AN: A thanks to 'ArchMagos Jim' and 'thaqitalip' for the suggestions. I had the idea of a camera for Aphrodite, and the electricity for Zeus before your comment Jim, but thank you for the crossbow, that is better than what I had planned. See this is why I asked for ideas because I am dumb and miss obvious things.
Also, to Jim's other question about cities, probably, we'll see.
The Omnissiah awoke just before the sun would rise, getting out of the bed he walked to his materials all the while thinking of both his visions of Mars and the gifts he would work on. A few gifts had already been decided on, but others he was not certain about. The Lord of Rusted Soil spent an hour gathering and transmuting materials. Some were easier however things like gold and copper were not. Those were needed for circuits and took a bit more time to get since finding them close by wasn't easy, thus, slow transmutation was made slower because of the dense material.
After that hour the primordial left his house and entered the chapel, a quarter of an hour later papers and wooden writing utensils with graphite centers were prepared for use. The idea was taken from a brief flash in the lesson the previous night, it showed many scribes, metal tubes with ink slavishly working on scrolls and books. When asked what Korban had used for his morning lesson, the group explained he drew in the dirt. The priest had said writing quills, ink, and papyrus sheets were not easy to get.
Thus for the previous evening lesson, they were given these objects in order to practice both writing and connecting letters to sounds. After the lesson, the pencils and papers were left in the chapel's small storage, below the shrine's table. The papers were recycled to clean the pencil marks.
The paper was sturdier than papyrus, when previously asked about the paper the Omnissiah simply said it isn't hard for him to make, it is merely useful and so he gives it. The two couples and preteen came in not long after these preparations were done. The lesson was not much different, only a few new things were learned. After nearly an hour Adga asked a question that brought the attention of everyone else. "My Lord, I don't mean to overstep but, what was it that you did yesterday morning? You said it was related to that law but-"
She trailed off as she met the eyes of the One of Crimson Robes, "You aren't overstepping, but I do recall saying not to worry about it." she looked down, "It is simply complex, and it might even be shocking. It is nothing dangerous for yourselves, or even myself, so just know you will learn it sooner than you think." he then nods with a small smile, Walenty puts his hand on her shoulder and she puts a hand on his hand.
Jace who had been listening to this had two questions, "I hope you'll forgive some questions, my lord?" after a nod of confirmation he continued, "I was wondering when you plan to teach me what we talked about? I am grateful, incredibly so, it is just I don't see us finishing the lessons we have now any time soon."
"You are correct, but if you would like to learn anatomy and healing sooner, we can find a way for you to keep up with these lessons and learn those. Though it will require more work and time, I am sure you can do it. Now, what is your other question." the man gave a thankful smile before taking on a more concerned and thoughtful expression.
"I don't think you ever told us why we need to learn to read and write. You simply said we would need to eventually do so." a pause, "Could you tell us why?"
"Easily," he gave a chuckle at the simple question, "aside from reading the knowledge already present in this world, you shall be writing records of your work soon enough, even in simply reporting to me. Some of you might copy scrolls. But finding then preserving knowledge, and creating accounts of your own knowledge is important not only for yourselves but for others as well. Especially others within the cult." A smile and pause, "Anything else?"
After receiving a negative answer the lesson continued for a short while and was eventually concluded. "I shall see all of you tonight, but tomorrow Korban shall be taking over for me again." at that Clio spoke up.
"Omnissiah, where are you going tomorrow?" she asked curiously before a look of recognition appeared on her face, "Oh, is this related to that law? Can you not tell us?" her tone was one of minor disappointment and a small amount of guilt near the end of her sentences.
"No, it isn't related to that." after a few moments, Clio spoke again.
"Oh, can you tell us then? I mean, you don't have to do so." she seemed somewhat awkward but the incarnated deity was more focused on something else. Specifically, he was deciding whether or not to tell them. He did this by weighing the merits and demerits. He did not wish to withhold things, especially important things from his acolytes unless necessary. The question became, was it necessary to do so here? He did not tell them of his ownership over their souls since they had yet to fully adjust. In addition to that, he wanted to remember more of the warnings before teaching any warnings.
