Chapter 11 - Spiritpool Enclave

Age of the Godlings - Year 0 - Kroonensnoob - Day 9

Sunrise came far too early, and Shikman was half sleeping escorted out by 2 Hipponian hunters, one blue lean and one grey and bodybuilderish.

I had instructed them to make all haste, and that Shikman wasn’t as fast as them, the practical solution was a long spearpole with a big flap of leathery hide attached at the far end of the pole and in the middle of the pole. Ulrich and the hulking Sturmgriff hipponian would take turns in carrying this mobile hammock, and Shikman would be transported in a way that was suitable to his status, but it would definitely get to his head.

He only had 5 days to find his people, and he had been through some hard times with me, so he deserved a break.

We watched Shikman getting in the hammocksack, and they started walking at a brisk pace.

They had only walked for less than 1 minute before the sack started to grumble, and I started to feel sorry for Ulrich and his companion, they would have their plate full with Shikman alternating between fits of anxiety about his quest timer, and balancing his own comfort with his escorts speed.

I also felt like a break, but Kurinov immediately took me through a thorough inspection of the camp, shadowed by a contigent of Hipponian bodyguards, who at first looked like they would skewer Kerthax, but relented after I explained that he had been my companion through the swamp and could have killed me in my sleep a number of times.

After the camp inspection, we had 3 sections, each of 5 hipponian warriors follow us back toward the waterfall and up a winding path until we came to a lookout position, manned by another section of Hipponians.

I looked at my character sheet while we were walking along the river.

Also there was that Orb of Divine Class Instructor.

I examined it in my inventory and got the expanded tooltip or whatever.

1 Orb of Divine Class Instructor.

Push this Orb into the body of one of your worshippers, to turn him into one of the classes in your priesthood, with the ability to induct and instruct others into your class.

Protect your class instructors, as classes may become lost if the instructor dies without any acolytes.

The classes of your priesthood are :

- Priest of Thunder Mother

Ability to learn and cast Perunian clerical magic and Electro Metamagic

They form a religous hierachy and are the stewards of temples and tend to the existing worshippers and converting new.

Priests use Wisdom as their primary attribute.

- Druid of Beast Lightning

- Ability to learn and cast the divine magic school of Beast Shamanism and Electro Metamagic

Druids are a specialist priest, which are both attuned to a particular god and nature itself.

They may form hierachies and can become stewards of groves but will rarely interact with masses of worshippers, but instead individuals.

Druids use Spirit as their primary attribute.

- Lightning Mage

- Ability to learn and cast Lightning magic and Electro Metamagic

Strictly not a part of the priesthood, many godheads start with a specialist in arcane wizadry, which allows that society to quickly gain basic access to arcane magic.

Mages use Intelligence as their primary attribute.

My system musings were interrupted as we arrived at the observation post.

From there the Stygian Axlotl encampment was visible in the far distance, and the island in the middle of the great river could be observed. The section had drums with them, to alert our main camp if they spotted an enemy force.

Kurinov pointed out different terrain features, and I also noted something which I first thought was a group of seals, but which Kurinov explained was in fact Manatees which lived in the river, and around the waterfall.

On our way back, I explained my magical power to Kurinov, and also how I needed to decide which kind of priesthood to initially establish.

"So that is how you have that hyena as your little pet, well I'm not sure that either will help us in this conflict with the Stygian Axlotls.”

Kurinov started to explain in detail how he had managed the tribe since his arrival, and his conclusions about it.

“When I appeared in the camp, they deferred to me, they were already quite orderly, and hierarchical, but I took it some steps further and introduced the section system, with a section leader, and have started working with section leaders, and will eventually form platoons when I know the sections leaders more and can select the right candidates for lieutenants.”

“All adults are members of a section, families are not allowed to be in the same section, I don't want father and mother both to get killed at the same time. Also I mix Zakkaramunian and Sturmgriff hipponians in the sections.”

“This Karl Rudolf he is eager to prove himself and want to attack the Stygian Axlotls to prove his name and so on.

Which he have been explicitly forbidden. However time is growing short, the Sturmgriff detachment will not stay here forever, and certainly not if there is no glorious battle for them.”

