"Have no fear, for this day, We Sons of Sparta!,shall throw back this Helot rabble of messenia"
The Polemarchs words echoed throughout the halls of the courtyard as he adressed the fithteen hundred Spartiates warriors who Stood Sentianal, Aged from Old scar faces Veterans from Decades of hard life within the sacred brotherhood to those who had Barely been Accepted, Young and Full of Energy, Eyes filled with wonder from the words of one,who all who passed the fierce trials of the Agoge,Truly Respected. . Alcibiades stood among his brothers preparing his armor as young helot boys ran between columns ferring arms and supplies to war Trains, backs bent from the heavy loads those who were to young were forced to bare under the scorning gazes of the Spartiates Initiates, those not seen fit to follow in the journey to come.
As the speech continued on about how the Messenians stood no chance against "Spartiate might '' and for how little these soon to be "helot dogs' ' truly mattered, Alcibiades' mind was elsewhere thinking of the Strange Happenings that occurred in the small hours of that morning. In the hours before waking and preparing for the day he was awoken in the night by a pale blue light coming Shining into the room which he shared, The light was slowly moving from his view continuing on from the small room towards the courtyard. In the moment concern for his fellow’s pulled the young warrior out of his cot and onto the hard stone floor, dust sparkling in the shadow of light which continued its path away from him.
Grabbing a small skinning knife from behind the wooden frame of his cot, which he had taken to keeping close as a lesson from the trials of years in the agoge when his fellows would attack at any hours in hope of coin or food. He made his way with quiet steps towards the opening of the room, with a determined heart and a goal set on protecting those still too young to fight he made his way swiftly after the retreating light.
The light weaved through columns and statues common in the wide courtyard the only decadence to be found in the Spartiates abode, Honors to those that had come before and to the gods for only those who had proven themselves worthy of the state were worthy to grace the hallowed halls of the Agoge. Dimming further to the size of a flame the light came to a stop in front of the statue in the far end of the courtyard. In all her glory stood Athena Chalkiokos, Athena of the Bronze House, Patroness of Sparta and Maiden of war. As Alcibades approached the light it seemed to pulse and slowly faded into the brow of Athena, with a confused look Alcibades looked upon the visage of the one who had watched him grow, in hardship and joy, the ever calm and collected visage now was changed. The ever present smile was now twisted into a horrific snarl with eyes ablaze in fury, filled with a sudden dread and cold sweat upon his brow he fled as fast as he could back to his cot and a sleepless night ahead with the cold and blaring eyes of his patron all his mind could conjure.
His trance was finally broken from these thoughts with a hard Shove " Brother... Brother, are you ready?" Whispered Orestis.
" yes.. YES Apologies Orestis" he replied slowly to the towering form of his companion's mind still stuck in the memories of the previous night. As his senior of the homoi(Brotherhood) he was to be followed in all things. To Alcibiades Orestis was a teacher and true companion among his brotherhood for without his acceptance into the syssitia (Group of equals) back when he was just a novice he would have been cast out of the brotherhood as an outsider not as a true Spartiate as he stood today.
"Good, for today we have a chance at real glory before the gods Alcibades. The Messenians have pushed too far across the Pamisos and into Thuria in hopes of freeing the helots to the south"
"Of course Orestis, but it will be no easy victory, no matter how riled up Deimos makes the youth. we are outnumbered greatly by the messians almost three to one if the reports are to be believed"
"Have faith brother, fifteen hundred of our brothers is nothing compared to what the kings will send, have no fear for our task is to hold and make sure no raids make it past us go south. Now make ready Deimos approaches"
Finishing is speech atop the Dais Deimos Andratos Polemarch of Thuria, Veteran of the wars of Argos, turned towards to us as all gathered the stood to attention before breaking apart and talking in groups about the plans to move west to engage the messessians at day break, pounding down the steps and casting long glances across the men arrayed in in fine rows armed and armored in Sparta’s finest he approached Alcibiades and Orestis.
"Hail Polemarch" coursessed the captains at attention as he passed.
"Hail Deimos, what are my orders?" Orestis addressed the commander as he approached , red cape blowing the wind. Frowning slightly when his gaze finally met that of Orestis.
"Ah Orestis, you shall have the honor of leading a company to the border of Pharae" Deimos said with a glint of amusement in his eyes.
