You are a god

<center><h2 style="font-family:monospace;"> EPISODE I</h2></center> Before the world existed. Before time. Before anything else. There was you. And you created the world and everything in it. You created mountains and lions and mushrooms. You created rivers and elephants and earwax. Yes, some things were better than others but who's perfect? And you created people so they could worship you because you are THAMETH, you are A GOD. For centuries humans have worshipped you. They pray to you, make sacrifices in your name and pass along legends of your power, wisdom, and courage. But this year you haven't received your annual spring tribute. Come to think of it, you haven't heard that many prayers lately. • Those humans need to learn a lesson! [[Let the clouds hide the sun and the rain ruin their crops -> ruin crops]] • Have they forgotten your magnificence? You must send them a sign of your magical powers and wonders. [[Send them a flying golden stag to ride across the sky -> flying stag]]

You let the rain pour down day after day. Dark clouds hide the blue sky and the sun. The summer is cold and wet. The fields get muddy and the crops won't grow. But you still don't hear any prayers. When autumn arrives you expect the villagers to make amends but they don't throw the annual harvest festival in your name. And yet again you don't receive tribute. • Those people have shown the deepest disrespect for you and they need to be punished. [[Set their barn on fire and destroy the crops you should have received as tribute. -> destroy crops]] • The people are lost and have forgotten the right way. You must send them a messenger to proclaim your wisdom and power. [[Send them *luthu*, a mythical messenger, to re-tell your legends. -> messenger]]

The flying stag is a beautiful wonder and it shines golden in the sunlight and rides across the sky. People stare at this amazing creature above them. The stag flies over a village and as it disappears between the tall treetops of a nearby forest, the hunters from the village grab their bows and follow it. You stare in disbelief as the hunters return, carrying the dead stag. You wonder how to respond to this and when their leader the same night enters the village's festivities wearing a golden crown with antlers and matching boots, you know what to do. • [[Strike that human down with a lightning bolt! -> hero legend]] • Punish the villagers for their actions. [[Send in The Great Boar to destroy them! -> villain legend]] • The people have clearly forgotten their connection to you as a GOD. You must [[talk to their *palda*, high priestess, in a dream vision. -> reaching out]]

You need to set an example and show the people what happens when they defy you. You charge a lightning bolt and throw it directly at that cocky and arrogant leader wearing bits of your magical wonder. The leader is strutting through the village as the lightning bolt shoots at him. He takes a quick step and dodges - into the air! The golden boots made from the stag takes him upwards as he runs away. Before you know it he's gone. The villagers applaud and cheer. The gossip runs wild and soon everyone is talking about the hero who defied the GOD and survived. • How dare they? You must punish them with a dark omen for what's to come. [[Let there be born a marked child with antlers. -> marked child]] • He can run but he cannot hide! [[Send The Shadow Owlman to track him down and end him! -> Shadow Owlman]]

The Great Boar is the size of a grizzly bear and its steps make the ground shake. As it runs through the village the ground quakes and the huts crumble. People scream and run around in panic. The Great Boar targets the hunters of the village, impaling them one by one with its giant tusks. In the chaos the leader wearing the golden crown and boots leaps and runs into the air. The boots make him able to run in the air and the villagers look in disbelief as their leader cowardly escapes and leaves them behind. Finally, The Great Boar lumbers into the woods. The surviving people look around at what used to be their village. Every home is destroyed and every man who joined the hunt for the stag is dead. Except for their leader who fled. And left them for dead. The survivors slowly begin to rebuild their homes while talking about how the cursed and evil leader let them to disaster. The *palda*, high priestess, promises to show people the way back to the GOD's favor and begin by banning all hunts. From now on it is a sin to kill an animal. You are pleased with the villagers attempt to make amends and want to give them a small blessing. • Since the villagers no longer eat animals you will [[let a magic tree grow with nutritious and tasty fruits. -> magic tree]] • Since almost every young man is dead, the village is very vulnerable to attacks and robbery. [[Send a giant wolf to guard the village. -> Giant wolf]]