I raised my head from a bush I had been inspecting with Electro-Metavision.

“We need to get this over with. I need to secure this legendary start location, and get our fledgling empire started.” I stated to Kurinov, and continued to elaborate on my thoughts.

“On the other hand, we need to have as many survivors as possible. If we end up with only 50 left from after a battle where we vanquish the Stygian Axlotls, then I'm not sure it will be a victory at all.”

“We need to leverage all the advantages we possibly can, and use our past life experiences to ensure a battle which is favorable to us.”

“After I was sent to US, I tried to keet myself informed, and I come to think of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the Lion of Panshir.”

“With superior intelligence and tactics, he consistently outmaneuvered the Red Army, which was superior in terms of weapons and numbers. From what I have seen of this world, warfare has changed, where a wounded enemy soldier was preferable to a dead enemy soldier in our world, it is not the case here. Wounds heal very fast, so we need to capitalise on that.”

“Perun, lets be honest, this world is very different from our world, this System, I do not understand it very well, but it dictates reality, what people can do, and what people cannot do. As you say we must act soon, but we need to train, and not just in the usual sense, we need to have our people gain these Experience points, and to practice their skills.

“Indeed Kurinov, but we have the bloody history of humanity as our teacher, we need to employ the efficient fighting formations of ancients, and to allow our warriors to get wounded and then get rotated from the frontline. I know we have never been trained in melee formation fighting, but we have to adapt.

“When we return to the camp, I want to inspect all the sections, not on guard duty, and we will have the individuals with the highest spirit scores to become Druid acolytes. I will take these acolytes with me for a training mission, where we will try to tame more beasts.

Meanwhile I want you to start training the remaining, they need to be proficient in spears, shields and clubs.”

“And we still need to forage food, and materials for spears, shields and clubs. I’m thinking we can use cured leather hides, reinforced with wood to make shields, a hybrid between the Zulu shield and the Roman towershield.”

“All our taming attempts will not be successful, so I think we will bring home hides and meat.”

“It shall be as you say Perun” Kurinov intoned while saluting.

“Bring back the whole carcass, we can use bones and sinews as well.” Kurinov said as an afterthought.

“Perun, you should know this, I have Commander as a class, and I have a quest that says in order for me to unlock my class abilities a Military Outpost needs to be present in the empire.”

I explained to Kurinov, that we had to gain control over the island, and secure it. I would then consecrate an area on it, and hopefully build a temple on it, and complete my quest, and thus have resolved the contested starting location.

“Oh and Kurinov, you need to have all the sections being run by a party leader, Shikman explained this to me”.

I immediately shared this to Kurinov and he succeeded in creating a party with me in it, and inviting others and so on.

We walked back, while discussing details of the plan. Kurinov also wanted to start making slings, and have them all practice that.

He mentioned that he would assign Mordenhorst as the person responsible for my bodyguard, as he was one of the most capable of the few officers.

We both agreed that there must still be such a thing as innate talent, some people are simply more suited for some activities than others, and we would only know this by setting them through a reasonably similar training regimen, and then compare their skill levels, of course this was complicated by the fact that most warriors already had club and spear skills already.

The partyleader skill was also discussed, it added another requirement to leaders, and another thing on our training list.

When we got back to camp, we immediately convened with Karl Rudolf and the council chief of the Spiritpool Enclave; Alfstan.

Our plans were shared, and there were no objections..

I then initiated a conversation with Karl Rudolf.

“I understand that the Sturmgriff tribe lives to the east of here, following the river down and then off one of its tributaries to the north..”

Karl Rudolph nodded, his ginormous neckmuscles flexing.

I continued my little speech

“I believe that if the Stygian Axlotl are allowed to settle this land, they will at some point also threat the Sturmgriff tribe, this land around us needs to become the core of a great Empire. I envision the Sturmgriff tribe as the perfect people to establish the martial traditions of this empires.

“But this cannot be done apart from the capital we are establishing here, we need the whole Sturmgriff tribe to be here, for the battle with the Stygian Axlotls and to become part of the backbone of this empire, I ask you Karl Rudolph to return to your father and beseech him to migrate all of the tribe here, and become part of something greater”.

