Chapter 4



6th of May, 2006 - about three weeks before canon

Castor and Pollux looked at each other hesitantly. They took a deep breath and walked through the door of the "D-emple" as the campers had begun to call it. In his new architectural delirium, their father had built himself a huge mansion - which made no sense at all. The number of floors changed depending on the viewpoint, the size of the doors varied, and the plans looked like they'd been drawn by a mental asylum escapee on a psychedelic mushroom trip. Vines of fruit and bunches of grapes ran along the walls. Living, moving statues depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus - Pollux could have sworn they'd been made for educational purposes, as they recounted his father's exploits and were visible to all campers - were housed in alcoves surrounding the house. Only one of the facades, in white marble, gave a glimpse of the ancient Greek architecture from which this "house" - not a temple, according to Chiron, but a "temporary residence" - was supposedly inspired. Still, the building managed to exude a strange aura of majesty and power that intimidated the two young men.

"Come on, brother, let's go! "

Their father, who had virtually ignored them since their arrival at the camp four months ago, had suddenly summoned them. They had heard strange rumors about his recent changes, but this... this was a big, big change.

The interior was...strangely tasteful, if very daring. They liked it, and felt at home. As they stepped into the entrance hall, the marble floors beneath them bore intricate designs, leading the way to a corridor that stretched into the unseen depths of opulence. Amidst the grandeur, living cheetahs roamed freely in the entrance hall. Vines cascaded from above, forming a verdant canopy that whispered of nature's wild embrace. The air was alive with the sweet scents of exotic flowers, and the distant echoes of lively music promised a celebration beyond. Vibrant tapestries adorned the walls, depicting enchanting tales of the youth of Dionysos. Instantly, both demigods felt invigorated, more energized, full of a creative energy, a strong want for dance and freedom, they felt more, more, more…them.

"Ah, you've arrived ! Come, your Father our God is waiting for you !"

Around the corner, the twins found themselves face to face with a beautiful nymph. She provocatively donned a revealing Japanese maid attire that stirred a sudden, unexpected heat in the air. Teens will be teens, after all. The intricate folds of her outfit left Castor and Pollux momentarily captivated by the alluring charm she exuded. The nymph, with a sultry smile, beckoned the twins to follow her.

The room they entered transcended grandeur. Their Father was inside…waiting for them ? A god, waiting for them ? Dionysos, this powerful and wild force, was there, standing tall with muscles like a lion's, and a viril beard. He was behind a table loaded with a feast that made their mouths water just looking at it. They could feel his energy, strong and vibrant, pulsating in the air. His toga, a bright purple thing, hugged his body, making him look like a king of the wild. Everything about him screamed power, but he gently smiled at them.

"My sons. Take place, take place !"

My sons…they thought. And these two words made them redden from pleasure as they sat, no more intimidated - was it because of the strange energy they felt being near their dad ? They felt like they could do anything ! Bend the rules of reality ! Truly be free !

With a wave of his hand, Dionysus instructed a small orchestra of nymphs and satyrs to begin playing. The music filled Castor and Pollux with even more vigor.

"I could put on a stereo, but...Live music! Ah, to feel the soul of the musicians! But I'm not going to make any grand speeches, my sons. You suspect I've called you here to talk to you about something - but that can wait until after dinner! Eat up! Drink up! Tell me stories! Tell me what's happened to you since you've been at Camp! Then we'll talk", announced their Father.

As soon as the words left Dionysos' lips, Castor and Pollux didn't waste a moment. They dug in with a voracious hunger that matched their divine ascendance. Mountains of food disappeared beneath their swift and hungry hands. Roasted meats, ambrosia-soaked fruits, and nectar-filled cups vanished almost instantly. They knew they should not drink it...but a bit would not hurt anybody, right? Between mouthfuls, they regaled their Father - who, for what felt like the first time, acknowledged them - with tales of camp life, their adventures, and the friends they had made.

Once the meal was over, a feeling of unease took hold of both teenagers, even if it couldn't mask the immense pleasure of the moment. What if their father ordered them to do something they didn't want to do? What if this was the only time in their lives they'd ever speak with him? The only time he listened?!

"So, kiddos…Now it's time for the talk ! Not the one about the bees, of course. You know that alrea…What!? You don't?", exclaimed the god, seeing their faces. His children did not know about sex? Ok, clearly, he had to solve that before his speech.

