Beastland wanderings

[Iron Dragoon]

"Both. I'm... Not in love with the idea of forming a church, but I gather that it's going to happen anyway. Any tips, or just let it happen as it will?"

[Anastasia]

"It's our purpose, Alyssa. This is not mere power." A gesture ahead, as you see countless dirt roads. So many walk them, lost - and yet the same man is always here, a guide through the confusion. "We are the guides that lead souls through life and into eternity. Our churches are our compasses and maps, all to guide souls along and to us. A church will happen, it is what you are now. No, you my guide and define the path. Learn when to intervene, when to allow events to happen. Learn to accept those you care for stepping onto Death's Road, and be there to greet them when it leads them to you."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa grunts, "I know it's inevitable. I was just hoping there was something I could do to help it along so I don't have to deal with course correction later."

[Anastasia]

"There will be rocks and burrs under your saddle," Shaundakul smiles, "You were not born like this, you will have to learn our ways. Like a child who stumbles when he first tries to walk, your mistakes are inevitable and instructory."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Well, I'd like a bit of warning before I get another Shar after my head. In any case, what's going to happen to the demi-plane now that I'm fully into divinity? Will it become my home plane? Would you and Selune be willing to accept that since it was a gift from both of you and connected through the Gates of the Moon?"

[Anastasia]

"It will be your realm, unless you desire something else," Shaundakul notes, as he pulls out an old, weathered flute from nowhere. "As long as you stay in the Gates of the Moon, the moonlight and the paths will protect you, and the Queen of Stars is not beyond reach."

[Iron Dragoon]

"That sounds fine. I just didn't want either of you to take issue with a new god just assuming a realm in your areas. Is there anything else you think I should know, or people I should meet? Or things I should do?"

[Anastasia]

"Many things," Shaundakul admits, "Do you wonder why we live so long, when we are in endless conflict with one another, Alyssa?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"I've gotten a few clues. A competition?"

[Anastasia]

"A competition? No, the Competition," Shaundakul declares, "We Compete for souls and influence in Creation. To guide Creation and to strengthen our beliefs while we defeat those of those we oppose. The grandest and greatest game of Creation, played from cradle to grave."

[Iron Dragoon]

"That sounds... Pointless, in a way. Shouldn't the will of the souls be respected instead of being poked and prodded to... what... count as points?"

[Anastasia]

"That is the entire point," Shaundakul retorts, "To give them choices in life - clerics who guide them, paladins who protect them, faiths to lead them. The reward is every soul that comes to you."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Hmm. Maybe I'll under better once I start."

[Anastasia]

You  mean understand?

[Iron Dragoon]

Yes. Phone keyboard.