to be traded, but things like the gate or the world Phoenix token or could be given away or even stolen if not absorbed directly into his soul
Morgan Amacosmos
2024-05-09 19:01:10 +0000 UTCHas it ever been asked/answered if Knowledge has access to Shade’s knowledge or someone like Dawn?
Andre Morales
2024-05-09 18:48:05 +0000 UTCAs I reread this, I think Jason handled his worshipers in an appropriately Jason-fashion. I don’t like it, but it is his nature to fail. I think I had hoped that he would take them in and give them the same purpose he has: helping others. Zara even showed she learned this purpose —which was Jason’s original teaching.
Erik Hyrkas
2024-05-09 16:41:48 +0000 UTCCould you imagine being the Mercer family, the heir turns into an energy vampire who is a better person than he was before and the guy you forced your daughter to dump turns himself into a god and is now immortal
Jack Dawson
2024-05-09 15:46:44 +0000 UTCI saw it. He seems to be an amelioration of evil Sobek type.
ouroboros
2024-05-09 15:43:43 +0000 UTCOkay... Now how can you squeeze every bit of advantage out of that skill ball? 😆 Maybe pulling it into his reality he can learn it and then reconstitute it back? Then give it to Nik as a modified present when he master's it. 🤔 As for the cult, the way I see it there's going to be two factions following around Jason. Just like in Torment Tides of Numenera where you have the Cult of the Changing God and the Order of Truth. One side venerates and worships Adahn while the other seeks him out for forbidden knowledge to summarize. The way to deal with them is one at a time. Listen, be independent, and act on case by case basis while thinking of the bigger picture in the background. Jason's convictions will test him all on their own with these people. If they wanted purpose, I would have gave it indirectly. You see me helping people, you say you venerate me, but I'm watching is that really true? Jason said this man has done nothing in that time but wait. They'll be pissed off you didn't just tell them what to do but you can never do that. That's a bad idea. And even if you're a universe if you want to maintain your humanity you can never think of yourself as a deity. I would put in a persona to keep my sanity. A shell. Like wizard of Oz. 😆 Plus it's fun to be a little crazy.
ouroboros
2024-05-09 15:26:57 +0000 UTCWhat are the downsides if he let those 'lost priest' to his universe/planet?
Gervel Giva
2024-05-09 15:19:43 +0000 UTCSo the presence orb represents some authority given freely. Wasn't there something way back when Jason had to return the Builder's authority that it had to be a trade or something? Could totally be misremembering, but I thought there was something about balance.
Aerlevsedi
2024-05-09 14:36:49 +0000 UTCOk, I'm also a fan of Dominion's new vibe. Also, I would be surprised if some of the others start showing up with different projected personalities, since they don't need to treat him as a mortal at all now.
Aerlevsedi
2024-05-09 14:33:29 +0000 UTCDominion is so wholesome now. He's probably my favorite now.
Senseless Myth - Learns
2024-05-09 13:04:14 +0000 UTCI feel like this chapter puts a lot of his more negative seeming aspects as keeping up appearances for the mortals
Blake N.
2024-05-09 12:16:18 +0000 UTClol it’s been a year? Two years? Since he switched. I prefer quality chapters and a living Shirt 😂😂
Tom C
2024-05-09 11:03:43 +0000 UTCBrilliant! But will he remember the feeling in a billion years? Probably will last for a few millennia tops
Idan tal
2024-05-09 10:52:02 +0000 UTCHe already set up an Asano nation. And he does just chill in the cloud palace. That is until a whole bunch of crap forces him off his hammock
Alex Schellenberg
2024-05-09 08:54:04 +0000 UTCDominion just did a 180. Going from my third least favorite God to the best one of the pantheon
dakota dodson
2024-05-09 08:30:30 +0000 UTCI, for one, welcome our Asano Overlord.
MoonlitShade
2024-05-09 08:20:54 +0000 UTCUp until now I had mixed feelings about Dominion. Now though ? I love him. Favorite god and all that jazz.
Lizy Flore
2024-05-09 07:32:00 +0000 UTCBut in the end it would be a tragic love as Knowledge dies and Jason lives on.
