Chapter 2: Considerations of Heaven and the Council of Wyrms

Prometheus sat in the center of a seemingly infinite white featureless plane, his hands folded neatly in his lap. His shoulder-length straight black hair fell partially into his goateed face, his brilliant blue eyes half-lidded in thought. He had not made use of his original human form in several years, the mortal body he had been born with when he had simply been the human Asher Walters living in 21st century Earth. Too many on Oerth would see that face and connect it with the human Cleric who had perished alongside Canon Hazen at the battle of Radigast years ago. However, alone as he was in a place where no one could reach unless he willed it, here he allowed himself to relax. At times it bothered him that he was forced to keep his past secret from the world, the population at large believed that Prometheus the Dragon Ascendant had incarnated from the heavenly realms to Oerth directly in order to return the undead created by the mad Overking Ivid to normal life before creating the enlightened kingdom of Utopia.

Shaking his head to clear his mind Prometheus focused on the task at hand. While creating a realm to house the spiritual forms of his departed followers was not something he had experience with, he still knew what he wanted to create for his people. Having visited the various heavenly realms during the last several weeks he had come to understand that while many of the dead wished to simply rest from their earthly labors and enjoy the eternal 'now' that the afterlife represented, some were lively enough to continue being creative and wished to contribute in some way to one cause or another. Even those who wanted rest above all else would eventually grow restless in the fullness of eternity as their spirits slowly restored themselves to their full and natural glory. When that time came they would turn to some activity or other and Prometheus intended that whatever they wished to do, they would have the ability.

For the moment, however, he focused on the initial aspects of the realm. There was no single 'gateway' into the afterlife, the plane being a multidimensional construct of potentially infinite size, so the outside edges of the realm would be the place the souls of his followers would encounter first. Etheric substance created from the Aether flowed at his mental command to create a facsimile of normal matter that his people would be familiar with. Water, land, and a multitude of various life forms were created at his command and shaped by his will into the design of his choosing. In the center of the realm sat a massive island with one part in perpetual day while another in perpetual night, with dawn and dusk acting as a transitional space between the two. Thus if one wished, they could walk the perimeter of the island and experience both day and night before returning to their starting point. Once this was done he linked a part of his consciousness and overall mind permanently to the realm at its center, at the moment represented by an amorphous multi-colored blob similar to a massive undulating soap bubble. Linking the mind piece to the outer edge of the realm he created what could crudely be called a vast sensory network across the entirety of the dimensional barrier. As a soul passed through the barrier into the realm his mind shard would immediately scan it to its very depths. While he could always create a mental link between himself and one of his true followers and know them in this way, this deep scan would 'refresh' his knowledge of the person's true being within an instant, allowing him to know all there was to know about the person from the moment of their birth to the instant of their death. It also had the added value of informing him immediately should any trespasser or traveller enter this realm. With that knowledge, combined with his active will and consciousness, any who dared enter without his explicit permission would be immediately confronted either by himself or one of his servants. More importantly, when the soul of his flock entered through the barrier the realm would immediately create surroundings that were intimately familiar or pleasing to the soul, a room that they would find comforting, pleasing, and safe. It could be a something as simple as a white room with a desk and two chairs to the most grandiose cathedral-like artiface ever envisioned. Within the room they would be met by a construct of his creation, once again fashioned into a being that the soul would resonate with or at least expect to see when entering the afterlife, based on their history and the beliefs they had held. This could be anything from an ordinary person with whom they might feel kinship with to a powerful angelic being surrounded by a blazing aura. The construct's purpose would be to help the newly liberated soul acclimatize to their new state of being as well as help them through the tumultuous realization of their demise.

After all, very few lived long enough and in such a way as to look forward to their own deaths with pleasant expectation.

The construct would be allowed to perform almost any action requested or needed by the soul to help with the transition, from something as simple as being embraced or answering questions put to it, to requesting that already departed loved ones, even ones from other heavenly realms, attend to them and comfort them. Of course, those who needed something more he would attend to personally but given the wide range of options the constructs were given it would most likely not be necessary.

