Counsil Meeting of 816

[Asinjin]

I thought the name was officially  - Korekuta now.

Thank you for the reminder, updated

[Asinjin]

I got a little out of order with these, so bare with me.  The main one was Everentual, who I should have kept until later, seeing as his status is changing.

The cults could have all been done first, since they are unaffected by the Counsil's votes.  But at least they are all done now.

Then all of the deities who were not changing either because they were quasi deities not up for vote or because there were no effects in the 25 years that could have made them more or less powerful.

Next should have been the quasi deities up for a vote, and then finally existing deities that may have a status change.

Once I am done, I will go back and put the ones currently out of order, into order for a better reading experience.

[Asinjin]

The Counsil meeting of 816 opened with great rejoicing and relief.  The call to order involved a great deal of self-congratulating and praise for the structure that had survived another great threat.  Although not all members were as excited, none could deny that things had worked out.  Habololy had survived and was ready to recover from a challenging and harrowing time.

The newest members of the Counsil who had been elevated at the last meeting in 796, were given a chance to speak.  Arsenal was given the floor first.  He spoke of the importance of technology and the role it played in the world’s survival and the need for its expansion going forward.  It his logical, unemotional way, he advocated for elevation.  Korekuta, formerly known as The Collector, spoke next.  The creature thanked the Counsil for its place and talked of how its religion had played an important part in the survival of Habololy and the defeat of Sutyr.  It praised the wisdom of those that chose to elevate him at the last meeting.  Melodi spoke last of the three.  Subdued, she spoke about the greatest evil the world faced, one that had not been dealt with, and the main reason she agreed to join this Counsil.

Now the floor was open to any of the other deities.

(There are lots of fancy talks given here, but seeing as how none of you have characters there and I don’t have all the time in the world, I am going to cop-out and not post them in long form at this time.)

[Asinjin]

The time came to address the quasi deities up for elevation to the Counsil.

It was noted in the Counsil records that the quasi deities Korda, Ritvali, and Tepfershot have still not reached a level of prominence that they will receive a vote by the Counsil.

The existence of several other deities was mentioned in the record officially.  The upper planar faith of Avoreen had been spotted in both Icefia and the Great Forest.  The fey deities Emmantiensien and Fionnghuala were also both noted as now worshipped by enough fey that they must be watched.  Two draconic quasi deities were also mentioned, one an agent of the lower planar power Nilhas’Anor, the other the long-time master of the Forgotten Island.  Finally, the record noted the existence of a dark giant quasi deity that had recently found its way to Habololy and set up a home in the String Mountains.

The record for a brief moment mentioned the existence of a cult that has reportedly been on Habololy for…but only Melodi and the Old Orc remember anymore.

[Asinjin]

Mouser came up first for a vote.  The last time, the vote went against him 6-16.  As usual, Stasis and Falan spoke on his behalf.  The voices against him from Tommimao, Lavash’ki, and Korekuta.  In a difficult spot, as the deities of Chaos did not want another lawful agent and many of the lawful deities did not want competition, Mouser’s vote did not go his way.  But the vote was close, as the allies of Stasis rallied to double Mouser’s vote total from last time, getting him to a narrow 12-13 loss.

Baekodacalges, underdark lord of shapechangers, sorcerers and hopeful replacement for the spider queen was up next for a vote.  The last vote had gone against the deity 4-18 and the latest vote fared no better for it, going 5-20 against its elevation.

Having gotten the votes for the two unentangle with the rest out of the way, there came great discussion going forward of what to do.  The was no escaping the skeletal, burning, anti-magic and clicking elephants in the room.  The Counsil was in need of powers to take up those.  Without a deity of undeath, it would surely fall to a cult before the next meeting in twenty-five years.  There was now no deity of fire on the Counsil, and no one wanted Wandle’s power expanded, as she was the only cult of fire.  There was also fear that Vishtoo would claim the mantle of fire, regardless of what actions the Counsil took.  Then there was technology.  It had exploded to the point where none could escape the need to have another Counsil deity matched to it, unless the were to expand Arsenal’s power, something few were inclined to do.

A grand bargain began to be made, one that would involve deities of varied alignments and interests.

[Asinjin]

Several blocks formed of deities formed.  The Counsil had seen this behavior before, but not since the end of Tinkocracy and the death of Highlander.  When mortal events occurred on such a grand scale that the deities were compelled to make changes, such conferences had formed.  The only deity that was assured to come out of the meeting happy was Compture, since a large change was guaranteed.

The first block that formed was the classic one of the creators: Habastly, Lakius, Smofarf and Treetop.  As often happened, Dedestroyt joined them.

The next block was ostensibly led by Stasis, since he was seen as the deity of leadership, nobility, and kings.  It included Gnarion, Falan, Tfop, Arsur’Anyodel, and Quan Yin.  In the past, Quan Yin had been quieter, but the activities of her faith had ramped up in the past twenty-five years and she was more active.  Melodi was assumed to be part of this block, but she rarely spoke and her disinterest was matched only by her dedication to the prevention of the loss of knowledge.