Philipp Battenberg
2024-05-09 05:50:21 +0000 UTCJason should tell his cult to study Earth’s religions and their history to understand why he is so much suspicious of religions and deities in general.
ThoMiCroN
2024-05-09 05:13:44 +0000 UTCI think I enjoy the fact that Gods are now apart of his peer group. Almost give that Primal Hunter vibe just done right
Bilal Williams
2024-05-09 05:05:31 +0000 UTCShirt!! I was joking!! Jason being Earth's first God is insane!
Justin Fralin
2024-05-09 04:48:49 +0000 UTCIf there’s one thing we know, Jason may take Dominion’s advice under consideration, but ultimately Jason is going to deal with Earth Jason’s way, not necessarily the way laid out for him.
Xiggurat
2024-05-09 03:47:13 +0000 UTCI doubt that very much.
Paul Boros
2024-05-09 03:40:55 +0000 UTCConfluence essence?
Xiggurat
2024-05-09 03:32:04 +0000 UTCI miss the days of 5 chapters a week... 😭
Andy Le
2024-05-09 03:22:10 +0000 UTCSeems Jason will be the similar to the Mirror King; once he gets back to Earth. Probably set up an Asano nation and then just chill in the cloud palace.
Tommy S
2024-05-09 03:11:13 +0000 UTCI can just see him trying to fit “poo” in any time someone tries to treat him like a god when he doesn’t want it…
CorvalisPalevar
2024-05-09 03:01:29 +0000 UTCTyftc!
Edward Grindle
2024-05-09 02:56:28 +0000 UTCSo is Jason taking the priest to earth and starting a cult there?
BloodStorm
2024-05-09 02:49:12 +0000 UTCThis comment just made me realize that the Hegemon who likes to overcomplicate things first appeared in Pallimustus in hedge maze filled with twisty paths.
Daniel
2024-05-09 02:43:14 +0000 UTCDeath did ask him to be more civil which the other gods when Jason asked for a miracle.
Razeel Nightfall
2024-05-09 02:24:11 +0000 UTCWell, our first bet were love interests, new bets are who gets to teach Jason about hiding knowledge from Knowledge. My money is on Deceit. Also, just like to say, my last comment was dead on about him able to keep knowledge from his avatar, like a God.
Tim
2024-05-09 02:23:36 +0000 UTCI wonder if Jason can reawaken the lost priests confluence essence that they gave up to get an essence from their god. Maybe a goal for Jason once he frees earth. Edit. Name of the essence was confluence.
Razeel Nightfall
2024-05-09 02:22:03 +0000 UTCWell… good guy Dominion? I didn’t have that one one my bingo card, but Jason did say he was part of the club now.. TYFTC Shirt. It’s been a business doing pleasure with you.
Mason
2024-05-09 02:19:52 +0000 UTCThat dating profile comment tho. ;)
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 02:15:11 +0000 UTCJudging by this conversation he was having some fun at Jason's expense before.
Marcus
2024-05-09 02:12:51 +0000 UTCI also love how Dominion was like: "Well that's a hurtful thing to rub my face in"
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 02:09:12 +0000 UTCIt really does show so much growth on Jason's part. And I love how Dominion showed that he can be trusted with that growth. It really makes it clear that Dominion is not a one-note concept.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 02:08:22 +0000 UTCYeah he really does need time and a couple tries to properly deal with people who want to worship him. Because you know they're going to keep showing up. If he doesn't accept these folks, he's going to run into someone else who has faith in him later.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 02:06:58 +0000 UTCYeah, really! It's nice to Jason finally facing the fact that the only way to not make a complete hash of things is to commit to one plan or the other and follow it all the way. Flipping back and forth is only going to make him a literal god of chaos, with all the destruction and ruination that entails.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 02:04:07 +0000 UTCI know right?! Unpredictable but it fits perfectly.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 02:00:39 +0000 UTCYeah. You know ..... Actually that fits the literal concept of dominion pretty well too. It's always something that is experienced differently depending on how far you are from the seat of power. It means different things and acts on your life in different ways. A peasant and a ruler have very different conversations when they think deeply on the concept.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:59:11 +0000 UTCYes? Yes.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:55:04 +0000 UTCHmm. It seems like, at most, some groups *give* Dominion that power, but mostly it only works to confirm choices mortals make on their own already. Like.... There is no literal divine right, but if the mortals call down the concept of rulership he shows up for the ceremony and stays for the cocktails?
