-- [EVENT] --Divine Q Start(0)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
Ever since that odd dream, or even before that, you had a sense of the world being 'wrong.' It is a fleeting feeling, a butterfly that flutters in your gut every now and again.

You ignored it before, but now its intensity makes you fall to your knees, and as you look around, searching for a reason, a black crow lands on a branch and stares at you intensely.
[/STORY]
[OUT]This crow reeks of darkness. Attack it!
[OUT]Do nothing. It is merely a crow - either a beast of nature or a harbinger of mystery, but still, only one crow. Leave it be, but observe it.
[OUT]Reach out to the creature to show that you are no danger to it and you wish to communicate. Perhaps it requires aid, or perhaps it is a servant of magic and will share some knowledge with you.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you taught Zbigniev the price of cowardice. 

I detest such crude tools, but I suppose you are as you were carved by your god, and thus I commend you for walking the path truly.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you taught Zbigniev the price of cowardice. 

I detest such crude tools, but light has ever been the path favouring direct action, and thus I commend you for walking the path truly.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
The crow speaks as it soars above you. Was it ever on the branch?

'Your actions are sound, but is it the path your domain would demand? Or did you choose on a moment's whim, without considering your true path? There is much for you to learn, chosen.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[OUT]Say that it was not your choice, but another chosen who took that path!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you showed that odd creature, Zbigniev, the value of reason.

I wholly admire such a steadfast approach. One will inevitably learn so much more from careful consideration than from rushed action.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you showed that odd creature, Zbigniev, the value of reason.

I wholly admire such a steadfast approach. One should never interfere in the natural cycles unless one absolutely must.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen. 

But then Turmoil is all about the unpredictable, right?' 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen. 

Light favours direct action. You should have been firmer with that failure of a man. Still, let us not dwell on it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen, did you? 

You chose either to kill the man or to soothe his soul. Neither of these would I call the path of reason.

One will inevitably learn so much more from careful consideration than from rushed action.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen, did you?

You chose either to kill the man or to soothe his soul, but why interfere so?

One should never interfere in the natural cycles unless one absolutely must.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'True to your path, now as you were when you showed the failed chosen mercy and compassion.

Personally, I do not like such emotional interference, but it is truly the path of Harmony that you walk as you were asked to do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen, did you? 

You did not choose to soothe the man's broken soul or to offer solace. A shame for one supposedly walking the path of Harmony.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'I am no one of importance, at least not to you. But I do have a question for you:

Why are you needed? Why don't your gods send armies of chosen to solve this world-shattering problem? And do you think you have reached your true potential yet, chosen one?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you do not question the will of the gods. Surely they have their reasons.
[OUT]Say that you walk your own path and care little for what the gods think.
[OUT]Admit that the question has crossed your mind and ask if it has answers.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
The crow shrugs (as much as is possible for a bird), but says nothing.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Obedient, good, but the gods rarely need their chosen to follow blindly. Trust in the gods but remain vigilant.

If you wish to unlock your true potential, you must find out why the gods remain weak. Follow your divine path and search for the truth.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow Nature's domain.
[OUT]Follow Turmoil.
[OUT]Find Harmony's path.
[OUT]Light guides your journey.
[OUT]Trust in Intellect to lead you.
[OUT]Seek out the path of Magic. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you faced the failed chosen, Zbigniev, and decided to spare his life, for he did not offend your path in any way.

Personally, I am ever cautious of the weaves of magic and their chaotic ways, but it is truly the path of Magic that you walk, as you were asked to do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]30
[STORY]
'True to your path, seeking knowledge before action, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen, did you?

Personally, I am ever cautious of the weaves of magic and their chaotic ways, so it is hard to question your path here, and yet the gods choose to do so.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
'Wilful, independent - good. But remember: there are times when obedience is needed and wilfulness can lead you astray. 

If you wish to unlock your true potential, you must find out why the gods remain weak. Follow your divine path and search for the truth.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow Nature's domain.
[OUT]Follow Turmoil.
[OUT]Find Harmony's path.
[OUT]Light guides your journey.
[OUT]Trust in Intellect to lead you.
[OUT]Seek out the path of Magic. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]32
[STORY]
'An inquisitive mind is the brightest, yes. I do, but I will not share them with you. I am merely here to point you in the right direction.

If you wish to unlock your true potential, you must find out why the gods remain weak. Follow your divine path and search for the truth.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow Nature's domain.
[OUT]Follow Turmoil.
[OUT]Find Harmony's path.
[OUT]Light guides your journey.
[OUT]Trust in Intellect to lead you.
[OUT]Seek out the path of Magic. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'True to your path, even though it is filled with contradictory domains.

Thus, I commend you for walking the path truly.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'True to your path, even though it is filled with contradictory domains.

Thus, I commend you for walking the path truly.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'True to your path, even though it is filled with contradictory domains.

Thus, I commend you for walking the path truly.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]37
[STORY]
'True to your path, even though it is filled with contradictory domains.

Thus, I commend you for walking the path truly.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]38
[STORY]
'True to your path, even though it is filled with contradictory domains.

Thus, I commend you for walking the path truly.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]39
[STORY]
'True to your path, even though it is filled with contradictory domains.

Thus, I commend you for walking the path truly.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine 1a(1)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You come to the abandoned ruins of a stone-built chram, which some would call a temple in the western dialects. 

Apart from the silence and dust, you see surprisingly few signs of decay. There are two distinct places of offering in the centre of the chram. You see symbols similar to those of the cosmic pantheon, but you do not recognise the deity worshipped here.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Zerca]Examine the symbols closely.
[OUT][Elf]Your people have longer memories than mere mortals do. Try to remember what these symbols may be.
[OUT]Take a closer look.
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
These markings are related to the old supreme god, Perun, often called the father. He was the god of thunder and husband to the creator of the pantheon, Mokosh. 

As powerful as they were, centuries ago, not long after the great victory of the Awakening, they simply vanished. 

What is odd, though, is that these markings are not quite right. They seem merged with another, and you see markings suggesting an offspring, rather than the god himself.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Examine the second part.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
There is no sign of the crow that sent you here, but you feel that you are in the right place.

There are two altars, so you are likely expected to leave an offering to the gods. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Focus on your domain in the hopes that it will guide you correctly.
[OUT]Spend time to really study this place so you can find the right path.
[OUT]Try to guess. Place random objects on both altars.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
This is the place the crow sent you to unlock your true potential, but your chosen is not with you, or you are not the chosen that first began this path, so it seems you cannot enter.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
This one is even more obscure. Your teacher told you once of the lady of death and rebirth, a mistress of winter that sacrificed herself each cycle to bring about spring. Morena or Marzanna was her name.

Perhaps this chram is a place of worship for a child of the two gods. Thus, the two altars will likely honour Turmoil for Perun and Nature for Morena. You know that you need to place an offering on only one of the altars.
[/STORY]
[OUT]For the offering to Turmoil, which is your lead domain, offer a good quality melee weapon as tribute.
[OUT]For the offering to Turmoil, which is your lead domain, offer any melee weapon as tribute, as you do not have a good one to offer.
[OUT]A generous amount of cooked food is appropriate for any divine offering. Lay down yours on the right altar.
[OUT]An offering of a little cooked food is appropriate for any divine tribute. Lay down yours on the right altar.
[OUT]You do not feel that you have the right tribute. Either your weapons need to be crafted from better materials, or you need to bring more food. Leave for now.
[OUT]Offer the ultimate sacrifice to appease any god - a life.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
The chram shakes and a gust of wind throws dust in your eyes. After you rub it away, you see the chram through a thin veil of green light, but as it must have stood many centuries ago. A voice issues forth and a spirit appears soon after:

'I accept your offering, chosen. What seek you here?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you came to unlock your true potential as the chosen.
[OUT]Say that you come seeking knowledge. Ask the voice what this place is, as you have not heard of a god or goddess bearing these symbols.
[OUT]Show your mark of Svarog with pride.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'Yes, this is clear. I have granted you my boon, for your offering was true. But this is hardly what you seek. 

As the world shattered, so has the memory of your divine. If you can piece together the past, your future will hold strong. Tell me, whose path do you walk, chosen?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you follow Zorya.
[OUT]You are chosen of Triglav!
[OUT]Show your mark of Svarog with pride.
[OUT]Say you follow Stribog.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Knowledge of what was lost will indeed guide you to your future. I am surprised you were led here, to me, but then again, who better to tell you of things forgotten, buried?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him who he is.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'Jarillo is my name, although it is not a name you have likely heard spoken in Thea. 

I am the son of Perun, once the mighty father of the cosmic pantheon, now it seems a faded memory, like me. How ironic...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him why you were sent here. What does it have to do with unlocking your potential?
[OUT]His father was Perun? Why isn't he a god of the pantheon, then?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]14
[STORY]
The chram shakes and a gust of wind throws dust in your eyes. After you rub it away, you see the chram through a thin veil of green light, but as it must have stood many centuries ago. A voice issues forth:

'Your offering is insulting, chosen. What seek you here?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you came to unlock your true potential as the chosen.
[OUT]Say that you come seeking knowledge. Ask the voice what this place is, as you have not heard of a god or goddess bearing these symbols.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
Your divine connection allows you to sense the remains of faith in this chram. You see faint images of souls long gone and you know the two altars correspond to the two domains this deity served: Turmoil and Nature. You know that you need to place an offering on only one of the altars.
[/STORY]
[OUT]For the offering to Turmoil, which is your lead domain, offer a good quality melee weapon as tribute.
[OUT]For the offering to Turmoil, which is your lead domain, offer any melee weapon as tribute.
[OUT]A generous offering of cooked food is considered appropriate for deities of nature. Lay down yours on the right altar.
[OUT]An offering of a little cooked food is considered appropriate for deities of nature. Lay down yours on the right altar.
[OUT]You do not feel that you have the right tribute. Either your weapons need to be crafted from better materials, or you need to bring more food. Leave for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
You cannot figure out what needs to be done here, beyond placing some kind of offering on the altars.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Come back another time.
[OUT]Try to guess. Place random objects on both altars.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
The altars stand ready to accept your offerings.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Place two good weapons.
[OUT]Place a lot of cooked food on the altars.
[OUT]Place any two weapons. 
[OUT]Give a blood offering - sacrifice a person.
[OUT]Sacrifice a farm animal. 
[OUT]No, you do not feel ready. Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
Your weapons sink into the stone, but nothing happens. Clearly that was not the right offering.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]29
[STORY]
The chram shakes and a gust of wind throws dust in your eyes. After you rub it away, you see the chram through a thin veil of green light, but as it must have stood many centuries ago. A voice issues forth:

'I accept your offering, chosen. It has been long since anyone honoured me with a life. What seek you here?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you came to unlock your true potential as the chosen.
[OUT]Say that you come seeking knowledge. Ask the voice what this place is, as you have not heard of a god or goddess bearing these symbols.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
The chram shakes and a gust of wind throws dust in your eyes. After you rub it away, you see the chram through a thin veil of green light, but as it must have stood many centuries ago. A voice issues forth:

'I accept your offering, chosen. It has been long since anyone honoured me with blood. It is not my preferred tribute, but it shows respect. What seek you here?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you came to unlock your true potential as the chosen.
[OUT]Say that you come seeking knowledge. Ask the voice what this place is, as you have not heard of a god or goddess bearing these symbols.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
These markings are related to the old supreme god, Perun, often called the father. He was the god of thunder and husband to the creator of the pantheon, Mokosh. 

As powerful as they were, centuries ago, not long after the great victory of the Awakening, they simply vanished. 

What is odd, though, is that these markings are not quite right. They seem merged with another, and you see markings suggesting an offspring, rather than the god himself.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Examine the second part.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'Memory of my father faded, but his might remains. To know your own path, you must follow my father's first.

I know where his rod lies buried. Go to the ice plains. Find the rod and hold it in your hands. If you are worthy, Perun will surely reward you with the clarity you seek.'

The spirit fades away and the place turns to ruin once more.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank him for his help and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]37
[STORY]
'Zorya, Svarog's favoured daughter and my father's most valiant rival. 

I too walked the path of war, and perhaps this is why I was never allowed to ascend, for your goddess does not play well with others or share her bright spotlight.'

You see the spirit ripple with red veins but it passes quickly.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]His father was Perun? Why isn't he a god of the pantheon, then?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]38
[STORY]
'I can see the black feather of the wise crow on your shoulder, chosen. Interesting, for she swore never to get involved again.

Still. As I understand it, your gods have forgotten who they are. Not entirely, of course, but they are acting out of instinct, unrooted. 

There is a reason. I do not know it, but I suspect my father's fate has everything to do with it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]His father's fate?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]39
[STORY]
'I was for a brief time. But my divine spark faded as my followers diminished. Some will say I failed to inspire them, that I was not ready.

Others will say Mokosh is not the homely mother that folk think her to be. And am I not her son, after all?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]And the truth?
[OUT]Who is Mokosh?
[OUT]Ask him why you were sent here. What does it have to do with unlocking your potential?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]40
[STORY]
'I do not wish to speak of her. She is the mother of all the gods of the Tree. She is gone now too. Good.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]And the truth?
[OUT]Ask him why you were sent here. What does it have to do with unlocking your potential?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'If I admit to the first, will you admire my humility and grant me sympathy, maybe even rage at the injustice of it all - and will you not later think: but did he only say it to make himself look good? And if I say it was her, will you not assume a scorned child's anger directs my words?

It matters little now. I am what I am. I thank you for the visit, but my time here fades.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask him why you were sent here. What does it have to do with unlocking your potential?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]42
[STORY]
'Hmm, fascinating, and yet you search for the truth still? 

Well, chosen of the god of anger and flames, beware of your temper. Listen to your hidden self, not just the surface wrath that you were moulded from. 
As my father Perun once told me, war cannot sustain your soul forever.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]His father was Perun? Why isn't he a god of the pantheon, then?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
'Ah, my elder brother, so loved by my father, his right hand, his sun...

I often feel he stole the light from me, but that is childish, I know it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]His father was Perun? Why isn't he a god of the pantheon, then?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]49
[STORY]
'Ah, this one I know little of, he came when I was already but a memory. 

But seeing as his domain is that of water and the winds, the sky and the seas, I imagine both my father Perun and his eternal lady Mokosh, were pleased to welcome him...'

You see the spirit ripple with red veins but it passes quickly.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]His father was Perun? Why isn't he a god of the pantheon, then?
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine 1b(2)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
The strange crow marked this place on the map and said you would find divine truth here, but when you approach, all you see is the stump of an ancient oak, hollow and forlorn.

Beside it, you see a bustling of light swirling in and out, trying to carve its way inside, but unable to break through. Some of these light creatures look humanoid. They may be lightbringers, although they seem to be acting much livelier and more chaotic than the ones you've come across so far.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach carefully. After all, you were supposed to find enlightenment here, not fight.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
One of the light creatures turns to you. It is the husk of an older human, but his hair is burnt and light escapes through every orifice. His presence is blinding.

'You, I sense you are made of this tree. Perhaps you can aid us in breaking it?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who they are first. They seem slightly different than the lightbringers.
[OUT][Harmony]You sense the overwhelming power of this light. It calls even to you, promising harmony. But you know this to be a lie. Open yourself up to your domain and try to show the truth to these lightbringers.
[OUT][Nature]You sense great conflict within these creatures. Tell them you can guide them to true illumination and help them be free again by calling upon their natural bonds, and not those of the light-hive.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
'We are the bringers of light, as you call us. But this place, this stump, it is making us corrupted, so we must proceed...we must stop it so the light can be free.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why should you aid an enemy?
[OUT]Ask if this has anything to do with the red cave, the light beast.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Enemy? We are of light. We come to bring tranquillity. We sense light or harmony inside of you too, no?'

[/STORY]
[OUT][Harmony]You sense the overwhelming power of this light. It calls even to you, promising harmony. But you know this to be a lie. Open yourself up to your domain and try to show the truth to these lightbringers.
[OUT][Nature]You sense great conflict within these creatures. Tell them you can guide them to true illumination and help them be free again by calling upon their natural bonds, and not those of the light-hive.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The creature's eyes flicker, and they all turn to you for a second before going back to work:

'The light must be freed. You must not interfere. Surely you, who are made of light and harmony, will aid us?'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Harmony]You sense the overwhelming power of this light. It calls even to you, promising harmony. But you know this to be a lie. Open yourself up to your domain and try to show the truth to these lightbringers.
[OUT][Nature]You sense great conflict within these creatures. Tell them you can guide them to true illumination and help them be free again by calling upon their natural bonds, and not those of the light-hive.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
You open yourself up to the light through your love for Harmony, and through it, to face the lightbringers. 

Your will and the power of the true light that you serve overwhelm them. Sadly, most of them perish, as if the unnatural link to the light-mind was their only remaining life force. One remains, weakened but flickering with a more familiar warmth.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask them if they are okay.
[OUT]Leave the light be and approach the tree stump. [Skip story]
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I am... alone. And yet, this light you showed me, dirty, ever entwined with darkness, but, so?I don't know how to speak of it. Thank you. I think?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask them to tell you all they know of the lightbringers.
[OUT]Ask what they were doing here. Why try to destroy this tree?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'I am alone. I do not know. I feel a faint imprint of us, but it is fleeting. The light in the earth is strong, burning, trying to come out so badly. But it cannot. The earth holds it still.

Oh, yes. Here, this tree, a root of one you call Mokosh, earth mother, tree sister. Bad. Bad, there is another such root, bigger, stronger. We were to go there too, destroy it all!

I...I must leave, find my own way?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them they could stay with you.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'No, I must not. You have a path to walk. I am unlinked now, but they may take me again. I will go, hide.'

The light moves away. 

