victory_road

[Elidibus looks curiously at the camera, clad in his mask and 'casual' attire rather than his robes.]

I have been told a meager amount of these Pokémon, though it appears they merely channel power far stronger than others of their ilk. Alas, my information is not complete, though I strive to correct that.

[He pauses, touching his forefinger to his chin in what appears to be consideration.]

In my world, most beings one may consider a god are naught, they are merely the desires of the summoner made manifest through an offering of aether and prayer. Though, I do serve a God in this fashion, and my people themselves could be considered gods of a kind as well.

[He pauses, as if realizing something, before bowing his head to the camera.]

Ah, but I forget my manners! I am known as Elidibus, Emissary. Should you desire to know more, I am happy to oblige. I must admit my own curiosity to the gods of your world, as well.

[Ooh, a mask! How mysterious!]

I'd say that's about what I've heard as well, I don't think there is much out there on them if I'm being honest. It's when I was digging into some of the myths of this place that they seemed to be regarded more as gods.

[He gives a casual shrug, you can only do so much with limited information. Things like make a post to discuss said things! Hearing more about the gods on this other guys world though, yeah that's got some more meat to it.]

Well then, Elidibus if you're happy to share then so will I. First!

[He quickly holds up one finger. For some reason the gesture prompts his Chatot to spread out a single wing as well and give a loud chirp.]

You just have to tell me about this mask look you got going on! Is that a part of some thing you got going with your god or are you just blazing fashion trails here?

[Elidibus grins, he rather likes this Hermes, before gesturing at the general shape of his mask.]

While I personally enjoy the look, myself, in truth it is neither of those things. My people wore masks as part of daily wear, and mine is a symbol of my station. The color designates that I am a member of the Convocation, elected sages that together served as stewards for our star. The shape is that of my role - Elidibus, Emissary - as our titles are effectively our names.

[He brushes some hair from the front of his mask where it had fallen.]

It is rather refreshing to find one who appreciates the aesthetic. Now, how about your world? It is quote apparent that our homes are wildly distinct.

Huh!

[His eyebrows lift in surprise though his smile still plastered on his face. He leans back on the park bench more, actually getting comfortable and settling in for the chat.]

Gotta say, that's not the answer I was expecting. Interesting that you'd still wear it so far from both your world and your seat of office.

[There is more he wants to say about that, but he'll get there in good time.]

But as for my own world, let's see... [He gives a rare moment of pause as he scratches his chin in thought.] Well, you mentioned being stewards of your star. Odd way to phrase it, but you do you. We got something similar. The king of gods, Lord Zeus, would have the right to rule as a given in his domain. Granted there are plenty of other gods and goddesses besides him, all of which very much real! They're not just some mortal's desires come to life. Mortals came after the gods where I'm from.

You had said your people could be considered gods themselves?

[Elidibus, too, settles in where he had been sitting. He visibly perks up at the conversation, Hermes was interesting and he was, as ever, eager and hungry for knowledge.]

My mask is utterly tied to my identity, wearing it as I have for many thousands of years. And perhaps some clarification is in order!

[He claps his hands together, when he speaks his voice runs even smoother, more melodic; a storyteller's voice.]

By star I refer to the planet which my people call home. We were as gods of a fashion, able to live an age, immortal to most perceptions. We possessed the talent of creation, amongst other magicks; with sufficient focus, and power, any and all could be created by our hands.

[He mimes pulling something apart in his hands.]

But our home fell, and is a broken husk of what once was - shattered into fourteen realities, each division forcing the star exponentially weaker. The same held true of all living things save for the few remnants of my people, of which I am one. Those are the mortals of whom I speak, summoning false idols twisted by their desires. But we who remain truly are eternal now, immortal and powerful as gods, my own particular existence especially so.

[A brief pause.]

This is, of course, a gross simplification, forgive me for such.

Edited 2021-03-02 16:51 (UTC)

[Oh, going private, huh? Guess he's getting juicy deets about a different world now! He listens, as patiently as he is able to anyways, keeping his fidgeting to one tapping foot off screen. He gets what this guy is going after, but the storyteller voice could stand to speak just a tad faster if he's being honest.

He lets out an low whistle once it's over.]

That's quite the tale there, chief. It's almost hard to know where to start with it all! Almost. But from my perspective it sounds like your people were basically gods by my world's standards. I should know, I'm a god myself!