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:54:24 +0000 UTCThat's for later. Don't scare off the guy when you're reeling him in. XD
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:51:44 +0000 UTCYeah. It was the kind of thing that made absolute sense in hindsight. "I have a question about how to be in charge" > there's a god for that.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:46:10 +0000 UTCI think Dominion may not have shown his other side back in the day because Jason would have refused to trust or accept it as genuine. That way Jason sees something that was both true and something that he needed to see, but that doesn't dig Dominion into negative levels of trust and paranoia.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:44:38 +0000 UTCNow we just need Jason to start calling him toretto, and making horrible jokes about everything being saved by family.
Jordan Rogers
2024-05-09 01:42:54 +0000 UTCActually, that's a good point
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:42:30 +0000 UTCReally wish Dominion could have gotten a line in about Jason finally being on board with him…. 😄
Mouse Simpson
2024-05-09 01:41:14 +0000 UTCThat would be a nice change for a bit. Establish the ground then go about trying not to destroy civilization.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:40:23 +0000 UTCYeah, I’d imagine Heath would be dreading this chapter
Ben Sheahan
2024-05-09 01:39:52 +0000 UTCSeems to me like making them Voices of the Will would give them too much authority to say and do things Jason would not want.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:39:41 +0000 UTCYeah. And the way Dominion just handed over a favor like that to help Jason get started...... Like, that's the kind of favor where Jason is likely to eventually willingly pay back in a major way.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:37:43 +0000 UTCOf course, the problem is that Jason literally fits the description whereas Paul was in a social construct and developed psychic powers.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:35:44 +0000 UTCI’m just here for the comments section.
N8rtotPlayz
2024-05-09 01:33:30 +0000 UTCYeah.... He's going to have to find a better way to deal with people who insist on worshipping him or the System.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:29:53 +0000 UTCThat was the longest those two have ever conversed. It was fairly civil, somewhat different than the usual interaction Jason has had with transcendent beings. It’s good to see. TYFTC.
N8rtotPlayz
2024-05-09 01:29:36 +0000 UTCOof. Maybe I'll have to look at those audio books. Sounds fun.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:29:05 +0000 UTC100
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:28:35 +0000 UTCAbsolutely! And it's an amazing conversation that shows a side of Dominion that Jason would have previously refused to see or accept.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:28:25 +0000 UTCIt was nice to have dominion just be someone he could chat to very nice shirt
Jyhden Bean
2024-05-09 01:28:01 +0000 UTCYou know it's serious when Jason finally has a proper conversation with Dominion about how to be a religion.
Stephanie Washburn
2024-05-09 01:27:36 +0000 UTCSee I look at it in the opposite manner. The orb was the "egg" and Jason's power inseminated it
m4l4ch1m4v3t
2024-05-09 01:27:20 +0000 UTCThat’s got to be the most substantive conversation with Dominion we’ve ever seen. And, he didn’t come across as a dick this time! I’m impressed.
Tanner Lovelace
2024-05-09 01:22:23 +0000 UTCI think Dominion has a soft spot for Jason just as Knowledge does. They interact with him all the time. Makes me wonder if maybe those two just don't always see eye to eye with the others and Jason offers an escape
Kalanaere
2024-05-09 01:20:19 +0000 UTCI started writing a comment and it gave me a great idea for my own project 😂 sorry shirt Great chapter though! Dominion is a god I’ve been very intrigued by. I’m glad his role has been clarified. I was questioning him having the power to choose kings. It seems contrary to gods and just the naming convention of them in general. Jason’s going to have some serious issues on his hands in the future it’s looking like. I honestly couldn’t imagine being in that position. Who wants that kind of responsibility? Nervous just thinking about it lol
DirePants
2024-05-09 01:17:28 +0000 UTCDominion I'd playing both sides lol. Him and Knowledge clearly care a good deal about Jason considering how much they interact with him. Now he's just looking to stir the pot
Kalanaere
2024-05-09 01:15:35 +0000 UTCThanks Shirt. That was great. OMG... well, Dominion. I can't wait til he meets Beryl...Knowledge. Can't stop thinking of her as Beryl since book 1. Such a gossip. LOL
Rowdy Robby
2024-05-09 01:15:18 +0000 UTCThis is the long awaited Dominion conversation I didn’t know I needed.