That night the palda is having a very strange dream. First, she sees the golden stag flying across the sky and people fall to their knees in awe and start praying. Then the fields grow thick and beautiful bursting with tasty crops, the trees get filled with fruits and the rivers hold hordes of fat fish. Then the dream changes. A cloaked person holds the dead stag in their arms and they are crying. They look the palda straight in the eye and whispers ominously 'you have forgotten me'. Then the stag starts to rot and fall apart until the figure is holding nothing but bones. The skull of the stag is staring at her with its black holes. The vision fades and all that is left is an ancient symbol: Two circles, a bigger encircling a smaller one. The symbol of THAMETH. The next morning the palda calls the village together to proclaim her vision. She tells that they have angered the GOD and now have to make amends with a worthy sacrifice. The villagers are furious at their leader for letting them kill the GOD's sacred animal. The same night the villagers make a big celebration where they eat and drink their best and finest in your name. They spend almost all their supplies. At midnight they gather around a big fire and burn their former leader who's wearing nothing but the crown with antlers and golden boots. He screams furiously at them but no one takes notice. When the sun rises all there is left is ashes and the golden headpiece with antlers. The palda places it on her head and tells the villagers that now it's a religious piece who belongs to the GOD and should be worn at religious events. You are very pleased with the people's attempt to make amends. • [[Bless the village with a great harvest -> great harvest]] • [[Give the village a good omen consisting of a twin birth -> twins]]

You let a lightning strike from a blue sky and set the village's barn on fire. People hurry and try to put out the fire but even though they throw bucket after bucket of water at the flames, they still grow and swallow the entire hut and everything in it. At last, the fire dies out and all that is left are ashes. But they don't just lay in a pile where the barn used to be. The ashes now form two circles, a bigger encircling a smaller one. An ancient symbol. The symbol of THAMETH. The villagers fall to their knees crying. All their crops and winter supplies are lost. Clearly, they have angered the GOD. The *palda*, high priestess, proclaims that they need to make a worthy sacrifice and yield to the GOD. They make a huge ritual where every person in the village are present and sacrifice every cow, goat, and sheep. The soil is covered in blood. The village has nothing left. No crops. No animals to eat. They are completely in your hands. • They have learned their lesson and will probably behave in the future. Now they'll need plenty of food to get through winter. [[Feed the people. -> plants and fishermen]] • They have given you everything so now you will give them the world. Or at least a bit of it. You will lead them to victory and glory. With this holy sword, they shall conquer other wealthy villages and have more and better supplies than before! [[Give them a magical sword. -> magical sword]]

Luthu is half man half deer and the villagers gather around him as he enters the village. The *palda*, high priestess, comes forth and asks what he wants. He proclaims to be the messenger of THAMETH and begin telling stories about your glory. People grind their teeth and Luthu pauses and ask what's wrong. They have been in great misfortune, the palda explains. The GOD has forsaken them and they haven't had enough resources to spare to make a worthy sacrifice. They are starving. A small rock hits Luthu. Someone has thrown it at him. Soon another one follows and another and Luthu must flee the town. • If they really wanted to honor you they could have. It is them who have forgotten you and now they have attacked your messenger! [[Send them a fierce plague and make them bow to you again -> plague]] • All that hatred. But you will make them praise you again. You will give them a miracle they can't deny. [[Send back Luthu with supplies for the hungry people -> Luthu supplies]]

You let the sun shine warm and friendly in the sky for most days and sometimes let the refreshing summer rain fall. It is the perfect weather for the villagers' crops and they thrive. The villagers are happy and get a lot of work done during the many hours of summer light. On the rainy days, they stay indoor repairing gear and telling stories about the GOD's power, wisdom, and courage. At the end of the summer, the villagers have a great harvest. There are plenty of food and supplies for the winter. They throw a big celebration to you and sacrifice some of the tasty crops. Then one day, without warning, a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. You must act quickly if you are to help the village! <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