The third block were the agitators, who were always looking for change, diversity and either freedom or chaos depending on point of view.  This group was led by Compture and included LaVash’ki, Tommimao, and The Collector.

The judges and organizers, who in eras past had not voted, now formed their own block.  Tyrogaotre, Everentual, Celetal, Gruweas and Han~Sui were now joined by Arsenal.

Dresta and Frostine were left on their own.

[Windblade]

Several blocks formed of deities formed.  The Counsil had seen this behavior before, but not since the end of Tinkocracy and the death of Highlander.  When mortal events occurred on such a grand scale that the deities were compelled to make changes, such conferences had formed.  The only deity that was assured to come out of the meeting happy was Compture, since a large change was guaranteed.

The first block that formed was the classic one of the creators: Habastly, Lakius, Smofarf and Treetop.  As often happened, Dedestroyt joined them.

The next block was ostensibly led by Stasis, since he was seen as the deity of leadership, nobility, and kings.  It included Gnarion, Falan, Tfop, Arsur’Anyodel, and Quan Yin.  In the past, Quan Yin had been quieter, but the activities of her faith had ramped up in the past twenty-five years and she was more active.  Melodi was assumed to be part of this block, but she rarely spoke and her disinterest was matched only by her dedication to the prevention of the loss of knowledge.

The third block were the agitators, who were always looking for change, diversity and either freedom or chaos depending on point of view.  This group was led by Compture and included LaVash’ki, Tommimao, and The Collector.

The judges and organizers, who in eras past had not voted, now formed their own block.  Tyrogaotre, Everentual, Celetal, Gruweas and Han~Sui were now joined by Arsenal.

Dresta and Frostine were left on their own.

I love this!  I think I need to create a cleric or prominent worshiper in each block.  Wignston will be in the Statis lead block since he is a ranger that worships Melodi and his main goal is to increase knowledge in the world.

[Asinjin]

Many things had to be decided, all involved with which deity should powers be invested.  Each block had their own take.  Stasis’ group, purists with some practicality sought the solution that kept any questionable powers off of the Counsil and give advancement to existing deities that were deserving.

The creators were not far from this position, but added a level more of practicality based on their long tenure and experience.  They were more stuck to the traditions of the Counsil and still bore some hesitancy towards planar powers being allowed on the Counsil.  All of those that did were part of Stasis’ block and that gave the creators pause.

The agitators wanted to add more deities and ensure the existing powers did not gain more leverage, unless it was one of them.

The organizers looked to keep a balance first.

Seeing that the decisions of advancement and demotion along with the possible elevation of numerous quasi deities individually might descend into chaos, the Oldest Orc suggested that the Counsil take the collection together in one vote, and omnibus package of deification.  That debate took some time, until it became clear to most deities that the method was the best way to not have grudges held threat may spill over into the mortal world for decades.  Only Tommimao voted against the plan.

Technology had advanced and become more popular since Arsenal’s ascension.  The deities recognized that either he would advance or one of the other deities would take up technology or one of the quasi deities would have to ascend.  There was some fear that a cult would arise, but as this fear was greater with other spheres of influence, the group decided not to give it much consideration when it came to technology.  As part of the grand bargain, it was agreed that they would allow deities to vie for the sphere in the coming years.  Zeist and Lansin would not be elevated, nor would Arsenal.  Adding to them, Falan and the not up for vote quasi deity Tepfershot would all have the chance to make their case in the coming years.  This was generally seen as a win for celestial group, a loss for the organizers and the agitators, and the creators were ambivalent.

What came next was the great concern over the rise of Drunnbar and the wave of anti-magic sentiment that was sweeping the world.  Fears were high that Alarault would join him and the two-cult alliance would be a true challenge.  Looking to stem that stream of faithful joining Drunnbar and leaving Counsil powers and also the prevent another cult that could easily rise, a proposal to elevate Alarault to the Counsil as the deity of anti-magic, berserkers, violence, rage, and anger was added to the grand bargain.  The celestial group did not like this as a whole and some vowed to vote against the whole bargain because of it.  The organizers were content, the agitators happy, and the creators accepting.

What came next was far even worse for the celestial block.  Using the same logic, the proposal to ascend Vestilion to take the mantles of fire and undeath was made.  The celestial block refused to accept this and now as a whole vowed to vote against the bargain; although some were more vocal than others, waiting to see as they knew would happen what else was coming.  Again, the organizers were content, the agitators happy, and the creators accepting.  Surprisingly, Frostine did not oppose this part of the bargain.  Most assumed that he understood fire could not be wiped out of the world and this was the best option for him, as deity close in alignment and beholden to the Counsil.

[Asinjin]

As with all bargains, the give then turned into the take.  The discussion turned to the events of the past few years and where those events had caused such change that deities were affected.  The splitting of Kathow-tio-Horari and the plagues had lead Quan Yin faith to a transformation.  Now traveling the world and somewhat less utterly pacifistic, they oversaw a population boom unlike Habololy had ever seen.  Circumstances lent help to them as Iott’s reign was overall peaceful and safe in the beginning, Hemator’s withdraw, and the lack of pirate influence meant the Yinites had to change a bit.  For all those reasons, Quan Yin was granted an advancement from Demi to Lesser deity.  A clear win for the celestial block.  The creators were happy, the agitators annoyed and the organizers content.