"Pharae sir, but that's to the east I should '' but before Orestis could make more complaints
Deimos cut him off with a sharp gesture. Hand cutting through the air so fast a crack could be heard.
" Enough, you shall lead a company of fifty brothers east and hold the planes before the border of Pharae along the coast. you may take any perioikoi found along the way if they can arm themselves but i will hear no more complaints and you shall leave before dawn. Am i understood" his Eyes now set ablaze, he stood about Orestis a head taller than the man and looking down sheer menace in his frame.
" Yes,Polemarch,on my honor" replied the stalwart Captain, eyes never leaving those of his polmarch.
As Deimos went to turn he caught Alcibiades' eyes glaring at the disrespect shown to Orestis, without even a word to the boy Deimos turned as he scowled and huffed as he walked away towards his Private Rooms, a group of honor guard and witless lackeys trailing behind commander. Probably in hopes of small favors thought the boy.
"Well that could have gone better brother" Alchibades said to Orestis as the man started to pace before the men with anger on his brow and determination in his step.
"HOMOIOI!" Orestis called voice echoing of the pillars and columns surrounding the yard, Helot dropping spears in alarm as these masters gaffored in amusement, all Spartiate stood back to attention once again coming from their small talks or tasks back to organized and ready in a heartbeat.
"You heard the Polemarch, Eat, rest and prepare for tomorrow the messessians shall dine in hades from the hospitality of spartan spears. Dismissed" the answer came as the clattering of spear on shield as the Spartiate cheered in return before filing out of the courtyard back into the mess or other duties that may await the warriors before marching on the morrow.
Once all had left but the two Orestis turned to Alchibades, a longing look in his eyes at the departing legion of Spartiate and spoke" gather the band, it seems this battle is not fated for us. let them know to pack light for we have a long road to travel and i expect that there will be no warm welcome we receive along the way if helot raids are to be expected".
With a hint of worry and trepidation in his voice the boy replied "as you will Orestis, but should we not send word home about this. surely the kings do not plan to let fifteen hundred men march to the deaths whilst we sit and baby sit helot slaves".
" That is not for you to decide on, now go. you have your order" Orestis cut him off, tone strong and with no hint of approval at the obvious questioning of his orders.
As Alchibades turned and started walking towards the mess, Orestis called out once again "Alcibiades, don't forget to offer prayers tonight my friend, we will surely need divine guidance if we are to complete our mission." a strange look in the man's eyes and he said those last words, a hint of pale light in the center of his eyes.
With a firm nod the boy left Orestis to gaze upon the Statue of Athena Shield and Spear in hand, the cold features of her leaving no doubt in his mind that if called upon the goddess would offer no sympathy to the men in the coming days.
Arriving in the mess,The boy thought of the situation he had been thrown into along with the rest of his band, to be denied the call of battle was an insult in the most sincere sense of the word. To be spartan was to be one with the spear and shield, raised in the Agoge from childhood to be of service to the kings and to the fatherland of sparta all alcibiades knew of was the spear, to fight arm in arm with his brothers and to lead those in the shield wall to victory in the name of athena and of Nikke for anything else of shameful of all the work he had put into learning how to be Spartiate.
Casting away doubts from his mind and offering a small prayer to Athena in the name of a better tomorrow he caught the eye of a close brother. “ have you seen Xephos of Thuria or titanae of Las” with a nod to the far corner and a thank you he made his way through the raucous laughter of his brothers as they drank to the furthest corner of the mess, in the small out cove with a Small novice on his lap sat Xephos of thuria, standing at 5’11 with short brown curls and green eyes he wasn’t the prettiest of men he had every seen but had a way with words.
“Ah, and here come our dear Alcibiades, brother, come sit and drink with us for tomorrow who knows, maybe i'll have a dear persephone to keep me warm” he called aloud for all to hear with a smattering of cheers and laughter in response.
“ Xephos please, calm yourself. We have much to do before day break and a long journey ahead of us… East'' the boy spoke softly hoping none would hear of the shame the journey truly meant.
“EAST, boy if you are joking with me by the furies I'll have your guts.”