The next day a woman in the village is giving birth. The palda assists her and is surprised when another baby is born. It has been twenty years since the last twins were born in the village and only one of them survived. The village is thrilled because twins are said to bring luck. Twins are close to the GOD and have magic abilities that can help the village thrive. That night the village throws another big celebration in your name. From now on everyone in the village will take good care of the twins. Then one day, without warning, a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. You must act quickly if you are to help the village! <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

The next day a woman in the village is giving birth. The palda assists her and is shocked when she finally delivers the baby. On its forehead are two circles, a bigger one encircling a smaller one. It is the sign of THAMETH. But that is not the most disturbing thing about this child. It has tiny antlers like a young deer. The mother faints at the sight of her baby and the palda is shaken. She takes the child and gathers the villagers. When she shows them the baby they all gasp in horror. The palda proclaims that this child belongs to the GOD. It is meant to lead them all one day and they shall treat it with respect and honor. You are puzzled and amused how she misread your omen but kind of likes her reaction as well. You decide to wait by and see what happens next. Then one day, without warning, a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. You must act quickly if you are to help the village! <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

You send the Shadow Owlman to hunt down the leader. Cloaked and dangerous the Shadow Owlman scouts the surrounding woods. At night he flies across the sky searching for the leader and his ghostly owl scream makes every villager tremble in fear. This happens three nights in a row but the fourth night is silent and no one, not even you, knows where the Shadow Owlman is. Then one day, without warning, a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. A weird shadow is seen in the sky. You get a glimpse of golden antlers. It's that guy again! The former leader is wearing the Owlman's shadow cape. Hidden beneath it he attacks from the air. The warriors doesn't stand a chance and are soon defeated. The villagers gather the few surviving enemies. A young man furiously stares back at the leader. "I will tell my people about this. We will be back in even greater numbers." The leader is amused. "And how do you intent to do that? You are my prisoner now." Suddenly the young man picks up a knife from his boot and jabs it into his throat. Everyone gasps when a grey shadow escapes from his mouth and disappears into the air. <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

At the ritual grounds near the stone altar, you let a magic tree grow tall in a matter of hours. The leaves are shiny and the bark is rough and strong. On the branches are big nutritious fruits. They taste sweet and are juicy. Soon rumors of the magic fruits at the village are well known and merchants come from far and wide to trade with the villagers. The village thrives and is richer than ever. Then one day, without warning, a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. "Find that magic tree!" one of the attackers yell. You must act quickly if you are to help the village! <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

A wolf the size of a horse starts lurking in the woods near the village. At first, the villagers want to set a trap but the palda reminds them that they must not kill an animal. The villagers fear the giant wolf and as soon as the darkness falls at night, they shut their doors and stay inside. Soon the wolf doesn't keep to the woods but starts sniffing around in the village. No one goes out after sunset. One night a scream echoes through the village. "My child!" A young child has found an unlocked door and is walking around amongst the houses. The villagers grab their weapons and rush to save the child. Only to find the wolf laying on the ground and calmly letting the child pet its ears. From now on the villagers trust the wolf and feel safe as it guards them at night. Then one day the villagers hear screams from the woods. They gather their weapons and hide the children and old ones. A foreign warrior comes running from the woods, covered in blood and his face twisted in horror. Soon other warriors follow the first one, some of them with missing limbs and one of them whispering, "the wolf… the wolf…". The villagers enter the woods and realize that a group of warriors has been sneaking up on the village to attack them but were ambushed by the giant wolf. Most of them are dead, shredded to pieces. The villagers capture the remaining warriors who are trembling with fear except one. A young man furiously stares back at the palda. "I will tell my people about this. We will be back in even greater numbers. And we will kill that beast for good." The palda is amused. "And how do you intend to do that? You are my prisoner now." Suddenly the young man picks up a knife from his boot and jabs it into his throat. Everyone gasps when a grey shadow escapes from his mouth and disappears into the air. <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

