Power of Belief

'The Power of Belief, known widely as magic, is the act of instilling your will onto the world. This power is available to all. It is as powerful as you believe it is.

You can believe in deities, yourself, or even your vices. The choices are as deep and wide as the ocean.

The acts of believing in yourself to the point that magic is manifested are few in number. It is stronger than most deity magic and the quickest on return.

We cannot stop people from this, but we can create societal pressure to follow a deity. Knowing that, I, along with other magicians, will create an organization. 

It will be called the Tower Association.'

-Thomas Summers, the founder of the Tower Assocation

...

Thames sat at one of the back rows of the church, listening to a sermon being given by a priest. This church, like other ones dedicated to Trem, was full of artwork. Paintings lining the walls and ceilings and stained glass that depicted angels.

The only ones he recognized were ones that depicted Osir and a couple that depicted Mother Trem. A thicker, taller woman with long brown hair and soft features.

He wasn't focused on these details, however, and simply listened intently to the priest at the altar in front of a painting of Mother Trem.

"Mother Trem declared all mortals works of art and therefore protects all of us, her children. A loving mother, she attempts to guide us through different way."

A basic sermon... I guess he wouldn't go all out since there's only a handful of us. Thames thought as he looked around, noting that, other than him and the priest, there were only ten people listening in.

The church itself wasn't particularly large as Trem wasn't a hugely followed figure around the coast. Deities like Oril or Tenis were more common since Ariao was heavily tied to the sea and trade, and, because of this, had large cathedrals around the more populated areas.

"Mother Trem warns us against the seven mortal sins, but greed is the highest crime. To be greedy is to prevents others from witnessing art. To be greedy is to destroy art instead of displaying it. To be greedy is to go against her very teachings."

Thames sat there mostly bored, focused on the man giving the sermon. He wore grey robes embroidered with roses and apples and had ornate gold jewelry hanging from anywhere he could.

It was common getup for priests of Trem.

"In this New Era of magic, you mustn't allow your hearts to be swayed by greed. Let us pray on this."

The priest and the listeners bowed their heads, but Thames continued to watch the priest.

"Mother Trem. Goddess of art, protector of your children. Watch over your humble servants as they tread through these treacherous times. In your name, amen."

The rest quickly repeated 'amen' as he closed his book, allowing the believers to leave.

If I can summon my paintings... Then I can probably copy that Constellations spell... I wonder where they are now. He thought to himself as he left the church last, appearing back on the street.

Looking around at the trash ridden street full of people in poverty, Thames tried to figure out what to do now.

It's Monday and I don't know where the others are... Maybe I'll just look around this part of Ariao.

Walking to his right, he ventured further into the slums. It was an area he wasn't familiar with, even outside of Ariao. He was raised in a middle-class lifestyle and even while in Nira he lived decently, so the sight of so many people houseless and starving was alarming.

What's the city doing to help? It doesn't seem like much. With this terrible smog it's only getting worse living on the streets too.

He took a handkerchief from his breast pocket, covering his nose as the smog and trash worsened in stench. The slums were also a hub of factories as real estate was cheapest here. It created an endless cycle as prices continued to go down because of the pollution and more factories moved in, pushing families onto the street as they bulldozed apartments.

Noticing a building simply labeled 'BAR' he decided to get a drink. Walking through the old wooden doors, Thames noticed that it was empty other than an orc manning the bar.

Sitting down near the bartender, he walked up to Thames before asking, "What can I getcha?"

He quickly focused on the orc then said, "A beer please."

"Comin' up."

The orc quickly went to the side, grabbing a tall glass and filling it with amber beer. Setting it down in front of Thames, he went to polishing glasses while Thames began to drink.

Pretty sure we're staying here longer... Not sure what Ode wants to do, but I guess it's better than switching cities every month. Maybe he'll look for that Constellation... Their magic is related to blades or magic. 

"Do you get the newspaper?" Thames asked in between sips of his beer.

"I got yesterday's paper."

Thames shrugged, "That's fine."

Reaching down, the orc pulled up a newspaper from the bar and set it next to Thames' drink.

"Thanks."

"Mhmmm."

As the bartender went back to polishing glasses, Thames began to read the news.

New trade deal with Indira Republic? Explains the ships Lin saw... 

The deal made magical items travel easier between countries and was a welcomed change to most magicians. Thames wasn't quite sure how to feel, but he was sure something would happen because of it.

Magicians on the rise... 'First Godless Generation'. Ha! What a fun name. Sure, Ode would get a kick out of that.

"Can I keep this?" Thames asked while holding up the newspaper.

"Sure." The orc responded dry, not focused on him.

The article talking about 'First Godless Generation' talked about how Ode Yule led to the establishment of actual magician schools financed by countries. These institutions were created to turn out magicians fast with the goal of them enlisting in the government.

And the Indira Republic labeled their first graduated class as the 'First Godless Generation'.