I conceal my form behind one of the thicker trees beyond the shoreline of the Frozen Lake Zone. The seven Frost Giants assigned to me by their Jarl don’t bother, confidence perhaps or arrogance? As I scan the lake, I conclude it appears the same as the day of my escape after my new evolution. An illusion draped over a newly acquired Dungeon Zone. My insistence with the Jarl paid off; two Frost Giants scouted from the lakeshore yesterday in preparation.
They reported Orcs patrolling the Zone, although too far apart to support each other and keep the entire boundary under observation, hence the Frost Giants were easily able to observe without incident withdrawing when the Orcs assembled to attack. A large square compound, gathering and protecting several buildings behind a high log wall, reached out over the lake as the shoreline, the edge of the Zone couldn’t accommodate the entire structure. Orcs would leave on patrol from one side, circle the Lake and re-enter the compound from the other side. Their numbers were limited if the arrivals rested before beginning again, difficult to tell they reported; as all orcs look the same to Frost Giants apparently, who knew?
My plan begins; one of my Frost Giant escorts steps into the Zone facing one direction, and the other Frost Giant steps in with him and faces the opposite direction. Both are to sweep around the shoreline to destroy the patrolling orcs. A third Frost Giant escort kneels at the shoreline and commences to freeze the Lake, to create an ice bridge from our position, directly across the water to the lakeside of the Orc Compound. From my vantage point, I couldn’t observe any of them once they crossed an invisible line between the forest edge and the Lake shoreline, entering the Dungeon Zone when they did. My view is of the lake from the past, fixed that way until my Dungeon Master is defeated or loses control over the Zone.
When Jarl Solveig agreed to my plan without reservation, I questioned his acceptance. He replied revenge and honour were important things. They needed to be attended to, otherwise, there would be many challenges and eventually one would succeed as his Steadings would be weakened from the previous attempts. I stressed we needed to observe first, plan and then attack. I remembered his reply and jovial smile well.
“Three things before the slaying, two more than usually required!” The gathered Frost Giants laughed with him.
I dryly replied, “The first two ensure more enemy blood will be spilt than friends.”
Their laughter died and they begrudgingly decided to try the three things. I didn’t need to point out the deaths already inflicted, the memory of them implied.
Access to and from the Frozen Lake Zone is an advantage and disadvantage, there wasn’t a specific entrance, as the entire shoreline of the Frozen Lake Zone served that purpose. From the Forest, the Lake appeared serene and calm. Once you crossed the shoreline, you could spy on the patrols and note the Orc Compound.
My part of the plan, I explained to the Jarl, depended entirely upon faith. Our single point of failure is our collective belief in Zeus. A lack of faith, any doubt and the sacred ground would be weakened and the result uncertain. I didn’t share with him I could be the reason for failure, I wished to avoid myself being the first to fall under any suspicion. All this blame avoidance was new and uncertain, the need for a scapegoat paramount, why did I care?
The four remaining Frost Giants cleared a circle in the forest, chopping down the fur trees at their bases, and stacking the trunks at the four corners of the compass. They surprised me by singing a bawdy song of wenching and drinking with emphasis on drinking as they toiled in my service. I requested from the Jarl a stand of stones, a focus point for the Site’s blessed ground, he flashed a knowing wink at me and wouldn’t explain further. Wondering and waiting for his solution another anxiety among many and not welcomed, while further badgering of him would annoy so I bided my time.
My lumberjack Frost Giants then chopped the felled trunks, sharpening one end and hammering the shortened trunk into the ground forming a low wall or fence on the circle’s perimeter. I admired the power and skill these creatures wielded their axes with. Their axes were as one with them, used beyond mayhem and killing, they could create.
Tall grey humanoid shapes slide and slink effortlessly through the shadows of the forest towards the building site. The Frost Giants scoff at my concern and continue their tasks. I eye the strangers effortlessly push through the snow, until they step up to the fence, the height of which reaches their knees. They then swing a wicker basket load from their backs and dump the contents in the circle. Rocks. Many rocks. As they straighten to turn, their unusually large nose on an otherwise thin bald head does suit their strong silent type demeaner. They certainly ignore my offers of greeting.