Trevor Mallow
2024-05-09 01:13:06 +0000 UTCI love that of all people, Jason turned to Dominion for help and advice. The very God he's tried not to emulate is the very one that can help him understand. Lastly did you all catch Dominion statement? He regularly mingles with the mortals just to see how things are
Kalanaere
2024-05-09 01:12:43 +0000 UTCThis was a fascinating chapter
Rick Delallata
2024-05-09 01:12:21 +0000 UTCKeep going the books are awesome.
Zane Hammrich
2024-05-09 01:05:22 +0000 UTCAlso, Heath is going to hate this chapter. He reads Dominion rough, hard on the throat.
David Cooper
2024-05-09 01:03:13 +0000 UTCThe 'Jasonites'. OKay, you were first.
David Cooper
2024-05-09 01:00:48 +0000 UTCHe's not a messiah He's just a very naughty boy!
brian phillips
2024-05-09 00:59:50 +0000 UTCThis chapter was amazing!
Jonathan Crandall
2024-05-09 00:58:59 +0000 UTCHahahaha
Jonathan Crandall
2024-05-09 00:58:44 +0000 UTCOutstanding, Shirt. Your command of dialogue is incredible.
David Cooper
2024-05-09 00:52:35 +0000 UTCoh my gosh I loved this chapter so much!! thanks!
ABTelford
2024-05-09 00:40:12 +0000 UTCJason is Nik's mother and the Healer is the father. This has nothing to do with the chapter but I had to say it to get it out of my mind. Think about it. Healer gave Jason some god 'juice' and Nik was born inside Jason.
TBONEMAN
2024-05-09 00:39:14 +0000 UTCHow many times must Dominion have said “told ya so” every time Knowledge violated Jason’s privacy in the first two books…
Pauli Wilhelmsen
2024-05-09 00:33:35 +0000 UTCTotally missed a church of air wolf opportunity
Kevin Anderson
2024-05-09 00:32:05 +0000 UTCHere me out, Jason get the priests to build him a temple BUT it's really an all you can eat buffet/theater where they produce live action 80's shows.
Alex Schellenberg
2024-05-09 00:30:16 +0000 UTCMost likely he’s referring to Dawn
Alejandro Piña
2024-05-09 00:26:26 +0000 UTCI think the best thing for Jason to do with the priests that want to worship Jason is to take them in and form a cult. Lay some ground rules, tell them not to recruit or try to get more people, but go forth and do things that Jason would like to see done. Gives them purpose, lets Jason spread some goodness out there, gets more people fighting Undeath. Win all around. He just has to get over that mental hump. Maybe Hump can help with that 😂
Michael Nix
2024-05-09 00:26:11 +0000 UTC“Everyone seeks purpose, I’m not your messiah” oh Paul Etredes
Hunter
2024-05-09 00:25:31 +0000 UTCThis interaction with the gods as a semi equal is so well done. I mean, Shirt is clearly an incredible writer, that's literally why we're all here, but the way he manages to make it all work, whatever stations Jason is at, is just amazing. These minor interactions with these beings that literally scoured his soul just by existing at the beginning of the series, they're so amazing.
Matt Heineman
2024-05-09 00:23:13 +0000 UTCI am hyped to read about what each god offers Jason. I hope that the conversations help Jason except becoming what he is becoming.
Razeel Nightfall
2024-05-09 00:23:01 +0000 UTCI'd just like to say thank you! That was fantastic!
Jason
2024-05-09 00:22:46 +0000 UTCI think you're in the right place 😉
Adrian
2024-05-09 00:22:35 +0000 UTCA burning bush was interpreted as a divine revelation. For one to come straight out and say "Don't worry, Everything will be fine" Yeah you have more believers than the cultists on the square.