"Very well, simply put, my presence has been noticed by the Olympians for a little while now. They have invited me to a gathering taking place tomorrow. If all goes well, agreements, and perhaps even friendships shall be made." after saying that his students were frozen, they seemed to have a problem processing that. As if there was a disconnect between their lord and the gods of their ancestors.
One of the main reasons that they were willing to follow the Omnissiah was that he was amongst them. There were many stories of those who abandoned or changed the gods they worshipped. To hear that their new lord would soon meet with the gods they had worshipped before was, both a shock and in some ways a reminder of what they had given up.
Walenty spoke, "Ah, ah, umm, I see. Well I do hope it goes well?" he was unsure of what exactly such a gathering meant or how it might differ from a mortal gathering. The rest of the group was also troubled.
"Do not worry, I shall make my best effort to ensure there are no issues. The worst outcome, that is at all likely to happen, is simply a tense neutral departure. Which is not good, but that is workable into a better state." a partial lie, since the worst likely outcome was being asked for subservience, but that was less likely given his status as a primordial. That, and with some maneuvering, he would essentially be just as free in action as he was now, even if not in name. A hollow appearance was worth preventing conflict at this current time. "Regardless, do not worry, I will focus on it. I would ask though, that none of you are vocal about this to anyone."
When he received nods he walked out of the chapel with them and pulled up his hood. The group walked to town, with both households going to different places. For the trinity's part he found Korban just about to leave his home, "Ah, Korban are you going anywhere today?"
As it turned out the priest was in fact going to help a few households, some with his specialty, others, simply as another pair of hands for lifting or holding. "In that case, when you are done, come to my house for some food and wine. I need your knowledge to help me with my business tomorrow. Don't worry you'll likely not need to answer more than a few questions." the words made the old man raise a brow but nod. Both departed, with Korban thinking about what his friend might need to know.
The Omnissiah was also thinking, 'Well, I suppose I will have to figure out how to hastily create fermented wine.'
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Not long before, on Olympus
Almost all of the mountain was active, the servants were working the moment dawn had risen, it was not frantic but the party was the next day and there was a lot to prepare. This wasn't just a gathering of all of the Olympians with their palace staffs both serving and attending, word had gotten out and many minor gods and goddesses were joining. Not to mention the number of the nymphs and those like them who did not live on the mountain, many were likely travelling to attend. All that was known was that it was an important party, but the major gods were rather tight-lipped about why it was important.
Hermes approached Zeus in the king's palace, "Ah father, before I forget, last night after I went to the underworld. I was given a letter by Charon from Hades. It didn't seem to be urgent so I figured it could wait until morning. Waking you up didn't seem necessary."
The king of the gods took the scroll before scowling and mumbling to himself, "In all of that planning I completely forgot to think to invite Hades, or even tell him about the gathering." Hermes moved to leave but not a minute later he heard a thunderous shout from Zeus calling for him. "Hermes!" the messenger god quickly returned to find his father rapidly reading the scroll, "Hermes, have your messengers fetch anyone on the council not already on Olympus, I want you to immediately find and bring Hades here. This is important!" that last bit was filled with frustration and had a tone that made it clear he was summoning his brother.
The patron of thieves moved with his characteristic swiftness, within half an hour those on Olympus were pulled away from their work and standing in the council chamber. Another fifteen minutes led to Demeter and Persephone returning to the mountain with supplies from their gardens. The mother and daughter pair had been doing a lot to help the servants prepare the food. A few minutes later Poseidon entered the hall in a semi-annoyed mood, the king of the sea had been called from his home more in the last week than he had in any other similar time frame of peace.
And not more than five minutes later Hades and Hermes arrived, the Lord of the Underworld moved to stand by his wife. As the two stood the to right of Demeter Zeus came in with Hera and the pair sat down. "After speaking with Hera I have calmed some, but…Hades. Before anything, I should apologize, firstly, I did not tell you about the warning from Gaia and Uranus. I should have consulted you about that, secondly, I should have invited you or told you we were having a gathering tomorrow. A gathering for the god you spoke of in your letter" everyone but Hera on the council widened their eyes slightly. That Hades has something to say about the being they were planning to host.