Once the soul had come to accept their new state of existence and had had its questions answered it would be guided from the 'entry foyer' into the realm proper. Depending on its preference they would arrive at a specific time of day or night which they particularly enjoyed, the sky filled with either a myriad of colors during dawn or sunset, perfectly blue with fluffy clouds during the day, or studded by innumerable sparkling stars within a velvety darkness at night. Regardless of the time of day or night a walkway of white mithril would span across a vast circular sea of silvery blue blessed water which would hold a multitude of tame sea creatures to the massive island in the center of the realm, the end of the bridge linking to the part of the day or night cycle the person was experiencing. On the edge of the island would be a pure tan and white sandy beach for its inhabitants to enjoy beyond which would be a massive plain of trimmed soft grass that could be walked or laid upon with equal comfort as well as a scattering of tall, full trees of various kinds, allowing those who wished to lay in the shade. As they walked the sky would transition appropriately to its next phase. Beyond the large grassy plain would be a variety of landscapes depending on which area of the island they were traversing, from a large forest with spaced trees and leaves of various colors to a large crystalline lake or even a lofty mountain range. Finally, they would come to the center of the island itself.

All around him exotic forms of energy flowed and transmuted to create metallic liquid that flowed like water. Vast quantities of the material moved outwards in a massive circle forming itself into various geometric shapes as buildings and sculptures began to take shape. Liquid crystal of various colors from white to blue to pink to amber flowed into the structures creating clear or colored windows as the structures rose higher, becoming multi-story buildings. Pure white and cream-colored stone rose up from the ground creating low barriers and perfectly smooth roads, all of them straight and leading from various angles towards the center of the city where he sat.

His city of Utopia on Oerth was merely the rough draft of his vision, limited by time, space, and resources. Here, where his will was paramount, here is where Utopia could be truly and fully realized as it was meant to be.

Under his guidance a shining city of stone, metal, and crystal rose up in perfect formations interspersed with beautiful parks and gardens, many buildings only a single story tall while some were hundreds of feet high, easily the size of a modern skyscraper. Esoteric designs created a variety among the buildings from wave-like helical structures to domes, obelisks,.discs, and pyramids. At the center of it all, reaching higher than any mountain or structure, a beacon shone like a column of white light. The amorphous blob that linked to his consciousness floated into the center of the beacon before altering its form so that a duplicate of his draconic form appeared, regally sitting amidst the light, seemingly its originator.

Looking about at his handiwork Prometheus smiled in delight at the paradise he had created.

And He saw that it was good…Unlike the other realms there will be no temple or palace with walls here, nor will I reside on top of a mountain away from the souls of my followers. I will meet them where they are for they will have had enough toil in their lives. If they wish to improve themselves I will create trials for them but it shall be their decision.

Finding no imperfection in his work Prometheus nodded in satisfaction before teleporting to the edge of the beach. From the ground sprung white stone in the shape of a large archway. Placing his hand within the archway space twisted and warped as he created a gateway between his own realm and Celestia, the heavenly realm of his colleague and friend Pelor. Sending a mental message to the other god regarding his intentions he received permission a moment later, the gateway forming properly. On the other side he could see the outskirts of Celestia, called Lunia for its perpetual night with the stars sparkling above. Moving to another location on the island at the edge of the beach he created a new gateway to the realm of Arcadia, a realm that was quite similar to his various ways. It was here that the those who followed Law and Good went when their time on the mortal plane expired and he was quite sure that some of his followers would end up there instead of his own realm, as not everyone would primarily worship him above the other gods. Still, there was no restriction of movement between the realms and the other realms had their own gateways to various places so what he was doing was not unheard of.

His next step, however, would be quite unique.

Moving to the outer edge of the plane, another focus of will created another mithril bridge across the vast ocean of blessed water which then connected to a platform of white stone. More stone rose up in a grand arch at the edge of the platform upon which he placed another construct in the appearance of a middle-aged human servant in white robes. Placing his hand in the center of the space of the arch, reality twisted before a spiraling gateway emerged. Focusing on the end point of the wormhole he attuned it to coincide with a specific location in a certain room of the palace. Anchoring it to the palace wall he 'pulled' the intervening space tight so that the two openings would appear as a gateway before binding them to their specific locations in local space-time. Looking out through the arch he could see the large room within the palace. Stepping through the opening he turned and placed his hand in the intervening space once again. A crystalline film filled the space as he replaced the dimensional membrane, making it transparent and able to conduct sound. However, no being made up of normal matter be they living, undead, or even a construct such as a Terminator could pass through that barrier unless he willed it. On the other side, any naturally incorporeal being would be prevented from crossing over as well, thus allowing the living and the dead to communicate without allowing the two to truly meet.