“ i'm afraid not brother, we as in the Band of Thuria our he by ordered by deimos to head to the east towards Pharae to ensure no helot dares cross to messenia from the plains or along the shore” and with the loud confirmation for all in hearing, the boys hope of glory were truly shattered, lost in his thoughts again his didn't at first hear the next few words from his brother but seeing him speaking he once again turned his attention to the man.
“ by Athena, the polemarch is mad, surely at least we have more than the band. We barely number a company with around fifty of us left after the skirmishes with messenians in the south.”
“ We have permission to recruit from the perioikoi if needed along our journey if needed by order of the polemarch all shall listen or lives be forfeit,and so on and so forth.”
“ Oh by the furies, surely we atleast have supplies if that's the case, but I don't see farmers doing much against armed and armored helots with messeenian backing”
“We do not, Orestis ordered we leave by dawn with speed in mind and only what we have to hand and can carry. It seems we have little time brother. So shall we get ready?”
“By the gods, will we every get a chance to fuck and drink. Yes yes, you're right of course. Let me set the novice to work and I'll gather the band. I’ll assume the captain wants us outside the syssitia by dawn?”
“Indeed brother and leave the “novice” behind.”
“Yes yes alcibiades no need for your ill temper lad i'll leave the whore behind now leave me be and go get your some sleep and send prayers you hear me boy, we will need your patroness should we aide in our time to come” with all said and done Xephos threw his “novice” off his lap and downed his wine in one cup before yelling all to hear for the band to attend him.
With his work done alcibiades left the mess with a small bowl of black gruel and sour wine, once more heading into the courtyard which was empty with only the slight spring breeze as his company he sat himself in front of his patronesses statue to eat his fill, thinking back on the words of his brother’s he poured an offering of wine into the soft earth in front of the statute reciting the words ingrained into him by his father and his father before him.
“Athena Chalkioikos i hereby offer you this small token of my gratitude, may your wisdom last forever and your spear never dull”
With the words said and wine poured he lifted his head to gaze at the statue's impassive face as he went to turn away to continue finishing his meal alcibiades could have sworn he saw the faintest glow in the marble eyes of his patroness.
With the coming of the dawn across the hills of thuria a line of bronze and gold caught be seen light catching the tips of helms and spears as the band marched towards Pharae with determination and a passion in the step their voices raised to the skys as they sang
o not abandon
and run away from elders,
whose knees are no longer
nimble, men revered.
For this brings shame,
when an older man lies fallen among the front ranks
with the young behind him
his head already white
and his beard gray,
breathing out his valiant spirit
For sparta we march
For honor
For glory
O not abandon
At the head of the band of the strong and brave men marched orestis still lost in the memories of previous days or so alcibiades thought he gaze locked firmly on the man's back. Pulling him from his thoughts titanae the monster of a man at 6.9” and a strong and heavy build the man was a true mountain as if his namesake of the titans of old held true and strong in his blood.
The deep barrotone of this voice echoing off the hills as they marched “ young Alchibades what have you so lost in thought tell your uncle. Ha ha ha” the bellowing of his laughs shattering the marching sound as they fell silent to listen to the giant in their midst.
“ It is of no concern brother, I too wonder what is keeping the captain so distant as of late, it seems something is holding him away” alchibades reliped in a softer tone hoping that his worries and doubts did not spread to the rest of the band.
His words seem to cause worry in titanae but in an instant the frown that adored his face at the words was replaced with the soft smile and beholding laughter that seemed to always accompany the man.
“Do not worry little brother, i leader has never led us wrong” he called in the bellowing tone loud enough for all to hear with replies of cheers and smiles from the rest of the band. But in a whisper he said turning to alcibiades for only his ears only was “ something has come over the captain since his words with the polemarch late last night, i don't know what was said but orestis stormed from the mess after words”
“Be careful and watch his back”
With these words said the giant stepped back allowing alcibiades to walk alone for a time at the head of the column with only orestis who still with a determined step was once again far ahead of the march. He had no idea that more words had been spoken between the two after orders were given but he had decided to talk to his captain to learn more of this. With a look behind himself he called upon xephos to lead the march and cadence as he lifted his voice with a song that wasn’t known to him but from the fact the words “goat” and “ farmer’s daughter” were in the mix it was very quickly picked up by the men as the speed of march and laughter both rose.