"Persephone already informed me of the party. You don't need to apologize for that, besides, I am rather busy. So I don't know that I would have accepted the invitation, though I suppose since I am here, I can stay a single day."
There was a pause as the king of the sky breathed in, nodding, "Now I want you to explain to me and everyone here what you said in your letter." from there He Who Receives Many Guests told his family of the Machine God's visit. The domain and claim to souls, the acolytes that were bargained for. The exchange of a blessing for the outsider to be given domain over the mortals that served him even after death. At this point, the gods, especially Persephone were rather shocked. Hades wasn't one to make such deals, and while the news of the acolytes was new it wasn't too shocking given the small number of mortals.
What really shook the deities was that the deal was struck and ensured by the goddess of oaths. "I don't think that was a wise move uncle, such an agreement could easily be used against you." Athena's words were met with some nods among the council, Zeus for his part had a hand on his chin, a scrunched face and narrowed eyes that felt as if he was both worried and thinking. He had known all of this, minus a few details, from the message. But to hear it from his older brother's mouth was another thing.
Persephone looked at Hades, he gave her a smile before speaking again, "Well, maybe you'll think differently about me not wanting to deny a request like that after I tell you everything." He continued to summarize leading the Omnissiah to the twin primordials. As he spoke about going to Nyx and Erebus the council asked him why, he said to simply let him continue.
The Eldest Son of Kronos revealed that after meeting, it was confirmed that the one the council had invited to Olympus was a Primordial. This was a solemn confirmation, Zeus was still seemingly deep in worried thought. Telling of the moirai was just as great a shock to the council, while they suspected their soon-to-be guest was a primordial because of what Persephone had told them what Hades had said before. But this was a wholly new development and when it was revealed that Hades did not know the words the three sisters exchanged with the foreigner, many aside from Zeus took an expression similar to said king. Worried, it was perfectly natural to be so. With all this in mind, Hades' decision to not challenge the Omnissiah on a currently small issue turned out to be a much better decision.
The council chamber was quiet for a couple of minutes before someone spoke, "Well," the council turned to see Dionysus with a strained smile on his face, "at least we are nearly done with the party preparations." Hera absently nodded in agreement, while the rest silently went back to thinking.
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Dimitis not long after
After the trinity had spoken with Korban his thoughts turned to grapes, and wine, both for his friend and probably for how to make them into gifts. The gathering of gods had turned his attention for a small while but after check-in a few times there was little to be gained from spying. Finding a vineyard wasn't fast but it wasn't hard, after snagging a few grapes discreetly he returned to the house, though perhaps his house was probably more correct.
Instead of simply awaiting the priest the diety intended to make good on what he had said. Food and drink, wine, are far from a specialty but hardly a waste of time. Especially since it seems he has a habit of entertaining guests. Analyzing the genetic structure of the grapes didn't take long and soon adjustments to it were made. Minor climate adaptability increased the bounty of the fruit, its efficiency, different sizes, and different variations in flavour. Once the Lord of Mars had ended his tinkering there were half a dozen different grape varieties in seeds. The main differences between them are size and flavour.
Having already analyzed the grain that was growing near the village, the Omnissiah was able to do much the same to the wheat as he had to the grapes. Size, flavour, texture, all different but none too drastic. After planting both the grains and grapes into his inner courtyard the Lord of All Machine Spirits accelerated their growth while ensuring the soil supplied what was needed. He repeated this several times to gain both seeds to use later but also material for food and wine.
The Lord of Rusted Soil decided to first create bread, due to not seeing it being made the process took a bit of experimentation but wasn't overly complicated. Though whether it tasted good was another thing, thus grain that was less altered flavour-wise was used. Next, the wine, though he knew it took fermentation, little was known in detail to the Primordial. Containers were quickly formed in clay and then baked into pottery.
Accelerating the fermentation process of grapes to wine was both simpler and more complicated than making a plant grow faster. While a plant was a machine of biological nature, fermentation is a process in biological materials. Even extending his sight to see wine in storerooms for reference. It took over an hour and a half of rapid experimentation to create enough batches to get it right. A compound that held all the steps needed to be both similar to what he sees in wine, while also being different due to the modified grapes. As for what made it take so long, a lot of time was spent on fermenting wheat into alcohol and coming up with something from scratch.