'Go, find the big root. Earth mother smells like you too. Maybe there you will find the answers you seek.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and go check on the tree.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
The tree stump is scorched and bruised, but you see fresh vines of greenery growing on it and giving it renewed life. 

As you come closer, you feel the touch of the divine upon you and a call that beckons you to find another such place in the lands of the ancient forest. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
The lightbringers are too strong. Their power overwhelms you and threatens to take you hostage like so many others. 

You are forced to flee before it is too late for all.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run!
[OUT]Run!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
The lightbringers lie destroyed. Some of their bodies turn to ash, and some become empty, burned husks, while the svatelko simply fade away.

The tree stump is safe, but as the chosen of Harmony, you feel shamed by this aggression when another path was given.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go see to the tree.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]23
[STORY]
The lightbringers lie destroyed. Some of their bodies turn to ash, some become empty, burned husks, while the svatelko simply fade away.

The tree stump is safe, and as the chosen of light, you feel uplifted by the deed.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Go see to the tree.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]24
[STORY]
Your voice, reinforced by the power of Nature, soothes the lightbringers. They listen, and you see a glimmer of recognition in their eyes as their unnatural bondage breaks.

Sadly, most of them perish, as if the link to the light-mind was their only remaining life force. One remains, weakened but flickering with a more familiar warmth.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask them if they are okay.
[OUT]Leave the light be and approach the tree stump. [Skip story]
[/NODE]

+[NODE]27
[STORY]
This is the place the crow sent you to unlock your true potential, but your chosen is not with you, or you are not the chosen that first began this path, so it seems you cannot enter.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine 2c(3)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You come to a place steeped in the energy of darkness and weaves of magic all around you. You see the broken statue of a zmey wound around a silver tree. 

[/STORY]
[OUT][Shaman]Your spirit sense is going crazy - try to focus. 
[OUT]Take a closer look. The crow said this is the place you need to visit to unlock your true potential.
[OUT][Nyia]You sense the presence of many navka here, servants of yours that aid the passage of souls into the underworlds. Speak to them.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The veil to the greyworld is almost non-existent here. You see many spirits flow past you, and among them, souls of the dead float around the statue, as if waiting in a queue.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach the statue.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
One of the navka stops and looks at you. You sense that their energy is yours, but also another's - something much older, something you should know but can't quite put your finger on. It speaks:

'Mistress of death, you come here finally, but I sense no recognition in you. This gate remains shut until Veles returns, but the light tries to come here, so we must protect it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why do you now know all this? Surely Nyia should remember Veles?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
The stone zmey's eyes open and a slithering voice whispers into your ear:

'Ah, chosen, finally. Thiss iss one of the ressting placess of Veless. As ssuch, it hass become a natural gateway into the underworld. 

But creaturess of the light-hive are determined to usse thiss gate to desstroy the underworld, or at leasst the gatess. Thiss musst not happen.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But Nyia is the mistress of death. Why does your god not remember this?
[OUT]Who is he, exactly?
[OUT]Ask what needs doing here. [Skip story]
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Nyia iss mistress of death, Veless wass gatekeeper and guardian of ssoulss. When the old godss left, they created the divine domainss, gave powerss to their children, relinquisshed their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Sso many questionss. Answerss come after. Once you ssecure thiss gate, you will become sstronger, you will remember what your god needss from you. And I will ansswer more questionss.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So how can you secure the gate?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'There are sseveral wayss to give me more sstrength sso I can hold thiss gate. There are many soulss here, but none marked by the chossen's aura. Ssacrifice sspiritss that walk with you, and I sshall be sstrengthened. 

Blood, given freely, a life - that hass the potency I sseek. 

For the more prosaic of optionss, certain high-quality resourcess in large amountss will alsso sserve me. 

Lasstly, you can defeat the light creaturess that linger here. I sshall ssiphon them while you fight.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Sacrifice four spirits to aid the zmey.
[OUT]Choose one of your people to lay down their life for the cause.
[OUT]See if you have the right resources to give.
[OUT]Seek out the lightbringers.
[OUT]Leave for now. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'I am Zmey, or am I jusst a zmey? The god Veless accepted much darknesss when he became divine, when he carried the burden of magic and the underworldss. I gave him thiss darknesss, and he became a part of me, and I of him. 

Thuss here, where he sshed his exisstence, I remain in his sstead, guarding the gate.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But Nyia is the mistress of death. Why does your god not remember this?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'We do not know, lady. Ask the snake - he keeps vigil here, he knows.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Look for the snake.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
You see a strong group trying to push past a dark barrier. The barrier is weakening - there are several holes already, and some sviatelko are getting through and helping from the inside.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Face them spiritually!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]14
[STORY]
The lightbringers are destroyed and you see their light float towards the zmey. His stone mouth is ajar now, devouring the energy and turning it black. 

You see and feel the barriers strengthen. They even put pressure on your presence here. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Remain calm.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
The lightbringers defeat you and take one of you into their light-hive. They continue to push the barrier, and you see the zmey is getting weaker. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave for now. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]17
[STORY]
You also feel the domains of Magic and Intellect stirring. Awareness of the old god Veles fills you up. You know he was once an elven sage who turned to the human world and decided to carry the burden of the divine. You know he gave magic to mortals, and valued wisdom above all. 

You know that your own domain came from him too, and you feel it strengthen you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the gifts of Magic.
[OUT]Receive the wisdom of Intellect.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As chosen, you feel the power of Magic flow through you and make you stronger. One of Veles's spirits is drawn to your power and joins you.

But you feel there is much more potential within you. You feel your divine connection calling out to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the zmey what now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
As chosen, you feel the power of Magic flow through you. Knowledge of the arcane becomes clear as day, even if you were not blessed by it before. 

You are now a magic user, and you have gained the skills of those who can wield the power. 

But you feel there is much more potential within you. You feel your divine connection calling out to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the zmey what now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As chosen, you feel the power of Intellect flow through you and enlighten your mind. You feel your thoughts becoming sharper and your wisdom greater. 

But you feel there is much more potential within you. You feel your divine connection calling out to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the zmey what now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]23
[STORY]
As chosen, you feel the power of Intellect flow through you and enlighten your mind. 

You now possess the wisdom and divine blessing of the zerca, and the skill to research knowledge.

But you feel there is much more potential within you. You feel your divine connection calling out to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the zmey what now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]24
[STORY]
'Now you know I sspeak true. Veless wass one of the three who needed to give up their sseat sso the new godss may rule. 

You will find the final ansswer when you unlock your own divine path. Your god'ss power will be freed and thuss truth will be revealed. Now go, follow your path.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow the path of Marovit.
[OUT]Follow the path of Zorya.
[OUT]Follow the path of Nyia.
[OUT]Follow the path of Horz.
[OUT]Follow the path of Lada.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Marovit, born of both Magic and Intellect, thuss a sson of Veless to be ssure. 

Marovit wass once a great sshaman, posssesssing the wissdom of the sspirit world. When hiss ssoul crosssed into the greyworld, the lord Veless sspoke to him and thuss the young god emerged. To find Marovit'ss memoriess, you musst venture into the landss of darknesss. There, your final tesst will await.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'The aurora goddesss, the three and the one. It iss not ssurprissing to me that sshe took on the mantle of Magic, for it iss a domain as chaotic as the lady hersself. Veless chose well in gifting the sstar hiss power. 

Zorya'ss many naturess need to be united sso that sshe and you may become more. Go to the lands of her chosen children, the volcanic wasstelands where sshe is called Zorza and hailed ssupreme. The daughter of Ssvarog hass never ssuffered from humility...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'The masster of the moon wass born with Magic racing in hiss veinss, sso it iss fitting that he wass besstowed the domain. Like Veless, Horz remainss forever conflicted between hiss dark sside and hiss duty to balance and the divine. 

The light of the moon hass forever guided hiss path, but thiss new sscourge is obscuring it. Sseek out the children of the night that hide on the metallic landss or the sscorched volcanic fieldss. There you will find your final challenge.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'Nyia'ss path to divinity wass not an easy one. Sshamed for ssiding with darknesss a long time ago. Plagued by missguided followerss who defiled our lawss in her name.

And yet, with Morena gone and Veless too, sshe did not cower from her duty, nor whine about passt wrongss. Many fear her, and with good reasson. Within her hollowed heart, you musst ignite a sspark or sshe will never truly wake.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]30
[STORY]
The zmey accepts your sacrifice. His stone mouth is ajar now, devouring the life given to him and turning it into dark energy. 

You see and feel the barriers strengthen. They even put pressure on your presence here. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Remain calm.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'Ah yess, the goddesss of love, hope, and other ssuch ssweetness, and yet one that hass become ssharp and thoughtful with age. Sshe can bring hope, but alsso take it away - a terrible power, if you assk me.

The domain of Intellect wass gifted to the child of hope, for it iss her tassk to guide the pantheon now that the mother and father are gone. Sseek out her final tassk for you in the landss of the Ancient Foresst or the frozen plainss.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine 1c(4)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You come to the place the crow sent you to unlock your chosen path. It is a hillside with a small pine grove atop it. It seemed like nothing was here at first, but you feel the pull of the divine, and as you follow it, you notice a gathering of hooded figures performing a ritual.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Witch]They are witches performing a burial for a sister. But it is not a ritual you recognise. Approach and greet the coterie.
[OUT][Zerca]They seem to be performing a burial rite that is unknown to you, yet strangely familiar. Approach them politely and speak to them.
[OUT]Do not interfere, but stay and observe.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Leave for now. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
One of the witches steps aside and approaches you calmly. She takes off her hood and speaks:

'Ah, sister of the young gods. Welcome. May I ask how you broke our protection veil?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell her of the crow and how it guided you here.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'A crow, you say? So she decides to meddle after all. Interesting.

We are the viedma coterie, and we walk the path of Veles, even though his name is but a whisper now. We perform the rite of passage into his care for our fallen. When he returns, she will await him.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Nyia is the mistress of death. Who is this Veles they speak of? A demon?
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
One of the witches steps aside and approaches you calmly. She takes off her hood and speaks:

'Ah, a wise one of the young gods. Welcome. May I ask how you broke our protection veil?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell her of the crow and how it guided you here.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'She is now. She was ever a servant of death, and two others stood above her in the past. 

Veles is not a harbinger of death. He is gatekeeper and master of the underworlds. 

If you truly walk the chosen path, you will sacrifice something precious to us. Only then will we share the enlightenment you seek here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask more about this Veles first. Why do the witches worship a forgotten god?
[OUT]Agree and offer them the entire spirit essence of one person.
[OUT]Agree and offer them the entire mental essence of one person.
[OUT]Blood is the most potent of essences for witchcraft, especially if given freely. Offer to bleed one of you entirely for the witches. 
[OUT]Decline and attack!
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[OUT][Magic user]Instead of an offering, challenge the witch to a spiritual duel in line with ancient traditions.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
The witch nods and the coterie takes the blood sacrifice. She turns to you again:

'As those who worship Veles, we are not allowed to take blood from an unwilling host. Thus, your sacrifice will serve us well indeed. Your path of intellect or magic serves you well.

Here, drink this and receive the gifts of our father.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the gifts, but ask if this is all.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'All? It is but a humble beginning of your path, dear chosen. We spoke of our father to you, but even we are veiled from his true self, memories fading, traditions falling. 

You must go to the ancient forest and there seek out the burial of our father. We will pray that you learn of his fate there and, in doing so, unlock your own power and that of your deity.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank them and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
The witch nods and the coterie siphons the sacrifice. She turns to you again:

'The essence of the mind is a precious gift indeed. Your path of intellect or magic serves you well.

Here, drink this and receive the gifts of our father.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the gifts, but ask if this is all.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]17
[STORY]
The witch nods and the coterie siphons the sacrifice. She turns to you again:

'The essence of the mind is a precious gift indeed. Your path of intellect or magic serves you well.

Here, drink this and receive the gifts of our father.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the gifts, but ask if this is all.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'He gave magic to the mortals, of course. Thus we honour him still.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Marovit is the keeper of magic. Horz also masters this domain. Are they related to this Veles?
[OUT]So what happened to this god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'They are now, but they were not so in the past. The gods are not stagnant. They change as we do, as the world does.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So what happened to this god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'We do not know. It is as if a shroud was cast over all our minds. We know our father, yet we do not. 

And your gods seem similarly afflicted, disjointed from their full selves. Thus you as their chosen are equally broken, or at least un-whole.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask again how you can find out the full story.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
'If you truly walk the chosen path, you will sacrifice something precious to us. Only then will we share the enlightenment you seek here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree and offer them the entire spirit essence of one person.
[OUT]Agree and offer them the entire mental essence of one person.
[OUT]Blood is the most potent of essences for witchcraft, especially if given freely. Offer to bleed one of you entirely for the witches. 
[OUT]Decline and attack!
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[OUT][Magic user]Instead of an offering, challenge the witch to a spiritual duel in line with ancient traditions.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]23
[STORY]
You kill the witches, but some escape. There is a deadly silence that rings hollow in your ears. 

As chosen, you feel a terrible shame befall you. You came to seek knowledge of your domain, to unlock secrets of your gods and perhaps yourself too, but instead you slaughtered the witches.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to look for some clues here.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You see one of the witches who survived watching you from afar. She speaks and you hear her voice as clearly as if she stood in front of you:

'You have murdered the daughters of Veles. I would expect this of Zorya's pets, perhaps even her mate's beasts, but one who claims to follow Intellect or Magic? How odd.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'The crow saw fit to send you here and she is of our father's kin, so I will tell you where your path leads next, but if we meet again, I will drink your blood, fiend.

You must go to the ancient forest and there seek out the burial of our father. We will pray that you learn of his fate there and, in doing so, unlock your own power and that of your deity.'

The witch is no longer where she stood - she is gone.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]27
[STORY]
You are badly beaten and cursed by the witch coterie. You see one of the witches watching you with disdain:

'You tried to murder the daughters of Veles. I would expect this of Zorya's pets, perhaps even her mate's beasts, but one who claims to follow Intellect or Magic? How odd.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]32
[STORY]
The witch bows to your skill:

'You are indeed a chosen of Magic or Intellect to wield such precise power. I accept this as your offering and will grant the knowledge you seek.

Here, drink this and receive the gifts of our father.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the gifts, but ask if this is all.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'You are not yet worthy of the challenge, dear child. Come back when you are ready to face us, or offer the sacrifice to gain what you seek.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask more about this Veles first. Why do the witches worship a forgotten god?
[OUT]Agree and offer them the entire spirit essence of one person.
[OUT]Agree and offer them the entire mental essence of one person.
[OUT]Blood is the most potent of essences for witchcraft, especially if given freely. Offer to bleed one of you entirely for the witches. 
[OUT]Decline and attack!
[OUT]Decline and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
This is the place the crow sent you to unlock your true potential, but your chosen is not with you, or you are not the chosen that first began this path, so it seems you cannot enter.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]38
[STORY]
'The crow saw fit to send you here and she is of our father's kin, so I will tell you where your path leads next, but if we meet again, I will drink your blood, fiend.

You must go to the ancient forest and there seek out the burial of our father. We will pray that you learn of his fate there and, in doing so, unlock your own power and that of your deity.'

The witch is no longer where she stood - she is gone.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]41
[STORY]
One of the witches steps aside and approaches you calmly. She takes off her hood and speaks:

'Ah, a chosen of the young gods. Welcome. May I ask how you broke our protection veil?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell her of the crow and how it guided you here.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Marovit (5)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you wander the lands of darkness, a spirit approaches you:

'You carry the essence of the spirit master of old. Are you kin of Marovit?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'You are close to where he met his downfall - or where he became more, depending on whom you ask.

I have waited to guide you there so you may know yourself and be tested.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell the spirit to lead the way. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You enter into a shroom grove and, among the many coloured spores, you see a goblin shaman brewing a potion. Beside him sits a much larger, more imposing figure surrounded by an aura of divinity, but the figure is faded, barely visible but for a faint reflection in the shroom light that surrounds you.

The shaman turns to you, and you see he wears the face of Marovit:

'Oh, guests? I go into trance soon. You want to join?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow to your god.
[OUT]Defiantly demand some answers!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Oh... am I supposed to know you, dearie? It feels like I should. It feels like I should do many things, but do not know. 

The spirits call to me in the greyworld. Surely that is my duty as one of the forefather shamans, but then I dream of this tree, and it tells me to move forwards, not back. What should I do?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell Marovit that you are his chosen and he may use this connection to find his path.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Oh... am I supposed to know you, dearie? It feels like I should, and from your angry stance, I suppose you are making some point. It feels like I should do many things, but do not know. 

The spirits call to me in the greyworld. Surely that is my duty as one of the forefather shamans, but then I dream of this tree, and it tells me to move forwards, not back. What should I do?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell Marovit that you are his chosen and he may use this connection to find his path.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Yes, yes. Long have spirits guided my journey, and so your soul and your past deeds will show me who I am. Come closer and do not fear what is to come.'

As you find yourself in the embrace of Marovit, you feel your soul extracted from your husk and inhaled by your god. You now need to resist this onslaught through Magic or Intellect.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Chosen only]Focus on the spirit domain to strengthen your lord.
[OUT][Chosen only]Brace your mind and allow your god to take strength from it.
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'Ha, yes, I sense our flock is devoted to my old self. Goblins or spirits hear my call well or those marked by the mystical force, yes? Good. 

I see it now, my days as shaman, spirit guide - this is the path I will choose. Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did he become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'When the three elder gods decided to create divine domains, they took power from all of us. I suspect this had its side effects.

Veles gave his power to create Magic and Intellect, and I was gifted with both. As the most direct recipient of his power and one linked to spirits from birth, I was thus bound to the greyworld, ensuring the stable flow of souls into their afterlife. But this drained me, and I became lost.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so that we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav - the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'They were our leaders, our strongest. Some in the pantheon would argue this, try to take their place, try to stop them. We are divine, but we are but reflections of your wills, and as such we are just as flawed.