ReadingObsessed
2024-05-09 00:21:20 +0000 UTCHmmmm. Is dominion prepping Jason for a fight with knowledge, or a f#$k ?
Kevin Anderson
2024-05-09 00:19:58 +0000 UTCHiding things from knowledge sounds fun. Something tells me she'll try to get at him even more.
Agent P.
2024-05-09 00:19:33 +0000 UTCCan't wait for him to voice that over the course of days to not blow out his voice
ReadingObsessed
2024-05-09 00:18:46 +0000 UTCI know... first time in my life I've hated weekends
Matthew Church
2024-05-09 00:16:02 +0000 UTCSeems to me in the past no matter their relationship he hadto hold himself above Jason to some degree, and now they're more akin to coworkers or at least powers within the same industry
Ruari Yeen
2024-05-09 00:12:11 +0000 UTCI kind of want a 'cult of the administrator' to pop up to give the general populace advice on rank progression or something like that. Maybe even offer monster core taint cleansing if Jason gets his hands on the purity artifact
Kaelan Spears
2024-05-09 00:08:37 +0000 UTCI would guess this is closer to a initiation than a gift. It might be enough leeway in the 'godrules' to allow it. Especially because Jason is maybe part god.
Josh Smith
2024-05-09 00:08:03 +0000 UTCI think Jason should make the ex priests his voice of the will. Instead of letting them become a cult they can represent him outside of his domain, especially when he is off world. Similar to how Jes Fin Kal was for Vesta Carmis Zell. We know regular people can become voices too since Farrah is already halfway there for Jason already. Jason is also going to run into this problem on earth because I’m pretty sure Boris mentioned that there are a few Jason fanatics that have cropped up since he left earth. Can’t wait to see what he chooses to do. Also who else votes for Jason and Team to just conquer the earth Lmfao 🤣. Knowing Jason and the team tho he’ll try to stand apart but some dumbass will do something stupid to force his hand Lol
Jean L. Philippe Jr.
2024-05-09 00:05:45 +0000 UTCI love the philosophical musings of this series. Philosopher Kings, ftw!
Anthony
2024-05-09 00:04:04 +0000 UTCThat was very good writting. Congrats on another great chapter and thanks for sharing your art.
Omy Sadat
2024-05-09 00:01:17 +0000 UTCI NEED MORE Also im really hoping the when team biscuit goes to earth they don't instantly arrive in a giant mess. They just rock up and team up with Jason's family to tease him or something
Dexter Vex
2024-05-08 23:58:08 +0000 UTCOG
Steve R
2024-05-08 23:56:58 +0000 UTCI’m too lazy to look through past history, what did you call?
Sasquatchachu
2024-05-08 23:56:58 +0000 UTCI can see Jason calling all the Jasonites together and doing the line from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, "Be Excellent to each other!"
Will Mill
2024-05-08 23:56:45 +0000 UTCHe needs to lean into it and become Cosmic IT Crowd Moss: he did a thing that changed everything and now he's absolutely no help whatsoever.
Addie
2024-05-08 23:56:31 +0000 UTCOh man... I was really hoping for a "what's a horse" joke....
Kevin Anderson
2024-05-08 23:56:06 +0000 UTCI understand the gods giving gifts to mortals but I thought the transcendents were a little more transactional. I'm surprised Dominion wouldn't ask Jason for something in return.
Alex Schellenberg
2024-05-08 23:55:34 +0000 UTCSo Dominion essentially told Jason to become Dominion of earth. “I don’t choose or ordain who rules, but if a ruler goes off the rails, I am the power they answer to. I also give advice to those who are smart enough to ask for it. I have better things to do than micromanage a world empire, as should you.”
Michael Nix
2024-05-08 23:55:15 +0000 UTCSee it's good to know that Dominion is not completely evil he kind of was made out like that but it might have been just Jason's perspective of Dominion that made him view Dominion a different light forcing Dominion to act like that or chose to act like that but Dominion was right about Jason going to have to rule
hachetnif
2024-05-08 23:53:12 +0000 UTCI love Dominion! I’m glad he was the one telling Jason he needs to show his power and I like how he did it too, a good conversation instead of jumping in one to freak people out. TYFTC!