"Alright, buckle up, my mini-me! It's time for the legendary "Talk of Life!". So, imagine you're in a land where grown-ups decide they want to be super close because they're feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Like when they are under LSD, but better. So they embark on a magical quest called "sex." It's a good quest. But hold your horses, my young wizards – there's no rush for you to join this quest until you're like, the Gandalf of emotional readiness. And the gods know how old is Gandalf. Now, in this bizarre journey, a team-up happens! The man's microscopic heroes, aka sperm, meet the woman's mysterious egg, and bam – they form a teeny, tiny baby blueprint. This magical combo then starts its quest to grow into a real-life baby. Or it can be sperm and sperm. Or eggs and eggs. Or…well, you get it. The important thing is consent! Now, let's talk about tits. Tits are great, and…"

Pollux, red from the neck to the forehead, managed to say : "We…We know about it, Father".

"Ah...". Well, it definitely was awkward. Fortunately for Dionysus, he was ontologically incapable of being embarrassed.

"Well, kids. I haven't been around much - but I'm a god, yaddadi, yaddada. You know the drill. But, nevertheless, I must talk to you about your future. I think that you, Pollux, should become a warrior. And you, Castor, should become a baker".

The two teenagers nodded, shyly and stupidly.

"Enough !"

Their reaction had ignited an inferno of anger in Dionysos' belly.

"I will not tolerate such feeble acceptance of fate. Warriors and bakers, do you think your destinies are mere trifles, handed to you like morsels of food? No! Your existence should be a roaring blaze, not a flickering candle in someone else's hand!"

The god's divine energy surged, shaking the very foundations of the space. "Freedom isn't a whimsical idea; it's the essence of your being. You are not passive observers in the theater of life; not slaves to your fate, you are the playwrights, the actors! Choose your roles, wield the pen of your destiny, and inscribe your legacy on the tapestry of existence!"

As Dionysus, the untamed force of revelry, roared with divine fury, the demigods felt the weight of his words echoing in their souls. "Craft your destinies with the primal fire burning within you! Challenge the cosmos and mold your lives into epic tales. Fight for your desires, for your dreams! You must become who you are !"

In the wake of this ferocious proclamation, Dionysus, the tempest, softened his gaze. "But my children, know that, whatever you choose I will still stand by you. Warriors and bakers alike, your desires are sacred. I will guide you, support you, and illuminate the path to your chosen destinies. And don't forget, the most important thing is tits! I mean, freedom! Create your own paths!"


15th of May, 2006 - ten days before canon

The nineteen-year-old Luke ambled toward the newly erected Bouleuterion, an architectural and technical marvel that rivaled the splendors of ancient Athens. Today was the first assembly, and he did not know what to expect of it. The exterior, adorned with polished brass and intricate gears, glistened in the sunlight like a celestial puzzle waiting to be solved. Classical pillars, crafted with the precision of divine (well, semi-divine) craftsmanship, supported an elaborate entablature where vines, seemingly alive with an otherworldly energy, snaked their way through the metallic lattice.

As the campers conversed in hushed excitement around him, Luke concealed his true feelings behind a mask of feigned interest. Secretly harboring a resentment for the gods who seemed to neglect their demigod progeny, he couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness at their sudden interest in constructing a grand assembly hall. His allegiance veering toward the nefarious Kronos, Dark Sasuke Luke clandestinely scoffed at the gods' apparent attempt to connect with their mortal offspring, viewing it as a mere distraction from the looming conflict. Dionysos had changed, yes. And what ? Did the other gods change ? Did his father change ? Of course they did not. Grrrr Grrr. Angry Edgy Teen Stuff. But Dionysos, an olympian did - and he was the only one that was a former demigod…Maybe he would be of use to Kronos.

Luke glanced at the two satyrs guarding the door. Two guys in their forties, dressed in purple fatigues with Dionysian emblems and armed each with a fucking Kalashnikov. One more change in the last two months, as yet unexplained. They watched him pass, checking that he didn't enter the assembly with a weapon.

Luke cautiously stepped into the Bouleuterion, taking in the grandeur of the interior. On one side, a half-moon-shaped assembly area unfolded, giving off a vibe of importance. Across from it, a big central throne commanded attention, circled by fifteen smaller seats. On the right side, a nice lectern in wood and marble. Overhead, twelve tall columns stretched upwards, each flaunting a different color - the silver one was probably for Artemis, the copper one for his father -, a reminder of the twelve Olympians and their mighty influence over mortal affairs. He scowled. And Hn-ed. Like a true Uchiha demigod.