It was deemed safest that we do not know until our chosen are strong enough to unlock the truth. After all, your journey here already made you stronger, so you have proven your usefulness.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Marovit walks away into the greyworld and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your children mature.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Ha, yes, I sense that our flock is diverse. You did not focus on my birth kin, the goblins, nor on the path of the mystical above others. I also sense that you yourself wavered when following my domains, and thus I feel I must strengthen my divine path and let go of the past. This is good.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Marovit walks away into the greyworld and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Magic and thus increase the chances of your children growing to be witches or shamans.
[OUT]Choose Intellect and thus increase the chances of your children growing to be zercas.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Does one ever choose to become divine? I suppose Horz did to impress his love, and Veles sought it out too. But for the rest of us, we were chosen in one way or another.

I was the eldest and strongest of the goblin shamans, and Veles took notice of me. We played chess and conversed. He was curious about the greyworld and our special connection to it. He recognised that I do not seek power, but understanding, so he offered to become my father. I accepted.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races - orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
You endure the process and see Marovit stand up stronger and full of vitality. He looks at you with a renewed spark in his eye and smiles. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if it worked.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
You barely endure the process, but you see Marovit stand up stronger and full of vitality. He looks at you with a renewed spark in his eye and smiles. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if it worked.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine 2c spwn(6)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You come to a place steeped in the energy of darkness and weaves of magic all around you. You see the broken statue of a zmey wound around a silver tree. 

[/STORY]
[OUT][Shaman]Your spirit sense is going crazy - try to focus. 
[OUT]Take a closer look. The crow said this is the place you need to visit to unlock your true potential.
[OUT][Nyia]You sense the presence of many navka here, servants of yours that aid the passage of souls into the underworlds. Speak to them.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The veil to the greyworld is almost non-existent here. You see many spirits flow past you, and among them, souls of the dead float around the statue, as if waiting in a queue.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach the statue.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
One of the navka stops and looks at you. You sense that their energy is yours, but also another's - something much older, something you should know but can't quite put your finger on. It speaks:

'Mistress of death, you come here finally, but I sense no recognition in you. This gate remains shut until Veles returns, but the light tries to come here, so we must protect it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why do you now know all this? Surely Nyia should remember Veles?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
The stone zmey's eyes open and a slithering voice whispers into your ear:

'Ah, chosen, finally. Thiss iss one of the ressting placess of Veless. As ssuch, it hass become a natural gateway into the underworld. 

But creaturess of the light-hive are determined to usse thiss gate to desstroy the underworld, or at leasst the gatess. Thiss musst not happen.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But Nyia is the mistress of death. Why does your god not remember this?
[OUT]Who is he, exactly?
[OUT]Ask what needs doing here. [Skip story]
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Nyia iss mistress of death, Veless wass gatekeeper and guardian of ssoulss. When the old godss left, they created the divine domainss, gave powerss to their children, relinquisshed their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So what are you to do now?
[OUT]Why did they do it?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Once you ssecure thiss gate, you will become sstronger, and you will remember what your god needss from you. And I will ansswer more questionss.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So how can you secure the gate?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'There are sseveral wayss to give me more sstrength sso I can hold thiss gate. There are many soulss here, but none marked by the chossen's aura. Ssacrifice sspiritss that walk with you, and I sshall be sstrengthened. 

Blood, given freely, a life - that hass the potency I sseek. 

For the more prosaic of optionss, certain high-quality resourcess in large amountss will alsso sserve me. 

Lasstly, you can defeat the light creaturess that linger here. I sshall ssiphon them while you fight.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Sacrifice four spirits to aid the zmey.
[OUT]Choose one of your people to lay down their life for the cause.
[OUT]See if you have the right resources to give.
[OUT]Seek out the lightbringers.
[OUT]Leave for now. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'I am Zmey, or am I jusst a zmey? The god Veless accepted much darknesss when he became divine, when he carried the burden of magic and the underworldss. I gave him thiss darknesss, and he became a part of me, and I of him. 

Thuss here, where he sshed his exisstence, I remain in his sstead, guarding the gate.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But Nyia is the mistress of death. Why does your god not remember this?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'We do not know, lady. Ask the snake - he keeps vigil here, he knows.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Look for the snake.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
You see a strong group trying to push past a dark barrier. The barrier is weakening -- there are several holes already, and some sviatelko are getting through and helping from the inside.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Face them spiritually!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]14
[STORY]
The lightbringers are destroyed and you see their light float towards the zmey. His stone mouth is ajar now, devouring the energy and turning it black. 

You see and feel the barriers strengthen. They even put pressure on your presence here. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Remain calm.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
The lightbringers defeat you and take one of you into their light-hive. They continue to push the barrier, and you see the zmey is getting weaker. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave for now. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]17
[STORY]
You also feel the domains of Magic and Intellect stirring. Awareness of the old god Veles fills you up. You know he was once an elven sage who turned to the human world and decided to carry the burden of the divine. You know he gave magic to mortals, and valued wisdom above all. 

You know that your own domain came from him too, and you feel it strengthen you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the gifts of Magic.
[OUT]Receive the wisdom of Intellect.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As chosen, you feel the power of Magic flow through you and make you stronger. One of Veles's spirits is drawn to your power and joins you.

But you feel there is much more potential within you. You feel your divine connection calling out to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the zmey what now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
As chosen, you feel the power of Magic flow through you. Knowledge of the arcane becomes clear as day, even if you were not blessed by it before. 

You are now a magic user, and you have gained the skills of those who can wield the power. 

But you feel there is much more potential within you. You feel your divine connection calling out to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the zmey what now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As chosen, you feel the power of Intellect flow through you and enlighten your mind. You feel your thoughts becoming sharper and your wisdom greater. 

But you feel there is much more potential within you. You feel your divine connection calling out to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the zmey what now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]23
[STORY]
As chosen, you feel the power of Intellect flow through you and enlighten your mind. 

You now possess the wisdom and divine blessing of the zerca, and the skill to research knowledge.

But you feel there is much more potential within you. You feel your divine connection calling out to you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the zmey what now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]24
[STORY]
'Now you know I sspeak true. Veless wass one of the three who needed to give up their sseat sso the new godss may rule. 

You will find the final ansswer when you unlock your own divine path. Your god'ss power will be freed and thuss truth will be revealed. Now go, follow your path.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow the path of Marovit.
[OUT]Follow the path of Zorya.
[OUT]Follow the path of Nyia.
[OUT]Follow the path of Horz.
[OUT]Follow the path of Lada.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Marovit, born of both Magic and Intellect, thuss a sson of Veless to be ssure. 

Marovit wass once a great sshaman, posssesssing the wissdom of the sspirit world. When hiss ssoul crosssed into the greyworld, the lord Veless sspoke to him and thuss the young god emerged. To find Marovit'ss memoriess, you musst venture into the landss of darknesss. There, your final tesst will await.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]27
[STORY]
'The aurora goddesss, the three and the one. It iss not ssurprissing to me that sshe took on the mantle of Magic, for it iss a domain as chaotic as the lady hersself. Veless chose well in gifting the sstar hiss power. 

Zorya'ss many naturess need to be united sso that sshe and you may become more. Go to the lands of her chosen children, the volcanic wasstelands where sshe is called Zorza and hailed ssupreme. The daughter of Ssvarog hass never ssuffered from humility...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]28
[STORY]
'The masster of the moon wass born with Magic racing in hiss veinss, sso it iss fitting that he wass besstowed the domain. Like Veless, Horz remainss forever conflicted between hiss dark sside and hiss duty to balance and the divine. 

The light of the moon hass forever guided hiss path, but thiss new sscourge is obscuring it. Sseek out the children of the night that hide on the metallic landss or the sscorched volcanic fieldss. There you will find your final challenge.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'Nyia'ss path to divinity wass not an easy one. Shamed for siding with darkness a long time ago. Plagued by misguided followerss who defiled our laws in her name...

And yet, with Morena gone and Veles too, she did not cower from her duty, nor whine about past wrongs. Many fear her and with good reason. Within her hollowed heart, you must ignite a spark or she will never truly wake. To do this, you must travel to the lands of Metal or the grim wastelands of Darkness.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]30
[STORY]
The zmey accepts your sacrifice. His stone mouth is ajar now, devouring the life given to him and turning it into dark energy. 

You see and feel the barriers strengthen. They even put pressure on your presence here. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Remain calm.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]38
[STORY]
This is the place the crow sent you to unlock your true potential, but your chosen is not with you, or you are not the chosen that first began this path, so it seems you cannot enter.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'The world wass ssung into being by giantss of old. Their ssong wass of balance, but it gave birth to the child of darknesss and the child of light. The two ssiblings would be locked in conflict. People ssay that I, zmey, am the child of darknesss, but I am not, merely a lessser avatar at besst. Veless carriess the name of the child too, but he too iss but a reflection. To battle the child of light sseeking to escape, Veless ssplit his power to create the domainss of Magic and Intellect and gifted it to the other godss.

But now. Sso many questions. Answers come after.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So what are you to do now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]42
[STORY]
'Ah yess, the goddesss of love, hope, and other ssuch ssweetness, and yet one that hass become ssharp and thoughtful with age. Sshe can bring hope, but alsso take it away - a terrible power, if you assk me.

The domain of Intellect wass gifted to the child of hope, for it iss her tassk to guide the pantheon now that the mother and father are gone. Sseek out her final tassk for you in the landss of the Ancient Foresst or the frozen plainss.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the zmey and leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine 2a(7)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the place where you are supposed to find Perun's rod. It is a large mound with what looks like a tall, overgrown tree with no branches and oddly, there is no ice or snow here.

This could be the rod you are searching for.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to remove some of the moss and dirt to check.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
It takes a while to remove the debris, built up over decades or perhaps much longer. But when you step back, you see that the mound is shaped like a giant stone hand, and it does hold a lightning rod.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to remove the rod.
[OUT][Zerca or wisdom]Take a closer look and consider your knowledge.
[OUT][Dwarf or elf]Your people have the knowledge of the ages. Examine this site carefully.
[OUT][Mroki]This seems familiar. Look closely.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You recall tales of the return of the giants back in the days of the Awakening. These ancient creatures of the earth woke from their slumber and threatened to destroy the land. Eventually, they were put back to sleep. You also know they play a vital role in the natural balance of things, even when they sleep.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Force it out by breaking the rock.
[OUT][Tools and craftsman]Try to pull it out without breaking the rock.
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
This must be the hand of a giant. These ancient shepherds of the earth keep this land alive with their life-song, even as they now slumber. There was a time during the Awakening when giants returned. Perhaps this one fell to its sleep slowly and thus was able to safeguard the rod for Perun.

Or he could have been made to hold this rod by magic, by whomever wanted it trapped. In any case, one must be very careful when dealing with giants, even the sleeping ones.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Dwarf female]Sing the dwarven life-song. After all, it was given to the dwarves by the giants.
[OUT][Dwarf]Whisper to the stone and ask the giant to let go, as you are both stonekin.
[OUT][Elf]Use your natural connection to magic to speak to the giant and ask it to give you the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
This one is one of your kin, as you once were when giants returned during the Awakening. But while most were lulled into deep slumber, you were taken by darkness wholly and transformed into what you are now. 

This brother of yours is sleeping, but he was clearly asked to hold this rod, and even in his slumber, it will be hard to break it away from him.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Seep into the stone as black mist and speak to your brother so that he might release this object for you.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You work to uncover more of the rod and the rock that holds it, but every time you try to pull it out, you feel a push back from the stone hand, as if some natural reflex is holding on to it.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Force it out by breaking the rock.
[OUT][Tools and craftsman]Try to pull it out without breaking the rock.
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
You force the rod out by breaking the stone hand, but as you do, the crushed rock assembles as a rock troll and attacks you!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Defend yourself!
[OUT]Try to run away!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
You crush the troll-like creature and the debris collects itself and forms back into a stone hand, this time empty.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]14
[STORY]
You hold up the rod. The skies crack open and fire bright lightning that blinds you.

A thundering voice booms at you:

'Finally! The seal is broken. It is time for the young gods to remember and for their chosen to grow. Now, bow before my power and accept the divine gift.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the gift of Turmoil, the domain of warriors and those who favour change.
[OUT]Take the blessings of Light, the force for direct action and patron of crafts.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'I am the voice of Perun, the father of the skies. I am here to tell you what your next steps will be. Whom do you serve, child?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why he has abandoned the pantheon.
[OUT]Zorya.
[OUT]Triglav.
[OUT]Svarog.
[OUT]Stribog.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'The skies cannot remain still; the thunder does not linger. We were needed, so we left. The skies, the earth, and the underworld, the power of three as one to hold the earth in our grasp and allow our children to stand strong. I was made divine to stand for Light, and thus my power was needed to keep it at bay. But you will know all once your divine memory is restored. Now, whom do you serve, child?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Zorya.
[OUT]Triglav.
[OUT]Svarog.
[OUT]Stribog.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'The fiery daughter of the stars, yes. I gifted her Turmoil, for she is forever torn by the conflict of her many natures.

Zorya's natures need to be united so that she and you may become more. Go to the lands of her chosen children, the volcanic wastelands where she is called Zorza and hailed supreme. The daughter of Svarog has never suffered from humility...'

The voice fades, and when your eyesight is restored, the giant hand holds the rod again.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
'Interesting. The unstoppable wrath of the pantheon. A force of nature drawn from the depths of earth's fire to face the other core that slept near it.

You must travel into the volcanic lands, made so by your very birth. Or should I say the birth of your god? I forget myself. Good luck to you, chosen of the fire.'

The voice fades, and when your eyesight is restored, the giant hand holds the rod again.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
The power of Turmoil lies in its unexpected nature, the ever-changing conflict of light and darkness. 

As such, you are marked as demon, a creature equally steeped in chaos.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
You are badly beaten and the rock troll-like creature disassembles and rebuilds itself back into the stone hand holding the rod. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You are badly beaten and the rock troll-like creature disassembles and rebuilds itself back into the stone hand holding the rod. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]27
[STORY]
The power of Turmoil lies in its unexpected nature, the ever-changing conflict of light and darkness. 

As such, you are marked as unliving, a creature equally steeped in chaos.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]28
[STORY]
The power of Turmoil lies in its unexpected nature, the ever-changing conflict of light and darkness. 

As such, you are marked with the power to fight and a companion to aid you.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]30
[STORY]
The power of Light has many faces, but one of its key aspects is sustaining the fires that keep your homes safe and power the furnaces of craftsmen across Thea.

As such, you are now marked as craftsman and gifted with skill and the tools to use it.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The power of Light has many faces, but one of its key aspects is sustaining the fires that keep your homes safe and power the furnaces of craftsmen across Thea.

As such, your skill is increased and you are gifted with the tools to create divine objects and a companion to aid you.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]32
[STORY]
You crush the stone hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
You try to force the rod out by breaking the stone hand, but as you do, the hand stretches out and slaps you down, forcing you to flee.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You safely remove the rod from the stone hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]37
[STORY]
Your song echoes into the earth as only a dwarven tale can, and the stone responds and opens its palm for you. You safely remove the rod from the stone hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]39
[STORY]
The old giant listens to your whispers and heeds your plea. The hand opens and you safely remove the rod from the stone hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]41
[STORY]
The stone does not heed your whispers, which saddens your heart greatly.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Force it out by breaking the rock.
[OUT][Tools and craftsman]Try to pull it out without breaking the rock.
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]44
[STORY]
You find the sleeping soul of your brother and it listens to your plea, despite your fall to darkness. The stone responds and opens its palm for you. You safely remove the rod from the stone hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Ah, the most steadfast of our sons. I gifted him with both Turmoil and Light, for he is the shield of the pantheon and must stand ready.

You must travel to the lands of metal and stone. There you will find my son's divine forge and, within it, the answers you seek.'

The voice fades, and when your eyesight is restored, the giant hand holds the rod again.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]46
[STORY]
'When our land broke and water filled the gaps, it was Mokosh who elevated Stribog to take up the mantle of the great guide. But it was I who gave him the domain of light, so he may find his true path even in darkness.

The answers you seek are elusive, so you must search for them while you travel on the seas of Thea.'

The voice fades, and when your eyesight is restored, the giant hand holds the rod again.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine 2a spwn(8)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You find the place where you are supposed to find Perun's rod. It is a large mound with what looks like a tall, overgrown tree with no branches and oddly, there is no ice or snow here.

This could be the rod you are searching for.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to remove some of the moss and dirt to check.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
It takes a while to remove the debris, built up over decades or perhaps much longer. But when you step back, you see that the mound is shaped like a giant stone hand, and it does hold a lightning rod.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Try to remove the rod.
[OUT][Zerca or wisdom]Take a closer look and consider your knowledge.
[OUT][Dwarf or elf]Your people have the knowledge of the ages. Examine this site carefully.
[OUT][Mroki]This seems familiar. Look closely.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You recall tales of the return of the giants back in the days of the Awakening. These ancient creatures of the earth woke from their slumber and threatened to destroy the land. Eventually, they were put back to sleep. You also know they play a vital role in the natural balance of things, even when they sleep.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Force it out by breaking the rock.
[OUT][Tools and craftsman]Try to pull it out without breaking the rock.
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
This must be the hand of a giant. These ancient shepherds of the earth keep this land alive with their life-song, even as they now slumber. There was a time during the Awakening when giants returned. Perhaps this one fell to its sleep slowly and thus was able to safeguard the rod for Perun.