It is twilight and from the shadows in the woods surrounding the bloody ritual grounds a cloaked figure appears. The villagers are all on their knees waiting for your response. They stare in fear as a woman covered in a huge cloak enters the grounds. Her face is hidden deep in the shadows of her hood. The only part of her that is visible are her bare feet and her hands in which she holds a huge sword. The sword looks powerful and have an aura that makes people feel invincible and uneasy at the same time. The woman walks to the blood covered stone altar, raises the sword over her head and strikes it down, deep in the stone. "The one strong enough to take the sword is the one who is meant for its power. It is the one who shall lead this people to victory." The woman disappears silently into the woods. One by one every man in town tries to take the sword but no one can pull it out. People start talking. What is this? Is this a cruel trick from the GOD? What shall become of the village now? The voices rise until they die out one by one as if a wave of silence suddenly rolled through the crowd. They all stare at the altar where someone has picked up the sword. A young woman is holding the mighty sword in her hands and the cold night breeze makes her dark hair dance in the wind. A couple of days later, without warning, a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. Then the dark-haired young woman comes running with the sword at ready. She encounters them all by herself and strikes them down one by one. The villagers are encouraged and grab their own weapons to fight back. Soon the foreigners are all dead except a couple of prisoners taken alive. One of them, a young man spit at the woman with the sword. "I will tell my people about this. We will be back in even greater numbers." The woman is amused. "And how do you intend to do that? You are my prisoner now." Suddenly the young man picks up a knife from his boot and jabs it into his throat. Everyone gasps when a grey shadow escapes from his mouth and disappears into the air. <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

From the blood covered ground, you raise nutritious plants. They are tastier than the usual crops and many of them have healing abilities. Soon the ritual grounds are transformed into a small field of new and strong plants. A child runs to the village shouting. Something is coming from the sea and are heading towards the shore. The village gathers at the shore and stare at the strange object coming at them. It looks like a huge rounded carriage, but it's floating. People stare in wonder as a boat approaches them. In the boat are two fishermen who got lost at sea. They are dehydrated and weak. The villagers find another weird object in the boat - a fishing net! The villagers don't know what to make of it and the palda seeks your guidance in prayer: Should they welcome the strangers and help them or kill them and take their weird objects? • [[Give the strangers water and shelter -> help fishermen]] and maybe they will teach you how to use and make their strange belongings. • You can't trust strangers. [[Kill them -> kill fishermen]] and claim their inventions.

When the first villager begins to cough they all think it's just the flu. But soon he coughs up blood. Within hours he gets pale, all his hair falls out and then he dies. The villagers are terrified but the real panic kicks in when another begins to cough blood. Three days later half the village is dead. Suddenly the plague seems to end and you don't know why because you haven't stopped it. The surviving villagers are all gathered in the same hut, hiding. When you try to take a look inside you can't. Now what is this? You try to reach out to the palda but a power pushes you back. A strange voice yells all around you: 'You cannot hurt these people. They are under my protection. And I am NEEMATH. I am a GOD.' Those traitors! They have turned against you! They have turned to ANOTHER GOD! How dare they? You are furious but there don't seem to be anything to do, they have been warded against you. Then one day, without warning, a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. Since the village is warded there is nothing you can do and frankly, you don't give a damn. The warriors loot the village, burn it down and leave no survivors. <center> THE END [[Play again?->Forside]]</center>