Justin
2024-05-08 23:47:15 +0000 UTCDon't forget the after party with the Healer!
Wheelhouse
2024-05-08 23:46:05 +0000 UTCI don’t think so. Don’t forget these gods are bound to the planet they’re on. Once the planet dies, they die while Jason would live indefinitely.
Dylan Alexander
2024-05-08 23:44:00 +0000 UTCIt feels right to me that Jason went to Dominion for advice. I always kind of knew they'd get along on some level.
Andrew Whewell
2024-05-08 23:43:44 +0000 UTCWho will teach Jason, Purity? Or the god of disguise that took over Purity?
Pablo Barbatto
2024-05-08 23:41:39 +0000 UTCThis is some good stuff right here, it would be funny if Jason made semi sapient avatars in his towns, 7 of them to be precise and one of them slightly more handsome than the rest.
Alejandro Piña
2024-05-08 23:41:38 +0000 UTCDamn it. I need more!
Michael Deleon
2024-05-08 23:39:39 +0000 UTCI’m looking forward to seeing Jason pull that off
Connor
2024-05-08 23:39:34 +0000 UTCWell, before he hated everything Dominion represents. Now, he IS everything Dominion represents, and that made him far more appreciative of the actual purpose the church of Dominion serves. (Also, worth noting that Dominion knew from the very start this is exactly what Jason would become. Dominion was the god that was the friendliest toward Jason from the first time he showed up.)
Jemini
2024-05-08 23:37:12 +0000 UTCProper the whole time I was thinking when did he become so cool
Noonert891
2024-05-08 23:36:47 +0000 UTCI had to wait 5 minutes after the chapter arrived tonight to read it, and even that felt like too long. I have to get my fix right at 7:00 when the chapter arrives or I start going into withdrawal!
Ligeia
2024-05-08 23:36:22 +0000 UTCDominion is a G
Winter Behr
2024-05-08 23:35:58 +0000 UTCAwesome chapter
brian phillips
2024-05-08 23:35:31 +0000 UTCThat was fantastic.
Andrew Woodard
2024-05-08 23:35:03 +0000 UTCGods convos are the bestest
Pierce
2024-05-08 23:34:50 +0000 UTCDamn. Great chapter. I can't decide whether I'm impressed or saddened that Dominion is showing such a straightforward demeanor here. He was always so sassy and teasing in previous encounters, but here he's just being very direct. It's what Jason needs right now, for sure. Maybe that's the key. Dominion really does like our goofy goober protagonist, doesn't he?
Joanna
2024-05-08 23:34:41 +0000 UTCDominion over here being a bro. That was a legitimately nice conversation.
Jordan Jones
2024-05-08 23:33:22 +0000 UTCThank you Shirt!!! Can’t wait for the Team Biscuit meet up!
Kasey Lindenmayer
2024-05-08 23:32:07 +0000 UTCSo if Jason's godly name is hegemon and dominion is the concept of hegemony. Would that make Jason Dominion's subordinate Quasi godling?
Ira White
2024-05-08 23:31:53 +0000 UTCTwas a good one I enjoy seeing dominion for what he is not what the common folk think he is. Under this new lense dominion seems like just some dude thats there to help others figure out how to rule
Austin Wolf
2024-05-08 23:31:12 +0000 UTCI wonder if Jason has realized yet that these cultists don't even really matter. With his signed message to all essence users in existence he probably has cultists numbering in the billions if not more.
Kedar
2024-05-08 23:31:11 +0000 UTCBest chapter ever!!! Who would ever have Jason asking Dominion for advice on their bingo card! Thanks for the chapter.
Terry Bell
2024-05-08 23:31:09 +0000 UTCWish I could binge but not reading a new chapter is too great a sin.
Landsraad
2024-05-08 23:28:57 +0000 UTCI could honestly see Stash starting it up just to get loads of people to bake biscuits. lol
John Durrett
2024-05-08 23:28:44 +0000 UTCYour the ruler/deity of a kingdom so asking those in power how the manage it without destroying lives in the process is a smart first step. With the power Dominion gave him..he will be able to go among the populace and get feed back on how he's doing...something that is popular in many fairy-tales as well.