You lost me a bit with the whole shattering of your world, not your fault, just a bit out my usual scope. Are you saying your people became the mortals? Except for some who didn't. Like you.

[Elidibus nods. Hermes seemed to be having a good grasp on things, and the added perspective of true godhood would no doubt assist that. When he speaks, his voice does pick up in cadence, seeming to unintentionally slowly be conforming more closely to Hermes's rapid speech.]

It does indeed sound like we would be considered gods, although we could be killed. Our power was not absolute, and ours was a peaceful people; full of scholars and philosophers.

[Previously out of view, Elidibus's Sigilyph makes an appearance, combed claws nudging his shoulder as he speaks. He pauses to give the Pokémon a few pats.]

Just so. All lives were evenly divided into fourteen shards, each taking a portion of life energy, vitality, magical prowess, and strength of soul. Those divided as such lived mortal lives, no longer capable of the creation magics which were so inherent to our lives. Their memory, too, was abolished, and naught but fleeting feelings and dreams remained of what was once our civilization.

Save for we few who remain. But ah, I am curious, too, of your world! You say you are a god, may I ask of which domain?

[Better! But still, as always, not fast enough. Hermes was about to fall into old habits even and cut Elidibus off before he could go on, but with the appearance of the Sigilyph brings new problems. Namely his Chatot who had previously been content to just watch, coming in close to chatter angrily at the screen.]

Cyano, please.

[It's a quick motion to both push his Pokemon back, and give him a few pets to calm him down. More importantly, Elidibus can continue the rest uninterrupted. Which is a good thing! Because mentioning souls really helps click the events of this other world into place.]

Well then! That's a worst case scenario if I ever heard one. You've got a bunch of used to be immortals with no memories stuck living out mortal lives now. Let me guess, while they lost their access to creation magic, somehow, that's what those false gods being summoned are right? Something similar to that?

[He's not sure how close he is to the mark on that one, but it would follow with what's been explained.]

Ah- But yes, what isn't in my domain, really. I'm the god of many things, swiftness, travel, commerce. I serve as a messenger for the gods as well as ferry the souls of the dead just to name a few of my duties.

[Elidibus smiles at the upset Chatot, ushering Sigilyph out of frame - only to be replaced by a shiny Alolan Vulpix climbing into his lap. He strokes it until it settles.]

Something similar, yes, without getting into the depths of how magic works on our world, but I believe neither of us have the time for that at present.

[What a fascinating combination of domains! And familiar, in a way.]

A messenger? Your duties fall not far from my own, as Emissary. I for my part would mediate, would bear word as needed, and kept balance as was required. What an interesting turn, despite the differences, how similar our domains are. [His grin is slightly mischievous, but his interest is genuine.]

Where I'm from, there's a god quite reputable for talking so rapidly and without pause, that it's a boon in itself that you catch a single word he's spoken.

[The way he delivers that is as flat and deadpan as ever, but for those who know Thanatos, it's...well, it's still not obvious if he's being serious or not.]

Greetings, Hermes. Are you so bored in this world already?

Thanatos! Wow!

[He holds his hand to his chest, expression his best attempt at being taken aback but his smile couldn't hide his amusement.]

Was that an attempt at humor? Is the god of death finally starting to crack this long without work? You're lucky I'm nothing like the rest of my family or I may have taken offense to that!

[He leans back, smug as he takes a sip of water before continuing. Did you see that, he can pause, when he really wants to!]

What makes you think I'm bored? You can't tell me you're not at least a little bit curious about this sort of stuff too.

[His expression doesn't change, but he does give him a huff that almost seems like an amused one.]

I've kept myself busy enough, so don't you worry about this place achieving even more impossible ends.

[What he doesn't say is that it's because Hermes isn't like the rest of his family that he even elected to say anything like that at all.]

But I guess you're right, I am curious, but perhaps not enough to address the general public. Then again, you Olympians are far more social than we Chthonic gods.

[Oh he thinks you're definitely starting to crack. Just a little. It's something interesting to watch for at the very least. To the answer he gives a shrug.]

Well then! Who am I to say otherwise then, hmm?

[He's definitely thinking otherwise.]