Evacuating the rapidly filling circle, I need to check on the Frost Giants returning from the Frozen Lake Zone. My four joined the three already in the Zone once they completed the circle’s perimeter, one returning at that moment to report.
The three-pronged attack drew the attention of the Orcs. Two bands of Orcs follow the shoreline, one North and another South. Meanwhile a third, consisting mainly of archers waited upon the walls of the compound at the projected termination of the ice bridge. I checked and confirmed with the Frost Giant creating the ice bridge, never to complete it, we needed a threat, not another attack avenue.
Before the Frost Giant engaged with their respective Orc Warbands, the Frost Giant stepped out of the Zone to send a signal and then step back in again. I wasn’t sure if they could step out once combat started so we agreed to this plan. The narrow attack front of the Orcs prevented their numbers from swarming the Frost Giant, the Zone edge on one side, the chilled lake water on the other. The two-handed axes of the Frost Giants swung in a deadly figure eight before them, challenging the Orcs to advance into the death awaiting them.
The Frost Giant reporting needed to return to join the other three Frost Giants. They burst into the Frozen Lake Zone in the rough vicinity of the Orc Compound, each with a massive log to use as a battering ram, one after the other until the wooden gate fell. I didn’t know its strength; I didn’t need to worry; the first Frost Giant burst through and then threw his log at the Orc Archers lined up on the wall across from the open assembly ground. The three logs which followed crashed the compound wall into the lake attracting Giant Gar to feast on the fallen Orc Archers.
I explained to the Frost Giants the destruction of the compound needed to be the priority, so once most of the Orcs within were slain they took to the buildings, destroying them with their axes and their strength.
The Orcs on the Shoreline lost heart at the loss of the compound, although continuing to fight valiantly to the last. This freed two Frost Giants to collect the left-over logs from the circle creation, provide another update report to me and join the third Frost Giant on the Ice Bridge. According to the plan, the three would throw their logs at the Giant Gar feasting on the orc bodies thrown into the lake from the compound. Azizos would soon absorb them, for now, though they provided bait. The ultimate target was of course the Zone Boss, which I assumed would be an elder Giant Gar.
Once the four Frost Giants destroyed the compound, they would assist with the fishing. The primary aim was to threaten Azizos with the loss of this Zone to the point he would fight fire with fire, or ideally Frost Giant with Frost Giant. We needed to tempt him! Two or three attacking Frost Giants would feign losing interest, or complete satisfaction with their catch and leave the Zone. Then another two or three until two Frost Giants remained.
Meanwhile, my circle now consisted of a stone base. The grey-skinned ones smoothed the stones over and locked them to each other and then commenced on the centrepiece. It rose from the floor stone upon stone, wider at the base, with smaller fitted stones as required, although all ultimately “cemented” together by whatever stone manipulation powers these humanoids possessed. As silently as they arrived, they left. My turn. My excitement and fear energise me.
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My original vision of the “place”, was something simple and functional. The result though magnificent. Perfectly defined, solid, strong, near-indestructible and for a Site, more grandiose than necessary.
I positioned Arnora and Hrut to kneel on the North and South sides of the alter respectively. While Valmund I requested to kneel on the East side and finally Sturla kneeling on the West side. I asked them all to place both of their hands on the alter and regardless of any urge, crisis or need; have faith and leave their hands in place.
I cast [Locate Faithful] as I am hopeful, they are all worthy and potential servants of Zeus. Arnora glows brightly, Hrut and Valmund while lessor lights compared to her are equally devoted. Sturla’s light wavers and perhaps he needs convincing. They furtively look about trying to find reassurance in each other’s eyes, finally settling on Arnora who displays a steely resolve to see this through.
