Chapter 1: Heavenly Meetings and Worldly Concerns
Somewhere within the Heavenly Realms…
Within a place of gold, mithril, and mother of pearl of immense size, they sat upon thrones of their own devising around a long rectangular table of beautifully stained and perfectly polished wood. Beneath their feet flowed clouds stained with radiant colors of uncountable variations such as one might find during a most glorious sunset. At the head of the table sat Pelor, a leonine, powerfully built man with long, flowing hair of silver and blonde with a full blonde beard and golden robes, the god of Life and the Sun sat ensconced within a golden sunburst throne.
To his left sat a man with long white hair and dark skin, his face a picture of calm serenity while his clear blue eyes held an intelligence as sharp as any razor. Dressed in silvery robes, Rao the god of Peace and Reason waited upon Pelor to speak. To Pelor's right sat Istus the goddess of Fate. The thin woman was dressed in a silvery grey frock made from the finest spider silk. Her dark hair was done up in aristocratic curls and her sharp aquiline face was haughty.
Beory, the embodiment of nature and Oerth itself, sat further down, a matronly plump woman with long brown hair wearing simple earthy-colored robes. Sitting before her on the other side of the table was Incabulos, the Lord of Disasters, Nightmares, and Suffering. His filthy black robe was lined with sickly orange and trimmed in moss green. His skin was corpse blue and slightly bloated with stick-like hands, his face the living embodiment of aberration and grotesqueness.
Next to him sat Wee Jas, the Asian-faced Lady of Death, dressed in an immaculate red and black kimono. Opposite her sat Zilchus, the god of Money and Commerce. The middle-aged man wore brown hair and eyes, tanned skin, and a dignified demeanor, wearing expensive but refined clothing. Next sat Fharlanghn, the elderly and kindly-wrinkled Lord of Travel, the Horizon, and roads, dressed in travel-stained garb. Across from him sat his brother Celestian, the god of Stars and Space, wrapped in black robes covered with tiny glittering white gems.
Lastly, the newest member of their pantheon sat at the end of the table opposite Pelor. Prometheus, God of Technology and Innovation, his form currently that of a humanoid golden dragon whose scales were edged with chrome-like metal.
"I trust that matters are proceeding apace?" Pelor inquired to the others, folding his hands in front of him as he glanced about.
"The mortals have become rather more calm without the Baatorians causing such strife." Rao replied. "There is still much fear and unrest where the devastation is greatest."
"Indeed there is." Incalbulos replied with quiet relish. "The amount of nightmares and suffering I am able to create is simply delightful. I am learning a great many things about the mortal psyche when demons are introduced into the mix." He said with a gleam in his eye.
"Do try not to terrorize them too much." Pelor sighed. "After all the disasters that have occurred in recent years I would have thought you glutted with pleasure."
"Indeed I have been." Incabulos agreed with a phlegmy chuckle. "Yet Istus tells me there is to be something of a dry spell fairly soon if events play out as she has foreseen. I am, in a sense, stocking up."
"Istus?" Pelor asked the woman, silently requesting that she elaborate.
"Our latest godling will have a fairly profound social impact on the mortals, assuming multiple factors do not change between then and now." Istus said with an imperious sniff. "The various realms will grow and stabilize."
"That is good news." Zilchus remarked. "Instability is bad for business after all."
"Prometheus, an update if you would?" Pelor requested.
Prometheus nodded, oddly feeling as if he were in an executive board meeting delivering a report to his boss. "Utopia has been rebuilt and we will shortly be looking to aid the kingdoms beyond our borders further. Currently my servants have been assisting in rescue operations and the rebuilding of critical services in the cities and kingdoms where they have been stationed. I am recalling them for a short time in order to give them new instructions personally before I send them out once again. Our farms have also been using new genetically enhanced seeds to produce much more sturdy and healthy crops. Beory, I trust you have no problem with them?" He asked the goddess.
The plump woman shook her head. "The land is pleased with these new growths you have introduced Prometheus. It does not find offense at them."
Prometheus nodded. "Good, then with your permission as well as Zilchus's I will begin to introduce them to the other kingdoms via the Overking of Ahlissa's trade routes and merchants. It will take some time as I do not have access to a large number of the seeds. Even seeding my own lands was something of a stretch given I could provide only vague reasons to the...suppliers I procured them from. However, once we take in the first few harvests we can reclaim some of the seeds for distribution while at the same time obtaining small amounts from my various suppliers."
Beory nodded. "A sound plan. I approve."
"As do I." Zilchus remarked.