Increasing his speed brought him in line with orestis, still the man seemed to be elsewhere his spear lose in his grip and shield strapped over one shoulder if anyone saw the man they might think him lazy but for his eyes, burning with a fire alcibiades had not seen in the man before.
Set in his mind, Alcibiades raised his voice “ Orestis”. With a slow turn of the head they met eyes, disdain showing in the gaze which was replaced with a soft smile and what Alcibiades could only describe as a sorrowful look.
“Apologies Orestis, but is something the matter, you are distant and the men are sure to notice that something is amiss. Many have questions”
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“I see.” was the only reply to his voiced concern before alkibiades could voice another question orestis spoke again.
“ We make camp before sundown. A small village is close, we will hold up for the night there before pressing on to the fort at pharae.” “Pass the order” with a nod and salute he fell back to Xephos to relay the message, wondering what could have changed to make the once soft spoken man this way.
As the sunset the men made camp in a small hall “given” to them by the locals who had been forced out upon the arrival of the band looks of disdain and some of fear past the faces of those that they passed members of the perioikoi were non-citizens of sparta those of the conquered left to farm the land and those without honor cast out from the agoge or disallowed to partake of the syssitia. Only helots stood below them stuck in between true freedom and slavery filled with the weak and frail.
Many had fled with the sight of the band leaving behind small amounts of wealth and food but some had remained including the old man who now stood before the band shield and spear in hand frail waifs of silver hair atop his brow and dirty red cloak around his shoulders.
“Hail i am Deitos formerly of the third perioikoi of sparta”
At these words looks of awe and respect were reflected from those of the band, many fought for Sparta mostly those of the true heritage but sometimes those came to Sparta to learn. These men were taken into the agoge and trained the same as spartiae without help or rights only the strong survived before being taken into the bands of the perioikoi spears, the first into battle against rebels when no spartiae were nearby. To have survived to such an age and still carry the honor of the spear the old man before the band must have been a true warrior in his day. In reply the band formed a line and locked shields and made ready. A shout of challenge came from the line sending the critters and birds for miles around running. To alcibiades surprise the old man stood his ground spear and shield in firm hands and he too made ready.
One vereues fifty and he stood strong and firm shouting his own challenge back. Seconds past before Orestis called for the line to open, all standing at attention, pride clear for all to see on their faces as they smiled at the old soldier. Orestis with alcibiades at his side moved from the line to grip the old soldiers form arm in greeting.
“Hail deitos, i am Orestis of the band of Thuria and to my left is alcibiades Elect of Chalkioikos” at the mention of the title alcibiades was at a lose to be named elect was to say you had been one chosen of the gods, a title that he himself believed little in but if his captain had bestowed it he would follow his lead and bring honor to his word as was his duty.
“A captain and Elect, hmm, strange times these are for you to be so far from thuria. No matter what, my court is your court for the night. Rest with ease.”
“ My thanks and that of my men Deitos” “ alcibiades take the men and set up a rotation for the night we leave again at dawn and remind the men to not leave the court till dawn”
“Your will” with a salute to both men alcibiades left the two to their conversation over hearing the words “elect” and “athena'' before he was out of ear shot, calling up xephos and titanae he once more relayed the captain's orders before assigning Xephos mid watch taking first himself and leaving last watch to titanae. With the watch sorted he made his way to the courtyard to find a spot to lay to rest. Finding once more a smaller and less grateful statue of Athena in the far corner of the yard. He once more repeated the words of the previous night offering dried meat to the flame in the cradled hands of his patroness. Once again turning he thought he saw once again the small pale light come from the statues eyes before leaving to find a spot to rest with a small smile he fell into a deep and restful sleep.
He found himself atop a cold marble slab moonlight pouring in from an opening to his left looking around. He couldn’t figure out where he was, he had no memories of how he had come to be here. Lifting himself from the slab to turn around to find a larger than life statue of athena looking down on him spear pointed inches from his chest. Unable to take a breath he was forced to step back as he did a voice boomed through the chamber.
“ TOO SOON”
With the pressure from the voice and awkward step back he fell backwards, without ever hitting the floor of the chamber he fell. Through a star filled sky for what felt like an eternity before looking down he could see land below himself. With no idea how to comprehend what was going on he was forced to close his eyes from the pressure of wind passing his face. After a few seconds he was finally able to force his eyes open to see the ground a very close distance below, the ground becoming ever closer he panicked just as he was about to smash into the ground he awoke.