Until now, such a thing had been the purview of Clerics and Wizards who had access to powerful spells or their deity's benevolence, allowing the channeller to act as an intermediary to pass along short messages. Now, however, things would be different. Now the dead could converse openly and at length with the person on the other side of the archway. Prometheus had no doubt that once his paradise actually began to be filled with denizens the whole matter could become much more complicated, especially if the departed left this world in less than desirable circumstances. He could already imagine the arguments various lawyers would have with both the dead and the living attending will and testament readings not to mention long lines for people wanting to spend precious moments with people they had lost while the people at the archway would refuse to leave. Still, it was a start and he would make adjustments as things developed, he had many other options to draw upon if needed. Taking a moment to shift into his draconic form Prometheus left the room, moving down the large hallway towards the exterior of the palace.

Davis, Beowulf, I am leaving to speak with the Dragon Council. He informed them. Take care of things until I return.

How long do you expect to be gone, Alpha? Beowulf asked.

I do not expect to be gone more than 24 hours. He told them. I will inform you if that changes. Continue organizing the squads to be dispatched to the various cities.

Receiving a pair of affirmations from the two of them he opened the pair of large windowed doors that led to one of the balconies. Leaping into the air and away from the building he felt the tingle of energies dance across his skin as he crossed the dimensional membrane of his divine realm within the confines of the palace grounds to the mortal plane and normal space-time beyond it. Feeling the people below observing him, half-formed prayers of thanks and adoration filtered through his consciousness like whispered conversations from dozens of different voices all at once as the citizens silently praised him before going about their day. Prometheus smiled, murmuring simple blessings upon them in return as he flew across the city and out over the farming districts. While he could have used his divine powers to teleport at least partially across the vast distance and reduce the time it took to get to the dragons' meeting place he decided to take the long route as part of him still enjoyed the feeling of the wind beneath his wings as he glided. The miles flew by as he flew over towns and villages, the people below shivering pleasantly at their proximity to his presence. Nyrond passed by beneath his feet, its people directionless and frightened as they tried to eke out a living from the wreckage of their cities while men hungry for power attempted to consolidate what lands they could for themselves using the power of their voice and persuasion. Resolving to send aid to them as soon as he returned he flew onward, crossing the border into Urnst to the northwest. More land flew by and hours passed as Prometheus travelled over Urnst and across the Shield Lands to Iuz's former empire in the northwest, its capital the once dark citadel of Dorakaa. Arriving on the outskirts of the former stronghold Prometheus landed quickly, glancing about as he stretched forth his senses.

A cluster of dragons at the former heart of the city lit up in his vision and he strode forward. The once fearsome and walled city was all but leveled now; his troops had devastated some of the city's structures during their offensive strike against the demonic portal that had been placed in the heart of Iuz's temple in the center of the city but now the destruction was far more complete with almost nothing left standing. Making his way through the rubble-covered streets he was vaguely surprised to find the city completely deserted, though considering the cluster of dragons nearby it could perhaps be understood why no dark denizen would wish to remain. Arriving at the center of the city Prometheus soon found himself in the large square courtyard that once sat before the temple of Iuz. Cleared of rubble and cleaned, he found himself facing a semi circle of nearly a dozen metallic dragons of different colors from brass to silver to gold as well as a few of the rare 'gem' dragons with their crystalline scales. All of them exuded auras of ancient wisdom and great power gained over a thousand years of experience, their eyes clear and as sharp as the talons on their paws. The group sat before him regally as if holding court in a palace, seemingly dismissive of the devastation around them as if it were beneath their notice. As he approached the dragons turned to look at him. He could feel the weight of their gazes attempting to press down upon him but compared his own divine nature they were as young men attempting to look stern to an elder. Still, he felt no need to be rude to those who were technically his senior by a good number of years.

"Aurixiel requested that I present myself to this council." Prometheus stated formally. "As Bahamut is one of my staunch allies and my sponsor I would not refuse such a request and so I have come in person. What is it you wish of me?"

The large ancient gold dragon in the center of the semicircle nodded. "Bahamut's Blessing upon you, Lord Prometheus. We are honored to have one of the Divines in our midst this day."

Prometheus nodded in appreciation as the ancient gold continued. "I am Alsharak, Caretaker of this Council and its nominal Head. Around me you see the leaders of each of the dragon clans. I and this council have ruled the affairs of the Metallics even before we were placed in the Sanctuary by the command of our Lord millennia ago at the end of the Dragon Wars. We have requested your presence here to discuss several matters of import regarding our people and yourself."

Prometheus nodded. "Go on."

"As you are aware the recent war between the gods using Tiamat's brood of Chromatic dragons and the Baatorians as foot soldiers allowed us to be freed from our exile." The ancient dragon explained. "The world has changed much in the centuries since our departure and many of our brethren find themselves without a lair, its contents having been looted long ago and in many cases destroyed to make room for the various races and their cities. Thus they are forced to seek out new homes. We would know the borders of the lands held by the lesser races as we have no wish to antagonize them nor lose more of our kin to those who would wish us harm by sending them as scouts. Additionally, we would know if the various realms scattered throughout the land are willing to include us within their territories."