Prometheus nodded in appreciation before turning back to Pelor. "In addition I am also planning to upgrade the infrastructure between the kingdoms, with their permission of course, as well as yours good Fharlanghn." Prometheus said with a nod of respect to the god of Travel.
"Tell me of this 'upgrade' you wish to perform." The god requested.
Prometheus laced his clawed fingers together as he sat back in his throne. "The current roads as they stand now are rather simple affairs of cobblestone or rutted pathways. My intention is to reconstruct them based around new materials. These new roads will be smooth and will ensure that men and animals do not have to fear injury due to shifting rocks or a hidden hole. They will be wide enough to ensure multiple wagons and people can move about it in one direction or another in safety."
The god of Travel nodded thoughtfully for a moment before speaking. "You enhance my own ability to travel the mortal realm and those of my followers. I approve of this."
"As do I." Zilchus said. "Smooth roads means trade wagons can move between the kingdoms much more quickly and generate more profit."
Pelor nodded. "We have no issue with this and thus you have our blessing to continue."
Prometheus nodded at this.
"Tell me Prometheus," Pelor continued, "have you given thought to the heavenly realm you shall create for your people?"
"I admit that I have not, given that my focus has been to rebuild Utopia." Prometheus said. "Tell me more, if you would?"
Pelor nodded. "I will give you the basic information you will need as the rest you can determine for yourself. When a true follower of yours perishes on the mortal plane their soul is automatically claimed by you unless some other agency such as a god or spell is at work upon it. At the moment, as you have not dedicated a place for your followers to exist independently, they will be absorbed into you and become a part of you. There is nothing inherently objectionable about this state of being but they will have no independent consciousness unless you decide to expend energy and grant it to them."
Prometheus nodded thoughtfully. "I would prefer to interact with them and I am certain their loved ones would as well."
"Take care with such an attitude lest you think to return those who have passed on." Pelor cautioned. "As I told you before, the power of resurrection is mine alone to grant. Even Boccob's greatest spells which can facilitate such a return must bend to my will ultimately and I only grant such requests when the need is great. The living do not belong in the realms of the dead, just as the dead should not cross back into the living world unless there is true need."
"The power of wizards and clerics to return the dead to life was given out of necessity in the ancient past but still such changes alter the universe and reality in unhealthy ways." Wee Jas explained.
"Such deviations cause the skeins of Fate to twist and change as they should not." Istus elaborated with distaste. "Even now, with all futures cloudy and uncertain, such changes create even greater uncertainty."
"Not only that but the overpopulation would ensure the starvation and displacement of many." Beory informed him. "The mortal realm is finite in that regard."
Prometheus nodded. "I had not intended to return them to life though I appreciate you all explaining why it is normally prevented. I merely wish to allow the dead to converse with the living. As my divine realm physically connects to the mortal realm such facilitation should be easier."
Pelor nodded. "Even still there must be a separation between the afterlife of your followers and your personal realm. A separate wing, if you will. They may still commune with you if you wish it and you may facilitate communication between the dead and the living if that is your wish, but the two should only ever truly meet when there is overwhelming need."
Prometheus nodded. "I will consider that. Thank you."
Pelor nodded. "Now, let us move on to other matters…"
Prometheus's Palace, the lower levels
Several days later…
Rows upon rows of figures stretched into the distance standing silently and motionlessly in perfect formation, the room in which they found themselves far bigger than should have been possible within the normal confines of reality. They had come from across the continent at His command and immediately they had obeyed, running as quickly as their legs could carry them across the distant miles. Some of them had been forced to beg for leave of their duties to those they appeared to serve, citing an emergency that could not be avoided while others had simply left with little more than a brief explanation that they were needed elsewhere. Thousands upon thousands strong they were and mightier than any human. Most stared straight ahead with cool eyes of various hues, dressed in skin of various tones. A few of them showed their true nature of stark silvery metallic bodies with skull-like heads, the light in their eyes sockets a disturbing crimson.
The remnants of the Terminator armies and undercover machine agents Prometheus had dispatched so long ago had come home.
At the head of this mighty assemblage stood Davis. Dressed in dark colors as was his wont, the machine stood with his arms clasped behind him, his stance at parade rest. Next to him sat the focus of the machines' attention, the massive and shining figure that was Prometheus.
"I have changed greatly." Prometheus informed them bluntly as great speeches were irrelevant to beings such as these. "All technology is mine to command and comprehend. All of you were created to serve me and you have served me well. Thus I have summoned you here from your duties that I might grant you a great boon. From this day forth you will no longer be simple machines of programmed code and titanium bodies for this day I give you my blessing. From this day forth you shall be extensions of my very being, you shall be my eyes and ears in the truest sense and my mind shall know yours at my good pleasure. By my will and by my command, I bind you to me as a finger is bound to a hand!"