I've got books though, if you'd prefer to satisfy your curiosity with them, but why not live a little? It's completely out of your usual domain, I know, but I'd say so is being mortal now!

[The flat look he gives Hermes (the same one he's...always giving?) says enough about that. Indeed, you aren't anyone to say otherwise, but he can't stop your thoughts, unfortunately.]

Books are better. I don't have to hold a conversation with one. [That comment seems a little pointed, but then he adds on:] That's a tall order, asking Death to live a little. How would you feel if I told you to slow down, hm?

I'd say this world beat you to it!

[He laughs, unbothered by Thanatos's comment. He knows that's not at all what he meant and while this world took his godly speed, it didn't take away the rest of what made him fundamentally him. Teasing Death was fun though.]

But worry not, I'm happy to hold all the conversations while you sit back and watch. Should you want the books I found I'll save them for you.

They are rather elusive, but I'm sure you'll find more than a few people who have seen them. At the very least everybody who has here two years ago in October saw, and even helped battle a few.

I've seen several of them myself. I've got a video of one of them.

But yes, many people do consider them to be akin to gods.

Oh! Is that so? Most the texts I read made them out to be more myth than reality. Complete nonsense by the way, there is always some hint of truth to any myth. But! For apparently so many people to have seen them so recently...

[He's glad he asked the network then! All those books he was looking through were so old anyways. Of course they'd be outdated.]

If you're willing to share, I'd be interested in seeing the video you took! So which ones have you seen and the bigger question, having seen some of them, do you consider them to be like gods?

Of course, let me send it to you.

[And soon enough he'll receive a transfer of this video.]

And, hmmm, I suppose that depends on what your exact definition of a god is. I know they are very powerful creatures, probably some of the most powerful creatures in this world. And I think that some of those powers are probably not well understood by us.

But I am not sure if I believe in them creating this world or pokemon, or in them being responsible for us being here, or of us being of any particular concern to them. Frankly, that sort of thinking seems a little... self-centered?

I don't know a lot about them, it's sort of a long-term research project, but they seem to be a lot more location-based than the gods of Exandria.

[There's a faint rustle, like flipping pages.]

There's supposed to be the remains of a monument to Johto's legendaries in Ecruteak City. Probably a good place to start if you want serious info.

Ecruteak? The one with the bird legendary, right?

[He's done enough reading to know generally what's what at least, but getting specifics never hurt.]

That's not a bad idea though! I'm not far at all from there so I'll have to make a trip up there. Tell me though, what of the gods from Exandria. I take it that's where you're from originally, yeah?

Yeah. The Dwendalian Empire specifically. Don't know if that means anything to you.

Our gods mostly rule over broad concepts, not places - I mean, there are sacred sites for most of them, and you occasionally get entire towns or cities that follow one god, but, like... Ioun is the goddess of knowledge and learning, Bahamut is the god of honour and justice, Erathis is the goddess of law and civilization.

The Legendaries? They are rather elusive, but I've seen and dealt with a few of them over the years. They do engage with us sometimes, for various reasons. I've a feather that was gifted to me by one of the Legendary Birds, long ago.

[Oooh more first hand gossip, he likes!]

Ooh, do tell! What reasons do they tend to show themselves here? I can't believe everyone just happens to be the 'one powerful trainer' they've been waiting for as some of these dusty old books say. Also!

['Also!' his chatot unhelpfully chimes in, hopping closer to peek at his gear from over his shoulder.]

I'm interested in seeing this feather that was gifted to you, if you would show me of course.

It depends, but generally when a great calamity threatens. Oh, don't give much credit to all the pomp and whatnot in the old books. Any trainer may meet one of the Legendaries, if they're in the right place at the right time.

Oh, of course, give me a moment. I had it made into a hair ornament, it's in a jewelry box at the moment. I'll get it. They're very kind in rewarding those trainers who help them.

No worries, while the books were a good start I know better then to trust them for the full story. But I see! They like to go the old divine intervention route, huh? Pretty typical.

[He nods though, taking a moment to give attention to his chatot who seems to have gotten even closer and was in dire need of some scritches.]

Do these rewards have any power to them or are they merely trinkets?

[Lust vanishes from the screen for a few moments, but it's filled the small faces of four Espurr - all wearing bowties in various colors - eagerly pressed against the gear until Lust shoos them away on return.]