With heavy breathing a sweat dripping from his brow alcibiades looked around himself to the sight of battle all around, blood splattered the ground with his brother locked in mortal combat with an unknown foe, in a panic alcibiades grabbed his spear from the floor next to him and thrust forward taking a man through the throat as his charge towards where alcibiades sat. pulling the spear free from the man's neck a fountain of blood from the tunic that he wore, taking a second to gauge the situation he took in the scene around him.
Out of the fifty members of the band who arrived at the court hours before now he could only spot xiphos and titanae as well as a squad of 8 in the center of the courtyard formed a small tight shield formation in the shape of a half moon with the statue of athena covering their rear where open the dais stood Orestis spear arm limp at his side and blade in his left hand shouting obscenities to the force that stood against them from all sides.
The force that was arrayed against the remaining band members three times its number with full battle armor and helms of bronze, all had a solid plume of gold feathers above their heads and orange tunics marking themselves as members of the king of messinias royal guard. Behind there lines stood the old man they had met hours before but now decked out in golden regalia and small band of bronze upon his brow with pearls inlaid looking much like a hero of the iliad with a straight back and haughty gaze looking down on the members of the band as they faced off against what alcibiades could only assume was his guard.
Unsure of what to do alcibiades training kicked into gear, grabbing a nearby shield from a fallen brother he charged into the rear of the assembled guard of messenia, spear shooting forward he took his second kill of the night in the back of the skull forcing the man into his companion spear piercing his skull as well, abandoning the now useless spear his took another from the falling man spinning in a left turn as he did shield coming up to smash into the next nearby target crushing in the man's helm as blood and viscera streamed down the cracks of his face guard, in the few moments that had past he had cleared space around himself now in the center of the enemy formation with a force of eleven to his right and a greater number to his left however still the man focus was on the band not on himself. Only now were those who remained close noticing the intruder in their ranks as the old man voiced commands in alarm at his presence so close to his position .
During those few moments only one thought came to alcibiades mind a lesson taught to him by
Orestis when he was a mere novice of the band “ take the head of the snake and the body falls limp land, without a mind the fodder cannot move, always think ahead, never rush into battle with no information and protect those who give your orders for chaos leads to defeat”.
With this in mind he moved with purpose, turning and bringing up his spear and charged towards the two men that stood between him and the old man. Sweeping left with his spear he deflected the thrust towards himself bringing his shield down of the cast spear he shattered it in twane before shoulding into the man creating enough distance to bring his own spear up to finish the man with a quick jab to the throat. Jumping back as he did he narrowly missed the blade aimed for his forearm however the blade caught the spear cutting the wooden haft.
With more of the guards moving in from behind he had no choice but to move forward, drawing his blade he once more charged, his blade met another with swift and ruthless clashes feeling the strain of each blow he wondered what kind of man he was facing to have such strength. As if the tyche was watching on his side the man stumbled on an unturned stone, taking hold of the moment of luck alcibiades struck and piece the mans chest with his blade in a smooth thrust and removed it again in a smooth motion as a body clattered to the ground blood pooling on the cobbled stone.
Looking up he met eyes with the old man who smiled and raised his spear and shield in salute.
His voice rang out as all fighting ceased in an instant.
“Elect, you fight well, but you are far too young to challenge me. How about this lay down your arms and i'll let the rest of your band die with swift blade”
Turning his gaze to the remaining band he found only titanae and xiphos sporting wounds applanty all else had failed the two now nested in the arms of athena with the body of Orestis between them. His heart bled to see them, war raged in his mind as he cried out at the site.
“ Now, calm boy, I won't kill an elect of athena. You'll live for now as a slave entil this war is done then youll be free to serve your goddess in honor” before he could say another word alchibades struck. Sword shooting toward the old man with fiery hatred in his eyes and a scream bellowing from his lungs. In a swift move the old man parried the blade with his shield and took alcibiades in the thigh with his spear forcing the young warrior to his knees screaming in rage and pain alike.
“Well i guess there is no choice now” he old man said in a sigh as lighting shot across the heavens and a storm of clouds and winds descended on the small courtyard
With one more swift motion the spear took alcibiades in the throat and darkness consumed the young warrior.
