prologue: faking a death

Gods, creatures born of nature, made entirely out of crystalized energy. Each one with a domain that defines what they can and cannot do with their power. Most care little for human traditions, more cared even less about humans themselves.

Except for one caveat: they required humans in order to grow. Not as believers, but as batteries. They were made of energy, they weren't able to produce it themselves.

This leads to many conflicts between gods, as having a wider domain meant a wider variety of boons that humans would willingly claim, and the only way to expand one's domain was to consume another god. 

And this is where the story begins:

A figure leapt back, trailed by glowing chains. "Could I at least get a name off you?" He flicked the chains at his attacker, a golden pillar rose from the ground to block the attack. 

"You can call me Raze." A handle grew out of the pillar, turning it into a hammer. "But I doubt that you'll get the chance, Manacle."

He would like to disagree, except that she was very much winning. Luckily he had an ace in the hole: getting the fuck out of there.

A circle spread across the ground, expanding past where Raze was before stopping, chains grew out of the ground forming a dome through the binding circle. "Maybe, but you'll be here long after you lose my scent." He removed his 'heart' and threw it as far as he could, hopefully some would mistake it for a regular boon. 

What was left of him melted into the other gods prison.

---

He awoke a week later, by his estimate, and did a once over of the body he took over. They were pretty much wearing rags and had short lengths of chain shackled to their ankles. Tall stalks of corn obscured his vision.

An escaped prisoner; not great but he could make it work. He heard shouting, likely this bodies captors, and got an idea. He walked towards them. 

A dog tackled him to the ground it's handler was soon to arrive. "Now, 3-5-6, did you really think you could get away?"

"He might have, but he's not here right now. I'm Manacle: god of chains, seals, and wards, mayhaps you could use some assistance?"

"Now that's a new one. Usually you lowlifes pretend to have amnesia or something." He hauled Mancle to his feet, using a lock to connect the chains on his wrists.

 "Which god lays claim on your city? Their domain must relate to medicine in some way." He complied with the handler.

"May as well humor ya. It's Silva: god of health and recovery." He dragged Manacle through the corn. 

"Now that's a useful domain. She'd have entire armies if she plays her cards right." He mused.

The rest of the walk was silent. The city appeared in view after a few hours march. The buildings were on the more advanced side of the spectrum; being made of wooden beams, simple metal nails, and packed mud as a sealant. There wasn't any electricity, but that's a rare commodity even when the claiming god had an electric related domain.

"Hey, would it be possible for me to get an audience with Silva?"

"For what ya did, she'll probably execute you herself."

"Wonderful."

‐‐‐

Manacle walked out of the, now barren, city with a new body and larger domain. He should have enough energy to last a year if he needs to abandon the body, assuming he doesn't use any of his abilities. Not great, but considering he only slaughtered one city; however, it's quite the improvement.

Now to find another city.