Ah, here we are. I'm...not certain. I always feel rather confident and emboldened when I wear it, but it was a gift for helping defend the Bell Tower. It may simply be a product of assocation. Here it is.

[She holds up a large feather that's red and green and gold, adorned with a few strings of beads.]

People have not only seen them, they've also interacted with them. I can personally confirm that Entei is fond of the Meowth line and enjoys a good steak.

[Cecil looks and sounds absolutely delighted by those two facts.]

So I'm finding out! You really can't get everything from books if you want to know what's what. But, as far as offerings go- if they truly are gods- you can't really go wrong with steak.

[He nods, equally looking as pleased.]

Entei though. One of the legendary beasts unless I'm mistaken. How did they live up to the tales?

Food seems very popular with all of this world's creatures. I've had success with steak, smoked salmon and homemade sandwiches, in various situations.

[Legendaries do get the fancy stuff, though.]

It certainly had a presence beyond any regular Pokémon! The weather was terrible at the time, the whole route was flooded... Yet its mere arrival was enough to stop the deluge temporarily, like an overpowered Sunny Day. As thanks for the steak, it even struck down a tree large enough to shelter all the poor cats that had joined me.

More powerful, unique creatures. Or, at least, rarer. Much more than that, I cannot say.

[He hasn't seen any of them, heard of them sure, but hasn't really cared to pursue more knowledge. There doesn't seem to be much point.]

You have spoken with Elidibus, so you have heard his perspective on the faith of we mere mortals. Oft are the gods summoned by their followers in times of duress, though we full well know the injurious nature of doing so--however, once summoned, they temper their devoted and any poor bastard unfortunate enough to be within range to their will. Meaning they shall be summoned again, each time consuming vast amounts of aether and further tempering their followers.

Needless to say, while many will invoke the name of their patron, they do not actually call them down. Tis the oppressed and imperiled most like to do so.

[He didn't actually look at Elidibus's conversation with this guy, not because he particularly cares about privacy of others, but mostly because...he's pretty sure he already knows what the other would have said. More or less.]

Edited 2021-03-02 21:37 (UTC)

Oh! Hadn't expected to run into someone else from his world. Glad to get the mortal perspective on things then!

[He turns his head this way and that as he thinks things through with a light hum. He's gotten an interesting take on this other world between this guy and Elidibus. Different, but a good time killer for this morning if nothing else.]

He has mentioned these false gods of yours, but not what happens to the summoners. Pretty grim from the sounds of it. Hey, quick question, just to help me follow along. Define aether in your world.

[Are you glad though? Are you really?]

Tis only one exception that I know of.

[Ysayle hadn't been tempered so much as...optimistic. Though since she had the Echo protecting her as well, that was likely the reason.

Also you're...not asking the best person to explain aether.]

Life. All beings are made of aether, as is the world itself. Tis aligned with different elements--an imbalance too far in one direction or another, such as one being prevalent, affects both living beings and the world itself.

[WELL maybe glad isn't the right term, but it's good amusement so it's not an outright lie! God of half-truths and all that.]

So that means...

[There's a click of his tongue as he brings a hand up to his chin. First off, yes aether was not in reference to one of those older more forgotten gods he was familiar with. Life itself though, that's pretty big! As inappropriate as it is, he can't help but let out a laugh. Sorry not sorry #immortalprivilege]

Wow, that's a bit messed up isn't it? How often do you mortals invoke these things? I'm curious to hear what sort of exception there even is for such a thing.

As I said - not often. We full well know the damage it causes.

There are races that some call 'beast tribes' that do so more often. Mainly due to conflicts with others occupying the same lands. Those who are immune to tempering are oft tasked with defeating the summoned primal, only for the cycle to occur again.

[If he sounds dour and pessimistic about that, well...it's because he is. Just because the Warrior is capable of defeating primals doesn't mean he should have to.]

[He is just tucking more and more notes about this world in his brain. Will it ever probably be useful to him? Probably not! But it's fun. He may not have the full context for most things, but he nods along anyways.]

Ah, the classic conflict over territories. Plenty of war in your lands? That's something my siblings would enjoy at least. But- So then the oppressed do the summoning, which brings the false gods, which takes life. Makes sense. Except tempering. Enlighten me on what that does exactly?

Isn't there everywhere?