During my little speech, Karl Rudolf held himself very high, but at the end, he seemed to deflate when I mentioned his father.

Karl Rudolf looked a bit sheepishly at me.

“Great Perun, It would be an honor, but my father is a headstrong bull, and I do not believe I will be able to persuade him to give up our ancestral territory. Perhaps you can return together with me and you can explain yourself.”

“The god of Lightning does not explain, he dictates” Kurinov quickly interjected, with some sharp undertones to his voice.

I quickly held up my hand to stop Kurinov, who seemed to have rather quickly shifted from one school of oppressive thought to another.

“I will travel to your territory, and confer with your chieftain, while he has the welfare of his tribe at heart, I must take care of all Hipponians, be they Zakkaramuni or Sturmgriff.”

“Karl Rudolf, I propose that we travel back with 50 of the 200 Sturmgriff tribesmen at sunrise tomorrow, please select them and have them ready. Kurinov expect us back with the whole Sturmgriff tribe in 10 days, and keep the sections training hard until then.”

They both nodded their agreement. I asked the Zakkaramunian tribe leader, about the ant eggs, he told me that one section had been made responsible for guarding the eggs, keeping them moist, and keeping predators, insects and vermin away from them, and that they had been informed of the gravity of the task, and was monitoring the eggs day and night.

We then discussed our current plans for how to react to Stygian Axlotl raids or more massive attacks.

Around the camp, large stores of weapons had been placed, or more accurately large piles of pointy sticks. All Hipponians would arm themselves with these. Men, woman and children.

Children would be in a inner circle, and males and female gatherers a second circle. The third outer circle would consist of the warriors of the Spiritpool Enclave and Sturmgriff tribe.

I had Kurinov promise that they would train this maneuver, with all the people in the camp, once every second day.

I then came to the last item of my agenda for this meeting.

“So do any of you know of a skill called Wood Gnawing ?”

They looked at each other and the 2 tribe representatives shook their head.

“Well it makes sense as the System have only been here for 2 months for you, and before that time the rate of healing was lower, and small wounds in the mouth could easily become infected, but as far as I can see our craftsmen should not use flint to sharpen wood with, but just gnaw it into shape.

They all looked at me with quizzical expressions.

So I walked over to a pile of discarded branches, which would probably be used for lighting a fire this night.

I selected a branch, which had too many kinks to become a proper pointy stick, and then quickly gnawed it into 3 pieces, gnawing through the kinks. Taking my time and not rushing it, I rotated the stake in my mouth while biting. Making stakes was after all my wood gnawing specialty.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

After gnawing one stake, I took it out, wiped of the saliva, and presented it to the baffled council.

“This is what we call a backup weapon, we Hipponians don’t have claws or canines for flensing prey, so when we in combat get so close that we can’t use a spear, then we switch over to grabbing or punching with one arm, and stabbing like crazy with the other hand.

Kurinov, if you would please help me demonstrate by attacking me”.

Kurinov and me both took a fighting stance, and Kurinov stepped in with punch to my face, I sidestepped grabbed the arm, rotated it at the wrist, and demonstrated how you would stab at eyes, throat or groin with the stake using the other hand.

We stopped the self-defense demonstration.

“I believe that wood gnawing will allow us to make objects which would otherwise be hard to manufacture, and that every Hipponian should practice this skill, for example. It is a good survival skill for our people to have. I think I spend around 3 hours making spears and stakes before I got the skill. However the real deal is that I have got an enhanced version of this skill, which enables me to gnaw low quality magical items.”

They looked rather dubiously at me. “I will show you tonight, though I’m a bit disappointed in your lack of faith in your god” I said the last with a smile.

“Lets convene again at sunset, have a chat, then practice our raid alert formation, and then I will make an announcement. Now you all have jobs to do, we will speak tonight.

My job was strolling around with hands clasped behind my back, and nod at all the work that was going on in the camp.

Kurinov had a section of Hipponians drag a fallen Ebbelpron tree into camp. With one of the small iron knifes from the Peryton, to use as a scribing tool, this served as his administrative clipboard.

Each section had a number, and each member of a section had a number, denoting the chain of leadership, if no. 1 died or went missing, then no. 2 took over leadership and so on.