Almost half of the five hundred seats were filled. All the campers had responded to Dionysus' call, and some two hundred and twenty demigods sat in the rows of the Bouleuterion. They were whispering - shouting, for the children of Ares - among themselves, trying to figure out why they had been summoned. Many spoke to Castor and Pollux - but the two sons of Dionysus only smiled mysteriously. Maybe they knew something ? He did not care, he was too tired to deal with godly bullshit. Once Kronos would…Well. No need to think about that. Annabeth - sweet, young and tired Annabeth who had helped design this architectural marvel - whispered something to him about the "symbolism of not having divided the seats according to divine kinship," but he didn't care much.

As they sat there, Luke was even more aware of their number than he had been during the meals. There were no sons or daughters of Zeus, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, or Artemis in sight. But about twenty children of Ares, two for Dionysus, about a dozen for each of the other gods - and fifty for Hermes, although Luke knew that more than half of them hadn't been recognized and were simply sons of demigods - or Olympians who didn't give a fuck.

Silence fell over the assembly as Chiron trotted in. He wore an odd expression - a strange mixture of surprise, joy and anticipation. He took his place behind the lectern, cleared his throat with a dry cough, and began to speak.

"Demigods, I thank you for coming here today for this first session of the Boulée, for us to renew with our Greek and ancient origins. Politics has always been an important and founding element of Western Civilization, from which...". Luke muted the old centaur to let his mind wander. The man-horse finished his speech about history and tradition faster than expected.

"I won't go on and on, though, and... I don't have all the details of the coming changes myself. I only know that the god Dionysus, the director of our camp, will mention them to you. I've also been informed that all of this is being done with the approval of Athena and Zeus themselves.

A murmur of surprise went through the assembly. A satyr played the trumpet - very badly -, and Dionysus appeared on the enormous central throne. As most of the campers hadn't seen him since his "transformation", gasps could be heard in the assembly.

At over ten meters tall, the god appeared to be in his thirties, bearded - with a musculature that would result from years spent fighting and chopping wood, rather than pushing iron at the gym. A simple white toga edged with purple grapes covered his bulging musculature. A crown of vines sat on his head. He had all the features of the divine statues of yore. The god emanated an aura that clearly showed he was divine. Each of the campers felt the weight of the power of the being standing in front of them upon their shoulders. But paradoxically, the presence of Dionysus filled them with vigor, making them want to rebel, to create! To be free! Even Luke unconsciously straightened up at the arrival of the god of wine.

Dionysos definitely was a god - an Olympian - and for the first time, many campers understood it. Felt it in their guts. The god struck his thyrse against the ground, and each camper bowed to the Olympian standing before them.

"Hello, Motherfuckers. I mean…"

Chiron discreetly facepalmed.

Dionysos tapped a bit in the essence of tragedy.

"Greetings, esteemed progeny of mortal and divine lineage! May the celestial radiance of the gods illuminate your mortal path, and may the boundless wisdom of Olympus guide your every endeavor. You may raise your head and sit."

Dionysus claimed his place upon the alabaster throne, and the very essence of the God intertwined with the marble. Vines, living extensions of his divine aura, coiled around the stone, releasing a delicate fragrance that filled the air, transforming the once stark white into a rich crimson. As he tapped his thyrse upon the ground once more, a palpable ripple traversed the Bouleuterion, although the assembly was already silent and attentive to any words that might escape the Olympian's mouth.

"Offspring of both realms, lend your ears to the resonant cadence of my words, for the cosmic tides of change are upon us. In this epoch of enigmatic transformation, a pivotal moment beckons us to the precipice of destiny". Dionysus' deep voice sent shivers down their spines.

"Demigods, your path now stands at the crossroads of fate. Olympians weep for your losses. Your connection to your ancient roots, the gods, and the glory of Greece has grown faint. But fear not, for in this time of change, I, Dionysos, pledge to revive our forgotten heritage. Brace yourselves, for a wave of transformations is coming".

A few murmurs were heard. What was he going to announce? Everyone was hanging on his every word.

"First, I hereby announce the dissolution of the current council, making way for new institutions that echo the essence of our rich past. Survey your surroundings, for you now stand within the Bouleuterion, the newfound beating heart of the camp. While your devotion and subservience to the gods will of course remain unwavering, a shift is upon you. You, the demigods, shall actively partake in the governance of our haven. From decisions on activities to shaping policies and camp organization, your voice will resonate.".

He made a pause.

"In the Boulè, each camper holds one vote, without distinction of ascendance, of age or of gender, convening annually to discuss matters. Should you wish to share your thoughts with the assembly, the opportunity is yours. Everybody can adress the Boulè. Yet, there's more to this transformation".

