Fantasy Godslayer: Blood and Salt

[AriAriAbabwa]

Your life is changing as you know it. Part of you is apprehensive. "And... why me?"

 

[demytra]

Your eyes squint in confusion. "...and what does that mean??" Just because you know what magic means and what a sorcerer might be, you still weren't sure what that exactly meant here. Was there something unique to the Saukkonen when it comes to magic, or were things fairly universal? What makes a sorcerer different from a magician, if there is any difference? Does Akko know what you're wondering right now? Does he realize how confusing this all is??

Akko clicks his beak as your unspoken questions race through your head as well, and he reads them as though you were a book laid bare in front of him - the deity lets out a raspy chuckle and continues to enlighten you on your newfound position. "Now, any old mage can study and read on dusty old tomes until their back gives out to cast... oh, let's say, a blast of fire. A manual can be learned by anyone and in turn honed as part of their craft... think of it like a shoemaker. No one starts with the knowledge of how to make a shoe, but over time they get better at it by following the instruction of either an artisan or perhaps a guide." Akko then creates a vivid image out of silvery mist in front of you, showcasing a wizened old man with an impressive beard; the figure chants - its voice echoing through the illusion - with a language unbeknownst to you and brings forth a ball of flame to his liking and for his usage. "But, there's only so much one can learn - or maintain in their mind - and so there is an inherent limit to what a mage can accomplish within their lifetime.

The idea of spending so much time to do what amounted in the grand scheme of things to be relatively simple was... disheartening, at least to those you imagine who find themselves within the rungs of the average person. "Of course, there are other limitations too... natural talent to learn, to actually harness the very arcane energies that flow within our reality. Most end up becoming fourth-rate parlour jesters at best." Akko then continues, before his eye gleams to you with a tutor's mischief. "But a sorcerer, well... that's an entirely different story."

The pieces are there for you to put together, and you intuitively pick up on where he's leading: "I don't need to study to do these things." you muse aloud, which makes Akko click his beak yet again.

"Precisely! A sorcerer is one who has that ability, that knowledge of how to harness magic intuitively within their very being. Not vocalized or written, but simply through instinct. For you, as you did to that riverbeast, it was like swimming. You didn't think about it, you just did whether you realize it or not. Though..." the old crone states before tilting his head slightly, observing the bandages around your fingers. "You'll need to work out a few issues and get the hang of it."

Your life is changing as you know it. Part of you is apprehensive. "And... why me?"

"Mmm..." Akko hums in thought, leaving you in silence for a moment. "As I said, I saw you."

"Right, but that doesn't tell me anything." you reply uncomfortably.

"Nor me! Even someone like myself doesn't have all the answers, as frustrating as it can be." Akko replies with a hearty chuckle, "But as one of the many, many gods throughout this world I can directly influence certain things - as do many of my relatives - such as changing your essence when we first met."

"Change my essence?" you ask.

"Don't worry, I didn't turn you into another creature or anything." Akko jokes, "All I did was add to you a piece to your puzzle that connects you to a much broader picture. Such is the case with every sorcerer - one reason or another, one of my kin decides to add to someone and in turn be their indirect vessel. For you, it has something to do with what bits and fragments I have seen thus far. A great shadow within the ether that clouds my foresight."

"What else can I do? Can I fly? Can I breathe underwater? Can you teach me more? Oh...can you teach me to breathe fire?" Your mind races with all the questions you can think of, never thinking about stopping until "Do you want anything in return?"

Your mind rushes to what you remember seeing of the riverbeast then, and your initial worries are soon replaces with a childlike wonder as you barrage the deity with numerous questions befitting of your youth. Akko lets out an amused chuckle as you can't help but voice your wonderment as to what you can do, and listens to your many questions intently as an elder would a youngling. But it is your last question that finally gets him to speak up after shaking his head: "Want? Nothing." he states calmly, "I've done this of my own volition. Though many other gods are not so... generous."

The thought lingers as to these others, and you briefly wonder is Ukko is of that ilk - though you quickly stave such thought away as Akko elaborates more on your capabilities: "As for what you can do, well... every sorcerer is unique in that manner. While of course you can pick up on certain magics with incredible ease, sorcerers have one thing that mages could never hope to reach: an application of magic that only you can do. For example.... hmm..."

Akko muses for a moment, reaching for an anecdote that you would be familiar with before his talons click and he speaks up again: "Aegis the Glorious, the ancient High King of the North - his was the reign blessed by Iktar or as you perhaps know in passing as the Morning Sun, and with his sorcery he could take upon various aspects of the Flaming Bird in combat. Hence his moniker, the Phoenix King."

"But for you... well, we shall have to see what that entails. There was only but a glimpse when you slew the riverbeast." Akko then concludes, awaiting your second round of questions.

---

Dealer's Order - I will choose the best questions/responses from players and put them in an order that makes sense.

 

[K0mori]

With the mention of Aegis the Glorious, your enthusiasm ebbs a bit - you realize that your newfound abilities might come with heavy expectations. "...People are going to look at me differently, now, aren't they?" you ask, although it's more of a statement than a question. "There must be others out there who could help me figure out what I can do with this power. ...Where would I find them?"

 

[Breadman]

"That thing I did earlier before I blacked out. Is that my special power or just part of it?"

 

[demytra]

"That thing I did earlier before I blacked out. Is that my special power or just part of it?"

"You've only just started to grasp at that potential within you; what that was just a glimpse of what you will be capable of. But where it leads is for you to discover and mould as your own." Akko replies sagefully, "It's a unique journey of understanding - not just of your strength but of your own self. Sorcery is often the reflection of one's soul, and in turn their soul is strong enough to change the world."