Once more he knew only darkness, this time no light shone from stars and no time seemed to pass. He just floated in the endless void..
In the far distance a single flicker shone, no matter how hard he tried to move he could not. After an age the light slowly grew coming to encompass all he knew. A single figure approached from this light dress in head to toe in a black tunic carrying a paddle of fine dark wood he beckoned toward alcibiades with an ivory finger and dark tendrils of energy wrapped around his body. Giving over to the being in front of him he closed his eyes to the being known to all as charon the boatman, ferryman of the dead the hades and true master of the river styx.
Once more he knew only darkness, time passed however as he was carried down a now visible river wailing souls cried from within the waters which were as dark as the surrounding space the only light the green wisps of energy atop the river and the single light which shone across the water from the front of the two man ferry.
After an age, the boat came to the far shore with a giant gate of black steel and a blooded metal, two large beings stood sentinel in front of the door, large spears at the side, never moving , never being, eternal. Before alcibiades could move to leave the boat the heavens were suddenly awash in an ethereal blue and silver light. His eyes strained at the sudden brightness he could not help but search for the sauce. Turning he found what he sought from the skys came a silver chariot pulled by two pure white pegasi a women stood at the back of the chariot in gleaming silver and gold armor spear and shield in hand and Korintanth helm on her head like a hat showing her ethereal beauty to all and piercing but cold blue dispassionate eyes and long golden blonde hair.
Alcibiades was at loss for words at the appearance of a being but before he could seem to form a thought she spoke, words echoing through the halls even though she spoke in only a whisper, a palpable aura and intensity as she spoke.
“ Charon! Unhand my heir and hand him over, he is chosen Elect and has a destiny to fulfill”
A cackle came from the being who accompanied Alcibiades on the boat, raising himself to his full height towering over even giants as the monstrosity stood, hood falling from his head to reveal a clean skull and glowing green eyes filled with an eldritch light. When he spoke it sounded as if screams and moans came from all around in fear.
“ Daughter of he who is king, you know my rules, all who die must be carried to the lord of death. No one commands the boatman. You will do well to remember that child” he spat is a tongue not meant for mortal ears blood pooling from his eardrums as alcibiades covered them as best he could to at least leave to where with his sanity intact.
In reply to the insolent statement the warrior in silver could only smirk as she brandished her spear towards the boatman.
“ He is claimed and treachery removed before his time. I am owed, you know the rules as well, horror of old, a soul for a soul , a service for a service. He is mine and ill repay you in time. My name is Athena , daughter of Zeus, goddess of Olympus. I swear” as she spoke these final words lightning struck her and a small band of lightning wound around her wrist and the boatmans.
“So the pact is made , service for service , Daughter of he who is king. Take the boy and return again for the price.” and with those words alcibiades was once more in darkness.
For the second time Alcibiades awoke on a stone altar, he took a moment to feel himself, he was warm. His hand shot to his throat but no cut was found, only a small scar at the base between his collarbones as the proof of his tragic fate in the land of mortals. As he thought about the end of his short life a sudden flash and laugh filled the room following the sweet words of a woman.
“My child, blood of my blood, fear not for you are not dead”
“I'm sorry what?” was the reply that shot from his lips and he turned his head to take in the view of the women who had entered the chamber in which he sat. in a pure blue toga with subtle curves stood a beauty which could not be from mortal descent, with golden blond locks tied into a high ponytail and piercing blue eyes filled with love and laughter. Was the warrior who had saved him from the boatman. Athena goddess of war and wisdom in the flesh.
Without thinking, Alcibiades threw himself to the ground and prostrated himself before his patron.
“Oh mortals, how you so love to bow and scrape.” she said with a laugh.
“Oh please child stop, stand and look me in the eye or this conversation will take an age to complete and we do not have time”. With her command in his mind his body moved instantly standing at attention as if on the battlefield, unsure if to truly look the goddess in the eye he cast his eyes to the floor instead, but the goddess moved forward in a flash of movement and grabbed his face and lifted him off the ground in a single motion.
“Now, I asked you to look me in the eyes, so you're going to look me in the eyes or I will break you until you are a child. You are being rude”.
“Apologies goddess” he choked out as he was lowered onto the ground.
“Good, now I am going to explain why you are my Elect and what you have to do for me.