Or he could have been made to hold this rod by magic, by whomever wanted it trapped. In any case, one must be very careful when dealing with giants, even the sleeping ones.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Dwarf female]Sing the dwarven life-song. After all, it was given to the dwarves by the giants.
[OUT][Dwarf]Whisper to the stone and ask the giant to let go, as you are both stonekin.
[OUT][Elf]Use your natural connection to magic to speak to the giant and ask it to give you the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
This one is one of your kin, as you once were when giants returned during the Awakening. But while most were lulled into deep slumber, you were taken by darkness wholly and transformed into what you are now. 

This brother of yours is sleeping, but he was clearly asked to hold this rod, and even in his slumber, it will be hard to break it away from him.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Seep into the stone as black mist and speak to your brother so that he might release this object for you.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You work to uncover more of the rod and the rock that holds it, but every time you try to pull it out, you feel a push back from the stone hand, as if some natural reflex is holding on to it.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Force it out by breaking the rock.
[OUT][Tools and craftsman]Try to pull it out without breaking the rock.
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
You force the rod out by breaking the stone hand, but as you do, the crushed rock assembles as a rock troll and attacks you!
[/STORY]
[OUT]Defend yourself!
[OUT]Try to run away!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
You crush the troll-like creature and the debris collects itself and forms back into a stone hand, this time empty.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]14
[STORY]
You hold up the rod. The skies crack open and fire bright lightning that blinds you.

A thundering voice booms at you:

'Finally! The seal is broken. It is time for the young gods to remember and for their chosen to grow. Now, bow before my power and accept the divine gift.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the gift of Turmoil.
[OUT]Take the blessings of Light.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'I am the voice of Perun, the father of the skies. I am here to tell you what your next steps will be. Whom do you serve, child?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask why he has abandoned the pantheon.
[OUT]Zorya.
[OUT]Triglav.
[OUT]Svarog.
[OUT]Stribog.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'The skies cannot remain still; the thunder does not linger. We were needed, so we left. The skies, the earth, and the underworld, the power of three as one to hold the earth in our grasp and allow our children to stand strong. But you will know all once your divine memory is restored. Now, whom do you serve, child?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Zorya.
[OUT]Triglav.
[OUT]Svarog.
[OUT]Stribog.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'The fiery daughter of the stars, yes. I gifted her Turmoil, for she is forever torn by the conflict of her many natures.

Zorya's natures need to be united so that she and you may become more. Go to the lands of her chosen children, the volcanic wastelands where she is called Zorza and hailed supreme. The daughter of Svarog has never suffered from humility...

The voice fades, and when your eyesight is restored, the giant hand holds the rod again.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
'Interesting. The unstoppable wrath of the pantheon. A force of nature drawn from the depths of earth's fire to face the other core that slept near it.

You must travel into the volcanic lands, made so by your very birth. Or should I say the birth of your god? I forget myself. Good luck to you, chosen of the fire.'

The voice fades, and when your eyesight is restored, the giant hand holds the rod again.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
The power of Turmoil lies in its unexpected nature, the ever-changing conflict of light and darkness. 

As such, you are marked as demon, a creature equally steeped in chaos.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
You are badly beaten and the rock troll-like creature disassembles and rebuilds itself back into the stone hand holding the rod. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
You are badly beaten and the rock troll-like creature disassembles and rebuilds itself back into the stone hand holding the rod. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]27
[STORY]
The power of Turmoil lies in its unexpected nature, the ever-changing conflict of light and darkness. 

As such, you are marked as unliving, a creature equally steeped in chaos.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]28
[STORY]
The power of Turmoil lies in its unexpected nature, the ever-changing conflict of light and darkness. 

As such, you are marked with the power to fight and a companion to aid you.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]30
[STORY]
The power of Light has many faces, but one of its key aspects is sustaining the fires that keep your homes safe and power the furnaces of craftsmen across Thea.

As such, you are now marked as craftsman and gifted with skill and the tools to use it.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The power of Light has many faces, but one of its key aspects is sustaining the fires that keep your homes safe and power the furnaces of craftsmen across Thea.

As such, your skill is increased, and you are gifted with the tools to create divine objects and a companion to aid you.

'Good, you are becoming more like yourself!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask who you should speak to.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]32
[STORY]
You crush the stone hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
You try to force the rod out by breaking the stone hand, but as you do, the hand stretches out and slaps you down, forcing you to flee.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Run.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You safely remove the rod from the stone hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]37
[STORY]
Your song echoes into the earth as only a dwarven tale can, and the stone responds and opens its palm for you. You safely remove the rod from the hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]39
[STORY]
The old giant listens to your whispers and heeds your plea. The hand opens and you safely remove the rod from the stone hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]41
[STORY]
The stone does not heed your whispers, which saddens your heart greatly.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Force it out by breaking the rock.
[OUT][Tools and craftsman]Try to pull it out without breaking the rock.
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]44
[STORY]
You find the sleeping soul of your brother and it listens to your plea, despite your fall to darkness. The stone responds and opens its palm for you. You safely remove the rod from the stone hand and feel the ground tremble, but the rod is free and the tremors pass.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take the rod.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Ah, the most steadfast of our sons. I gifted him with both Turmoil and Light, for he is the shield of the pantheon and must stand ready.

You must travel to the lands of metal and stone. There you will find my son's divine forge and, within it, the answers you seek.'

The voice fades, and when your eyesight is restored, the giant hand holds the rod again.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]46
[STORY]
'When our land broke and water filled the gaps, it was Mokosh who elevated Stribog to take up the mantle of the great guide. But it was I who gave him the domain of light, so he may find his true path even in darkness.

The answers you seek are elusive, so you must search for them while you travel on the seas of Thea.'

The voice fades, and when your eyesight is restored, the giant hand holds the rod again.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]47
[STORY]
This is the place the crow sent you to unlock your true potential, but your chosen is not with you, or you are not the chosen that first began this path, so it seems you cannot enter.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine 2b(9)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You are drawn to the site of another one of Mokosh's roots. This one is not assailed by light, but it is a mere tree stump that seems barely alive.

And yet, despite its sorry state, you feel an immense power calling out to you. 
[/STORY]
[OUT][Forest folk]Examine the tree and speak to the other plants here. Perhaps they know more.
[OUT][Zerca]If this is indeed a divine place, one should expect that an offering is needed. Move in closer to analyse this place.
[OUT]Investigate.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The echoes of the old forest that once grew here whisper of the sister-tree, a creature later called goddess and now forgotten. 

They tell you this root goes deep, deep into the earth, but something from within it is burning it up. It requires energy to stay alive. But you also see a leshy observing you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give a generous offering of cooked food.
[OUT]Offer the entire spirit essence of one of your own kin.
[OUT]Sacrifice the life of some pets to honour the gods.
[OUT]Give one life - a true sacrifice.
[OUT]Convince him that you are chosen and you are here to help, but he needs to tell you how.
[OUT]Face the leshy in the spirit world to convince him that your spirit is bound to the gods.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You slaughter the leshy and see the tree stump turn black and wither away. 

It looks like whatever your gods wanted you to do is lost to you.

As the place turns barren and the leshy's remains turn to ash, you are able to absorb some of the lingering energy.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
You go in closer to search for clues when you notice a leshy watching you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak to the leshy. Ask them what this place is.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The leshy remains silent, but continues to watch you intensely.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince him that you are chosen and you are here to help, but he needs to tell you how.
[OUT]Face the leshy in the spirit world to convince him that your spirit is bound to the gods.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
The leshy nods and speaks:

'Yes, the offering of your food is adequate to strengthen the sister-tree's essence, so we may keep the wretched light away. You, little chosen, must make more haste, make them go back into the earth...'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him you have defeated the light-beast already.
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'Oh, splendid. This will make life easier, or harder, but still it is splendid.

But this is not why you come here?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'You are here and you made an offering to the sister-tree, so you may now receive the gifts of your domain. Stand still.'

The leshy stretches out his branches and you feel divine grace surround you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Nature.
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Harmony.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'The tree is that which you call the cosmic tree, an ancient leshy, of sorts - the root of life, some say. 

Mokosh is a sapling that grew out of it, but different. She is like us, but not like us. She is sister-tree to us. She is the mother of your gods, but as many mothers must, she had to leave so her children could grow.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she have to leave, and why does no one remember her?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Some remember still. But your gods exist only when they are worshipped, for without that, they lose their divinity. 

Mokosh, her chosen mate, Perun, and of their first sons Veles created divine domains and split them between all gods. This was to ensure greater stability, but it required a sacrifice. 

And then there was the earth's Shattering, of course.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What of the Shattering?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'Light escaped and it wants to come out entirely. The underworlds will be purged, the earth scorched, and the heavens blasted away - and so, the three stand guard until you make your choices, or until it all fails.

Now, this talk costs me too much energy. We must proceed with your task at hand.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]17
[STORY]
The leshy looks at you but does not move. The air around you becomes thick. It is likely this offering offended the goddess.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
The leshy nods and speaks:

'Yes, your offering is strong, it will serve well to strengthen the sister-tree's essence, so we may keep the wretched light away. You, little chosen, must make more haste, make them go back into the earth...'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him you have defeated the light-beast already.
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
The leshy nods and speaks:

'Ah, the ultimate offering of a life. This will indeed be enough to strengthen the sister-tree's essence, so we may keep the wretched light away. You, little chosen, must make more haste, make them go back into the earth...'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him you have defeated the light-beast already.
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]23
[STORY]
The leshy nods and speaks:

'Ah, the ultimate offering of a life. This will indeed be enough to strengthen the sister-tree's essence, so we may keep the wretched light away. It is not a gift expected of one that seeks harmony, but perhaps that makes it a stronger offering.

You, little chosen, must make more haste, make them go back into the earth...'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him you have defeated the light-beast already.
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
The leshy looks at you and remains silent, but you feel his judgment upon your bloody actions. 

You feel your divine soul burn from this.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]28
[STORY]
You come closer and examine the tree. You see places where there were clearly offerings placed for the goddess Mokosh. 

But you also see a leshy observing you, and you suspect he acts as a guardian here, judging your actions on behalf of the goddess.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give a generous offering of cooked food.
[OUT]Offer the entire spirit essence of one of your own kin.
[OUT]Sacrifice the life of some pets to honour the gods.
[OUT]Give one life - a true sacrifice.
[OUT]Convince him that you are chosen and you are here to help, but he needs to tell you how.
[OUT]Face the leshy in the spirit world to convince him that your spirit is bound to the gods.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]29
[STORY]
The leshy is still watching you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give a generous offering of cooked food.
[OUT]Offer the entire spirit essence of one of your own kin.
[OUT]Sacrifice the life of some pets to honour the gods.
[OUT]Give one life - a true sacrifice.
[OUT]Convince him that you are chosen and you are here to help, but he needs to tell you how.
[OUT]Face the leshy in the spirit world to convince him that your spirit is bound to the gods.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The power of Nature flows through you and calls to your inner beast. 

Your vitality grows and you feel strengthened throughout. A fellow beast also joins your pack.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the leshy and ask if this is all you were supposed to do.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
The leshy defeats you, and surprisingly, it does not seem hostile beyond defending itself. 

You feel a flow of negative energy from the tree trunk, though. It seems that whatever god essence resides here, it was not impressed with you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'That choice is always yours, but there is a final stage of your journey, one that will lead you to your divine patron and thus unlock both of your potentials further.

Which deity do you call to?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Dievanna.
[OUT]Horz.
[OUT]Triglav.
[OUT]Nyia.
[OUT]Lada.
[OUT]Stribog.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]37
[STORY]
The power of Nature flows through you and calls to your inner beast, and even though you remain yourself, other animals will consider you kin.

Your vitality grows and you feel strengthened throughout. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the leshy and ask if this is all you were supposed to do.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]39
[STORY]
The power of Harmony calls to you and commends your calling as a healer. 

Your vitality grows and you feel strengthened throughout. A cmuch joins you so that you may work together to improve people's health.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the leshy and ask if this is all you were supposed to do.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]40
[STORY]
The power of Harmony calls to you and grants you the gift of healing. 

You also feel your vitality improved and your intellect strengthened.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the leshy and ask if this is all you were supposed to do.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'A true daughter of Harmony and Nature - on one hand fierce and wild, on the other soothing and calm. 

Dievanna is a daughter of Veles, from before he was divine. She was called upon to ascend when her father had to leave, and it was Mokosh who gifted her with her domains and trusted the young goddess to keep watch over the forests.

Seek out your final path in the ancient forest, among the feral packs that call Dievanna their master.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
'Yes, the beast master. His creatures are those of the night, the moon children, and yet they remain part of Nature also. Horz, master of the moon, who clawed his way into the pantheon to impress his love. 

Seek out the metallic lands or the volcanic fields where the night beasts dwell, hiding from those who forever seek to destroy them. Follow the moon and you will find the light you seek.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]44
[STORY]
'Hmm. Your master's mind is one and three, and thus it cannot remember itself. They rose when the need was great and brute force was required. Triglav is the hammer of the gods.

But despite their fiery exterior and brutish stance, there is more to Triglav than meets the eye. Seek out their birthplace in the black ash and red lava of the volcanic lands.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Ah, the lady of death exemplifies Nature well, does she not? A troubled soul if ever there was one among the divine. Once a servant of death, now its divine mistress. Can you imagine the loneliness of such a hated role?

Within her hollowed heart, you must ignite a spark or she will never truly wake. To do this, you must travel to the lands of metal or the grim wastelands of Darkness.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]46
[STORY]
'The child of hope born in our darkest hour, how has she grown. Once she was the youngest deity, unsure of her place. Now she stands at the helm, keeping her siblings in check with love and a firm hand when needed.

To follow the path of Lada, you must go to the land least touched by her warmth - the ice lands - or the ancient forest, where her charm has always been worshipped. There you will face your final task.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]47
[STORY]
'You are here. You serve the sister-tree's children and your words are wise, so you may now receive the gifts of your domain. Stand still.'

The leshy stretches out his branches and you feel divine grace surround you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Nature, the force that favours balance and accepts the wheel of fate.
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Harmony, the domain that stands for stability and peace.
[OUT]Why is this goddess relevant to your path? Why does light seek to harm her?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]48
[STORY]
'You are here. You serve the sister-tree's children and your spirit is strong, so you may now receive the gifts of your domain. Stand still.'

The leshy stretches out his branches and you feel divine grace surround you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Nature.
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Harmony.
[OUT]Why is this goddess relevant to your path? Why does light seek to harm her?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]51
[STORY]
The leshy looks at you and remains silent, but you feel his judgment upon your bloody actions. 

You feel your divine soul burn from this.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]52
[STORY]
'Mokosh is the earth mother of your gods. She is so because she stands for balance. You see, it was the giants who first sang the world into being - at least this world - and their song was in equal measure light and dark. But then the song created the child of light and the child of darkness, siblings that would be forever locked in conflict. Mokosh stands guard for balance, and her destruction would free the children.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Nature, the force that favours balance and accepts the wheel of fate.
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Harmony, the domain that stands for stability and peace.
[OUT]But isn't she gone? She is not one of your gods, after all.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]53
[STORY]
'She is forgotten for now, but not gone, never gone. Her roots are deep and hold the earth. You asked before why this old goddess is connected to you. She is connected to all the gods, and thus also to their chosen. Now, time is running out.'

The leshy stretches out his branches and you feel divine grace surround you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Nature, the force that favours balance and accepts the wheel of fate.
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Harmony, the domain that stands for stability and peace.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]58
[STORY]
'Ah, the wild child of the sea and the winds, yes. Although the life-giving force of water remains Mokosh's domain, they needed a child of the seas, a true traveller for this new era.

The answers you seek are elusive, so you must search for them while you travel on the seas of Thea.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine 2b spwn(10)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
You are drawn to the site of another one of Mokosh's roots. This one is not assailed by light, but it is a mere tree stump that seems barely alive.

And yet, despite its sorry state, you feel an immense power calling out to you. 
[/STORY]
[OUT][Forest folk]Examine the tree and speak to the other plants here. Perhaps they know more.
[OUT][Zerca]If this is indeed a divine place, one should expect that an offering is needed. Move in closer to analyse this place.
[OUT]Investigate.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The echoes of the old forest that once grew here whisper of the sister-tree, a creature later called goddess and now forgotten. 

They tell you this root goes deep, deep into the earth, but something from within it is burning it up. It requires energy to stay alive. But you also see a leshy observing you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give a generous offering of cooked food.
[OUT]Offer the entire spirit essence of one of your own kin.
[OUT]Sacrifice the life of some pets to honour the gods.
[OUT]Give one life - a true sacrifice.
[OUT]Convince him that you are chosen and you are here to help, but he needs to tell you how.
[OUT]Face the leshy in the spirit world to convince him that your spirit is bound to the gods.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You slaughter the leshy and see the tree stump turn black and wither away. 

It looks like whatever your gods wanted you to do is lost to you.

As the place turns barren and the leshy's remains turn to ash, you are able to absorb some of the lingering energy.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
You go in closer to search for clues when you notice a leshy watching you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak to the leshy. Ask them what this place is.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The leshy remains silent, but continues to watch you intensely.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Convince him that you are chosen and you are here to help, but he needs to tell you how.
[OUT]Face the leshy in the spirit world to convince him that your spirit is bound to the gods.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
The leshy nods and speaks:

'Yes, the offering of your food is adequate to strengthen the sister-tree's essence, so we may keep the wretched light away. You, little chosen, must make more haste, make them go back into the earth...'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him you have defeated the light-beast already.
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'Oh, splendid. This will make life easier, or harder, but still it is splendid.

But this is not why you come here?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'You are here and you made an offering to the sister-tree, so you may now receive the gifts of your domain. Stand still.'

The leshy stretches out his branches and you feel divine grace surround you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Nature.
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Harmony.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'The tree is that which you call the cosmic tree, an ancient leshy, of sorts - the root of life, some say. 

