( video )

[heelies]

[The video feed begins on a close view of a face, revealing a stern set of eyes and a curve of nose but little more. Then the picture shakes as a new perspective is gained. The man who comes into view posesses a princely bearing and wears well the mantle of importance. His voice belongs to one who is accustomed to being listened to.]

I am told that this is the way that men call others to counsel in this land, and so as strange as it seems to me to address those whom I see not, I shall follow the local custom. I am Achilles, son of Peleus — Peleus who rules the fertile plains of Phthia, and who claims for his own worthy father Aeacus, judge of the House of Hades. New as I am to this land, which is farther from my dear native land than even the windy plains of Ilios, I bear many questions, but the first in my heart is this.

What deathless gods watch over the city of Lunatia? I have seen no temples built to honor Zeus who bears the aegis, nor bright-eyed Athena, nor Phoebus Apollo. Where are the priests who aid in the rituals of sacrifice, the seers who interpret the will of the gods in bird-signs? Surely, a city so rich as this, with precious silver trimming its houses, and all manner of riches I have never before seen — surely its people have the benison of the gods. Yet I see no practices that would suggest such reverence. Tell me, therefore, the ways to honor these gods who to me are so mysterious.

Comments

[ciao]

I was born a descendant of Rome, but have always had a great appreciation and love for the tales from Greece. Yours happens to be a very popular one, adapted into many languages and so many formats over time, though nothing quite comes close to the original in that respect.

[ the humor is far from lost on italy, instead there’s a moment of much amusement before clearing his throat some ]

While it is easier to gain attentions when one is attractive, it’s difficult to keep it unless there’s something else offered. After all there is beauty all around, and some of it is rather unexpected in its form. But yes, it does seem an easy way to please the goddesses of this world, though I would be careful because some of their blessings have some trickery that not everyone is very open to. Although that should be expected when it comes to dealing with the divine, I look forward to seeing what your blessing is like~

[ hearing this wondering italy can’t help but think for a moment ]

There’s no reason why you wouldn’t be able to erect a temple of your own to the god of your choosing, there’s wild game to be had in the groves as well, some familiar and others not so familiar. The dragons live outside the city limits where we’re restricted access, it seems like they’re a sacred creature in this world just as they are in others.

[heelies]

[Rome? You mean the descendants of the losers of the Trojan War?]

So many questions have I still, and I would ask you to answer if you will. Where lies this country of your fatherland Rome? Of what manner of trickery do you speak, woven within the blessings of the moon-ruling goddesses? What are these dragons that are so sacred to the moon-loving Prismals?

[ciao]

[ the very same my friend, a truly tragic loss ]

I'm afraid that Rome is no longer around in this day and age, he fell when I was still very young. Now there is just Italia, the home of myself and my older brother Roma. It's not quite the same as it was during those old days, but we're doing well with what we have.

Ah, well I'm sure others have explained things such as physical traits--I have done a fair amount of studying on these gods, moonblessings and traits. It's very interesting to say the least.

Sanguis is associated with creatures that were swift and showed no fear, so because of this people that fall under this moonblessing tend to have features and/or characteristics associated with wolves, koi fish and snakes. Stories go that these creatures served as defenders for Sanguis because of their love of the scent of blood as well as combat. People with this moonblessing tend to be violent, aggressive, possessive and territorial. They also have a very sensitive sense of smell, as well as violence, blood and a way to fulfill their sexual appetite. It also seems as though physical strength is increased as well as being able to conjure some fire magic.

Cordis seems to be a little more forest based, the animals associated with this one are ones that were already found in their domain. Offerings of berries, feathers and gems were made by a fox, an owl and a cat. People with the Cordis moonblessing tend to be rather amorous, giddy, self-indulgent, and mischievous. They tend to give off pheromones in order to attract those around them as well as having a fast metabolism that burns off chroma very quickly, so they will want to indulge in a lot of food and even in some cases a lot of moonlacing. Increased speed and agility seems to be the gift bestowed upon them as well as some ice magic.

Iris is very much terra based, gathering the rabbit for for its gentleness, the jellyfish for its free-willed nature, and the deer for its temperance. Those of the Iris moonblessed have the traits of being affectionate, gentle, protective, generous. They can be in a state of... umm... heat as well as experiencing a higher tolerance for pain. Their abilities include an accelerated regeneration, and minor electric-based magic.

The story has continued to say that, "One day, a great rupturing occurred. The balance between all three gods was disrupted and the beasts who were once at home in their domains found themselves upheaved to the domains of other gods.

And so they began their journey to return to their rightful domains, yet to return there, they would have to pass through foreign lands and pay tribute to gods they bore no loyalty to for safe passage."

But I haven't been able to collect more details on this, I have some tidbits I've written down that I've collected from festivals. If you'd like, I could provide you with a copy.

Ah, the dragons seemed to be having trouble with nurturing their unhatched young apparently. We were asked to provide help since the chroma we produce seems to be very powerful to them. After hatching we learned where they came from and of their domain in the mountains known as Lyestellus Kingdom. The dragons are able to take humanoid form, which was very interesting. They gave us some tea and fruit that allowed us some dragon traits for a short period. It was... interesting.

[heelies]

Your answers do aid my understanding of the realm in which I lately find myself, and for this I thank you. How strange it all sounds to me, yet you have given me no reason to disbelieve you, nor have you any reason to deceive me in this. I shall accept what further details you are willing to share — although I must confess that I know not my letters so well.

[What up, I'm Achilles, I'm 28 and I never fucking learned how to read.]

Will you tell me, Venezia Italia, which goddess has bestowed her blessing upon you? Moreover, your name is one and the same with that of your dear native land — then do you wield the scepter over this land as king?

[ciao]

Oh right, this could be a problem when it comes to notes... Tell you what, I'll make an audio recording for you to reference to make this a lot easier on you. It's something similar to the device that we're using right now, although it's simply audio based so it's more convenient to listen to at various points of concentration.

[ it's okay achilles, there is no judgement, you're a product of a different time afterall ]

Oh? For me personally I've been bestowed with Sanguis, for the most part it seems I've been associated with the wolf. It's a troublesome trait at some points, but I think I prefer it over the alternatives.

[ that may have been a bit of an awkward smile before waving his hand ]

Oh no, far from it. I came into existence before my native land did, so I've been around to watch it form and the people grow and progress. I'm more of an embodiment of that land, not quite a deity but not quite human either. My livelihood is dependent entirely upon my citizens and the choices they make.

[heelies]

Again, your generosity does you credit, and this I shall remember. Moreover, the wolf is a strong beast, as near nobility as can be found in the wilds, and that you have received such a blessing speaks well in your favor.

[Because surely this is how it works.]

Yet your words I cannot grasp, just as no man can grasp a ripple that flees across the water. If you are neither mortal nor god, then are you some manner of guardian — as Scamander is to the river that flows across the Dardanian plain and bears his name?

[ciao]

Ah, please, think nothing of it! Coming to a world like this is overwhelming to everyone, so I like to be able to offer some assistance in any way possible, because having information always makes these things a little easier.

[ it's not like this concept was foreign to italy, and when rome had made his appearance before it had come up. But it was still something that was somewhat embarrassing, because honestly... him? ]

Honestly, if that were the case... I believe that this sort of blessing was best made for Germany, whereas I tend to be more of an artist.

[ at least he's being honest, but the analogy that the other used—it worked didn't it? ]

That would precisely be the same concept, being a guardian is closest to my existence and responsibilities to my home.