First a small story”. Nodding to himself, Alcibiades looked upon his goddess in awe as she regaled him.
“Once upon a time , there were many gods and goddesses upon the mortal plane as wars sprouted between those who sought control of all, as you know my father Zeus is the true lord of hellas, however we are not the only gods in the world. “
“Yes my goddess, all know of this”
“ Well what most do not know is that we are not the only world which is blessed by those called gods and goddesses and there are more than just one mortal plane, to stop wars between these planes and their gods an accord was written into the divinity of all who ascended to godhood. Every hundred years a new world is spawned from the collected powers of all pantheons on our world and others in this so-called Multi-plane. This year is the year of the spawning of a new world named Iseria and you as one who is born of my blood shall be my champion on this new plain”
“I’m sorry my goddess but are you sure I am the one for this task, i died fighting a losing battle.” before he could finish his argument Athena spoke again but this time in a rage.
“THAT was not the fate that was given, Ares gave orders to his elect to change fate, you were to be a hero of sparta winning the war after taking the head of the king of messenia in single combat but instead you were sent to an ambush meant for another.”
This news angered Alcibiades more than he could dare to show in front of his goddess he had lost his brothers and the adoptive father of Orestis for no reason other than a plot of a god.
“Do not be angered my elect, you shall have your chance at revenge for you are not the only champion we shall send to this new plane your old friend of Deimos Andratos elect of Ares shall also represent the Hellan gods. However we don't have to assist him, we can both have revenge ``'' Now for changing fate we have an opportunity not afforded to the elect of Ares which is this meeting and also a boon for you in this new world. So first come and kneel and receive the gift of this new world”
As he knelt before his goddess she lowered her head and kissed his brow as a screen suddenly appeared before him.
[System Initialized]
[Welcome Challenger to the world of Iseria]
Name: Alcaibades Chalkioikos
Age: N/A - Rebirth
Title: Elect of Athena
Base stats:
Strength - 15
Dexterity - 13
Constitution - 13
Wisdom - 15
Intelligence - 15
Charisma - 15
Skills:
Tongue of Hermes - Speak and they shall Hear
Aegis of Athena - To protect is her duty
Traits
[Bloodline] Descendent of Athena Chalkiokos - You are a mortal descendent of the Hellen [Earth] deity of war and wisdom. +2 Str, +2 Wisdom , +2 Int
Leader of Men - You have proven to your deity to be a true leader of Mortal men and died trying to protect those who you care for. Skill gained: Aegis of Athena, +2 Cha
Challenger of the Accords - Can claim land from natives, Can form factions, Can conqueror in name of deities.
As he looked at the words in front of his face his goddess once again began to speak.
“There you are, so as you can see as recompense for changing fate you have access to this system now as well as an explanation of what it is and does for you child. Now before you speak listen well, in this new world these numbers will determine how powerful you can become as you will no longer be a pure mortal but instead governed by these statistics as you kill you shall gain power, whilst i do not know what form it will take as it changes with each world i do know that the more you kill and the more land and people you conquer so to will your strength rise.”
“Now we do not have time for me to answer questions so instead I shall offer you a boon to aid you in your journey in this new world” and with a quick motion she put her hand to her lips and whistled a clear and pure note which echoed through the halls in which they stood.
From the door flew a silver winged and gold spotted owl which alighted on Athena's right shoulder. Turning his gaze back to athena she said “ This is Knowledge, as my boon he shall accompany you to your new world help you in my stead as willed by the fates”
With these words two things happened almost simultaneously: first a bolt of clear lighting shot through athena and into him and next another message appeared in front of the startled Alcibades.
[Boon Used: Athena - Fates]
[Familiar] Gained - Owl of Athena: Knowledge
* +5 Wis, +5 Int , Soulbound. [Unique] Offers Advice
“ Now with that done you must leave, i am sorry we do not have more time my child but the fates are weavering and you have no time left on this plane. Take care”
And with these final words she kissed him once more on the brow and for he hoped the final time darkness pulled at his vision once more.
Once again he had awoken in a foreign place but this time no towering columns of marble and gold surrounded him but a flat grassy plane with edge of a forest in the near distance and the look of smoke on the far horizon to the south past the corpse of trees, he had only a moment to take in his surroundings before a screech sounded and the small beat of feathery wings sounded as Knowledge alighted upon his shoulder as he stood to get a feel for his surroundings.