Mokosh is a sapling that grew out of it, but different. She is like us, but not like us. She is sister-tree to us. She is the mother of your gods, but as many mothers must, she had to leave so her children could grow.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she have to leave, and why does no one remember her?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Some remember still. But your gods exist only when they are worshipped, for without that, they lose their divinity. 

Mokosh, her chosen mate, Perun, and of their first sons Veles created divine domains and split them between all gods. This was to ensure greater stability, but it required a sacrifice. 

And then there was the earth's Shattering, of course.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What of the Shattering?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'Light escaped and it wants to come out entirely. The underworlds will be purged, the earth scorched, and the heavens blasted away - and so, the three stand guard until you make your choices, or until it all fails.

Now, this talk costs me too much energy. We must proceed with your task at hand.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]17
[STORY]
The leshy looks at you but does not move. The air around you becomes thick. It is likely this offering offended the goddess.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
The leshy nods and speaks:

'Yes, your offering is strong, it will serve well to strengthen the sister-tree's essence, so we may keep the wretched light away. You, little chosen, must make more haste, make them go back into the earth...'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him you have defeated the light-beast already.
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
The leshy nods and speaks:

'Ah, the ultimate offering of a life. This will indeed be enough to strengthen the sister-tree's essence, so we may keep the wretched light away. You, little chosen, must make more haste, make them go back into the earth...'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him you have defeated the light-beast already.
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]23
[STORY]
The leshy nods and speaks:

'Ah, the ultimate offering of a life. This will indeed be enough to strengthen the sister-tree's essence, so we may keep the wretched light away. It is not a gift expected of one that seeks harmony, but perhaps that makes it a stronger offering.

You, little chosen, must make more haste, make them go back into the earth...'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell him you have defeated the light-beast already.
[OUT]Is the sister-tree Mokosh, and if so, why?
[OUT]If you must make haste, what is the next step?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
The leshy looks at you and remains silent, but you feel his judgment upon your bloody actions. 

You feel your divine soul burn from this.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]28
[STORY]
You come closer and examine the tree. You see places where there were clearly offerings placed for the goddess Mokosh. 

But you also see a leshy observing you, and you suspect he acts as a guardian here, judging your actions on behalf of the goddess.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give a generous offering of cooked food.
[OUT]Offer the entire spirit essence of one of your own kin.
[OUT]Sacrifice the life of some pets to honour the gods.
[OUT]Give one life - a true sacrifice.
[OUT]Convince him that you are chosen and you are here to help, but he needs to tell you how.
[OUT]Face the leshy in the spirit world to convince him that your spirit is bound to the gods.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]29
[STORY]
The leshy is still watching you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Give a generous offering of cooked food.
[OUT]Offer the entire spirit essence of one of your own kin.
[OUT]Sacrifice the life of some pets to honour the gods.
[OUT]Give one life - a true sacrifice.
[OUT]Convince him that you are chosen and you are here to help, but he needs to tell you how.
[OUT]Face the leshy in the spirit world to convince him that your spirit is bound to the gods.
[OUT]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The power of Nature flows through you and calls to your inner beast. 

Your vitality grows and you feel strengthened throughout. A fellow beast also joins your pack.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the leshy and ask if this is all you were supposed to do.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
The leshy defeats you, and surprisingly, it does not seem hostile beyond defending itself. 

You feel a flow of negative energy from the tree trunk, though. It seems that whatever god essence resides here, it was not impressed with you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'That choice is always yours, but there is a final stage of your journey, one that will lead you to your divine patron and thus unlock both of your potentials further.

Which deity do you call to?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Dievanna.
[OUT]Horz.
[OUT]Triglav.
[OUT]Nyia.
[OUT]Lada.
[OUT]Stribog.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]37
[STORY]
The power of Nature flows through you and calls to your inner beast, and even though you remain yourself, other animals will consider you kin.

Your vitality grows and you feel strengthened throughout. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the leshy and ask if this is all you were supposed to do.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]39
[STORY]
The power of Harmony calls to you and commends your calling as a healer. 

Your vitality grows and you feel strengthened throughout. A cmuch joins you so that you may work together to improve people's health.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the leshy and ask if this is all you were supposed to do.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]40
[STORY]
The power of Harmony calls to you and grants you the gift of healing. 

You also feel your vitality improved and your intellect strengthened.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Thank the leshy and ask if this is all you were supposed to do.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'A true daughter of Harmony and Nature - on one hand fierce and wild, on the other soothing and calm. 

Dievanna is a daughter of Veles, from before he was divine. She was called upon to ascend when her father had to leave, and it was Mokosh who gifted her with her domains and trusted the young goddess to keep watch over the forests.

Seek out your final path in the ancient forest, among the feral packs that call Dievanna their master.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
'Yes, the beast master. His creatures are those of the night, the moon children and yet they remain part of Nature also. Horz, master of the moon who clawed his way into the pantheon to impress his love. 

Seek out the metallic lands or the volcanic fields where the night beasts dwell, hiding from those who forever seek to destroy them. Follow the moon and you will find the light you seek.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]44
[STORY]
'Hmm. Your master's mind is one and three, and thus it cannot remember itself. They rose when the need was great and brute force was required. Triglav is the hammer of the gods.

But despite their fiery exterior and brutish stance, there is more to Triglav than meets the eye. Seek out their birthplace in the black ash and red lava of the volcanic lands.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Ah, the lady of death exemplifies Nature well, does she not? A troubled soul if ever there was one among the divine. Once a servant of death, now its divine mistress. Can you imagine the loneliness of such a hated role?

Within her hollowed heart, you must ignite a spark or she will never truly wake. To do this, you must travel to the lands of metal or the grim wastelands of Darkness.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]46
[STORY]
'The child of hope born in our darkest hour, how she has grown. Once she was the youngest deity, unsure of her place. Now she stands at the helm, keeping her siblings in check with love and a firm hand when needed.

To follow the path of Lada, you must go to the land least touched by her warmth - the ice lands - or the ancient forest, where her charm has always been worshipped. There you will face your final task.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]47
[STORY]
'You are here. You serve the sister-tree's children and your words are wise, so you may now receive the gifts of your domain. Stand still.'

The leshy stretches out his branches and you feel divine grace surround you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Nature.
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Harmony.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]48
[STORY]
'You are here. You serve the sister-tree's children and your spirit is strong, so you may now receive the gifts of your domain. Stand still.'

The leshy stretches out his branches and you feel divine grace surround you.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Nature.
[OUT]Accept the blessing of Harmony.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]51
[STORY]
The leshy looks at you and remains silent, but you feel his judgment upon your bloody actions. 

You feel your divine soul burn from this.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave it for now.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]54
[STORY]
This is the place the crow sent you to unlock your true potential, but your chosen is not with you, or you are not the chosen that first began this path, so it seems you cannot enter.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]64
[STORY]
'Ah, the wild child of the sea and the winds, yes. Although the life-giving force of water remains Mokosh's domain, they needed a child of the seas, a true traveller for this new era.

The answers you seek are elusive, so you must search for them while you travel on the seas of Thea.'

The leshy does not wait for a reply, but goes back into slumber.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow in thanks and leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Svarog(11)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you wander the lands of metal and stone, you feel drawn into an abandoned forge. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The forge is much larger on the inside than you would expect, but it is oddly empty, with only a single massive furnace and one central anvil, both clearly made for creatures larger than humans, larger even than most trolls you've seen.

You recognise the sigil of Svarog upon the anvil.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak up and ask your god for guidance.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You see a faint glimmer of fire in the furnace, and from it forms the figure of an old smith with a great golden beard. He looks at you, his eyes glazing as he frowns. You know him to be Svarog, yet you also feel he is lost. When he speaks, you feel the wrath of his voice:

'Do I know you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow to your god.
[OUT]Defiantly demand some answers!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Hmm. You bow as if I should be your lord? Am I? 

It is cold here, so cold. My fires have gone out and that beast there holds the flame and refuses to give it to me...I cannot seem to focus on anything else...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell Svarog you will aid him!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Hmm. Your odd defiance suggests that I am someone to you. Am I? 

It is cold here, so cold. My fires have gone out and that beast there holds the flame and refuses to give it to me...I cannot seem to focus on anything else...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you can take a look.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You walk over to a dragon. It looks at you, bored, and opens its jaws to show you that it holds a golden flame in its mouth.

You see that only the chosen can move. All others stand frozen in awe of the golden beast.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Chosen only]Turmoil boils in your blood and calls for bold action. Reach in for the flame, enduring any pain that may come with it.
[OUT][Chosen only]Attack!
[OUT][Chosen only]Light calls to you, and you know what must be done. Reach for the light with your spirit.
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'The fire burns and so does my heart. I will reforge my mind now so I may serve again. And you - you did well in following my path, I see. You honour craft, value wisdom, or befriend the great dwarven kin. This is wise.

I see now that I must strengthen my calling as a craftsman and remember my roots to help forge a better future. Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did he become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'When the three elder gods decided to create divine domains, they took power from all of us. I suspect this had its side effects.

Turmoil and Light come from my father, but he needed to feed off my mastery of the sun to achieve this. I suspect this weakened me for a time. I was once the god of sun. When the light escaped its confines, I was most drawn to it. I suspect my loss of power was necessary, so that I did not fall.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so that we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav -- the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'They were our leaders, our strongest, my parents and sibling. I do not question why - clearly it was needed to complete their work, for otherwise they would have left the mantle of leadership to me.

It was surely deemed safest that we do not know until our chosen are strong enough to unlock the truth.'

You sense the slightest tinge of resentment in his booming voice.
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Svarog turns away and slowly turns into pure sunlight and disappears.  You are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your  child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'The fire burns and so does my heart. I will reforge my mind now so I may serve again. And you, you clearly favour Turmoil in your path, as you did not always follow my lead in your choices. Thus, I shall need to strengthen my divine presence, perhaps look to the sun again, not the mundane. Yes. Good.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Svarog turns away and slowly turns into pure sunlight and disappears.  You are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Turmoil and thus increase the chances of your children growing into bandits.
[OUT]Choose Light and thus make the children who grow up into crafters stronger.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I am the son of Perun and Mokosh. I did not choose - I accepted with honour my duties as a divine son.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races -- orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
You endure the process well and stand before your god proudly as you retrieve the flame.

You take it back to Svarog. He looks at you with a renewed sparkle in his eye as he takes the flame and lights the furnace:

'A bold move indeed! Well done, my chosen. You have restored us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if it worked.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
You barely endure the process and your spirit is heavily assailed. But you retrieve the flame. 

You take it back to Svarog. He looks at you with a renewed sparkle in his eye as he takes the flame and lights the furnace:

'A bold move indeed! Well done, my chosen. You have restored us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if it worked.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You kill the dragon and take the flame back to Svarog. He looks at you with a renewed sparkle in his eye as he takes the flame and lights the furnace:

'A bold move indeed! Well done, my chosen. You have restored us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]38
[STORY]
The dragon devours one of you, but then relinquishes the flame to you before flying away with a mischievous smile.

You take the flame back to Svarog. He looks at you with a renewed sparkle in his eye as he takes the flame and lights the furnace:

'A bold move indeed! Well done, my chosen. You have restored us.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]40
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Lada(12)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you wander the lands, you feel a sudden call toward a lake. There, you witness a celebration of water demons, but you also sense they are not merely dancing, but worshipping Lada.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in closer to greet them in the name of Lada.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
One of the rusalka turns to you:

'Ah, chosen, we danced and danced and waited for you to arrive. You must be here to enter the lake and see our Lady's reflection in it. But to do so, you must pass through us, of course. Choose your path wisely.'

She blows you a kiss and continues dancing.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak up and ask your god for guidance.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You sense the lake is filled with the essence of your goddess, and you know you must approach, but the water demons stand in your way.

[/STORY]
[OUT][Male Chosen]Try to seduce the rusalka so she will let you pass.
[OUT][Female Chosen]A vodnik is also dancing here. Seduce the king of the lake to let you pass.
[OUT][Any Chosen]A befuddler also stands guard by the lake. Seduce him, as he is less picky than his elders.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'I sense you have walked my path well, and I feel the calling of my true nature beaming from you. You have favoured intellect in your folk, nurtured beauty, or appreciated the healing power, or perhaps you are exceptionally fertile. Regardless, you have chosen the path for me well.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did she become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'When the three elder gods decided to create divine domains, they took power from all of us. I suspect this had its side effects.

This light that now troubles our land speaks loudly of harmony and reason. It tries to lure beings such as myself to its side. Perhaps I needed to forget for a time, so that I shall not be tempted to lie in wait until a chosen comes and becomes my instrument in the mortal realms. Yes.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so that we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav - the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Did they take our memories, or did we lose them as our strength wavered? Or did we simply forget you, for it was not yet time for us to know you? They needed to take our power, and we gave it freely, but nothing comes without a price. There is no happiness without sorrow, my chosen child.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Lada's enchanting voice sweetens the air as she walks off, leaving you alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Yes, you have given me the spark of joy back, even though I sense you have not always walked my path well. But this only means I must renew my confidence as the divine, and perhaps worry less about the frivolity of my nature. You have given me a clear path. This is good.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Lada's enchanting vice sweetens the air as she walks off, leaving you alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Intellect and thus increase the chances of your children growing to be zerca.
[OUT]Choose Harmony and thus make a child that becomes a healer stronger.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I came to life when the cosmic tree burnt long ago. My divine origin left no space for choice - that is often a luxury reserved for mortals, one they oft fail to appreciate...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races - orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The water demon smiles and accepts your advances. You join the fertility celebration and feel the energy around the lake grow. The water on the lake ripples with every dance step until you see the reflection of Lada appear and speak to you:

'You have awakened me, Chosen, and given me energy. I see my faith in you was wise.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The water demon does not respond, so there is some awkwardness. You feel drained from the attempts, but eventually they do allow you to join the fertility celebration, and then you feel the energy around the lake grow. The water on the lake ripples with every dance step until you see the reflection of Lada appear and speak to you:

'You have awakened me, Chosen, and given me energy. I see my faith in you was wise.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You kill the water demons, and the water on the lake ripples as if tears were dropping down on it. You see the reflection of Lada looking at you:

'You chose violence when violence was pointless. You defiled my worshippers with your dirty blades, and now my power will be locked, for you are not the chosen I had hoped for. Go forth and redeem yourself, but know that you will not receive my final blessing.'

The lake is still and empty, as is your soul...

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
You kill the water demons, and the water on the lake ripples as if tears were dropping down on it. You see the reflection of Lada looking at you:

'You chose violence when violence was pointless. You defiled my worshippers with your dirty blades, and now my power will be locked, for you are not the chosen I had hoped for. Go forth and redeem yourself, but know that you will not receive my final blessing.'

The lake is still and empty, as is your soul...

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Dzievanna(13)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you wander the lands, you find a small grove and feel the pull of your divine connection. 

You see a pack of Dievanna feral roaming freely. One of them stands out - taller, faster, beaming with divine presence. When she turns to you, you feel it is somehow your goddess.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in closer and try to speak to her.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
As you approach, the other feral steps forwards and the goddess steps away. One of the feral speaks, their voice crooked, rusty, as if human speech has become strange to it:

'You leave, we free, we smell Her on you so you no food, but go.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them you are here to talk to Dievanna.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You see a faint glimmer of recognition in your goddess's eyes as you speak her name, but then she looks to her pack as if it were up to them to allow you to approach, even though she is clearly the strongest here.

[/STORY]
[OUT][Chosen only]Speak to the feral calmly to convince them you are Dievanna's chosen, and as such, you mean no harm.
[OUT][Chosen only]Walk forth with your spirit exposed to show them that you too are a child of Nature.
[OUT][Beast Chosen only]Give in to your bestial nature and show the feral that you are their kin as well as Dievanna's chosen.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Druid Chosen only]Speak to the feral in Elvish and remind them of their roots. Then assert that you are Dievanna's chosen, so there is kinship between you.
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'So, you followed my path thus far. Respected the laws of the forest, perhaps befriended some of my creatures, or chose harmony over violence when possible. Good. Long have I said one must follow one's instinct, and this I shall choose as divine also. 

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did she become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'I did not. I was busy and I waited for you to grow. When the three gods gave us domains, it also drained our power. For some it made them confused, lost, and for others we went quiet to regain composure.

This light that now troubles our land is unnatural, unbalanced - it promises harmony but lies. Harmony can only come from the coexistence of the two forces, not the dominance of one. But while we waited for our tools to grow, I had to protect the forests from the scourge.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav -- the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Will they return?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'I do not have such answers, but in a way, perhaps they never left, simply becoming more -- as is often the way with the greatest of us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So why was it necessary to wait for a chosen?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'It has always been the primal law that we cannot directly act in the mortal realms. Sometimes we are able to send down avatars with limited power and awareness of their divine purpose. But those are very costly. 

The chosen are a less reliable route, for you so often act according to whim and gain. Still, you are what we need and what we are allowed to have. Simple.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You turn for a second and you no longer see Dievanna, only the forest and so you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'I see you have struggled to follow my path with clarity, but you also have passed all the tests given to you and arrived here. This tells me it is time for me to choose the divine path and shed my primal nature, at least for now.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You turn for a second and you no longer see Dievanna, only the forest and so you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Nature and thus increase the chance for forest demons when you allow fate to guide your child, and increase the chance for a druid elf.
[OUT]Choose Harmony and thus make a child that becomes a healer stronger.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Veles chose a dark path away from his origins. Mokosh grew stronger as the maker, and was unable to stay close to the woodlands. The new gods are needed and the forest needed one, so I shed my elven past, just as Veles once did, and I chose to join the children of the cosmic tree.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]So are the three gods gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races -- orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The feral growl and snarl at you, but eventually they yield and recognise your kinship to their master. Dievanna nods, her eyes becoming instantly as sharp as a hawk's as she stares straight into yours:

'You passed, good. I was wondering how long it would take you to arrive. Now, time for me to leave this pack.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The feral growl and snarl at you and refuse to back down. You persist, and eventually you see Dievanna nod at her pack to let you pass, but as chosen, you feel your spirit drained.