[He says, bluntly. Sure, there might be peace sometimes, between certain peoples, but it seems to be a pretty constant state of being.]

In short - overrides the will of the summoner with that of the primal. Oft do they seek to summon again thereafter, and temper others--willingly or no. For their worship strengthens the primal summoned.

[It's a vicious cycle.]

Well, it's certainly common for mortals in my world too. Keeps me busy.

[Not...... that the gods were any better, but that was neither here nor there. He cocks his head to the side at the explanation of tempering, thinking about it for a moment before giving an approving nod.]

I see. It's a creative way to keep worshipers I'll give them that! Bit heavy handed, but they aren't true gods to begin with anyways, hey?

[Satisfied with knowledge on these 'primals' for now, he's quick to move on.]

I can see why you were so quick to dismiss legendary Pokemon as simply rare and unique.

Legendary Pokémon?

[There was the tiniest gleam in his eye as he went through his notebook. He had taken notes and made a lot of observations, like a diary of sorts. He rooted through it.]

They’re rare enough that not many can recollect fully if they see them. But they have abilities that are beyond what an average Pokemon is capable of.

[Hasn’t he spoken about Gods with someone else?]

Nothing like what I had back home. Just stories and legends written at various times in the past.

That seems to be the general consensus on them from what I was reading! Wonder if the trouble in recalling them is because of the Pokemon themselves or just from poor sightings. Maybe both?

[It's a point towards them being godlike in his book.]

Ah, but stories and legends exist for a reason. There is probably some truth to them! What are the ones from your home like?

From my research, it looks like both. Many Pokémon don't like to be seen normally, you know. So, if the Pokémon is more rare, the more elusive it tends to be? Many mystical Pokémon are like this...if my visit to the Ruins of Alph proved anything.

[He grew DEEP in thought for a moment as he spoke. More so when he figured, maybe he had this conversation before.]

I had this discussion with some guy a few months ago, said he had THE Cerberus as a pet. We hear a lot of stories about him, but obviously none of US got to see him.

Edited 2021-03-04 23:06 (UTC)

And just what happened to you at the Ruins of Alph, if you don't mind me asking.

[Hermes is like, 90% smiles all the time, so it says something when he generally seems surprised at what this guy says next. It's only for the briefest of moments though before he suddenly starts laughing, startling the bird pokemon beside him.]

Now, mind this is just a hunch, but I think I happened to know exactly the guy you're talking about! Bragging about his father's dog seems like just the sort of thing he would do. Zagreus. That the fellow you talked to?

[He doesn't mind. In fact, he seemed more comfortable to indulge. Something about that grin.]

It was weird. There was once an ancient city there and it kinda really feels that way. A civilization that was once there gives off that mysterious energy.

But I felt like I was being watched the entire time...

[He trailed. A small shudder at the sudden laugh.]

...Hey yeah, that's the guy. Know him then? Don't get to know too many demigods, haha.

Been here long enough that I've seen plenty up close. Groudon, Kyogre, Arceus... a buncha golems that nearly caused an apocalypse.

[Riku folds his arms and shugs his shoulders.]

They're definitely godly, if nothing else. Regular Pokemon can barely scratch them. Generally takes multiple trainers to wear them down, or divine intervention, like what happened with Groudon and Kyogre. If Arceus hadn't popped up, I don't know what would've happened.

[Now this guy knows how to hook an audience! Not only does he drop the juiciest deets, he does it so casually!]

Woah woah! I can't believe I'm saying this, but hold on a second there! I'm going to need a lot more details about literally everything you said. You guys nearly had an apocalypse here?

A couple, technically. First there was this New Years years back. Started off with heavy snow, but that was just the beginning. Soon we got hit with full on blizzards, then violent tremors...

[Riku winces and rubs his head. That led to some... fun times at the Training Center.]

TVs showed these golems closing in all over the world. Registeel, Regirock, Regice. Eventually an even bigger one popped up- Regigigas, and no amount of firepower from even the toughest Pokemon could hold 'em back.

It seemed like the world was gonna end... and then it didn't. Everything was fine.

I don't know anything about them, but I'm trying to find out more. If it's an exchange of information you're looking for, I'll tell you about my homeland's Goddess in return for telling me everything you've learned about Arceus and powers like it. Do we have a deal?

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