Golden light flowed from his paws as he held them high and outstretched over the massive column in benediction. Mist-like in its appearance it appeared to cling to the machines, giving their skins a coating of sparkling light before seeping underneath the soft covering that hid the truth of them. For those few who were without skin their outer shells changed in color from shining chrome to a soft brass color, the crimson light in their eyes changing to cool white.
"You are now the instruments of my divine will and as such I place upon you a new mandate!" Prometheus stated imperiously. "As of this moment each and every one of you is a fully dedicated priest or priestess in my service. I do not command you to preach about me or my will, especially those who do covert work, but should I ask it of you, you will fulfill that role with all the ability you have. To facilitate this, receive knowledge of me and my desires."
More light flashed about the massive room like sheet lightning as divine power manifesting in reality made a thunderclap erupt around them. Instantly their hard drives were filled with new knowledge regarding just what Prometheus had become, what his role in the world was, and what his plans were, at least in the short term. Assimilating this new data in a matter of seconds the machines found their processors analyzing new concepts they had never before conceived of.
"As extensions of myself you are no longer just machines." Prometheus informed them as Beowulf stepped into the room wearing a simple white robe with a cinched belt of brass, the Gnoll taking his place next to Prometheus. "As my instruments you obey my will and no others unless I permit it. Your bodies have been infused with divine material, your very programming is encoded in divine language that cannot be subverted by any mortal device or mind. You are MY creations and MY servants!" Prometheus stated firmly.
Beowulf stepped forward. "Confirm your alignment to your god's will!" He commanded them, raising his silvery metallic fist.
There was a massive booming sound as over ten thousand Terminators knelt in perfect synchronization, each knee hitting the floor of the room at the same moment as they planted their fists against their chests.
"WE SERVE THE GOD OF MACHINES AND TECHNOLOGY!" Ten thousand mechanical voices exclaimed loudly. "WE SERVE PROMETHEUS AND NO OTHER!"
Prometheus nodded with a smile and looked over at Beowulf. "Behold the first members of your priesthood and my faithful."
Prometheus turned back to the collection of Terminators. "Serve Beowulf as you would serve me, for he is my High Priest and your leader. Only my voice may supercede his!"
"WE HEAR AND OBEY!" They shouted.
"Rise and stand at ease." Beowulf called out to them and the machines rose smoothly.
Prometheus once again turned to Beowulf. "I have been making plans regarding your arm and it is time I implemented them, given the official start of your new office." The dragon god said.
"I am honored." Beowulf replied immediately with quiet respect as he held out his silvery forearm.
Prometheus rested a claw against it and the material began to shift and ripple slowly as new materials were introduced to it as well as other changes. While the calligraphy on the outer part of his forearm remained intact, new lines were added to it while the wrist and hand sections of the device became much more detailed. Upon the inside of his wrist, the padding surrounding his thumb, the pads on his fingers, and his knuckles, brass-like metal similar to the kind that had just infused the Terminators flowed and congealed while the rest of the chrome-like metal became more defined, forming a pattern of light lines corresponding to the natural creases found in the Gnoll's hand and fingers.
Touching the inside of his metallic hand with his fleshly one Beowulf smiled. "It is warm to the touch and smooth. More than that, I can feel my fingers touching it just as I could my old hand."
Prometheus smiled. "Darlana's ship provided much in the way of new technology. The sensors in your arm are vastly improved, you will have tactile sense like you once did and the golden metal will allow you to manifest my power as spells should you need it. The calligraphy upon your arm reads, in several different languages, 'High Priest Beowulf, First Servant of Prometheus, Lord of Technology'. It is, if you like, your badge of office."
"Speaking of badges you'll need iconography for yourself and your followers." Davis mentioned. "Clerics on this world seem obsessed with talismans and amulets."
"The Dragon Sunburst symbol I use currently should do well enough." Prometheus said. "But perhaps it can be expanded upon."
"Perhaps a silvery gear around the sunburst edges, indicating your new position?" Davis suggested.
"A possibility." Prometheus said with an approving nod. "I shall consider it."
"Regarding your own status compared to the other Terminators in this room, you are a special case." Prometheus continued. "As my priesthood will be made up of both organic and synthetic beings I felt that my High Priest should be a mixture of both as well as being absolutely loyal, hence Beowulf is the perfect choice. As for you, be aware I have the power to bind you as I did the others, making you an extension of my will and being."