Prometheus frowned in thought for a moment before replying. "Information on the realms and their borders are easy enough to provide. As far as the other matter is concerned, I believe this would be best discussed between the various kingdoms and yourselves. I am certain that many would be willing to have dragons nearby but it is not my decision to make, nor do I know their thoughts on the matter."

"In truth," he continued thoughtfully, "I believe it would be best to convene a meeting of such leaders as we can in any case. The world has been ravaged by the onslaught of the demons and it would be of help to know the status of the various kingdoms and their needs. It may take some doing but I will attempt to arrange it. In the meantime, any Metallics who need refuge are welcome in Utopia, including yourselves."

The others nodded in thanks. "We are grateful, of course." Alsharak stated. "We hope that the lesser races will take our needs into consideration during this meeting you propose; we would hate to resort to other measures to create a realm for ourselves here."

Had the speaker been anyone else Prometheus would have thought the elder was issuing a threat. As it was he merely spoke the truth; if the other kingdoms were unwilling to grant land to the dragons for their use they would simply take some other unclaimed land for themselves far away from the population or create their own domain elsewhere, to the detriment of both societies.

"I believe my presence over the last several years has begun to warm the populations to the notion that dragons can be peaceful. You are already regarded as larger than life by most. Having living legends nearby would be an opportunity few would pass up, in my estimation." Prometheus told them.

The elders nodded thoughtfully at this.

"You most likely speak the truth but I would prefer to hear it from the lips of the races themselves." Alsharak stated. "Let this meeting you propose be held as soon as possible. If they refuse such an invitation we will petition them directly. Another matter we wished to discuss with you is your own divine status."

Prometheus raised a curious eyeridge at this.

"Our Lord spoke to us of your incarnation and Ascendancy several years ago while you still wore mortal scales as we do. Now you have taken the final step and become a true god. You take the form of one similar to Bahamut, you see our children as your kin, yet you do not ask for their worship nor do you attempt to claim to be a god of dragons. Thus we find ourselves in confusion regarding who and what you are and how we, not to mention our kin, should defer to you. We answer only to our Lord, serve only Him, and yet we do not wish to insult you by denying what is rightfully yours."

Prometheus smiled quietly at this. "I appreciate your consideration, Ancient Ones. Know that while I am kin and friend to all Dragons who serve Lord Bahamut, I am not a competitor for His praise or prayers. Just as humans and the other races do not worship all gods equally, nor do I expect your people to worship me unless they choose to do so. Know that I am the Lord of Technology and Innovation. Any dragon who has a desire to learn of the sciences and discover new ways of transforming society and the world may commune with me and I will speak with them. Have no fear of my wrath for it is only poured out on those who do evil."

The ancient dragons nodded. "We understand. Henceforth your name shall be venerated as a close ally and brother of equal status to our Lord and we shall afford you all appropriate reverence as per your due. But active worship of you and your ideals shall be a personal choice to be undertaken. Additionally, you and your servants will be considered natural allies of ours unless circumstances require otherwise."

Prometheus nodded. "The people of Utopia will find this to be wonderful news, I am certain."

He stated. "Additionally, I believe that some of yours will wish to remain. I am in the process of forming an order of draconic knights to help keep Tiamat's remaining children in check as well as performing other duties. I trust you have nothing against them joining such an order?"

"Who will be heading this Knightly Order you speak of?" One of the brass dragons asked.

"Elidar Sendor." Prometheus stated.

"Ah! Bahamut's Sacred Warder is a fine choice." Alsharak stated in approval as the others nodded in consideration. "He will make an excellent Grandmaster and its cause is assuredly just and proper. Should any wish to join your Order they shall have our blessing."

"I thank you." Prometheus stated. "Was there any other business you wished to discuss?"

"That is all for now." Alsharak stated. "As we understand it there is no claim to this rather wretched city and its environs so we shall begin making our homes here, driving out whatever evil we may find. Should there be a need for us to meet in the future we will send an envoy."

Prometheus nodded. "Do send one as needed. Just know that my time will be taken up by a great many things and I may not be able to appear personally before you as often as you might wish. It is no small thing to summon a god, after all." He suggested ominously but with a twinkle of amusement in his eye.

The other dragons, taking the hint for what it was, chuckled quietly as they inclined their heads in respect. "Rest assured we shall not call upon you frivolously. Should you wish to send a representative in your place we shall not be offended for we know our place."