That made it pretty straightforward to expand into a table also tallying the spirit scores and levels of all adult Hipponians.

I also made conversations with different Hipponians in the camp, and got to know a bit more about the classes they had.

The Sturmgriff tribe had a class called Protean Shakers, which was quite an amazingly stupid word pun. It was focused around strength, brute force and plenty of hitpoints as far as I could understand.

Almost all who had the Protean Shaker class had also got the Ironblood talent, it was mostly the Sturmgriff tribe which got that talent. The members of the Spiritpool Enclave got the Zakharan Manacline talent, mostly, there were of course exceptions.

The Spiritpool Enclave had something called a Mudmancer, but most of them were a class called Hipponian Savage, which sounded quite generic, and with a broad focus of gathering food, crafting and suriviving the wilderness.

Asking around a bit it seemed that all adult Hipponians had been offered the Hipponian Savage and a subset of the population having the second option. Kerthax also confirmed that there was a basic Lizardman Savage class, and that the Headhunter Negotiator class was the specialty class of his tribe.

To my luck Mudmancer was an arcane class, with a Meager rarity tier, and with Intelligence as a primary attribute, so it would not get in an attribute conflict with my druid class, in terms of recruitment.

Practitioners got access to Conjure Mud and Control Mud at the first level, a few had reached level 3, and got access to a new spell called Mudbolt, while it didn’t deal much damage, it had a high probability of temporarily blinding targets. Possibly also good for the skin.

With a couple of hours until sunset, I went to the center of the camp, which had been designated as an impromptu kindergarten, with what Kurinov called “Senior sections” looking after the kids.

The kids were of course running around sowing chaos and bedlam.

And while they seemed impressed by me at first, it quickly got old. Scooter however was another matter, after an initial nervosity from both sides, Scooter was soon lying down and getting scritches on the back and stomach. The mighty Ghostfur hyena also seemed quite cuddly. I kept a close eye, wouldn’t want any of the kids to suddenly lose a hand if Scooter became upset.

I sat there for half an hour, and eventually Scooter also got boring for the kids, except for one which kept sitting next to him. He didn’t pester him overly, but seemed to be more content in the context of the slavering hyena than the other kids. I wonder.

Kurinov came over with a group of mostly blue Zakkaramunian hipponians but also a few of the beige Sturmgriff.

“First Son, these are the 15 in the camp with the highest Wisdom score. They all have the Hipponian Savage class”

“Thank you Kurinov”.

“Honored Hipponians, I will give you a choice, you can become Druids of the Lightning Mother, it is a path which will allow you to gain allies among the beasts of nature, while wielding some divine power. You will all be part of the druidic society; the Thunderbeast Circle, but this is not a hierarchical organisation, but an informal structure of Druids, some of which willl establish groves, sacred nature shrines, and others will wander the lands, spreading knowledge of the Lightning Mother.

The choice however is yours. I will not force Druidism on any of you, for I believe it to be not just a class but a lifestyle, a calling in life. I will need independent spirits, which can make the society strong, and challenge an eventual powerful hierarchical priesthood based in temples, if they start to feel too powerful, righteous and in general get to full if themselves

One of you will be chosen as class instructor, which is not meaning that he or she has special power in the society, it just means that you all have to protect that person, until one of you become high enough level druid so that you can instruct other acolytes.

So this person will be confined to the encampment for a long time, not something which I consider ideal for a druid.”

I stopped talking, apart from the 15 druid candidates a small gaggle of hipponians had started to observe my speech.

The candidates had been asked beforehand, and were all willing, and had already taken their choice, but a little show to add some drama to the thing didn’t hurt.

I turned towards Scooter and the kid, and walked over to them.

The kid looked up at me with big round eyes, sensing all the attention on us.

“I want you to be the Druid class instructor, and all these grownup hipponians over there will be like extra uncles and aunts also looking over you, until you are old enough to become a mighty druid yourself. For now you will become the bearer of the secrets of the Thunderbeast Circle.”

The child looked at me with serious eyes, eyes that showed more age than they should have. “I accept the calling of the Thunderbeast Circle.”.