Now that he had bread, wine, and 'bread alcohol,' all of which he would try with Korban, he had to pass the time waiting for his friend to arrive. While waiting he may as well get started on what he asked Korban over for. He intended for the priest to give him advice on gifts for the Olympian council.
Some felt obvious, he already had modified plants that he could offer as a gift to Demeter such as wheat and incense. And much like that wheat, he had just made, the grapes and wines would make for an excellent gift for Dionysus. And since he was the god of wine, specifically, he may appreciate a new form of alcohol.
But others, he lacked a lot of knowledge, especially specific knowledge on the myth and worship of the Olympians. It was likely not perfect to use those as references, but he couldn't exactly spy on them to know more of them. The trinity created more of the plants and alcohols to be set aside for the two aforementioned deities. With that done he was stuck as to who he should create a gift for.
'The goddess Artemis seems rather blunt from the interactions I've seen her have with her family…imperfect but perhaps she'll be fine with something simple.' a moment of contemplation, 'She is the goddess of the hunt, do I have anything of use?' after a moment he thinks of his rifle and pistol, 'No, under no circumstances.' at that thought 'Hm, and she has no need for a bow I could make, except to add to her clutter or trinkets.' A moment of unpleasant frustration was felt before it was pushed aside by a new thought. Looking at the rifle, 'Bow, a bow in the style of a rifle…hmm.'
A half an hour later with some basic mechanical work, it was done. The concept of a trigger, as well as the rifle's handle and skeleton structure with a bowstring and curve, mounted onto it. After a bit of fiddling a basic rifle-bow was completed. 'I doubt she shall use it often, but at least it is unique. The strength needed to cock back the string might be difficult to do often for a human but I doubt she'll complain…perhaps I can create more of these, and improve on them. It doesn't seem wise to create too many rifles, not now.'
Nodding to himself he began to engrave designs into the wood of the rifle-bow, things such as deer, arrows, and moons of various phases. A very weak machine spirit was bestowed on it thus completing it. Creating arrows was interesting, the rifle-bow was long enough to use arrows that could be used on a bow, but it still seemed right to create some arrows alongside it as a gift. The most interesting part was picking a material to replace the feathers. In the end, a polymer was used to make thin compressible flaps.
With that, there were three gifts done, and the Lord of All Machine Spirits did not know what to do next. 'Well, while I am making weapons, perhaps that is something Ares would appreciate.' With that in mind, he continued his thought process, 'Something unique, and not just a new type of something common.' a small burst of frustration, 'That can be done but what else, that feels hollow. What do I know of him aside from his domains?' the question hung in the air for a moment before he recollected the first time he saw the Olympian of war. 'His sisters perhaps, Eileithyia and Hebe.'
Some of the materials that were gathered or transmuted that morning were called to the trinity's side. Steel would be the main component, but it would bear mechanisms. Gauntlets were created, and within them, mechanisms were installed that would cause electrical discharge when the gauntlets would strike something. A durable lining would keep the gloves from hurting or damaging the wearer. They would each be powered by a miniature pistol power pack. These packs would be popped into view from the gauntlet forearm when the armour is not worn. So as to ensure they were recharged from sunlight.
The Lord of Mars nodded before he began to personalize the pair, first by ensuring they are sized to the hands he saw on the god. Next, he engraved Hebe in incredibly fine detail on the left forearm. On the right Eileithyia in the same manner, the Primordial deity knew little to nothing about both and could only provide an image of them. Hopefully, it would be taken as the pleasant reminder it was meant to be. A blessing of a spirit took better to the gauntlets than the rifle-bow. Four gifts down he had to move to the next one.
"Hmm," a hum escaped him as he considered, 'we've used electricity, and not for Zeus, for whom is it most obvious. In what way can we use…he has a crown of lightning around his head…an excellent source of power.' with that in mind he got to work on a crown. A skeleton frame made from steel, with a yellow gold alloy casing. If the casing comes into contact with electricity it will syphon power into several modified power packs, they wouldn't be able to charge from sunlight but they can take far more power with contingencies against surges in electricity. The front of the casing has a lightning bolt carved out, a light is placed there.