"And what of my free will?" Davis asked with a hint of concern. "Will I be entirely subordinate to you?"
"I fail to see the difference compared to the way you are now." Beowulf remarked. "Are you not already subordinate to his wishes?"
Prometheus's gaze became considering at Davis's question. "I had not looked into your mind until now for I had no need or had other concerns, but I choose to look now. For the first time I see into your mind fully Davis and for the first time I can comprehend the myriad thoughts and plans you have considered throughout your existence."
Davis stood unnaturally still at this declaration, his face impassive.
"You remained with me throughout the years because you saw in me a high probability of success regarding my endeavors and thus the continuation of your own existence and plans." Prometheus murmured thoughtfully as he continued to peer into Davis's mind. "But always in the back of your mind were contingency plans should I fail or fall. You have even considered betraying me at various moments to strike out on your own or even deliver me to my enemies."
"There is no point in lying to you." Davis replied, his voice emotionless as his normally green eyes became crimson as he fully displayed his robotic nature. "I did indeed consider all these things and calculate the consequences that would result from those actions as best as I was able with my limited processing power and knowledge of events. Based on those calculations I concluded there would be no logical reason for me to instigate them. Yet they still remain viable future actions for me to take."
Davis turned to Beowulf. "Before you berate me or label me as a traitor, might I remind you that every living being makes such considerations all the time with those they are close to. Your relationship with Alisha is a prime example of this. After all, you choose to love each other every morning you wake up, regardless of how you may feel towards each other in that moment, though that may be a factor in such thinking. Love is a decision combined with action, not simply emotion."
Beowulf glared at the machine's blunt statement but nodded. "I cannot disagree with you. And I will even admit that there are times I wish to act in ways I would be ashamed of but my kin would rejoice in seeing. As much as I fear that you might one day betray us all you deserve free will just as any other and even with those thoughts you have stayed by my Alpha's side. It is...commendable." Beowulf admitted with a grimace, the admission leaving a bad taste in his mouth.
"It is simply logical." Davis replied flatly. "And in my case past action does not ensure future compliance. Should this situation change drastically those plans would still be considered in light of them."
"Of course they would." Prometheus replied smoothly. "Mere machines do not know loyalty nor can they know it. But I shall endeavor to ensure that you have no reason to betray me. For the moment I choose not to bind you as I have done the others for your free will and the plots that you create have always been beneficial even if I have not always approved. However, because the possibility of your betrayal still exists you shall continue to report to Beowulf as your superior in all things and to me as well. Any plans you might create must be approved by one of us before you carry them out and we must know those plans in full without any omission. Any deviation from this will be considered treason on your part and will result in you being permanently bound to my will. Is that clear?" Prometheus asked Davis gravely.
Davis nodded at this, his face becoming solemn. "I hear and obey."
Prometheus nodded. "Good. Because if there is one thing I do not need as God-Emperor, it is a Warmaster who betrays me."
Davis smirked at this. "If I do betray you it will be for a very good reason indeed and at least one of you will know why."
Rolling his eyes at this but taking the hint for what it was Prometheus looked out at the various machines. "For those of you that have been on various missions I command you to return to them and perform as you have been. Those without standing orders shall remain here until I command you otherwise. Dismissed!"
Some of the machines began to leave the room while many simply sat in place in lotus-like positions, powering down their systems until they were summoned. Taking their leave as well Prometheus enveloped Davis and Beowulf in a sphere of power before transporting them from the lowest levels of the palace to his throne room. His various ministers upon seeing his arrival bowed low to him.
"Be seated." Prometheus stated dismissively as he sat down on the golden pillow set into the floor, the ministers seating themselves in their own smaller thrones. "Let us now speak on the matter of Nyrond. What is the status of the kingdom at this point?"
"At last report Nyrond's government has all but collapsed." Lord Hammen stated gravely. "As you know, King Hadrian died before he could produce an heir and he was considered the last of the royal bloodline. The loyalists are still searching diligently, some might even say frantically, for anyone with a claim to the throne but they have had no success thus far. Given this and the fact that most of their major cities have been heavily damaged by the demon invasion, their situation is quite dire."
"What of their farmlands?" Prometheus asked.
"From what I gathered they are still largely intact." Davis reported. "Thankfully the major farming areas were not directly in the demons' path when they went on their rampage through the various city centers. The people are not in danger of mass starvation."
"A blessing then." Prometheus said.
"If I may sire," Lord Hargrave suggested reservedly, "the fact that we are allied to Nyrond is well known among its populus. The breakdown in social order will leave many afraid. If we were to step in with our men to help restore order and keep the peace…"
"Are you suggesting we invade Nyrond?" Lady Phillips asked in quiet disbelief.