I did not hesitate to pull out the Orb, and before any parents could snatch their kid away from the weird sect leader, I pressed the Orb to his chest.

Do you wish to assign Oswin - Hipponian Savage Level 1 Child - to be class instructor for Druid of Beast Lightning - Yes/No

“Uh well, of course yes, otherwise I wouldn’t be pushing pulsating magic orb into the kid would I now, silly system.” I thought to myself.

The Orb of Divine Class Instructor made one last powerful pulse with a deep greenish light flecked with blue electric crackling static.

Oswin opened his eyes, which now had a crackling blue microstatic in his irises.

Yeah his parents would love this.

“Okay Oswin, can you see if you can teach the class to these candidates” I gently said to Oswin.

Oswin walked over the line of candidates, and without much ceremony, he had them kneel, and then touch their forehead, while whispering some words. After 5 candidates, he looked slumped over, and I went to him. “Are you OK Oswin ?” I asked him.

But it seemed it was just the mana drain from the abilities. We arranged to take it slow, and he would finish with the rest when he had regained his strength.

Only 4 of the candidates had become Druids, the 5’th was apparently not eligible for it.

The newly anointed druids started poking around at each other, and oohing and aahing at bushes and random bugs.

I went to them, and explained what I knew about the Electro Metavision and Soothe the Beast abilities.

With everything going along smoothly, and before any parents showed up, I slinked away with my bodyguard section, and finally went to have a swim in the Zakkaramuni falls waters.

I had an uninterrupted hour in the waters. Being alone in a swamp filled with deadly monsters makes you sort of stressed out, so finally being able to relax while in the company of friendlies was bliss.

The swim ended quickly, and I got ready for my evening address of my hipponian flock and a communal instruction in the noble art of wood gnawing.

While I could possibly hold a long and dry sermon, praising the virtues and grace of Lightning and Beasts, I choose not to. If I had to start a new religion, I am sure the priesthood would find a way to make longwinded speeches, even if I set an example on the opposite.

I talked about the importance of sticking together, not just Hipponians but all who wanted a secure future, where we would live together with other races. How it was important that we all worked hard towards common goals and individual goals of striving for perfection, at least higher level and stats.

Then I got 2 volunteers on stage, well it was not really a stage, but up beside me on a small mound I was standing on.

The lucky volunteer got my small wooden amulet that I had recently crafted. I had been quite scared that it would explode inside my head, but luckily it did not.

Ebbelbron Runic Amulet of Stun - Durability 7/7 Quality : Downright shitty

I instructed them both, and the unlucky volunteer sighed deeply.

“Behold the power of rune gnawing!” I shouted to the audience while raising my arms.

That was the cue for the lucky volunteer, who crunched the Amulet in his fist.

As he did that, lighting wreathed across his fist and underarm, and he slapped his palm to the chest of the unlucky hipponian volunteer.

With a crackle of sparks the impact left the unlucky volunteer with 3 seconds of tremors through the body, as lightning coursed up and down his body.

It looked quite awesome as the sun had set while I spoke, and the lightning looked really cool in the darkness.

I implored all Hipponians old and young, but especially the young to start cultivating the skill of wood gnawing, and then I wrapped up the speech and tried with some good old American rally cries “Make Hipponians Great Again” was a stupid rally cry, but it was okay for something I pulled out of my ass in the spur of the moment.

Speaking of ass, I had really had to resist the urge to scratch my ass while speaking, did I usually scratch my Hipponian asshole that much ? I wouldn’t be a wonder though with these wonderful furry undies which somehow was nearly half my armor class.

That doesn’t feel very hygienic I mused to myself. Maybe I would need to wash said fury undies.

But further deliberations on my Hipponian anus was interrupted by Kurinov approaching with 2 Hipponian adults, a male and a female.

“Esteemed First Son, these are the parents of Oswin, and they wish to have a word with you”.

Before any of them could start to speak, I beat them to it.

“I’m sorry for any undue pressure put on your son, Oswin. But he is destined to serve a greater purpose, and will be the founder of the druidic order.”

The female snorted at this, and then spoke.