John Durrett
2024-05-08 23:27:37 +0000 UTC"That when you choose action, they cannot stop you. That when you choose inaction, they cannot compel you." That's a cold ass line. Love it.
alaric
2024-05-08 23:26:47 +0000 UTCI'm really looking forward to Jason coming back to Earth with a full party of gold-rankers, and no qualms of half measures. It's commit or run time, and he's far too deep now to run as we all know. The shit is about to pop off Also I'm looking forward to his reunion/meet up with all the Earthers who were transported years ago. Hopefully that story beat isn't dropped or weak in execution
CaptainFlowers
2024-05-08 23:26:29 +0000 UTCPerfection
Carl
2024-05-08 23:25:45 +0000 UTCTYFTC!
Jason Hardman
2024-05-08 23:25:08 +0000 UTCFucking called it!
Evan Knight
2024-05-08 23:24:43 +0000 UTCI feel like a drug fiend with Shirt's chapters releasing 3 times a week. Get that little high and then waiting and then another little nibble. 🤣
Gotrek65
2024-05-08 23:24:31 +0000 UTCThank you for the chapter Shirt. I don't know which direction Jason will take. Rule the world doesn't seem to be his thing, but then NOT standing in the way of bad guys who can hurt the little guys isn't either. While he may not like the idea of worshipers, he could accept a following akin to The Reaper cult and give directives to similar to the originals - take out those that are abusive with that be killing them or collecting evidence and seeing them tried in a court. A bit of both Control and Above reproach. If they have studied his life history to date, then they should have a fairly close understanding of his beliefs. Going to be a run ride. The sad part would be him leaving everything behind which would include his friends..in which case getting in touch with Dawn and moving into the larger cosmos would be a possible path forward.
John Durrett
2024-05-08 23:23:50 +0000 UTCThanks for the chapter, hoped Jason would accept his "worshippers" a bit better, but that might come in time. But cheers for another brilliant chapter shirt 👍👍
kevin B
2024-05-08 23:23:42 +0000 UTCLove how dominion is the first God he goes to for advice shows a lot of growth from book one and the fact dominion kida set himself up to be there for Jason by being one the one to treat him like a person he never looked down on Jason or demanded anything from him almost all the times I remember dominion showing up he just dropped by for a chat and a little fun and inevertenly helping Jason
Michael Solomon
2024-05-08 23:22:48 +0000 UTCFinally not just drop of shine but a whole spotlight ✨️ all for Dominion finally
ItWasIDIO!!
2024-05-08 23:22:44 +0000 UTC"Well, someday this planet will die and you gods with it" is probaly the best fucking come back said to a god
ma ka
2024-05-08 23:22:33 +0000 UTCThe Cult Of Jason, controlled by the Moustachioed Prime Avatar.... And requiring tithed paid in baked goods....
Kenneth Mølbæk
2024-05-08 23:21:36 +0000 UTCThat was a hot chapter. Kinda digging the gods being a more active part of the story.
Joshua Batts
2024-05-08 23:21:28 +0000 UTCThe dominion is such a bro and he's a dick but that's the point, isn't it?
Sylphie
2024-05-08 23:20:57 +0000 UTCThat ending is a brutal punch in the can’t wait for Friday spot
Brave Badger
2024-05-08 23:20:19 +0000 UTCTyftc!