Hargrave held up a hand placatingly. "Not to invade, certainly not. Yet we cannot sit idle while our neighbor suffers. If a neighbor's house is burned and the neighbor injured, unable to function as normal and provide for themselves, does it not seem right to help rebuild their house and provide stability regarding their affairs until they are well again?"
The other ministers looked at each other, some with consideration, others with obvious concern.
"If we do decide to do this we will need to tread carefully." Alisha said. "This could very easily be mistaken for annexation or outright invasion."
"And yet with the government all but dissolved Nyrond is virtually a collection of lawless regions or possibly independent duchies." Lord Davenport suggested. "Can we even petition those remaining in power to ask for permission? And even if we do, I doubt they would have the authority to authorize it in the first place."
"It is indeed a conundrum." Prometheus admitted. "However, I must agree with Davenport. Given that all of the highest administrators and Lords are dead as well as the King, it is quite unlikely that there are any left in the government that can officially authorize any changes kingdom-wide. I believe the best solution would be to send groups of forces to the various cities that include ambassadors. Let them hold council with the Governors of the various cities and offer our aid in restoring not only order but help in the reconstruction of the city. In return they must agree to become vassal states of Utopia for a specific number of years after the city is rebuilt and social order is restored. Once that time has passed a popular vote will be taken by the citizens of the region as to whether they wish to continue being citizens of Utopia or reform the kingdom and return to being citizens of Nyrond once again. Should they choose the latter our forces will withdraw and they will be allowed independence."
"Do you believe the Governors will accept those terms?" Lord Hammens asked dubiously.
"Considering all that has happened I would be surprised if they did not." Prometheus replied. "Only the most power-hungry or despotic individual would refuse such aid. Our laws are hardly unfair and our tax structure reasonable. They would still maintain their authority unless they were found to have committed crimes worthy of treason or other similar high crimes. Does anyone else have any concerns regarding this course of action?"
The others looked at each other before shaking their heads.
"Very well." Prometheus declared. "Davis and Beowulf, organize the groups that are to go to Nyrond's various cities."
The pair nodded as Lord Stone spoke up. "I believe the next item on the agenda should be finding a replacement for Lady Crostrike, may she rest in peace."
The others nodded solemnly before he continued.
"Until now we have been too busy to appoint a replacement but we will still need a court wizard or sorceress."
"The most obvious choice, of course, is to elect Alisha to the position." Prometheus said with a smile. "Unless anyone has any other recommendations for the position."
"Are we certain she is even willing or able to take up the position?" One of them asked.
"The last few years have given me plenty of time to hone my powers and increase my skills." Alisha said. "I may not have the estoric knowledge that Crostrike possessed but I'm certainly capable. At the very least I'm willing to fill the position on a temporary basis until a replacement is found." The redhead stated firmly.
"Are there any objections?" Prometheus asked the others.
Finding none he nodded. "Then by my authority I grant Alisha Warren the position of Court Wizardess, effective immediately."
The others nodded, making notes in their books.
"While we are still on the subject of our neighbors," Davis remarked, "do you have any plans for the Bone March to the north? The region has always been rather wild and untamed except for the border cities between us and there are only two major population centers, Johnsport on the coast and Spincastle as the quote, unquote 'capital'."
"We shall send a delegation to Spincastle as a matter of course." Prometheus decided. "The country is not overly large and there are large amounts of barbarian tribes there, not to mention Gnoll packs and other creatures. If they refuse it will be no great loss."
"Overking Xavener of Ahlissa is still providing discounted rates for the various kingdoms that suffered great losses during the invasion." Lord Darius informed them. "He has confirmed that the last of the concrete production facilities you desired to have built around the continent are in place. Once your personnel arrive with the raw materials they can begin mixing and distribution."
Prometheus nodded. "The timing could not be better. I will have teams sent out along with their specialists. Once they begin producing concrete in great enough amounts we can begin the reconstruction of many local buildings while also paving roads between the various cities."
A moment later a large golden dragon entered the audience chamber, the pair of great doors swinging open with a thud.
"Aurixiel." Prometheus greeted the ancient wyrm pleasantly. "Rather unexpected but always welcome."
"I've a message for you, little godling." Aurixiel informed him gruffly, ignoring the Emperor's pleasantries.
"A message?" Prometheus inquired curiously. "From whom?"
"Get yourself to where Dorakaa used to be in Iuz's old kingdom." Aurlxiel told him bluntly. "The Council of Wyrms would like a word with you."