'You are not as strong as the forest demands! Still, let us hope you have time to remedy this before all is lost. Now, time for me to leave this pack.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You kill the ferals and you feel the forest watching you and a wild voice speaks:

'You chose to destroy my children for the sake of violence, not life. You defiled nature and ignored harmony. You are not the chosen I had hoped for. Go forth and redeem yourself, but know that you will not receive my final blessing.' 

The forest remains shaken, but you hear no more voices.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
You kill the ferals, although not without heavy losses and you feel the forest watching you and a wild voice speaks:

'You chose to destroy my children for the sake of violence, not life. You defiled nature and ignored harmony. You are not the chosen I had hoped for. Go forth and redeem yourself, but know that you will not receive my final blessing.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So why was it necessary to wait for a chosen?
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Stribog(14)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
Your ship is caught in a great storm that threatens to drown you, but from within the chaos you hear the quiet but strong guiding voice of your master.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Listen to Stribog and follow his voice.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
Great waves carry you forward, and you soon realise one of them is your god. The divine wave is wild and magnificent, but you feel it is lost in its elemental fury.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak up and ask your god for guidance.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
The skies clear and the waves calm, but the wind remains strong as it answers:

'Do I know you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow to your god.
[OUT]Defiantly demand some answers!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'You bow before my power, yes? Or was there more... should I know you?

Sometimes I am the wind, sometimes the waves on the sea. So many call for my guidance, but why do they call? This siren sings so constantly, her voice so loud that I cannot bear to hear anything else...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell Stribog that you will aid him!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Your tone suggests that you know me. Or was there more... should I know you?

Sometimes I am the wind, sometimes the waves on the sea. So many call for my guidance, but why do they call? This siren sings so constantly, her voice so loud that I cannot bear to hear anything else...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you can take a look.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
Only now do you begin to hear the terrible song of a czytlica sitting on a rock nearby. 

You see she is chained to this rock; her eyes are swollen with tears, her lips and skin dried from being unable to swim. But she sings on, and all but you, the chosen, are entranced by the song. 
[/STORY]
[OUT][Chosen only]It is Harmony that calms the wild seas, and so to harmony you must call now. Sing your own song to try to soothe the czytlica and break whatever bond holds her.
[OUT][Chosen only]Attack!
[OUT][Chosen only]Light calls to you, and you know what must be done. Reach for the light with your spirit.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'The song is finally quiet, so I can hear the wind and the sea again. You carried my will well so far, followed my nature in your choices, and so I must choose this path too. Together we will restore the land and guide the lost into the true light of the pantheon, not the terror of the blindness that descends.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did he become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'When the three elder gods decided to create divine domains, they took power from all of us, before they could give it back. 

Weakened, a creature of Light and Harmony such as myself would be more vulnerable to the call of this new force that tries to break us. We needed time to become ourselves again, time for our champions to rise. I gave the czytlica power to hold me with their song for this reason.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav - the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'I do not believe we all lost our memory, but I think each one of us was depleted of power and, as such, we turn to our instinctual forms or scatter as avatars. Each has their own way. In short, it is only the part that has contact with you that was ever 'lost' while the true divine essence continues to work elsewhere.

We cannot act physically in the mortal realm - such is the law. Thus, this path was needed for you to walk it and become more.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You hear Stribog's voice become wind as  you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'The song is finally quiet, so I can hear the wind and the sea again. I see you were not always able to follow my path while I was deafened, so I must refocus on my divine duties, stand above the past and stay steadfast. 

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils to deal with in our realms.'

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You hear Stribog's voice become wind as  you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Harmony and thus make a child that becomes a healer stronger.
[OUT]Choose Light and thus make the children who grow up into crafters stronger.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I do not recall the why or when. I was a spirit of the wind, a traveller of the seas. When the world was sunk, I became more. Mokosh called to me as earth mother, Perun commanded me as master of the heavens, and thus I became Stribog.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races - orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The czytlica looks at you, her eyes wide in joy as her chains break and she is able to dive into the sea. Stribog's form grows and you feel a divine beam of power:

'Freed at last! And you released that poor creature I was forced to enslave here. Well done.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
You barely endure as the czytlica song tries to take your very soul in the depths of the seas. You are exhausted, but something finally shifts and the czytlica looks at you, her eyes wide in joy as her chains break and she is able to dive into the sea. Stribog's form grows and you feel a divine beam of power:

'Freed at last! And you released that poor creature I was forced to enslave here. Well done.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You strike down the czytlica and see relief in her eyes as her body slides into the water. Stribog's form grows and you feel a divine beam of power:

'Freed at last! And you released that poor creature I was forced to enslave here. Even Harmony knows that sometimes death is the greatest peace. Well done.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]38
[STORY]
You barely endure as the czytlica song tries to take your very soul in the depths of the seas and her claws rip into you. You are exhausted, but something finally shifts and the czytlica looks at you, her eyes wide in joy as her chains break and she is able to dive into the sea. Stribog's form grows and you feel a divine beam of power:

'Freed at last! And you released that poor creature I was forced to enslave here. Well done.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Triglav(15)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you travel the volcanic wastelands, you come across many lava pits, but you are drawn to one in particular. It looks ordinary for this place, with scorching heat and bubbling, red-hot plasma puffing out black ash. 

But the longer you stand here, the more you're certain that this is where Triglav was born.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
When you reach the edge of the pit, you realise that the bubbling and the ash are a result of many light creatures swarming inside the lava, trying to infiltrate it and dying in the process, yet ever more rising up to continue the assault.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak up and ask your god for guidance.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You see three faces form in the pit and look back at you:

'Do I know you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow to your god.
[OUT]Defiantly demand some answers!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Hmm, you bow. It feels right that you should, little ant. We are great and your reverence wakes a distant memory in us. 

These lights are constantly blinding my sight. Destroy them so that I may deal with you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Agree to help if you can.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
A spit of hot lava hits your face and the three voices boom at you:

'Impudent little ant, who are you to demand anything of us? Your arrogance wakes a distant memory. You are a part of me, yes - an annoying wart I discarded, maybe?

These lights are constantly blinding my sight. Destroy them so that I may deal with you!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you can take a look.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The longer you stare at the pit, the more you feel the lightbringers' odd pull and soon you notice that only you, the chosen, remain in control of your body and will. The others stand entranced.

[/STORY]
[OUT][Chosen only]Walk into the lava, endure its heat, and allow your lord to take your strength to destroy the light!
[OUT][Chosen only]Attack!
[OUT][Chosen only]These creatures have a strong mystical presence. Show them the power of a chosen's spirit!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'Ah, you got rid of the pests that were distracting us. You walk the path of fire well, yes. Warriors, strong folk, the metal-forged dwarves, or the fierce orc kind, you embrace them, good! Now we are clear in our purpose again. Now I can choose to battle as my primal self.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'We are three - three natures forged as one. With your choices, I can focus on the primal aspect for which I was called into being. This will affect you and me. But for better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did he become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Lost? We are many. We share glimpses of those who gave us life, but we have no memories beyond when we rose from the lava and fought. We remember calling you to be our chosen, and we know we must battle. 

But through you and your journey here, something deep inside now stirs. Memories? Or mere imprints? Three beings needed more power, three beings gave theirs away, out of the three became the divine domains and more - us?'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'The three, they each laid down their divine life to achieve their goals, so now we all share in their power.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav - the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why was this knowledge of the three gods so hidden, then?
[OUT]So they are the three gods?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Birthing a god is no small feat. I am born of need, or rage, or power. But I am still young. I feel them inside me, yet I do not. My future is unclear to me, and so is my past.

You assume I stand here before you? I do not, we do not. We are in many places now, and then, and later. We fight in realms you cannot know, but in this one, we are not allowed to. Only you can.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Your god melts back into the lava and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Yes, we are released. But we sense our trifold nature was not always clear for you to follow. This means we must choose to feed the divine nature of our calling, calm the fires somewhat so that our call will become clearer. Good.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'We chose to follow balance and the divine calling, not dwell on the ever-fierce battle within our trifold nature.

You gave me clarity, chosen. We now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Your god melts back into the lava and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.
[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Nature and thus increase the chance for forest demons when you allow fate to guide your child, and increase the chance for a druid elf.
[OUT]Choose Light and thus make the children who grow up into crafters stronger.
[OUT]Choose Turmoil and thus increase the chances of your children growing into bandits.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'There was no choice, only destiny. The three needed me as the earth shattered, and I am made of the earth's core, so I hold it together while we all fight. My fire is fuelled by the light, so it cannot stop me easily.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races -orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
You walk into the lava and endure its burning touch. Just as you think that your body will succumb and melt away, you feel the protective embrace of your lord and you see the lightbringers perish. Triglav rises from the pit and places you on the ground:

'Yes, yes! Destroy them all - this is what we were born for. You did well to come here and aid me, though no aid was needed, of course. Still, we are freed!'

[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
You barely endure the excruciating pain as the scorching lava boils your flesh, while the lightbringers blind all your senses but pain. Just as you think that your body will succumb and melt away, you feel the protective embrace of your lord and you see the lightbringers perish. Triglav rises from the pit and places you on the ground:

'Yes, yes! Destroy them all - this is what we were born for. You did well to come here and aid me, though no aid was needed, of course. Still, we are freed!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You destroy the lightbringers, and the lava pit briefly calms down, before erupting in a blast of magma that forms into Triglav:

'Yes, yes! Destroy them all - this is what we were born for. You did well to come here and aid me, though no aid was needed, of course. Still, we are freed!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]38
[STORY]
You fail and are drawn into the lava. You barely endure the excruciating pain as the scorching lava boils your flesh, while the lightbringers blind all your senses but pain. Just as you think that your body will succumb and melt away, you feel the protective embrace of your lord and you see the lightbringers perish. Triglav rises from the pit and places you on the ground:

'Yes, yes! Destroy them all - this is what we were born for. You did well to come here and aid me, though no aid was needed, of course. Still, we are freed!'

[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]41
[STORY]
'I am Perun, Mokosh, and Veles, yes, and I am Triglav, yes. I... I am rage and power and need incarnate!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Horz(16)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
The moon turns blood red, and you hear the howling call of your lord. You sense the presence of other creatures of the night, congregating.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow the call.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You see a coterie of strigas standing guard over a magnificent sleeping wolf. A striga master and striga mistress both hold a liver chain that is wrapped around the divine body of the wolf.
They turn and watch you, but say nothing.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak up and ask your god for guidance.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The wolf does not wake, but you feel the warmth of his breath, hear the slow beating of his heart, and sense his soul reaching for the moon, yet unable to do so in his slumber.

You realise now that all but you, the chosen, stand entranced by the beautiful beast.

[/STORY]
[OUT][Male Chosen only]Impress the striga mistress and implore her to release your master, for you are children of the moon!
[OUT][Female Chosen only]Demand the striga master yield to your words and recognise your kinship under the moon!
[OUT][Chosen only]Walk forth as chosen with your spirit exposed, and trust in the path of Horz!
[OUT][Chosen only]Attack!
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'You walk the path of the moon well. You honour night beasts by accepting them in your pack, or you value the importance of a keen eye. Good. I thus choose to let loose my primal nature, so we may both serve the moon.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did she become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'I recall agreeing to let the elder three borrow the moon's power through me, so that the earth would not shatter further.

This light that now troubles our land is unnatural. It is not moon, nor the stars that shine brightest, nor even the ever-pompous sun. So, we all needed to change to fight it.

I am the moon and the moon is me. For the three to take my power, I had to sleep, so my children kept me safe while I awaited you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so that we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav -- the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'We are god, but we remain bound by cosmic laws - more so than mortals, some would say. We cannot act directly in your mortal realms; thus, we needed our chosen to rise, survive, and find their way here. Through the journey you gained strength, yes? And so, what we intended is done, even without you facing me now.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You hear the final howl of Horz and kneel in its glory, before you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'You struggle to follow the moon path, no? I sense that you have not always been led by my domains, but perhaps that is exactly what is needed of a chosen - their own path. Still, I must now focus on the divine calling, for my primal sleep clearly left my voice wakened. 

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You hear the final howl of Horz and kneel in its glory, before you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Nature and thus increase the chance for forest demons when you allow fate to guide your child, and increase the chance for a druid elf.
[OUT]Choose Magic and thus increase the chances of your children growing into witches and shamans.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I was a beast of the night once, a night lord still, but not divine. Then I looked up into the stars and my soul was bound to them forever. But my beloved's father would not allow an inferior mate, so I had to become more, become equal so she would claim me as hers!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races - orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The strigas yield to your command and recognise your kinship to the moon. The chains are released, and the night lord rises to howl to the moon. He then turns to you:

'Many moons passed before you came, but you have proven that you are a child of the night, so I am free to sing to the moon and run with the stars! Good.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the night lord.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The strigas feel your weakness and drain your spirit, but they taste Horz in your blood, so they eventually yield. The chains are released, and the night lord rises to howl to the moon. He then turns to you:

'Many moons passed before you came, but you have proven that you are a child of the night, so I am free to sing to the moon and run with the stars! Good.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the night lord.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
The striga resists your attack and dominates you instead. You cower before her mesmerising power and you know you are not the worthy alpha your lord deserves.

You will not gain your final reward, instead you must spend your days seeking redemption.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Zorya(17)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you travel the lands, you are drawn to a particular place, guided by a star. 

When you come closer, you see three human women standing together silently. One is young, tall and muscular, her eyes wild with fire, her features almost orcish. One is much older, grey-haired but no less athletic, with garb more like that of a sage, and her eyes glazed with the purple light of magic. The final one is middle-aged and she looks weakened, barely standing, her body tearing itself in two. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
Several orc bloodtrackers stand in your way:

'Halt, if you wish to live!'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak up and ask Zorya for guidance.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
A matriarch steps out of the shadows:

'You are Zorza's pup, I smell it. You best not interfere. We long yearned for her to become truly of Turmoil, and look, the weakling sides are losing. Soon Zorza will be the warrior she is meant to be!'

You see fire in the matriarch's eyes, and you notice that all your people but you, the chosen, have been taken aside by the orcs. No one but the matriarch stands in your way.

[/STORY]
[OUT][Chosen only]Agree with the matriarch and watch what becomes of Zorya.
[OUT][Werewolf Chosen only]Howl at the moon and stars, and remind Zorya of her life mate, Horz, so that he may guide her back to you.
[OUT][Chosen only]Demand that she stand aside. You are chosen, and you will not allow this!
[OUT][Chosen only]Attack!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'You walk my path well. You respect the raw potential of the Turmoil children, orcs, you value strength and the path of the warrior, and you made choices to act swiftly and without mercy when it mattered. Good. I can pursue my primal nature with a chosen who knows their place well.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did she become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'My father Svarog spoke to me when he felt the corruption of light spreading. I allowed my stars to serve his will, and from what I now sense, he gave this power to the three elders so they may build the domain. 

This light that now troubles our land, it would have struck hard, and I would refuse anything but a frontal assault. My father knows me well indeed. And so, without my full strength, I was fragmented, a piece of me given to you. It needed to find its way back to me, and now it has.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, with all our powers given freely, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so that we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav - the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'We are god, but we remain bound by cosmic laws - more so than mortals, some would say. We cannot act directly in your mortal realms; thus, we needed our chosen to rise, survive, and find their way here. Through the journey you gained strength, yes? And so, what we intended is done, even without you facing me now.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Zorya's light washes over you and blasts into the sky. You are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'You did well to come here, but I sense that Turmoil has muddled your path to me, and you were not always following my call. I must then reinforce my divine self, so that we both may walk the stars with certainty. Good.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Zorya's light washes over you and blasts into the sky. You are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Turmoil and thus increase the chances of your children growing into bandits.
[OUT]Choose Magic and thus increase the chances of your children growing into witches and shamans.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I am daughter of Svarog, and his fires burn true in me from the moment of my inception till all the stars fade away. There was never any other way.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races -- orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The matriarch yields to your superiority and steps aside. As soon as you approach, the three women stretch out their hands and touch you, and as they do, they merge into one:

'You were not swayed by the brute beliefs of my servant. Good. Although fire burned in her young heart, she did not understand our divine role. I am not, nor was I ever, two or three - they are merely my aspects, and I need all to remain myself.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The matriarch does not yield and seeks to stop you, but the three women reach out and take your spirit. Then they all turn to the rebellious matriarch, who cowers before their gaze.

'You were not swayed by the brute beliefs of my servant. Good. Although fire burned in her young heart, she did not understand our divine role. I am not, nor was I ever, two or three - they are merely my aspects, and I need all to remain myself.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
You hear the scream of all three women. The middle one is torn in two, the older one withers away, and the young one turns to flame and perishes. 

Deathly silence falls upon you, and as you glance at the matriarch, she lies dead, her body burned from the inside.

You still feel your connection to Zorya - she is not gone - but you also know that you have failed your final task and will not receive any last blessings.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]47
[STORY]
The three women turn to you one by one, and their eyes begin to flicker with starlight. You hear an overwhelmingly powerful howl answer yours, and it is that voice that truly shakes the ground. The orc matriarch drops to her knees under the pressure, and the three females fuse, become Zorya, and shout back to the moon in greeting. She then turns to you:

'You walk the path of my mate. Wonderful! You did well to free me thusly, for he will always know me truly, so I could find myself following his voice.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Nyia(18)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you travel the lands, you find yourself lost in an eerie, dark place filled with shadows, dim lights, and odd whispers surrounding you.