However, the true function of the crown lies in its ability to increase the wearer's hearing distance. The crown is shaped so as to form a pyramid with the top rising much higher than the bottom which only comes down slightly on the forehead going less than halfway. That was at the front with the back wrapping around the head. In addition, there were two extensions on each side that go down to the jaw in front of the ears. These act as the means for the wearer to hear what the crown picks up far away in the direction the wearer is facing. This function could be activated by twisting a switch near the back of the circlet.
Quite the gift to give to someone that seemed to be rather paranoid about him, it may seem foolish. But he would know Zeus to be near him far before the king of the gods would enter a range where the device would help the Olympian spy on either his acolytes or himself. Not only that but while the outside would be Zeus's symbology, inside of the crown lay not just machinery but also many instances of his own symbol: the Cog Mechanicum. And since it was not a visible thing for his acolytes or anyone else. It was not just the gear but the skull was not absent for once.
'Though it shall be yours to use, it is mine, and should you ever wear it, you will unknowingly bear my mark.' he gave a chuckle at the thought as he bestowed a machine spirit to the inner circuitry. The Omnissiah exhales for a moment before he considers which gift he should work on next. 'We've been using a lot of steel, I didn't notice any in Hephaestus's workshop. Something that seems odd in hindsight. Something for his forge, and definitely something with a use… forges, fire, metal, what does he not have that helps with-...a thermometer?'
The Machine God pondered before nodding, "Perhaps not ideal but it will do." It was a somewhat simple machine to create, a beam of light showed where it was aimed and the machine itself would measure the heat, or infrared light immitted. After that creating such a device in a casing that was durable enough for it to be in a workshop without fear of breaking took a bit longer. Once the spirit was bestowed on it his thoughts turned to who he would have to create a gift for next. 'We made a gift for Hephaestus, he and Athena came here together. That is not related but I suppose I could do Athena next.'
'Once more the question is what to make…she is the goddess of wisdom, battle tactics.' a hum, 'something to improve information and thus changing tactics?' Once more the Life Sparker's thoughts considered what to make. 'Getting data from the battlefield, binoculars. That is helpful but how to go about it?' as he concentrated on that thought that he saw a flash of what looked like a holographic display of terrain. 'Of course,' more materials were brought forth and formed an electric binocular which could easily be adjusted for greater clarity at longer ranges. In addition, it also had a limited scanning ability that picked out the terrain and could project it as a holographic image a bit smaller than half a meter.
As he put the finishing touches on it and heard a knock, he extended his senses. "Ah, Korban, one moment I'll be right there!" the Lord with No Face called out. He moved to the door and moved the board from the cross-section allowing the door to open inwards. There was Korban standing as he usually did, and only as the Granter of Directed Motion opened the door did he see it was near midday, "Ah, Korban I've been waiting for you, come in, I have bread and wine I'd like you to try should you be interested."
The priest nodded, "That does sound nice," the door shut behind him they began to approach the inner yard entrance, "apologies for how long that took but I have helped everyone I said I would, well, as best I could." The two sat down, bread and wine floating over causing Korban to raise a brow, "Convenient, I don't think I'll get used to that, though that looks like a lot of food."
"Yes well there are different types, I want you to try a bit of each and give me your opinion. Don't worry about waste." the older man nodded.
"So, what did you want to talk about Omnissiah?"
AN: ***I have come to realize, I forgot about Hestia…since like chapter 6, sigh. Well, time to say she just doesn't like dealing with the business of her family directly cause she has had to put up with them all for centuries. So she stays out of sight and kinda slips past, she has been keeping an eye on the situation….I didn't mean to forget her, she is the eldest of the children of Kronos, she is not exactly a small deal.*** On that note, gift ideas for her?
Btw, I talked about how Apollo hasn't taken the mantle of the sun from Helios but they are close, there is basically one story about Selene….. let's just ignore her and say Artemis has the moon domain, k?
I feel like a hypocrite saying this, so I don't blame you if you don't but reviews are really nice to see.
Note to self: it is midday when Korban comes in, the feast is the next day.