Jordan Brennan
2024-05-08 23:20:14 +0000 UTCyes they are coming
Bobby Baxter
2024-05-08 23:20:13 +0000 UTCTftc! Jason and Dominion always have fun conversations, but this is the first time Jason started the talk, isn't it? I love the fact that after saying he didn't like Dominion for 11 books, he's the one Jason turns to some can get a handle on controlling his presence from his would-be worshippers. And Dominion was so helpful! Also, I have to agree with him that Knowledge is a total gossip. Remember how quickly she told Gabrielle about Cassandra breaking up with Jason so that Gabrielle could tell Clive before Jason had even crossed the Adventure Society yard to get to Emir's cloud house and tell him himself? (And does that sentence tell you that maybe I've read these books a bunch of times? 😅 )
Ligeia
2024-05-08 23:19:58 +0000 UTCDominion actually did the cool thing for once. It was awesome 💯
Zachary Ross
2024-05-08 23:19:06 +0000 UTCReally good chapter. Jason will still come up with something else most likely…
Jordan Rogers
2024-05-08 23:18:09 +0000 UTCIts weird to see jason asking a god, let alone dominion, for advice
Stuart prior
2024-05-08 23:17:59 +0000 UTCI'm now extra excited to see how things will go when he goes back to Earth. I'm looking forward to seeing what Jason will be like when he really flexes his power.
Connor
2024-05-08 23:17:56 +0000 UTCWell, guess we answered that question (how much does knowledge know) rather quickly
Larsi
2024-05-08 23:17:21 +0000 UTCNow that Jason seems to have accepted himself more its nice to see him getting along with Dominion... I ship it.
DeltaByte
2024-05-08 23:17:19 +0000 UTCGood stuff, thanks!
Doodlyboy15
2024-05-08 23:16:46 +0000 UTCWow the reluctant hedgemon comes to terms with hedgemony.
pyrite jester
2024-05-08 23:16:30 +0000 UTCI don’t know what to say other than thanks it was a great chapter
Alexander Dupree
2024-05-08 23:16:05 +0000 UTCThanks for the chapter and can't wait for the next book to come out on audible! The va is amazing!
Red XXX00
2024-05-08 23:15:33 +0000 UTCFriendly reminder that you don’t have to be a patron.
Daniel Wills
2024-05-08 23:15:32 +0000 UTCSo dominion is actually a pretty cool dude. He had his moments before, but I think he and Jason should hang out more lol
JonO
2024-05-08 23:15:08 +0000 UTCThis was excellent.
Sena
2024-05-08 23:14:44 +0000 UTCTyftc! Dominion is always a fun guest!
Hemlock
2024-05-08 23:14:36 +0000 UTCNice to see Dominion isn't a total prick
Alex Salamanca
2024-05-08 23:14:28 +0000 UTCFor following his orders, of course!
Chuck Haeberle
2024-05-08 23:14:03 +0000 UTCNice to see Jason and Dominion getting along!
Chuck Haeberle
2024-05-08 23:13:36 +0000 UTCIf he embodies the concept of ruling and not rulers, and the exists no divine right of kings, then what does his clergy even do? What are they for?
Aaron Schwartz
2024-05-08 23:12:54 +0000 UTCThe most wholesome Jason/Dominion interaction. Fantastic!
Jarrett Glass
2024-05-08 23:11:10 +0000 UTCJoshua Z
2024-05-08 23:11:06 +0000 UTCMan, this chapter really hit home the change in Jason from the start of the series. From him hiding in his apartment after his soul was shook by just the presence of a group of gods visiting him to now chinwagging with his bro Dominion looking for Prime Avatar tips. Thanks for the chapter Shirt!
Michael McMahon
2024-05-08 23:10:37 +0000 UTC+1 for the conquer option.
Nergie
2024-05-08 23:10:08 +0000 UTCIntro to Dietism is at 9 Exerting Transcendent Power at noon Divine Intervention is at 4 And we end class with a party hosted by Lust, Fertility, and Hero
mhaj58
2024-05-08 23:10:03 +0000 UTCExcellent!
Rhett Sellers
2024-05-08 23:03:23 +0000 UTCLove that Shirt decided to answer the question I had last time about whether Knowledge has Jason's knowledge or not. I'd love to see Jason using the opporunity to hide things from her to prank her. At least I'd love to see Jason surprise/shock her somehow. Honestly, I'd quite like to see a Jason/Knowledge ship.
Connor
2024-05-08 23:02:03 +0000 UTCBiscuits
Darkdragon
2024-05-08 23:01:50 +0000 UTC1st
Maria G Castillo
2024-05-08 23:00:29 +0000 UTC1
Francis Nelms
2024-05-08 23:00:21 +0000 UTC