Child of Athena, Greetings. A voice pierced into his mind, a diminutive and inquiteve voice with a small child-like grace to the ending of each word. Confused alcibiades look to the shoulder as knowledge turns his own head to stare into his eyes.
Just think towards me and your words shall be sent, this is the gift of mother for the two of us.
Alcibiades was astonished at this, of course he knew that a gift from his patron would not be some common animal but to hear the creature no, His companion, speak into his mind was quite unsettling if he had to admit it to himself but how could he turn away a gift from his goddess so his turned his thoughts to knowledge and *spoke*.
Greetings knowledge.
Yes yes, we are past the pleasantries dear child of Athena. Now I shall explain this world and what our task truly is since mother could not. First - The system. In a moment you shall think the word “status” in doing so the system shall activate and acknowledge you being in this world and we shall find out how we can progress. Secondly - our Main goal is to conquer and convert this world in mothers name in whichever way you decide if it be peace or war. They must and will swear to serve mother or the Pantheon. Now go ahead, Child of Athena.
*Status*
Welcome to Iseria challenger.
System Is already Unlocked: -
Quest System Unlocked - The world shall issue quests to help you in finding ways in this world, other challengers may offer quests, you may offer quests, Natives can offer quests.
Leveling Unlocked - On Iseria killing monsters gives Experience points or XP, Quests can give XP.
Status Unlocked - Full status Unlocked Displaying Now
Name: Alcaibades Chalkioikos
Age: 18
Title: Elect of Athena - No Bonus
Lvl: 1
Xp: 0/1000
Base stats:
Strength - 15
Dexterity - 13
Constitution - 13
Wisdom - 20
Intelligence - 20
Charisma - 15
Skills:
Tongue of Hermes - Speak and they shall Hear
Aegis of Athena - To protect is her duty
Inventory - ^Can not be used in active combat^
Traits
[Bloodline] Descendent of Athena Chalkiokos - You are a mortal descendent of the Hellen [Earth] deity of war and wisdom. +2 Str, +2 Wisdom , +2 Int
Leader of Men - You have proven to your deity to be a true leader of Mortal men and died trying to protect those who you care for. Skill gained: Aegis of Athena, +2 Cha
[Familiar] Gained - Owl of Athena: Knowledge
* +5 Wis, +5 Int , Soulbound. [Unique] Offers Advice
Once again Alcibades was overwhelmed at the huge amount of information that was suddenly thrust at him. Seeming to see that he was lost and confused once again, Knowledge came to his aid.
Intriguing, well that is one way to gain power, hmmm yes this will do fine. Child listen well , it seems that for us to gain power we shall have to kill and “level” by harvesting the essence of those you kill. I suggest you access your inventory and see what we have to work with before we go and hunt. I suggest we head towards the smoke in the distance we might find these natives that are mentioned.
He had to admit that the plan that his companion had come up with sounded very solid in his opinion, thinking on what inventory went brought a new screen to his vision displaying a ten by ten grid in his view. In the first slot had the words [Elect’s Spear] thinking this brought a solid silver spear to his hand. One by one he called the names of items and gathered his inventory until he was completely armed and armored in silver weapons and armor as well as a small sack of food and a bottle of water. Inside the sack he found a pouch filled with 25 silver Drachma embellished with athena’s visage and on the other side that of knowledge as well as a pack of dried rations about three days worth. Finally picking up the shield left in front of him a small notification appeared in front of him.
Set Bonus - Elect of Athena - Damage +10%,
Whilst unsure of what he was to face he felt confident armed in the gifts of his goddess, Prepared to leave and with a small nod to knowledge on his shoulder he set foot toward the forest hoping to find what lay under the smoke to the east.
Upon entering the edge of the forest a message once again appeared in front of his line of site.
Quest: Locating the Natives - Your first step of many is to find the natives of this land to begin your conquest, with this in mind you have chosen to enter the [Forest of Endaerth].
Reward: - Unknown , XP , Death?
With a small chuckle at the sheer absurdity of the message alcibiades couldn't help but wonder what creature was writing these notices, but without a second thought on the matter he pressed on deeper in the the so called [Forest of Endaerth] ready to face whatever challenges may appear in his goddesses name.