"Behold the fifteen seats encircling us," Dionysos declared with a sweeping gesture. "Every cabin shall choose a strategos, unfettered by age, gender, or skill requirements—a departure from our former seniority system. In case of a vacancy, the Boulè will elect a replacement. The twelve strategoi will convene weekly to deliberate on 'current affairs'".

As soon as this announcement echoed through the camp, a murmur rippled among the campers. Could there be an opportunity to become Poseidon's official herald? Perhaps Zeus? Even Hera, considering the vacant cabins?

"But the new positions don't end there. Direct your attention to the three remaining seats. In just a year - at the beginning of 2007's summer -, the Boule will elect the three fortunate individuals to fill them. The eponymous Archon will oversee civil administration and public justice, managing the theater and day-to-day affairs. This role will make them the third-highest authority in the camp, following only myself and Chiron. The Archon-King will be responsible for maintaining discipline and order in the camp. Lastly, the Polemarch will take charge of military affairs, overseeing camp protection and training".

This was followed by a few statements about the new theater and the Stoa, the new place of deliberation - but the campers couldn't care less, too busy dreaming of themselves as representatives of Zeus or Eponymous Archon - especially the unclaimed from Hermes' cabin, in dire need of recognition. One announcement, however, caught everyone's attention.

"Finally, I'd like to announce a small change, of a logistical nature. Hermes, praise be to my brother, has kindly opened his cabin as god of travelers to campers who have not yet been clamored for. However, I'm well aware that the small size of the site makes it impossible to accommodate them in adequate conditions. However, you'll have noticed that I've had a large house built near the Stoa. And I don't consider these campers, the "unclaimed", to be in any way inferior to the others. That's why I'm declaring that, starting today, any camper who has spent more than a fortnight as a temporary traveler in Hermes' cabin but who hasn't been clamed will be able to move, at my expense, into this new house - which I've named the DionyHouse!".

There was a great silence, before all the campers broke into cheers and rapturous applause.


15th of May, 2006 - ten days before canon

From her palace high above Olympus, Athena stopped watching as Dionysus left his seat. She had underestimated her half-brother, who was damn smart. She knew most of the gods wouldn't appreciate the changes he was making - but none of them would say anything. They were all ambitious. They all wanted one of their children to sit in one of the three seats next to Dionysus. She herself longed for that of Archon Eponymus - she could already see Annabeth sitting in it! And even Hera and Zeus wouldn't mind increasing their influence in the half-blood camp - for very different reasons. By creating this system to his advantage - she wasn't sure how, but she'd figure it out - Dionysus had invented some flashy new trinkets, the very type the Olympians loved to fight over. Perfect. It would give her time. And, of course, she was going to play along…


16th of May, 2006 - about a week before canon

Reginald Moneybags III, the CEO of the notorious - and polluting - oil company, awoke to find himself tied to a chair. The room was adorned with eco-friendly posters, and the unmistakable sound of goats bleating filled the air. Confused and disoriented, he surveyed his surroundings only to discover he was surrounded by…what the fuck ? How much did he bring last night ? Yep, it definitely was five goat-legged men in vibrant purple trellis.

Five very muscular, bearded and mustached goat-legged man in purple militaristic outfit.

One of them, who introduced himself as Captain Hodge - with an emphasis on the Captain, twirled a golf club with exaggerated flair while wearing a pair of broken recycled sunglasses. "Well, well, if it ain't the captain of the Oil Spill Express. Welcome to our humble abode, Mr. Moneybags!"

Reginald, still groggy, managed a weak glare. "Who are you people, and what's with the goat legs?"

Captain Hodge adjusted his upcycled belt buckle and declared proudly, "We're the Green Goat Liberation Front, here to save the world, one hoof at a time! And as for the goat legs, it's the latest in eco-friendly fashion. You're welcome!"

And then he hit Reginald Moneybags III in the guts with his golf club.

Ahh..Hodgel oved his new job. No more kiddos, only violence and ecology!

"Ough…"

Captain Hodge burst into laughter, shaking his recyclable water gourd. "Oh, Mr. Moneybags, you're in for a ride. We're here to give you an environmental intervention, and we call it 'The Goats of Change!'. You just needs to sign a few contracts and make a few promises ! Magic contracts, of course. And we'll make some compromising pictures, as a guarantee, too ! You in ? Of course you in !"

And he hit the oil magnat again. Ehe. Ecofriendliness for the win ! Hodge loved his new energy and power - even if it was at the price of some of his sanity and the life of the…well, they were not exactly satyrs, if they weren't able to embrace the wild. Not a big loss.

He hit the man again.

"Hole in one", he laughed.