“One should think that you might give advance notice, all these would be druids have kept pestering him to bestow something upon them, and little Oswin is dreadfully tired and cannot keep up with the demands. Some of them understood that, but others did not, and they had a big argument over it, and I find that unfair to Oswin !”

I looked them over, the dad was shuffling a bit, caught between insulting his god and being supportive of his wife. And what was that argument stuff with the druids

“Lets go and speak to the druids and get this hashed out”.

I motioned for them to follow me.

Perun, Kurinov, and Oswin's parents approached the gathered druids, and it became immediately clear that the group was divided. Two factions had formed, one larger and more organized, the other smaller and visibly tense. The larger group stood with a tall and imposing female Hipponian, while the smaller group clustered around a lanky, smaller Hipponian with oversized ears.

The atmosphere crackled with tension as the two groups argued.

Before the argument could escalate further, Kurinov stepped forward, his presence instantly commanding attention. “Enough,” he barked, his voice sharp. “You will not descend into chaos while in the presence of the First Son!”.

I held up a hand to forestall further disciplining by Kurinov.

“Hold on. You two,” I pointed to what seemed to be the ringleaders, the quite striking female and a smaller male with oversized ears. “Let’s see if we can reach some sort of accord. Present yourselves and give me your perspective on this grievance.”

The female stepped forward first. She was tall and imposing, with a strong, graceful build and a coat the color of storm clouds. Her eyes, sharp and confident, met mine without hesitation.

“I am Aislin,” she said, her voice steady but firm. “I’ve taken responsibility as a spokesperson in the Thunderbeast Circle. We believe in maintaining order and structure to protect the tribe and the land. Without unity and discipline, we can’t be effective in our duties. That’s why I suggested that before anyone is inducted into our circle, they should swear allegiance to it. We need to know they are committed.”

The smaller male stepped forward next. His build was lanky, with large ears that twitched as he spoke, but there was a determination in his eyes that matched Aislin’s.

“I’m Galen,” he said, his voice carrying a note of frustration. “We don’t believe in forcing anyone to swear allegiance to a circle. The power of a druid comes from our connection to the wild, not from oaths of loyalty to a group. “

As the tension between the two groups of druids simmered, Aislin spoke up, her voice calm but firm. "Someone has to be the spokesperson for the druids in the Hipponian camp," she said, looking around at the gathered druids.

"We need someone who can communicate our needs and decisions effectively, especially with the First Son and the other tribal leaders. Most of the others have agreed that this is necessary."

Galen’s ears twitched with frustration, and he immediately fired back. "I will not be represented by you," he said, his voice edged with defiance. "The First Son himself said that this wouldn’t be a hierarchical organization. But it seems that after just two hours, that’s exactly what it’s becoming. You’re already setting yourself up as the leader, and I won’t stand for it."

A murmur of agreement rose from the smaller group of druids standing behind Galen. I noticed that this group included not just the Spiritpool Enclave druids, but also the lone member of the Sturmgriff tribe who had been among the first batch of druids. His massive frame contrasted sharply with the smaller, more lithe figures, wait, no Hipponians would never be lithe, the less massive figures of the Spiritpool Enclave members, I corrected myself internally.

Aislin’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her tone even. "This isn’t about leadership for the sake of power, Galen. It’s about ensuring that we’re organized and can work effectively within the camp. We can’t just wander off in all directions without any coordination."

Galen shook his head. "We’re not asking for chaos, Aislin. We’re asking for the freedom to do what we were meant to do, serve the land and the Lightning Mother without being tied down by unnecessary structures. We don’t need a spokesperson. We need to be left to our own devices."

I could see the growing divide between them, and it was clear that neither side was going to back down easily. It was also apparent that this smaller group, including the lone Sturmgriff druid, felt strongly about maintaining their independence from the structure that Aislin was trying to implement.

Realizing that this conflict needed to be resolved before it could spiral further out of control, I stepped forward. "Galen, Aislin—both of you make valid points. I understand the need for coordination, especially within the larger camp. But I also respect the desire for independence and the freedom to follow your own paths."

I turned to Galen, addressing his concerns directly. "Galen, I did say that this wouldn’t be a hierarchical organization, and I stand by that. But there’s a difference between having a spokesperson and imposing a rigid hierarchy. A spokesperson is simply a way to ensure that your voices are heard and that your needs are communicated effectively. It doesn’t mean you’re being forced into a structure you don’t want."