As you move forward, you see a perfectly round hole that reeks of emptiness. Several spirits are half submerged in it, desperately trying to get out. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
As you get near the hole, you feel the presence of Nyia calling out from the chasm, unable to reach you. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Call out to your goddess, and try to aid her with your spirit.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You feel her awareness rise, but she is still unable to reach you, while the spirits become more restless and try to rip themselves out of their trap. You feel their efforts are hurting the goddess.

You also notice that everyone but you, the chosen, has become entranced and unable to act.

[/STORY]
[OUT][Spirit Chosen only]Commune with your kin and move past them to reach your goddess.
[OUT][Chosen only]Unbind these wraiths with your spirit.
[OUT][Chosen only]Through the sheer power of your mind, push past the spirits so that the goddess may reach you!
[OUT][Chosen only]Attack!
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'My path is ever a mystery to me, so I am surprised to feel that you tried following it so well. You favoured mystical arts or destiny and embraced the cursed unliving, despite their unnatural state. After all, if I cannot pity them, who will? I thus choose to explore that path more now.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did she become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Lose my memories? Were they ever truly found, or did I have them in the first place? I dwell in places dark and lonely - I dwelt there now before you came. Was this by some design, or just my nature? 

This light that now troubles our land, the others said it must be stopped, that power must be given for new power to be born. I understood this, so I agreed. Then it was dark, until you came.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'From what I sense, the older gods, the three - they created the domains. I was given three to carry, of course... but maybe I deserve that. They gave their divine being for this. Interesting.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav - the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'We are god, but we remain bound by cosmic laws - more so than mortals, some would say. We cannot act directly in your mortal realms; thus, we needed our chosen to rise, survive, and find their way here. Through the journey you gained strength, yes? And so, what we intended is done, even without you facing me now.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Nyia's body becomes shrouded in dark mist as she walks off and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your  child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'My path is forever shrouded in mystery, even for me. Death is a certainty, yet is not for me, so what is certain - nothing? But I accepted this burden, so I will try to find my divine calling, so that our destiny may become clear to us, chosen. This is good, perhaps...

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Nyia's body becomes shrouded in dark mist as she walks off and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Intellect and thus increase the chances of your children growing to be zercas.
[OUT]Choose Magic and thus increase the chances of your children growing into witches and shamans.
[OUT]Choose Nature and thus increase the chance for forest demons when you allow fate to guide your child, and increase the chance for a druid elf.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I was goddess once, then I was not. I served Veles and Morena, then I did not. My wheel is complicated. I chose the wrong side once and was banished, but then the sides shifted again, and now I am here. Death must be, so I am.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races - orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
Your will is strong, so you are able to push past the ghosts and reach your goddess in the dark pit. She rises and looks at you with sorrowful eyes:

'A tiny spark in the sea of darkness - how odd you are, my chosen. You are part of me, but a part I never know why I made, or when. Still, you coming here must have meaning, so we must rise together. Good, maybe...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The spirits fight you with all they have, and this drains your soul greatly. As your will fails, you see the world change again, and you no longer stand by the black pit. You know that you have failed your goddess and you will have to prove your worth using the gifts you already received on this journey.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]47
[STORY]
You destroy the ghostly figures and the barrier that stood between you and Nyia drops so you can reach your goddess in the dark pit. She rises and looks at you with sorrowful eyes:

'A tiny spark in the sea of darkness - how odd you are, my chosen. You are part of me, but a part I never know why I made, or when. Still, you coming here must have meaning, so we must rise together. Good, maybe...'


[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]48
[STORY]
Your will is strong, so you are able to push past the ghosts and reach your goddess in the dark pit. She rises and looks at you with sorrowful eyes:

'A tiny spark in the sea of darkness - how odd you are, my chosen. You are part of me, but a part I never know why I made, or when. Still, you coming here must have meaning, so we must rise together. Good, maybe...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --__Marovit (19)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you wander the lands of darkness, a spirit approaches you:

'You carry the essence of the spirit master of old. Are you kin of Marovit?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Yes.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'You are close to where he met his downfall - or where he became more, depending on whom you ask.

I have waited to guide you there so you may know yourself and be tested.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell the spirit to lead the way. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You enter into a shroom grove and, among the many coloured spores, you see a goblin shaman brewing a potion. Beside him sits a much larger, more imposing figure surrounded by an aura of divinity, but the figure is faded, barely visible but for a faint reflection in the shroom light that surrounds you.

The shaman turns to you, and you see he wears the face of Marovit:

'Oh, guests? I go into trance soon. You want to join?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow to your god.
[OUT]Defiantly demand some answers!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Oh... am I supposed to know you, dearie? It feels like I should. It feels like I should do many things, but do not know. 

The spirits call to me in the greyworld. Surely that is my duty as one of the forefather shamans, but then I dream of this tree, and it tells me to move forwards, not back. What should I do?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell Marovit that you are his chosen and he may use this connection to find his path.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Oh... am I supposed to know you, dearie? It feels like I should, and from your angry stance, I suppose you are making some point. It feels like I should do many things, but do not know. 

The spirits call to me in the greyworld. Surely that is my duty as one of the forefather shamans, but then I dream of this tree, and it tells me to move forwards, not back. What should I do?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell Marovit that you are his chosen and he may use this connection to find his path.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
'Yes, yes. Long have spirits guided my journey, and so your soul and your past deeds will show me who I am. Come closer and do not fear what is to come.'

As you find yourself in the embrace of Marovit, you feel your soul extracted from your husk and inhaled by your god. You now need to resist this onslaught through Magic or Intellect.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Chosen only]Focus on the spirit domain to strengthen your lord.
[OUT][Chosen only]Brace your mind and allow your god to take strength from it.
[OUT]You can still pull away. Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'Ha, yes, I sense our flock is devoted to my old self. Goblins or spirits hear my call well or those marked by the mystical force, yes? Good. 

I see it now, my days as shaman, spirit guide - this is the path I will choose. Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did he become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'When the three elder gods decided to create divine domains, they took power from all of us. I suspect this had its side effects.

Veles gave his power to create Magic and Intellect, and I was gifted with both. As the most direct recipient of his power and one linked to spirits from birth, I was thus bound to the greyworld, ensuring the stable flow of souls into their afterlife. But this drained me, and I became lost.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so that we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav - the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'They were our leaders, our strongest. Some in the pantheon would argue this, try to take their place, try to stop them. We are divine, but we are but reflections of your wills, and as such we are just as flawed.

It was deemed safest that we do not know until our chosen are strong enough to unlock the truth. After all, your journey here already made you stronger, so you have proven your usefulness.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Marovit walks away into the greyworld and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your children mature.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Ha, yes, I sense that our flock is diverse. You did not focus on my birth kin, the goblins, nor on the path of the mystical above others. I also sense that you yourself wavered when following my domains, and thus I feel I must strengthen my divine path and let go of the past. This is good.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Marovit walks away into the greyworld and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Magic and thus increase the chances of your children growing to be witches or shamans.
[OUT]Choose Intellect and thus increase the chances of your children growing to be zercas.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Does one ever choose to become divine? I suppose Horz did to impress his love, and Veles sought it out too. But for the rest of us, we were chosen in one way or another.

I was the eldest and strongest of the goblin shamans, and Veles took notice of me. We played chess and conversed. He was curious about the greyworld and our special connection to it. He recognised that I do not seek power, but understanding, so he offered to become my father. I accepted.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races - orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
You endure the process and see Marovit stand up stronger and full of vitality. He looks at you with a renewed spark in his eye and smiles. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if it worked.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
You barely endure the process, but you see Marovit stand up stronger and full of vitality. He looks at you with a renewed spark in his eye and smiles. 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if it worked.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]40
[STORY]
This is the path of Marovit. You can only enter with the chosen who begun this journey.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --__Svarog(20)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you wander the lands of metal and stone, you feel drawn into an abandoned forge. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
The forge is much larger on the inside than you would expect, but it is oddly empty, with only a single massive furnace and one central anvil, both clearly made for creatures larger than humans, larger even than most trolls you've seen.

You recognise the sigil of Svarog upon the anvil.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak up and ask your god for guidance.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]4
[STORY]
You see a faint glimmer of fire in the furnace, and from it forms the figure of an old smith with a great golden beard. He looks at you, his eyes glazing as he frowns. You know him to be Svarog, yet you also feel he is lost. When he speaks, you feel the wrath of his voice:

'Do I know you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow to your god.
[OUT]Defiantly demand some answers!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'Hmm. You bow as if I should be your lord? Am I? 

It is cold here, so cold. My fires have gone out and that beast there holds the flame and refuses to give it to me...I cannot seem to focus on anything else...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell Svarog you will aid him!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
'Hmm. Your odd defiance suggests that I am someone to you. Am I? 

It is cold here, so cold. My fires have gone out and that beast there holds the flame and refuses to give it to me...I cannot seem to focus on anything else...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you can take a look.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You walk over to a dragon. It looks at you, bored, and opens its jaws to show you that it holds a golden flame in its mouth.

You see that only the chosen can move. All others stand frozen in awe of the golden beast.
[/STORY]
[OUT][Chosen only]Turmoil boils in your blood and calls for bold action. Reach in for the flame, enduring any pain that may come with it.
[OUT][Chosen only]Attack!
[OUT][Chosen only]Light calls to you, and you know what must be done. Reach for the light with your spirit.
[OUT]You can still break away. Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'The fire burns and so does my heart. I will reforge my mind now so I may serve again. And you - you did well in following my path, I see. You honour craft, value wisdom, or befriend the great dwarven kin. This is wise.

I see now that I must strengthen my calling as a craftsman and remember my roots to help forge a better future. Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did he become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'When the three elder gods decided to create divine domains, they took power from all of us. I suspect this had its side effects.

Turmoil and Light come from my father, but he needed to feed off my mastery of the sun to achieve this. I suspect this weakened me for a time. I was once the god of sun. When the light escaped its confines, I was most drawn to it. I suspect my loss of power was necessary, so that I did not fall.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so that we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav -- the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'They were our leaders, our strongest, my parents and sibling. I do not question why - clearly it was needed to complete their work, for otherwise they would have left the mantle of leadership to me.

It was surely deemed safest that we do not know until our chosen are strong enough to unlock the truth.'

You sense the slightest tinge of resentment in his booming voice.
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Marovit walks away into the greyworld and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'The fire burns and so does my heart. I will reforge my mind now so I may serve again. And you, you clearly favour Turmoil in your path, as you did not always follow my lead in your choices. Thus, I shall need to strengthen my divine presence, perhaps look to the sun again, not the mundane. Yes. Good.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Marovit walks away into the greyworld and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Turmoil and thus increase the chances of your children growing into bandits.
[OUT]Choose Light and thus make the children who grow up into crafters stronger.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I am the son of Perun and Mokosh. I did not choose - I accepted with honour my duties as a divine son.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races -- orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
You endure the process well and stand before your god proudly as you retrieve the flame.

You take it back to Svarog. He looks at you with a renewed sparkle in his eye as he takes the flame and lights the furnace:

'A bold move indeed! Well done, my chosen. You have restored us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if it worked.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
You barely endure the process and your spirit is heavily assailed. But you retrieve the flame. 

You take it back to Svarog. He looks at you with a renewed sparkle in his eye as he takes the flame and lights the furnace:

'A bold move indeed! Well done, my chosen. You have restored us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask if it worked.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You kill the dragon and take the flame back to Svarog. He looks at you with a renewed sparkle in his eye as he takes the flame and lights the furnace:

'A bold move indeed! Well done, my chosen. You have restored us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]38
[STORY]
The dragon devours one of you, but then relinquishes the flame to you before flying away with a mischievous smile.

You take the flame back to Svarog. He looks at you with a renewed sparkle in his eye as he takes the flame and lights the furnace:

'A bold move indeed! Well done, my chosen. You have restored us.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]So it worked?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]40
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]47
[STORY]
This is the path of Svarog. You can only enter with the chosen who begun this journey.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --__Lada(21)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you wander the lands, you feel a sudden call toward a lake. There, you witness a celebration of water demons, but you also sense they are not merely dancing, but worshipping Lada.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in closer to greet them in the name of Lada.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
One of the rusalka turns to you:

'Ah, chosen, we danced and danced and waited for you to arrive. You must be here to enter the lake and see our Lady's reflection in it. But to do so, you must pass through us, of course. Choose your path wisely.'

She blows you a kiss and continues dancing.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak up and ask your god for guidance.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You see a faint glimmer of fire in the furnace, and from it forms the figure of an old smith with a great golden beard. He looks at you, his eyes glazing as he frowns. You know him to be Svarog, yet you also feel he is lost. When he speaks, you feel the wrath of his voice:

'Do I know you?'
[/STORY]
[OUT][Male Chosen]Try to seduce the rusalka so she will let you pass.
[OUT][Female Chosen]A vodnik is also dancing here. Seduce the king of the lake to let you pass.
[OUT][Any Chosen]A befuddler also stands guard by the lake. Seduce him, as he is less picky than his elders.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'I sense you have walked my path well, and I feel the calling of my true nature beaming from you. You have favoured intellect in your folk, nurtured beauty, or appreciated the healing power, or perhaps you are exceptionally fertile. Regardless, you have chosen the path for me well.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did she become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'When the three elder gods decided to create divine domains, they took power from all of us. I suspect this had its side effects.

This light that now troubles our land speaks loudly of harmony and reason. It tries to lure beings such as myself to its side. Perhaps I needed to forget for a time, so that I shall not be tempted to lie in wait until a chosen comes and becomes my instrument in the mortal realms. Yes.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so that we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav - the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'Did they take our memories, or did we lose them as our strength wavered? Or did we simply forget you, for it was not yet time for us to know you? They needed to take our power, and we gave it freely, but nothing comes without a price. There is no happiness without sorrow, my chosen child.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Lada's enchanting vice sweetens the air as she walks off, leaving you alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Yes, you have given me the spark of joy back, even though I sense you have not always walked my path well. But this only means I must renew my confidence as the divine, and perhaps worry less about the frivolity of my nature. You have given me a clear path. This is good.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Lada's enchanting vice sweetens the air as she walks off, leaving you alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Intellect and thus increase the chances of your children growing to be zercas.
[OUT]Choose Harmony and thus make a child that becomes a healer stronger.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I came to life when the cosmic tree burnt long ago. My divine origin left no space for choice - that is often a luxury reserved for mortals, one they oft fail to appreciate...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races - orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The water demon smiles and accepts your advances. You join the fertility celebration and feel the energy around the lake grow. The water on the lake ripples with every dance step until you see the reflection of Lada appear and speak to you:

'You have awakened me, Chosen, and given me energy. I see my faith in you was wise.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The water demon does not respond, so there is some awkwardness. You feel drained from the attempts, but eventually they do allow you to join the fertility celebration, and then you feel the energy around the lake grow. The water on the lake ripples with every dance step until you see the reflection of Lada appear and speak to you:

'You have awakened me, Chosen, and given me energy. I see my faith in you was wise.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You kill the water demons, and the water on the lake ripples as if tears were dropping down on it. You see the reflection of Lada looking at you:

'You chose violence when violence was pointless. You defiled my worshippers with your dirty blades, and now my power will be locked, for you are not the chosen I had hoped for. Go forth and redeem yourself, but know that you will not receive my final blessing.'

The lake is still and empty, as is your soul...

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
You kill the water demons, and the water on the lake ripples as if tears were dropping down on it. You see the reflection of Lada looking at you:

'You chose violence when violence was pointless. You defiled my worshippers with your dirty blades, and now my power will be locked, for you are not the chosen I had hoped for. Go forth and redeem yourself, but know that you will not receive my final blessing.'

The lake is still and empty, as is your soul...

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they needed power from each of the other gods to create domains, but why the need to take memories?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]49
[STORY]
This is the path of Lada. You can only enter with the chosen who begun this journey.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --__Dzievanna(22)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you wander the lands, you find a small grove and feel the pull of your divine connection. 

You see a pack of Dievanna feral roaming freely. One of them stands out - taller, faster, beaming with divine presence. When she turns to you, you feel it is somehow your goddess.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Go in closer and try to speak to her.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
As you approach, the other feral steps forwards and the goddess steps away. One of the feral speaks, their voice crooked, rusty, as if human speech has become strange to it:

'You leave, we free, we smell Her on you so you no food, but go.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Tell them you are here to talk to Dievanna.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You see a faint glimmer of recognition in your goddess's eyes as you speak her name, but then she looks to her pack as if it were up to them to allow you to approach, even though she is clearly the strongest here.

[/STORY]
[OUT][Chosen only]Speak to the feral calmly to convince them you are Dievanna's chosen, and as such, you mean no harm.
[OUT][Chosen only]Walk forth with your spirit exposed to show them that you too are a child of Nature.
[OUT][Beast Chosen only]Give in to your bestial nature and show the feral that you are their kin as well as Dievanna's chosen.
[OUT]Attack!
[OUT][Druid Chosen only]Speak to the feral in Elvish and remind them of their roots. Then assert that you are Dievanna's chosen, so there is kinship between you.
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'So, you followed my path thus far. Respected the laws of the forest, perhaps befriended some of my creatures, or chose harmony over violence when possible. Good. Long have I said one must follow one's instinct, and this I shall choose as divine also. 

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did she become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'I did not. I was busy and I waited for you to grow. When the three gods gave us domains, it also drained our power. For some it made them confused, lost, and for others we went quiet to regain composure.

This light that now troubles our land is unnatural, unbalanced - it promises harmony but lies. Harmony can only come from the coexistence of the two forces, not the dominance of one. But while we waited for our tools to grow, I had to protect the forests from the scourge.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav -- the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Will they return?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]14
[STORY]
'I do not have such answers, but in a way, perhaps they never left, simply becoming more -- as is often the way with the greatest of us.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So why was it necessary to wait for a chosen?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'It has always been the primal law that we cannot directly act in the mortal realms. Sometimes we are able to send down avatars with limited power and awareness of their divine purpose. But those are very costly. 