You look down at your hands for a moment in thought before clenching them in understanding of both the gift and the responsibility it weights. Akko's chosen you, of all the people he watches over... your mind steps back to when you first travelled into the marshes with your father, and your own inner thoughts. Of what your life would entail on the day he departs the mortal world. This is the way to forge your own path forward, but what will such a path entail? The future remains clouded and unseen, and unfortunately your wise patron has yet to gain any insight or answers to that end. But as you think on the implications, another thought comes to your mind.

"...People are going to look at me differently, now, aren't they?" you ask, although it's more of a statement than a question. "There must be others out there who could help me figure out what I can do with this power. ...Where would I find them?"

Akko remains silent in understanding for a moment to your realization, and nods along to your question. "Indeed. I am not the only god who has extended their influence to the mortal realm. Those sorcerers vary in ambitions, morality, and temperaments... but it's hard to say where they may be. But, fate has a curious way of things as it would have it. Often times, sorcerers happen upon one another by chance... or is it really chance if it's all in the function?" he muses aloud as encouragement for a lack of answers he has.

"So, what? I just have to wait?" you ask, unsure of the implication.

"Wait, go, it matters not. The way will show itself soon enough."

"Do you mean that haze you mentioned before?" you then ask, "The clouded future?"

Akko shakes his head, "That's different..." He pauses for a moment and ponders how best to explain it to you. "Hmm... think of time like current in a vast river, with its many ebbs and flows. Although it all flows in one direction, not every part is uniform. The grander picture is the future, but any one of those crevices and smaller ripples could be your future. We all play a part in the grand scheme, but it is how all those little elements intermix as they move forward that make up all the things within your lifetime."

You think about it a little and it all comes together in your head as you visualize such a river: "So I can intersect into someone's flow, or someone into mine... whether intentional or not, because its so crowded." you say, and are met with Akko's approving nod as you think about it some more. By that imagery, everyone impacts all others no matter how close or far - a daunting view from above to see such turbulence all come together into a fluid, single direction. As you continue to think, your tutor tilts his head slightly as he observes your ruminations with interest. He remains silent so as to not disturb you until he believes that you had stumbled upon your next question.

"What's on your mind?" Akko asks intently, to which you turn to him with a nervous look.

With the mention of Aegis the Glorious, your enthusiasm ebbs a bit - you realize that your newfound abilities might come with heavy expectations.

"...you mentioned Aegis the Glorious earlier. And I was thinking what you said, how sorcerers tend to naturally come in contact with one another. Is it because... our very presence in the river disrupts all others?" you ask with a slight worry.

Akko clicks his beak, and as you begin to see the sun creep over the horizon off in the far distance from your window he delivers to you some parting words.

"Should that always be a bad thing?"

---

Your eyes flutter open, greeted by the golden slimmers of the morning sun as strength returns to your body. Your conversation didn't seem to be that long, as it was deep in the night that you had managed to speak with your patron, but it seems that time is a more a suggestion within a dream... no, not a dream. Like the small pier and shack you had first conversed with Akko at, this was more of the same. Your mind can't help but wander and overthink things, wondering fruitlessly on how to understand how Akko can do such feats. But such things, as you quickly realize, are far beyond the grasp of a mere mortal. And soon after your attention quickly turns to your bandages, as you realize that you don't feel particularly sore or hurt from yesterday.

In fact, your burned fingers seem to have healed rather quickly - much to your surprise - as you bring them up to view and wiggle them around. "Huh..." you mutter, getting onto your feet before heading further into your household. Exiting your room and climbing down a flight of spiraling steps leads to the main living room that is - like many other Saukkonen dwellings - humble compared to most dwellings of outsiders. A few pieces of furniture positioned themselves close to the hearth for comfort, alongside some basic toys for your younger siblings to amuse themselves with littered a linen rug at the front. There were also the usual smaller barrels and sacs of fish and flour - respectively - that your family kept in stock and your mother dutifully cooked with whatever was available in the pantry. For a moment your mind wanders in recognition of your new position, and you realize just how much that clashed with such a simple life.

Your family and people are simply fishermen, traders, and boatbuilders first and foremost; the idea of adventure, aside from the traditional rituals and huntings in the marshes, never crossed anyone's mind within the contentment of peace. But would your newfound presence invite trouble? How would others react to you if such a thing happens? What if you're shunned for being different?

You snap out of your worries as you feel a hand on your shoulder with your father's familiar grasp shaking you slightly. "Good to see you up and about, how are you feeling?" he asks with fatherly concern.

"I'm fine. A lot better than last night." you say, clenching your hand for him to see. "Don't feel any pain."

"Really?" he asks, taking a glance up and down your form. He then gently holds up your hand where the burns had been and blinks with slight surprise. "Huh, well, that's good. Very good!" He pats you on the back, though you can see on his face that he still feels bad about what had happened the day prior. "Your mother made some salted sardines yesterday, take some with you - we need to head out."

"Where to?" you ask curiously as you patter to the storage area and see small fish hanging with string by their tails preserved immaculately. You grab a few and turn as your father replies.

"I want you to get an idea of how I manage Laketown. For you to get used to it when it's your turn one day."

---

1. Doubt - "Me? ...lead Laketown?" you ask hesitantly, "I'm not sure..."

2. Rebuke - "...I'm not sure I want that." you say, recognizing the shackles of responsibility that would be placed upon you.

3. Question - "You think I'm the best choice? Why?" you ask with curiosity.

4. Accept - You stay silent for a moment, before nodding. "I want to do my part."

 

[Infab]

3

 

[Breadman]

1

 

[K0mori]

3

 

[dikdik]

1

 

[turtwigwins]

3

 

[hardcore.munchkin]

3