With the four Giants in attendance, I cast [Worship Zeus] to draw them fully into his power uniting our purpose as they sacrifice a portion of their magic held within their souls as I incant while in contact with them.
I place both my hands on Arnora's shoulders. “Zeus, Maker of Laws and Guardian of Honour I request your presence.”
I step behind Valmund and place my hands on his shoulders. “Zeus, Bringer of Thunderbolts and Lightning I request your presence.”
I step behind Sturla and place my hands on his shoulders. “Zeus, All Seeing I request your presence.”
I step behind Hrut and place my hands on his shoulders. “Zeus, Ruler of the Sky I request your presence.”
My hands then reach for the sky and I scream my final plea! “Zeus, Ruler of the Gods I request your presence!”
Storm Clouds gather above us, tumbling, dark and grey, heavy with rain, ready to unleash. His lightning fills me, I am his conduit. The lightning forks from me and touches each of my neophyte worshippers. Revelling in the joy of his presence I almost forget my purpose!
My most important ceremony begins, [Sanctify Area]. I chant, knowing the words, without remembering them, my paws gracefully step along the perimeter of the circle and my arms and hands follow intricacies and patterns previously unknown to me. All the while, lightning strikes the stone beneath us, thunder surrounds us reflecting off the stone and bouncing off an invisible barrier which is the perimeter while tremulous rain bathes and purifies us.
[Critical Success: Site Dungeon of Zeus created; upgraded to Temple Dungeon of Zeus]
[Aphrodite, Priestess of Zeus has entered the Temple Dungeon of Zeus, link to Quest Dungeon of Azizos severed.]
[Warning: Temple Dungeon of Zeus shares Zone Border with Quest Dungeon of Azizos.]
[Due to Level of Faith, Frost Giantess Arnora promoted to Adept of Zeus: Ruling Aspect, Priest Profession unlocked at Level 3]
[Due to Level of Faith, Frost Giant Valmund promoted to Adept of Zeus: Storm Aspect, Priest Profession unlocked at Level 1]
[Due to Level of Faith, Juvenile Frost Giant Hrut promoted to Myrmidon of Zeus: Storm Aspect, Warrior Profession unlocked at Level 1]
[Due to Level of Faith, Frost Giant Sturla promoted to Guardian of Zeus: Sky Aspect]
[Due to Level of Faith, Stone Giant Nasim promoted to Myrmidon of Zeus: Sky Aspect, Warrior Profession unlocked at Level 3]
The rain ceases abruptly. The lightning no longer strikes the ground, and the rolling thunder quiets in the distance, easily mistaken for rumbling boisterous laughter! What has Zeus done? I don’t awake to my surroundings until the mystery of the silence around me alerts me to the fact the quiet is impossible, standing in an open-air Temple on the outskirts of a forest.
I remove my hands from my face and open my golden eyes to witness the new world around me. Snow has tumbled off the limbs of the nearby trees piling a mountain of snow in a neat circle around us. Four Frost Giants and one Stone Giant are prostrate before me. I am not certain for how long, although they don’t seem to be in any hurry to do anything else.
“Arise, faithful of Zeus,” I command. Within the bounds of the Temple Dungeon of Zeus, their level of faith is visible to me naturally. Why did Zeus grant the youth Storm Aspect? I am livid with frustration. I compose myself rapidly, fortunately, they’re preoccupied with standing and once done, I readily acknowledge the benefit of a Temple without a roof. I also realise the forest is there, within sight, the boundary of the Temple Dungeon doesn’t block or phase the view to grey or black, something I should have noted when I saw the fallen snow.
[System error … Dungeon Menu System method incompatible with Temple Dungeon object.]
[System recalibration … Temple Dungeon object purged, Sacred Ground class created, generic methods attached. New Sacred Ground objects created: Site, Shrine, Temple, Major Temple, Great Temple, and Cathedral. New methods created – Faith Magic, Divine Magic, Realm Magic, Worship, Defence …]
I swipe the notifications away, the text wanted to go on and on and I didn’t have the time, worshippers were staring at me, which convinces me of one thing. I alone received the notifications about the Temple. A privilege of being Priestess I suspect.