The chosen are a less reliable route, for you so often act according to whim and gain. Still, you are what we need and what we are allowed to have. Simple.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You turn for a second and you no longer see Dievanna, only the forest and so you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'I see you have struggled to follow my path with clarity, but you also have passed all the tests given to you and arrived here. This tells me it is time for me to choose the divine path and shed my primal nature, at least for now.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You turn for a second and you no longer see Dievanna, only the forest and so you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Nature and thus increase the chance for forest demons when you allow fate to guide your child, and increase the chance for a druid elf.
[OUT]Choose Harmony and thus make a child that becomes a healer stronger.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'Veles chose a dark path away from his origins. Mokosh grew stronger as the maker, and was unable to stay close to the woodlands. The new gods are needed and the forest needed one, so I shed my elven past, just as Veles once did, and I chose to join the children of the cosmic tree.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]So are the three gods gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races -- orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The feral growl and snarl at you, but eventually they yield and recognise your kinship to their master. Dievanna nods, her eyes becoming instantly as sharp as a hawk's as she stares straight into yours:

'You passed, good. I was wondering how long it would take you to arrive. Now, time for me to leave this pack.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The feral growl and snarl at you and refuse to back down. You persist, and eventually you see Dievanna nod at her pack to let you pass, but as chosen, you feel your spirit drained.

'You are not as strong as the forest demands! Still, let us hope you have time to remedy this before all is lost. Now, time for me to leave this pack.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]36
[STORY]
You kill the ferals and you feel the forest watching you and a wild voice speaks:

'You chose to destroy my children for the sake of violence, not life. You defiled nature and ignored harmony. You are not the chosen I had hoped for. Go forth and redeem yourself, but know that you will not receive my final blessing.' 

The forest remains shaken, but you hear no more voices.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
You kill the ferals, although not without heavy losses and you feel the forest watching you and a wild voice speaks:

'You chose to destroy my children for the sake of violence, not life. You defiled nature and ignored harmony. You are not the chosen I had hoped for. Go forth and redeem yourself, but know that you will not receive my final blessing.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So why was it necessary to wait for a chosen?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]52
[STORY]
This is the path of Dievanna. You can only enter with the chosen who begun this journey.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --__Horz(23)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
The moon turns blood red, and you hear the howling call of your lord. You sense the presence of other creatures of the night, congregating.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow the call.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
You see a coterie of strigas standing guard over a magnificent sleeping wolf. A striga master and striga mistress both hold a liver chain that is wrapped around the divine body of the wolf.
They turn and watch you, but say nothing.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Speak up and ask your god for guidance.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
The wolf does not wake, but you feel the warmth of his breath, hear the slow beating of his heart, and sense his soul reaching for the moon, yet unable to do so in his slumber.

You realise now that all but you, the chosen, stand entranced by the beautiful beast.

[/STORY]
[OUT][Male Chosen only]Impress the striga mistress and implore her to release your master, for you are children of the moon!
[OUT][Female Chosen only]Demand the striga master yield to your words and recognise your kinship under the moon!
[OUT][Chosen only]Walk forth as chosen with your spirit exposed, and trust in the path of Horz!
[OUT][Chosen only]Attack!
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'You walk the path of the moon well. You honour night beasts by accepting them in your pack, or you value the importance of a keen eye. Good. I thus choose to let loose my primal nature, so we may both serve the moon.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did she become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'I recall agreeing to let the elder three borrow the moon's power through me, so that the earth would not shatter further.

This light that now troubles our land is unnatural. It is not moon, nor the stars that shine brightest, nor even the ever-pompous sun. So, we all needed to change to fight it.

I am the moon and the moon is me. For the three to take my power, I had to sleep, so my children kept me safe while I awaited you.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'And so, the three were free to forge their domains and grant them back to us, so that we may face this new threat and others that will surely come.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav -- the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'We are god, but we remain bound by cosmic laws - more so than mortals, some would say. We cannot act directly in your mortal realms; thus, we needed our chosen to rise, survive, and find their way here. Through the journey you gained strength, yes? And so, what we intended is done, even without you facing me now.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You hear the final howl of Horz and kneel in its glory, before you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'You struggle to follow the moon path, no? I sense that you have not always been led by my domains, but perhaps that is exactly what is needed of a chosen - their own path. Still, I must now focus on the divine calling, for my primal sleep clearly left my voice wakened. 

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that he chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose his memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

You hear the final howl of Horz and kneel in its glory, before you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Nature and thus increase the chance for forest demons when you allow fate to guide your child, and increase the chance for a druid elf.
[OUT]Choose Magic and thus increase the chances of your children growing into witches and shamans.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I was a beast of the night once, a night lord still, but not divine. Then I looked up into the stars and my soul was bound to them forever. But my beloved's father would not allow an inferior mate, so I had to become more, become equal so she would claim me as hers!'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races - orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
The strigas yield to your command and recognise your kinship to the moon. The chains are released, and the night lord rises to howl to the moon. He then turns to you:

'Many moons passed before you came, but you have proven that you are a child of the night, so I am free to sing to the moon and run with the stars! Good.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the night lord.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The strigas feel your weakness and drain your spirit, but they taste Horz in your blood, so they eventually yield. The chains are released, and the night lord rises to howl to the moon. He then turns to you:

'Many moons passed before you came, but you have proven that you are a child of the night, so I am free to sing to the moon and run with the stars! Good.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the night lord.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]43
[STORY]
The striga resists your attack and dominates you instead. You cower before her mesmerising power and you know you are not the worthy alpha your lord deserves.

You will not gain your final reward, instead you must spend your days seeking redemption.

[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]51
[STORY]
This is the path of Horz. You can only enter with the chosen who begun this journey.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --__Nyia(24)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
As you travel the lands, you find yourself lost in an eerie, dark place filled with shadows, dim lights, and odd whispers surrounding you.

As you move forward, you see a perfectly round hole that reeks of emptiness. Several spirits are half submerged in it, desperately trying to get out. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Approach. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
As you get near the hole, you feel the presence of Nyia calling out from the chasm, unable to reach you. 

[/STORY]
[OUT]Call out to your goddess, and try to aid her with your spirit.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]7
[STORY]
You feel her awareness rise, but she is still unable to reach you, while the spirits become more restless and try to rip themselves out of their trap. You feel their efforts are hurting the goddess.

You also notice that everyone but you, the chosen, has become entranced and unable to act.

[/STORY]
[OUT][Spirit Chosen only]Commune with your kin and move past them to reach your goddess.
[OUT][Chosen only]Unbind these wraiths with your spirit.
[OUT][Chosen only]Through the sheer power of your mind, push past the spirits so that the goddess may reach you!
[OUT][Chosen only]Attack!
[OUT]Retreat and return when you are truly ready!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'My path is ever a mystery to me, so I am surprised to feel that you tried following it so well. You favoured mystical arts or destiny and embraced the cursed unliving, despite their unnatural state. After all, if I cannot pity them, who will? I thus choose to explore that path more now.

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'I chose to follow my primal nature. This will affect you and me. For better or worse? We will see. 

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, the young, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Why and how did she become a god?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'Lose my memories? Were they ever truly found, or did I have them in the first place? I dwell in places dark and lonely - I dwelt there now before you came. Was this by some design, or just my nature? 

This light that now troubles our land, the others said it must be stopped, that power must be given for new power to be born. I understood this, so I agreed. Then it was dark, until you came.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'From what I sense, the older gods, the three - they created the domains. I was given three to carry, of course... but maybe I deserve that. They gave their divine being for this. Interesting.

Their true essence was of course not lost. It is what held the world intact, despite the continuous tremors.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So they are gone for good?
[OUT]But why is the light bad? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'No, a part of each lived on and was reforged as the god you know as Triglav - the three as one, forged in fire to aid us in this hour of need.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[OUT]Triglav is really the three gods? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'We are god, but we remain bound by cosmic laws - more so than mortals, some would say. We cannot act directly in your mortal realms; thus, we needed our chosen to rise, survive, and find their way here. Through the journey you gained strength, yes? And so, what we intended is done, even without you facing me now.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What now?
[OUT]What now?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Nyia's body becomes shrouded in dark mist as she walks off and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you will gain a small chance of an unusual class choice when your  child grows up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'My path is forever shrouded in mystery, even for me. Death is a certainty, yet is not for me, so what is certain - nothing? But I accepted this burden, so I will try to find my divine calling, so that our destiny may become clear to us, chosen. This is good, perhaps...

Now, speak your questions, my champion, for we do not have much time here.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]What does it mean that she chose this path? Were there others?
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[OUT]Say that you seek no answers; the world awaits your return. Bow before your god and ask for a final blessing. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]20
[STORY]
'I chose to follow balance and the divine calling, and not dwell on mortal attachments.

You gave me clarity, chosen. I now understand the sacrifices made by the older gods and what we, those chosen to remain, must do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did he lose  their memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]21
[STORY]
 'Now you and me both, we are free. I shall resume my divine duties in full, as whatever your choices may yet be, there are ever greater perils in our realms.

My last blessing to you may reveal itself when one of your children turns adult. But as I see, your path here has already unlocked your might, so go forth, my chosen, and choose your path in my name.'

Nyia's body becomes shrouded in dark mist as she walks off and you are left alone, with a last gift placed at your feet.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Take your gift.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]22
[STORY]
As you walk away, you feel your fate improved also.

[As part of your final gift, you may choose one more bonus in accordance with your god's domains. This bonus will apply for children growing up.]
[/STORY]
[OUT]Choose Intellect and thus increase the chances of your children growing to be zercas.
[OUT]Choose Magic and thus increase the chances of your children growing into witches and shamans.
[OUT]Choose Nature and thus increase the chance for forest demons when you allow fate to guide your child, and increase the chance for a druid elf.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]25
[STORY]
'I was goddess once, then I was not. I served Veles and Morena, then I did not. My wheel is complicated. I chose the wrong side once and was banished, but then the sides shifted again, and now I am here. Death must be, so I am.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Why did she lose her memory in the first place? 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]26
[STORY]
'It is neither bad nor good, just like its sibling, darkness. They are both driven to obey their nature.

You see, at first, there was balance as the two coexisted. But the child of darkness cannot stand still. They changed the world, they made new races - orcs, who sought to conquer, and goblins, who mastered the spirit realms.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
Your will is strong, so you are able to push past the ghosts and reach your goddess in the dark pit. She rises and looks at you with sorrowful eyes:

'A tiny spark in the sea of darkness - how odd you are, my chosen. You are part of me, but a part I never know why I made, or when. Still, you coming here must have meaning, so we must rise together. Good, maybe...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]33
[STORY]
The spirits fight you with all they have, and this drains your soul greatly. As your will fails, you see the world change again, and you no longer stand by the black pit. You know that you have failed your goddess and you will have to prove your worth using the gifts you already received on this journey.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]34
[STORY]
'Humans were born out of both, but they seemed to favour darkness, ever pushing to meddle in dark arts and change their world. In fact, they proved even more unpredictable than the others.

The child of light grew ever envious. They did not understand their sibling's drive for change. One day they decided the world was broken and must be purged.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Keep listening.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]35
[STORY]
'Their feud almost destroyed Thea, until the gods managed to finally cage the two. Darkness was locked in the skies and held there by the crown of the cosmic trees that grew throughout the lands.

Light was sunk deep into the core of the earth, held in place by the sacrifice of the eldest of giants, Starovit, who gave his own heart as a seal. But the seal has clearly been broken, and thus the child of light threatens to purge the world again.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]So the old gods are gone for good?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]45
[STORY]
'Triglav was born as Lada was once, in the hour of need, forged with a purpose. Lada needed to bring hope in times of darkness, and Triglav brought power in times of weakness. 

So, yes and no. They carry the will of all three elder gods, yet also their own.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]But why the loss of memory, the tests, the chosen? Would they not wake without you?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]47
[STORY]
You destroy the ghostly figures and the barrier that stood between you and Nyia drops so you can reach your goddess in the dark pit. She rises and looks at you with sorrowful eyes:

'A tiny spark in the sea of darkness - how odd you are, my chosen. You are part of me, but a part I never know why I made, or when. Still, you coming here must have meaning, so we must rise together. Good, maybe...'


[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]48
[STORY]
Your will is strong, so you are able to push past the ghosts and reach your goddess in the dark pit. She rises and looks at you with sorrowful eyes:

'A tiny spark in the sea of darkness - how odd you are, my chosen. You are part of me, but a part I never know why I made, or when. Still, you coming here must have meaning, so we must rise together. Good, maybe...'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Bow before the goddess.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]54
[STORY]
This is the path of Nyia. You can only enter with the chosen who begun this journey.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Leave.
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

-- [EVENT] --Divine Q Start Spare(25)
+[NODE]2
[STORY]
Ever since that odd dream, or even before that, you had a sense of the world being 'wrong.' It is a fleeting feeling, a butterfly that flutters in your gut every now and again.

You ignored it before, but now its intensity makes you fall to your knees, and as you look around, searching for a reason, a black crow lands on a branch and stares at you intensely.
[/STORY]
[OUT]This crow reeks of darkness. Attack it!
[OUT]Do nothing. It is merely a crow - either a beast of nature or a harbinger of mystery, but still, only one crow. Leave it be, but observe it.
[OUT]Reach out to the creature to show that you are no danger to it and you wish to communicate. Perhaps it requires aid, or perhaps it is a servant of magic and will share some knowledge with you.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]3
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you taught Zbigniev the price of cowardice. 

I detest such crude tools, but I suppose you are as you were carved by your god, and thus I commend you for walking the path truly.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]5
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you taught Zbigniev the price of cowardice. 

I detest such crude tools, but light has ever been the path favouring direct action, and thus I commend you for walking the path truly.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]6
[STORY]
The crow speaks as it soars above you. Was it ever on the branch?

'Your actions are sound, but is it the path your domain would demand? Or did you choose on a moment's whim, without considering your true path? There is much for you to learn, chosen.'

[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[OUT]Say that it was not your choice, but another chosen who took that path!
[/NODE]

+[NODE]8
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you showed that odd creature, Zbigniev, the value of reason.

I wholly admire such a steadfast approach. One will inevitably learn so much more from careful consideration than from rushed action.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]9
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you showed that odd creature, Zbigniev, the value of reason.

I wholly admire such a steadfast approach. One should never interfere in the natural cycles unless one absolutely must.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]10
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen. 

But then Turmoil is all about the unpredictable, right?' 
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]11
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen. 

Light favours direct action. You should have been firmer with that failure of a man. Still, let us not dwell on it.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]12
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen, did you? 

You chose either to kill the man or to soothe his soul. Neither of these would I call the path of reason.

One will inevitably learn so much more from careful consideration than from rushed action.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]13
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen, did you?

You chose either to kill the man or to soothe his soul, but why interfere so?

One should never interfere in the natural cycles unless one absolutely must.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]15
[STORY]
'True to your path, now as you were when you showed the failed chosen mercy and compassion.

Personally, I do not like such emotional interference, but it is truly the path of Harmony that you walk as you were asked to do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]16
[STORY]
'True to your path, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen, did you? 

You did not choose to soothe the man's broken soul or to offer solace. A shame for one supposedly walking the path of Harmony.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]17
[STORY]
'I am no one of importance, at least not to you. But I do have a question for you:

Why are you needed? Why don't your gods send armies of chosen to solve this world-shattering problem? And do you think you have reached your true potential yet, chosen one?'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Say that you do not question the will of the gods. Surely they have their reasons.
[OUT]Say that you walk your own path and care little for what the gods think.
[OUT]Admit that the question has crossed your mind and ask if it has answers.
[/NODE]

+[NODE]18
[STORY]
The crow shrugs (as much as is possible), but says nothing.
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]19
[STORY]
'Obedient, good, but the gods rarely need their chosen to follow blindly. Trust in the gods but remain vigilant.

If you wish to unlock your true potential, you must find out why the gods remain weak. Follow your divine path and search for the truth.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow Nature's domain.
[OUT]Follow Turmoil.
[OUT]Find Harmony's path.
[OUT]Light guides your journey.
[OUT]Trust in Intellect to lead you.
[OUT]Seek out the path of Magic. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]29
[STORY]
'True to your path, as you were when you faced the failed chosen, Zbigniev, and decided to spare his life, for he did not offend your path in any way.

Personally, I am ever cautious of the weaves of magic and their chaotic ways, but it is truly the path of Magic that you walk, as you were asked to do.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]30
[STORY]
'True to your path, seeking knowledge before action, at least this time. You did not stay on this path when dealing with the failed chosen, did you?

Personally, I am ever cautious of the weaves of magic and their chaotic ways, so it is hard to question your path here, and yet the gods choose to do so.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Ask the crow what it wants from you. Why does it speak of your divine duties?
[/NODE]

+[NODE]31
[STORY]
'Wilful, independent - good. But remember: there are times when obedience is needed and wilfulness can lead you astray. 

If you wish to unlock your true potential, you must find out why the gods remain weak. Follow your divine path and search for the truth.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow Nature's domain.
[OUT]Follow Turmoil.
[OUT]Find Harmony's path.
[OUT]Light guides your journey.
[OUT]Trust in Intellect to lead you.
[OUT]Seek out the path of Magic. 
[/NODE]

+[NODE]32
[STORY]
'An inquisitive mind is the brightest, yes. I do, but I will not share them with you. I am merely here to point you in the right direction.

If you wish to unlock your true potential, you must find out why the gods remain weak. Follow your divine path and search for the truth.'
[/STORY]
[OUT]Follow Nature's domain.
[OUT]Follow Turmoil.
[OUT]Find Harmony's path.
[OUT]Light guides your journey.
[OUT]Trust in Intellect to lead you.
[OUT]Seek out the path of Magic. 
[/NODE]

[/EVENT]