The defeat of Kallark had been a long shot effort that few believed would succeed.  The fact that the underdog group of heroes lead by a cleric of Tfop won the day was not lost in the tales and stories around the world.  Again, Tfop can proved the power of hope, courage, and luck.  On top of that, alchemy had advanced in the world with the rise of technology and the wavering of traditional magic.  For those reasons, Tfop was proposed to be advanced from lesser deity to greater deity.  This was another win for the celestial block, and their steadfast opposition to the bargain began to wavier.  The organizers grumbled, the agitators were intrigued and the creators content.

The defeat of Sutyr was made possible by many, but the story told most often was that Dourvan had emerged from a long slumber to lead the gathered forces of Habololy in a plan that won the day.  He had outplayed the mastermind Lyla.  To balance Alarault, to drain possible faithful from the cults of Drunnbar and Hemator, to reward Dourvan, and to block Lyla; Dourvan would be elevated.  The celestial block was pleased, the organizers happy, the creators content, and the agitators were now the ones up in arms.

[Asinjin]

The grand bargain complete, the deities voted on it.  The vote was overwhelming in favor, with the only holdouts being several members of the celestial faction and Lavash’Ki.

Before the Counsil adjourned, Frostine made a motion for another consideration.  Calling out the creators for holding too much power as usual, he demanded that Lakius be considered again for demotion.  The deity’s religion had fought and been split during the last two decades.  They had done little to aid against Kallark and Sutyr.  The seas continued to drain, their seclusion had nearly led to invasion from the sea, in the form od Dagon, and in the air, in the form of Stronmus.  Even the new direction seemed to correct that mistake, the deity still laid claim to spheres of influence that it had clearly abandoned in its new form.  Lavash’Ki seconded the motion and the vote was held.

For the 2nd meeting in a row, Lakius faced the threat of demotion.  Having maintained his power in a close vote 25 years ago, he did not hold on this time and 13 of 24 voted to reduce his power.

That having happened, the Counsil then considered Celetal.  Had it not been in deference to the long-time creator, it would have happened already during the meeting.  Psionics had been on the rise since magic’s decline.  Everentual’s demotion had led many to Celetal’s religion, along with the rule of Hertoplowis for the first time in over 400 years.  Lakius would no longer be the patron of hermits and solitude.  The vote was a tie, and the Oldest Orc broke the tie in favor of Celetal.

With that, the Counsil meeting ended.

[Asinjin]

Stasis (Lawful Good)

Stasis emerged from period between Counsil meetings somewhat stronger. Weakened by the plot against his followers in the 780’s, Stasis gained ground during Iott’s reign as the Kingdom of Icefia never yielded. His followers led the crusade against Sutyr and the other evil powers. Only the losses suffered in those efforts slowed Stasis from advancing in power.   The battles against the evil powers further strengthened the bonds between Stasis and Arsur’anyodel and Gnarion, and their churches.   Falan and Hemator’s absence from major events weakened the relationships among the churches but not the powers.

Aesculos Thanos remains Stasis’ most powerful servant, followed by Nisoru Metakae, but both are aging and it remains to be seen who will take their place as the champions of the power of heroes. The high cleric is Michael Steelsmyth, who is now also his most powerful active cleric.

Stasis remains a lesser power.

[Windblade]

For the 2nd meeting in a row, Lakius faced the threat of demotion.  Having maintained his power in a close vote 25 years ago, he did not hold on this time and 13 of 24 voted to reduce his power.


With that, the Counsil meeting ended.

This is going to be some harsh criticism but I think it is warranted.

Between this and the stealing of the Guardian.  It real seems like everything we did in the Seas and with Nathan did not even matter and then the voting in post snap 2 didn't even matter.  Nathan did everything to in his power to make changes to the religion which seemed to be successful based on everything you told me.  Then before I even get to play in a world where those changes matter everything is reversed in this vote.  I really would like you to reconsider this because it really takes away from the changes in the world that you say our characters can make it.

[Asinjin]

So as a summation:

Alarault elevated from quasi to demi
Vestilion elevated from quasi to demi
Dourvan elevated from quasi to demi

Celetal elevated from lesser to greater
Tfop elevated from lesser to greater
Quan Yin elevated from demi to lesser

Lakius down from lesser to demi
Everentual down from lesser to demi

[Zunder]

As an interested party, Does Harrick get an email that this happens?  How is one notified of a status change of their deity?

So as a summation:

Alarault elevated from quasi to demi
Vestilion elevated from quasi to demi
Dourvan elevated from quasi to demi

Celetal elevated from lesser to greater
Tfop elevated from lesser to greater
Quan Yin elevated from demi to lesser

Lakius down from lesser to demi
Everentual down from lesser to demi

[Asinjin]

As an interested party, Does Harrick get an email that this happens?  How is one notified of a status change of their deity?

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