"What the?" Ania began as the group of dwarves came into view. She had never seen one before, but she had heard the stories like most Skardians. However, they had not been seen and centuries and it was partially believed that they were just myths.
"Ah, you there! My apologies, it's been a long time since we came to Skardia. We don't mean any harm, we just want to talk with the god beside you." Thovok called out as he marched towards her.
Ania glanced at Exile, who was wearing a confused expression as he stared at Thovok. 'He can't see me, but he knows I'm here? And what are Dwarves doing here? Is there a dwarven kingdom in those mountains? Then why doesn't anyone seem to know about it?'
Thovok marched confidently towards them while the other dwarves stood still. Ania was unsure what to do, but as she glanced at Exile, she noticed that he was grinning. He appeared excited to discover the dwarves.
"Good Lady, I am Thovok... A humble Dwarf in the service of King Duraeg. We come here to seek an audience with the gods that have been appearing." Thovok bowed respectfully.
"Ania, ask them why would they do that? Did their Dwarven god ask them to come here?" Exile was thinking ahead. If the dwarven players were making contact with Skardia then this could be a chance to make an alliance.
With the dwarves on their side, fighting against the ruling faction and the Sommerdans would not be such a tall order. Exile waited as Ania relayed his question for him.
"No... We have no gods where I'm from. Our situation is a little different from other dwarven kingdoms..." Thovok chuckled as the dwarves behind him laughed.
"Lord Exile wants to know what makes you different. Why are there no gods in your homeland?" Ania looked at them more nervously now as she relayed Exile's next question.
"Ah, you see... We are considered as heretics amongst our own people." Thovok revealed an embarrassed smile before he continued. "We believe that gods are not immortal or all-powerful. We think for ourselves. But, that doesn't mean we don't recognise the benefits to both parties for working with a god..."
Ania let out a low hiss as she stepped away from them while covering her ears. She could not believe that these dwarves dared to say something so provoking right in front of Exile! Any moment now, lightning was sure to strike and wipe them off the map.
"Ania, ask them what kind of cooperation they have in mind..." Exile smiled as he looked at her, making her tremble.
'It can't be! Are they right? Is that why he does nothing? Or does he want to use them for a while?' Ania's mind spun as she imagined all sorts of things. She was in complete turmoil at the thought that this could be true! However, she regained her composure enough to ask Exile's question for him.
"Hm, well, I only speak on behalf of the King. But here are the terms. We will provide weapons, armour, craftsmen and dwarven warriors as you need them. You will be recognised as the sole god of our kingdom and everyone will worship you..." Thovok eyed the empty space beside Ania. "However, you must be willing to share all that you know of the heavens. And let us study you from time to time to try to understand you."
Exile frowned as he listened to the demands. 'Why do they seem to be in my favour by quite a bit? How many dwarves are in one of their kingdoms? All of those followers in one go? And dwarves have advantages in rough terrain and are natural forgers. However, their ideology is a little dangerous...'
"I have something to add to this... Ania, tell them that I agree as long as they don't spread their thoughts on the gods outside of their kingdom." Exile studied Thovok's face carefully as Ania revealed his demand. If they had nefarious intentions, then they would never agree to this.
"Done!" Without any hesitation, Thovok agreed and the dwarves behind him cheered. "Ok, everyone! Pray to Exile now so he can accept us as followers of his faith."
Exile was stunned as the dwarves got down on their knees and immediately began praying towards him. He had no time to react to how quickly that situation unfolded when a system notification appeared in his mind.
[The Dwarf Thovok is calling out to you. Praying that you will accept him and his people under your protection. Do you wish to accept?]
Exile grit his teeth as he looked at the dwarves in the snow. 'Damn! I don't have time to think about it and it seems like a good deal... Yes!'
[Congratulations! Milestone: Followers 400/400 completed...]
[New Milestone: Followers 483/800]
[Awarding +1 Stat Point]
Exile frowned as he stared at that message. That particular milestone challenge had been going poorly lately, but that was probably due to what Ania had said. People were moving away from believing in him for players in the Pantheon who suited their needs better. So it was nice to see it get a boost.
[Congratulations! You have brought a new race to your side! Your Tier allows you to appoint Thovok as your Dwarven Oracle... Do you accept?]
Exile was taken aback by that message. He quickly searched his memory and remembered that something had been mentioned about gaining an oracle at each tier. But he did not know that they had to be from different races! 'Yes!'
[Thovok has now been empowered and become your second Oracle.]
Exile sighed as the dwarves began to stand up and look towards him. However, before he could say anything, or they could lay eyes on him, another system message appeared.
[You will now undergo a race change to meet the expectations of your followers. Current races detected: Human... Dwarves..., Race change will now be put in to effect...]