As Captain Hodge continued twirling the golf club, the other goat activists pulled out an assortment of eco-friendly props, including a compost bin and a plant-powered blender - and stuff that definitely looked like torture instruments. But eco-friendly torture instruments - how was that even possible ?


The Antique Greece Institution
The explanations were generated by summarizing with LLM encyclopedias entries.

What's more, these are obviously approximations - constitutional regimes changed enormously between city-states (here, it's mainly Athenian systems that are developed) but also over time. For example, the system I present in this chapter combines two different eras.

Ekklesia (Ecclesia):
The Ekklesia was the principal assembly of citizens in Athens and the core institution of Athenian democracy. All male citizens over the age of 18 had the right to participate. The Ekklesia met regularly (usually around 40 times per year) to discuss and vote on important issues such as laws, policies, and declarations of war. It had the power to make decisions on matters of both domestic and foreign policy. The decisions made by the Ekklesia were implemented by other governmental bodies, such as the Boule and the magistrates.

Boule (Council of 500):
The Boule was a council of 500 citizens, 50 from each of the ten Athenian tribes, chosen by lot each year. It was responsible for preparing and overseeing the agenda for the Ekklesia. The Boule decided which issues would be discussed, and it also had some executive functions, managing the day-to-day affairs of the state. The Boule was divided into subcommittees, one for each tribe, known as prytaneis, which took turns in presiding over the council for a tenth of the year.

Heliastai (Heliaia):
The Heliastai were the jurors in the judicial system of Athens. They were chosen by lot from a pool of citizens and played a crucial role in the administration of justice. The primary function of the Heliastai was to serve as jurors in the popular courts, deciding the guilt or innocence of individuals accused of crimes. The courts were a central element of the democratic system in Athens.

Archontes (Archons):
The Archontes were a group of magistrates who held various administrative and religious roles in Athens. The most prestigious position among the Archontes was that of the Archon Eponymous, who served as the chief magistrate. Other Archontes included the Polemarch (military commander) and the Archon Basileus (religious leader). The Archons were initially appointed, but later, like other officials, they were chosen by lot.

Strategoi (Strategos, plural: Strategoi):
The Strategoi were generals elected by the Ekklesia to lead the Athenian military forces. Athens typically had ten Strategoi, one from each tribe, and they played a crucial role in shaping military strategy, planning campaigns, and leading the city's defense. They were accountable to the Ekklesia for their actions. Prominent historical figures such as Pericles and Themistocles held the position of Strategos.]

In 5th-century B.C. Athens, the ten archons were responsible for electing the heliasts by drawing lots in Ardettos Square. Aristotle explains that in the early days of Athens, in the mythical era of the Codrides, the first archons were the king and the polemarch, then the eponymous archon.

The eponymous archon, known simply as "the archon", was in charge of civil administration and public jurisdiction. He looked after widows and orphans, and resolved family disputes. He also had responsibilities in the theatrical field, appointing patrons and winners of tetralogies, and gave his name to the year of his archonship.

The archon-king was responsible for cases of homicide and crimes of impiety. He issued religious bans and had to be married. He also presided over religious ceremonies.

The polemarch was in charge of military affairs. With the rise of Strategists, the importance of the archon-polemarch gradually declined]

Note : Camp Governance Changes: Dionysian Reform

I. Dissolution of the Council

The existing council is officially dissolved to pave the way for a new administrative framework.

II. Introduction of the Bouleuterion

The Bouleuterion is declared the new governing center, representing the heart of camp decision-making.

III. Active Demigod Participation

Demigods are encouraged to actively participate in the governance of the camp.

IV. Inclusive Decision-Making

The traditional seniority system is replaced with an inclusive approach. Each cabin now elects a strategos, regardless of age, gender, or skill.

V. Formation of the Twelve Strategoi

Twelve strategoi, representing each cabin, will convene weekly to deliberate on 'current affairs.'

VI. Eponymous Archon Position

A new position, Eponymous Archon, will be elected annually to oversee civil administration and public justice.

VII. Archon-King Role

The Archon-King is introduced to maintain discipline and order in the camp, becoming the third-highest authority.

VIII. Polemarch's Responsibilities

The Polemarch position is created to oversee military affairs, ensuring camp protection and training.

IX. Changes in Accommodation for Unclaimed Campers

Unclaimed campers spending over two weeks in Hermes' cabin without being claimed are offered a new accommodation solution. Dionysus personally finances the creation of a new house near the Stoa for unclaimed campers, named the DionyHouse. The DionyHouse initiative aims to provide suitable living conditions for unclaimed campers.

X. Implementation Date

Changes are effective immediately, initiating a new era of governance at the camp under Dionysus' visionary leadership.