#battlebotspantheon

LockJaw is one of the Old God who was once a god of war.  During the time of the Forgotten Gods, LockJaw was known by a different name, and he was feared by all.  But as times changed, so did war.  LockJaw is still terrifying on the battlefield, but now he is known for his wisdom instead of his blade.

Okay so I haven’t had a chance to explain this and since I can’t think of anything else to write about I figured I would explain it now.

A being is a God, Demigod, Creature, Original God, or Creature God.  It’s just a way to refer to them all without listing it out.  Creatures may also be grouped in with Creature Gods.

As it says in my bio, Gods are made, not born.  In order to become a god, you must first become a demigod or creature.  Once you achieve a certain power level, The Omnipotent Ones turn you into a God.  Gods can have their own religious buildings and practices.  Building your following will help you gain power and land.  If you have the majority following in a village or town, that land is said to be yours and you are able to influence it more than other Gods.

Demigods can have followings, and they if they are popular enough they may have shrines in some God’s temples.  They are not allowed to have their own land.  While they are not able to influence groups of people, they are able to help out individuals if they wish.

There are many ways to become a Demigod.  Any animal or human can become a Demigod.  As mentioned in one of the other stories, one way to become a Demigod is by killing a Creature, Demigod, or any sort of cryptid/mythical creature—this could theoretically include Gods and Demi gods, but no human or animal has been able to kill a being.  Another way is by completing challenges, sacrificing yourself for others, or otherwise completing over the top do-good actions.  But most Demigods and Creatures earn their title by the build-up of little actions.  For instance, a commoner constantly opening their house to others could be a reason, or someone consistently winning fights could be another.

Rusty and WitchDoctor circled each other on the stage floor, each one hoping the other would make the first move.

Around them, the crowd was mostly silent.  Everyone knew how the fight would end, and no one wanted to see the fight, but seldom few could tear their eyes away.

Rusty adjusted the shield he borrowed from Lockjaw, “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you.”  Though his tone was meant to be joking, it came out scared.

Witchdoctor shifted anxiously, analyzing Rusty.  The ginger demigod had a build that suggested a great deal of physical power, but he was too slow to use it.  His only weapon was a metal covered fist, as his sword had been broken in his last fight.  The weaknesses of his stance were obvious, though his comedic aura helped to cover them.

“Just remember, you wanted this.” said WitchDoctor, staring into Rusty’s eyes.

“I know,” responded Rusty.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.  But as Rusty looked at WitchDoctor’s gothic black dress, he realized that the bottom of the gown was not originally maroon.

The practice of magic is very controversial.  Back in the times of the Forgotten Gods, magic was essentially banned, even though there were no hard laws on the topic.  It wasn’t until WitchDoctor entered the scene and showed that magic is more than curses and jars filled with nails.

Rusty is by all accounts an unremarkable demigod.  His lands, like his fighting prowess, are non-existent.  But even with his lack of fighting skills, Rusty has achieved one of the biggest followings of any beings, one that even rivals the Gods.

Tombstone is one of the few Gods who is related to a Forgotten Gods, which may be part of the reason he was so feared.  Formerly the God of Fear, he was known to be nearly unstoppable in his prime.

Unfortunately, time was not this God’s friend.  During the last few competitions, he has barely been able to qualify for the tournament.  But instead of slowly fading into the background, Tombstone started to foster new demigods like Perfect Phoenix.  He even passed down his title as God of Fear to Hydra.

When The Omnipotent Ones created The Competition, they also created The Colosseum—an oval shaped building made from gold-colored bricks and detailed with obsidian. Inside, the Colosseum's high seats were filled with Gods, Demigods, and Creatures.  Below sat the commoners, and on the stage was The Watchers and The Oracle.  New beings waited in the hallways underneath the commoners, unable to be seen by the crowd.

The commoner’s roar shook the gold building, their stomps shaking Demigods out of their seats.  The God’s chuckled, remembering when they too were jolted onto the floor by the commoners’ impatience.

The Watchers on the stage cleared their throats, “Welcome to The Competition” said the taller of the two, “As most of you know, I am Chris and with me is the best God analyst on the continent—Kenny Florian!” The crowd, who had gone silent to listen, now roared even louder than before.

“Today we celebrate the peace that has ruled our land for centuries” said Kenny dramatically, somehow managing to speak over the thunderous crowd, “Before we begin The Competition, we must announce the new Gods, Demigods, and Creatures.”

Chris took a step forward and gestured to The Oracle, “Faruq, will you do us the honors?”

As the Oracle started the introductions, the beings in the high seats started to gossip, “It seems like the Colosseum grows every year.” said Whiplash, “there is no way that all these people could have fit last year.”

“I hear The Omnipotent Ones spend the entire year adding to it,” said Black Dragon, picking at the skin that held his scaly form, “If they added more space for the commoners, they could at least give creatures space to be in our true forms.”

Whiplash shrugged, “They probably don’t want to terrify the commoners.  You’re pretty terrifying in your true form.”

Black Dragon straightened his posture, not used to receiving a compliment from a God.

“....the next being has almost as many heads as Hydra.  But will they also have that incredible power? Introducing Demigod Triple Crown...” Faruq’s booming voice seemed to come for every direction.

“His introductions are always sub-par to his fight announcements, don’t you agree?” Whiplash said, clearly sensing Black Dragon’s discomfort with the previous subject.

Black Dragon nodded, “I think he realizes no one really pays attention to his words now.  We’re all to busy looking at the newbies.”

Below, the line of new beings streamed along.  Black Dragon remembered when he was new.  He had been wearing black boots that thundered on the wood stage.  He had almost tripped on a stray nail, too busy looking at the intricate gold brickwork that surround him.

The next being appeared on the stage, pausing a few yards away from Faruq.  The figure wore shiny metal armor and a sheathed sword, the same outfit that knights of the realm often wore.  Black Dragon learned forward, trying to get a better look.  There was no insignia on the figure, but if Black Dragon had to guess he would say that the knight was from nearby his lands based on the armor’s style.

“...a commoner from the lands swarmed with beasts.  He name is known by people, but now it will be known by the Gods.  Introducing Demigod Dragon Slayer...” Faruq droned on, seemingly uninterested by the new Demigod.  But Dragon Slayer didn’t seem to notice Faruq’s mood.  With a flourish, he unsheathed his sword, revealing the bloodstained edge.

Whiplash’s eyes turned to Black Dragon, who had been gripping his armrests so had that they had broken with a sickening crack.  But Black Dragon didn’t notice, too focused on Dragon Slayer.

“What’s wrong?” Whiplash hesitantly asked Black Dragon.

“His sword has old bloodstains. His name is Dragon Slayer.” Black Dragon said, feeling like he was stating the obvious.

Whiplash’s eyes widened, “Do you think he killed dragons?”

“It’s one of the ways to become a Demigod. Not an easy way, but definitely possible.”

Whiplash shifted him his seat, realizing the implications.

Around them, the crowd cheered for the new demigods, none noticing the dangerous aura surrounding Black Dragon.

Just before Dragon Slayer left the stage, his eyes locked with Black Dragon’s.