“Myrmidon Nasim, I wonder how a Stone Giant, is anointed a worshiper of Zeus?”
His deep voice rumbles.“Curiosity, my Priestess.”
“We aren’t speaking Frost Giant or Stone Giant, are we?”
“No, my Priestess, upon being anointed, I was granted, among many other … skills, knowledge of the Greek language, therefore we converse in Greek,” he said, raising his hairless eyebrows.
I liked Nasim, he and I were almost on the same eye level if nothing else and there appeared to be no deliberate aggression within him. His hairless, grey body and loincloth also remind me of my original form which draws me to him.
“Meditate, for now, review the skills and magic you have been granted, and pray for guidance from Zeus. I need to contemplate recent events …” I placed a closed hand under my chin to sell the thinking side of contemplation, not difficult when a confused countenance is easily offered in its place!
I survey my surroundings, my new Temple, lamenting the location, although nothing else. In the surrounding forest, the remaining snow-covered trees appear welcoming, the chill of the wind wouldn’t register, except perhaps with Nasim. Glancing at him, he doesn’t appear to be in any great discomfort.
Finally, the Lake, disappointingly, although predictably, the view remains an exact image of when Azizos acquired the Zone, the Frost Giant fishing ice platform still exists for example. I thought with the Temple in contact and no longer a Dungeon, the “view” would be the real one. My view becomes violently interrupted as three Frost Giants exit from the Frozen Lake Zone not far from the Temple. The three perform a double-take when their eyes latch on to the now Holy Building and me standing upon its stone floor observing their crossing from the other Zone.
One nudges the other, obviously reminding him to speak.
“Priestess, only two Frost Giants remain, they are fishing for the Giant Gar, although we may have wounded it. Do we slay it if the chance presents itself?”
With the Zone Boss dead, then a treasure is normally the reward. With the establishment of the Temple on Azizos’ doorstep would he still mistake the object for another Dungeon? Would his greatest fear be realised, a rival Dungeon attempting to claim a Zone from him?
“Slay it. Warn the Frost Giant who remain though they can expect more opponents, hopefully, your brothers.”
“Yes Priestess, we are due to relieve them shortly. We hope the Boss of this Dungeon can’t tell Frost Giants apart!” They all respond by belly laughing at the jest and I admit to at least a smile. They retreat further into the forest and soon disappear from my view.
My muscular lower body glides effortlessly upon the stone floor of Zeus’ Temple and I once again face my faithful. Nasim in particular is engrossed with the alter. I approach him and even though I surprise him he pays me no mind and continues to work the stone. I hesitate before grabbing him and instead examine the altar’s other faces, of which there are two.
I push back on my haunches drinking in the quality and expertise of Nasim’s stonework. Each stone facing portrays an aspect of Zeus, with curly hair, and a curly beard framed by the objects representing the aspect being depicted. Zeus’ Ruling Aspect wears a Crown of Oak Leaves and crossed beneath the portrait twin thunderbolt shaped sceptres. Zeus’ Storm Aspect wears a Crown of Lightning while the portrait rests in a cumulus cloud scored by multiple thunderbolts.
He stands, shaking his head slightly clearing his trance like state. Immediately nodding at me, he then silently staggers away to rest upon a vacant section of the Temple’s stone floor, snoring shortly after. My eyes follow his departure, content to remain silent.
The third face of the altar depicts Zeus’ Sky Aspect, which contains his portrait with no accompaniments at all. As I check from different angles, in case there is some subtle raised work or shallow engraving, a shiver rolls down my spine as Zeus’ eyes appear to follow my every movement to every position. In fact, I make a game of it, my only escape is to flee to another face of the altar!
I pray to Zeus at his altar, positioned in front of his Sky Aspect waiting for news from the Frost Giants. Surely Azizos will react and need to call upon the Frost Giant forms he has captured. It can only be a matter of time.