"Then I shall take my leave." Prometheus stated. "I will contact you when I know more."

The dragons bowed before him as Prometheus took to the air. As he flew he pondered the dragon's message and their place in the world.

Mankind, not to mention the other races, have been divided for too long. He decided. We were nearly decimated in the last war and only held back our extinction by the barest of chances. We must unite under a common banner and fight for each other should such a threat ever emerge again!

Focusing a part of his mind he established a connection between himself and several of the newly upgraded Terminators.

Your thoughts are our actions Lord. They stated. Command us.

Each of you are in positions that grant you direct access to the leaders of the various kingdoms. I would have you inform them that I, in my position as one of the gods, desire to have them attend a great meeting of all the rulers of Oerth to decide the fate of the land as it now stands. Let them understand that this meeting is of vital importance and should not be ignored.

At the moment they do not know we are your servants. One of them stated. Revealing ourselves, even stating that we had been given divine instructions from you, would potentially compromise our positions and thus your access to them, should we be revealed as your agents.

Then I shall have you each deliver a message I will create. He told them. You need merely ensure they are given the message as if it were handed to you.

This will work for the others. One of them said. But I believe the Theocrat of the Pale will be disinclined to acquiesce to your request.

A moment while I consider this. Prometheus told the machine, withdrawing slightly from its mind but keeping the connection open.

Focusing another aspect of his will he projected his mind across the higher dimensions and into the Path of Law, the realm that Pholtus, the god of Law and Light, had created for himself. The massive cathedral-like palace loomed impressively before him, made out of white stone, silver, and a pair of golden doors adorned with the god's symbol of the moon and sun. Opening the doors he strode through with purpose, his feet thumping against the long gold and silver carpet that flowed perfectly straight up the center of the massive room, bisecting it. Massive stained glass windows lined the high walls depicting various representations of the god or depictions of various scrolls of law. The ceiling depicted the star system Oerth was a part of, each star and planet in perfect orbits meant to display the god's absolute control over the various ordered systems, once again reminding Prometheus of the fact that here was a being who determined each planet's orbit and whether it obeyed or not among myriad other laws both naturalistic in nature and those created by mortal minds.

At the end of the great hall sat Pholtus in his long white cossack with silver and gold stoles adorned with symbols of the sun and moon. The god's face was pale with neatly trimmed blonde hair and blazing blue eyes, and his throne was made of mithril. Nearing the throne Prometheus inclined his head in respect to the more elder god.

"Greetings to you Pholtus, Lord of Law. I would speak with you if you have a moment."

"Prometheus." Pholtus remarked listlessly, resting his chin atop his fist as if to signify his presence was barely better than a bother. "To what do we owe the...pleasure…of your company?"

"I wish to have one of my followers deliver a message to your Theocrat, a message I believe to be of importance." Prometheus explained. "Yet I am concerned that the Theocrat will ignore it to the detriment of himself and others. I would have your backing on this if you would."

"For this simplest of matters you come to us?" Pholtus asked in mild aggravation before calming himself. "Still, we suppose we cannot fault your ignorance; being so new to your divine nature. One can appreciate you coming before us in person with such a simple request when a servant would have sufficed, no doubt you did not wish to accidentally insult us. But know in future that a messenger will do just as well. You need not come before us like a penitent with a request." The god said with an indulgent smile.

Slightly irked at the god's arrogance but unwilling to annoy him, Prometheus continued. "Thank you for your...wisdom Pholtus. Allow me to share my message and the intention behind it so that you might understand fully."

The god nodded and Prometheus 'pushed' a parcel of memories and thoughts towards the god's head which absorbed them immediately. Pholtus's face became thoughtful for a moment as he assimilated the different mentality and the plan Prometheus was considering before regarding his colleague.

"I do not find any fault with your intentions nor do they conflict with my own interests. Thus I shall aid you in some small way should the Theocrat prove to be recalcitrant."

"I thank you Pholtus, for your time and consideration." Prometheus replied formally.

The god inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement before Prometheus vanished, that part of his mind returning to the mortal plane and refocusing on the Terminator.

Pholtus shall provide him with the impetus he needs should he refuse to read or obey my summons.

Thank you Lord. The machine replied.

As the others had no other concerns he ceased the connection to them. Once Beowulf and the others had finished organizing the various ambassador groups they would make good time in travelling to the various cities and his other covert Terminator agents would return to their positions across the continent within a matter of days.

If all went as he planned the Council of Oerth would meet within the month.