Then, turning to Aislin, I added, "Aislin, I appreciate your efforts to bring order and structure to the druids. But you need to remember that not everyone will want to follow the same path. We need to be flexible enough to allow for different approaches."

Aislin nodded slowly, though it was clear she wasn’t entirely convinced. "I understand, First Son. But I still believe that without some form of coordination, we’ll struggle to be effective."

Galen didn’t respond immediately, but his expression remained firm. I could see that this issue wasn’t just about leadership. It was about trust and the fear of losing the essence of what it meant to be a druid.

Finally, I addressed the group as a whole. "It’s clear that we have two distinct groups here, and that’s okay. It might even be a strength in the long run. You don’t need to agree on everything, but you do need to respect each other’s approaches. If the smaller group wants to remain independent, I’ll allow it. But we still need to figure out a way to ensure that both groups can work together when needed."

There was a moment of silence as everyone considered my words. Then, Galen spoke up, his tone softer but still resolute. "We’ll figure out a name for our group, and we’ll work with the others when necessary. But we won’t be bound by a spokesperson or any structure we don’t agree with."

Aislin nodded, though her expression was tinged with concern. "That’s fair. But know that we’ll be here if you need us, and we’ll expect the same in return."

With that, the tension in the air began to ease, though the divide between the two groups remained. It was clear that this was only the beginning of the challenges they would face as druids, but for now, the immediate conflict had been diffused.

Human history had showed that while parallel organisations were not the most efficient, it was a very resilient setup, and perhaps provided more opportunity for growth.

To those thoughts I went back to my tent to sleep only interrupted by my itching anus.

Avatar of Perun (10) Species : Hipponian Level: 3 Sex : Male Age : 32 years Renown : 1 (Your name kinda rings a bell...) XP: 7.585 (11.000 to next level) HP : 152/152

(2,2 HP/hour) STA : 220 MP : 160/160

(+6.6 MP/hour) Holy energy 160/160

(+6 HE/hour) Attributes Strength 22 Wisdom 16 Charisma 16 Dexterity 15 Intelligence 16 Luck 20 N/A Constitution 22 Spirit 16 N/A N/A Classes : Stormlord Avatar - Lvl 3 Combat Skills Clubs 1.02 Short Spears 1.27 Unarmed 1.34 Small blades 1.04 General Skills Alchemy 1.07 Rune Gnawing 2.54 Diplomacy 2.3 Woodworking 1.21 Leatherworking 1.21 Partyleader 2.30 (12 points) Skinning 1.09 Magical Skills Electro Metamagic 7.11 (#) Lightning Magic 1.20 (/) Holy Skills Perunian Clerical Magic 1.00 (@) Beast Shamanism 1.32(¤) Talents Excessive Force Sweet Luck Militaristic Stake Master Ironblood Zakkaran Manacline Semi-Aquatic Abilities # Electro Metavision 9.80 / Stun 1.21 # Summon Lightning Wisp 1.00 / Lightning Armor 1.00 @ Consecration 1.00 ¤ Soothe the Beast 1.23 @ Minor Heal 1.08 ¤ Beastial Rage 1.00 Inventory Azure Pearl Perythorax : Armor: 7 Durability : 14/14 Quality : Exceedingly low Peryton antlers : Durability 49/64 Quality : High Peryton Scalpel : Durability 11/11 Quality : Exceedingly low 3 x Peryton knife : Durability 18/18 Quality : Meager 3 Clubs 8 Stakes

The Lightning Masters left Sandal : Mana regeneration x1.09 Arrmor 2: Durability 40/40 Quality : Wellmade - Part of a set : Lightning Masters Tropical Vestments

Beastmasters furry undies : +2% to interacting with Beasts, Armor 4, Durability 90/90, Quality : Wellmade, Part of a set, Beastmasters Alpine Garb

Hyena Leather Gorget, Armor :7 Durability 30/30 Quality : Meager

4 small doses of weak Regenerative Glue

Spoon of Nourishment - Quality : Poor , Durability 11/11

Terrorherbist Satchel