I had almost forgotten how incompetent kings can actually be. Estoria is very lucky to have had a drunk and useless leader stand down for one that is both sensible in her decisions and competent in implementing them. Let’s be fair, Anora is an exception… and a remarkable one at that. On the other hand, Acastus, the man who has re-founded the dragonlords, is just a damp rag, a spineless coward; dare I say… an undead Xander’s may do a better job than this. To be honest, it’s very close to what I remember him to be described as during previous visits. But at the time you think that it’s just a bunch of officials moaning about those in power as they usually do…
But the worth of our leaders is beside the point - kings and queens cannot really be changed, save for hoping for a better next generation. The problem at hand is Sydon’s storm and the options we are currently faced with are one worse than the other. But in his infinite wisdom, or cowardice, Acastus is making us choose.
The Cult of Lutheria genuinely (or less genuinely Calliope suggests) thinks we’d give them 77 young people to corrupt; because we have not just had a clear example of what happens to the youth that fall into the traps set by the minions of Lutheria in Demetria’s temple.
The Order of Sydon’s, well, Gaius’ solution is to destroy all of the temples to the Five. The cheek that man has, the threat in his voice as he was promising Calliope to return her anklets. It’s making me angry just thinking about it. I can only hope I can keep some margin of dignity and not just punch or set him on fire.
The third solution is to find 100 oxen, a gesture that would most likely cripple the economies of both Mytros and Estoria. Seems palatable, but probably only because the impacts will be felt sometime in the future and most likely by the very poorest. Not by Acastus in his gilded hall. The last solution comes from Vallus. The goddess. It’s almost disconcerting to see her there in front of us, just like Pythor was, asking for help. And we all know well enough they ask for help because the Oath forbids them to meddle or fight the Titans but the gods are gods… supposedly all powerful. And we are just mere mortals…
The solution Vallus offers is a sacrifice as well. Of the Four’s power to stop the storm. If this is the solution I can only hope people may slowly realise that it is better to believe in a benevolent, helpful deity than in one that sows fear and death wherever it goes as Sydon seems to be doing here…
We need to have an answer for dawn, so this is bound to be a long night. I don’t think the history or epic poem writers will be kind if we get this wrong.