Luthu returns to the village pulling a carriage filled with food. At first, the villagers look like they might attack him, but soon they realize he is bringing supplies. There are barrels of fish, stacks of corn, baskets with mushrooms, jars of mead and much more. He tells the village that this is just a start. This is for tonight where they will throw a big celebration in the name of THAMETH. Then he shows them a small wallet with beans. They are magic beans and if the villagers plant the beans tomorrow the fields will be ready to harvest within a week. The villagers are relieved and happy. After all, the GOD has not forsaken them. Then one day, without warning, a group of warriors attack from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. "Find those magic beans!" one of the attackers yell. You must act quickly if you are to help the village! <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

The villagers take the weak fishermen in and put them near a warm fire. They give them plenty of water and some of the new healing herbs. The fishermen fall asleep and are almost unconscious for three days. Finally, they wake up but no one understands what they are saying. The fishermen are very thankful and through gestures, they show the villagers how to make a fishing net. Then they show them how to use it. The villagers are eager to learn and let the friendly strangers stay. As weeks go by the fishermen begin to understand the villagers' language and can say a few sentences. Slowly they teach the village how to build a boat as well. Soon the villagers have their own fishing boat and nets. The fishermen are getting along with the villagers and want to settle down. The palda demands that they get initiated as worshippers of the GOD. In prayers, she asks you how you want the newcomers initiated. • Sacrifice a goat in your name and [[pour the blood on the newcomers' heads. -> pour blood]] • After a fast of three days the newcomers shall [[drink a holy tea from the new herbs.-> holy tea]]

The villagers easily kill the weak fishermen and put them out of their misery. Now they have a boat and a fishing net. Soon the village is happy and full thanks to the new plants and plenty of fresh fish. Once every tenth day the palda makes a ritual in your honor and the villagers pray to you for wealth and good health. Then one day, without warning, a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. Some of them run to the beach but the boat is on fire. You must act quickly if you are to help the village! <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

The village throws a great celebration in your name. They drink and eat the very best the village can offer. At midnight they all gather at the ritual grounds. At the stone altar the palda sacrifices a goat, and two helpers make sure to catch the blood in a big pot. The newcomers kneel before the palda and she pours the warm blood over their heads as the village cheers. Now they are truly your worshippers. Then one day, without warning, a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. Some of them run to the beach but the boats are on fire. You must act quickly if you are to help the village! <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

The fishermen start fasting and the some of the villagers help the palda collect the right herbs from the former ritual grounds. Then palda spends three days making the holy tea. On the third day, the villagers gather at the new ritual grounds, since the old place is covered in plants, crops, and herbs. The fishermen drink the tea and soon they are fast asleep. Or so it looks like to the village. But the fishermen are on a spiritual trip. When they return and wake up they are amazed and in deep awe. Now they are truly your worshippers. Then one day, without warning a group of warriors attacks from the woods. The village is unprepared and you look in horror as the villagers get slaughtered. Some of them run to the beach but the boats are on fire. You must act quickly if you are to help the village! <center>... TO BE CONTINUED [[Play again?->Forside]] </center>

<center style="width:100%"> <img src="https://myadventuresincyberspace.neocities.org/forside1.png" width="544px" height="320px"> Press [[START->In the beginning]] to begin [[credits->Credits]] </center>

{<center style="font-family:monospace; font-size:16px; line-height:1.5em;"> Credits This text adventure is brought to you by Nanna. All writings at <a href="https://cybernuhn.wixsite.com/amwriting"> cybernuhn.wixsite.com/amwriting </a> Text adventures at <a href="https://myadventuresincyberspace.neocities.org" >myadventuresincyberspace.neocities.com </a> Front page pixel art forest background is used gratefully and is <a href="https://opengameart.org/content/forest-background">free for download at OpenGameArt.org.</a> Thank you, Luis Zuno! Thanks to Zatnosk, for always being enthusiastic, bringing new ideas to the project and at any time (also when I wake you up) being ready to help with language difficulties and programming hints. Thanks to the lovely people on Mastodon for inspiring me to keep on writing. And thank you, yes you, for reading this. [[Now go play->Forside]]. </center>}